THE HISTORY OF AMERICA. By WILLIAM ROBERTSON, D. D. VOL. III. THE FOURTH EDITION. LONDON: Printed for W. STRAHAN; T. CADELL, in the Strand; MDCCLXXXIII, THE HISTORY O F AMERICA. FR BOOK VI. ROM the time that Nugnez de Balboa difco BOOK vered the great Southern Ocean, and received " VI. 1523. Schemes for Peru. the first obscure hints concerning the opulent countries with which it might open a communica- difcovering tion, the wishes and schemes of every enterprising person in the colonies of Darien and Panama were turned towards the wealth of those unknown regions. In an age when the fpirit of adventure was fo ardent and vigorous, that large fortunes were wafted, and the most alarming dangers braved, inTM purfuit of discoveries merely possible, the faintest ray of hope was followed with eager expectation, and the slightest information was fufficient to infpire fuch perfect confidence, as conducted men to the most arduous undertakings*. VOL. III. * See NOTE I. B ACCORD |