These were worked by the Spaniards entirely by slave labor Nominal wages were, indeed, given to the unfortunates who labored there.

But they were as much slaves as if they had been sold.

The Spaniards, indeed, treated the whole of the natives in the provinces occupied by them as creatures to be used mercilessly for labor, and as having no more feeling than the lower animals.

The number of these unfortunates who perished in the mines, from hard work and cruel treatment, is beyond all calculation.

But it may be said that, of the enormous treasures drawn by Spain from her South American possessions, during the early days of her occupation, every doubloon was watered with blood.
The boys, who had for nearly six months lived among the Indians, and had seen their many fine qualities, were horrified at the sights which they witnessed; and, several times, had the greatest difficulty to restrain their feelings of indignation and horror.
They agreed, however, that it would be worse than useless to give vent to such opinions.