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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of Voyages
+and Travels, Vol. IV., by Robert Kerr
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. IV.
+       Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the
+       Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea
+       and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time: History of the
+       discovery and conquest of Mexico and Peru
+       
+
+Author: Robert Kerr
+
+Release Date: June 4, 2004 [EBook #12514]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, VOL. 4 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Allen Siddle and PG Distributed
+Proofreaders. This file was produced from images generously made
+available by the Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions
+
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,
+
+ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER:
+
+FORMING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF NAVIGATION,
+DISCOVERY, AND COMMERCE, BY SEA AND LAND, FROM THE EARLIEST AGES TO THE
+PRESENT TIME.
+
+
+BY
+
+
+ROBERT KERR, F.R.S. & F.A.S. EDIN.
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS AND CHARTS.
+
+VOL. IV.
+
+WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:
+AND T. CADELL, LONDON.
+MDCCCXXIV.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH VOLUME.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Twelve months have now elapsed since the first half volume of this work
+was offered to the public. The favourable reception it has experienced
+gives the Editor reason to hope that he has fulfilled the engagements
+which he came under at its first appearance, and is a powerful inducement
+to continue his utmost exertions to preserve and improve the character of
+the work. In the four volumes which are now published, several extensive
+and important original articles are introduced, which have not hitherto
+appeared in any similar collection, and had not even been previously
+translated into English. These materially contribute towards the ample
+information which was formerly announced, in the Preface to the _first_
+Volume, as a leading object in this Collection. In the subsequent parts of
+the work, every effort shall be made to fill up its several divisions with
+original articles of similar interest and equal importance.
+
+Encouraged by a satisfactory and increasing sale, the progress of
+publication has been somewhat hastened, beyond what was originally
+promised in the Prospectus and Conditions; as the _whole_ of the fourth
+Volume is now published, at the period when only its _first half_ was to
+have appeared. It is intended to repeat this anticipation occasionally, by
+the publication of two numbers or half-volumes at once, when opportunity
+offers. While this may gratify one portion of our readers, it is not meant
+to preclude others from continuing to be supplied, as before, with the
+numbers or half volumes at regular intervals, in their own option.
+
+EDINBURGH, _1st Jan_, 1812.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS OF VOL. IV.
+
+
+PART II. BOOK II. CONTINUED.
+
+CHAP. V. History of the discovery and conquest of Mexico, continued.
+
+SECT.
+  VI. The Spaniards commence their march to Mexico; with an account of the
+  war in Tlascala, and the submission of that nation.
+
+  VII. Events during the march of the Spaniards from Tlascala to Mexico.
+
+  VIII. Arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, and transactions there till
+  the arrival of Narvaez to supersede Cortes.
+
+  IX. Expedition of Narvaez to supersede Cortes in the command, and
+  occurrences till his defeat by Cortes.
+
+  X. Occurrences from the defeat of Narvaez, to the expulsion of the
+  Spaniards from Mexico, and the subsequent battle of Otumba.
+
+  XI. Occurrences from the battle of Otumba, till the march of Cortes to
+  besiege Mexico.
+
+  XII. Transactions of Cortes and the Spaniards, from their march against
+  Mexico, to the commencement of the siege of that city.
+
+  XIII. Narrative of occurrences, from the commencement of the siege of
+  Mexico to its reduction, and the capture of Guatimotzin.
+
+  XIV. Occurrences in New Spain, immediately subsequent to the reduction
+  of Mexico.
+
+  XV. Expeditions sent by Cortes to reduce the provinces of the Mexican
+  empire.
+
+  XVI. Expedition of Garay to colonize Panuco.
+
+  XVII. Narrative of various expeditions for the reduction of different
+  provinces in New Spain.
+
+  XVIII. Negociations of Cortes at the court of Spain, respecting the
+  conquest and government of Mexico.
+
+  XIX. Of an expedition against the Zapotecas, and various other
+  occurrences.
+
+  XX. Narrative of the expedition of Cortes to Higueras.
+
+  XXI. Return of Cortes to Mexico, and occurrences there previous to his
+  departure for Europe.
+
+  XXII. Narrative of occurrences, from the departure of Cortes to Europe
+  till his death.
+
+  XXIII. Concluding observations by the Author.
+
+CHAP. VI. History of the discovery and conquest of Peru, by Francisco
+Pizarro; written by Augustino Zarate, treasurer of that kingdom, a few
+years after the conquest.
+
+Introduction.
+
+SECT.
+  I. Of the discovery of Peru, with some account of the country and its
+  inhabitants.
+
+  II. Transactions of Pizarro and the Spaniards in Peru, from the
+  commencement of the conquest, till the departure of Almagro for the
+  discovery of Chili.
+
+  III. Occurrences from the departure of Almagro for Chili, to his capture
+  by Pizarro, being the first part of the civil wars in Peru.
+
+  IV. Expeditions of Pedro de Valdivia into Chili, and of Gonzalo Pizarro
+  to Los Canelos.
+
+  V. Conspiracy of the Almagrians and Assassination of Pizarro.
+
+CHAP. VII. Continuation of the early history of Peru, after the death of
+Francisco Pizarro, to the defeat of Gonzalo Pizarro, and the
+re-establishment of tranquillity in the country; written by Augustino
+Zarate.
+
+SECT.
+  I. From the revival of the civil wars in Peru, to the close of the
+  administration of Vaca de Castro, the first governor appointed from
+  Spain.
+
+  II. Commencement of the Viceroyalty of Blasco Nunnez Vela, and renewal
+  of the civil war in Peru by the usurpation of Gonzalo Pizarro.
+
+
+[Illustration: Viceroyalty of Mexico Published 1 Jan'y 1812 by W'm
+Blackwood Edin'r.]
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+BOOK II. CONTINUED.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF MEXICO, WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1568,
+BY CAPTAIN BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO, ONE OF THE CONQUERORS.--_Continued_.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_The Spaniards commence their March to Mexico; with an account of the War
+in Tlascala, and the submission of that Nation_.
+
+
+Everything being in readiness for our march to Mexico, we were advised by
+our allies of Chempoalla to proceed by way of Tlascala, the inhabitants of
+that province being in friendship with them and constantly at war with the
+Mexicans; and at our requisition, we were joined by fifty of the principal
+warriors of the Totanacas[1], who likewise gave us 200 _tlamama_, or men
+of burden, to draw our guns and to transport our baggage and ammunition[2].
+Our first day's march on the 16th of August 1519, was to _Xalapan_, and
+our second to _Socochima_, a place of difficult approach, surrounded by
+vines. During the whole of this march, the main body was kept in compact
+order, being always preceded by an advance of light infantry, and patroles
+of cavalry. Our interpreters informed the people of this place, that we
+were subjects of the great emperor Don Carlos, who had sent us to abolish
+human sacrifices and various other abuses; and as these people were allies
+of Chempoalla and independent of Montezuma, they treated us in a friendly
+manner. We erected a cross at this place, explaining its signification and
+giving them information of many things belonging to our holy faith, and
+exhorting them to reverence the cross. From this place we proceeded by a
+difficult pass among lofty mountains to _Texotla_, the people of which
+place were well disposed to us, as they also paid no tribute to Montezuma.
+Continuing our march through desert lofty mountains, we experienced
+excessive cold, with heavy falls of hail, and came next day to a pass,
+where there were some houses and large temples, and great piles of wood
+intended for the service of the idols. Provisions were scarce during the
+two last days, and we now approached the confines of the Mexican empire,
+at a place called _Xocotlan_; to the cacique of which place Cortes sent a
+message informing him of our arrival. The appearance of this place evinced
+that we were entering upon a new and richer country. The temples and other
+buildings were lofty, with terraced roofs, and had a magnificent
+appearance, being all plastered and white-washed, so as to resemble some
+of our towns in Spain; on which account we called this place _Castel
+blanco_.
+
+In consequence of our message, the cacique and other principal persons of
+the town came out to meet us, and conducted us to our quarters, where they
+gave us a very poor entertainment. After supper, Cortes inquired
+respecting the military power of Montezuma, and was told that he was able
+to bring prodigious armies into the field. The city of Mexico was
+represented as of uncommon strength, being built on the water, with no
+communication between the houses, houses, except by means of boats or
+bridges, each house being terraced, and only needing the addition of a
+parapet to become a fortress. The only access to the city was by means of
+three causeways or piers, each of which had four or five apertures for the
+passage of the waters, having wooden bridges which could be raised up, so
+as to preclude all access. We were likewise informed of the vast wealth
+possessed by Montezuma, in gold, silver, and jewels, which filled us with
+astonishment; and although the account we had already received of the
+military resources of the empire and the inaccessible strength of the
+capital might have filled us with dismay, yet we were eager to try our
+fortunes. The cacique expatiated in praise of Montezuma, and expressed his
+apprehension of having offended him by receiving us into his government
+without his leave. To this Cortes replied, That we had come from a far
+distant country by command of our sovereign, to exhort Montezuma and his
+subjects to desist from human sacrifices and other outrages; adding: "I
+now require all who hear me, to renounce your inhuman sacrifices, cannibal
+feasts, and other abominable customs; for such is the command of GOD, whom
+we adore." The natives listened to all this in profound silence, and
+Cortes proposed to the soldiers to destroy the idols and plant the holy
+cross, as had been already done at Chempoalla; but Father Olmedo
+recommended that this should be postponed to a fitter opportunity, lest
+the ignorance and barbarism of the people might incite them to offer
+indignity against that holy symbol of our blessed religion.
+
+We happened to have a very large dog along with us, which belonged to
+Francisco de Lugo, which used to bark very loud during the night, to the
+great surprise of the natives, who asked our Chempoallan allies if that
+terrible animal was a lion or tiger which we had brought to devour them.
+They answered that this creature attacked and devoured whoever offended us;
+that our guns discharged stones which destroyed our enemies, and that our
+horses were exceedingly swift and caught whoever we pursued. On this the
+others observed that with such astonishing powers we certainly were
+_teules_. Our allies also advised them to beware of practising any thing
+against us, as we could read their hidden thoughts, and recommended them
+to conciliate our favour by a present. They accordingly brought us several
+ornaments of much debased gold, and gave us four women to make bread, and
+a load of mantles. Near some of the temples belonging to this place I saw
+a vast number of human skeletons arranged in such exact order that they
+might easily be counted with perfect accuracy, and I am certain there were
+above an hundred thousand. In another part immense quantities of human
+bones were heaped up in endless confusion. In a third, great numbers of
+skulls were suspended from beams, and watched by three priests. Similar
+collections were to be seen everywhere as we marched through this district
+and the territories of Tlascala.
+
+On consulting the cacique of Xocotla respecting the road to Mexico, he
+advised us to go through Cholula; but our allies strongly dissuaded us
+from that route, alleging that the people were very treacherous, and that
+the town was always occupied by a Mexican garrison, and repeated the
+former advice of going by Tlascala, assuring us of a friendly reception
+there. Cortes accordingly sent messengers before us to Tlascala announcing
+our approach, and bearing a crimson velvet cap as a present. Although
+these people were ignorant of writing, yet Cortes sent a letter by his
+messengers, as it was generally understood to carry a sanction of the
+message which was to be delivered. We now set out for Tlascala, in our
+accustomed order of march, attended by twenty principal inhabitants of
+Xocotla. On arriving at a village in the territory of Xalacingo[3], where
+we received intelligence that the whole nation of the Tlascalans were in
+arms to oppose us, believing as to be in alliance with their inveterate
+enemies the Mexicans, on account of the number of Mexican subjects who
+attended our army. So great was their suspicion on this account, that they
+imprisoned our two messengers, for whose return we waited two days very
+impatiently. Cortes employed the time in exhorting the Indians to abandon
+their idolatry and to reconcile themselves to our holy church. At the end
+of these two days, we resumed our march, accompanied by two of the
+principal people of this place whom Cortes demanded to attend us, and we
+soon afterwards met our messengers who had made their escape, either owing
+to the negligence or connivance of their guards. These messengers were in
+extreme terror, as the people of Tlascala threatened to destroy us and
+every one who should adhere to us. As a battle was therefore to be
+expected, the standard was advanced to the front, and Cortes instructed
+the cavalry to charge by threes to the front, never halting to give
+thrusts with their lances, but urging on at speed with couched lances
+levelled at the faces of the enemy. He directed them also, when their
+lance was seized by the enemy, to force it from them by the efforts of the
+horse, firmly grasping the butt under the arm. At about two leagues from
+the last resting-place, we came to a fortification built of stone and lime,
+excellently constructed for defence, and so well cemented that nothing but
+iron tools could make an impression on it. We halted for a short time to
+examine this work, which had been built by the Tlascalans to defend their
+territory against the incursions of their Mexican enemies; and on Cortes
+ordering us to march on, saying, "Gentlemen follow your standard the holy
+cross, through which we shall conquer;" we all replied, "Forward in the
+name of God, in whom is our only confidence."
+
+After passing this barrier some distance, our advanced guard descried
+about thirty of the Tlascalan troops, who had been sent to observe us.
+Cortes sent on the cavalry to endeavour to take some of these men
+prisoners, while the infantry advanced at a quick pace to support the
+advanced guard. Our cavalry immediately attacked, but the Tlascalans
+defended themselves bravely with their swords, wounding some of the horses
+severely, on which our people had to kill five of them, but were unable to
+make any prisoners. A body of three thousand warriors now sallied out upon
+us with great fury from an ambush, and began to discharge their arrows at
+our cavalry; but as our artillery and musquetry were now ready to bear
+upon them, we soon compelled them to give way, though in a regular manner,
+and fighting as they retreated; leaving seventeen of their men dead on the
+field; and one of our men was so severely wounded as to die a few days
+after. As the day was near a close, we did not attempt any pursuit; but
+continued our march, in which we soon descended from the hills into a flat
+country, thickly set with farm-houses, among fields of maize and the
+Maguay plant. We halted for the night on the banks of a brook, where we
+dressed our wounds with the _grease of a fat Indian_ who was slain in the
+skirmish; and though the natives had carried away all their provisions, we
+caught their dogs when they returned at night to the houses, and made a
+comfortable supper of that unusual fare. Next day, after recommending
+ourselves to God, we resumed our march against the Tlascalan army; both
+cavalry and infantry being duly instructed how to act when we came to
+battle; the cavalry to charge right through, and the infantry to preserve
+a firm array. We soon fell in with the enemy, to the number of about 6000
+men in two bodies, who immediately attacked us with great spirit,
+discharging their arrows, shouting, and sounding their martial instruments.
+Cortes halted the army, and sent three prisoners to demand a peaceable
+conference, and to assure them we wished to treat them as brothers;
+ordering at the same time the notary Godoy, to witness this message
+officially. This message had no effect, as they attacked us more fiercely
+than before, on which Cortes gave the word, _St Jago, and on them_. We
+accordingly made a furious onset, slaying many with the first discharges
+of our artillery, three of their chiefs falling on this occasion. They now
+retreated to some uneven ground, where the whole army of the state of
+Tlascala, 40,000 in number, were posted under cover, commanded by
+_Xicotencatl_, the general in chief of the republic. As the cavalry could
+not act in this uneven ground, we were forced to fight our way through as
+well as we were able in a compact column, assailed on every side by the
+enemy, who were exceedingly expert archers. They were all clothed in white
+and red, with devices of the same colours, being the uniform of their
+general. Besides the multitudes who discharged continual flights of arrows,
+many of them who were armed with lances closed upon us while we were
+embarrassed by the inequality of the ground; but as soon as we got again
+into the plain, we made a good use of our cavalry and artillery. Yet they
+fought incessantly against us with astonishing intrepidity, closing upon
+us all around, so that we were in the utmost danger at every step, but God
+supported and assisted us. While closely environed in this manner, a
+number of their strongest warriors, armed with tremendous two-handed
+swords, made a combined attack on Pedro de Moron, an expert horseman, who
+was charging through them accompanied by other three of our cavalry. They
+seized his lance and wounded himself dangerously, and one of them cut
+through the neck of his horse with a blow of a two-handed sword, so that
+he fell down dead. We rescued Moron from the enemy with the utmost
+difficulty, even cutting the girths and bringing off his saddle, but ten
+of our number were wounded in the attempt, and believe we then slew ten of
+their chiefs, while fighting hand to hand. They at length began to retire,
+taking with them the body of the horse, which they cut in pieces, and
+distributed through all the districts of Tlascala as a trophy of victory.
+Moron died soon after of his wounds, at least I have no remembrance of
+seeing him afterwards. After a severe and close conflict of above an hour,
+during which our artillery swept down multitudes out of the numerous and
+crowded bodies of the enemy, they drew off in a regular manner, leaving
+the field to us, who were too much fatigued to pursue. We took up our
+quarters, therefore, in the nearest village, named _Teoatzinco_, where we
+found numbers of subterraneous dwellings. This battle was fought on the 2d
+September 1519. The loss of the enemy on this occasion was very
+considerable, eight of their principal chiefs being slain, but how many
+others we know not, as whenever an Indian is wounded or slain, he is
+immediately carried off by his companions. Fifteen of them were made
+prisoners, of whom two were chiefs. On our side fifteen men were wounded,
+one only of whom died. As soon as we got clear of the enemy, we gave
+thanks to God for his merciful preservation, and took post in a strong and
+spacious temple, where we dressed our wounds with the fat of Indians. We
+obtained a plentiful supply of food from the fowls and dogs which we found
+in the houses of the village, and posted strong guards on every side for
+our security.
+
+We continued quietly in the temple for one day, to repose after the
+fatigues of the battle, occupying ourselves in repairing our cross-bows,
+and making arrows. Next day Cortes sent out seven of our cavalry with two
+hundred infantry and all our allies, to scour the country, which is very
+flat and well adapted for the movements of cavalry, and this detachment
+brought in twenty prisoners, some of whom were women, without meeting with
+any injury from the enemy, neither did the Spaniards do any mischief; but
+our allies, being very cruel, made great havoc, and came back loaded with
+dogs and fowls. Immediately on our return, Cortes released all the
+prisoners, after giving them food and kind treatment, desiring them to
+expostulate with their companions on the madness of resisting our arms. He
+likewise released the two chiefs who had been taken in the preceding
+battle, with a letter in token of credence, desiring them to inform their
+countrymen that he only asked to pass through their country in his way to
+Mexico. These chiefs waited accordingly on _Xicotencatl_, whose army was
+posted about two leagues from our quarters, at a place called
+_Tehuacinpacingo_, and delivered the message of Cortes. To this the
+Tlascalan general replied, "Tell them to go to Tlascala, where we shall
+give them peace by offering their hearts and blood to our gods, and by
+feasting on their bodies." After what we had already experienced of the
+number and valour of the enemy, this horrible answer did not afford us
+much consolation; but Cortes concealed his fears, and treated the
+messengers more kindly than ever, to induce them to carry a fresh message.
+By inquiry from them he got the following account of the number of the
+enemy and of the nature of the command enjoyed by its general. The army
+now opposed to us consisted of the troops or quotas of five great chiefs,
+each consisting of 10,000 men. These chiefs were _Xicotencatl_ the elder,
+father to the general, _Maxicotzin_, _Chichimecatecle, _Tecapaneca_
+cacique of _Topeyanco_, and a cacique named _Guaxocinga_[4]. Thus 50,000
+men were now collected against us under the banner of Xicotencatl, which
+was a white bird like an ostrich with its wings spread out[5]. The other
+divisions had each its distinguishing banner, every cacique bearing these
+cognizances like our Spanish nobles, a circumstance we could not credit
+when so informed by our prisoners. This formidable intelligence did not
+tend to lessen the fears which the terrible answer of Xicotencatl had
+occasioned, and we prepared for the expected battle of the next day, by
+confessing our sins to our reverend fathers, who were occupied in this
+holy office during the whole night[6].
+
+On the 5th of September, we marched out with our whole force, the wounded
+not excepted, having our colours flying and guarded by four soldiers
+appointed for that purpose. The crossbow-men and musketeers were ordered to
+fire alternately, so that some of them might be always loaded: The
+soldiers carrying swords and bucklers were directed to use their points
+only, thrusting home through the bodies of the enemy, by which they were
+less exposed to missile weapons; and the cavalry were ordered to charge at
+half speed, levelling their lances at the eyes of the enemy, and charging
+clear through without halting to make thrusts. We had hardly marched half
+a quarter of a league, when we observed the whole army of the enemy,
+covering the plain on every side as far as the eye could reach, each
+separate body displaying its particular device or standard, and all
+advancing to the sound of martial music. A great deal might be said of
+this tremendous and long doubtful battle, in which four hundred of us were
+opposed to prodigious hosts, which surrounded us on every side, filling
+all the plains to the extent of two leagues. Their first discharges of
+arrows, stones, and double-headed darts covered the whole ground which we
+occupied, and they advanced continually till closed upon us all around,
+attacking us with the utmost resolution with lances and two-handed swords,
+encouraging each other by continual shouts. Our artillery, musketry, and
+cross-bows plied them with incessant discharges, and made prodigious havoc
+among the crowded masses of the enemy, and the home thrusts of our
+infantry with their swords, prevented them from closing up so near as they
+had done in the former battle. Yet with all our efforts, our battalion was
+at one time completely broken into and separated, and all the exertions of
+our general was for some time unable to get us again into order; at length,
+however, by the diligent use of our swords, we forced them from among us,
+and were able again to close our ranks. During the whole battle our
+cavalry produced admirable effects, by incessant charges through the
+thickest of the enemy. We in some measure owed our safety, under God, to
+the unwieldy multitude of the enemy, so that some of the divisions could
+never get up to the attack. One of the grand divisions, composed of the
+warriors dependant on _Guaxocinga_, was prevented from taking any share in
+the battle by _Chichemecatecle_[7], their commander, who had been provoked
+by some insulting language by Xicotencatl respecting his conduct in the
+preceding engagement, of which circumstance we received information
+afterwords. The circumstance of these divisions not joining in the battle,
+slackened the ardour of the rest, more especially after they had
+experienced the terrible effects of our cavalry, artillery, and other
+offensive weapons; and one of their greatest chiefs being killed, they at
+length drew off from the fight, and were pursued to a short distance by
+our cavalry. In this great battle, one only of our soldiers was killed,
+but seventy men and all our horses were wounded. I had two wounds, one by
+an arrow and the other by a stone, but they were not sufficient to make me
+unfit for duty. Thus again masters of the field, we gave thanks to God for
+his merciful preservation, and returned to our former post, first burying
+our dead companion in one of the subterraneous houses, which was filled up
+and levelled, that his body might not be discovered by the enemy. We
+passed the ensuing night in a most comfortless situation, not being able
+to procure even oil and salt, and exposed to excessive cold winds from the
+snowy mountains.
+
+Cortes sent a fresh message by three of our prisoners and those who had
+carried his former message, demanding a free passage to Mexico, and
+threatening to destroy the whole country in case of refusal. On their
+arrival at Tlascala, they found the chiefs much cast down at their
+repeated losses, yet unwilling to listen to our proposals. They sent for
+their priests and wizards, who pretended to foretel future events by
+casting lots, desiring them to say if the Spaniards were vincible, and
+what were the best means of conquering us; likewise demanding whether we
+were men or superior beings, and what was our food. The wizards answered,
+that we were men like themselves, subsisting upon ordinary food, but did
+not devour the hearts of our enemies as had been reported; alleging that
+though invincible by day, we might be conquered at night, as we derived
+all our power from the influence of the sun. Giving credit to this
+response, Xicotencatl received orders to make an immediate attack on our
+quarters during the night. He marched accordingly with ten thousand
+warriors, and made a night attack on our post in three places at once: But
+our outposts kept too good guard to be taken by surprise, and we were
+under arms in a moment to receive them. They met with so warm a reception,
+that they were soon forced to turn their backs; and as it was clear
+moon-light, our cavalry pursued them with great effect, so that they
+returned to their camp heartily repenting of their night attack; insomuch
+that it was reported they sacrificed two of their priests for deceiving
+them to their hurt. In this action one only of our allies was killed, and
+two Spaniards wounded; but our situation was far from consolatory. Besides
+being dreadfully hard harassed by fatigue, we had lost fifty-five of our
+soldiers from wounds, sickness, and severity of the weather, and several
+were sick. Our general and Father Olmedo were both ill of fevers: And we
+began to think it would be impossible for us to reach Mexico, after the
+determined resistance we had experienced from the Tlascalans.
+
+In this extremity several of the officers and soldiers, among whom I was
+one, waited on Cortes, and advised him to release his prisoners and to
+make a fresh offer of friendship with the Tlascalans through these people.
+He, who acted on all occasions like a good captain, never failing to
+consult with us on affairs of importance, agreed with our present advice,
+and gave orders accordingly. Donna Marina, whose noble spirit and
+excellent judgment supported her on all occasions of danger, was now of
+most essential service to us, as indeed she often was; as she explained in
+the most forcible terms to these messengers, that if their countrymen did
+not immediately enter into a treaty of peace with us, that we were
+resolved to march against their capital, and would utterly destroy it and
+their whole nation. Our messengers accordingly went to Tlascala, where
+they waited on the chiefs of the republic, the principal messenger bearing
+our letter in one hand, as a token of peace, and a dart in the other as a
+signal of war, as if giving them their choice of either. Having delivered
+our resolute message, it pleased GOD to incline the hearts of these
+Tlascalan rulers to enter into terms of accommodation with us. The two
+principal chiefs, named Maxicatzin and Xicotencatl the elder[8],
+immediately summoned the other chiefs of the republic to council, together
+with the cacique of Guaxocingo the ally of the republic, to whom they
+represented that all the attacks which they had made against us had been
+ineffectual, yet exceedingly destructive to them; that the strangers were
+hostile to their inveterate enemies the Mexicans, who had been continually
+at war against their republic for upwards of an hundred years, and had so
+hemmed them in as to deprive them of procuring cotton or salt; and
+therefore that it would be highly conducive to the interests of the
+republic to enter into an alliance with these strangers against their
+common enemies, and to offer us the daughters of their principal families
+for wives, in order to strengthen and perpetuate the alliance between us.
+This proposal was unanimously agreed upon by the council, and notice was
+immediately sent to the general of this determination, with orders to
+cease from hostilities. Xicotencatl was much offended at this order, and
+insisted on making another nocturnal attack on our quarters. On learning
+this determination of their general, the council of Tlascala sent orders
+to supersede him in the command, but the captains and warriors of the army
+refused obedience to this order, and even prevented four of the principal
+chiefs of the republic from waiting upon us with an invitation to come to
+their city.
+
+After waiting two days for the result of our message without receiving any
+return, we proposed to march to Zumpacingo, the chief town of the district
+in which we then were, the principal people of which had been summoned to
+attend at our quarters, but had neglected our message. We accordingly
+began our march for that place early of a morning, having Cortes at our
+head, who was not quite recovered from his late illness. The morning was
+so excessively cold, that two of our horses became so exceedingly ill that
+we expected them to have died, and we were all like to perish from the
+effects of the piercing winds of the _Sierra Nevada_, or Snowy Mountains.
+This occasioned us to accelerate our march to bring us into heat, and we
+arrived at Zumpacingo before daybreak; but the inhabitants, immediately on
+getting notice of our approach, fled precipitately from their houses,
+exclaiming that the _teules_ were coming to kill them. We halted in a
+place surrounded with walls till day, when some priests and old men came
+to us from the temples, making an apology for neglecting to obey our
+summons, as they had been prevented by the threats of their general
+Xicotencatl. Cortes ordered them to send us an immediate supply of
+provisions, with which they complied, and then sent them with a message to
+Tlascala, commanding the chiefs of the republic to attend him at this
+place to establish a peace, as we were still ignorant of what had taken
+place in consequence of our former message. The Indians of the country
+began to entertain a favourable opinion of us, and orders were given by
+the Tlascalan senate that the people in our neighbourhood should supply us
+plentifully with provisions.
+
+At this time some of the soldiers resumed their mutinous complaints,
+particularly those who had good houses and plantations in Cuba, who
+murmured at the hardships they had undergone and the manifold dangers with
+which we were surrounded. Seven of their ringleaders now waited on Cortes,
+having a spokesman at their head, who addressed the general in a studied
+oration, representing, "That above fifty-five of our companions had
+already perished during the expedition, and we were now ignorant of the
+situation of those we had left at Villa Rica. That we were so surrounded
+by enemies, it was hardly possible to escape from being sacrificed to the
+idols of the barbarians, if we persisted in our present hopeless
+enterprize. Our situation, they said, was worse than beasts of burden, who
+had food and rest when forced to labour, while we were oppressed with
+fatigue, and could neither procure sleep or provisions. As therefore the
+country now seemed peaceable and the enemy had withdrawn, the present
+opportunity ought to be taken for returning immediately to Villa Rica, on
+purpose to construct a vessel to send for reinforcements from Cuba; adding,
+that they lamented the destruction of our shipping, a rash and imprudent
+step, which could not be paralleled in history," Cortes answered them with
+great mildness; "That he was satisfied no soldiers ever exhibited more
+valour than we, and that by perseverance alone could we hope to preserve
+our lives amidst those great perils which God hitherto delivered us from,
+and that he hoped for a continuance of the same mercy. He appealed to them
+to say if he had ever shrunk from sharing in all their dangers; which
+indeed he might well do, as he never spared himself on any occasion. As to
+the destruction of the ships, it was done advisably, and for most
+substantial reasons; and as the most illustrious of our countrymen had
+never ventured on so bold a measure, it was better to look forward with
+trust in God, than to repine at what could not now be remedied. That
+although the natives we had left behind were at present friendly, all
+would assuredly rise against us the moment we began to retreat; and if our
+situation were now bad, it would then be desperate. We were now in a
+plentiful country; and as for our losses by death and fatigue, such was
+the fortune of war, and we had not come to this country to enjoy sports
+and pastimes. I desire therefore of you, who are all gentlemen, that you
+no longer think of retreat, but that you henceforwards shew an example to
+the rest, by doing your duty like brave soldiers, which I have always
+found you hitherto." They still continued to urge the danger of persisting
+in the march to Mexico; but Cortes cut them short, saying, That it was
+better to die at once than live dishonoured: And being supported by all
+his friends, the malcontents were obliged to stifle their dissatisfaction,
+as we all exclaimed that nothing more should be said on the subject.
+
+Our deputation from Zumpacingo to Tlascala was at length successful; as
+after four repeated messages from the chiefs of the republic, their
+general Xicotencatl was obliged to cease hostilities. Accordingly forty
+Indians were sent by him to our quarters with a present of fowls, bread,
+and fruit. They also brought four old women in tattered clothes, some
+incense, and a quantity of parrots feathers. After offering incense to
+Cortes, one of the messengers addressed him as follows: "Our general sends
+these things to you. If ye are _teules_, as is reported, and desire human
+victims, take the hearts and blood of these women as food: We have not
+sacrificed them to you, as you have not hitherto made known your pleasure.
+If ye are men, we offer you fowls, bread, and fruit; if benignant _teules_,
+who do not desire human sacrifices, here are incense and parrots feathers."
+Cortes replied, That we were men like themselves, and never put any one to
+death except in our own defence: That he had repeatedly required them to
+make peace with us, which offer he now renewed, advising them no longer to
+continue their mad resistance, which must end in their own ruin and the
+destruction of their country: That our only object in coming among them,
+was to manifest the truths of our holy religion, and to put an end to
+human sacrifices, by command from God and our emperor. These men were
+spies, who had been sent by Xicotencatl to gain information of the
+strength and disposition of our quarters; and we were informed of this by
+our Chempoallan allies, who had learnt from the people of Zumpacingo that
+Xicotencatl intended to attack us. On this information, Cortes seized four
+of the messengers, whom he forced by threats to confess, that their
+general only waited for their report to attack us that night in our
+quarters. He then caused seventeen of the Tlascalan messengers to be
+arrested, cutting off the hands of some and the thumbs of others, and sent
+them back in that condition to Xicotencatl with a message, that he would
+wait his attack for two days, after which, if he heard nothing farther
+from him, he would march with his Spaniards to seek him in his post. On
+the return of his spies in a mutilated state, Xicotencatl, who was
+prepared to march against us, lost all his haughtiness and resolution, and
+we were informed that the chief with whom he had quarrelled, now quitted
+the army with his division.
+
+The approach of a numerous train of Indians by the road from Tlascala was
+announced by one of our videts, from which we all conceived hopes of an
+embassy of peace, which it actually was. Cortes ordered us all immediately
+under arms, and on the arrival of the embassy, four old men advanced to
+our general, and after making three several reverences, touching the
+ground with their hands and kissing them, they offered incense, and said:
+That they were sent by the chiefs of Tlascala to put themselves
+henceforwards under our protection, and declared that they would on no
+account have made war upon us, if they had not believed we were allies of
+Montezuma, their ancient and inveterate enemy. They assured him that the
+first attack had been made upon us by the Otomies without their
+approbation, who believed they might easily have brought our small number
+as prisoners to their lords of Tlascala. They concluded by soliciting
+pardon for what had passed, assuring us that their general and the other
+chiefs of Tlascala would soon wait upon us to conclude a durable peace.
+Cortes in his answer, assumed a severe countenance, reproaching them for
+the violence they had been guilty of, yet, in consideration of their
+repentance, he accepted their presents, and was willing to receive them to
+favour, as he wished for peace; but desired them to inform their chiefs,
+if they delayed waiting upon him, he would continue his hostilities till
+be had ruined their whole country. The four ambassadors returned with this
+message to their employers, leaving their attendants with the provisions
+in our quarters. We now began to entertain hopes of their sincerity, to
+our great satisfaction, as we were heartily tired of the severe and
+hopeless war in which we had been so long engaged.
+
+The news of the great victories which we had gained over the Tlascalans
+soon spread over the whole country, and came to the knowledge of Montezuma,
+who sent five principal nobles of his court to congratulate us on our
+success. These men brought a present of various articles of gold, to the
+value of 1000 crowns, with twenty loads of rich mantles, and a message,
+declaring his desire to become a vassal of our sovereign, to whom he was
+willing to pay an yearly tribute. He added a wish to see our general in
+Mexico, but, owing to the poverty of the country and the badness of the
+roads, he found himself under the necessity to deprive himself of that
+great pleasure. Cortes expressed his gratitude for the present, and his
+satisfaction at the offer of their sovereign to become tributary to our
+emperor; but requested the Mexican ambassadors to remain with him till he
+had concluded his arrangements with the Tlascalans, after which he would
+give them a definitive answer to the message of Montezuma. While
+conversing with the Mexican ambassadors, Xicotencatl, with fifty of his
+principal warriors all in uniform habits of white and red, came to wait
+upon Cortes with great respect, who received them very courteously,
+causing the Tlascalan general to sit down beside him. Xicotencatl then
+said, That he came in the name of his father and the other chiefs of the
+Tlascalan nation, to solicit peace and friendship, to submit themselves to
+our sovereign, and to ask pardon for having taken up arms against us,
+which had proceeded from their dread of the machinations of Montezuma, who
+was always desirous of reducing their nation to slavery. Their country, he
+said, was very poor, as it possessed neither gold, jewels, cotton, nor
+salt; the two latter they were prevented from obtaining by Montezuma, who
+had also deprived them of all the gold their fathers had collected. Their
+poverty, therefore, must plead their excuse, for not bringing satisfactory
+presents. He made many other complaints against the oppressions of
+Montezuma, and concluded by earnestly soliciting our friendship and
+alliance. Xicotencatl was strong made, tall, and well proportioned, having
+a broad and somewhat wrinkled face, and grave aspect, appearing to be
+about thirty-five years old. Cortes treated him with every mark of respect,
+and expressed his high satisfaction that so brave and respectable a nation
+should become our allies, and subjects to our sovereign; but warned them
+seriously to beware of repeating the offences they had been guilty of
+towards us, lest it should occasion an exemplary punishment. The Tlascalan
+chief promised the utmost fidelity and obedience, and invited us to come
+to their city; which Cortes promised to do as soon as he had concluded his
+business with the Mexican ambassadors, and Xicotencatl took his leave.
+
+The ambassadors of Montezuma endeavoured to impress Cortes with distrust
+of the sincerity of the Tlascalans; asserting that their professions of
+peace and friendship were only meant to betray us, as they would certainly
+murder us while in their city. To these representations Cortes answered
+that he was resolved to go to Tlascala, that he might ascertain the
+sincerity of their professions; and that any such attempt as the Mexicans
+surmised would only bring on its own condign punishment. The ambassadors
+then requested Cortes to delay his march for six days, that they might
+receive fresh instructions from their sovereign, to which he acceded for
+two reasons, because of the state of his own health, and that the
+observations of the ambassadors seemed to require serious consideration.
+He now sent a messenger to Juan Escalente at Villa Rica, informing him of
+all that had happened, and requiring him to send some vessels of
+sacramental wine, and some consecrated bread, all that we had brought with
+us having been used. We at this time got the people of Zumpacingo to
+purify and white wash one of their temples, in which we erected a lofty
+cross. Our new friends the Tlascalans supplied us amply with provisions,
+particularly fowls and _tunas_, or Indian figs; and repeatedly invited us
+to their capital, but with this last we could not immediately comply,
+owing to the engagement with the Mexican ambassadors. At the end of the
+sixth day, as agreed upon, six nobles arrived from Montezuma, with a
+present of gold to the value of 3000 crowns, and 200 rich mantles; with a
+complimentary message, desiring us on no account to trust the Tlascalans
+or to go to their capital. Cortes returned thanks for the present, and the
+warning respecting the Tlascalans, whom he said he would severely punish
+if they attempted any treachery: and as he was just informed of the
+approach of the chiefs of Tlascala, he requested the Mexican ambassadors
+to wait three days for his final answer.
+
+The ancient chiefs of Tlascala now arrived at our quarters, borne in
+litters or hammocks, and attended by a large train of followers. These
+were Maxicatzin, Xicotencatl the elder, who was blind, Guaxocinga,
+Chichimecatecle, and Tecapaneca the allied cacique of Topeyanco. After
+saluting Cortes with great respect, the old blind chief Xicotencatl
+addressed him to the following effect: "We have often sent to request
+pardon for our hostilities, which were caused by our suspicions that you
+were in alliance with our enemy Montezuma. Had we known who and what you
+were, we would have gone down to the coast to invite you from your ships,
+and would have swept the roads clean before you. All we can now do is to
+invite you to our city, where we shall serve you in every thing within our
+power; and we beg you may not listen to the misrepresentations of the
+Mexicans, who are our enemies, and are influenced by malice against us."
+Cortes returned thanks for their courtesy, saying that he would have
+visited them ere now, but wanted men to draw his cannons. On learning this,
+five hundred of the natives were assembled for this service in less than
+half an hour, and Cortes promised to visit their capital next day. We
+accordingly began our march early next morning, the Mexican ambassadors
+accompanying us at the desire of Cortes, and keeping always near his
+person that they might not be insulted by their Tlascalan enemies. From
+this time the natives always gave Cortes the name of Malintzin, signifying
+the lord or captain of Marina, because she always interpreted for him in
+their language. We entered the city of Tlascala on the 23d September 1519,
+thirty-four days after our arrival in the territories of the republic. As
+soon as we began our march, the chiefs went before to provide quarters for
+us; and on our approach to the city, they came out to meet us, accompanied
+by their daughters and other female relations: each tribe separately, as
+this nation consisted of four distinct tribes, besides that which was
+governed by the cacique of Topeyanco. These tribes were distinguished from
+each other by different uniforms, of cloth made of _nequen_, as cotton did
+not grow in their country. The priests, came likewise to meet us, in long
+loose white garments, having their long hair all clotted with blood
+proceeding from recent cuts in the ears, and having remarkably long nails
+on their fingers; they carried pots of incense, with which they fumigated
+us. On our arrival, the chiefs saluted Cortes with much respect, and the
+people crowded to see us in such numbers that we could hardly make our way
+through the streets, presenting Cortes and the cavalry with garlands of
+beautiful and sweet smelling flowers.
+
+We at length arrived at some large enclosed courts, in the apartments,
+around which our lodgings were appointed; when the two principal chiefs
+took Cortes by the hand and conducted him into the apartment which was
+destined for his use. Every one of our soldiers were provided with a mat
+and bed-clothes made of _nequen_ cloth. Our allies were lodged close by us,
+and the Mexican ambassadors were accommodated, by desire of Cortes, in the
+apartment next his own. Though we had every reason to confide in the
+Tlascalans, Cortes used the most rigid military precautions for our safety;
+which, being observed by the chiefs, they complained of as indicating
+suspicion of their sincerity; but Cortes assured them this was the uniform
+custom of our country, and that he had the most perfect reliance on their
+truth. As soon as an altar could be got ready, Cortes ordered Juan Diaz to
+celebrate the mass, as Olmeda was ill of a fever. Many of the native
+chiefs were present on this occasion, whom Cortes took along with him
+after the service into his own apartment, attended by those soldiers who
+usually accompanied him. The elder Xicotencatl then offered a present,
+consisting of a small quantity of gold and some pieces of cloth, not worth
+twenty crowns altogether, and expressed his fear that he might despise so
+paltry a present, which he excused on account of the poverty of their
+nation, occasioned by the extortions of Montezuma, from whom they were
+forced to purchase peace at the expence of every thing valuable belonging
+to them. Cortes assured them that he valued their gift, small as it was,
+more than he would a house full of gold from others, as it was a testimony
+of their friendship, which he greatly valued. Xicotencatl then proposed
+that a strict alliance should be formed between the two nations, and that
+our chiefs should accept their daughters in marriage, offering his own to
+Cortes, who thanked him for these marks of friendship. The chiefs remained
+with Cortes a whole day, and as Xicotencatl was blind, Cortes permitted
+him to examine his head, face, and beard with his hands, which he did with
+much attention.
+
+Next day the chiefs brought five daughters of their principal caciques,
+who were much handsomer than the other women of the country, each attended
+by a female slave. On this occasion Xicotencatl presented his own daughter
+to Cortes, and desired him to assign the others among his principal
+officers. Cortes thanked him for the mark of regard, but that for the
+present the ladies must remain with their parents, as we must first obey
+the commands of our God, and the orders of our sovereign, by abolishing
+human sacrifices and other abominations, and by teaching them the true
+faith in the adoration of one only God. He then shewed them a beautiful
+image of the holy Mary, the queen of heaven, the mother of our Lord by the
+power of the Holy Ghost, conceived without sin, adding, That if they
+wished to become our brethren, and that we should marry their daughters,
+they must renounce their idolatry, and worship our God, by which they
+would not only benefit their temporal concerns, but would secure an
+eternal happiness in heaven; whereas by persisting in the worship of their
+idols, which were representations of the devils, they would consign
+themselves to hell, where they would be plunged eternally into flames of
+fire. This and a great deal more excellently to the purpose, being well
+explained to them by our interpreters, the chiefs made answer to the
+following effect: That they readily believed all they had now heard
+respecting the excellence of our God and his saints, and might in time be
+able to understand the subject of his exhortations; but that if they were
+now to renounce the religion of their ancestors in their old age to please
+us, the priests and people would rebel against them; more especially as
+the priests had already consulted their gods, who had commanded them on no
+account to omit the human sacrifices and other ancient customs, as
+otherwise they would send famine, pestilence, and war into their country:
+They requested, therefore that nothing more might be said on this subject,
+as they could not renounce their gods but with their lives. When the
+subject of this conference was reported to father Olmedo, who was a wise
+and good man, he advised the general not to urge the matter any farther
+for the present, as he was adverse to forced conversions, such as had been
+already attempted at Chempoalla; and that to destroy the idols were a
+needless act of violence, unless the principles of idolatry were
+eradicated from their minds by argument as they would easily procure other
+idols to continue their worship. Three of our cavaliers, Alvarado, de Leon,
+and De Lugo, gave a similar advice to Cortes, and the subject was
+judiciously dropped, which might have again excited the Tlascalans to
+inveterate enmity.
+
+Soon after this we got permission to clear out and purify one of the
+temples, which was converted into a Christian church, and had an altar and
+cross erected. Here the ladies who were destined to be the brides of our
+officers, having been instructed in the principles of the Christian
+religion were baptized. The daughter of Xicotencatl was named Donna Luisa,
+and being taken by the hand by Cortes, was presented by him to Alvarado,
+saying to her rather that this officer was his brother, with which
+arrangement the old cacique seemed perfectly satisfied. Almost the whole
+province of Tlascala came afterwards to depend upon this lady, paying rent
+and homage to her. She had a son by Alvarado named Don Pedro, and a
+daughter Donna Leonora, who inherited her mothers domains, and is now the
+wife of Don Francisco de la Cueva, cousin to the Duke of Albuquerque, by
+whom she has four or five sons. In right of his wife Donna Luisa, Alvarado
+became lord, and almost sovereign of Tlascala. As far as I can remember,
+the niece, or daughter of Maxicatzin, named Donna Leonora, and remarkably
+handsome, was given to Velasquez de Leon. I have forgotten the names of
+the other ladies, all stiled Donnas, but they were assigned to De Oli,
+Sandoval, and Avila. After the ceremonies were concluded, the natives were
+informed that the crosses were erected in order to expel the evil spirits
+which they had been in use to worship.
+
+Cortes obtained considerable information from the two principal chiefs of
+Tlascala, Xicotencatl, and Maxicatzin, relative to the military and
+political state of Mexico. They said that Montezuma had an army of an
+hundred thousand warriors, occupying all the cities of the neighbouring
+states, which were subject to his dominions, with strong garrisons, and
+forcing them to pay heavy tributes in gold, manufactures, productions of
+the soil, and victims for sacrifice, so that his wealth and power were
+exceedingly great; but that all the districts which were under subjection
+to him were exceedingly dissatisfied with his tyranny, and inclined to
+take part with his enemies. Their own state of Tlascala had been in almost
+continual wars with the Mexicans for above an hundred years, and formed a
+league for mutual defence with the people of Guaxocingo[9]; but were
+principally vexed by inroads from the Mexican garrison in Cholula, from
+which city the troops of Montezuma were able to come by surprise on the
+Tlascalan territories. They described the city of Mexico as of great
+strength, being built in the lake, and only accessible by narrow causeways,
+with wooden bridges, and having no access to most of its houses but by
+drawbridges or boats. They described the arms of the Mexicans as
+consisting of double-headed darts, which were projected by a kind of
+slings, lances having stone heads, an ell in length, and both edges as
+sharp as a razor, and two-handed swords, edged likewise with sharp stones,
+besides shields and other defensive armour. The chiefs shewed large
+_nequen_ cloths, on which their various battles were represented, with all
+those different kinds of weapons. They alleged that their country was
+anciently inhabited by a people of great stature and very barbarous
+manners, who had been extirpated by their ancestors, and produced a
+thigh-bone which they said had belonged to one of these giants. I stood by
+it, and it equalled my height, though I am as tall as most men. We sent
+this bone to Spain for the inspection of his majesty. The chiefs told us
+that their idols had long ago predicted, that a people was to arrive from
+the distant lands where the sun rises, and to subdue their country, and
+they believed we were those to whom the prediction applied. Cortes said
+that this was certainly the case, and that our great emperor had sent us
+to establish a lasting friendship between our nation and them, and to be
+the instruments of shewing them the only way of Salvation: To which we all
+said Amen!
+
+While we were in Tlascala a volcano near Guaxocingo threw out great
+quantities of flames, and Diego de Ordas went up to examine it, attended
+by two Spanish soldiers, and some of the principal Indians. The natives
+declined going any nearer to the volcano than the temples of
+_Popocatepeque_, but De Ordas and his two Spanish comrades ascended to the
+summit of the mountain, and looked down into the crater, which is a circle
+of near a quarter of a league diameter. From this peak also, they had a
+distant view of the city of Mexico, which was twelve or thirteen leagues
+from the mountain. This was considered as a great feat, and De Ordas, on
+his return to Spain, got royal authority to bear this volcano in his arms,
+which is now borne by his nephew who dwells in La Puebla. This volcano did
+not throw out flames for a good many years afterwards, but it flamed with
+great violence in 1530. We observed many wooden cages in the city of
+Tlascala, in which the victims intended for sacrifice were confined and
+fattened; but we destroyed all these, releasing the unhappy prisoners, who
+remained along with us, as they dared not to return to their own homes.
+Cortes spoke very angrily to the Tlascalan chiefs, exhorting them to
+abolish this horrible custom of human sacrifices, and they promised
+amendment; but immediately, on our backs being turned, they resumed their
+ancient abominations.
+
+
+[1] Clavigero says that Cortes had some troops of the Totanacas, among
+    whom were forty nobles, serving at the same time as auxiliaries, and
+    as hostages for the fidelity of their nation.--Clavig. II. 30.
+
+[2] In Clavigero, II. 29. the army of Cortes on this occasion is stated
+    to have amounted to 415 Spanish infantry and 16 cavalry.--E.
+
+[3] In Clavigero, II. 31. Iztacmaxitlan is said to have been the next
+    stage after leaving Xocotla, and is described as a populous district,
+    with a strong city or fortress on a high rock, defended by barbicans
+    and ditches.--E.
+
+[4] In Clavigero, II. 31. Xicocentcatl Maxicatizin, is given as the name
+    of one chief; and only _three_ other lords or great caciques are said
+    to have then borne sway in the Tlascalan republic, Tlekul, Xolotzin,
+    and Citlalpocatzin. The person named Chichimecatecle by Diaz, is
+    called Chichimeca Teuchtli by Clavigero: But it is impossible to
+    reconcile the differences between these authors respecting the other
+    names of the chiefs, nor is it important.--E.
+
+[5] Clavigero, II. 37. says the grand standard of the republic of Tlascala,
+    used on this occasion, was a golden eagle with expanded wings.--E.
+
+[6] According to Clavigero, II. 37. Xicotencatl, to show how little he
+    regarded the Spaniards, sent them 300 turkeys and two hundred baskets
+    of _tamalli_, to recruit their strength before the approaching
+    battle.--E.
+
+[7] Called the son of Chichimeca Teuctli by Clavigero; perhaps his name
+    was Guaxocingo, and Diaz, after a long interval of time, transposed
+    the names of the father and son.--E.
+
+[8] It has been already mentioned that Clavigero writes these two as the
+    names of one man, Xicotencatl Maxicatzin, informing us that the latter
+    name signifies the elder.--E.
+
+[9] This place, so often mentioned by Diaz, seems to be the same called
+    Huexotzinco by Clavigero.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+_Events during the March of the Spaniards from Tlascala to Mexico_.
+
+
+After a stay of seventeen days, in Tlascala to refresh ourselves after our
+late severe fatigues, and for the recovery of our wounded companions, it
+was resolved to resume our march to the city of Mexico, though the rich
+settlers of Cuba still endeavoured to persuade Cortes to return to Villa
+Rica. This resolution also gave much uneasiness to our new Tlascalan
+allies, who used every argument to make us distrust the courteous manners
+of Montezuma and his subjects, whom they alleged to be extremely
+treacherous, and would either fall upon and destroy us on the first
+favourable opportunity, or would reduce us to slavery. In the event of
+hostilities between us and the Mexicans, they exhorted us to kill them all
+young and old. Cortes thanked them for their friendly counsel, and offered
+to negociate a treaty of peace and amity between them and the Mexicans;
+but they would by no means consent to this measure, saying that the
+Mexican government would employ peace only as a cover for treachery. On
+making inquiry as to the best road to Mexico, the ambassadors of Montezuma
+recommended that by Cholula, in which we should find good accommodation;
+but the Tlascalans earnestly entreated us to go by Huexotzinco which was
+in alliance with them, representing the Cholulans as a perfidious people.
+But Cortes determined to take the road of Cholula, intending to remain in
+that city till he could secure a safe and peaceable reception at Mexico;
+he sent therefore a message to the chiefs of Cholula, to inform them of
+his intentions, and to express his dissatisfaction at their conduct in not
+having been to wait upon him. While engaged in preparations for our
+departure, four of the principal nobles of Mexico arrived with a rich
+present, consisting of gold to the value of 10,000 crowns, and ten bales
+of mantles of the finest feather-work. After saluting Cortes with profound
+respect, they said that Montezuma was astonished at our long residence
+among so poor and base a people as the Tlascalans, and that he requested
+we would come without delay to his capital. Cortes assured them that he
+would very soon pay his respects to their sovereign, and requested they
+would remain along with him during the march. He also at this time
+appointed Pedro de Alvarado, and Vasquez de Tupia, to go as his
+ambassadors to Montezuma, with instructions to examine the city of Mexico.
+These gentlemen set out accordingly, along with the former Mexican
+ambassadors, but were soon recalled, in consequence of a remonstrance from
+the army. At this time I was confined by my wounds, and was ill of a fever,
+and consequently incapable of attending minutely to all that passed.
+
+In return to our message, the chiefs of Cholula sent a very dry and
+uncourteous answer by four men of low degree, and without any present. As
+this was obviously done in contempt, Cortes sent the messengers back to
+inform the chiefs, that he would consider them as rebels if they did not
+wait upon him personally in three days; but, if they complied with this
+requisition, he was willing to accept them as friends and brothers, and
+had much intelligence of great importance to communicate to them. They
+sent back, saying, that they durst not come into the country of their
+inveterate enemies the Tlascalans, who they were sure had grossly
+misrepresented both them and Montezuma to us, but engaged to give us an
+honourable reception in their city. When the Tlascalans found we were
+determined upon taking the road of Cholula, contrary to their advice, they
+proposed that we should take 10,000 of their best warriors along with us;
+but our general considered this number as too many for a visit of peace,
+and would only accept 3000, who were immediately made ready to attend us.
+Using every proper precaution for our safety, we began our march from
+Tlascala, and arrived that evening at a river about a league from Cholula,
+where there is now a stone bridge, and encamped here for the night. Some
+of the chiefs came to congratulate our arrival in their neighbourhood, and
+gave us a courteous invitation to visit their city. We continued our march
+next day, and were met near the city by the chiefs and priests, all
+dressed in cassocks of cotton cloth, resembling those used by the
+Zapotecans. After presenting incense to Cortes, the chiefs made an apology
+for not waiting upon him at Tlascala, and requested that so large a body
+of their enemies might not be permitted to enter their city. As this
+request appeared reasonable, Cortes sent Alvarado and De Oli, to desire
+our allies to hut themselves without the city, which they did accordingly,
+imitating the military discipline of the Spaniards, in the arrangement of
+their camp and the appointment of centinels. Before entering the city,
+Cortes explained the purpose of his mission in a long oration, in the same
+manner as he had already done at all the other places during the march. To
+all this they answered that they were ready to yield obedience to our
+sovereign in all things, but could not abandon the religion of their
+ancestors. We then marched on in our usual compact order, attended only by
+our allies from Chempoalla, and the Indians who drew our artillery, and
+conveyed our baggage, and entered the city, all the streets and terraces
+of which was filled with an immense concourse of people, through whom we
+were conducted to our appointed quarters, in some large apartments, which
+conveniently accommodated our army and all our attendants.
+
+While we remained in this place, a plot was concerted by the Mexican
+ambassadors for the introduction of 20,000 warriors belonging to Montezuma,
+who were to attack us in conjunction with the people of Cholula; and
+several houses were actually filled with poles and leather collars, by
+means of which we were to have been bound and carried prisoners to Mexico.
+But God was pleased that we should discover and confound their
+machinations. During the first two days, we were perfectly well
+entertained; but on the third no provisions were sent us, and none of the
+chiefs or priests appeared at our quarters. Such few of the inhabitants as
+we happened to see, speedily withdrew with a malicious sneer; and on
+Cortes applying to the Mexican ambassadors to procure provisions for us as
+usual, some wood and water only were brought to us by a few old men, as if
+in derision, who said that no maize could be procured. This day, likewise,
+some ambassadors arrived from Montezuma, who desired in very disrespectful
+terms on no account to approach Mexico, and demanded an immediate answer.
+Cortes gave them a mild answer, expressing his astonishment at the
+alteration in the tone of their sovereign, but requested a short delay
+before giving his definitive answer to their message. He then summoned us
+together, and desired us to keep on the alert, as he suspected some great
+act of treachery was in agitation against us. As the chiefs of Cholula had
+refused to wait upon him, Cortes sent some soldiers to a great temple
+close to our quarters, with orders to bring two of the priests to him as
+quietly as possible. They succeeded in this without difficulty; and,
+having made a trifling present to the priests, he inquired as to the
+reason of the late extraordinary conduct of the Cholulan chiefs. One of
+these who was of high rank, having authority over all the temples and
+priests of the city, like one of our bishops, told Cortes that he would
+persuade some of the chiefs to attend him, if allowed to speak with them;
+and, being permitted to go away for that purpose, he soon brought several
+of the chiefs to our quarters. Cortes reproved them sharply for the change
+in their behaviour to us, and commanded them to send an immediate supply
+of provisions, and likewise to provide him next day with a competent
+number of people to convey our baggage and artillery, as he meant then to
+resume his march to Mexico. The chiefs appeared quite confounded and panic
+struck, yet promised to send in provisions immediately, alleging in excuse
+for their conduct, that they had been so ordered by Montezuma, who was
+unwilling that we should advance any farther into his dominions.
+
+At this time, three of our Chempoallan allies called Cortes aside, and
+told him that they had discovered several pitfals close to our quarters,
+covered over with wood and earth, and that on examining one of these they
+found its bottom provided with sharpened stakes. They informed him also
+that all the terraces of the houses near our quarters had been recently
+provided with parapets of sod, and great quantities of stones collected on
+them, and that a strong barricade of timber had been erected across one of
+the streets. Eight Tlascalans arrived also from their army on the outside
+of the town, who warned Cortes that an attack was intended against us, as
+the priests of Cholula had sacrificed eight victims on the preceding night
+to their god of war, five of whom were children; and that they had seen
+crowds of women and children withdrawing from the city with their valuable
+effects, all of which were sure signs of some impending commotion. Cortes
+thanked the Tlascalans for this instance of their fidelity, and sent them
+back to the camp with orders to their chiefs to hold themselves in
+readiness for any emergency. He then returned to the chiefs and priests,
+to whom he repeated his former orders, warning them not to deviate from
+their obedience, on pain of instant condign punishment, commanding them at
+the same time to prepare 2000 of their best warriors to accompany him next
+day on his march to Mexico. The chiefs readily promised to obey all his
+commands, thinking in this manner to facilitate their projected treachery,
+and took their leave. Cortes then employed Donna Marina to bring back the
+two priests who had been with him before, from whom he learnt, that
+Montezuma had been lately very unsettled in his intentions towards us,
+sometimes giving orders to receive us honourably, and at other times
+commanding that we should not be allowed to pass. That he had lately
+consulted his gods, who had revealed that we were all to be put to death,
+or made prisoners in Cholula, to facilitate which he had sent 20,000 of
+his troops to that place, half of whom were now in the city, and the rest
+concealed at the distance of a league. They added, that the plan of
+attack was all settled, and that twenty of our number were to be
+sacrificed in the temples of Cholula, and all the rest to be conveyed
+prisoners to Mexico. Cortes rewarded them liberally for their
+intelligence, and enjoined them to preserve the strictest secrecy on the
+subject, commanding them to bring all the chiefs to his quarters at an
+appointed time. He then convened a council of all the officers, and such
+soldiers as he most confided in, before whom he laid an account of the
+information which he had received, desiring their advice as to the best
+conduct to be pursued in the present alarming emergency. Some proposed to
+return immediately to Tlascala, and others proposed various measures, but
+it was the universal opinion that the treachery of the Cholulans required
+to be severely punished, as a warning to other places. It was accordingly
+resolved to inflict condign punishment on the Cholulans within the courts
+where we were quartered, which were surrounded by high walls, but in the
+meantime, to continue our preparations for resuming the march, in order to
+conceal our intentions. We then informed the Mexican ambassadors, that we
+had discovered the treacherous intentions of the Cholulans, who pretended
+that they acted by orders of Montezuma, which we were convinced was a
+false aspersion. They solemnly declared their ignorance of these
+transactions; but Cortes ordered them to have no farther intercourse with
+the inhabitants of the city, and sent them to his own quarters under a
+strong guard for the night, during the whole of which we lay upon our arms,
+ready to act at a moments warning.
+
+During this anxious night, the wife of one of the caciques, who had taken
+a great liking to Donna Marina, came secretly to visit that lady,
+informing her of the plot, invited her to take refuge in her house from
+the danger which was about to overwhelm us, and proposed to give her for a
+husband the brother of a boy who was along with her. Donna Marina, with
+her usual presence of mind, agreed to every thing proposed with a
+profusion of thanks, and said she only wanted some one to take charge of
+her effects before leaving the Spanish quarters. In course of this
+conversation, Marina acquired particular information of every part of this
+mysterious affair, which the old woman told her had been communicated to
+her three days before by her husband, who was chief of one of the
+divisions of the city, and was now with his warriors, giving directions
+for their co-operation with the Mexican troops, and who had lately
+received a gold drum from Mexico, as an ensign of command. Donna Marina
+desired the old woman and her son to remain in her apartment till she went
+in search of her valuables; but went immediately to Cortes, to whom she
+communicated all the information she had received, adding that her
+informer was still in her apartment. Cortes immediately sent for the old
+woman, who being confronted by Donna Marina, repeated every thing exactly
+as before, which agreed in all respects with the information he had
+already received from others.
+
+When day appeared, the hurry of the chiefs, priests and people in coming
+to our quarters as appointed, and their apparent satisfaction, was as
+great as if we had been already secured in their cages. They brought a
+much greater number of warriors to attend us than had been required,
+insomuch that the large courts in which we were quartered were unable to
+contain them. We were all prepared for the event, having a strong guard of
+soldiers posted at the gate of the great court, to prevent any one from
+escaping. Cortes mounted on horseback, attended by a strong guard; and as
+he saw the people crowding in at the gate, he said to us, "See how anxious
+these traitors are to feast on our flesh! But GOD will disappoint their
+hopes." He ordered the two priests who had given him the information to
+retire to their houses that they might escape the intended slaughter.
+Every one being arrived in the great court, he commanded the chiefs and
+priests to draw near, to whom he made a calm remonstrance on the treachery
+of their conduct towards us, which was explained by Donna Marina. He asked
+them why they had plotted to destroy us, and what we had done to deserve
+their enmity, except exhorting them to abandon their barbarous and
+abominable customs, and endeavouring to instruct them in our holy
+religion? Their evil intentions, he said, had been obvious, by withdrawing
+their women and children from the city, and by insultingly sending us only
+wood and water, when we required provisions. He said he was perfectly
+acquainted with the ambush which was placed in the road by which we meant
+to march, and with all the other contrivances they had made for our
+destruction; and that in recompence of our proffered friendship, and of
+all the holy services we intended them, he knew that they meant to kill
+and eat us, and that the pots were already on the fire, prepared with salt,
+pepper, and _tomatas_, in which our dissevered limbs were to be boiled. He
+knew that they had doomed twenty of us to be sacrificed to their idols, to
+whom they had already immolated seven of their own brethren. "Since you
+were determined to attack us," said he in conclusion, "it had been more
+manly to have done so openly like the Tlascalans, and not to have resorted
+to mean and cowardly treachery. But be assured that the victory which your
+false gods have promised is beyond their power, and the punishment of your
+treason is now ready to burst on your guilty heads."
+
+The astonished chiefs confessed every thing which was laid to their charge,
+but endeavoured to excuse themselves, by laying the whole blame on the
+orders they had received from Montezuma. "Wretches," said Cortes, "this
+falsehood is an aggravation of your offence, and such complicated crimes
+can never be permitted to pass unpunished." He then ordered a musket to be
+fired, as a signal to commence the slaughter, for which we all stood
+prepared. We immediately fell furiously on the multitudes who were
+inclosed within the walls of our quarters, and executed their merited
+punishment in such a manner as will be long remembered by the remaining
+natives of Cholula. A vast number of them were put to death on the spot,
+and many of them were afterwards burned alive. In less than two hours, our
+Tlascalan allies arrived in the city, having been previously instructed in
+our plan, and made a terrible slaughter in the streets of the city; and
+when the Cholulans ceased to make resistance, they ravaged the city,
+plundering it of every thing valuable they could lay hold of, and making
+slaves of all the inhabitants who fell in their way. On the day following,
+when intelligence reached Tlascala of the transactions at Cholula, great
+numbers crowded to the devoted city, which they plundered without mercy.
+It now became necessary to restrain the fury of the Tlascalans, and Cortes
+gave orders to their chiefs to withdraw their troops from the city, with
+which they immediately complied.
+
+Quiet being in some measure restored, some chiefs and priests who presided
+over a distant quarter of the city, which they pretended had not been
+engaged in the conspiracy, waited in an humble manner on Cortes, and
+prayed a remission of the punishment which had already fallen so heavily
+on their townsmen. The two before mentioned priests, and the old woman
+from whom Donna Marina had procured such material information, came
+forward likewise, and joined in the same petition, and Cortes determined
+to shew clemency to the rest of the city, yet seemed still in great rage.
+He called the Mexican ambassadors into his presence, in whose presence he
+declared that the whole inhabitants of the city and dependancy of Cholula
+had richly merited to be utterly extirpated for their treachery; but that
+out of respect to the great Montezuma, whose vassals they were, he
+consented to pardon them. He then ordered the Tlascalans to liberate their
+prisoners, which they in some measure complied with, setting free many of
+those they intended to have reduced to slavery, yet retained a prodigious
+booty in gold, mantles, cotton, and salt. Having proclaimed an amnesty to
+the Cholulans, he reconciled them and the Tlascalans who had anciently
+been confederates; and being desired to appoint a new chief cacique of
+Cholula, in place of the former who had been put to death, Cortes inquired
+to whom that dignity belonged of right, and being informed that the
+brother of the late head cacique ought to succeed according to their laws,
+he nominated him to the office. As soon as the inhabitants had returned to
+their houses, and order was restored in the city, Cortes summoned all the
+chiefs and priests to a conference, in which he explained to them the
+principles of our holy religion, earnestly exhorting them to renounce
+their idolatry, and the odious practices connected with it; and, as an
+instance of the uselessness of their idols, he reminded them how much they
+had been lately deceived by the false responses imposed upon them in their
+names: He proposed to them therefore, to destroy their senseless idols,
+and to erect an altar and cross in their stead. The latter was immediately
+complied with, but Father Olmedo advised him to postpone the former to a
+more favourable opportunity, from a due consideration of our uncertain and
+perilous situation.
+
+Cholula was then a large and populous city, much resembling Valladolid,
+situated on a fertile plain which was thickly inhabited, and all its
+surrounding district was well cultivated with maize, maguey, and pepper.
+There were above a hundred lofty white towers in the city, belonging to
+different idol temples, one of which was held in very high estimation,
+that principal temple being more lofty even than the great temple of
+Mexico. An excellent manufacture of earthen ware was carried on at this
+place, the various articles of which were curiously painted in different
+patterns, in red, black, and white, and from which the city of Mexico and
+all the surrounding countries were supplied, as Castile is from Talavera
+and Placencia. In the numerous temples of this city there were many cages;
+which were filled with men and boys, fattening up for sacrifice, all of
+which Cortes caused to be destroyed, sending the miserable captives home
+to their respective houses. He likewise gave positive orders to the
+priests to desist in future from this most abominable custom, which they
+promised to refrain from, but they forgot their promises as soon as the
+authority of our irresistible arms was removed.
+
+On hearing the melancholy fate of their companions in Cholula, the Mexican
+troops who were posted in ambush, with trenches and barricades to oppose
+our cavalry, made a precipitate retreat to Mexico, whether they carried an
+account to Montezuma of the failure of his plot for our destruction; but
+he had already heard the news of his misfortunes from two of his
+ambassadors, whom Cortes had dismissed for the purpose. It was reported
+that he immediately ordered a solemn sacrifice to his gods, and shut
+himself up for two days with ten of his chief priests, engaged in rigid
+devotional exercises, on purpose to obtain a response from his gods
+respecting his future destiny; and we afterwards learnt that the priests
+advised him, as from their gods, to send an embassy to exculpate himself
+from having any connection with what had passed in Cholula, and to
+inveigle us into Mexico; where, by cutting off the supply of water, or by
+raising the bridges on the causeways, he might easily destroy us, or
+detain us in slavery to breed people like ourselves for his service.
+
+Having remained fourteen days in Cholula, Cortes consulted in regard to
+our future operations with a council of those officers and soldiers who
+were most sincerely attached to his person, as indeed he never engaged in
+any matter of importance without taking our advice. In this consultation,
+it was determined to send a respectful message to Montezuma, informing him
+that we were on our way to pay our respects to him by the orders of our
+own sovereign. Our messenger was likewise desired to relate the whole late
+events which had occurred at Cholula, where the treachery which had been
+concerted against us had come to our knowledge, from which nothing could
+be concealed which concerned our welfare, and that we had desisted from
+punishing the people of that city to the full extent which they deserved,
+entirely out of respect to him, whose vassals they were. That the chiefs
+and priests had given out that all they had done or intended to do was by
+his orders; but we could not possibly believe that so great a monarch,
+after the many marks of friendship with which he had honoured us, could be
+guilty of such infamous proceedings; being convinced, if he had meditated
+hostility, he would have met us honourably in the field of battle: But at
+the same time to assure him, that day or night, field or town, fair battle
+or villainous stratagem, were all the same for us, as we were always
+prepared for every emergency. Montezuma had become exceedingly thoughtful
+and alarmed on account of the failure of the plot in Cholula, and now sent
+an embassy of six of his chief nobles to wait on Cortes, with a present to
+the value of 2000 crowns in gold, and several bales of fine mantles. The
+ambassadors saluted Cortes with profound respect, and delivered a message
+in which Montezuma endeavoured to exculpate himself from any concern in
+the affair of Cholula, and in conclusion, invited the general to his court.
+Cortes treated these ambassadors with his usual politeness, and retaining
+three of them to serve as guides on our march to Mexico, he sent on the
+others to inform Montezuma that we were on our way to his capital. When
+the Tlascalan chiefs understood our determination to proceed, they renewed
+their former warnings to beware of treachery from the Mexicans, and again
+offered to send 10,000 of their warriors along with us. But Cortes, after
+thanking them for their friendly solicitude and proffered aid, remarked,
+as he had done before, that so large a body of troops was incompatible
+with an amicable visit, but requested they would furnish 1000 men for our
+baggage and artillery, which they immediately provided. Our faithful
+Chempoalan allies, being afraid of the resentment of the Mexicans for
+their revolt, begged permission to return to their district, and Cortes
+dismissed them with a handsome present, sending letters by them to
+Escalente at Villa Rica, containing an account of our proceedings.
+
+We marched from Cholula in our usual compact order, prepared for
+whatsoever might befal, sending out patroles of our cavalry by threes in
+front, supported by a detachment of light infantry as an advanced guard.
+On our arrival at a small village called Izcalpan, in the district of
+Huexotzinco, about four leagues from Cholula, we were met by the chiefs
+bearing provisions, and a small present of gold. They requested our
+general to consider only the good will of the givers, not the
+worthlessness of the gift, as they were very poor; and, while they
+endeavoured to dissuade him from attempting to proceed to Mexico, they
+also informed him, that, on ascending the next mountain, he would find two
+roads, the one of which leading by Chalco was broad and open, while the
+other leading by Tlalmanalco, though originally equally convenient, had
+been recently stopped up and obstructed by means of trees felled across it
+to render it difficult, though it was in reality shorter and more secure
+than that of Chalco, on which road the Mexicans had placed a large party
+of troops in ambush among some rocks, for the purpose of attacking us by
+surprise on the march. They advised us therefore, if we were determined
+to persevere, to choose the obstructed road, and offered to send a number
+of their people to clear it for us. Cortes thanked them for their good
+advice, of which he would avail himself by the blessing of GOD. Having
+halted for the night at Izcalpan, we resumed our march early the next
+morning, and reached the summit of a mountainous ridge about noon, where
+we found the two roads exactly as they had been described to us. We halted
+here in order to deliberate on our procedure, when Cortes called the
+Mexican ambassadors to explain the meaning of the felled trees. Pretending
+ignorance on this subject, they advised him to take the road of Chalco,
+where they said he would be well received. Cortes chose however to take
+the other road, and sent on our Indian allies to clear the way before us.
+As we ascended the mountain, the weather became piercingly cold, and we
+even had a considerable fall of snow, which covered the whole country
+round about. We at length arrived at certain houses which had been built
+on the very top of the mountain for the accommodation of travellers, where
+we found an abundant supply of provisions, and having placed proper guards,
+we halted here for the night. We resumed our march next morning, and
+arrived by the hour of high mass at the town of Halmanalco, where we were
+hospitably received. The people of the neighbouring districts of Chalco,
+Amaquemecan, and Ajotzinco, where the canoes are kept, waited on Cortes at
+this place with a present of about 150 crowns in gold, some mantles, and
+eight women. Cortes received them affably, and promised them his
+friendship and protection; explaining to them, as on former occasions, the
+doctrines of our holy faith, exhorting them to abandon their idolatry and
+barbarous immolation of human victims, informing them that he was sent
+among them by a powerful monarch to redress wrongs, and to lead them in
+the way of eternal salvation. On this the people began to make loud
+complaints of the tyranny of Montezuma, who deprived them of their wives
+and daughters if handsome, forcing the men to work like slaves in the
+conveyance of stones, timber, and corn, and appropriating their lands to
+the service of his temples. Cortes gave them kind assurances of speedy
+redress, but recommended to them to be patient yet a little while.
+
+Just as we were going to set out from Tlalmanalco, four of the principal
+nobles of the court of Mexico arrived with presents from Montezuma, and
+having made their customary obeisance, they addressed Cortes in the
+following manner: "_Malinatzin_! our sovereign sent this present to you,
+and desires us to say, that he is grieved you should take so much trouble
+in coming from a distant country to visit him. He has already made you be
+informed that he will give you much gold, silver, and _chalchihuis_ for
+your _teules_, if you will give up your intention of coming to Mexico. We
+now repeat this request in his name, that you will return; and he will
+send after you a great treasure in gold, silver, and jewels for your king,
+with four loads of gold for yourself, and a load for each of your brethren.
+It is impossible for you to proceed to Mexico, as the whole Mexican
+warriors are in arms to oppose you; besides which you will find the roads
+bad, and will be unable to procure provisions." Embracing the ambassadors
+with much politeness, and having returned thanks for their present, Cortes
+expressed his astonishment at the changeableness of Montezuma, who thus
+alternately invited and deprecated his presence. He begged them to thank
+Montezuma for the splendid offers he had made of treasure to the emperor,
+himself, and his soldiers; but it was quite impossible for him to turn
+back, especially when so near the capital, as his orders from his own
+sovereign were to pay his respects to theirs in person; it was quite
+useless, therefore, to send him any more such messages, for he was
+resolved to proceed; and if Montezuma should desire his departure after
+having seen him, he would be ready at his command to return to his own
+country.
+
+Having thus dismissed the ambassadors, we continued our march, and as our
+allies had informed us that Montezuma intended to put us all to death,
+after our entry into his city, we were filled with melancholy reflections
+on our hazardous situation; recommending our souls therefore to the LORD
+JESUS CHRIST, who had already brought us in safety through so many
+imminent dangers, and resolving to sell our lives at a dear rate, we
+proceeded on our march. We halted at a town named Iztapalapan, one half of
+the houses of which were built in the water, and the rest on dry land, and
+took up our quarters there for the night. While preparing early next
+morning to recommence our march, information was brought by a sentinel
+that a great number of Mexicans in rich dresses were on the road towards
+our quarters, on which Cortes again dismissed us. Four principal nobles of
+Mexico now presented themselves with profound respect before our general,
+whom they informed that Cacamatzin, lord of Tezcuco, and nephew to the
+great Montezuma was approaching, and begged that he would remain in his
+present situation to receive him. Cacamatzin soon followed in vast pomp,
+borne in a magnificent litter, adorned with jewels and plumes of green
+feathers, set in branched pillars of gold. His litter was carried by eight
+nobles, who assisted him to alight, and then swept the way before him as
+he came up to Cortes. Our general embraced the prince, and made him a
+present of three of the jewels named _margajitas_, which are figured with
+various colours. The only purpose of this visit seemed to have been
+complimentary, as he addressed Cortes in these words: "I, and these lords,
+have come by order of the great Montezuma, to conduct you to your
+residence in our city." We then set forwards in our usual array for Mexico,
+the road being crowded on both sides with innumerable multitudes of
+natives, and soon arrived at the causeway of Iztapalapan, one of those
+which leads to the capital.
+
+When we contemplated the number of populous towns so closely situated in
+regard to each other, some on the water, and others on the firm ground, we
+could not help comparing this wonderful country to the enchanted scenes we
+read of in Amadis de Gaul, so magnificent were the towers and temples and
+other superb edifices of stone and lime, which seemed everywhere to rise
+out of the water. Many of us were disposed to doubt the reality of the
+scene before us, and to suspect we were in a dream; and my readers must
+excuse the manner of my expressions, as never had any one seen, heard, or
+even dreamt of any thing which could compare to the magnificence of the
+scene we now beheld. On approaching Iztapalapan, we were received by
+several of the highest nobles of the Mexican empire, relations of
+Montezuma, who conducted us to the lodgings appointed for us in that place,
+which were magnificent palaces of stone, the timber work of which were
+cedar, having spacious courts and large halls, furnished with canopies of
+the finest cotton. After contemplating the magnificence of the buildings,
+we walked through splendid gardens, containing numerous alleys planted
+with a variety of fruit trees, and filled with roses, and a vast variety
+of beautiful and aromatic flowers. In these gardens there was a fine sheet
+of clear water, communicating with the great lake of Mexico by a canal,
+which was of sufficient dimensions to admit the largest canoes. The
+apartments of the palace were everywhere ornamented with works of art,
+admirably painted, and the walls were beautifully plastered and whitened;
+the whole being rendered delightful by containing great numbers of
+beautiful birds. When I beheld the delicious scenery around me, I thought
+we had been transported by magic to the terrestrial paradise. But this
+place is now destroyed, and a great deal of what was then a beautiful
+expanse of water, is now converted into fields of maize, and all is so
+entirely altered that the natives themselves would hardly know the place
+where Iztapalapan stood.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+_Arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, Description of that Court and City,
+and Transactions there, till the Arrival of Narvaez on the coast to
+supersede Cortes, by order of Velasquez_.
+
+
+Next day, being the 8th of November 1519, we set out on our way into the
+city of Mexico along the grand causeway, which is eight yards wide, and
+reaches in a straight line all the way from the firm land to the city of
+Mexico, both sides of the causeway being everywhere crowded with
+spectators, as were all the towers, temples, and terraces in every part of
+our progress, eager to behold such men and animals as had never been seen
+in that part of the world. A very different sentiment from curiosity
+employed our minds, though every thing we saw around us was calculated to
+excite and gratify that passion in the highest degree. Our little army did
+not exceed four hundred and fifty men, and we had been told at every step
+of our march, that we were to be put to death on our arrival in the city
+into which we were now about to enter. That city was everywhere surrounded
+by water, and approachable only by long moles or causeways interrupted in
+many places by cross cuts, which were only to be passed by means of
+bridges, the destruction or removal of any of which would effectually
+prevent the possibility of retreat. In these circumstances I may fairly
+ask my readers, what men in the world but ourselves would have ventured on
+so bold and hazardous an enterprize?
+
+Proceeding along the broad causeway of Iztapalapan, we came to a place
+called _Xoloc_, where a smaller causeway goes off obliquely from the great
+one to the city of _Cojohuacan_, we were met by a numerous train of the
+court nobles in the richest dresses, who were sent before Montezuma to
+compliment us on our arrival, after which Cacamatzin and the other nobles
+who had hitherto attended us, went to meet their sovereign, who now
+approached in a most magnificent litter, which was carried by four of his
+highest nobles. When we came near certain towers, almost close to the city,
+Montezuma was lifted from his litter, and borne forwards in the arms of
+the lords of Tezcuco, Iztapalapan, Tacuba, and Cojohuacan, under a
+splendid canopy, richly adorned with gold, precious stones hung round like
+fringes, and plumes of green feathers. Montezuma was dressed and adorned
+with great magnificence, his mantle being all covered with gold and gems,
+a crown of thin gold on his head, and gold buskins on his legs ornamented
+with jewels. The princes who supported him were all richly dressed, but in
+different habits from those in which they had visited us; and several
+other nobles in fine dresses, went before the monarch, spreading mantles
+on the ground to prevent his feet from touching it. Three nobles preceded
+the whole, each carrying a golden rod, as a signal of the presence of
+their great monarch. All the natives who attended Montezuma, except the
+four princes, kept their eyes fixed on the ground, no one daring to look
+him in the face. On the approach of Montezuma, Cortes dismounted and
+advanced towards him with every token of profound respect, and was
+welcomed by the Mexican monarch to his metropolis. Cortes then threw upon
+the neck of Montezuma a collar of the artificial jewels called
+_margajitas_, being glass beads of various colours, set in gold; after
+which he advanced, meaning to embrace Montezuma, but the surrounding
+nobles prevented him, by taking him respectfully by the arms, considering
+this as too great familiarity. It appeared to me that on this occasion
+Cortes offered to yield the right hand to Montezuma, who declined this
+mark of respect, and placed our general on his right. Cortes then made a
+complimentary discourse to Montezuma, expressing his joy in having seen so
+great a monarch, and the great honour he had done him, by coming out to
+meet him, as well as by the many other marks of favour he had already
+received. Montezuma made a gracious reply, and giving orders to the
+princes of Tezcuco and Cojohuacan to conduct Cortes and the rest of us to
+the quarters assigned to us, he returned to the city in the same state in
+which he had come to meet us, all the people standing close to the walls,
+not daring to look up; and as we followed the royal attendants, we passed
+on without any obstruction from the multitudes in the streets. It were
+impossible to reckon the innumerable multitudes of men, women, and
+children which thronged everywhere in the streets, on the canals, and the
+terraces on the house tops, during the whole of our passage through the
+city of Mexico. So strongly is every thing I saw on this memorable day
+imprinted on my memory, that it appears to me only as yesterday. Glory to
+our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave us courage to venture on so
+hazardous an enterprize, and preserved us amid so many dangers: And
+praised be his holy name, who hath permitted me to write this true history;
+though not so full and satisfactory as the subject merits. Amen!
+
+Lodgings were provided for us in the palace which had formerly been
+occupied by Azayacatl, not far from the western gate of the great temple.
+Here Montezuma had a secret treasury of gold and valuables, which he had
+inherited from his father Azayacatl, and we were placed here, because
+being considered as _teules_, they thought we were properly lodged in the
+neighbourhood of their idols. The entry to this palace was through a large
+walled court, and the whole was very light, airy, clean, and pleasant,
+with large and lofty apartments. That allotted for our general was
+situated on a raised platform; and for each of us mats were provided to
+sleep upon, having little canopies over them, after the fashion of this
+country. On our arrival at the gate of this palace, Montezuma, who had
+preceded us, took Cortes by the hand and led him to the apartment destined
+to his particular use, and having placed a rich collar of gold round the
+generals neck, he said on taking leave of him, "Malinatzin, you and your
+friends are now in your own house, refresh and repose yourselves." We were
+distributed to our several apartments by companies, having our artillery
+posted in a convenient situation, and every thing was arranged in such a
+manner as to be prepared for any emergency. A plentiful and even sumptuous
+entertainment was provided for us, to which we sat down with much
+satisfaction. This is a full and true account of our adventurous and
+magnanimous entry into the city of Mexico, on the 8th of November 1519.
+
+After Montezuma had taken a repast in his own palace, and was informed we
+had done the same, he returned to our quarters attended by a great retinue
+of nobles. Cortes received him in the middle of the hall, where Montezuma
+took him cordially by the hand, and they sat down together on
+magnificently ornamented seats. Montezuma made a very pertinent speech, in
+which he observed, "That he rejoiced at the arrival of such valiant
+captains and warriors in his dominions. He had before heard of a Spanish
+captain who had arrived at Pontonchan, and of another who came upon the
+coast in the preceding year with four ships, and had wished to see these
+men, but was disappointed. Now that we were actually arrived in his
+dominions, he was happy to offer every favour in his power to grant, being
+convinced we were those men predicted by the gods to his ancestors, who,
+coming from that part of the world in which the sun rises, were to acquire
+the government of this country, as we had fought with such astonishing
+valour ever since our arrival, representations of all our battles having
+been sent him in painting." Cortes replied, "That he and all his brethren
+could never sufficiently repay the many favours we had received from his
+bounty; that we certainly were those men to whom the Mexican prophecies
+related, being the vassals of the great and powerful emperor Don Carlos,
+to whom many great princes were subject; and who, hearing of the fame and
+magnificence of the great Montezuma, had sent us to request that he and
+his subjects would embrace the Holy Christian religion, abandoning their
+false gods and senseless idols, and abolishing their barbarous human
+sacrifices, by which means he would preserve the souls of himself, his
+family, and subjects from perdition." Cortes enlarged on this and other
+topics in a most edifying manner, promising to communicate more
+particulars hereafter. Montezuma then presented a quantity of valuable
+ornaments of gold to our general, with a present of some gold, and three
+loads of mantles to each of our captains, and two loads of mantles to each
+of the soldiers. After this he asked Cortes if all his soldiers were
+brothers and vassals to our emperor. To this Cortes answered that they
+were all brothers in love and friendship, men of rank in our own country,
+and servants of our great sovereign. Montezuma then departed, with mutual
+compliments, after giving orders that we should be amply provided with
+every thing we needed; particularly fowls, fruit, and corn, stone mills
+for grinding our corn, and women to make bread, and to supply us daily
+with plenty of grass for our horses.
+
+Next day being appointed for making a visit to Montezuma, Cortes went to
+the royal palace accompanied by captains Alvarado, De Leon, Ordas, and
+Sandoval, with five soldiers. Montezuma met him in the middle of the great
+hall, attended by his relations, all others being excluded from the
+apartment in which he happened to be, except on certain occasions of
+importance. After mutual compliments of ceremony, Montezuma took Cortes by
+the hand, and led him to a seat on his own right hand, placed on an
+elevated platform in the saloon. Cortes then said, "That he came to him in
+the name and for the service of the only true God, who was adored by the
+Christians, the Lord Christ Jesus, who had died to save us and all men. He
+endeavoured to explain the mystery of the cross, as an emblem of the
+crucifixion, by which mankind had been redeemed. He recounted the
+sufferings and death of our Lord and Saviour, who had risen on the third
+day and ascended to heaven, where he now reigns, the creator of the
+heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and all that they contain. He
+asserted, that those idols which the natives held as gods, were devils
+which dared not to remain wherever the holy cross was planted. That as all
+mankind were brothers, the offspring of the same first pair, our glorious
+emperor lamented the loss of their souls, which would be brought by their
+idols into everlasting flames, and had sent us to apply a sure remedy, by
+abolishing the worship of idols, the bloody and inhuman sacrifices of
+their fellow men, and their other odious customs so contrary to the law of
+God: And that our emperor would send them holy men hereafter to explain
+all these things more fully." To this Montezuma replied, "Malinatzin! I am
+much indebted to your emperor for sending you so far to inform me of all
+these things, of which I have already heard by means of my ambassadors who
+have visited you in my name, and to which hitherto we have made no reply.
+We have always worshipped our gods, whom we consider to be just and good,
+and have no doubt yours are so likewise. It had always been his wish to
+see us from the first time he had heard of our arrival on his coasts,
+because he believed we were they of whom their ancient prophecies made
+mention, and his gods had now granted his desire. That our being refused
+entrance into his cities was none of his fault; having been done by his
+subjects without orders, who were terrified by the accounts they had
+received of us, which reported that we were furious _teules_, who carried
+thunder and lightning along with us, that our horses eat men, and other
+such foolish stories. That he now saw we were valiant and wise men, for
+which he highly esteemed us, and would give us proofs of his favour." Then
+changing the manner of his discourse to gaiety, he added "Malinatzin! Your
+new friends the Tlascalans have informed you that I am like a god, and
+that every thing about me is gold, silver, and jewels. But you now see
+that I am like other men, and that my houses are of lime, stone, and
+timber. It is true that I am a powerful sovereign, and have great riches,
+which I have inherited from my ancestors. You will now treat these reports
+with the same contempt that I do the ridiculous stories which I have been
+told of your having command over the elements." To this Cortes replied,
+that the accounts of enemies were never to be depended on; and made a
+handsome compliment to Montezuma on his power and grandeur. Montezuma then
+ordered in a rich present, giving Cortes a quantity of gold, with ten
+loads of rich stuffs to be divided between him and his captains, and to
+each of us five soldiers, he gave two gold collars, each worth ten crowns,
+and two loads of mantles. The gold given on this occasion was worth about
+a thousand crowns, and the whole was given with so much affability and
+indifference, as made him appear truly munificent. Cortes now took leave,
+it being the hour of dinner, and we retired impressed with high respect
+for the liberality and princely munificence of Montezuma.
+
+The great Montezuma appeared to be about forty years of age, of good
+stature, well proportioned, and rather thin. His face was rather long,
+with a pleasant expression, and good eyes, and his complexion rather
+fairer than the other Indians. His hair was short, just covering his ears,
+and his scanty beard was thin, black, and well arranged. His person was
+very clean and delicate, as he bathed every evening; and his manners were
+a pleasing compound of gravity and good humour. He had two lawful wives,
+who were princesses, and a number of mistresses; but his visits to these
+were conducted with such secrecy as only to be known by his most familiar
+servants; and he lay under no suspicion of unnatural vices, so common
+among his subjects. The clothes he wore one day were not used for four
+days after. His guard consisted of two hundred nobles, who had apartments
+adjoining his own. Certain persons only among these were permitted to
+speak to him, and when they went into his presence, they laid aside their
+ordinary rich dresses, putting on others quite plain but clean, entering
+his apartment barefooted, with their eyes fixed on the ground, and making
+three profound reverences as they approached him. On addressing him, they
+always began, Lord! my Lord! great Lord! and when they had finished, he
+always dismissed them in few words; on which they retired with their faces
+towards him, keeping their eyes fixed on the ground. I observed likewise,
+that all the great men who waited upon him on business, always entered the
+palace barefooted and in plain habits, never entering the gate directly,
+but making a circuit in going towards it.
+
+The cooks of the palace had above thirty different ways of dressing meats,
+which were served up in earthen vessels of a very ingenious construction
+for keeping their contents always hot. For Montezumas own table above
+three hundred dishes were dressed every day, and more than a thousand for
+his guards. Montezuma sometimes went before dinner to inspect the
+preparations, on which occasions his officers pointed out to him which
+were the best, explaining what birds or flesh they were composed of. It is
+said that the flesh of young children was sometimes dressed for his table;
+but after Cortes had spoken to him respecting the barbarity of this
+inhuman custom, it was no longer practised in the palace. The ordinary
+meats were domestic fowls, pheasants, geese, partridges, quails, venison,
+Indian hogs or _pecaris_, pigeons, hares, rabbits and many other animals
+and birds peculiar to the country; the various meats being served up on
+black and red earthen-ware made at Cholula. In the cold weather while at
+his meals, a number of torches were lighted up, of the bark of a tree
+which has an aromatic smell and gives no smoke; and to prevent the glare
+and heat of those from being troublesome, rich screens ornamented with
+gold and paintings of their idols were interposed between Montezuma and
+the torches. At his meals he was seated on a low throne or chair, at a
+table of proportional height covered with white cloths and napkins, four
+beautiful women attending to present him with water for his hands, in
+vessels named _xicales_, having plates under them, after which they gave
+him towels to dry his hands. Two other women attended with small cakes of
+bread; and when he began to eat, a large screen of gilt wood was placed
+before him, to prevent him from being seen. Four ancient nobles, who were
+his relations and served as councillors and judges, stood beside the
+throne, with whom he occasionally conversed, giving them a part of what he
+was eating, which they received with profound respect, and eat without
+lifting their eyes from the ground. Fruit of all kinds produced in the
+country was served up to him at table, of which he eat in great moderation;
+and a certain liquor prepared from cocoa, said to be of a stimulant and
+strengthening nature, was presented to him from time to time in golden
+cups. All the time he continued at table his guards and all others in or
+near his apartment had to preserve the most profound silence, under pain
+of death. Owing to the before-mentioned screen which concealed him from
+public view, we could not see all the circumstances here described from
+information. But I noticed above fifty jars of foaming chocolate brought
+into the hall, some of which was presented to him by the female attendants.
+During the repast, various Indians were introduced at intervals for his
+amusement: Some of these were hump-backed, ugly, and deformed, who played
+various tricks of buffoonery, and we were told that others were jesters,
+besides which there were companies of singers and dancers in which he was
+said to take great delight; and to all these he ordered vases of chocolate
+to be distributed. When the repast was ended, the four female attendants
+already mentioned, after removing the cloths, presented him again with
+water to wash his hands, during which he continued his conversation with
+the four old nobles, who then took their leaves with much ceremony. He was
+then presented with three small hollow canes highly ornamented, containing
+an herb called tobacco mixed with liquid amber; and when he was satisfied
+with the buffoons, dancers, and singers, he smoked for a short time from
+one of these canes, and then laid himself to sleep. I forgot to mention in
+its proper place that, during the time of dinner, two beautiful women were
+employed in making certain small delicately white cakes, of eggs and other
+ingredients, which they presented on plates covered with napkins to
+Montezuma; and then another kind of bread was brought to him in long
+loaves, as likewise plates of a kind of cakes resembling wafers or
+pancakes. When Montezuma had concluded his meal, all his guards and
+domestics sat down to dinner, and as well as I could judge, above a
+thousand dishes of the various eatables already mentioned were served up
+to them, with immense quantities of fruit, and numerous vessels of foaming
+chocolate. His establishment, including his women and inferior servants of
+all kinds, was amazingly numerous, and must have occasioned prodigious
+expence, yet the most perfect regularity was preserved amid that vast
+profusion. The steward of his household, or major-domo, was at this time a
+prince named _Tapiea_, who kept an account of all the royal rents in a set
+of books or symbolical representations which occupied an entire house.
+
+Connected with the palace of Montezuma there were two large buildings
+filled with every kind of arms, both offensive and defensive, some of
+which were richly ornamented with gold and jewels; such as large and small
+shields, some of the latter being so contrived as to roll up in a small
+compass, and to let fall in action so as to cover the whole body; much
+defensive armour of quilted cotton, ornamented with various devices in
+feather work; helmets or casques for the head made of wood and bone,
+adorned with plumes of feathers; immense quantities of bows, arrows, darts,
+and slings; lances having stone heads or blades six feet long, so strong
+as not to break when fixed in a shield, and as sharp as razors; clubs or
+two-handed swords, having edges of sharp stones; and many other articles
+which I cannot enumerate. In the palace there was a magnificent aviary,
+containing every kind of bird to be found in all the surrounding country,
+from large eagles down to the smallest paroquets of beautiful plumage. In
+this place the ornamental feather-work so much in repute among the
+Mexicans, was fabricated, the feathers for this purpose being taken from
+certain birds called _Quetzales_, and others, having green, red, white,
+yellow, and blue feathers, about the size of our Spanish pyes, the name of
+which I have forgot. There were also great numbers of parrots, and geese
+of fine plumage; all these birds breeding in the royal aviary, and being
+annually stripped of their feathers at the proper season, to supply the
+workers in feather-work. There was likewise a large pond of clear water,
+in which were kept a number of large birds of a red colour with very long
+legs, resembling those called _Ipiris_ in Cuba, and called flamingos by
+the Spaniards. In another great building we saw a temple dedicated to the
+war gods, in which were kept great numbers of ferocious beasts, as tigers,
+lions of two species, one of which called _Adive_ resembled a wolf; also
+foxes, and other smaller animals, all of them carnivorous. Most of these
+were bred in this menagerie, and were fed upon game, fowls, and dogs, and,
+as I was informed, on the bodies of the sacrificed human victims. Their
+manner of sacrifice was said to be as follows: They open the breasts of
+the living victim with large stone knives, offering his heart and blood to
+their gods; they feast on the head and limbs, giving the bodies to be
+devoured by the wild beasts, and hanging up the skulls in the temples as
+trophies of their misguided piety. In this place likewise there were many
+vipers and serpents, the most dangerous of which have a kind of rattle on
+their tails, making a noise like our castanets. These are kept in vessels
+filled with feathers, where they breed, and are fed with human flesh and
+the carcases of dogs. I was assured, after our expulsion from Mexico, that
+these animals were fed for many days on the bodies of our companions who
+perished on that occasion. These ravenous beasts and horrid reptiles are
+fit companions for their infernal deities; and when they yelled and hissed,
+that part of the palace might be likened to hell itself.
+
+The town in which most of the Mexican artists resided was called
+_Azcapozalco_, about a league from the city of Mexico, in which were many
+shops and manufactories of those who wrought in gold, silver, and
+jewellery, whose productions surprised the ablest Spanish artist on being
+carried over to Spain. Their painters were also exceedingly expert, as may
+be judged from what we still see among them; as there are now three Indian
+painters in Mexico, named Marcos de Aquino, Juan de la Cruz, and Grespillo,
+who are not inferior to Michael Angelo or Berreguete among the moderns,
+and might even have vied with Apelles. The fine cotton manufactures of the
+Mexicans were principally brought from the province of Costitlan. The
+women likewise of Montezumas family of all ranks, were exceedingly expert
+in these kinds of work, and were continually employed; as were also
+certain females who lived together in a kind of secluded societies, like
+our nuns. One division of the city was entirely inhabited by Montezumas
+dancers and posture-makers; some of whom danced like those Italians whom
+we call _Matachines_; others played various tricks by means of sticks
+which they balanced in many curious ways; and others had a strange manner
+of flying in the air. Montezuma had also great numbers of carpenters and
+handicrafts of various descriptions continually employed in his service.
+His gardens were of great extent, irrigated by means of canals, and shaded
+by an infinite variety of trees; having stone baths, pavilions for
+entertainments or retirement, theatres for shows and for the singers and
+dancers, and many other particulars, all of which were kept in the nicest
+order by a great number of labourers who were constantly at work.
+
+Four days after our arrival in Mexico, Cortes sent a message to Montezuma
+by Aguilar, Donna Marina, and a young page named Orteguilla, who already
+began to understand the language, requesting permission to take a view of
+the city, which was immediately granted; but as he was afraid we might
+offer some insult to his temple, he went thither in person attended by a
+great retinue, and in similar pomp as when he came to meet us on entering
+Mexico; two nobles preceding the cavalcade carrying sceptres in their
+hands, as a signal of the approach of the monarch. Montezuma was carried
+in his magnificent litter, carrying a small rod in his hand, half of which
+was gold and the other half wood: and on coming to the temple, he quitted
+the litter and walked up the steps attended by many priests, where he
+offered incense and performed many ceremonies in honour of his war gods.
+Cortes marched at the head of his small band of cavalry, followed by most
+of the infantry under arms, into the great square, accompanied by many of
+the court nobles; where we were astonished at the prodigious crowds of
+people, the vast quantities of merchandize exposed for sale, and the
+amazing regularity which everywhere prevailed; all of which our Mexican
+attendants carefully pointed out to us. Every different commodity had its
+own particular place, which was distinguished by an appropriate sign or
+emblem. There were dealers in gold, silver, feathers, jewels, mantles,
+chocolate, skins both dressed and undressed, sandals, manufactures of the
+roots and fibres of _nequen_, and so forth. In one place great numbers of
+male and female slaves were exposed for sale, most of whom were fastened
+by the neck in leather collars to long poles. The market for provisions
+was amply stocked with fowls, game, dogs, vegetables, fruit, articles of
+food ready dressed, salt, bread, honey, sweet pastry or confectionary of
+various kinds, and many other articles. Other parts of the great square
+were appropriated for the sale of earthen ware, wooden furniture, such as
+tables and benches, fire-wood, paper, hollow canes filled with tobacco and
+liquid amber ready for smoking, copper axes, working tools of various
+kinds, wooden vessels richly painted, and the like. In another part many
+women sold fish, and small loaves of a kind of mud taken out of the lake
+resembling cheese. The makers of stone blades were employed in shaping
+them out of the rough materials. The dealers in gold had the native metal
+in grains as it comes from the mines, in transparent tubes or quills, so
+that it could easily be seen; and the gold was valued at so many mantles,
+or so many xiquipils of cocoa nuts, in proportion to the size of the
+quills. The great square was enclosed all round by piazas, under which
+there were great stores of grain, and shops for various kinds of goods. On
+the borders of the adjoining canals there were boats loaded with human
+ordure, used in tanning leather, and on all the public roads there were
+places built of canes and thatched with straw or grass, for the
+convenience of passengers in order to collect this material. In one part
+of the square was a court of justice having three judges, and their
+inferior officers were employed in perambulating the market, preserving
+order, and inspecting the various articles.
+
+After having satisfied our curiosity in the square, we proceeded to the
+great temple, where we went through a number of large courts, the smallest
+of which seemed to me larger than the great square of Salamanca, the
+courts being either paved with large cut white stones, or plastered and
+polished, the whole very clean, and inclosed by double walls of stone and
+lime. On coming to the gate of the great temple, which was ascended by 114
+steps, Montezuma sent six priests and two nobles to carry up Cortes, which
+he declined. On ascending to the summit, which consisted of a broad
+platform, we observed the large stones on which the victims were placed
+for sacrifice, near which was a monstrous figure resembling a dragon, and
+much blood appeared to have been recently spilt. Montezuma came out of an
+adoratory or recess, in which the accursed idols were kept, and expressed
+his apprehension to Cortes that he must be fatigued by the ascent, to
+which Cortes answered that we were never fatigued. Montezuma, taking our
+general by the hand, pointed out to him the different quarters of the city,
+and the towns in the neighbourhood, all of which were distinctly seen from
+this commanding eminence. We had a distinct view of the three causeways by
+which Mexico communicated with the land, and of the aqueduct of
+Chapoltepec, which conveyed an abundant supply of the finest water to the
+city. The numbers of canoes which were continually seen passing between
+Mexico and all the towns on the borders of the lake, carrying provisions
+and merchandise, was really astonishing. We could see, as we had been
+often told, that most of the houses of this great city, and of the others
+in the neighbourhood which were built in the water, stood apart from each
+other, their only communication being by means of drawbridges or canoes,
+and that all their roofs were terraced and battlemented. We saw numerous
+temples and adoratories in the great city below, on the causeways, and in
+the adjacent cities, all resembling so many fortresses with towers,
+wonderfully brilliant, being all whitewashed. The noise and bustle of the
+market in the great square just below, was so great that it might easily
+have been heard almost at the distance of a league; and some of our
+companions who had seen both Rome and Constantinople, declared they had
+not seen any thing comparable in these cities, for convenient and regular
+distribution or numbers of people.
+
+After having admired the magnificent prospect around, Cortes requested of
+Montezuma to shew us their gods. After consulting with his priests, he led
+us into a kind of saloon in a tower, having a timber roof richly wrought,
+under which stood two altars highly adorned, and behind these two gigantic
+figures resembling very fat men. That on the right was _Huitzilopochtli_,
+the god of war, having a broad face and terrible eyes, all covered over
+with gold and jewels, and having his body twisted round with golden
+serpents. His right hand held a bow, and in his left there was a bundle of
+arrows. Round his neck was a string of the figures of human heads and
+hearts made of pure gold, intermixed with precious stones of a blue colour.
+Close by him stood a small image representing his page, carrying a lance
+and shield richly adorned with gold and jewels. Before the great idol
+stood a pan of fire, in which three hearts of human victims were then
+burning along with copal. The whole walls and floor of the apartment was
+stained with human blood, and had a most offensive smell, worse than any
+slaughter-house. On the left of Huitzilopochtli stood another gigantic
+figure, having a countenance like a bear, with great shining eyes. The
+name of this last was _Tezcatlipoca_, who was said to be the god of the
+infernal regions, and to preside over the souls of men[1]. He was likewise
+considered as the brother of the god of war. His body was covered all over
+with figures representing little devils with tails of serpents, and was
+richly adorned with gold and jewels. Before this idol lay an offering of
+five human hearts. On the summit of the whole temple was a recess having
+its wood-work very highly ornamented, where we saw a figure half human and
+the rest like an alligator, all inlaid with jewels, and partly covered by
+a mantle. He was considered as the germ and origin of all created things,
+and was worshipped as the god of harvests and fruits. Here likewise the
+walls and altar were stained with blood like the others, and so offensive
+that we were glad to retire in all haste. In this place there stood a drum
+of prodigious size, the head of which was made of the skin of a large
+serpent, which resounded, when struck, with a noise that might be heard at
+the distance of two leagues, and gave out a sound so doleful, that it
+might be named the drum of hell. This dreadful drum, the horrid sound of
+their horns and trumpets, and the shocking sight of their great
+sacrificial knives, the remnants of human victims, and their blood-stained
+altars and fanes, made me anxious to get away from this horrible scene of
+human butchery, detestable smells, and abominable sights.
+
+Addressing himself to Montezuma, half jest half earnest, Cortes expressed
+his astonishment how so wise a prince could adore such absurd and wicked
+gods; and proposed to substitute the cross on the summit of the tower, and
+the images of the Holy Virgin and her ever-blessed SON in the adoratories,
+instead of those horrid idols, assuring him that he would soon be
+convinced of the vanity of his idolatry, and the deception practised on
+him by these inhuman priests. Montezuma was much displeased with these
+expressions, saying that he would not have admitted us to the temple if he
+had known we were to insult his gods, who dispensed health, good harvests,
+seasonable weather, and victory, and whom they were bound in duty and
+gratitude to adore. Cortes dropped the subject and proposed to withdraw,
+to which Montezuma assented, observing that he must remain, and atone by
+an expiatory sacrifice for having admitted us into the temple. Cortes then
+took leave of the king, and we descended the steps, to the great
+inconvenience of our invalids. If I am not quite so correct as I wish and
+ought to be in many of the things which I relate and describe, I must beg
+my readers to consider the situation in which I then served, being under
+the necessity of giving more attention to the orders of my officers than
+to the surrounding objects of curiosity. The temple which we had just
+visited covered a prodigious extent of ground, and diminished gradually
+from the base to the platform on the top, having five concavities like
+barbicans between the middle and the top, but without parapets. On the
+broad platform of the summit there was a tower in which the images were
+placed. But as there are many paintings of temples in the possession of
+the conquerors, one of which I have, it will be easy to form an idea of
+the structure of this temple from these representations[2]. It was said by
+the Mexicans, that numerous offerings of gold, silver, jewels, productions
+of the earth, and human victims were deposited under the foundations of
+this great temple at the time of its erection; and it is certain, when the
+ground on which it stood was afterwards dug up for the church of St Jago,
+that we found great quantities of gold, silver, and other valuables on
+sinking the new foundations. A Mexican also, who obtained a grant of part
+of this ground, discovered a considerable treasure, about which there was
+a law-suit for the royal interest. This account was confirmed by King
+Guatimotzin, who assured us that the circumstances were recorded in
+ancient historical paintings. At a small distance from the great temple,
+there stood a tower, having a gate or entrance always open, like the mouth
+of an enormous monster, ready to devour those who entered this hell or
+habitation of the demons. At this horrible door there stood many frightful
+idols, beside which there was a place for sacrifice, and within there were
+pots full of water ready to boil the flesh of the victims, which formed
+the horrible repasts of the priests. The idols were like serpents and
+devils, and the place, all smeared over with human blood, was furnished
+with knives for sacrifice like the slaughter-house of a butcher. In
+another part of the buildings there were great piles of wood, and a
+reservoir of water supplied by a pipe from the great aqueduct of
+Chapoltepec. In one of the courts there was a temple, all besmeared with
+blood and soot, surrounded by the tombs of the Mexican nobility. In
+another court there were immense piles of human bones, all regularly
+arranged. Every temple had its peculiar idols, and each its regular
+establishment of priests, who were dressed in long black vestments,
+something between the dress of our canons and the Dominican friars. They
+all wore their hair long and clotted with blood, and their ears were all
+lacerated in honour of their abominable idols. At some distance from the
+temple of the tombs, there was another of which the idols were said to
+preside over marriages; and all the courts were surrounded by low houses
+for the priests and their numerous assistants. Hard by these was a large
+building in which great numbers of the Mexican young women resided, as in
+a nunnery, till they were married. They were devoted to the worship of two
+female deities, who presided over marriages, to whom they sacrificed in
+order to obtain good husbands. I have thus been diffuse in describing this
+great temple, as it was by far the largest and most splendid in Mexico;
+yet the temple of Cholula was still higher, having 120 steps. This was
+built on a different plan from that of Mexico, and was held in high
+veneration by the natives. The temple of Tezcuco also was very large,
+being ascended by 117 steps, and all these differed in their structure,
+though they all agreed in having a number of outer courts, and a double
+inclosure. Every province of this country had its own peculiar gods, who
+were supposed to have no concern with those of other provinces, so that
+its gods and idols were quite innumerable. Having effectually fatigued
+ourselves in examining the objects I have just described, we retired to
+our quarters.
+
+As Montezuma was entirely adverse to the proposal of Cortes for converting
+the great temple of Mexico into a Christian church, he was exceedingly
+desirous to have a chapel and altar in our quarters, and made application
+to Montezuma through one of his principal nobles to have materials for
+this purpose. This request was immediately complied with, and as abundance
+of timber and native workmen were sent immediately, it was completed in
+three days. In this new chapel mass was celebrated every day, though we
+lamented the want of wine for the holy eucharist, as it had been all
+expended during the illness of Cortes, Olmedo, and others, while we were
+in the dominions of Tlascala. We were extremely regular in our devotions,
+both because it was our duty, and that we might impress a favourable
+opinion of our holy religion on Montezuma and his subjects. While our
+carpenters were looking out for a proper place in which to fix the holy
+cross of our chapel, they observed the appearance of a door in one of the
+walls of our quarters which had been closed up. Cortes caused this to be
+privately opened, and an apartment was found within, in which countless
+riches were deposited. The secret soon transpired, and we went all to view
+the concealed treasury. I was then a young man, and it seemed to me that
+all the treasures of the world gathered together could not have reached
+the amount of what we then saw. It was thought prudent to close up the
+door of this place, and to conceal our knowledge of it and its contents to
+a proper opportunity.
+
+About this time Cortes convened a council of four captains and twelve
+soldiers, of those in whom he had most confidence, among whom I was, in
+order to consult upon our present situation and future procedure. Having
+duly considered how obviously we had been hitherto guided and preserved by
+the mercy of GOD, and how the natives, though now kind, might soon change
+through their native fickleness, and notwithstanding the present
+hospitality of Montezuma, he might at any time plot our destruction, we
+unanimously resolved, on the suggestion of Cortes, that the most effectual
+measure for our security was to make that monarch our prisoner and the
+guarantee of our safety. We knew not but we might all be poisoned in our
+food, and no gift which he could make us, not even all his fathers
+treasures which we had just discovered, could compensate to us for the
+continual alarms in which we lived. Some of the officers present at the
+council, proposed to induce Montezuma by some plausible pretext to come to
+our quarters, when we could easily seize him without resistance or danger.
+It was observed by some of our soldiers, that we were not now so
+plentifully supplied with provisions by the royal officers as at our first
+coming; and that our interpreter, Aguilar, had been secretly informed by
+two of our Tlascalan allies, that they had noticed several indications of
+evil intentions towards us among the Mexicans, for the last two days.
+After a long consultation, we agreed to adjourn the consideration of the
+means of executing our resolution till next day; and in the meantime the
+reverend Father Olmedo was consulted on the subject, and we prayed GOD to
+guide and direct our proceedings for the best, in our present ticklish and
+dangerous situation. Next day, two Tlascalans arrived secretly with
+letters from Villa Rica, with an account that Escalente and six Spaniards
+had been slain in a battle with the Mexicans, and that the inhabitants of
+Chempoalla and the neighbouring mountains, who had submitted to us, had
+revolted back to the Mexican government, refusing to supply provisions, or
+to work on the fortifications, insomuch, that the remaining garrison of
+Villa Rica were in much distress and knew not how to act. These letters
+said likewise, that the high opinion which the natives had adopted with
+respect to the Spaniards was much altered for the worse, since they found
+they could be killed like other men. This intelligence gave us much
+affliction. It was the first defeat we had experienced since our landing;
+and had produced a most alarming change in our situation, and in the
+opinions of the Mexicans. Before this, we were in possession of wealth,
+and were considered as invulnerable, and almost like demigods; but were
+now lowered in the estimation of the natives, almost to a level with
+themselves, in whose power we were. It now seemed more necessary than ever
+to our very existence that we should secure the person of Montezuma;
+considering that if we failed in the attempt, we might as well perish in
+what seemed our only chance of safety, as wait to be overwhelmed by the
+whole power of the Mexican empire. Before I proceed to narrate the sequel
+of our transactions in Mexico, I shall give an account of the misfortune
+which befel Escalente[3].
+
+It has been already mentioned, that about thirty native chiefs of
+districts in the neighbourhood of Villa Rica, had voluntarily submitted to
+our government at Chiahuitztla. After our little army had penetrated to
+the capital of the Mexican empire, the commander of a garrison belonging
+to Montezuma endeavoured to levy contributions from some of these our new
+subjects: and when this was represented to Escalente, who commanded at
+Villa Rica, he sent orders to the Mexican officers to desist, as otherwise
+he would be under the necessity of chastising them, though he wished to
+remain in peace and friendship with the subjects of Mexico. To this the
+Mexican officers sent a haughty reply, saying that he would find them in
+the field. On receiving this answer, Escalente, who was a brave man, set
+out with forty of his own soldiers, and two thousand of our allies of the
+Totanaca nation to march against the Mexicans, whom he found pillaging the
+country, and immediately attacked them. Our allies were always afraid of
+the Mexicans, and fled at the first shower of arrows, leaving the
+Spaniards to get out of the scrape as well as they might. They made their
+retreat with great difficulty to Villa Rica[4], where Escalente and six of
+his soldiers died of their wounds. A Spanish soldier named Arguello, of
+great bodily strength, with a large head, and thick frizzled beard, was
+taken alive, but died of his wounds. The Mexican captains reported the
+whole of this affair to Montezuma, to whom they brought the head of
+Arguello; and it is said that Montezuma trembled when he beheld it, and
+ordered it to be taken out of the way. He reproached his captains for not
+having overwhelmed the whole of that small number of Spaniards with their
+numerous forces; but they alleged that a supernatural being fought against
+them, assisting and encouraging the Spaniards, and struck terror into
+their men.
+
+Having finally resolved to seize Montezuma, we spent the whole night
+before proceeding on that hazardous enterprize in earnest prayer to GOD,
+that what we were about to do might redound to his holy service; and in
+the morning we arranged the manner in which this our resolution was to be
+executed. Our cavalry and infantry were all ordered to be in readiness for
+instant action, and as it was usual with us to go always fully armed, this
+circumstance gave no suspicion to the Mexicans. Leaving the whole of his
+forces prepared to act in case of need, Cortes proceeded to the palace,
+attended by five of his captains, Alvarado, Sandoval, De Leon, De Lugo,
+and Avila[5], with the interpreters Donna Marina and Aguilar, having
+first sent a message to the king, intimating his intention to wait upon
+him. Montezuma supposed that this visit of Cortes was on occasion of the
+affair which had lately occurred at Chiahuitztla, and that our general was
+much displeased on that account, yet sent back that he would be glad to
+see him. Our general, _and we that were with him_, immediately went to the
+royal apartment, and after paying his respects as usual, Cortes addressed
+Montezuma to the following effect through his interpreters: "He was
+astonished that so brave and magnanimous a monarch, who had shewn so much
+friendship for us on all occasions, should have clandestinely given orders
+to his troops in _Totonacapan_[6] to make an attack upon the Spaniards
+whom he had left at Villa Rica, in which one of them had been killed, and
+our allies the Totonacas had been pillaged and destroyed without mercy."
+Cortes intentionally concealed the death of Escalente and his six soldiers,
+not wishing that the extent of our loss on this occasion should be known
+to the Mexicans. He then charged Montezuma as the author of the treachery
+which had been attempted against us in Cholula, saying, that he had
+hitherto refrained from speaking on that subject, from motives of esteem
+and respect; but, from the late hostile attack by his governor of
+Totonacapan, and having learned that the officers of the court were
+plotting to cut us off in Mexico, it became necessary for us to use
+effectual measures to secure our safety. For this purpose therefore, and
+in order to prevent the ruin of the city of Mexico, it was necessary that
+his majesty should go immediately to our quarters, assuring him if he gave
+the smallest alarm, or made any resistance, the officers and soldiers then
+present would put him instantly to death. On hearing this proposal
+Montezuma was so petrified with terror and amazement that he seemed to
+have lost all sensation for a time. After recovering a little, he
+positively denied having given any orders to Quauhpopoca the governor of
+Nauhtlan to attack our troops under Escalente; and taking from his wrist
+the signet of Huitzilopochtli, which he employed on all occasions of
+importance to confirm and enforce his orders, he gave it to one of his
+officers whom he commanded to bring Quauhpopoca to court without delay to
+answer for his conduct. Then assuming a dignified air, he declined the
+proposal of quitting his palace with disdain, declaring that he would not
+be constrained to take so humiliating a step. Cortes endeavoured to
+explain the necessity of his immediate compliance, and the king persisted
+in his refusal, so that the conversation drew to considerable length, half
+an hour at least having elapsed. The captains who accompanied Cortes
+became impatient of delay, fearing that great numbers of the Mexicans
+might collect to the rescue of their sovereign, and that we should be
+oppressed under superior force. In this dilemma, De Leon exclaimed in his
+rough voice to Cortes: "Why, Sir, do you waste so many words? Tell him,
+that if he does not instantly yield himself our prisoner, we will plunge
+our swords into his body: Let us now assure our lives or perish."
+Montezuma was much struck with the manner in which De Leon expressed
+himself, and asked Donna Marina what he had said. She answered with much
+discretion, by mildly advising him to consent immediately to go along with
+us, assuring him that he would be treated with all the honour and respect
+he could desire, whereas she was convinced we would put him to death if he
+refused or even hesitated. Montezuma then offered to put his legitimate
+son and two daughters into the hands of Cortes, as hostages, and earnestly
+entreated that he might not be exposed before his subjects as a prisoner.
