1. Although, on the first news received from the governor, Pablo Collado, Diego Garcia de Paredes and his companions had not come from Merida, they were yet on the alert, like good and faithful vassals, to go and serve his majesty, and on receipt of the second notice, they, being ready, marched forth to Tocuyo, where they were received with open arms, particularly by the governor, who thanked them heartily for their assistance. The governor named Garcia de Paredes as his maestro del campo, offering him explanations of what had occurred, and giving him to understand how much he appreciated him. He added that, in consequence of Paredes having been absent when they had to prepare against Aguirre, he found himself, as it were, caught between the arch and the wall, and was in such a strait, that he had named Gutierrez de la Peña general. He, therefore, begged of Paredes that he would accept the office of maestro del campo; assuring him that although Pena had the title of general, he (Paredes) would have the command in the field, and the charge of all. Paredes accepted the office, thanking the governor, and offering at the same time to lay his life down for the king.

The governor and the maestro del campo went together to the city of Barquicimeto, where they found Gutierrez de la Peña, drilling the people he had got together; for although it had at first been determined to muster the forces in Tocuyo, it was afterwards found more convenient to do so in Barquicimeto, because it was a more open country, and nearer to the port where the traitor had landed.