Chronicle of the Narvaez Expedition

“Here more than 140 men of our army left us, wishing to remain as a result of the proposals and promises they had received from the people of the country.”

This is one of the first major setbacks that the Narváez expedition suffers. They reach Santo Domingo (Haiti/Dominican Republic) and lose a large portion of the settlers they brought from Spain. In the early 16th century, most colonial settlements held only a handful of settlers; any governor welcomed the addition of more Europeans—increased European population strengthened his governorship. It is also understandable that some settlers would prefer the relative safety of an established colony rather than the unknown dangers of an unexplored territory.

“I replied that it seemed to me in no way advisable to leave the ships until they were in a safe, occupied port. I told them to consider that the pilots were at a loss, disagreeing among themselves and undivided as to what course to pursue.” 

Cabeza de Vaca did not want the inland expedition to separate from the ships unless they knew for a fact that they would be able to return to those ships. It is unclear why Narváez did not follow this wise advice; possibly, Cabeza de Vaca simply invented this scene to show himself as a capable leader. Thus, the passage is an example of ambiguity in Cabeza de Vaca’s chronicle, straddling the line between nonfiction and fiction.

“Under these circumstances, I would much rather risk my life than my good name.” 

Cabeza de Vaca records that Narváez asked him to remain with the ships because only Cabeza de Vaca was up to the task. However, if this were true, then Narváez would have ordered Cabeza de Vaca to stay with the ships.