+But Cortes assured him that nothing short of what had been originally
+proposed could satisfy us, and that all remonstrances were unavailing. At
+last he was obliged to consent, saying, "I trust myself with you, let us
+go! let us go! since the gods will have it so." Our captains gave him
+every assurance of their perfect esteem and respect, begging of him not to
+be offended at their conduct, which was indispensably necessary to their
+own safety, and requested that he would say to his officers that he went
+of his own free will, and by the advice of his gods and priests. His
+magnificent state litter was now brought for his accommodation, and he
+proceeded to our quarters in his accustomed pomp, attended by his guards,
+where he was received and entertained with every mark of respect; yet our
+posts and centinels were properly placed in every direction to guard
+against his escape or rescue. He was soon waited on by the princes of his
+family, and all the principal Mexican nobles, who came to inquire the
+reason of this change of abode, and whether it was his wish that they
+should attack us. But he told them that he intended to remain with us for
+a few days, and commanded them to take no steps which might disturb the
+peace of the city.
+
+Thus we accomplished the seizure of the great Montezuma. He was attended
+in our quarters with the same magnificence as in his own palace; his wives,
+family, and officers being constantly with him, and having always twenty
+chiefs or counsellors in his presence. He bathed twice a-day, and appeared
+calm and resigned to his fate. Ambassadors came to him from all the
+provinces of his empire; some to deliver the accustomed tribute, and
+others to transact various affairs of importance, all of which was
+dispatched in the usual manner. I perfectly remember that however great
+might be the princes or chiefs who had to wait upon him, they always took
+off their rich dresses and put on plain and coarse _nequen_ clothes, and
+came into the royal apartments in this habit, barefooted, not entering
+directly, but making a circuit by the wall. On entering the presence they
+kept their eyes cast down on the ground, and after three profound
+reverences, always began their addresses in these words, _lord! my lord!
+great lord!_ They then displayed certain cloths before him, on which the
+business they came upon was represented by painting, the particulars of
+which they explained pointing out the figures by means of nicely polished
+rods or wands. While this was going on, two old nobles always stood beside
+the king, who attentively considered every circumstance, on which they
+gave him their opinions, and he then dispatched the affair in few words.
+The person who had the business with the king then withdrew without reply,
+making three profound reverences as before, always keeping his eyes on the
+ground, and his face to the throne till out of sight. On leaving the royal
+apartments, they reassumed their rich dresses, in which they walked about
+the city.
+
+The messengers who had been dispatched with the royal signet to arrest the
+officers against whom Cortes had complained for the attack on Escalente,
+soon returned with them to Mexico. I know not what passed in the royal
+presence when they appeared before the king; but he sent them immediately
+to Cortes to do with them as he pleased. On their examination, when the
+king was not present, they avowed all that had happened in Totonacapan,
+but said that they had acted by orders from Montezuma, by whom they had
+been commanded to levy the royal tribute, and even to attack the Spaniards
+if they should support the refractory subjects of the empire. On Montezuma
+being charged with this, he endeavoured to exculpate himself; but Cortes
+told him, that although his participation in the guilt of his officers was
+apparent, and although he had been commanded by his own sovereign to
+punish with death all who had inflicted death on any of the Spaniards, yet
+he had so great a regard for his majesty, that he would sooner loose his
+own life than do him any injury. Notwithstanding these assurances,
+Montezuma was in great fear of being put to death. Cortes sentenced the
+Mexican officers to be burnt alive in front of their kings palace, which
+was immediately carried into execution; and to prevent any commotion while
+this was taking place, he ordered Montezuma to be put in irons. The
+unfortunate king could not suppress his sense of this indignity, and wept
+aloud when the fetters were put on. After the execution was over, Cortes
+went into the apartment of Montezuma, attended by his five captains
+formerly mentioned, and took off the irons with his own hands, assuring
+him with a cordial embrace, that he loved him more even than a brother,
+and that he hoped soon to extend his dominions to more than double their
+present size. He is said also to have told him that he was now at liberty
+to return to his own palace, if he so wished; but we understood that
+Cortes ordered the interpreters to inform Montezuma, that he was inclined
+to set him at liberty, but that the other officers refused their consent.
+The spirit of the unfortunate king was now entirely subdued, and the tears
+ran down his cheeks while Cortes was speaking: He declined the offer with
+thanks, well knowing the emptiness of his words; adding, that he thought
+it most prudent to remain where he was, to prevent an insurrection in the
+city. Montezuma requested Cortes to give him his page, Orteguilla, a youth
+who had already made considerable progress in the Mexican language. Cortes
+immediately complied, and Orteguilla remained afterwards constantly about
+the kings person, as Montezuma took great delight in inquiring from him
+many particulars respecting the manners and customs of Europe; and, from
+his knowledge of the language, Orteguilla was of great service to us in
+the sequel, by communicating every circumstance that was of importance for
+us to be made acquainted with. Montezuma continued to reside among us,
+always treated with the utmost respect and attention, as no officer and
+soldier, even Cortes, ever came into his presence or even passed him,
+without taking of his helmet. He always treated us in return with much
+courtesey.
+
+The Mexican officers who were publickly executed, were four in number. Of
+these Quauhpopoca was the principal, two of the others were named _Coatl_
+and _Quiabuitl,_ but I have forgot the name of the fourth[7]. As soon as
+this punishment was made known throughout the provinces of the Mexican
+empire, it occasioned universal terror among the natives, and the people
+of Tontonacapan immediately returned to submission to our garrison at
+Villa Rica.--Let me now pause, and request my readers to consider the
+train of our heroic acts which I have already related. _First_, we
+destroyed our ships, by which we cut off all hope of retreat. _Secondly_,
+we entered the city of Mexico, in spite of the many alarming warnings we
+had received. _Thirdly_, we made Montezuma, the sovereign of that great
+and populous empire, a prisoner, in the midst of his own palace and
+capital, surrounded by numerous guards. _Fourthly_, we publickly burnt his
+officers in front of his palace, and put the king in irons during the
+execution. I now frequently revolve upon these great events in my old age,
+which still appear as fresh in my memory as if they had only happened
+yesterday. I say to myself, it was not we who did those mighty things, but
+we were guided therein by the hand of God. For without his direction, how
+was it to be conceived that so small a number as we were, not amounting to
+four hundred and fifty men, should have dared to seize and put in irons,
+and publickly burn his officers for obeying his orders, in a city larger
+and more populous than Venice, and 1500 leagues from our own country.
+
+It was necessary to appoint a successor in the command at Villa Rica, and
+accordingly Cortes gave the command to Alonzo de Grado, an indifferent
+soldier, but a good speaker, a handsome man, a musician, and a ready
+writer, who had always been adverse to our marching to Mexico, and was the
+chief orator on these occasions, in conveying the sentiments of the
+opposite party to Cortes. On notifying this appointment, Cortes said to
+him jocularly, "Senior de Grado, you are now commandant of Villa Rica. See
+that you fortify it well; but I charge you not to go to war with the
+wicked Indians, lest they kill you as they have done Juan de Escalente."
+This was said ironically, as Cortes well knew he would not venture out of
+his garrison for any consideration. As we noticed the concealed meaning of
+Cortes in these words, we could hardly refrain from laughing aloud. He
+then enjoined him to be kind to the natives, and to protect them from
+oppression; to use all diligence in completing the fortifications of the
+wooden fort, and to cause two large chains to be made from the old iron of
+the destroyed ships, by the smiths at Villa Rica, which were to be sent
+immediately to Mexico. De Grado, on arriving at his government, assumed a
+lofty demeanour, and ordered the neighbouring Indians who were allied with
+us, to send him gold and females slaves, neglecting the fortifications,
+and spending his time in feasting and deep play. What was still worse, he
+plotted with the adherents of Velasquez to deliver up to him the post with
+which he had been entrusted. When Cortes learned these things, he repented
+of having employed a person whose bad dispositions he well knew in a post
+of so much importance, and sent therefore Sandoval, our alguazil-major to
+supersede him. Sandoval was accompanied by Pedro de Ircio, who used to
+amuse him with anecdotes of the families of the Conde de Ureno and Don
+Pedro Giron, by which means he gained the favour of Sandoval, who never
+ceased promoting him till he got him to the rank of captain. On his
+arrival at Villa Rica, Sandoval arrested De Grado, and sent him prisoner
+to Mexico, under a guard of Indians, by order of Cortes, who would not see
+him on his arrival, but ordered him to be confined in the stocks, where he
+remained two days. De Grado afterwards made his peace, and got the office
+of contador, in place of Avila, who was sent over to Hispaniola as
+procurador. Sandoval made himself exceedingly popular among the natives in
+the neighbourhood of Villa Rica, and diligently applied to complete the
+fortifications. He likewise sent to Mexico by order of the general, all
+the ironwork necessary for the construction of two vessels which were
+ordered to be built for sailing on the lake.
+
+Every day after mass Cortes went with all his officers to pay his respects
+to Montezuma, asking his orders, the king always affecting to be perfectly
+contented with his situation. On these occasions the discourse frequently
+turned upon the principles of our holy faith, and the power of our emperor
+Don Carlos. At other times Montezuma and Cortes used to play at a game
+called _totoloque_ by the Mexicans, in which they aim with golden balls at
+certain other objects made of gold. Once, when Cortes and Alvarado were
+playing against Montezuma and his nephew, the king said in a jocular
+manner, that he would not allow _Tonatiu_, for so he called Alvarado on
+account of his handsomeness, to mark, as if he cheated; on which we all
+fell a laughing, as we knew Alvarado was rather given to exaggeration. On
+these occasions, Cortes gave all his winnings among the Mexican attendants
+of the king; and Montezuma distributed his among us soldiers of the guard.
+Indeed he every day made presents to all of us who attended him, and
+particularly to Velasquez de Leon, the captain of his guard, who always
+treated him with much respect and attention. One night, a soldier named
+Truxillo, was guilty of a very disrespectful action within his hearing, at
+which Montezuma was much offended, and asked the page Orteguilla who had
+committed this extreme rudeness. Orteguilla told him that Truxillo was a
+person of low birth, and knew no better, and then gave him an account of
+our different ranks and characters, by which he was much gratified. He
+sent next day for Truxillo, and after reproving him for his unmannerly
+behaviour, made him a present worth five crowns. Next night, Truxillo
+committed a similar rudeness, in hopes to get more gold, but Montezuma
+complained to De Leon, who ordered Truxillo to be relieved, after which he
+gave him a severe reprimand. Another night, a soldier named Pedro Lopez
+happened to be unwell, and cursed that dog of an Indian, meaning Montezuma,
+for occasioning so much trouble. The king overheard this and discovered
+its meaning, on which he complained to Cortes, who ordered the man to be
+whipped. After this, proper discipline and strict silence were preserved
+by the guard, which greatly pleased the king, who knew us all, and used to
+address us by our names, and was always very kind to us. I was then a
+young man, and always behaved to him with much respect. The page had
+informed him that I had been twice on the coast of his empire before the
+arrival of Cortes, and that I had desired him to say to his majesty that I
+would be much obliged to him for a handsome Indian girl. He very
+graciously complied with this request, and calling me before him,
+addressed me to the following effect: "Bernal Diaz, the young woman I now
+present to you is the daughter of one of my principal nobles; treat her
+well, and her relations will give you as much gold, and as many mantles as
+you can desire." I respectfully kissed his hand, thanking him for his
+gracious condescension, and prayed God to bless and prosper him. On which
+he observed, that my manner spoke me of noble extraction, and he ordered
+me three plates of gold, and two loads of mantles. In the morning, after
+his devotions, according to the manner of his country, Montezuma used to
+eat a light breakfast of vegetables seasoned with _agi,_ which is a kind
+of pepper. He then employed a full hour in the dispatch of business, in
+the way I have formerly mentioned, being attended at this time by twenty
+counsellors; and in this way, sometimes amusing himself, and sometimes
+meditating on his situation, he spent the time of his confinement among us.
+He had many mistresses, and he used often to give away some of these in
+marriage among his officers and particular friends. Some of these ladies
+fell to our lot, and the one I got was a lady of high birth, as she shewed
+by her manner; after her baptism she was called Donna Francisca.
+
+After the iron materials, with sails and cordage had arrived from Villa
+Rica, Cortes asked leave from Montezuma to build two brigantines for the
+purpose of his amusement on the lake, and also that he would order the
+native carpenters to assist in their construction. Montezuma readily
+consented, and as there was plenty of oak at no great distance, the work
+went on expeditiously under Martin Lopez our principal ship-builder, so
+that the two brigantines were soon built, launched, and rigged. While this
+was going on, Montezuma begged to be allowed to perform his devotions in
+the great temple, that his friends and subjects might be satisfied he
+lived among us by his own choice, and the permission of his gods. Cortes
+granted this, under a strict caution to beware of doing any thing that
+might bring his life in hazard, as he would send a strong guard along with
+him, with orders to put him to death instantly if any commotion should
+arise among the people. Cortes likewise insisted that no human sacrifices
+should be permitted on the occasion. All this being agreed to, Montezuma
+set out for the temple in his usual pomp, attended by four of our captains,
+and an hundred and fifty Spanish soldiers, Father Olmedo being likewise
+present, to prevent any human sacrifice. Montezuma came out of his litter
+near the temple, where he was met by a number of priests, who carried him
+up the steps. They had sacrificed four Indians the night before to their
+accursed idols, as all our endeavours were insufficient to stop that
+abominable practice, which we were forced to connive at for a season,
+being afraid to do any thing which might occasion an insurrection. After
+remaining a short time at his devotions, Montezuma came down from the
+temple, and returned to our quarters in much good humour, and made
+presents to all of us who had attended him.
+
+Our two brigantines were now afloat on the lake, fully equipped, and
+manned by expert sailors, and were found to obey both sail and oar to a
+wish. When Montezuma learnt this, he requested to go a-hunting to a
+certain district which was full of game, all other persons being
+prohibited from hunting there under pain of death. Cortes granted
+permission, giving warning that his life would pay the forfeit of the
+smallest attempt to escape, and offered him the use of our ships to convey
+him to the hunting ground, which he accepted with much pleasure. The king
+and his suit embarked in the swiftest of the two vessels, and the other
+accommodated his son and a number of nobles. Four of our captains attended
+the king, with a guard of two hundred soldiers, and four brass guns, with
+their ammunition and artillery-men, were embarked on the occasion. The wind
+was fresh, and our sailors took great delight in exerting their utmost
+skill. Our ships seemed to fly along the lake, and left a prodigious
+multitude of the canoes of the Mexicans far behind. Montezuma landed at
+the place kept for his hunting, which abounded in game, so that he soon
+procured a great quantity of various kinds, such as deer, hares, and
+rabbits; and having satisfied himself with sport, he reimbarked and came
+back to Mexico. We discharged our artillery during the voyage, which gave
+him much amusement. He delighted us all by his affability and noble
+behaviour, and was held by every one of us in the highest respect. It
+happened one day, while three of our captains were in his presence, that a
+hawk flew into the apartment in pursuit of a quail, both these birds and
+doves being bred about the palace. On this occasion our officers and
+soldiers admired the beauty and fine flight of the hawk, and Montezuma was
+curious to know the subject of their discourse: It was accordingly
+explained to him, as likewise that we were accustomed to tame hawks, and
+to fly them from our hands in pursuit of game. On this Montezuma gave
+immediate orders to have the hawk caught for us, and the very same bird
+was caught and brought to us next morning.
+
+Cacamatzin prince of Tezcuco, the largest town in the empire next to
+Mexico, took great umbrage at hearing that his uncle Montezuma had been
+kept many days prisoner by the Spaniards, and that we had opened the
+treasury of his ancestors. He therefore called a meeting of his principal
+vassals, and of the neighbouring princes or great feudatories of the
+Mexican empire, among whom was the lord of Matlatzinco, a renowned warrior
+and near relation of Montezuma, who was reported to have some pretensions
+to the throne. His intention in summoning these princes was to persuade
+them to assemble their forces, in order to attack us, and on making this
+proposal to the assembled chiefs, he of Matlatzinco offered to concur with
+his whole force, on condition that they would raise him to the throne of
+Mexico. But Cacamatzin alleged that he had a preferable claim to that
+dignity, and declared he would destroy the Spaniards with his own forces,
+for which purpose he entered into arrangements with his partizans in
+Mexico. The whole of this plan was reported to Montezuma, who immediately
+commanded his nephew Cacamatzin to desist from his preparations, and
+communicated the information he had received to Cortes, who had already
+received some notice of what was going forwards, but not to the full
+extent. Cortes immediately proposed to go at the head of a detachment of
+the Spaniards, and a large body of Mexican troops, and to destroy Tezcuco;
+but as this proposal did not please Montezuma, Cortes sent a message to
+Cacamatzin, requiring him to desist from his war-like preparations, and
+declaring his wish to have him for a friend. Cacamatzin answered, that he
+would not become the dupe of plausible words like others, and meant soon
+to pay us a visit, when he would listen to what we had to say. In a second
+message, Cortes warned him not to proceed to hostilities, which would
+certainly occasion the death of his uncle; but he replied, that he cared
+neither for Montezuma nor Cortes, and was determined to act as he thought
+proper.
+
+Cacamatzin had a brother named Cuitcuitzcatzin, who resided in Mexico,
+having been obliged to take refuge there in consequence of a family
+quarrel. As this was known to us, Cortes proposed that Cacamatzin should
+be brought to Mexico, where we would seize him unless he agreed to
+preserve the peace, or might substitute his brother in the government of
+Tezcuco. Montezuma agreed to send for him, and assured us if he refused to
+come, he would give orders to bring him by force. Cortes thanked the king
+for this instance of his fidelity, declaring that he now only remained in
+Mexico to protect him against his rebellious subjects, and would feel
+happy to reinstate him in his own palace, but could not prevail on the
+rest of the Spanish captains to agree to this measure. Montezuma said in
+reply, that he would immediately transmit information to Cacamatzin, that
+his present residence was entirely of his own free will, and by the advice
+of their gods; for Montezuma was perfectly aware of the simulation of
+Cortes in his declarations, and endeavoured to fight him with his own
+weapons. He accordingly sent a message to the prince in the proposed terms;
+but Cacamatzin understood the manner in which his uncle was constrained to
+act, and declared his determination to assail our quarters within four
+days, saying that Montezuma was a despicable monarch, for having neglected
+to attack us at the Port of Chalco, as he had advised. That he was
+resolved to be avenged of the wrongs which we had heaped upon Montezuma
+and his country, and that if the throne of Mexico should fall to his lot
+during the contest, he would liberally reward all who assisted him against
+the Spanish invaders. Several of the Mexican chiefs who were along with
+Cacamatzin, expressed their scruples about entering into war without the
+orders of their legitimate sovereign, and proposed to send to him for
+instructions. Cacamatzin was enraged at this proposal, as adverse to his
+views of assuming the crown of the Mexican empire, and immediately ordered
+three of the most refractory into custody; by which procedure the rest
+were intimidated into compliance with his plans. He then sent a message to
+Montezuma, representing the disgrace into which he had fallen, by joining
+himself with wizards and magicians, and declared his resolution to destroy
+us all. Montezuma was much offended by the proud independence assumed by
+his nephew, whom he now resolved to circumvent and make prisoner. For this
+purpose he entrusted his signet to six of his captains, whom he commanded
+to shew it to certain other leaders among his subjects, who were not well
+affected to the prince, and to communicate to them his orders to seize
+Cacamatzin and bring him prisoner to Mexico. These men went accordingly to
+where Cacamatzin was consulting with the confederate chiefs on the
+arrangement of his expedition; and shewing the royal signet with which
+they were entrusted, they secured him and five of his principal chiefs
+without opposition, and brought them away to Mexico. Cacamatzin, being
+brought into the presence of Montezuma, was reproached by him for his
+disobedience and treason, and then delivered over to Cortes; but the other
+prisoners were released.
+
+Arrangements were immediately made for raising Cuitcuitzcatzin, one of the
+brothers of Cacamatzin, to the principality of Tezcuco; who was
+accordingly invested with this dignity in the presence, of Montezuma, and
+sent over with a splendid retinue to take possession of the government[8].
+This important business being completed to our entire satisfaction, we
+continued to reside in Mexico, paying our court to Montezuma with the
+utmost demonstrations of respect, yet detaining him always a prisoner in
+our quarters.
+
+Cortes now resumed a proposal which had been formerly made, for Montezuma
+acknowledging the sovereignty of our emperor over him and his dominions;
+to which Montezuma replied, that he would summon a council of all his
+dependent princes, which he did accordingly, and almost the whole of them
+attended in the course of ten days. Among a few who absented themselves on
+this occasion, was the chief of Matlatzinco, who has been already
+mentioned as renowned for his warlike prowess. He sent back an answer,
+that he would neither obey the summons nor pay any more tribute. Montezuma
+was much incensed by this contumacious message from his vassal, and sent
+officers to apprehend him, but they were unable to succeed. The princes
+and feudatories being all assembled, Montezuma reminded them of the
+ancient prophecies, by which it was foretold to their ancestors, that a
+people was to come from the region of the rising sun, to whom the empire
+of the country was to be transferred. He added, that he believed the
+Spaniards to be the people spoken of in that prophecy; and had sacrificed
+to his gods in vain to give him a distinct revelation on the subject, but
+they referred him to the former responses, and commanded him to ask no
+more. From all this he concluded that they willed him to yield obedience
+to the king of Castile, who was the sovereign of these strangers. "I now,"
+said he in conclusion, "beseech you to agree to this submission, which is
+required of me by the Spaniards. During the eighteen years which I have
+reigned, I have ever been a kind monarch to you, and you have always been
+faithful subjects. Since our gods will have it so, let no one refuse this
+instance of obedience which I now ask." The princes, with many sighs and
+tears, promised to do every thing he might desire. Montezuma, who was
+still more affected than they, sent a message to inform Cortes, that he
+and his princes would tender their allegiance to our emperor next day.
+This was accordingly done at the time appointed, in presence of all our
+officers and many of our soldiers, none of whom could refrain from tears,
+at beholding the distress and agitation of the great and generous
+Montezuma on this humiliating occasion.
+
+Some time afterwards, when Cortes and his captains were conversing with
+Montezuma on various topics, the general made inquiry relative to the gold
+mines of the empire, when Montezuma informed him that the richest of these
+were in the province of Zacatula or Zacatollan, and said that the gold was
+procured by washing the earth, the small grains of metal sinking to the
+bottom during the operation. He also said that it was obtained from two
+rivers in the province of Guztepeque, where the natives were not subjects
+to his empire; but, if Cortes chose to send some troops to that place, he
+would order his officers to accompany them. Cortes accordingly sent the
+pilot Umbria and two soldiers to examine the mines of Zacatula; and sent
+his relation Pizarro, to the territories of Chinantla and Zapoteca.
+Pizarro was then a young man, and at that time his name and that of Peru,
+now so famous, were both equally unknown. Pizarro, who was one of our
+captains, took with him four soldiers who were used to mining, and four
+Mexican nobles; and Montezuma presented Cortes with a map of the whole
+northern, or rather eastern coast of the Mexican empire, admirably
+represented in painting, extending at least an hundred and forty leagues,
+all the way to Tabasco. Among the rivers said to produce gold, was that of
+Huatzocoalco, which Cortes wished to have examined, and Diego de Ordas
+offering himself for this purpose, was reluctantly accepted by Cortes, as
+he was a person on whom he depended for sound judgment and wholesome
+advice on occasions of importance. Before his departure, Montezuma told
+Ordas, that the power of the crown of Mexico did not extend over the
+country to which he was going, but that he was welcome to the assistance
+of the frontier garrisons. Umbria returned first from his mission,
+bringing with him gold to the value of three hundred crowns and reported
+that the mines might be made very productive, if they were as expertly
+managed as those of Hispaniola and Cuba. Two principal persons of the
+district accompanied him to Mexico, who brought a present of gold to the
+value of about a hundred crowns, and offered to submit themselves and
+country to the sovereignty of our emperor. Umbria and his companions
+described the country which they had visited as extremely rich and
+populous, and he and his companions appeared to have done something
+handsome for themselves on the expedition, which Cortes winked at in order
+to make up for some former differences.
+
+Ordas, on his return, said that he had passed through very populous
+districts, in all of which he was well received. That he found several
+bodies of Mexican troops on the frontiers, of whose outrages the natives
+of the country made heavy complaints, on which account he had severely
+reprehended the commanders of the troops, threatening them with a similar
+punishment with what had been inflicted on the lord of Nauhtlan. He had
+sounded the river of Huatzcoalco, where he found three fathoms water on
+the bar at low tide in the shallowest part, and still deeper within, where
+there was a place very proper for a naval establishment. The caciques and
+natives treated him with much hospitality, and offered themselves as
+vassals to our emperor, but complained loudly against the exactions of
+Montezuma and his officers, and pointed out a place where they had lately
+slain many of the Mexican troops, which they had named _Cuilonemequi,_ or
+the Place of Slaughter of the Mexicans, on whom they bestowed the most
+opprobrious epithets. He represented the soil of the country as well
+fitted for tillage and the rearing of cattle, and the port as well
+situated for trade with Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica; but as inconvenient,
+from its distance from Mexico, and unhealthy owing to the morasses in its
+vicinity. Pizarro returned from Tustepeque or Tzapotecapan, with gold in
+grains to the value of a thousand crowns. He reported, that in going into
+the mountains inhabited by the Chinantlans, they flew to arms and would
+not permit the Mexicans to enter into their country, threatening to put
+them all to death; but admitted him and his Spaniards with great attention.
+He brought several of the chiefs of that country along with him to Mexico,
+who wished to shake off the Mexican yoke, and to become subjects to our
+emperor. Cortes then inquired at Pizarro for the soldiers who had
+accompanied him, when Pizarro answered, that finding the country rich and
+the people friendly, he had left them to make a plantation of cocoa, and
+to explore the rivers and mines. Cortes said nothing to him in public, but
+gave him a severe private reprimand for employing the soldiers in such
+foolish pursuits, contrary to his orders, and immediately sent a message
+commanding their return to head-quarters.
+
+Cortes now proposed to Montezuma to order a general contribution in gold
+to be collected through the whole of his dominions, as a tribute to our
+emperor, and also that he should deliver up his treasure for the same
+purpose. Montezuma accordingly sent orders to his officers in those
+districts where the mines were situated, commanding them immediately to
+transmit a certain quantity of gold plates, of the size usually paid as
+tribute, two of which were sent as patterns. He remarked at the same time,
+that there were many districts of the empire from which gold was not to be
+expected in any considerable quantity, as they had no mines, and the
+natives had only such golden toys among them as they had inherited from
+their ancestors. Much gold was immediately transmitted to Mexico from the
+rich provinces in compliance with the order; but when it was communicated
+to the refractory lord of Matlatzinco, formerly mentioned, he haughtily
+answered, that he would pay no tribute, for he had as good a right as
+Montezuma to the throne of Mexico. Montezuma was much enraged at this
+insolent message, and immediately sent some trusty officers with his
+signet, who succeeded in apprehending this redoubted chief. On being
+brought prisoner into the presence of the king, he behaved with so much
+insolence that Montezuma ordered him to be put to death; but Cortes
+interceded for him, and got his punishment transmuted to imprisonment. He
+even endeavoured to make a friend of this chief, and proposed to have him
+set at liberty, but Montezuma insisted that he should be kept in chains
+along with Cacamatzin.
+
+Twenty days after the orders had been issued for collecting the tribute,
+it was all brought to Mexico, on which Montezuma summoned Cortes into his
+presence, along with the captains and the soldiers who formed his usual
+guard, and addressed us as follows: "Being indebted to your great king,
+whom I much esteem for having sent you as his ambassadors to me from so
+great a distance, and as I am convinced by the prophecies transmitted to
+us by our ancestors, and confirmed by our gods, that he is destined to
+rule over us, take this gold, which is all I could collect on so short a
+notice, and also the treasure which I inherited from my ancestors which
+you have already seen; send all this to your emperor, and let it be
+recorded in your chronicles that this is the tribute from his vassal
+Montezuma. Besides all this, I shall give you for your monarch, a quantity
+of our most valuable jewels, which we call _calchihuis_[9], every one of
+which is worth two loads of gold, and three tubes for shooting darts or
+pellets, so richly adorned with jewels that he will be pleased with them.
+Accept all this as an instance of my good will, for it is the last of my
+treasure." We all immediately took off our helmets, and gave our hearty
+thanks to Montezuma for his munificent and liberal gift, which Cortes
+promised should be presented to the emperor with a just representation of
+the merits of the donor. We were employed for three days in taking to
+pieces the gold contained in the various ornamental articles in the
+concealed treasury, which was now delivered up to us by the command of
+Montezuma, in which we were assisted by the royal goldsmiths from the town
+of Escapuzalco. When separated and weighed, these articles weighed to the
+value of above 600,000 crowns, besides many other articles of value, and
+exclusive of gold in plates and bars, and in its rough state as brought
+from the mines. All this gold was melted down by the goldsmiths, and cast
+into bars of three fingers breadth, all of which were stamped with the
+royal arms, with our entire approbation. The rest of the present of
+Montezuma was worthy of great admiration, consisting of the jewels called
+_calchihius_ ornamented tubes covered with gold and jewels, beautiful
+embroideries of pearls and feathers, plumes of feathers, and an endless
+variety of rich manufactures; and it was unanimously agreed by us all not
+to take these rich ornaments to pieces.
+
+After the royal officers had weighed and valued the gold, which exceeded,
+as I have already mentioned, 600,000 crowns, exclusive of the silver and
+other ornamental articles, it was proposed to deduct the royal fifth, and
+to distribute the shares among the officers and soldiers. Cortes proposed
+to postpone the division till we acquired more treasure, and had more
+exact weights: But the soldiers were clamorous for an immediate division,
+as we perceived that above a third part had disappeared since the various
+articles were taken to pieces, Cortes and the captains and others being
+continually carrying it away and concealing it for their own use. It was
+at length agreed to make the division next day, when it was still found to
+exceed 600,000 crowns in weight. On making the division, Cortes in the
+_first_ place caused a fifth to be laid aside for his majesty; _secondly_,
+a fifth for himself, as had been agreed upon; _thirdly_, a portion to
+reimburse the naval expenditure incurred by Velasquez, the destruction of
+the ships, and all the expences of the expedition from Cuba; _fourthly_,
+for the expences of the agents whom we had sent to Spain; _fifthly_, for
+the shares of our companions who were in garrison at Villa Rica; _sixthly_,
+for the value of the horses which had been killed; _seventhly_, for the
+reverend Father Olmeda and our captains; _eighthly_, double shares for the
+cavalry, musketeers, and crossbow-men. When all these deductions were made
+from the stock, the shares which remained for each soldier were hardly
+worth acceptance, not exceeding 100 crowns a-man. We were obliged to
+submit, having no one to appeal to for justice; yet many were very
+clamorous, whom Cortes secretly endeavoured to appease, giving a little to
+one and a little to another in private, and feeding all with fair promises.
+Our captains got chains of gold made for them by the Mexican workmen,
+Cortes did the same, and had a superb service of gold plate made for his
+table. Many of our soldiers, who had been fortunate in secreting plunder,
+had golden ornaments made for their use, and gave themselves up to deep
+gaming, for which purpose they made cards from drum-heads; and thus we
+passed our time in Mexico. One Cardenas, a pilot, who had a wife and
+children, seeing that all the immense treasure of Montezuma had dwindled
+down to paltry shares of a hundred crowns, made loud complaints of the
+injustice he and all of us had experienced. On this coming to the ears of
+Cortes, he called us together, and gave us a long honied speech, wondering
+how we should be so clamorous about a paltry sum of gold, as the whole
+country, with all its rich mines, would soon be ours, by which we would
+all have enough to make us lords and princes, and I know not all what.
+After this he distributed presents secretly among the most clamorous, and
+promised Cardenas to send home 300 crowns to his wife and children.
+
+All men are desirous of acquiring riches, and the desire generally
+increases with the acquisition. As it was well known that a great many
+valuable pieces of gold had been abstracted from the treasury, suspicion
+naturally fell upon several persons who appeared to have more gold than
+their shares amounted to. Among these, it was noticed that Velasquez de
+Leon had some large chains of gold, and many trinkets and ornaments of
+that metal, in the hands of the Mexican workmen, which the treasurer Mexia
+claimed as having been purloined. De Leon resisted this, alleging that it
+had been given him by Cortes before the gold was run into bars. Mexia
+replied that Cortes had concealed enough, and had already taken too much
+from the soldiers, without giving him so great a quantity, and insisted on
+restitution. Both were valiant men, and their quarrel rose to such a
+height, that they drew their swords, and each of them received two wounds
+before they could be parted. Cortes ordered them both under arrest and to
+be put in chains; but spoke privately to De Leon, who was his intimate
+friend, to submit quietly, and released Mexia in consideration of his
+holding the office of treasurer. Velasquez was a strong active man, and
+used to walk much in the apartment where he was confined, and as Montezuma
+heard the rattling of his chains, he inquired who it was, and interceded
+with Cortes for his liberation. Cortes told him that Velasquez was a mad
+fellow, who would go about robbing the Mexicans of their gold if not
+confined. Montezuma replied, if that were all, he would supply his wants,
+and Cortes affected to release him as a favour to the king, but banished
+him to Cholula, whence he returned in six days, richer than before by the
+king's bounty.
+
+About this time, the king offered to give Cortes one of the princesses his
+daughter in marriage. Cortes received this offer with much gratitude, but
+suggested the propriety of having her in the first place instructed in the
+Christian religion, with which Montezuma complied, though he still
+continued attached to his own false worship and brutal human sacrifices.
+Cortes and his captains were much scandalized by this persistence of
+Montezuma in idolatry, and thought it their duty as Christians, to run
+even the risk of occasioning a rebellion of the Mexicans by destroying the
+idols and planting the true cross in their place; or if that could not be
+now accomplished, to make a chapel for Christian worship in the temple. On
+this determination, seven officers and soldiers attended Cortes and Father
+Olmedo to wait upon Montezuma, to whom they communicated their wish, and
+their resolution to employ force if necessary. The king was much alarmed,
+and earnestly begged leave to consult with his priests on the subject.
+Cortes seemed touched with his situation, and made a signal to the
+officers and soldiers to retire, leaving him and Olmedo with the king. He
+then told him, that he would endeavour to prevail on the officers to be
+satisfied for the present, if a part of the great temple was appropriated
+for the reception of an altar and crucifix, by which his majesty would
+soon be convinced of the falsehood of his erroneous worship[10]. To this
+proposal Montezuma reluctantly consented, with the appearance of much
+agitation and deep sorrow; and, an altar and crucifix being erected, mass
+was solemnly celebrated in the new chapel, for the care of which a proper
+person was appointed.
+
+The whole time of our stay in this city was one continued series of alarms,
+sufficient to have destroyed us if we had not been supported by divine
+interposition. By this last measure, through the representations of the
+priests, acting on the prejudices of the people, our dangers were much
+increased. Their gods, as the priests alleged, threatened to desert them,
+unless we were destroyed for this violation of the temple, and an
+universal determination was formed to obey this manifestation of their
+commands. This resolution of the people was conveyed to Montezuma by the
+priests, and all his principal warriors; who, besides this subject of
+complaint on the score of religion, made many other representations
+respecting our misconduct, ever since our arrival in the empire. The page
+Orguetilla communicated many alarming circumstances which he had observed,
+to Cortes, respecting frequent secret conferences between Montezuma and
+his priests and nobles, and the angry and melancholy appearances which he
+had frequently seen the king assume on these occasions. Cortes was alarmed
+by this intelligence, and immediately waited on the king accompanied by
+his interpreters and five of his captains. Montezuma seemed much
+distressed during this conference, and declared to Cortes that he was
+extremely grieved at the manifestation of the will of his gods that we
+should all be put to death or expelled from Mexico: He therefore, as our
+sincere friend, earnestly recommended that we should not run the risk of
+incurring the indignation of his subjects, but should save our lives by a
+retreat whilst that remained within our power. Cortes and the rest were
+naturally much alarmed at this; but Cortes answered that he was
+principally concerned, because in the first place, he had no vessels for
+returning into his own country, and in the next place he would be under
+the necessity of taking Montezuma along with him, that he might present
+him to our emperor. He therefore entreated Montezuma to use every
+influence to restrain his priests and warriors from proceeding to violence,
+until we had time to build three ships for our conveyance, and offered
+immediately to send our ship-builders to fell timber and construct the
+vessels on the coast, requesting the king to order the assistance of his
+carpenters for this purpose, that there might be no delay. He repeated his
+request, that Montezuma would employ all his influence to prevent any
+insurrection in the city, and his endeavours to appease his priests and
+gods, providing that no human sacrifices were resorted to for that purpose.
+Martin Lopez, our principal ship-builder, was immediately dispatched to
+Villa Rica to commence building the three ships, which were put on the
+stocks without delay. During this interval, we remained in Mexico full of
+terror of being attacked by the whole force of a numerous and warlike
+people, exasperated by the insults we had heaped on their sovereign and
+their religious belief. Our apprehensions were continually kept alive by
+the information we received from Donna Marina, and the page Orteguilla;
+who, by understanding the language, obtained much information which must
+otherwise have escaped our knowledge. We kept however constant guard over
+Montezuma, and the strictest military discipline in our quarters, sleeping
+always in our armour, and having our horses saddled and bridled every
+night. Without meaning it as any boast, I may say this of myself, that my
+armour became as easy and familiar to me as if it had been a soft down bed.
+And so habituated am I to this, that now in my old age, when I make the
+circuit of my district, I never take a bed along with me, unless attended
+by stranger gentlemen, when I do so merely to avoid the appearance of
+poverty or avarice. Yet, even when I have one, I always sleep in my
+clothes; neither can I rest throughout the night, but get up to
+contemplate the stars, walking about without hat or cap, as I used to do
+on guard; yet thank GOD I never get cold, nor am I the worse for this
+practice. This is to be a true soldier! My readers must pardon this
+digression, which does not proceed from vanity, but to let him know what
+kind of men we were, the real conquerors of Mexico[11].
+
+
+[1] Clavigero calls this the god of providence, the soul of the world, the
+    creator of heaven and earth, and the master of ill things, the
+    rewarder of the just and the punisher of the wicked.--E.
+
+[2] Along with the work of Bernal Diaz, and in the history of Mexico by
+    Clavigero, there are representations of ancient Mexican temples. In
+    both they consist of six frustums of truncated pyramids, placed above
+    each other, having a gallery or open walk around at each junction, and
+    straight outside stairs reaching between each gallery, not unlike the
+    representations that have been ideally formed of the tower of
+    Babel.--E.
+
+[3] Clavigero pretends that the defeat and death of Escalante were known
+    to Cortes and his followers while at Cholula. This is highly
+    improbable, both from the narrative of Diaz, and because Cortes would
+    not certainly have put himself entirely in the power of Montezuma,
+    after this unequivocal demonstration of resolute enmity.--E.
+
+[4] In the original of Diaz they are said to have retreated to Almeria,
+    but this is an obvious mistake. Almeria, according to Clavigero, II.
+    55, was the name given by the Spaniards to Nauhtlan, a city on the
+    coast of the Gulf of Mexico, thirty-six miles north of Villa Rica,
+    which was governed by Quauhpopoca for Montezuma, and by whom the
+    Mexican detachment was commanded by which Escalente was defeated.--E.
+
+[5] It is obvious from a circumstance in the sequel of this story that
+    Diaz and other soldiers attended Cortes on this occasion. Clavigero,
+    II. 77. says there were twenty-five soldiers besides the five captains,
+    who repaired two by two to the palace, and joined Cortes there as if
+    by accident. This daring transaction took place eight days after the
+    arrival of Cortes in the city of Mexico.--E.
+
+[6] Diaz calls this Tuzapan; but as Nauhtlan was in the country of the
+    Totonacas, called Totonacapan by the Mexicans, we have chosen here and
+    everywhere else that this could be done with certainty, to adopt the
+    orthography of Clavigero.--E.
+
+[7] According to Clavigero, II. 82. Quauhpopoca, his son, and fifteen
+    other nobles were cruelly put to death on this occasion. Diaz names
+    the principal chief Quetzalpopoca.--E.
+
+[8] Diaz says that he assumed the name of Don Carlos on this occasion; but
+    does not allege even that he had been baptised. This name was probably
+    merely imposed upon him by the Spanish soldiery; or he may have
+    acquired it on becoming a Christian after the conquest of Mexico was
+    completed.--E.
+
+[9] It is impossible now to say what were these jewels so much valued by
+    the Mexicans. Clavigero, I. 422, enumerates among their precious
+    stones, "Emeralds, amethysts, cornelians, turquoises, and others not
+    known in Europe." In another passage, I. 424, he mentions many small
+    red stones similar to rubies, as among the Mexican curiosities
+    transmitted to Charles V. by Cortes.--E.
+
+[10] We are duly sensible of the divine super-excellence of Christianity,
+    and the gross barbarism of idolatry joined with abominable human
+    sacrifices. Yet, the mere change of two crossed sticks and the images
+    of Saint Somebody or Saint Nobody, for the idols of the Mexicans,
+    under pretence of introducing the pure religion of the meek and holy
+    Jesus, seems in our humble opinion a mere _qui pro quo_; and, when
+    taken in conjunction with the proposed conversion by military
+    execution, and the introduction of the bloody tribunal of the
+    Inquisition, not one iota less idolatrous or less barbarous.--E.
+
+[11] Bernal Diaz neglects to accommodate his readers with the very useful
+    appendage of dates; it therefore may be proper to remark that the
+    Spaniards entered the city of Mexico for the first time on the 8th
+    November 1519; and as Cortes left it in the beginning of May 1520, in
+    his march against Narvaez, he had now spent about six months in the
+    capital of a mighty empire, with hardly 450 soldiers.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION IX.
+
+_Expedition of Narvaez to supersede Cortes in the command, and occurrences
+till the Defeat of that Officer by Cortes at Chempoalla_.
+
+
+The Bishop of Burgos, who was president of the council of the Indies, bore
+unlimited sway in that department of the Spanish government during the
+absence of the emperor in Flanders. Owing to the representations of
+Velasquez against Cortes, he sent orders to him to seize and make us all
+prisoners at every hazard, as rebellious subjects. Velasquez therefore
+fitted out a fleet of nineteen ships from the Island of Cuba, in which he
+embarked an army of fourteen hundred soldiers, eighty of whom were cavalry,
+eighty musketeers, and eighty crossbow-men, with twenty pieces of cannon,
+and all necessary ammunition and appointments, giving the command in chief
+to Pamphilo de Narvaez. Such was his animosity against Cortes and us for
+having thrown off our dependance upon him, that he made a journey of above
+seventy leagues from the Havanna on purpose to expedite the preparations.
+At this time, the royal audience of St Domingo and the brethren of the
+order of St Jerorimo, being satisfied of our loyalty and great exertions
+in the service of God and the emperor, sent over the oydor Lucas Vasquez
+de Aillon to Cuba, with positive injunctions to stop the sailing of the
+armament against us; but as Velasquez was confident in the support of the
+bishop of Burgos, he gave no heed to the orders communicated to him by
+Aillon, who therefore went along with the armament, that he might
+endeavour as much as possible to prevent injury to the public service by
+his mediation and influence, and be at hand if necessary, to take
+possession of the country for the emperor, in virtue of his office.
+
+Narvaez arrived safe with his whole fleet in the harbour of St Juan de
+Ulua, except that he lost one small vessel during the voyage. Soon after
+his arrival, the soldiers who had been sent by Cortes to that part of the
+country in search of mines, went on board, and it is said gave thanks to
+God for being delivered from the command of Cortes and the dangers of the
+city of Mexico. Finding them in this mood, Narvaez ordered them to be
+plentifully supplied with wine, to make them more communicative. Cervantes
+the jester, who was one of these soldiers, under pretence of facetiousness,
+exposed to him all the discontents of our soldiers respecting the
+distribution of the treasure we had obtained, and informed him also of the
+bad state of the garrison in Villa Rica under Sandoval. The arrival of
+this new armament was soon communicated to Montezuma, who concealed the
+intelligence for some time from Cortes, and opened a private
+correspondence with Narvaez, to whom he sent many rich presents. Narvaez,
+in his correspondence with Montezuma, said every thing that was bad
+against Cortes and his troops, representing the whole of us as outcasts
+and robbers, and that the emperor, hearing of our evil conduct, and that
+we detained the great Montezuma in custody, had sent the present
+expedition for the express purpose of liberating him and putting us all to
+death. This intelligence gave great satisfaction to Montezuma, who thought
+we must necessarily be all destroyed, as he had got an exact account of
+their force represented to him in paintings: He accordingly transmitted
+very magnificent presents to Narvaez, and could ill conceal the
+satisfaction he had derived from the intelligence. Montezuma concealed the
+news of this armament from Cortes, who observed and was astonished at the
+alteration which it had produced on the kings manners and behaviour. At
+length however, from the circumstance of Cortes making him two visits in
+one day, Montezuma became apprehensive of the general procuring
+intelligence from any other quarter, and told him the news, pretending
+only to have just heard of it himself. Cortes expressed the utmost joy at
+the intelligence, and Montezuma shewed him the representations which had
+been transmitted to him, by which he learnt every thing he wished to know
+on the subject. He immediately left the king and communicated the
+intelligence to the troops, who got immediately under arms, and fired
+several vollies in token of our joy. We soon noticed, however, that Cortes
+was exceedingly pensive when alone, of which we could not divine the cause;
+till he soon afterwards convinced us, and explained that the armament was
+evidently designed against us; and he now, partly by promises and partly
+by gifts, as from his bounty of what was ours by good right, made interest
+with us to stand firmly by him in the approaching contest with Narvaez.
+
+From what had been told him by Cervantes and our other deserters, Narvaez
+was induced to send a deputation to Sandoval, demanding him to surrender
+the port of Villa Rica. He appointed three persons on this errand, Guavera
+a clergyman of abilities, Amarga, a relation of Velasquez, and one Vergara,
+a scrivener. Sandoval had received information of the arrival of the
+armament, and prepared to defend his post, as he rightly guessed that it
+was destined to act against us. He sent off all his invalids to an Indian
+village at some distance, and exhorting his soldiers to stand by him, he
+erected a gibbet, and placed a guard on the road to Chempoalla. On the
+arrival of the deputation from Narvaez at Villa Rica, they were astonished
+to meet none but Indians, as Sandoval had ordered all the soldiers to
+remain in their quarters, and remained at home himself; they knew not well
+how to proceed, but at length guessing by the appearance of the house that
+it belonged to the governor, they went in. Guavera immediately began the
+conversation, by representing the greatness of the force under Narvaez,
+and its object, which was to arrest Cortes and all his followers as
+traitors, and concluded by summoning Sandoval to surrender himself and his
+post to general Narvaez. Sandoval was much displeased, and told him, if it
+were not for the protection of his holy function, he would punish his
+insolence in calling those traitors who were more faithful subjects than
+either Narvaez or his employer Velasquez. He desired him to carry his
+demand to Cortes at Mexico, who would settle the business with him at that
+place. Guavera insisted to execute the commission on which he was sent,
+and ordered the scrivener Vergara to produce the authority under which
+they acted. But Sandoval stopped him, saying, "I know not whether your
+papers be true or false; but if you attempt to read any here I will order
+you to receive a hundred lashes." On this, Guavera exclaimed, "Why do you
+mind these traitors? read your commission." Sandoval, calling him a lying
+rascal, ordered them all to be seized: On which a number of Indians, who
+had been previously instructed, came in and threw nets over them, and
+instantly set out with them on their backs for Mexico, to which they were
+carried post by relays of Indians, through the several large and populous
+towns by the way, with a rapidity that confounded them, hardly knowing
+whether they were alive or dead, the whole seeming as if done by
+enchantment. Sandoval sent Pedro de Solis to accompany them, by whom he
+wrote a hasty letter to Cortes, giving him an account of all he knew. When
+the general got notice of their arrival in Mexico, he ordered us all under
+arms, released them immediately from their trammels, and made an apology
+for the rudeness of Sandoval, whom he greatly blamed. He entertained them
+with great hospitality and respect, giving them plenty of gold, and sent
+them back in a few days as gentle as lambs, who had come out against him
+as furious as lions.
+
+Our general was one whose resources were never exhausted, and it must not
+be concealed that his officers and soldiers supported him through all his
+difficulties by our valour in the field and our wisdom in council. On this
+occasion, we determined that it was proper to send letters to Narvaez and
+others of the new army, which they might receive previous to the return of
+Guavera. In these, we earnestly urged that no rash steps might be taken to
+endanger our general interest, by inciting the Indians to rise upon us;
+and held out every inducement of interest and friendship to the followers
+of Narvaez to bring them over to our party, not forgetting to treat
+secretly with such as we thought might be easiest wrought upon, as both
+Guavera and Vergara had informed Cortes that Narvaez was by no means on
+good terms with his officers, among whom gold well applied would work
+wonders. In his letters to Narvaez, Cortes adjured him by their former
+friendship, not to give encouragement to the Mexicans to rise and destroy
+us, seeing that they were ready to have recourse to any extremity to
+liberate Montezuma, whose dispositions were much altered for the worse
+since the arrival of this new armament, and the opening a correspondence
+between him and Narvaez. He was convinced, he said, that the expressions
+which Narvaez had been reported to use, could never have come from so wise
+a man, but must have been fabricated by such wretches as the buffoon
+Cervantes; and he concluded by offering an unlimited submission to the
+authority of Narvaez. Cortes wrote also to the secretary Andres de Duero,
+and Lucas Vasques the oydor, taking care to accompany his letters with
+valuable presents of gold. On receiving the letter from Cortes, Narvaez
+turned it into ridicule, handing it about among his officers, speaking of
+us all as traitors whom he would put to death without mercy. He declared
+he would cut off and eat the ears of Cortes, and a great deal of such
+braggart nonsense, and of course made no answer to the letters. Just at
+this time Father Olmedo arrived, bringing with him the private letters and
+presents. He went in the first place to wait upon Narvaez, intending to
+assure him that Cortes would be proud to serve under his command; but
+Narvaez would not listen to him, and did nothing but abuse both Cortes and
+him. He accordingly desisted from that part of his commission which
+related to an agreement with Narvaez, and applied himself to the
+distribution of presents among the officers with so much judgment and
+success, that he soon won over all the principal officers to our party.
+If the oydor Vasques was originally disposed to favour Cortes, he was
+entirely so on seeing the magnificent presents which were now distributed
+with so much liberality; which formed a striking contrast with the avarice
+of Narvaez, who used to enjoin his major domo to take heed that not a
+mantle were missing, as he had marked down every article committed to his
+charge. This penuriousness set all his officers against him, which he
+attributed to the intrigues of Vasques; and as there was a difference
+between them, because Narvaez neglected to inform him respecting every
+thing sent in by order of Montezuma, of which he ought to have been
+informed as oydor, an irreconcileable quarrel ensued; and depending on the
+favour of the bishop of Burgos, Narvaez caused the oydor to be arrested,
+and sent prisoner to Cuba or Spain, I know not which. But during the
+voyage, Vasques prevailed on the captain of the ship to land him in
+Hispaniola, where he so represented the treatment he had received to the
+Audience and the Jeronimites, that they complained to the council of
+Castile, but ineffectually, owing to the influence of the bishop of Burgos
+in favour of Narvaez. About this time too, a gentleman named Oblanco, made
+remonstrances to Narvaez respecting his violence, saying a good deal in
+favour of Cortes and his troops, with which Narvaez was so much offended
+that he threw him into prison; which Oblanco took so much to heart that he
+died three days after.
+
+Soon after the arrival of Father Olmedo, Guevara and his two companions
+returned from Mexico, and launched out in praise of Cortes, reporting the
+many expressions of respect he had used in speaking of Narvaez; and,
+commending the services he had already performed to our emperor, they
+expatiated on the advantages which would result from uniting their forces,
+instead of fomenting a civil war. All this put Narvaez into such a rage
+that he refused to see them any more, and commanded them to be silent on
+this hateful subject. They carried their discourse therefore among their
+comrades; and when they saw how well furnished with gold these men had
+returned from Mexico, they began seriously to wish themselves in the army
+of Cortes.
+
+Narvaez now quitted the coast with his army and took possession of the
+town of Chempoalla; immediately on his arrival seizing by force the young
+women who had been given to the officers of Cortes by their parents, with
+all the gold and mantles which had been left in the custody of the fat
+cacique along with the ladies, when we set out on our march to Mexico.
+When the cacique complained of this to Narvaez, and of the robberies
+committed by his soldiers, saying that Cortes and his soldiers conducted
+themselves in quite a different manner, a bragging fellow called
+Salvatierra exclaimed, "See what fear these Indians are in for the sorry
+fellow Cortes!" yet this boaster, who was so ready with his tongue, was
+the most cowardly wretch I ever beheld, when we came afterwards to attack
+the army of Narvaez. About this time, Narvaez transmitted to Cortes a copy
+of the commission he had received from the governor of Cuba, the
+particulars of which I shall detail hereafter. Cortes received regular
+intelligence of every thing done by Narvaez, partly from the friends he
+had made in the adverse army and partly from Sandoval, who now informed
+him that five persons of consideration had joined from the army of Narvaez,
+who alleged for their reason, that being the relations of the oydor
+Vasquez, who had met with such injurious treatment, they had little hopes
+of being themselves well used; and he added, that these persons said
+Narvaez meant very soon to march to Mexico against us. On this being made
+known to such of us as Cortes used generally to consult with, he agreed
+with us in opinion that it was advisable for us to march immediately
+against Narvaez and his army, leaving the command in Mexico with Alvarado;
+and we left under his charge all those men who were not inclined to be of
+the present hazardous expedition, and all whom we suspected to have an
+inclination for the party of Narvaez or Velasquez. We also left with
+Alvarado a sufficient supply of provisions, in case the Mexicans should
+refuse to supply him, and because the late harvest had been deficient, in
+consequence of too dry a season. Our quarters were strengthened by the
+addition of a good pallisade, and, besides four heavy guns, we left a
+garrison of eighty-three men, twenty-four of whom were armed with muskets
+or cross-bows: a very inadequate force, surely, for keeping the great and
+populous city of Mexico in awe.
+
+Previous to our departure, Cortes paid a visit to Montezuma, who
+questioned him very anxiously about the difference between him and Narvaez,
+as both were vassals of the same sovereign, and desired an explanation of
+the charges which the new comers had made against us, that we were
+outcasts and traitors. He likewise asked if he could serve us in any way,
+expressing an apprehension of our safety, considering the great
+superiority under Narvaez. Cortes replied in a cheerful manner, that he
+had not sooner informed him of our intended departure, lest it might give
+him concern; that we certainly were all subjects to the same monarch, but
+that the report of our being traitors and fugitives was utterly false, as
+we had come into his country with full authority from our sovereign. As to
+the other party destroying us by their superiority in numbers, that did
+not depend on them, but on the will of our Lord and his holy mother, who
+would support us. He added, that our sovereign ruled over many different
+countries, the inhabitants of some of which were more valiant than those
+of others; that we were all true Castilians, while the commander of our
+opponents was a Biscayan, and his majesty would soon see the difference
+between us, as he trusted by the blessing of God to bring them all back as
+prisoners. He concluded by recommending in the strongest terms to
+Montezuma, to use his utmost endeavours to prevent any insurrection in the
+city during our absence; as, on his return, he would assuredly punish all
+in a most exemplary manner who behaved amiss. Montezuma promised to do
+every thing which Cortes required, and even offered to assist us with five
+thousand of his warriors, which Cortes politely declined, knowing indeed
+that the king had not that in his power, if he even wished to have done so.
+Then requesting Montezuma to cause due respect to be paid to that part of
+the great temple which had been consecrated to the Christian worship, he
+embraced Montezuma with much cordiality and took leave. He then called
+Alvarado and the garrison which was to remain in Mexico, all of whom he
+strictly enjoined to be extremely watchful, and to take special care not
+to allow Montezuma to escape; promising to make them all rich on his
+return, if he found they had done their duty. On this occasion of leaving
+Mexico, he left the clergyman Juan Diaz with Alvarado, and some other
+persons whose fidelity he questioned.
+
+We began our march from Mexico in the beginning of May 1520[1], making our
+first halt at Cholula. From that place we sent a message to the senate of
+Tlascala, requiring them to assist us with four thousand of their warriors.
+They sent us twenty loads of fowls, saying that they were ready at any
+time to join us in war against Indians, but begged to be excused if we
+were marching against our own countrymen. At this time likewise, Cortes
+sent orders to Sandoval to join our little army with the whole of his
+garrison that was fit for duty, at a place named Tampinequeta or
+Mitalaquita[2], twelve leagues from Chempoalla. We marched in regular
+order without baggage, having always two confidential soldiers in advance
+about a days journey, who were directed not to keep the main road, but to
+go always by those in which cavalry could not march, and whose especial
+business was to inquire for intelligence respecting the motions of Narvaez,
+which they were to communicate without delay to Cortes. When we had
+proceeded a considerable way on our march, one of our advanced parties
+fell in with four Spaniards belonging to the army of Narvaez, who were
+bringing to Cortes a copy of his commission and instructions as
+captain-general in New Spain. On being brought to the general, they
+saluted him respectfully, and he immediately dismounted in order to hear
+what they had to say. Alonzo de Mata, who was at the head of the
+deputation, produced his papers and began to read them; but Cortes stopt
+him short, demanding if he were a royal notary; as in that case, by
+shewing his commission, he would be implicitly obeyed, but if he had no
+such authority, he certainly would not be allowed to read any pretended
+orders. "The commands of his majesty," said Cortes, "I shall submit to
+with the utmost humility; but, I desire that the original may be produced."
+Mata was confounded at these words, as he held no office whatever under
+the crown, and was entirely at a loss how to proceed. But Cortes relieved
+him from his embarrassment, telling him our destination, and that he was
+ready to receive any message from his general, of whom he always spoke
+with great respect, but would listen to no orders that were not sanctioned
+by the royal authority. We halted for some time at this place, and Cortes
+had some private conferences with these agents of Narvaez, with whom he
+used such powerful arguments that he made them his firm friends. They
+returned to Chempoalla, quite loud in their praises of Cortes, crying up
+his generosity to the skies, and made a magnificent report of the riches
+of our soldiers, many of whom had ornaments of gold on their arms, and
+some of them gold chains and collars about their necks.
+
+Next day, Sandoval joined with the garrison of Villa Rica, to the number
+of about seventy men, with whom came the five Spaniards who had deserted
+from Narvaez, who were very graciously received by Cortes. Sandoval
+reported that he had sent two of his soldiers, a little time before into
+the quarters of Narvaez, who went disguised like Indians, having each a
+load of fruit for sale, and their complexions so completely resembled the
+natives that they were never suspected. They went immediately to the
+quarters of the braggart Salvatierra, who gave them a string of yellow
+beads for their fruit, and sent them to cut grass for his horse on the
+banks of a small rivulet. They brought home the last load of grass in the
+evening, and having fed the horse, they remained about the place till
+night, listening to the conversation of Salvatierra, whom they heard
+observing to some of his companions, how luckily they had come at the
+present moment to deprive the traitor Cortes of the 700,000 crowns which
+he had obtained from Montezuma. When it was dark, our disguised soldiers
+got privately out of the house, and took away Salvatierras horse with the
+saddle and bridle, and meeting another horse by the way, which happened
+to be lame, they brought it along with them. Cortes laughed heartily at
+this exploit; and we learned afterwards that Salvatierra gave much
+amusement to the soldiers of Narvaez, by his absurd behaviour on
+discovering the trick which had been played upon him.
+
+It was now resolved in a general consultation of our little army, to send
+a letter in all our names to Narvaez, by the hands of Father Olmedo, of
+which the following is the purport: "We had rejoiced on hearing of the
+arrival of so noble a person with so fine an army, by which we expected
+great advantages to have been derived to our holy religion and to the
+service of our sovereign; but on the contrary he had reviled us as
+traitors, and had occasioned the whole country to revolt. Our general had
+already offered to resign to him whatever provinces or territories he
+might be inclined to occupy, but nothing would serve him except treating
+our general and us as rebels, who had proved ourselves by our actions
+faithful subjects to the emperor. If he came by the authority of a
+commission from his majesty, we demanded to see the original within three
+days, for which purpose we had advanced to this place, and were ready to
+obey it in all humility and reverence: but, if he had no such authority,
+we required him to return immediately to Cuba, and not to make any attempt
+to throw the country which we had conquered into confusion; as otherwise
+we should deem it our bounden duty to send him as a prisoner to his
+majesty, to be dealt with according to his royal pleasure. We declared
+that he was answerable for all the lamentable consequences which might
+follow from his unlawful conduct; and that we had sent this letter by its
+present conveyance, since no royal notary could undertake to deliver our
+remonstrance in due form, after the violence which he had committed
+against his majesties oydor Vasquez, a treasonable act, the perpetrator of
+which our general was bound to apprehend and bring to justice, and for
+which we now cited him to appear and answer for his conduct." This letter
+was concluded in terms of great respect, and was signed by Cortes, all the
+captains, and several of the most confidential of the soldiers. It was
+sent by the reverend Father Olmedo, accompanied by a soldier named Ulagre,
+whose brother was in the army of Narvaez as commander of his artillery.
+Olmedo waited on Narvaez with great respect on his arrival at Chempoalla;
+and proceeded afterwards to execute the secret commission with which he
+had been entrusted, by a liberal distribution of gold among certain
+officers of the army of Narvaez, among whom were Rodrigo Mira, Ulagre, and
+Andres de Duero, which last he invited to pay a visit to Cortes. Narvaez
+soon began to suspect the real object of Olmedo, and was much inclined to
+have made him a prisoner: but Duero, who had much influence over Narvaez,
+both on account of his situation and because they were in some degree
+related, represented the impropriety of such an outrage against a person
+of his holy functions, and dissuaded him from doing so. He also suggested
+to him the great probability of his being able to gain over the soldiers
+of Cortes to his party, by means of a little policy. By these arguments he
+appeased Narvaez for the present, and went immediately to Olmedo whom he
+informed of all that had passed.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Narvaez sent for Olmedo, who requested to speak with
+him in private; when he told him good-humouredly that he knew his
+intentions of making him a prisoner, in which he was much to blame, as
+there was no one whatever more devoted to his service, and he knew that
+there were many persons with Cortes, who would gladly see their commander
+delivered up to his excellency; in proof of which he had a letter which
+Cortes had written at the suggestion of these very persons who wished to
+deliver him up; which letter was so full of ridiculous absurdities that he
+was frequently tempted to throw it away, but would now with his permission
+lay it before him. He accordingly went, as he pretended for the letter,
+which he alleged was with his baggage, but in reality to bring Duero and
+others along with him, that they might witness its delivery. In order to
+contrive an interview with Cortes, Duero proposed that a communication
+should be opened between Narvaez and him; and Augustin Bermudez, a secret
+friend of Cortes, proposed that Duero and Salvatierra should be sent on
+this business, well knowing the character of Salvatierra to be disinclined
+to any such employment. It was at last settled that Duero should wait upon
+Cortes, and invite him to a conference with Narvaez at a convenient place
+between the two armies, where they might treat of an accommodation and
+arrange their future measures: And it was resolved that Narvaez should
+make him prisoner at the conference, for which twenty of his most
+confidential soldiers were prepared. Duero carried intelligence
+immediately to Cortes, and Father Olmedo remained at the quarters of
+Narvaez, having scraped acquaintance with Salvatierra, under pretence of
+relationship, with whom he dined every day.
+
+On first learning the arrival of Narvaez, Cortes sent one of his soldiers
+named Barrientos, who had served in Italy and was well acquainted with the
+management of the pike, to the province of the Chinantlans, who had lately
+entered into alliance with us. That nation used lances or pikes much
+longer than ours, having heads of sharpened stone, and Barrientos was
+directed to obtain 300 of these lances for our use. There was plenty of
+excellent copper in the country of the Chinantlans, and Barrientos was
+directed to get two heads of this metal for each lance, and these were
+executed so ingeniously that they were better made even than the pattern
+sent. He also obtained a promise of 2000 warriors of that nation to join
+us, who were to be armed in the same manner, but they did not arrive till
+after we had overcome Narvaez. All this being settled, Barrientos arrived
+at our quarters attended by 200 Chinantlans carrying the lances he had
+procured. On trial these were found excellent, and we were immediately
+exercised in their use. A muster was now made of our force, which amounted
+to two hundred and six men, including fife and drum, with five mounted
+cavalry, two artillery-men, few cross-bows, and fewer musketeers. This
+being the force, and such the weapons, with which we marched against and
+defeated the vastly superior army of Narvaez.
+
+I have formerly mentioned that the secretary Duero and the contador Lares
+had negociated the appointment of Cortes as general of our expedition, and
+that they were to enjoy equal shares with him in all the treasure he
+should acquire. Lares was some time dead, and Duero seeing how wealthy
+Cortes had become, used the colour of the proposed treaty between Narvaez
+and Cortes, in order to have an opportunity of an interview with Cortes,
+that he might remind him of their agreement. Cortes not only promised
+faithfully to perform his engagement, but promised him an equal command
+with himself, and an equal share of territory when the conquest of the
+country was completed. It was accordingly agreed upon between them, in
+concurrence with Augustin Bermudez, who was alguazil-major of the army of
+Narvaez, and many other officers whom I do not name, to get Narvaez put
+out of the command in favour of Cortes. In order to confirm these in his
+interest, and to gain over others, Cortes was more liberal than ever in
+his presents, and on the present occasion loaded the two Indians who
+attended on Duero with gold. On one of the days of intercourse, after
+Cortes and Duero had been a considerable time together in private, and had
+dined, Duero asked him on mounting his horse to go away, if he had any
+farther commands. To this Cortes replied, "Remember what has been settled
+between us, or if you don't, I shall be in your quarters before three days,
+and you shall be the first person at whom I will throw my lance." Duero
+answered laughing, that he would not fail, and immediately set off for the
+quarters of Narvaez, where he is reported to have said that Cortes and all
+his men were ready to submit to the command of Narvaez. Soon after this,
+Cortes sent for Juan Velasquez de Leon, a person of much consideration,
+who had always been greatly attached to him, though a near relation of the
+governor of Cuba. On coming to his quarters, Cortes addressed him in
+smooth and persuasive terms, which he could always assume at
+pleasure:--"Duero has informed me that Narvaez is anxious to see you at
+his quarters, and that it is generally believed I am completely ruined if
+you go there. Now my worthy friend, I desire you to put on your gold chain,
+mount your grey mare, take all your gold along with you and more which I
+will give you; go immediately and fix yourself with Narvaez, and
+distribute the gold which I confide to you according to my directions."
+Velasquez was perfectly willing to do as he was desired, but objected to
+the measure of carrying his own treasure along with him, and after a
+secret conference with Cortes he set out for Chempoalla. De Leon arrived
+there by day-break, and as the Indians were rejoiced to see him, the news
+soon reached Narvaez, who came out to meet and embrace him. After paying
+his compliments, Velasquez said his only object there was to endeavour to
+make an amicable arrangement between Narvaez and Cortes; upon which
+Narvaez took him aside and asked him how he could propose to treat for
+such a traitor? Velasquez desired that no such injurious epithet might be
+used in his presence, as Cortes was a most zealous and faithful officer.
+Narvaez then offered to make him second in command under himself if he
+would renounce Cortes; but Velasquez declared he would never quit one who
+had done such signal services for God and the emperor.
+
+By this time all the principal officers in the army of Narvaez had come up
+to salute Velasquez, who was an universal favourite, as he was very polite
+and well bred, and had a fine person and handsome countenance. At this
+time he cut a fine martial figure, as he had a massy gold chain which made
+two turns round his body and over his shoulders, so that he impressed
+every one with respect. Bermudez the alguazil-major and Duero wished much
+to have had some private communication with Velasquez; but just at this
+time Captain Gamarra, Juan Yuste, Juan Buono, and Salvatierra the
+braggadocio, persuaded Narvaez to give private orders for taking Velasquez
+into custody, for having spoken so boldly in defence of Cortes; but the
+others who had come over to the interest of Cortes, strongly represented
+the impropriety and impolicy of such rash conduct, and Narvaez again spoke
+in a friendly manner to Velasquez, whom he invited to dine with him, and
+entreated his assistance to bring Cortes and the rest of us into his power.
+Velasquez now agreed to forward this design, but represented Cortes as
+headstrong and resolute, advising that Narvaez and he should divide the
+country between them, each taking separate provinces. At this time Olmedo
+came up, and advised Narvaez to order his troops under arms, that
+Velasquez might see them and report to Cortes, who would be terrified when
+he knew their strength. The troops were accordingly turned out in review
+order, and Velasquez complimented Narvaez on their number and martial
+appearence, wishing him an increase of his power. Narvaez said he hoped
+Velasquez was now satisfied how easily he could crush Cortes and his
+despicable force; to which Velasquez replied, he hoped they knew how to
+defend themselves.
+
+Velasquez dined next day with Narvaez, where a captain in his army who was
+nephew to the governor of Cuba happened to be, who used very insulting
+language respecting Cortes. On this Velasquez requested of Narvaez, that
+such insulting language might not be allowed in his hearing; but the other
+gentleman continued his abuse, and even took great liberties with
+Velasquez himself; who, laying his hand on his sword, asked permission
+from Narvaez to chastise that base liar. The other officers who were
+present interfered to prevent mischief, and advised both Velasquez and
+Olmedo to retire. Velasquez accordingly mounted his excellent grey mare,
+in his helmet and coat of mail, with his gold chain about his shoulders,
+and took leave of Narvaez, who returned his salute with apparent coldness.
+The young captain was again very violent in his abuse; on which Velasquez
+swore by his beard, that he should see in a few days what stuff he was
+made of. Then, taking a hasty leave of the bystanders, he put spurs to his
+good grey mare and was soon out of sight, as he had some hint or suspicion
+that Narvaez might send after him, and even saw some horsemen following him
+apparently for that purpose, but he was too well mounted for their pursuit.
+
+In about two hours after Velasquez had left our camp to visit Narvaez, the
+drum beat to arms, and our little army set forwards on our march for
+Chempoalla. We killed two wild hogs on our way, which our soldiers
+considered as a good omen of our ultimate success. We halted for the night
+on the side of a rivulet, having the ground for a bed, stones for our
+pillows, and heaven for our canopy, and arrived next day at the place
+where the city of Vera Cruz is now built, which was then an Indian village
+in a grove of trees. Being mid-day and the weather extremely sultry, we
+stopped here for rest and refreshment, being much fatigued by the weight
+of our lances and armour. While here, a report was brought from one of our
+out-posts that some horsemen were in sight, who turned out to be Velasquez
+and Olmedo, who were received by Cortes, and all of us with much joy, and
+we all came round them to hear the news. Velasquez told Cortes in what
+manner he had executed his commission and distributed the presents among
+the officers of Narvaez. Then our merry Father Olmedo gave an account by
+what finesse he had persuaded Narvaez to read our letter; how he had made
+the foolish braggart Salvatierra believe they were cousins, and of the
+ridiculous bravadoes he uttered, as how he would kill Cortes and all of us
+in revenge for the loss of his horse; then how he had prevailed on Narvaez
+to turn out his troops in review, merely to laugh at him; and in all these
+stories he mimicked Narvaez and Salvatierra most admirably, so that we
+laughed and enjoyed ourselves as if going to a wedding-feast, though we
+well knew that on the morrow we must conquer or die, having to attack
+five times our number. Such is the fortune of war! After the heat of the
+day was over, we proceeded on our march, and halted for the night at a
+river about a league from Chempoalla, where there is now a bridge and a
+dairy farm.
+
+After the departure of Father Olmedo and Velasquez from the quarters of
+Narvaez, some of his officers gave him warning of the secret practices
+going on, and advised him to be on his guard, as Cortes had many friends
+in his army. The fat cacique of Chempoalla, being terrified for being
+called to account by Cortes for delivering up the women and mantles that
+had been confided to his care, was extremely vigilant in watching all our
+motions. Finding that we drew near Chempoalla, he said to Narvaez, "Why
+are you so careless! _Malinatzin_ and his _teules_ will come upon you by
+surprise and put you all to death." Narvaez, being confident in his vast
+superiority, laughed heartily at the fears of the fat cacique, yet did not
+neglect the warning. In the first place, he declared war against us as
+rebels, with fire, sword, and rope, and then drew up his whole army,
+cavalry, artillery, and infantry, in a plain about a quarter of a league
+from Chempoalla, where he resolved to wait for us; all of which we learned
+from a soldier, named El Galleguillo, who either deserted to us, or was
+sent by Duero to Cortes. The day happened to be very rainy, and the troops
+of Narvaez, being unaccustomed to hardships, and despising our small
+number, became restless and dissatisfied with their situation, on which
+his officers advised him to march them back to quarters, which he did,
+placing all his guns in a line before the house in which he lodged. He
+likewise placed a grand guard of forty cavalry on the road by which we
+were expected to advance, and some cavalry videts and active foot soldiers
+at the ford where we must pass on our way to Chempoalla. Twenty of his
+cavalry were also appointed to patrole during the whole night around his
+quarters. All this was done by the advice of his officers, who were
+anxious to get under cover, and who alleged it was absurd to suppose that
+Cortes would venture to attack them with so pitiful a handful of men, and
+that he only advanced from ostentation, or to induce them to come to an
+agreement. On returning to quarters, Narvaez publickly offered a reward of
+two thousand crowns to whoever should kill Cortes or Sandoval; and he
+stationed as spies at the ford, Gonzalo Carrasco, who now dwells in La
+Puebla, and a soldier named Hurtado. He also filled his own quarters, and
+those of Salvatierra, Gamarra, and Buono, with musketeers, crossbow-men,
+and soldiers armed with partizans or halberts.
+
+On arriving at the river which runs through the rich meadows about a
+league from Chempoalla, having appointed trusty out-guards, Cortes
+summoned all his officers and soldiers round him, and addressed us as
+follows: "Gentlemen! you well know that the governor of Cuba selected me
+as your general, although there are many among you as worthy of the
+command. You also know that it was publickly proclaimed and believed among
+us, that we were to conquer and colonize this country, whereas our
+instructions were only to barter with the natives for gold. You will
+recollect my determination to have returned to Cuba, to give an account of
+my mission to Velasquez, when I was required by you to remain and colonize
+the country for his majesties service, appointing me your captain-general
+and chief magistrate, till his majesties pleasure was made known, and that
+we have in consequence essentially served God, and the interest of our
+sovereign. I beg leave to remind you, that we have written to the king,
+giving him a full account of this country, and all that we have done and
+suffered for his service, requesting that the government might not be
+conferred on any unworthy person, and how we transmitted all the treasure
+to his majesty that we had obtained. You likewise know, that fearing the
+arts and influence of the bishop of Burgos and his favourite Velasquez, we
+came to a resolution to maintain his majesties rights and government in
+this country, till his royal mandate, duly authenticated, should be
+produced to us. I must now remind you to what dangers you have been
+exposed in various sanguinary battles, what hardships you have suffered
+from hunger and fatigue, and the inclemencies of the weather, having often
+been obliged to sleep on the ground in rain, wind, and snow, during all
+which, above fifty of your companions have died, and many of your own
+wounds are still unhealed. I recal to your remembrance, your numerous
+sufferings by sea and land, and the perils of Tabasco, Tlascala, and
+Cholula, where the boilers were already on the fires in which your limbs
+were to have been prepared for the barbarous repast of your savage enemies.
+And lastly, your hazardous entry into Mexico, the seizure of its powerful
+sovereign, and its occupation in the face of an immense and warlike
+population for more than six months. Let me now state the reward of all
+these dangerous and brilliant services. Narvaez is sent here by your
+enemies the governor of Cuba and bishop of Burgos, to strip you of your
+well-earned fame and dear-bought treasures. By aspersing your characters
+with the great Montezuma he has occasioned the defection of the natives
+who had submitted to our government, and he proclaims exterminating war
+against us with fire, sword, and rope, as if we were infidel Moors." He
+said a great deal more to the same purpose, exalting our merits and valour
+to the skies, and after a profusion of compliments and promises, he
+concluded by observing that this Narvaez, who had come to deprive us of
+our lives and properties, and had imprisoned the royal oydor for
+endeavouring to defend us, only held his command through the favour of our
+great enemy the bishop of Burgos; and it became us therefore, as faithful
+subjects, to make a bold stand in defence of the royal rights, and our own
+lives and properties: He therefore now wished to know our determination on
+the subject.
+
+The whole officers and soldiers declared unanimously that we were ready to
+follow him, and determined to conquer or die. We desired, therefore, that
+we might hear no more said about an accommodation with Narvaez, or a
+partition of the country; as in that case we would plunge our swords into
+his body, and elect another chief. Cortes highly extolled our spirited
+declaration, saying that he expected no less from men of our valour;
+adding a multitude of fine promises and flattering assurances that he
+would make us all rich and great. Then adverting to the approaching attack,
+he earnestly enjoined us to observe the strictest discipline, and the most
+profound silence, observing that success in battle often depended a great
+deal more on prudent conduct and precise obedience, than on the most
+determined bravery: He well knew, he said, that our ardour would prompt
+every one of us to strive who should be most forward in the battle, but it
+was indispensably necessary that we should be distributed into companies,
+having each our distinct duties to perform. The first thing necessary to
+be done, was to seize the enemies artillery, and for this duty he selected
+seventy soldiers, among whom I was one, over whom he appointed to the
+command his relation Pizarro, an active young man, but then as little
+known to fame as the kingdom of Peru. Our farther orders were, as soon as
+we had got possession of the guns, that we were to join and support the
+detachment which was to attack the quarters of Narvaez. This duty was
+assigned to Sandoval at the head of seventy select men; and, as he was
+alguazil-major of our army, he was provided with a formal warrant to
+arrest the body of Pamphilo de Narvaez, for having imprisoned an officer
+of his majesty, and to put him to death in case of resistance. Cortes also
+promised a reward of three thousand crowns to the first soldier who should
+lay hands on Narvaez, two thousand to the second, and one thousand to the
+third. Juan Velasquez de Leon was appointed with a third body of seventy
+men, to seize his relation Diego Velasquez; and Cortes retained a body of
+reserve of twenty men, to act whatever he might see occasion, and in
+particular to support the intended attack on the quarters of Narvaez and
+Salvatierra, which were in the lofty temple of Chempoalla[3]. Having thus
+arranged the troops and instructed our leaders, he addressed us in a short
+speech, saying, That he well knew the army of Narvaez was four times more
+numerous than we, but they were unaccustomed to arms, and many of them ill;
+he trusted therefore in this unexpected attack, that God would give us
+victory, and that it was better to die gloriously than to live dishonoured.
+I have often reflected on this circumstance, that in all his addresses to
+us, he never once mentioned a word respecting those in the army of Narvaez
+who were our friends; in which he acted the part of a wise commander,
+making us to rely entirely on our own prowess, without counting on any
+assistance. Our three detachments were now formed, having each their
+captains at their head, explaining to us our particular duties, while we
+mutually encouraged each other to hope for victory. Pizarro, our leader,
+directed us to rush forwards upon the guns, with our lances at the charge,
+and immediately on getting possession, the artillery-men who were attached
+to our division, were to point and fire them against the quarters of
+Narvaez. Those who happened at this moment to be deficient in defensive
+armour, would have given every thing they had in the world for a morion, a
+helmet, or a breast-plate. Our countersign for the engagement was _Spiritu
+Santo_, that of Narvaez _Santa Maria_. Just before marching, Captain
+Sandoval, who had always been my intimate friend, called me aside, and
+made me promise, if I survived the capture of the guns, I should seek out
+and attach myself to him during the rest of the battle.
+
+All things being arranged, we remained waiting the order to march, and
+reflecting with much anxiety on what was before us. I was stationed at an
+advanced post, where soon afterwards a patrole came to me, asking if I had
+heard any thing, to which I answered that I had not. A corporal came up to
+my post soon after, who said that Galleguillo, the deserter from Narvaez,
+was missing, and was suspected of having come among us as a spy, for which
+reason Cortes had given orders to march immediately. The drum was soon
+heard beating for us to fall in, and the captains were calling over their
+companies. We joined the column, and soon after found the missing soldier
+sleeping under some mantles to relieve his fatigue, as he had not been
+accustomed to hardships. We marched on at a quick pace, and in profound
+silence, and on arriving at the river, surprised the two videts of Narvaez,
+one of whom we made prisoner, and the other flying into the town before us,
+spread the alarm of our approach. Owing to rain the river was deeper than
+usual, and the ford was difficult to pass, from loose stones and the
+weight of our armour. Carrasco the videt, whom we had taken, exclaimed to
+Cortes, "Do not advance, Senior Cortes, for Narvaez and all his force is
+drawn out to receive you." We proceeded, however, with all expedition, and
+on coming to the town, heard the other man who had escaped giving the
+alarm, and Narvaez calling on his officers to turn out. Our company was at
+the head of the column; and rushing on with charged lances, we soon made
+ourselves masters of the guns, the artillery-men having only time to
+discharge four, one only of which took effect, and killed three of our men.
+Our whole force now advanced, and brought down seven of the enemies
+cavalry; but we could not for some time quit the guns, as the enemy kept
+up a smart discharge of musketry and arrows from the quarters of Narvaez.
+Sandoval and his company pressed forwards to climb the steps of the temple,
+in which attempt he was resisted by the enemy, with musketry, partizans,
+and lances, and was even forced down six or seven steps. At this time,
+seeing that the artillery was no longer in danger of being rescued, our
+company, with Captain Pizarro at their head, went to the assistance of
+Sandoval, when we jointly made the enemy give ground in their turn; and at
+this critical moment I heard Narvaez crying out, "Santa Maria assist me!
+they have slain me, and beat out one of my eyes!" On hearing this we
+shouted out, "Victory! victory! for the Espiritu Santo! Narvaez is dead!"
+Still we were unable to force our way into the temple, till Martin Lopez,
+who was very tall, set the thatch on fire, and forced those within to rush
+down the steps to save themselves from being burnt to death. Sanches
+Farfan laid hold on Narvaez, whom we carried prisoner to Sandoval, along
+with several other captive captains, continually shouting, "Victory!
+victory! Long live the king and Cortes! Narvaez is slain!"
+
+While this was going on with us, Cortes and the rest of our army were
+engaged with some of the enemy who occupied some other lofty temples. When
+the cause of our shouts was understood, Cortes notified to them the fall
+of their commander, proclaiming that all who did not instantly submit
+should be put to death; yet those who were in the temple, commanded by
+Diego Velasquez and Salvatierra would not submit, till Sandoval with half
+of our body, and the captured guns, forced his way into the temple and
+made them all prisoners. Sandoval now returned to take charge of Narvaez,
+who was doubly ironed; and we now, had in custody besides him, Salvatierra,
+Diego Velasquez, Gamarra, Juan Yuste, Juan Buono, and many other principal
+persons. At this time Cortes came in unobserved, extremely fatigued; and
+addressing Sandoval, said it was impossible to describe the labour he had
+experienced; then asked, "What has become of Narvaez?" Sandoval told him
+that Narvaez was here safe. Cortes then said, "Son Sandoval, keep good
+watch over him and the other officers." After which he hastened away, and
+caused proclamation to be made, that all should lay down their arms and
+submit. The whole of this happened during the night, during which there
+were frequent showers, with intervals of moon-shine; but at the moment of
+attack it was extremely dark, with multitudes of fire flies, which the
+soldiers of Narvaez mistook for the lighted matches of our musketry.
+Narvaez was badly wounded, and had one of his eyes beaten out, on which
+account he requested to send for Master Juan the surgeon; and while he was
+getting his eye dressed Cortes entered the room, when Narvaez said to him:
+"Senior Cortes! thank your good fortune for having made me your prisoner."
+Cortes answered, That his thanks were due to God and his valiant soldiers,
+who had succeeded in more difficult achievements since they came to New
+Spain; and he considered the arrest of the royal oydor was more daring
+than our present attack. He then left the room, with strict injunctions to
+Sandoval to keep strict guard. Narvaez and the rest of the captured
+officers were removed into a more secure apartment, where I and some other
+confidential soldiers were appointed for their guard, and Sandoval gave me
+a private order to allow no one to speak with Narvaez.
+
+Cortes knew that forty of the enemies cavalry were still at an outpost on
+the river, and that it was necessary to keep a good look out, lest they
+might attack us for the rescue of their officers. He sent, therefore, De
+Oli and De Ordas to speak with them, on two horses which were found
+fastened in a wood, and guided by one of the soldiers of Narvaez. By their
+arguments and fair promises, the horsemen were all persuaded to submit,
+and came back with them for that purpose to the town. It was now clear day,
+and Cortes was seated in an arm-chair, with an orange-coloured mantle over
+his shoulders, and his arms by his side, surrounded by his officers and
+soldiers. He received the salutations of the cavaliers, as they came up
+successively to kiss his hand, with amazing affability, embracing them all
+most cordially, and politely complimenting them. Among these were Bermudez,
+Duero, and several others, who were secretly his friends already. Each of
+the cavaliers, after paying his respects, went to the quarters assigned
+for their lodgings. Ever since day-break, the drums, fifes, and timbals of
+the army of Narvaez never ceased their music in honour of Cortes, though
+none of us had spoken a word to them on the subject. A comical fellow of a
+negro, who belonged to the band, danced for joy, shouting out; "Where are
+your Romans now? They never achieved so glorious a victory with such small
+numbers!" We could not silence these noisy fellows, till Cortes ordered
+them to be confined. In this action, a gentleman of Seville, and
+standard-bearer to Narvaez, Roxas, one of his captains, and two others,
+were killed, and many wounded; one also of the three who deserted from us
+to him was killed, and several wounded. The fat cacique also, who took
+refuge in the quarters of Narvaez on our approach, was wounded, and Cortes
+ordered him to his house, to be there well taken care of. As for
+Salvatierra, who had made so many boasts, his own soldiers said they never
+saw so pitiful a fellow. When he heard our drum he was in a terrible
+fright, and when we shouted out victory, he declared he had a pain at his
+stomach, and could fight no more. Diego Velasquez, who was wounded, was
+taken by his relation Juan Velasquez de Leon to his own quarters, where he
+was well taken care of, and treated with the utmost attention[4].
+
+The reinforcement of warriors which Cortes had been promised from
+Chinantla, marched into Chempoalla soon after the conclusion of the action,
+under the command of Barrientos, who had marshalled them in a very shewy
+manner, in regular files, lancemen and archers alternately, 1500 in number,
+accompanied with colours, drums, and trumpets, and making a most warlike
+appearance, to the great astonishment of the soldiers of Narvaez, who
+thought they were double the number. Our general received them with much
+courtesy, and as their services were no longer needed, he made them
+handsome presents, and dismissed them with thanks.
+
+The army of Narvaez being now secured, Cortes sent F. de Lugo to order all
+the captains and pilots of the fleet to come to Chempoalla, and directed
+all the ships to be dismantled, to cut off all communication with Cuba.
+One Barahona, afterwards an inhabitant of Guatimala, had been confined by
+Narvaez, and was now set at liberty, who was in a very weak state when he
+joined us. The captains and pilots of the fleet came on shore to pay their
+respects, and Cortes bound them all by oath not to leave him, appointing
+Pedro Cavallero, one of their number, admiral of the whole fleet now in
+his possession; and, as more ships were expected from Cuba, gave him
+orders to dismantle them all as they arrived, and to send the captains and
+pilots to head-quarters. All these important matters being arranged, and
+his authority completely established, Cortes proceeded to such measures as
+seemed proper for extending and securing the conquest and discovery of New
+Spain. For this purpose, Velasquez de Leon was appointed to conduct an
+expedition to the river of Panuco, with 220 soldiers, 20 of which were
+taken from among ourselves, and 100 from the soldiers of Narvaez: And was
+to be accompanied by two ships, on purpose to extend the discovery of the
+coast. Diego de Ordas, was appointed with a similar force, to establish a
+colony in the province of Guacocualco, or Coatzacualco; and as that
+country was well adapted for breeding cattle, he was directed to send to
+Jamaica for horses, mares, bulls, and cows, for the purpose of
+establishing an independent supply in the country. All the prisoners were
+released, except Narvaez and Salvatierra, who still had the pain in his
+stomach. Cortes also gave orders to restore all their horses and arms to
+the soldiers of Narvaez, which gave us all much dissatisfaction, but we
+were obliged to submit. On this occasion I had to resign a good horse with
+a saddle and bridle, two swords, three daggers, and a shield. Avila and
+Father Olmedo, speaking on this subject to Cortes, said he resembled
+Alexander the Great, who was always more generous to the vanquished, than
+to his own conquering soldiers. Indeed as fast as Cortes received gold or
+other valuables, he gave away all to the captains of the other army, quite
+forgetful of us who had made him what he was. Cortes protested that he and
+all he had was entirely devoted to our service, as he would shew by his
+future conduct; but that his present procedure was necessary for our
+common interest and safety, we being so few, and the others so numerous.
+Avila, who was of a lofty disposition, remonstrated in an imperious manner,
+and Cortes was forced to dissemble with him at the time, knowing him to be
+a brave man; he pacified him therefore with presents and flattering
+promises, to prevent any violence, but took care in future to employ him
+in distant business, as his agent first in Hispaniola, and afterwards in
+Spain.
+
+There happened to come over in the army of Narvaez, a negro who was ill of
+the small-pox, a most unfortunate circumstance for the people of New Spain,
+as the disease spread with astonishing rapidity through the country, and
+destroyed the natives by thousands, as they used to throw themselves into
+cold water in the height of the disease, with the nature of which they
+were utterly unacquainted. Thus multitudes of unfortunate souls were
+hurried into eternity, without an opportunity of being received into the
+bosom of the holy Catholic church. At this time, such of our soldiers as
+had been in distant garrisons, applied to Cortes to receive their shares
+of the gold which had been got in Mexico. As far as I can remember, he
+referred them to a place in Tlascala, desiring that two persons might be
+sent to receive it at that place; and I shall have occasion to mention
+the result hereafter.
+
+
+[1] The date is supplied in the text from attentive consideration of dates
+    mentioned by Diaz in the sequel, and in this date Clavigero, II. 97,
+    agrees. Diaz gives no account of the strength of Cortes on the present
+    occasion, but afterwards mentions 206 soldiers, with five horsemen and
+    two gunners, independent of 70 more who joined under Sandoval from the
+    garrison of Villa Rica. This would make the whole force 285 soldiers,
+    against 1400 who were under the command of Narvaez.--E.
+
+[2] No such place is to be found in the map of Clavigero, nor in that
+    recently published by Humbolt.--E.
+
+[3] These numbers, as arranged for the attack on Narvaez, only amount to
+    230 men. At the occupation of Mexico the Spanish army is said to have
+    been about 450, besides the garrison of Villa Rica. Eighty-three men
+    are stated to have been left in Mexico under the command of Alvarado,
+    which would still leave 367 to march under Cortes for Chempoalla, to
+    which 70 being added from Villa Rica under Sandoval, would raise the
+    amount of the army now under Cortes to about 437 men, so that about
+    207 are unaccounted for in the arrangement for the attack, besides
+    Ordas, and other eminent captains are not now mentioned in the text.
+    We may, therefore, reasonably conclude, that these captains and the
+    unaccounted for remaining force of Cortes, were left at the ford of
+    the river, about a league from Chempoalla, as a rear guard, on which
+    to retreat in case of a defeat, or may have formed a main body for the
+    assault.--E.
+
+[4] This victory of Cortes over Narvaez took place on the 26th May
+    1520.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION X.
+
+_Occurrences, from the Defeat of Narvaez, 26th May 1520, to the Expulsion
+of the Spaniards from Mexico, on the 1st, and the Battle of Otumba on the
+4th of July of the same Year_.
+
+
+The wheel of fortune is ever in motion, evil following closely upon good.
+This was strongly exemplified with us at this time, as our late successes
+were speedily followed by melancholy news from Mexico by express,
+informing us that an insurrection had broke out in that city, that
+Alvarado was besieged in his quarters, which the natives had set on fire,
+after killing seven of his men and wounding many; for which reason
+Alvarado earnestly entreated immediate succour. It is not to be expressed
+how much this news afflicted us all. In consequence of this distressing
+intelligence, Cortes countermanded the expeditions which were to have
+marched under De Leon and De Ordas, and determined upon an immediate
+forced march to Mexico. We left Narvaez and Salvatierra as prisoners at
+Villa Rica, under the charge of Roderigo Rangel, who was likewise directed
+to collect all the stragglers, and to take care of the invalids, who were
+numerous: Just as we were ready to march, four principal nobles arrived
+from the court of Montezuma, who made a heavy complaint against Alvarado,
+who had assaulted them while dancing at a solemn festival in honour of
+their gods, which had been held by his permission, and stating that they
+had been constrained to take up arms in their own defence, during which
+seven of the Spanish soldiers were slain. Cortes made them a short answer,
+saying that he would shortly be at Mexico, when he would make proper
+inquiry and set all to rights, with which answer they had to return to
+Montezuma, who was much displeased with the insulting tone in which it was
+given, more especially as a great number of his subjects had been killed
+by Alvarado. Before commencing our march, Cortes made a speech to the
+soldiers of Narvaez, exhorting them to forget all past animosities, and
+not to let the present opportunity be lost of serving both his majesty and
+themselves; and by way of inducement, gave them a magnificent picture of
+the riches of Mexico, to a participation in which their faithful conduct
+would entitle them. They one and all declared their resolution to obey his
+orders, and to proceed immediately to Mexico, which they would hardly have
+agreed to if they had known its strength, and the numerous martial
+population of that city.
+
+We arrived at Tlascala by very long marches, where we were informed that
+the Mexicans had made incessant attacks on Alvarado, until Montezuma and
+they received intelligence of the defeat of Narvaez; after which they had
+desisted, leaving the Spaniards in great distress, owing to excessive
+fatigue from their continual exertions, and much in want of water and
+provisions. At Tlascala, Cortes made a general muster and inspection of
+our army, which now amounted to thirteen hundred men, of whom nearly an
+hundred were cavalry, and a hundred and sixty armed with muskets and
+crossbows. We were here joined by two thousand Tlascalan warriors, and
+marched from hence to Tezcuco, where we were very ill received, every
+thing bearing the appearance of disaffection.
+
+On St John's day, 24th of June 1520, we again entered Mexico[1], where we
+met with a very different reception from what we had experienced on our
+former entry, on the 8th November 1519, seven months and a half before.
+Not one of the nobles of our acquaintance came now to meet us, and the
+whole city seemed to have been deserted by its inhabitants. On entering
+our quarters, Montezuma advanced to embrace Cortes, and to congratulate
+him on his victory; but our general turned from him with disdain, and
+would neither speak to him nor listen to his address, on which the king
+returned to his apartment much cast down. Cortes made inquiry into the
+causes and circumstances of the late commotion, from all of which it was
+evident that it had neither been instigated nor approved by Montezuma; as
+if he had chosen to act against our garrison, they might all have been as
+easily destroyed as only seven. Alvarado said, that the Indians were
+enraged at the detention of their sovereign, and by the erection of the
+cross in their temple; and that when they went, as they said by order of
+their gods, to pull it down, all their strength was unable to move it from
+its place; and that Montezuma had strictly enjoined them to desist from
+all such attempts. In justification of himself, Alvarado alleged that the
+friends and subjects of Montezuma had planned the attack upon him for the
+liberation of their sovereign, at the time when they believed Cortes and
+his army had been destroyed by Narvaez: And being questioned why he had
+fallen on the Mexicans, while holding a festival in honour of their gods,
+he pretended that he had intelligence of their hostile intentions from a
+priest and two nobles, and thought it safest to be beforehand with them.
+When pressed by Cortes to say whether the Mexicans had not asked and
+obtained his permission to hold that festival, he acknowledged it was so,
+and that he had fallen upon them by anticipation, that he might terrify
+them into submission, and prevent them from going to war with the
+Spaniards. Cortes was highly displeased with the conduct of Alvarado, and
+censured him in the strongest terms.
+
+Alvarado alleged that during one of the attacks of the Mexicans on his
+quarters, he had endeavoured to fire off one of his guns and could not get
+the priming to take fire; but sometime afterwards, when they were in great
+danger, the gun went off of itself and made prodigious havock among the
+enemy, who were thus miraculously repulsed, and the Spaniards saved from
+inevitable destruction. He said also, that the garrison being in great
+distress for water, they sank a pit in one of the courts, when immediately
+a spring of the sweetest water sprung up. I know that there was a spring
+in the city which often produced tolerably fresh water[2]. Glory be to GOD
+for all his mercies! Some alleged that Alvarado was excited to this attack
+by avarice, in order to plunder the Indians of their golden ornaments
+during the festival; but I am satisfied his attack proceeded from a
+mistaken idea of preventing insurrection by terror. It is certain, that
+even after the massacre at the temple, Montezuma used every endeavour to
+prevent his subjects from attacking our people: but they were so enraged
+that nothing could restrain their eager thirst for vengeance.
+
+During our march, Cortes had launched out to the new comers in warm
+eulogiums on the riches of Mexico, the power and influence which he had
+acquired, and the respect and obedience of the Mexicans, filling them with
+promises and expectations of enjoying gold in abundance. From the
+negligent coldness of his reception in Tezcuco, and the similar
+appearances in Mexico, he became vexed, disappointed, and peevish;
+insomuch, that when the officers of Montezuma came to wait upon him, and
+expressed the wishes of their master to see him, Cortes exclaimed angrily:
+"Away with the dog, wherefore does he neglect to supply us." The captains
+De Leon, De Oli, and De Lugo, happening to be present on this occasion,
+entreated him to remember the former kindness and generosity of the
+Mexican sovereign, and to treat him with moderation. This only seemed to
+irritate Cortes so much the more, as it appeared to censure his conduct,
+and he indignantly answered: "What obligations am I under to the wretch,
+who plotted secretly against me with Narvaez, and who now neglects to
+supply us with provisions?" The captains admitted that this ought to be
+done, and Cortes being full of confidence in the great military power he
+now commanded, continued a haughty demeanour to the Mexican noblemen who
+still waited his pleasure. Turning therefore to them, he desired them to
+tell their master, that he must immediately order markets to be held, and
+provisions to be supplied for his troops, or to beware of the consequences.
+These lords understood the general import of the injurious expressions
+which Cortes had used against Montezuma, and made a faithful report to him
+of all that passed. Whether it may have proceeded from rage on account of
+these opprobrious expressions against their sovereign, or from a plan
+previously concerted to fall upon us, I know not, but within a quarter of
+an hour, a soldier dangerously wounded came running into our quarters, and
+reported that the whole people were in arms against us. This man had been
+sent by Cortes to bring over to our quarters the daughter of Montezuma and
+other Indian ladies, who had been left under the charge of the cacique of
+Tacuba, when we marched against Narvaez. He was returning with these
+ladies, when the people attacked him in great numbers on the causeway of
+Tacuba, where they had broken down one of the bridges, and had once seized
+him, and were forcing him into a canoe to carry him off to be sacrificed;
+but he extricated himself by a violent effort, and got away with two
+dangerous wounds.
+
+Cortes immediately ordered out a detachment of 400 men under Ordas, to see
+what was the matter, and to endeavour to pacify the people; but he had
+hardly proceeded the length of a street, when he was assailed by immense
+numbers of the natives, some in the street, and others from the terraced
+tops of the houses, who killed eight of his men on the first discharge of
+missiles, and wounded mostly the whole of his men, himself in three places.
+Finding it impossible to proceed, Ordas retreated slowly towards our
+quarters, and soon after lost another soldier, who did astonishing feats
+of valour with a two-handed sword. The streets were so crowded with
+enemies, and we were so incessantly attacked in front and rear, and from
+the roofs, that for a long while he was unable to force his way. Neither
+the effect of our fire-arms, nor the most efficacious use of our other
+arms could deter the natives from closing in upon us hand to hand, and
+foot to foot; but at length Ordas forced his way back, having lost in all
+twenty-three of his men. Our quarters were attacked by prodigious
+multitudes at the same moment that the attack on Ordas began, and they
+poured in such incessant discharges of missile weapons, that they soon
+wounded above forty-six of our men, of whom twelve afterwards died. Even
+after the retreat of Ordas, the enemy continued their attacks, and at
+length set fire to various parts of the buildings forming our quarters,
+thinking to burn us alive or to stifle us with smoke; and we were reduced
+to the necessity of tearing down some parts of the building, and to throw
+earth upon other parts, to extinguish the fire. All the courts and open
+places of our quarters were thickly strewed with arrows, stones, and darts,
+which had been thrown at us; and we were occupied the whole day and night,
+in repelling the incessant assaults, repairing the breaches in our
+defences, dressing our wounds, and preparing for future assaults. At dawn
+of the ensuing morning, we sallied out with our whole force, determined to
+conquer or to impress them with respect. The Mexicans met us with the
+utmost resolution, and though we fought almost in despair, their numbers
+were so immense, and they continually brought up such strong
+reinforcements of fresh troops, that even if we had all been Hectors or
+Orlandos, we could not have forced them to give ground. It is quite
+impossible to give any adequate idea of the obstinacy and violence of this
+battle. Though in every reiterated charge we brought down thirty or forty
+of the enemy, it had no effect, as they returned upon us with more
+violence and desperation than before; our musketry and cannon made no
+impression that was not instantly replaced; and if at any time they gave
+ground, it was only to draw us farther from our quarters, to make our
+destruction more sure. In the midst of all this, the stones and darts
+which were launched upon us from the terraces of the house tops did us
+astonishing injury. Some of our soldiers who had been in the wars of Italy
+declared, that neither among Christians or Turks, nor even in the French
+artillery, had they ever seen such desperate fighting as now among these
+Indians. We were at length forced to retreat to our quarters, which we
+reached with infinite difficulty, after losing ten or twelve of our men
+killed, and almost every one of us severely wounded.
+
+After our return, we were busily occupied in preparing for a general sally
+on the next day after but one, with four military engines of strong timber
+like towers, each of which was calculated to contain twenty-five men under
+cover, with portholes for the artillery, and for muskets and crossbows.
+During this interval we had likewise to repair the breaches which the
+Mexicans had made in our walls, and to resist their attempts to scale them,
+often in twenty places at once. The Mexicans constantly used the most
+injurious language against us; saying that the voracious animals in the
+great temple had been kept fasting for two days, that they might be ready
+to devour our bodies, when we were sacrificed to their gods. They assured
+us at the same time that our allies were to be put into cages to fatten,
+and that they would soon recover our ill got treasure. Sometimes they
+adjured us in the most plaintive terms to restore their king to liberty,
+and they annoyed us without ceasing by flights of arrows, constantly
+shouting and whistling. On the ensuing morning at day-break, having first
+recommended ourselves to GOD, we sallied out from our quarters with the
+turrets, such as I have seen in other places, and called _mantas_ or
+_burros_. Our column was headed by a party of musketeers and crossbow-men,
+and our cavalry on our flanks, occasionally charging the enemy. Our
+purpose was to assail the great temple, which by its elevation and strong
+enclosures, served as a citadel to the Mexicans, and we advanced therefore
+in that direction, accompanied by our turrets; but the enemy resisted all
+our efforts with the most determined obstinacy. I will not attempt to
+relate all the circumstances of this desperate battle, or the difficulty
+which we had to encounter in driving the enemy from a very strong house
+which they occupied. The arrows of the Mexicans wounded many of our horses,
+notwithstanding that they wore defensive armour; and when our cavalry
+attempted at any time to charge or to pursue the enemy, they threw
+themselves into the canals, while others sallied out from the houses on
+both sides with long lances, assailing our people in the rear and on both
+flanks. It was utterly impossible for us to burn the houses, or to pull
+them down, as they all stood singly in the water, communicating only by
+means of draw-bridges; and it was too dangerous for us to attempt reaching
+them by swimming, as they showered vollies of stones upon us by slings,
+and threw large stones upon our heads from the terraces of their house
+tops. Even when a house was set on fire, it was very long of taking effect;
+and even when we succeeded, the flames could not communicate to the other
+houses, as they were all separated by canals, and their roofs were
+terraced, not thatched.
+
+At length we reached the great temple, into which four thousand of the
+Mexicans immediately rushed, independent of other large bodies who were
+previously stationed there for its defence. They defended their temple
+with the most obstinate valour, and for some time prevented us from being
+able to ascend, our turrets, musketry, and cavalry, being of no avail to
+force them to give ground. The pavements of the temple courts were so
+smooth, that the horses fell when our cavalry attempted to charge. They
+opposed us in front from the steps of the great temple, and assailed us
+with such fury on both flanks and in the rear, that though our guns swept
+off a dozen or fifteen of them at every discharge, and though in each
+charge of our infantry we killed many of them with our swords and lances,
+they continually filled up the chasms we had made among them, and their
+numbers and resolution were so great that we could not make any permanent
+or effectual impression. We were even forced to abandon our _mantas_ or
+turrets, which the enemy had demolished. At length, by a desperate effort,
+we forced our way up the steps, and in this assault Cortes shewed himself
+a hero. Our battle in this place was most desperate, every man among us
+being covered with blood, and above forty of our number lay dead on the
+spot. We reached with infinite difficulty the place where we had formerly
+set up the image of the blessed Virgin, which was not to be found, as it
+had been removed by order of Montezuma, either through fear or from
+devotion to his idols. We set fire to the buildings, and burnt down a part
+of the temples of Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca; and while some of us
+were employed in setting fire to the buildings, and others fighting, in
+which our Tlascalan allies seconded us most gallantly, above three
+thousand Mexican nobles, headed by their priests, made a most severe
+attack, and drove us down eight or ten of the steps. Others of the enemy
+from the corridors, or within the railings and concavities of the temple,
+assailed us on every side with arrows and other missiles, so that we were
+unable even to maintain the ground we had gained. We were constrained
+therefore to retreat, every man of us being wounded, and forty-six of our
+number slain. We regained our quarters with the utmost difficulty, which
+the enemy had almost gained possession of, as they had been continually
+endeavouring to carry them by assault during our absence, or to set them
+on fire. But they desisted in a great measure from the assault on our
+arrival, yet continued to throw in perpetual showers of arrows, darts, and
+stones. In the course of this most terrible engagement, we made two of the
+chief priests prisoners, whom we carried along with us to our quarters. I
+have often seen representations of this battle in Mexican paintings, both
+at Mexico and Tlascala, in which the various incidents were represented in
+a very lively manner. Our ascent to the great temple; the setting the
+temple on fire; the numerous warriors defending it in the corridors, from
+behind the rails, and in the concavities, and others on the plain ground,
+in the courts of the temple, and on all sides of us; many of our men being
+represented as dead, and all of us covered with wounds. In these paintings,
+the destruction of our turrets is conspicuously represented as a most
+heroic achievement.
+
+The night which succeeded this unfortunate battle was passed by us in a
+most melancholy state; repairing the breaches which had been made in the
+walls of our quarters, dressing our wounds, burying our slain companions,
+and consulting upon measures for extricating us from our present almost
+hopeless situation. The followers of Narvaez heaped maledictions on Cortes
+for leading them to Mexico, and Velasquez came in for an ample share of
+their abuse, for having induced them to quit their peaceful habitations in
+Cuba. The enemy assembled around us again at day-break, and assailed our
+quarters with greater fury than ever, insomuch that our fire-arms were
+insufficient to repel them, though they mowed them down in great numbers.
+In this desperate situation, Cortes sent for Montezuma, whom he desired to
+address his subjects from a terrace, desiring them to desist from their
+attacks, assuring them that we would immediately evacuate the city. On
+receiving this message, Montezuma burst into tears, exclaiming, "What does
+he want with me now? I have been reduced to my present unhappy state on
+his account, and I neither wish to see him nor to live any longer?" He
+therefore dismissed the messengers with a refusal, and it is reported that
+he added, that he desired not to be any more troubled with the false words
+and specious promises of Cortes. Father Olmedo and Captain De Oli went to
+wait upon him, and used all possible expressions of respect and affection
+to induce him to comply with the request of Cortes. To this he replied,
+that he did not believe any thing he could now do would be of any avail,
+as the Mexicans had elected another sovereign, and were resolved not to
+allow a single Spaniard to quit the city alive. He made his appearance
+however at the railing of a terraced roof, attended by many of our
+soldiers, and made a very affectionate address to the people below,
+earnestly entreating a cessation of hostilities, that we might evacuate
+Mexico. As soon as Montezuma was perceived, the chiefs and nobles made
+their troops to desist from the attack, and commanded silence. Then four
+of the principal nobles came forwards, so near as to be able to hold
+conversation with Montezuma whom they addressed, lamenting the misfortunes
+which had befallen him and his family. They told him that they had raised
+_Cuitlahuatzin_[3] to the throne; that the war would soon be ended, as
+they had promised to their gods never to desist till they had utterly
+destroyed the Spaniards; that they offered up continual prayers for the
+safety of Montezuma their beloved sovereign, whom they would venerate and
+obey as formerly, as soon as they had rescued him from our hands, and
+hoped he would pardon all they had done for the defence of their religion
+and independence, and their present disobedience. Just as they concluded
+this address, a shower of arrows fell about the place where Montezuma
+stood; and though the Spaniards had hitherto protected him by interposing
+their shields, they did not expect any assault while he was speaking to
+his subjects, and had therefore uncovered him for an instant; in that
+unguarded state, three stones and an arrow hit him on the head, the arm,
+and the leg, wounding him severely. Montezuma refused every assistance,
+and all the endeavours of Father Olmedo could not prevail upon him to
+embrace the holy Catholic faith, neither could he be prevailed upon to
+have his wounds attended to. When informed of his death, Cortes and our
+captains lamented him exceedingly, and all of us soldiers who had been
+acquainted with his generosity and other amiable qualities, grieved as for
+the loss of a father. He was said to have reigned seventeen years, and to
+have been the best of all the sovereigns who had ruled over Mexico; having
+fought and conquered in three pitched battles, while subjugating other
+states to his dominions.
+
+After the death of Montezuma, Cortes sent two of our prisoners, a nobleman
+and a priest, with a message to the new sovereign Cuitlahuatzin, to inform
+him of the melancholy event, which had happened by the hands of his own
+subjects; to express our grief on the occasion; and our wish that
+Montezuma might be interred with that respect which was due to his exalted
+character. Cortes likewise informed these messengers, that he did not
+acknowledge the right of the sovereign whom the Mexicans had chosen, as
+the throne ought to belong to the son of the great Montezuma, or to his
+cousin, who was now a prisoner in our quarters. He desired them also to
+say, if they would desist from hostilities, we would immediately march out
+of their city. He then ordered the body of Montezuma to be carried out by
+six nobles, and attended by most of the priests whom we had taken
+prisoners, desiring them to deliver the body of their deceased monarch to
+the Mexican chiefs, according to his dying injunctions. We could hear the
+exclamations of sorrow which were expressed by the people, at the sight of
+the body of their late sovereign; but our message was unavailing, as they
+recommenced their attack on our quarters with the utmost violence,
+threatening that in two days we should all pay with our lives for the
+death of their king and the dishonour of their gods, as they had now a
+sovereign whom we could not deceive as we had done by the good Montezuma.
+
+Our situation was now exceedingly alarming, and on the day after the death
+of Montezuma, we made another sally towards that part of the city which
+contained many houses built on the firm ground, meaning to do all the
+injury we could, and, taking advantage of the causeway, to charge through
+the enemy with our cavalry, hoping to intimidate them by severe military
+execution, so as to induce them to grant us a free passage; we accordingly
+forced our way to that part of the city, where we burnt down about twenty
+houses, and very nearly reached the firm land[4]. But the injury we did
+the enemy was dearly purchased by the death of twenty of our soldiers, and
+we were unable to gain possession of any of the bridges, which were all
+partly broken down, and the enemy had constructed barricades or
+retrenchments in various places to obstruct the cavalry, wherever they
+could have done most essential service. Thus our troubles and perplexities
+continually increased, and we were forced again to fight our way back to
+our quarters. In this sally, which took place on a Thursday, Sandoval and
+others of our cavalry acted with great bravery; but those who came with
+Narvaez, not having been accustomed to such service, were timorous in
+comparison with our veterans. The number and fury of our enemies increased
+daily, while our force was diminished by each successive attack, and from
+our wounds we were become less able for resistance. Our powder was almost
+entirely expended; provisions and water became scarce; our friend
+Montezuma was no more; all our proposals for peace were rejected; the
+bridges by which we might have retreated were broken down; and in fine
+nothing but death in its direst form of immolation to their horrible idols
+appeared before us. In this state almost bordering on despair, it was
+resolved by Cortes in a consultation with all his confidential officers
+and soldiers, to make an attempt to quit the city during the night, as we
+were in expectation to find the enemy less upon their guard than in the
+day time. In order to deceive them, a message was sent by one of their
+chief priests who had been made prisoner, engaging to give up all the
+treasure in our possession, if they would give us permission within eight
+days to quit the city. Four days before this, one Botello, who pretended
+to be an astrologer, predicted that if we did not leave Mexico on this
+very night, that none of us would ever get out of it alive, adding many
+other foolish particulars to his prophecy.
+
+As it was determined to endeavour to force our way from the city, a
+portable bridge of very strong timber was prepared for enabling us to pass
+over the canals or passages in the causeway, where the enemy had broken
+down the bridges; and one hundred and fifty of our soldiers, with four
+hundred Tlascalan allies, were appointed for conveying, guarding, and
+placing this bridge. The advanced guard of an hundred of our youngest and
+most active men, was commanded by Sandoval, assisted by Azevedo, De Lugo,
+De Ordas, and De Tapia, with eight of the captains that came with Narvaez.
+The rear guard of an hundred men, mostly those of Narvaez, and the greater
+part of our cavalry, was confided to Alvarado and Velasquez de Leon. Donna
+Marina and Donna Luisa, with the Mexican chiefs who were prisoners, were
+placed under an escort of thirty Spanish soldiers and three hundred
+Tlascalans: Our general, with Avila, Oli, and other officers, and fifty
+soldiers, formed a body of reserve to act where they might be most needed.
+The rest of our soldiers and allies, with the baggage, formed a main body
+along with which the prisoners and their especial escort was to move,
+under protection of the van and rear guards. By the time that all these
+arrangements were completed, it drew towards night, and Cortes caused all
+the gold, which had hitherto been kept in his apartment, to be brought
+into the great hall of our quarters, when he desired Avila and Mexia, the
+kings officers, to take charge of what belonged to his majesty, assigning
+them eight wounded horses and above fourscore Mexicans for its conveyance.
+When these were loaded with all the gold they were able to carry, a great
+deal more remained heaped up in the saloon. Cortes then desired his
+secretary Hernandez and other notaries to bear witness that he could no
+longer be responsible for this gold; and desired the soldiers to take as
+much as they pleased, saying it were better for them to have it, than to
+leave it to their Mexican enemies. Upon this many of the soldiers of
+Narvaez, and some even of our veterans, loaded themselves with treasure. I
+was never avaricious, and was now more intent on saving my life than on
+the possession of riches: I took the opportunity, however, of carrying off
+four calchihuis from a casket, though Cortes had ordered his major-domo to
+take especial care of this casket and its contents, and these jewels were
+of infinite use to me afterwards, as a resource against famine, as they
+are highly prized by the Indians. The memorable night of our leaving
+Mexico, was dark, with much mist and some rain. Just before midnight, the
+detachment having charge of the portable bridge moved off from our
+quarters, followed in regular succession by the other divisions of our
+army. On coming to the first aperture in the causeway of Tacuba or
+Tlacopan, by which we retreated as being the shortest, the bridge was laid
+across, and was passed by the vanguard, the baggage, artillery, part of
+the cavalry, the Tlascalans with the gold. Just as Sandoval and his party
+had passed, and Cortes with his body of reserve, the trumpets of the enemy
+were heard, and the alarm was given on every side, the Mexicans shouting
+out, "_Tlaltelulco! Tlaltelulco_[5]! out with your canoes! the teules are
+marching off, assail them at the bridges!" In an instant the enemy
+assailed us on every side, some on the land and others in their canoes,
+which swarmed on the lake and the canals on both sides of our road, and so
+numerous were they and so determined that they entirely intercepted our
+line of march, especially at the broken bridges, and from this moment
+nothing but confusion and dismay prevailed among our troops. It rained so
+heavily that some of the horses became restive and plunged into the water
+with their riders; and to add to our distress our portable bridge was
+broken down at this first gap, and it was no longer serviceable. The enemy
+attacked us with redoubled fury, and as our soldiers made a brave
+resistance, the aperture became soon choked up with the dead and dying men
+and horses, intermixed with artillery, packs and bales of baggage, and
+those who carried them, all heaped up in the water. Many of our companions
+were drowned at this place, and many were forced into canoes and hurried
+away to be sacrificed. It was horrible to hear the cries of these
+unfortunate captives, calling upon us for aid which we were unable to give,
+and invoking the blessed Virgin and all the saints in vain for deliverance.
+Others of our companions escaped across those gaps in the causeway, by
+clambering over the confused mass of dead bodies and luggage by which they
+were filled, and were calling out for assistance to help them up on the
+other side; while many of them, thinking themselves in safety when they
+got to the firm ground, were there seized by the Mexicans, or killed with
+war clubs. All the regularity which had hitherto guided our march was now
+utterly lost and abandoned. Cortes and all the mounted officers and
+soldiers galloped off along the causeway, providing for their own
+immediate safety, and leaving all the rest to save ourselves as we best
+might: Nor can I blame them for this procedure, as the cavalry could do
+nothing against the enemy, who threw themselves into the water on both
+sides of the causeway when attacked, while others, by continual flights of
+arrows from the houses, or with long lances from the canoes on each side,
+killed and wounded the men and horses. Our powder was all expended, so
+that we were unable to do any injury to the Mexicans in the canoes. In
+this situation of utter confusion and derout, the only thing we could do
+was by uniting together in bands of thirty or forty, to endeavour to force
+our way to the land: When the Indians closed upon us, we exerted our
+utmost efforts to drive them off with our swords, and then hurried our
+march to get over the causeway as soon as possible. Had we waited for each
+other, or had our retreat been in the day, we had all been inevitably
+destroyed. The escape of such as made their way to land, was due to the
+mercy of God who gave us strength to force our way; for the multitudes
+that surrounded us, and the melancholy sight of our companions hurried
+away in the canoes to instant sacrifice, was horrible in the extreme.
+About fifty of us, mostly soldiers of Cortes, with a few of those who came
+with Narvaez, stuck together in a body, and made our way along the
+causeway through infinite difficulty and danger. Every now and then strong
+parties of Indians assailed us, calling us _luilones_, their severest term
+of reproach, and using their utmost endeavours to seize us. As soon as we
+thought them within reach, we faced about and repelled them with a few
+thrusts of our swords, and then resumed our march. We thus proceeded,
+until at last we reached the firm ground near Tacuba, where Cortes,
+Sandoval, De Oli, Salcedo, Dominguez, Lares, and others of the cavalry,
+and such of the infantry as had got across the bridge before it was broken
+down, had already arrived[6].
