Note 56 — Chapter XLVII

Gonzalo Diaz de Pineda came with Belalcazar to the conquest of Quito. In 1536 he was sent to explore Quijos and Canelos, and his report led Gonzalo Pizarro to undertake his expedition. Pineda accompanied Pizarro, and went in search of Orellana. In 1544 he offered his services to the Viceroy, and went with Vela Nuñez to intercept Puelles with 35 mules, which cost 12,000 ducats. He turned traitor, tried to murder Vela Nuñez, and joined Gonzalo Pizarro. In 1545 Gonzalo Pizarro sent him to Piura to collect men, when the Viceroy suddenly arrived. Pineda was surprised and fled into the mountains, where he died of hunger.