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Juan Pardo was afraid of the Coosa because of their size and allies

Source: Early History of the Creek Indians and Their Neighbors #121

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In 1567 Juan Pardo came toward this country, advancing beyond Chiaha on the Tennessee to a place called Satapo, from which some Indians and a soldier proceeded to Coosa. On the authority of the soldier, Vandera gives the following description of Coosa town:

"Coosa is a large village, the largest to be met after leaving Santa Elena on the road we took from there. It may contain about 150 people—that is, judging by the size of the village [Note: he must mean neighborhoods, otherwise it certainly would not be the largest place the Spaniards had discovered.]. It seems to be a wealthier place than all the others; there are generally a great many Indians in it. It is situated in a valley at the foot of a mountain. All around it at one-quarter, one-half, and one league there are very many big places. It is a very fertile country; its situation is at midday's sun or perhaps a little less than midday."(?)2

Fear of this tribe, allied with the "Chisca, Carrosa, and Costehe," was what decided Pardo to turn back to Santa Elena.3

Garcilasso says that in Coosa there were 500 houses, but he is wont to exaggerate.4 At the same time, if Vandera means 150 neighborhoods and Garcilasso counted all classes of buildings, the two statements could be reconciled very well.

And now, after enjoying such early prominence, the Coosa tribe slips entirely from view, and when we next catch a glimpse of it its ancient importance has gone. Adair, the first writer to notice the town particularly', says...
(Swanton)