+
+On our approach, we heard the voices of Sandoval, De Oli, and Morla,
+calling on Cortes to return to the assistance of those who were still on
+the causeway, who loudly complained of being abandoned. Cortes replied,
+that it was a miracle any should have escaped, and that all who returned
+to the bridges would assuredly be slain: Yet he actually did return with
+ten or twelve of the cavalry and such of the infantry as had escaped
+unhurt, and proceeded along the causeway to attempt the succour of such as
+might be still engaged. He had not gone far when he met Alvarado badly
+wounded, accompanied by three of our soldiers, four of those belonging to
+Narvaez, and eight Tlascalans, all severely wounded and covered with blood.
+These Alvarado assured him were all that remained of the rear-guard,
+Velasquez de Leon and about twenty of the cavalry, and above an hundred of
+the infantry, who had belonged to his division, being all slain, or made
+prisoners and carried away to be sacrificed. He said farther, that after
+all the horses were slain, about eighty had assembled in a body and passed
+the first gap on the heaps of luggage and dead bodies; that at the other
+bridge the few who now accompanied him were saved by the mercy of God. I
+do not now perfectly recollect in what manner he passed that last aperture,
+as we were all more attentive to what he related of the death of Velasquez
+and above two hundred of our unhappy companions. As to that last fatal
+bridge, which is still called _Salto de Alvarado_, or the Leap of Alvarado,
+we were too much occupied in saving our own lives to examine whether he
+leaped much or little. He must, however, have got over on the baggage and
+dead bodies; for the water was too deep for him to have reached the bottom
+with his lance, and the aperture was too wide and the sides too high for
+him to have leaped over, had he been the most active man in the world. In
+about a year after, when we besieged Mexico, I was engaged with the enemy
+at that very bridge which was called Alvarados Leap, where the enemy had
+constructed breastworks and barricades, and we all agreed that the leap
+was impossible. One Ocampo, a soldier who came with Garay, who used to
+amuse himself with lampoons, made one on this supposed feat of Alvarado,
+saying, "That fear made him give that prodigious leap, leaving Velasquez
+and two hundred more to their fate as he leaped for his life." As Cortes
+found, by the information of Alvarado, that the causeway was entirely
+filled by the enemy, who must have intercepted all the rest of our
+companions, he returned to Tacuba, where all who had escaped were now
+collected. Messengers had been already sent from Mexico, ordering all the
+people of Tacuba, Ezcapuzalco, Tenajocan, and other neighbouring cities on
+that side of the lake, to collect and attack us; and they now began to
+surround us in the inclosed courts of Popotla where we had taken shelter,
+harassing us with stones and arrows, and even attacking us with lances,
+many of which were headed with the swords which we lost during our retreat.
+We defended ourselves against this attack as well as we could, and made
+several sallies to drive them off. But, as the enemy continually increased
+in number, it was determined to endeavour to reach Tlascala, for which
+purpose we set out under the direction of six or seven of our allies who
+were well acquainted with the country. After a fatiguing march by an
+indirect road, during which we were much harassed by the enemy, who plied
+us with stones and arrows, we reached some houses on a hill near a temple,
+where we defended ourselves, and took such care as we could of our wounds;
+but could get no provisions. After the conquest of Mexico, a church was
+built on the site of this temple, and dedicated to _Nuestra Senora de los
+Remedios_, our Lady of Succour, to which many ladies and other inhabitants
+of Mexico, now go in procession to pay nine days devotion[7].
+
+Our wounds had become extremely painful from cold, and want of proper
+dressings, and we now bound them up as well as we could. We had to deplore
+the loss of great numbers of our valiant companions, most of the soldiers
+of Narvaez having lost their lives by being overloaded with gold. Poor
+Botello the astrologer was killed among the rest. The sons of Montezuma,
+Cacamatzin who had been prince of Tezcuco, and all the other prisoners,
+among whom were some Mexican princes, lost their lives on this fatal night
+of our retreat from Mexico. All our artillery were lost. We had only
+twenty-three horses remaining, and very few crossbows; and our situation
+was melancholy and desperate in the extreme, having no other resource but
+to endeavour to reach Tlascala, and even there our reception was
+exceedingly uncertain[8]. After dressing our wounds, and making arrows for
+our crossbows, during which employment we were incessantly harassed in our
+present post, we proceeded at midnight on our march, under the direction
+of our faithful Tlascalans. Some of those who were badly wounded had to
+walk with the aid of crutches; others were assisted on each side by some
+of their companions; and those who were utterly unable to support
+themselves were placed upon lame horses. Thus, making head against the
+enemy with as many of the infantry as could bear arms, and having the
+cavalry who were able to act in front and on our flanks, with the wounded
+Spaniards and allies in the centre, we marched on continually harassed by
+the enemy, who reviled us, saying that we should soon meet our destruction;
+words that we did not then understand. I have forgot to mention the
+satisfaction we all enjoyed at finding Donna Marina and Donna Luisa had
+been saved in our retreat from Mexico. Having crossed among the first,
+they had been brought safe to Popotla by the exertions of two brothers of
+Donna Luisa, all the rest of the female Indians having been lost in the
+retreat.
+
+On this day we reached a large town named Gualtitlan[9]. From that place
+we continued our march, still harassed at every step by the enemy, whose
+numbers and boldness increased as we advanced, insomuch that they killed
+two of our lame soldiers and one of our horses at a difficult pass,
+wounding many both of our horses and ourselves. Having repulsed them, we
+reached some villages, where we halted for the night, making our supper of
+the slain horse[10]. We began our march very early next morning, and had
+only proceeded about a league, believing ourselves now almost in safety,
+when three of our videts came in with a report that the whole extent of a
+plain through which we must necessarily pass was covered over by an
+innumerable army. This intelligence was truly terrifying to our small
+numbers, worn out with fatigue and privations, and covered with wounds;
+yet we resolved to conquer or die, as we had indeed no other alternative.
+We were immediately halted and formed in order of battle, the infantry
+being directed to use their swords only in thrusts, by which we exposed
+ourselves less to the weapons of the enemy, and the cavalry were ordered
+to charge clear through at half speed, with their lances levelled at the
+faces of the enemy, never stopping to make thrusts. While recommending
+ourselves to God and his Holy Mother, and invoking the aid of St Jago, the
+enemy began to close around us, and we resolved to sell our lives dearly,
+or force our way through. The infantry being drawn up in a solid column,
+and our cavalry formed in bodies of five, we proceeded to the attack. It
+is impossible to describe the tremendous battle which ensued: How we
+closed hand to hand, and with what fury the enemy attacked us, wounding us
+with their clubs and lances and two-handed swords; while our cavalry,
+favoured by the even surface of the plain, rode through them at will with
+couched lances, bearing down the enemy wherever they came, and fighting
+most manfully though they and their horses were all wounded. We too of the
+infantry did our best, regardless of our former wounds and of those we now
+received, closing up with the enemy, and using every effort to bear them
+down with our swords. Cortes, Alvarado, and De Oli, though all wounded,
+continued to make lanes through the throng of the enemy, calling out to us
+to strike especially at the chiefs, who were easily distinguished by their
+plumes of feathers, golden ornaments, rich arms, and curious devices. The
+valiant Sandoval encouraged us by his example and exhortations, exclaiming,
+"Now is the day of victory! Trust in God, who will still preserve us to do
+him service." We were all resolute to conquer or die, and were assuredly
+assisted by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Virgin, and St Jago; as was
+afterwards certified by a chief belonging to Guatimotzin, who was present
+in this battle. Though some were killed and many wounded, we continued to
+maintain our ground, yet the enemy never relaxed in their efforts. At
+length it was the will of God, that Cortes, accompanied by Sandoval, De
+Oli, Alvarado, Avila, and other captains, came up to that part of the
+enemy in which their commander-in-chief was posted, who was distinguished
+from all the rest by his rich golden arms, and highly adorned plume of
+feathers, and the grand standard of the army[11]. Immediately on Cortes
+perceiving this chief, who was surrounded by many nobles wearing plumes of
+feathers, he exclaimed to his companions, "Now, gentlemen, let us charge
+these men, and if we succeed the day is our own." Then, recommending
+themselves to God, they charged upon them, and Cortes struck the Mexican
+chief and threw down his standard, he and the other cavaliers effectually
+breaking and dispersing this numerous body. The Mexican chief, however,
+was making his escape, but was pursued and slain by Juan de Salamanca, who
+seized his rich plume of feathers and presented it to Cortes, saying, that
+as he had first struck the Mexican general and overthrown the standard,
+the trophy of the conquest was his undoubted right.
+
+It pleased God, that the enemy should relax in their efforts immediately
+on learning the death of their general and of the numerous chiefs who
+surrounded him. On perceiving that they began to retreat, we forgot our
+hunger, thirst, fatigue, and wounds, and thought of nothing but victory
+and pursuit. Our scanty cavalry followed them up close, dealing
+destruction around them on every side; and our faithful allies fought like
+lions, mowing down all before them with the arms which the enemy threw
+away to facilitate their flight. On the return of our cavalry from the
+pursuit, we gave humble thanks to God for our unexpected victory and
+miraculous preservation. Never had the Mexican empire collected together
+so large a force as on this occasion; being composed of all the warriors
+of Mexico, Tezcuco, and Tlalcopan, headed by the whole nobility of these
+nations, magnificently armed and adorned, and all determined not to leave
+a single trace of us upon earth. This great and decisive battle was fought
+in the neighbourhood of a place called Obtumba, Otumba, or Otompan. I have
+frequently seen it, and all the other battles we fought against the
+Mexicans, antecedent to the final conquest, admirably represented in
+Mexican paintings. It is now proper to mention, that we entered Mexico to
+relieve Alvarado on the 24th of June 1520, with upwards of 1300 soldiers,
+including 97 cavalry, 80 musketeers, and 80 armed with crossbows; having
+with us a great train of artillery, and 2000 warriors of our allies the
+Tlascalans. Our flight from Mexico was on the 1st of the succeeding month
+of July, and the battle of Obtumba on the 4th of that month. In Mexico,
+during our passage of the causeway, on our march, and in the battle, we
+lost above 870 soldiers, including 72 of those belonging to Narvaez, and
+five Spanish women, who were put to death at a place called Tustepeque.
+Upwards of 1200 of our Tlascalan allies were also killed; as were Juan de
+Alcantara and two more who had been sent from Chempoalla for the share of
+the gold assigned to the garrison of Villa Rica, who were robbed and
+murdered. Upon the whole, all who were concerned in the treasure came to
+bad fortune; and thus a much greater proportion of the soldiers of Narvaez
+perished in the flight from Mexico than of our veterans, as they had
+avariciously loaded themselves with gold on that unhappy night[12].
+
+
+[1] We are not writing the history of the conquest of Mexico, yet may be
+    allowed to say that Cortes committed a gross military error, in
+    entering Mexico without establishing a strong communication of posts
+    between that insulated city and the land, along one of the causeways;
+    which he might easily have done along the shortest causeway of Tacuba
+    or Tlacopan, or by the aqueduct of Chapoltepec.--E.
+
+[2] It is to be noticed that the lake in which the city of Mexico was
+    built contained water so salt as to be unfit for drinking.--E.
+
+[3] This prince, whom Diaz names Coadlavaca, was brother to Montezuma,
+    prince of Iztapalapan, and Tlachcocoatl, or grand general of the
+    Mexican army.--E.
+
+[4] The expression in the text, of having nearly reached the firm land, is
+    rather obscure, and may possibly mean that they had nearly forced
+    their way along one of the causeways leading from the insular city to
+    the continental shore of the lake.--E.
+
+[5] Tlaltelulco was the name of that division of the city of Mexico
+    through which the Spaniards marched in their way towards the causeway
+    of Tacuba, and was probably used to summon the inhabitants of that
+    quarter to the attack.--E.
+
+[6] Clavigero, II. 116, says that the miserable remnant of the Spaniards
+    assembled in Popotla, a village near Tacuba or Tlacopan. Diaz is often
+    negligent of dates, but we learn in a subsequent passage, that this
+    disastrous retreat from Mexico was on the 1st of July 1520.--E.
+
+[7] This place is about nine miles W.N.W. from Mexico, and only about a
+    mile and a half from Tacuba. Its Mexican name, according to Clavigero,
+    was Otoncalpolco. It is almost in an opposite direction from the road
+    to Tlascala, but was probably chosen on purpose to avoid the populous
+    hostile vale of Mexico, and to get as soon as possible among the hills,
+    and among some of the conquered tribes who bore the Mexican yoke with
+    impatience. Clavigero says that the Spaniards procured at this place
+    some refreshments from a tribe of Otomies, who inhabited two
+    neighbouring hamlets.--E.
+
+[8] The distance from where they now were to Tlascala was between 80 and
+    90 miles in a straight line; but as they chose a very circuitous route,
+    by the west and north of the lakes in the vale of Mexico, before
+    turning south-eastwards to Tlascala, their march must have much
+    exceeded that distance.--E.
+
+[9] Named Quauhtitlan by Clavigero, and Guautitlan, Huauhtitlan or
+    Teutitlan, in Humboldts map of the Vale of Mexico.--E.
+
+[10] As related in the text, this march to the villages appears to have
+    been made on the same day with that to Guauhtitlan, and the battle of
+    Otumba or Otompan, to have been fought on the second day of the march
+    from Popotla or _Los Remedios_. But the distances and difficulty of
+    the march renders this almost impossible. The chronology and distances,
+    taking the names of some of the stages from Clavigero, II. 117, and
+    the distances from Humboldts map, may have been as follows; Retreat
+    from Mexico to Popotla, 1st July, 9 miles. March to Quauhtitlan, 2d
+    July, 10 miles. To Xoloc, 3d July, 13 miles. To Zacamolco, 4th July,
+    10 miles. To Otompan, 5th July, 3 miles:--and indeed these dates are
+    sufficiently confirmed by Diaz himself in the sequel.--E.
+
+[11] According to Clavigero, II. 118, this standard was a net of gold
+    fixed to a staff ten palms long, which was firmly tied to his back,
+    and was called by the Mexicans Tlahuizmatlaxopilli.--E.
+
+[12] Cortes entered Mexico with above 1300 men, and there were there under
+    Alvarado about 75. Of these above 870 were slain, down to the close of
+    the battle of Otumba; so that about 500 still remained under the
+    command of Cortes. Diaz reckons only 440; but these were probably
+    exclusive of such as were entirely disabled from service by their
+    wounds.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XI.
+
+_Occurrences from the Battle of Otumba till the march of Cortes to besiege
+Mexico_.
+
+
+Immediately after the victory, we resumed our march for Tlascala, cheered
+by our success, and subsisted on a kind of gourds, called _ayotes_, which
+we found in the country through which we passed. We halted for the night
+in a strong temple, being occasionally alarmed by detached parties of the
+Mexicans, who still kept hovering about us, as if determined to see us
+out of their country. From this place we were rejoiced at seeing the
+mountains of Tlascala, being anxious to ascertain the fidelity of these
+allies, and to hear news from our friends at Villa Rica. Cortes warned us
+to be exceedingly cautious of giving any offence to the Tlascalans, and
+particularly enforced this advice on the soldiers of Narvaez, who were
+less accustomed to discipline. He said that he hoped to find our allies
+steady in their attachment; but if they should have changed in consequence
+of our misfortunes, although we were now only 440 strong, all wounded and
+ill armed, we still possessed vigorous bodies and firm minds to carry us
+through, if necessary, to the coast. We now arrived at a fountain on the
+side of a hill, where we came to a rampart built in ancient times as a
+boundary between the state of Tlascala and the dominions of Mexico. We
+halted here, and then proceeded to a town called Gualiopar, or Huejotlipan,
+where we halted one day, and procured some food for which we were obliged
+to pay. Immediately on our arrival being announced at Tlascala, our
+friends Maxicatzin, Xicotencatl, Chichimecatl, the chief of Huexatcinco,
+and others, came to wait upon Cortes, whom they embraced, yet kindly
+blamed him for having neglected their advice to distrust the treachery of
+the Mexicans. They wept for the losses we had sustained, yet rejoiced at
+our escape, and praised our valiant actions; assuring us that they were
+assembling 30,000 of their warriors to have joined us at Obtumba. They
+were rejoiced to see Donna Marina and Donna Luisa, and lamented the loss
+of the other ladies. Maxicatzin in particular bewailed the fate which had
+befallen his daughter and Velasquez de Leon, to whom he had given her.
+They invited us to their city, where we were kindly received, and where we
+reposed in peace and safety after our many and severe hardships. Cortes
+lodged in the house of Maxicatzin, Alvarado in that of Xicotencatl, and
+the other officers were distributed among the houses of the nobles, all
+the soldiers being likewise supplied with comfortable quarters and
+abundant food. Here in the midst of our friends, we recovered from our
+wounds and fatigues, all except four who died.
+
+Soon after our arrival, Cortes made inquiry after certain gold to the
+value of 40,000 crowns, the share belonging to the garrison of Villa Rica,
+which had been sent here from Mexico; and was informed by the Tlascalan
+chiefs, and by a Spanish invalid left here when on our march to Mexico,
+that the persons who had been sent for it from Villa Rica had been robbed
+and murdered on the road, at the time we were engaged in hostilities with
+the Mexicans. Letters were sent to Villa Rica, giving an account of all
+the disastrous events which had befallen us, and desiring an immediate
+supply of all the arms and ammunition that could be spared, and to send us
+a strong reinforcement. By the return of the messengers, we were informed
+that all was well at Villa Rica and the neighbourhood, and that the
+reinforcement should be immediately sent. It accordingly arrived soon
+after, consisting in all of _seven_ men, three of whom were sailors, and
+all of them were invalids. They were commanded by a soldier named Lencero,
+who afterwards kept an inn still known by his name; and for a long while
+afterwards, _a Lencero reinforcement_ was a proverbial saying among us. We
+were involved in some trouble by the younger Xicotencatl, who had
+commanded the Tlascalan army against us on our first arrival in their
+country. This ambitious chieftain, anxious to be revenged upon us for the
+disgrace he had formerly sustained, on hearing of our misfortunes and our
+intended march to Tlascala, conceived a project for surprising us on our
+march and putting us all to death. For this purpose, he assembled many of
+his relations, friends, and adherents, to whom he shewed how easily we
+might all be destroyed, and was very active in forming a party and
+collecting an army for this purpose. Although severely reproached by his
+father for this treacherous design, he persevered in his plan; but the
+intrigue was discovered by Chichimecatl, his determined enemy, who
+immediately communicated the intelligence to the council of Tlascala,
+before whom Xicotencatl was brought prisoner to answer for his treacherous
+intentions. Maxicatzin made a long speech in our favour, representing the
+prosperity which their state had enjoyed ever since our arrival, by
+freeing them from the depredations of their Mexican enemies, and enabling
+them to procure salt from which they had been long debarred. He then
+reprobated the proposed treachery of the younger Xicotencatl, against men
+who certainly were those concerning whom the prophecy had been handed down
+by their ancestors. In reply to this, and to a discourse from his father
+to the same purpose, the young man used such violent and disrespectful
+language, that he was seized and thrown down the steps of the council-hall
+into the street, with such violence that he narrowly escaped with his life.
+Such was the faithful conduct of our Tlascalan allies, and Cortes did not
+think it prudent to push the matter any farther in our present ticklish
+situation.
+
+After remaining twenty two days in Tlascala, Cortes resolved upon
+attacking the adjoining provinces of Tepejacac and Zacatula, on account of
+some murders the inhabitant of these districts had committed on the
+Spaniards; but the soldiers of Narvaez were decidedly averse from entering
+into any new war, as the slaughter of Mexico and the battle of Obtumba
+made them anxious to renounce Cortes and his conquests, and to return as
+soon as possible to their houses and mines in Cuba. Beyond all the rest,
+Andres Duero was heartily sick of his junction with Cortes, regretting the
+gold he had been forced to leave in the ditches of Mexico. These men,
+finding that words were of no avail to persuade Cortes to relinquish his
+plans of conquest, made a formal remonstrance in writing, stating the
+insufficiency of our force, and demanding leave to return to Cuba. Cortes
+urged every reason he could think of to induce them to concur in his
+schemes; and we who were his own soldiers, requested him on no account to
+permit any one to depart, but that all should remain to serve the cause of
+God and the king. The malcontents were forced reluctantly to acquiesce,
+murmuring against Cortes and his expeditions, and us who supported him,
+who, they said, had nothing but our lives to lose[1]. We now, therefore,
+set out on an expedition to chastise these districts, without artillery or
+fire-arms of any kind, all of which had been left in the Mexican canals.
+Our force consisted of 16 cavalry, 424 of our own infantry, mostly armed
+with swords and targets, and about 4000 Tlascalans. We halted at about
+three leagues from Tepejacac, but the inhabitants had deserted their
+houses on our approach. Having got some prisoners during the march, Cortes
+sent them to the chiefs with a message, intimating that he came to demand
+justice for the murder of eighteen Spaniards in their territories, and for
+their admitting Mexican troops into their country; and threatening them
+with fire and sword if they did not immediately submit to his authority.
+By our messengers and two Mexicans, they sent back a message, ordering us
+to return immediately, or they would put us all to death, and feast upon
+our bodies. Upon this it was determined in a council of the officers, that
+a full statement of all that had passed, should be drawn up by a royal
+notary, denouncing slavery on the Mexicans or their allies who had killed
+any Spanish subjects, after having submitted to the authority of the king.
+When this was drawn up and authenticated, we sent once more to require
+their submission, giving notice of the inevitable consequences of their
+disobedience. But they returned an answer like the former. Both sides
+being prepared for battle, we came to action with them next day; and as
+the enemy were drawn up in open fields of maize, our cavalry soon put the
+enemy to flight with considerable loss, though they made an obstinate
+resistance. In this battle our Tlascalan allies fought bravely; and, in
+the pursuit, we took a good many prisoners, all of whom were made slaves
+of. After this victory, the natives sued for peace, and we marched to the
+town of Tepejacac to receive their submission; and finding it an eligible
+situation, being in a fertile district, and on the road to Villa Rica,
+Cortes founded a colony in the place, naming it _Segura de la Frontera._
+Municipal officers were appointed, and a branding-iron for marking those
+natives who were taken and reduced to slavery. We made excursions from
+this place through the surrounding district, and to the towns of Cachula,
+Tecamechalco, Guayavas, and some others, taking many prisoners, who were
+immediately branded for slaves; and in about six weeks we reduced the
+people to order and obedience.
+
+At this time Cortes was informed from Villa Rica, that a vessel had
+arrived there commanded by Pedro Barba, his intimate friend, who had been
+lieutenant to Velasquez at the Havanna, and had now brought over thirteen
+soldiers and two horses; as also letters from Velasquez to Narvaez,
+ordering to send Cortes, if alive, to Cuba, that he might be sent to
+Castile, such being the orders of the bishop of Burgos. On the arrival of
+Barba in the harbour, the admiral appointed by Cortes went on board in a
+boat well armed, but with the arms concealed. When on board, the admiral
+saluted Barba, inquiring after the health of Velasquez, and the others
+inquired for Narvaez, and what had become of Cortes. They were told that
+Narvaez was in possession of the country, and had acquired great riches,
+while Cortes was a fugitive, wandering about with only twenty followers.
+They then invited Barba and the rest on shore; but the moment they entered
+the boats, they were ordered to surrender themselves prisoners to Cortes.
+The ship was dismantled, and the captain and crew, together with Barba and
+his men, sent up to us at Tepejacac, to our great satisfaction; for though
+we did not now suffer much in the field, we were very unhealthy from
+continual fatigue, five of our men having died of pleurisies of late.
+Francisco Lopez, afterwards regidor of Guatimala, came along with this
+party. Barba was kindly received by Cortes, whom he informed that another
+small vessel might be expected with provisions in about a week. It came
+accordingly, having on board Roderigo de Lobera, with eight soldiers and a
+horse. These were circumvented like the others, and sent up to us, by
+which we were much pleased to procure an accession to our small force.
+
+About this period, Cuitlahuitzin, who had been elected sovereign of Mexico
+in place of his brother Montezuma, died of the small-pox, and
+Quauhtemotzin, or Gautimotzin, was chosen in his stead, a young man of
+twenty-five years of age, of fine appearance, exceedingly brave, and so
+terrible to his subjects that every one trembled at his sight. On
+receiving notice of the reduction of Tepejacac, he became apprehensive of
+losing his other provinces, yet neglected no precautions to preserve the
+chiefs in their obedience, and sent considerable bodies of troops to the
+provinces nearest to where we were, to watch our motions. But these
+Mexican troops injured the cause they were sent to support, becoming very
+disorderly, plundering and maltreating the people whom they were sent to
+defend, or to keep under subjection. Provoked by these injuries, the
+ruling people of these provinces deputed four chiefs to negociate with
+Cortes, offering to submit to him, provided he would expel the Mexicans.
+Cortes immediately acceded to this proposal, and detached all the cavalry
+and crossbow-men of our army under De Oli, with as many of our other
+infantry as made up a force of 300 men, to which a considerable number of
+Tlascalan allies were joined. While our people were on their march, they
+received such formidable accounts of the number and force of the enemy, as
+entirely deprived the soldiers of Narvaez of all inclination for military
+expeditions. They mutinied, and told De Oli that, if he were determined to
+persevere, he might go alone, for they were resolved to quit him. De Oli
+remonstrated with them in vain, though supported by all the old soldiers
+of Cortes, and was compelled to halt at Cholula, whence he sent word to
+Cortes of his situation. Cortes returned an angry answer, ordering him to
+advance at all events. De Oli was now in a violent rage at those who had
+occasioned this reprimand from the general, and ordered the whole to march
+immediately, declaring he would send back all who hesitated, to be treated
+by Cortes as their cowardice deserved. On his arrival within a league of
+Guacacualco, he was met by some of the native chiefs, who informed him how
+he might best come upon the enemy. He accordingly marched against the
+Mexican forces, whom he completely defeated and put to flight, after a
+sharp action, in which eight of our men were wounded, and two horses
+killed. Our allies made a great slaughter of the Mexicans during the
+pursuit. The Mexicans fell back to a large town called Ozucar, where they
+joined another great body of their countrymen, who fortified themselves in
+that post, and broke down the bridges. De Oli pursued with as many of his
+troops as could keep up with him; and having passed the river by the
+assistance of his friends of Guacacualco, he again attacked the Mexicans,
+whom he again defeated and dispersed, losing two more of his horses. He
+received two wounds himself on this occasion, and his horse was wounded in
+several places. He halted two days after his double victory, receiving the
+submission of all the neighbouring chiefs, after which he returned with
+his troops to Segura de la Frontera. De Oli was received with applause by
+Cortes and all of us; and when we laughed at him for the hesitation of his
+men, he joined with us heartily, saying he would take the poor soldiers of
+Cortes on the next expedition, and not the rich planters who came with
+Narvaez, who thought more of their houses and estates than of military
+glory, and were more ready to command than to obey.
+
+Cortes now got information from Villa Rica of the arrival of a ship
+commanded by one Comargo, having upwards of seventy soldiers on board, all
+very sickly. This vessel had belonged to an expedition sent from Jamaica
+by Garray to establish a colony at Panuco; the other captain, Pineda, and
+all his soldiers, having been put to death by the natives, and their ship
+burnt. On finding, therefore, the ill success of that adventure, and that
+his men were afflicted with diseases of the liver from the unhealthy
+nature of the country, Camargo had come to Villa Rica for assistance. He
+is said to have been perfectly acquainted with the state of affairs in New
+Spain; and, on his arrival at Villa Rica, he immediately disembarked his
+soldiers, and went to Segura de la Frontera by slow marches, where he and
+his men were received with the utmost kindness by Cortes, and every
+possible care was bestowed for his and their recovery; but he and several
+of his soldiers soon died. By reason of their swollen bodies and
+discoloured countenances, we used to call these men _the green paunches_.
+That I may not interrupt the thread of my narrative, I shall mention in
+this place, that all the rest of this armament which was destined for
+Panuco, arrived at our port of Villa Rica at different and irregular
+periods, Garray continually sending us reinforcements, which he meant for
+Panuco, as he believed his intended colony at that place was going on
+successfully. The first of these reinforcements after Camargo consisted of
+fifty soldiers with seven horses, under the command of Michael Diaz de Auz.
+These men were all plump and jolly, and we gave them the nickname of the
+_Sir-loins_. Shortly after him another vessel brought forty soldiers with
+ten horses, and a good supply of crossbows and other arms. These were
+commanded by an officer named Ramirez, and as all his soldiers wore very
+thick and clumsy cotton armour, quite impenetrable by arrows, we called
+them the _Pack-horses_.
+
+Being thus unexpectedly reinforced by upwards of an hundred and fifty men,
+and twenty horses, Cortes determined to chastise the Indians of Xalatcingo,
+Cacatame, and other towns near the road to Villa Rica, who had been
+concerned in the murder of those Spaniards who had been sent from Villa
+Rica for the treasure. For this purpose he sent a detachment of two
+hundred veterans, among whom were twenty horsemen, and twelve armed with
+crossbows, under the command of Sandoval, who had likewise along with him
+a strong detachment of Tlascalans. Being informed that the Indians of that
+district were in arms, and reinforced by Mexican troops, Sandoval sent a
+message, offering pardon for the murder of the Spaniards, if they would
+submit to our government, and return the treasure. Their answer was, that
+they would eat him and all his men, as they had done the others. Sandoval,
+therefore, immediately marched into their country, and attacked them in
+two places at once, and though both the natives and the Mexicans defended
+themselves with great bravery, they were soon defeated with considerable
+loss. On going into some of their temples after the victory, our people
+found Spanish cloths, arms, saddles, and bridles, hung up as offerings to
+their gods. The inhabitants of this district submitted themselves to his
+majesties government, but were unable to return the treasure, as it had
+been sent to Mexico. Sandoval remained three days in this district
+receiving the submission of the inhabitants, whom he referred to Cortes
+for their pardon, and then returned to head-quarters, carrying a number of
+women and boys along with him, who were all branded as slaves. I was not
+on this expedition, being ill of a fever, attended with a vomiting of
+blood; but, being bled plentifully, I recovered by the blessing of God. In
+pursuance of orders from Sandoval, the chiefs of these tribes and of many
+others in the neighbourhood, came to Cortes and submitted themselves to
+his authority. Sandoval was sent in the next place to chastise the
+inhabitants of a district called Xocotlan, who had murdered nine Spaniards,
+having with him an hundred infantry, thirty cavalry, and a strong body of
+Tlascalans. On entering the district, he summoned the people to submission
+under the usual threats; but, as they had a considerable body of Mexican
+forces to aid them, they returned for answer, that they would acknowledge
+no other government than that of Mexico. Sandoval, therefore, put his
+troops in motion, cautioning the allies not to advance to the attack till
+the enemy were broken by our troops, and then to fall upon the Mexicans
+especially. Two large bodies of the enemy were found posted in strong and
+rocky ground, very difficult for our cavalry, insomuch, that before
+Sandoval could drive them from this post, one of his horses was killed,
+and nine wounded, as likewise were four of his soldiers. They were at
+length driven from this post into the town of Xocotlan, where they took
+post in the temples and some large walled courts; but were dislodged from
+these and put to flight with great slaughter, our Tlascalan allies giving
+good assistance, as they were incited by the hopes of abundant plunder.
+Sandoval halted two days in this place, to receive the submission of the
+chiefs, who begged pardon for what had passed, promising future obedience,
+and to supply us plentifully with provisions. On being ordered to restore
+the effects of the Spaniards whom they had slain, they replied that every
+thing of that kind had been burnt. They said, likewise that most of the
+Spaniards whom they had slain were eaten by them, except five, whom they
+sent to Guatimotzin[2].
+
+These expeditions were productive of the best effects, as they extended
+the fame of Cortes and the Spaniards through the whole country for valour
+and clemency; and our general became more dreaded and respected than
+Guatimotzin, the new sovereign of Mexico, insomuch that his authority was
+resorted to on all occasions of importance. The small-pox at this time
+committed dreadful ravages in New Spain, cutting off vast numbers of the
+natives, and among the rest, many of the chiefs and princes of the country
+became victims to this dreadful calamity. On these occasions, the
+claimants for succession to the vacant chiefships resorted to Cortes, as
+sovereign of the country, for his decision, which they uniformly submitted
+to. Among the rest, the lordship of Guacacualco and Ozucar became vacant,
+and the various claimants submitted their claims to the decision of Cortes,
+who decided in favour of a nephew of the late Montezuma, whose sister had
+been married to the former cacique of the district.
+
+All the country around Tlascala and to the eastwards being now reduced to
+subjection, an order was issued to bring all the prisoners to a large
+house in the town of Segura, that the fifths belonging to the king and
+Cortes might be deducted, and the rest divided among the troops. The
+prisoners consisted of women, boys, and girls, as the men were found too
+difficult to keep, and our Tlascalan friends performed every service for
+us that we could desire, such as carrying our baggage, ammunition, and
+provisions, and all other drudgery. The prisoners were confined all night,
+and the repartition took place next morning. In the first place the king's
+fifth was set aside, and then that which belonged to Cortes; but when the
+shares of the soldiers came to be distributed, there remained only a
+parcel of old miserable jades, and it was found that some person had been
+in the depot during the night, who had taken away all the young and
+handsome women. This occasioned much clamour among the soldiers, who
+accused Cortes of injustice, and the soldiers of Narvaez swore no such
+thing had ever been heard of in the Spanish dominions as two kings and two
+fifths. One Juan de Quexo was very loud in his complaints on this occasion,
+declaring that he would make it known in Spain how we had been abused by
+Cortes, more especially in regard to the gold at Mexico, where only the
+value of 300,000 crowns appeared at the division, whereas 700,000 crowns
+worth were produced at the time of our flight. Many of the soldiers loudly
+complained of having their women taken from them, after they had given
+them clothes and ornaments, saying they had only expected to have paid the
+fifth of their values to the king, and then that each would have got back
+his own. Cortes protested that better regulations should he adopted in
+future, and got the affair hushed up with smooth words and fair promises;
+yet he soon attempted even worse than this. It may be remembered, that, on
+the fatal night of our retreat from Mexico, all the treasure was produced,
+and every soldier was allowed to take as much as he pleased. On this
+occasion, many of the soldiers of Narvaez, and some of our own, loaded
+themselves with gold. Cortes now learned that a quantity of gold in bars
+was in circulation among the troops at La Frontera, who were much engaged
+in deep play, and forgot the old adage, that riches and amours should be
+concealed. He now issued an order for all the gold to be delivered within
+a given time, under severe penalties for disobedience, and promised to
+return back a third part to all who delivered their gold, but that all
+should be forfeited in case of failure or evasion. Many of the soldiers
+refused obedience to this arbitrary order, and from some Cortes took their
+gold by way of loan, yet rather by force than with their consent. Many of
+our captains, and those who had civil offices in the colony, were
+possessed of gold, and at length Cortes was glad to quash the order and
+say no more about the matter.
+
+The officers who had come with Narvaez thought the present interval of
+tranquillity was a favourable opportunity to renew their solicitations for
+leave to return to Cuba, to which Cortes at length consented, and gave
+them one of the best ships in the harbour, which was victualled with
+salted dogs, fowls, maize, and other provisions of the country. By this
+ship, Cortes sent letters to his wife Donna Catalina and her brother Juan
+Suarez, giving them an account of all that had happened in New Spain, and
+sent them some bars of gold and Mexican curiosities. The following were
+among the persons who now returned to Cuba, having their pockets well
+lined after all our disasters. Andres de Duero, Augustin Bermudez, Juan
+Buono, Bernardino de Quesada, Francisco Velasquez, Gonsalo Carrasco, who
+afterwards returned to New Spain, and lives now in La Puebla, Melchior
+Velasquez, one Ximenes, who now lives in Guaxaca, and went over at this
+time for his sons, the commendator Leon de Cervantes, who went to bring
+over his daughters, who were very honourably married after the conquest of
+Mexico; one Maldonado of Medelin, an invalid, a person named Vargas, and
+Cardinas the pilot, he who talked about the two kings, to whom Cortes gave
+the three hundred crowns he had formerly promised for his wife and
+daughters. We remonstrated with Cortes for allowing so many persons to
+quit the army, considering how weak we were already, on which he observed,
+that he did it partly to get rid of their importunities, and partly
+because they were unfit for war, and it was better to have a few good
+soldiers than many bad ones. Alvarado was sent to see these men safely
+shipped off, and he sent at this time Diego de Ordas and Alonzo de Mendoza
+to Spain, with instructions of which we were ignorant, except that they
+were meant to counteract the malice of the bishop of Burgos, who had
+declared us all traitors. De Ordas executed his commission to good purpose,
+and got the order of St Jago for himself, and the volcano of Popocatepetl
+added to his arms. Cortes sent also Alonzo de Avila, contador of New Spain,
+and Francisco Alvarez, to Hispaniola, to make a report to the court of
+royal audience, and the brothers of the order of Jeronymites, of all that
+had taken place, particularly in regard to Narvaez, and supplicating them
+to represent our faithful services to the emperor, and to support our
+interests against the enmity and misrepresentations of Velasquez and the
+bishop of Burgos. He sent likewise De Solis to Jamaica to purchase horses.
+It may be asked how Cortes was able to send agents to Spain, Hispaniola,
+and Jamaica, without money. But, although many of our soldiers were slain
+in our flight from Mexico, and much treasure lost in the ditches and
+canals of Mexico, yet a considerable quantity of gold was saved, as the
+eighty loaded Tlascalans were among the first who passed the bridge, and
+afterwards delivered all their gold to Cortes[3]. But we poor soldiers had
+enough ado to preserve our lives, all badly wounded, and did not trouble
+ourselves to inquire what became of the gold, or how much was brought off.
+It was even rumoured among us, that the share belonging to the garrison of
+Villa Rica, the carriers of which had been robbed and murdered, went after
+all to Spain, Jamaica, and other places; but as Cortes lined the pockets
+of our captains with plenty of gold, all inquiry on this head was stopped.
+
+It may be wondered how Cortes should send away so valiant a captain as
+Alonzo de Avila on an affair of negociation, when he had several men of
+business in his army who could have been better spared, such as Alonzo de
+Grado, Juan Carceres _the rich_, and several others. The true reason was,
+that Avila was too ready to speak out on all occasions to obtain justice
+for the soldiers, and therefore Cortes sent him away that he might no
+longer be opposed and thwarted in his proceedings; and that he might give
+his company to Andres de Tapia, and his office of contador to Alonzo de
+Grado.
+
+Having now determined to undertake the siege of Mexico, Cortes left a
+garrison of twenty men, mostly sick and invalids in Frontera, under the
+command of Juan de Orozco, and marched with the rest of the army into the
+country of Tlascala, where he gave orders to cut down a quantity of timber,
+with which to construct a number of vessels to command the lake of Mexico.
+These ships were to be built under the direction of Martin Lopez, an
+excellent shipwright, and a valiant soldier, in which he was assisted by
+Andres Nunez, and old Ramirez, who was lame from a wound. Lopez conducted
+matters with great spirit, insomuch that in a very short time he had all
+the timber cut down, shaped, and marked out for the vessels, ready to be
+put together. The iron work, anchors, cables, sails, cordage, and all
+other necessaries for the vessels were procured from Villa Rica, whence
+all the smiths were sent up to the army to give their assistance. As pitch
+was unknown among the natives, four sailors were sent to the pine forests
+of Huetzotzinco, to obtain a supply of that article, in which they
+succeeded.
+
+On our arrival at Tlascala, we learnt that our good friend and faithful
+ally Maxicatzin had fallen a sacrifice to the small-pox. Cortes lamented
+the death of this good man as that of a father, and put on mourning out of
+respect to his memory, in which he was imitated by many of our officers
+and soldiers. As there was some difficulty in regard to the succession,
+Cortes conferred the vacant dignity on the legitimate son of the deceased
+chief, as he had desired a short time before his death, on which occasion
+he had strictly enjoined all his family and dependents to persevere in
+their alliance with us, as we were undoubtedly destined to rule their
+country according to their ancient traditions. The other chiefs of the
+Tlascalans offered their best services, in providing timber for our
+vessels, and engaged to aid us with all their military force in
+prosecuting the war against Mexico. Cortes accepted their offer with every
+mark of gratitude and respect; and even prevailed on the elder Xicotencatl,
+one of their principal caciques, to become a Christian, who was
+accordingly baptised with great ceremony, by the name of Don Lorenzo de
+Vargas.
+
+Just as we were about to begin our march, intelligence came from Villa
+Rica of the arrival of a vessel from Spain and the Canaries, loaded with
+military stores, horses, and merchandize, and having thirteen soldiers on
+board. The owner, who was likewise on board, was one Juan de Burgos, but
+the vessel was commanded by Francisco Medel. Cortes sent immediate orders
+to purchase the whole cargo, and all the people came up to join us to our
+great satisfaction. Among these were one Juan del Espinar, afterwards a
+very rich man, and two others named Sagredo, and Monjaraz a Biscayan, who
+had two nephews of the same name in our army. Monjaraz never went upon any
+expedition or engagement along with us, always feigning to be sick, though
+he omitted no opportunity to boast of his courage. Once, while we were
+besieging Mexico, he went up to the top of a high temple, as he said to
+see how the natives fought; and by some means which we could never find
+out, he was killed that day by some of the Indians. Those who had known
+him in Hispaniola, said it was a just judgment, for having procured the
+death of his wife, a beautiful and honourable woman, by means of false
+witnesses.
+
+All the timber for our vessels being in readiness, and every thing
+prepared for our expedition against Mexico, it was debated in our council
+of war in what place we should establish our head-quarters, in order to
+prepare our measures for investing that city. Some strongly recommended
+Ayotcingo as most convenient for that purpose, on account of its canals.
+Cortes and others preferred Tezcuco, as best adapted for making incursions
+into the Mexican territory, and that place was accordingly fixed upon. We
+accordingly began our march from Tlascala immediately after the junction
+of our last reinforcement from Villa Rica, consisting of the soldiers who
+came with Medel and De Burgos.
+
+
+[1] A long digression is here omitted, in which Diaz severely reprehends
+    the account given by Gomara of this and other transactions in his
+    history of the conquest of Mexico, altogether uninteresting to the
+    English reader.--E.
+
+[2] Clavigero, II. 132, mentions about this time an expedition against
+    Tochtepec, a considerable town on the river of Papaloapan, in which
+    Salcedo and a detachment of 80 Spaniards were entirely cut off.--E.
+
+[3] This must have been a very considerable treasure. On one occasion,
+    Clavigero reckons a load of gold at 800 ounces. The eighty Tlascalans
+    might therefore carry off 64,000 ounces, which at £4 the ounce, is
+    worth £256,000 Sterling, and of considerably more efficacious value in
+    those days than a million is now.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XII.
+
+_Transactions of Cortes and the Spaniards from their March against Mexico,
+to the Commencement of the Siege of that City_.
+
+
+We began our March from Tlascala on the 26th of December 1520, with the
+whole of our Spanish force, and accompanied by ten thousand of our
+Tlascalan allies[1], and halted that night within the territories of the
+state of Tezcuco, the inhabitants of which place supplied us with
+provisions. We marched about three leagues on the 27th, when we halted at
+the foot of a ridge of mountains, finding the weather extremely cold.
+Early next day we began to ascend the mountains, the bad roads having been
+made more difficult by the enemy, by means of ditches and felled trees,
+which were removed by the exertions of our allies. We proceeded with the
+utmost order and precaution, having an advanced guard of musketeers and
+crossbow-men, and our allies cleared the way to enable our cavalry to
+advance. After passing the summit of the mountain, we enjoyed the glorious
+prospect of the vale of Mexico below, with the lakes, the capital rising
+out of the waters, and all its numerous towns and cultivated fields; and
+gave thanks to GOD, who had enabled us again to behold this astonishing
+scene of riches and population, after passing through so many dangers. We
+could distinctly perceive numerous signals made by smoke in all the towns
+towards Mexico; and a little farther on, we were resisted by a body of the
+enemy, who endeavoured to defend a bad pass at a deep water-run, where the
+wooden bridge had been broken down; but we soon drove them away, and
+passed over, as the enemy contented themselves with shooting their arrows
+from a considerable distance. Our allies pillaged the country as we went
+along, which was contrary to the inclination of our general, but he was
+unable to restrain them. From some prisoners whom we had taken at the
+broken bridge, we were informed that a large body of the enemy was posted
+on our line of march, intending to give us battle; but it appeared
+afterwards that they had separated in consequence of dissentions among the
+chiefs, and we soon learnt that a civil war actually existed between the
+Mexicans and the state of Tezcuco. The small-pox also raged at this time in
+the country, which had a great effect in our favour, by preventing the
+enemy from being able to assemble their forces.
+
+Next morning we proceeded on our march for Tezcuco, which was about two
+leagues from the place where we had halted for the night; but we had not
+proceeded far, when one of our patroles brought intelligence that several
+Indians were coming towards us bearing signals of peace, and indeed we
+found the whole country through which we marched this day in perfect
+tranquillity. On the arrival of the Indians, we found them to consist of
+seven chiefs from Tezcuco, sent as ambassadors by Coanacotzin, the prince
+of Tezcuco or Acolhuacan. A golden banner was carried before them on a
+long lance, which was lowered on approaching Cortes, to whom the
+ambassadors bowed themselves in token of respect. They then addressed our
+general in the name of their prince, inviting us to his city, and
+requesting to be received under our protection. They denied having taken
+any part in the attacks which we had experienced, earnestly entreating
+that no injury might be done to their city by our allies, and presented
+their golden banner to Cortes, in token of peace and submission. Three of
+these ambassadors were known to most of us, as they were relations of
+Montezuma, and had been captains of his guards, when we were formerly at
+Mexico. The ambassadors were assured by Cortes that he would use his
+utmost efforts to protect the country, although they must well know that
+above forty Spaniards and two hundred of our allies had been put to death
+in passing through their territories when we retreated from Mexico. Cortes
+added, that certainly no reparation could now be made for the loss of our
+men, but he expected they would restore the gold and other property which
+had been taken on that occasion. They asserted that the whole blame of
+that transaction was owing to Cuitlahuatzin, the successor of Montezuma,
+who had received the spoil and sacrificed the prisoners. Cortes found that
+very little satisfaction could be got from them for the past, yet wishing
+if possible to make them now our friends, he earnestly entreated the
+Tlascalan chiefs to prohibit their warriors from pillaging the country,
+and his wishes were strictly complied with, except in regard to provisions.
+After this conference was ended, we proceeded to a village named
+Guatinchan or Huexotla, at a small distance from Tezcuco, where we halted
+for the night.
+
+Next morning, being the 31st December 1520, we marched into Tezcuco, where
+neither women or children were to be seen, and even the men had a
+suspicious appearance, indicating that some mischief was intended against
+us. We took up our quarters in some buildings which consisted of large
+halls and inclosed courts, and orders were issued that none of the
+soldiers were to go out of their quarters, and that all were to be on the
+alert to guard against surprize. On the soldiers being dismissed to their
+respective quarters, the Captains Alvarado and De Oli, with some soldiers,
+among whom I was, went up to the top of a lofty temple, from which we had
+a commanding view, to observe what was going on in the neighbourhood. We
+could see all the people everywhere in motion, carrying off their children
+and effects to the woods and the reedy borders of the lake, and to great
+numbers of canoes. Cortes wished to have secured Coanacotzin, who had sent
+us the friendly embassy, which now appeared to have been merely a pretext
+to gain time; but it was found that he and many of the principal persons
+of Tezcuco had fled to Mexico. We posted strong guards, therefore, in
+every direction, and kept ourselves in constant readiness for action.
+Cortes soon learnt that factions existed in Tezcuco, and that many of the
+chiefs were adverse to their present prince, and remained in their houses,
+while those of the opposite faction had withdrawn. Cortes sent for those
+chiefs next morning, from whom he learnt, that they considered their
+present prince, Coanacotzin, as an usurper, he having murdered his elder
+brother, Cuicutzcatzin, who had been placed on the throne by Montezuma and
+Cortes, and that Coanacotzin owed his elevation to the favour of
+Guatimotzin, the present sovereign of Mexico. They pointed out a youth
+named Ixtlilxochitl as the rightful heir of Acolhuacan, who was brought
+immediately to Cortes, and installed without delay in the government.
+Cortes prevailed upon him to become a Christian, and had him baptised with
+great solemnity, standing godfather on the occasion, and giving him his
+own name, Don Hernando Cortes Ixtlilxochitl; and to retain him in the
+Spanish interest and in our holy faith, he appointed three Spaniards to
+attend upon him, Escobar, who was made captain or governor of Tezcuco,
+Anthonio de Villa Real, and Pedro Sanches Farfan. In the next place,
+Cortes required the new prince of Tezcuco to supply him with a number of
+labourers to open up the canals leading to the lake, on purpose to admit
+our vessels which were to be put together at Tezcuco. He also informed him
+of our intentions to besiege Mexico, for which operation the young prince
+engaged to give all the assistance in his power. The work on the canals
+was conducted with all expedition, as we never had less than seven or
+eight thousand Indians employed[2]. As Guatimotzin, the reigning monarch
+of Mexico, frequently sent out large bodies of troops in canoes on the
+lake, apparently with the hope of attacking us unprepared, Cortes used
+every military precaution to guard against any sudden attack, by assigning
+proper posts to our several captains, with orders to be always on the
+alert. The people in Huexotla, a town and district only a few miles from
+Tezcuco, who had been guilty of murdering some of our countrymen on a
+former occasion, petitioned Cortes for pardon, and were taken into favour
+on promise of future fidelity.
+
+Before his elevation to the throne of Mexico, Guatimotzin had been prince
+or cacique of Iztapalapa, the people of which place were determined
+enemies to us and our allies[3]. We had been now twelve days in Tezcuco,
+where the presence of so large a force occasioned some scarcity of
+provisions, and even our allies began to grow somewhat impatient of our
+inactivity. From all these considerations, Cortes determined upon an
+expedition to Iztapalapa, against which place he marched at the head of 13
+cavalry 220 infantry, and the whole of our Tlascalan allies. The
+inhabitants had received a reinforcement of 8000 Mexican warriors, yet
+they fell back into the town on our approach, and even fled into their
+canoes and the houses which stood in the water, allowing us to occupy that
+part of the town which stood on the firm land. As it was now night, we
+took up our quarters for the night and posted our guards, unaware of a
+stratagem which had been planned for our destruction. On a sudden there
+came so great a body of water into the streets and houses, that we had
+been all infallibly drowned if our friends from Tezcuco had not given us
+instant notice of our danger. The enemy had cut the banks of the canals,
+and a causeway also, by which means the place was laid almost instantly
+under water. We escaped with some difficulty, two only of our allies being
+drowned; but all our powder was destroyed, and we passed a very
+uncomfortable night, without food, and all wet and very cold; and were
+very much provoked at the laughter and taunts of the Mexicans from the
+lake. At daybreak, large bodies of Indians crossed over from Mexico and
+attacked us with such violence, that they killed two of our soldiers and
+one horse, and wounded many of us, and were repelled with much difficulty.
+Our allies also suffered considerable loss on this occasion; but the enemy
+were at last repulsed, and we returned to Tezcuco very little satisfied
+with the fame or profit of this fruitless expedition. Two days after our
+retreat from Iztapalapa, the inhabitants of these neighbouring districts,
+Tepetezcuco, Obtumba or Otompan, and some others in that quarter, sent to
+solicit pardon for the hostilities they had formerly committed against us,
+alleging in excuse that they had acted by the orders of their sovereign
+Cuitlahuatzin, the immediate successor of Montezuma. Cortes, knowing that
+he was not in a situation to chastise them, granted them pardon on promise
+of future obedience. The inhabitants also of a place which we named
+Venezuela, or Little Venice, because built in the water, who had been
+always at variance with the Mexicans, now solicited our alliance, and
+engaged to bring over their neighbours to our party. This circumstance was
+of much importance to our views, from the situation of that place on the
+lake facilitating our future operations, especially those of our naval
+force.
+
+We soon afterwards received intelligence, that large bodies of Mexican
+troops had attacked the districts which were in alliance with us, by which
+the inhabitants were compelled to fly into the woods for shelter, or to
+take refuge in our quarters. Cortes went out with twenty of our cavalry
+and two hundred infantry, having Alvarado and De Oli along with him, to
+drive in the Mexicans. The real cause of contention on the present
+occasion was concerning the crop of maize growing on the borders of the
+lake, which was now fit to reap, and from which the natives had been in
+use to supply our wants, whereas it was claimed by the Mexicans, as
+belonging to the priests of their city. Cortes desired the natives to
+inform him when they proposed to cut down this corn, and sent upwards of a
+hundred of our men and a large body of our allies to protect the reapers.
+I was twice on that duty, and on one of these occasions, the Mexicans came
+over to attack us in above a thousand canoes, and endeavoured to drive us
+from the maize fields; but we and our allies drove them back to their
+boats, though they fought with great resolution, killed one of our
+soldiers and wounded a considerable number. In this skirmish, twenty of
+the enemy were left dead on the field, and we took live prisoners.
+
+Chalco and Tlalmanalco were two places of material importance to us at
+this time, as they lay in the direct road between Tlascala and our
+head-quarters at Tezcuco, but both of them were garrisoned by Mexican
+troops; and though Cortes was at this time solicited by several important
+districts to enable them to throw off the yoke of Mexico, he considered it
+as of the first necessity to dislodge the Mexicans from these two towns,
+on purpose to open a secure communication with our allies, and to cover
+the transport of our ship timber from Tlascala. He sent therefore a strong
+detachment of fifteen horse and two hundred infantry under Sandoval and De
+Lugo, with orders to drive the Mexicans from that part of the country, and
+to open a clear communication with Villa Rica. During the march, Sandoval
+placed ten of his men as a rear guard, to protect a considerable number of
+our allies who were returning home to Tlascala loaded with plunder. The
+Mexicans fell upon this weak rear-guard by surprise during the march,
+killing two of our men and wounding all the rest; and though Sandoval made
+all the haste he could to their rescue, the Mexicans escaped on board
+their canoes with very little loss. He now placed the Tlascalans in
+security, by escorting them beyond the Mexican garrisons, and sent forward
+the letter of our general to the commandant of Villa Rica, by which he was
+enjoined to send what reinforcements he could possibly spare to Tlascala,
+there to wait until they were quite certain that the road from thence to
+Tezcuco was clear. Sandoval, after seeing the Tlascalans safe upon their
+journey, returned towards Chalco, sending word secretly to the inhabitants,
+who were very impatient under the Mexican yoke, to be in readiness to join
+him. He was attacked on his march through a plain covered with maize and
+_maguey_, by a strong body of Mexican troops, who wounded several of his
+men; but they were soon repulsed and pursued to a considerable distance by
+the cavalry. Sandoval now prosecuted his march to Chalco, where he found
+the cacique of that place had recently died of the small-pox, having
+recommended his two sons on his deathbed to the protection of Cortes, as
+he was convinced we were the bearded men who, according to their ancient
+prophecy, were to come from the eastern countries to rule over this land,
+and had therefore commanded his sons to receive the investiture of their
+state from the hands of Cortes. Sandoval set out therefore for Tezcuco
+next day, talking along with him the two young lords of Chalco, and many
+of the nobles of that place, carrying a present of golden ornaments to our
+general worth about 200,000 crowns. Cortes accordingly received the young
+princes of Chalco with great distinction, and divided their fathers
+territories between them; giving the city of Chalco and the largest share
+of the district to the elder brother, and Tlalmanalco, Aytocinco, and
+Chimalhuacan to the younger.
+
+About this time, Cortes sent a message to Guatimotzin, the reigning
+sovereign of Mexico, by means of some prisoners whom he enlarged for this
+purpose, inviting him in the most conciliatory terms to enter into a
+treaty of peace and friendship; but Guatimotzin refused to listen to any
+terms of accommodation, and continued to carry on the most determined and
+unceasing hostility against us. Frequent and loud complaints were made by
+our allies of Huexotla and Coatlichan of the incursions made upon their
+territories in the neighbourhood of the lake by the enemy, on the old
+quarrel about the fields which had been appropriated for the priests who
+served in the temples of Mexico. In consequence of these hostilities so
+near our head-quarters, Cortes went with a strong detachment, with which
+he came up with the enemy about two leagues from Tezcuco, and gave them so
+complete a defeat, that they never ventured to shew themselves there any
+more. It was now resolved to bring the timber which had been prepared in
+Tlascala for constructing our naval force on the lake of Mexico; for which
+purpose Sandoval was sent with a force of 200 infantry, including 20
+musketeers and crossbow-men, and 15 cavalry, to serve as an escort. He was
+likewise ordered to conduct the chiefs of Chalco to their own district;
+and before they set out, Cortes effected a reconciliation between the
+Tlascalans and the inhabitants of Chalco, who had been long at variance.
+He gave orders likewise to Sandoval, after leaving the chiefs of Chalco in
+their own city, to inflict exemplary punishment on the inhabitants of a
+place which we call _Puebla Moresca_, who had robbed and murdered forty
+of our men who were marching from Vera Cruz to Mexico, at the time when we
+went to relieve Alvarado. These people had not been more guilty than those
+of Tezcuco, who indeed were the leaders in that affair, but they could be
+more conveniently chastised. The place was given up to military execution,
+though not more than three or four were put to death, as Sandoval had
+compassion upon them. Some of the principal inhabitants were made
+prisoners; who assured Sandoval that the Spaniards were fallen upon by the
+troops of Mexico and Tezcuco in a narrow pass, where they could only march
+in single file, and that it was done in revenge for the death of
+Cacamatzin.
+
+In the temples at this place, our men found the walls and idols smeared
+with the blood of our countrymen, and the skins of two of their faces with
+their beards on were found hung upon the altars, having been dressed like
+leather. The skins also of four of our horses were found hung up as
+trophies; and they saw written on a piece of marble in the wall of one of
+the houses: "Here the unfortunate Juan Yuste and many of his companions
+were made prisoners." Yuste was one of the gentlemen who came over with
+Narvaez and had served in the cavalry. These melancholy remains filled
+Sandoval and his men with grief and rage; but there were no objects on
+which to wreak their vengeance, as all the men were fled, and none
+remained but women and children, who deprecated their anger in the most
+moving terms. Sandoval therefore granted them pardon, and sent them to
+bring back their husbands and fathers, with a promise of forgiveness on
+condition of submission and future obedience. On questioning them about
+the gold they had taken from our people, they assured him it had all been
+claimed by the Mexicans[4].
+
+Sandoval continued his route towards Tlascala, near which he was met by a
+vast body of Indians commanded by Chichimecatl, accompanied by Martin
+Lopez, and employed in transporting the ship timber. Eight thousand men
+carried the timber all ready shaped for our thirteen vessels, with the
+sails, cordage, and all other materials. Eight thousand warriors attended
+in arms to protect the bearers of the timber; and two thousand carried
+provisions for the whole[5]. Several Spaniards joined us along with this
+escort, and two other principal chiefs of the Tlascalans, Ayotecatle and
+Teotlipil. During the march, only some small bodies of the enemy appeared,
+and these always at a distance; but it was deemed necessary to use the
+utmost vigilance, to avoid the danger of a surprise, considering the great
+length of the line of march[6]. Sandoval accordingly sent a strong
+detachment of Spanish troops as an advanced guard, and posted others on
+the flanks; while he remained with the rear guard which he assigned to the
+Tlascalans. This arrangement gave great offence to Chichimecatl; but he
+was reconciled to this post, on being told that the Mexicans would most
+probably attack the rear, which was therefore the post of honour, because
+of more danger. In two days more, the whole escort arrived in safety at
+Tezcuco; the allies being all dressed out in their gayest habits, with
+great plumes of feathers, and splendid banners, sounding their horns and
+trumpets, and beating their drums, as in triumph for the expected fall of
+Mexico. They continued marching into Tezcuco for half a day, amid
+continual shouts of "Castilla! Castilla! Tlascala! Tlascala! Long live the
+emperor Don Carlos!" Our timber was now laid down at the docks which had
+been prepared for this purpose; and, by the exertion of Martin Lopez, the
+hulls of our thirteen brigantines were very soon completed; but we were
+obliged to keep a very careful guard, as the Mexicans sent frequent
+parties to endeavour to set them on fire.
+
+The Tlascalan chiefs were very anxious to be employed on some enterprize
+against their ancient enemies the Mexicans, and Cortes resolved to indulge
+them by an expedition against Xaltocan, a town situated on an island of a
+lake to the northward of the great lake of Mexico or Tezcuco, which is now
+called the lake of St Christopher. Leaving therefore the charge of the
+important post of Tezcuco with Sandoval, who was enjoined to use the
+utmost vigilance, and giving orders to Martin Lopez to have the vessels
+all ready for launching in fifteen days, he set out on the expedition
+against Xaltocan with 250 Spanish infantry, 30 cavalry, the whole force of
+the Tlascalans, and a body of warriors belonging to Tezcuco[7]. On
+approaching Xaltocan, our army was met by some large bodies of Mexican
+troops, whom the cavalry soon dispersed and drove into the woods. The
+troops halted for the night in some villages in a very populous country,
+and were obliged to keep on the alert, as it was known that the enemy had
+a strong force in Xaltocan, to which place a strong body of Mexicans had
+been sent in large canoes, and were now concealed among the deep canals in
+that neighbourhood. Next morning, on resuming their march, our troops were
+exceedingly harassed by the enemy, and several of them wounded, as our
+cavalry had no opportunity to charge them, the ground being much
+intersected by canals. The only causeway which led from the land to the
+town had been laid under water, so that our troops could not approach, and
+our musquetry had little or no effect against the enemy in the canoes, as
+they were defended by strong screens of timber. Our people began to
+despair of success, when some of the natives of Tezcuco pointed out a
+ford with which they were acquainted, by which our people were enabled,
+under their guidance, to make their way to the causeway leading into the
+town leaving Cortes and the cavalry on the main land. Our infantry forced
+their way into the town, where they made a considerable slaughter of the
+Mexicans, driving the remainder of them and many of the inhabitants of the
+town to take shelter in their canoes. They then returned to Cortes,
+bringing with them a considerable booty in gold, slaves, and mantles,
+having only lost one soldier in this exploit. Next day, Cortes marched
+through a thickly peopled and well cultivated country against a large town
+named Quauhtitlan, which we found deserted, and in which we halted for the
+night. On the ensuing day, we marched to another large town called
+Tenayoecan, but which we named _Villa de Serpe_, or the Town of Serpents,
+on account of some enormous figures of these animals which were found in
+the temples, and which these people worshipped as gods. This place was
+likewise deserted by the inhabitants, who had withdrawn with their effects
+into places of safety. From thence we marched to Escapuzalco, or the town
+of the goldsmiths, which was also deserted, and thence to Tacuba or
+Tlacopan, to which our troops had to cut their way through considerable
+bodies of the enemy. Our troops halted here for the night, and were
+assailed next morning by several successive bodies of the enemy, who had
+formed a plan to draw us into an ambuscade, by pretending to take flight
+along the fatal causeway of Tacuba, where we had suffered so much on our
+retreat from Mexico. This partly succeeded, as Cortes and his troops
+pursued them along the causeway across one of the bridges, and were
+immediately surrounded by prodigious numbers of the enemy, some on the
+land and others in canoes on the water. Cortes soon perceived his mistake,
+and ordered a retreat, which was made with the utmost firmness and
+regularity, our men constantly keeping a-front to the enemy and giving
+ground inch by inch, continually fighting. In the confusion of this
+surprise, Juan Volante, who carried the colours, fell from the bridge into
+the lake, and the Mexicans were even dragging him away to their canoes;
+yet he escaped from them and brought away his colours. In this unfortunate
+affair, five of our soldiers were slain, and a great many wounded. Cortes
+halted for five days at Tacuba[8], during which there were many skirmishes
+with the enemy, and then marched back to Tezcuco, the Mexicans continuing
+to harass him by frequent attacks; but having drawn them on one occasion
+into an ambuscade, in which they were defeated with considerable slaughter,
+they desisted from any farther attack. On arriving at our head-quarters in
+Tezcuco, the Tlascalans, who had enriched themselves with plunder during
+the expedition, solicited permission to go home that they might secure
+their acquisitions in their own country, which Cortes readily consented to.
+
+During four days after our return from this expedition, the Indians of
+several neighbouring districts came in with presents and offers of
+submission. Although Cortes was well aware that they had been concerned in
+the murder of our men after the retreat from Mexico, he received them all
+very graciously, and dismissed them with promises of protection. About
+this time likewise, several nations who had joined with us in alliance
+made strong representations of the outrages which had been committed upon
+them by the Mexicans, of which they produced paintings in their manner,
+and earnestly entreated succour. But Cortes could not grant them the
+required assistance, as our army, besides having suffered loss by several
+being killed and many wounded during the late hostilities, was now grown
+very unhealthy. He gave them, however, fair promises, but advised them to
+rely more upon their own exertions and the assistance of our other allies,
+for which purpose he issued orders to all the districts in our alliance to
+assemble in arms against the common enemy. They accordingly collected
+their forces, and came to action in the field with the Mexicans, and
+exerted themselves with so much vigour that they gained the victory. The
+province of Chalco was however an object of principal importance to us, as
+the possession of that country was essentially necessary to preserve our
+communication with Tlascala and Villa Rica, and being likewise a fertile
+corn country, contributed largely to the subsistence of our army. As it
+was much harassed by the enemy, Cortes sent Sandoval with a detachment of
+about 250 of our troops, cavalry and infantry, to clear it of the Mexicans,
+and accompanied by a body of warriors from Tezcuco and such of our
+Tlascalan allies as still remained with our army. Sandoval set out from
+Tezcuco on the 12th of March 1521, and arrived next morning at Tlalmanalco,
+where he learnt that the Mexican forces were posted at a large town called
+Guaztepeque or Huaxtepec. Being now joined by the warriors of Chalco,
+Sandoval halted for the night at the town of Chimalcan; and next morning
+gave orders to his musketeers and crossbow-men to attack the enemy, who
+were posted in strong ground; the troops who were armed with swords and
+targets, were formed into a compact body of reserve; and the cavalry,
+being formed in small bodies of three each, were directed to charge as
+soon as the firing had made an impression on the enemy. While advancing in
+this order, Sandoval perceived the Mexican forces drawn up in three large
+columns or dense battalions, and thought proper to change his original
+plan, and to endeavour to break through them by a cavalry charge. Placing
+himself, therefore, at the head of the cavalry, he immediately proceeded
+to the charge, exclaiming, "St Jago! fall on, comrades!" The main body of
+the enemy was partly broken by this charge, but immediately closed again
+and stood firm; and the nature of the ground was so much in favour of the
+Mexicans, that Sandoval found it necessary to endeavour to drive them from
+their post in the manner first proposed, into the open ground in the rear.
+For this purpose he made the musketeers and crossbow-men attack the enemy
+in front, and those armed with swords and targets to turn their flanks,
+ordering also the allies to come forward to the attack, and directed the
+cavalry to be ready to charge at an appointed signal. Our troops at length
+forced them to retreat, but they immediately occupied another strong
+position in their rear, so that Sandoval and the cavalry were unable to
+make any considerable impression upon them. In one of the charges in this
+difficult broken ground, the horse of Gonzalo Dominguez fell with him, and
+he was so much injured that he died in a few days afterwards: His loss was
+much regretted by the army, as he was esteemed as brave as either Sandoval
+or De Oli. Our army broke the enemy a second time, and pursued them to the
+town, where they were suddenly opposed by not less than 15,000 fresh
+warriors, who endeavoured to surround our troops: But Sandoval caused them
+to be attacked on both flanks, when they fled towards the town,
+endeavouring however to make a stand behind some recently constructed
+works; but our troops followed them up so vigorously that they had no time
+to rally, and were constrained to take shelter in the town. As his troops
+were much fatigued, and had got hold of a good supply of provisions,
+Sandoval thought proper to allow them some repose, and they began to
+prepare their victuals, in which they were soon interrupted by an alarm of
+the enemy approaching. They were ready for action in a moment, and
+advanced to meet the enemy, fortunately in an open place; where, after a
+smart action, the enemy were constrained to retreat behind their works;
+but Sandoval pushed on the advantage with so much impetuosity, that he
+soon drove them from their works, and compelled them to evacuate the town
+with the utmost precipitation.
+
+Sandoval took up his quarters in a very extensive and magnificent garden,
+which contained a number of large handsome buildings, and many admirable
+conveniencies fit for the residence of a great prince; but our soldiers
+had not then time to examine all its beauties, as it was more than a
+quarter of a league in length. I was not in this expedition, being
+confined under cure of a bad wound in my throat, which I received by a
+lance in the affair at Iztapalapa, and of which I still carry the marks;
+but I saw this fine garden about twenty days afterwards, when I
+accompanied Cortes to this place. Not being on this expedition, I do not
+in my narrative say _we_ and _us_ on this occasion, but _they_ and _them_;
+yet every thing I relate is perfectly true, as all the transactions of
+every enterprize were regularly reported at headquarters. Sandoval now
+summoned all the neighbouring districts to submit, but to little purpose,
+as the people of Acapistlan or Jacapichtla answered by a defiance. This
+gave much uneasiness to our allies of Chalco, as they were assured the
+Mexicans would immediately attack them again on the Spaniards returning to
+Tezcuco. Sandoval was rather averse from engaging in any new enterprize,
+as a great number of his men were wounded, and the soldiers of Narvaez
+disliked risks of every kind; but our allies of Chalco were anxious to
+reduce that place, and were strongly supported in this opinion by Luis
+Marin, a wise and valiant officer; and as the distance was only two
+leagues, Sandoval acquiesced. On his advance, the enemy assailed him with
+their missile weapons, and then retired to their strong post in the town.
+Our allies were not very much disposed to attack the works, in which the
+Spaniards shewed them the way, some even of the cavalry dismounting to
+fight on foot, and leaving the rest in the plain to protect the rear. Our
+people at length carried the place, but had a good many wounded in the
+assault, even Sandoval himself. Though our allies were rather tardy in the
+assault, they made up for it after the place was carried, saving the
+Spaniards the trouble of putting the enemy to death; and indeed we often
+blamed the ferocious cruelty of our allies, from whom we saved many of our
+Indian enemies. At this time indeed, our countrymen thought themselves
+better employed in searching for gold and taking good female prisoners,
+than in butchering a parcel of poor wretches who no longer attempted any
+defence.
+
+Sandoval returned to Tezcuco with many slaves and considerable plunder,
+and just as he arrived at head-quarters, even before he had time to make a
+report to Cortes of the success of his late expedition, an express arrived
+from Chalco with information that they were in a more perilous situation
+than before. Guatimotzin was enraged at the defection of the inhabitants
+of Chalco, and determined to inflict upon them the most exemplary
+chastisement. For this purpose, he sent a force of 20,000 Mexican warriors
+across the lake in 2000 canoes, with orders to lay waste the whole
+district with fire and sword. On the communication of this intelligence to
+Cortes, he was exceedingly enraged at Sandoval, believing that this had
+been occasioned by his negligence, and he gave him orders to return
+instantly to the defence of Chalco, refusing even to hear his relation of
+what he had already done. Sandoval was much hurt at this treatment, yet
+went back to Chalco with all possible expedition; but found the business
+over before his arrival, as the inhabitants of that province, having
+summoned their neighbours to their aid, had already repelled the Mexican
+invasion, and Sandoval had only to return to head-quarters with the
+prisoners.
+
+At this period a proclamation was issued, by which all the soldiers were
+ordered to bring in the Indian prisoners to be branded, and to pay for
+them the royal dues. I have already mentioned the treatment we formerly
+met with at Tepeaca on a similar occasion, but we were worse used now at
+Tezcuco if possible. In the first place a fifth was taken away for the
+king; then another fifth for Cortes; and, what was still worse, most of
+the good female slaves were abstracted during the night. We had been
+promised that all the slaves should be rated according to their value; but
+the officers of the crown valued them as they thought proper, and at a
+most exorbitant rate. In consequence of this, the poor soldiers for the
+future passed their slaves as servants, denying that they were prisoners
+of war, to avoid the heavy duty; and such as were in favour with Cortes,
+often got their slaves marked privately, paying him the composition. Many
+of the slaves who happened to fall to bad masters, or such as had a bad
+reputation, used to run away; but their owners always remained debtors for
+their estimated value in the royal books, so that many were more in debt
+on this account than all the value of their share in the prize gold could
+pay for. About this time likewise, a ship arrived at Villa Rica from Spain
+with arms and gunpowder, in which came Julian de Alderete, who was sent
+out as royal treasurer. In the same vessel came the elder Orduna, who
+brought out five daughters after the conquest, all of whom were honourably
+married. Fra Melgarejo de Urrea, also, a Franciscan friar, came in this
+vessel, bringing a number of papal bulls, to quiet our consciences from
+any guilt we might have incurred during our warfare: He made a fortune of
+these in a few months, and returned to Spain. Several other persons came
+by this vessel, among whom were, Antonio Caravajal, who still lives in
+Mexico, though now very old; Geronimo Ruyz de la Mora; one Briones who was
+hanged about four years afterwards for sedition at Guatimala; and Alonzo
+Diaz, who now resides in Valladolid. We learned by this ship, with
+infinite satisfaction, that the bishop of Burgos had been deprived of all
+power over the affairs of the West Indies, as his majesty had been much
+displeased with his conduct in regard to our expedition, after having
+received a true account of our eminent services.
+
+Scarcely were we apprised of the success of the inhabitants of Chalco and
+their confederates, when a new urgent message arrived from Chalco for
+assistance against a fresh invasion of the Mexicans. The brigantines
+intended for securing the command of the lake were now ready to launch,
+and we were all anxious to commence the siege of Mexico, yet Cortes was
+sensible of the importance of Chalco to the success of our ultimate
+operations, and determined to march in person to its support. Leaving the
+command in Tezcuco to Sandoval, Cortes marched for Chalco on Friday the
+5th of April 1521, at the head of 300 infantry, including twenty
+crossbow-men, and fifteen musketeers, with thirty cavalry, and a large
+body of the auxiliaries of Tezcuco and Tlascala, meaning to clear the
+district of Chalco and the environs of the lake from the Mexicans. In this
+expedition, our general was accompanied by the treasurer Alderete,
+Melgarejo the Franciscan friar, with the captains Alvarado de Oli, and
+Tapia, and I also was on this expedition. We halted during the first night
+at Tlalmanalco, and reached Chalco next day, when Cortes convened all the
+chiefs of that state, to whom he communicated his intention of proceeding
+very soon to attack Mexico, in which they engaged to give him all the
+assistance in their power. We continued our march next day to Chimalhuecan
+or Chimalacoan, a town in the province of Chalco, where above twenty
+thousand warriors had assembled to join us, belonging to our allies of
+Chalco, Guaxocingo, Tlascala, Tezcuco, and other places, being the largest
+body of our allies that I had hitherto seen together. These were attracted
+by the hope of plunder, and by a voracious appetite for human flesh, just
+as the vultures and other birds of prey follow our armies in Italy, in
+order to feast on dead bodies after a battle.
+
+At this place we were informed that the Mexican forces, and their allies
+or subjects in that neighbourhood, were in the field to oppose us. Cortes
+therefore issued orders to the army to be always ready for action at a
+moments warning, and we proceeded on our march next morning early, after
+hearing mass, our route lying between two ridges of rocks, the summits of
+which were fortified and filled with large bodies of the enemy[9], who
+endeavoured by outcries and reproaches to incite us to attack them. But we
+pursued our march to Guaztepeque or Huaxtepec, a large town on the
+southern declivity of the mountains, which we found abandoned. Beyond this
+place we came to a plain in which water was very scarce, on one side of
+which was a lofty rock having a fortress on the summit which was filled
+with troops, who saluted us on our approach with showers of arrows and
+stones, by which three of our soldiers were wounded at the first discharge.
+Cortes ordered us to halt, and sent a party of cavalry to reconnoitre the
+rock, who reported on their return that the side where we then were seemed
+the most accessible. We were then ordered to the attack, Corral preceding
+us with the colours, and Cortes remained on the plain with our cavalry to
+protect the rear. On ascending the mountain, the Indians threw down great
+fragments of rock, which rolled among us and rebounded over our heads in a
+most frightful manner, so that it was wonderful how any of us escaped.
+This was a most injudicious attack, and very unlike the usual prudence of
+our general. One soldier, named Martin Valenciano, though defended by a
+helmet, was killed at my side. As we continued to ascend, three more
+soldiers, Gaspar Sanches, one named Bravo, and Alonzo Rodriguez, were
+slain, and two others knocked down, most of the rest being wounded, yet we
+continued to ascend. I was then young and active, and followed close
+behind our ensign, taking advantage of any hollows in the rock for shelter.
+Corral was wounded in the head, having his face all covered with blood,
+and the colours he bore were all torn to rags. "Senor Diaz," said he to me,
+"let us remain under cover, for it is impossible to advance, and it is all
+I can do to keep my hold." On looking down, I noticed Pedro Barba the
+captain of our crossbows climbing up with two soldiers, and taking
+advantage as we had done of the concavities of the rock. I called to him
+not to advance, as it was impossible to climb much farther, and utterly
+out of our power to gain the summit. He replied in lofty terms, to keep
+silence and proceed; on which I exerted myself and got a good way higher,
+saying we should see what he would do. At this moment a shower of large
+fragments of rocks came tumbling down, by which one of the soldiers along
+with Barba was crushed to death, after which he did not stir a step
+higher. Corral now called out to those below, desiring them to report to
+the general that it was utterly impossible to advance, and that even
+retreat was infinitely dangerous. On learning this, and being informed
+that most of us were wounded and many killed, as he could not see us on
+account of the inequalities of the rock, Cortes recalled us by signal, and
+we came back in a very bloody and bruised condition, eight of our party
+having been slain. Three even of the cavalry were killed on the plain and
+seven wounded, by the masses of rock, which rebounded to a great distance
+after their descent from so great a height.
+
+Numerous bodies of Mexicans were lying in wait for us, intending to have
+attacked us while engaged in the ascent, and now advanced towards us in
+the plain; but we soon drove them before us, on which they took shelter
+among some other rocky ridges. We pursued them through some narrow passes
+among the rocks, and found they had taken shelter in another very strong
+fortress, similar to that from which we had been repulsed. We desisted for
+the present, and returned to our former post in search of water, our men
+and horses having been unable to procure any during the whole of this day.
+We found some appearance of springs at the foot of the rock, but they had
+been drawn dry by the great numbers of the enemy, and nothing remained but
+mud. Being under the necessity of endeavouring to procure water, we
+returned again to the second fortress, which was about a league and a half
+from the first, where we found a small village with a grove of mulberry
+trees, in which we discovered a very scanty spring. The people above
+discharged their missile weapons on our approach, seeming to be much more
+numerous than in the former place, and they were so situated that no shot
+from us could reach them. For some way up the rock, there were evident
+paths, but it seemed to present insurmountable difficulties against any
+attack. Fortunately for us there was another rock which commanded that on
+which the enemy were posted, and within shot, to which all our fire-arms
+and crossbows were detached, and the rest of our infantry proceeded to
+climb up the garrisoned rock slowly and with infinite difficulty. The
+enemy might easily have destroyed us by rolling down fragments of rocks on
+our heads, but their attention was called off from their main defence by
+our missiles, though rather at too great distance to produce much effect;
+yet having killed several of the enemy, they lost heart and offered to
+submit. On this, Cortes ordered five of their chiefs to come down, and
+offered to pardon them for their hostile resistance, on condition that
+they should induce those in the other fortress to surrender, which they
+accordingly engaged for. Cortes then sent the captains Xaramillo and de
+Ircio, with the ensign Corral and a party of men, among whom I was, to
+ascend the rock which had surrendered, giving us orders not to touch a
+grain of maize. I considered this as full permission to do ourselves all
+the good in our power. We found this fortress to consist of an extensive
+plain on the summit of a perpendicular rock, the entrance to which did not
+exceed twice the size of the mouth of an oven. The whole plain was full of
+men, women, and children, but they had not a drop of water. Twenty of
+their warriors had been slain by our shot, and a great many wounded. All
+their property was packed up in bales, among which there was a
+considerable quantity of tribute, which had been collected on purpose to
+be sent to Mexico. I had brought four of my Indian servants along with me,
+whom I began to load, and four of the natives whom I engaged in my service;
+but Captain De Ircio ordered me to desist, or he would report me to the
+general, putting me in mind that Cortes had forbidden us to touch a grain
+of maize. I answered that I had distinctly heard the orders about the
+maize, and for that reason I took the bales. But he would not allow me to
+carry any thing away, and reported me on our return to Cortes, expecting I
+should receive a reprimand; Cortes, however, observed that he was sorry I
+had not got the plunder, as the dogs would laugh at us and keep their
+property, after all the evil they had done us. De Ircio then proposed to
+return; but Cortes said it was not now time. The chiefs now returned from
+the other fortress, having induced its garrison to submit; and we returned
+to Huaxtepec that we might procure water. Our whole force was lodged for
+the night in the buildings belonging to the noble garden which I formerly
+mentioned, and I certainly never saw one of such beauty and magnificence.
+Our general and others who walked over all its extent, declared that it
+was most admirably disposed, and equalled the most magnificent they had
+ever seen in Spain.
+
+We marched next day towards the city of Cuernabaca or Quauhnahuac. The
+Mexicans who occupied that place came out to fight us, but were soon
+defeated and pursued to Teputztlan or Tepatlan, which we took by storm,
+and made a considerable booty of Indian women and other spoils. Cortes
+summoned the chiefs of this place to come in and submit; and on their
+refusal, and on-purpose to impress the inhabitants of other places with
+terror, he ordered about the half of this town to be set on fire. At this
+time, the chiefs of a town called Yauhtepec came to Cortes and made their
+submission. Next day, we returned to Cuernabaca, which is a large town in
+a very strong situation, being defended by a deep ravine with a small
+rivulet, which precludes all access except by two bridges, which the
+inhabitants had broken down on our approach. Cortes was informed of a ford
+about half a league above the town which was practicable for the cavalry,
+to which he marched, by which the main strength of the enemy was drawn off
+to oppose him. We of the infantry searched for means to pass the ravine,
+and at length discovered a very dangerous pass by means of some trees
+which hung over from both sides, by the help of which about thirty of us
+and a considerable number of our Tlascalan allies got across. Three fell
+into the ravine, one of whom broke his leg. It was a most terrifying
+passage, and at one time I was quite blind with giddiness. Having got over
+and formed, we fell unexpectedly on the flank and rear of the enemy, and
+being now joined by a party of the cavalry, we soon drove the enemy from
+the field into the neighbouring woods and rocks. We found considerable
+property in the town, and we were here all lodged in the buildings of a
+large garden belonging to the cacique of the district. A deputation of
+twenty of the chiefs of the Tlahuican nation now waited on Cortes,
+offering to submit their whole country to his authority, and threw all the
+blame of their hostilities on the Mexicans.
+
+The object of our next march was against Xochimilco, a large city on the
+fresh water lake of Chalco, in which most of the houses are built. As it
+was late before we left Quauhnahuac, and the weather was exceedingly
+sultry, our troops suffered excessively for want of water, which was not
+to be procured on our route. Many of our allies fainted, and one of them,
+and also one of our soldiers died of thirst. Seeing the distress of the
+army, Cortes ordered a halt in a pine forest, and sent forwards a party in
+search of relief. As I saw my friend De Oli about to set off, I took three
+of my Indian servants and followed the party, who endeavoured to persuade
+me to return; but I was resolute, and De Oli at length consented, telling
+me I should have to fight my way. At the distance of about half a league
+our cavalry came to some villages on the side of a ridge of mountains,
+where they found water in the houses, and one of my servants brought me a
+large jar full of water. Having quenched my thirst, I now determined to
+return, as the natives had taken the alarm, and were gathering to attack
+us. I found Cortes just about to resume the march, and gave him and the
+officers, who were with him a hearty draught from my jar. The whole army
+now moved forward to the villages, where a scanty supply of water was
+procured. It was now near sunset, and the cavalry came in with a report
+that the whole country had risen against us, on which account we halted
+here for the night, which was very rainy with much wind, as I well
+remember, being on the night guard. Several of our soldiers were taken ill
+here with inflammation of their mouth and throat, owing to their having
+eaten a species of artichoke to quench their thirst.
+
+We resumed our march early next morning, and arrived about eight o'clock
+at Xochimilco[10]. I can give no idea of the prodigious force of the enemy
+which was collected at this place to oppose us. They had broken down the
+bridges, and fortified themselves with many parapets and pallisades, and
+many of their chiefs were armed with the swords which we lost during our
+flight from Mexico, which they had polished very nicely. The attack at the
+bridge lasted above half an hour, several of our people getting across by
+swimming, in which attempt some were drowned, and we were assailed at once
+in front and rear and on both flanks. At length our cavalry got on firm
+ground, after losing several men, and we drove the enemy before us; but
+just at this time a fresh reinforcement of at least 10,000 Mexicans
+arrived, and received the charge of the cavalry with great intrepidity,
+and wounded four of our men. At this moment the good chesnut horse on
+which Cortes rode fell under him among a crowd of the enemy, who knocked
+him down, and great numbers gathering around were carrying him off, when a
+body of our Tlascalan allies came up to his rescue, headed by the valiant
+De Oli, and remounted him, after he had been severely wounded in the head.
+De Oli also received three desperate sword wounds from the enemy. As all
+the streets of the town were full of Mexican warriors, we had to divide
+into a number of separate bodies in order to fight them; but we who were
+nearest the place in which our general was in such danger, being alarmed
+by the uncommon noise and outcry, hurried there, where they found him and
+about fifteen of the cavalry in a very embarrassing situation, amid
+parapets and canals where the horse had no freedom to act. We immediately
+attacked the enemy, whom we forced to give ground, and brought off Cortes
+and De Oli. On first passing at the bridge, Cortes had ordered the cavalry
+to act in two divisions on purpose to clear our flanks: They returned at
+this time all wounded, and reported that the enemy were so numerous and
+desperate, that all their efforts wore unavailing to drive them away. At
+the time the cavalry came in, we were in an enclosed court, dressing our
+wounds with rags and burnt oil; and the enemy sent in such showers of
+arrows among us that hardly any escaped being wounded. We all now sallied
+out upon the enemy, both cavalry and infantry, and made considerable havoc
+among them with our swords, so that we drove them away and they gave over
+their attempt to storm our post. Having now some relaxation, Cortes
+brought our whole force to the large enclosures in which the temples were
+situated; and on some of us ascending to the top of one of the temples,
+where we had a commanding view of Mexico and the lake, we perceived about
+two thousand canoes full of troops coming to attack us. A body of ten
+thousand men were likewise seen in full march by land for the same purpose,
+and the enemy had already fully that number in and about the town. We
+learned from five chiefs whom we had made prisoners, that this immense
+force was destined to assault our quarters that night; for which reason
+strong guards were posted at all the places where the enemy were expected
+to disembark; the cavalry were held in readiness to charge upon them on
+the roads and firm ground; and constant patroles were kept going about
+during the night. I was posted along with ten other soldiers to keep guard
+at a stone and lime wall which commanded one of the landing-places, and
+while there we heard a noise occasioned by the approach of a party of the
+enemy, whom we beat off, sending a report to Cortes by one of our number.
+The enemy made a second attempt, in which they knocked down two of our men;
+but being again repulsed, they made an attempt to land at a different
+place, where there was a small gate communicating with a deep canal. The
+night was extremely dark, and as the natives were not accustomed to fight
+in the night time, their troops fell into confusion; and instead of making
+their attack in two opposite places at the same time, they formed in one
+body of at least 15,000 men.
+
+When our report reached Cortes, he came to us attended by nine or ten of
+the cavalry, and as he did not answer my challenge, I and my comrade
+Gonzalo Sanchez, a Portuguese from Algarve, fired three or four shots at
+them; on which knowing our voices, Cortes observed to his escort, that
+this post did not require to be inspected, as it was in charge of two of
+his veterans. He then observed that our post was a dangerous one, and
+continued his rounds without saying any more. I was afterwards told that
+one of the soldiers of Narvaez was whipped this very night for negligence
+on his post. As our powder was all expended, we were ordered to prepare a
+good supply of arrows for the crossbows, and were employed all the rest of
+the night in heading and feathering these, under the direction of Pedro
+Barba, who was captain of the crossbow-men. At break of day the enemy made
+a fresh attack and killed one Spaniard, but we drove them back, killing
+several of their chiefs, and took a great many prisoners. Our cavalry had
+been ordered out to charge the Mexicans, but finding them in great force,
+they sent back for assistance. The whole of our army now sallied forth and
+completely defeated the enemy, from whom we took several prisoners. From
+these men, we learned that the Mexicans intended to weary us out by
+reiterated attacks, on which account it was resolved to evacuate the place
+next day. In the mean time, having information that the town contained
+much wealth, we got some of the prisoners to point out the houses in which
+it was contained, which stood in the water of the fresh water lake, and
+could only be approached by small bridges over the canals, leading from a
+causeway. A considerable number both of our men and of the allies went to
+these houses, from which they brought away a great deal of booty in cotton
+cloth and other valuable articles, and this example was followed by others.
+While thus employed, a body of Mexicans came upon them unexpectedly in
+canoes, and besides wounding many of our men, they seized four soldiers
+alive, whom they carried off in triumph to Mexico; and from these men
+Guatimotzin learnt the smallness of our number, and the great loss we had
+sustained in killed and wounded. After questioning them as much as he
+thought proper, Guatimotzin commanded their hands and feet to be cut off,
+and sent them in this mutilated condition through many of the surrounding
+districts, as an example of the treatment he intended for us all, and then
+ordered them to be put to death.
+
+On the ensuing morning we had to sustain a fresh attack, as had regularly
+been the case during the four days we remained in Xochimilco, but which we
+now determined to quit. Before commencing our march, Cortes drew up the
+army in an open place a little way out of the town, in which the markets
+were held, where he made us a speech, in which he expatiated on the
+dangers we had to encounter in our march, and the strong bodies of the
+enemy we might expect to oppose our retreat, and then warmly urged us to
+leave all our plunder and luggage, that we might not be exposed to danger
+in its defence. We remonstrated, however, that it would be a cowardly act
+to abandon what we had so hardly won, declaring that we felt confident of
+being able to defend our persons and property against all assailants. He
+gave way, therefore, to our wishes, and arranged the order of our march,
+placing the baggage in the centre, and dividing the cavalry and crossbows
+between the van and rear guards, as our musketry was now useless for want
+of powder. The enemy harassed us by continual assaults all the way from
+Xochimilco to Cuyocan, or Cojohuacan, a city on the borders of the lake,
+near one of the causeways leading to Mexico, which we found abandoned, and
+where we took up our quarters for two days, taking care of our wounds, and
+making arrows for our crossbows. The enemy which had especially obstructed
+us on this march, consisted of the inhabitants of Xochimilco, Cuyocan,
+Huitzilopochco, Iztapalapa, Mizquic, and five other towns, all of
+considerable size, and built on the edge of the lake, near one another,
+and not far from Mexico. On the third morning we marched for Tlacopan or
+Tacuba, harassed as usual by the enemy, but our cavalry soon forced them
+to retire to their canals and ditches. During this march, Cortes attempted
+to lay an ambush for the enemy, for which purpose he set out with ten
+horsemen and four servants, but had nearly fallen into a snare himself.
+Having encountered a party a Mexicans who fled before him, he pursued them
+too far, and was suddenly surrounded by a large body of warriors, who
+started out from an ambuscade, and wounded all the horses in the first
+attack, carrying off two of the attendants of Cortes to be sacrificed at
+Mexico, the rest of the party escaping with considerable difficulty. Our
+main body reached Tacuba in safety, with all the baggage; but as Cortes
+and his party did not appear, we began to entertain suspicions of some
+misfortune having befallen him. On this account, Alvarado, De Oli, Tapia,
+and I, with some others, went to look for him in the direction in which we
+had last seen him. We soon met two of his servants, who informed us of
+what had happened, and were shortly afterwards joined by Cortes, who
+appeared extremely sad, and even shed tears.
+
+When we arrived at our quarters in Tacuba, which were in some large
+enclosed courts, it rained very heavily, and we were obliged to remain
+exposed for about two hours. On the weather clearing up, the general and
+his officers, with many of the men who were off duty, went up to the top
+of the great temple of Tacuba, whence we had a most delightful prospect of
+the lake, with all its numerous cities and towns, rising as it were out of
+the water. Innumerable canoes were seen in all directions, some employed
+in fishing, and others passing with provisions or merchandize of all kinds.
+We all gave praise to God, who had been pleased to render us the
+instruments for bringing the numerous inhabitants of so fine a country to
+the knowledge of his holy name; yet the bloody scenes which we had already
+experienced in Mexico, filled us with melancholy for the past, and even
+with some apprehension for the future. These recollections made Cortes
+exceedingly sad, regretting the many valiant soldiers he had already lost,
+and the brave men whom he might still expect to fall before he could be
+able to reduce the great, strong, and populous city of Mexico to
+submission[11]. Our reverend Father Olmedo, endeavoured to console him,
+and one of our soldiers observed, that such was the fortune of war, and
+that our general was in a very different situation from Nero, when he
+contemplated his capital on fire. Cortes replied, that he felt melancholy
+while reflecting on the fatigues and dangers we should still have to pass
+through; but that he should soon take effectual measures for bringing the
+great object in view to a speedy conclusion. Having no particular purpose
+to serve by remaining in Tacuba, some of our officers and soldiers
+proposed to take a view of the causeway where we had suffered so severely
+on the fatal night of our flight from Mexico; but this was considered
+dangerous and imprudent. We accordingly proceeded on our march by
+Escapozalco, which was abandoned by the enemy on our approach, to
+Terajoccan, which was also deserted, and thence to Coatitlan or Guatitlan,
+where we arrived excessively fatigued, as it never ceased raining during
+the whole of that day. We took up our quarters in that place for the night,
+which was excessively rainy; and, though the enemy gave us some alarms
+during the night, I can testify that no proper watch was kept, owing to
+the inclemency of the weather, as my post was not visited either by rounds
+or corporal. From Coatitlan, we continued our march by a deep miry road,
+through four or five other towns, all abandoned, and arrived in two days
+at Aculman or Oculman, in the territory of Tezcuco, where we received the
+pleasing intelligence that a reinforcement had arrived to us from Spain.
+Next day we proceeded to Tezcuco, where we arrived worn out with wounds
+and fatigue, and even diminished in our numbers.
+
+Soon after our return to Tezcuco, a conspiracy was formed for the
+assassination of our general, at the head of which was one Antonio de
+Villafana, an adherent of Velasquez, and some of the other soldiers who
+had come over with Narvaez, but whose names I do not choose to mention,
+and the conspirators had even communicated their plan to two principal
+officers, whom I will not name, one of whom was to have been appointed
+captain-general on the death of Cortes. They had even arranged matters for
+the appointment of alguazil-major, alcaldes, regidor, contador, treasurer,
+veedor, and others of that kind, and of captains and standard-bearer to
+the army, all from among the soldiers of Narvaez. All the principal
+adherents of Cortes were to have been put to death, and the conspirators
+were to have divided our properties, arms, and horses, among themselves.
+This business was revealed to Cortes, only two days after our return to
+Tezcuco, by the repentance of one of the conspirators, whom he amply
+rewarded. The general immediately communicated the intelligence to
+Alvarado, De Oli, Sandoval, Tapia, Luis Marin, and Pedro de Ircio, who
+were the two alcaldes for the time, also to me, and to all in whom he
+reposed confidence. We all accompanied Cortes, well armed, to the quarters
+of Villafana, where he found him and many others of the conspirators, and
+took him immediately into custody. The others endeavoured to escape, but
+were all detained and sent to prison. Cortes took a paper from the bosom
+of Villafana, having the signatures of all his accomplices; but which he
+afterwards pretended that Villafana had swallowed, to set the minds of the
+conspirators at rest, as they were too numerous to be all punished in the
+present weak state of our army. Villafana was immediately tried, and made
+a full confession; and his guilt being likewise clearly established by
+many witnesses, the judges, who were Cortes, the two alcaldes, and De Oli,
+condemned him to die. Having confessed himself to the reverend Juan Diaz,
+he was hanged from a window of the apartment. No more of the conspirators
+were proceeded against; but Cortes thought it prudent to appoint a body
+guard for his future security, selected from among those who had been with
+him from the first, of which Antonio de Quinones was made captain.
+
+At this period an order was issued for bringing in all our prisoners to
+be marked, being the third time since we came to the country. If that
+operation were unjustly conducted the first time, it was worse the second,
+and this time worse than ever; for besides the two fifths for the king and
+Cortes, no less than thirty draughts were made for the captains; besides
+which, all the handsome females we had given in to be marked, were stolen
+away, and concealed till it became convenient to produce them.
+
+As the brigantines were entirely finished, and the canal for their passage
+into the lake was now sufficiently wide and deep for that purpose, Cortes
+issued orders to all the districts in our alliance, near Tezcuco, to send
+him, in the course of ten days, 8000 arrow-shafts from each district, made
+of a particular wood, and as many copper heads. Within the appointed time,
+the whole number required was brought to head-quarters, all executed
+better than even the patterns. Captain Pedro Barba, who commanded the
+crossbows, ordered each of his soldiers to provide two cords and nuts, and
+to try the range of their bows. Cortes ordered all the cavalry to have
+their lances new-headed, and to exercise their horses daily. He sent
+likewise an express to the elder Xicotencatl at Tlascala, otherwise called
+Don Lorenzo de Vargas, to send 20,000 of the warriors of Tlascala,
+Huixotzinco and Cholula; and he sent similar orders to Chalco and
+Tlalmanalco; ordering all our allies to rendezvous at Tezcuco on the day
+after the festival of the Holy Ghost, 28th April 1521. And on that day,
+Don Hernandez Ixtlilxochitl of Tezcuco, was to join us with all his forces.
+Some considerable reinforcements of soldiers, horses, arms, and ammunition
+had arrived from Spain and other places, so that when mustered mustered on
+the before-mentioned day by Cortes, in the large enclosures of Tezcuco,
+our Spanish force amounted to the following number: 84 cavalry, 650
+infantry, armed with sword and buckler, or pikes, and 194 musketeers and
+crossbow-men, in all 928 Spaniards. From this number he selected 12
+musketeers or crossbow-men, and 12 of the other infantry, for rowers to
+each of the vessels, in all 312 men, appointing a captain to each vessel;
+and he distributed 20 cannoneers through the fleet, which he armed with
+such guns as we had that were fit for this service. Many of our men had
+been formerly sailors, yet all were extremely averse from acting as rowers
+on the present occasion; for which reason the general made inquiry as to
+those who were natives of sea-ports, or who had formerly been fishers or
+seafaring men, all of whom he ordered to the oars; and though some of them
+pled their gentility as an exemption, he would hear of no excuse. By these
+means he obtained 150 men for this service, who were in fact in a much
+better situation than we who bore the brunt and danger of the war on land,
+as will appear in the sequel. When all this was arranged, and the crews
+embarked along with their commanders, each brigantine hoisted a royal
+standard, and every one a distinguishing flag. Cortes likewise gave the
+captains written instructions for their guidance, dividing them into
+squadrons, each of which was to co-operate with a particular leader of the
+land forces.
+
+Cortes now issued the following general orders to the army: 1. No person
+to blaspheme the Lord Jesus, his Virgin Mother, the Holy Apostles, or any
+of the Saints, under heavy penalties. 2. No soldier to maltreat any of our
+allies in their persons or properties. 3. No soldier to be absent from
+quarters on any pretence. 4. Every soldier to keep his arms, both
+offensive and defensive, in the best order. 5. No soldier to stake his
+horse or arms in gaming. 6. No soldier to sleep out of his armour, or
+without his arms beside him, except when disabled by wounds or sickness.
+Lastly, the penalty of death was denounced for sleeping on guard, for a
+sentinel quitting his post, for absence from quarters without leave, for
+quitting the ranks in the field, or for flight in battle.
+
+At this time our allies of Tlascala arrived under the command of
+Xicotencatl the younger, who was accompanied by his two brothers. Some of
+the warriors of Huexotzinco and Cholula came along with the Tlascalans,
+but not in any great numbers[12], yet the alacrity of our allies was such
+that they joined us a day previous to that which was appointed by Cortes.
+They marched in with great military parade, each of the chiefs carrying a
+standard with their national device, a white spread eagle, and they were
+all in high spirits, shouting out, Castilla! Castilla! Tlascala! Tlascala!
+From the arrival of their van, till the rear came in, took up three hours.
+Cortes received them with great courtesy, promising to make them all rich
+on their return to their native country, and dismissed them with many
+compliments to their respective quarters.
+
+Cortes made the following arrangement of our land army for the investment
+of Mexico, distributing our forces in three separate divisions, under the
+respective commands of Alvarado, De Oli, and Sandoval, reserving to
+himself to act where his presence might be most necessary, and taking in
+the mean time the command of the fleet. Pedro de Alvarado, under whom I
+served, had 150 infantry, 30 cavalry, 18 musketeers and crossbow-men, and
+8000 Tlascalans, and was ordered to take post at Tacuba, having three
+captains under his command, his brother Jorge de Alvarado, Pedro
+Guttierrez, and Andres de Monjara, having each a company of 50 infantry,
+with a third of the musketeers and crossbow-men, the cavalry being
+commanded by Alvarado in person.--Christoval de Oli commanded the second
+division, having under him Andres de Tapia, Francisco Verdugo, and
+Francisco de Lugo, with 175 infantry, 30 cavalry, 20 musketeers and
+crossbows, and 8000 of our Indian allies. This division was ordered to
+take post at Cuyoacan or Cojohuacan.--The third division, under the
+command of Gonzalo de Sandoval, who had under him captains Luis Marin and
+Pedro de Ircio, consisted of 150 infantry, 24 cavalry, 14 musketeers and
+crossbows, and above 8000 Indian warriors, was to take post at Iztapalapa.
+The division of Alvarado and De Oli were ordered to march from Tezcuco by
+the right, going round the northern side of the lake, and the third, under
+Sandoval, by the left, to the south end of the lake; and his march being
+much shorter, he was ordered to remain in Tezcuco until Cortes should sail
+out with the fleet[13].
+
+Before setting out on their march, Alvarado and De Oli directed our Indian
+allies to go on a day before us, that we might not be interrupted by their
+numbers, and ordered them to wait for us when they reached the Mexican
+territory. While on their march, Chichimecatl remarked that Xicotencatl,
+the commander in chief of the Tlascalans was absent; and it was found that
+he had secretly gone off from Tezcuco for Tlascala on the preceding night,
+in order to take possession of the territory and property of Chichimecatl,
+thinking this a good opportunity during the absence of that chief and his
+warriors, and being in no apprehension of any opposition, now that
+Maxicatzin was dead. Chichimecatl returned immediately to Tezcuco, to
+inform Cortes of what had taken place; and our general sent five chiefs of
+Tezcuco and two Tlascalan chiefs, to request Xicotencatl to return. He
+answered, that if his old father and Maxicatzin had listened to him, they
+would not have been now domineered over by Cortes and the Spaniards, and
+absolutely refused to go back. On this haughty answer being reported to
+Cortes, he immediately sent off an alguazil with four horsemen and five
+Tezcucan chiefs, ordering them to seize and hang Xicotencatl wherever they
+could find him. Alvarado interceded strongly for his pardon, but
+ineffectually; for though Cortes seemed to relent, the party who arrested
+Xicotencatl in a town subject to Tezcuco, hung him up by private orders
+from Cortes, and some reported that this was done with the approbation of
+the elder Xicotencatl, father to the Tlascalan general. This affair
+detained us a whole day, and on the next the two divisions of Alvarado and
+De Oli marched by the same route, halting for the night at Aculma or
+Alcolman, a town belonging to the state of Tezcuco, where a very ruinous
+quarrel was near taking place between our two commanders and their
+divisions. De Oli had sent some persons before to take quarters for his
+troops, and had appropriated every house in the place for his men, marking
+them by setting up green boughs on the terraces; so that when Alvarado
+arrived with his division, we had not a single house for us to lodge in.
+Our soldiers were much irritated at this circumstance, and stood
+immediately to their arms to fight with those of De Oli, and the two
+commanders even challenged each other; but several of the more prudent of
+the officers on both sides interposed, and a reconciliation was effected,
+yet Alvarado and De Oli were never afterwards good friends. An express was
+sent off immediately to apprize Cortes of this misunderstanding, who wrote
+to all the people of any influence in the two divisions, greatly
+condemning the circumstances of this disagreement, which might have
+produced fatal consequences to our whole army, and earnestly recommended a
+reconcilement. We continued our march for two days more, by several
+Mexican cities, which were abandoned by their inhabitants; and passing
+through Coatitlan, Tenajoccan and Itzcapuzalco, where our allies waited
+for us, we proceeded for Tacuba, otherwise called Tlacopan.
+
+
+[1] According to Clavigero, II. 135, the Spanish force at this time
+    amounted to forty cavalry, divided into four troops, and 550 infantry,
+    in nine companies: But he swells the auxiliary force of the Tlascalans
+    to 110,000 men.--E.
+
+[2] In the very imperfect maps of Diaz and Clavigero, Tezcuco is placed
+    near the mouth of a rivulet which discharges itself into the lake of
+    Mexico: In the former, the buildings are represented as extending two
+    miles and a half along the rivulet, and coming close to the edge of
+    the lake; but the map of Clavigero has no scale. In the map given by
+    Humboldt, Tezcuco is placed on a rising ground, near two miles from
+    the edge of the lake. But the lake has since the time of Cortes been
+    much diminished in extent by a grand drain, insomuch that Mexico,
+    formerly insulated, is now a mile and a half from the lake.--E.
+
+[3] On this occasion Diaz mentions the inhabitants of Chalco, Tlalmalanco,
+    Mecameca, and Chimaloacan, as the allies of the Spaniards; but these
+    states do not appear to have submitted to the Spaniards till
+    afterwards. Cortes employed the interval, from his arrival at Tezcuco
+    in the end of December 1520, to the investment of Mexico, at the end
+    of May 1521, five months, in detaching a great number of the native
+    states from their dependence upon Mexico.--E.
+
+[4] From the circumstance of the gold, it is probable Yuste and his
+    companions had been slain on their retreat from Mexico, not on their
+    way there as stated in the text. From this and other similar incidents,
+    of parties of Spaniards having been slain in different places after
+    the retreat from Mexico, it is highly probable that several detached
+    parties made their escape, who missed forming a junction with Cortes.
+    He, it will be recollected, made a detour round the west and south
+    sides of the lake; and it is probable that they had turned to the east,
+    as the nearest and most direct way to Tlascala and Villa Rica.--E.
+
+[5] Clavigero, II. 146, exaggerates the armed escort to 30,000 Tlascalan
+    warriors, commanded by three chiefs, Chichimecatl, Ayotecatl, and
+    Teotlipil. Diaz calls the two last, Teuleticle and Teatical; but
+    though his facts are fully more to be depended upon, Clavigero may be
+    accounted better versant in Mexican orthography.--E.
+
+[6] Clavigero, II. 146, quotes Diaz as saying that it extended six miles
+    from front to rear. This may very likely have been the case, but Diaz
+    nowhere specifies the length of the line.--E.
+
+[7] Clavigero says, 350 Spanish infantry, 25 horsemen, and 30,000
+    Tlascalans, with six small cannon.--E.
+
+[8] Clavigero, II. 147, says that Cortes endeavoured at this time, but in
+    vain, to come to an amicable agreement with the court of Mexico.--E.
+
+[9] In this expedition Cortes appears, by the information of Clavigero,
+    II. 152, to have crossed the southern mountains of the Mexican vale,
+    and to have reduced Huastepec, Jautepec, Quauhnahuac, and other towns
+    belonging to the Tlahuicas, who were subject to the Mexican empire;
+    thus judiciously using his endeavours to strengthen his own party and
+    to weaken that of the Mexicans, before proceeding to assail the
+    capital of that powerful empire.--E.
+
+[10] This beautiful city was the largest in the vale of Mexico, after the
+    capital and the royal residences of Tezcuco and Tlacopan, and was
+    famous for its floating gardens, whence it derived its name,
+    signifying flower gardens in the Mexican language.--Clavig. II. 155.
+
+[11] Diaz mentions a poem circulated at the time, as beginning in
+    reference to the melancholy of Cortes on this occasion, somewhat in the
+    following strain:
+
+      In Tacuba was Cortes, with many a gallant chief;
+      He thought upon his losses, and bow'd his head with grief.
+
+[12] Clavigero, II. 159, carries the number of allies which joined Cortes
+    on this occasion, to more than 200,000 men. In his enumeration of the
+    several divisions of the army appointed for the investment of Mexico,
+    Diaz makes the Indian allies very little more than 24,000 warriors.--E.
+
+[13] Diaz mentions, that about this time intelligence came to Tezcuco,
+    that three of our soldiers who had been left by Pizarro to search for
+    mines in the country of the Zapotecas had been put to death by the
+    Mexicans, one only, named Barrientos, having escaped to Chinantla,
+    where he was protected by the natives.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII.
+
+_Narrative of Occurrences from the commencement of the Siege of Mexico to
+its Reduction, and the Capture of Guatimotzin_.
+
+
+Having thus, by the occupation of Tacuba, commenced the investment of the
+great and populous city of Mexico, we soon found the enemy around us in
+great numbers; and as the first operation, it was determined on the
+following day, that our divisions should march to Chapoltepec to destroy
+the aqueduct at that place, by which the city of Mexico was supplied with
+fresh water. We set out accordingly with our allies, and although the
+enemy attacked us on our march, we repelled them and succeeded in our
+object of cutting off the pipes, so that from that time the city of Mexico
+was deprived of fresh water. It was now determined to endeavour to
+penetrate to the city of Mexico by the causeway of Tacuba, or at least to
+attempt getting possession of the first bridge on that causeway; but on
+our arrival there, the prodigious number of boats which covered the water
+on both sides, and the multitude of Mexican troops which thronged the
+causeway to oppose us, was perfectly astonishing. By the first flight of
+arrows which they discharged against us, three of our men were slain and
+thirty wounded; yet we advanced to the bridge, the enemy retiring before
+us, as if by a concerted stratagem, so that we were exposed on both flanks,
+on a narrow road only twenty feet wide, as a butt for the innumerable
+arrows of the Mexicans in the canoes, and neither our musquetry nor
+crossbows were of any avail against the people in the canoes, as they were
+effectually protected by high wooden screens. The horses of our cavalry
+were all wounded, and when at any time they made a charge upon the enemy,
+they were almost immediately stopt by barriers and parapets which the
+enemy had drawn across the causeway for the purpose, and from whence they
+defended themselves with long lances. Likewise, when the infantry advanced
+along the causeway, instead of abiding our attack, the enemy threw
+themselves into the water and escaped by swimming or into their canoes,
+returning incessantly to the attack. We were thus engaged for more than an
+hour to no useful purpose, the enemy continually increasing in number, by
+reinforcements from every part of the lake; and our allies, instead of
+being serviceable, only encumbered the causeway and hindered our movements.
+Finding that we were unable any longer to resist the multitude of enemies
+who assailed us perpetually from the water, and almost with entire
+impunity, we determined to retreat to our quarters in Tacuba, having eight
+of our men slain and above fifty wounded, and were closely followed up and
+much harassed by the enemy during our retreat. De Oli laid the blame of
+the disaster of this day on the rashness of Alvarado.
+
+Next day[1], though we were all extremely solicitous for the two captains
+to remain together, De Oli proceeded with his division to take possession
+of Cojohuacan, according to the orders he had received from Cortes; but
+this separation was assuredly extremely ill judged; as, if the enemy had
+known the smallness of our numbers at the two stations, they might have
+fallen upon and destroyed us separately, during the four or five days that
+we remained divided before the arrival of Cortes with the brigantines. In
+all that time we never ventured to make any more attempts against the
+Mexican causeways, but the enemy frequently sent bodies of their troops to
+the main land to make attacks on our quarters, on which occasions we
+always drove them away.
+
+Sandoval with his division did not leave Tezcuco until the fourth day
+after the feast of Corpus Christi[2], when he marched through a friendly
+country by the south side of the lake, and arrived without interruption in
+front of Iztapalapa. Immediately on his arrival, he commenced an attack on
+the enemy, and burnt many of the houses in that part of the town which
+stood on the firm land; but fresh bodies of Mexican warriors came over in
+canoes and by the causeway of Iztapalapa to relieve their friends in the
+town, and made a determined resistance against Sandoval. While the
+engagement was going on, a smoke was observed to arise from a hill above
+the town, which was answered by similar signals at many other points
+around the lake, which were afterwards found to have been made to apprize
+the enemy of the appearance of our flotilla on the lake. On this, the
+efforts of the enemy against Sandoval were much relaxed, as their canoes
+and warriors were recalled to oppose our naval force; and Sandoval was
+thus enabled to take up his quarters in a part of the town of Iztapalapa;
+between which and Cojohuacan the only means of communication was by a
+causeway or mound dividing the lake of Chalco from that of Mexico or
+Tezcuco, which passage was at that time impracticable in the face of the
+enemy.
+
+"Before proceeding to the narrative of the siege of Mexico, it may be
+proper to give some account of the situation of the city of Mexico, and
+the mounds or causeways by which it communicated with the land at the
+several posts which were occupied by Cortes for its investment[3]. The
+city of Mexico was built partly on an island and partly in the water, at
+the west side of a considerable salt lake, named sometimes the lake of
+Tezcuco, and sometimes the lake of Mexico, and appears to have been about
+a mile from the firm land. It communicated with the land by three mounds
+or causeways; that of Tepejacac on the north, about three miles long,
+measuring from the great temple in centre of Mexico; that usually called
+of Iztapalapa on the south, nearly five miles in length; and that of
+Tacuba or Tlacopan on the west, about two miles long, likewise measuring
+from the temple; but at least a mile may be abstracted from each of these
+measurements, on account of the extent of the city from the great temple
+to the commencement of the causeways. About the middle of the southern
+causeway called that of Iztapalapa, another causeway branched off
+obliquely to the south-east, to the town of Cojohuacan; and at the place
+where these two causeways united stood the town of Xoloc, partly on the
+sides of the causeways, but chiefly in the water intersected by canals and
+ditches. Besides these three grand causeways for communicating with the
+land, there was a smaller mound about two miles south from the causeway of
+Tacuba, from a town named Chapoltepec, along which the aqueduct, or pipes,
+for supplying Mexico with fresh water was carried; but this appears to
+have been too narrow for allowing any passage, at least the Spaniards do
+not seem to have availed themselves of it, in their long and arduous
+endeavours to force their way into Mexico. Near the south-west angle of
+the salt lake of Mexico, it communicated by a narrow neck or strait with
+the fresh water lake of Chalco; and at their junction a mound or causeway
+had been constructed across, to prevent the admixture of the salt and
+fresh lakes, having a town called Mexicaltzinco at the eastern extremity
+of this mound. Iztapalapa stood in the western end of the peninsula,
+between the lakes of Mexico and Chalco, but on the borders and in the
+waters of the former. The whole fertile vale of Mexico or Anahuac, around
+these two lakes, and some others to the north of the great lake, was
+thickly planted with cities, towns, and villages, and highly cultivated,
+containing and giving subsistence to a prodigious population. The extent
+of this extraordinary valley, elevated nearly 8000 feet above the level of
+the sea, is about 50 miles from north to south, and forty miles from east
+to west; being surrounded on every side by ridges of lofty mountains, some
+of them perpetually covered with snow, and rising to about 10,000 feet in
+perpendicular elevation above the ocean."
+
+When Cortes brought out his fleet of brigantines upon the lake, he went in
+the first place to attack an insular rock close beside Mexico, on which a
+vast number of the inhabitants of that city and other places in the
+neighbourhood had taken shelter. Immediately on perceiving his intentions,
+their whole force collected from every part of the lake, and proceeded
+against him in not less than 4000 large canoes full of warriors. On
+perceiving this immense number of boats coming to attack him, Cortes
+withdrew with his brigantines into an open part of the lake, ordering his
+captains to wait patiently for a breeze of wind which then began to blow.
+As the enemy supposed that this movement proceeded from fear, they
+immediately closed up around the flotilla with shouts of triumph. The wind
+now sprung up, and the whole fleet made sail through the throng of canoes,
+plying their oars at the same time, and run down and overset great numbers
+of the Mexican canoes, compelling all the rest to fly for shelter to the
+recesses and shallows on the borders of the lake. After this, Cortes made
+sail to Cojohuacan[4], where he was again attacked by the Mexicans, both
+by means of their canoes on the water, and from their temples on the land:
+But Cortes brought four guns to bear upon them, by which he did
+considerable execution. During this action his powder magazine blew up,
+owing to some mismanagement of the gunners, by which many of his people
+were wounded. This unfortunate accident obliged him to detach his smallest
+brigantine to Sandoval for a supply of ammunition. He remained at
+Cojohuacan for two days with the flotilla, repairing the injury his ship
+had sustained from the explosion.
+
+When we were assured that the flotilla was out upon the lake, Alvarado
+marched out with our division to the causeway of Tacuba, as far as the
+bridge, in which we were constantly engaged with the enemy to very little
+purpose, except that we repaired the passes in our rear as we advanced,
+and did not now suffer the cavalry to come upon the causeway, as we had
+found by experience that they were of very little service, and besides
+that their horses were exposed to much danger. Finding that he could not
+sufficiently annoy the enemy in his present post at Iztapalapa, where the
+Mexicans had possession of the houses which were built in the water,
+Sandoval advanced by a causeway to a more commanding situation[5]. When
+this was noticed from Mexico, a large detachment of warriors came over in
+canoes, with orders to cut the causeway in the rear of our troops. Cortes
+observed this, and immediately made sail with his vessels to the relief of
+Sandoval, giving orders at the same time to De Oli to march a body of
+troops by the causeway for the same purpose. Having relieved Sandoval by
+these means, Cortes ordered him to remove with his division from
+Iztapalapa to Tepeaquilla or Tepejacac, where the church of our Lady of
+Guadalupe now stands, in which many wonderful miracles have been performed.
+
+As it was impossible for our troops to advance on the causeways, unless
+their flanks were secured from attacks by water, the flotilla was
+appointed to this service in three divisions, one of which was attached to
+each of the three detachments of our land force: Four brigantines being
+allotted to Alvarado, six to De Oli, and two to Sandoval[6]; twelve in all,
+the thirteenth having been found too small for service, and was therefore
+laid up, and her crew distributed to the rest, as twenty men had been
+already severely wounded in the several vessels. Alvarado now led our
+division to attack the causeway of Tacuba, placing two brigantines on each
+flank for our protection. We drove the enemy before us from several of
+their bridges and barricades; but after fighting the whole day, we were
+obliged to retreat to our quarters at night, almost all of us wounded by
+the incessant showers of stones and arrows of the enemy. We were
+continually assailed on the causeway, by fresh troops of warriors,
+carrying different banners or devices; and our brigantines were
+excessively annoyed from the terraces of the houses which stood in the
+water; and as we could not leave a party to keep possession of what we had
+acquired during the day, the enemy repossessed themselves of the bridges
+at night, and repaired and strengthened their parapets and other defences.
+In some places they deepened the water, digging pits in the shallow places,
+and placing the canoes in ambush, which they secured against the approach
+of our brigantines by means of pallisades under water. Every day we were
+employed in the same manner, driving the enemy before us, and every night
+we returned to our quarters to bind up our wounds. The cavalry were of no
+service, on account of the barricades defended by long lances; and the
+soldiers even did not choose to risk their horses, as their price at this
+time was from eight hundred to a thousand crowns. One Juan, a soldier from
+Catalonia, used to heal our wounds by charms and prayers, which by the
+mercy of God recovered us very fast; and this being observed by our allies,
+all their wounded men applied to Juan, who had more business on his hands
+than he was able for. But whether whole or wounded, we were obliged to go
+out daily against the enemy, as otherwise our companies would have been
+reduced to less than half their strength. Our ensign was disabled almost
+every day, as he could not at the same time carry his colours and defend
+himself from the enemy. We were abundantly supplied with corn, but were
+much in want of refreshments for the wounded men; our chief resource being
+_tunas_ or Indian figs, cherries while in season, and a plant called
+_quilities_ by the natives. The situation of the other two attacks was
+precisely similar to ours. Every day, when we marched to the attack, a
+signal was made from the great temple of Tlaltelolco, the great division
+of Mexico nearest Tacuba, on which the enemy rushed out against us, and
+were continually relieved by fresh troops, marching out in succession.
+Finding that we gained nothing by these daily attacks, we changed our plan
+of operations. On our causeway there was a small open space, on which
+stood some buildings for religious worship, where we formed a lodgment,
+and established a post, leaving our cavalry and allies to secure our rear
+in Tacuba, whence we were supplied with provisions. Though very badly
+lodged in this place, as every shower of rain came in upon us, we
+maintained this post and advanced a little towards the city every day,
+filling up the trenches which intersected the causeway, and pulling down
+the houses on each side, and using their materials to strengthen our
+defences. We found it extremely difficult to set the houses on fire, nor
+could the flames communicate from house to house, as all the houses were
+separated by canals and ditches. During this operation we were subjected
+to great danger, as the enemy destroyed us from their terraces when we
+endeavoured to swim over from the causeway to these detached houses.
+
+In this manner we gained some ground every day, which we secured by
+parapets and other defences, and preserved during the night. Every
+evening at sunset, the company which was first for duty, was entrusted
+with the advanced post, to which they sent forty men; the second company
+sent an equal number at midnight, and the relieved guard did not quit
+their post, but had to remain sleeping on the ground; the third company
+did the same the same two hours before day-break, and the second now lay
+down to sleep, so that we now had 120 men on guard. Sometimes our whole
+detachment had to remain under arms the whole night, especially on the
+following occasion: We learnt from some of our prisoners, that the
+Mexicans intended to force our post by a great effort, which would have
+frustrated the other two attacks. For this purpose, all the warriors of
+nine towns around the lake, including those of Tacuba, Izcapuzalco, and
+Tenajocan, were by a joint attack upon our rear to carry off our baggage
+and destroy our bakery in Tacuba, while the Mexicans were to assail us in
+front on the causeway. We immediately communicated this intelligence to
+our cavalry and allies at headquarters, warning them to keep on the alert.
+In pursuance of this plan, we were attacked both in front and rear for
+several successive nights, from midnight to day-break. Sometimes the enemy
+came on with a prodigious noise of shouting and military instruments, and
+at other times stole upon us in profound silence; but their night attacks
+were never made with so much resolution as those during the day. Yet we
+were harassed to death with continual watching, fatigue, and wounds, and
+constantly exposed to cold winds and almost incessant rain. Our post was
+reduced to a mere splash of mud and water, and our only food was maize and
+miserable herbs. When we complained, the only comfort given us by our
+officers, was that such is the fortune of war. Yet all our efforts,
+fatigues, and privations, were of little avail; as the parapets we
+destroyed and the ditches we filled up during the day, were uniformly
+replaced next night by the enemy.
+
+The destruction of the aqueduct of Chapoltepec, from which so much had
+been expected, by cutting off the water which supplied the city of Mexico,
+was unavailing, neither could we starve them into a surrender, as they
+were regularly supplied with every thing they wanted by means of their
+canoes from the towns around the lake. In order to prevent this, two of
+our brigantines were ordered to cruize every night on the lake, to
+intercept these supplies. This measure answered the purpose in some degree,
+but not effectually, as some of the canoes escaped into the city every
+night. At this time the Mexicans laid a plan to surprise our two cruizing
+brigantines. Having concealed thirty of their largest piraguas among some
+tall reeds on the borders of the lake, they sent several canoes, as if
+carrying provisions, to decoy our vessels into the snare, and even fixed a
+number of large wooden piles under water at the place to which our vessels
+were to be inveigled. On the appearance of the decoy-canoes, our two
+vessels made immediately towards them, the canoes rowing away towards the
+ambush followed by our brigantines. As soon as they arrived at the place,
+the thirty piraguas immediately surrounded them, and wounded every officer,
+soldier, and mariner on board, by their first flight of arrows. Our
+vessels could not move on account of the piles, and the enemy continued
+the assault with the utmost vigour. One of the captains, named Portilla,
+was slain, and Captain Pedro Barba, the commander of our crossbows, died
+of his wounds. This ambush completely succeeded, as the two brigantines
+fell into the hands of the enemy. They belonged to the principal division
+of our flotilla, which was commanded by Cortes in person, who was much
+exasperated by the loss; but he soon repayed the enemy in their own way.
+He constantly sent out some vessels every night to scour the lake, and on
+one occasion they brought in some prisoners of consequence, from whom he
+learnt that the enemy had formed another ambuscade of forty large piraguas
+and as many canoes. He now laid a plan to turn their schemes against
+themselves; for which purpose he sent six vessels one night with muffled
+oars, to conceal themselves in a water-cut at the edge of the lake,
+covered with bushes and tall reeds, about a quarter of a league from the
+ambushment of the enemy. A single brigantine was then sent out early in
+the morning, as if in search of the canoes which carried provisions to
+Mexico, and having the prisoners on board to point out the place where the
+enemies fleet lay concealed. The enemy sent as before some loaded canoes
+to decoy the brigantine towards the ambush, and our vessel pursued them
+until near the place, where it lay-to, as if fearful to approach. The
+Mexican fleet now sallied out upon them, and our brigantine rowed away
+towards the place where the six others were concealed, closely followed up
+by the enemy. When arrived near enough, the brigantine fired two shots as
+a signal, on which the other vessels pushed out against the enemy, running
+down many of their vessels, dispersing all the rest, and making a great
+number of prisoners. This sickened them at ambushments, and from
+henceforwards they did not attempt to cross the lake in their canoes so
+openly.
+
+Our three divisions of the land army continued to pursue their plan for
+gradually advancing along the causeways. Always as we gained ground, we
+pulled down the houses on each side, filling up the ditches or canals
+which intersected the causeways, and strengthening our posts; in which,
+and in all the operations of the war, we were excellently seconded by our
+brave Tlascalan allies. On our attack, the Mexicans broke down one of the
+bridges in the rear of their own barricades and parapets, leaving one
+narrow passage at a place where the water was very deep as a decoy, and
+even dug trenches and pitfalls where the water was more shallow, placing
+pallisades in the deep water to prevent the approach of our vessels, and
+constructing parapets on both sides of the breach. They had also a number
+of canoes in readiness to sally out upon us on a concerted signal. When
+all these preparations were in readiness, they made a combined attack upon
+us in three several directions. One body advanced towards our rear from
+the side of Tacuba, a second directly on our front along the causeway from
+the city, and the third by the ruins of the houses which we had destroyed.
+We repulsed the enemy on all sides; and one party of us, having forced
+them from the works at the broken bridge, crossed the water up to our
+necks at the place they had left open for us, and rashly pushed on to an
+open place where there were some large temples and towers. We were here
+assailed on all sides by fresh troops from the houses and terraces, and
+those whom we pursued faced about and fought us in front. We now found it
+necessary to retreat, which we did with the utmost order till we came to
+the pass at the broken bridge, which was occupied by the enemy in canoes;
+and as the others pressed upon our rear, we were forced to throw ourselves
+into the lake and to get over any way we could. Those who could not swim
+got entangled among the concealed ditches and pits in the shallow water,
+where the enemy closed in upon us, wounding the whole party, and even
+taking five of our soldiers alive. The vessels which came to our relief
+were unable to approach, on account of the pallisades, and they lost two
+of their soldiers on this occasion. It was wonderful we were not all
+destroyed at this dangerous pass. At one time I was laid hold of by a
+number of the enemy; but God gave me strength to disengage my arm, and
+with the assistance of my good sword, I extricated myself from their grasp.
+Though wounded, I escaped to the dry ground, where I fainted and remained
+for some time insensible, owing to my great exertions and the loss of
+blood. When the enemy had me in their clutches, I recommended myself to
+the aid of God and his blessed Mother, and they heard my prayer: Glory be
+to them for all their mercies! From the time that we had cleared the
+flanks of our post by the destruction of the houses, Alvarado had brought
+a part of his cavalry thither; and one of them, who had crossed along with
+us at the broken bridge, lost both his horse and his own life. Fortunately
+all the rest were then with Alvarado in Tacuba; for if they had been with
+us they must have all been destroyed from the tops of the houses and
+temples, as the action took place almost within the city of Mexico. The
+enemy was much elated by the success of this day, and continued to assail
+our posts day and night. Cortes was much displeased at the defeat we had
+sustained, which he attributed to our having neglected his orders; which
+were always to fill up the cuts in the causeway as we advanced, by means
+of timber and rubbish.
+
+In the space of four days, counting from our late defeat, we filled up the
+great aperture at the broken bridge, and established our advanced post at
+this place, but lost six of our soldiers in the course of this operation.
+The enemy established a post directly in front of us, which they secured
+by a ditch and parapet, so as to protect themselves from our shot. They
+made a large fire in front of their post, by which they were concealed
+from our view, except when they had occasion to renew the fire, which was
+sometimes extinguished by the frequent heavy rains which prevailed at this
+season. They kept profound silence on guard, except when interrupted by
+loud whistling, which they used as signals. Every morning we marched
+against the enemy, with whom we fought during the whole day, and retreated
+to our post towards evening, covered with wounds. Before retreating, we
+sent back our allies, whose numbers embarrassed us in the narrow causeway,
+and then fell back step by step, flanked by our armed brigantines, and
+firing on the enemy as they pressed upon us during the retreat.
+
+About this time, the inhabitants of the cities on the lake grew weary of
+the long protracted warfare, and sent deputations to our general, offering
+to submit themselves to his authority, and declaring that they had been
+constrained by the Mexicans to persist hitherto in their hostilities
+against us. Cortes received them very graciously, and assured them of his
+protection, providing that they should conduct themselves properly for the
+future, and give him their assistance by supplying canoes and provisions
+to our army, and in the construction of barracks for the troops. They
+readily promised all this, but performed very badly. Cortes had huts built
+for his detachment[7]; but the rest of us remained exposed to the weather,
+which was exceedingly severe and distressing, as it rained almost
+incessantly during June, July, and August.
+
+Our detachment on the causeway of Tacuba continued our approach towards
+Mexico, filling up every ditch and canal as we advanced by means of the
+materials of the houses which we destroyed; and we every day gained
+possession of temples or houses, which stood apart from each other, and of
+the bridges by which they communicated. To avoid jealousy, our three
+companies took the duties of working and fighting alternately, our allies
+giving most important assistance in pulling down the houses and filling up
+the ditches and cross-cuts of the causeway. Every evening the whole of our
+men stood to their arms, and we sent off our allies before us, before
+retreating to our post for the night. During all this time, Sandoval, who
+carried on his approach from Tepejacac, was obliged to sustain continual
+attacks from the enemy; as likewise was Cortes, who now commanded at the
+third attack.
+
+On his side there was an out-post of the Mexicans, at a place where one of
+the apertures in the causeway was too deep to be forded, and which had
+been strongly fortified by the enemy. He made a successful attack on this
+place, where he commanded in person, although the enemy made a brave
+resistance both by land and water; but he was obliged to retire at night
+without filling up the ditch, and he lost four Spaniards killed, and had
+above thirty wounded, the pass being commanded from the terraces of
+several houses in the water, and his brigantines were unable to get
+forward to protect his flanks, owing to the piles which the enemy had
+fixed under water. Guatimotzin and his Mexicans defended themselves with
+amazing bravery and resolution, trusting to wear us out and destroy us by
+continual assaults. On the 21st of June, the anniversary of the day of our
+first entry into Mexico, the enemy assailed us at every point of all our
+three attacks, both by land and water, in front, flanks, and rear, about
+two hours before day. The number fit for duty at our post on the causeway
+of Tacuba was 120 men, and all the allies attached to our detachment, were
+as usual off the causeway during the night. It was with the utmost
+difficulty that we were able to resist and repulse the enemy, of whom a
+great number were killed and wounded, losing two of our own soldiers. The
+enemy repeated their assaults on all the posts for two other nights
+successively; and on the third morning, just at day-break, they
+concentrated their whole force and made a desperate attack on our post. If
+our allies had been with us we should have been all lost. On this occasion
+our cavalry saved our rear, and our brigantines did signal service by
+clearing our flanks. After a most severe and long doubtful contest, we
+beat off the enemy and made four of their chiefs prisoners, eight of our
+soldiers being slain in this tough affair. I fear my readers may be tired
+of this constant repetition of battles, which my duty of historian
+compels me to relate: But if I were to give an account of every action
+which took place during the ninety-three days in which we were engaged in
+the siege of this great, strong, and populous city, every day and night of
+which time brought a perpetual succession of battles and assaults, my work
+would be without end, and would more resemble Amadis de Gaul and other
+romances of chivalry than a true history, which it really is.
+
+Cortes became impatient of delay, and proposed in a council of war to make
+a general assault on the city, marching at once by all the three causeways,
+and uniting our whole force in the great square, whence we could command
+all the streets leading to that centre of Mexico. Some of the members of
+the council objected greatly to this plan, giving the preference to our
+present system of advancing gradually, filling up the ditches as we
+proceeded, and destroying the houses to make roads and defences of their
+materials. They alleged that if we were to succeed in forcing our way into
+the great square, we should in our turn be besieged in the heart of the
+city, exactly as we had been before our flight from Mexico, and be
+involved in much greater difficulties than now; as the enemy would be
+enabled to environ us with their whole force by land and water, and would
+cut off all possibility of our retreat, by cutting through the causeways.
+But Cortes, after hearing all these well founded reasons, still adhered to
+his own plan, and issued orders for the whole army, including the allies,
+to attack the city next day, and to use our utmost efforts to get
+possession of the great square. On the next morning therefore, having
+recommended ourselves to God in the solemn service of the mass, all our
+three detachments marched to attack the posts of the enemy on their
+several fronts. In our attack commanded by Alvarado, most of the Spaniards
+were wounded at the first ditch and parapet of the enemy; one Spaniard was
+slain, and above a thousand of our allies were killed or wounded. In the
+attack commanded by Cortes in person, he carried every thing before him at
+first, and having driven the enemy from a post where the water was very
+deep and the causeway very narrow, he imprudently pushed on after the
+enemy followed by the Indian allies. The enemy induced him by frequent
+halts and feigned resistance to continue the pursuit, having even narrowed
+the causeway on purpose, and Cortes negligently omitted to fill up the
+deep ditch which he had passed. When the enemy perceived that our general
+had fallen into the snare which they had laid for him, they attacked him
+with fresh troops in front, while numerous canoes filled with warriors
+issued out at an appointed signal and assailed him both on the flanks and
+rear, his brigantines being unable to approach for his defence by the
+pallisades under water. Retreat became now indispensably necessary, which
+was at first conducted with perfect regularity; but when they came to the
+narrow part of the causeway, which was all covered with mud and water, the
+retreat changed to an absolute flight, our people flying from the enemy
+with their utmost speed, without even attempting to defend themselves.
+Cortes used every effort to rally his men, but all in vain, and was
+wounded in the leg at the narrow pass by some of the enemy from the canoes.
+At this pass, six of our horses were killed, and seventy-two Spaniards
+were carried off alive. At this moment six Mexican chiefs seized Cortes,
+but by the will of God, Christoval de Olea, that valiant soldier, and
+another brave man named Lerma flew to the rescue of our general. De Olea
+killed four of the chiefs with his own hand, and gallantly lost his life
+in defence of Cortes, while Lerma narrowly escaped. Other brave soldiers
+arrived at this moment to his aid, among whom was Quinones the captain of
+his guards. By these men he was lifted out of the water and hurried off
+from among a crowd of the enemy. At this critical moment, Guzman his
+majordomo, brought up a horse on which our wounded general was mounted.
+The enemy followed up their success with increasing ardour, Cortes and the
+shattered remains of his troops, retreating to their quarters with the
+utmost difficulty, pursued to the last by the Mexicans.
+
+After our first attack, in which we defeated the enemy and drove them from
+their post, we were met by fresh bodies of the enemy, marching in great
+parade, bearing rich plumes of feathers and ornamented standards. On
+coming near, they threw down before us five bleeding heads, saying these
+were the heads of Cortes and his officers, and that we should soon meet
+the same fate. They then marched up, and fought us hand to hand with the
+utmost valour, insomuch that we were at length compelled to retreat. As
+usual, we gave orders to our allies to clear the way, by retreating before
+us; but the sight of the bloody heads had done this effectually, and not a
+man of them remained on the causeway to impede our flight. Our cavalry
+made several charges this day, but our great safety depended upon two guns
+which raked the whole causeway, and were admirably managed by Pedro Morena,
+an excellent officer, whose services this day were singularly useful, as
+the whole causeway was crowded by the enemy. Before we arrived at our
+quarters, and while pursued by the enemy, we heard the shrill timbals and
+mournful sound of the great drum from the summit of the temple of the god
+of war. The priests were then sacrificing the hearts of ten of our
+companions to their accursed idols, and the sound of their dismal drum,
+which might be heard at almost three leagues off, might be imagined to be
+the music of the infernal deities. Soon after this, the horn of
+Guatimotzin was heard, giving notice to the Mexican officers either to
+make prisoners of their enemies, or to die in the attempt. It is utterly
+impossible to describe the fury with which they assailed us on hearing
+this dreadful signal, though the remembrance is still as lively as if now
+passing before me: I can only say, that it was the good pleasure of God
+that we got back in safety to our post; praised be his mercy now and for
+ever. Amen! We were ignorant of the fate of our other detachments.
+Sandoval was more than half a league from us, and Cortes still farther.
+The melancholy sight of the heads of our countrymen, and the loss of one
+of our brigantines in which three of our soldiers were slain, filled us
+with melancholy, and we almost thought that we had reached the last hour
+of our lives. Our captured vessel was afterwards recovered by Captain
+Xaramillo. In the action of this day, Captain Caravajal, a most gallant
+officer, had the honour of being the first who broke through the enemies
+pallisades with his vessel: He now lives in La Puebla, and has been ever
+since entirely deaf, having lost his hearing this day by excessive
+exertion.
+
+Most of the soldiers in the detachment of Cortes were wounded, a good many
+slain, and a great number taken prisoners, so that on his arrival in his
+quarters, where he was immediately attacked, his men were little able to
+defend themselves. To add to their distress, the enemy threw into their
+post four bleeding heads, saying they were those of Alvarado, Sandoval,
+and two other officers, in order to impress the soldiers of Cortes with
+the belief that the two other detachments had been as roughly handled as
+their own. On beholding this horrid spectacle, Cortes was severely
+agitated, and his heart sunk within him; yet he kept up appearances,
+encouraging his men to stand to their arms and defend their post against
+the enemy. He now sent Tapia with three others on horseback to our
+quarters, to ascertain our situation. They were attacked on their way by
+several bodies of the enemy, who had been sent out by Guatimotzin to
+obstruct our communications; but they forced their way through, and found
+us engaged with the Mexicans.
+
+On his side, Sandoval went on victoriously till the defeat of Cortes, when
+the enemy sent a powerful reinforcement against him, by whom he was very
+vigorously assailed; and in the first assault they killed two of his men
+and wounded all the rest, Sandoval himself receiving three wounds, one of
+which was on the head. As they had done at the other posts, they threw
+down six bleeding heads, pretending they were the heads of Cortes and his
+principal officers, and threatening Sandoval and his men with a similar
+fate. Sandoval was not to be intimidated, and encouraged his men to behave
+themselves bravely; yet, seeing no chance of ultimate success, he brought
+his people back to their quarters, many of them being wounded, but having
+only two slain. After this, though severely wounded himself, he left the
+command of his quarters with Captain Luis Marin, and set out on horseback
+to have an interview with Cortes. Like Tapia, he was frequently attacked
+by the enemy on the road, yet made his way to Cortes, whom he addressed
+with condolence and astonishment, asking the occasion of his severe
+misfortune. Cortes laid the blame on Alderate, for neglecting to fill up
+the bad pass where the enemy threw his men into confusion; but the
+treasurer denied the charge, saying that Cortes had not given any such
+orders, but hurried on his men after the feigned retreat of the enemy. In
+fact Cortes was much blamed for his rashness, and for not sending the
+allies soon enough out of his way. About this time, Cortes was agreeably
+surprised by the arrival of two of his brigantines, which he had given
+over for lost. Cortes requested Sandoval to visit our quarters at Tacuba,
+being unable to go there himself, as he was apprehensive the brunt of the
+attack might now fall upon our post. Sandoval arrived about the hour of
+vespers, when he found us occupied in repelling the enemy, some of them
+having attacked us by the causeway, and others from the ruined houses. I
+and several other soldiers were at this time up to our middles in the
+water, engaging the enemy in defence of a brigantine which had run aground,
+and of which the enemy were endeavouring to gain possession. Just as
+Sandoval arrived, we got her afloat by a great exertion, after the enemy
+had slain two of her crew and badly wounded all the rest. The enemy
+continued their attack with the utmost violence, and Sandoval received a
+blow on the face with a stone. He called out to us to retreat; and as we
+did not fall back as fast as he wished, he repeated his orders, asking us
+if we wished to have all the cavalry destroyed. We then retreated to our
+post, and though the two guns under Moreno frequently swept the causeway,
+the execution they made did not prevent the enemy from pursuing us to our
+works.
+
+We remained for some time at our quarters comparatively at rest,
+recounting the events which had occurred at our post, and listening to a
+relation of what had taken place at the two others. On a sudden, we were
+struck by the horrifying sound of the great drum, accompanied by the
+timbals, horns, and trumpets of the temple of the god of war: And,
+shocking to tell! we could distinctly see our unfortunate companions who
+had been made prisoners, driven by blows to the summit of the diabolical
+temple. On their arrival at the platform, we could see the miserable
+victims decorated for sacrifice, with plumes of feathers on their heads,
+and fans in their hands, when they were forced to dance to the infernal
+music before the accursed idols. After this, we saw them stretched on
+their backs on the stone of sacrifice, where their hearts were cut out
+alive, and presented yet palpitating to the damnable gods of the enemy,
+and their bodies drawn by the feet down the steps. "O merciful GOD of
+Heaven," said we among ourselves, "suffer not that we too may be
+sacrificed by these wretches!" My readers may conceive how poignant were
+our reflexions at this horrible scene, more especially as we were utterly
+unable to afford the smallest aid to our poor friends, whom we saw thus
+butchered before our eyes. At this moment the enemy assailed our post in
+great force; but we maintained it with determined resolution, and drove
+them back with much loss. During this assault, they reviled us, saying
+that their gods had promised to deliver the whole of us into their hands,
+and they threw over some of the mangled remains of the horrible repast
+they had made on our countrymen, sending round other portions among the
+neighbouring towns, as a bloody memorial of their victory over us.
+Sandoval and Tapia, on their return to Cortes, reported the valiant manner
+in which we defended our post; and Sandoval mentioned me in particular
+with approbation, saying many handsome things of me, which it would be
+improper for me to repeat, though the facts were perfectly well known to
+all the army.
+
+Our new allies on the lake had suffered considerably from the resentment
+of the enemy, who had taken from them above half their canoes: Yet some
+continued firm in their alliance with us, out of hatred to the Mexicans;
+and others satisfied themselves with looking on, without attempting to
+molest us. In consequence of our recent losses, having lost near eighty
+men, killed and prisoners, and seven horses, and almost all the rest of us
+being wounded, Cortes issued orders to cease from our attacks for four
+days. But the enemy continued their attacks daily, and even gained ground,
+making new ramparts and ditches. We had a deep ditch and very defensible
+ramparts in front of our post; and during this cessation from offensive
+operations, the whole of our infantry kept guard on the causeway every
+night, flanked by our brigantines, one half of our cavalry patroling in
+Tacuba, and the other half on the causeway to protect our rear. Every
+morning we prepared ourselves to resist the attacks of the enemy, who
+continued every day to sacrifice some of our miserable companions. During
+their daily and incessant attacks, they reviled us, saying, that their
+gods had promised to permit them to destroy us all within eight days; yet
+that our flesh was too bitter to be eaten: And truly I believe that this
+was miraculously the case. The threats of the Mexicans, and their
+declaration that their gods had promised to deliver us into their hands in
+eight days, had such an effect upon our allies, combined with the bad
+appearance of our affairs, that they almost entirely deserted from us
+about this time. The only one who remained with Cortes, was Suchel,
+otherwise called Don Carlos, brother to our ally the prince of Tezcuco,
+with about forty followers. The chief of Huexotzinco remained in the camp
+of Sandoval with about fifty of his warriors; and the brave Chichimecatl,
+with the two sons of Don Lorenzo de Vargas of Tlascala, and about eighty
+Tlascalans, continued with us in the quarters of Alvarado. When they were
+asked the reason of the desertion of their countrymen, they said, that the
+Mexican gods had predicted our destruction, and the younger Xicotencatl
+had foretold from the first we should all be put to death; they saw that
+many of us were killed and all wounded, and they had already had above
+twelve hundred of their own number slain; And, considering us all devoted
+to inevitable ruin, they had fled to avoid sharing our fate. Though Cortes
+secretly thought there was too much reason in what they alleged, he yet
+assumed a cheerful appearance of perfect security as to the ultimate
+result of the enterprize, and used his utmost endeavours to reassure our
+remaining friends, turning the hopes and predictions of the Mexicans and
+the promises of their false gods into ridicule, and had the good fortune
+to persuade our few remaining friends to abide with us. The Indian Don
+Carlos, or Suchel of Tezcuco, who was a brave warrior and a wise man,
+strongly represented to our general that he had hitherto acted on a most
+erroneous plan, especially considering the relative situations of us and
+the enemy. "If you cut off their means of procuring water and provisions,"
+he observed, "how is it possible that the many _xiquipils_[8] of warriors
+can subsist? Their provisions must be at last expended: The water of their
+wells is salt and unwholesome, and their only resource is from the present
+rainy season. Combat them, therefore, by means of hunger and thirst, and
+do not throw away your own force by unnecessary violence." Cortes embraced
+Suchel, thanking him for his salutary advice; which indeed had already
+more than once occurred to ourselves, but we were too impatient to act
+with so much prudence. Our general began therefore to act upon this new
+system, so judiciously recommended by our friend of Tezcuco, and sent
+orders to all the detachments to confine themselves entirely to the
+defensive for the next three days. As the canoes of the enemy were
+numerous, our brigantines never ventured singly on the lake; and as they
+had now found out the way to break through the pallisades of the enemy, by
+using both sails and oars when favoured by the wind, we became absolute
+masters of the lake, and were able to command all the insulated houses at
+any distance from the city; and as the brigantines could now break through
+the pallisades of the enemy, they could always secure our flanks, while we
+were engaged in filling up the ditches in our front, which we did
+effectually in a very few days, Cortes even assisting in person to carry
+beams and earth for that purpose.
+
+Every night of this period during which we remained on the defensive, the
+enemy continued their infernal ceremonies, sacrificing some of our
+unfortunate companions, which we could distinctly see as their temple was
+brightly illuminated; the accursed drum continually stunned our ears, and
+the shrieks and yells of the multitudes who surrounded the temple were at
+times perfectly diabolical. Christoval de Guzman was the last executed,
+who remained eighteen days in their hands. We learned every minute
+circumstance respecting these horrible sacrifices from our prisoners, who
+told us, that after each successive sacrifice, their war god renewed his
+promise of delivering us all into their power. Sometimes, even during this
+period, the enemy employed some of our own crossbows against us, obliging
+our unfortunate companions who were in their custody to shoot them off;
+but our post was protected by the excellent management of the two guns by
+Morena, and we every day advanced, gaining possession of a bridge or a
+parapet. Our brigantines also were of infinite service, as they were
+continually intercepting the canoes which carried water and provisions to
+the enemy, and those which were employed in procuring a certain nutritive
+substance from the bottom of the lake, which, when dry, resembles cheese.
+Twelve or thirteen days had now elapsed after the time when the Mexican
+priest had predicted we had only eight days to live. Our allies, therefore,
+recovered their courage when they saw the fallacy of the prediction, and
+at the requisition of our steady friend Suchel, two thousand warriors of
+Tezcuco returned to our quarters, with whom came Pedro Farfan and Antonio
+Villareal, who had been left by Cortes at that city. About the same time,
+many bodies of warriors returned to us from Tlascala and other places in
+our alliance. After their return, Cortes called the chiefs together, to
+whom he made a speech; partly reprimanding them for having abandoned us,
+and partly encouraging their future fidelity by confident hopes of victory,
+and promises of reward, and concluded by earnestly admonishing them not to
+put any of their Mexican prisoners to death, as he wished to negociate
+peace with Guatimotzin.
+
+Though the heavy rains which fell at this season were both incommodious
+and distressing to us, they operated in our favour, as the enemy always
+relaxed their efforts against us during their continuance. By slow but
+steady perseverance, we had now considerably advanced into the city at all
+the three attacks, and had even reached the wells of brackish water which
+the enemy had dug, and which we now destroyed. Our cavalry could now act
+freely through the whole space which we had gained, as we had carefully
+levelled the causeway behind us, destroying all the houses on each side
+from which we could be annoyed, and carefully fortified our several fronts.
+Cortes deemed the present conjuncture favourable for offering peace to the
+Mexicans, and proposed to three of our principal prisoners to carry a
+message to Guatimotzin to that effect; but they declined the commission,
+alleging that he would put them to death. They were at length prevailed
+upon to comply, and were instructed to represent to Guatimotzin in the
+name of Cortes: "That from respect to the family of the great Montezuma,
+and that he might prevent the destruction of the capital and the loss of
+so many lives, he was willing to enter into a treaty of peace and amity;
+desiring Guatimotzin to reflect that he and his people were now cut off
+from all supplies of water and provisions; and that all the nations who
+had formerly been the vassals of Mexico, were now in alliance with the
+Spaniards." A great deal more was added, to the same effect, all of which
+was perfectly understood by the messengers. Before they went into the city,
+they required a letter from Cortes, to serve them as a token of credence;
+with which they waited on their sovereign, weeping and lamenting
+themselves bitterly, as they knew the danger to which they were exposed.
+At first, Guatimotzin and his principal chiefs were filled with rage and
+indignation at the proposal; but he at last consented to call a council of
+all the princes, chiefs, and principal priests of the city, before whom he
+laid the message of Cortes, and even expressed his own inclination to come
+into terms of peace, considering the inefficacy of their resistance, the
+desertion of their allies, and the miseries to which the people were
+reduced. The priests obstinately opposed every idea of peace. They
+represented the hostile conduct of the Spaniards to their nation ever
+since they first came into the country; their profanation of the temples
+and idols of their gods; their injurious treatment of the great Montezuma,
+and of all the other princes who had fallen under their power; the death
+of the two sons of Montezuma, the seizure of the royal treasures, and the
+destruction of the city. They reminded Guatimotzin of his own martial fame,
+which would be sullied and disgraced by submission; insisting, that all
+the offers of Cortes were only insidiously meant to enslave and circumvent;
+and concluded by repeating the assurances of victory which they had
+received from their gods. Guatimotzin yielded to these arguments, and
+declared his resolution to fight to the last: He gave orders, therefore,
+to husband their provisions with the utmost frugality, to use their utmost
+endeavours to procure supplies under night, and to sink new wells in
+various parts of the city. Our army had remained two days quietly in their
+posts, waiting an answer to our pacific message. On the third, we were
+furiously assailed on all points by large bodies of the enemy, who rushed
+upon us like lions, closing up as if utterly regardless of their lives,
+and using their utmost efforts to make us prisoners; all the while, the
+horn of Guatimotzin being continually sounded, to inspire them with fury.
+For seven days we were thus continually assailed: After watching all night,
+we had to go into action every morning at day-break; and having fought the
+whole day, we retired in the evening to a miserable regale of maize calces,
+with _tunas_ or Indian figs, herbs, and _agi_ or pepper. Our recent
+pacific offer was employed as a subject of contempt, for which they
+reproached us as cowards; saying that peace belonged only to women, arms
+and war to brave men.
+
+It has been already mentioned, that the horrible fragments of our wretched
+companions had been sent round the provinces of the Mexican empire, to
+encourage them to rise in support of the sovereign and his capital. In
+consequence of this, a great force assembled from Matlatzinco, Malinalco,
+and other places about eight leagues from Mexico, which was intended for
+an attack on our rear, while the Mexicans should attack us in front. On
+the assemblage of this force, they committed horrible ravages on the
+country in our rear, seizing numbers of children in order to sacrifice
+them to their idols. To disperse this hostile assemblage, Andres de Tapia
+was detached with twenty cavalry and an hundred infantry, and effectually
+executed his commission, driving the enemy back to their own country with
+great loss. Soon after his return, Cortes sent Sandoval with a detachment
+to the assistance of the country around Quauhnahuac, or Cuernabaca. Much
+might be said of this expedition, were I to enter into a detail: but it
+may suffice, that it was more like a peaceable triumph than a warlike
+expedition, yet proved of most excellent service to us, as Sandoval
+returned accompanied by two chiefs of the nation against which he was
+sent[9]. Cortes, after these successes, sent a second message to
+Guatimotzin, reminding him of the distresses to which his people were
+reduced, and expressing great anxiety to save the city of Mexico from
+destruction, which could only be done by immediate submission; and to
+convince him that all hopes of assistance from his former allies were now
+at an end, he sent this message by the two chiefs who had accompanied
+Sandoval. Guatimotzin refused any answer, but sent back the chiefs unhurt.
+The enemy continued their daily assaults upon the advanced works of our
+several attacks, increasing even in their fury if possible, and exultingly
+exclaiming, _Tenitotz re de Castila?  Tenitotz axa a!_ "What says the
+king of Castile? What does he now?"
+
+We still continued to advance towards the centre of Mexico, regularly
+destroying the houses on both sides of us, and carefully fortifying our
+advanced post; and we now perceived a considerable relaxation in the
+efforts of the enemy, who were not so eager as formerly to open up the
+ditches; yet they continued to attack us with the utmost fury, as if
+courting death. But we too had now serious cause of alarm, as our
+gunpowder was almost entirely expended. At this critical moment, and most
+fortunately for us, a vessel arrived at Villa Rica with soldiers and
+ordnance stores, all of which, together with the men, were immediately
+sent to Cortes by Rangel, who commanded at Villa Rica. This vessel
+belonged to an armament which had been fitted out by Lucas Vasquez de
+Aillon, and which had been destroyed or dispersed near Florida. On the
+arrival of this reinforcement, Cortes and all the army determined to make
+a grand push for the great square in that part of the city called
+Tlaltelolco, as it would become an excellent place of arms, on account of
+some principal temples and other strong buildings which were there
+situated. For this purpose, each of our divisions continued their daily
+efforts to advance in our usual cautious manner. Cortes got possession of
+a small square in which were some temples, on the beams of which many of
+the heads of our sacrificed companions were placed, their hair and beards
+being much grown. I could not have believed this, if I had not myself seen
+them three days afterwards, when our party had worked their way to the
+same place, after having filled up three canals. In twelve days afterwards,
+they were all reverently buried by us in that place where the Church of
+the Martyrs is now built.
+
+Our detachment under Alvarado continued to advance, and at last forced the
+enemy from the barricades they had thrown up to defend the great square,
+which cost us two hours hard fighting. Our cavalry was now of most
+essential service in the large space which was now laid open, and drove
+the enemy before them into the temple of the god of war, which stood in
+the middle of the great square. Alvarado determined to gain possession of
+the temple; for which purpose he divided his forces into three bodies, one
+of which, commanded by Guttierrez de Badajoz, he ordered to gain
+possession of the temple, while with the other two he occupied the
+attention of the enemy below. A large force of the enemy, headed by the
+priests, occupied the platform of the temple, with all its idol
+sanctuaries and galleries, and repulsed the troops of Guttierrez, driving
+them down the steps. The body to which I belonged was now ordered by
+Alvarado to their support. We advanced boldly to the assault, and having
+ascended to the platform, we drove the enemy from the post, of which we
+took possession, setting fire to their abominable idols, and planting our
+standard in triumph on the summit of the temple. The view of this signal
+of victory greatly rejoiced Cortes, who would fain have joined us; but he
+was still a quarter of a league from the place, and had many ditches to
+fill as he advanced. In four days more, both he and Sandoval had worked
+their way up to the great square of Tlaltelolco, where they joined us, and
+thus communications from all our three attacks were opened up to the
+centre of Mexico.
+
+Our attack on the temple was truly perilous, considering the number of the
+enemy, the height and difficulty of the ascent, and the fury with which
+they continued to fight against us, even after we had attained the
+platform and set their idols on fire, and it was night before we could
+compel them to abandon the summit. The royal palaces were now levelled
+with the ground, and Guatimotzin had retired with his troops to a more
+distant quarter of the city towards the lake[10]. Still, however, the
+enemy attacked us every day, and at night pursued us into our quarters;
+and though apparently reduced to the last extremity, they made no offer
+towards peace. Cortes now laid a plan for drawing the enemy into an ambush:
+For this purpose, he one night placed 30 of our cavalry, with 100 of our
+best foot soldiers, and 1000 Tlascalans, in some large houses which had
+belonged to a principal nobleman of Mexico. Next morning he went in person
+with the rest of our army to attack a post at a bridge, which was defended
+by a large force of the Mexicans. After continuing the assault for some
+time, Cortes slowly retreated with his men, drawing the enemy after him by
+the buildings in which the ambush lay concealed. When he had led them to a
+sufficient distance, he gave the concerted signal, by firing two guns in
+quick succession. We immediately sallied out, and having thus enclosed the
+enemy between us, we made a terrible havoc among them, and from that time
+they never ventured to annoy us on our nightly retreat. Another trap was
+laid for the enemy by Alvarado, which had not the same success; but as I
+was now doing duty with the division which Cortes commanded in person, I
+was not present, and cannot, therefore recount the particulars. Hitherto
+we had continued to retreat every night to the posts we had established on
+the causeways, which were at least half a league from the great temple;
+but we now quitted these posts, and formed a lodgment for the whole army
+in the great square of Tlaltelolco, where we remained for three days
+without doing any thing worth notice, as Cortes wished to abstain from
+destroying any more of the city, in hopes of prevailing on Guatimotzin to
+accept of peace. He sent, therefore, a message, requesting him to
+surrender, giving him the strongest assurances that he should continue to
+enjoy the sovereignty, and should be treated with every honourable
+distinction; and he accompanied this message with a considerable present
+of provisions, such as fowls, game, bread, and fruit. Guatimotzin
+pretended to be inclined towards a pacification, and even sent four of his
+principal nobles to propose an interview between him and our general. But
+this, was a mere stratagem to gain time for strengthening his
+fortifications, and making preparations to attack us; as from the example
+of what had befallen his uncle Montezuma, and the suggestions of his
+advisers, he was afraid to trust himself in our hands. The mask was soon
+thrown off, and the enemy attacked us with such extreme violence, and
+having taken us in some measure by surprise, that they had some success at
+first, killing one of our soldiers and two horses; but in the end we drove
+them back with considerable loss.
+
+Cortes now ordered us to proceed on our former system, of advancing daily
+against that part of the city which was occupied by Guatimotzin, filling
+up the ditches and destroying the houses as we proceeded; and we
+accordingly gained ground as formerly. Guatimotzin, on seeing this, made
+another offer of an interview with our general, proposing the conference
+might take place across a large canal. To this Cortes readily assented,
+and went accordingly to the appointed place, but Guatimotzin never
+appeared; instead of which he sent some of his principal nobles, who said
+the king was apprehensive of being shot during the conference. Cortes
+engaged by the most solemn oaths that no injury should be offered, but all
+to no purpose. At this time two of these nobles played a most ridiculous
+farce: They took out from a sack a fowl, some bread, and a quantity of
+cherries, which they began to eat deliberately, as if to impress us with
+the belief that they had abundance of provisions. When Cortes found that
+the proposed conference was only a pretext to gain time, he sent a message
+of defiance to Guatimotzin and retired. For four days after this, we were
+not attacked by the enemy; but numbers of famished Mexicans used to
+surround our quarters every night. Cortes pitied their wretched situation,
+and ordered us to refrain from hostilities, always hoping that the enemy
+would offer terms of accommodation. One of our soldiers, named Sotela, who
+had served in Italy, was always boasting of the great battles he had seen,
+and of the wonderful military engines which he was able to construct, and
+particularly that he could make a machine for throwing stones, by which he
+would destroy the whole of that part of the city which Guatimotzin
+occupied, in a very few days. Cortes was at last induced to listen to him,
+and all kinds of materials were brought for him to construct his engine.
+Stone and lime was procured; the carpenters were set to work to prepare
+timber; two strong cables were made; and a number of large stones were
+brought, which the machine was to project. When all was ready, a stone was
+placed in the engine, and it was played off against the quarters of
+Guatimotzin. But instead of taking that direction, the stone flew up
+vertically into the air, and returned exactly to the place whence it was
+launched. Cortes was angry and ashamed at the result, and ordered the
+machine to be destroyed, reproaching the soldier for his ignorant
+presumption.
+
+Sandoval was now sent with the command of the flotilla, to act against
+that division of the city in which Guatimotzin still held out. He was
+ordered to spare the Mexicans as much as possible, but to destroy all the
+houses and advanced works which the enemy possessed in the lake. On this
+occasion, Cortes ascended to the high platform of the great temple,
+attended by many of his officers and soldiers, to observe the movements of
+the fleet. Guatimotzin, on observing the approach of Sandoval, became very
+apprehensive of being made prisoner, and determined to attempt making his
+escape. For this purpose he had already fifty large piraguas in readiness,
+on board of which he embarked with his family, principal officers and
+courtiers, and all their most valuable effects, and endeavoured to escape
+by the lake to the main land; all the piraguas taking different directions,
+in order to distract the pursuit of the brigantines. At this time Sandoval
+was occupied in tearing down some houses, that he might clear his way
+towards the quarters of Guatimotzin, of whose flight he got immediate
+notice. He set out therefore immediately in pursuit, giving strict orders
+to all the captains of his brigantines to offer no injury or insult to the
+royal fugitive; but to keep a watchful eye on that vessel in which
+Guatimotzin was supposed to have embarked, using every effort to take it,
+and paying no attention to the rest. In particular, he directed Garcia
+Holguin, who commanded the swiftest sailing vessel of the fleet, to make
+for that part of the shore to which it was supposed Guatimotzin was most
+likely to go. Holguin accordingly fell in with several piraguas, one of
+which, from the superior appearance of its structure and awning, he
+supposed to be that which carried the king. He called out to the people on
+board to bring to, but without effect, and then ordered his musketeers and
+cross-bows to present. On seeing this, Guatimotzin called out to them not
+to shoot, acknowledging who he was, and declared his readiness to submit,
+requesting to be taken immediately to the general, and entreating that his
+queen, children, and attendants might not be ill treated. Holguin received
+him and his queen with the utmost respect, placing them and twenty of the
+nobles who attended them on the poop of his vessel, setting such
+refreshments before them as he had in his power, and ordered the piraguas
+which carried the royal effects to follow untouched. At this time,
+perceiving that Holguin had made Guatimotzin prisoner, and was carrying
+him to Cortes, Sandoval made a signal for all the brigantines to close up
+with him, and ordered his rowers to exert every effort to bring him up
+with Holguin. On getting alongside, Sandoval demanded Guatimotzin to be
+delivered up to him, as commander of the naval force, but Holguin refused,
+and many high words passed between them. One of the vessels was sent to
+inform Cortes of the great event which had taken place, and by the same
+means he learnt the dispute which had occurred between Sandoval and
+Holguin. He immediately sent the Captains Marin and De Lugo with orders to
+bring the whole party to his quarters on the summit of the great temple,
+ordering them to treat Guatimotzin and his queen with the highest respect.
+In the meantime, he ordered a state canopy to be arranged as well as he
+could, with cloths and mantles, to receive his prisoners, and a table to
+be spread with such refreshments as could be procured.
+
+On the approach of the prisoners, Cortes went forward to meet the king,
+whom he embraced with much respect, and shewed all possible attention to
+his followers. The unfortunate monarch sinking under his affliction,
+addressed Cortes as follows, with his eyes full of tears: "_Malinatzin!_ I
+have done every thing in my power to defend my kingdom and people, but all
+my efforts have been in vain, and I am now your prisoner; I request of you,
+therefore, to draw your dagger and stab me to the heart." Cortes used his
+best endeavours to console him, assuring him of his high esteem for the
+valour and firmness he had exerted, that he should continue to reign as
+formerly, and that he had only required his submission when all reasonable
+hope of defence was gone, in order to avoid the utter destruction of his
+capital and people. Cortes then inquired after the queen, and was told
+that she and her female attendants remained in the piragua till their fate
+was decided. He then ordered them to be sent for, and treated them with
+all respect. As the evening drew on, and it threatened to rain, the whole
+royal family was sent to Cojohuacan, under the care of Sandoval, and a
+sufficient escort. Guatimotzin was about twenty-three or twenty-four years
+of age, of a noble appearance, both in person and countenance, having
+large and cheerful features, with lively eyes, and his complexion was very
+fair for an Indian. His queen, who was the niece[11] of Montezuma, was
+young and very handsome.
+
+The whole army was now ordered to withdraw from the great temple of
+Tlaltelolco, and to return to their original head-quarters. Cortes
+proceeded to Cojohuacan, where he took the command in person, sending
+Sandoval to resume his station at Tepejacac, and our division, under
+Alvarado, retired to Tacuba. Thus was the important seige of Mexico
+brought to a successful conclusion, by the capture of Guatimotzin and his
+family at the hour of vespers, on the day of St Hypolitus, 13th of August
+1521. Glorified be our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Holy Virgin Mother, Amen!
+
+In the night after the capture of Guatimotzin, about midnight, there was
+the greatest tempest of thunder, lightning, and rain I ever witnessed. But
+all the soldiers were as deaf as if they had been an hour in a belfrey,
+and all the bells ringing about their ears. This proceeded from the
+continual noise they had been accustomed to from the enemy during the
+_ninety-three days_[12] of this memorable siege: Some bringing on their
+troops to attack us on the causeways, with loud shouts, and shrill
+whistling; others in canoes assailing our flanks; some at work on the
+pallisades, water courses, and stone parapets, or preparing their
+magazines of arms, and the shrieks and yells of the women, who supplied
+the warriors with stones, darts, and arrows; the infernal noise of their
+timbals, horns, and trumpets, and the dismal drum, and other shocking
+noises, perpetually sounding in our ears: All of which immediately ceased
+on the capture of Guatimotzin. In consequence of the dispute between
+Sandoval and Holguin threatening unpleasant consequences, Cortes related
+to them from the Roman history the dispute between Marius and Sylla,
+about the capture of Iugurtha, which was ultimately productive of very
+fatal civil wars. He assured them that the whole affair should be
+represented to the emperor Don Carlos, by whose arbitration it should be
+decided. But in two years after, the emperor authorised Cortes to bear in
+his arms the seven kings whom he had subdued, Montezuma, Guatimotzin, and
+the princes of Tezcuco, Cojohuacan, Iztapalapa, Tacuba, and Matlatzinco.
+
+It is absolutely truth, to which I swear _amen_! that all the lake, the
+houses, and the courts were filled with dead bodies, so that I know not
+how to describe the miserable spectacle. All the streets, squares, courts,
+and houses of Tlaltelolco, were so covered by them, that we could not take
+a single step without treading on or between the bodies of dead Indians.
+The lake and the canals were full of them, and the stench was intolerable.
+It was for this reason that our troops retired from the city immediately
+after the capture of Guatimotzin: Cortes was himself ill for some time,
+owing to the dreadful effluvia arising from the putrifying bodies. I have
+read the history of the destruction of Jerusalem, but I cannot conceive
+that the mortality even there exceeded what I was witness to in Mexico; as
+all the warriors from the most distant provinces of that populous empire
+were concentrated there, and almost the whole garrison was cut off in
+their almost perpetual encounters with us, or perished of famine.
+
+Our vessels were now in the best situation for service; as those on board
+had ready access to the houses in the water, which were beyond our reach,
+whence they carried away all the best of the plunder. Their crews also
+discovered a great many valuable articles which the Mexicans had concealed
+among the tall reeds on the borders of the lake, and they intercepted a
+great deal that the inhabitants of the city endeavoured to carry away in
+their canoes; all of which was beyond our reach: Indeed the wealth which
+our mariners procured at this time was quite incalculable, as Guatimotzin
+and all his chiefs declared that far the greater part of the public
+treasure fell into their hands.
+
+Soon after the capture of Guatimotzin, it was ordered on his suggestion,
+that all the remaining inhabitants of Mexico should remove to the
+neighbouring towns, in order to have the the city cleared of the dead
+bodies, to restore its salubrity. In consequence of this order, all the
+causeways were full for three days and nights, of weak, sickly, and
+squalid wretches, men, women, and children, covered with filth, worn out
+by famine and disease, so that the sight was shocking in the extreme. When
+all were gone who had been able to get away, we went to examine the
+situation of the city, which was as I have already described, in a most
+miserable state. All the streets, courts, and houses were covered with
+dead bodies, among whom some miserable wretches were crawling about in the
+different stages of the most offensive diseases, occasioned by famine, the
+most unnatural food, and the pestilential smell of the corrupting carcases.
+Even the trees were stripped of their bark, and the ground had been
+everywhere dug up in search of any kind of roots it might be able to
+afford. Not a drop of water could be any where procured; and though it was
+the constant practice of all these nations to feast on the prisoners they
+took in war, not one instance occurred, in the midst of their extreme
+distress, of their having preyed on each other: and certainly there never
+existed in the history of this world any instance of a people who suffered
+so severely from hunger, thirst, and warfare. I must here observe, that in
+all our combats, the Mexicans seemed much more anxious to carry our
+soldiers away alive, that they might be sacrificed to their gods, than to
+kill them.
+
+After a solemn service of thanks to God for our victory, Cortes determined
+upon giving a feast in Cojohuacan to celebrate our triumph, as a vessel
+had arrived at Villa Rica with abundance of hogs, and a cargo of wine. He
+invited all his officers, and all the soldiers of particular estimation to
+this entertainment, and we all accordingly waited upon him at the time
+appointed. When we came to sit down to dinner, there were not tables and
+covers prepared for more than half of us, so that the company fell into
+sad confusion. The wine occasioned many to commit follies and other worse
+things. Some leapt over the tables, who were afterwards unable to get out
+at the doors, and many rolled down the steps, who could not walk home to
+their quarters. The private soldiers, in high expectations of immense
+plunder, declared they would buy horses with gold trappings, and the
+crossbow-men swore they would henceforth use only golden arrows. When the
+tables were removed, the soldiers danced in their armour, with the few
+ladies who were present; but the disproportion was very great, and the
+scene became truly ludicrous. Father Olmedo became quite scandalized at
+the conduct of the visitors at the feast, and was so disgusted at what was
+going on during the dances, that he complained to Sandoval, who reported
+to Cortes that the good Father was grumbling and scolding out of all
+measure. Our general, always prudent in his proceedings, came up to Olmedo,
+affecting to disapprove of the indecent conduct of his guests, and
+requested of him to order a solemn mass and thanksgiving, and to give the
+soldiers a sermon on their religious and moral duties. The good father was
+quite delighted at this proposal; and accordingly the crucifixes and the
+image of the blessed Virgin were carried in solemn procession, amid our
+drums and military ensigns; Olmedo chanted the litany and administered the
+sacrament, and we all gave thanks to God for our victory.
+
+Cortes now dismissed the Tlascalan chiefs and our other allies, who had
+rendered most important services during our long protracted warfare,
+making them many compliments and great promises, that he would make them
+all rich and great lords, with extensive territories and numerous vassals,
+so that they all departed in high spirits: But they had secured something
+more substantial than empty promises, as they were all well laden with the
+plunder of Mexico. Neither were they behind our enemies in their cannibal
+feasts, of which they had reserved some portions to give to their friends
+on their return.
+
+Now that I have concluded the narrative of so many furious and bloody
+engagements, through which the Almighty has been pleased to protect me, I
+must confess, that the sight of so many of my companions sacrificed alive
+to the war-god of the Mexicans, inspired me with fear. This may appear to
+some as an indication of want of courage, yet in that time I considered
+myself, and was looked upon by all as a valiant soldier, and was never
+exceeded by any in bold achievements. But when I saw the palpitating
+hearts of my companions taken out alive, and their legs and arms cut off
+to be served up in the barbarous feasts of our cannibal enemies, I feared
+it might one day be my own lot; and in fact the enemy had me twice in
+their hands, but by the blessing of God I escaped from their savage grasp.
+Yet I ever afterwards remembered the dreadful scene which I had witnessed,
+and on going to battle was much depressed and uneasy, fearing to be doomed
+to that cruel death. Yet I always recommended myself to God and his
+blessed Mother, and the moment I was engaged with the enemy all fear left
+me. Let those valiant cavaliers who have been in desperate battles and
+mortal dangers decide on the cause of my fears, for I declare I never knew
+what fear was till I saw the savage immolation of my seventy-two
+companions: In my own opinion it was from excessive courage, as I was
+fully aware of the extent of danger which I was voluntarily about to
+encounter. I have related many engagements in this history, at which I was
+not present; for even if my body had been of iron I could not have been
+present at all, and I was much oftener wounded than whole.
+
+
+[1] According to Clavigero, II. 162, the 30th of May 1521, on which day
+    Cortes dated the commencement of this memorable siege.--E.
+
+[2] Corpus Christi fell that year, according to Clavigero, on the 30th May,
+    so that the occupation of Iztapalapa, by which the investment of
+    Mexico was completed, was on the 3d of June.
+
+[3] The whole of this topographical account of Mexico and its approaches
+    is added by the editor, and has been placed in the text, distinguished
+    by inverted commas, as too long for a note. A plan is added,
+    constructed from a comparison of the maps in Diaz and Clavigero, both
+    evidently drawn without any actual survey, and corrected by means of
+    the excellent map of the vale of Mexico given by Humboldt. By means of
+    a great drain, made considerably posterior to the conquest, the lake
+    has been greatly diminished in magnitude, insomuch that the city is
+    now above three miles from the lake; so that the accurate map of
+    Humboldt does not now serve for the ancient topography of Mexico and
+    its near environs.--E.
+
+[4] It is hard to guess which way the brigantines could get there, as by
+    the maps both of Diaz and Clavigero, the great double causeway of
+    Xoloc or Iztapalapa, ought to have completely prevented his
+    penetrating to that part of the lake. It was probably Xoloc against
+    which this attack was made, and Diaz may have mistaken the name after
+    an interval of fifty-one years; for so long intervened between the
+    siege of Mexico in 1521, and 1572, when he informs us his history was
+    concluded.--E.
+
+[5] Perhaps along the mound or causeway of Mexicaltzinco; by which he
+    approached towards the great causeway of Xoloc, and the position of De
+    Oli at Cojohuacan.--E.
+
+[6] Though not mentioned by Diaz, this necessarily implies that one of the
+    bridges of each causeway must have been taken possession of by the
+    Spaniards, to allow the brigantines to get through into those parts of
+    the lake which were intersected by the causeways.--E.
+
+[7] Though not especially mentioned by Diaz, it appears that Cortes had
+    taken the immediate command of the detachment of De Oli, at Cojohuacan,
+    which formed the southern attack.--E.
+
+[8] On some former occasions the xiquipil has been already explained as
+    denoting eight thousand men.--E.
+
+[9] Clavigero, II. 180, supplies the brevity used by Diaz on this occasion.
+    He says that the chiefs of the districts of Matlatzinco, Malinalco,
+    and Cohuixco came to Cortes and entered into a confederacy with him
+    against Mexico; by which means, added to his former alliances, he was
+    now able to have employed "more warriors against Mexico than Xerxes
+    did against Greece." Clavigero everywhere deals in monstrous
+    exaggeration, while Diaz is uniformly modest, and within due bounds of
+    credibility. Even in the few _miracles_ of which Diaz makes mention,
+    his credulity is modestly guarded by devout fear of the holy
+    office.--E.
+
+[10] The whole western division of Mexico called Tlaltelolco was now in
+    possession of the Spaniards, and probably destroyed by them to secure
+    their communications; and the miserable remnant of the brave Mexicans
+    had retired into the eastern division, named Tenochtitlan.--E.
+
+[11] According to the genealogy of the Mexican kings in Clavigero, I. 240,
+    this princess, whose name was Tecuichpotzin, was queen successively to
+    her uncle Cuitlahuatzin, and her cousin Guatimotzin. After the
+    conquest, she became a Christian, by the name of Donna Elizabeta
+    Montezuma, marrying three noble Spaniards in succession; and from her
+    descended the two noble families of Cano Montezuma, and Andrea
+    Montezuma. Montezuma left likewise a son, Don Pedro Johualicahuatxin
+    Montezuma, whose male descendants failed in a great-grandson; but
+    there are several noble families both in Spain and Mexico descended
+    from that sovereign of Mexico in the female line.--E.
+
+[12] We have formerly said, on the authority of Clavigero, that the siege
+    of Mexico commenced on the 30th of May, and as it ended on the 13th of
+    August, the siege, by this mode of reckoning, could only have lasted
+    76 days. It is highly probable, therefore, that the commencement of
+    the siege must have been on the 13th of May, and the 30th of Clavigero
+    may only be an error of the press.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV.
+
+_Occurrences in New Spain immediately subsequent to the reduction of
+Mexico_.
+
+As soon as Cortes had leisure to think of objects of internal regulation,
+he gave orders to have the aqueduct restored by which the city of Mexico
+was supplied with water, and to have the city cleared of the dead bodies
+and repaired, so that it might be again habitable within two months. The
+palaces and houses were ordered to be rebuilt, and a certain portion of
+the city was allotted for the natives, while another part was reserved for
+the residence of the Spaniards. Guatimotzin made application to our
+general, in the name of many of his principal nobles, requesting that all
+their women of rank who had been taken by our soldiers, might be restored
+to their husbands and fathers. This was a matter of considerable
+difficulty; yet the general allowed a search to be made, with an assurance
+that all should be delivered up who were inclined to return. Every house
+was accordingly searched; and though many were found, three only of the
+whole number were inclined to return to their families; all the rest
+expressed their abhorrence at the idolatry of their countrymen, besides
+which, many of them declared that they were pregnant, and refused to quit
+the soldiers to whom they were attached.
+
+One of the first public works undertaken in Mexico was an arsenal for the
+reception of our flotilla which had been of such signal service during the
+siege. To the best of my remembrance, Alvarado was appointed alcalde, or
+chief magistrate, till the arrival of Salazar de la Pedrada. It was
+currently reported that Guatimotzin had thrown great quantities of gold,
+silver, and jewels, into the lake four days before his capture, and it was
+well known that our allies had got large plunder as well as our own men
+who served in the brigantines, and many of us suspected that Cortes was
+well pleased that Guatimotzin had concealed much treasure, as he expected
+to procure the whole for himself. It was then proposed in the army, that
+Guatimotzin and the prince of Tacuba, his most confidential counsellor,
+should be put to the torture, to extort confession of where the treasure
+was secreted; this horrid act was certainly greatly against the
+inclination of Cortes, yet he was forced to leave the unfortunate king and
+the lord of Tacuba at the disposal of those avaricious wretches, who
+alleged that our general objected to this infernal measure that he might
+secure the gold for himself. In answer to all interrogatories on the
+subject of the treasure, the royal Mexican officers uniformly protested
+that no more existed than what had been produced; which, when melted, did
+not exceed the value of 380,000 crowns; so that, when the royal fifth and
+that for Cortes were deducted, those of the conquerors who were not
+friends to Cortes were exceedingly dissatisfied. All that could be
+extorted by the inhuman procedure of torture from the king and prince was,
+that they had thrown some treasure into the lake, together with the
+muskets and other arms captured during our flight from Mexico in the
+preceding year, four days before the surrender. The place indicated was
+repeatedly searched to no purpose by our best divers; but a sun of solid
+gold, similar to one we got from Montezuma, with many ornaments of small
+value, were found in a deep pond near his residence. The prince of Tacuba
+declared under the torture that he had buried some gold at a place about
+four leagues from Tacuba; but when Alvarado and six soldiers accompanied
+him there, of whom I was one, he declared he had no gold, and had only
+said so in hope of dying on the road. In fact the treasury was reduced
+very low before the accession of Guatimotzin. I and several other good
+divers searched that part of the lake which had been indicated by
+Guatimotzin, but we found only some small pieces of gold, which were
+immediately claimed by Cortes and Alederete the treasurer; who likewise
+sent down other persons in their own presence, but all they got did not
+reach the value of ninety crowns. We were all miserably disappointed to
+find our shares so small; insomuch that Olmedo and all the captains
+proposed to Cortes to divide the whole which belonged to the army among
+the wounded, the lame, the blind, and the sick, all who were sound
+renouncing their claims. We were all curious to know what our shares
+amounted to, and it at length appeared that the share of a horseman was
+only an hundred crowns. I forget how much belonged to a foot soldier; but
+it was so small that none of us would accept the paltry sum, more
+especially the soldiers of Narvaez, who never liked Cortes.
+
+Many of our soldiers had incurred heavy debts. A crossbow cost fifty
+crowns, a musket a hundred, a horse eight hundred or a thousand, and every
+thing else in proportion. Our surgeon, master Juan, and Doctor Murcia our
+apothecary and barber, charged very high, and there were various other
+sources of debt, all to be satisfied from our miserable dividends. These
+required to be regulated; and accordingly Cortes appointed two respectable
+persons, Santa Clara and Lerena, to arbitrate all claims, which were
+ordered to be cleared off within two years according to their award. The
+value also of the gold was debased, to serve us in our dealings with the
+merchants from Spain and Cuba; but it had the opposite effect, as they
+charged more than double the difference on their goods. On these abuses
+being known at court, our emperor was pleased to prohibit the farther
+currency of this base metal, ordering it to be all received in payment of
+certain duties, and no more of it to be made; and as two goldsmiths were
+detected for putting off base metal with the legal mark of good, they were
+hanged for the fraud.
+
+As the best way to rid himself of troublesome demands, Cortes resolved to
+send off colonies to make settlements at convenient situations. Sandoval
+was sent for this purpose to occupy Coatzacualco and Tzapotecapan, the
+south-eastern provinces of the Mexican empire. Juan Velasquez to Colima,
+and Villa Fuerte to Zacatollan, the most westerly provinces on the south
+sea. Christoval de Oli to take possession of the kingdom of Michuacan, and
+Francisca de Orozco to Guaxaca or Oaxaco. The native chiefs of the distant
+provinces could hardly be brought to believe that Mexico was destroyed,
+and sent deputations to ascertain the truth of the report, bearing large
+presents of gold to Cortes, and submitting themselves as vassals to our
+emperor. Many came in person to Mexico, and even brought their children to
+see the fallen condition of that great power which they had once held in
+such awe and terror, expressing themselves in their own language, as who
+should say, _Here stood Troy_. My readers may be curious to know how we,
+the conquerors of Mexico, after encountering so many fatigues and dangers
+to gain possession of that city, should now so readily abandon it in
+search of new settlements. To this I answer: The books containing the
+record of the Mexican revenues were examined to find whence Montezmna had
+obtained the valuable articles of tribute, such as gold, cocoa, and cotton,
+and we all wished to remove to these productive districts. Some especially
+were led by the example of Sandoval, who was known to be the particular
+friend of Cortes, and who would not, as they thought, be sent upon an
+unprofitable errand. We all knew that the vicinity of Mexico had neither
+mines, plantations, nor manufactures, being entirely occupied in the
+cultivation of maize and _maguey_, which did not afford sufficient
+prospects of advantage, and we anxiously removed therefore to other places,
+where we were miserably disappointed. I among others, went to Cortes and
+asked permission to accompany Sandoval to his government: "Brother Diaz,"
+said he, "you had better stay with me: If you are resolved to accompany
+your friend Sandoval, you may certainly go; but on my conscience you will
+repent." All the gold got into the hands of the royal officers, as the
+slaves were purchased by the soldiers at a public sale. The various
+detachments were sent out at different periods to occupy the provinces,
+but all within two months after the reduction of Mexico.
+
+At this time, Christoval de Tapia, _veedor_ of Hispaniola, arrived at
+Villa Rica with a commission to assume the government of New Spain, by
+order of the emperor and under the direction of the bishop of Burgos. He
+likewise brought letters from the bishop to Cortes and many persons in the
+army, recommending him to be received with honour as governor, promising
+great rewards to all who should assist him in assuming the government,
+with severe threats of punishing all who opposed him: besides these sealed
+letters, he had many others which he was authorised to address as he saw
+occasion. Tapia in the first place presented his commission to Alvarado,
+who now commanded at Villa Rica, who received it with the highest respect,
+saying that it did not belong to him to decide on so important a subject,
+and it would be proper, therefore, to assemble the alcaldes and regidors
+of the settlement, that the commission might be verified in their presence,
+and that it might be certainly known it came regularly from his majesty.
+This did not exactly suit the views of Tapia, who was advised to proceed
+to Mexico, and to produce his commission to the general; he therefore
+forwarded to Cortes the letter of the bishop, and wrote to him on the
+subject of his mission to New Spain, using smooth and persuasive terms,
+and Cortes was by no means behind hand in the civility of his reply.
+Cortes, however, sent off expresses to some of his most confidential
+officers whom he had previously detached to settle colonies, ordering them
+to go to meet Tapia, who had already begun his journey to Mexico, and was
+met with on the road by Alvarado, Sandoval, Valdenegro, Andres de Tapia,
+and Father Olmedo, all persons in the confidence of Cortes, by whom
+Christoval de Tapia was persuaded to go back to Chempoalla, and to produce
+his commission to them. Having examined it and finding it genuine, they
+placed it on their heads in token of respect and submission to the will of
+the emperor, yet hesitated as to acknowledging Tapia for governor,
+alleging that it was necessary in the first place to be assured of his
+majestys pleasure in the present state of New Spain, which had been
+concealed from his knowledge by the bishop of Burgos, to serve his own
+private views and to favour Tapia and Velasquez, one of whom it was
+alleged was to marry his niece. Tapia saw evidently that it would be no
+easy matter to enter upon his office of governor, and fell sick with
+vexation. The before-mentioned deputies informed Cortes by letter of all
+that had passed, and advised him to try the all-powerful influence of gold
+on the would-be governor. Cortes complied with this advice, and
+transmitted a good quantity of golden ingots by return of the express, by
+means of which his friends gratified the avarice of Tapia, under pretence
+of purchasing one of his ships, with some horses and negroes; and Tapia
+set sail in his other vessel for Hispaniola, where he was very ill
+received by the royal audience and the Jeronymite brotherhood, as he had
+undertaken this business contrary to their express orders.
+
+I have formerly mentioned some particulars of an unsuccessful expedition
+set on foot by Garray, the governor of Jamaica, for the establishment of a
+colony on the river of Panuco; and as Cortes was informed that Garray
+intended to resume that project, he resolved to anticipate him,
+considering the country on that river as included in New Spain. Having
+likewise been informed that Narvaez, who still continued a prisoner at
+Villa Rica, had held some confidential intercourse with Tapia, in which he
+advised him to quit the country as soon as possible, and to lay a
+statement of the whole before his patron the bishop of Burgos; Cortes
+sent orders to Rangel, now commandant at Villa Rica, to send up Narvaez to
+Cojohuacan, where Cortes resided until the palace he meant to inhabit at
+Mexico was completed. On appearing before Cortes, Narvaez fell on his
+knees and endeavoured to kiss his hand; but Cortes raised and embraced him,
+and treated him with the utmost kindness. His residence in Mexico being
+ready for his reception, Cortes went to live there in great splendour,
+marking out a plan for the restoration of the city, in which ample
+allotments were made for churches, monasteries, and public buildings, with
+squares and markets, all the rest of the ground being set apart for the
+private inhabitants; and both so speedily and splendidly was this capital
+restored, that all who have seen it allow there is not in Christendom a
+larger, better built, or more populous city. While thus employed,
+intelligence was brought to Cortes that the province of Panuco was in arms,
+and had killed many of the soldiers whom he had sent to make a settlement
+at that place. He resolved, therefore, to proceed to Panuco in person, as
+all his most confidential officers were now absent on different duties.
+
+By this time our strength had been considerably augmented, both by means
+of those formerly mentioned who had been on the expedition to Florida
+under Aillon, and by several who had come over along with Tapia, and by
+the arrival of many adventurers from the islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, and
+Jamaica. De Oli, likewise, had now returned from Mechoacan, which he had
+reduced to submission, bringing with him the principal cacique of that
+country and several other chiefs, with a considerable quantity of gold.
+Cortes therefore left a respectable garrison in Mexico, under Diego de
+Soto, and set out on his march for Panuco[1] with 130 cavalry, 250
+infantry, and 10,000 Mexican warriors. As this expedition was very
+expensive, Cortes, wished the charge to be defrayed from the royal funds,
+but the officers of the treasury refused, under the pretext that it had
+been undertaken from motives of private interest, to prevent Garray from
+establishing a colony in that place, and not for the public service. The
+Panuchese, otherwise called the Guastecas and Naguaticas, were numerous
+and warlike, and had collected a force of above 70,000 warriors, with
+which they fought two battles against Cortes in the course of a few days,
+in which three Spaniards, four horses, and above a hundred Mexicans were
+slain; but we obtained the victory in both actions, with such slaughter
+of the rebels, as deprived them of all inclination to renew the war for
+the present. By means of Father Olmedo and some prisoners, the Panuchese
+were now induced to submit. Cortes in the next place proceeded with half
+his army across the river Chila, to reduce the natives who had murdered
+the messengers whom he sent to require their submission. On crossing the
+river, the enemy fell upon our troops with great fury, but were soon
+defeated, and our people advanced to a town in which they found abundance
+of provisions. Some of our soldiers, on going into a temple next morning,
+found the remains of some of our men, and even recognized their features,
+a melancholy sight to us all; but we carefully collected and buried their
+remains. From this place our detachment marched to another, where the
+enemy concealed some of their troops among houses, intending to fall upon
+our men when the cavalry had dismounted; but as their plan was discovered
+it failed of success, yet they fought valiantly for half an hour, even
+rallying three times, contrary to the usual custom of the Indians, and
+three of our soldiers were so badly wounded that they afterwards died. On
+the ensuing day, our soldiers scoured the country, and in some deserted
+towns they found a number of earthen vessels filled with a species of wine
+in underground cellars. After having marched for five days through the
+country in various directions, the detachment returned to the river Chila,
+and Cortes again summoned the the country to submission. They promised to
+send a deputation for that purpose in four days, for which Cortes waited,
+but to no purpose; he therefore sent a large body of Mexicans, during a
+dark rainy night, across a lake to attack one of their largest towns,
+which was entirely destroyed; after which most of the country submitted,
+and Cortes established a town of 130 houses about a league from the river
+of Chila, which he named Estevan del Puerto, leaving 63 Spanish soldiers
+to keep the country under subjection, and giving the command of all the
+neighbouring country to Pedro Valego. Before leaving this country, Cortes
+was informed of three districts, which had now submitted, the inhabitants
+of which had been very active in the murder of the Spaniards at Panuco on
+the former occasion, and who had entered into a resolution to fall upon
+the new settlement as soon as he quitted the country. He marched therefore
+against them, and destroyed their towns, which they re-established soon
+after his departure. In consequence of the loss of a vessel which Cortes
+had ordered to bring provisions from Villa Rica, this new settlement was
+reduced to much distress. The inhabitants of this province of Panuco were
+the most barbarous of all the tribes in New Spain, being cruel to excess,
+exceedingly addicted to human sacrifices, drunken, filthy, and wicked
+beyond belief. They frequently rebelled, and were as often punished in a
+most exemplary manner; but all would not reduce them under good government:
+But when Nunez de Guzman became governor of New Spain, he reduced the
+whole nation to slavery, and sold them among the different Islands of the
+West Indies.
+
+On his return towards Mexico, Cortes received complaints of various
+depredations having been committed by the inhabitants of the neighbouring
+mountains on the peaceable districts of New Spain[2], He determined
+therefore to chastise these lawless tribes while on his way; but they
+anticipated him, by assaulting his rear in a difficult pass of the
+mountains, where they got possession of a considerable portion of the
+baggage. But our Mexican allies severely revenged this insult, and made
+prisoners of two of the principal hostile chiefs who were both hanged.
+After this victory, Cortes suspended hostilities, and having summoned the
+people to appear before him, they came in and submitted, on which Cortes
+appointed the brother of the cacique who had been put to death to the
+vacant government. About this time Alonza de Avila, who was formerly
+mentioned, returned with full powers from the royal audience and the
+Jeronymite brotherhood, to continue our conquests, to make settlements of
+land and colonies according to the established rules in Hispaniola and
+Cuba, and to brand slaves: And he brought notice that these tribunals had
+transmitted a report of the steps they had now taken to the government in
+Spain, whence it was transmitted to the emperor, then in Flanders. If
+Avila had been in New Spain at the arrival of Tapia, he might have proved
+troublesome, as he was entirely devoted to the Bishop of Burgos, having
+been bred up in his house. On this account, and by the advice of Olmedo,
+Cortes gave him the command of the district of Guatitlan, one of the most
+profitable in New Spain, and also made him a considerable present of gold,
+and many flattering words and promises by which he gained him over
+entirely to his interest, insomuch that he sent him soon afterwards into
+Spain as his agent, carrying a large quantity of gold, pearls, and jewels
+to the emperor, together with several gigantic human bones that were found
+in a temple at Cojohuacan, similar to those which had been formerly sent
+from Tlascala, as already mentioned[3]. Besides these things, he carried
+over three Mexican tigers, and many other curious things which I do not
+now remember. One part of the business of this agency, was to carry a
+memorial from the _cabildo_ of Mexico, and from us the conquerors of New
+Spain, soliciting to be supplied with bishops and clergy of holy life and
+exemplary manners, and requesting that all offices of honour and emolument
+might be conferred on us who had conquered this vast empire for our
+sovereign, and that the supreme government might be confided to our
+general Cortes. We requested that his majesty might be pleased to prohibit
+any lawyers from coming among us, who would throw us into confusion with
+their learned quibbles; and we farther represented the insufficient
+commission of Christoval de Tapia, who had been sent out by the Bishop of
+Burgos, merely for the purpose of effectuating a marriage between him and
+the bishops niece. We deprecated the interference of the bishop in the
+affairs of New Spain, which had already obstructed our efforts of conquest
+in the service of his majesty, and had manifested great enmity against us
+by prohibiting the Casa de Contratation of Seville from sending us any
+supplies. We concluded by declaring ourselves ready to receive his
+majesties commands with the most perfect submission and obedience, but that
+we had deemed it our bounden duty to lay all these particulars before his
+majesty, which had hitherto been artfully kept from his knowledge. On his
+part, Cortes sent a memorial to the king of twenty-one pages long, in
+which he left no argument unemployed to serve his own and our interest. He
+even requested permission to go over to the island of Cuba, and to send
+the governor Velasquez a prisoner to Spain, that he might be tried and
+punished for the injuries he had done to the public service, and
+especially for having sent an order to put Cortes to death.
+
+Our agents sailed from Vera Cruz on the 20th December 1522, and no
+particular occurrence happened on the voyage to the Terceras or Açores,
+except that one of the tigers broke loose and wounded some of the sailors,
+who were likewise obliged to kill the other on account of its ferocity. At
+the island of Tercera, Captain Quinones lost his life in a duel,
+occasioned by a quarrel about a lady, by which means our business was left
+in the hands of Alonzo de Avila. In continuing his voyage to Europe, he
+was taken by a French privateer, commanded by one Jean Florin, who took
+another ship from Hispaniola with a valuable cargo of sugar and hides, and
+20,000 crowns in gold, and many pearls; so that with this and our treasure
+he returned very rich to France, where he made magnificent presents to the
+king and admiral of France, astonishing every body at the magnificence of
+the presents which we had transmitted for our emperor. The king of France
+observed on this occasion, that the wealth which we supplied from New
+Spain was alone sufficient to enable our sovereign to wage war against him,
+although Peru was not then discovered. It was also reported that the king
+of France sent a message to our emperor, saying, That as he and the king
+of Portugal had divided the world between them, he desired to see the will
+of our father Adam, to know if he had made them exclusively his heirs. In
+his next expedition, Florin was made prisoner by a strong squadron
+belonging to Biscay, and was hanged in the island of Teneriffe.
+
+Avila was made a close prisoner in France, but by gaining the friendship
+of the officer to whose custody he had been confided, he was enabled to
+correspond with his friends in Spain, to whom he transmitted all the
+documents with which he had been entrusted, which were all laid before the
+emperor Don Carlos by Martin Cortes, our generals father, and Diego de
+Ordas, by means of the licentiate Nunez, _relator_ of the royal council,
+who was cousin to Cortes. The emperor was pleased, on due consideration of
+these documents, to order that all favour should be shewn to our general,
+and that the proceedings respecting the government of New Spain should be
+suspended until his majesty returned into Spain.
+
+We were much disappointed on receiving intelligence of the loss of our
+treasure, and the detention of our agent in France; yet Cortes honourably
+reserved the district of Guatitlan for Avila, notwithstanding his
+captivity, and gave it three years afterwards to a brother of Alonzo de
+Avila, who was then promoted to be _contador_ of Yucutan.
+
+
+[1] The province here named Panuco, is situated on the coast of the gulf
+    of Mexico, at the mouth of a considerable river which drains the
+    superfluous waters of the Mexican vale, named at first Rio del Desague,
+    then Rio de Tula, and Rio Tampico at its mouth, in about lat. 22° 15'
+    N. The Modern town of Panuco is about 200 miles almost due north from
+    Mexico.--E.
+
+[2] These were probably the Chichimecas and Otomies, who inhabited to the
+    north-west of the Mexican empire.--E.
+
+[3] From these slight notices, nothing certain can be gathered respecting
+    these large bones: Yet there is every reason to believe they must have
+    been of the same kind with those now familiar to the learned world,
+    under the name of _Mammoth_. The vale of Mexico has every indication
+    of having once been an immense inland lake, and the other _big bones_
+    of North America have all been found in places of a similar
+    description. The greatest deposit of these hitherto known, is at a
+    place called _big-bone-swamp_, near the Mississippi, in the modern
+    state of Kentucky.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XV.
+
+_Expeditions of Gonzalo de Sandoval, Pedro de Alvarado, and others, for
+reducing the Mexican Provinces_.
+
+
+After the settlement with Christoval de Tapia, the Captains Sandoval and
+Alvarado resumed the expeditions with which they had been before entrusted,
+and on this occasion I went along with Sandoval. On our arrival at
+Tustepeque[1], I took my lodgings on the summit of a very high tower of a
+temple, for the sake of fresh air, and to avoid the musquitoes, which were
+very troublesome below. At this place, seventy-two of the soldiers who
+came with Narvaez and six Spanish women were put to death. The whole
+province submitted immediately to Sandoval, except the Mexican chief who
+had been the principal instrument of the destruction of our soldiers, who
+was soon afterwards made prisoner and burnt alive. Many others had been
+equally guilty, but this example of severity was deemed sufficient.
+
+Sandoval, in the next place, sent a message to the Tzapotecas, who inhabit
+a mountainous district about ten leagues from Tustepeque or Tututepec,
+ordering them to submit to his authority; and on their refusal, an
+expedition was sent against them under Captain Briones, who according to
+his own account had served with reputation in the wars of Italy. His
+detachment consisted of 100 Spanish infantry, and about an equal number of
+Indian allies; but the enemy were prepared for him, and so completely
+surprised him in a difficult pass of the mountains, that they drove him
+and his men over the rocks, rolling them down to the bottom, by which
+above a third of them were wounded, of whom one afterwards died. The
+district inhabited by the Tzapotecas is of very difficult access among
+rocky mountains, where the troops can only pass in single file, and the
+climate is very moist and rainy. The inhabitants are armed with long
+lances, having stone heads about an ell long, which have two edges as
+sharp as razors, and they are defended by pliable shields which cover
+their whole bodies. They are extremely nimble, and give signals to each
+other by loud whistlings, which echo among the rocks with inconceivable
+shrillness. Their province is named Tiltepeque[2]; which, after its
+submission, was confided to the charge of a soldier named Ojeda. On his
+return to quarters, Sandoval ridiculed Briones on the bad success of his
+expedition, asking him if he had ever seen the like in Italy; for Briones
+was always boasting of his exploits there, as how he had severed men in
+two, and the like. Briones was sore displeased with these sarcasms, and
+swore he would rather fight against the Turks or Moors than the Tzapotecas.
+There was another district of the Tzapotecas called Xaltepec, which was
+then at war with a neighbouring tribe, and who immediately, on being
+summoned by Sandoval, sent a deputation of their chiefs to wait upon him
+with handsome presents; among which was a considerable quantity of gold,
+partly made into toys, and partly in ten little tubes. Their chiefs were
+dressed in long cotton robes, richly embroidered, and reaching to their
+feet, like the upper garments worn by the Moors. They requested to be
+assisted by some of our soldiers against their enemies, whom they named
+the Minxes. The state of our force at this time did not permit him to
+comply with this request, but he promised to transmit their request to our
+general at Mexico, with an application for an auxiliary force to be sent
+them, and said he could only now send a small number of his men along with
+them, to observe the nature of the passes, but his real object was to
+examine their mines. With this answer he dismissed them all except three,
+sending eight of us along with them to explore the country and its mines.
+
+There was another soldier of the same name with myself in this party, for
+indeed there were three of us in the army named Castillo. At that time I
+prided myself on my dress, and was called _Castillo the beau_. My namesake
+who went on the present expedition was named _Castillo the thoughtful_, as
+he was of slow speech, never replying to a question for a long while, and
+then answering by some absurdity. The third was called _Castillo the
+prompt_, as he was always very ready and smart in all his words. On our
+arrival at the district of Xaltepec, the Indians turned over the soil in
+three different rivers, in each of which they found gold, and soon filled
+three tubes with it as large as a mans middle finger, with which we
+returned to Sandoval, who now thought that all our fortunes would be made.
+He took a district to himself, from which he very soon procured gold to
+the value of 15,000 crowns. He gave the district of Xaltepec, whence we
+had obtained the gold, to Captain Luis Marin, but it turned out very
+indifferently. He gave me a very profitable district, which I wish to God
+I had kept; it consisted of three places, named Matalan, Oztoequipa, and
+Oriaca, where the _ingenio_ of the viceroy is now situated; but I thought
+it more consistent with my character as a soldier to accompany Sandoval in
+his military expeditions. Sandoval called his town Medellin, after the
+birth-place of Cortes; and the Rio de las Vanderas, from which he procured
+the 15,000 crowns, was for some time the port where the merchandise from
+Spain was discharged, until Vera Cruz became the emporium.
+
+We now marched into the province of Coatzacualco, through the district of
+Citla[3], which is about twelve leagues in length and breadth, and is very
+populous, having a fine climate and abounding in provisions. The chiefs
+immediately submitted. On our arrival at the river of Coatzacualco, which
+is the governing district of all the neighbouring tribes, the chiefs did
+not make their appearance on being summoned, which we considered as an
+indication of hostility, which was in fact their first intention; but
+after five days, they came in and made their submissions, presenting some
+trinkets of fine gold to Sandoval. By his orders, they collected a hundred
+canoes, in which we crossed the river, sending four soldiers in advance to
+examine and report the state of the country. A town was founded in this
+place, which we named Villa del Espiritu Santo, because on that day we
+defeated Narvaez, using that expression as our watchword, and because we
+crossed this river on the same day. In this place the flower of our army
+was established, which at this time mustered eighty cavalry, a greater
+number in proportion than five hundred is now, horses being then very
+scarce and dear. Having examined the surrounding districts, Sandoval
+divided them among the different settlements. To the settlement of
+Coatzacualco, he allotted Cuetzpaltepec, Tepeca, Chinantla, the Tzapotecas,
+Copilco, Cimatan, Tabasco, Cachula, the Zoques, Techeapa, Cinacatan, the
+Quilenes, and Papanahausta. We had a long litigation afterwards with the
+district of Vera Cruz about three of these, Cuetzpaltepec, Chinantla, and
+Tepeca; with Tabasco about Cimatan and Copilco; with Chiapa or Guatimala,
+concerning the Quilenes and Zoques; and likewise with the town of St
+Ildefonso about the Tzapotecas. I regretted having fixed myself in this
+place, as the lands were very poor, and every thing turned out to my
+disadvantage. We might indeed have done well enough if we had been left in
+our original situation; but as new settlements were successively formed,
+ours were curtailed to accommodate them, so that our colony fell into
+decay; and from being the best, and containing the greatest number of the
+true conquerors of Mexico, it has now very few inhabitants.
+
+About this time Sandoval received intelligence of the arrival of Donna
+Catalina, the lady of our general, in the river of Aguayalco[4],
+accompanied by her brother. La Zembrana also with her family came along
+with her, and Donna Elvira Lopez _the tall_, who married Juan de Palma,
+who was afterwards hanged. We all went to pay our respects to the ladies,
+the roads being almost impassable owing to constant heavy rain. Having
+escorted Donna Catalina and the rest to our town of Coatzacualco, or
+Espiritu Santo, intelligence was sent to Cortes of their arrival, and they
+set out soon afterwards for Mexico. Cortes was sorry for their coming, but
+he received them with great pomp, and we heard about three months
+afterwards that Donna Catalina had died of an asthma.
+
+Villafuerte had been sent to Zacatula, and Juan Alvarez Chico to Colima,
+two provinces on the south sea to the west of Mexico, but were
+unsuccessful; on which Cortes sent Christoval de Oli to reduce these
+provinces to submission. The natives attacked him on his march, killing
+two of his soldiers; yet he reached the station of Villafuerte, who was
+afraid to stir out, and had four even of his soldiers killed by the enemy
+in the town where he resided. I do not know what became of Captain Juan
+Alvarez, but I believe he lost his life about this time in some action
+with the natives. De Oli reduced both provinces to submission and returned
+to Mexico, where he was hardly arrived when intelligence was brought that
+they had again rebelled; on which Cortes sent Sandoval with a small party
+of veterans to take the charge of them. He punished the ringleaders of the
+rebellion, and regulated them in so effectual a manner, that they
+continued ever afterwards submissive.
+
+On the departure of Sandoval with the ladies, several of the districts
+subjected to Coatzacualco rebelled, killing the soldiers who were
+appointed to collect the tribute; among which were the Tzapotecas of
+Xaltepec, Cimatan and Copilco, the first being difficult of access on
+account of its rugged mountains, and the two others because of lakes and
+marshes, so that they were not reduced to subjection without great
+difficulty. While Captain Luis Marin was engaged in reducing these
+districts, Juan Buono arrived at our settlement in a small vessel. He
+immediately called us all together, and endeavoured to persuade us to
+submit to Christoval de Tapia as governor of New Spain, being ignorant of
+the return of that person to Hispaniola. Buono had a number of unaddressed
+letters from the bishop of Burgos, making large offers to such as would
+further his views of superseding Cortes, and which Buono had a
+discretionary power of directing to any persons that he supposed might
+support the cause in which he was engaged, and which he accordingly
+transmitted to those who held offices in the settlement. Among the rest, I
+was offered the appointment of regidor. When Buono learnt that Tapia had
+left the country, he seemed much disappointed. We referred him to Cortes
+at Mexico, to which place he went. I know not what passed between him and
+Cortes, but I believe the general sent him back to Spain with some money
+in his pocket.
+
+Among the tribes that courted our alliance after the conquest of Mexico,
+was a people of the Tzapotecan nation, named the Tutepecs, who earnestly
+requested our assistance against a hostile tribe, who bore the same name
+with themselves, and whom they represented as possessing a very rich
+country. Accordingly, in the year 1522, Alvarado marched from Mexico with
+a detachment of 180 soldiers, cavalry and infantry, with orders to take
+twenty more on his march through the district of Oaxaco, and also to visit
+and reduce during his march certain mountainous districts which were said
+to be in rebellion. Alvarado was forty days on his march between Mexico
+and Tutepec, and was very hospitably received on his arrival, being lodged
+in the most populous part of the city, where the houses stood close
+together, and were thatched with straw, it not being the custom of that
+part of the country to have terraced roofs, on account of their climate
+being very sultry. By the advice of Father Olmedo, Alvarado removed his
+quarters to a more open part of the town; as in case of any treachery
+being intended, the natives might easily have set fire to the first
+quarters. In this place, Alvarado was plentifully supplied with provisions,
+and the principal chief made him every day some rich present of gold; and
+among other things gave him a pair of golden stirrups, made according to a
+pattern. Yet, only a few days after, the cacique was made a prisoner, on
+the information, as was said, of the Indians of Tecuantepec, that he meant
+to burn the Spaniards in the quarters which had been assigned them in the
+temples. Some of the Spaniards alleged that Alvarado made him a prisoner
+in order to extort gold for his ransom. However this may have been, he
+died in prison of vexation, after Alvarado had got from him to the value
+of 30,000 crowns. His son was permitted to succeed him in the government,
+from whom Alvarado obtained more gold than he had done from the father.
+Alvarado now established a colony, which was called _Segura_, because most
+of the colonists came from Tepeaca, named by us Segura de la Frontera.
+
+Alvarado set out soon afterwards on his return to Mexico with all his
+wealth, as Cortes had written to him to bring all the treasure he possibly
+could, which he intended to send into Spain. The soldiers were much
+dissatisfied at being thus excluded from any share, and several of them
+entered into a conspiracy to assassinate Alvarado and his brothers. One of
+the conspirators, named Tribejo, gave information of the plot to Father
+Olmedo, only a few hours before it was intended to have been executed; and
+the reverend Father informed Alvarado, just as he was riding out along
+with some of the conspirators. He continued his intended excursion for a
+short way; then turning suddenly, he complained of a pain in his side,
+saying he must go back for a surgeon to bleed him. On his arrival at
+quarters, he immediately sent for his two brothers, together with the
+alcaldes and alguazils of the settlement, whom he ordered to arrest the
+conspirators, two of whom were hanged. Alvarado returned to Mexico with
+his gold; but the colonists finding all the gold taken away, and that the
+place was hot and unhealthy, infested with musqutioes, bugs, and other
+vermin, and themselve and slaves fast dying, they abandoned the settlement,
+some going to Mexico, and others to different places. Cortes was much
+displeased at this abandonment, and finding on inquiry that it had been
+done by a resolution of the alcaldes and regidors in full cabildo, he
+condemned them to suffer death; but their punishment, at the intercession
+of Olmedo, was mitigated to banishment. Thus the settlement of Segura fell
+to the ground, which had been established in a very fertile country, but
+exceedingly unhealthy. By the cruelty and extortion of Alvarado, the minds
+of the natives were alienated, and they threw off their allegiance; but he
+reduced them again to submission, and they continued afterwards to behave
+themselves peaceably.
+
+
+[1] This expedition appears to have been for the reduction of certain
+    provinces to the south-east of the vale of Mexico, now forming the
+    intendency of Oaxaca, inhabited by the Mixtecas and Tzapotecas. The
+    Tustepeque of the text, was probably a town on the Boca de Chacahua on
+    the South Sea, now called Tututepec, in lat. 15º 50' N. and long. 100º
+    15' E. On the very imperfect map of Clavigero, it is named Tototepec,
+    and is placed in the country of the Mixtecas.--E.
+
+[2] Named, more appropriately, in the map of Clavigero, Tzapoteca-pan.--E.
+
+[3] I suspect this ought to be named Chinantla.--E.
+
+[4] This way probably be some corruption of the native name of the Rio
+    Coatzacualco, or Huaxacualco; by giving it the ordinary Spanish prefix
+    _agua_; which signifies water, or a river, with the native termination
+    _cualco_.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI.
+
+_Some Account of the Expedition of Francisco de Garay for the Colonization
+of Panuco_.
+
+
+Having formerly mentioned the expedition fitted out by Francisco de Garay,
+the governor of Jamaica, it seems proper to give a more particular account
+of that affair in this place. Hearing of the great riches which Diego
+Velasquez was likely to acquire from New Spain, and of the fertile
+countries which had been discovered on the continent of the West Indies,
+and encouraged by the means he now possessed of prosecuting discoveries
+and conquests, he determined to try his own fortune in that career. For
+this purpose he sent for and discoursed with Alaminos, who had been our
+chief pilot, from whom he received so favourable an account of these
+countries, that he sent Juan de Torralva, a person in whom he could
+confide, to solicit the bishop of Burgos to grant him a commission for
+settling the country on the river of Panuco; and having succeeded in this
+preliminary step, he fitted out an armament of three ships, with 240
+soldiers, under the command of Alonzo Alvarez Pineda, who was defeated by
+the Panuchese, one ship only escaping, which joined us at Villa Rica, as
+already related. Receiving no intelligence of the fate of his first
+armament, Garay sent a second, which also arrived at our port. Having now
+expended a great deal of money to no purpose, and having learnt the good
+fortune of Cortes, he became more than ever desirous to secure the
+advantages he expected to derive from his commission. With this view he
+fitted out thirteen ships, in which he embarked 136 cavalry, and 840 foot
+soldiers, mostly musqueteers and crossbow-men, of which he took the
+command in person. He sailed with this great armament from Jamaica, on the
+24th June 1523, and arrived safe at the port of Xagua in the island of
+Cuba, where he received information that Cortes had reduced the province
+of Panuco to subjection, and had sent a petition to the emperor to get a
+commission for governing his new acquisition. He was here informed of the
+heroic deeds of Cortes and his companions, and in particular of our having
+defeated the large force of Narvaez, while we had only 270 soldiers.
+
+Struck with awe at the power and abilities of our general, he solicited
+the licentiate Zuazco to mediate between him and Cortes, that he might be
+permitted to take possession of the government of Panuco, in pursuance of
+his commission from the bishop of Burgos.
+
+Garay shortly afterwards set out with his armament, and being driven by a
+storm into the river Palmas[1], he disembarked there, intending to march
+by land to Panuco, having first exacted an oath of fidelity from his
+troops; and he even nominated the various officers of his colony, which he
+intended to name Garayana. Having marched for two days along the sea-shore,
+through a marshy uninhabited country, he arrived at some villages, where
+the inhabitants entertained him hospitably, but many of his soldiers
+straggled about robbing and maltreating the people. Garay at length
+arrived at Panuco, where his soldiers expected all their difficulties
+would end, but it was almost a desert, as it had been much wasted in the
+war with Cortes, and the natives concealed what remained, so that they
+found nothing but bare walls, where they were tormented with mosquitos and
+every kind of vermin. Garay could get no intelligence of his fleet, and
+learnt from a Spaniard who had fled from punishment and lived among the
+Indians, that the province of Panuco was poor and unhealthy; and as this
+man gave a very favourable account of Mexico, many of Garays soldiers
+deserted from him, and went off for Mexico, plundering the natives on
+their way. Garay found himself in a bad plight, and sent one of his
+officers, named Diego de Ocampo, to sound the disposition of Vallejo, who
+was governor of St Estevan del Puerto for Cortes, and to notify the
+appointment of Garay to the government of this country. Vallejo gave a
+favourable answer, requesting the soldiers might be restrained from
+maltreating the inhabitants; but sent off an express to Cortes, soliciting
+a strong reinforcement or the immediate presence of the general. On
+receiving this intelligence, Cortes immediately sent off Alvarado,
+Sandoval, Father Olmedo, and Gonzalo de Ocampo, brother to Diego de Ocampo,
+who was with Garay, giving them a copy of the royal instructions, by which
+all his conquests were left under his command till the dispute between him
+and Velasquez were judicially settled.
+
+On the arrival of Garay in the neighbourhood of St Estevan, Vallejo learnt
+from five deserters that the troops were scattered negligently in a large
+town called Nacoplan, on which he concerted a plan for coming on them by
+surprise, and made forty of them prisoners, alleging that they had invaded
+the country without a commission, and had plundered the inhabitants who
+lived under his government. Garay threatened Vallejo with the vengeance of
+the court of Spain for this outrage, and demanded the immediate release of
+his soldiers; on which Vallejo requested to see his commission, which, if
+from his majesty, he would obey in all humility. Just at this time arrived
+the deputies from Cortes, and Diego de Ocampo, being then first alcalde of
+Mexico, made a formal remonstrance against the entrance of Garay with an
+armed force into the government of another person. Several days were spent
+in remonstrances and replies on both sides, during which time many of
+Garays troops deserted from him.
+
+Two of the ships belonging to Garay were lost in a tempest, and the
+remainder took shelter in the mouth of the river, when Vallejo secretly
+negotiated with their officers to join the party of Cortes. He at length
+contrived to inviegle the whole of the fleet up the river to the port of
+St Estevan, where he made all their officers and men prisoners in the name
+of Cortes; but Father Olmedo persuaded him to set them at liberty. The
+unfortunate Garay entreated the officers of Cortes to restore his ships
+and to compel his troops to return to their duty, promising to give up his
+intended settlement at Panuco, and to retire to the river Palmas. They
+agreed to this, and used every measure to induce the deserters to return,
+but with little effect; as they alleged they had already discharged their
+engagement in coming to Panuco, and they despised Garay. In this hopeless
+state, Garay was persuaded to write to Cortes, stating his situation, and
+requesting his protection and assistance, in consideration of their former
+friendship. Cortes engaged to do what he desired, and invited him to come
+to Mexico, where he was honourably received, and promised every redress,
+referring him to Olmedo, Sandoval, and Alvarado, to agree with him on the
+terms. At the suggestion of Olmedo, a marriage was proposed between Donna
+Catalina Cortes y Pizarro, the daughter of Cortes, and the eldest son of
+Garay, who had a command in the fleet. Cortes agreed to this, giving his
+daughter a liberal fortune, and agreed that Garay should establish a
+colony on the river Palmas, in which he engaged to give him every
+assistance in his power. Garay now interceded with Cortes to allow Narvaez
+to return to Cuba, for which favour Narvaez was extremely thankful, and
+took leave of Cortes with many professions of gratitude. Soon afterwards,
+Garay was seized with a pleurisy, of which he died in four days, leaving
+Cortes and Father Olmedo his executors. As his armament was left without a
+head, a competition arose among his officers for the vacant command; but
+young Garay was ultimately made general. This gave great offence to the
+soldiers, in consequence of which they dispersed about the country in
+small bodies of fifteen or twenty men, pillaging the natives as if they
+had been among Moors. This enraged the Indians, who laid a plot to cut off
+the Spaniards, which they executed so effectually that in a very short
+time they sacrificed and eat above five hundred of the soldiers of Garay,
+in some of the towns upwards of a hundred of them being destroyed at one
+time. In other places they fell upon the stragglers, whom they massacred
+almost without resistance; and, encouraged by this success, they even rose
+against the settlement of Estevan in such numbers, that they could hardly
+be resisted by Vallejo and seven or eight of the veterans of Cortes, who
+induced many of Garays soldiers to abide by them in the open field, where
+three battles were fought, in one of which Vallejo was slain, and a great
+number of Spaniards wounded. The Indians became at length so bold and
+desperate, that they one night killed and burned forty Spaniards, among
+whom were several belonging to Cortes, and destroyed fifteen horses. When
+Cortes heard of these proceedings he was much enraged, and would have gone
+in person to suppress the rebellion, but was then confined by a broken arm;
+wherefore he sent Gonzalo de Sandoval, with 100 infantry, 50 cavalry, 15
+musqueteers, and two field-pieces, accompanied by 8000 Mexican and
+Tlascalan warriors, giving orders to reduce the country so completely
+under subjection that they might not have power to give any farther
+disturbance.
+
+Sandoval was a person of much vigilance when he had any important business
+in hand, and made no delay in marching against the enemy, who had
+concentrated their forces in two narrow defiles. Sandoval divided his
+forces into two bodies, but was so obstinately resisted, that he drew off
+his forces, feigning to retreat to Mexico, followed by the Indians, whom
+he completely deceived, making an unexpected countermarch at midnight, by
+which he gained possession of the passes; yet not till he had lost three
+horses, and had a great many of his men wounded. On passing the defiles,
+he found himself opposed in front by an immense body of Indians, who had
+collected on receiving notice of his countermarch. He concentrated his
+whole force into one solid column; and as his cavalry were inexperienced
+in the service, he gave them full instructions never to halt making
+thrusts, as the Indians always seized the lances when wounded, and often
+wrested them from the hands of our men; but ordered them to clap spurs to
+their horses on such occasions, firmly grasping their lances, and thus
+force them from the enemy by the strength of their horses. Having placed
+guards and patroles, and ordered the horses of the cavalry to remain all
+night saddled and bridled, he made the troops repose under arms on the
+banks of a river, placing the Mexican and Tlascalan warriors at a short
+distance from the Spanish troops, knowing by experience that the allies
+were of more harm than benefit in a night attack. At day-break next
+morning, Sandoval put his troops in motion, and was soon fronted by three
+large bodies of the enemy, who endeavoured to surround him. Forming his
+cavalry in two squadrons, he attacked the enemy with such spirit that they
+were soon broken and dispersed, with the loss of two soldiers and three
+horses on his side. The allies made terrible havock after this victory,
+burning and plundering all before them, till the arrival of the army at St
+Estevan. The remains of this colony were found in a miserable condition,
+and the soldiers of Garay assured him that its preservation was entirely
+owing to the bravery and conduct of our few veterans who were there.
+Sandoval divided his army into several bodies, which he entrusted to the
+command of the veterans, and sent them to overrun the neighbouring
+districts, with orders to send in all the provisions they could collect,
+being unable to go out himself, as he was badly wounded. In the course of
+three days, his parties sent in many prisoners of the ordinary class, and
+five chiefs; but Sandoval released the common people, and ordered his
+troops to make no more prisoners, except of such chiefs as had been
+concerned in or present at the murder of the Spaniards. In a few days
+Sandoval was able to take the field, and by skilful measures he made
+prisoners of twenty caciques, who had commanded where no less than six
+hundred Spaniards were slain. He then summoned all the neighbouring towns
+to send their chiefs to him to treat of peace and submission: Some obeyed,
+but others neglected to attend, and he thought it best to dissimulate with
+the latter for the present, till he had informed Cortes what had been
+already done, and had received his orders as to the disposal of the
+prisoners and his future procedure. Cortes, who now conferred the vacant
+command of St Estevan on Sandoval, ordered all who had been any way
+concerned in the murder of the Spaniards to be punished with death, as an
+example to deter others from being guilty of the like offence, directing
+Diego de Ocampo, as alcalde-major, to take the necessary steps against
+them, with orders to execute all who should be found guilty. He gave
+orders likewise to conciliate the natives by all possible means, and to
+prevent the soldiers of Garay from committing any future outrages. Two
+days after the receipt of these orders, the accused caciques were brought
+to trial; and many of them being found guilty by evidence, or by their own
+confession, were publickly executed, some being burnt and others hanged.
+Many also were pardoned; and all the districts which had belonged to the
+caciques who suffered on this occasion, were restored to their children or
+other heirs. Ocampo now proceeded against all those Spaniards who had been
+guilty of outrages, going about the country in bands, plundering and
+murdering the natives, or who had invited other soldiers to desert to them;
+and having collected them together, he shipped them off for Cuba. To Juan
+de Grijalva, who had been commodore of the fleet under Garay, Cortes
+offered the alternative of a present of 2000 crowns, and a passage to Cuba,
+or an honourable reception at Mexico. But Grijalva and all the other
+officers belonging to Garay preferred going to Cuba. When Sandoval and
+Ocampo had thus reduced the settlement to order, and cleared it of these
+troublesome inmates, they returned to Mexico, leaving the command at St
+Estevan to an officer named Vallecillo; and on their arrival at the
+capital, they were received by Cortes and others with the distinction
+which their services richly merited[2].
+
+
+[1] This is probably the river of Nueva Santander, about 100 miles north
+    from the Rio Tampico or river of Panuco--E.
+
+[2] A very uninteresting episode, respecting the misfortunes of the
+    liceniate Zuazo, who has been formerly mentioned, is here omitted, as
+    having no reference whatever to the general history in hand: It is
+    sufficient to say that, after many perils by sea and land, Zuazo came
+    to Mexico, where Cortes gave him the office of alcalde-major, which
+    seems to have resembled our provost-marshal, or chief military
+    judge.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII.
+
+_Narrative of various Expeditions for the Reduction of different Provinces
+in New Spain_.
+
+
+As the views of Cortes were always lofty, so was he always well supported
+by the talents and bravery of his officers and soldiers. After his power
+was thoroughly established in the great city of Mexico and its more
+immediate dependencies, and in the districts or provinces of Guaxaca,
+Zacatula, Colima, Vera Cruz, Panuco, Coatzacualco, and others, as already
+related, he was informed that there were populous nations and rich mines
+in the province of Guatimala; and he resolved to send a military force
+under Alvarado, to conquer and colonize that country. Alvarado, therefore,
+was dispatched to that province, with 300 infantry, 135 cavalry, 200
+Tlascalans and Cholulans, and 100 Mexicans[1], and four field-pieces.
+Alvarado was instructed to bring those nations to submission by peaceful
+means, if possible; and Father Olmedo accompanied him, on purpose to
+preach the doctrines of our holy religion to the natives; and at all
+events, to insist upon all the prisons and cages that were used for human
+victims being destroyed, the prisoners set free, and the utter abolition
+of human sacrifices and cannibal feasts. This expedition left Mexico on
+the 13th of December 1523; and Alvarado during his march, received the
+submission of the district known by the name of the Rocks of Guelama,
+where he received many rich contributions in gold. Having passed the
+districts belonging to the Tzapotecas of Tecuantepec, and by Soconusco, a
+town containing above 15,000 houses, Alvarado came to the neighbourhood of
+a place named Zapotitlan, where, at a bridge over a river, he was opposed
+by a very numerous body of warriors who disputed the passage with so much
+bravery, that many of the soldiers were wounded and one horse killed; and
+it required three very hard fought battles before the Spaniards were able
+to break through and disperse the enemy.
+
+From this place, continuing his march, Alvarado was continually harassed
+by the Indians of Quetzaltenango, and came at length to a defile in a high
+mountain, where the ascent was about a league and a half. On arriving at
+the summit, a remarkably fat woman was found in the act of sacrificing a
+dog, which is an infallible token of intended hostilities; and immediately
+afterwards, great numbers of armed Indians were seen advancing on all
+sides, in a difficult broken ground, where the cavalry of Alvarado were
+unable to act. In this rough and impracticable place, above 6000 of the
+warriors of Utatlan, a district adjoining to Quetzaltenango, made an
+attack upon our troops; and being soon put to flight, they rallied shortly
+after, reinforced by great numbers of fresh troops, who waited the advance
+of our forces, and fought them bravely hand to hand. On this occasion,
+three or four of the enemy uniting their efforts, used to seize a horse
+before and behind, endeavouring to pull him to the ground, and it required
+the most strenuous exhortations both of Alvarado and Father Olmedo to
+animate the exertions of our troops, who at length succeeded in defeating
+and dispersing the Indians. Our army halted in the field of battle for
+three days, unmolested by the enemy, and then marched to Quetzaltenango,
+where Alvarado hoped to have given his troops some repose; but he found
+two xiquipils of warriors, or 16,000 men assembled to oppose him in a
+plain, where he gave them so complete a defeat, with so heavy a loss of
+warriors, that they remained for a long time under complete awe of the
+Spaniards. The chiefs of these Indians sent a deputation to Alvarado,
+offering peace and submission, under which they had concealed a plan for
+destroying his army in the following manner. At a short distance there was
+a place called Utatlan, in a very difficult rugged country, and surrounded
+by defiles, to which they invited him to march, intending to fall upon him
+there with all their forces, as in that place the cavalry could not act.
+
+Alvarado accordingly marched to Utatlan, a town of considerable strength,
+which had only two gates, the ascent to one of which was by a stair of
+about twenty-five steps, and the other opened to a very bad broken
+causeway, the streets likewise being very narrow, and the houses very
+close together. Observing the bad situation of this place, and that the
+women and children had disappeared, Alvarado began to suspect that some
+mischief was in contemplation; and he was informed by some Indians of the
+place he had last quitted, that a number of warriors were concealed all
+round the place, to which they meant to set fire in the night, and then
+assault him with all their forces. Alvarado immediately called his troops
+to arms, and marched out into the open country, telling the chiefs that he
+did so for the purpose of procuring grass for his horses. They did not
+seem pleased with this change; and as soon as Alvarado was completely
+clear of the town, he seized the principal cacique, whom he reproached for
+his treachery, and ordered to be burnt alive. Father Olmedo obtained a
+respite of this sentence, with permission to endeavour to convert the
+condemned cacique to the holy faith, in which he exerted himself a whole
+day, and at length succeeded: and, _as an indulgence_, his punishment was
+commuted to hanging, and his territory given to his son. After this,
+Alvarado attacked and dispersed the native warriors who were in the
+neighbourhood of the town. When this success became known in Guatimala,
+which was engaged in hostility with the people of Utatlan, they sent an
+embassy to treat with Alvarado before his arrival on their frontiers,
+bringing a present of gold, declaring their submission to the government
+of our emperor, and offering to serve as allies in all our wars. Alvarado
+accepted their submission and offer of service, and desired them to send
+him 2000 of their warriors, with which they immediately complied; and as
+the people of Utatlan had again rebelled, he remained eight days in their
+country, collecting considerable spoil and making many slaves; after which
+he marched to the city of Guatimala, where he was hospitably received.
+
+As the utmost harmony subsisted between Alvarado and the natives of
+Guatimala, the chiefs of that nation represented to him that a nation in
+their neighbourhood, called the Altitlans, who occupied several strong
+fortresses on the side of a lake, had refused to make submission to him,
+and that they were a barbarous and malicious people. Alvarado sent a
+message commanding these people to submit, but they abused his messengers;
+on which he marched against them with 140 Spanish soldiers and 2000
+warriors of the Guatimalans, and was resisted by a strong force of the
+Altitlans, whom he soon defeated with considerable loss, and pursued to
+their fortresses on the lake. Having driven them from these fortresses,
+they took shelter in an island of the lake, to which he sent several of
+their chiefs whom he had taken prisoners, to persuade them into peace and
+submission, in which he at length succeeded, partly by threats and partly
+by promises, and returned to Guatimala. Father Olmedo exerted himself so
+effectually in his mission, that he prevailed upon the people to imitate
+our example, in adoring the holy Virgin, for which purpose he erected an
+altar and image of our lady, and explained the mysteries of the Christian
+faith to the natives. A people named the Pipiles, who came from a
+considerable distance towards the south, to enter into submission to
+Alvarado, informed him that a nation in their way, called the Izcuintepecs,
+were of a malignant disposition, and maltreated all travellers through
+their country. He sent, therefore, a message to invite them to come in and
+submit, which they refused to comply with; for which reason he marched
+into their country with his whole force, united to a strong body of his
+allies of Guatimala, and made great havock among them. Not having been
+present in this expedition, as I did not go into the province of Guatimala
+until my return from Higueras, I have only given a short summary of the
+conquest of Guatimala and its dependencies, which may be found related at
+full length in a book written by Gonzalo de Alvarado.
+
+About this time Cortes was informed that the provinces of Higueras and
+Honduras contained rich mines, and some sailors reported that the native
+fishers of these countries used weights to their nets made of gold mixed
+with copper; they alleged also, that a strait or passage would probably be
+found in that direction into the Pacific Ocean. On these accounts he
+determined to send some troops to that country under Christoval de Oli, to
+inquire after the mines, and to search for this reported strait, by which
+a communication might be opened with the Spice Islands; and as the way by
+land was long and difficult, it was determined to send this expedition by
+sea. Accordingly, de Oli embarked in six ships, with a force of 370
+soldiers, 100 of whom were musqueteers and crossbow-men, and 22 cavalry.
+Five of the veteran conquerors of Mexico went along with this expedition;
+among whom was one Briones, a seditious fellow and a bitter enemy of
+Cortes; besides whom, many of the soldiers on this expedition were greatly
+dissatisfied at the unequal distribution of lands which had been made in
+New Spain. De Oli was ordered to go first to the Havanna, to procure a
+supply of provisions and necessaries, and then to pursue his voyage to the
+Higueras to make the necessary inquiries for the reported mines and
+straits; after which he was to build a town in some commodious situation.
+To advance the interests of our holy religion, he was provided with two
+friars, one of whom understood the Mexican language. At the Havanna, de
+Oli took on board five of the followers of Garay, who had been expelled
+from Panuco for seditious conduct, who ingratiated themselves into his
+confidence, and advised him to renounce his obedience to Cortes, in which
+they were aided by Briones; so that he at length went over to the party of
+Velasquez, who engaged to make such representations at court that the
+command of this intended settlement might be given to de Oli independent
+of Cortes. De Oli was a brave man, and endowed with many good qualities,
+yet unfit for his present employment, having been brought up in the house
+of Velasquez, so that he was the more readily influenced by bad advisers
+to desert the interest of Cortes to whom he lay under great obligations.
+On the third of May, de Oli arrived at his station, which he named _El
+Triumpho de la Cruz_, where he appointed to the civil administration of
+the new colony, such alcaldes and regidors as had been recommended by
+Cortes, and even took possession of the country for his majesty in the
+name of Cortes, as he wished to conceal his secession from our general
+till he saw whether the country was sufficiently rich to be worth while to
+set up an independent government; as, if it turned out otherwise, he could
+return to his possessions in Mexico, and gloss over his negociations with
+Velasquez, under pretence of having done so in order to procure the
+necessary supplies. In this manner was the new colony of El Triumpho
+established, from whence Cortes had no intelligence for more than eight
+months.
+
+There were a considerable number of veterans and Spaniards of rank,
+established in the town of Coatzacuaclo, otherwise called Del Espiritu
+Santo, who were entrusted with the government of that province, together
+with the districts of Citla, Tabasco, Cimatan, Choutalpa, Cachula, Zoque,
+the Quilenes, Cinacatan, Chamuela, Chiapa, Papanahausta, Pinula, Xaltepec,
+Huaxaltepec, Chinantla, Tepeque, and others; but through all New Spain,
+the demand for tribute was the signal of insurrection, and all who
+attempted to levy it were killed, as were all Spaniards who fell into the
+hands of the natives; so that we were continually obliged to go from one
+town to another with a company of soldiers to preserve peace. As the
+district of Cimatan was particularly refractory, and Captain Luis Marin
+could not conveniently send a body of troops to that place, I and three
+other Spaniards were sent there to endeavour to prevail on the people to
+submit. On approaching the principal town, we were attacked by a large
+body of Indians, who killed two of my companions, and wounded me
+desperately in the throat. My surviving companion made off to some canoes
+on the banks of the river Macapa, leaving me alone and in great jeopardy;
+but I crept under cover of some bushes where I lay some time almost
+exhausted, and recovering my strength after some time, I forced my way
+through the natives, and escaped to where my companion was in the canoes,
+with four Indians whom we had brought with us to carry our baggage, which
+they had thrown away, and for the sake of which the natives quitted us, so
+that we got across the river, which is broad and deep and full of
+alligators. To avoid the Indians, we concealed ourselves for eight days in
+the woods, so that we were concluded to be lost, and our property in lands
+and Indians was divided among the other Spaniards, such being then the
+custom in New Spain. We returned to the town, however, at the end of
+twenty-three days, to the great joy of our friends, and the disappointment
+of those who had succeeded to our property.
+
+Our captain, Luis Marin, thought proper to wait upon Cortes, to represent
+the necessity of a reinforcement; and accordingly got thirty soldiers,
+commanded by Alonzo de Grado, with orders for all the Spaniards at
+Coatzacualco to march for the province of Chiapa, which was then in a
+state of rebellion, and directions to build a town there to keep the
+natives in order. In the first place, we had to make roads through the
+woods, and the country being very marshy, we were under the necessity of
+constructing causeways in many places to enable the horses to pass. The
+first place we came to was Tezputzlan, and thence to Cachula, beyond which
+there had been no passage before our expedition, all the other natives
+being in great fear of the inhabitants of Chiapa, who were then the
+bravest warriors in all America, and had never been subdued by the
+Mexicans; but they were extremely barbarous, being in use to rob all
+passengers, and to carry away the natives of other districts to till their
+ground. The present expedition was during Lent, and as well as I can now
+remember, in the year 1524, our little army consisting of 27 cavalry, 23
+musqueteers, 72 foot soldiers armed with sword and target, and one
+field-piece under the direction of a cowardly fellow of a gunner, who
+pretended to have served in Italy. Besides these, we had 50 Mexican
+warriors, and the cacique of Cachula with some of his principal people,
+who were all terribly afraid. On approaching Chiapa, an advanced guard of
+four of our most active soldiers, of whom I was one, always preceded the
+army to reconnoitre, and as the ground was not fit for a horse, I left
+mine behind. We were usually about half a league in front of the army, but
+on our approach to Estapa, their first settlement, some of the hunters of
+Chiapa perceived us at a distance, and gave the alarm by means of smoke.
+The road was now wide and convenient, between well cultivated fields of
+corn and other vegetables; and on coming to Estapa we found it abandoned
+by the inhabitants, on which we posted our guards and patroles, and took
+up our quarters for the night. We were soon disturbed by information from
+our out-guards, that the natives were collecting on every side to attack
+us; and, going out of town to meet them we had a severe action, in which
+they killed two of our soldiers and four horses, wounding our reverend
+father Fra Juan, and thirteen soldiers, including our captain Luis Marin,
+who was wounded in two places; besides which many of our allies were slain.
+This action lasted till dark night, when the enemy were forced to retire,
+leaving fifteen slain and many wounded in the field. From two of the
+wounded, who seemed chiefs, we learnt that a general attack was intended
+against us next day. These people were clothed in good defensive armour of
+quilted cotton, using darts hardened in the fire, war clubs, and lances
+longer than ours, and they fought with unusual bravery; insomuch that,
+when one of our horsemen halted to make a thrust, the Indians seized the
+horse, and either wrested the lance from the horseman or pulled him to the
+ground.
+
+Next day we pursued our march to Chiapa, a place with very regular streets,
+and containing not less than four thousand families, besides the dependent
+towns and villages around. We had not proceeded above a quarter of a
+league from Estapa, where we had passed the night, when we found the whole
+warriors of the district drawn up to oppose us, well armed, dressed up in
+plumes of feathers, and making the hills resound with their warlike shouts.
+They attacked us with the utmost fury, and our black gunner was so
+stupified with fear, that he stood long trembling before he durst put the
+match to the gun, and when he fired the piece all the good he did was
+wounding three of our own men. After a severe conflict, we at length
+forced them to fly; but they rallied in some broken ground, reinforced by
+some fresh bodies of Indians, and attacked us again by surprize, while we
+were giving God thanks for our victory. In these new troops, many were
+provided with long thongs to twist round our horses, and some carried the
+nets they used in hunting for the same purpose. In this second battle the
+enemy were so desperate that they killed two of our soldiers and five
+horses, and scarce one of us escaped without a wound. They had along with
+them a very fat aged woman, whom they esteemed a wizard, who had promised
+them the victory. Her body was all covered over with paint mixed with
+cotton wool; and she advanced fearlessly amid our allies, who were
+regularly formed by companies, by whom she was cut to pieces. At length,
+by a violent effort, we forced the enemy to fly, some taking to the rocks
+and others to the river, and being excellent swimmers they made their
+escape. We then halted and sang the _Salve regina_: After which we took
+possession of a town on the river, where we halted for the night, taking
+care of our wounded, and carefully concealing our dead.
+
+About midnight, ten chiefs of neighbouring districts came down the river
+in five canoes, and were brought to our captain, whom they informed that
+they belonged to the nation of the Xaltepecs, who were at war with the
+people of Chiapa, and came to offer their assistance to us against them,
+on condition that we should afterwards support the independence of their
+nation against the people of Chiapa. This was very satisfactory to us, as
+we could not have passed the river, which was both broad and deep, without
+their assistance; the chiefs were therefore dismissed with a promise on
+our part of protection, and on theirs to bring us canoes and auxiliaries.
+During the remainder of the night we had to keep strict guard, as the
+drums and horns of the enemy were heard on the opposite banks of the river,
+where their warriors were collecting from all sides to attack us. As soon
+as it was light, our new friends joined us with the promised canoes, and
+shewed us a very dangerous ford, which they urged us to pass without delay,
+that we might endeavour to save the lives of some of their people who had
+been recently made prisoners by the enemy. We accordingly passed the river
+in a solid column at the ford, which reached our armpits, and where we
+lost one of our cavalry. On gaining the opposite bank, we were so hotly
+assailed by the enemy with darts and arrows, that every one of us had two
+or three wounds before we got out of the water. But as we were now joined
+by large bodies of those Indians who had offered their assistance, we soon
+compelled the enemy to fly for shelter to their city, against which we
+immediately advanced in good order, accompanied by our new allies. On
+arriving there, it seemed too closely built to be occupied with safety,
+and we encamped therefore in the open field, sending messengers to invite
+them to peace, with which they complied, by sending a deputation of their
+chiefs, who submitted to become subject to our sovereign, and requiring
+that the neighbouring tribes might be prevented from destroying their
+houses and plantations. All these things being settled to our mutual
+satisfaction, we went into the town, where we found many prisoners
+confined in wooden cages, who had been seized by the Chiapese while
+travelling from place to place, all of whom we set free. In the temples of
+this place we found several idols of horrible figures, and many remains of
+men and boys, who had been recently sacrificed. Our reverend father Fra
+Juan, broke all the idols to pieces, and preached so successfully that
+many were baptized. Many of the chiefs of the neighbouring tribes came in
+and made their submission: Among these were the chiefs of Cinacatan,
+Papanahaustla, Pinola, Guehuistlan, Chamula, the Quilenes, and others who
+spoke the Zoque language, and many other tribes, the names of which I do
+not now remember. These people were much surprised when they perceived the
+smallness of the force with which we had ventured to attack a nation so
+warlike as the Chiapese, whom the Mexicans were never able to subdue.
+
+While our captain was thus occupied in arranging matters with the chiefs
+of the surrounding districts, one of our soldiers went accompanied by
+eight Mexicans, to a town called Chamula, where he demanded a contribution
+of gold in the name of our captain, though entirely without authority. A
+quantity was accordingly offered him; but not being satisfied with the
+amount, he attempted to seize the cacique, by which violent proceeding he
+occasioned an insurrection of that town, and another in the neighbourhood
+called Quiahuitlan, or Guehuistlan. When this improper transaction came to
+the ears of our captain, he sent the soldier a prisoner to Mexico, and
+immediately marched to Chamula to quell the insurrection, being assisted
+on this occasion by the inhabitants of Cinacatan, a polished tribe which
+was addicted to merchandize. On our arrival at Chamula, we found the place
+strongly fortified by art and nature, and the people well armed, having a
+peculiar species of large shield which covered the whole body, and could
+be rolled up into a small compass when not in use. Our cavalry were
+ordered to keep guard in the plain in our rear, to watch the motions of
+the insurgents in the neighbouring districts; while the infantry
+endeavoured to force their way into the town; but our musketeers made very
+little impression, as the enemy were covered by their walls, while their
+missiles injured us materially, being exposed without any defence. We
+continued the attack during the whole day to very little purpose, being
+unable to force the ramparts, which were guarded by above 2000 men armed
+with lances. We therefore drew off for the time, and procured some timber
+from a depopulated town in the neighbourhood, with which we constructed
+certain machines named _mantas_ or _burros_, under cover of which twenty
+men or more could approach the walls in safety, to work a passage through
+them. On our first attempt to do this, the enemy threw down upon our
+machines, heavy stones, fire, and scalding water, so that we were
+constrained to remove our machines to repair the injury they had sustained.
+We again brought forward our machines to the walls, and at length
+succeeded in making several breaches. While employed in this manner, four
+of their principal chiefs and priests addressed us from the top of the
+ramparts, saying, since we wanted gold they had brought us some, and then
+threw over seven crowns of fine gold, with many gold trinkets, some of
+which were cast in the shape of various birds, shells, and the like;
+immediately after which they assailed us with repeated vollies of darts,
+arrows, and stones. By the time that it was dark, we had made two
+considerable breaches; but as a heavy rain came on, we drew off for the
+night, keeping a vigilant guard round our post, and having our cavalry on
+the alert in the plain, ready saddled and bridled. During the whole night,
+the enemy kept continually sounding their warlike instruments, making
+horrid yells, and threatening us with destruction next day, which they
+said was promised by their gods. We brought forward our machines again at
+day-break to enlarge the breaches we had made on the preceding day; but
+the enemy defended themselves with great obstinacy, wounding five of our
+people, and myself among the rest by the thrust of a lance, which had gone
+through me, had it not been for the strength of my quilted cotton armour.
+Towards evening it came on again to rain hard, and we were called off from
+the attack; but as the enemy ceased to shout and make their usual noises,
+I suspected they were about leaving the town, and perceived also that
+their lances were mostly rested against the walls and parapets, except
+about two hundred which still appeared in the hands of a part of the enemy.
+On this, I and one of my comrades crept in at a small breach in the wall,
+and were immediately attacked by above two hundred of these lancemen, who
+would soon have dispatched us, if some of our Indian allies had not
+noticed our perilous situation, and called the rest of our soldiers to our
+aid, who crowded in at the breach and soon enabled us to put the enemy to
+flight. These were only the rear guard of the garrison, all the rest of
+the inhabitants, men, women, and children, having evacuated the town by
+the opposite gate. We immediately pursued, and made many prisoners.
+
+Leaving this place, we marched for Cinacatan, and halted for the night at
+the place where _Chiapa de los Éspanoles_ is now built; from whence our
+captain dismissed six of our prisoners, with a message to their countrymen,
+offering to restore all the rest of the prisoners, if they would submit.
+They immediately complied with this, and submitted themselves as subjects
+to the Spanish monarchy. In this neighbourhood dwelt a nation called the
+Guehuistlans[2], who possessed three fortified towns, and were in
+rebellion against us. Leaving our baggage and wounded men in Cinacatan, we
+proceeded to reduce these people to submission. They had barricaded all
+the approaches to their towns by means of felled trees, which were cleared
+away by the aid of our Indian allies, and we got up to one of their
+fortresses, which threatened to give us infinite trouble, as it was full
+of warriors, well armed both for offence and defence. But they all fled
+when we mounted to the assault, leaving the place to us without resistance.
+By means of two prisoners who were taken by our allies, offers of peace
+and good treatment were sent to them, on condition of submission; with
+which they complied, bringing with them some trifling presents of gold and
+_quetzal_ feathers.
+
+Having thus effected our business in this place, by reducing all the
+surrounding tribes to submission, we proceeded, according to the orders of
+Cortes, to establish a colony, though some who had already plantations and
+Indians in Coatzacualco objected to this place as unfit for cavalry, and
+that our force was too small for keeping so populous a district under
+subjection, especially as the natives had many strong fortresses in the
+fastnesses of their mountains. Even our captain, Luis Marin, and the royal
+notary Diego de Godoy, were adverse to the plan. Alonzo de Grado, also, a
+very troublesome fellow, was possessed of a patent from Cortes, by which
+he was entitled to an _encomienda_ in the province of Chiapa, when reduced
+to obedience; and in virtue of this, he demanded that all the gold which
+had been received from the Indians of Chiapa, and also, that which had
+been found in the temples, amounting to about 1500 crowns, should be
+delivered up to him. This was refused by Marin, who alleged that it ought
+to be applied for replacing the horses which were killed during the
+expedition. These disputes ran so high, that our captain ordered both
+Godoy and De Grado into irons, intending to send them to Mexico. Godoy
+obtained his liberty by concessions; and in return for this lenity entered
+into cabals with De Grado for misrepresenting the conduct of Marin to
+Cortes. On this occasion I was solicited to write to Cortes in exculpation
+of De Grado, as they said that Cortes would believe my statements. I wrote
+accordingly a true state of the case, but in no respect charging Marin
+with any thing amiss. De Grado was sent off to Mexico, under an oath to
+appear before Cortes in eighty days, as the distance he had to travel
+exceeded 190 leagues. On his arrival, Cortes was so much displeased by his
+conduct, that he ordered De Grado to take 3000 crowns and retire to Cuba,
+that he might give no farther trouble in his government; but De Grado made
+such ample apologies, that he was restored to favour. As it was finally
+resolved to establish a colony in this place, and as I had an order to
+that effect from Cortes, our captain, who was likewise my particular
+friend, appointed me to the command of the _encomienda_ at Cinacatan,
+which I enjoyed for eight years. As soon as possible after my appointment,
+I procured a reverend father to preach to the Indians, whom I was anxious
+to convert to our holy faith. He accordingly erected an altar and crucifix,
+and preached with so much success, that fifteen of the Indians offered
+themselves for baptism on the first day of his mission; which gave me
+infinite satisfaction, as I felt the warmest interest in the welfare of
+these people, whom I looked upon as my own children.
+
+When all things were properly settled at this place, we resolved to
+chastise the people of Cimatan who had slain two of the party with which I
+had been deputed to them, as formerly mentioned near the beginning of this
+section. In our way to that place, we had to march through a district
+named Tapelola, which was so very rugged that our horses were unable to
+proceed until the roads were cleared for them, which was immediately done
+on application to the caciques. We continued our march by the districts of
+Silo, Suchiapa, and Coyumelapa, to those of Tecomayatacal and Ateapan; the
+chief town of which was extensive, closely built, and very populous. This
+place belonged to my _encomienda_. Near this town there was a large and
+deep river which it was necessary for us to pass, where we were opposed by
+the people of the vicinity with so much vigour that we had six soldiers
+wounded and three of our horses killed; but we put them to flight, and
+they withdrew into the woods and mountains, after setting fire to their
+town. We remained here five days, taking care of our wounded men; and as
+we had taken many of the women of this district, some of them were sent
+out to invite the natives to return and submit, with which they complied.
+Godoy was averse from the lenity shewn on this occasion, and insisted that
+these people ought to be punished for their revolt, or at least made to
+pay for the horses which they had slain. I happened to be of a different
+opinion; and as I spoke freely, Godoy became enraged and used very angry
+words, which I retorted. At length we proceeded to blows and drew our
+swords; and if we had not been parted one or other of us must have been
+killed, we were both so much enraged. Even as it was, several cuts were
+given and received on both sides, before we were separated. Marin was a
+good man and of a mild disposition, so that he restored every thing to
+these deluded people and left them in peace.
+
+We continued our march through the other districts of Cimatlan and
+Talatiopan, where we were attacked by a numerous body of archers, by whom
+above twenty of our soldiers were wounded and two horses killed; but we
+very soon defeated them. These people were the most powerful archers I had
+yet seen, as they were able to drive their arrows through two suits of
+well quilted cotton armour; and their country is mostly composed of a
+marsh which quakes under foot. It was in vain therefore to think of
+pursuing the natives in such an impracticable country; and as they treated
+all our offers of peace with contempt, we judged it best to return to our
+colony of Coatzacualco; which we did through the districts of Guimango,
+Nacaxa, Xuica, Teotitlan, Copilco, and some others which I do not remember
+the names of, to Ulapa, and thence across the rivers Agaqualulco and
+Tonala to Coatzacualco, where the slain horses were paid for at the rate
+of a penny the pound.
+
+
+[1] Though without any warrant for this purpose, we believe that the
+    numbers of these allies ought to have been reckoned by thousands
+    instead of hundreds.--E.
+
+[2] Diaz is often variable in his orthography of Indian names; calling
+    this people in different places, Gueguestitlans, Guehuistlans, and
+    Quiahuistlans.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII.
+
+_Negotiations of Cortes at the Court of Spain, in respect to the Conquest
+and Government of Mexico_.
+
+
+In the year 1521, the holy father Adrian de Lobayana, succeeded to the
+papacy, he being then governor of Castille and resident in the city of
+Vittoria, where our agents waited upon him to kiss the foot of his
+holiness. About the same time a great nobleman, named M. de la Soa,
+arrived from Germany, who was chamberlain to our emperor, and was sent by
+him to congratulate the new pope on his election. When this nobleman was
+informed of the heroic deeds of the conquerors of Mexico, and the great
+things they had performed for the extension of the holy faith, by the
+conversion and baptism of such myriads of Indians, he became interested in
+our behalf, and made application to his holiness to expedite the business
+of our agents. This was readily acceded to, as besides the allegations of
+our agents, the pope had received other complaints against the bishop of
+Burgos from persons of quality and honour. Our chief agents on this
+occasion were Francisco de Montejo, Diego de Ordas, Francisco Nunez cousin
+to our general, and his father Martin Cortes; who were countenanced by
+many powerful noblemen, and chiefly by the Duke of Bejar. Thus supported,
+they brought forward their charges against the bishop to good purpose.
+These were, that Velasquez had bribed the bishop by the gift of a
+considerable district in Cuba, the natives of which were made to work in
+the gold mines for his emolument, to the manifest injury of the royal
+revenue. That when, in 1517, 110 of us had sailed at our own expence under
+the command of Hernandez de Cordova for the discovery of New Spain, the
+bishop had falsely informed his majesty that it was done by Velasquez.
+That Velasquez had transmitted 20,000 crowns in gold, which had been
+procured by his nephew Juan de Grijalva on our second voyage, all of which
+was given to the bishop, and no part of it to his majesty to whom it
+belonged. That when Cortes sent home a large contribution in gold to his
+majesty, the bishop had suppressed our letters, substituting others, and
+ascribed the present to Velasquez, retaining half of the treasure to his
+own use; and, when Puertocarrera applied to him for permission to wait
+upon his majesty, the bishop had thrown him into prison, where he died.
+That the bishop had forbidden the officers of the _Casa de contratation_
+of Seville to give any assistance to Cortes, by which the public service
+had suffered manifest injury. That he had appointed very unfit persons to
+the military command in New Spain, as was particularly the case with
+regard to Christoval de Tapia, to whom he had given a commission as
+governor of New Spain, in order to bring about a marriage between his
+niece and Tapia. That he had given authenticity to the false accounts
+transmitted by the agents of Velasquez, suppressing the true relations
+which came from Cortes. There were many other charges against the bishop
+which he could not gainsay, as they were all substantiated by good
+evidence.
+
+All these things being made clear to his holiness, he was pleased to order,
+that the bishop should have no longer any authority in regard to the
+affairs of New Spain, of which the government should be conferred on
+Cortes, and that Velasquez should be remunerated for all the expences he
+had incurred on account of the expedition, which he could duly
+substantiate. His holiness sent also to New Spain, a great number of
+indulgences for the hospitals and churches, and recommended to Cortes and
+the other conquerors to pay unremitting attention to the conversion of the
+Indians, and was pleased to send us his holy bulls of absolution. His
+majesty graciously confirmed all these orders of the pope, ordering
+Velasquez to be deprived of the government of Cuba, on account of having
+sent the expedition under Narvaez, in defiance of peremptory orders to the
+contrary from the royal audience of St Domingo, and the Jeronymite
+brethren. The bishop was so much affected by his disgrace on this occasion,
+that he fell dangerously ill.
+
+About this time, Panfilo de Narvaez and Christoval de Tapia arrived in
+Spain, together with the pilot Umbria and Cardenas, who by the instigation
+of the bishop of Burgos, preferred many severe accusations against Cortes
+to his majesty, in which they were gladly joined by the agents of
+Velasquez. They alleged, that Velasquez had fitted out three several
+expeditions for New Spain at vast expence, the last of which he had
+confided to Cortes, who broke his engagements and converted the armament
+to his own advantage. That when Velasquez sent Narvaez as governor of New
+Spain, with his majesties commission, Cortes made war upon him, defeated
+him and made him a prisoner. That when the bishop of Burgos sent Tapia to
+take the command of New Spain in the name of his majesty, Cortes refused
+obedience, and compelled him to re-embark. They also accused Cortes of
+having embezzled a great quantity of gold which he had obtained for his
+majesty; of taking a fifth of all the plunder to his own use; of having
+tortured Guatimotzin; of defrauding the soldiers of their shares; of
+making the natives of Mexico construct for his use magnificent palaces and
+castles as large as villages; of having poisoned Francisco de Garay, in
+order to get possession of his ships and troops, and many other charges of
+a similar nature. By command of his majesty, a court of inquiry was
+appointed from the privy council, to hear and determine upon these
+allegations, before which the following answers were given in. That
+Cordova was the real discoverer of New Spain, which had been done by him
+and his companions at their own cost. That although Velasquez had sent
+Juan de Grijalva on an expedition to New Spain, it was only for the
+purpose of trade, and not of colonization. That the principal charges had
+been expended by the different captains, and not by Velasquez, who had
+received the chief part of 20,000 crowns which these captains had
+collected. That Velasquez gave Indians in Cuba to the bishop of Burgos to
+collect gold for him, which ought to have belonged to his majesty. That
+although it was true Velasquez had sent Cortes to New Spain, his orders
+were only to barter; and the establishment he had made was entirely owing
+to the representations of his companions for the service of God and his
+majesty, and in no respect due to the instructions of Velasquez. That it
+was well known to all, that Cortes had reported the whole of his
+proceedings to his majesty, to whom he and his companions sent all the
+gold they could procure, waiting his majesties ultimate orders in the
+utmost humility; whereas the bishop of Burgos suppressed his letters, and
+appropriated the gold to his own use, concealing our meritorious services
+from his majesty, preventing our agents from gaining access to the emperor,
+and even throwing one of them into prison, where he died; and that he
+prevented the royal officers from supplying us with such things as we
+needed, by which our enterprize had been much retarded. That all these
+things had been done by the bishop from corrupt motives, that he might
+give the government of Mexico to Velasquez or Tapia, in order that one of
+them might marry his _niece_ Donna Petronilla de Fonseca, being anxious to
+make his _son-in-law_ governor of that splendid kingdom. As for the
+expedition of Narvaez, our agents contended that Velasquez ought to suffer
+death for having sent it in direct disobedience of his majesties orders as
+communicated by the royal audience; and that he had behaved with high
+disrespect to his majesty, in making his application to the bishop of
+Burgos on this occasion. In support of all these accusations they offered
+to bring substantial proofs, and prayed the court to award punishment for
+these multiplied offences.
+
+In reply to the accusations of Narvaez against Cortes, they represented,
+that Narvaez sent word to Montezuma on his arrival in Mexico, that he came
+to rescue him, by which he occasioned a dangerous war. That when Cortes
+desired to see his commission, and represented the necessity of an
+amicable junction of their forces for the good of the service, Narvaez
+would give no answer, but immediately declared war against Cortes and his
+companions, by which they were forced to defend themselves, and that
+Narvaez had even presumed to seize his majesties oydor, for which Cortes
+deemed it requisite to bring him to punishment. That when Cortes went to
+wait on Narvaez, that he might see his commission and remonstrate with him
+on his proceedings, Narvaez had attempted to make him prisoner by surprise,
+of which proof could be made by witnesses. As to the failure of Garay, and
+the ridiculous charge of having poisoned him; it was well known that the
+expedition under Garay had failed through his own misconduct and ignorance
+of the country; after which he had gladly accepted the friendly offers of
+Cortes, who had given him an hospitable reception in Mexico, where an
+alliance was agreed upon between their families, and Garay was to have
+been assisted in establishing a colony on the river Palmas; and finally,
+it was established beyond all doubt, by the oaths of the physicians who
+attended him, that Garay had died of a pleurisy. In regard to the charge
+of retaining his majesties fifth, it was proved that Cortes had fairly
+expended it in the public service, together with 6000 crowns of his own
+property. That the fifth which he had retained for himself, was according
+to compact with the soldiers; and as to the shares belonging to the
+soldiers, it was well known that very little gold was found in Mexico on
+its capture, as almost all the wealth of the place had fallen into the
+hands of our allies of Tlascala and Tezcuco. That the torture given to
+Guatimotzin had been done by his majesties officers, contrary to the
+inclination of Cortes, in order to force a discovery of where the
+treasures of Montezuma had been concealed. As for the buildings, though
+certainly sumptuous, they were intended for the use of his majesty and his
+successors, and that the work had been carried on by the Indians, under
+the order of Guatimotzin, as was always done in building houses for the
+great in that country. As to Alonzo de Avila having taken the commission
+from Narvaez by force; it appeared there was no commission among his
+papers, which consisted entirely of receipts for the purchase of horses
+and the like; and farther, that these papers had been taken without any
+order from Cortes, who never saw any of them. As for Tapia, it was urged,
+that if he had come to Mexico and produced his majesties orders, they
+should have been received and obeyed by Cortes with the utmost humility:
+But that his incapacity was so notorious to every one then in New Spain,
+that it was the universal advice and desire of all that Cortes should
+retain the command. As to the pilot Umbria, whose feet had been cut off,
+this had been done in the due course of justice, for having run away with
+his ship. That Cardenas had consented along with all the rest to give up
+his share of the gold, that the whole might be sent to his majesty; and
+that Cortes had given him 300 crowns from his own pocket, which was more
+than he deserved, being a person of no consideration and no soldier.
+
+The court having duly weighed all the charges and answers, the whole
+proceedings were reported to his majesty, together with their opinion and
+sentence, which were entirely in favour of Cortes, whose merit and valour,
+and that of all the veteran conquerors of Mexico, were highly praised.
+Velasquez was enjoined silence in respect to his complaints against Cortes,
+and was told that he might seek for the remuneration of his expences by a
+legal process. Cortes was declared governor-general of New Spain, pursuant
+to the orders of the pope, and the court approved of the arrangements
+which he had made in the country, authorizing him to distribute and
+appoint the districts or _repartimientos_ in the way he thought proper.
+Narvaez was referred for redress to France, where Avila was still a
+prisoner. The pilots Umbria and Cardenas obtained royal grants of property
+in New Spain, to the extent of a thousand crowns in annual rent. And it
+was ordained that all the veterans of Cortes should have immediate and
+ample gratifications in lands and Indians, with such precedency in rank as
+their valour and services had deserved. This sentence was confirmed by the
+emperor at Valladolid, who was then on his road to Flanders; and he gave
+orders likewise for the banishment of all relapsed converts in New Spain,
+and that no _Scholars_[1] should be admitted into that country for a
+certain term of years. His majesty, and his brother the king of Hungary,
+were graciously pleaded to write letters to Cortes, and to us the
+conquerors, thanking us for the good service we had performed.
+
+This affair being decided in our favour, the necessary documents were
+entrusted to two relations of Cortes, Roderigo de Paz and Francisco de las
+Casas, who carried them in the first place to St Jago in the island of
+Cuba, where Velasquez resided. On the sentence being made known to him,
+and proclaimed by sound of trumpet, he fell ill from vexation, and died
+soon afterwards poor and miserable. Francisco de Montejo had the
+government of Yucutan and Cozumel from his majesty, with the title of Don.
+Diego de Ordas was ennobled, getting for his coat of arms the volcano of
+Guaxocingo, and was confirmed in all his possessions in New Spain. He went
+back to Spain two years afterwards to solicit permission to conquer the
+province of Maranion, in which enterprize he lost his life and all his
+property. On the arrival of Las Casas and De Paz in Mexico with the
+appointment of Cortes to the government, there were great rejoicings
+everywhere. Las Casas was made a captain, and got the _encomienda_ of a
+good district called Anquitlan; and De Paz was appointed major-domo and
+secretary to Cortes, getting likewise valuable possessions. Cortes
+liberally rewarded the captain of the vessel which brought out this
+pleasing information, and provided handsomely for all who came out to New
+Spain from his native country of Medellin. All the proceedings of our
+agents in Spain were regularly conveyed to us the conquerors; but it
+seemed to me that they agented solely for Cortes and themselves, as we who
+had raised Cortes to his greatness, were continually encountering dangers
+and hardships, without any reward. May God protect us, and inspire our
+great emperor to cause his just intentions towards us to be carried into
+effect. To us, the ancient, wise, and brave conquerors of Mexico, it
+appeared that Cortes ought to have duly considered his true friends, who
+had supported him from the first through all his difficulties and dangers,
+and ought to have rewarded us according to our respective merits, and his
+majesties orders, by giving us good and profitable situations, instead of
+leaving us poor and miserable. By his majesties orders, and by his duty,
+Cortes was bound to have given to us and our children all the good offices
+in the kingdom of New Spain; but be thought only of himself and his
+favourites. In our opinion, who were the conquerors, the whole country
+ought to have been divided into five equal parts, allotting one to the
+crown, another for the holy church, and the remaining three parts to
+Cortes and the rest of us, who were the true original conquerors, giving
+each a share in perpetuity in proportion to our rank and merits,
+considering that we had not only served his majesty in gratuity, but
+without his knowledge, and, almost against his will. This arrangement
+would have placed us at our ease; instead of which, many of us are
+wandering about, almost without a morsel to eat, and God only knows what
+may become of our children.
+
+To the veedor Pedro Alonzo Chirinos, Gonzalo Salazar the factor, Rodrigo
+Albornos the contador, and many others who came now from Spain, and to the
+dependents of great men, who flattered him and told him fine tales, Cortes
+refused nothing; but he treated us the true conquerors like vassals,
+forgetting us entirely in the distribution of property, yet never failing
+to call upon us when he wanted our assistance, as if we had been fit only
+for expeditions and battles. I do not blame him for being generous, as
+there was enough for all; but he ought in the first place to have
+considered those who had served his majesty in the conquest of this noble
+kingdom, and to whose blood and valour he was indebted for his own
+elevation. Long afterwards, when Luis Ponce de Leon came out to supersede
+Cortes, we the veteran conquerors represented to our general that he ought
+to give us that property which he had been ordered by his majesty to
+resign. He expressed his sorrow for having so long neglected us, and
+promised even with an oath, that he would provide for us all, if he
+returned to his government, thinking to satisfy us with smooth words and
+empty promises.
+
+
+[1] This probably alludes to _lawyers_, as on a former occasion, Diaz
+    mentions a request from the Spaniards that none of that fraternity
+    might be sent over to New Spain, probably to avoid the introduction of
+    litigious law suits.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX.
+
+_Of an Expedition against the Zapotecas, and various other Occurrences_.
+
+
+Intelligence was brought to Mexico that the Zapotecas were in rebellion,
+on which Rodrigo Rangel, whom I have several times mentioned already,
+solicited Cortes to be appointed to the command of an expedition for their
+reduction, that he too might have an opportunity of acquiring fame,
+proposing likewise to take Pedro de Ircio along with him as his lieutenant
+and adviser. Cortes knew well that Rangel was very unfit for any service
+of danger or difficulty, being a miserably diseased object, the effect of
+his sins, and put him off therefore by various excuses; but as he was a
+very slanderous fellow, whom he wished to get rid of, he at length agreed
+to his proposal, and at the same time wrote for ten or twelve veterans,
+then residing in Coatzacualco, of whom I was one, desiring us to accompany
+Rangel on this expedition. The country of the Zapotecas is composed of
+high and rugged mountains, always enveloped in clouds and mists, with such
+narrow and bad roads as to be unfit for cavalry, so steep that they must
+be climbed up like ladders, each successive soldier of the file having his
+head at the heels of the man immediately before him. The natives of these
+mountains are light and active, and have a way of whistling and shouting,
+so as to make the hills resound again, insomuch that it is hardly possible
+to know on which side they are coming to attack. Against such enemies in
+so strong a country, and with such a leader, it was impossible for us to
+effect any thing. We advanced, however, under heavy rain, to a scattered
+village, part of the houses being situated on a rocky ridge, and the rest
+in a valley, and well it was for us that the Indians made no stand, as
+poor Rangel whined and moaned the whole way, complaining of pains in his
+limbs, and the severity of the weather. It was at last agreed, as he grew
+every day worse and worse, that we could be of no use here, and were
+exposing ourselves needlessly to danger, to abandon this fruitless
+expedition, and return to our homes. Pedro de Ircio was among the first
+who advised this, and soon set the example, by retiring to his own town of
+Villa Rica; but Rangel chose rather to go along with us to Coatzacualco,
+to our great dissatisfaction, as he expected benefit from that warm
+climate to relieve him of his pains.
+
+We were hardly returned to Coatzacualco, when Rangel took it into his head
+to go upon an expedition against the Indians of Cimatan and Tatupan, who
+continued in rebellion, confiding in the impracticability of their country,
+among large rivers and trembling marshes; being also very formidable
+warriors, who used very long bows of great strength. We were all very
+averse from this, but as Rangel produced his commission from Cortes, we
+were under the necessity to obey, and accordingly set out on the
+expedition, with about 100 horse and foot. We soon arrived at a pass among
+lakes and marshes, where the Indians had thrown up a strong circular
+entrenchment of large trees and pallisades, having loop-holes to shoot
+through, and where they gave us a very warm reception with a flight of
+darts and arrows, by which they killed seven horses, and wounded Rangel
+and eight of our men. We had often told him what stout warriors these
+Indians were, and he now declared that in future the old conquerors should
+command him, and not he us, for he would not have been now in such
+jeopardy if he had listened to our advice. When our wounded men and horses
+were dressed, he requested me to go forward to reconnoitre, on which I
+took two comrades, and a fierce dog belonging to Rangel, desiring the
+infantry to follow close behind, but that Rangel and the cavalry might
+keep at a good distance in the rear. In this order we pursued our march
+for Cimatan, and soon fell in with another post, fortified like the former,
+and as strongly defended, whence the Indians assailed us with a shower of
+arrows, which killed the dog, and wounded us all three. On this occasion I
+received a wound in my leg, and had seven arrows sticking in my cotton
+armour. I immediately called to some of our Indian auxiliaries, who were a
+little way behind, to desire all the infantry to come up immediately, but
+that all the cavalry must remain behind, as otherwise they would certainly
+lose their horses. We soon drove the Indians from their entrenchments; but
+they took refuge among the marshes, where we could not pursue them without
+running the risk of sinking at every step.
+
+Having passed the night at an Indian village, we proceeded forwards next
+day, when we were opposed by a body of Indians posted in a marsh on the
+border of an open plain. In spite of every thing we could say, Rangel made
+a charge upon them with his cavalry, and was the first to tumble head
+foremost into the marsh, where the Indians closed in upon him, in hope of
+taking him alive for sacrifice. By great exertions we rescued him from
+their hands, half drowned and badly wounded. The country being very
+populous, we very soon found a village which the natives had abandoned,
+where we went for the purpose of refreshment, and to dress our wounded men:
+But had hardly been there a quarter of an hour, when the enemy attacked us
+with such violence, that we had much ado to repel them, after they had
+killed one of our men and two horses. Poor Rangel complained grievously of
+his wounds and bruises, and was so infested by mosquitoes and other vermin,
+which abound greatly in that country, that he could not rest either day or
+night. He, and some of the soldiers who had belonged to Garay that
+accompanied him, grew very sick of their expedition, in which nothing had
+been got except three hard fought battles, in which eleven horses and two
+soldiers had been slain, and many others wounded, on which account they
+were very desirous to get home again; yet Rangel was averse from having it
+appear that a retreat was his choice, and got, therefore, a council of
+those who were of his own opinion to propose that measure. At this time, I
+and about twenty more had gone out to try if we could make any prisoners,
+and had taken five among some gardens and plantations near the village. On
+my return, Rangel called me aside, and informed me that his council had
+determined on a retreat, and desired me to persuade the rest of the
+detachment to come into that opinion. "How, Sir," said I, "can you think
+of a retreat? What will Cortes and the world say of you, when they hear of
+your retreating in two successive expeditions, without having done any
+thing? You cannot surely return without disgrace, till you have reached
+the head town of these Indians. I will go forward on foot with the
+infantry to reconnoitre: Give my horse to another soldier, and you may
+follow in the rear with the cavalry." "You give good advice, said Rangel,
+and we will march on." This was done accordingly, to the great regret of
+many of our companions, and we advanced in good order to Cimatan, the
+principal town of the district, where we were saluted as usual by a shower
+of arrows. We entered the town, however, which was abandoned by the enemy,
+yet took several prisoners, whom I dismissed, with an invitation to the
+chiefs to come in and make peace with us; but they never returned. Rangel
+was very angry at me on this account, and swore that he would make me
+procure Indians for him, in place of those whom I had liberated. To pacify
+him, I went among the neighbouring marshes with thirty soldiers, where we
+picked up several stragglers, whom we brought to him. But he dismissed
+these likewise, in hopes to induce the rest to submit, yet all to no
+purpose. Thus ended the two famous expeditions against the Zapotecans and
+Cimatanese, and such was all the fame acquired by Rangel in the wars of
+New Spain. Two years afterwards, we effected the conquest of both these
+countries, the natives of which were converted to our holy religion, by
+the grace of God, and through the exertions of Father Olmedo, now grown
+weak and infirm, to the great regret of all who knew him, as he was an
+excellent minister of the gospel.
+
+Cortes had now collected 80,000 crowns in gold, and had caused a superb
+golden culverin to be made as a present for the emperor, on which the
+following motto was engraved:
+
+  _Esta ave nacio sin par: Yo en servir os sin segundo;
+    Y vos sin iqual en el Mundo_[1].
+
+This sumptuous present was sent over to Spain under the care of Diego de
+Soto. I am uncertain whether Juan de Ribera, who had been secretary to
+Cortes went over at the same time with Soto; but I know that he carried
+over a sum of money for the generals father, which he appropriated to his
+own use; and, unmindful of the many obligations he had received, he
+reported much evil of Cortes, combining with the bishop of Burgos and
+others to injure him. I always thought him a bad man, from what I had
+observed of him when engaged in gaming, and many other circumstances: But,
+as he was of a fluent speech, and had been secretary to Cortes, he did him
+much harm, and would have injured him much more, if it had not been for
+the interest of the Duke of Bejar, who protected Cortes, who was then
+engaged in a treaty of marriage with the dukes niece, Donna Juana de
+Zuniga[2]. By this interest, and combined with the magnificent present
+brought over by Soto, the affairs of Cortes at the court of Spain took a
+favourable turn. The golden Phoenix with its motto, gave great offence to
+many, who thought it presumptuous in Cortes to insinuate that he had no
+equal in his services: But his friends justly defended him, observing that
+no one had so far extended the fame and power of his majesty, or had
+brought so many thousand souls under the dominion of the holy catholic
+church as he had done. Neither did they forget the merits of us his
+associates, truly declaring that we were entitled to honours and
+emoluments, which we had as justly earned as the original nobles of
+Castille, whose estates and honours were now enjoyed by their descendents.
+The culverin went no farther than Seville, as his majesty was graciously
+pleased to give it to Don Francisco de los Cobos, commendator-major of
+Leon, who melted it down. Its value was 20,000 ducats. Martin Cortes, our
+generals father, brought a suit against Ribera for the money of which he
+had defrauded him; and while that was pending, Ribera died suddenly while
+at dinner, and without confession. May God pardon his sins! _Amen_.
+
+Cortes continued to rebuild and embellish the city of Mexico, which was
+again as well peopled by natives as ever it had been before the conquest.
+All of these were exempted from paying tribute to his majesty, till their
+houses were built, and till the causeways, bridges, public edifices, and
+aqueducts, were all restored. In that quarter of the city appropriated to
+the Spaniards, churches and hospitals were erected under the
+superintendence of Father Olmedo, as vicar and superior; who likewise
+established an hospital for the natives, to whom he paid particular
+attention. In compliance with our petition, formerly mentioned, the
+general of the Franciscans sent over twelve of his order, under the
+vicarage of Father Martin de Valentia. Among these came Father Torribio de
+Motolinea, which name, signifying _poor brother_, he acquired from the
+Mexicans, because all that he received in charity he gave away in the same
+manner, going always barefooted in a tattered habit, preaching to the
+natives, and often in want of food. When Cortes learnt that these reverend
+fathers were arrived at Villa Rica, he ordered the road to Mexico to be
+repaired, and to have houses built at proper intervals for their
+accommodation; commanding the inhabitants of all the towns in the way to
+meet them with the utmost reverence, ringing their bells, bearing
+crucifixes and lighted wax-candles, and that all the Spaniards should
+kneel down and kiss their hands. On their approach to Mexico, Cortes went
+out to meet them, and dismounting from his horse, kneeled down to kiss the
+hands of the vicar. The natives were astonished to see so much honour
+conferred on these reverend fathers in tattered garments and bare feet,
+and considering them as gods, they all followed the example of the general,
+and have ever since behaved to them with the utmost reverence.
+
+About this time, Cortes informed his majesty of his proceedings with
+regard to the conversion of the natives, and rebuilding the city of Mexico;
+and also of the conduct of De Oli, whom he had sent to reduce the province
+of Higueras, but who had deserted and joined the party of Velasquez, on
+which account he had resolved to send a force to reduce him to obedience.
+He complained also of the proceedings of Velasquez, to the great injury of
+his majesties service, and of the partiality which had been shewn by the
+bishop of Burgos. At this time likewise, he remitted 30,000 crowns in gold
+to the royal treasury, lamenting the injurious effects of the proceedings
+of Velasquez and the bishop, which had prevented him from making a much
+larger contribution. He complained also against the contador, Rodrigo de
+Albornos, who had aspersed him from private pique, because he had refused
+to give him in marriage the daughter of the prince of Tezcuco; and that he
+understood Albornos corresponded in cyphers with the bishop of Burgos.
+Cortes had not yet learnt that the bishop was removed from the management
+of the affairs of the Indies. By the same ship, Albornos sent home
+accusations against Cortes; charging him with the levy of exorbitant
+contributions in gold for his own use; fortifying castles to defend
+himself, and marrying his private soldiers to the daughters of the native
+lords: insinuating that Cortes was endeavouring to set himself up as an
+independent king, and that it was highly necessary to send out an able
+officer with a great force to supersede him. The bishop of Burgos laid
+these letters before the whole junto of the enemies of Cortes, who
+immediately produced this new accusation to the emperor, complaining of
+the partial favour which had been shewn him on former occasions. Deceived
+by these misrepresentations, which were enforced by Narvaez, his majesty
+issued an order to the admiral of Hispaniola, to go with six hundred
+soldiers to arrest Cortes, and to make him answer with his head if found
+guilty; as also to punish all of us who had been concerned in attacking
+Narvaez. As an encouragement, this officer was promised the admiralty of
+New Spain, the right to which was then under litigation. Either from want
+of money, or because he was afraid of committing himself against so able
+and successful a commander, the admiral delayed his expedition so long,
+that the friends and agents of Cortes had time to make a full explanation
+of all the circumstances to the Duke of Bejar, who immediately represented
+a true statement of the case to the emperor, and offered to pledge his own
+life in security for the loyalty of Cortes. Being on due consideration
+quite satisfied of the justice of our cause, his majesty determined to
+send out a person of high quality and good character to hold a supreme
+court of justice in New Spain. The person chosen for this purpose was Luis
+Ponce de Leon, cousin to Don Martin, Count of Cordova; whom his majesty
+entrusted to inquire into the conduct of Cortes, with full power to
+inflict capital punishment if guilty. But it was two years and a half
+before this gentleman arrived in New Spain.
+
+I now go beyond the date of my narrative to inform my readers of a
+circumstance which happened during the viceroyalty of that illustrious
+nobleman, Don Antonio de Mendoza, worthy of eternal memory and heavenly
+glory for his wise and just government. Albornos wrote malignant and
+slanderous letters against him, as he had before done of Cortes, which
+letters were all sent back from Spain to Don Antonio. When he had read all
+the gross abuse which they contained, he sent for Albornos, to whom he
+shewed his own letters; saying mildly, in his usual slow manner, "When you
+are pleased to make me the subject of your letters to his majesty,
+remember always in future to tell the truth."
+
+
+[1] Like the solitary Phoenix, I, without a peer, serve you, who have no
+    equal in the world.
+
+
+[2] In Clavigero, at the close of Vol. I. this lady is named Donna Jeroma
+    Ramirez de Arrellano y Zuniga, daughter of Don Carlos Ramiro de
+    Arellano, Count of Auguiller, by Donna Jeroma de Zuniga, a daughter of
+    the Count of Benares, eldest son of Don Alvaro de Zuniga, duke of
+    Bejar. After two male descents from this marriage, the Marquisate of
+    the Valley of Oaxaca, and the great estates of Cortes in New Spain,
+    fell, by various collateral female descents, to the Neapolitan family
+    of Pignatelli, duke of Montelione and Terranova, marquis of the Valley
+    of Oaxaca, Grandee of Spain, and prince of the Roman empire.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XX.
+
+_Narrative of the Expedition of Cortes to Higueras_.
+
+
+I have formerly mentioned the revolt of De Oli. Cortes was much distressed
+on receiving this intelligence, and immediately sent off his relation,
+Francisco de las Casas, with five ships and a hundred well appointed
+soldiers, among whom were some of the veteran conquerors of Mexico, with
+orders to reduce De Oli. Las Casas soon arrived at the bay of Triumpho de
+la Cruz, where De Oli had established his head-quarters; and though Las
+Casas hoisted a signal of peace, De Oli determined on resistance, and sent
+a number of soldiers in two armed vessels to oppose Las Casas, who ordered
+out his boats armed with swivels and musquetry to attack those belonging
+to De Oli. In this affair Las Casas was successful, as he sunk one of the
+vessels belonging to De Oli, killed four of his soldiers, and wounded a
+great number. On this misfortune, and because a considerable number of his
+soldiers were on a detached service in the inland country, for the purpose
+of reducing a party of Spaniards under Gil Gonzalez de Avila, who was
+employed in making conquests on the river Pechin, De Oli thought it
+advisable to propose terms of peace to Las Casas, in hopes that his
+detachment might return to his assistance. Las Casas unfortunately agreed
+to treat, and remained at sea; partly for the purpose of finding some
+better place of disembarkation, and partly induced by letters from the
+friends of Cortes who were along with De Oli. That same night a heavy
+storm arose, by which the vessels of Las Casas were driven on shore and
+utterly lost, and above thirty of the soldiers perished. All the rest were
+made prisoners two days afterwards, having been all that time on shore
+without food, and almost perished with cold, as it was the season of
+almost incessant rain. De Oli obliged all his prisoners to swear fidelity
+to him against Cortes, and then released them all except Las Casas.
+
+The party which he sent against De Avila returned about this time, having
+been successful in their errand. Avila had gone with a party to reduce the
+country about the _Golfe Dolce_, and had founded a settlement to which he
+gave the name of _St Gil de buena vista_; and the troops sent against him,
+after killing his nephew and eight of his soldiers, made himself and all
+the rest prisoners. De Oli was now much elated by his success, in having
+made two captains belonging to Cortes prisoners, and sent off a full
+account of his exploits to his friend Velasquez. He afterwards marched up
+the country to a place called Naco in a very populous district, which is
+all now laid waste. While here, he sent off various detachments in
+different directions, among which one was commanded by Briones, who had
+first instigated him to revolt; bat Briones now revolted from him in his
+turn, and marched off with all his men for New Spain. He was a seditious
+fellow, who had on some former occasion had the lower part of his ears cut
+off, which he used to say had been done for refusing to surrender in some
+fortress or other. He was afterwards hanged at Guatimala for mutiny.
+
+De Oli was personally brave but imprudent, and permitted Las Casas and
+Avila to be at large, disdaining to be under any apprehensions from them;
+but they concerted a plan with some of the soldiers for putting him to
+death. Las Casas one day asked him, as if half in jest, for liberty to
+return to Cortes; but De Oli said he was too happy to have the company of
+so brave a man, and could not part with him. "Then" said Las Casas, "I
+advise you to take care of me, for I shall kill you one of these days". De
+Oli considered this as a joke, but measures were actually concerted for
+the purpose; and one night after supper, when the servants and pages had
+withdrawn to their own apartment, Las Casas, Avila, Juan de Mercado, and
+some other soldiers attached to Cortes, suddenly drew out their penknives
+and fell upon De Oli. Las Casas seized him by the beard, and made a cut at
+his throat, and the rest gave him several wounds; but being strong and
+active, he escaped from their hands, calling loudly to his people for
+assistance, but they were all too busy at their suppers to hear him. He
+then fled and concealed himself among some bushes, calling out for
+assistance, and many of his people turned out for that purpose; but Las
+Casas called upon them to rally on the side of the king and his general
+Cortes, which after some hesitation they consented to. De Oli was made
+prisoner by the two captains, who shortly afterwards sentenced him to be
+beheaded, which was carried into execution in the town of Naco. He was a
+brave man, but of no foresight, and thus paid with his life for following
+evil counsels. He had received many favours from Cortes, having valuable
+estates, and the commission of _Maestre de Campo_. His lady, Donna
+Philippa de Aranja, was a Portuguese, by whom he had one daughter. Las
+Casas and Avila now joined their troops together, and acted in concert as
+captains under Cortes. Las Casas colonized Truzilo in New Estremadura.
+Avila sent orders to his lieutenant in Buena Vista to remain in charge of
+that establishment, promising to send him a reinforcement as soon as
+possible, for which purpose he meant to go to Mexico.
+
+Some months after the departure of Las Casas, Cortes became afraid of some
+disaster, and repented that he had not gone himself on the expedition, and
+now resolved to go himself, that he might examine the state of the country
+and the mines it was said to contain. He left a good garrison in Mexico,
+and appointed Alonzo de Estrada and Albornos, the treasurer and contador,
+to carry on the government in his absence, with strict injunctions to pay
+every attention to the interest of his majesty, and recommended to
+Motolinca and Olmedo to labour incessantly in converting the natives. On
+purpose to deprive the Mexicans of chiefs during his absence, he took
+along with him Guatimotzin the late king of Mexico, the prince of Tacuba,
+an Indian now named Velasquez, who had been a captain under Guatimotzin,
+and several other caciques of consequence. We had along with us Fra Juan
+de las Varillas, and several other good theologians to preach to the
+Indians, as also the captains Sandoval and Marin and many other cavaliers.
+On this occasion, Cortes, was attended by a splendid personal suit; such
+as a steward, paymaster, keeper of the plate, a major-domo, two stewards
+of the household, a butler, confectioner, physician, surgeon a number of
+pages, among whom was Francisco de Montejo, who was afterwards captain in
+Yutucan, two armour-bearers, eight grooms, two falconers, five musicians,
+a stage-dancer, a juggler and puppet-master, a master of the horse, and
+three Spanish muleteers. A great service of gold and silver plate
+accompanied the march, and a large drove of swine for the use of the table.
+Three thousand Mexican warriors attended their own chiefs, and a numerous
+train of domestic servants.
+
+When about to set out, the factor Salazar and veedor Chirinos,
+remonstrated with Cortes on the danger of leaving the seat of government;
+but finding him determined, they asked permission to accompany him to
+Coatzacualco, which he agreed to. Cortes was received in all the places on
+his way with much pomp and many rejoicings; and above fifty soldiers and
+straggling travellers newly arrived from Spain, joined us on the road.
+During the march to Coatzacualco, Cortes divided his troops into two
+detachments, for the convenience of quarters and provisions. While on the
+march, a marriage took place at the town of Ojeda near Orizava, between
+our linguist Donna Marina and Juan Xaramillo. As soon as the advance of
+Cortes to Guazpaltepec in the district of Sandoval was known at
+Coatzacualco, all the Spaniards of that settlement went above thirty
+leagues to meet him; in so much respect and awe was he held by us all. In
+proceeding beyond Guazpaltepec fortune began to frown upon us, as in
+passing a large river three of our canoes overset, by which some plate and
+other valuables were lost, and nothing could be recovered as the river
+swarmed with alligators. At Coatzacualco three hundred canoes were
+prepared for crossing the river, fastened two and two together to prevent
+oversetting, and we were here received under triumphal arches, with
+various festivities, such as mock skirmishes between Christian's and Moors,
+fireworks, and the like. Cortes remained six days at Coatzacualco, where
+the factor and veedor prevailed on Cortes to give them a commission to
+assume the government of Mexico in case they should judge that the present
+deputies failed in their duty. This measure occasioned much trouble
+afterwards in Mexico, as I shall explain hereafter; but these two
+associates took their leaves at this place, with much pretended tenderness
+and affection for the general, even affecting to sob and cry at parting.
+
+From Coatzacualco, Cortes sent orders to Simon de Cucena, one of his
+major-domos, to freight two light vessels at Villa Rica with biscuit made
+of maize flour, as there was then no wheat in Mexico, wine, oil, vinegar,
+pork, iron, and other necessaries, and to proceed with them along the
+coast till he had farther directions. Cortes now gave orders for all the
+settlers of Coatzacualco who were fit for duty, to join the expedition.
+This was a severe disappointment to us, as our colony was composed of most
+of the respectable hildagos, the veteran conquerors, who expected to have
+been allowed to enjoy our hard earned houses and lands in peace, instead
+of which we were obliged to undertake an arduous expedition of five
+hundred leagues, which took us up above two years and a half of infinite
+fatigues. We had nothing for it but compliance, so that we armed ourselves
+and mounted our horses; being in all above 250 veterans, 130 of whom were
+cavalry, besides many soldiers newly arrived from Old Spain. I was
+immediately dispatched at the head of 30 Spaniards and 3000 Mexicans, to
+reduce the district of Cimatan, which was then in rebellion. My orders
+were, if I found the natives submissive, I was merely to quarter my troops
+on the natives, and do them no farther injury. But, if refractory, they
+were to be summoned three times in presence of a royal notary and proper
+witnesses, after which, if they still persisted in rebellion, I was to
+make war on them and compel them to submit. The people received me in a
+peaceable manner, for which reason I marched on with my detachment to
+rejoin Cortes at Iquinapa. In consequence of the veterans being withdrawn
+from Coatzacualco, these people revolted again in a few months after.
+After I left him, the general proceeded with the rest of his troops to
+Tonala, crossing the river Aquacualco, and another river seven leagues
+from an arm of the sea, by a bridge a quarter of a league in length, which
+was constructed by the natives under the direction of two Spanish settlers
+of Coatzacualco. The army then proceeded to the large river Mazapa, called
+by seamen _Rio de dos bocas_, or Two-mouth river, which flows past Chiapa.
+Crossing this by means of double canoes, they proceeded through several
+villages to Iquinapa, where my detachment rejoined the army. Crossing
+another river and an arm of the sea, on wooden bridges, we came to a large
+town named Copilco, where the province of Chontalpa begins; a populous
+district, full of plantations of cacoa, which we found perfectly peaceable.
+From thence we marched by Nicaxuxica and Zagutan, passing another river,
+in which the general lost some part of his baggage. We found Zagutan in
+peace, yet the inhabitants fled during the night; on which Cortes ordered
+parties out into the woods to make prisoners. Seven chiefs and some others
+were taken, but they all escaped from us again in the night, and left us
+without guides. At this place fifty canoes arrived at our quarters from
+Tabasco, loaded with provisions, and some also from Teapan, a place in my
+encomienda.
+
+From Zagutan, we continued our march to Tepetitan, crossing a large river
+called Chilapa, where we were detained four days making barks. I here
+proposed sending five of our Indian guides to a town of the same name,
+which I understood was on the banks of this river, in order to desire the
+inhabitants to send their canoes to our assistance; which was accordingly
+done, and they sent us six large canoes and some provisions: Yet with all
+the aid we could procure, it took us four days to pass this river. From
+thence we went to Tepetitan, which was depopulated and burnt in
+consequence of a civil war. For three days of our march from the river
+Chilapa, our horses were almost constantly up to their bellies in the
+marshy grounds, and when we reached a place called Iztapa, it was found
+abandoned by the inhabitants; but several chiefs and others were brought
+in, who were treated kindly, and made the general some trifling presents
+of gold. As this place abounded in corn and grass, we halted three days to
+refresh the men and horses, and it was considered by Cortes as a good
+situation for a colony, being surrounded by a number of towns, which might
+serve as dependencies. Cortes received information from some travelling
+merchants at this place concerning the country he had to pass through,
+produced to them a map painted on cloth, representing the road to
+_Huy-Acala_, which signifies _great_ Acala, there being another place of
+the same name. According to them, the way was much intersected by rivers,
+as, to reach a place named Tamaztepec, three days journey from Iztapa,
+there were three rivers and an arm of the sea to cross. In consequence of
+this intelligence, the general sent orders to the chiefs to provide canoes
+and construct bridges at the proper places, but neither of these things
+were done. Instead of three days, our march occupied us for a whole week;
+but the natives succeeded in getting quit of us, and we set out with only
+provisions of roasted maize and roots for three days, so that we were
+reduced to great straits, having nothing to eat but a wild plant called
+_quexquexque_, which inflamed our mouths. We were obliged to construct
+bridges of timber, at which every one had to labour from the general
+downwards; which detained us for three days. When we had crossed the last
+inlet, we were obliged to open a way through the woods with infinite
+labour, and after toiling in this manner for two days we were almost in
+despair. The trees were so thick that we could not see the sun; and on
+climbing to the top of one of the trees, we could not discover any thing
+but a continuation of the same impervious forest. Two of our guides had
+fled, and the only one who remained was utterly ignorant of the country.
+The resources of Cortes were quite inexhaustible, as he guided our way by
+a mariners compass, assisted by his Indian map, according to which the
+town of _Huy-acala_ of which we were in search, lay to the east; but even
+he acknowledged that he knew not what might become of us, if we were one
+day longer of finding it out.
+
+We who were of the advanced guard fortunately at this time fell in with
+the remains of some trees which had been formerly cut, and a small lane or
+path, which seemed to lead towards a town or village. The pilot Lopez and
+I returned to the main body with intelligence of this happy discovery,
+which revived the spirits of our whole army. We accordingly made all
+possible haste in that direction, and soon came to a river, on the
+opposite side of which we found a village named Tamaztepec, where, though
+abandoned by the inhabitants, we found plenty of provisions for ourselves
+and horses. Parties were immediately sent out in search of the natives,
+who soon brought back many chiefs and priests who were well treated, and
+both supplied us plentifully with provisions, and pointed out our road to
+Izguantepec, which was three days journey, or sixteen leagues from the
+town where we now were. During our journey to this place, our stage-dancer
+and three of the new come Spaniards died of fatigue, and many of the
+Mexicans had been left behind to perish. We discovered likewise that some
+of the Mexican chiefs who accompanied us, had seized some of the natives
+of the places through which we passed, and had eaten them to appease their
+hunger. Cortes very severely reprimanded all who had been concerned in
+this barbarous deed, and one of our friars preached a holy sermon on the
+occasion; after which, as an example to deter our allies from this
+practice in future, the general caused one against whom this crime had
+been most clearly proved, to be burnt. All had been equally guilty, but
+one example was deemed sufficient on the present occasion. Our poor
+musicians felt severely the want of the feasts they had been used to in
+Spain, and their harmony was now stopt, except one fellow; but the
+soldiers used to curse him, saying they wanted maize not music. It may be
+asked, how we did not lay our hands on the herd of swine belonging to
+Cortes in our present state of starvation? But these were out of sight,
+and the steward alleged they had been devoured by the alligators on
+passing one of the rivers: In reality, they were artfully kept four days
+march behind the army. During our route, we used to carve crosses on the
+bark of trees, with inscriptions bearing, that Cortes and his army had
+passed this way at such and such a time.
+
+The Indians of Tamaztepec sent a message to Izguantepec, our next station,
+to inform the inhabitants, and that they might not be alarmed at our
+approach: They also deputed twenty of their number to attend us to that
+place as guides. After our arrival at Izguantepec, Cortes was curious to
+know the course of a large river which flowed past that place, and was
+informed that it discharged itself into the sea near two towns named
+Guegatasta and Xicolanga; from which he judged that this might be a
+convenient way in which to send for information concerning his ships under
+Cuença whom he had ordered to wait his orders on that part of the coast.
+He accordingly sent off two Spaniards on that errand, to one of whom,
+Francisco de Medina, he gave an order to act as joint commander along with
+Simon Cuença. Medina was a man of dilligence and abilities, and well
+acquainted with the country; but the commission he carried proved most
+unfortunate in its consequences. He found the ships waiting at Xicolanga,
+and on presenting his authority as joint captain, a dispute arose between
+him and Cuença as to which of them should have the chief command. Each was
+supported by a party, and had recourse to arms, in which all the Spaniards
+were slain except eight. The neighbouring Indians fell upon the survivors,
+and put them all to death; after which they plundered the ships and then
+destroyed them. It was two years and a half after this, before we knew
+what had become of the ships.
+
+We now learnt that the town of Huy-acala was three days march distant from
+our present quarters, and that the way lay across some deep rivers and
+trembling marshes. Two soldiers were sent on by Cortes to examine the
+route, who reported on their return that the rivers were passable by means
+of timber bridges, but as for the marshes, which were more material to
+know, they were beyond the rivers and had not been examined. Cortes sent
+me in the next place, along with one Gonzalo de Mexia and some Indian
+guides, with orders to go forward to Huy-acala to procure provisions, with
+which we were to meet him on the road. But our guides deserted us the
+first night, on account of the two nations being at war, and we were
+forced to rely entirely on ourselves for the remainder of the journey. On
+our arrival at the first town belonging to the district of Huy-acala,
+which has the supreme command over twenty other towns, the inhabitants
+seemed very jealous of us at first, but were soon reconciled. This
+district is much intersected by rivers, lakes, and marshes, and some of
+the dependent towns are situated in islands, the general communication
+being by means of canoes. We invited the chiefs to accompany us back to
+Cortes; but they declined this, because their nation was at war with the
+people of Izguantepec. It would appear that at our arrival they had no
+idea of the force of our army under Cortes; but, having received more
+accurate intelligence concerning it next day, they treated us with much
+deference, and promised that they would provide every accommodation for
+our army on its arrival. While still conversing, two other Spaniards came
+up to me with letters from Cortes, in which he ordered me to meet him
+within three days with all the provisions I could possibly collect; as the
+Indians of Izguantepec had all deserted him, and he was now on his march
+for Huy-acala entirely destitute of necessaries. These Spaniards also
+informed me, that four soldiers who had been detached farther up the river
+had not returned, and were supposed to have been murdered, which we learnt
+afterwards was the case. In pursuing his march, Cortes had been four days
+occupied in constructing a bridge over the great river, during which time
+the army suffered excessive famine, as they had come from their last
+quarters without provisions, owing to the desertion of the natives. Some
+of the old soldiers cut down certain trees resembling palms, by which
+means they procured nuts which they roasted and eat; but this proved a
+miserable recourse for so great a number. On the night that the bridge
+was completed, I arrived with 130 loads of provisions, consisting of corn,
+honey, fruit, salt, and fowls. It was then dark, and Cortes had mentioned
+his expectation of my arrival with provisions, in consequence of which,
+the soldiers waited for me and seized every thing I had, not leaving any
+thing for Cortes and the other officers. It was all in vain that the
+major-domo cried out, "this is for the general;" for the soldiers said the
+general and his officers had been eating their hogs, while they were
+starving, and neither threats nor entreaties could prevail on them to
+leave him a single load of corn. Cortes lost all patience, and swore he
+would punish those who had seized the provisions and spoken about the hogs;
+but he soon saw that it was better to be quiet. He then blamed me; but I
+told him he ought to have placed a guard to receive the provisions, as
+hunger knows no law. Seeing there was no remedy, Cortes, who was
+accompanied by Sandoval, addressed me as follows: "My dear friend, I am
+sure you must have something in reserve for yourself and your friend
+Sandoval, pray take us along with you that we may partake." Sandoval also
+assured me that he had not a single handful of maize. "Well," said I,
+"gentlemen, come to me when the soldiers are asleep, and you shall partake
+of what I had provided for myself and my companions." They both thanked
+and embraced me, and so we escaped famine for this bout, as I had with me
+twelve loads of maize, twenty fowls, three jars of honey, and some fruit
+and salt. Cortes made inquiry as to how the reverend fathers had fared;
+but they were well off, as every soldier gave them a share of what they
+had procured. Such are the hardships of military expeditions in unexplored
+countries. Feared as he was by the soldiers, our general was pillaged of
+his provisions, and in danger of starving, and both he and captain
+Sandoval were indebted to me for their rations.
+
+On continuing our march from the river for about a league, we came to the
+trembling marshes, where our horses had all been nearly destroyed; but the
+distance across did not exceed half a bowshot, between the firm ground on
+either side, and we got them through by main force. When we were all safe
+over, and had given thanks to God for our safety, Cortes sent on to
+Huy-acala for a fresh supply of provisions, and took care not to have
+these plundered like the former; and on the ensuing day, our whole army
+arrived early at Huy-acala, where the chiefs had made ample preparation
+for our reception. Having used every proper means to conciliate the chiefs
+of this nation, Cortes inquired from them as to the country we had still
+to march through, and whether they had heard of any ships being on the
+coast, or of any Europeans being settled in the country. He was informed,
+that at the distance of eight days journey, there were many men having
+beards like ourselves, who had horses and three ships. They also gave the
+general a map of the route, and offered every assistance in their power;
+but when asked to clear the road, they represented that some of their
+dependent districts had revolted, and requested our assistance to reduce
+them to obedience. This duty was committed to Diego de Mazariegos, a
+relation of the treasurer de Estrada, as a compliment to him, and Cortes
+desired me in private to accompany him as his counsellor, being
+experienced in the affairs of this country. I do not mention this
+circumstance, which is known to the whole army, by way of boast, but as my
+duty of historian requires it of me, and indeed his majesty was informed
+of it, in the letters which were written to him by Cortes. About eighty of
+us went on this occasion along with Mazariegos, and had the good fortune
+to find the district in the best disposition. The chiefs returned with us
+to Cortes, and brought a most abundant supply of provisions along with
+them. In about four days, however, all the chiefs deserted us, and we were
+left with only three guides to pursue our march, as well as we could.
+After crossing two rivers, we came to another town in the district of
+Huy-acala, which was abandoned by the inhabitants, but in which we took up
+our quarters.
+
+In this place, Guatimotzin, the last king of the Mexicans, closed his
+unhappy career. It appeared that a plot had been concerted by this
+unfortunate monarch with many of the Mexican nobles who accompanied him,
+to endeavour to cut off the Spaniards; after which they proposed to make
+the best of their way back to Mexico, where, collecting all the forces of
+the natives, they hoped to be able to overpower the Spanish garrison. This
+conspiracy was revealed to Cortes by two Mexican nobles who had commanded
+under Guatimotzin during the siege, and who had been baptized by the names
+of Tapia and Velasquez. On receiving this intelligence, Cortes immediately
+took the judicial informations of these two and of several others who were
+concerned in the plot; from which it was learnt, that the Mexicans,
+observing that we marched in a careless manner, that discontent prevailed
+among our troops, many of whom were sick, that ten of our Spanish soldiers
+had died of hunger, and several had returned towards Mexico, and
+considering also the uncertainty of the fate of the expedition and the
+miseries they endured from scarcity of provisions, they had come to the
+resolution of falling upon us at the passage of some river or marsh, being
+encouraged by their numbers, which exceeded 3000 well armed men, and
+thinking it preferable to die at once than to encounter the perpetual
+miseries they now endured by accompanying us in this wilderness.
+Guatimotzin acknowledged that he had heard of this proposal, which he
+never approved of, declaring that he did not believe it would ever have
+been attempted, and anxiously denied that the whole of the Mexican force
+had concurred in the plot. His cousin, the prince of Tacuba, declared that
+all which had ever passed on the subject, between him and Guatimotzin, was,
+that they had often expressed their opinion, that it would be better to
+lose their lives at once like brave men, than to suffer in the manner they
+did by hunger and fatigue, and to witness the intolerable distresses of
+their friends and subjects who accompanied them. On those scanty proofs,
+Cortes sentenced Guatimotzin and the prince of Tacuba to be immediately
+hanged; and when the preparations were made for the execution, they were
+led forth to the place attended by the reverend fathers, who did their
+utmost to console them in their last moments. Before his execution,
+Guatimotzin addressed Cortes to the following effect: "_Malintzin_! I now
+see that your false words and flattering promises have ended in my death.
+It had been better to have fallen by my own hands, than to have trusted
+myself to your power. You take away my life unjustly, and may God demand
+of you my innocent blood." The prince of Tacuba only said, that he was
+happy to die along with his beloved sovereign. Thus did these two great
+men end their lives, and, for Indians, most piously and like good
+Christians. I lamented them both sincerely, having seen them in their
+greatness. They always treated me kindly on this march, giving me Indians
+to procure grass for my horse, and doing me many services. To me and all
+of us, their sentence appeared cruel and unjust, and their deaths most
+undeserved.
+
+After this, we continued our march with much circumspection, being
+apprehensive of a mutiny among the Mexican troops in revenge for the
+execution of their chiefs; but these poor creatures were so exhausted by
+famine, sickness, and fatigue, that they did not seem even to have
+bestowed a thought on the matter. At night we came to a deserted village;
+but on searching we found eight priests, whom we brought to Cortes. He
+desired them to recal the inhabitants, which they readily promised,
+requesting him not to injure their idols in a temple close to some
+buildings in which Cortes was quartered, which he agreed to, yet
+expostulated with them on the absurdity of worshipping compositions of
+clay and wood. They seemed as if it would have been easy to induce them to
+embrace the doctrines of our holy faith; and soon brought us twenty loads
+of fowls and maize. On being examined by Cortes about the bearded men with
+horses, they said that these people dwelt at a place called _Nito_, at the
+distance of seven suns, or days journey from their village, and offered to
+guide us to that place. At this time Cortes was exceedingly sad and
+ill-humoured, being fretted by the difficulties and misfortunes of his
+march, and his conscience upbraided him for the cruelty he had committed
+upon the unfortunate king of Mexico. He was so distracted by these
+reflections, that he could not sleep, and used to walk about at night, as
+a relief for his anxious thoughts. Going in the dark to walk in a large
+apartment which contained some of the Indian idols, he missed his way and
+fell from a height of twelve feet, by which he received a severe contused
+wound in his head. He endeavoured to conceal this circumstance from
+general knowledge, and got his wounds cured as well as he could, keeping
+his sufferings to himself.
+
+After leaving this place, we came in two days to a district inhabited by a
+nation called the _Mazotecas_, where we found a newly built town,
+fortified by two circular enclosures of pallisades, one of which was like
+a barbican, having loop-holes to shoot through, and was strengthened by
+ditches. Another part of the town was inaccessible, being on the summit of
+a perpendicular rock, on the top of which the natives had collected great
+quantities of stones for their defence. And a third quarter of the town
+was defended by an impassable morass. Yet after all these defensive
+preparations, we were astonished to find the town entirely abandoned,
+though every house was full of the different kinds of provisions which the
+country afforded, besides which it had a magazine stocked with arms of all
+sorts. While we were expressing our astonishment at these circumstances,
+fifteen Indians came out of the morass in the most submissive manner, and
+told us that they had been forced to the construction of this fortress as
+their last resort, in an unsuccessful war with a neighbouring nation,
+called the _Lazandones_ as far as I can now remember. They brought back
+the inhabitants, whom we treated with kindness, and from whom we received
+farther information, respecting, the Spanish settlement, to which two of
+the natives of this place undertook to shew us the way. From this place we
+entered upon vast open plains, in which not a tree was to be seen, and in
+which innumerable herds of deer were feeding, which were so tame as almost
+to come up to us. Our horsemen, therefore, easily took as many as they
+pleased, and we found that the Indians never disturbed them, considering
+them as a kind of divinities, and had even been commanded by their idols,
+or priests rather in their name, neither to kill or frighten these animals.
+The heat of the weather was now so excessive that Palacios Rubios, a
+relation of Cortes, lost his horse by pursuing the deer. We continued our
+march along this open campaign country, passing several villages where the
+destructive ravages of war were distinctly perceivable. On one occasion we
+met some Indians on their return from hunting, who had along with them a
+huge _lion_[1] just killed, and several _iguanas_[2], a species of small
+serpent very good to eat. These people shewed us the way to their town, to
+which we had to wade up to our middles through a lake of fresh water by
+which it was surrounded. This lake was quite full of fish, resembling
+shads, but enormously large, with prickles on their backs; and having
+procured some nets, we took above a thousand of them, which gave us a
+plentiful supply. On inquiry, five of the natives of this place engaged to
+guide us to the settlement of our countrymen; and they were glad to get so
+easily rid of us, as they were apprehensive we had come to put them all to
+death.
+
+Leaving this place, we proceeded to a town named _Tayasal_, situated on an
+island in a river, the white temples, towers, and houses, of which place,
+glistened from a distance. As the road now became very narrow, we thought
+proper to halt here for the night, having in the first place detached some
+soldiers to the river to look out for a passage. They were so fortunate as
+to take two canoes, containing ten men and two women, who were conveying a
+cargo of maize and salt. Being brought to Cortes, they informed him that
+they belonged to a town about four leagues farther on. Our general
+detained one of the canoes and some of the people, and sent two Spaniards
+along with the rest in the other canoe, to desire the cacique of that town
+to send him canoes to enable us to cross the river. Next morning, we all
+marched down to the river, where we found the cacique waiting for us, who
+invited the general to his place of residence. Cortes accordingly embarked
+with an escort of thirty crossbows, and was presented on his arrival at
+the town with a few toys of gold very much alloyed, and a small number of
+mantles. They informed him that they knew of Spaniards being at three
+different places, which were Nito, Buena Vista, and Naco, the last being
+ten days journey inland from Nito, and where the greater number of the
+Spaniards resided, Nito being on the coast. On hearing this, Cortes
+observed to us that De Oli had probably divided his forces, as we knew
+nothing as yet respecting Gil Gonzalo de Avila, or Las Casas.
+
+Our whole army now crossed the river, and halted about two leagues from it,
+waiting the return of Cortes. At this place, three Spanish soldiers, two
+Indians, and a Negro deserted; preferring to take their chance among the
+unknown natives of the country, to a continuance of the fatigues and
+dangers they had experienced. This day likewise, I had a stroke of the sun,
+which occasioned a burning fever or calenture. At this period the weather
+changed, and for three days and nights it rained incessantly; yet we had
+to continue our march, lest our provisions might fail. After two days
+march we came to a ridge of rocky hills, which we named the _Sierra de los
+Pedernales_, the stones of which were as sharp as knives. Several soldiers
+were sent a league on each side of this bad pass in search of a better
+road, but to no purpose, so that we were forced to proceed. Our horses
+fell at every step, and the farther we advanced it grew the worse,
+insomuch that we lost eight horses, and all the rest were so lamed that
+they could not keep up with us. After getting over this shocking pass, we
+advanced towards a town called _Taica_, where we expected to procure
+provisions in abundance; but to our great mortification were unexpectedly
+stopped by a prodigious torrent, so swelled by the late heavy rains that
+it was quite impassable, and made such a noise in tumbling over its rocky
+bed that it might have been heard at the distance of two leagues. We had
+to stop here for three complete days to construct a bridge between the
+precipitous banks of this river; in consequence of which delay the people
+of Taica had abandoned their town, removing all their provisions out of
+our reach. We were all miserably disappointed at this event, finding that
+hunger was to be our portion after all our fatigues. After sending out his
+servants in every direction, Cortes was only able to procure about a
+bushel of maize. He then called together the colonists of Coatzacualco,
+and earnestly solicited us to use our utmost endeavours to procure
+supplies. Pedro de Ircio requested to have the command on this occasion,
+to which Cortes assented: But as I knew Ircio to be a better prater than
+marcher, I whispered to Cortes and Sandoval to prevent him from going, as
+he was a duck-legged fellow, who could not get through the miry ground,
+and would only interrupt us in our search. Cortes accordingly ordered him
+to remain, and five of us set out with two Indian guides across rivers and
+marshes, and came at length to some Indian houses where we found
+provisions in abundance. We here made some prisoners, and with their fruit,
+fowls, and corn, we celebrated the feast of the Resurrection to our great
+contentment. That same night we were joined by a thousand Mexicans, who
+had been sent after us, whom we loaded with all the corn we could procure,
+and twenty fowls for Cortes and Sandoval, after which there still remained
+some corn in the town, which we remained to guard. We advanced next day to
+some other villages, where we found corn in abundance, and wrote a billet
+to Cortes desiring him to send all the Indians he could spare to carry it
+to the army. Thirty soldiers and about five hundred Indians arrived in a
+short time, and we amply provided for the wants of the army during the
+five days it remained at Taica. I may observe here, that the bridges which
+we constructed on this march continued good for many years; and the
+Spaniards, when they travelled this way, used to say, "These are the
+bridges of Cortes."
+
+After resting five days at Taica, we continued our march for two days to a
+place called Tania, through a country everywhere intersected by marshes,
+rivers, and rivulets, all the towns being abandoned and the provisions
+carried away; and, to add to our misfortunes, our guides made their escape
+during the night, being entrusted, as I suppose, to some of the newly
+arrived Spaniards, who used to sleep on their posts. We were thus left in
+a difficult country, and did not know which way to go; besides which heavy
+rains fell without ceasing. Cortes was very much out of humour, and
+observed among his officers, that he wished some others besides the
+Coatzacualco settlers would bestir themselves in search of guides. Pedro
+de Ircio, a man of quality named Marmolejo, and Burgales, who was
+afterwards regidor of Mexico, offered their services, and taking each of
+them six soldiers, were out three days in search of Indians, but all
+returned without success, having met with nothing but rivers, marshes, and
+obstructions. Cortes was quite in despair, and desired Sandoval to ask me
+as a favour to undertake the business. Though ill, I could not refuse when
+applied to in this manner; wherefore, taking two friends along with me who
+could endure fatigue, we set out following the course of a stream, and
+soon found a way to some houses, by observing marks of boughs having been
+cut. Following these marks, we came in sight of a village surrounded by
+fields of corn; but we remained concealed till we thought the people were
+asleep, and taking the inhabitants by surprise, we secured three men, two
+very handsome Indian girls, and an old woman, with a few fowls and a small
+quantity of maize. On bringing our prize to head-quarters, Sandoval was
+quite overjoyed. "Now," said he to Pedro de Ircio in the presence of
+Cortes, "was not Castillo in the right, when he refused to take hobbling
+people along with him, who tell old stories of the adventures of the Conde
+de Urena and his son Don Pedro Giron?" All who were present laughed
+heartily at this sally, as Ircio used to pester us with these stories
+continually, and Sandoval knew that Ircio and I were not on friendly terms.
+Cortes paid me many compliments on this occasion, and thanked me for my
+good service. But what is praise more than emptiness, and what does it
+profit me that Cortes said he relied on me, next to God, for procuring
+guides? We learnt from the prisoners that it was necessary to descend the
+river for two days march, when we would come to a town of two hundred
+houses, called _Oculiztli_; which he did accordingly, passing some large
+buildings where the travelling Indian merchants used to stop on their
+journeys. At the close of the second day we came to Oculiztli, where we
+got plenty of provisions, and in one of the temples we found an old red
+cap and a sandal, which had been placed there as offerings to the idols.
+Some of our soldiers brought two old men and four women to Cortes, who
+told him that the Spanish settlement was on the seaside two days journey
+from this place, with no intervening towns. Cortes therefore gave orders
+to Sandoval to set out immediately with six soldiers for the coast, to
+ascertain what number of men De Oli had with him, as he meant to fall upon
+him by surprise, being quite ignorant of the revolution which had happened
+in this quarter.
+
+Sandoval set out accordingly with three guides, and on reaching the sea
+shore, he soon perceived a canoe; and concealing himself where he expected
+it might anchor for the night, was fortunate enough to get possession of
+the canoe; which belonged to some Indian merchants who were carrying salt
+to _Golfo dolce_. Sandoval embarked in this canoe with a part of his men,
+sending the rest along the shore, and made for the great river. During the
+voyage, he fell in with four Spaniards belonging to the settlement, who
+were searching for fruit near the mouth of the river, being in great
+distress from sickness and the hostilities of the Indians. Two of these
+men were up in a tree, when they saw Sandoval to their great astonishment,
+and soon joined him. They informed him of the great distress of the
+settlement, and of all the events which had occurred, and how they had
+hanged the officer whom Avila had left in the command, and a turbulent
+priest, for opposing their determination to return to Cuba, and had
+elected one Antonio Niote in his stead. Sandoval resolved to carry these
+people to Cortes, whom he wished to inform as soon as possible of the news,
+and sent a soldier named Alonzo Ortiz, who soon reached us with the
+agreeable intelligence, for which Cortes gave him an excellent horse, and
+all of us gave him something in proportion to our abilities. Sandoval
+arrived soon afterwards, and Cortes issued immediate orders to march to
+the coast, which was about six leagues distant. Cortes pushed forwards
+with his attendants, and crossed the river by means of the two canoes,
+swimming the horses. The Spanish settlement was about two leagues from the
+place where Cortes landed, and the colonists were astonished on seeing the
+Europeans coming towards them, and still more so when they found it was
+the renowned conqueror of Mexico. Cortes received their congratulations
+very graciously, and desired them to bring all the canoes they could
+collect, and the boats belonging to their ships to assist his army in
+crossing. He likewise ordered them to provide bread for the army; but of
+this only fifty pounds weight could be got, as they lived almost entirely
+on _sapotes_ and other vegetables, and fish.
+
+We had an arm of the sea to cross, and had therefore to wait for low water,
+but Cortes had found the passage so dangerous that he sent us word not to
+follow till farther orders. The care of passing this dangerous place was
+entrusted to Sandoval, who took as effectual measures as possible, but it
+took us four days to get over, partly wading and partly swimming. One
+soldier and his horse went to the bottom, and was never seen more, and two
+other horses were lost. A person named Saavedra, presuming on his
+relationship to Cortes, refused obedience to the orders of Sandoval, and
+endeavoured to force his passage, even laying his hand on his poinard, and
+using disrespectful expressions to Sandoval; who seized him instantly and
+threw him into the water, where he was nearly drowned. Our sufferings at
+this time were excessive, as during all these four days we had literally
+nothing to eat, except by gathering a few nuts and some wild fruits, and
+on getting across our condition was not improved. We found this colony to
+contain forty men and six women, all yellow and sickly, and utterly
+destitute of provisions; so that we were under the necessity of setting
+out immediately in search of food both for ourselves and them. For this
+purpose, about eighty of us marched, under the command of Luis Marin, to a
+town about eight leagues distant, where we found abundance of maize and
+vegetables, and great quantities of cacao; and as this place was in the
+direct road for Naco, to which Cortes intended to go, he immediately sent
+Sandoval and the greatest part of the troops to join us, on receiving the
+agreeable intelligence of our good fortune. We sent a plentiful supply of
+maize to the miserable colonist who had been so long in a starving
+condition, of which they eat to such excess that seven of them died. About
+this time likewise a vessel arrived with seven horses, forty hogs, eight
+pipes of salted meat, a considerable quantity of biscuit, and fifteen
+adventurers from Cuba. Cortes immediately purchased all the provisions,
+which he distributed among the colonists, who eat the salted meat so
+voraciously that it occasioned diarrhoeas, by which, in a very few days,
+fourteen of them were carried off.
+
+As Cortes wished to examine this great river, he caused one of the
+brigantines belonging to Avila which had been stranded to be fitted out;
+and embarking with thirty soldiers and eight mariners belonging to the
+vessel lately arrived, having likewise a boat and four double canoes, he
+proceeded up the river to a spacious lake with good anchorage. This lake
+was navigable for six leagues, all the adjacent country being subject to
+be inundated; but on endeavouring to proceed higher, the current became
+stronger, and he came to certain shallows, which prevented the vessels
+from proceeding any farther. Cortes now landed with his soldiers, and
+advanced into the country by a narrow road which led to several villages
+of the natives. In the first of these he procured some guides, and in the
+second he found abundance of corn, and many domesticated birds, among
+which were pheasants, pigeons, and partridges, which last are often
+domesticated by the Indians of America. In prosecuting his route, he
+approached a large town called _Cinacan Tencintle_, in the midst of fine
+plantations of cacao, where he heard the sound of music and merry-making,
+the inhabitants being engaged in a drunken feast. Cortes waited a
+favourable opportunity, concealed in a wood close by the town, when
+suddenly rushing out, he made prisoners of ten men and fifteen women. The
+rest of the inhabitants attacked him with their darts and arrows, but our
+people closed with them and killed eight of their chiefs, on which the
+rest submitted, sending four old men, two of whom were priests, with a
+trifling present of gold, and to petition for the liberation of the
+prisoners, which he accordingly engaged to give up on receiving a good
+supply of provisions, which they promised to deliver at the ships. A
+misunderstanding took place afterwards between Cortes and these Indians,
+as he wished to retain three of their women to make bread, and hostilities
+were renewed, in which Cortes was himself wounded in the face, twelve of
+his soldiers wounded, and one of his boats destroyed. He then returned
+after an absence of twenty-six days, during which he had suffered
+excessive torment from the mosquitoes. He wrote to Sandoval, giving him an
+account of all that had occurred in his expedition to Cinacan, which is
+seventy leagues from Guatimala, and ordered him to proceed to Naco; as he
+proposed to remain himself on purpose to establish a colony at _Puerto de
+Cavallos_[3], for which he desired Sandoval to send back ten of the
+Coatzacualco veterans, without whose assistance nothing could be done
+properly. Taking with him all the Spaniards who remained at St Gil de
+Buena Vista, Cortes embarked in two ships, and arrived in eight days sail
+at Puerto de Cavallos, which had a good harbour, and seemed every way well
+calculated for a colony, which he established there under the command of
+Diego de Godoy, naming the town Natividad. Expecting by this time that
+Sandoval might have arrived at Naco, which is not far distant from Puerto
+Cavallos, Cortes sent a letter for him to that place, requiring a
+reinforcement of ten of the veteran soldiers of Coatzacualco, as he
+intended to proceed for the bay of Honduras; but this letter reached us in
+our last-mentioned quarters as we had not yet reached Naco. Leaving Cortes
+for the present, I shall only say that he was so tormented by the
+mosquitoes, which prevented him from procuring rest either by night or day,
+that he had almost lost his life or his senses.
+
+On receiving this last letter from the general, Sandoval pressed on for
+Naco, but was obliged to halt at a place called _Cuyocan_, in order to
+collect the stragglers who had gone in quest of provisions. We were also
+impeded by a river, and the natives on every side were hostile. Our line
+of march was now extremely long, by the great number of invalids,
+especially of the Mexicans, who were unable to keep up with the main body;
+on which account Sandoval left me at this place, with the command of eight
+men at the ferry, to protect and bring up the stragglers. One night the
+natives attacked my post, setting fire to the house in which we were
+lodged, and endeavoured to carry away our canoe; but, with the assistance
+of some of our Mexicans who had come up, we beat them off; and, having
+collected all the invalids who had loitered behind, we crossed the river
+next day, and set but to rejoin Sandoval. A Genoese, who had been sometime
+ill, sunk at length through weakness, occasioned by poverty of diet, and
+died on the road, and I was obliged to leave his body behind. When I made
+my report to Sandoval, he was ill pleased at me for not having brought on
+the dead body; but I told him we had already two invalids on every horse,
+and one of my companions said rather haughtily, that we had enough of
+difficulty to bring on ourselves, without carrying dead men. Sandoval
+immediately ordered me and that soldier, whose name was Villanueva, to go
+back and bury the Genoese, which we did accordingly, and placed a cross
+over his grave. We found a purse in his pocket, containing some dice, and
+a memorandum of his family and effects in Teneriffe. God rest his soul!
+_Amen_. In about two days we arrived at Naco, passing a town named
+_Quinistlan_, and a place where mines have been since discovered. We found
+Naco to be a very good town, but it was abandoned by its inhabitants, yet
+we procured plenty of provisions and salt, of which we were in very great
+need. We took up our quarters in some large quadrangular buildings, where
+De Oli was executed, and established ourselves there as if we had been to
+have remained permanently. There is the finest water at this place that is
+to be found in all New Spain; as likewise a species of tree which is most
+admirable for the _siesta_; as, however great may be the heat of the sun,
+there is always a most delightful and refreshing coolness under its shade,
+and it seems to give out a delicate kind of dew, which is good for the
+head. Naco is admirably situated, in a fertile neighbourhood, which
+produces different kinds of _sapotes_ in great abundance, and it was then
+very populous. Sandoval obtained possession of three chiefs of the
+district, whom he treated kindly, by which means the people of the
+district remained in peace, but all his endeavours to induce the
+inhabitants to return to the town were ineffectual. It was now necessary
+to send the reinforcement of ten Coatzacualco veterans which Cortes had
+required. At that time I was ill, and besides Sandoval wished to retain me
+along with him: Eight valiant soldiers were sent off, however, who
+heartily cursed Cortes and his expedition at every step of their march;
+for which indeed they had good reason, as they were entirely ignorant of
+the state of the country through which they had to go. Sandoval took the
+precaution of sending five principal people of the natives along with them,
+making known at the same time that he would punish the country most
+severely if any injury was done them on their journey. They arrived in
+safety at Natividad, where Cortes then was; who immediately embarked for
+Truxillo, leaving Godoy in the command of the settlement at Puerto de
+Cavallos, with forty Spaniards, who were all that remained of the settlers
+who had accompanied de Avila, and of those who had come recently from Cuba.
+Godoy maintained himself for some time; but his men were continually
+dropping off by disease, and the Indians began at last to despise and
+neglect him, refusing to supply the settlement with provisions, so that in
+a short time he lost above half his number by sickness and famine, and
+three of his men deserted to join Sandoval. By various expeditions and
+judicious measures, Sandoval reduced all the country round Naco to peace
+and submission, namely the districts of Cirimongo, Acalao, Quinistlan, and
+four others, of which I forget the names, and even extended his authority
+over the natives as far as Puerto Cavallos, where Godoy commanded.
+
+After six days sail, Cortes arrived at the port of Truxillo, where he
+found a colony which had been established by Francisco de las Casas, among
+whom were many of the mutineers who had served under De Oli, and who had
+been banished from Panuco. Conscious of their guilt, all these men waited
+on Cortes, and supplicated for pardon, which he granted them, even
+confirming all who had been appointed to offices in the colony; but he
+placed his relation Saavedra as commandant of the colony and surrounding
+province. Cortes summoned all the chiefs and priests of the Indians, to
+whom he made a long harangue, giving them to understand that he had come
+among them to induce them to abandon the cruel and abominable practices of
+their false religion, and to embrace the only true faith. He also enlarged
+upon the power and dignity of our great emperor, to whose government he
+required their submission. He was followed by the reverend fathers, who
+exhorted them to become proselytes to the holy catholic religion, the
+principles of which they explained. After all this, the people readily
+agreed to obey our general, and to become vassals to Don Carlos; and
+Cortes enjoined them to provide the settlement with provisions, especially
+fish, which are caught in great abundance in the sea about the islands of
+_Guanojes_[4]; he likewise ordered them to send a number of labourers to
+clear the woods in front of the town of Truxillo, so as to open a view of
+the sea. Cortes likewise ordered a number of sows with young to be turned
+loose in these islands, by which, in a few years, they were amply stocked.
+The natives cleared the woods between Truxillo and the sea in two days,
+and built fifteen houses for the colonists, one of which for Cortes, was
+sufficiently commodious. Cortes became feared and renowned over all the
+districts, as far as _Olancho_, where rich mines have been since
+discovered; the natives giving him the name of _Captain Hue-hue de Marina_,
+or the old captain of Donna Marina. He reduced the whole country to
+submission, excepting two or three districts in the mountains, against
+which he sent a party of soldiers under Captain Saavedra, who brought most
+of them under subjection, one tribe only named the _Acaltecans_ holding
+out.
+
+As a great many of the people along with Cortes became sick through the
+unhealthiness of the climate, he sent them by a vessel to Hispaniola or
+Cuba for the recovery of their healths. By this opportunity, he sent
+letters to the royal audience of St Domingo and the reverend brothers of
+the order of St Jerome, giving an account of all the events that had
+recently happened, and in particular of his having left the government of
+Mexico in the hands of deputies, while he proceded to reduce de Oli who
+had rebelled. He apprised them of his future intentions, and requested a
+reinforcement of soldiers, to enable him to reduce the country where he
+now was to subjection; and that they might attach the greater credit to
+his report of its value, he sent a valuable present of gold, taken in
+reality from his own side-board, but which he endeavoured to make them
+believe was the produce of this new settlement. He entrusted the
+management of this business to a relation of his own, named Avalos, whom
+he directed to take up in his way twenty-five soldiers who, he was
+informed, had been left in the island of Cozumel to kidnap Indians to be
+sent for slaves to the West Indian islands. This vessel was wrecked about
+seventy leagues from the Havanna, on which occasion Avalos and many of the
+passengers perished. Those who escaped, among whom was the licentiate
+Pedro Lopez, brought the first intelligence to the islands of the
+existence of Cortes and his army; as it had been universally believed in
+Cuba and Hispaniola that we had all perished. As soon as it was known
+where Cortes was, two old ships were sent over to Truxillo with horses and
+colts, and one pipe of wine; all the rest of their cargoes consisting of
+shirts, caps, and useless trumpery of various kinds. Some of the Indian
+inhabitants of the Guanajas islands, which are about eight leagues from
+Truxillo, came at this time to Cortes, complaining that the Spaniards had
+been accustomed to carry away the natives and their _macegualos_ or slaves,
+and that a vessel was now there which was supposed to have come for that
+purpose. Cortes immediately sent over one of his vessels to the islands;
+but the ship against which the natives complained made sail immediately on
+seeing her, and escaped. It was afterwards known, that this vessel was
+commanded by the bachelor Moreno, who had been sent on business by the
+royal audience of St Domingo to Nombre de Dios.
+
+While Sandoval remained at Naco, the chiefs of two neighbouring districts,
+named Quecuspan and Tanchinalchapa, complained to him of a party of
+Spaniards, at the distance of a days march from Naco, who robbed their
+people and made slaves of them. Sandoval set out against these people
+immediately with a party of seventy men, and on coming to the place these
+Spaniards were exceedingly surprised at seeing us and took to their arms;
+but we soon seized their captain and several others, and made them all
+prisoners without any bloodshed. Sandoval reprehended them severely for
+their misconduct, and ordered all the Indians whom they had made prisoners
+to be immediately released. One Pedro de Garro was the commander of these
+men, among whom were several gentlemen, and in comparison of us dirty and
+worn down wretches, they were all mounted and attended like lords. They
+were all marched to our head-quarters as prisoners; but in a day or two
+they became quite reconciled to their lot. The occasion of their coming
+into the country was as follows: Pedro Arias de Avila, the governor of
+Tierra Firma, had sent a captain named Francisco Hernandez to reduce the
+provinces of Nicaragua and New Leon, and to establish a colony in that
+place, which he accomplished. After the atrocious murder of Balboa, who
+had married Donna Isabella the daughter of Aries, Moreno had been sent
+over by the court of royal audience, and persuaded Hernandez, who was now
+comfortably settled, to throw off his dependence upon Pedro Aries, and to
+establish a distinct government immediately under the royal authority.
+Hernandez had done so, and had sent this party under de Garro on purpose
+to open a communication from Nicaragua with the north coast, by which to
+receive supplies from old Spain. When all this was explained to Sandoval,
+he sent Captain Luis Marin to communicate the intelligence to Cortes, in
+expectation that he would support the views of Hernandez. I was sent along
+with Marin on this occasion, our whole force consisting of ten men. Our
+journey was exceedingly laborious, having to cross many rivers which were
+much swollen by the rains, and we had at times to make our way through
+hostile Indians armed with large heavy lances, by which two of our
+soldiers were wounded. We had sometimes three difficult rivers to cross in
+one day; and one river, named Xagua, ten leagues from Triumpho de la Cruz,
+detained us for two days. By the side of that river we found the skeletons
+of seven horses, which had belonged to the troops of de Oli, and had died
+from eating poisonous herbs. Several of the rivers and inlets on our
+journey were much infested by alligators.
+
+Passing Triumpho de la Cruz and a place called Quemara, we arrived one
+evening near Truxillo, where we saw five horsemen riding along the sea
+shore, who happened to be our general and four of his friends taking the
+air. After the first surprize at this unexpected meeting, Cortes
+dismounted and embraced us all with tears in his eyes, quite overjoyed to
+see us. It made me quite melancholy to see him, as he was so worn down by
+distress and disease, that he appeared much reduced and extremely weak,
+insomuch that he had even expected death, and had procured a Franciscan
+habit to be buried in. He walked along with us into the town of Truxillo,
+and invited us all to sup with him; where we fared so wretchedly that I
+had not even my fill of bread or biscuit. After reading over the letters
+we had brought him relative to Hernandez, he promised to do every thing in
+his power to support him. The two vessels which I formerly mentioned as
+having brought horses from Hispaniola, only arrived three days before us,
+and we were fools enough to run ourselves in debt by purchasing their
+useless frippery. Hitherto Cortes had not received any intelligence
+whatever from Mexico since he left it on this disastrous expedition; but,
+while we were giving him an account of the hardships of our late journey
+from Naco, a vessel was descried at a distance making for our port. This
+vessel was from the Havanna, and brought letters from the licentiate Zuazo,
+who had been alcalde-major of Mexico, the contents of which overwhelmed
+Cortes with such sorrow and distress, that he retired to his private
+apartment, whence he did not stir out for a whole day, and we could
+distinctly hear that he suffered great agitation. After hearing mass next
+morning, he called us together and communicated to us the intelligence
+which these letters conveyed, which was to the following effect.
+
+In consequence of the power which Cortes had inconsiderately granted to
+Salazar and Chirinos, to supersede Estrada and Albornos in the
+administration of government in Mexico, in case of misconduct in these
+deputies, they had formed a strong party on their return to Mexico, among
+whom were Zuazo the alcalde-major, Rodrigo de Paz, alguazil-major, Alonzo
+de Tapis, Jorge de Alvarado, and many of the veteran conquerors, and had
+attempted to seize the government by force, and much disturbance and some
+bloodshed had ensued. Salazar and Chirinos had carried their point, and
+had taken the two former deputies and many of their friends prisoners; and
+as discontents and opposition still prevailed, they had confiscated the
+property of their opponents, which they distributed among their own
+partizans. They had superseded Zuazo in his office of alcalde-major, and
+had imprisoned Rodrigo de Paz; yet Zuazo had brought about a temporary
+reconciliation. During these disturbances, the Zapotecans and Mixtecans,
+and the inhabitants of a strong rocky district named Coatlan had rebelled,
+against whom the veedor Chirinos had marched with an armed force; but his
+troops thought of nothing but card-playing, so that the enemy had
+surprised their camp and done them much mischief. The factor Salazar had
+sent a veteran captain, Andres de Monjaraz, to assist and advise Chirinos;
+but Monjaraz being an invalid was unable to exert himself properly; and to
+add to their distractions, an insurrection was every hour expected in
+Mexico. The factor Salazar, constantly remitted gold to his majesties
+treasurer, Don Francisco de los Cobos, to make interest for himself at
+court, reporting that we had all died at Xicalonga. This report originated
+with Diego de Ordas, who, on purpose to escape from the factious troubles
+in Mexico, had gone with two vessels in search of us to Xicalongo, where
+Cuença and Medina had been slain as formerly mentioned, on learning which
+misfortune he concluded it had been Cortes and his whole party, which he
+so reported in letters to Mexico, and had sailed himself to Cuba. Salazar
+shewed these letters to our several relations in Mexico, who all put on
+mourning, and so universally were we all believed to be dead, that out
+properties had been sold by public auction. The factor Salazar even
+assumed to himself the office of governor and captain-general of New Spain;
+a monument was erected to the honour of Cortes, and funeral service was
+performed for him in the great church of Mexico. The self-assumed governor
+even issued an order, that all the women whose husbands had gone with
+Cortes, and who had any regard for their souls, should consider themselves
+as widows and should immediately marry again; and because a woman named
+Juana de Mansilla, the wife of Alonzo Valiente, refused to obey this order,
+alleging we were not people who would be so easily destroyed as Salazar
+and his party, she was ordered to be publickly whipped through Mexico as a
+witch. One person from whom we expected better behaviour, and whose name I
+will not mention, by way of flattering Salazar, solemnly assured him
+before many witnesses, that one night, as he was passing the church of St
+Jago, which is built on the site of the great temple of Mexico, he saw the
+souls of Cortes, Donna Marina, and Sandoval burning in flames of fire:
+Another person, also, of good reputation, pretended that the quadrangles
+of Tescuco were haunted by evil spirits, which the natives said were the
+souls of Donna Marina and Cortes.
+
+At this time the captains Las Casas and De Avila, who had beheaded
+Christoval de Oli, arrived in Mexico, and publickly asserted the existence
+of Cortes, reprobating the conduct of Salazar, and declaring if Cortes
+were actually dead, that Alvarado was the only fit person to have been
+raised to the government, till his majesties pleasure could be known.
+Alvarado was written to on the subject, and even set out for Mexico; but
+becoming apprehensive for his life, he returned to his district. Finding
+that he could not bring over Las Casas, De Avila, and Zuazo to his party,
+Salazar caused the two former to be arrested and prosecuted for the murder
+of De Oli, and even procured their condemnation; and it was with the
+utmost difficulty their execution could be prevented by an appeal to his
+majesty; but he was obliged to content himself with sending them prisoners
+to Spain. He next sent off the licentiate Zuazo in irons to Cuba, under
+pretence of making him answer for his conduct while acting as a judge in
+that island. Salazar collected all the gold he could lay his hands upon,
+and seized Rodrigo de Paz, alguazil-major of Mexico, who had been major
+domo to Cortes, demanding of him an account and surrender of all the
+treasure belonging to the general; and as he either could not or would not
+discover where it was, he caused him to be tortured by burning his feet
+and legs, and even caused him to be hanged that he might not carry his
+complaints to his majesty. His object in collecting gold was to support
+his negociations at court; but in this he was counteracted by almost all
+the other officers of government in New Spain, who determined to send
+their own statements of the affairs of the colony to court by the same
+conveyance with his. He arrested most of the friends of Cortes, several of
+whom joined his party as he gave them Indians, and because they wished to
+be of the strongest side; but Tapia and Jorge Alvarado took sanctuary with
+the Franciscans. To deprive the malcontents of arms, he brought the whole
+contents of the arsenal to his palace, in front of which he planted all
+the artillery for his defence, under the command of Captain Luis de Guzman,
+son-in-law to the duke of Medina Sidonia. He formed likewise a body guard
+for his own individual protection, partly composed of soldiers who had
+belonged to Cortes, to the command of which he appointed one Arriaga. This
+letter likewise mentioned the death of Father Bartholomew de Olmedo, who
+was so much revered by the native Mexicans, that they fasted from the time
+of his death till after his burial. Zuazo, in the conclusion of his letter,
+expressed his apprehensions that the colony of Mexico would be utterly
+ruined by these confusions. Along with this long and melancholy letter
+from Zuazo, Cortes received letters from his father, informing him of the
+death of the bishop of Burgos, and of the intrigues of Albornos at court,
+already mentioned on a former occasion, and the interference of the Duke
+of Bejar in his behalf. He also told him that Narvaez had been appointed
+to the government of the country on the river Palmas, and one Nuno de
+Guzman to the province of Panuco.
+
+The intelligence from Zuazo made us all very melancholy, and it is
+difficult to say which of the two we cursed most heartily in secret for
+our misfortunes, Cortes or Salazar, for we gave them ten thousand
+maledictions, and our hearts sunk within us to think of our miserable
+plight after all our fatigues and dangers. Cortes retired to his chamber,
+and did not appear again till the evening, when we unanimously entreated
+him to hasten to Mexico, that he might recover the government from the
+usurper. He replied kindly: "My dear friends, this villainous factor is
+very powerful. If I go along with you to Mexico, he may waylay us by the
+road and murder us all. I think it better for me to go privately to Mexico
+with only three or four of you, that I may come upon him at unawares, and
+that all the rest of you rejoin Sandoval and go along with him to Mexico."
+When I saw that Cortes was resolved on going privately to Mexico, I
+anxiously requested to attend him, as I had hitherto accompanied him in
+all his difficulties and dangers. He complimented me on my fidelity, but
+insisted on my continuing with Sandoval. Several of the colonists of
+Truxillo began to grow mutinous, because Cortes had neglected promoting
+them to offices; but he pacified them by promises of providing for them
+when he should be replaced in his government of Mexico. Previous to his
+intended departure, he wrote to Diego de Godoy, to quit Puerto Cavallos
+with his settlers, where they were unable to remain on account of
+mosquitos and other vermin, ordering them to relieve us in the good
+settlement of Naco. He also ordered that we should take the province of
+Nicaragua in our way to Mexico, as it was a country in his opinion worth
+taking care of. We took our leave of Cortes, who embarked on his intended
+voyage, and we set out cheerfully for Naco to join Sandoval, as Mexico was
+now the object of our march. The route to Naco was as usual attended with
+much difficulty and distress, yet we got safe there, and found that
+Captain De Garro had set off for Nicaragua, to inform his commander
+Hernandez that Cortes was setting out for Mexico, and had promised to give
+him all the assistance in his power.
+
+Two confidential friends of Pedro Aries had come to the knowledge of the
+private correspondence between Hernandez and Cortes, and suspected that
+Hernandez meant to detach himself from the command of Aries, and to
+surrender his province to Cortes. The names of these men were Garruito and
+Zamorrano, the former of whom was urged by an ancient enmity to Cortes, on
+account of a rivalship between them in Hispaniola when both young men,
+about a lady, which ended in a duel. These persons communicated
+intelligence of all they knew to Aries, who immediately hastened to
+Nicaragua, to seize all the parties concerned. Garro took the alarm in
+time, and made his escape to us; but Hernandez, relying on his former
+intimacy with Aries, expected that he would not proceed to extremities
+against him, and waited his arrival. He was miserably disappointed in
+these hopes, as Aries, after a summary process, ordered him to execution
+as a traitor to his superior officer.
+
+On his first attempt to sail from Truxillo to Vera Cruz, Cortes was put
+back by contrary winds, and a second time by an accident happening to his
+ship. Dispirited by sickness, the accidents which had delayed his voyage
+prayed on his spirits, he became apprehensive of the power of Salazar
+being too great for him, and his lofty mind sunk under superstitious fears.
+On his second return to Truxillo, he ordered the celebration of a solemn
+mass, and prayed fervently to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit as to his
+future proceedings. On this occasion it appears that he became inclined to
+remain in Truxillo to colonize that part of the country; and in three
+several expresses which he sent in quick succession to recall us to that
+place, he attributed his determination on that subject to the inspiration
+of his guardian angel. On receiving these messages, we cursed Cortes and
+his bad fortune, and declared to Sandoval that he must remain by himself,
+if he chose that measure, as we were resolved on returning to Mexico.
+Sandoval was of the same opinion with us, and we sent a letter to Cortes
+to that effect signed by all of us; to which we had an answer in a few
+days, making great offers to such of us as would remain, and saying, if we
+refused, that there still were good soldiers to be had in Castile and
+elsewhere. On receiving this letter we were more determined than ever to
+proceed; but Sandoval persuaded us to wait a few days till he could see
+and speak with Cortes; to whom we wrote in reply, that if he could find
+soldiers in Castile, so could we find governors and generals in Mexico,
+who would give us plantations for our services, and that we had already
+suffered sufficient misfortunes by following him. With this reply Sandoval
+set off, attended by a soldier named Sauzedo and a farrier, swearing by
+his beard that he would not return till he had seen Cortes embarked for
+Mexico. On this occasion Sandoval applied to me for my horse, an excellent
+animal for speed, exercise, and travel, which cost me six hundred crowns,
+my former horse having been killed in action at a place called Zulaco.
+Sandoval gave me one of his in exchange, which was killed under me in less
+than two months; after which I was reduced to a vicious colt which I
+bought from the two vessels at Truxillo. On parting from us, Sandoval
+desired us to wait his return at a large Indian town called Acalteca.
+
+When Sandoval came to Truxillo, Cortes received him very joyfully; but
+neither his pressing instances nor our letter could prevail on him to
+proceed to Mexico. He prevailed on him, therefore, to send Martin de
+Orantes, a confidential servant, with a commission to Pedro de Alvarado
+and Francisco de las Casas, in case these officers were in Mexico, to
+assume the government till he should return; or, in the event of their
+absence, to authorise the treasurer, Estrada, and the contador, Albornos,
+to resume the power granted by the former deputation, revoking that which
+he had so inadvertently given to the factor Salazar and the veedor
+Chirinos, which they had so grossly abused. Cortes agreed to this, and
+having given Orantes his instructions and commissions, directed him to
+land in a bay between Vera Cruz and Panuco, suffering no person but
+himself to go on shore, after which the vessel was immediately to proceed
+to Panuco, that his arrival might be kept as secret as possible. Orantes
+was likewise furnished with letters from Cortes to all his friends in New
+Spain, and to the treasurer and contador, although he knew they were not
+of that description, desiring them all to use their utmost diligence in
+displacing the present tyrannical usurpers. Having favourable weather,
+Orantes soon arrived at his destination; and disguising himself as a
+labourer, set forward on his journey, always avoiding the Spaniards, and
+lodging only among the natives. When questioned by any one, he called
+himself Juan de Flechilla; and indeed he was so altered during his absence
+of two years and three months, that his most intimate acquaintances could
+not have recognised him. Being a very active man, he arrived in four days
+in Mexico, which he entered in the dark, and proceeded immediately to the
+convent of the Franciscans, where he found the Alvarados and several other
+friends of Cortes, who were there concealed. On explaining his errand and
+producing the letters of Cortes, every one was exceedingly rejoiced, and
+even the reverend fathers danced for gladness. The gates of the monastery
+were immediately locked, to preclude all notice being conveyed to the
+adverse party; and about midnight, the treasurer and contador, and many of
+the friends of Cortes were brought secretly to the convent, where the
+intelligence was communicated to them. In a grand consultation, it was
+resolved to seize the factor Salazar next morning, the contador Chirinos
+being still occupied at the rock of Coatlan.
+
+The rest of the night was employed in providing arms and collecting all
+their friends, and at day-break next morning the whole party marched for
+the palace which Salazar inhabited, calling out as they went along, "Long
+live the king, and the governor Hernando Cortes." When this was heard by
+the citizens, they all took up arms; and under an idea that their
+assistance was required by the government, many of them joined Estrada on
+the march. The contador Albornos played a double game on the occasion, as
+he sent intelligence to put Salazar on his guard, for which Estrada
+reproached him afterwards with much severity. On approaching the palace,
+the friends of Cortes found Salazar already well prepared for resistance,
+in consequence of the information he had received; the artillery under
+Guzman being drawn out ready for action in front of the palace, and a
+strong garrison inside for its defence. But the adherents of Cortes pushed
+on, forcing their way by the different doors, and others by the terraces
+or wherever they could get access, continually shouting, for the king and
+Cortes. The adherents of Salazar were dismayed; the artillery-men
+abandoned the guns, and the other soldiers run away and hid themselves,
+leaving the poor factor with only Pedro Gonzalez Sabiote and four servants.
+Salazar being thus abandoned, became desperate, and endeavoured to fire
+off one of the guns, in which attempt he was made prisoner, and confined
+in a wooden cage. Circular notice of this revolution was immediately
+conveyed to all the provinces of New Spain; and the veedor Chirinos,
+leaving the command of his troops with Monjaraz, took refuge in the
+Franciscan monastery at Tescuco; but was shortly afterwards made prisoner
+and secured in another cage. Immediate intelligence of this revolution was
+transmitted to Pedro de Alvarado, with directions to go immediately to
+Truxillo to wait upon Cortes. The next thing done by the new deputies was
+to wait upon Juanna de Mansilla, who had been whipped as a witch, who was
+placed on horseback behind the treasurer Estrada, in which situation she
+was escorted in grand procession through all the streets of Mexico, like a
+Roman matron, and was ever afterwards stiled _Donna Juanna_, in honour of
+her constancy, for refusing to marry again while she believed her husband
+was still living.
+
+As the situation of Mexico evidently required the presence of Cortes, Fra
+Diego de Altamirano was sent by his friends to represent to him the
+necessity of setting out immediately for the capital. This reverend father
+had been in the army before he entered the church, and was a man of
+considerable abilities, and experienced in business. On his arrival at
+Truxillo, and giving Cortes an account of the recent events in Mexico, the
+general gave thanks to God for the restoration of peace; but declared his
+intention of going to Mexico by land, being afraid of encountering the
+adverse currents, and because of the bad state of his health. The pilots,
+however, represented that the season was quite favourable for the voyage,
+it being then the month of April, and prevailed on him to give up his
+first resolution. But he would on no account leave Truxillo till the
+return of Sandoval, who had been detached with seventy soldiers against a
+Captain Roxas, who served under Pedro Arias de Avila, against whom
+complaints had been made by the inhabitants of Olancho, a district about
+fifty-five leagues from Truxillo. When the parties first met they were on
+the brink of proceeding to hostilities; but they were reconciled and
+parted amicably, Roxas and his men agreeing to evacuate the country.
+Sandoval was recalled in consequence of the arrival of Altamirano, and
+Cortes took measures to leave the country in good order, of which Saavedra
+was left lieutenant-governor. Captain Luis Marin was directed to march our
+whole party to Mexico by way of Guatimala, and Captain Godoy was ordered
+to take the command at Naco. All things being now settled for the
+departure of Cortes, he confessed to Fra Juan and received the Sacrament,
+previous to his embarkation, as he was so exceedingly ill that he thought
+himself on the point of death. The wind was favourable, and he soon
+arrived at the Havanna, where he was honourably received by his former
+friends and acquaintances, and where he had the pleasure, by a vessel just
+arrived from Vera Cruz, to receive intelligence that New Spain was
+entirely restored to peace; as all the refractory Indians, on hearing that
+Cortes and we their former conquerors were alive and returning, had come
+in and made their submissions.
+
+The conduct of Salazar and Chirinos during their usurped authority had
+gained them many adherents; as, by means of their confiscations and the
+distribution of property among their greedy supporters, many were
+interested in the maintenance of their authority. These were mostly of the
+lower order, and persons of a seditious disposition; though some men of
+quality, especially influenced by the contador Albornos, who dreaded the
+arrival of Cortes, had formed a plot to kill the treasurer Estrada, and to
+reinstate Salazar and Chirinos in the government. For the purpose of
+releasing them from prison, they employed one Guzman, a white-smith, a
+fellow of low character who affected to be a wit, to make keys for opening
+their cages, giving him a piece of gold of the form which they required,
+and enjoining the strictest secrecy. He undertook all that they asked with
+the utmost apparent zeal, pretending to be very anxious for the liberation
+of the prisoners; and by his affected humour and zeal for the cause,
+contrived to become acquainted with their whole plan of procedure: But
+when the keys were finished and the plot ripe for execution, he
+communicated intelligence of the whole affair to Estrada; who instantly
+assembled the friends of Cortes, and went to the place of meeting, where
+he found twenty of the conspirators already armed and waiting for the
+signal. These were seized, but many others made their escape. Among the
+prisoners there were several very notorious characters, one of whom had
+lately committed violence on a Spanish woman. They were immediately
+brought to trial before Ortega, the alcalde-major of Mexico; and, being
+convicted, three of them were hanged, and several of the rest whipped.
+
+I must here digress, to mention an affair not exactly accordant in point
+of time with my narrative, but relevant in regard to its subject. By the
+same vessel in which Salazar had transmitted letters to his majesty
+tending to criminate Cortes, other letters were conveyed and so artfully
+concealed that he had no suspicion of their existence, in which a full and
+true account of all his oppresions and unlawful proceedings was sent to
+his majesty. All these facts had also been reported by the royal court of
+audience at St Domingo; by which the reported death of Cortes was
+contradicted, and his majesty was truly informed in what manner the
+general was employed for his service. In consequence of these
+representations, the emperor is said to have expressed his high
+indignation at the unworthy treatment which Cortes had experienced, and
+his determination to support him in the government of New Spain.
+
+
+[1] The true lion, Felis leo, is only found in the old world, chiefly in
+    Africa and the south of Persia. The American lion, or _puma_, the
+    Felis concolor of naturalists, is considerably less than the true lion,
+    being about the size of a large wolf, of a lively red colour tinged
+    with black, but without spots. It climbs trees, whence it drops down
+    by surprise on animals passing below; and though fierce and cunning,
+    hardly ever ventures to attack mankind.--E.
+
+[2] The iguana, instead of being a _serpent_, is a large species of
+    _lizard_, the Lacerta iguana of naturalists. It abounds in all the
+    warm and marshy parts of America, and is reckoned excellent eating.--E.
+
+[3] Diaz is very lax in his topographical notices of this famous
+    expedition. The settlement of St Gil de Buena Vista, where Cortes now
+    was, appears to have been at the bottom of the gulf of Amatique in the
+    bay of Honduras, on the east side of the inlet which communicates with
+    the _golfo dolce_. His exploration of that inland gulf, was probably
+    in the hope of finding a navigable passage to the Pacific Ocean. The
+    settlement which Cortes projected in Puerto Cavallos, must have been
+    near that now called Fort Omoa.--E.
+
+[4] These islands of Guanajes appear to be those called by the English
+    settlers of Honduras, Ratan and Bonaeo, off cape Honduras.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI.
+
+_Return of Cortes to Mexico, and occurrences there previous to his
+departure for Europe; together with an account of the return of the Author
+to Mexico_.
+
+
+Cortes remained five days at the Havanna for refreshment, after which he
+reimbarked, and in twelve days arrived at the port of Medelin, opposite
+the _Isla de los Sacrificios_, where he disembarked with twenty soldiers;
+and while proceeding to the town of San Juan de Ulua, about half a league
+from Medelin, he had the good fortune to fall in with a string of horses
+and mules which had been employed in conveying travellers to the coast,
+which he immediately engaged to carry him and his suit to Vera Cruz[1]. He
+gave strict orders to all who accompanied him to give no hint to any
+person of his name and quality; and on his arrival at the town before
+day-break, he went directly to the church, the doors of which were just
+opened. The sacristan was alarmed at seeing so great a number of strangers
+going into the church, and immediately ran into the streets to call the
+civil power to his assistance. The alcaldes, with the alguazils, and some
+of the inhabitants repaired immediately to the church with their arms; and
+Cortes was so squalid from long illness, that no one knew him till he
+began to speak. The moment he was known, they all fell on their knees and
+kissed his hands, welcoming him back to New Spain; and his old
+fellow-soldiers escorted him after mass to the quarters of Pedro Moreno,
+where he remained eight days, during which he was feasted by the
+inhabitants. Intelligence was immediately conveyed of the joyful news to
+Mexico and all the surrounding country, and Cortes wrote to all his
+friends giving them notice of his arrival. The neighbouring Indians
+flocked to wait upon him with presents and congratulations; and when he
+set out on his journey to Mexico, every preparation was made for his
+accommodation and honourable entertainment. The inhabitants of Mexico, and
+all the places round the lake, and those of Tlascala and all the other
+Indian towns, celebrated his return with festivals. On his arrival at
+Tescuco, the contador came to wait upon him, and on entering the capital,
+he was received in great state by all the civil and military officers, and
+all the inhabitants. The natives in their gayest attire, and armed as
+warriors, filled the lake in their canoes; dancing and festivity prevailed
+in every corner of the city during the whole day; and at night every house
+was illuminated. Immediately on his arrival, he went to the monastery of
+St Francis, to give thanks to God for his preservation and safe return;
+and from thence went to his magnificent palace, where he was esteemed,
+served, and feared like a sovereign prince, all the provinces sending
+messages of congratulation on his happy return, with considerable presents.
+This return of Cortes to Mexico was in June[2], and he immediately ordered
+the arrest of all who had been most eminent for sedition during his
+absence, causing a judicial inquiry to be made into the conduct of the two
+principal culprits, Salazar and Chirinos, whom he intended to have brought
+immediately to justice for their crimes; and, if he had done so, no one
+would have found fault, but in this instance he certainly acted with too
+much lenity, or rather want of firmness. I remember to have heard from
+some of the members of the royal council of the Indies in 1540, that the
+capital punishment of these men would have been approved by his majesty.
+One Ocampo, who had been guilty of defamatory libels, and an old scrivener
+named Ocana, who used to be called the soul of Chirinos, was arrested on
+this occasion.
+
+Shortly after the arrival of Cortes in Mexico, the licentiate Luis Ponce
+de Leon arrived unexpectedly at Medelin, and Cortes was surprised with
+this intelligence while performing his devotions in the church of St
+Francis. He prayed earnestly for direction from God, that he might so
+conduct himself on this critical emergency, as seemed best fitting to his
+holy will, and the good service of his sovereign; and immediately sent a
+confidential person to bring him information of the particular object and
+tendency of the coming of De Leon. In two days after, he received a copy
+of the royal orders to receive the licentiate as resident judge of Mexico:
+In consequence of which, he dispatched a person with a complimentary
+message, desiring to know which of the two roads to the city De Leon
+intended to take, that he might give orders for every proper accommodation
+to be prepared suitable to his rank. De Leon sent back an answer, thanking
+him for his polite attention, but that he proposed to repose for some time
+where he then was, to recover from the fatigues of his voyage. This
+interval was busily employed by the enemies of Cortes, in misrepresenting
+all the transactions in which Cortes had been concerned. They asserted
+that Cortes intended to put the factor and veedor to death before the
+arrival of De Leon at Mexico, and even warned him to take great care of
+his own personal safety, alleging that the civility of Cortes in desiring
+to know the road he meant to take, were to enable him to prepare for his
+assassination, under pretence of doing him honour. The persons with whom
+the licentiate principally consulted were, Proano, the alcalde-major, and
+his brother, who was alcalde of the citadel, named Salazar de la Pedrada,
+who soon afterwards died of a pleurisy; Marcos de Aguilar, a licentiate or
+bachelor; a soldier named Bocanegra de Cordova, and certain friars of the
+Dominican order, of whom Fra Thomas Ortiz was provincial. This man had
+been a prior somewhere, and was said to be much better fitted for worldly
+affairs, than for the concerns of his holy office. By these men De Leon
+was advised to proceed to Mexico without delay, and accordingly the last
+messengers sent to him by Cortes met him on the road at Iztapalapa. A
+sumptuous banquet was prepared at this place for De Leon and his suit, in
+which, after several abundant and magnificent courses, some cheese-cakes
+and custards were served up as great delicacies, which were much relished,
+and some of the company eat of them so heartily that they became sick.
+Ortiz asserted that they had been mixed up with arsenic, and that he had
+refrained from eating them from suspicion; but some who were present
+declared that he partook of them heartily, and declared they were the best
+he had ever tasted. This ridiculous story was eagerly circulated by the
+enemies of Cortes. While De Leon was at Iztapalapa, Cortes remained in
+Mexico; and report said that he sent at this time a good sum in gold as a
+present to the licentiate. When De Leon set out from Iztapalapa, Cortes
+having notice of his approach, went immediately to meet him, with a grand
+and numerous retinue of all the officers and gentlemen of the city. At
+meeting, many civilities passed between the two great men, and Cortes
+prevailed with some difficulty on De Leon to take the right hand. De Leon
+proceeded immediately to the monastery of St Francis, to offer up his
+thanks to the Almighty for his safe arrival, whence he was conducted by
+Cortes to a palace prepared for him, where he was most sumptuously
+entertained, all business being deferred for that day. On this occasion
+the grandeur and politeness of Cortes were so conspicuous, that De Leon is
+said to have observed privately among his friends, that Cortes must have
+been long practising the manners of a great man.
+
+Next day, the _cabildo_ or council of Mexico, all the civil and military
+officers, and all the veterans who were present in the capital, were
+ordered to assemble; and in the presence of all these, the licentiate
+Ponce de Leon produced his commission from his majesty. Cortes kissed it,
+and placed it on his head as a mark of respectful submission, and all
+present declared their ready obedience. The licentiate then received from
+Cortes the rod of justice, in token of surrendering the government into
+his hands, saying: "General, I receive this government from you by the
+orders of his majesty; although it is by no means implied that you are not
+most worthy both of this and of a higher trust." The general answered,
+"That he was always happy in obeying the commands of his majesty, and was
+the more satisfied on the present occasion, because he would have an
+opportunity to prove the malice and falsehood of his enemies." De Leon
+replied, "That in all societies there were good and bad men, for such was
+the way of the world; and he trusted that both would be repaid in kind."
+This was all the material business of the first day. On the next, the new
+governor sent a respectful summons to Cortes, who accordingly waited upon
+him, and they had a long private conference, at which no one was present
+except the prior Ortiz: Yet it was believed that the conversation was to
+the following effect. De Leon observed, that it was the wish of his
+majesty that those who had most merit in the conquest of the country
+should be well provided for in the distribution of plantations, those
+soldiers who had first come from Cuba being more especially considered:
+Whereas it was understood that they had been neglected, while others who
+had newly arrived had been gratified with unmerited wealth. To this Cortes
+answered, that all had got shares in the division of the country; and that
+it could not be imputed to him that some of these had turned out of less
+value than others: But it was now in the power of the new governor to
+remedy this inequality. The governor then asked why Luis de Godoy had been
+left to perish in a distant settlement, when the veterans ought to have
+been allowed to enjoy the comforts of established possessions in Mexico,
+and the new settlements assigned to new colonists: And why Captain Luis
+Marin, Bernal Diaz, and other approved veterans had been neglected. Cortes
+answered, That for business of difficulty and danger, none but the
+veterans could be depended on: But that all these were soon expected to
+return to Mexico, when the new governor would have it in his power to
+provide for them. De Leon next questioned him rather sharply about his
+imprudent march against Christoval de Oli, which he had undertaken without
+permission from his majesty. Cortes said, That he looked upon that measure
+as necessary for his majestys service, as such an example might have
+dangerous effects on officers entrusted with subordinate commands; and
+that he had reported his intentions to his majesty before he set out on
+this expedition. De Leon questioned him likewise on the affairs of Narvaez,
+Garay, and Tapia; on all of which subjects Cortes gave such answers that
+the governor seemed perfectly satisfied.
+
+Soon after this conference, Ortiz called on three very intimate friends of
+the general, and pretending to be actuated only by the most friendly
+desire to serve him, assured them that the governor had secret orders from
+the emperor to behead Cortes immediately; and that he, from private regard,
+and in conformity with the duties of his holy functions, had considered it
+to be his duty to give him this intelligence. He even desired an interview
+with Cortes next morning, and communicated the same information to him,
+accompanied with many protestations of regard and friendship. This
+assuredly gave Cortes a very serious subject of meditation: But he had
+already been informed of the intriguing character of the prior, and
+suspected all this proceeded from a wish to be bribed for his good offices
+with the governor; though some alleged that Ortiz acted by the secret
+directions of De Leon on this occasion. Cortes received this pretended
+friendly information with many thanks; but declared his belief that his
+majesty had a better opinion of his services, than to proceed against him
+in this clandestine manner; and that he had too high an opinion of the
+governor, than to believe he could proceed to such extremities without the
+royal warrant. When the prior found that his sly conduct did not produce
+the effect which he had expected, he remained so confused that he knew not
+what farther to say on the occasion. The new governor gave public notice,
+for all who had complaints to make against the former administration, to
+bring their charges, whether against Cortes, or any others of the civil or
+military officers. In consequence of this, a vast number of accusers,
+litigants, and claimants started up; among whom many private enemies of
+the general preferred unjust accusations against him, while others made
+just claims for what was really due to them. Some alleged that they had
+not received their just shares of the gold; others that they had not been
+sufficiently rewarded in the distribution of settlements; some demanded
+remuneration for their horses which had been killed in the wars, though
+they had already been paid ten times their value; and others demanded
+satisfaction for personal injuries. Just as the governor had opened his
+court to give a hearing to all parties, it pleased God, for our sins, and
+to our great misfortune, that he was suddenly taken ill of a fever. He
+remained four days in a lethargic state; after which, by the advice of his
+physicians, he confessed and received the sacrament with great devotion,
+and appointed Marcos de Aguilar, who had come with him from Spain, to
+succeed him in the government. On the ninth day from the commencement of
+his illness, he departed from this life, to the great grief of all the
+colonists, particularly the military, as he certainly intended to have
+redressed all abuses, and to have rewarded us according to our merits. He
+was of a gay disposition, and fond of music; and it is said that his
+attendants, while his illness was at the height, brought a lute player
+into his apartment, in hopes of soothing his distress. While a favourite
+air was playing, he was said to have beat time with perfect accuracy, and
+expired just when the tune was finished.
+
+Immediately on his death, the enemies of Cortes in Mexico circulated the
+most malignant slanders against him, even going the length of asserting
+that he said Sandoval had poisoned the governor as he had before done with
+Garay. The most busy in propagating this malicious report was the Prior
+Ortiz. But the truth was, that the vessel which brought the governor and
+his suite from Spain was infected with the disease of which he died; above
+a hundred of the crew and passengers having died at sea or soon after
+landing; among whom, almost all the friars who came out at that time were
+carried off, and the contagion spread through the city of Mexico. Some of
+the principal people in Mexico objected against the appointment which the
+late governor had made of a successor; alleging that Marcos de Aguilar was
+only a bachelor and not a licentiate, and therefore incapable of acting in
+that capacity. The cabildo of Mexico insisted that Aguilar was incapable
+of executing the high office to which De Leon had appointed him, on
+account of his age and infirmities; as he was a diseased hectic old man,
+who was obliged to drink goats milk, and to be suckled by a woman to keep
+him alive; they recommended therefore that Cortes should be associated
+with him in the government: But Aguilar insisted on adhering strictly to
+the testament of his predecessor; and Cortes, for substantial private
+reasons, was entirely averse from taking any share in the authority. The
+enemies of Cortes insisted on the inquiry proceeding in the manner
+intended by the late governor; and Cortes readily assented to this,
+providing the new governor would take the responsibility on himself for
+acting contrary to the testament of his predecessor, who had left orders
+for him not to proceed with the business before the court, but that the
+whole should be laid before his majesty.
+
+It is now proper to revert to our situation who had been left at Naco,
+when Cortes set sail from Truxillo for the Havanna and Mexico. We remained
+for some time at Naco, waiting intelligence for the sailing of Cortes,
+which Sandoval was to have sent us; but Saavedra maliciously suppressed
+the letters. Becoming impatient after a considerable delay, our captain,
+Luis Marin, sent ten of the cavalry, among whom I was, to Truxillo to
+learn the truth. On our arrival at a place named Olancho, we learned from
+some Spaniards that Cortes was sailed; which information was soon
+afterwards confirmed by a message from Saavedra. We returned therefore
+joyfully to Marin, and set out for Mexico, throwing stones at the country
+we were quitting, as a mark of our dislike. At a place called Maniani,
+we met five soldiers commanded by Diego de Villaneuva, one of our brave
+veterans, who were sent in search of us by Alvarado, who was at a place
+not far distant, named _Chohilteca Malalaca_, where we joined him in two
+days, and where we were likewise joined by a party belonging to Pedro
+Arias de Avilla, who had sent some of his captains to adjust some disputed
+boundaries with Alvarado. From this place, where we remained three days,
+Alvarado sent one Gaspar Arias de Avilla to treat on some confidential
+business with Pedro Arias, I believe relative to a marriage; for Pedro
+Arias seemed much devoted henceforwards to Alvarado. Continuing our march
+through a hostile country, the natives killed one of our soldiers, and
+wounded three; but we were too much in haste to punish them as they
+deserved. Farther on in Guatimala, the natives manned the passes against
+us, and we were detained three days in forcing our way through, on which
+occasion I received a slight wound. While in the valley where the city of
+Guatimala has been since built, and all the people of which were hostile,
+we had a number of shocks of an earthquake, all of which continued a long
+while, and were so violent that several of our soldiers were thrown down.
+On passing old Guatimala, the natives assembled against us in hostile
+array, but we drove them before us, and took possession of their
+magnificent dwellings and quadrangles for the night, and hutted ourselves
+next day on the plain, where we remained ten days. During this time
+Alvarado summoned the neighbouring Indians to submit, but they neglected
+to appear. We then proceeded by long marches to Olintepec, where Alvarados
+main force was stationed, whence we proceeded by Soconuzco and Teguantepec
+towards Mexico, losing two soldiers on our march, and the Mexican lord
+named Juan Velasquez, who had been a chief under Guatimotzin.
+
+On our arrival at Oaxaca, we learned the news of the death of Ponce de
+Leon the governor. We pressed forward to Mexico, and on our arrival at
+Chalco sent messengers to inform Cortes of our approach, and to request he
+would provide us with good quarters, having been two years and three
+months absent on our expedition. Cortes, attended by many gentlemen on
+horseback, met us on the causeway and accompanied us into the city, where
+we immediately went to the great church to return thanks to God for our
+arrival, after which we went to the generals palace, where a sumptuous
+entertainment was provided for us. Alvarado went to reside at the fortress,
+of which he had been appointed alcalde. Luis Marin went to lodge with
+Sandoval; and Captain Luis Sanchez and I, were taken by Andres de Tapia to
+his house. Cortes and Sandoval and all our other friends sent us presents
+of gold and cacao to bear our expences[3]. Next day, my friend Sanchez and
+I went to wait upon the new governor Aguilar, accompanied by Sandoval and
+De Tapia. We were received with much politeness, saying he would have done
+every thing in his power for us, if so authorised, but every thing having
+been referred by De Leon to his majesty, he was unable to make any new
+arrangements.
+
+At this time Diego de Ordas arrived from Cuba, who was said to have
+circulated the report of our deaths; but he declared that he had only sent
+an account of the unfortunate catastrophe of Xicalonga as it really
+happened, and that the misrepresentation proceeded entirely from the
+factor Salazar. Cortes had so much business on his hands that he thought
+proper to drop this affair, and endeavoured to recover his property which
+had been disposed of under the supposition of his death. A great part of
+it had been expended in celebrating his funeral obsequies, and in the
+purchase of perpetual masses for his soul; but, on his being discovered to
+be alive, had been repurchased by one Juan Caceres for his own benefit
+when he might happen to die, so that Cortes could not recover his property.
+Ordas, who was a man of much experience, seeing that Cortes was fallen
+much into neglect since he was superseded from the government, advised him
+to assume more state and consequence to maintain the respect due to him:
+But such was his native plainness of manners, that he never wished to be
+called otherwise than simply _Cortes_; a truly noble name, as glorious as
+those of Cesar, Pompey, or Hanibal among the ancients. Ordas likewise
+informed Cortes of a current report in Mexico, that he intended to put
+Salazar privately to death in prison, and warned him that he was
+powerfully patronized. About this time, the treasurer Estrada married one
+of his daughters to Jorge de Alvarado, and another to Don Luis de Guzman,
+son to the Conde de Castellar. Pedro de Alvarado went over to Spain to
+solicit the government of Guatimala, sending in the meantime his brother
+Jorge to reduce that province, with a force chiefly composed of the
+warriors of the different nations that were in our alliance. The governor
+also sent a force against the province of Chiapa, under the command of Don
+Juan Enriquez de Guzman, a near relation to the Duke of Medina Sidonia:
+And an expedition was sent against the Zapotecan mountaineers, under
+Alonzo de Herrera, one of our veteran soldiers.
+
+Having lingered about eight months, Marcos de Aguilar died, and appointed
+by his testament Alonzo de Estrada the treasurer to succeed him in the
+government: But the Cabildo of Mexico and many of the principal Spaniards
+were very solicitous that Cortes should be associated in the government;
+and on his peremptory refusal, they recommended that Sandoval, who was
+then alguazil-major, should act in conjunction with Estrada, which
+accordingly was the case. The incompetence of Estrada for conducting the
+government in the present conjuncture, particularly appeared from the
+following circumstance. Nuno de Guzman, who had held the government of
+Panuco for two years, conducted himself in a furious and tyrannical manner,
+arbitrarily extending the bounds of his jurisdiction on the most frivolous
+pretences, and putting to death all who dared to oppose his commands.
+Among these, Pedro Gonzalez de Truxillo, having asserted truly that his
+district was dependent on Mexico, Guzman immediately ordered him to be
+hanged. He put many other Spaniards to death, merely to make himself
+feared; and set the authority of the governor of Mexico at defiance. Some
+of the enemies of Cortes persuaded Estrada to represent to the court of
+Spain, that he had been compelled by the influence of Cortes to associate
+Sandoval with himself in the government, contrary to his inclination, and
+to the detriment of his majesties service. By the same conveyance, a
+string of malevolent falsehoods were transmitted against the general; as
+that he had poisoned Garay, De Leon, and Aguilar; that he had endeavoured
+to administer arsenic in cheese-cakes to a great number of people at a
+feast; that he was plotting the deaths of the veedor and factor Chirinos
+and Salazar, then in jail; and that he had procured the death of his wife,
+Donna Catalina. All these lies were supported by the industry of the
+contador Albornos, then in Spain: And, in consequence of these gross
+falsehoods, Cortes was partly judged unheard; as orders were sent to
+release Salazar and Chirinos; and Pedro de la Cueva, commendator-major of
+Alcantara, was ordered to go out to Mexico with an escort of three hundred
+soldiers at the expence of Cortes, with authority to put Cortes to death
+if his guilt were proved, and to distribute his property among the veteran
+conquerors of Mexico. This was to have been done, however, under the
+authority of a court of royal audience, which was to be sent out to Mexico;
+but all ended in nothing; as neither De la Cueva nor the court of royal
+audience made their appearance.
+
+Estrada was greatly elated by the countenance he received at court, which
+he attributed to his being considered as a natural son of the Catholic
+king. He disposed of governments at his pleasure, and carried every thing
+with a high hand. At this time he sent his relation Mazoriejos to inquire
+into the conduct of Don Juan Enriquez de Guzman in Chiapa, who is said to
+have made more plunder there than was proper. He sent also a force against
+the Zapotecas and Mixtecas, under the command of one De Barrios, said to
+be a brave soldier who had served in Italy. I do not mean De Barrios of
+Seville, the brother-in-law of Cortes. This officer marched with a hundred
+men against the Zapotecas; but they surprised him, one night, and slew
+himself and seven of his soldiers. Such was the difference between these
+raw half formed soldiers, who were ignorant of the stratagems of the enemy,
+and us the veteran conquerors. One Figuero, a particular friend of Estrada,
+was sent with a hundred new soldiers to the province of Oaxaca. On passing
+through the country of the Zapotecas, Figuero fell into a dispute with one
+Alonzo de Herrera, who had been sent to command there by the late governor
+Aguilar, in which Figuero and three soldiers were wounded. Finding himself
+unable for the field, and that his soldiers were unfit for expeditions
+among the mountains, Figuero thought proper to search for the sepulchres
+of the ancient chiefs, on purpose to appropriate the gold which used to be
+buried along with them; by which means he collected above an hundred
+thousand crowns, and returned with this wealth to Mexico, leaving the
+province in a worse state than before. From Mexico he went to Vera Cruz,
+where he embarked for Spain; but he and all his wealth went to the bottom,
+as the vessel in which he sailed was lost in a storm. The business of
+subjecting these Indians was finally left for us, the veterans of
+Coatzacualco, who at length reduced them to submission. They used to
+submit during the summer, and to rebel when the torrents rendered their
+country inaccessible. I was on three expeditions against them; and at last
+the town of St Alfonso was built to keep them under subjection.
+
+When the governor heard how his friend Figuero had been maltreated by
+Herrera, he sent the officers of justice to apprehend him, but he made his
+escape to the rocks and woods. They took a soldier named Cortejo who used
+to accompany him, whom they brought prisoner to Mexico, where the governor
+ordered his right hand to be cut off, without hearing him in his defence,
+although he was a gentleman. About this time also, a servant belonging to
+Sandoval wounded one of Estradas servants in a quarrel. The governor had
+him arrested, and sentenced him to have his right hand cut off, Cortes and
+Sandoval resided at this time in Quernavaca, partly on prudential
+considerations; and immediately posted off to Mexico, where he is said to
+have used such severe expressions to the governor as to put him in fear of
+his life. He called his friends about him to form a guard for his person,
+and immediately released Salazar and Chirinos from prison, by whose advice
+he issued an order for the expulsion of Cortes from Mexico. When this was
+represented to Cortes, he declared his readiness to obey; and since it was
+the will of God, that he who had gained that city at the expence of his
+best blood, should be banished from it by base and unworthy men, he was
+resolved to go immediately to Spain and demand justice from his majesty.
+He quitted the city instantly, and went to one of his country residences
+at Cojohuacan, from whence in a few days he proceeded towards the coast.
+Estradas lady, a person worthy of memory for her many virtues, seeing the
+dangerous consequences which were likely to result from this absurd and
+arbitrary conduct, remonstrated with her husband on the subject, reminding
+him of the many favours he had received from Cortes, the ingratitude with
+which he now repaid him, and the many powerful friends of the general.
+These representations are said to have induced the treasurer to repent
+sincerely of the violent steps he had taken. Just at this time, Fra Julian
+Garrios, the first bishop of Tlascala arrived in New Spain, who was much
+displeased on hearing the proceedings of the governor; and two days after
+his arrival in Mexico, where he was received with great pomp, he undertook
+to mediate a reconciliation between the governor and Cortes. Many
+seditious persons, knowing the dissatisfaction of Cortes, offered him
+their services if he would set himself up as an independant monarch in New
+Spain, and he even received similar offers from many persons in Mexico. He
+immediately arrested all of these men who were in his reach, threatening
+to put them to death, and wrote to inform the bishop of Tlascala of their
+treasonable offers. The bishop waited on Cortes, and found his conduct in
+every respect satisfactory, of which he sent word to Mexico; and finding
+that Cortes was positively determined upon going to Spain, the prelate
+added to his letter a severe censure from himself upon the misconduct of
+those who had driven him from thence.
+
+
+[1] The harbour of Medelin is fifteen or twenty miles south from Vera Cruz;
+    but I suspect the place named St Juan de Ulua in the text is the
+    modern town of Vera Cruz, the harbour of which is protected by the
+    island and castle of St Juan de Ulua. The ancient town of Villa Rica
+    de la Vera Cruz, now called Antigua, is about twenty-five miles north
+    from modern Vera Cruz.--E.
+
+[2] Diaz is frequently inattentive to dates, and does not on this occasion
+    inform us of the year: By reference to Robertsons History of America,
+    II. 266, 12mo. ed Lond. 1800, it certainly apoears to have been in the
+    year 1524.--E.
+
+[3] It may be proper to remark in this place, that the cacao nuts were
+    used by the Mexicans before the conquest as a medium for purchases of
+    small value instead of money, and the practice was continued under the
+    Spanish dominion, as the markets were supplied by the original natives.
+    Clavigero, I. 366. says that the Mexicans used five substitutes for
+    money. 1. Cacao, which they counted by _xiquipils_, or in sacks
+    containing each three xiquipils, or 24,000 nuts. 2. Small cotton
+    cloths, called _patolquachtli_. 3. Gold dust in goose quills. 4.
+    Pieces of copper in the form of the letter T. 5. Thin pieces of
+    tin.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII.
+
+_Narrative of Occurrences, from the Departure of Cortes to Europe till his
+Death_.
+
+
+About this time likewise, Cortes received letters from the president of
+the council of the Indies, the Duke of Bejar, and several others of his
+friends in Spain; strongly urging the necessity of his appearance at court
+to counteract the malignant accusations of his numerous enemies[1]. By the
+same conveyance, he received notice of the death of his father. Having
+performed funeral obsequies in memory of his father, he ordered two ships
+to be purchased, which he stored so abundantly with provisions of all
+kinds, that after his arrival in Spain the overplus might have served for
+a voyage of two years. I am uncertain whether Cortes returned to Mexico in
+order to arrange his private affairs; but he appointed several agents for
+that purpose, the principal of whom was the licentiate Altamirano. His
+major-domo, Esquival, was employed in making preparations for the voyage;
+who, in crossing the lake to Ajotzinco in a large canoe with six Indians
+and a negro, having some ingots of gold in his possession, was waylaid and
+murdered; but the manner of his death could never be ascertained, as
+neither canoe, Indians, nor negro could ever be traced. The body of
+Esquival was found four days afterwards on a small island, half eaten by
+the birds of prey. There were many suspicions about this affair, some of
+such a nature as I cannot relate; but no great inquiry was made as to his
+death. Cortes appointed other persons to complete the preparations for his
+voyage; and offered by proclamation a free passage for all Spaniards who
+had license from the government to go to Spain, with a supply of
+provisions during the voyage. He took home with him from Mexico a great
+number of the curiosities of the country to present to his majesty, among
+which were various unknown birds, two tigers[2], many barrels of ambergris
+and indurated balsam, and of a kind resembling oil[3]: Four Indians who
+were remarkably expert in playing the stick with their feet: Some of those
+Indian jugglers who had a manner of appearing to fly in the air: Three
+hunchbacked dwarfs of extraordinary deformity: Some male and female
+Indians whose skins were remarkable for an extraordinary whiteness, and
+who had a natural defect of vision[4]. Cortes was likewise attended by
+several young chiefs of the Mexican and Tlascalan nations, who went over
+along with him into Spain at their own request[5].
+
+Every thing being in readiness for the voyage, Cortes confessed and
+received the sacrament, after which he embarked along with Sandoval, de
+Tapia, and other gentlemen; and in forty-one days arrived in Spain, where
+he disembarked near the town of Palos, in the month of December 1527. As
+soon as he set his foot on shore, he knelt down and returned thanks to God
+for the safety of his voyage. This fortunate voyage was soon succeeded by
+severe grief, in consequence of the death of the valiant Sandoval, who
+expired after a lingering illness in the house of a rope-maker in Palos,
+who robbed him in his presence of thirteen bars of gold, in the following
+manner: Perceiving the extreme weakness of Sandoval, he sent away all his
+servants on a pretended message to Cortes; and then went into Sandovals
+room, where he broke open his chest and took out the gold, our poor friend
+being too ill in bed to hinder him, and even apprehensive if he made any
+outcry, that the robber might take his life. As soon as he got the gold,
+he made his escape into Portugal, where he could not be pursued. Sandoval
+grew worse hourly, and as the physicians pronounced his end approaching,
+he prepared himself for death like a good Christian, and made his will, by
+which he left all his property to a sister, who afterwards married a
+natural son of the Conde de Medelin. Sandoval died universally regretted,
+and was followed to the grave by Cortes and a great train of mourners. May
+God pardon his sins! _Amen_.
+
+Cortes transmitted by express, an account of his arrival and of the death
+of his friend Sandoval to his majesty and to his patrons at court; and
+when the Duke of Bejar and the Conde de Aguilar waited on his majesty on
+the occasion, they found him already acquainted by means of letters from
+Cortes, and that he had been pleased to issue orders for his being
+received in the most honourable manner in all the towns and cities where
+he might have occasion to pass. On his arrival at Seville, Cortes was
+entertained by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who presented him with several
+beautiful horses. He proceeded from thence to attend the _nine days
+devotion_ at the shrine of our lady of Guadaloupe, where Donna Maria, the
+lady of the commendador Don Francisco de los Cobos, and many other ladies
+of high rank arrived at the same time. After Cortes had performed his
+devotions, and given charity to the poor, he went in grand style to pay
+his respects to Donna Maria, her beautiful sister, and the many other
+ladies of distinguished rank who were along with her, where he exhibited
+that politeness, gallantry, and generosity, in which he surpassed all men.
+He presented various golden ornaments of great value to all the ladies,
+giving a plume of green feathers richly ornamented with gold to every one
+of the ladies, but his presents to Donna Maria and her sister were
+particularly rich and valuable. He then produced his Indian dancers and
+players with the stick, who astonished all the spectators. And learning
+that one of the mules belonging to Donna Marias sister had fallen lame, he
+presented her with two of the finest which could be procured. Waiting the
+departure of these ladies, he attended them during their journey to the
+court, entertaining them magnificently on all occasions, doing the honours
+with a grace peculiar to himself, insomuch that Donna Maria de Mendoza
+began to have thoughts of a marriage between her sister and Cortes, and
+wrote in such strains of the politeness and generosity of Cortes, that she
+brought over the commendador her husband entirely to his interest.
+
+On his arrival at court, his majesty was pleased to order apartments for
+him, and all his friends came out to meet him on the road. Next day he
+went by permission to throw himself at his majestys feet, accompanied by
+the Duke of Bejar, the Admiral of the Indies, and the commendador of Leon.
+His majesty commanded him to rise, on which Cortes, after a short
+enumeration of his services and vindication of his conduct from the
+aspersions of his enemies, presented a memorial in which the whole was
+fully detailed. His majesty then honoured him with the title of Marquis
+della Valle de Oaxaca and the order of St Jago, giving him an estate for
+the support of his new dignity, and appointed him Captain-general of New
+Spain and of the South Seas. Thus loaded with honours, Cortes retired from
+the royal presence; and shortly afterwards falling dangerously ill, the
+emperor did him the honour of paying him a visit in person. One Sunday
+after his recovery, when the emperor was at mass in the cathedral of
+Toledo, seated according to custom with all the nobility in their proper
+stations, Cortes came there rather late, designedly as it was said, after
+all were seated; and, passing before all the others, took his place next
+the Conde de Nasao, who sat nearest the emperor. This gave great offence
+to many, though some said it was done by desire of the emperor. Indeed
+Cortes felt his elevation so much, that he ceased to hold some of his
+patrons in the estimation they deserved, bestowing his whole attentions on
+the Duke of Bejar, the Admiral, and the Conde de Nasao. He applied
+likewise to the emperor to be reappointed to the government of New Spain;
+but, though supported in this request by his noble patrons, his majesty
+refused compliance, and from this time he did not seem so much in favour
+as before.
+
+The emperor now proceeded on a journey to Flanders; and shortly after his
+departure, Cortes was married to Donna Juanna de Zuniga, on which occasion
+he presented his lady with the most magnificent jewels that had ever been
+seen in Spain. Queen Isabella, from the report of the lapidaries,
+expressed a wish for some similar jewels, which Cortes accordingly
+presented to her; but it was reported that these were not so fine or so
+valuable as those he had given to his lady. At this time Cortes obtained
+permission from the council of the Indies to fit out two ships on a voyage
+of discovery to the south seas, with the condition of enjoying certain
+privileges and revenues from all lands that were acquired through his
+means to the crown of Spain. Don Pedro de la Cueva, who was to have gone
+to Mexico with a commission to try Cortes and to put him to death if found
+guilty, was now upon the most intimate footing with him, and told him that
+even his innocence would have been sufficiently expensive, as the cost of
+the expedition, which he was to have paid, would have exceeded 300,000
+crowns.
+
+Cortes sent Juan de Herrada, a brave soldier who had attended him in his
+expedition to Honduras, to carry a rich present of gold, silver, and
+jewels, to his holiness Pope Clement, with an ample memorial of all the
+circumstances respecting the newly discovered countries; and on this
+occasion solicited some abatement of the tithes of New Spain. Herrada was
+accompanied to Rome by several of the Indians who shewed feats of agility,
+and with whose performances the pope and cardinals were highly diverted.
+His holiness, on the receipt of the letters and memorial, gave thanks to
+God for the opportunity of making so many thousands converts to the holy
+catholic faith, praising the services which Cortes and we had rendered to
+the church and our sovereign, and sent us bulls of indulgence, freeing us
+from the penalties of our sins, and others for the erection of churches
+and hospitals; but I know not what was done in regard to the tithes. When
+Herrada had concluded his business at Rome, he returned to Spain with a
+liberal reward from the pope, who gave him the rank of Count Palatine, and
+strongly recommended that he should have the grant of a considerable
+plantation in New Spain, which he never got. After his return to America,
+he went to Peru, where Diego de Almagro left him in the office of governor
+to his son. He was high in the favour and confidence of the family and
+party of Almagro, with whom he served as _maestre de campo_ under young
+Almagro, and headed the party which put to death the elder Don Francisco
+Pizarro.
+
+While Cortes remained in Spain, the members of the court of royal audience
+arrived in Mexico. Of this court, Nuno de Guzman, who had been governor of
+Panuco, was president; the four _oydors_ or judges being the licentiates,
+Matienzo, Delgadillo, Parada, and Maldonado; not the good Alonzo Maldonado
+who was afterwards governor of Guatimala. These magistrates had greater
+powers than had hitherto been confided to any officers in New Spain, being
+entrusted with the final distribution of landed property, in which his
+majesty had particularly charged them to take care of the interests of the
+conquerors, and they evinced from the very first a determination to do
+justice. Immediately after their arrival, they issued a proclamation,
+requiring the attendance of an agent from each settlement, and to be
+furnished with memorials and returns of the several districts; and the
+agents accordingly arrived as soon as possible. Being then in Mexico in
+the execution of my office of procurator-syndic of the town of
+Coatzacualco, I posted to that place in order to be present at the
+election of agents, and after a violent contest, Captain Marin and I were
+elected by the majority. On our arrival in Mexico, we found that two of
+the oydors had died of pleurisies, and that the factor Salazar had
+acquired so complete an ascendancy over the others that they followed his
+advice in every thing. The agents pressed a final distribution of lands;
+but Salazar persuaded the president and the two remaining oydors not
+hastily to part with that source of patronage, which would necessarily
+diminish their influence. Salazar even set out for Spain, to solicit the
+government for the president, Nuno de Guzman; but was shipwrecked on the
+coast near Coatzacualco, and had to return to Mexico. Estrada died soon
+after being superseded, which he owed more to his own tameness than to any
+right the members of the court could found on his majestys orders, which
+left the government entirely with him, without saying any thing of the
+association of Guzman; who yet usurped the sole government to himself as
+president. Estrada was universally regretted, as he conducted himself with
+perfect impartiality, and would assuredly have been supported, if he had
+insisted on retaining his office of governor.
+
+A commission was appointed at Guatimala, where Jorge de Alvarado commanded,
+of which I never learnt the result. In Mexico the most severe proceedings
+were adopted against the Marquis della Valle, during which the factor
+Salazar reviled and slandered him in the grossest manner. The licentiate
+Altamirano, his friend and manager of his affairs, remonstrated with the
+court against these indecent proceedings, but to no purpose, as Guzman and
+the surviving judges gave their countenance to Salazar, who became more
+abusive than ever; insomuch that on one of these occasions Altamirano drew
+his poniard, and would have stabbed the factor, throwing the court into
+confusion and uproar, if he had not been prevented. Altamirano was sent
+prisoner to the citadel, and Salazar was ordered into arrest in his own
+house, and the city was thrown into an universal ferment. At the end of
+three days, the licentiate was liberated from confinement at our earnest
+desire, and the dispute was quieted for the present; but a more serious
+disscution succeeded. One Zavalos, a relation of Narvaez, had been sent by
+his wife in quest of him, as he had gone as governor to the Rio Palmas,
+and had not been heard of for a long while. On coming to Mexico, Zavalos,
+as is supposed by instigation of the members of the royal court of
+audience, lodged criminal information against all the soldiers of Cortes
+who had been concerned in the attack upon Narvaez; so that about two
+hundred and fifty of us, then in the city, myself among the rest, were
+apprehended, brought to trial, convicted, and sentenced to a fine of a
+certain quantity of gold, and banishment to the distance of five leagues
+from Mexico: But the banishment was remitted and very few paid the fine.
+
+The enemies of the marquis took a new ground of attack, alleging that he
+had embezzled the treasure of Montezuma and Guatimotzin, and was
+answerable to the soldiers both for what he had appropriated to his own
+use, and for that which had been sent to Spain as a present to his majesty
+and had been captured by Florin the French corsair. A long list of other
+demands followed, on every one of which he was found liable, and his
+property was sold under executions for the payment. At this time likewise,
+Juan Suarez the brother of Donna Catalina, the first wife of Cortes,
+charged him with her murder, offering to produce witnesses of the manner
+of her death. Many of us the veteran conquerors, who were the friends of
+Cortes, seeing the harsh manner in which he was treated, met by
+appointment at the house of Garcia Holguin, under the license of an
+alcalde or judge of police, where we entered into a resolution to renounce
+all our claims to the treasure: But when the judges of the royal tribunal
+heard of our proceedings, they ordered us all to be arrested for an
+illegal meeting; and though we produced the license under which our
+meeting was held, they again banished us five leagues from Mexico; but we
+were allowed to return. A proclamation was issued about this time, that
+all persons of Moorish descent, or from those who had been burned or
+_sanbenited_[6] by the holy tribunal, as far as the fourth generation,
+should quit New Spain within four months, under the penalty of losing half
+their property. Vast numbers of informers and accusers started up on this
+occasion, by which an infinite number of most infamous slanders were
+propagated; and yet after all only two individuals were expelled.
+
+The court was generous in fulfilling the royal commands respecting the
+veteran conquerors, who were all amply provided for; but they granted an
+excessive license in regard to the branding of slaves, in consequence of
+which so many were made in the province of Panuco that it became almost
+depopulated. Guzman made a new-years-gift to Albornos, who was newly
+returned to Spain, of the whole district of Guazpaltepec. Albornos brought
+with him a royal patent for erecting some sugar-works at Chempoalla, which
+soon went to ruin. The oydor Delgadillo was much censured for his _free
+gifts_, as it was observed he always reserved some rents to himself, and
+the consequent extortions and oppressions of those he patronized were
+excessive. The other oydor Matienzo was superannuated. The abuses of the
+members of this supreme court became at length so notorious, that other
+members of more discretion were sent out to supersede them. Old Matienzo,
+who was the least exceptionable, was sent to Panuco to inquire into and
+remedy the abuses committed in that province; where he revoked the grants
+made by the president and Delgadillo to their friends and clients,
+bestowing the plantations on those who were pointed out by the royal
+instructions; but all those who were desired to deliver up their
+plantations endeavoured to bring proof that they had been granted in
+reward of former services, disclaiming all favour or patronage from Guzman
+or Delgadillo, and most of them succeeded in keeping what they had got,
+the only persons deprived being Albornos of his new-years-gift, Villareal,
+and Villegas.
+
+When the members of the royal tribunal understood that they were to be
+superseded, they resolved to send agents to Spain, provided with witnesses
+and documents to vouch for the propriety of their conduct; and for this
+purpose all the veteran conquerors and other persons of distinction were
+convened in the great church, to choose an agent for our interest. The
+president and judges of the royal tribunal recommended Salazar the factor;
+and though they had committed some improprieties, as they had in the main
+done us justice in the _repartimientos_, or distribution of property and
+vassals, we were all disposed to vote for the person they recommended; but
+when we had assembled in the church, so many persons had crowded in who
+had no right, making a prodigious noise and confusion, that we could not
+proceed to business; and though all who had not been summoned were ordered
+to withdraw, they refused and insisted to vote as well as the others. We
+therefore adjourned to the next day, at the house of the president; and
+none being admitted but those summoned, the business was soon amicably
+adjusted by agreement with the members of the royal audience, and two
+agents were chosen. One, named Antonio de Carvajal, for the court; and
+Bernardino Vasquez de Tapia, for Cortes and the conquerors. In my opinion,
+both of these were equally devoted to the views of the president; but this
+was natural on our part, as Guzman had done much more for us during his
+short administration, than Cortes during all the period of his power. Yet
+we were always more attached to Cortes, who had been our commander, than
+he was to our interest, notwithstanding that he had his majestys orders to
+provide for us; of which the following is a striking proof. The president
+and judges used their influence with us to petition his majesty that
+Cortes might never be permitted to return to New Spain, under pretence
+that his presence might occasion factions and disturbances, tending to the
+loss of the country. We opposed this to the utmost of our power; and as
+Alvarado arrived at this time from Spain with the commission of governor
+and lieutenant-general of Guatimala, and decorated with a commandery of St
+Jago, he and the friends of Cortes agreed to lay a statement of every
+thing before his majesty, giving a clear developement of the views and
+conduct of the members of the royal audience. From this it appeared to the
+royal council of the Indies, that all the measures they had taken against
+Cortes were dictated by passion and interest, and the determination of
+recalling the present members of the audience was thereby confirmed. The
+presence of Cortes in Spain at this time was also highly favourable to his
+interests, and he was now rapidly advancing to the pinnacle of his fortune.
+
+As Guzman was now quite certain of being superseded, he determined upon an
+expedition into the province of Xalisco, now called New Gallicia[7]. For
+this purpose he collected a large military force, partly of volunteers,
+and partly by the influence of his supreme authority, obliging those who
+did not serve personally to find substitutes, and those who had horses to
+sell them for half value. He took with him likewise a considerable number
+of Mexicans, partly as soldiers, and others to carry the baggage. In this
+expedition, he cruelly oppressed the provinces through which he passed,
+that he might amass riches. From Mechoacan[8] he obtained a large quantity
+of gold much alloyed with silver, which the inhabitants had been
+collecting for ages; and as the unfortunate prince or cacique of that
+country was unable to gratify his avarice sufficiently, he had him
+tortured in the first place, and afterwards hanged on some false or
+trifling allegations, to the great displeasure of all the Spaniards in his
+army, who considered it as the cruellest and most unjust action ever
+committed in New Spain. All the booty which he had made in this expedition
+was collected at the town of Compostello, which he founded at a heavy
+expence to the crown and to the inhabitants of Mexico, and he remained in
+this place until his arrest.
+
+In consequence of the injustice of the former court of audience, his
+majesty was pleased to suppress it, and to cancel all its grants, and to
+appoint a new one consisting of wise and upright men. Of this new tribunal,
+Don Sebastian Ramirez, bishop of St Domingo was president, and the oydors
+or judges were the licentiates Maldonado de Salamanca, Vaco de Quiroga y
+Madrigal, afterwards bishop of Mechoacan, Zaynos de Toro, and Solomon de
+Madrid. On commencing their sittings, such crowds of complainants of all
+descriptions, settlers, agents, and native chiefs from every city, town,
+and district of New Spain made application for redress against the
+partiality and oppression of the former court, that the members were quite
+astonished. The demands made by the agents of Cortes for what had been
+unjustly taken from him, amounted to above 200,000 crowns. As Nuno de
+Guzman was absent, the whole blame was laid upon him by the other members
+of the former tribunal, who alleged that they were compelled to act
+according to his orders. He was accordingly summoned to appear, which he
+did not think proper to do, and it was judged proper to refer the whole
+affair for the present to the supreme court in Spain. Accordingly, one
+Torre, a licentiate, was sent with full powers from Spain to Xalisco,
+having orders to transmit Guzman to Mexico, and to commit him to prison.
+Torre was also commissioned to indemnify us for the fines which had been
+imposed on us respecting the affair of Narvaez.
+
+The properties of Delgadillo and Martienzo, were sold to pay the damages
+of those who had gained causes against them, and their persons imprisoned
+for the deficiency. A brother of Delgadillo, who was alcalde-major in
+Oaxaca, and another who was alcalde among the Zapotecas, were fined and
+imprisoned for the same reason, and died in jail. Delgadillo and Martienzo
+returned afterwards to Spain in poverty, where they soon died. The new
+judges were wise and just, regulating their conduct entirely according to
+the will of God and the king, and shewing a laudable zeal for the
+protection and conversion of the Indians. They prohibited all branding of
+the natives for slaves, and made many other excellent regulations. In
+about four years, Solomon and Zaynos, two of the judges, being old and
+wealthy, petitioned for leave to retire. The president also was ordered to
+repair to Europe, to give an account of the affairs of New Spain. He was
+then bishop of St Domingo, having been formerly inquisitor in Seville.
+After his return to Spain, he was advanced successively to the bishopricks
+of Toro, Leon, and Cuença, with astonishing rapidity, and was also made
+president of the royal chancery in Valladolid. The good conduct of the
+_oydor_ Maldonado was rewarded by the government of Guatimala, Honduras,
+and Veragua, and the title of _adelantado_ or lieutenant governor of
+Yucutan. The other judge, Quiroga de Madrigal, obtained the bishoprick of
+Mechoacan. Such were the rewards of these just judges!
+
+His majesty was pleased to appoint Don Antonio de Mendoza viceroy of New
+Spain. This most illustrious nobleman, worthy of all praise, was brother
+to the Marquis of Montejar. Along with him there came out as oydors or
+judges of the court of audience, the doctor Quesada, and the licentiates
+Tejada de Logrono and Loaysa. The latter was an old man who staid only
+three or four years in Mexico, where he collected a good deal of money,
+and then returned home to Spain. Santilana, another licentiate came out at
+the same time, appointed to succeed Maldonado as oydor when he might
+vacate his office. All were excellent magistrates. On opening their court,
+they gave leave to every one to make objections against the conduct of
+their predecessors; but which was found on inquiry to have been perfectly
+right. When the viceroy Mendoza arrived, as he knew that the licentiate
+Torre had orders to arrest Nuno de Guzman, he invited him to Mexico,
+meaning to save him from insult, and gave him apartments in the palace,
+where he was treated with all respect. But Torre, who had orders to
+communicate his commission to the viceroy, not finding himself
+countenanced in the strong measures he was inclined to pursue, and being
+naturally violent, arrested Guzman in the palace and carried him to the
+common prison, saying that he acted by royal authority. Guzman remained
+several days in custody, but was at length released at the intercession of
+the viceroy. The licentiate was much addicted to cards, particularly at
+the games of _triumpho_ and primero, on which circumstance one of Guzmans
+friends played him the following trick to hold him up to ridicule. The
+civilians at that time wore gowns with loose hanging sleeves, into one of
+which some wag contrived to convey a pack of cards, so that when Torre was
+walking across the great square of Mexico in company with several persons
+of quality, the cards began to drop from his sleeve, leaving a long trail
+behind him as he walked along. On discovering the trick, which was
+heartily laughed at, he became very much enraged; and either from vexation
+or the influence of the climate, he died soon after of a _calenture_ or
+burning fever, by which the affair of Guzman was respited.
+
+Cortes having now been long in Spain, advanced to the dignity of marquis,
+captain-general of New Spain, and admiral of the south sea, being anxious
+to revisit his estates in New Spain, embarked with his family and twelve
+fathers of the order of mercy. On his arrival at Vera Cruz, he was by no
+means so honourably received as formerly, and went from thence to Mexico,
+to present his patents to the viceroy and to take possession of his
+offices. Considerable difficulty occurred in regard to the interpretation
+of the royal grant of towns and lands to the marquis, which I do not
+pretend to understand. The grant, in mentioning the districts which were
+granted to him, enumerated the _vicinos_ or neighbours who were considered
+as belonging to it and as constituting his vassals. Cortes insisted that
+the head person only of each family was to be considered as the _vicino_
+or vassal; but the Doctor Quesada, who was deputed to allot his districts,
+contended that every adult male in a family, master, son, servant, or
+slave, was to be reckoned in the number of the _vicinos_. The marquis was
+much disappointed by this interpretation, as there were often twelve or
+fifteen of these in one household or family, which would have prodigiously
+reduced his revenue, and several law-suits ensued in consequence. This
+matter was reported for his majesties determination, and continued for
+several years in suspence, during which the marquis received his full
+rents without hindrance: But finding the great diminution of his
+importance in the country which he had subdued, by the appointment of a
+viceroy, he retired to Quernavaca, where he established his residence,
+being on his own estate, never returning to Mexico. While Marcos de
+Aguilar held the government of New Spain, Cortes caused four ships to be
+fitted out at Zacatula on the south sea, under the command of Alvarado de
+Saavedra, and provided with various articles of merchandize, for a voyage
+to China and the Molucca or spice islands. He was likewise directed to
+look out for a squadron which had sailed from Spain for China, commanded
+by Don Garcia de Loaysa, a commander of the order of St John at Rhodes[9].
+While Saavedra was preparing for his expedition, a vessel belonging to the
+squadron of Loaysa arrived at Zacatula, from the pilot and crew of which
+he acquired all the information he wished. Taking with him the pilot and
+two sailors of this ship, Saavedra proceeded on his voyage in December
+1527 or 1528, and sustained many misfortunes and hardships on the way to
+the Moluccas. I do not know the particulars of this voyage: But, about
+three years afterwards, I met a sailor who had sailed in this expedition,
+who told me many strange things respecting the cities and nations he had
+seen. I also heard that the Portugueze had captured Saavedra and several
+of his people, whom they had sent prisoners to Europe. After his return to
+New Spain the marquis sent two ships, in May 1532, from Acapulco,
+commanded by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, to make discoveries in the south
+sea. One of his ships mutinied and returned to New Spain, to the great
+mortification of Cortes, and Hurtado was never heard of afterwards. After
+this, Cortes sent out two other vessels, one commanded by Diego Bezerra de
+Mendoza, and the other by Hernando de Grijalva. The first night after
+their departure from Tehuantepec, they were separated in a gale of wind
+and never joined again, Grijalva being well pleased to escape from under
+the command of Bezerra, who was of a haughty temper; and besides, Grijalva
+was desirous to take the merit of any discoveries he might make to himself.
+After sailing 200 leagues, he came to an uninhabited island, which he
+named St Thomas. Bezerra made himself so odious by his domineering
+disposition, that his pilot Ximenes entered into a plot for his
+assassination, which he carried into effect, and took the command of the
+vessel. Continuing the voyage, he discovered an island which he named
+Santa Cruz, which was inhabited by savages, and where he set on shore two
+Franciscan friars and several persons who had refused to join in the
+mutiny. Being in want of water, he went at the same time on shore for that
+purpose; but he and all who landed were put to death by the savages within
+view of the ship. After this misfortune the survivors returned to New
+Spain.
+
+The Marquis del Valle was so much vexed by these disappointments that he
+resolved to go in person upon discovery, with three ships which he had
+ready for launching at Teguantepec. When the Spaniards learnt that he
+meant to embark on a voyage of discovery, they thought that success was
+quite certain, and great numbers resolved to accompany him. Above 320
+persons, including women, offered their services, as there were above 130
+of them married men, who brought their wives along with them. Leaving
+Teguantepec in May 1536 or 1537, accompanied by Andres de Tapia and
+several other officers, with some ecclesiastics, physicians and surgeons,
+and as many colonists as the vessels could contain, he sailed for the
+island of Santa Cruz, where he arrived after a prosperous voyage, and sent
+back the ships to bring over the remainder of the people[10]. The second
+voyage was not so fortunate, as they separated in a gale of wind near the
+river of St Peter and St Paul, one only of the ships arriving at the
+island of Santa Cruz, where the marquis anxiously expected them, as
+provisions were growing scarce. One of the other vessels, which contained
+the provisions, was stranded on the coast of Xalisco, whence most of the
+people returned to New Spain. The other vessel came to a bay which the
+people named Guayaval, from the quantity of _guayavas_ which they found
+there. During this time, the marquis and his people were experiencing
+extreme distress on the uncultivated island of Santa Cruz, twenty-three of
+the soldiers dying of famine, and the rest sinking daily, and cursing his
+expeditions and discoveries. Taking fifty soldiers with him in the ship
+which had arrived, he went in search of the other two; and after some
+considerable search he found one stranded, as already mentioned, on the
+coast of Xalisco, and abandoned by the people, and met the other among
+some rocks. Having repaired these vessels, he brought them with a quantity
+of provisions to Santa Cruz, where his famished colonists eat so
+voraciously that half of them died. Anxious to quit this scene of misery,
+the marquis embarked from Santa Cruz, and, continuing his project of
+discoveries, fell in with the land of California, heartily tired of his
+fruitless pursuit, yet unwilling to return to New Spain without effecting
+some important discovery. When the Marchioness del Valle had notice of the
+loss of one of the vessels, she became very apprehensive of her husbands
+safety, and fitted out two ships to go in search of the marquis and his
+unfortunate colonists. These sailed under the command of Francisco de
+Ulloa, who carried letters from the marchioness and the viceroy,
+requesting the return of Cortes to New Spain. Ulloa had the good fortune
+to fall in with Cortes, who suffered himself to be prevailed on, and
+returned to New Spain by way of Acapulco, leaving Ulloa to command the
+squadron. His return rejoiced the Spaniards, who were always afraid the
+natives chiefs might revolt, when not awed by his presence. The people
+whom he left in California returned soon afterwards; but whether they were
+so ordered by the government I know not.
+
+After a few months, the Marquis fitted out other two ships, which he sent
+upon discovery under the command of Ulloa, who sailed from the port of
+Navidad in the month of June, but I forget the year. Ulloa had orders to
+explore the coast of California, and to search for Hurtado, who had never
+been heard of. After an absence of seven months, Ulloa returned to Xalisco,
+without having effected any discovery of importance; and was assassinated
+a few days afterwards on shore by a soldier who bore him a grudge. Thus
+ended the projected discoveries of the Marquis del Valle, in which I have
+heard him say that he expended above 300,000 crowns. He never prospered
+after his first conquest of New Spain; and his bad fortune was ascribed to
+the curses of his companions, for having treated them so ill in the
+distribution of the property acquired by their bravery. He now determined
+on going to Spain, in order to solicit an allowance from his majesty for
+the expences he had been at in these voyages, as also to endeavour to end
+the dispute concerning the vassals of his estates in New Spain, and to
+procure restitution of the property which had been seized from him by Nuno
+de Guzman, who was now a prisoner in Castille.
+
+After the departure of the Marquis, the viceroy and court of audience sent
+a military force from Xalisco by land to the north west, under the command
+of Francisco Vasquez Coronado, who married the beautiful and virtuous
+daughter of the treasurer Estrada. Coronado left his government of Xalisco,
+under the charge of an officer named Onate, and marched into the country
+named _Celibola_[11] or the Seven Cities; whence he sent a Franciscan
+friar, named Marcos de Nica, to Mexico, to give the viceroy an account of
+the country. He described it as consisting of fine plains, with great
+herds of cattle quite different from those of Europe; having populous
+towns, in which the houses were of two stories with stairs. He also
+represented that it lay on the coast of the south sea, by means of which
+necessaries and reinforcements could be easily sent to the Spanish force.
+Accordingly, three ships were sent for that purpose, under the command of
+Hernando de Alarco, an officer belonging to the household of the viceroy.
+
+In the year 1537, Don Pedro de Alvarado fitted out a great armament of
+thirteen vessels from the port of _Acaxatla_[12] on the south sea, in
+consequence of a license from his majesty, in which he had a grant of
+certain rents and advantages in such countries as he might discover; that
+is to say, in China and the Moluccas or Spice Islands. As the port where
+this armament was fitted out was above 200 leagues from Vera Cruz, whence
+all the iron and most other articles had to be carried by land, its cost
+might easily have fitted out eighty such vessels from Old Spain. All the
+wealth which Alvarado brought from Peru[13], together with what he had got
+from the mines in Guatimala, with the rents of his estates, and rich
+presents from his friends and relations, were insufficient for his
+preparations on this occasion, although all the merchandize was procured
+on credit. Great as was the expence of the ships, it was far exceeded by
+that of his army, consisting of 650 soldiers with their officers, and a
+number of horses, as a good horse at that time cost 300 crowns. Alvarado
+sailed some time in the year 1538 for the harbour of _Navidad_ near the
+city of _Purification_, in the province of Xalisco, or New Galicia, where
+he meant to take in water, and to embark more soldiers. When the viceroy
+heard of this great armament, he became desirous to have a share in it,
+and went to Navidad to view the fleet, whence he and Alvarado returned to
+Mexico. Alvarado wished to have a relation of his own named Juan appointed
+to have the command of this expedition, while the viceroy was desirous to
+have another officer, named Villalobos, joined in command with Juan
+Alvarado. On his return to the port of Navidad, and when just ready to
+sail, Alvarado received a letter from Onate, who had been left in the
+command of the province of Xalisco, earnestly entreating his immediate
+assistance, as he and the settlement were threatened with destruction by
+the Indians of Cochitlan. Alvarado, who was always zealous in his majestys
+service, marched immediately with his troops to their relief, and found
+them in a most desperate situation. The insurgents rather diminished in
+the violence of their attacks on the arrival of Alvarado, but hostilities
+were still continued; and one day, as Alvarado was following the enemy
+among some rocky mountains, a soldier on horseback, who was at a
+considerable height above him on the steep side of a mountain, came
+rolling down above him, horse and all, by which he was so much bruised,
+that soon after his removal to the town of the Purification, he was seized
+with fainting-fits, and expired in a few days. On the news of Alvarados
+death being known to his fleet and army, many of the people returned to
+their homes with what they had received. The viceroy sent off the
+licentiate Maldonado to prevent confusion as much as possible, whom he
+followed soon after to take the charge of the remaining soldiers, with
+whom he marched against the insurgents, and after a tedious and difficult
+warfare of some continuance, reduced them to submission.
+
+The loss of Alvarado was severely felt in his family, and his memory was
+long held in high esteem through all New Spain. On receiving the fatal
+intelligence in Guatimala, the worthy bishop Maroguin and all his clergy
+celebrated his obsequies with much honour, and his major-domo caused the
+walls of his house to be painted black, which colour has remained ever
+since. Many gentlemen waited on Donna Beatrix de la Cueva, his lady, to
+console her for her loss. They advised her to give God thanks, since it
+was his will to take her husband to himself. Like a good Christian, she
+assented to this sentiment, yet said that she now wished to leave this
+melancholy world and all its misfortunes. The historian Gomara has falsely
+said that she spoke blasphemously on this occasion, saying that God could
+now do her no more injury; and injuriously ascribes the subsequent
+misfortune which befel her to these words which she did not utter. A
+deluge of mud and water burst forth from the volcano near Guatimala, which
+overwhelmed the house in which she was praying along with her women.
+Although Alvarado and his four brothers had served his majesty with much
+zeal, no part of his property descended to his children, and the whole
+family was peculiarly unfortunate. Don Pedro died, as I have already
+related, by an uncommon accident in Cochitlan, or Culiacan. His brother
+Jorge died in Madrid in 1540, while soliciting his majesty for a
+recompence of his services. Gomes de Alvarado died in Peru. Gonzalo in
+Mexico or Oaxaca, I am uncertain which. Juan on his voyage to Cuba. The
+eldest son of Don Pedro, while on a voyage along with his relation the
+younger Juan, to solicit a recompence for his fathers services, was lost
+at sea. Don Diego, the younger son, seeing the fortunes of the family
+desperate, returned to Peru, where he died in battle. Donna Beatrix[14],
+the lady of Don Pedro, with the female part of the family, were destroyed,
+as before related, by a torrent from a volcano, one of his daughters only
+excepted, Donna Leonora, who was saved from the torrent, and has caused
+two sepulchres to be built in the great church of Guatimala, to receive
+the bones of her relations. May our Lord Jesus take them all with him into
+glory! _Amen_.
+
+About a year after the death of Don Pedro Alvarado, the viceroy sent the
+best of his ships under Villalobos to make discoveries to the westwards of
+the Pacific Ocean; but with what success I never learnt. No part of the
+expences of this armament were ever recovered by any of the descendants of
+Alvarado.
+
+As the Marquis del Valle was in Spain at the time of the expedition
+against Algiers, he attended his majesty on that occasion, along with his
+legitimate son Don Martinez, and Don Martin the son he had by Donna Marina.
+The fleet was dispersed in a storm, and the ship on board of which the
+marquis had embarked was stranded, on which occasion he, his sons, and his
+suite, got on shore with much difficulty. On this occasion he tied a
+quantity of rich jewels, which he used to wear like other great lords _for
+no use_, in a handkerchief round his arm, but they were all lost. On
+account of this disaster to the fleet, the council of war was of opinion
+that the siege ought to be immediately raised. The marquis was not called
+to this council; but it has been said that, if present, he would have
+declared for continuing the siege, and if he had been so fortunate as to
+command there such brave soldiers as those who accompanied him to Mexico,
+he would have entertained no doubt of success.
+
+The marquis was now grown old and worn out by long and severe fatigue, and
+was anxious to have returned to New Spain, to settle his affairs: But he
+waited the celebration of a marriage, between his eldest daughter Donna
+Maria and Don Alvaro Pinez Osorio, son and heir to the Marquis of Astorga,
+and had agreed to give his daughter a fortune of 100,000 ducats. He had
+sent to bring over his daughter from Mexico, and had even gone himself to
+Seville to meet her; but the match was broke off, as is said by the fault
+of Don Alvaro. Cortes was much disappointed at this, and as his health was
+already in a bad state, he declined so rapidly, that he retired to
+Castileja de la Cuesta, to attend to the concerns of his soul, and to make
+his testament. Having arranged all his affairs, both for this and the next
+world, he departed this life on the 2d of December 1547. He was buried
+with great pomp in the chapel of the dukes of Medina Sidonia; but,
+according to his will, his remains were afterwards, removed to Cojohuacan
+or Tezcuco in New Spain, I am uncertain which. By his latter will, he left
+funds for the endowment of an hospital in Mexico, and a nunnery in his own
+town of Cojohuacan. In 1519, when we went along with him from Cuba against
+Mexico, he used to tell us that he was then thirty-four years old; and as
+he died 28 years afterwards, he must have been exactly 62 at his death.
+The arms granted to him by his majesty, when he was created a marquis,
+were the heads of seven kings surrounded by a chain, implying Montezuma,
+Cacamatzin, Guatimotzin, Tulapa, Coadlavaca, and the princes of Tacuba and
+Cojohuacan. The motto, as I have been told, was well adapted to a valiant
+warrior; but being in Latin, which I do not understand, I say nothing on
+that subject.
+
+The Marquis del Valle de Oaxaca, was strong built, and of a good stature,
+with a rather pale complexion and serious countenance. His features were
+rather small, with mild and grave eyes. His hair and beard were black and
+thin. His breast and shoulders were broad, and his body thin. He was
+well-limbed, his legs being somewhat bent. He was an excellent horseman,
+and very dexterous in the use of arms; and he also had the heart and mind
+of valour, which is the principal part of that business. I have heard that,
+when young, he was very wild about women, and had several duels in
+Hispaniola on that account with able swordsmen, in all of which he came
+off victorious: But he received a wound near his under lip on one of these
+occasions, the scar of which could be seen through his beard when closely
+examined. In his appearance, manners, behaviour, conversation, table, and
+dress, every thing corresponded to a man of high rank; and, although his
+clothes always corresponded to the fashion of the times, he was not fond
+of silks, damasks, or velvets; but wore every thing plain and handsome.
+Instead of large chains of gold in which some delighted, he was satisfied
+with a small chain of exquisite workmanship, to which was appended a gold
+medal of the Virgin and child Jesus, with a Latin motto, and on the
+reverse St John the Baptist and another motto. On his finger he wore a
+very fine diamond ring; and in his cap, which was of velvet, he bore a
+gold medal, the head and motto of which I have forgot: But, in his latter
+days, he wore a plain cloth cap without ornament.
+
+His table was always magnificently served and attended, having four
+major-domos or principal officers, with many pages, and a great quantity
+of massy plate both of gold and silver. He dined heartily about mid-day,
+drinking only about half a pint of wine mixed with water. He was not nice
+or expensive in his food, except on particular occasions, where he saw it
+to be proper. He was exceedingly affable with all his captains and
+soldiers, especially those who accompanied him at first from Cuba; yet
+practised the strictest attention to military discipline, constantly going
+the rounds himself in the night, and visiting the quarters of the soldiers,
+severely reprehending all whom he found without their armour or
+appointments, and not ready to turn out at a moments warning, saying, "It
+is a bad sheep that cannot carry its own wool." He was a Latin scholar,
+and as I have been told, a bachelor of laws, a good rhetorician, and
+something even of a poet. He was very devote to the Holy Virgin, and to St
+Peter, St James, and St John the Baptist. His oath was, "By my conscience."
+When angry with any of his friends, he used to say, "may you repent it;"
+and when in great warmth, the veins of his throat and forehead used to
+swell much, but he then never spoke. He was very patient under insults or
+injuries, as the soldiers were sometimes very rude and abusive; yet he
+never resented their conduct, only saying, "Be silent," or, "Go in Gods
+name, and do not repeat this or I shall have you punished." In all matters
+of war, he was exceedingly headstrong and determined, never attending to
+remonstrances on account of danger; one instance of which was in the
+attack of the fortresses called the _Rocks of the Marquis_, which he
+forced us to climb, contrary to all our opinions, where courage, counsel,
+or wisdom, could give no rational hope of success. Another instance was in
+his obstinacy respecting the expedition against De Oli; in which I
+repeatedly urged him to go by way of the mountains, whereas he obstinately
+persisted in going by the coast. Had he taken my advice, he would have
+found towns the whole way. Where we had to erect any fortress or
+entrenchment, he was always the hardest labourer; when we advanced to
+battle, he was always in the front.
+
+Cortes was fond of play, both at cards and dice, at which he was always
+good-humoured and affable, often using the cant terms customary on these
+occasions. During our expedition to Higueras, I observed that he had
+acquired a habit of taking a short sleep or _siesta_ after eating; and if
+he could not get this he was apt to become sick. On this account, let the
+rain be ever so heavy, or the sun ever so hot, he always reposed a short
+while on a cloak or carpet under a tree; and after a short sleep, mounted
+his horse and proceeded on his march. When engaged in the conquest of New
+Spain, he was very thin and slender; but after his return from Higueras,
+he became fat and corpulent. His beard began at that time to grow grey,
+after which he trimmed it in the short fashion. In his early life, he was
+very liberal, but grew close afterwards, insomuch that some of his
+servants complained that he did not pay them properly. I have already
+observed that he never succeeded in his latter undertakings: Perhaps such
+was the will of Heaven, which reserved his reward for a better world; for
+he was a good gentleman and very devout. God pardon him his sins, and me
+mine, and give me a good end, which is better than all conquests or
+victories over Indians! Amen.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Descendants of Hernando Cortes[15]_.
+
+The legitimate children of Cortes were, Don Martin, who succeeded him as
+marquis; Donna Maria, who married the Conde de Luna of Leon; Donna Juanna,
+who married Don Hernando Enriquez, heir to the Marquis of Tarriffa; Donna
+Catalina, who died in Seville; and Donna Leonora, who married, in Mexico,
+Juanez de Tolosa, a rich Biscayan, which alliance gave great offence to
+the young marquis. He left also two natural sons: Don Martin by Donna
+Marina; and Don Luis by a lady named De Hermosilla; both of whom were
+commanders of the order of St Jago. Besides these, he had three natural
+daughters; one by an Indian woman of Cuba, and two others by a Mexican
+woman: He left great fortunes to all these ladies.
+
+Don Hernando Cortes, conqueror, governor, and captain-general of New Spain,
+admiral of the South Seas, _first_ Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, had in
+second marriage, Donna Jeroma Ramirez de Arellano y Zuniga, daughter of
+Don Carlos Ramirez de Arellano, _second_ Conde de Aguilar, and of Donna
+Jeroma de Zuniga, daughter of the _first_ Duke of Bejar. Their son was,
+
+I. Don Martinez Cortes de Ramirez y Arellano, _second_ Marquis of the
+Valley, married his cousin, Donna Anna Ramirez de Arellano. Their issue
+was,
+
+II. Don Hernando Cortes de Ramirez ye Arellano, _third_ Marquis of the
+Valley; married Donna Murcia Hernandez de Cabrera y Mendoza, daughter of
+Don Pedro Hernandez de Cabrera y Bovadilla, _second_ Conde de Chinchon,
+and Donna Maria de Mendoza y Cerda, sister to the Prince of Melito. Don
+Hernando had but one son, who died in childhood, and was therefore
+succeeded by his brother,
+
+2. Don Pedro Cortes, &c. _fourth_ Marquis of the Valley, who married Donna
+Anna Pacheco de la Cerda, sister of the second Conde de Montalban: But
+leaving no issue was succeeded by his sister,
+
+3. Donna Jeroma Cortes, &c. _fifth_ Marchioness of the Valley, who married
+Don Pedro Carillo de Mendoza, _ninth_ Conde de Priego, captain-general of
+Seville, and grand major-domo to Queen Margaret of Austria. Their only
+daughter, who carried on the line of the family, was,
+
+III. Donna Stephania Carillo de Mendoza y Cortes, _sixth_ Marchioness of
+the Valley, who married Don Diego de Arragon, _fourth_ Duke of Terra Nova,
+prince of Castel Vetrano, and of the holy Roman empire, Marquis of Avola
+and Favora, constable and admiral of Sicily, commander of Villa Franca,
+viceroy of Sardinia, knight of the golden fleece. Their only daughter was,
+
+IV. Donna Juana de Arragon, &c. _fifth_ Duchess of Terra Nova, _seventh_
+Marchioness of the Valley, &c. who married Don Hector Pignatelli, Duke of
+Montelione, prince of Noja, &c. Their only son was,
+
+V. Don Andrea Fabrizio Pignatelli, &c. duke of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+&c. _eighth_ Marquis of the Valley; who married Donna Teresa Pimentel y
+Benavides, &c. Their daughter was,
+
+VI. Donna J. Pignatelli, &c. Duchess of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+_ninth_ Marchioness of the Valley, &c. who married Don Nicolas Pignatelli,
+viceroy of Sardinia and Sicily, &c. Their son was,
+
+VII. Don Diego Pignatelli, &c. duke of Montelione and Terra Nova, _tenth_
+Marquis of the Valley, &c. His son was,
+
+VIII. Don Fabrizio Pignatelli, &c. Duke of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+_eleventh_ Marquis of the Valley, &c. His son was,
+
+IX. Don Hector Pignatelli, &c. Duke of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+_twelfth_ Marquis of the Valley, grandee of Spain, prince of the holy
+Roman empire, _at present living in Naples_[16], and married to Donna N.
+Piccolomini, of the family of the Dukes of Amalfi.
+
+From the noble couple mentioned in the VI. step of the foregoing deduction,
+besides Don Diego, who carried on their line, there were three other sons
+and three daughters: 1. Don Diego, as above. 2. Don Ferdinand. 3. Don
+Antonio. 4. Don Fabrizio. 5. Donna Rosa. 6. Donna Maria Teresa. 7. Donna
+Stephania[17].
+
+
+[1] According to Robertson, II. 266. Cortes took the resolution of
+    returning into Spain to avoid exposing himself to the ignominy of a
+    trial in Mexico, the scene of his triumphs, on hearing that a
+    commission of inquiry into his conduct was on the point of coming out
+    to New Spain for that purpose. Diaz almost perpetually neglects dates,
+    in the latter part of his work especially: but we learn from Robertson
+    that it was now the year 1528.--E.
+
+[2] The Mexican Tiger, or Jaguar, called Tlatlauhqui ocelotl by the
+    Mexicans, the _felis onca_ of naturalists, is of a yellowish colour
+    with cornered annular spots, which are yellow in the middle. It grows
+    to the size of a wolf or large dog, and resembles the Bengal tiger,
+    _felis tigris_, in craft and cruelty, but not in size or courage.--E.
+
+[3] Perhaps the Balsam of Capivi, which is of that consistence. The
+    indurated balsam may be that of Tolu.--E.
+
+[4] These were _albinos_, an accidental or diseased rariety of the human
+    species, having chalky white skins, pure white hair, and a want of the
+    pigmentum nigrum of the eye. The white rabbit is a plentiful example
+    of animal albinos, which variety continues to propagate its kind.--E.
+
+[5] According to Herrera, Dec. iv. lib. iij. c. 8. and lib. iv. c. 1. as
+    quoted by Robertson, _note_ cxxiv. the treasure which Cortes took over
+    with him consisted of 1500 marks of wrought plate, 200,000 pesos of
+    fine gold, and 10,000 of inferior standard; besides many rich jewels,
+    one in particular being worth 40,000 pesos. The value of this
+    enumerated treasure amounts to L.104,250 Sterling numerical value;
+    but estimating its efficient value in those days, with Robertson, as
+    equal to six times the present amount, it exceeds L.600,000.--E.
+
+[6] Those who had worn the _san benito_, or penal dress, in _an auto de
+    fe_. In the original translation the _descendants of Indians_ are
+    included in this proscription, which certainly must be an error.--E.
+
+[7] New Gallicia, to the north-west of Mexico and upon the Pacific Ocean,
+    is now included in the _Intendencia_ of Guadalaxara, and appears to
+    have been named Colima by the Mexicans.--E.
+
+[8] Mechoacan, to the west of Mexico and reaching to the south sea forms
+    now the Intendency of Valladolid.--E.
+
+[9] For the information of some readers, it may be proper to observe, that
+    the order of St John of Jerusalem, lately known by the name of the
+    order of Malta, then resided at Rhodes.--E.
+
+[10] Santa Cruz is a small island in the Vermilion sea, on the eastern
+    coast of California, in lat. 25º 23' N. lon. 110º 47' W. from
+    Greenwich.--.E
+
+[11] This appears to be the country now called Cinaloa, or Culiacan. The
+    strange appellation of the _seven cities_ seems to have reference to
+    that fancied ancient Spanish colony which has been formerly spoken of
+    in the introduction to the discovery of Columbus.--E.
+
+[12] This name, which is not to be found in any map, is probably a mistake
+    for Zacatula, in lat. 18º N. on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, W.S.W.
+    from Mexico.--E.
+
+[13] The expedition of Alvarado to Peru will be related in the subsequent
+    chapter. Diaz merely gives this slight hint on the subject.--E.
+
+[14] In the _sixth_ section of this chapter, it has been already mentioned
+    that Don Pedro Alvarado was married to _Donna Luisa_ the daughter of
+    Xicotencatl, one of the princes or chiefs of Tlascala, through whom he
+    acquired a great inheritance, and by whom he had a son Don Pedro, and
+    a daughter Donna Leonora, married to Don Francisco de la Cueva, cousin
+    to the Duke of Albuquerque, by whom she had four or five sons. The
+    widow of Don Pedro destroyed in Guatimala, seems to have been a second
+    wife--E.
+
+[15] This extended account of the descendants of Cortes, is adopted from
+    Clavigero, I. 442. The first paragraph, which enumerates the younger
+    children of the marquis, and his natural children, are from Diaz.
+    There is a difference between these authors in the name of the
+    marchioness, whom Diaz names Donna _Juanna_, and Clavigero _Jeroma_:
+    The former likewise names the eldest son of Cortes _Martin_, and the
+    latter _Martinez_.--E.
+
+[16] This refers to the period when Clavigero composed his History of
+    Mexico, about the year 1780; according to Humboldt, the dukes of
+    Montelione retained the vast estates of Cortes in Mexico within the
+    present century.--E.
+
+[17] This genealogical deduction has been somewhat abridged, as to the
+    multiplicity of high sounding titles, and minute particulars of
+    marriages and noble connections, altogether uninteresting to the
+    English reader.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV.
+
+_Concluding Observations by the Author_[1].
+
+
+Having enumerated the soldiers who passed from Cuba along with Cortes, to
+the conquest of New Spain, I have to observe that we were for the most
+part _hidalgos_, or gentlemen, though some were not of such clear lineage
+as others; but, whatever may have been the dignity of our birth, we made
+ourselves much more illustrious by our heroic actions in the conquest of
+this country, at our own sole cost, without any aid or support, save that
+of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the ancient history of our own
+country, many cavaliers rose to dignity and honours by valiant and
+faithful services to their kings; and though they did not go into the
+field as we did, without pay, they were rewarded with lands, houses,
+castles, dignities, and privileges, to them and their heirs in perpetuity.
+Also, when his majesty Don Jayme, won certain parts of his kingdom from
+the Moors, he made grants of these to the cavaliers who assisted him in
+the conquest, from which period their descendants derive their estates,
+honours, and blazons. Those also who served under the Great Captain and
+the Prince of Orange were rewarded in like manner. I have recalled the
+recollection of these things, that the world may consider and determine
+whether we, who gained this great country by our valour, even without the
+knowledge of his majesty, are not as worthy of such rewards and honours as
+those cavaliers above-mentioned, by our good, notable, and loyal services
+to God, the king, and all Christendom.
+
+I have placed myself last in the list, having been twice in this country
+before the coming of Cortes, and the third time along with him; and, as
+among those whom I have enumerated, there were many valiant captains, so I
+was held in no inconsiderable estimation in my day as a soldier. Besides
+the many battles and dangers in which I participated since I came into
+this country, and the distresses, by hunger, thirst, fatigue and wounds,
+incident to all who undertake discoveries and wars in unknown countries, I
+was twice in the hands of the enemy, who were carrying me off for
+sacrifice: But thanks and praise to God and his holy Virgin Mother, who
+gave me force to escape from their grasp, that I might now relate and make
+manifest our heroic deeds in the conquest of this _new world_, and thereby
+to prevent all the honour and merit from being unjustly ascribed to our
+general alone. It is now proper that I should make some observations on
+the good effects produced by our exertions and illustrious conquests, to
+the service of God and our king, in which many of our companions lost
+their lives, being sacrificed to the gods or idols of the Mexicans,
+Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca.
+
+In the first place, we purged the land of many wicked customs, and in
+particular from human sacrifices. By estimates made by the reverend
+Franciscan friars, who succeeded Fra Bartholomew de Olmedo, it appears
+that above 2500 human victims were sacrificed yearly in Mexico and some
+adjacent towns on the lake; so that the number annually put to death in
+the whole country must have been very great. Their various other horrible
+practices exceed my powers of description. Their cursed adoratories were
+exceedingly numerous, like our holy churches, hermitages, and chapels, in
+Spain, as they had everywhere houses dedicated to idols, devils, and
+infernal figures. Besides which, every individual native had two altars,
+one beside the place where he or she slept, and another at the door of the
+house, with chests containing large or small idols and stone knives, and
+books made of the bark of trees containing the record of past times.
+Especially on the coast and other sultry parts of the country, they were
+addicted to the most abominable vices, where they had boys in female
+attire. They fed on human flesh, as we do on beef, having wooden cages in
+every town, in which men, women, and children, were kept and fed for that
+purpose, to which all the prisoners taken in war were destined. Incest was
+common among them, and they were extremely addicted to drunkenness. They
+had as many wives as they pleased. From these and many other abominations,
+it was the will of God that we should be the humble instruments to clear
+the land; substituting a good policy and the holy doctrine of Jesus Christ
+in their place. It is true that, two years afterwards, when the country
+was subjugated and civilized, certain worthy Franciscans of good example
+and holy doctrine came here, who were followed in three or four years by
+fathers of the order of St Dominic, who completed what others had begun.
+But the honour of having destroyed the abominations of the land, assuredly
+belongs to us the true conquerors, who opened the way for these holy
+fathers.
+
+By the will of God, and the sacred Christianity of the emperor Don Carlos
+of glorious memory, and our present most fortunate sovereign the
+invincible Don Philip, all the natives of this great country have been
+baptised to the salvation of their souls, formerly sunk and lost in the
+bottomless pit. We have many fathers of the different orders, who go about
+preaching and baptizing, by which means the knowledge of the holy Evangile
+is firmly planted in the hearts of the natives, who confess yearly, and
+those who have sufficient knowledge in the faith, participate in the holy
+eucharist. The churches and their altars are richly adorned with all
+requisites for holy worship; as crosses, candlesticks, wax-candles,
+chalices, cups, plates, and vessels for incense, all of silver. The
+ornaments of the altars and crosses are of velvet, and damask, and other
+rich materials, of various colours and splendid workmanship, adorned with
+embroidery of gold, silk and pearls. Each town has its bells according to
+its ability. The chapels have choirs of good voices which sing in concert,
+tenors, trebles, and counter-tenors. In some places there are organs; but
+most have lutes, sackbuts, dulcimers, and bass and treble trumpets. This
+one province of Guatimala has more than my native county, old Castille. It
+is edifying and wonderful to see the devotion of the natives at the holy
+mass, especially when performed by the fathers of the orders of St Francis
+and of Mercy, who have the cures of the parishes. All the natives, men,
+women, and children, are taught the holy prayers in their own tongue; and
+always on passing a cross, crucifix, or altar, they fall on their knees
+repeating a _pater noster_ or an _ave Maria_. We, the conquerors, taught
+them to burn wax candles before the holy altars and crosses, and to behave
+respectfully to the reverend fathers, going out to meet them when they
+came to the towns, with lighted candles, ringing of bells, and providing
+them abundantly with provisions. On Lady Day and Corpus Christi, and other
+solemn fasts of the church, when we make processions, most of the natives
+of this city of Guatimala go likewise in procession, with crosses and
+lighted candles, bearing the images of their patron saints as richly
+dressed as they can afford, and singing litanies and other holy prayers to
+the sound of flutes and trumpets.
+
+The natives also of these countries have learnt all the trades used among
+us in Spain, having their shops, manufactories, and work-people. Their
+goldsmiths and silversmiths, both those who make cast work or who use the
+hammer, are excellent. Their lapidaries or engravers on precious stones,
+especially emeralds, execute the nicest representations of the holy acts
+and passion of our blessed Saviour, in such a manner as could not be
+believed from Indians. Three of our native Mexican artists, named Andres
+de Aquino, Juan de la Cruz, and El Crispillo, have in my humble judgment
+executed paintings which may vie with those of Apelles, Michael Angelo,
+and Berruguete. The sons of the chiefs used to be educated in grammar, and
+were learning very well, till this was prohibited by the holy synod, under
+an order of the most reverend the archbishop of Mexico. Many of the
+natives are manufacturers of silks and various other stuffs, and hatters,
+and soap-boilers. Two trades only could never be acquired by them, which
+is the art of glass blowing, and that of the apothecary; but this is not
+owing to any defect of natural genius, as there are among them surgeons,
+herbalists, jugglers, makers of puppets, and of violins. They cultivated
+the ground before our arrival; and now they rear stock, break in bullocks
+to the plough, sow, reap, manure, and make bread and biscuit. They have
+planted their lands with the various fruits of old Spain, such as quince,
+apple, and pear trees, which they hold in high estimation; but cut down
+the unwholesome peach trees and the overshading plantains. From us they
+have learnt laws and justice; and they every year elect their own alcaldes,
+regidors, notaries, alguazils, fiscals, and major-domos[2]. They have
+their _cabildos_, or common councils, and bailiffs, which meet twice
+a-week, judging, sentencing, and punishing for smaller offences; but for
+murder and higher crimes, they must have recourse to the Spanish governors
+in places where there are no courts of royal audience. In Tlascala,
+Tezcuco, Cholula, Guaxocinco, Tepeaca, and other large cities, gilt maces
+are borne before the native magistrates when they go to hold their
+cabildos, as is done before our viceroys; and they distribute justice with
+much zeal and impartiality, being anxious to acquire a thorough knowledge
+of our laws. All the caciques are rich, and ride on horses handsomely
+caparisoned, attended by pages. In some townships likewise, they exercise
+with the lance on horseback, running at the ring; and they have bull
+feasts, especially on the days of Corpus Christi, St John, St James, the
+Assumption, or the patron or patroness saint of the town. Many of them are
+excellent horsemen, and the natives especially of Chiapa de los Indios,
+will face the fiercest bull. The caciques breed horses, and use them and
+mules for conveying their various commodities for sale, such as maize,
+wood or lime; and many of the natives gain their living by following the
+occupation of carriers.
+
+By means of our illustrious services, our mother-country obtains gold,
+silver, precious stones, cochineal, wool, salsaparilla, hides, and various
+other commodities, to the great advantage of the royal revenue. Since the
+time of the great and wise Solomon, neither ancient nor modern history
+record the acquisition of such riches by any country, as have been derived
+from New Spain. I do not now include the millions in gold and silver
+derived from Peru, as that country was unknown when we conquered New Spain,
+and was not conquered till ten years afterwards: Besides all which, Peru
+has been involved in cruel civil wars, whereas we have ever remained
+submissive in our allegiance to his majesty, and ready to devote our lives
+and fortunes to his service. The numerous cities in New Spain are worthy
+of consideration, but would be too tedious to enumerate. Besides the
+archbishoprick of Mexico, we have ten bishopricks, with many cathedrals,
+and monastaries belonging to the Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustines, and
+the order of Mercy. Many hospitals, with extensive remissions and pardons
+attached to them; besides the _Santa casa_ of our Lady of Guadeloupe,
+where many holy miracles are performed daily. In Mexico there is an
+university in which are taught grammar, theology, rhetoric, logic,
+philosophy, and other sciences; and in which the students take the several
+degrees of bachelor, licentiate, and doctor; having also a printing press
+for books in the Spanish and Latin languages. If all I have now said be
+insufficient, let the wise and learned read over this my true history with
+impartial care, and they must confess that there never were men who have
+gained more by their valorous achievements for their king than we the
+brave conquerors, among the most valiant of whom I was considered. And I
+say again, I myself, who am a true conqueror, am the most ancient of all.
+Of the 550 soldiers who left Cuba along with Cortes, _five_ only are now
+living in the year 1568, while I am writing this history; all the rest
+having been slain in the wars, or sacrificed to the accursed idols, or
+have died in the course of nature. Of 1300 soldiers who came with Narvaez,
+exclusive of mariners, not more than ten or eleven now survive. Of those
+who came with Garay, including the three companies which landed at St Juan
+de Ulua previous to his own arrival, amounting to 1200 soldiers, most were
+sacrificed and devoured in the province of Panuco. We five companions of
+Cortes who yet survive, are all very old and bowed down with infirmities,
+and extremely poor; having heavy charges of sons to establish, daughters
+to marry off, and grand-children to maintain, with very small means to do
+all this. Whereas we ought to have had the best properties in the country
+allotted to us, in reward of our high prowess and transcendent services in
+that country which we conquered; not indeed to the same extent with the
+rewards granted to Cortes, but in just moderation in proportion to our
+merits. This indeed was ordered by his majesty, but interest and
+partiality gave away what we ought to have received to others, leaving
+little for the royal patrimony or to be bestowed on us. Immediately after
+the conquest, Cortes ought to have divided the whole country into five
+shares, assigning the richest and best to his majesty, out of which to
+reward those cavaliers who served him in his European wars; taking a share
+and a half to himself, and for the establishment of churches, monasteries,
+and municipalities; and dividing the remaining half in perpetual grants to
+us the true conquerors, by which we should have all been amply provided
+for.
+
+Our emperor was so truly a Christian monarch, that he would willingly have
+granted us these favours, more especially as the conquest cost him nothing.
+But we knew not then where to apply for justice, except to Cortes himself,
+who did in all things as he thought fit, taking care of himself, and of
+his friends and relations newly come from old Spain. We remained therefore
+with the little which had been assigned to us, till we saw Don Francisco
+de Montejo, who had waited on his majesty in Europe, return with the
+appointment of adelantado and governor of Yucutan, estates in Mexico, and
+other rewards. Diego de Ordas also, who went to court, obtained a
+commandery of St Jago, and districts in New Spain. Don Pedro de Alvarado,
+who likewise went to represent his services, was made adelantado and
+governor of Guatimala and Chiapa, commander of the order of St Jago, and
+obtained extensive grants of land. When therefore, we the conquerors saw
+that those who did not reach his majesty, or had no one to speak for them,
+were neglected, we transmitted a petition, by which we prayed that such
+lands as fell vacant might be distributed among us in perpetuities, as had
+been done by the first court of royal audience, of which Nuno de Guzman
+was president; who had been directed to make the divisions more equal,
+deducting in due proportions from the immoderate grants of Cortes, and
+that the best districts and rents should be divided among us the true
+conquerors, leaving the cities and great towns for his majesty. His
+majesty likewise ordered the vassals of Cortes to be counted, leaving no
+more than were specified in his patents; but I do not remember what was to
+have been done with the surplus. Nuno de Guzman and the judges of his
+tribunal were misled by advisers from making their grants perpetual, under
+pretence that the conquerors would cease to depend upon and respect them
+if independent, and that it was better to keep them under the necessity of
+supplicating for subsistence, and likewise to preserve to themselves the
+power of dividing the conquered lands to the advantage of their own
+interest. Guzman and his oydors indeed, constantly assigned such districts
+as fell vacant among the conquerors and colonists to universal
+satisfaction; but were superseded in consequence of their disputes with
+Cortes.
+
+In 1550, when I was in Old Spain, a council was formed, consisting of
+Bartholomew de las Casas, bishop of Chiapa, Vasco de Quiroga, bishop of
+Mechoacan, and other cavaliers who had come as agents from New Spain and
+Peru, with some gentlemen who had come on business to court; to which
+council I also was called, as being the most ancient of the conquerors of
+New Spain. At this time certain of the Peruvian gentlemen petitioned his
+majesty to cause perpetual allotments of lands to be made in that kingdom,
+and a similar petition was presented by Gonzalo Lopez and Alonzo de
+Villanueva, who had come over as agents from Mexico. His majesty was
+pleased to order the _rapartimiento_ or distribution of lands to be
+referred to the council of the Indies, consisting of the Marquis de
+Mondejar president, with the licentiates Gutierre Velasquez, Tello de
+Sandoval, Gregorio Lopes de Briviesca, and the Doctor Hernan Perez de la
+Fuente, oydors or judges of that court, together with the members of other
+royal councils. At this meeting, it was proposed to make a perpetual
+distribution of the lands of New Spain and Peru; I am uncertain if New
+Granada and Popayan were to have been included. Many excellent reasons
+were given for this measure being adopted, but it was strenuously opposed
+by the members of the royal council of the Indies, together with Bishop de
+las Casas, Fra Rodrigo his coadjutor, and the Bishop of las Charcas, who
+insisted that the matter should be postponed till the return of the
+emperor from Vienna, when every thing should be arranged to the
+satisfaction of the conquerors: And thus the affair was dropped for the
+present.
+
+After my return to New Spain, the conquerors then proposed to send agents
+to solicit his majesty for our interest exclusively, in consequence of
+which I was written to here in Guatimala, by Captain Andres de Tapia,
+Pedro Morena de Medrana, and Juan Limpias Caravajal, on the subject. I
+accordingly went round among the other conquerors who were settled in this
+city, to raise a sum by subscription for the purpose, but this project
+failed for want of money. At a subsequent period, our present invincible
+king Don Philip, was pleased to command that the conquerors and their
+posterity should be provided for, attending in the first instance to those
+who were married. But all has been of no avail.
+
+Two learned licentiates, to whom I communicated the MS. of this history,
+observed that I had praised myself greatly in the battles of which I have
+given an account, whereas I ought to have left that to be done by others.
+But how is any one who was not in the wars with us to praise us as we
+deserve? To compare myself, a poor soldier, with the great emperor and
+warrior Julius Cesar, we are told by historians, that he used to write
+down with his own hand an account of his own heroic deeds, not chusing to
+entrust that office to others, although he had many historians in his
+empire. It is not therefore extraordinary if I relate the battles in which
+I fought, that it may be known in future ages, _thus did Bernal Diaz del
+Castillo_; that my sons and grandsons may enjoy the fame of their ancestor,
+as many cavaliers and lords of vassals do the deeds and blazons of their
+predecessors. I shall therefore enumerate the various battles and other
+warlike affairs in which I have been present. At Cape Cotoche, under
+Cordova; at Pontonchan in a battle where half our number was slain; and in
+Florida where we landed to procure water. Under Juan de Grijalva, I was
+present in the second battle of Pontonchan. During my third voyage, under
+Cortes, two pitched battles at Tabasco. On our arrival in New Spain, the
+battle of Cingapacinga or Teoatzinco. Shortly afterwards three pitched
+battles with the Tlascalans. The affair of Cholula. On our entry into
+Mexico, I was at the seizure of Montezuma, which I do not enumerate as a
+warlike exploit, but on account of its great boldness. Four months
+afterwards, when with 276 men, Cortes defeated Narvaez who had 1300. The
+relief of Alvarado, when the Mexicans made incessant attacks upon us
+during eight days and nights, during which I reckon eight several battles,
+at all of which I was present, and in the course of which we lost 870 men.
+The battle of Obtumba or Otompan. A battle at Tepeaca. A battle at Tezcuco.
+Two battles, in one of which I was wounded in the throat by a lance. Two
+actions about the maize fields near Chalco. The rash attack on the
+fortresses called the Rocks of the Marquis in our expedition round the
+lake. The battle of Cuernavaca. Three battles at Xochimilco. During the
+siege of Mexico, which lasted _ninety-three_ days, I find by my account
+that I was engaged in upwards of eighty battles and skirmishes. After the
+conquest, I was sent out on various expeditions to reduce Coatzacualco,
+Chiapa, and the Zapotecans, in which we had several engagements. In
+Chamula and Cuitlan, two engagements. In Teapa and Chematlan two others,
+in one of which I was badly wounded in the throat. I forgot to mention,
+that we were pursued for nine days in our flight from Mexico, and had to
+fight four battles before the great one at Otompan. Several actions in our
+expedition to Higueras and Honduras, during which in a battle at Culacotu
+I had a horse killed under me which cost 600 crowns. After my return to
+Mexico, I went upon an expedition into the mountains against the Zapotecas
+and Mixtecas. I have on the whole been present in _one hundred and
+nineteen_ battles, engagements, and skirmishes; so that it is not
+wonderful if I praise myself for the many and notable services which I
+have rendered to God, his majesty and all Christendom: And I give thanks
+and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ, who hath preserved me in so many
+dangers.
+
+THE END OF BERNAL DIAZ.
+
+
+[1] In this section Diaz gives a minute enumeration _of the valiant
+    companions who passed over to the conquest of Mexico with the most
+    adventurous and most magnanimous Don Hernando Cortes, Marquis of the
+    Valley_. This must assuredly be a most valuable document to vast
+    numbers of the present inhabitants of New Spain, by enabling them to
+    trace their honourable descent from the conquerors; but, as totally
+    uninteresting to the English reader, is here omitted.--E.
+
+[2] These are the ordinary municipal officers of Spanish townships,
+    answerable to our mayors, aldermen, bailiffs, constables, &c.--E.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF PERU, BY FRANCISCO PIZARRO,
+WRITTEN BY AUGUSTINO ZARATE, TREASURER OF THAT KINGDOM, A FEW YEARS AFTER
+THE CONQUEST.
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The present chapter, like that immediately preceding from the pen of
+Bernal Diaz, although in strict language neither a journey nor a voyage,
+records in every step of the conquerors a new _discovery_ of coasts,
+islands, rivers, districts, and tribes, that had never been visited before.
+In conformity with our uniform desire to have recourse upon all occasions
+to the most authentic original authorities for every article admitted into
+this collection, so far as in our power, the work of Zarate has been
+chosen as the record of the discovery and conquest of Peru, in preference
+to any modern compilation on the same subject. As we learn from himself,
+Zarate was a person of rank and education, who went into Peru in 1543,
+only _eighteen_ years after the first movements of Pizarro and Almagro
+towards the discovery of that extensive country, and only _eleven_ years
+after its actual invasion by Pizarro in 1532. From the illustrious
+historian of America, Dr William Robertson, the work which we now offer to
+the public for the first time in the English language, has the following
+high character: "The history of Zarate, whether we attend to its matter or
+composition, is a book of considerable merit, and great credit is due to
+his testimony." Besides this general eulogy; in his enumeration of six
+original authors whom he had consulted in the composition of that portion
+of his History of America which refers to Peru, he clearly shews that
+Zarate alone can be considered as at the same time perfectly authentic and
+sufficiently copious for the purpose we have at present in view. The
+substance of his account of all the six is as follows.
+
+"_Two_ of the more early writers on the subject of the discovery and
+conquest of Peru, Francisco de Xeres, the secretary of Pizarro, and Pedro
+Sanchez, an officer who served under the conqueror, break off almost in
+the introduction to the narrative, going no farther into the history of
+the conquest than the death of Atahualpa in 1533, only one year after the
+invasion of Peru. The _third_ in point of time, Pedro Cioca de Leon, only
+two years earlier in his publication than Zarate, gives nothing more than
+a description of the country, and an account of the institutions and
+customs of the natives. Zarate is the _fourth_. The _fifth_, Don Diego
+Fernandez, solely relates to the dissentions and civil wars among the
+Spanish conquerors. The _sixth_ and last of these original authors,
+Garcilasso de la Vega _Inca_, the son of a Spanish officer of distinction
+by a _Coya_, or Peruvian female of the royal race, gives little more than
+a commentary on the before mentioned writers, and was not published till
+1609, seventy five years after the invasion of Peru by Pizarro[1]."
+
+In the Bibliotheque des Voyages, VI. 319. mention is made of a Description
+of Peru as published in French in 1480, and said to be a very rare work:
+_Rare_, indeed, if the imprint be not an error, _fifty-two_ years before
+the actual invasion and discovery. In the same useful work, the
+performance of Zarate is thus characterized. "The author has not confined
+his views to the history and conquest of Peru, but has given us a
+statement of the natural features of the country, an account of the
+manners of the inhabitants, and a curious picture of the religious
+opinions and institutions of the Peruvians."
+
+Four of the six original authors respecting Peru which are noticed by
+Robertson, we have not seen; having confined our views to that of Zarate,
+which is not only the best according to the opinion of that excellent
+judge, but the only one which could answer the purpose of our present
+collection. In preparing this original work for publication, it is proper
+to acknowledge that we have been satisfied with translating from the
+French edition of Paris, 1742; but, besides every attention to fidelity of
+translation, it has been carefully collated throughout with the _Royal
+Commentary_ of the Inca Garcilasso de la Vega, as published in English by
+Sir Paul Rycaut, knight, in 1688; and with the excellent work of Dr
+Robertson. It may be proper to mention, however, that the following
+translation, though faithful, has been made with some freedom of
+retrenching a superfluity of useless language; though nothing has been
+omitted in point of fact, and nothing altered.
+
+Having mentioned the work of Garcilasso de la Vega, which we have employed
+as an auxiliary on the present occasion, it may be worth while to give a
+short account of it in this place: For there never was, perhaps, a
+literary composition so strangely mixed up of unconnected and discordant
+sense and nonsense, and so totally devoid of any thing like order or
+arrangement, in the whole chronology of authorship, or rather of
+book-making, as has been produced by this scion of the Incas. No
+consideration short of our duty to the public, could have induced us to
+wade through such a labyrinth of absurdity in quest of information. It is
+astonishing how the honest knight could have patience to translate 1019
+closely printed folio pages of such a farrago; and on closing the work of
+the Inca for ever, we heartily joined in the concluding pious thanksgiving
+of the translator, _Praised be God_. This enormous literary production of
+the _Inca_ Garcilasso, is most regularly divided and subdivided into parts,
+books, and chapters; which contain here a little history, then digressions
+on manners, customs, opinions, ceremonies, laws, policy, arts, animals,
+vegetables, agriculture, buildings, &c. &c. &c. intermixed with bits and
+scraps of history, in an endless jumble; so that for every individual
+circumstance on any one of these topics, the pains-taking reader must turn
+over the whole work with the most anxious attention. We quote an example,
+taken absolutely at random, the titles of the Chapters of Part I. Book ix.
+
+Chap. I. Huayna Capac makes a gold chain as big as a cable, and why. II.
+Reduces ten vallies of the coast. III. Punishes some murderers. IV.-VII.
+Incidents of his reign, confusedly related. VIII. Gods and customs of the
+Mantas. IX. Of giants formerly in Peru. X. Philosophical sentiments of the
+Inca concerning the sun. XI. and XII. Some incidents of his reign. XIII.
+Construction of two extensive roads. XIV. Intelligence of the Spaniards
+being on the coast. XV. Testament and death of Huayna Capac. XVI. How
+horses and mares were first bred in Peru. XVII. Of cows and oxen.
+XVIII.-XXIII. Of various animals, all introduced after the conquest.
+XXIV.-XXXI. Of various productions, some indigenous, and others introduced
+by the Spaniards. XXXII. Huascar claims homage from Atahualpa. XXXIII.-XL.
+Historical incidents, confusedly arranged, all without dates.
+
+The whole work is equally confused at best, and often much more so; often
+consisting of extracts from other writers, with commentaries,
+argumentations, ridiculous speeches, miracles, and tales recited by old
+_Incas_ and _Coyas_, uncles aunts and cousins of the author. To add to the
+difficulty of consultation, Sir Paul, having exhausted his industry in the
+translation, gives no table of contents whatever, and a most miserable
+Index which hardly contains an hundredth part of the substance of the work.
+Yet the author of the Bibliotheque des Voyages, says "that this work is
+_very precious_, as it contains the only remaining notices of the
+government, laws, manners, and customs of the Peruvians."--Ed.
+
+
+[1] History of America, _note_ cxxv.
+
+
+PREFACE OF THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+After having enjoyed the office of secretary to the royal council of
+Castille for fifteen years, the king was graciously pleased to order me to
+Peru in 1543, as treasurer-general of that province and of the Tierra
+Firma; in which employment I was entrusted with the entire receipt of the
+royal revenues and rights, and the payment of all his majesties officers
+in those countries. I sailed thither in the fleet which conveyed Blasco
+Nugnez Vela the viceroy of Peru; and immediately on my arrival in the New
+World, I observed so many insurrections, disputes, and novelties, that I
+felt much inclined to transmit their memory to posterity. I accordingly
+wrote down every transaction as it occurred; but soon discovered that
+these could not be understood unless the previous events were explained
+from which they originated. I found it necessary, therefore, to go back to
+the epoch of the discovery of the country, to give a detail of the
+occurrences in their just order and connection. My work might perhaps have
+been somewhat more perfect, if I had been able to compose it in regular
+order while in Peru; but a brutal major-general, who had served under
+Gonzalo Pizarro[1], threatened to put any one to death who should presume
+to write a history of his transactions, so that I was obliged to satisfy
+myself with collecting all the documents I could procure for enabling me
+to compose my history after returning into Spain. He was perhaps right in
+wishing these transactions might fall into oblivion, instead of being
+transmitted to posterity.
+
+Should my style of writing be found not to possess all the polish that my
+readers may desire, it will at least record the true state of events; and
+I shall not be disappointed if it only serve to enable another to present
+a history of the same period in more elegant language and more orderly
+arrangement. I have principally directed my attention to a strict regard
+for truth, the soul of history, using neither art nor disguise in my
+description of things and events which I have seen and known; and in
+relating those matters which happened before my arrival, I have trusted to
+the information of dispassionate persons, worthy of credit. These were not
+easy to find in Peru, most persons having received either benefits or
+injuries from the party of Pizarro or that of Almagro; which were as
+violent in their mutual resentments as the adherents of Marius and Sylla,
+or of Caesar and Pompey of old.
+
+In all histories there are three chief requisites: the designs, the
+actions, and the consequences. In the two latter particulars I have used
+all possible care to be accurate. If I may not always agree with other
+authors in regard to the first of these circumstances, I can only say that
+such is often the case with the most accurate and faithful historians.
+After I had finished this work, it was my intention to have kept it long
+unpublished, lest I might offend the families of those persons whose
+improper conduct is therein pourtrayed. But some persons to whom I had
+communicated my manuscript, shewed it to the king during his voyage to
+England, who had it read to him as an amusement from the tiresomeness of
+the voyage. My work had the good fortune to please his majesty, who
+honoured it with his approbation, and graciously commanded me to have it
+printed; and which I have the more readily complied with, as his royal
+commands may protect my book from the cavils of the censorious readers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Much difficulty occurs respecting the origin of the people who inhabited
+Peru and the other provinces of America, and by what means their ancestors
+could have crossed the vast extent of sea which separates that country
+from the old world. In my opinion this may be explained from what is said
+by Plato in his _Timaeus_, and the subsequent dialogue entitled _Atlantis_.
+He says: "That the Egyptians report, to the honour of the Athenians, that
+they contributed to defeat certain kings who came with a numerous army by
+sea from the great island of Atlantis, which, beginning beyond the Pillars
+of Hercules, is larger than all Asia and Africa together, and is divided
+into ten kingdoms which Neptune gave among his ten sons, Atlas, the eldest,
+having the largest and most valuable share." Plato adds several remarkable
+particulars concerning the customs and riches of that island; especially
+concerning a magnificent temple in the chief city, the walls of which were
+entirely covered over with gold and silver, having a roof of copper, and
+many other circumstances which are here omitted for the sake of brevity;
+though it is certain that several customs and ceremonies mentioned by
+Plato are still practised in the provinces of Peru. Beyond the great
+island of Atlantis, there were other large islands not far distant from
+the _Firm Land_, beyond which again was the _True Sea_. The following are
+the words which Plato attributes, in his Timaeus, to Socrates, as spoken
+to the Athenians. "It is held certain, that in ancient times your city
+resisted an immense number of enemies from the Atlantic Ocean, who had
+conquered almost all Europe and Asia. In those days the _Straits_ were
+navigable, and immediately beyond them there was an island, commencing
+almost at the _Pillars of Hercules_, which was said to be larger than Asia
+and Africa united; from whence the passage was easy to other islands near
+and opposite to the continent of the _True Sea_." A little after this
+passage, it is added. "That nine thousand years before his days, a great
+change took place, as the sea adjoining that island was so increased by
+the accession of a prodigious quantity of water, that in the course of one
+day it swallowed up the whole island; since when that sea has remained so
+full of shallows and sand banks as to be no longer navigable, neither has
+any one been able to reach the other islands and the _Firm Land_."
+
+Some authors hare believed this recital to be merely allegorical, while
+most of the commentators on Plato considered it as a real historical
+narrative. The _nine thousand years_, mentioned by Plato, must not be
+considered as an indication of this discourse being fabulous; since,
+according to Eudoxus, we must understand them as lunar years or _moons_,
+after the Egyptian mode of computation, _or nine thousand months_, which
+are _seven hundred and fifty years_. All historians and cosmographers,
+ancient as well as modern, have concurred to name the sea by which that
+great island was swallowed up, the _Atlantic Ocean_, in which the name of
+that ancient island is retained, giving a strong evidence of its former
+existence. Adopting, therefore the truth of this historical fact, it must
+be granted that this island of Atlantis, beginning from the Straits of
+Gibraltar near Cadiz, must have stretched a vast way from north to south,
+and from east to west, since it was larger than all Asia and Africa. The
+_other_ islands in the neighbourhood must have been those now named
+Hispaniola, Cuba, Porto Rico, Jamaica, and others of the West Indies; and
+the _Firm Land_, that part of the Continent to which we still give the
+name of _Tierra Firma_, together with the other countries and provinces of
+America, from the Straits of Magellan in the south to the extreme north;
+as Peru, Popayan, Golden Castille, Veragua, Nicaragua, Guatimala, New
+Spain, _the Seven Cities_, Florida, _Baccalaos_, and so on along the north
+to Norway. The authority of Plato is conclusive that the _New World_ which
+has been discovered in our time, is the same Continent or Firm Land
+mentioned by that philosopher; and his _True Sea_ must be that which we
+name the _South Sea_, or Pacific Ocean; for the whole Mediterranean, and
+all that was before known of the Ocean, which we call the _North Sea_, can
+only be considered as rivers or lakes in comparison with the vast extent
+of that other sea. After these explanations, it is not difficult to
+conceive how mankind in ancient times may have passed from the great
+island of _Atlantis_ and the _other_ neighbouring isles, to what we now
+call the Tierra Firma, or _Firm Land_, and thence by land, or by the South
+Sea, into Peru: As we must believe that the inhabitants of these islands
+practised navigation, which they must have learned by intercourse with the
+great island, in which Plato expressly says there were many ships, and
+carefully constructed harbours. These, in my opinion, are the most
+probable conjectures which can be formed on this obscure subject of
+antiquity; more especially as we can derive no lights from the Peruvians,
+who have no writing by which to preserve the memory of ancient times. In
+New Spain, indeed, they had certain pictures, which answered in some
+measure instead of books and writings; but in Peru, they only used certain
+strings of different colours with several knots, by means of which and the
+distances between them, they were able to express some things in a very
+confused and uncertain manner, as shall be explained in the course of this
+history.
+
+So much of the following history as relates to the discovery of the
+country, has been derived from the information of Rodrigo Lozan, an
+inhabitant of Truxillo in Peru, and from others who were witnesses of and
+actors in the transactions which I have detailed.
+
+
+[1] Even the orthography of the name of Pizarro is handed down to us with
+    some variety. In the work of Garcilasso de la Vega it is always spelt
+    Piçarro: Besides which, the Inca Garcilasso, in his almost perpetual
+    quotations of our author Zarate, always gives the name Carate; the _ç_,
+    or cerilla _c_, being equivalent in Spanish to the _z_ in the other
+    languages of Europe.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_Of the discovery of Peru, with some account of the country and its
+inhabitants_.
+
+
+The city of Panama is a port on the South Sea, in that province of the
+continent of America which is called Golden Castille. In the year 1524,
+three inhabitants of that city entered into an association for the purpose
+of discovering the western coast of the continent by the South Sea, in
+that direction which has been since named Peru. These were Don Francisco
+Pizarro of Truxillo, Don Diego de Almagro of Malagon, and Hernando de
+Luque, an ecclesiastic. No one knew the family or origin of Almagro,
+though some said that he had been found at a church door[1]. These men,
+being among the richest of the colonists of Panama, proposed to themselves
+to enrich and aggrandize themselves by means of discovering new countries,
+and to do important service to the emperor, Don Carlos V. by extending his
+dominions. Having received permission from Pedro Arias de Avila[2], who
+then governed that country, Francisco Pizarro fitted out a vessel with
+considerable difficulty, in which he embarked with 114 men. About fifty
+leagues from Panama, he discovered a small and poor district, named _Peru_,
+from which that name has been since improperly extended to all the country
+afterwards discovered along that coast to the south for more than 1200
+leagues. Beyond that Peru, he discovered another district, to which the
+Spaniards gave the name of _El Pueblo quemado_, or the _Burnt People_. The
+Indians of that country made war upon him with so much obstinacy, and
+killed so many of his men, that he was constrained to retreat to
+_Chinchama_ or Chuchama, not far from Panama.
+
+In the mean time, Almagro fitted out another vessel at Panama, in which he
+embarked with 70 men, and went along the coast in search of Pizarro as far
+as the river San Juan, a hundred leagues from Panama. Not finding him
+there, Almagro returned along the coast to the _Pueblo quemado_, where,
+from certain indications of Pizarro having been there, he landed with his
+men. The Indians, puffed up with the remembrance of the victory they had
+gained over Pizarro, attacked Almagro with great courage, and did him
+considerable injury; and one day they even penetrated the entrenchment he
+had thrown up for defence, through some negligence in the guards, and put
+the Spaniards to flight, who were forced to retreat with loss to their
+vessel and put to sea, on which occasion Almagro lost an eye. Following
+the shore on the way back towards Panama, Almagro found Pizarro at
+Chinchama[3]. Pizarro was much pleased by the junction of Almagro, as by
+means of his men, and some additional soldiers they procured in Chinchama,
+they had now a force of two hundred Spaniards. They accordingly
+recommenced the expedition, endeavouring to sail down the coast to the
+southwards in two vessels and three large canoes. In this navigation they
+suffered great fatigue from contrary winds and currents, and were much
+incommoded when they attempted to land in any of the numerous small rivers
+which fall into the South Sea, as they all swarmed at their mouths with
+large lizards, or alligators, called caymans by the natives. These animals,
+are ordinarily from twenty to twenty-five feet long, and kill either men
+or beasts when in the water. They come out of the water to lay their eggs,
+which they bury in great numbers in the sand, leaving them to be hatched
+by the heat of the sun. These caymans have a strong resemblance to the
+crocodiles of the river Nile. The Spaniards suffered much from hunger in
+this voyage, as they could find nothing fit to eat along this coast except
+the fruit of a tree called mangles, which grew in great abundance
+everywhere along the shore. These trees are tall and straight, and have a
+very hard wood; but as they grow on the shore, their roots being drenched
+in sea water, their fruit is salt and bitter; yet necessity obliged the
+Spaniards to subsist on them, along with such fish as they could find,
+particularly crabs; as on the whole of that coast no maize was grown by
+the natives. From the currents along this coast, which always set strongly
+to the north, they were obliged to make their way by dint of constant
+rowing; always harassed by the Indians, who assailed them with loud cries,
+calling them banished men, and _hairy faces_, who were formed from the
+spray of the sea, and wandered about without cultivating the earth, like
+outcasts and vagabonds.
+
+Having lost several of his men through famine and by the incessant attacks
+of the Indians, it was agreed that Almagro should return to Panama for
+recruits and provisions. Having procured twenty-four, they advanced with
+these and the remains of their original force to a country named
+_Catamez_[4], considerably beyond the river of St Juan, a tolerably
+peopled country, in which they found plenty of provisions. The Indians of
+this part of the coast, who were still hostile, were observed to have
+certain ornaments of gold, resembling nails, inserted into holes made for
+that purpose in different parts of their faces. Almagro was sent back a
+second time to Panama, to endeavour to procure a larger force, and Pizarro
+retired in the mean time to the small island of _Gallo_ somewhat farther
+to the north, near the shore of the _Barbacoas_, and not far from Cape
+_Mangles_, where he and his people suffered extreme hardships from
+scarcity of provisions, amounting almost to absolute famine.
+
+On the return of Almagro to Panama for reinforcements, he found the
+government in the hands of Pedro de los Rios, who opposed the design of
+Almagro to raise recruits, because those with Pizarro had secretly
+conveyed a petition to the governor, not to permit any more people to be
+sent upon an enterprize of so much danger, and requesting their own recal.
+The governor, therefore, sent an officer to the Isle of Gallo, with an
+order for such as were so inclined to return to Panama, which was eagerly
+embraced by the greatest part of the soldiers of Pizarro, twelve only
+remaining along with him. Not daring to remain with so small a force in an
+island so near the main land, Pizarro retired to an uninhabited island
+named Gorgona, about 70 miles farther north, and considerably more distant
+from the coast than Gallo, in which island, which had abundance of springs
+and rivulets, he and his small band of faithful associates, lived on crabs
+in expectation of relief and reinforcement from Panama. At last a vessel
+arrived with provisions, but no soldiers, in which Pizarro embarked with
+his twelve men, to whose courage and constancy the discovery of Peru was
+owing. Their names deserve to be handed down to posterity: Nicolas de
+Ribera, Pedro de Candia a native of the Greek island of that name, Juan de
+Torre, Alfonso Briseno, Christoval de Peraulte, Alfonso de Truxillo,
+Francisco de Cuellar, and Alfonso de Molina[5]. The pilot of the vessel in
+which they embarked was named Bartholomew Bruyz, a native of Moguer. Under
+the guidance of this man, but with infinite difficulty from contrary winds
+and adverse currents, Pizarro reached a district named _Mostripe_[6],
+about equally distant from the two places since built by the Christians,
+named Truxillo and San Miguel. With the very small number of men who
+accompanied him, Pizarro dared not to advance any farther along the coast,
+and contented himself with going a small way up the river _Puechos_ or de
+la Chira[7]; where he procured some of the sheep[8] of the country, and
+some of the natives on purpose to serve him as interpreters in the sequel.
+Returning from thence, Pizarro went northwards to the port of Tumbez on
+the south-side of the bay of Guayaquil, where he was informed that the king
+of Peru had a fine palace, and where the Indians were said to be very rich.
+This place was one of the most extraordinary in the country, until it was
+ruined by the inhabitants of the island of Puna, as will be related
+hereafter. At this place, three of his men deserted, who were afterwards
+put to death by the Indians.
+
+After these discoveries, Pizarro returned to Panama, having spent three
+years in this voyage, counting from his first leaving Panama, in which
+time he was exposed to many dangers fatigues and privations, by the
+opposition and hostilities of the Indians, and through famine, and more
+than all distressed by the discontents and mutinies of his people, most of
+whom lost all hope of success, or of deriving any advantage from the
+expedition. Pizarro soothed their fears and encouraged their perseverance
+by every means in his power, providing for their necessities with much
+prudent care, and bearing up against every difficulty with astonishing
+firmness and perseverance: leaving to Almagro to provide men arms and
+horses, and necessaries of all kinds for the enterprize. These two
+officers, from being the richest of the settlers in Panama at the
+commencement of their enterprize, were now entirely ruined and overwhelmed
+in debt; yet did they not despair of ultimate success, and resolved to
+prosecute the discovery of which a very promising commencement had now
+been made[9].
+
+In concert with his associates Almagro and Luque, Pizarro went to Spain,
+to lay an account before the king of the discovery which he had made, and
+to solicit the appointment of governor of that country, of which he
+proposed to prosecute the discovery, and to reduce it under the dominion
+of the crown of Spain. His majesty granted his demand, under those
+conditions which used to be stipulated with other officers who engaged in
+similar enterprizes. With this authority, he returned to Panama,
+accompanied by Ferdinand, Juan, and Gonzalo Pizarro, and Francisco Martin
+de Alcantara, his brothers. Ferdinand and Juan Pizarro were his brothers
+both by father and mother, and the only lawful sons of Gonzalo Pizarro, an
+inhabitant of Truxillo in Old Spain, a captain in the infantry regiment of
+Navarre: Don Francisco Pizarro himself and Gonzalo Pizarro were natural
+sons of the elder Gonzalo Pizarro by different mothers: Francisco de
+Alcantara was likewise the brother of Don Francisco Pizarro, by his mother
+only, but by a different father[10]. Besides these, Pizarro brought as
+many men from Spain to assist in his enterprize as he could procure, being
+mostly inhabitants of Truxillo and other places in Estremadura[11].
+
+On his arrival at Panama in 1530, Pizarro and his associates used every
+effort to complete the preparations for the enterprize; but at first a
+dispute arose between him and Almagro. The latter complained that Pizarro
+had only attended to his own interests when at the court of Spain, having
+procured the appointments of governor and president of Peru for himself,
+without making any mention of Almagro, or at least without having procured
+any office for him, who had borne the far greater proportion of the
+expences hitherto incurred. Pizarro alleged that the king had refused to
+give any office to Almagro, though solicited by him for that purpose: But
+engaged his word to renounce the office of president in his behalf, and to
+supplicate the king to bestow that appointment upon him. Almagro was
+appeased by this concession; and they proceeded to make every preparation
+in concert that might be conducive to the success of the undertaking. But,
+before entering upon the narrative of their actions, it seems proper to
+give some account of the situation of Peru, of the most remarkable things
+which it contains, and of the manners and customs of the inhabitants.
+
+The country of Peru, of which this history is intended to treat, commences
+at the equator, and extends south towards the antarctic pole[12]. The
+people who inhabit in the neighbourhood of the equator have swarthy
+complexions; their language is extremely guttural; and they are addicted
+to unnatural vices, for which reason they care little for their women and
+use them ill[13], The women wear their hair very short, and their whole
+clothing consists of a short petticoat, covering only from the waist to
+about the knees. By the women only is the grain cultivated, and by them it
+is bruised or ground to meal, and baked. This grain, called maize in the
+West-Indian Islands, is called _Zara_ in the language of Peru[14]. The men
+wear a kind of shirts or jackets without sleeves, which only reach to the
+navel, and do not cover the parts of shame. They wear their hair short,
+having a kind of tonsure on their crowns, almost like monks. They have no
+other dress or covering, yet pride themselves on certain ornaments of gold
+hanging from their ears and nostrils, and are particularly fond of
+pendants made of emeralds, which are chiefly found in those parts of the
+country bordering on the equator. The natives have always concealed the
+places where these precious stones are procured, but the Spaniards have
+been in use to find some emeralds in that part of the country, mixed among
+pebbles and gravel, on which account it is supposed that the natives
+procured them from thence. The men also are fond of wearing a kind of
+bracelets, or strings of beads, of gold and silver, mixed with small
+turquoise stones and white shells, or of various colours; and the women
+are not permitted to wear any of those ornaments.
+
+The country is exceedingly hot and unwholesome, and the inhabitants are
+particularly subject to certain malignant warts or carbuncles of a
+dangerous nature on the face and other parts of the body, having very deep
+roots, which are more dangerous than the small-pox, and almost equally
+destructive as the carbuncles of the plague. The natives have many temples,
+of which the doors always front the east, and are closed only by cotton
+curtains. In each temple there are two idols or figures in relief
+resembling black goats, before which they continually burn certain
+sweet-smelling woods. From this wood a certain liquor exudes, when the
+bark is stripped off, which has a strong and disagreeable flavour, by
+means of which dead bodies are preserved free from corruption. In their
+temples, they have also representations of large serpents, to which they
+give adoration; besides which every nation, district, tribe or house, had
+its particular god or idol. In some temples, particularly in those of
+certain villages which were called _Pafao_, the walls and pillars were
+hung round with dried bodies of men women and children, _in the form of
+crosses_, which were all so thoroughly embalmed by means of the liquor
+already mentioned, that they were entirely devoid of bad smell. In these
+places also they had many human heads hung up; which by means of certain
+drugs with which they were anointed, were so much shrunk or dried up as to
+be no bigger than a mans fist[15].
+
+This country is extremely dry, as it very seldom has any rain, and its
+rivulets are few and scanty; so that the people are reduced to the
+necessity of digging pit-wells, or of procuring water from certain pools
+or reservoirs. Their houses are built of large canes or reeds. It
+possesses gold, but of a very low quantity; and has very few fruits. The
+inhabitants use small canoes hollowed out of the trunks of trees, and a
+sort of rafts which are very flat. The whole coast abounds in fish, and
+whales are sometimes seen in these seas. On the doors of the temples in
+that district which is called _Caraque_, the figures of men are sometimes
+seen, which have dresses somewhat resembling those of our deacons.
+
+Near the last mentioned province, at Cape St Helena in the province of
+Guayaquil, there are certain springs or mineral veins which give out a
+species of bitumen resembling pitch or tar, and which is applied to the
+same purposes. The Indians of that country pretend that in ancient times
+it was inhabited by giants, who were four times the height of ordinary
+men[16]. The Spaniards saw two representations of these giants at _Puerto
+viejo_, one of a man and the other of a woman, and the inhabitants related
+a traditionary tale of the descent of a young man from heaven, whose
+countenance and body shone like the sun, who fought against the giants and
+destroyed them with flames of fire. In the year 1543, Captain Juan de
+Holmos, lieutenant-governor of Puerto viejo, caused a certain valley to be
+carefully examined, in which these giants were were said to have been
+destroyed, and in which ribs and other bones of prodigious size were dug
+up, which fully confirmed the traditions of the Indians[17]. The natives
+of this country have no knowledge whatever of writing, nor had they even
+any use of that method of painting employed by the Mexicans for preserving
+the memory of ancient events, which were handed down from father to son
+merely by traditionary stories. In some places indeed they used an
+extraordinary means for preserving the remembrance of important events, by
+certain cords or strings of cotton called _Quippos_, on which they
+represented _numbers_ by knots of different kinds, and at regulated
+intervals, from _units_ up to _dozens_, and so forth; the cords being of
+the same colours with those things which they were intended to represent.
+In every province, there are persons who are entrusted with the care of
+these _quippos_, who are named _Quippo camayos_, who register public
+matters by means of these coloured strings and knots artificially disposed;
+and it is wonderful with what readiness these men understand and explain
+to others events that have happened several ages ago. There are public
+buildings throughout the country which are used as magazines of these
+quippos.
+
+To the south of the equator, and near the coast, is the island of Puna[18],
+about twelve leagues in circumference, containing abundance of game, and
+having great quantities of fish on its shores. It has plenty of fresh
+water, and was formerly very populous, its inhabitants being almost
+continually engaged in war, especially with the people of Tumbez, which is
+twelve leagues distant to the south. These people wore shirts, above which
+they had a kind of woollen garments. They went to sea in a peculiar kind
+of flats or rafts, made of long planks of a light wood fixed to two other
+cross planks below them to hold them together. The upper planks are always
+an uneven number, usually five, but sometimes seven or nine; that in the
+middle, on which the conductor of the float sits and rows, being longer
+than the others, which are shorter and shorter toward the sides, and they
+are covered by a species of awning to keep those who sit upon them from
+the weather. Some of these floats are large enough to carry fifty men and
+three horses, and are navigated both by oars and sails, in the use of
+which the Indians are very expert. Sometimes, when the Spaniards have
+trusted themselves on these floats, the Indian rowers have contrived to
+loosen the planks, leaving the christians to perish, and saving themselves
+by swimming. The Indians of that island were armed with bows and slings,
+and with maces and axes of silver and copper. They had likewise spears or
+lances, having heads made of gold very much alloyed; and both men and
+women wore rings and other ornaments of gold, and their most ordinary
+utensils were made of gold and silver. The lord of this island was much
+feared and respected by his subjects, and so extremely jealous of his
+women, that those who had the care of them were not only eunuchs, but had
+their noses cut off. In a small island near Puna, there was found in a
+house the representation of a garden, having the figures of various trees
+and plants artificially made of gold and silver.
+
+Opposite to the island of Puna on the main land, there dwelt a nation or
+tribe which had given so much offence to the king of Peru, that they were
+obliged as a punishment to extirpate all their upper teeth; in consequence
+of which, even now, the people of that district have no teeth in their
+upper jaws. From Tumbez for five hundred leagues to the south along the
+coast of the south sea, and for ten leagues in breadth, more or less
+according to the distance between the sea and the mountains, it never
+rains or thunders. But on the mountains which bound that maritime plain,
+there are both rain and thunder, and the climate has the vicissitudes of
+summer and winter nearly as in Spain. While it is winter in the mountain,
+it is summer all along the coast; and on the contrary, during the summer
+on the mountain the coast has what may be termed winter. The length of
+Peru, from the city of _St Juan de Parto_ to the province of Chili lately
+discovered, is above 1800[19] leagues of Castille. Along the whole of that
+length, a vast chain of exceedingly high and desert mountains extends from
+north to south, in some places fifteen or twenty leagues distant from the
+sea, and less in others. The whole country is thus divided into two
+portions, all the space between the mountains and the sea being
+denominated _the plain_, and all beyond is called the mountain.
+
+The whole plain of Peru is sandy and extremely arid, as it never has any
+rain, and there are no springs or wells, nor any rivulets, except in four
+or five places near the sea, where the water is brackish. The only water
+used by the inhabitants is from torrents which come down from the mountain,
+and which are there formed by rain and the melting of snow, as there are
+even very few springs in the mountainous part of the country. In some
+places, these torrents or mountain-streams are twelve fifteen or twenty
+leagues distance from each other, but generally only seven or eight
+leagues; and travellers for the most part are under the necessity of
+regulating their days journies by these streams or rivers, that they may
+have water for themselves and cattle. Along these rivers, for the breadth
+of a league, more or less according to the nature of the soil, there are
+some groves and fruit-trees, and maize fields cultivated by the Indians,
+to which wheat has been added since the establishment of the Spaniards.
+For the purpose of irrigating or watering these cultivated fields, small
+canals are dug from the rivers, to conduct the water wherever it is
+necessary and where that can be done; and in the construction of these the
+natives are exceedingly ingenious and careful, having often to draw these
+canals seven or eight leagues by various circuits to avoid intermediate
+hollows, although perhaps the whole breadth of the vale may not exceed
+half a league. In all these smaller vales along the streams and torrents,
+from the mountain to the sea, the country is exceedingly fertile and
+agreeable. Several of these torrents are so large and deep, such as those
+of Santa, Baranca, and others, that without the assistance of the Indians,
+who break and diminish for a short time the force of the current, by means
+of piles and branches forming a temporary wear or dike, the Spaniards
+would be unable to pass. In these hazardous passages, it was necessary to
+get over with all possible expedition, to avoid the violence of the stream,
+which often rolled down very large stones. Travellers in the plain of Peru,
+when going north or south, almost always keep within sight of the sea,
+where the torrents are less violent, owing to the greater flatness of the
+plain as it recedes from the mountain. Yet in winter the passage of these
+torrents is extremely dangerous, as they cannot be then forded, and must
+be crossed in barks or floats like those formerly mentioned, or on a kind
+of rafts made of gourds inclosed in a net, on which the passenger reclines,
+while one Indian swims before pulling the raft after him with a rope, and
+another Indian swims behind and pushes the raft before him.
+
+On the borders of these rivers there are various kinds of fruit-trees,
+cotton-trees, willows, and many kinds of canes, reeds, and sedges. The
+watered land is extremely fertile, and is kept under continual cultivation;
+wheat and maize being sown and reaped all the year through. The Indians in
+the plain seldom have any houses, or at best a kind of rude huts or cabins
+made of branches of trees, often dwelling under the shade of trees,
+without any habitation whatever. The women are habited in long dresses of
+cotton which descend to their feet; while the men wear breeches and vests
+which come down to their knees, and have a kind of cloak or mantle thrown
+over their shoulders. They are all dressed in a similar manner, having no
+distinctions except in their head-dresses, according to rank or the
+different districts of the country; some wearing a tuft of wool, others a
+single cord, and others several cords of different colours. All the
+Indians of the plain are distributed into three orders; the first named
+_Yungas_, the second _Tallanes_, and the third _Mochicas_. Every province
+has its own peculiar language or dialect, different from all the rest. But
+all the caciques or principal people and nobles of the country, besides
+the language peculiar to their respective countries or districts, were
+obliged to understand and speak the language of Cuzco. One of the Peruvian
+kings, named Huana Capac, the father of Atahualpa or Atabalipa, was much
+displeased that the caciques and principal people of his empire should be
+under the necessity of employing interpreters when they had occasion to
+speak to him; and gave orders that all the caciques and their relatives
+should send their children to reside at court, to be instructed in the
+language of Cuzco which was spoken by the Incas. This was the ostensible
+reason of the measure; but in reality he wished to have these children in
+his power, to serve as hostages for the loyalty of their parents. By this
+means, all the nobles of the land came to understand the peculiar language
+of Cuzco which was spoken at court; just as in Flanders all the nobles and
+persons of any rank speak French. Owing to this circumstance, as the
+Spaniards have learnt the language of the Incas, or of Cuzco, they are
+able to converse with all the principal natives of Peru, both those of the
+mountain and of the plain.
+
+It may appear difficult to some of my readers to comprehend why no rain
+should fall in the plain of Peru, considering that the country is bounded
+along the whole of one side by the sea, where many vapours are constantly
+ascending, and on the other side by a vast range of mountain which is
+always enveloped in rain or snow. Those who have carefully considered this
+singular phenomenon, allege that it is occasioned by the continual
+prevalence of a strong south-west wind all along the coast and over the
+whole plain of Peru, which carries off all the vapours which rise from the
+sea and the land, without allowing them to rise sufficiently high in the
+air to gather and fall down again in rain. From the tops of the high
+mountains, these vapours are often seen far beneath on the plain in thick
+clouds, while all is quite clear and serene on the mountain. By the
+perpetual blowing of the same wind, the waters of the South-sea have a
+constant current along the coast to the northward. Others allege a
+different reason for this current; saying, that the water of the
+South-sea having only a narrow outlet at the straits of Magellan, which
+are only two leagues broad, and being there opposed by the Atlantic Ocean,
+they are forced to return to the northward along the coast of Chili and
+Peru. This constant wind and current render the navigation exceedingly
+difficult, from Panama to Peru for the greater part of the year; so that
+vessels are obliged always to tack to windward against wind and current.
+
+The whole coast of Peru abounds in fish of various kinds, among which are
+great quantities of sea-calves or seals, of several species. Beyond the
+river of Tumbez there are no caymans or alligators, which is supposed to
+be owing to the too great coolness of the sea and rivers, as these animals
+delight in heat; but it is more probable that their absence from the
+rivers of Peru is occasioned by their great rapidity, as they usually
+frequent rivers that are very still. In the whole extent of the plain
+there are only five cities inhabited by the Christians[20]. The first of
+these, Puerto Viejo, about one degree south of the line, has very few
+inhabitants, as it stands in a poor and unwholesome country, in which the
+principal production of value is a few emeralds. Fifty leagues to the
+southward, and about fifteen leagues from the coast, is the city of San
+Miguel, named _Piuru_ by the Indians, in a pleasant and fruitful country,
+but which has no mines of gold or silver. Most people who have occasion to
+go there are liable to be afflicted with diseases of the eyes. Sixty
+leagues farther along the coast, is the city of Truxillo, two leagues from
+the sea, in the valley of Chimo, having a dangerous harbour of difficult
+approach. This city stands on the banks of a river in a fine plain, which
+is fertile in wheat and maize, and breeds great abundance of cattle,
+having plenty of excellent water. Truxillo is very regularly built, and is
+inhabited by about three hundred Spanish families. About eighty leagues
+from Truxillo to the south, and in the valley of _Rimac_, stands the city
+of _Los Reys_, or Lima, because it was founded at Epiphany, vulgarly
+called the day of the kings. This city is about two leagues from the
+harbour of _Callao_, an excellent and secure harbour, and is situated on a
+large river in a fine plain, abounding in grain, and in all kinds of fruit
+and cattle. All the streets are perfectly straight, and all of them lead
+towards the country, which may be seen from all parts of the city. This is
+a most agreeable residence, as the air is always temperate, being never
+either too hot or too cold at any season of the year. During the four
+months which constitute the summer in Spain, the air here is somewhat
+cooler than for the rest of the year; and every day from sun-rise to noon
+there falls a light dew, somewhat like the mists at Valladolid in Old
+Spain. Far from being injurious to health, this slight moisture is
+reckoned an infallible cure for headaches. This part of the country
+produces the same kinds of fruit as are found in Spain, particularly
+oranges, citrons, and lemons of all kinds, both sweet and sour, with figs
+and pomegranates. It might assuredly have produced grapes in great
+abundance, if the discords which have prevailed in this country had
+allowed the colonists to plant and cultivate the vine; as it already has
+several thriving vine plants which have grown from the pips of dried
+raisins. The neighbouring country produces all kinds of pot herbs and
+garden vegetables usually cultivated in Spain, in great perfection and
+abundance. Indeed every thing conspires to assist cultivation at this
+place, as every plantation has a canal from the river sufficiently large
+for a mill-stream; and on the main river, the Spaniards have several
+corn-mills. This city is universally reckoned the most salubrious and most
+agreeable residence in all Peru; and its harbour is so convenient for
+trade, that people come here from all parts of Peru to provide themselves
+with necessaries of all kinds, bringing with them the gold and silver
+which is so abundantly procured from the mines of the other provinces. For
+these reasons, and because it is nearly central to Peru, it has been
+chosen by his majesty for the residence of the royal court of audience, to
+which the inhabitants of all Peru have to carry their law-suits, by which
+means it is to be presumed that this place will in time become more
+considerable and very populous. Lima at present, 1550, contains five
+hundred houses; yet is larger than any city in Spain of fifteen hundred
+houses, as the square in the centre of the town is very large, and all the
+streets very wide, and because each house has a plot of eighty feet in
+front by twice that in depth. The houses likewise are all of one storey,
+as the country has no wood fit for joists or flooring-deals, every kind
+which it produces becoming worm-eaten in three years. The houses, however,
+are large and magnificent, and have many chambers and very convenient
+apartments. The walls are built on both sides of brick, leaving a hollow
+between of five feet, which is filled up with hard-rammed earth; in which
+manner the apartments are carried up to a convenient height, and the
+windows towards the street are raised considerably above the ground. The
+stairs leading up are towards the interior court, and in the open air,
+leading to galleries or corridors, which serve as passages to the several
+apartments. The roofs are formed of some rough timbers, not even hewn
+square, which are covered underneath by coloured matts like those of
+Almeria, or painted canvas, serving as ceilings, to conceal these clumsy
+joists: and the whole is covered over by way of roofing with branches of
+trees with their leaves, which keep the rooms cool and effectually exclude
+the rays of the sun. In this climate there is no call for any defence from
+rain, which never falls in the plain of Peru.
+
+One hundred and thirty leagues still farther south, is the city of
+Villahermosa de Arequipa, containing about three hundred houses, in a very
+healthy situation, abounding in provisions. Though at twelve leagues
+distance from the sea, this place is very conveniently situated for trade,
+as vessels can easily import thither by the river Quilca all sorts of
+European commodities for the supply of the city of Cuzco and the province
+of Charcas, which are much frequented on account of the mines of Potosi
+and Porco; and from whence large quantities of silver are carried to
+Arequipa, to be transported by sea to Lima and Panama, which saves a vast
+expence and risk of land-carriage; now become more difficult since his
+majesty has forbidden those heavy burdens upon the Indians by which they
+were formerly oppressed. From this city we travel four hundred leagues by
+land along the coast of the South Sea to the province of Chili, which was
+discovered and in part colonized by the governor Pedro de Valdibia, or
+Baldivia. In the language of the Indians the word _Chili_ signifies cold;
+and it was so named by the Peruvians because of the terribly cold
+mountains which were necessary to be passed on the way thither from Peru,
+as will be particularly mentioned when we come to detail the perilous
+enterprize undertaken by Don Diego de Almagro when he marched to discover
+that distant country. Such is a rapid view of that portion of Peru which
+is called _the plain_; to which must be added that the sea along its
+entire coast is always smooth and tranquil, from which it has been called
+the _Pacific Ocean_, being never vexed with storms, or disturbed by high
+and low tides; so that vessels can everywhere ride in perfect security at
+single anchor.
+
+Those Indians who inhabit the mountainous regions of Peru are entirely
+different from the inhabitants of the plain, whom they vastly exceed in
+strength, courage, and mental abilities. They live in a much less savage
+manner, having houses covered with earth, and being clothed in shirts and
+mantles made from the wool of their sheep[21]; but their only head-dress
+consists in a species of bands or fillets. The women wear a species of
+vestments like shifts without sleeves, and gird their waists with several
+turns of a woollen girdle, which give them a neat and handsome shape;
+covering their shoulders with a mantle or plaid of woollen cloth like a
+large napkin, which they fix round the neck with a large skewer or pin of
+silver or gold called _topos_ in their language, with large broad heads,
+the edges of which are sharpened so as to serve in some measure the
+purposes of a knife. These women give great assistance to their husbands
+in all the labours belonging to husbandry and household affairs, or rather
+these things fall entirely to their lot. Their complexions are much fairer,
+and their countenances, manners, and whole appearance, are greatly
+superior in all respects to the natives of the plain. Their countries
+likewise differ entirely; as instead of the sterile sands which are
+everywhere interspersed over the plain, the mountain is covered through
+its whole extent with verdure, and is everywhere furnished with rivulets
+and springs of fine water, which unite to form the torrents and rivers
+which descend so impetuously into the plain country. The fields are
+everywhere full of flowers and plants of infinite varieties, among which
+are many species like the plants which grow in Spain; such as cresses,
+lettuce, succory, sorrel, vervain, and others; and vast quantities of wild
+mulberries, and other fruit-bearing shrubs are found everywhere. There is
+one particular plant with yellow flowers, having leaves like those of
+celery, of most admirable virtues. If applied to the most putrid sore, it
+makes it quite clean and sweet in a short time; but if laid upon a sound
+place it soon eats to the very bone. There are many fruit-trees in this
+country of various kinds, carrying abundant crops of fruit as good as
+those of Spain without having the smallest care taken of them.
+
+There are great numbers of sheep in the mountainous region, part of which
+are domesticated by the Indians, but vast numbers of them are wild;
+likewise abundance of deer and roes, many foxes and other smaller animals.
+The natives often have public hunts of these animals, which they call
+_chaco_, in which they take great delight. Four or five thousand natives,
+more or less according to the population of the district, assemble
+together, and enclose two or three leagues of country by forming a circle,
+in which at first they are at considerable distances from each other, and
+by gradually contracting their circle, beating the bushes, and singing
+certain songs appropriated to the occasion, they drive all the animals of
+every kind before them to an appointed place in the centre. The whole
+company at length join in a small circle, holding each other by the hands,
+and hallooing loudly, by which the beasts are terrified from endeavouring
+to break through, and are easily taken in nets or even by the hand. Even
+partridges, hawks, and other birds, are often so astonished by the loud
+cries of the hunters as to fall down in the circle and allow themselves to
+be taken. In these mountains there are lions or _pumas_, black bears, wild
+cats of several kinds, and many species of apes and monkeys. The principal
+birds, both of the plain and the mountain, are eagles, pigeons,
+turtle-doves, plovers, quails, parroquets, falcons, owls, geese, white and
+grey herons, and other water fowl; nightingales and other birds of sweet
+song, many kinds of which have very beautiful plumage. There is one kind
+of bird very remarkable for its astonishing smallness, not being larger
+than a grasshopper or large beetle, which however has several very long
+feathers in its tail. Along the coast there is a species of very large
+vulture, the wings of which, when extended, measure fifteen or sixteen
+palms from tip to tip. These birds often make prey of large seals, which
+they attack when out of the water: On these occasions, some of the birds
+attack the animal behind; others tear out his eyes; and the rest of the
+flock tear him on all sides with their beaks, till at length they kill him,
+and tear him to pieces. Upon the coast of the South Sea there are great
+numbers of birds named _alcatraz_, somewhat like our ordinary poultry in
+shape, but so large that each individual may contain three pecks of grain
+in its crop. These birds feed mostly on fish which they catch in the sea,
+yet are fond of carrion, which they go in search of thirty or forty
+leagues inland. The flesh of these birds stinks most abominably, insomuch
+that some persons who have been driven to the necessity of eating it have
+died, as if poisoned.
+
+It has been already said, that rain, hail, and snow, fall on the
+mountainous region of Peru, where in many places it is intensely cold: But
+in many parts of that region there are deep valleys in which the air is so
+hot, that the inhabitants have to use various contrivances to defend
+themselves from the excessive heat. In these vallies there is an herb
+called _coca_, which is held in very high estimation by the natives: Its
+leaf resembles that of the _sumach_, and the Indians have learnt from
+experience that, by keeping a leaf of that plant in their mouth they can
+prevent themselves for a long time from feeling either hunger or thirst.
+In many parts of the mountain there is no wood, so that travellers in
+those parts are obliged to use a species of earth which is found there for
+the purpose of fuel, and which burns very much like turf or peats. In the
+mountains there are veins of earth of various colours, and mines both of
+gold and silver, in which the natives are exceedingly conversant, and are
+even able to melt and purify these metals with less labour and expence
+than the Christians. For this purpose they construct furnaces in the
+mountains, placing always the door of the furnace towards the south, as
+the wind blows always from that point. The ores are put into these
+furnaces alternately with dried sheeps dung, which serves as fuel, and by
+means of the wind the fire is raised to a sufficient power to melt and
+purify the metal. In melting the vast quantities of silver which has been
+dug from the mines of Potosi, the furnaces constructed with bellows were
+found quite inefficient, while these furnaces, named _guayras_ by the
+Indians, which signifies wind-furnaces, answered the purpose effectually.
+
+The soil is everywhere extremely fertile, and gives abundant returns of
+all the kinds of grain which are there sown; insomuch that from one bushel
+of seed for the most part at hundred bushels are reaped, sometimes an
+hundred and fifty, and even as high as two hundred. The natives employ no
+ploughs, but labour the earth with a kind of hoes; and set their seed into
+the ground in holes made with a dibble, or pointed stick, just as beans
+are sown in Spain. All kinds of pot and garden herbs grow so luxuriantly
+that radishes have been seen at Truxillo as thick as a mans body, yet
+neither hard nor stringy. Lettuces, cabbages, and all other vegetables
+grow with similar luxuriance: But the seeds of these must all be brought
+from Spain; as when raised in the country the produce is by no means so
+large and fine. The principal food of the Indians is maize, either roasted
+or boiled, which serves them for bread, and venison of various kinds,
+which they salt up for use. They likewise use dried fish, and several
+kinds of roots, one of which named _yuca_ resembles skirret; likewise
+lupines and many other leguminous vegetables. Instead of wine, they make a
+fermented liquor from maize, which they bury in the earth along with water
+in tubs or large jars, where it ferments. In this process, besides the
+maize in its natural state, a certain quantity of maize which has been
+steeped in a particular manner is used as a ferment; and there are men and
+women who are versant in the manner of steeping maize, and are hired for
+this purpose. When this kind of drink is made by means of stagnant water,
+it is reckoned stronger and better than when running water is used. In the
+West Indian islands this drink is called _chica_, but the Peruvian name is
+_azua_. It is either white or red, according to the kind of maize used for
+its preparation, and inebriates even more readily than Spanish wine; yet
+the Indians prefer the latter when it can be procured. They make another
+kind of liquor from the fruit of certain trees, which they call _molles_;
+but it is by no means so well liked as _azua_ from maize.
+
+The first city of the Christians in the mountain of Peru is _Quito_, which
+is about four degrees to the south of the equator[22]. This city is
+situated in an agreeable and fertile district; and particularly since 1544
+and 1545, when rich mines of gold were discovered in its neighbourhood, it
+has become populous, and continued to increase fast in the number of its
+inhabitants; till in the destructive civil wars its people were almost
+entirely cut off by Gonzalo Pizarro and his adherents, as they favoured
+the party of the viceroy Blasco Nugnez Vela, who made this place his
+ordinary residence. The Spaniards had no other establishment in the
+mountain till the discovery of the province of _Bracamoras_[23], by the
+captains, Juan Porcel and Vergara, who established some small colonies in
+these parts, on purpose to continue the discovery and conquest of the
+interior country; but these establishments have been since entirely ruined,
+as Gonzalo Pizarro recalled these two captains and their men to assist him
+in his war. This discovery was made under the orders of the licentiate
+Vaca de Castro, who was then governor of Peru. The Captain Porcel was sent
+by him from S. Miguel de Piura, and Vergara into the province of
+_Chachapoyas_ farther to the south; but they unexpectedly met each other
+in the course of their exploration of the country, and quarrelled about
+the boundaries of their discoveries, in consequence of which they were
+recalled by Vaco de Castro, and were at Lima at the commencement of the
+civil war in the service of the viceroy; and when he was made prisoner
+they entered into the party of Gonzalo Pizarro. The place which they
+discovered, called Bracamoras, is a hundred and sixty leagues from Quito
+by way of the mountain; and eighty leagues farther south they discovered a
+province named Chacaapoyas, where there is a small Christian town named
+_Levanto_[24]. This province abounds in provisions, and has mines of some
+value. Its situation is peculiarly strong against an enemy, as it is
+surrounded on all sides by a deep valley, in which runs a considerable
+river; so that by breaking down the bridges, it may be made very difficult
+of access. The Maestre de Campo Alfonzo de Alvarado, who held the command
+of this province, established a colony of Christians at this place.
+
+Sixty leagues farther to the south, in the district of _Guanuco_, Vaco de
+Castro established a colony which he ordered to be called _Leon_, as he
+came from the city of that name in Spain. The country of Guanuco is
+fertile and abounds in provisions; and valuable mines are believed to
+exist on that side which is occupied by a warlike and powerful inca in a
+province of the Andes, as shall be mentioned hereafter[25]. There is no
+other place in the mountains farther south which has been as yet settled
+by the Christians, till we come to the province of _Guamanga_, in which is
+a small town named San Juan de la Vittoria[26], which is sixty leagues
+from Leon. In San Juan there are very few Spaniards, but their number is
+expected to increase, if the neighbouring inca can be induced to submit to
+peace; as he at present occupies the best lands belonging to that city, in
+which there are many mines, and which produces the herb called _coca_ in
+great abundance, formerly mentioned as of great value. The town of
+Guamanga is about eighty leagues from the city of Cuzco; the road between
+being exceedingly difficult, as it goes over high and precipitous
+mountains, and through very dangerous passes.
+
+Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the kings of Peru resided in the city
+of Cuzco, whence they governed the whole of this great country of which I
+have endeavoured to give some account, and which will be more particularly
+treated of in the sequel of this history. This city served as the common
+centre for all the chiefs or caciques of this vast kingdom, to which they
+resorted from all quarters, to pay their tributes to the king, and to
+obtain justice in case of disputes among each other. At that time Cuzco
+was the only place in all Peru that had the least resemblance to a city.
+It had even a strong fortress, built of such enormous dressed stones, that
+it was very wonderful to conceive in what manner the Indians had been able
+to transport such vast masses of stone without the aid of any animals of
+draught. In fact some of these are so large that they would have required
+ten yokes of oxen to have dragged them along on a fit carriage. The houses
+which are now inhabited by the Spaniards are the same which were formerly
+occupied by the Indians; some of which houses have been merely repaired
+and others enlarged by their present possessors. This city was formerly
+divided into four quarters, corresponding to the four cardinal points; and
+by orders of the _Incas_, or sovereigns of Peru, all those natives who
+came to the capital were obliged to lodge in the particular quarter which
+was towards the direction of the province from whence they came, under
+severe penalties. The south quarter of the city was named _Colla-sugo_,
+from the province of _Collao_ which lay to the south. The northern quarter
+was named _Chinca-sugo_, from the large and renowned province of
+_Chinca_[27] in that direction. The eastern and western quarters were
+respectively named _Ande-sugo_ and _Conde-sugo_. The country about Cuzco
+is extremely fertile, and abounds in all kinds of provisions, and the
+climate is so healthy that the inhabitants are seldom if ever sick.
+Around the city there are many rich mines, whence all the gold which has
+been hitherto sent into Spain was procured. These indeed have been nearly
+abandoned since the discovery of the rich silver mines of Potosi; both
+because much greater profit may be made from these other mines of silver,
+and because the working of these are far less dangerous both to the
+Indians and Spaniards who are there employed.
+
+From the city of Cuzco to that of La Plata in the province of Charcas, the
+distance is more than a hundred and fifty leagues, between which two
+places there is a large flat province named _Collao_, above fifty leagues
+long; the principal part of which, named _Chiquito_, belongs to his
+majesty. Seeing so large an extent of country unoccupied by the Spaniards,
+the licentiate De la Gasca sent some people there in 1545 to commence an
+establishment. The city of La Plata is situated in the coldest part of all
+the mountainous region of Peru, and has very few inhabitants, but these
+are extremely rich, and spend the greatest part of the year in the mines
+of _Porco_, and in those of _Potosi_ since their discovery. Towards the
+left hand or the east from La Plata, a new province was explored by Diego
+de Rojas and Philip Gutierez, by the order of Vaca de Castro, which was
+named _Rojas_[28] from one of these captains. It is said to be fertile and
+abounding in provisions, but they have not found so much riches there as
+was expected. Captain Domingo de Ytala and his companions came by that way
+into Peru in 1549, having remounted the Rio Plata from the Atlantic Ocean.
+
+Such is the state and situation of all that has been hitherto discovered
+of this vast country of Peru, which is chiefly known along the coast of
+the South Sea, and has not been much explored in its inland parts, on
+account of the vast quantity of lofty and rude mountains, by which it is
+everywhere pervaded, and which are extremely difficult to pass; because of
+their height and precipitous nature, the excessive cold which prevails
+among them, and the scarcity of food. Yet the industry and courage of the
+Spaniards would have overcome all these obstacles, if there were any hope
+of finding a rich country beyond.
+
+As the Peruvians were ignorant of writing they knew nothing respecting the
+history of the creation and deluge or of their own origin. They had
+however some tradition among them, which had been altered from age to age
+according to the fancies of the reciters. They said that there came
+anciently from the north, a man who had no bones or joints, and who was
+able to shorten or lengthen the way before him as he thought fit, and to
+elevate or depress the mountains at his pleasure. By this man the ancient
+Indians were created; and as those of the plain had given him some cause
+of displeasure, he rendered their country sterile and sandy as it now is,
+and commanded that it should never rain in that district; yet sent them
+the rivers and torrents which run through it, that they might have
+wherewithal to quench their thirst. This person, named _Con_, who they
+allege was son of the sun and moon, they esteemed and adored as a god,
+pretending that he had given the herbs and wild fruits as food for the
+people whom he had created. After him came another man from the south,
+named _Pachacamac_, or the creator, who was likewise the son of the sun
+and moon, but more powerful than _Con_, who disappeared on his arrival,
+leaving the men whom he had created without chiefs or laws, and Pachacamac
+transformed them all into various animals, as birds, cats, bears, lions,
+and the like, giving origin in this manner to all the beasts and birds
+which are now found in the country. After this Pachacamac created the
+present race of Indians, teaching them the art of labouring the ground for
+the cultivation of plants of various kinds for food. Pachacamac is
+considered as a god, and all the principal persons among the Peruvians are
+desirous of being buried in the province named from him Pachacamac, as he
+resided there, which is about four leagues from the city of Lima[29].
+They pretended that their god Pachacamac continued several ages among them,
+even to the time of the arrival of the Spaniards, since when he has
+disappeared. Hence we may presume that he was some demon by whom they were
+miserably abused and misled, and who filled their minds with so many
+extravagant absurd fables.
+
+The Indians believe likewise, that even before Con and Pachacamac, there
+was a great deluge, during which mankind saved themselves in great caves
+in the high mountains, into which they carried a store of food, shutting
+up the entries, and carefully filling up all the crevices, to keep out the
+water. After a long while, they sent out some dogs, who returned to them
+all wet but not dirtied with mud, from which circumstance they concluded
+that the waters still remained very high, and they did not venture to
+leave their caverns till the dogs came back a second time all covered with
+mud. They allege that great numbers of serpents were engendered by the
+moisture left in the earth by this deluge, by which their ancestors were
+much distressed for a long time, till they at length succeeded to
+extirpate them. From this tradition they appear to have retained some
+confused notion of the deluge, although they were ignorant of the way in
+which Noah and seven other persons were saved in the ark to repeople the
+whole earth. Perhaps their tradition may refer to some partial deluge,
+like that of Deucalion.
+
+The have a notion that the world is to come to an end; before which there
+is to be a great drought, when no rain is to fall for several years. On
+this account, in former times, the caciques used to lay up large magazines
+of maize to serve them during the long drought. Even yet, the more timid
+among the Peruvians make a great lamentation when the sun or moon are
+eclipsed, believing the end of the world to be at hand; as they allege
+that these luminaries are to be extinguished at the destruction of the
+world.
+
+The Peruvians worship the Sun and Moon as deities, and swear by these
+luminaries and by the earth, which they consider as their mother. In their
+temples they adore certain stones, as representatives of the sun, which
+they name _guacas_, a word signifying to weep, which they do on entering
+into their temples. No person is permitted to approach these guacas except
+the priests who sacrifice to these idols, who are all clothed in white.
+When they go up to their idols, they carry certain white cloths in their
+hands, prostrating themselves and crawling on the earth, and addressing
+their idols in a language which is not understood by any of the natives.
+By these priests all the offerings for the idols are received and buried
+in the temples, as the Indian votaries make gifts of figures in gold or
+silver of those things for which they address their prayers to the guaca.
+These priests likewise offer sacrifices of animals and even of men to
+their gods, searching the hearts and intrails of the victims for certain
+signs which they wish to find, and repeating their abominable sacrifices
+until they meet with those signs which they desire; pretending that the
+idols are not satisfied by the sacrifices till these appear. During all
+the time that the priests are engaged in sacrificing, they never appear in
+public, neither have they any intercourse with women, and employ
+themselves all night in loud cries, invoking the demons near to the places
+in which the guacas are kept, which are extremely numerous, as most houses
+have each their own guaca. The priests prepare themselves for having
+intercourse with the demons by long fasts, after which they tie up their
+eyes and some even carry their superstition to such excess as to put out
+their own eyes. The caciques and other great men among the Peruvians never
+undertake any affair of importance without having first consulted the
+idols, or demons rather, by means of the priests.
+
+In the temples of the sun the Spaniards found several large earthen jars
+containing the dried bodies of children which had been sacrificed. Among
+the figures of gold and silver which were used as ornaments to the guacas,
+there were several which had a strong resemblance to the mitres and
+crosiers of our bishops, and some of these idols were found having mitres
+on their heads. When Thomas de Verlanga, bishop of Tierra Firma travelled
+through Peru, with his mitre, in which he was seen by the Indians
+celebrating the mass, they asked if he was the guaca of the Christians.
+When asked the reason of these mitres, they could only say that they had
+been handed down from their ancestors. In every part of Peru there were
+certain houses or monasteries, which were inhabited by women who were
+consecrated to the sun. These women never went out, but were perpetually
+employed in spinning cotton and wool, which they wove into cloth, and then
+burned along with the bones of white sheep, throwing the ashes into the
+air in honour of the sun. These women were consecrated to perpetual
+celibacy, and were put to death if found to be with child, unless they
+could swear that their child was begotten by the sun.
+
+Every year, at the season of the maize harvest, the mountaineer Peruvians
+had a solemn festival; on which occasion they set up two tall straight
+trees like masts, on the top of which was placed the figure of a man
+surrounded by other figures and adorned with flowers. The inhabitants went
+in procession armed with bows and arrows and regularly marshalled into
+companies, beating their drums and with great outcries and rejoicings,
+each company in succession discharging their arrows at the dressed up
+figure. After which the priests set up an idol at the bottom of the masts,
+before which they sacrificed a man or a sheep, sprinkling the idol with
+the blood of the victim; and having inspected the heart and entrails of
+the sacrifice, they reported the signs they had discovered to the people,
+who were sad or rejoiced according as these were good or bad. The whole of
+this festival was usually spent in dancing and drinking, and in various
+games and sports, some of which were warlike exercises, with maces, clubs,
+axes and other arms.
+
+All the caciques and other principal inhabitants of Peru are reposited
+after their death in a kind of vaults, clothed in all their richest
+dresses, and seated in a kind of chairs which they name _duos_. It was
+customary also to bury along with them one or two of their best beloved
+wives, and on this occasion the honour was frequently contested among the
+wives of the deceased, unless when the husband had previously settled who
+were to be chosen to accompany him in the tomb. Two or three youths of
+their train, and all their gold and silver-plate used also to be buried
+along with them; all of which was done in the hope of one day rising again
+from the dead, and that they might then appear in proper style,
+accompanied by their wives and servants. When the Spaniards broke up these
+sepulchres on purpose to take possession of their buried treasures, the
+Peruvians requested of them not to disturb the bones of the dead, that
+they might not be hindered in their resurrection. In the burial ceremony,
+the relations of the deceased used to pour some of the liquor formerly
+mentioned, named _Chica_, into the grave, of which a portion was conveyed
+by some hollow canes into the mouth of the dead person. On the top of the
+tomb or sepulchre, wooden images were placed, representing the appearance
+of the deceased; but on the graves of the lower orders, they satisfied
+themselves by some painted emblems of their profession or employment, more
+especially if they happened to be warriors.
+
+In all the provinces of Peru there were certain nobles or principal
+persons, of whom the chiefs or rulers were named _curacas_, similar in
+every respect to the caciques of the islands. As the Spaniards who
+conquered Peru had been accustomed to name many things according to the
+language of Hispaniola and Cuba, and were at first ignorant of the
+Peruvian language, they continued to employ the terms to which they had
+been accustomed; and the Peruvians have so far accommodated themselves to
+this language, especially in speaking to the Spaniards, that they mostly
+use these terms. Thus they call those chiefs _caciques_, who in their own
+language are named _curacas_, their bread corn and drink, which in the
+Peruvian are _zara_ and _azua_, they denominate _maize_ and _chica_, which
+names were brought from the islands by the Spaniards. These curacas or
+caciques were the judges and protectors of their subjects in peace, and
+their leaders in war against the neighbouring tribes. The whole people of
+Peru lived in that manner for many years under a multiplicity of
+independent chiefs, having no king or supreme chief; until at length a
+warlike nation came from the environs of the great lake Titicaca named the
+Incas in the language of Peru. These men had their heads close shaven, and
+their ears pierced, in which they wore large round pendents of gold, by
+which their ears were dragged down upon their shoulders, in consequence of
+which they were called _ringrim_, or the large ears. Their chief was
+called _Zapalla Inca_[30], or the only king; though others say that he was
+named _Inca Vira cocha_, or the king from the scum of the lake, because
+the astonished natives, not knowing the origin of their invaders, believed
+that they had started into existence from the scum or mud of the great
+lake. This great lake of Titicaca is about eighty leagues in circumference,
+from which a large river runs to the southwards, which in some places is
+half a league in breadth, and which discharges its waters into a small
+lake about forty leagues from the great lake, which has no outlet. This
+circumstance gives great astonishment to many, who are unable to
+comprehend how so vast a body of water should disappear in so small a
+reservoir. As this smaller lake appears to have no bottom, some conceive
+that it discharges itself into the sea by some subterranean communication,
+like the river Alphaeus in Greece.
+
+These Incas established themselves in the first place at Cuzco, from
+whence they gradually extended their sway over the whole of Peru, which
+became tributary to them. The empire of the Incas descended in successive
+order, but not by immediate hereditary rules. On the death of a king, he
+was succeeded by his immediately younger brother; and on his demise the
+eldest son of the preceding king was called to the throne; so as always to
+have on the throne a prince of full age. The royal ornament worn by the
+supreme Inca in place of a crown or diadem, consisted in a fringe of
+coloured worsted from one temple to the other, reaching almost to the eyes.
+He governed their extensive empire with much grandeur and absolute power;
+and perhaps there never was a country in the world where the subjects were
+so submissive and obedient. They had only to place a single thread drawn
+from their diadem in the hands of one of the _ringrim_ or great ears, by
+which he communicated to this deputy the most absolute delegation of power,
+which was respected and obeyed over the whole empire. Alone, and without
+troops or attendants, the message or order which he carried was instantly
+obeyed, were it even to lay waste a whole province, and to exterminate
+every one of its inhabitants; as on the sight of this thread from the
+royal fillet, every one offered themselves voluntarily to death, without a
+single murmur or the slightest resistance.
+
+In the before mentioned order of succession, the empire of the Incas fell
+in process of time to a sovereign named _Huana Capac_[31], which signifies
+the young rich man. This prince made great conquests, and augmented the
+empire more considerably than had been done by any one of his predecessors,
+and ruled over the whole more reasonably and with greater justice and
+equity than had ever been done by the former sovereigns. He established
+everywhere the most perfect police, and exact rules for cultivating the
+earth; ruling and governing among a barbarous and ignorant nation with the
+most surprising order and justice; and the love and obedience of his
+subjects was equally wonderful and perfect. They gave him a signal proof
+of this, worthy of being mentioned, in the construction of two roads
+through the whole extent of Peru for his more convenient travelling; of
+which the difficulty labour and expence equal or even surpass all that the
+ancients have written of the seven wonders of the world. Huana Capac, in
+marching from Cuzco to conquer the kingdom of Quito, had to march five
+hundred leagues by the mountains, where he had everywhere to encounter
+excessive difficulties, from bad roads, rocks, precipices and ravines,
+almost impracticable in many places. After he had successfully executed
+this great enterprize, by the conquest and submission of Quito and its
+dependencies, his subjects conceived that it was incumbent on them to do
+honour to his victorious career, by preparing a commodious road for his
+triumphant return to Cuzco. They accordingly undertook, and executed by
+prodigious labour, a broad and easy road through the mountains of five
+hundred leagues in length, in the course of which they had often to dig
+away vast rocks, and to fill up valleys and precipices of thirty to forty
+yards in depth. It is said that this road, when first made, was so smooth
+and level that it would have admitted a coach with the utmost ease through
+its whole length; but since that time it has suffered great injuries,
+especially during the wars between the Spaniards and the Peruvians, having
+been broken up in many places, on purpose to obstruct the invasion of the
+enemy. The grandeur and difficulty of this vast undertaking may be readily
+conceived, by considering the labour and cost which has been expended in
+Spain to level only two leagues of a mountain road between Segovia and
+Guadarrama, and which after all has never been brought to any degree of
+perfection, although the usual passage of the king and court on travelling
+to or from Andalusia or the kingdom of Toledo. Not satisfied with this
+first astonishing labour, the Peruvians soon afterwards undertook another
+of a similar and no less grand and difficult kind. Huana Capac was fond of
+visiting the kingdom of Quito which he had conquered, and proposed to
+travel thither from Cuzco by way of the plain, so as to visit the whole
+of his extensive dominions. For his accommodation likewise, his subjects
+undertook to make a road also in the plain; and for this purpose they
+constructed high mounds of earth across all the small vallies formed by
+the various rivers and torrents which descend from the mountain, that the
+road might be everywhere smooth and level This road was near forty feet
+wide, and where it crossed the sandy heights which intervene betwixt the
+verdant vallies of the torrents, it was marked on each side by stakes,
+forming palings in straight lines to prevent any one losing the way. This
+road was five hundred leagues in length like that of the mountain; but the
+palings are now wanting in many places, the wood of which they were
+constructed having been used by the Spaniards for fuel during the war; but
+the mounds still exist across the vallies, and most of them are yet
+tolerably entire, by which the grandeur of the entire work may be judged
+of. In his journeys to and from Quito, Huana Capac used to go by one of
+these roads and return by the other; and during his whole journey his
+subjects used to strew the way with branches and flowers of the richest
+perfume.
+
+Besides the two great roads already mentioned, Huana Capac ordered to be
+built on the mountain road a number of large palaces, at the distance of a
+days journey from each other, having a prodigious number of apartments,
+sufficient to lodge his own personal suite and all his army. Such were
+likewise built along the road in the plain, but not so numerous or so near
+each other as on the mountain road, as these palaces of the plain had all
+to be placed on the sides of the rivers for convenience and the
+procurement of provisions and other necessaries; so that they were in some
+places eight or ten leagues distant from each other, and in other places
+fifteen or twenty leagues. These buildings were named _tambos_, and the
+neighbouring Indians were bound to furnish each of these with provisions
+and every thing else that might be wanted for the royal armies; insomuch
+that in each of these _tambos_, in case of necessity, clothing and arms
+could be had for twenty or thirty thousand men. Huana Capac was always
+escorted by a considerable body of soldiers, armed with lances, halberts,
+maces, and battle axes, made of silver or copper, and some of them even of
+gold.
+
+In their armies, besides these arms, the Peruvians used slings, and
+javelins having their points hardened in the fire. On such parts of their
+rivers as furnished materials for the purpose, they built wooden bridges;
+and where timber could not be had, they stretched across the stream two
+large cables made of a plant named _maguey_, forming a kind of net work
+between these of smaller ropes and masts, strong enough to answer the
+purpose of a bridge. In this manner they constructed bridges of a
+surprizing magnitude; some of them being thirty yards broad and four
+hundred yards long[32]. In such places as did not admit of the
+construction of bridges, they passed over rivers by means of a cable or
+thick rope extended from side to side, on which they hung a large basket,
+which was drawn over by means of a smaller rope. All these bridges were
+kept in repair by the inhabitants of the districts in which they stood.
+
+The king of Peru was always carried in a species of litter covered over
+with plates of gold, and was attended by more than a thousand of the
+principal native nobles, who relieved each other in carrying the royal
+litter on their shoulders. All these men were counsellors, principal
+officers of the household, or favourites of the prince. The caciques or
+curacas of the different provinces were likewise carried in litters on the
+shoulders of their vassals. The Peruvians were exceedingly submissive to
+their sovereigns, insomuch that even the most powerful lord always entered
+the presence barefooted, and carrying some present wrapped up in a cloth,
+as a mark of homage; and even if one person had occasion to go an hundred
+times in one day to speak to the king, the present had to be repeated
+every time he went. To look the king in the face was considered as a
+criminal disrespect; and if any one should happen to stumble while
+carrying the royal litter, so as to make it fall, his head was immediately
+cut off. At every half league on the public roads throughout the whole
+empire, there were Indians in constant attendance to relieve each other in
+carrying dispatches, which they did swifter than our post horses. When any
+province or district was subdued, the natives of the place, or at least
+all their chiefs and principal people, were immediately removed to other
+parts of the empire, and natives from other places which had been long
+subjected were sent to occupy the new conquest, by which means the
+fidelity and submission of the whole were secured. From every province of
+the empire, yearly tributes of the several productions of their respective
+countries were sent to the king; and even some sterile districts above
+three hundred leagues distant from Cuzco, had to send yearly a number of
+lizards as a mark of their submission, having nothing of any value to send.
+Huana Capac rebuilt the temple of the sun at Cuzco, and covered over all
+the walls and the roof of that structure with plates of gold and silver.
+During his reign, one Chimocappa, who was curaca or prince of a large
+district in the plain, above a hundred leagues in length, chose to erect
+the standard of rebellion; but Huana Capac marched against him in person,
+defeated him in battle, and put him to death; after which he commanded
+that the Indians of the plain should not be permitted to carry arms. Yet
+he allowed the son and successor of Chimocappa to remain in the province
+of _Chimo_, in which the city of Truzillo has been since built.
+
+Peru was astonishingly full of those animals called sheep; as Huana Capac
+and his predecessors had established laws for their multiplication and
+preservation. Every year a certain proportion of these animals belonging
+to individuals were set apart as a kind of tythe or offering to the sun,
+and these consecrated animals multiplied greatly, no person being allowed
+to injure them under pain of sacrilege, except the prince only for his own
+use or that of his army. On such occasions, he gave orders for one of
+these hunts called _chacos_, formerly mentioned, at some of which twenty
+or thirty thousand sheep have been taken at one time. Gold was in great
+request among the Peruvians, as the king and all the principal persons of
+the empire used it for the construction of vessels for all uses, as
+ornaments for their persons, and as offerings to their gods. The king had
+everywhere carried along with him a kind of couch or table of gold, of
+sixteen carats fine, on which he used to sit, and which was worth 25,000
+ducats of standard gold. This was chosen by Don Francisco Pizarro, at the
+time of the conquest, in consequence of an agreement, by which he was
+authorized to appropriate some single jewel or valuable article to his own
+use, besides his regular share of the plunder. When the eldest son of
+Huana Capac was born, he ordered a prodigious chain or cable of gold to be
+made, so large and heavy that two hundred men were hardly able to lift it.
+In remembrance of this circumstance, the infant was named _Huascar_, which
+signifies a cable or large rope, as the Peruvians have no word in their
+language signifying a chain. To this name of Huascar was added the surname
+Inca, belonging to all their kings, just as Augustus was given to all the
+Roman emperors. Huana Capac had several large magazines full of gold in
+various shapes, such as the figures of men and women, of sheep and animals
+of all kinds, and of all the kinds of plants which are found in the
+country, all accurately represented. He had also great quantities of
+vestments of various kinds, and many slings, in which the fabric was mixed
+with gold threads; and many bars of gold and silver made like billets of
+fire wood.
+
+Although the main object of this history is to relate the Spanish
+Discovery and Conquest of Peru, it seems proper to explain the
+circumstances under which they found the affairs of that empire at their
+arrival; by which we shall have occasion to admire the wisdom of
+Providence, in permitting that enterprize to take place at a time when
+that vast country was divided into two hostile parties, which greatly
+facilitated the conquest. After Huana Capac had reduced many provinces to
+submission, to the extent of five hundred leagues from Cuzco, he undertook
+in person to make the conquest of the kingdom of Quito, which bounded with
+his empire in the north-west. Having successfully accomplished that great
+enterprise, finding the country exceedingly pleasant, he continued to
+reside there for a long while, leaving at Cuzco several of his children,
+both sons and daughters, among whom were his eldest son Huascar Inca,
+Manco Inca, Paul Inca, and several others. While at Quito, he took to wife
+the daughter of the former lord of that country, by whom he had a son
+named Atahualpa or Atabalipa, of whom he was very fond, and whom he left
+to be educated in Quito when he returned to Cuzco. After residing for some
+years in Cuzco, he made a journey back to Quito, partly because he
+delighted in that country which he had subdued, and partly from affection
+for his son Atahualpa, whom he loved more than all the rest of his
+children. He continued to reside in Quito all the rest of his life; and at
+his death, he bequeathed the kingdom of Quito to Atahualpa[33], which had
+belonged to his maternal ancestors. On his death, Atahualpa secured the
+affection of the army, and got possession of all the treasure which his
+father had in Quito, but the far greater proportion of the treasure
+remained in Cuzco, as too heavy for transportation, and accordingly fell
+to Huascar, the eldest son.
+
+Atahualpa sent ambassadors to his eldest brother Huascar, informing him of
+the death of their father, and assuring him of his loyalty and obedience;
+yet requesting that he might be permitted to retain the command of the
+kingdom of Quito, the conquest of his father; which he alleged was beyond
+the limits of the Peruvian empire, and ought not therefore to follow the
+ordinary rules of primogeniture, more especially as Atahualpa was the
+legitimate heir of that country in right of his mother and grandfather.
+Huascar sent back for answer, that if Atahualpa would come to Cuzco and
+give up the army, he should receive lands and possessions sufficient to
+enable him to live according to his rank; but that he would on no account
+give up Quito, a frontier province of the empire, where of course he must
+keep up a body of troops for the defence of the whole. Huascar added, that
+if Atahualpa refused submission to these conditions, he would march in
+person against him as a declared enemy. On receiving this message,
+Atahualpa consulted two of his fathers principal officers, Quiz-quiz and
+Cilicuchima, brave and experienced warriors, who advised him not to wait
+the invasion of his brother, but to take the field without delay and march
+against him; as the army which was under his orders was sufficient to
+enable him to acquire the whole provinces of the empire, and would
+increase on the march by means of the provinces which intervened between
+Quito and Cusco. Atahualpa followed this advice and gradually made himself
+master of the country through which he marched. Huascar, on hearing of the
+hostile proceedings of his brother, sent some light-armed troops against
+him. The commander of these troops advanced to the province of Tumibamba
+about a hundred leagues from Quito; and learning that Atahualpa had taken
+the field, he sent a courier to Cuzco with notice of the state of the
+affairs, and to request that he might be furnished with two thousand
+officers of experience; by means of whom he could arm thirty thousand men
+of the warlike province called _Cagnares_ which remained in allegiance to
+Huascar. These two thousand experienced warriors were immediately sent, by
+whose means, and with assistance of the curacas of Tumibamba, Chaparras,
+Paltas, and Cagnares[34], in that neighbourhood, Huascars general was
+enabled to collect a formidable army. Atahualpa marched against this army,
+with whom he fought a battle which lasted three days, in which he was at
+last defeated and made prisoner, in attempting to escape by the bridge of
+Tumibamba.
+
+While the army of Huascar was celebrating their victory with great feasts
+and rejoicings, Atahualpa contrived to escape from the _tambos_ or palace
+of Tumibamba in which he was confined, by digging through a very thick
+wall with a bar of copper, which he procured from a woman. He returned
+immediately to Quito, where he collected the remains of his defeated army,
+to whom he represented that his father had changed him into a serpent, by
+which means he had been enabled to escape from his prison through a small
+hole; and that his father had assured him of certain victory, if they
+would return along with him against the enemy. His troops were so much
+encouraged by this stratagem, that they followed him with great courage,
+believing themselves invincible under the protection of Huana Capac. He
+again attacked the army of Huascar, which in this second battle was
+entirely defeated. Such numbers were slain on both sides in these two
+battles, that even to this day large quantities of human bones remain in
+the places where they were fought. In pursuit of his victory, Atahualpa
+marched into the provinces which adhered to his brother, which he
+destroyed with fire and sword. He entirely destroyed the great city of
+Tumibamba, which stood on a plain watered by three great rivers. In his
+pursuing his conquests, he gave no quarter wherever he met with resistance
+but granted mercy and peace to all such districts as submitted quietly to
+his authority, obliging all the warriors to join his army, which by these
+means, increased continually as he advanced. On arriving at Tumbez he was
+desirous to take possession of the island of Puna, but as the _curaca_ of
+that island defended himself courageously, Atahualpa did not think it
+prudent to waste much time in the attempt, more especially as he had
+intelligence of the approach of Huascar with a numerous army; for which
+reason he continued his march towards Cuzco, and arrived at Caxamarca,
+where he established his head-quarters. From this place he detached two of
+his principal officers at the head of two or three thousand light armed
+troops, with orders to reconnoitre the army of the enemy, and to bring him
+word of their numbers and situation. When this party had arrived at no
+great distance from the camp of the enemy, they quitted the direct road
+and made a circuit among the woods and mountains, to prevent the enemy
+from discovering them. Procuring intelligence that Huascar had retired to
+a place at some distance from his camp, attended by seven hundred of his
+principal officers and nobles, on purpose to avoid the noise and confusion
+of his great army, they attacked his quarters by surprise, easily defeated
+his small escort, and made him prisoner. While endeavouring to make good
+their retreat to the camp of Atahualpa with their great prize, they were
+surrounded on every side by the vast army of the enemy, which could easily
+have exterminated them, being at least thirty to one. But the commanders
+of this fortunate detachment, immediately told Huascar that they would put
+him to death, if he did not instantly give orders to his army to retire:
+and at the same time assured him that his brother Atahualpa had no farther
+desire than to be permitted to enjoy the kingdom of Quito in peace, for
+which he would do homage to him as his king and lord. Huascar, terrified
+by the prospect of death, and believing their promise of restoration to
+liberty and dominion, issued peremptory orders to his army to desist from
+their intended attack and to return to Cuzco, which they did accordingly;
+and the Atahualpan officers carried Huascar a prisoner to Caxamarca, where
+they delivered him up to their master. Thus were the affairs of Peru
+situated when Don Francisco Pizarro arrived in that country with the
+Spaniards; which conjuncture was exceedingly favourable to his views of
+conquest, of which we shall give an account in the next section, as the
+great army of Huascar was entirely dispersed, and Atahualpa had dismissed
+a great proportion of his troops, after this fortunate event, which had
+placed his enemy in his hands.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Of the Peruvian History before the arrival of the Spaniards_[35].
+
+"Peru, like the rest of the New World, was originally possessed by small
+independent tribes, differing from each other in manners, and in their
+forms of rude policy. All, however, were so little civilized, that, if the
+traditions concerning their mode of life, preserved among their
+descendants, deserve credit, they must be classed among the most
+unimproved savages of America. Strangers to every species of cultivation
+or regular industry, without any fixed residence, and unacquainted with
+those sentiments and obligations which form the first bonds of social
+union, they are said to have roamed naked about the forests with which
+their country was then covered, more like wild beasts than like men. After
+they had struggled for ages with the hardships and calamities which are
+inevitable in such a state, and when no circumstance seemed to indicate
+the approach of any uncommon effort towards improvement, we are told that
+there appeared on the banks of the lake Titicaca, a man and woman of
+majestic form, and clothed in decent garments. They declared themselves to
+be children of the sun, sent by their beneficent parent, who beheld with
+pity the miseries of the human race, and who had commanded them to
+instruct and reclaim them. At their persuasion, enforced by reverence for
+the divinity in whose name they were supposed to speak, several of the
+dispersed savages united together, and receiving their commands as
+heavenly instructions, followed them to Cuzco where they settled, and
+where they begun to lay the foundations of a city, afterwards the capital
+of Peru."
+
+"Manco Capac and Mama Ocollo, for such were the names of these
+extraordinary personages, having thus collected some wandering tribes,
+formed that social union which, by multiplying the desires, and uniting
+the efforts of the human species, excites industry and leads to
+improvement. Manco Capac instructed the men in agriculture and other
+useful arts; Mama Ocollo taught the women to spin and weave. By the labour
+of the one sex subsistence became less precarious; by that of the other
+life was rendered more comfortable. After securing the object of first
+necessity in an infant state, by providing food, raiment, and habitations
+for the rude people of whom he took charge, Manco Capac turned his
+attention towards introducing such laws and policy as might perpetuate
+their happiness. By his institutions, the various relations in private
+life were established, and the duties resulting from them prescribed with
+such propriety, as gradually formed a barbarous people to decency of
+manners. In public administration, the functions of persons in authority
+were so precisely defined, and the subordination of those under
+jurisdiction maintained with such a steady hand, that the society in which
+he presided soon assumed the aspect of a regular and well-governed state."
+
+"Thus, according to the Indian traditions, was founded the empire of the
+_Incas_, or Lords of Peru. At first its extent was small; as the territory
+of Manco Capac did not reach above eight leagues from Cuzco: But within
+these narrow limits he exercised an uncontrolled authority. His successors,
+as their dominions extended, arrogated a similar jurisdiction over the new
+subjects which they acquired; the despotism of Asia was not more complete.
+The Incas were not only obeyed as monarchs, but revered as divinities.
+Their blood was held to be sacred, and by prohibiting intermarriages with
+the people, was never contaminated by mixing with that of any other race.
+The family thus separated from the rest of the nation, was distinguished
+by peculiarities in dress and ornaments, which it was unlawful for others
+to assume. The monarch himself appeared with ensigns of royalty reserved
+for him alone; and received from his subjects marks of obsequious homage
+and respect, which approached almost to adoration. But among the Peruvians,
+this unbounded power of their monarchs seems to have been uniformly
+accompanied with attention to the good of their subjects. It was not the
+rage of conquests, if we may believe the accounts of their countrymen,
+that prompted the Incas to extend their dominion, but the desire of
+diffusing the blessings of civilization, and the knowledge of the arts
+which they possessed, among the barbarous people whom they reduced.
+During a succession of twelve monarchs, it is said that not one deviated
+from this beneficent character."
+
+"When the Spaniards first visited the coast of Peru in 1526, Huana Capac,
+the twelfth monarch from the founder of the state, was seated on the
+throne. He is represented as a prince distinguished not only for the
+pacific virtues peculiar to the race, but eminent for his martial talents.
+By his victorious arms the kingdom of Quito was subjected, a conquest of
+such extent and importance as almost doubled the power of the Peruvian
+empire. He was fond of residing in the capital of that valuable province
+which he had added to his dominions; and notwithstanding the ancient and
+fundamental law of the monarchy against polluting the royal blood by any
+foreign alliance, he married the daughter of the vanquished monarch of
+Quito. She bore him a son named Atahualpa, whom, on his death at Quito,
+which seems to have happened about the year 1529, he appointed his
+successor in that kingdom, leaving the rest of his dominions to Huascar,
+his eldest son, by a mother of the royal race. Greatly as the Peruvians
+revered the memory of a monarch who had reigned with greater reputation
+and splendour than any of his predecessors, the destination of Huana Capac
+concerning the succession appeared so repugnant to a maxim coeval with the
+empire, and founded on authority deemed sacred, that it was no sooner
+known at Cuzco than it excited general disgust. Encouraged by those
+sentiments of his subjects, Huascar required his brother to renounce the
+government of Quito, and to acknowledge him as his lawful superior. But it
+had been the first care of Atahualpa to gain a large body of troops which
+had accompanied his father to Quito. These were the flower of the Peruvian
+warriors, to whose valour Huana Capac had been indebted for all his
+victories. Atahuaipa first eluded the demand of his brother, and then
+marched against him in hostile array."
+
+"Thus the ambition of two young princes, the title of the one founded on
+ancient usage, and of the other asserted by the veteran troops, involved
+Peru in civil war, a calamity to which it had been hitherto a stranger,
+under a succession of virtuous monarchs. In such a contest the issue was
+obvious. The force of arms triumphed over the authority of laws. Atahualpa
+remained victorious, and made a cruel use of his victory. Conscious of the
+defect in his own title to the throne, he attempted to exterminate the
+royal race, by putting to death all the children of the sun descended from
+Manco Capac, whom he could seize either by force or stratagem. From a
+political motive, the life of the unfortunate Huascar, who had been taken
+prisoner in a battle which decided the fate of the empire, was prolonged
+for some time; that, by issuing orders in his name, the usurper might more
+easily establish his own authority."
+
+"When Pizarro landed in the bay of St Matthew, in 1531, this civil war
+raged between the two brothers in its greatest fury; and though the two
+competitors received early accounts of the arrival of the Spaniards, they
+were so intent upon the operations of a war which they deemed more
+interesting, that they gave no attention to the motions of an enemy too
+inconsiderable in number to excite any great alarm, and to whom it would
+be easy, as they imagined, to give a check when more at leisure. By this
+fortunate coincidence of events, of which he could have no foresight, and
+of which he remained long ignorant from its defective mode of intercourse
+with the people of the country, Pizarro was permitted to advance
+unmolested into the centre of a great empire, before any effort of its
+power was exerted to stop his career. During their progress, the Spaniards
+acquired some imperfect knowledge of the struggle between the two
+contending factions; and the first complete information respecting it was
+received from messengers sent by Huascar to Pizarro, to solicit his aid
+against Atahualpa, whom he represented as a rebel and an usurper."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Manco Capac, the first Inca of the Peruvians, is said to have reigned
+about the middle of the twelfth century, as the traditionary accounts
+attribute a period of about 400 years between the commencement of his
+reign and the decease of Huana Capac in 1529, which would place the origin
+of the monarchy about the year 1129, allowing an average of 30 years to
+each of 13 successive reigns. The traditions of such ancient matters among
+an ignorant people are little to be depended on; and even admitting the
+series of kings to be right as to number, the ordinary average of _twenty_
+years to each of the _thirteen_ successive reigns would only give 260
+years for the duration of the monarchy, and would carry back the
+commencement of the reign of Manco Capac only to the year 1269. The series
+of these kings, as given by various Spanish writers, according to the
+traditions of the Peruvians, is as follows:
+
+1. Manco Capac. 2. Sinchi Roca. 3. Lloque Yupanqui. 4. Mayta Capac. 5.
+Capac Yupanqui. 6. Inca Roca. 7. Yahuar Huacac. 8. Inca Roca, likewise
+named Viracocha. 9. Pachacutec[36]. 10. Yupanqui. 11. Tupac Yupanqui. 12.
+Huana Capac. 13. Huascar, or Inti-cusi-Hualpa. 14. Atahualpa. 15. Manco
+Capac the Second, crowned at Cuzco by permission of Pizarro; afterwards
+revolted and retired to the mountains. 16. Sayri Tupac; who resigned the
+nominal sovereignty of Peru to Philip II. He died a Christian, and left
+one daughter who married a Spaniard named Onez de Loyola, and from whom
+are descended the marquisses of Orepesa and Alcanises.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As the empire of Peru was made up of many barbarous tribes, its native
+inhabitants spoke many languages or dialects, which were only understood
+in their own particular districts. The language of the ruling people or
+tribe to which the royal family belonged, called the _Quichua_, was solely
+used at court, and we have already seen that the sons of all the chiefs or
+curacas of the empire were ordered to be educated at Cuzco, that they
+might be all able to converse with the sovereign. In this language the
+sounds of _b, d, f, g_, and _r_, are said to have been wanting; and yet
+that of the _r_ occurs in the names of several of their kings. Garcilasso
+says that this letter had a guttural sound, perhaps resembling the burr,
+or _parler gras_ of the French: And it is alleged that this language of a
+comparatively barbarous people was nearly as copious and as artificial as
+the Greek. The following specimens are given in the Modern Geography, III.
+585, to which are added two examples of what are called Peruvian poetry,
+from Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 50. The nouns in this language are declined
+by altering the terminations thus; _Runa_, a man; _Runap_, of a man;
+_Runapac_, to a man, &c. The verbs have also moods and tenses, the
+terminations often extending to a great length.
+
+  1. Huc              5. Chumpi, picheca.         9. Yscon.
+  2. Yscay            6. Zocta.                  10. Chunca.
+  3. Quimza           7. Canchis.               100. Pachac.
+  4. Tahua            8. Puzac.                1000. Huaranca.
+
+  The Andes....Anti                A Hog.........Cuchi
+  The Arm......Ricra               A House.......Huaci
+  Bad..........Mana alli[A]        A Husband.....Coza
+  The Beard....Zunca               Iron..........Quellay
+  Beauty.......Zumay               A King........Capac, Inca
+  The Belly....Vicza               A Lake........Cocha
+  A Brother....Huauquey            A Lance.......Chuqui
+  A Canoe......Huampu              Land..........Allpa
+  To Die.......Huauny, pitini      Little........Huchuy
+  A Dog........Alles               Love..........Cuyay, munay
+  To Drink.....Upiana              A man.........Runa
+  The Ears.....Rinri               The Moon......Quilla
+  Eared, or having                 Mother........Mama
+     great ears...Ringrim          A Mountain....Puna, acha
+  To Eat.......Micuni              The Mouth.....Simi
+  An Emerald...Umina               No............Maria
+  The Eye......Naui                The Nose......Cenca
+  A Family.....Ayllu               A Queen, or
+  Father.......Mayu                   Princess...Coya
+  Fire.........Nina                A Sacrifice...Arpay
+  Many fires...Ninanina            Sand..........Aco
+  A Fish.......Challhua            The Sea.......Atun cocha[B]
+  Flesh........Aycha                      .......Mama cocha[C]
+  A Foot.......Chaqui              A Ship........Huampu[D]
+  A Friend.....Cocho               Silver........Collqui
+  Good.........Alli                A Sister......Panay
+  Gold.........Cori                Snow..........Riti
+  Gold dust....Chichi cori         A Son.........Churi
+  Great........Hatun               A Stone.......Rumi
+  A Hatchet....Avri, champi        The Sun.......Inti
+  The Hair.....Caspa               Water.........Unu, yaco
+  The Hand.....Maqui               Woman.........Huami
+  The Head.....Uma                 Yes...........Y
+
+  _Specimen of Peruvian poetry_.
+
+  _Caylla Llapi_    To the Song
+  _Pununqui_        I will Sleep,
+  _Chaupitua_       At Midnight
+  _Samusac_         I will come.
+
+
+  [A] Not good.
+
+  [B] Great Lake.
+
+  [C] Mother Lake.
+
+  [D] Huampu likewise signifies a canoe, and probably a ship might be named
+      Atun huampu, a great canoe.--E.
+
+
+[1] In a note of the French edition of 1742, it is said that, in the folio
+    edition of Zarate printed at Seville in 1677, Luque was called the
+    father of Almagro, and that no mention is made of that ecclesiastic
+    having taken any part in the expedition. Robertson, in his History of
+    America, II. 273, says that Pizarro was the natural son of a gentleman
+    of honourable family by a low woman, and that his education was so
+    entirely neglected that he could neither read nor write. He adds that,
+    after serving some years in Italy, he embarked for America, where he
+    greatly distinguished himself. In our last chapter, Diaz makes
+    frequent mention of Pizarro as serving with reputation under Cortes,
+    in the early part of the expedition to Mexico; but gives no account of
+    his quitting the service of Cortes; to whom he was probably somehow
+    related, as the mother of Cortes was named Catalina Pizarro Altamirano.
+    Almagro, according to Robertson, was a foundling, and bred like
+    Pizarro in the army. Luque acted as priest and schoolmaster at Panama,
+    and had amassed considerable riches.--E.
+
+[2] Named Pedrarias by Robertson.--E.
+
+[3] Chinchama, by the map in Zarate is that part of the western coast of
+    Tierra Firma or Darien, opposite the Isla del Rey. The poor province
+    of Peru, beyond or to the southwards of Cinchama, is that now called
+    Biruquete; and the Pueblo quemada, or Burnt People, must be looked for
+    in the province of Novita, perhaps Nounamas, immediately to the south
+    of which is the river of St Juan.--E.
+
+[4] Tacamez, otherwise called the district of _Esmeraldas_, or of emeralds,
+    is in the kingdom of Quito near the equinoctial line.--E.
+
+[5] Instead of _twelve_, the text only names _eight_ of the brave
+    associates of Pizarro.--E.
+
+[6] Morope, in lat. 6° 35', in the district of Sana, is in the situation
+    of the place mentioned in the text.--E.
+
+[7] This river, otherwise called Amatape, runs into the bay of Payta, in
+    lat. 5° 10' south.--E.
+
+[8] Under the name of Peruvian sheep, five species of the Camel genus are
+    known to naturalists, the Glama or Llama, Guanaco, Chillihueque,
+    Vicugna, and Pacos. The three former were used as animals of burthen
+    by the native Peruvians, and domesticated, the two latter, especially
+    the Vicugna, are valuable for the firmness of their fleeces. The three
+    larger species carry loads of about a hundred pounds weight, the other
+    two, when domesticated, may be made to carry smaller burdens of from
+    fifty to seventy-five pounds.--E.
+
+[9] It was now towards the close of 1527, the third year from the first
+    departure of Pizarro from Panama.--Robertsons America, II. 281.
+
+[10] Robertson, II. 284. gives a different account of these four relations
+    of Francisco Pizarro from Zarate. According to him, Ferdinand was the
+    only lawful son of old Gonzalo Pizarro; Francisco, Juan, and the
+    younger Gonzalo being all natural sons; and Francisco de Alcantara was
+    the uncle of Don Francisco, being the brother of his mother. In the
+    sequel, the conqueror of Peru shall be always mentioned by the single
+    name of Pizarro, distinguishing his brothers by the addition of their
+    Christian names. While in Spain, Pizarro received a supply of money
+    from Cortes, under whom he had served in the early part of the
+    conquest of Mexico.--E.
+
+[11] His commission from the crown of Spain, imposed the condition of
+    raising 250 men, and to supply the ships and warlike stores necessary
+    for the expedition; but his funds and credit were so low that he could
+    hardly complete half the number, and had to steal away from the port
+    of Seville to elude the examination of the officers as to the
+    fulfilment of his contract.--Robertsons America, II. 284.
+
+[12] It is impossible to give any competent geographical account of this
+    extensive country in the compass of a note. Proper Peru begins at the
+    river Tumbez in the gulf of Guayaquil, in about lat. 3° 20' S. and
+    extends S.S.E. along the Pacific Ocean to the desert of Atacama, which
+    divides it from Chili, in lat. 21° 28 S. an extent of about 1200 miles;
+    consisting of two remarkably different tracts of country. A narrow
+    valley along the Pacific Ocean, seldom so much as 70 miles in breadth,
+    bounded on the east by the enormous main ridge of the Andes; beyond
+    which are many elevated vallies or table lands of various extent,
+    divided by collateral ridges and branches of the Andes, from each
+    other and from the prodigiously extensive plains of the vast Orinoco
+    Maranon and La Plata rivers. Quito, which had been annexed to the
+    kingdom of Peru, only a short time before the Spanish conquest, is
+    similarly situated, both as to maritime vale, and elevated table land,
+    immediately to the north of Peru proper, and seems to have reached
+    from lat. 3° 20' S. to about lat, 1° N. but is now included in the
+    viceroyalty of New Granada which reaches to the Carribbean sea, with
+    which it is connected by the river Magdalena.--E.
+
+[13] The substance of this description appears to refer entirely to that
+    province of the kingdom of Quito which is named Esmeraldas or Tacamez,
+    on both sides of the equator.--E.
+
+[14] Various reasons have been assigned for the origin of the word Peru,
+    as the name of the empire of the Incas, unknown to themselves, at
+    least in that sense. The most probable derivation is from the river
+    _Piura_, near its northern frontier, where it was first visited by
+    Pizarro.--E.
+
+[15] This circumstance is unintelligible, as the bones could not shrink,
+    unless by supposing these _human heads_ to have been the heads of
+    small apes, resembling human faces. The expression of the text,
+    immediately before, of human carcasses hung up _in the form of
+    crosses_, ought perhaps to have been rendered _instead of_ crosses.--E.
+
+[16] A good deal more is said of these giants, both by Zarate and
+    Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 363, but so vague and absurd as not to be
+    worth insertion. The whole story seems to have arisen out of the
+    colossal representation of a man and woman at Puerto viejo.--E.
+
+[17] This is merely a repetition of the _big bones_ of Mexico and the Ohio,
+    already referred to the Mammoth, or animal ignotum.--E.
+
+[18] Puna is in the bay of Guayaquil, in lat. 3° S. and is near _thirty_
+    leagues in circumference, being about _ten_ leagues long by five in
+    breadth.--E.
+
+[19] The estimate in the text is exceedingly erroneous. The city of Parto
+    is in lat. 1° 12' N. and the Rio de Loa, or commencement of the desert
+    of Atacama, in lat. 21° 26' S. which give only a difference of nearly
+    25 degrees of latitude, which at 17-1/2 Spanish leagues to the degree
+    are only 438 leagues. Even supposing the text to include Chili, which
+    extends to 39° 21' S. the whole extent of Peru and Chili is only 753
+    Spanish leagues.--E.
+
+[20] This is only to be understood of the period when Zarate wrote, about
+    the middle of the sixteenth century, or two hundred and fifty years
+    ago. The first town he enumerates, Puerto Viejo, is now in the
+    viceroyalty of New Granada.--E.
+
+[21] The wool-bearing animals of Peru, improperly named sheep, are one or
+    other of the species of camel already mentioned in a former note.--E.
+
+[22] Instead of _four_ degrees, Quito is only the _fourth_ part of a
+    degree beyond the line.--E.
+
+[23] Bracamoras, or Jaen de Bracamoras, in lat. 5° 30' S. is in the
+    district or province of Jaen in the kingdom of New Granada, on one of
+    the branches of the Lauricocha or Tanguragua, which is one of the
+    great rivers which contribute to form the vast Maranon, or river of
+    the Amazons.--E.
+
+[24] No place of that name is now found in our best maps. The principal
+    town of the district of Chachapoyas has the same name, otherwise
+    called St Juan de la Frontera.--E.
+
+[25] Not far to the south of San Leon de Guanuco, in the mountains of
+    Lauricocha, there are considerable silver mines.--E.
+
+[26] No such place is now found on our maps in the province of Guamanga;
+    but the ruins of a town named Vittoria are marked in the district of
+    Calca, about fifty miles north-west from the city of Cuzco. Perhaps
+    the Vittoria of the text is the town now called Guamanga.--E.
+
+[27] Probably the country of the people now called _Chunchos_, who are
+    implacable enemies to the Spaniards.--E.
+
+[28] Probably the province now called _Chicas_ on the eastern side of the
+    Andes, occupying the head of the river Chirivionas which joins the
+    Paraguay or Rio Plata.--E.
+
+[29] Off the mouth of the river Lurin, in lat. 12° 26' S. is the island of
+    Pachacamac, probably indicating the situation of the ancient province
+    of that name.--E.
+
+[30] The first of the Incas is named by Robertson, II. 290. and III. 47.
+    Manco Capac.--E.
+
+[31] By Zarate this Inca is named Guaynacava, but the more general name
+    used by Garcilasso de la Vega and other Spanish writers, and from them
+    by the illustrious Robertson, is adopted in this translation.--E.
+
+[32] Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 65, describes the bridge over the Apurimac
+    not far from Cuzco, as about two hundred paces in length. He says that
+    its floor consisted of three great cables as thick as the body of a
+    man; having another cable on each side, a little raised, to serve as
+    rails. The two hundred toises or four hundred yards of the text seem
+    an exaggeration; perhaps a mistake of the French translator.--E.
+
+[33] This prince is called Atabaliba by Zarate, and Atabalipa by some
+    other writers, but we have chosen to follow the illustrious historian
+    of America in naming him Atahualpa.--E.
+
+[34] These names are not to be found in our best modern maps of Peru: but
+    some other names not unlike, as Mayobamba, Chachapoyas, Partas, and
+    Caxamarca, are in the present bishopric of Truxillo, the most northern
+    in Peru proper, and therefore likely to have been the seat of war
+    against the revolters in Quito.--E.
+
+[35] The whole of this appendix to the first section is an addition to
+    Zarate, extracted from Garcilasso de la Vega and Robertson; which,
+    being too long for a note, has been placed in the text. The
+    introductory part of this deduction is from the History of America,
+    Vol. II p. 289. The list of kings is from Garcilasso, whose
+    disarranged work is too confused for quotation.--E.
+
+[36] By some authors an Inca Roca is here interposed, who was deposed
+    after a reign of eleven days.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_Transactions of Pizarro and the Spaniards in Peru, from the commencement
+of the Conquest, till the departure of Almagro for the Discovery of Chili_.
+
+
+After the return of Don Francisco Pizarro from Spain to Panama, he made
+every preparation in his power for the conquest of Peru, in which he was
+not seconded with the same spirit as formerly by his companion Almagro, by
+which their affairs were considerably retarded, as Almagro was the richer
+man and had greater credit among the settlers. Diego Almagro, as formerly
+mentioned, was much dissatisfied with Pizarro for having neglected his
+interest in his applications to his majesty; but at length became pacified
+by his apologies and promises, and their friendship was renewed; yet
+Almagro could never be thoroughly reconciled to the brothers of Pizarro,
+more especially Ferdinand, against whom he had a rooted dislike. Owing to
+these disputes a considerable time elapsed; but at length Ferdinand Ponce
+de Leon[1] fitted out a ship which belonged to him, in which Don Francisco
+Pizarro embarked with all the soldiers he could procure, which were very
+few in number, as the people in Panama were much discouraged by the great
+difficulties and hardships which had been suffered in the former attempt,
+and the poor success which had then been met with[2]. Pizarro set sail
+about the commencement of the year 1531; and in consequence of contrary
+winds was obliged to land on the coast of Peru a hundred leagues more to
+the north than he intended[3]; by which means he was reduced to the
+necessity of making a long and painful march down the coast, where he and
+his troops suffered great hardships from scarcity of provisions, and by
+the extreme difficulty of crossing the different rivers which intersected
+their line of march, all of which they had to pass near their mouths,
+where they are wide and deep, insomuch that both men and horses had often
+to pass them by swimming. The courage and address of Pizarro was
+conspicuous amidst these difficulties, by encouraging the soldiers, and
+frequently exposing himself to danger for their relief, even assisting
+those who were unable to swim. They arrived at length at a place named
+_Coaque_[4] on the sea side, which was well peopled, and where they
+procured abundance of provisions to refresh and restore them after the
+hardships and privations they had undergone. From that place, Pizarro sent
+back one of his vessels to Panama, and the other to Nicaragua, sending by
+them above 30,000 _castillanas_[5] of gold, which he had seized at Coaque,
+to encourage fresh adventurers to join him, by giving a specimen of the
+riches of the country. At Coaque the Spaniards found some excellent
+emeralds, as this country being under the line, is the only place where
+such precious stones are to be had. Several of these were destroyed by the
+Spaniards, who broke them in order to examine their nature; as they were
+so ignorant as to believe that good emeralds ought to bear the hammer
+without breaking, like diamonds. Believing therefore that the Indians
+might impose false stones upon them, they broke many of great value
+through their ignorance. The Spaniards were here afflicted by a singular
+disease, formerly mentioned, which produced a dangerous kind of warts or
+wens on their heads faces and other parts of their body, extremely sore
+and loathsome, of which some of the soldiers died, but most of them
+recovered, though almost every one was less or more affected.
+
+Leaving Coaque on account of this strange disease, which Pizarro
+attributed to the malignity of the air, he marched on to that province or
+district in which _Puerto Viejo_ now stands, and easily reduced all the
+surrounding country to subjection. The captains Sebastian Benalcazar and
+Juan Fernandez joined him at this place, with a small reinforcement of
+horse and foot, which they brought from Nicaragua[6].
+
+Having reduced the province of Puerto Viejo to subjection, Pizarro
+proceeded with all his troops to the harbour of _Tumbez_, whence he
+determined to pass over into the island of Puna, which is opposite to that
+port. For this purpose he caused a number of flats or rafts to be
+constructed after the manner of the Peruvians, formerly mentioned, to
+transport his men and horses to the island, which is above twenty miles
+from the river of Tumbez. The Spaniards were in imminent danger in this
+passage, as the Indians who guided their floats had resolved to cut the
+cords by which their planks were held together, on purpose to drown the
+men and horses; but as Pizarro had some suspicion or intimation of their
+secret intentions, he ordered all his people to be on their guard,
+constantly sword in hand, and to keep a watchful eye on the Indians. On
+arriving in the island, the inhabitants received them courteously and
+requested that there might be peace between them; yet it was soon known
+that they had concealed their warriors in ambush, with the intention of
+massacring the Spaniards during the night. When Pizarro was informed of
+this treachery, he attacked and defeated the Indians, and took the
+principal cacique of the island; and next morning made himself master of
+the enemies camp, which was defended by a considerable body of warriors.
+Learning that another body of the islanders had attacked the flat vessels
+or rafts in which they had come over, Pizarro and his brothers went in all
+haste to assist the Spanish guard which had the care of them, and drove
+away the enemy with considerable slaughter. In these engagements two or
+three of the Spaniards were killed, and several wounded, among whom was
+Gonzalo Pizarro, who received a dangerous hurt on the knee.
+
+Soon after this action, Hernando de Soto arrived from Nicaragua with a
+considerable reinforcement of foot and horse. But finding it difficult to
+subdue the islanders effectually, as they kept their canoes concealed
+among the mangrove trees which grow in the water, Pizarro resolved to
+return to Tumbez; more especially as the air of Puna is unwholesome from
+its extreme heat, and the marshy nature of its shores. For this reason he
+divided all the gold which had been collected in the island, and abandoned
+the place. In this island of Puna, the Spaniards found above six hundred
+prisoners, men and women, belonging to the district of Tumbez, among whom
+was one of the principal nobles of that place. On the 16th May 1532,
+Pizarro set all these people at liberty, and supplied them with barks or
+floats to carry them home to Tumbez; sending likewise in one of these
+barks along with the liberated Indians, three Spaniards to announce his
+own speedy arrival. The Indians of Tumbez repaid this great favour with
+the blackest ingratitude, as immediately on their arrival, they sacrificed
+these three Spaniards to their abominable idols. Hernando de Soto made a
+narrow escape from meeting with the same fate: He was embarked on one of
+these floats, with a single servant, along with some of the Indians, and
+had already entered the river of Tumbez, when he was seen by Diego de
+Aguero and Roderick Lozan, who had already landed, and who made him stop
+the float and land beside them; otherwise, if he had been carried up to
+Tumbez, he would certainly have been put to death.
+
+From the foregoing treachery of the inhabitants of Tumbez, it may readily
+be supposed that they were by no means disposed to furnish barks for the
+disembarkation of the Spanish troops and horses; so that on the first
+evening, only the Governor Don Francisco Pizarro, with his brothers
+Ferdinand and Juan, the bishop Don Vincente de Valverde, captain de Soto,
+and the other two Spaniards already mentioned, Aguero and Lozan, were able
+to land. These gentlemen had to pass the whole night on horseback entirely
+wet, as the sea was very rough, and they had no Indians to guide their
+bark, which the Spaniards did not know how to manage, so that it overset
+while they were endeavouring to land. In the morning, Ferdinand Pizarro
+remained on the shore to direct the landing of the troops, while the
+governor and the others who had landed rode more than two leagues into the
+country without being able to find a single Indian, as all the natives had
+armed themselves and retired to the small hills in the neighbourhood. On
+returning towards the coast, he met the captains Mina and Salcedo, who had
+rode to meet him with several of the cavalry which had disembarked. He
+returned with them to Tumbez, where he encamped with all the troops he was
+able to collect.
+
+Soon afterwards, Captain Benalcazar arrived with the rest of the troops
+from the island of Puna, where he had been obliged to remain till the
+return of the vessels, as there was not enough of shipping to contain the
+whole at once. While he waited for the vessels, he had to defend himself
+from continual attacks of the islanders; but now rejoined the governor
+with very little loss. Pizarro remained above twenty days at Tumbez,
+during which time he used every endeavour to persuade the cacique to enter
+into terms of peace, by sending him repeated messages to that effect, but
+all to no purpose. On the contrary, the natives did every injury in their
+power to our people, and especially to the servants and others who went
+out into the country in search of provisions; while the Spaniards were
+unable to retaliate, as the Indians kept always on the opposite side of
+the river. The governor caused three barks or floats to be brought up
+secretly from the coast, in which he crossed the river during the night,
+with his brothers Juan and Gonzalo, and the Captains Benalcazar and Soto,
+with above fifty horsemen. With these he made a very fatiguing march
+before day, as the road was very difficult and uneven, and full of knolls
+overgrown with brambles and bushes. About day break he came unexpectedly
+to the Indian camp, which he immediately attacked and carried, putting
+many of the natives to the sword; and for fifteen days he pursued them
+into all their haunts, making a cruel war upon them with fire and sword,
+in revenge for the three Spaniards whom they had sacrificed. At length,
+the principal cacique of Tumbez sued for peace, and made some presents of
+gold and silver in token of submission.
+
+Having thus reduced the province of Tumbez, Pizarro left a part of his
+troops there under the charge of Antonio de Navarre and Alonso Requelme,
+the former of whom was Contador or comptroller of accounts, and the latter
+treasurer, both in the service of his majesty. Taking along with himself
+the greater part of his troops, he went forwards to the river _Poechos_[7],
+thirty leagues to the southward of Tumbez, in which march, as the caciques
+and inhabitants received him peaceably, he conducted himself in a friendly
+manner to the natives. Passing beyond the before mentioned river, he came
+to the bay of Payta, which is the best on all that coast; whence he
+detached de Soto to reduce the caciques inhabiting the banks of the river
+Amatape or Chira, in which he succeeded after a slight resistance, all the
+caciques and natives submitting and demanding peace.
+
+While at this place, Pizarro received a message from Cuzco by certain
+envoys sent by Huascar, informing him of the revolt of his brother
+Atahualpa, and requesting his assistance to establish him, as the lawful
+sovereign, in his just rights[8]. On the receipt of this message, Pizarro
+determined to take advantage of the divisions in Peru. He sent therefore
+his brother Ferdinand to Tumbez to bring the troops from thence; and
+established a colony at San Miguel in the district of Tangarara, near the
+sea on the river Chira[9], as a port in which to receive vessels coming
+with reinforcements from Panama. Having placed a garrison in St Miguel,
+and made a division of all the gold and silver which had been procured
+since leaving Puna, the governor marched with the rest of his army for the
+province of Caxamarca, in which he was informed that Atahualpa then
+was[10].
+
+On this march towards Caxamarca, the Spaniards suffered intolerably, while
+passing through the dry and burning sandy desert of Sechura, where for
+above fifty miles they could not find any water to drink, or a single tree
+to shelter them from the sun. This desert reaches from San Miguel or the
+river Piura to the province of Motupe, in which latter they found some
+well peopled vallies full of verdure, and were supplied with abundance of
+provisions and refreshments to restore them after the fatigues and
+privations they had suffered in the desert. Marching from thence by way of
+the mountain towards Caxamarca, Pizarro was met by an envoy from Atahualpa,
+bringing presents from that prince, among which were painted slippers and
+golden bracelets. This messenger informed the governor, that, when he
+appeared before Atahualpa, he must wear these slippers and bracelets, that
+the prince might know who he was[11]. Pizarro received this envoy with
+much kindness, and promised to do every thing that had been required on
+the part of Atahualpa; desiring the envoy to inform his sovereign that he
+might be assured of receiving no injury from him or the Spaniards, on
+condition that the Peruvians treated them with peace and friendship; as he
+had it in orders from the king his master, who had sent him to this
+country, to do no harm to any one without just cause.
+
+On the departure of the Peruvian envoy, Pizarro continued his march with
+great precaution, being uncertain whither the Indians might not attack him
+during the passage of the mountains, in one part of which he had to pass
+through an almost inaccessible narrow defile, where a few resolute men
+might have destroyed his whole party. On his arrival at Caxamarca, he
+found another messenger from Atahualpa, who desired that he would not
+presume to take up his quarters in that place until he received permission
+for the purpose. Pizarro made no answer to this message, but immediately
+took up his quarters in a large court, on one side of which there was a
+house or palace of the Inca, and on the other side a temple of the sun,
+the whole being surrounded, by a strong wall or rampart of earth. When he
+had posted his troops in this advantageous situation, he sent captain Soto
+at the head of twenty horsemen to the camp of Atahualpa, which was at the
+distance of a league from Caxamarca, with orders to announce his arrival.
+On coming towards the presence of Atahualpa, Soto pushed his horse into a
+full career, making him prance and curvet to the great terror of many of
+the Peruvians, who ran away in a prodigious fright. Atahualpa was so much
+displeased at his subjects for their cowardice, that he ordered all who
+had run away from the horse to be immediately put to death.
+
+After Soto had delivered his message, Atahualpa declined giving any direct
+answer, not choosing to address his discourse immediately to Soto: He
+spoke first to one of his attendant chiefs, who communicated what the king
+had said to the interpreter, after which the interpreter explained what
+had been said to Soto. While this circuitous conversation was going on,
+Ferdinand Pizarro arrived with some more horsemen, and addressed Atahualpa
+in the name of his brother, to the following effect. "That his brother the
+general had been sent to wait upon Atahualpa by his sovereign Don Carlos
+with an offer of friendship and alliance, and wished therefore to have an
+audience of his majesty, that he might communicate what had been given to
+him in charge by the king of Spain." To this Atahualpa replied; "That he
+accepted with pleasure the offer of friendship from the general, provided
+he would restore to his subjects all the gold and silver he had taken from
+them, and would immediately quit the country; and that on purpose to
+settle an amicable arrangement, he meant next day to visit the Spanish
+general in the palace of Caxamarca."
+
+After visiting the Peruvian camp, which had the appearance of an immense
+city, from the prodigious multitude of tents and the vast numbers of men
+which it contained, Ferdinand Pizarro returned to his brother, to whom he
+gave a faithful account of every thing he had seen, and of the words of
+Atahualpa. The answer of that prince gave some considerable uneasiness to
+Pizarro, as having rather a menacing appearance, more especially
+considering that the army of the Peruvians outnumbered his own small force
+in the proportion of one or two hundred to one. Yet as the general and
+most of those who were with him were men of bold and determined resolution,
+they encouraged each other during the night to act like men of courage and
+honour, trusting to the assistance of God in the discharge of their duty.
+They passed the whole night under arms, keeping strict watch round their
+quarters, and in complete readiness for whatever might befal.
+
+Early in the morning of the 16th November 1532, Pizarro drew up his small
+body of men in regular order. Dividing his cavalry into three bodies,
+under the command of his three brothers, Ferdinand, Juan, and Gonzalo,
+assisted by the Captains Soto and Benalcazar, he ordered to keep
+themselves concealed within their quarters till they should receive orders
+to attack. He remained himself at the head of the infantry, in another
+part of the inclosed court, having issued the strictest commands that no
+one should make the smallest motion without his orders, which were to be
+conveyed by the discharge of the artillery.
+
+Atahualpa employed a great part of the day in arranging his troops in
+order of battle, pointing out to each of the commanders where and in what
+manner their divisions were to attack the Spaniards. He likewise sent a
+detachment of 5000 Peruvian warriors under one of his principal officers
+named Ruminagui, with orders to take possession of the defile by which the
+Spaniards had penetrated the mountain, and to kill every one of them who
+might endeavour to escape in that way[12]. Atahualpa having given all
+these orders, began his march and advanced so slowly that in four hours
+his army hardly proceeded a short league. He was carried in his litter in
+the usual state, on the shoulders of some of the principal lords of his
+court, having three hundred Indians marching before him in rich uniforms,
+who removed every stone or other substance which might obstruct the way,
+even carefully picking up the smallest straws. He was followed by a
+numerous train of curacas or caciques, and principal officers of his court,
+all carried in litters. The Peruvians held the Spaniards in small
+estimation, they were so few in number, and imagined they could easily
+make them all prisoners without presuming to make the smallest resistance.
+One of the caciques had sent to inform Atahualpa not to stand in any awe
+of the Spaniards, as they were not only few in number, but so effeminate
+and lazy that they were unable to march on foot without being tired by a
+very short distance, for which reason they travelled on the backs of
+_large sheep_, by which name they distinguished our horses.
+
+In the order already described, Atahualpa entered with all his army and
+attendants into a large square or enclosure in front of the _tambos_ or
+palace of Caxamarca; and seeing the Spaniards so few in number and all on
+foot, as the cavalry remained in concealment, he conceived that they would
+not certainly dare to stand before him or to resist his commands. Rising
+up therefore in his litter, be said to his attendants, "These people are
+all in our power, and will assuredly surrender." To which they all
+answered that this was certainly the case. At this time, the bishop Don
+Vincente Valverde advanced towards Atahualpa, holding a crucifix in one
+hand and his breviary in the other, and addressed him to the following
+effect.
+
+"There is but one God in three persons who has created the heavens and the
+earth and all that are therein. He formed Adam the first man out of the
+dust of the earth, and afterwards made Eve his wife from a rib taken out
+of his side. All the generations of men are descended from these our first
+parents, by whose disobedience we have all become sinners, unworthy
+therefore of the grace and mercy of God, and beyond the hope of heaven,
+until Jesus Christ our Redeemer was born of the Virgin and suffered death
+to purchase for us life and immortality. After our Lord had suffered a
+shameful death upon the cross, he rose again in a glorious manner; and,
+having remained a short time on earth, he ascended into Heaven, leaving St
+Peter his vicar on earth, and after him his successors who dwell in Rome,
+and are named popes by the Christians. These holy successors of St Peter
+have divided all the countries of the world among the Christian kings and
+princes, giving in charge to each to subdue that portion which has been
+alotted to him. This country of Peru having fallen to the share of his
+imperial and royal majesty, the emperor Don Carlos king of Spain, that
+great monarch hath sent in his place the governor Don Francisco Pizarro,
+now present, to make known to you on the part of God and the king of Spain,
+all that I have now said. If you are disposed to believe all this, to
+receive baptism, and to obey the emperor, as is done by the greatest
+portion of the Christian world, that great prince will protect and defend
+you and your country in peace, causing justice to be administered to all.
+He will likewise confirm all your rights and liberties, as he is
+accustomed to do to all the kings and princes who have voluntarily
+submitted to his authority. But if you refuse this and choose to run the
+hazard of war, the governor will attack you with fire and sword, and is
+ready at this moment to do so with arms in his hand[13]."
+
+When Atahualpa had listened to this discourse, very imperfectly rendered
+by an ignorant interpreter, he answered, "That the whole of this country
+had been conquered by his father and his ancestors, who had left it in
+rightful succession to his elder brother the inca Huascar. That he having
+been conquered and taken prisoner, Atahualpa held himself as legitimate
+sovereign, and could not conceive how St Peter could pretend to give it
+away to any one, without the knowledge and consent of him to whom it
+belonged. As for Jesus Christ, who he said had created heaven and earth
+and man and all other things, he knew nothing of all this, believing that
+the sun his father was the creator of all, whom he and his nation
+venerated as a god, worshipping likewise the earth as the mother of all
+things, and the _guacas_ as subordinate divinities, and that Pachacama was
+the supreme ruler and creator of all things. As for what he had said of
+the king of Spain, he knew nothing at all about the matter, never having
+seen him." At the last, he asked the bishop where he had learnt all those
+things which he had been telling him. Valverde answered him that all these
+things were contained in the book which he held in his hand, which was the
+word of God. Atahualpa asked it from him, opened the book turning over its
+leaves, saying that it said nothing to him, and threw it on the ground.
+The bishop then turning to the Spaniards, called out, "To arms! to arms!
+Christians: The word of God is insulted."
+
+Pizarro being of opinion that he would be easily destroyed if he waited
+for the attack of the Peruvians, immediately ordered his soldiers to
+advance to the charge, sending word to his brothers and the other officers
+who commanded the cavalry to execute the orders which they had already
+received. He likewise ordered the artillery and the crossbows to commence
+firing upon the Indians, on which the cavalry, as had been concerted,
+sallied forth and charged through among the Indians in three separate
+bodies; while he moved forwards at the head of the infantry, pushing
+directly for the litter in which Atahualpa was carried, the bearers of
+which they began to slay, while others pressed on to supply their places.
+As Pizarro was convinced that he and his people would be infallibly
+destroyed if the battle remained for any length of time undecided, the
+loss of one soldier being of infinitely worse consequence to him than the
+destruction of hundreds was to the enemy, and that he gained nothing by
+the death of thousands of the Peruvians, determined to make every effort
+to gain possession of Atahualpa, for which purpose he cut his way up to
+the litter in which he was carried; and seizing him by his long hair
+dragged him from his seat to the ground. In doing this, as several of his
+soldiers were making cuts with their swords against the golden litter, one
+of their swords glancing off wounded Pizarro in the hand. Paying no
+attention to this wound, he held fast his rich prize, in spite of the
+endeavours of multitudes of Indians to rescue their sovereign, who were
+all either killed or driven away, and at length secured Atahualpa as his
+prisoner.
+
+When the Peruvians saw their sovereign in the hands of the Spaniards, and
+found themselves assailed in so many places at once by the enemy,
+especially by the horse, the fury of whose charge they were unable to
+resist, they threw down their arms and dispersed in every direction,
+endeavouring to preserve their lives by flight. A prodigious multitude of
+them being stopped by a corner of the great court or square, pressed with
+such violence against the wall that a part of it gave way, forming a large
+breach by which many of them escaped. The cavalry pursued the fugitives in
+every direction till night, when they returned to quarters[14].
+
+When Ruminagui heard the noise of the artillery, and saw a centinel who
+had been placed on the top of a rock thrown down by a Spaniard, he
+concluded that the Spaniards had gained the victory; and was so much
+alarmed that he marched away with all his men to Quito, never stopping for
+any time till he got to that city, which is two hundred and fifty leagues
+from Caxamarca.
+
+Atahualpa being thus made prisoner, and his whole army having taken to
+flight, the Spaniards went next morning to pillage his camp, where they
+found a prodigious quantity of gold and silver vessels, excessively rich
+tents, stuffs, vestments, and many other articles of immense value. The
+gold plate alone which was carried along with the army for the use of
+Atahualpa exceeded the value of 60,000 pistoles[15]. Above 5000 women who
+were found in the camp of the enemy voluntarily surrendered themselves to
+the Spaniards.
+
+The captive Atahualpa now made submissive application to Pizarro,
+earnestly intreating to be well used, and made offer for his ransom to
+deliver a quantity of gold that should fill a large chamber, besides so
+large a mass of silver that the Spaniards would be unable to carry the
+whole away. Pizarro was astonished at this magnificent offer, which he
+could hardly credit, yet promised the fallen monarch that he should be
+well used, and even engaged to restore his freedom if he made good his
+offer. Atahualpa was so much pleased with this promise, that he
+immediately sent numerous messengers through the whole empire,
+particularly to Cuzco, ordering all the gold and silver that could be
+procured to be brought to Caxamarca to pay his ransom. He had promised an
+immense quantity, as he had engaged to fill a long hall in the _tambos_ or
+palace of Cazamarca as high as he could reach with his hand[16], for which
+purpose the height was marked by a coloured line drawn round the whole
+room. Although large quantities of gold and silver arrived every day after
+this agreement, the Spaniards could not be satisfied that the promise of
+Atahualpa would ever be fulfilled. They began even to murmur at the delay,
+alleging that the time which had been fixed by Atahualpa for the
+accomplishment of his promise was already past; and they alleged that he
+had fallen upon this scheme on purpose to gain time for the assemblage of
+a new army, with which to attack them at unawares. As Atahualpa had
+considerable sagacity, he soon noticed the discontent of the Spaniards,
+and asked Pizarro the reason. On being informed, he made answer that they
+were in the wrong to complain of the delay, which was not such as to give
+any reasonable cause for suspicion. They ought to consider that Cuzco,
+from whence the far greater part of the gold had to be brought, was above
+200 _large_ leagues distant from Caxamarca by an extremely difficult road,
+by which all the gold had to be carried on the shoulders of the Peruvians,
+and that very little time had elapsed for the accomplishment of so
+laborious a work. Having thus endeavoured to explain the cause of delay in
+payment of the ransom, he requested that they would satisfy themselves on
+the subject by inspection that he was actually able to perform his
+engagement; after which they would not think much of its being delayed a
+month more or less. For this purpose, he proposed that he should depute
+two or three of the Spaniards, who might go to Cuzco, having orders from
+him to be shewn the royal treasures in that city, of which they would then
+be able to bring back certain information to satisfy the rest.
+
+Opinions were much divided among the Spaniards, as to the adoption or
+rejection of this proposal. Several considered it is a most dangerous
+measure for any person to trust himself in the hand of the Peruvians,
+especially to so great a distance. Atahualpa considered this doubt of
+safety as very strange, especially as they had him in their hands as an
+hostage, together with his wives, children, and brothers. On this,
+Hernando de Soto and Pedro de Barco resolved to undertake the journey; and
+accordingly by the directions of Atahualpa, they set out in litters, each
+of which was carried on the shoulders of two men, with a number of other
+Peruvians accompanying them, to serve as reliefs when the others were
+tired. They were carried in this manner almost as fast as if they had rode
+post; as the litter carriers went along with great swiftness, frequently
+relieved by the others, of whom there were fifty or sixty in all.
+
+Several days journey from Caxamarca, Soto and Barco met a party of the
+troops of Atahualpa, who were escorting the Inca Huascar as a prisoner.
+This unfortunate prince, on learning who they were, requested to have a
+conference with them, to which they consented, and in which he was
+distinctly informed of all the recent events. On being informed of the
+intentions of his imperial majesty Don Carlos, and of Pizarro, who
+commanded the Spaniards in his name, to cause impartial justice to be
+executed both to the Peruvians and Spaniards, he laid before them a
+distinct account of the injustice which he had suffered from his brother
+Atahualpa, who not only wished to deprive him of the kingdom, which
+belonged to him of right, as the eldest son of the late monarch Huana
+Capac, but now kept him a prisoner, with the design of putting him to
+death. He urged them to return to their general, and to lay his complaints
+before him, requesting that he, who now had both competitors in his power,
+and was consequently entire master of the country, would judge between
+them, and decree the possession of the empire to him who held the lawful
+right of succession. He farther promised, if Pizarro would do this, that
+he would not only fulfil all that Atahualpa had promised, which was to
+fill the apartment at Caxamarca to a certain height, but he would fill it
+with gold to the roof, which would be three times more than Atahualpa had
+promised. He assured them that he was better able to do all this, than was
+Atahualpa to perform what he had promised; because Atahualpa, to implement
+his engagement, would be under the necessity of stripping the temple of
+the Sun at Cuzco of all the plates of gold and silver with which it was
+lined; whereas he, Huascar, was in possession of all the treasures which
+belonged to his father Huana Capac, and the former Incas, by which he was
+able to perform what he had now offered, and a great deal more.
+
+All that he alleged was certainly true, as Huascar was in possession of
+immense treasures, which he had hidden under ground in some secret place,
+unknown to all the world. On this occasion, he had employed many Indians
+to transport his wealth into the place of concealment, after which he had
+ordered them all to be put to death, that they might not inform any one of
+the place. After the Spaniards were entire masters of the country, they
+made every possible search after these treasures, and even continue their
+search to the present day, digging in every place where they suspect they
+may be concealed, but hitherto without being able to find them.
+
+Soto and Barco told Huascar, that it was out of their power to turn back,
+being under the necessity of continuing the journey on which they had been
+sent by order of their general; but that on their return they would make a
+faithful report of all he had said. They accordingly went on their way
+towards Cuzco. But this meeting and conference occasioned the death of
+Huascar, and the loss to the Spaniards of the vast treasure he had
+promised for his liberty and restoration. The captains who had the custody
+of Huascar made a report to Atahualpa of all that had passed in the
+interview between their prisoner and the Spanish messengers; and Atahualpa
+had sufficient sagacity to see, if these matters came to the knowledge of
+Pizarro, that he would feel inclined to take part with Huascar, especially
+in consideration of the prodigious quantity of gold which had been offered
+for his interference. He had remarked the extreme eagerness of the
+Spaniards for the possession of gold, and feared that they would deprive
+him of the kingdom, and give it his brother, and might put himself to
+death, as an unjust usurper of the clear rights of another. Being disposed,
+from these motives, to order his brother Huascar to be put to death, he
+was only restrained from doing this immediately by one circumstance. He
+had frequently heard from the Christians, that one of their principal laws,
+which was most religiously observed, was, that all who were guilty of
+murder were punished with death, whether the murder were committed by
+themselves personally, or by others at their instigation. He resolved,
+therefore, to sound Pizarro, and to discover his sentiments on this
+subject, which he did with wonderful artifice and dissimulation. One day
+he pretended to be overcome with extreme grief, weeping and sobbing, and
+refusing to eat or drink, or to speak with any one. When Pizarro inquired
+the cause of this distress, he allowed himself to be long intreated before
+he would give any reason of his sorrow. At length, as if overcome by
+solicitation, he said, "That he had just received intelligence that one of
+his officers had put his brother Huascar to death, by which news he was
+entirely overcome with grief, as he had always entertained the warmest and
+most respectful affection for him, not only as his eldest brother, but in
+a great measure as his father and sovereign. That although he had taken
+Huascar prisoner, he not only had no intention of using him ill in his
+person, but did not even mean to deprive him of the kingdom: his sole
+object being to oblige him to give up the possession of the kingdom of
+Quito, according to the last will of their father, Huana Capac; who had
+made a conquest of that country, which was beyond the boundary of the
+hereditary empire of the incas, and which consequently their father had an
+undoubted right to dispose of in his favour." Pizarro endeavoured to
+console the pretended affliction of Atahualpa, by assuring him, when peace
+and good order re-established in the empire, that he would make a strict
+inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Huascar, and would severely
+punish all who had participated in the crime.
+
+When Atahualpa found that Pizarro took up this affair with so much
+coolness and moderation, he resolved to execute his design, and sent
+immediate orders to his officers who had the custody of Huascar to put him
+to death. So promptly were these orders obeyed, that it was difficult to
+ascertain in the sequel whether the excessive grief of Atahualpa was
+feigned, and whether it preceded or followed the death of his brother
+Huascar. Most of the soldiers blamed Soto and Barco for this unhappy event:
+not considering the necessity of every one to obey the orders of their
+superiors with exactness, according to their instructions, especially in
+time of war, without assuming the liberty of making any alteration or
+modification according to circumstances in their own opinion, unless they
+have express and formal discretionary power.
+
+It was currently reported among the Peruvians, that when Huascar learnt he
+was to be put to death by order of his brother, he made the following
+observation: "I have been only a short while sovereign of this country,
+but my faithless brother, by whose orders I am to die, will not be longer
+a king than I have been." When the Peruvians soon afterwards saw Atahualpa
+put to death, conformable to this prediction, they believed Huascar to
+have been a true son of the sun. It is reported also, that Huascar should
+have said, when his father Huana Capac took his last leave of him, he
+foretold "That white men with long beards would soon come into Peru, and
+advised him to treat them as friends, as they would become masters of the
+kingdom." Huana Capac may have received some intimation of this future
+circumstance from the demons; and that the more readily, that Pizarro had
+been on the coast of Peru before his death, and had even begun to make
+some conquests.
+
+While Pizarro continued to reside in Caxamarca, he sent out his brother
+Ferdinand with a party of cavalry to discover the country, who went as far
+as Pachacamac, about a hundred leagues from Caxamarca. In the district of
+Huamachucos, Ferdinand met with Hlescas, one of the brothers of Atahualpa,
+who was escorting a prodigious quantity of gold to Caxamarca, part of the
+ransom of the captive inca, to the value of two or three millions at the
+least, without counting an immense quantity of silver[17]. He continued
+his journey from Huamachucos to Pachacamac, not far to the south of where
+Lima now stands, through several difficult and dangerous passes; when he
+learnt that one of the generals of Atahualpa, named Cilicuchima was
+stationed with a large army at a place about forty leagues from thence.
+Ferdinand Pizarro sent a message to the Peruvian general to request that
+he would come to speak with him; and as Cilicuchima refused, Ferdinand
+took the resolution to wait upon him in person. This was considered by
+many as extremely rash and imprudent, to trust himself in the hands of a
+barbarous and powerful enemy. He was successful however in the attempt, as
+by various representations and promises, he prevailed on the Peruvian
+general to dismiss his army, and to go along with him to Caxamarca to
+wait upon his sovereign Atahualpa. To shorten their journey, they took a
+very difficult route through mountains covered with snow, where they were
+in danger of perishing with cold.
+
+On arriving at Caxamarca, before entering into the presence of Atahualpa,
+Cilicuchima bared his feet and carried a present to his sovereign after
+the custom of the country, and said to him weeping, that if he had been
+along with him, the Spaniards should not have been allowed to make him a
+prisoner. Atahualpa answered, that his captivity was a punishment from the
+gods, whom he had not honoured and respected as he ought to have done; but
+that his defeat and capture were chiefly owing to the cowardice and flight
+of Ruminagui with his 5000 men, who ought to have succoured him when
+attacked by the Spaniards.
+
+While Don Francisco Pizarro was in the province of Poecho between Tumbez
+and Payta, before he marched to Caxamarca, he received a letter without
+any signature, which it was afterwards learnt had been sent to him by the
+secretary of Don Diego de Almagro. He was informed by this letter, that
+Almagro had fitted out a large ship and several smaller vessels with a
+considerable number of soldiers, in which he proposed to sail beyond the
+country of which Pizarro had taken possession, and to reduce the best
+portion of Peru under his own authority, as beyond the government which
+had been granted to Pizarro by his majesty, which only extended 200
+leagues to the south of the equator[18]. The governor had never shewn his
+patents to any person[19]; yet it was currently reported that Almagro
+actually left Panama with the intention of carrying that design into
+execution; but on arriving at Puertoviejo, and learning the amazing
+successes of Pizarro, and the prodigious quantities of gold and silver he
+had already acquired, the half of which he considered as belonging to him,
+he changed his purpose, and marched with all his people to Caxamarca to
+join Pizarro. On his arrival there, the greater part of the ransom of
+Atahualpa was already brought, and Almagro and his followers were filled
+with astonishment and admiration at the sight of the prodigious masses of
+gold and silver which were there collected, more than they thought could
+have been in any part of the world.
+
+When all this gold and silver was melted down, weighed and essayed, it was
+found to amount to the amazing sum of six hundred millions of _maravedies_,
+or more than 4,500,000 livres. It is true that the proof or essay of this
+gold was made hurriedly, and only by means of the touchstone, as they had
+no _aqua fortis_ to conduct the process in a more exact manner. It
+afterwards appeared that this gold had been estimated two or three
+_carats_ below its real value; so that the whole amount ought to have been
+reckoned at _seven_ millions of maravedies, or 5,250,000 livres. The
+quantity of silver was so large, that the royal fifth amounted to 30,000
+marks of fine silver, most of which was afterwards found to contain two or
+three carats of gold. The royal fifth of the gold amounted to 120 millions
+of maravedies, or 900,000 livres. Each horseman received for his share in
+gold, without counting the silver 240 marks or 12,000 pesos, equal to
+80,000 francs. The shares of the horsemen were a quarter part larger than
+those of the foot soldiers. Yet all these sums did not amount to a fifth
+part of what Atahualpa had engaged to pay for his ransom. Those who had
+come along with Almagro, though considerable both from their rank and
+number, certainly had no just title to demand any share in the treasure
+which Atahualpa paid for his ransom, as they had no share in his capture;
+yet the general assigned each of them 20 marks, or 1000 pesos, as a
+donative to keep them in good humour.
+
+Pizarro thought it now incumbent upon him to send intelligence to his
+majesty of the success of his enterprize, for which purpose he sent over
+his brother Ferdinand to Spain; and as when he departed, the precious
+metals had not been melted or proved, so that it was impossible to
+ascertain what was the exact share belonging to the king, two thousand
+marks of gold and twenty thousand marks of silver, were set apart for this
+purpose[20]. In making the selection of articles to be sent to Spain, the
+largest and finest pieces were chosen, that they might have a grander
+appearance: Among these were several large vessels of various kinds and
+for different uses, together with figures of men and women and various
+animals. When Atahualpa learnt that Ferdinand Pizarro was to embark for
+Spain he was much afflicted, having a great affection for that gentleman,
+in whom he reposed implicit confidence; and when Ferdinand came to take
+leave, he said to him, "I am sore afflicted at your departure, for I am
+much afraid the big-belly and the blinkard will put me to death in your
+absence." By the former he meant Requelme the treasurer, who was very fat,
+and by the latter Almagro, who had lost an eye, whom he had observed
+frequently to mutter against him, for certain reasons, which will appear
+in the sequel.
+
+As Atahualpa suspected, Ferdinand Pizarro had not been long gone, when the
+death of the unfortunate prince began to be talked of among the Spaniards.
+This was brought about by the suggestions of an Indian named Philippillo,
+who had accompanied the general into Spain, and now served him as an
+interpreter with the Peruvians. He pretended that Atahualpa had secretly
+laid a plan for destroying all the Spaniards; for which purpose he had a
+great number of armed men concealed in various places, meaning to employ
+them when a favourable opportunity occurred. The proofs and examination of
+facts and circumstances respecting this alleged plot, had all to come
+through Philippillo, as the only one who knew both languages; and he gave
+such a turn to every thing as best suited his own views and purposes.
+Accordingly the Spaniards were never able perfectly to discover the truth,
+or to penetrate entirely into his motives for this procedure. It has been
+alleged by some persons, that Philippillo had become amorous of one of the
+wives of Atahualpa, with whom he even had a criminal intercourse, and
+expected to secure the quiet possession of his mistress by the death of
+that unfortunate prince. It was even reported that Atahualpa had come to
+the knowledge of that amour, and had complained to Pizarro of the criminal
+and even treasonable conduct of the paramours; which, by the laws of Peru,
+could only be expiated by burning the guilty persons, putting to death all
+their near relations, destroying all their cattle and substance, laying
+waste the place of their birth, and sowing salt on the place, so as to
+render the memory of the crime infamous for ever.
+
+It has been alleged by others that the death of Atahualpa was occasioned
+by the solicitations and intrigues of those newly arrived Spaniards who
+accompanied Almagro, who considered his continuing to live as prejudicial
+to their interests. The soldiers of Pizarro who were with him when
+Atahualpa was taken prisoner, insisted that those who came with Almagro
+had no right to participate in any part of the treasure given or to be
+given on account of his ransom, and could not justly pretend to any share
+of what might be collected until all that Atahualpa had promised was
+entirely paid up. The soldiers of Almagro, on the other hand, believed it
+to be for their interest that Atahualpa should be removed out of the way;
+since as long as he might live, the soldiers of Pizarro would always
+pretend that all the treasure which might be procured formed part of his
+ransom, so that they would never come in for any share. However this might
+be, the death of that unfortunate prince was resolved on, and even this
+determination was communicated to him. Astonished at this fatal
+intelligence, of which he had never entertained the slightest suspicion,
+Atahualpa urged his merciless conquerors to confine him rather in a
+stricter captivity, or even to put him on board their ships. "I know not,"
+said he, "how you can possibly suppose me so stupid as to think of any
+treachery against you in my present situation. How can you believe those
+troops which you say are assembled, have been called together by my orders
+or by my consent? Am I not a prisoner, in chains, and in your hands? And
+is it not easy for you to put me to death whenever these pretended troops
+make their appearance? If you believe that my subjects will undertake any
+thing against you without my consent, you are ill informed of the absolute
+authority I possess over all my subjects, and the perfect obedience which
+it is their glory to render me on all occasions. So to speak, the birds do
+not dare to fly, nor the leaves to move upon the trees without my orders;
+and how then shall my subjects presume to go to war against you without my
+consent."
+
+All that he could urge was of no avail, as his death was absolutely
+resolved upon, although he offered to place hostages of the highest
+consideration in the hands of the Spaniards, whose lives should be
+answerable for any of the Christians who might be slain or ill treated by
+his subjects. Besides the suspicions already mentioned, which were alleged
+against Atahualpa, it is said that he was accused of the death of his
+brother Huascar. He was condemned to die, and his sentence was executed
+without delay. In his distress, he was continually repeating the name of
+Ferdinand Pizarro; saying, if he had been present, he would not have
+allowed him to be thus unjustly put to death. Shortly before his death, he
+was persuaded by Pizarro and Valverde to submit to the ceremony of
+baptism[21].
+
+"While Almagro and his followers openly demanded the life of Atahualpa,
+and Philippillo laboured to ruin him by private machinations, that unhappy
+prince inadvertently contributed to hasten his own fate. During his
+confinement he had attached himself with peculiar affection to Ferdinand
+Pizarro and Hernando Soto; who, as they were persons of birth and
+education superior to the rough adventurers with whom they served, were
+accustomed to behave with more decency and attention to the captive
+monarch. Soothed with this respect from persons of such high rank, he
+delighted in their society. But in the presence of the governor he was
+always uneasy and overawed. This dread soon came to be mingled with
+contempt. Among all the European arts, that which he most admired, was
+reading and writing; and he long deliberated with himself, whether he
+should regard it as a natural or acquired talent. In order to determine
+this, he desired one of the soldiers who guarded him, to write the name of
+God on the nail of his thumb. This he shewed successively to several
+Spaniards, asking its meaning; and, to his amazement, they all, without
+hesitation, gave the same answer. At length Pizarro entered; and on
+presenting it to him, he blushed, and with some confusion was obliged to
+acknowledge his ignorance. From that moment, Atahualpa considered him as a
+mean person, less instructed than his own soldiers; and he had not address
+enough to conceal the sentiments with which this discovery inspired him.
+To be the object of scorn to a barbarian, not only mortified the pride of
+Pizarro; but excited such resentment in his breast, as added force to all
+the other considerations which prompted him to put the Inca to death."
+
+"But in order to give some colour of justice to this violent action, and
+that he himself might be exempted from standing singly responsible for the
+commission of it, Pizarro resolved to try the Inca with all the
+formalities observed in the criminal courts of Spain. Pizarro himself and
+Almagro, with two assistants, were appointed judges, with full power to
+acquit or condemn; an attorney-general was named to carry on the
+prosecution in the king's name; counsellors were chosen to assist the
+prisoner in his defence; and clerks were ordained to record the
+proceedings of court. Before this strange tribunal, a charge was exhibited
+still more amazing. It consisted of various articles: That Atahualpa,
+though a bastard, had dispossessed the rightful owner of the throne, and
+usurped the regal power; that he had put his brother and lawful sovereign
+to death; that he was an idolater, and had not only permitted, but
+commanded the offering of human sacrifices; that he had a great number of
+concubines; that since his imprisonment he had wasted and embezzled the
+royal treasures, which now belonged of right to the conquerors; that he
+had incited his subjects to take arms against the Spaniards. On these
+heads of accusation, some of which are so ludicrous, and others so absurd,
+that the effrontery of Pizarro, in making them the subject of a serious
+procedure, is not less surprizing than his injustice, did this strange
+court go on to try the sovereign of a great empire, over whom it had no
+jurisdiction. With respect to each of the articles, witnesses were
+examined; but as they delivered their evidence in their native tongue,
+Philippillo had it in his power to give their words whatever turn best
+suited his malevolent intentions. To judges pre-determined in their
+opinion, this evidence appeared sufficient. They pronounced Atahualpa
+guilty, and condemned him to be burnt alive. Friar Valverde prostituted
+the authority of his sacred function to confirm this sentence, and by his
+signature warranted it to be just. Astonished at his fate, Atahualpa
+endeavoured to avert it by tears, by promises, and by entreaties that he
+might be sent to Spain, where a monarch would be the arbiter of his lot.
+But pity never touched the unfeeling heart of Pizarro. He ordered him to
+be led instantly to execution; and, what added to the bitterness of his
+last moments, the same monk who had just ratified his doom, offered to
+console, and attempted to convert him. The most powerful argument Valverde
+employed to prevail with him to embrace the Christian faith, was a promise
+of mitigation in his punishment. The dread of a cruel death extorted from
+the trembling victim a desire of receiving baptism. The ceremony was
+performed; and Atahualpa, instead of being burnt alive, was strangled at
+the stake."
+
+Ruminagui, one of the captains under Atahualpa, who had fled with five
+thousand men from Caxamarca, as already related, having arrived in the
+kingdom of Quito, seized the children of Atahualpa, and made himself
+master of that country as if he had been the lawful sovereign. A short
+time before his death, Atahualpa had sent his brother Illescas into the
+kingdom of Quito, with orders to bring his children from thence; but
+Ruminagui not only refused to deliver them up, but even put them all to
+death. After the death of Atahualpa, some of his principal officers,
+according to his dying commands, carried his body to Quito that it might
+be interred beside the remains of his father Huana capac. Ruminagui
+received them in the most honourable manner, with every outward mark of
+affection and respect, and caused the body of Atahualpa to be buried with
+much pomp and solemnity, according to the custom of the country. After the
+ceremony, he gave a grand entertainment to the officers of the late
+unfortunate monarch, at which, when they were intoxicated, he caused them
+all to be put to death, together with Illescas the brother of Atahualpa.
+He caused this person to be flead alive, and had a drum covered with his
+skin, inclosing his head in the inside of the drum.
+
+After the governor Pizarro had made a repartition of all the gold and
+silver which was found in Caxamarca, he learned that one of the officers
+of Atahualpa, named Quizquiz, had assembled some troops in the province of
+_Xauxa_[22], and endeavoured to excite an insurrection in the country.
+Pizarro therefore marched against him, but Quizquiz durst not wait for him
+in Xauxa, and retreated to a greater distance. Pizarro pursued, causing
+Hernando de Soto to lead the van with a party of horse, while he led the
+rear or main body himself. While advancing in this order into the province
+of _Vilcacinga_[23], Soto was unexpectedly attacked by a vast body of
+Peruvians, and in great danger of being totally defeated, five or six of
+his men being slain; but on the approach of night, the Peruvians retreated
+to a mountain, and the governor sent on Almagro with a reinforcement of
+cavalry to Soto. Early next morning the fight was resumed, and the
+Spaniards endeavoured to draw the Peruvians into the plain, by pretending
+to retreat, that they might not be exposed to the prodigious quantity of
+stones which the Indians hurled down upon them from the mountain. The
+Peruvians seemed aware of this stratagem, as they continued to defend
+their position on the mountain; though they were not apprized of the
+reinforcement which Soto had received, as the morning was thick and misty.
+Being unable to induce their enemies to descend from their advantageous
+situation, the Spaniards assailed the Peruvians with so much resolution,
+that they drove them from their position with considerable slaughter, and
+forced them to take to flight.
+
+At this place, a brother of the late Incas, Huascar and Atahualpa, named
+_Paul_ Inca_[24], came to Pizarro under pretence of entering into terms of
+peace and submission. After the death of his brothers, this prince had
+been recognised as king of Peru, and had been invested with the fringed
+fillet, which answered among the Peruvians as the crown or emblem of
+supreme rule. The Inca told the governor that he had a very considerable
+force of warriors in Cuzco, all of whom only waited his arrival to submit
+to his orders. Pizarro accordingly marched towards that city, and arrived
+within sight of it after several days march. So thick a smoke was seen to
+arise from the city, that Pizarro suspected the Peruvians had set it on
+fire, and immediately sent on a detachment of cavalry to endeavour if
+possible to prevent the destruction of the city. On their arrival near
+Cuzco, a vast body of Peruvians issued from the city and attacked them
+with great violence, with stones, darts, and other arms; insomuch that the
+Spaniards were forced to retreat above a league to rejoin the main body of
+the army which was commanded by Pizarro in person. He immediately detached
+the greater part of his cavalry under the command of his brothers Juan and
+Gonzalo, who attacked the enemy with so much courage and impetuosity, that
+they were soon defeated and many Peruvians were slain in the pursuit. On
+the approach of night, Pizarro reassembled all his army, which he ordered
+to lie on their arms; and marched next morning with every precaution to
+Cuzco, which he entered without opposition.
+
+After remaining twenty days in Cuzco, Pizarro was informed that the
+Peruvian General Quizquiz had drawn together a considerable body of
+warriors, with whom he pillaged and raised contributions in a province
+named _Condefugo_[25]. The governor detached Hernando Soto with fifty
+horsemen against Quizquiz, who did not think proper to await his arrival;
+but he took the resolution of marching to Xauxa or Jauja, on purpose to
+attack the baggage and royal treasure belonging to the Spaniards, which
+had been left there with a guard, under the care of Requelme the treasurer.
+Although the Spanish troops in Xauxa were few in number, they posted
+themselves in a strong position, waiting the attack of Quizquiz, and
+defended themselves so courageously that he was unable to make any
+impression upon them, and accordingly drew off his troops, taking the road
+to Quito. The governor sent Soto after him with his detachment of cavalry,
+and soon afterwards sent off his two brothers, Juan and Gonzalo, to
+reinforce Soto. These three Spanish captains pursued Quizquiz above a
+hundred leagues, but were unable to come up with him, and returned
+therefore to Cuzco.
+
+In that ancient capital of the Peruvian empire, Pizarro and the Spaniards
+found a prodigious booty in gold and silver, not less in value than all
+they had collected at Caxamarca for the ransom of Atahualpa. He made a
+division of this among his soldiers, and settled a colony in Cuzco, which
+had long been the capital of the Peruvian empire, and continued to be so
+for a considerable time under the Spaniards. He likewise made a
+repartition of Indians among such Spaniards as chose to settle in the
+place as colonists: Only a few, however, chose to avail themselves of
+their advantage; as a considerable proportion of the Spaniards were better
+pleased to return into Spain, that they might enjoy in repose the treasure
+which they had acquired at Caxamarca and Cuzco, than to remain in Peru.
+
+"The riches displayed by the early conquerors of Peru on their return
+among their astonished countrymen, had so great an effect to induce others
+to try their fortunes in that golden region, that the governors of
+Guatimala, Panama, and Nicaragua could hardly restrain the people under
+their jurisdiction from abandoning their possessions, and crowding to that
+inexhaustible source of wealth which seemed to be opened in Peru. In spite
+of every check or regulation, such numbers resorted to the standard of
+Pizarro, that he was soon enabled to take the field at the head of five
+hundred men, besides leaving sufficient garrisons in San Miguel and other
+places necessary for the defence of his conquests[26]".
+
+It has been already said that Pizarro, soon after his arrival in Peru,
+established a settlement at the town of San Miguel in the province of
+Tangarara, not far from the harbour of Tumbez[27], as a secure place of
+disembarkation for those who came to join him from Spain. While he still
+remained at Caxamarca after the death of Atahualpa, on recollection that
+he had left a weak garrison in San Miguel, the governor thought proper to
+send a reinforcement of ten horsemen to that place under the command of
+Benalcazar. Soon after his arrival, a considerable number of Spanish
+soldiers came there from Panama and Nicaragua, and as the Cagnares made
+loud complaints to him that they were oppressed by Ruminagui and the
+Peruvians of Quito, Benalcazar chose two hundred of the new recruits,
+eighty of whom were cavalry, with whom he marched for Quito, because he
+was informed that Atahualpa had left a large quantity of gold in that city,
+and that he might likewise protect the Cagnares, who had declared
+themselves the friends of the Spaniards. Ruminagui advanced with an army
+of more than twelve thousand Peruvians to defend the defiles of the
+mountains leading towards the kingdom of Quito, which he endeavoured to do
+with considerable judgment, taking advantage of the nature of the ground,
+and fighting only in places of difficult approach. Benalcazar, on his side
+likewise, joined stratagem and military conduct to courage and prudence;
+for, while he occupied the attention of the enemy by frequent skirmishes,
+and demonstrations of attacking them in front, he detached one of his
+officers with fifty or sixty horsemen, who gained possession of a
+commanding post during the night on the rear of the Peruvians, so that he
+was able next morning to render himself easily master of the pass they had
+endeavoured to defend. In this way, Benalcazar gradually drove the enemy
+from their strong ground into the plain of Quito, where they were unable
+to withstand the charge of the cavalry and suffered considerably.
+Ruminagui still endeavoured to make head in several different posts, which
+he carefully forfeited with concealed pit-falls, digging for this purpose
+broad and deep ditches, in the bottom of which a number of pointed stakes
+were set up, the whole covered over with green turf held up by slender
+twigs, somewhat like those described by Caesar as contrived by the
+inhabitants of Alesia. But all the contrivances of the Peruvians for
+surprizing Benalcazar, or for drawing him into their snares were quite
+unavailing. He avoided them all, and never attacked on the side they
+expected; often making a circuit of several leagues so as to attack them
+unexpectedly on the flank and rear, and always carefully avoiding every
+piece of ground that had not a natural appearance. The Peruvians tried
+another stratagem, on seeing the former miscarry: They dug a great number
+of small pits close to each other, about the size of a horses foot, in
+every place around their camp where they thought the cavalry might come to
+attack them. But all their arts and labour were useless, as Benalcazar was
+never off his guard, and was not to be deceived by any of their
+contrivances, so that they were at last driven all the way to the city of
+Quito. It is reported of Ruminagui, that one day after his arrival in
+Quito, where he had a great number of wives, that he told them they might
+soon expect to have the pleasure of seeing the Christians, with whom they
+would have the opportunity of diverting themselves; and that, believing
+him in jest, they laughed heartily at the news, on which he caused most of
+them to be put to death. After this cruel deed, he set fire to a large
+apartment filled with rich dresses and valuable moveables belonging to the
+late Inca Huana Capac, and retired from Quito, having first made another
+unsuccessful attempt to surprise the Spaniards by a night attack, after
+which Benalcazar made himself master of Quito with very little opposition.
+
+While these things were going on in the kingdom of Quito, the governor
+Pizarro received information that Don Pedro de Alvarado, who was governor
+of Guatimala, had embarked with a considerable force for Peru, on which
+account he deemed it proper to detach some troops under Almagro to San
+Miguel, to inquire into the truth of that report and to prevent the
+invasion of his government. As Almagro on his arrival at San Miguel could
+get no distinct accounts of the motions of Alvarado, and was informed of
+the resistance made to Benalcazar in the kingdom of Quito by Ruminagui, he
+accordingly marched there with his troops and formed a junction with
+Benalcazar, assuming the command of the combined forces, after which he
+reduced several districts and fortified stations of the natives. But, as
+he did not find any gold in that country, which was by no means so rich as
+he thought he had reason to expect from report, he soon afterwards
+returned towards Cuzco, leaving the command in Quito to Benalcazar.
+
+After the conquest of New Spain by the Marquis del Valle, he detached one
+of his captains named Don Pedro de Alvarado to a neighbouring country
+called Guatimala; which that officer accordingly reduced to subjection
+after much trouble and many dangers, and, as a reward of his services, was
+appointed to the government of that province by the king of Spain. On
+receiving intelligence of the riches of the newly discovered empire of
+Peru, Alvarado solicited permission from the emperor Don Carlos to be
+permitted to undertake the conquest of some part of that country, beyond
+the bounds that had been granted to Pizarro, and received a patent to that
+effect. Having received authority for this purpose, while he was making
+preparations for the expedition, he sent one of his officers, named
+Garcias Holguin, with two ships to examine the coast of Peru, and to gain
+some precise intelligence respecting its actual state. From the report of
+Holgum respecting the immense quantities of gold which the governor Don
+Francisco Pizarro had found in that country, Alvarado was encouraged to
+proceed in his enterprize; flattering himself, that while Pizarro and his
+troops were occupied at Caxamarca, he might be able to acquire possession
+of Cuzco[28], which he considered as beyond the two hundred and fifty
+leagues which had been assigned as the extent of the government conferred
+upon Pizarro. For the better execution of his design, and lest
+reinforcements might be sent from Nicaragua to Pizarro, he came by sea to
+that place one night, where he made himself master of two large ships
+which had been fitted out there expressly for the purpose of carrying a
+large reinforcement of men and horses to Peru. In these two ships, and in
+those which he brought with him from Guatimala, Alvarado set sail with
+five hundred men, cavalry and infantry, and landed on the coast of South
+America at the harbour of Puerto Viejo.
+
+From Puerto Viejo, Alvarado marched almost due east with his army,
+crossing those mountains which separate the plain country of Guayaquil
+from the table land of Quito, which the Spaniards call the _Arcabucos_,
+being thickly covered with brushwood, but over which the road is tolerably
+easy and only moderately steep, being almost under the equator. In this
+march his men suffered extremely from hunger and thirst, as the country
+through which they went was very barren, and had neither springs nor
+rivulets. The only relief they could procure was from certain large canes
+as thick as a mans leg, in each of the joints of which they usually found
+rather more than a quart of excellent water. They were so much distressed
+by famine on this march as to be under the necessity of eating several of
+their horses, the flesh of which sold so high that a dead horse brought
+more money on this occasion than he had cost when living. Besides thirst
+and famine, they were very much distressed during a considerable part of
+the way by quantities of hot ashes falling upon them, which they
+afterwards learnt were thrown up by a volcano in the neighbourhood of
+Quito, which burns with such violence that its ashes are often carried by
+the wind to the distance of eighty leagues, and its noise like prodigious
+thunder is sometimes heard at a hundred leagues from Quito. In the whole
+march, which was nearly under the equinoctial line, the troops of Alvarado
+found everywhere abundance of emeralds. After a long and difficult march
+through these _arcabucos_, where they were for the most part obliged to
+cut their way through the thick brushwood by means of axes and their
+swords, they came at length to a high chain of mountains covered with snow,
+over which it was necessary to pass. In this difficult and dangerous
+passage by an extremely narrow road, it snowed almost continually, and the
+cold was so extremely severe, that although every one put on all the
+clothes they had along with them, more than sixty men perished from the
+extreme severity of the weather. One of the soldiers happened to be
+accompanied by his wife and two young children, and seeing them entirely
+worn out with fatigue, while he was unable to assist them, he preferred to
+remain with them and perish, although he might have saved himself. At
+length, after infinite toil and danger, they found that they had reached
+the top of the mountain, and began joyfully to descend into the lower
+grounds of the kingdom of Quito. It is true that in this country they
+found other high mountains covered likewise with snow, as the province is
+entirely surrounded and interspersed with mountains; but then there are
+many temperate vallies among these mountains, which are well peopled and
+cultivated. About this time, so great a quantity of snow melted suddenly
+on one of these mountains, producing such prodigious torrents of water,
+that the valley and village of _Contiega_ were entirely overwhelmed and
+inundated. These torrents bring down immense quantities of stones, and
+even vast fragments of rock, with as much ease as if they were only pieces
+of cork.
+
+It has been already said that Almagro had left Benalcazar in the
+government of Quito, meaning to return to Cuzco, because no intelligence
+had reached him of the motions of Alvarado; and mention has been made of
+his having reduced certain rocks and fortresses into which the Indians of
+Quito had retired to defend themselves. This had occupied him so long,
+that Alvarado had penetrated into the province of Quito before Almagro had
+returned into the south of Peru, being still employed in reducing the
+southern districts of Quito. He received the first intelligence of the
+arrival of Alvarado while reducing the province of _Liribamba_[29], for
+which purpose he had to pass a considerable river with much difficulty and
+danger, as the Indians had destroyed the bridges, and waited on the other
+side of the river to attack him while passing. He defeated them, though
+with much difficulty, as the Indians were very numerous, and their wives
+fought as bravely as the men, being very expert in slinging stones. In
+this engagement the head cacique of the Indians was made prisoner, and
+from him Almagro got the first intelligence of the arrival of Alvarado,
+who was then only at the distance of about sixty miles, employed in
+reducing an Indian fortress into which one of the captains of the Indians
+had retired, whose name was Zopazopaqui. On receiving this news, Almagro
+sent seven horsemen to inquire into its truth, and to bring him exact
+information of the strength and intentions of Alvarado. These were all
+made prisoners by the troops of Alvarado, who liberated them some time
+afterwards. Alvarado advanced with his troops within less than twenty
+miles of the camp of Almagro, who, considering the great superiority in
+number possessed by Alvarado, formed the resolution of returning to Cuzco
+with an escort of twenty-five horse, and to leave the remainder of his
+troops under Benalcazar for the defence of the country.
+
+At this time, Philipillo, the Indian interpreter who has been already
+mentioned as the cause of the death of Atahualpa, fearing to incur the
+punishment of his treachery, fled from the camp of Almagro to that of
+Alvarado, taking along with him a principal Peruvian cacique. These men
+had concerted with most of the Peruvian _curacas_ or chiefs who
+accompanied Almagro, to hold themselves and their people in readiness to
+abandon him and to join Alvarado at the earliest notice sent them for that
+purpose. Immediately on his arriving in the presence of Alvarado,
+Philipillo offered to make him master of the whole country, informing him
+at the same time of the design of Almagro to retire to Cuzco, and that if
+he chose to attack him without delay he might easily make him prisoner, as
+he had only about eighty horsemen and a hundred and fifty infantry. On
+this advice, Alvarado marched immediately to attack Almagro, whom he found
+at Liribamba, resolved to defend himself bravely, and to die fighting
+rather than fly. Almagro had thrown up intrenchments for his defence,
+having divided his small party into two bands, one of which he commanded
+in person, and placed the other under the command of Benalcazar. Alvarado
+marched up with his troops in order of battle; but when just on the point
+of commencing the attack, certain propositions of peace were made, and a
+truce was agreed upon for the rest of the day and the following night, on
+purpose to agree upon conditions[30]. In a conferrence for this purpose,
+an agreement was entered into, which was greatly forwarded by a licentiate
+named Caldera. It was agreed that Almagro should pay to Alvarado 100,000
+pesos, or 2000 marks of gold[31], as an equivalent for the expences he had
+incurred in fitting out his expedition, and that the two commanders should
+go together to Pizarro, for the purpose of procuring the necessary funds
+for payment of this agreement. The conditions were kept secret, lest the
+companions of Alvarado might prevent their execution, as their interest
+had been entirely overlooked in this agreement. It was therefore given out
+that Alvarado was to embark with his people to make farther discovery of
+the country, leaving that part which was already occupied and conquered by
+the Spaniards, and permission was given to all who thought proper that
+they might remain at Quito with Benalcazar. A considerable number of the
+followers of Alvarado availed themselves of this permission, and others
+accompanied him and Almagro to Pachacamac, where they were informed
+Pizarro had gone from Xauxa expressly to receive them. Before leaving the
+province of Quito, Almagro ordered the _curaca_ who deserted from him
+along with Philipillo to be burnt alive, and would have treated the
+interpreter in the same manner, but Alvarado interceded for him, and
+obtained his pardon.
+
+While Almagro and Alvarado were on their march from the province of Quito
+for Pachacamac, the _curaca_ or chief of the Cagnares, informed them that
+the Peruvian general Quizquiz had assembled an army of above 12,000 men,
+with which he had collected all the people and cattle of the country
+between and Xauxa, and intended attacking them on their march. This chief
+added, that if they would delay their march for some time, he would
+contrive a plan for delivering Quizquiz into their hands. Almagro was not
+disposed to put too much confidence in this proposal, and continued his
+journey. On arriving in the province of _Chaparra_[32], they unexpectedly
+fell in with above two thousand Peruvian warriors commanded by a curaca
+named Sotaurco. This was the advanced guard of Quizquiz, whose main body
+was two or three days march in the rear. Quizquiz had a similar detachment
+at a considerable distance on his left flank, on purpose to raise
+contributions of provisions from the inhabitants of the country for the
+subsistence of his army; and had besides a rear guard of three or four
+thousand warriors, two days march behind. The main body under his own
+immediate command escorted all the cattle which had been collected on the
+march, and great numbers of prisoners, so that his whole army occupied a
+space of above sixty miles of country.
+
+Sotaurco, the commander of the Peruvian vanguard, endeavoured to gain
+possession of a defile or pass in the mountains, by which he supposed the
+Spaniards intended to march; but Almagro not only prevented the execution
+of that project by seizing the pass, but even made Sotaurco prisoner. From
+him Almagro was informed of the order of march observed by Quizquiz, and
+determined to make a forced march with all his cavalry to attack him. In
+this march, at a steep stoney pass near a river which it was necessary to
+pass, most of the horses lost their shoes; and as it was in the night, the
+Spaniards had to replace them as well as they could by the light of fires
+and candles. Being afraid lest Quizquiz might be informed of their
+approach by some of the natives of the country, Almagro continued his
+march with all possible expedition, and towards the evening of the second
+day of his march he came in sight of the Peruvian camp.
+
+Immediately on seeing the Spaniards, Quizquiz withdrew to some distance
+with all the women and people who were unfit for battle, and placed his
+troops in a post of very difficult access under the command of _Huaypalca_,
+a brother of the late inca Atahualpa. Almagro advanced without hesitation
+to attack them, although the horses were so weary that they were hardly
+able to move though led mostly by the soldiers; besides which the
+Peruvians rolled down upon them from the mountain great quantities of
+large stones and fragments of rock. In spite of every obstacle, the
+Spaniards made their way to the post occupied by Huaypalca, which they
+attacked both in front and flank, and forced him to retire among the steep
+rocks, where he defended himself till night, and then drew off under cover
+of the darkness to rejoin Quizquiz. Sometime afterwards, it was learnt
+that the detached party of Peruvians which marched on the left of Quizquiz,
+had made prisoners of fourteen Spaniards, all of whom they put to death.
+Almagro, in continuing his march, was opposed by the Peruvian rear-guard
+at the passage of a river, so that he was unable to get over for a whole
+day. Besides occupying the opposite bank of the river, the Peruvians had
+taken possession of a very high mountain immediately above the place
+occupied by the Spaniards, so that they were unable to attack the enemy
+without exposing themselves to great danger; and indeed a good many of the
+Spaniards were wounded, among whom Alfonso de Alvarado was pierced quite
+through the thigh by a javelin, and another officer of rank was severely
+wounded. The Peruvians kept firm all night, but in the morning they
+abandoned their post on the banks of the river, leaving the passage free
+for the Spaniards. The Indians had burnt all the baggage which they could
+not carry off, but above 15,000 Peruvian sheep were found in their camp,
+and more than four thousand Indian men and women, of those whom Quizquiz
+had made prisoners, who now voluntarily surrendered themselves to the
+Spaniards. The Peruvian warriors had retired to a strong post on the top
+of a mountain, where Almagro did not think fit to attack them, as he was
+desirous to continue his march to the south.
+
+On their arrival at San Miguel, Almagro sent the Captain Diego de Mora to
+Puerto Viejo, to take the charge of the vessels belonging to Alvarado, who
+likewise sent Garcias de Holguin on his part, that this measure might be
+executed amicably according to agreement. After giving all the necessary
+orders at San Miguel, and having provided his own men and those of
+Alvarado with arms, money, and clothes, he and Alvarado continued their
+journey towards Pachacamac. In the course of this march, he left Captain
+Martin Astete to build and settle a town now called Truxillo, in a
+convenient situation on the coast, in pursuance of orders to that effect
+from the governor Don Francisco Pizarro.
+
+About this time Quizquiz, having continued his march towards Quito, had
+his advanced guard attacked and defeated by one of the officers belonging
+to Benalcazar. Quizquiz was much afflicted by this loss, and knew not well
+what to do or how to conduct himself. The curacas or native chiefs in his
+army advised him to make his peace with Benalcazar; but he would not
+listen to this proposal, even threatening to put them to death if they
+ever mentioned such a thing again, and ordered them to prepare for
+returning into Peru. But, as they were in want of provisions, and had no
+hopes of procuring any in the retreat which Quizquiz meditated, several of
+the _curacas_, at the head of whom was Huaypalca, remonstrated with him
+that it was better to die like brave men in battle against the Spaniards,
+than to retreat as he desired and to die of famine in a desert country. As
+Quizquiz gave a very unsatisfactory answer to this remonstrance, Huaypalca
+gave him a thrust in the breast with his lance, and all the other curacas
+fell upon him with their clubs and axes, cutting him to pieces. After this
+they dismissed the troops, allowing every one to go where he pleased.
+
+On the arrival of Almagro and Alvarado at Pachacamac, they were joyfully
+received by the governor, who had come there from Xauxa to meet them.
+Pizarro honourably fulfilled the entire agreement which Almagro had made
+with Alvarado, by the payment of the stipulated sum of 100,000 gold pesos;
+though several persons remonstrated against paying so large a sum, and
+alleged that Almagro had been constrained to enter into the agreement by
+necessity, and that Alvarado, instead of receiving so much money, deserved
+to be sent prisoner into Spain, for having invaded the government
+belonging to another person. After receiving the money, Alvarado returned
+quietly to his government of Guatimala[33].
+
+After the departure of Alvarado, the governor Pizarro began the
+establishment of a colony or settlement in the district of Pachacamac,
+which he named _Ciudad de los Reyes_, or the City of the Kings, otherwise
+called Lima, to which place he removed the colonists whom he had formerly
+established at Xauxa or Jauja; as the situation of Lima appeared to him
+exceedingly well calculated for trade, being near the sea[34]. From that
+place, Almagro went with a considerable force to Cuzco, and Pizarro
+visited Truxillo on purpose to place that colony on a proper footing, by
+making an equitable repartition of the lands and Indians among the
+colonists.
+
+While at Truxillo, Pizarro received information that Almagro was inclined
+to take possession of the city of Cuzco, having been apprized by Ferdinand
+Pizarro, who was sent to Spain, that his majesty had appointed him a
+separate government extending a hundred leagues beyond the boundaries
+which had been assigned to Pizarro, and which Almagro alleged were
+considerably to the north of Cuzco. Juan and Gonzalo Pizarro, brothers of
+the governor, who were then in Cuzco, and several other persons of
+consideration, vigorously opposed Almagro and Hernando Soto, who took the
+part of Almagro, and a civil war seemed on the point of breaking out: But
+Almagro was unable to succeed in his design, as the great majority of the
+senators or members of the Cabildo took the part of the governor and his
+brothers. Immediately on receiving intelligence of these disputes, Pizarro
+posted with all expedition to Cuzco, where he soon re-established
+tranquillity by his presence. He pardoned Almagro, who was much ashamed of
+having occasioned so much confusion by attempting a matter of such high
+importance on such slight grounds as a mere hearsay or report. The ancient
+friendship and association between Pizarro and Almagro was renewed, and it
+was agreed that Almagro should go with a military force on discovery to
+the south, and if he found any country worth taking possession of, that
+the associates were to use their joint interest at the court of Spain to
+procure the government of it for him; but, if no good country were to be
+found, the government of Peru was then to be divided between Pizarro and
+Almagro. This agreement was solemnly ratified by oath upon the consecrated
+host, pledging themselves never to attempt in future to do any thing
+contrary to the interests of each other. Some have said that Almagro, on
+this occasion, swore that he would never make any future attempt upon
+Cuzco, or any part of the country to the distance of a hundred and thirty
+leagues to the south of that city, even in the event of being named by the
+king to to its government; and they add, that in addressing himself on
+this occasion to the holy body of Christ, he used these words, "If I
+should violate the oath which I now make, I pray, O Lord! that thou mayest
+punish and confound me in body and soul."
+
+After this solemn agreement; Almagro prepared everything for his departure,
+and accordingly set out with above five hundred men, as shall be related
+in the next section. Pizarro returned to Lima, whence he sent Alfonso de
+Alvarado to conquer the country of the Chachapoyas, which is in the
+mountainous region of Peru about sixty leagues from Truxillo. This officer
+and his followers encountered much difficulty and labour in this
+enterprize, in which they at length succeeded, by forming establishments
+and reducing the inhabitants to submission; after which, the government of
+the province was conferred upon Alvarado, by whom the conquest had been
+effected.
+
+
+[1] With regard to this person, the original French translator makes the
+    following observation: "Perhaps this is the person named Hernando de
+    Luque at the beginning of the first section, who is said to have been
+    one of the original adventurers in the enterprize. If so, the name of
+    de Luque on the former occasion may be an error of the press."--It
+    must be observed however, that Garcilasso de la Vega names the third
+    person of the original fraternity Hernando de Luque, and makes no
+    mention whatever of Ponce de Leon.--E.
+
+[2] Neither Zarate nor Garcilasso mention the number of troops embarked on
+    this expedition, but we learn from Robertson, II. 206, that the whole
+    armament consisted of 180 soldiers, 36 of whom were horsemen.--E.
+
+[3] According to Robertson, II. 293, Pizarro landed in the bay of St
+    Matthew. The distance of 100 Spanish leagues from Tumbez, mentioned by
+    Garcilasso as the intended place of landing, would lead us to the Rio
+    de Santjago in lat. 1° S. on the coast of Tacames or Esmeraldas.
+    Garcilasso says that Pizarro had two vessels, which he immediately
+    sent back to Panama. But these seem to have accompanied the march of
+    Pizarro to Coaque.--E.
+
+[4] From the sequel, this place appears to have been in the province of
+    Tacames.--E.
+
+[5] A species of gold coin worth 14 reals 18 maravedies. Garcilasso says
+    that Pizarro sent 24000 or 25000 ducats of gold to Almagro, part of
+    which was plunder, and part received in ransom for prisoners.--E.
+
+[6] In making this small progress the whole of the year 1531 had been
+    employed, and the year 1532 was already begun before Pizarro left
+    Coaque.--Roberts. H. of Amer. II. 288.
+
+[7] Perhaps that now called Mancora, intermediate between the river of
+    Tumbez and that of Piura. In this route Pizarro had to cross a
+    mountainous district, not mentioned by Zarate, called the hills of
+    Castro, Aguarro, and Pachini--E.
+
+[8] Garcillasso suspects that this message must have come from some
+    _curaca_ in the interest of Huascar, who was then a prisoner to
+    Atahualpa.--E.
+
+[9] San Miguel stands on the river Piuru, which runs into the sea upwards
+    of forty miles farther south than the Chira. This colony being
+    intended for a harbour to receive reinforcements, was probably first
+    established at the mouth of the river, where Sechura now stands. The
+    present town of San Miguel is near thirty miles from the sea--E.
+
+[10] In this adventurous march into the interior of an extensive empire,
+    the forces commanded by Pizarro, who had now received several
+    reinforcements, consisted of 62 horsemen and 102 foot soldiers, twenty
+    of whom were armed with cross-bows, and only three carried muskets or
+    rather matchlocks.--Robertson, H. of Amer. II. 295. He appears also to
+    have had two small field-pieces.--E.
+
+[11] This envoy would assuredly bring some other message; and accordingly
+    Robertson, II. 296, says that he offered an alliance, and a friendly
+    reception at Caxamarca. Garcilasso gives a long and vague account of
+    the object of this message, and enumerates many articles of provisions
+    and curiosities, and some rich presents of gold and silver dishes and
+    vases which were sent on this occasion by Atahualpa to Pizarro.--E.
+
+[12] Robertson, II. 299, suppresses all mention of any hostile intentions
+    on the part of Atahualpa.--E.
+
+[13] Robertson, note cxxx, justly observes, that the extravagant and
+    absurd discourse of Valverde, of which that given by Zarate in the
+    text is an epitome, is merely a translation or paraphrase of a form,
+    concerted in 1509 by a junto of Spanish lawyers and divines, for
+    directing the office employed in the New World how to take possession
+    of any new country.--E.
+
+[14] In this engagement, or massacre rather, according to one Spanish
+    writer 2000 Peruvians were slain, while another author swells the
+    number to six or seven thousand, and a third says five thousand. Of
+    the Spaniards not one was even hurt except the general Pizarro, who
+    was wounded in the hand by one of his own soldiers.--Roberts. Hist. of
+    America. II. 302. and note cxxxi.
+
+[15] Considerable even as this sum appears, it seems too small for the
+    sovereign of so vast an empire which abounded so much in gold; yet we
+    have no means of correcting the amount. Garcilasso however mentions
+    one piece of goid plate found in the baths of Atahualpa after the
+    battle worth 100,000 ducats; but his work is so strange a farrago of
+    confusion and absurdity as to bear very little authority.--E.
+
+[16] The omission of the length and breadth of this room by Zarate, is
+    supplied by Robertson, ii. 503, from the other original Spanish
+    authors, who say the room was 22 feet long by 16 feet broad. The reach
+    of Atahualpa could not be less than. 7-1/2 feet, 2640 cubic feet of
+    gold, even heaped up of hollow vessels, must have produced a most
+    astonishing value of that precious metal; but there are no data on
+    which to calculate the numerical value of this imperial ransom, which
+    the Spaniards certainly meant to accept, but would never have
+    fulfilled the alternative.--E.
+
+[17] The sum in the text is quite vaguely expressed; perhaps pieces of
+    eight reals, or dollars.--E.
+
+[18] At 17-1/2 leagues to the degree, this government accorded to Pizarro,
+    would have reached from about Tacames to the lat. of 11° 25' S.
+    whereas the kingdom of Peru extends to lat. 21° 35' S. and its most
+    valuable and richest provinces would have fallen to the share of
+    Almagro.--E.
+
+[19] This expression is entirely vague, and does not even say which
+    governor is meant. We shall see afterwards that this project of
+    Almagro to appropriate the southern part of Peru took place at a
+    subsequent period, and involved the recent conquest in long and
+    destructive civil wars.--E.
+
+[20] Reckoning the mark at _eight_ ounces, the gold at L.4, and the silver
+    at 5s 6d. per oz. this royal fifth would come to L.108,000, and the
+    whole treasure to five times that sum, or L.540,000. But as the
+    precious metals were then worth at least _six_ times as much as now,
+    or would purchase _six_ times the amount of labour or necessaries,
+    this first fruit of the conquest of Peru exceeded the value of three
+    millions sterling.--E.
+
+[21] Of this tragical event, the illustrious Historian of America, gives a
+    somewhat different account, II. 310, from Herrera and Garcilasso de la
+    Vega; which, as much too long for a note, is subjoined in the text to
+    the narrative of Zarate, and distinguished by inverted commas.--E.
+
+[22] Probably the district now called Jauja: as the x and j have nearly
+    the same sound in Spanish with the aspirated Greek xi.--E.
+
+[23] Apparently Guancavelica, in which is the town of Vilca-bamba.--E.
+
+[24] This name of _Paul_ could hardly be Peruvian. Manco Capac, a full
+    brother of Huascar, had been recognized as Inca at Cuzco; perhaps the
+    person named Paul by Zarate, is the same prince who is called Paullu
+    by Gardilasso, and may have received that name in baptism at an after
+    period.--E.
+
+[25] This it probably an error of the press for _Condesugo_. To the south
+    of Cusco, and in the plain of Peru, there are two contiguous districts
+    named the Condesuyos of Arequipa and Cusco, which are probably the
+    province alluded to in the text. The term seems Spanish; but it is not
+    unusual with Zarate to substitute posterior names to those of the
+    period concerning which he writes.--E.
+
+[26] This paragraph is added from the history of America, II. 313, to the
+    text of Zarate, as necessary to account for the subsequent operations
+    of Pizarro, after the secession of a considerable part of his original
+    followers.--E.
+
+[27] Tumbez seems here substituted by mistake for Payta. San Miguel is not
+    less than 130 miles from Tumbez, and only about 30 from Payta--E.
+
+[28] From the subsequent operations of Alvarado, this seems an error of
+    the press for Quito.--E.
+
+[29] Probably that now called Riobamba by the Spaniards, about 100 miles
+    south from Quito.--E.
+
+[30] Garcilasso says that the soldiers of both armies, being mostly
+    natives of Estremedura, mixed together without permission of their
+    officers, and made propositions of peace and amity, by which the
+    generals were in a great measure forced to an agreement.
+
+[31] Two thousand marks of gold of eight ounces each, and the ounce at
+    four pound Sterling are worth L.64,000, perhaps equivalent to near
+    L.460,000 of modern money.--E.
+
+[32] Perhaps that now called Xibarros, in the south of the kingdom of
+    Quito.--E.
+
+[33] According to Garcilosso, Pizarro made an additional free gift to
+    Alvarado of 20,000 gold pesos to defray the expence of his voyage back
+    to his government, with emeralds and turquoises to a considerable
+    value, and several articles of gold plate for the use of his table.--E.
+
+[34] Lima or Los Reyes is built on the banks of a river named Rimac or
+    Limac by the Peruvians, whence its ordinary name of Lima. It is about
+    ten miles from the sea, having a port named Callao at the mouth of the
+    river. This city got the name of _the City of the Kings_; either from
+    its foundation being laid on the 18th of January 1535, on the festival
+    of the _three kings_; or in honour of Juana and Carlos, joint
+    sovereigns of Castile.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION III.
+
+_Occurrences from the departure of Almagro for Chili, to his capture by
+Pizarro, being the first part of the civil wars in Peru_.
+
+
+Inconsequence of the agreement between Pizarro and Almagro, which was
+ratified on the 12th of June 1535, Almagro soon afterwards set out upon
+the proposed discovery and conquest at the head of five hundred and
+seventy men, partly cavalry and part infantry; for so great were the hopes
+of acquiring riches in this expedition, that several who had already
+acquired establishments in Peru, abandoned their houses, lands, and
+Indians, to follow the fortunes of Almagro[1]. Juan, de Saavedra was sent
+on before the main body of the army with a detachment of a hundred men;
+and, in the course of his march through that province which has since been
+called _Los Charcas_, he met with some Indians on their road from Chili to
+Peru, who were going to pay their homage to the Inca. Almagro having along
+with him a body of two hundred men, both horse and foot, made a march of
+two hundred and fifty leagues, reducing the whole country in his way, till
+he arrived in the district of the _Chichas_, where he learnt that he was
+followed by a body of fifty Spaniards commanded by Niguerol de Ulloa.
+Almagro commanded that party to join him, and continued his march towards
+Chili, which is 350 leagues beyond the province, of Chichas, reducing all
+the tribes on his route to submission. Almagro halted at this place with
+half his troops, and sent on the rest under Gomez de Aivarado, who
+proceeded sixty leagues farther; but was forced to return to Almagro, in
+consequence of the severity of the weather.
+
+After the departure of Almagro from Cuzco, the Inca Manco Capac and his,
+brother Villaoma entered into a plot for massacring all the Spaniards in
+Peru on a certain day. Manco Capac had engaged execute to that part of the
+conspiracy which had for its object the destruction of Almagro and his
+troops, but which he was unable to accomplish. What was done by his
+brother will be related afterwards. Philipillo, the Peruvian interpreter
+who has been formerly mentioned, was acquainted with this conspiracy, on
+which account he made his escape from Almagro, and being pursued and taken
+was condemned to be quartered. Before his execution, he confessed that he
+had unjustly procured the death of Atahualpa, that he might thereby secure
+to himself one of the wives of that unhappy prince, of whom he was
+enamoured.
+
+About two months after the arrival of Almagro in Chili, one of his
+captains named Ruy Dias came to him with a reinforcement of a hundred men,
+and informed him that all the natives of Peru had revolted and had
+massacred most of the Spaniards in that country. Almagro was much grieved
+at this intelligence, and resolved immediately to return, that he might
+chastise the revolters and restore the country to obedience; meaning
+afterwards to send one of his captains with a sufficient force to reduce
+Chili. He accordingly set out on his return, and was met on his way by
+Rodrigo Orgognez, who brought him a reinforcement of twenty-five men, and
+was soon afterwards joined by Juan de Herrada with a farther reinforcement
+of a hundred. Herrada brought him likewise the letters patent of the king,
+by which he was appointed governor of two hundred leagues of country
+beyond the boundaries assigned to Pizarro. This new government which was
+granted to Almagro was directed to be named the New Kingdom of Toledo, and
+that of Pizarro, the New Kingdom of Castille. Having said at the
+commencement of this section, that Almagro carried with him from Cuzco on
+this expedition a force of 570 Spanish troops; it must be remarked that
+such was his intention, but that in reality he had only 200 men along with
+him, after which his army was made up nearly to the intended number by the
+different reinforcements of which we have made mention.
+
+In the march of Almagro into Chili, his army suffered excessive hardships
+from hunger and thirst. Besides their other fatigues, they had often to
+encounter Indians of great stature, clothed in the skins of sea-wolves and
+seals, who used the bow and arrow with great strength and address. But the
+most severe circumstance during this march was the intense cold which they
+encountered in passing over some mountains covered with snow. In
+particular, several of the soldiers belonging to Ruy Dias and a good many
+horses were frozen to death; and so excessive was the cold, that when
+Almagro returned towards Cuzco five months afterwards, several of the
+bodies of those who had been frozen to death were found upright and
+leaning against the rocks, still holding the bridles of their horses,
+which were likewise frozen, and their flesh still remained as sweet and
+uncorrupted as if they had only just expired, insomuch that the troops
+used the flesh of these horses as food on their return to Peru. In some
+parts of these deserts where there was no snow, the Spaniards were reduced
+to great straits from want of water; on which account they had to make
+bags or leather bottles of the skins of sheep, in which to carry water for
+their supply.
+
+It is proper to remark, that the Peruvian sheep are much larger animals
+than those of Europe, and are used as beasts of burden. They resemble in
+some measure the camel in their shape, except that they have no hunches on
+their backs, and are able to carry a load of a hundred pounds or more,
+with which they are able to travel four or five leagues a-day. The
+Spaniards even sometimes rode on their backs. When fatigued, they
+immediately lie down, and it is impossible to make them rise again by any
+means whatever, neither blows nor kindness are of any avail, and it
+becomes necessary to unload them. When a person rides on one of these
+animals, and endeavours to urge it on when weary, it turns round its head
+towards the man, blowing upon him a most offensive breath mixed with a
+kind of stinking dew, which seems to proceed from the contents of its
+stomach. This is a most useful and profitable animal, as besides serving
+as a beast of burden, its wool is excellent and very fine; more especially
+that species which is called _pacas_, which has very long wool. These
+animals are supported at very little expence while on a journey, requiring
+only a very small allowance of maize, and they can subsist four or five
+days without drinking. Their flesh is well tasted and wholesome, and equal
+to the best fat mutton of Spain; and it is accordingly sold in all the
+butcher-markets of Peru. At the first settlement of the Spaniards in this
+country, before the establishment of regular markets, when any person
+killed one of these sheep, his neighbours used to participate, and they in
+their turns killed others, and divided them among the neighbours.
+
+In some of the level plains of Peru there is a species of ostrich, which
+is taken in the following manner. Several horsemen place themselves in
+ambush, while others likewise on horseback pursue the ostriches and
+endeavour to drive them towards their companions who are concealed. These
+birds, although they are unable to rise in flight into the air, go with
+astonishing swiftness, partly by running, and partly by means of short
+flights close to the ground, insomuch that a man on horseback is
+altogether unable to get up with them, so that it requires stratagem to
+kill or take them alive.
+
+In Chili there are some rivers which have water only during the day, and
+are entirely dry during the night. This is owing to the heat of the sun
+melting the snow on the mountains by day, by which temporary rivers, or
+torrents rather, are formed by day, which cease again at night when the
+cold puts a stop to the melting of the snow. When we have got about 500
+leagues along the coast from Peru towards the south, or in the lat. of
+about 30° S. rain is often met with, and the winds are no longer so
+regular as nearer the line, but blow sometimes one way and sometimes
+another, as in Spain and other countries of Europe. Chili is a tolerably
+well peopled country, and resembles Peru in being divisible into two
+districts, the plain and the mountain, and its coast is considerably more
+indented by gulfs and bays than that of Peru[2]. It enjoys the
+vicissitudes of summer and winter nearly as in Spain, but at opposite
+times of the year, the winter of Chili being at the same time with the
+Spanish summer, and vice versa. The pole seen from that country, which is
+directly opposite our _Arctic_ or north pole, is only marked by a kind of
+small white cloud or nebula, which is seen after sunset in that direction
+in which astronomers have placed the antartic or south pole. There is
+likewise seen a constellation of seven stars, four of them being in form
+of a cross, followed by three others, resembling the lesser bear of the
+astronomers which turns round the north polar star. These seven stars near
+the south pole are situated somewhat like those of the _ursa minor_,
+except that the four which form the cross are nearer each other than those
+of the north pole which are seen in our hemisphere. Our north pole is lost
+sight of somewhat less than 200 leagues to the south of Panama, under the
+equator; from whence, or a little beyond, on either side of the line,
+these two constellations may be seen when they rise a little above the
+poles of the horizon. On the south side of the equinoctial line,
+navigators are only able to see the four stars near the antarctic pole
+which form the cross, until they reach the _thirtieth_ degree of south
+latitude, after which they get sight of the other three stars which form
+this constellation.
+
+The change in the length of the days and nights in Chili is nearly the
+same as in Spain, only the longest day in Chili is at that time of the
+year when Spain has the day shortest. In Peru and Tierra firma and
+generally in all places near the equinoctial line, the days and nights are
+always equal or nearly so during the whole year. Even at Lima and other
+places the difference is so small as hardly to be noticed. The natives of
+Chili are clothed nearly in the same manner with the Peruvians, and use
+the same kind of food. The inhabitants, both men and women, are tolerably
+well looked. They are governed by great lords, who make war against each
+other, and some of whom are able to bring 200,000 men into the field. One
+of these lords at this time was named _Leuchengorma_, who possessed an
+island about two leagues from the coast which was consecrated to his idols,
+in which was a temple ministered to by two thousand priests. The subjects
+of Leuchengorma informed the Spaniards, that there was a great province
+about fifty leagues farther on, situated between two rivers, which was
+entirely inhabited by women, who did not admit any men among them but at
+certain times, for the purpose of having children, and who sent all their
+sons to their fathers, reserving their daughters only to be brought up
+among themselves. They said farther, that these women were subjects of
+Leuchengorma, and were ruled over by a queen named _Guaboymilla_, which
+signifies _golden heaven_ in their language, and so named because her
+country produces a great quantity of gold. These women manufactured rich
+stuffs, in which, and in the gold produced in their country, they paid
+tribute to Leuchengorma. Although these things have often been spoken of,
+their truth has not as yet been ascertained by the discovery of the
+country, Almagro having made no establishment there. Of late, indeed,
+Pedro de Valdivia has been sent thither to establish some colonies, but he
+has never yet had a sufficient force for making discoveries, or for
+colonization, and has settled one colony only, which is placed about
+thirty-three degrees to the south of the equator[3].
+
+The whole coast of Chili is well peopled, as far as to the latitude of 40°
+south and still farther; which is known by one of the ships belonging to
+the fleet sent out by Don Gabriel de Carvajal bishop of Placentia, which
+passed through the straits of Magellan, and sailed along the whole western
+coast of South America from south to north, and at length reached the port
+belonging to Lima. This ship brought over the first rats ever seen in Peru,
+which have so multiplied since that there are plenty in every town of the
+whole country.
+
+These animals are named _ococha_ by the Peruvians, which word signifies
+having come from the sea.
+
+Soon after the departure of Almagro from Cuzco on his expedition to Chili,
+Ferdinand Pizarro returned from Spain, where his majesty made him a knight
+of the order of St Jago, with other advantages[4]. He had likewise
+obtained an enlargement of the government of his brother to a certain
+extent, and brought out with him a commission for Almagro to a new
+government.
+
+At this time Manco Capac, whom Pizarro had permitted to assume the nominal
+title of Inca of Peru, was detained a prisoner in the citadel of Cuzco, in
+consequence of the discovery of a conspiracy he had entered into with his
+brothers Paul and Villaoma to exterminate the Spaniards. Manco Capac wrote
+to Juan Pizarro, intreating to be set at liberty before the arrival of
+Ferdinand Pizarro at Cuzco; and Juan, who was then in the _Collao_
+endeavouring to reduce certain Indians who had retired into a strong place
+among rocks, sent orders to liberate the Inca. On the arrival of Ferdinand
+Pizarro at Cuzco, he treated Manco Capac with much respect, yet kept a
+constant guard over him, and it is believed that Ferdinand shewed great
+friendship for the Inca, in the hope of procuring gold from him, to send
+to the king of Spain or for his own use. Two months after the return of
+Ferdinand to Cuzco, Manco Capac solicited permission from Ferdinand to go
+into the district of _Jucaya_[5] on purpose to celebrate a solemn festival,
+promising on his return to present him with a statue of the late Huana
+Capac of solid gold as large as life. Ferdinand allowed him to attend this
+festival, which turned out merely the unravelment of the plot which had
+been formed at the time when Almagro began his march for Chili. Manco
+Capac gave immediate orders to put to death some Spaniards who
+superintended the working of the mines, and others who were travelling
+through the country on various affairs. He sent likewise one of his
+captains with a considerable body of troops against Cuzco, who by a sudden
+and unexpected attack got possession of the castle of that city. The
+Spaniards indeed retook it after six or seven days, yet not without hard
+fighting, in which they lost Juan Pizarro; who was killed by a stone which
+struck him on the head, at a time when he was unable to wear his helmet in
+consequence of a former wound. His death was much regretted by the
+Spaniards, being a brave man and much experienced in the manner of
+carrying on war with the Indians, and besides because his manners had made
+him beloved by every one.
+
+Notwithstanding the recapture of the castle of Cuzco by the Spaniards, the
+Inca brought a large army against the city, which he besieged for more
+than eight months, making frequent assaults on various parts of the works,
+chiefly during moon-light nights when the moon was full. Ferdinand Pizarro
+and his brothers, assisted by Gabriel de Roias, Hernand Ponce de Leon, Don
+Alfonso Enriquez, the treasurer Requelme, and other brave officers, made a
+resolute defence, and were almost perpetually under arms day and night, as
+the number of the garrison was exceedingly inadequate to the extent of the
+place and the multitude of assailants. As the Spaniards in Cuzco were
+aware that the insurrection was general over all Peru, they hardly doubted
+but the governor and all their other countrymen were cut off, so that they
+defended themselves as men who had no earthly hope of succour, depending
+only on the mercy of God and their own courage. Their small number was
+daily diminished, as hardly a day passed in which the Indians did not kill
+or wound some of their people. One time during the siege, Gonzalo Pizarro
+made a sally with twenty horsemen, and proceeded to the lake or marsh of
+Chinchero which is five leagues from Cuzco, where he was surrounded by so
+vast a force of Indians that he must inevitably have been made prisoner,
+had not Ferdinand Pizarro and Alfonso de Toro come up to his rescue with a
+body of horse. Gonzalo was much blamed on this occasion for having
+advanced so far among the enemy with so few men.
+
+We have already mentioned that Almagro had resolved to return into Peru
+and to make himself master of Cuzco, from the time that Juan de Herrada
+had brought him the commission by which he was appointed to a government
+beyond that assigned to Don Francisco Pizarro. The principal officers who
+were along with him, strongly urged him to this measure, particularly
+Gomez Alvarado and Diego Alvarado, brother and uncle of Don Pedro Alvarado
+the governor of Guatimala, and Rodrigo Orgognez; some of whom were eager
+to procure settlements in Peru, and others were desirous of gaining
+establishments in Chili. To succeed in their design, as reports of the
+insurrection in Peru had reached Chili, they instructed some Indian
+interpreters to inform Almagro that the governor Francisco Pizarro and
+most of the Spaniards in Peru had been slain by the Peruvians. Urged by
+all these considerations, Almagro marched back into Peru, and even arrived
+within six leagues of Cuzco without giving notice to Ferdinand Pizarro of
+his motions or intentions[6]. Almagro made overtures to the Inca Manco
+Capac for an accommodation, offering to forgive him all the injury he had
+already done to the Spaniards, in consideration of joining his party and
+assisting him to become master of Cuzco, of which he pretended that he had
+been appointed governor by the king of Spain. The Inca proposed an
+interview between them under pretence of settling the terms of an
+agreement, to which Almagro consented without suspecting any treachery,
+and went accordingly with a part only of his troops to the place appointed
+for the conference, leaving the rest of his force under the command of
+Juan de Saavedra. Taking advantage of this confidence, the Inca attacked
+Almagro by surprize with extreme fury, and even killed and wounded several
+of his men.
+
+In the mean time, Ferdinand Pizarro received notice of the arrival of
+Almagro, and that Juan de Saavedra was left at the village of Hurcos in
+command of the troops in the absence of Almagro. He went therefore from
+Cuzco at the head of an hundred and seventy of his best troops, in hope of
+being able to prevail on Saavedra and the rest to abandon the party of
+Almagro, or to fall upon them by surprize and make them prisoners. But
+Saavedra got timely notice of his approach, and drew up his forces,
+amounting to three hundred Spaniards, in an advantageous situation for his
+reception. When the two parties were just about to engage, Ferdinand
+Pizarro sent a message to Saavedra proposing a private interview, that
+they might endeavour to agree upon an accommodation, to which the other
+consented. As this conference was entirely between themselves, it is
+difficult to know with any certainty what passed; but it was reported that
+Ferdinand endeavoured to persuade Saavedra to join him with the troops
+under his command, for which he offered a large recompense in gold; but
+that Saavedra, like a man of honour, peremptorily refused to betray his
+general.
+
+On the return of Almagro from his affair with the Inca, he rejoined the
+troops under Saavedra, and marched for Cuzco with his whole force. While
+on the march, he made prisoners of four horsemen who had been sent out by
+Ferdinand Pizarro to reconnoitre, from whom he learnt all the particulars
+of the insurrection of the Peruvians, who had killed more than six hundred
+Spaniards, and had burnt down a great part of the city of Cuzco, on which
+news Almagro was very sensibly afflicted. He sent however, his patents as
+governor to the senators of the royal council or Cabildo of Cuzco, whom he
+urged to receive him as their governor; since, as he insisted, the bounds
+of the government assigned to Francisco Pizarro certainly did not include
+their city, and even fell considerably short of it to the north. In answer
+to this demand, the council made answer, that whenever the extent of the
+government belonging to Pizarro was accurately measured and determined,
+they would be ready to accede to his desires, provided their city was
+found to be beyond his limits. This subject was endeavoured to be settled
+at that time, and has been since tried to be ascertained by several
+experienced persons; but the manner in which this affair ought to be
+regulated has never been agreed upon between the two interested parties.
+The adherents of Almagro have always insisted, that the extent assigned by
+his majesty as the government of Pizarro, ought to be measured either
+along the sea coast or by the grand road of the Incas, taking into the
+account all the turnings and windings in either of these routes; by which
+means, in either of these ways not only the city of Cuzco, but even Lima
+according to the opinions of several persons, would be left out of the
+province of Pizarro. He on the other hand, insisted that the extent of
+country granted to him, ought to be measured in a straight line directly
+from north to south, without any angles or turnings, or by means of
+settling the degrees of latitude at the two extremities, allowing so many
+leagues to each degree.
+
+Ferdinand Pizarro offered to admit Almagro and his troops into Cuzco, and
+to assign them a particular quarter of the city for their residence, if he
+would agree to defer the dispute about the boundaries, till intelligence
+were sent to the governor Don Francisco Pizarro, then at Lima, that he
+might have it in his power to endeavour to fall upon some means of
+settling the difference between them in an amicable manner. It has been
+said by some, that a truce was agreed upon between them on these
+principles; and that on the faith of this truce, Ferdinand Pizarro allowed
+all the soldiers and inhabitants to retire to their quarters for rest and
+refreshment, after their long fatigues, having spent several days and
+nights continually under arms, without time to sleep or even to take
+proper food. It is farther said, that Almagro, being informed of this
+circumstance, made a night attack on Cuzco, in which he was aided by a
+thick mist, so that he got possession of the defences without being
+observed. Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro, awakened by the noise, flew to
+arms and defended their house, which was the first attacked, with the
+assistance of their servants; but as the enemy set it on fire in several
+places, they were forced to surrender. Next day, Almagro obliged the
+Cabildo to receive him as governor, and committed Ferdinand and Gonzalo
+Pizarro to prison. Several of his confidents even urged him to secure his
+conquest by putting the Pizarros to death; but he was chiefly dissuaded
+from this by the influence of Diego de Alvarado, who became responsible
+for them.
+
+It has been said that Almagro violated the truce which he had agreed to
+with Ferdinand Pizarro, in consequence of the false representations of
+several Indians and Spaniards, who told him that Ferdinand had ordered all
+the bridges to be broken down, and was employed in fortifying Cuzco
+against him. In proof of this, it is alleged that when Almagro was
+advancing to attack the city, and saw the bridges remained uninjured, he
+said aloud that he had been imposed on. The governor Don Francisco Pizarro
+did not receive any account of these events at Cuzco for a good many days
+afterwards. As the Inca Manco Capac had fled with a large body of Peruvian
+warriors to the high mountains of the Andes, Almagro invested his brother
+the _Inca Paul_[7] with the royal fringed fillet, appointing him nominal
+king of Peru.
+
+Among those things which Don Francisco Pizarro had solicited from his
+majesty in reward for his services in the discovery and conquest of Peru,
+he particularly requested the grant in perpetuity to him and his
+descendants of twenty thousand Indians in a province named _Atabillos_[8],
+with all the revenues, imposts, rights, and jurisdictions appertaining to
+them, together with the title of Marquis of that province. The king gave
+him the title of Marquis according to his desire; but in regard to the
+grant of Indians which he solicited, answered, that he must in the first
+place be better informed of the nature and circumstances of the country
+and its native institutions, before he could determine on that measure,
+but that Pizarro might rest assured of having every reasonable concession
+in his favour.
+
+On receiving information of the insurrection of the Peruvians around Cuzco
+under Manco Capac, Francisco Pizarro, now Marquis, sent several
+detachments of troops to the assistance of his brother Ferdinand at Cuzco,
+sometimes ten or fifteen only together, according as circumstances or
+convenience occurred, not believing the state of affairs to be so
+hazardous as it was in reality[9]. The Peruvians having accurate
+information of the march of these detachments, occupied the difficult
+passes of the mountains with parties of warriors, and succeeded on several
+occasions to defeat these small bodies, most of whom were slain. One
+considerable reinforcement of seventy horsemen, was sent by the Marquis
+from Truxillo and San Miguel under the command of Diego Pizarro, who was
+waylaid by the Peruvians at a difficult pass called the mountain of Parios,
+about fifty leagues from Cuzco, where he and his men were all slain. One
+Gonzalo de Tapia, who was brother-in-law to the Marquis, who went with a
+body of eighty horsemen, was likewise defeated and slain; and two other
+captains, named Morgoveio and Gaete, while endeavouring to pass the
+mountains to the relief of Cuzco, were treated in the same manner. Of all
+these different detachments, scarcely one man escaped, so that those who
+followed knew nothing of what happened to those who went before them. The
+enemy always attacked the Spaniards while engaged in marching through some
+deep and narrow valley among the mountains, occupying both ends of the
+valley by strong bodies of warriors, and rolling down great stones and
+masses of rock from the steep and high mountains on both sides of the
+valley, destroyed our men and horses in a miserable manner, often without
+fighting. In this way they at different times destroyed more than three
+hundred soldiers, and made themselves masters of their arms, besides
+acquiring considerable and valuable plunder in gold and jewels and silk
+dresses. Not knowing the fate of the former detachments, Francisco de
+Godoy was sent with a reinforcement of eighty men; but falling in with two
+of those who had belonged to the detachment under Gaete, who had escaped,
+he learnt from them what had happened, on which he immediately endeavoured
+to retreat from the mountain passes, in which he had considerable
+difficulty, as the Indians had already occupied the defiles in his rear.
+He made good his retreat however, followed and harassed by the Indians for
+more than twenty leagues, sometimes attacking him in the rear and at other
+times in the van, and at length got safe to Lima with much difficulty.
+About the same time the captain Diego de Aguero arrived at that place with
+some other Spaniards, who had saved themselves from the Indians, who had
+endeavoured to massacre them at their country residences.
+
+The marquis sent Pedro de Lerma at the head of eighty cavalry to drive
+away a numerous army of Peruvian warriors who had invaded the lower
+country in pursuit of Aguero. Lerma fought against these troops of the
+Inca a whole day, and at last forced them to take refuge in a strong place
+among steep rocks, where the Spaniards surrounded them. In this battle,
+Lerma lost several of his teeth, and several of his men were wounded, but
+none killed. The Indians were so exceedingly crowded together among the
+rocks to which they had retired, that they were unable to use their arms,
+insomuch that the Spaniards might probably have put an end to the war on
+this occasion, if the marquis had not sent them an order to retire. On
+seeing the retreat of their enemies, the Indians returned thanks to their
+gods for their escape from so great danger, and took post on a high
+mountain near the city of Lima on the other side of the river, whence they
+harassed the Spaniards by frequent skirmishes and attacks. The commander
+of these Indians was named Tyzogopangui, who had along with him one of the
+brothers of the Inca, whom the marquis had sent along with Gaete[10].
+While the Peruvians remained in the neighbourhood of Lima, skirmishing
+every day with the Spaniards, it often happened that the natives who were
+in the service of the Spaniards, who were called _Yanacones_, went during
+the day to their friends in the mountains, who gave them provisions, and
+returned at night to their masters.
+
+As he was in a manner besieged by so large a force of the enemy in Lima,
+the marquis concluded that his brothers and all the other Spaniards in
+Cuzco had certainly been slain, and that the insurrection was so general
+that the inhabitants of Chili had likewise destroyed Almagro and his army.
+In this emergency, both that his Spaniards might not expect to save
+themselves by sea, and to convince the Peruvians that he had no intention
+to leave the country, he sent off all his ships to Panama. At the same
+time he sent notice to the Viceroy of New Spain and all the other
+governors in America and the West Indies of the perilous state of affairs
+in Peru, intreating them to send him assistance. In these letters, he is
+said not to have shewn his usual firmness, and it is reported that this
+was occasioned by the earnest solicitations of many of those around him.
+He sent orders at the same time to the commandant of Truxillo to abandon
+that place, and to come to his assistance with all the armed men and
+horses he could collect, sending off the women and children and all their
+valuable effects to the province of Tierra firma. But before the execution
+of these orders, the captain Alfonso de Alvarado arrived at Truxillo with
+the troops he had taken along with him for the conquest of the province of
+the Chachapoyas, whence he had been recalled by orders from the marquis.
+Leaving a part of his troops for the defence of Truxillo, Alvarado marched
+with the rest to Lima, where the marquis appointed him lieutenant-general
+of his army, in place of Don Pedro de Lerma, who had hitherto enjoyed that
+office. This gave great offence to Lerma, and was the occasion of his
+revolt, as shall be mentioned in the sequel.
+
+As the marquis was now reinforced by a considerable number of troops, he
+thought himself in condition to send assistance to those parts which were
+in greatest danger, and detached therefore Alfonso Alvarado with three
+hundred horse and foot, who pillaged several districts with very little
+resistance from the Indians. But about four leagues from the city of
+Pachacamac, he was violently attacked by the Indians, whom he defeated
+with considerable slaughter; after which he continued his march towards
+Cuzco. On this march the army of Alvarado suffered great hardships in
+passing across a large extent of desert country, five hundred Indians who
+attended as servants perishing of thirst; and it is said that all the
+Spanish infantry must have died of thirst and fatigue, if they had not
+been relieved by the activity of the cavalry in bringing them water from a
+distance. After reaching the province of Jauja, Alvarado was joined by
+Gomez de Tordoya with two hundred horse and foot, who had been sent after
+him. His force being augmented to five hundred men by this reinforcement,
+Alvarado proceeded to the bridge of _Lumichaca_, where he was surrounded
+by a numerous army of hostile Indians. Having defeated these in battle, he
+continued his march to the bridge of Abancay[11], continually harassed by
+the Indians. At that place he learned that Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro
+had been imprisoned by Almagro, who had taken possession of Cuzco; on
+which he resolved to halt where he then was till he might receive precise
+orders from the marquis for his farther proceedings.
+
+When Almagro was informed of the arrival of Alfonso Alvarado at Abancay,
+he sent Diego Alvarado to wait upon him, attended by seven or eight
+horsemen, with orders to notify his commission as governor in these parts.
+Alfonso, after examining the commission, declared that he did not consider
+himself competent to decide upon an affair of such high importance, and
+that the documents ought to be communicated to the marquis. Almagro had
+come part of the way from Cuzco towards the camp of Alvarado, where he
+waited the return of his messenger; and not seeing him at the time he
+expected, he became afraid that Alvarado had detained him and might
+advance to Cuzco by another road. He returned therefore to Cuzco in all
+haste to provide for his defence. Learning the discontent of Lerma, on
+account of having been superseded in the command of the army by the
+marquis, and that he was disposed to come over to his side with eighty men,
+Almagro marched out from Cuzco with his troops a fortnight afterwards, and
+advanced towards the army of Alfonso Alvarado. While on the march, the
+advanced guard belonging to Almagro, by means of an ambush, made Pedro
+Alvarez Holguin prisoner, who had been sent out on discovery by Alvarado.
+On learning this circumstance, Alvarado meant to have arrested Pedro de
+Lerma, as he entertained suspicions that he was in correspondence with
+Almagro; but Lerma had previously escaped to the enemy, carrying along
+with him the signatures of all those who had joined him in the plot for
+deserting to Almagro.
+
+After the junction of Lerma, Almagro approached during the night to the
+bridge of Abancay with one part of his army, where he knew that Gomez de
+Tordoya and a son of Colonel Vilalva waited for him; and he detached at
+the same time a large body of his troops to a ford of the river, where
+those who had conspired in his favour along with Lerma had the guard. By
+these men the troops of Almagro were received as friends, so that they
+passed the river without opposition. Some of these conspirators contrived
+during the night to throw above fifty lances belonging to the cavalry of
+Alvarado into the river. Owing to all these circumstances, when Alvarado
+proposed next morning to have attacked the enemy, he found himself
+abandoned by the conspirators; and a considerable number of his own troops,
+not being able to find their arms, did not come up in time for the attack.
+By these means Almagro got an easy and bloodless victory, not a single
+Spaniard being killed on either side, Rodrigo Orgognez only losing several
+of his teeth by a stone thrown from a sling[12]. After the capture of
+Alfonso Alvarado, the Almagrians pillaged his camp, and carried all the
+adherents of Pizarro as prisoners to Cuzco, where they were harshly
+treated. In consequence of this victory the partizans of Almagro were so
+much elated, that they used to say the Pizarros might now retire from Peru
+to govern the Mangroves under the equator.
+
+In consequence of the victories which Alvarado had gained over the Indians
+at Pachacamac and Lumichaca, as already mentioned, the Inca and Titu
+Yupanqui were obliged to retire from before Lima, which they had in a
+manner blockaded. By this circumstance the marquis found himself at
+liberty to act in support of his interest at Cuzco; and having received
+considerable reinforcements from various parts, he began his march for
+Cuzco at the head of more than seven hundred men, horse and foot. In this
+expedition, his only purpose was to succour his brothers against the
+Peruvians, as he had not hitherto received information of the return of
+Almagro from Chili, or any of those other events which had taken place, as
+before related. Most of the troops by which the marquis was lately joined,
+were sent by Don Alonso de Fuenmayor, archbishop and president of
+Hispaniola, under the command of his brother Don Diego de Fuenmayor.
+Besides these, Gaspar de Espinosa had brought some troops from Panama, and
+Diego de Avala had brought others from Nicaragua. With this army the
+marquis set out from Lima for Cuzco, taking the way of the plain, and
+arrived in the province of Nasca, about twenty-five leagues from Lima[13].
+At this place he received intelligence of the return of Almagro, the death
+of one of his brothers and imprisonment of the other two, the defection of
+Lerma, and the capture of Alvarado. He was sensibly affected by this
+afflicting news; and considering that his troops were only prepared for
+contending against Indians, he thought proper to return immediately to
+Lima to take proper measures under the present emergency of his affairs.
+
+Soon after his return to Lima, the marquis sent the licentiate Espinosa to
+endeavour to bring about an accommodation with Almagro. Espinosa was
+directed to represent to Almagro, that if his majesty were informed of the
+disputes between them, and the evil consequences of these upon the
+condition of the colony, he would assuredly recal both, and send some
+other person to assume the government of Peru, who would reap the rich
+fruit of their joint labours. If Almagro refused to listen to these
+remonstrances, and to enter into a friendly accommodation, Espinosa was
+instructed to request that he would set the brothers of Pizarro at liberty,
+and would remain at Cuzco without attempting any farther hostilities,
+untill they had laid a statement of their differences before his majesty,
+and had received his final orders respecting the boundaries between their
+governments. Espinosa was unable to persuade Almagro to agree to any
+accommodation, and soon afterwards died. Leaving Gabriel de Roias as his
+lieutenant in Cuzco, with the charge of Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso de
+Alvarado, Almagro descended into the plain with a considerable force,
+carrying Ferdinand Pizarro along with him. He penetrated into the province
+of Chancay, which is only twenty leagues from Lima, where he even
+established a colony or garrison, in a place which was without any manner
+of doubt within the province of the marquis.
+
+On the return of the marquis to Lima, he made additional levies of troops;
+giving out openly that he was reduced to take up arms against Almagro, who
+had invaded his government. In a few days he assembled an army of seven
+hundred men, among whom was a considerable body of musqueteers, which had
+been brought from Flanders with the necessary arms and ammunition by Pedro
+de Vergera, along with the troops of Diego de Fuenmayor. Hitherto there
+had not been a sufficient number of musquets in Peru to form entire
+companies of that species of troops; but on the present occasion the
+marquis was enabled to arm two companies with that powerful weapon, one of
+which was commanded by the before named Pedro de Vergera, who had been
+formerly sent to discover the province of Bracamoras. Nugno de Castro was
+appointed captain of the other company of musqueteers. Diego de Urbina,
+nephew of the maestre de campo Juan de Urhina, was made captain of the
+pikemen. Diego de Roias, Peranzures, and Alfonso de Mercadillo, were
+appointed captains of horse: Pedro de Valdivia maestre de campo, and
+Antonio de Vilalva sergeant-major, who was son of Colonel Vilalva.
+
+About this time, Alonso de Alvarado and Gonzalo Pizarro, who remained
+prisoners in Cuzco[14], made their escape from prison, and joined the
+marquis with above seventy men whom they had persuaded to accompany them,
+bringing likewise along with them as prisoner Gabriel de Roias the
+lieutenant of Almagro. The arrival of these officers gave much
+satisfaction to the marquis, both on account of their escape from danger,
+and because the reinforcement they brought along with them gave great
+encouragement to his troops. He appointed his brother Gonzalo
+lieutenant-general of his army, and Alonso Alvarado maestre de campo, or
+major-general of the cavalry. When Almagro learnt that his prisoners had
+escaped, and the numerous forces which the marquis had procured, he became
+desirous of an accommodation, for which purpose he sent Alfonso Enriquez,
+Diego Nugnez de Mercadura the factor, and Juan de Guzman treasurer, to the
+marquis to desire an interview, at which they might regulate every thing
+that was in dispute between them. After several messages and proposals,
+the marquis proposed to refer the whole matter to the umpirage of
+Francisco de Bovadilla, provincial of the order of Mercy, to which Almagro
+consented.
+
+In virtue of the powers given to him by both parties, Bovadilla ordained
+that Ferdinand Pizarro should be set at liberty; that Cuzco should be
+restored to the marquis; that both armies should be disbanded, and the
+different companies sent in various directions to discover and conquer the
+country; and that finally the whole dispute about the boundaries of the
+two governments should be referred to the decision of his majesty.
+Bovadilla likewise persuaded Almagro and Pizarro to have an interview in
+the village of Mala[15], mid-way between the two armies, at which they
+might discuss the terms of an entire reconcilement, each to be attended by
+twelve horsemen. They accordingly set out for that place from their
+respective camps; but as Gonzalo Pizarro did not give implicit confidence
+to the promise of Almagro, he followed his brother with the whole army,
+which he secretly posted in the neighbourhood of Mala, placing Castro with
+forty musketeers in ambush among some reeds near the road by which Almagro
+had to pass, and directing him, in case Almagro was accompanied by a
+larger force than was agreed on, to give notice by a discharge of musketry,
+that Gonzalo might hasten to the defence of the marquis.
+
+Before leaving Chincha on his way to the interview with Pizarro, Almagro
+left orders with his lieutenant-general, Rodrigo Orgognez, to keep
+vigilant guard againt the machinations of the enemy, in case the marquis
+should bring a greater escort than was agreed upon, that he might send him
+prompt assistance; and if any treason were practised against him, that
+Ferdinand Pizarro should be considered as an hostage for his safety. On
+their meeting, the marquis and Almagro embraced each other with much
+apparent cordiality; but after a short discourse, in which no part of
+their difference was alluded to, one of the horsemen who accompanied the
+marquis, whispered to Almagro that he was in danger, and advised him to
+retire without delay, as Gonzalo Pizarro had placed an ambush to intercept
+him. Almagro immediately called for his horse; and several of the
+attendants on Pizarro, seeing Almagro about to retire, endeavoured to
+persuade the marquis to have him arrested, which could easily have been
+done by means of the musqueteers under De Castro. To this the marquis
+would by no means consent, being resolved to keep his promise inviolate,
+and would not believe that Almagro meant to go away without coming to some
+conclusion on the subject of their meeting. Almagro however went away; and
+as he saw the ambush on his way back, he was convinced that treachery was
+intended against him, and made loud complaints of the conduct of the
+marquis after his return to Chincha. Yet, by the intercession of Diego de
+Alvarado, Almagro set Ferdinand Pizarro at liberty, on condition that the
+marquis should provide him with a ship and a free port, by which he might
+send dispatches to Spain and receive answers, and that they should
+continue in peace until they received the final determination of the
+sovereign respecting the boundaries of their governments. Rodrigo Orgognez
+was exceedingly averse from this measure of liberating Ferdinand Pizarro,
+who had been harshly treated while a prisoner, and who he believed would
+be eager for revenge if set free, and strongly urged Almagro to put him to
+death. But Almagro would not listen to his advice, and sent Ferdinand
+Pizarro to the marquis, accompanied by his own son the younger Almagro and
+several gentlemen. Ferdinand Pizarro was hardly set off on his return,
+when Almagro began to repent that he had set him at liberty; and it is
+believed he would have been remanded to prison if he had not made haste on
+his journey, during which he was met by several of his brothers principal
+officers.
+
+Soon after the liberation of his brother Ferdinand, the marquis received
+provisional orders from his majesty, by the hands of Pedro Anzures; by
+which the two governors were commanded to retain the countries which each
+of them had discovered and conquered, and in which they had formed
+establishments at the time when this provisional order should be notified
+to them; neither of them making any attempt to disturb the other until his
+majesty should give definitive orders on the subject. Having now his
+brother at liberty, the marquis sent a notification to Almagro of this
+imperial order, requiring him to retire according to his majestys orders
+from the country which he, Pizarro, had discovered, and in which he had
+established colonies. Almagro answered, that he was ready to obey the
+orders of his majesty, in keeping possession of the country and
+establishments he occupied when the imperial order was notified, for which
+reason he required the marquis to leave him in the peaceable enjoyment of
+what he how possessed, declaring that on his part he would carefully and
+entirely perform whatever should be finally commanded by his majesty. The
+marquis replied, that the city of Cuzco and the adjoining territory had
+been first discovered, colonized, and occupied by him, of which he had
+been violently dispossessed by Almagro, that in conformity with the orders
+of his majesty, therefore, it behoved Almagro to evacuate that city and
+territory, or he would drive him from it by force, as all the compacts and
+conventions which had been entered into between them were abrogated by
+this new regulation of his majesty.
+
+As Almagro refused to accede to these demands, the marquis marched against
+him with his whole force, on which Almagro retired towards Cuzco, and
+fortified himself on a high mountain named Guavtara, breaking up all the
+roads to render the approach to his camp as difficult as possible.
+Ferdinand Pizarro found means to ascend the mountain during the night by a
+secret path, and forced the passages with his musqueteers, so that Almagro
+was forced to abandon this position, seeking his safety in flight. Being
+sick at the time, he went with the advanced guard, leaving Orgognez to
+bring up and protect the rear. One night, Orgognez learnt by two of
+Pizarros horsemen who were taken prisoners, that the enemy were close up
+with his rear, on which he hastened the retreat as much as possible,
+although several of his officers were anxious for him to turn back upon
+the pursuers, knowing by experience that those who usually inhabited the
+plain were liable, on their first coming into the mountainous region, to
+sickness and vomiting, very much resembling sea-sickness. Orgognez refused
+to listen to this advice, because contrary to the orders of Almagro; yet
+it was believed he might have been successful, as the troops belonging to
+the marquis were in reality affected by that ordinary malady, and were
+besides so much distressed by the snow that Pizarro retired back with his
+army into the maritime plain of Peru. Almagro continued his march to Cuzco,
+where he employed himself for two months in raising recruits, procuring
+ammunition, preparing arms of silver and copper, founding cannon, and
+making every preparation to defend himself against Pizarro.
+
+After the return of the marquis into the plain, various consultations were
+held as to the best plan of procedure, and it was at last determined that
+Ferdinand Pizarro, now lieutenant-general under the marquis, with his
+brother Gonzalo Pizarro as major-general, should march with the army
+against Cuzco[16]. On this occasion, a manifesto was circulated as the
+reason of this measure, that several of the inhabitants of Cuzco had made
+complaints to the marquis against the tyranny of Almagro, who had
+violently seized their goods and houses, and dispossessed them of their
+Indians and every thing that belonged to them. The marquis returned to
+Lima, and his brother Ferdinand marched at the head of the army towards
+Cuzco. Having arrived on the mountainous ridge near Cuzco in the evening,
+all his officers urged Ferdinand Pizarro to descend immediately into the
+plain that the army might encamp there for the night; but Ferdinand
+positively rejected this advice, and ordered the army to encamp on the
+mountain. Early next morning, the whole army of Almagro was seen drawn up
+in order of battle on the plain, under the supreme command of Orgognez;
+Francisco de Chaves, Juan Tello, and Vasco de Guevara, having the command
+of the cavalry under his orders. On the side of the mountain there was a
+great body of Indians in charge of a small number of Spaniards, intended
+to be employed as circumstances might admit in the expected battle. In the
+meantime, all the friends and partizans of the marquis who were in Cuzco
+were committed prisoners to the citadel, which was so extremely crowded on
+this occasion, and the places appropriated for their confinement so small,
+that several of them were stifled.
+
+On the following day, after the solemnization of the mass, Ferdinand
+Pizarro marched his army into the plain of Cuzco in order of battle, and
+advanced towards the city, intending to gain possession of some high
+ground which overlooked the citadel. Ferdinand and his troops flattered
+themselves, from their great superiority in numbers, that Almagro would
+not risk a battle, and were even anxious to spare the effusion of
+Christian blood on the present occasion, in which the natives of the same
+country and subjects of the same sovereign were preparing to destroy each
+other, instead of uniting in a common cause for the general good of all.
+Orgognez was actuated by a different principle, and had occupied the only
+passage by which the troops of Pizarro could approach towards Cuzco, in
+which he had drawn up his troops and artillery with much judgment, under
+cover of a marsh, across which it was necessary for the troops of Pizarro
+to pass before they could attack his position. Immediately on
+reconnoitring the order of the enemy, Ferdinand Pizarro ordered captain
+Mercadillo to advance with his cavalry to a proper place for keeping the
+Indians in check in case they should attempt to attack his army while
+engaged in battle with Orgognez, and whence likewise he might be able to
+give succour where necessary during the approaching engagement. Before the
+Spaniards began to engage, the Indians on both sides skirmished with each
+other. The cavalry of Pizarro endeavoured to pass the morass, and being
+opposed by a squadron of Almagro's horse, the musketeers belonging to
+Pizarro advanced in front of their own horse and soon compelled the
+adverse cavalry to give ground. On seeing this successful commencement of
+the battle, Pedro de Valdivia, a maestre de campo of the marquis, assured
+his friends that the victory was their own. While the troops of Pizarro
+were passing the marsh, the Almagrians plied their artillery, and by one
+discharge five men belonging to Pizarro were brought down. But Pizarro
+pressed on under cover of a close fire from his musketeers, and passed
+both the marsh and a rivulet beyond, and drew up in good order on the firm
+ground, every one of the captains having been previously instructed how to
+proceed with their divisions before the engagement commenced. As Pizarro
+noticed that the pikemen in the army of Orgognez carried their pikes high,
+he gave orders to his musketeers to fire a little high, by which means in
+two vollies they broke above fifty of the enemies pikes[17]. At this time
+Orgognez ordered his army to advance to the charge, and observing that
+several of his divisions hesitated, being held in check by the fire of the
+musqueteers, he moved on himself at the head of his main body, directing
+his attack to that part of the enemy where Ferdinand Pizarro was seen at
+the head of his squadrons. Orgognez apparently despairing of the battle,
+called out while advancing, "Follow me who will! I go in the name of God
+to do my duty, and to seek an honourable death!" While Orgognez was
+advancing, Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso Alvarado observed that his flank was
+uncovered, and accordingly made an immediate charge, by which above fifty
+of the Almagrians were overthrown. Orgognez was wounded by a musket-ball
+in the head, which broke through his beaver; notwithstanding which he
+killed two men with his lance, and wounded one of Pizarros servants in the
+mouth whom he mistook for the general, as he was finely dressed. For some
+time the engagement was extremely severe and the combatants were mingled
+together; but at length the troops of Pizarro forced the Almagrians to
+take to flight after they had a considerable number killed and wounded.
+
+Almagro being sick, took no part in the battle, which he observed from a
+height at some distance, and on seeing his troops take to flight,
+exclaimed, "I thought we had come out to fight like valiant soldiers, not
+to run away like cowards." He immediately withdrew to the citadel of Cuzco,
+to which place he was pursued by Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso Alvarado, and
+made prisoner. Orgognez was taken prisoner by two of Pizarros horsemen,
+who were leading him away when a third came up who bore him a grudge for
+some injurious treatment, and cut off his head. Several others who had
+surrendered were slain in this manner by personal enemies, in spite of
+every endeavour by Ferdinand Pizarro and his officers to protect them. The
+soldiers of Alvarado especially, ashamed and irritated by the defeat they
+had formerly sustained at the bridge of Abancay, were eager for revenge,
+and put many of the Almagrians to death in cold blood. Captain Ruy Dias
+had taken up a prisoner behind him on horseback, on purpose to protect him,
+when one of his own troopers run him through with his lance.
+
+When the Indian servants of the two armies saw that the battle among the
+Christians was ended, they too gave over fighting, and fell to plundering
+the dead, whom they stripped of their clothes and valuables, even
+pillaging several who were yet alive, but unable to defend themselves
+because of their wounds; and as the conquerors were entirely taken up in
+pursuing their victory, the Indians had it in their power to do as they
+pleased, so that they entirely stripped everyone whom they found on the
+field of battle. The Spaniards, both victors and vanquished, were so worn
+out and fatigued by their exertions in this battle, that they might have
+been easily destroyed by the Indians who were present, if they had dared
+to attack them according to their original intention; but they were so
+busied in plundering the killed and wounded, that they neglected the
+opportunity of avenging themselves on their oppressors. This decisive
+battle was fought on the 6th of April 1538, in a plain called _Cachipampa_
+or the field of salt by the Indians, about a league to the south of the
+citadel of Cuzco, near a salt spring from which the inhabitants make great
+quantities of salt; and as these salt works are in the neighbourhood of
+the field, this engagement has been always known by the name of the battle
+of _Salinas_, or of the salt works[18].
+
+After this decisive victory, Ferdinand Pizarro used every means to
+conciliate the officers of Almagros army who had survived the battle, that
+he might engage them in the party of the marquis, and being unsuccessful,
+he banished several of them from Cuzco. Being unable to satisfy the
+demands of all those who had served him on the late occasion, as many of
+them thought so highly of their own merits that the government of Peru
+would hardly have been a sufficient reward in their own estimation,
+Ferdinand Pizarro resolved to separate the army, sending it away in
+various detachments to discover and conquer those parts of the country
+which had not been hitherto explored and reduced. By this measure, he at
+the same time rewarded his friends by giving them opportunities to
+distinguish and enrich themselves, and got rid of his enemies by sending
+them to a distance. On this occasion Pedro de Candia was sent with three
+hundred men, part of whom had belonged to Almagro, to conquer the country
+of Collao, a mountainous district which was said to be extremely rich. Not
+being able to make any progress in this country on account of the
+difficulty of the roads, he had to return; besides which his troops became
+mutinous, chiefly at the instigation of one Mesa, who had been commissary
+of artillery under Almagro, and was encouraged by the other soldiers of
+Almagro who served on this expedition. On this, Candia arrested Mesa and
+sent him to Ferdinand Pizarro with the evidences of his guilt. This
+circumstance, combined with information of conspiracies in several other
+places, which had for their object to free Almagro from prison and to give
+him possession of Cuzco, satisfied Ferdinand Pizarro that the country
+would never be in quiet while Almagro lived.
+
+Ferdinand accordingly brought Almagro to trial, in which he was convicted
+of giving occasion to all the preceding disorders, of which he was the
+first and chief cause; having begun the war by several acts of hostilities;
+having taken forcible possession of the city of Cuzco by his own private
+authority, where he put several persons to death merely for opposing his
+unlawful usurpation; and having marched in hostile array into the province
+of Chincha, which incontestibly belonged to the province assigned to the
+marquis. When sentence of death was pronounced, Almagro said every thing
+he could think of to excite the compassion of Ferdinand Pizarro that he
+might spare his life. He represented that the marquis in a great measure
+owed his present greatness to him; as he had advanced the greatest
+proportion of the original funds for the discovery of Peru. He desired
+Ferdinand to recollect, that when he was a prisoner in his hands, he had
+set him at liberty contrary to the representations of his officers, who
+advised that he should be put to death: And that though he, Pizarro, might
+have been ill treated while a prisoner, that had been done without his
+orders or knowledge. He intreated him to consider his very advanced age,
+which would soon bring him to the grave, without the disgrace of a public
+punishment. Ferdinand expressed his astonishment that one of such great
+courage should shew so much fear of death, which was now inevitable, and
+desired him to submit to the will of God like a good Christian, and to
+meet death with the courage of a gentleman and a man of honour. Almagro
+replied, that be ought not to be surprised at seeing him afraid of death,
+being a man and a sinner, since even Jesus Christ had evinced a fear to
+die. All this however was of no avail, as Ferdinand caused him to be
+beheaded.
+
+After the execution of Almagro, Ferdinand Pizarro went to Collao, where he
+punished Mesa for having excited mutiny among the troops of Candia; after
+which he sent the three hundred men under the command of Peranzures to
+reduce the country which had been assigned to Pedro de Candia. These
+troops had to march by a most difficult and dangerous route among morasses
+and uncultivated places, where they thought to have perished of famine.
+Ferdinand remained in Collao, which he reduced. This is a level country
+containing several gold mines, but so cold that it produces no maize, the
+natives living principally on a root named _papas_, which resembles
+truffles. This country likewise abounds in those Peruvian sheep which have
+been formerly described[19]. About this time the marquis came to Cuzco, to
+which place Ferdinand went to confer with him, leaving his brother Gonzalo
+Pizarro to continue his conquest. Gonzalo advanced into the province of
+the Charcas[20], where he was attacked by a great body of Indians and
+reduced to great straits, insomuch that Ferdinand set out from Cuzco to
+his assistance with a body of horse. On this occasion, on purpose to
+encourage these succours to use every possible expedition, the marquis
+gave out that he meant to go in person to relieve his brother Gonzalo, and
+actually went two or three days journey from Cuzco. When Ferdinand arrived
+at Charcas, he found that Gonzalo had already extricated himself from his
+difficulties, having defeated and dispersed the enemy. They continued
+together for some time reducing the country, having frequently to fight
+with the Indians, till at last they took their chief prisoner, named
+_Tixo_[21], on which the natives universally submitted. Ferdinand and
+Gonzalo now returned to Cuzco, where the marquis distributed settlements
+to every one sufficient to maintain them in ease and comfort.
+
+About this time likewise various other parties were sent out in different
+directions to discover and reduce the provinces of Peru and the
+neighbouring districts; among the commanders of these detachments were the
+captains Vergara, Porcel, Mercadillo, and Guevera. Pedro de Valdivia
+likewise was sent to Chili, where Almagro had formerly been, and Gonzalo
+Pizarro to Quito, of whose adventures we shall speak hereafter. When all
+these matters were arranged, by which the Spaniards were dispersed in
+various parts, and tranquillity was restored to the country, Ferdinand
+Pizarro set out for Spain to give an account to the emperor of all the
+transactions which had taken place in Peru, though many advised him not to
+run the risk of that measure until it was known what judgment might be
+formed at court respecting the death of Almagro. Before his departure,
+Ferdinand strongly advised his brother the marquis to put no trust in
+those who had adhered to the service of Almagro in the late troubles, who
+were usually denominated the _Chilese_, and particularly that he ought to
+keep them at a distance from each other, being well assured that if even
+eight or ten of them were permitted to dwell in one neighbourhood, that
+they would form conspiracies against his life.
+
+
+[1] Though not mentioned directly in the text, it appears that Almagro
+    knew of and intended to conquer the country of Chili, and that he
+    chose to march by the high country of Peru, through the great
+    elevated valley of the lake Titicaca, probably the highest inhabited
+    land of South America. His object was in all probability to avoid
+    the extensive desert of Atacama, which divides the plain of Peru
+    from Chili.--E.
+
+[2] From the desert of Atacama in lat 25° S. to the island of Chiloe in
+    about lat. 42° S. Chili Proper, between the Pacific ocean and the
+    western ridge of the Andes, stretches about 1100 English miles nearly
+    north and south by an average breadth of about 140 miles.--E.
+
+[3] Valparayso stands nearly in the latitude indicated by the text.
+    Valdivia, taking its name from that commander, is in
+    lat. 30°40' S.--E.
+
+[4] Zarate is extremely remiss in regard to dates, and not a little
+    confused in the arrangement of his narrative. We learn from Robertson,
+    II. 325, that Ferdinand Pizarro returned to Peru in 1536.--E.
+
+[5] According to Robertson, II. 326, the place where the festival was to
+    be celebrated was only at a few leagues distance from Cuzco.
+    Garcilasso says that it was a garden belonging to the Incas only a
+    league from the city.--E.
+
+[6] The return of Almagro to Cuzco was in the year 1537.--E.
+
+[7] Garcilasso names this prince Paullu Inca.--E.
+
+[8] Named _Atavillos_ by Garcilasso de la Vega.--E.
+
+[9] The arrangement of Zarate is extremely faulty and confused, as he here
+    recounts circumstances which preceeded the return of Almagro to Cuzco.
+    We are here giving a translation of a original document; not
+    endeavouring to write a history of the Conquest of Peru, and have not
+    therefore authority to alter the arrangement of our author.--E.
+
+[10] Garcilasso names the Peruvian general Titu Yupanqui. The remainder of
+    the sentence, respecting the brother of the Inca and Gaete, is quite
+    unintelligible. I suspect it has been misunderstood by the French
+    translator and ought to stand thus: "The commander of these Peruvians
+    was Titu Yupanqui, a brother of the Inca, and the same person who had
+    driven Gaete and others to take refuge in Lima."--E.
+
+[11] Abancay is a town on one of the branches of the Apurimac about 60
+    miles west from Cuzco.--E.
+
+[12] We learn from the History of America, II. 331, that this bloodless
+    victory over Alvarado took place on the 12th July 1537. Garcilasso
+    calls it the battle of the river Amancay, and names Alvarado
+    Alonso.--E.
+
+[13] Nasca is about 240 miles S.S.E. from Lima, or about sixty Spanish
+    leagues.--E.
+
+[14] Zarate forgets that only a few lines before, he had mentioned that
+    Almagro carried these officers along with his army:--E.
+
+[15] Mala, or San Pedro de Mala, is a town and sea-port on a river of the
+    same name, about 50 miles south from Lima.
+
+[16] According to Robertson, II. 334, after an unsuccessful attempt to
+    cross the mountains by the direct road from Lima to Cuzco, Ferdinand
+    marched southwards in the maritime plain to Nasca, whence he
+    penetrated by the defiles of the mountains in that quarter.--E.
+
+[17] Garcilasso informs us that the musketeers of Pizarro used a kind of
+    chain shot on this occasion; their leaden bullets being cast in two
+    hemispheres connected together by several links of a small iron
+    chain.--E.
+
+[18] In Zarate the date of this battle is given as the 26th of April, in
+    which he is followed by Robertson; but Garcilasso carefully notices
+    the mistake, and assures us that it was fought on the 6th of the
+    month.--E.
+
+[19] Collao in the text is probably Cailloma of modern maps, a very
+    elevated valley at the head of one of the branches of the Apurimac.
+    The marshy country beyond, to which Candia and Peranzures were sent on
+    discovery, is called Musu by Garcilasso, and was probably the Pampas
+    or marshy plains of the Mojos or Muju, to the east of the Andes,
+    nearly in the latitude of Cailloma--E.
+
+[20] We learn from Garcilasso that in this province the city of La Plata
+    was afterwards built, not far distant from the famous mines of Potosi
+    and Porco--E.
+
+[21] Perhaps the Inca Titu Yupanqui is here meant, who was named
+    Tizogopangui by Zarate on a former occasion.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION IV.
+
+_Expeditions of Pedro de Valdivia into Chili, and of Gonzalo Pizarro to
+Los Canelos_.
+
+
+On the arrival of Pedro de Valdivia in Chili, he was peaceably received by
+the Indians, who wished to gather in their crops, as it was then the
+season of harvest. When this important business was accomplished, the
+whole country rose upon the Spaniards, who were unprepared for this event
+and somewhat dispersed, and killed forty of them before they could draw
+their forces together. On this occasion, when Valdivia was about to take
+the field to chastise the Chilese, part of his troops threatened to mutiny
+against his authority, and he was under the necessity of hanging several
+of the ringleaders, among whom was captain Pedro Sancho de Hosz, who was
+almost equal to himself in the command of this expedition. After the
+suppression of this mutiny, Valdivia took the field against the Indians,
+and during his absence an army of the enemy exceeding seven thousand men
+came to attack the newly established city, in which only a small number of
+Spaniards remained for its defence, under the command of the captains
+Francisco de Villagran, and Alfonso de Monroy. These officers went boldly
+out against the Chilese, at the head only of thirty horsemen, with whom
+they fought bravely against the immense number of Chilese archers from
+morning till night, after which they retired into the city, extremely
+fatigued and several of them wounded, but none of them slain. As the
+Chilese suffered a great loss in killed and wounded during this engagement,
+they retired during the night.
+
+For eight years afterwards, Valdivia and his troops defended themselves
+bravely against every effort of the Chilese, who continued the war
+incessantly. In all that time, Valdivia obliged his soldiers to cultivate
+a sufficient quantity of land for their sustenance, not being able to
+procure Indians for that purpose, yet resolved not to abandon the country
+which had been commited to his government. At the end of that period he
+returned into Peru, at the time when the licentiate Pedro de la Gasca was
+employed in levying an army against Gonzalo Pizarro, as shall be related
+in the sequel[1].
+
+Soon after the overthrow of the Almagrians, it was reported in Peru that a
+very rich country had been discovered to the eastwards of Quito, which in
+particular contained great quantities of cinnamon trees, on which account
+it got the name of Los Canelos, or the cinnamon country. The marquis
+accordingly resolved to send his brother Gonzalo Pizarro to discover that
+country; and as it was necessary to march thither by way of Quito, where
+likewise every requisite for the expedition was to be procured, the
+marquis conferred the government of the kingdom of Quito on his brother,
+till his majestys pleasure might be made known. Gonzalo Pizarro
+accordingly set out from Cuzco with a considerable force, taking his route
+for Quito by way of the elevated mountain vallies[2]. In this march he was
+opposed by the Indians of the province of Guanuco with so much
+perseverance and bravery, that the marquis was under the necessity of
+sending him a reinforcement under Francisco de Chaves. After having
+overcome this obstacle, he arrived in safety at Quito, where he proceeded
+to make preparations for his expedition to Los Canelos.
+
+On account of the hostile conduct of the Guanucos towards Gonzalo, and
+because the curacas or caciques of that province, in conjunction with
+those of the Conchucos had made frequent attacks on the city and province
+of Truxillo, in which they killed all the Spaniards they could meet with
+and pillaged the country, not even sparing their Indian neighbours, the
+marquis sent a detachment of troops under Gomez de Alvarado to make a
+conquest of Guanuco, with orders to establish a settlement in that country
+to keep the natives under subjection. In their military expeditions, the
+Peruvians of Guanuco carried an idol along with them, named Cataquilla, to
+which they made offerings of all whom they massacred or made prisoners,
+and of the spoil which fell into their hands. They persisted for a long
+time in their barbarous hostilities, till at length, Miguel de la Cerna
+raised a considerable force in Truxillo, with which he joined Francisco de
+Chaves. With these forces conjoined, they fought successfully against the
+Indians of Guanuco and reduced them to subjection.
+
+When Gonzalo Pizarro had completed the preparations for his expedition, he
+set out from Quito in the year 1540 at the head of 200 Spaniards well
+equipped, of whom the half was cavalry[3]. He was attended by 4000
+friendly Indians[4], and by a flock of 4000 animals, consisting of swine
+and Peruvian sheep, to serve as provisions, and to carry the baggage and
+ammunition of the army. After passing a place called Inca, the boundary of
+the conquests of Huana Capac towards the north and east, Gonzalo arrived
+in the country of the Quixos, where he was opposed by the natives, but
+they all disappeared one night, without the Spaniards being able to make a
+single prisoner. On the retreat of the Indians, Gonzalo and his troops
+took possession of their deserted habitations in which they rested for
+some days. While here, the country was visited by a dreadful earthquake,
+accompanied by prodigious thunder and lightning and an immense fall of
+rain. The earth opened in many places and swallowed up above five hundred
+houses. By the excessive rains, which continued forty or fifty days, a
+river in the neighbourhood of the Spanish quarters became so swollen that
+it was quite impassable, in consequence of which the troops suffered much
+from famine, as they were unable to get across the river in search of
+provisions. On the cessation of the tempest, Gonzalo had to cross a
+prodigious ridge of mountains, on the top of which they suffered such
+extreme cold that many of their attendant Indians were frozen to death.
+And as no provisions or shelter could be had in that elevated region, he
+made haste to arrive in the province of Zumaco[5] which is situated at the
+foot of a volcano. As provisions were found here in abundance, the army
+halted in this place for refreshments. In the mean time Gonzalo went with
+a small party of troops to endeavour to find out a passage through the
+forest. He at length reached the banks of a river named Coca, whence he
+sent for the remainder of his people to join him from Zumaco. During two
+months that the army remained in this country, it never ceased raining day
+or night, so that they never had a sufficient interval in which to dry
+their clothes.
+
+In this province of Zumaco the trees are found which afford cinnamon.
+These trees are very large and have leaves resembling the laurel. Their
+fruit grows in clusters, consisting of a nut resembling the acorn of the
+cork tree, but larger, and containing a number of small seeds. The fruit,
+leaves, bark, and roots have all the taste and flavour of cinnamon; but
+the best consists of the shell or nut which contains the seeds. In the
+whole of that country vast numbers of these trees are found wild in the
+woods, growing and producing fruit without care; but the Indians cultivate
+them with much attention in their plantations; and these cultivated trees
+produce a much better cinnamon than those trees which grow wild. This
+cinnamon is in great request among the natives, and is exchanged by the
+inhabitants of Zumaco with the neighbouring tribes, receiving in return
+provisions and other things of which they are in want.
+
+Leaving the greater part of his people in the country of Zumaco, as has
+been already said, Gonzalo penetrated into the country with much
+difficulty, accompanied by the most vigorous of his men, and guided by the
+Indians, who frequently gave him false accounts of the country in advance,
+on purpose to get him away from their own district. Thus the people of
+Zumaco informed him that the country beyond theirs was well peopled and
+had abundance of provisions; but he found it extremely barren and very
+thinly inhabited. Having penetrated to the province of Coca upon a large
+river of that name, he remained there about six weeks, waiting the arrival
+of the rest of his people from Zumaco, all the while treated in a friendly
+manner by the cacique of the district.
+
+After his troops were all assembled at Coca, Gonzalo marched along the
+course of the river, till at last he arrived at a place where it fell over
+a cataract of above 200 fathoms making a noise that could be easily heard
+at six leagues distance. A few days march below that place, the whole
+waters of the river became confined in a rocky channel not exceeding
+twenty feet wide, while the rocks were at least 200 fathoms in height
+above the water, and perfectly perpendicular. After a march of fifty
+leagues along the banks of this river, the Spaniards could find no place
+where they might possibly cross over, except at that narrow rocky channel,
+where a considerable number of Indians opposed their passage. Having
+driven away these Indians by means of their firearms, the Spaniards
+constructed a wooden bridge across between the steep rocks, over which
+they all passed in safety.
+
+After crossing the river, the Spaniards penetrated through the woods to a
+country named Guema, which was extremely flat and intersected with rivers
+and marshes, and in which they could get no provisions except wild fruits;
+but after this they came to a country tolerably peopled, in which there
+were some provisions. In this place the natives wore cotton vestments, but
+in the whole country through which they had hitherto passed, the few
+natives they had seen were entirely naked, either on account of the
+continual and excessive heat of the climate, or because they had no means
+of procuring clothes: The men had only a kind of girdles round their waist,
+with some strings tied to their prepuce, which passed between their thighs
+and were drawn up to the girdle; and the women wore some slight clouts. At
+this place Gonzalo built a bark to serve for crossing the rivers in search
+of provisions, and to transport the baggage and the sick by water. Besides
+in some places the country was so covered with wood, that they were unable
+to clear the way by means of their swords and hatchets, and in other
+places so inundated, that they were often obliged to transport the whole
+party by water. The building of this vessel occasioned infinite difficulty
+and labour, as besides cutting down wood for the purpose, they had to
+construct a forge in which to make the necessary iron work, which they
+made from the shoes of their dead horses. On this occasion, Gonzalo not
+only obliged every one to labour without regard to rank, but gave the
+example himself in using both the hatchet and the hammer as occasion
+required. Instead of pitch and tar, the gum which exuded from some trees
+of the forest was collected; and instead of flax and hemp, the old clothes
+of the Indians and the wore-out shirts of the Spaniards were employed for
+caulking the scams. They at length succeeded in making their bark capable
+of swimming, so as to transport all their baggage very commodiously;
+besides which they hollowed out several canoes to accompany the bark
+instead of boats.
+
+Gonzalo flattered himself that all his difficulties would be surmounted by
+means of this bark, and that he would now be able to pursue his
+discoveries to any extent he pleased. He continued his march therefore,
+accompanied by the bark which carried the baggage, while the main body had
+to travel along the banks of the river, often greatly incommoded in
+passing marshes, thick woods, and close brushwood. In some of these places
+they had to cut their way through canes and reeds with great toil, by
+means of their swords and hatchets; often changing from one side of the
+river to the other in search of an easier road. In this march they were
+always accompanied by the bark; and at night the whole party united
+together, that they might be able to give mutual assistance in case of
+need. After having penetrated above two hundred leagues, always following
+the course of the river, during which space they got only wild fruits and
+roots to support them, Gonzalo gave orders to Francisco de Orellana, one
+of his captains, to go forwards in the bark with fifty men in search of
+provisions; with orders to load his bark with these if he found any,
+leaving all the baggage at a place where two great rivers joined,
+according to information received from the Indians; and likewise to leave
+two canoes in a river which crossed the road to that place by land, to
+serve for ferrying over the troops.
+
+Orellana set out accordingly in the bark, and was very soon carried by the
+current to the appointed place where the two rivers met; but finding no
+provisions, and considering the immense difficulty of going up the river
+against a rapid current, he resolved to trust himself to the stream to try
+his fortune in that way. He even neglected to leave the two canoes at this
+place according to the orders of Gonzalo; and although several of those
+who were along with him in the bark urged him to remain according to the
+orders of his general, he insisted upon going forwards, even maltreating
+Friar Gaspard de Carvajal, who opposed this act of mutiny and desertion
+more forcibly than any of the rest. In his progress down the river,
+Orellana and his people frequently landed in search of provisions, and had
+often to fight with the Indians, who sometimes even attacked him in the
+bark by means of canoes, on which occasion the Spaniards could hardly
+defend themselves they were so crowded. On this last account he built a
+second bark, at a place where the Indians received him in a friendly
+manner and supplied him with provisions. From these Indians he was
+informed of a district a few days journey farther on, which was entirely
+inhabited by women, who made war and defended themselves agaist their
+neighbours[6].
+
+Following continually the stream of the river, but without finding any
+gold or silver, or the least indication of these metals, Orellana arrived
+at the mouth of this river on the Atlantic Ocean, about 350 leagues from
+the island of Cubagua. This great river is called the Maragnon or Marannon,
+from a person of that name who first discovered its mouth. It takes its
+rise in Peru on the eastern slopes of the Andes of Quito, and its entire
+course measured in a straight line extends to 700 leagues; but following
+all its flexures from the Andes to the ocean, it measures at least 1800
+leagues. At its mouth it measures 15 leagues in breadth, and in many parts
+of its course is three or four leagues broad. Orellana went afterwards
+into Spain[7], where he gave an account to his majesty of his discovery,
+which he pretended to have made at his own charges. He alleged that he had
+discovered a very rich country inhabited by a nation of warlike females,
+on which account the country and river came to be called _of the Amazons_.
+Having procured a commission of governor of this new country from his
+majesty, he levied a force of five hundred men for its conquest, with
+which he embarked from Seville: But having a most unprosperous voyage, in
+which his people suffered much from scarcity of provisions, most of his
+followers deserted from him at the Canaries, leaving him almost alone. He
+died during the subsequent part of the voyage, and all his remaining
+companions dispersed themselves among the islands.
+
+Gonzalo Pizarro was reduced to prodigious straits in consequence of the
+desertion of Orellana, both by the want of provisions and the difficulty
+of passing the rivers in his course; besides which Orellana had carried
+away with him a great quantity of gold, silver, and emeralds, which he
+converted to his own use in making his solicitations at the court of Spain,
+and in fitting out his expedition for the conquest and settlement of
+Amazonia. On his arrival at the place where Orellana had been ordered to
+leave the canoes, for the purpose of facilitating the passage of certain
+rivers which fall into the great Maranon, Gonzalo and his people were
+exceedingly embarrassed, and had to make other canoes with much difficulty
+to enable them to cross over, that they might continue their journey. When
+they came afterwards to where the two large rivers joined[8], and where
+Orellana ought to have waited for them, they found a Spaniard who had been
+left at this place by Orellana, because he had opposed the continuation of
+the voyage, and preferred to wait in that place for his general[9]. By his
+account, Orellana had renounced his dependence on Gonzalo Pizarro, meaning
+to proceed to discover the river in his own name and authority, and had
+prevailed on the people who accompanied him to elect him of new for their
+captain.
+
+By the loss of their vessel Gonzalo and his men were deprived of every
+means of procuring provisions from the Indians, as all the mirrors, bells,
+and other baubles for trading with the natives of the country had been put
+on board the bark. In this hopeless and discouraging situation, above four
+hundred leagues distant from Quito, they came to the immediate resolution
+of returning to that city; although, from the length and difficulty of the
+way, through forests and marshes, they had very little hope of ever
+getting back, and could hardly expect to escape dying of famine in the
+mountains and deserts over which they had to pass. In fact above forty
+actually died of famine during the march. After recommending themselves to
+the mercy of God, they began their march in great dejection; and as the
+way in which they came from Peru was full of difficulties and destitute of
+provisions, they took another road in their return, altogether at hazard,
+which they did not find in any degree better than the former[10]. Before
+reaching Peru, they were under the necessity of killing all their
+remaining horses to keep themselves from starving, and even to eat all
+their dogs. In the course of this journey likewise, they were reduced to
+the necessity of feeding on certain strings, or twining plants, a good
+deal like the tendrils of vines, which they found in the woods, and which
+had the taste of garlic. During this march a wild cat or a turkey sold for
+four dollars, and one of the sea-birds named Alcatraz, formerly mentioned
+as being very bad eating, brought a dollar or more, although reckoned very
+unwholesome.
+
+Some short time before Gonzalo got to Peru intelligence of his return had
+reached Quito, on which the inhabitants collected a considerable number of
+swine and Peruvian sheep which they sent off to meet him. They sent off at
+the same time a good many horses, and a supply of clothes for Gonzalo and
+his officers. This seasonable supply met them above fifty leagues from
+Quito, and one may easily judge that it was received with much joy,
+especially the provisions. The whole party, from the general to the
+private soldier, was almost entirely naked; as, from the almost continual
+rains to which they had been exposed, and the other hardships of their
+journey, their clothes were all rotten and torn to rags, and they were
+reduced to the necessity of covering themselves with the skins of beasts.
+Their swords were all without scabbards, and almost destroyed with rust.
+Their legs and arms were torn and scratched by the brushwood, thorns, and
+brakes, through which they had travelled; and the whole party were so pale,
+lean, and worn out with fatigue and famine, that their most intimate
+acquaintances were hardly able to recognize them. Among all their
+privations, what they felt the most unsufferable, was the want of salt, of
+which they had not been able to procure the smallest supply for above two
+hundred leagues.
+
+On arriving in the kingdom of Quito, where every thing they stood in need
+of was brought them, they knelt down and kissed the ground as a mark of
+gratitude and satisfaction, and returned thanks to God for their
+preservation from so many dangers. Such was their eagerness for food after
+so long famine, that it became necessary to regulate their supply, and
+only to allow them to eat by little and little at a time, till their
+stomachs became accustomed to digest their food. As there had only been
+sent from Quito a sufficiency of horses and clothes for Gonzalo and his
+officers, they refused to avail themselves of either, not choosing to
+enjoy any advantages which they could not share with their soldiers, by
+which they rendered themselves extremely popular and gained their
+affection greatly. They arrived at Quito in the morning, and went
+immediately to church to hear mass, and to give thanks to God for their
+delivery from so many and severe evils; after which every one retired to
+his quarters, to refresh and clothe themselves according to their means.
+This country of Los Canelos, whence the cinnamon is procured, is
+immediately under the equinoctial line, similar in that respect to the
+Molucca islands, whence cinnamon is brought into Spain and other parts of
+Europe[11].
+
+
+[1] We shall have a future opportunity of giving a better account of the
+    discovery and conquest of Chili than this extremely meagre notice by
+    Zarate from Molina, Ovalle and other early authors. The nameless city
+    mentioned by Zarate was probably St Jago de Chili, which was founded
+    by Valdivia. The commencement of the Valdivian expedition was in the
+    year 1530.--E.
+
+[2] This force, according to Garcilasso, amounted to 100 horse, and an
+    equal number of foot.--E.
+
+[3] According to Garcilasso de la Vega, his force consisted of 340
+    Spaniards, of whom 150 were horsemen.--E.
+
+[4] These Indians, according to Garcilasso, were laden with arms,
+    provisions, and ammunition, besides large quantities of hatchets,
+    ropes, nails, and wooden pins, to use upon occasion.--E.
+
+[5] Perhaps the elevated valley of Macas on the river Morona which runs
+    into the Tunguragua.--E.
+
+[6] Even Garcilasso, who is sufficiently fond of the marvellous and ever
+    ready to adopt absurdities, honestly relates of these _Amazons_, that
+    they were a fierce and wild nation of men, whose wives went forth to
+    war along with their husbands; and that Orellana invented the tale of
+    a nation of Amazons to raise the honour of his atchievement, and to
+    induce the emperor to bestow upon him the government of the country he
+    had discovered.--E.
+
+[7] According to Garcilasso, he contrived with great difficulty and danger
+    to navigate in his rude bark from the mouth of the Marannon or Amazons
+    to the island of Trinidada, where he purchased a ship for his voyage
+    to Spain.--E.
+
+[8] The river Napo joins the Maranon in lat. 3° 20' S. and long. 70° W.
+    But we are uncertain whether this were the place where Orellana
+    deserted, as there are many junctions of large rivers in the course of
+    the vast Maranon. The two greatest of its tributary streams are the
+    Negro which joins in long. 60° W. from the north, and the Madeira in
+    long. 58° W. from the south.--E.
+
+[9] Garcilasso preserves the name of that faithful Spaniard, Hernando
+    Sanchez de Vargas, a young gentleman of Badajoz.--E.
+
+[10] We learn from Garcilasso that this new road was on the north side of
+    the river, Napo probably, and consequently that they had kept the
+    south side in their way eastwards.--E.
+
+[11] It is hardly necessary to say that cinnamon comes only from Ceylon,
+    not from the Moluccas; and that so entirely different was the
+    substance sought for in this disastrous expedition from cinnamon, that
+    it is now entirely unknown in Europe; unless it be the Canella alba,
+    now only used as a light aromatic of small value by druggists.
+
+    Zarate is generally loose and confused in his accounts, and almost
+    entirely neglectful of dates. We learn from the History of America
+    that this unfortunate expedition lasted near two years, and that two
+    hundred and ten Spaniards and four thousand Indians perished during
+    its continuance, only eighty Spaniards returning to Quito. Garcilasso
+    says that two thousand of the Indians returned along with the
+    Spaniards, and served them during the hardships of the journey with
+    the most affectionate fidelity, supplying their extreme necessities
+    with herbs, roots, and wild fruit, and with toads, snakes, and other
+    reptiles, which the Spaniards greedily devoured, or they must have
+    died for want of food.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Conspiracy of the Almagrians and Assassination of Pizarro_.
+
+
+On his return to Quito in 1541, Gonzalo Pizarro received accounts of the
+most afflicting nature. When, as formerly related, Don Diego Almagro was
+put to death at Cuzco by Ferdinand Pizarro, a son whom Almagro had by an
+Indian woman was sent to reside in Lima. This young man, who was named
+after his father Diego Almagro, was of a graceful appearance, handsome,
+generous, and excelling in all the martial exercises, being particularly
+graceful and dexterous in riding the manage horse. His literary education
+likewise had been so carefully attended to, that he was considered as more
+versant in these things than his situation required. Juan de Herrada,
+formerly mentioned, to whose care he had been especially confided by his
+father, undertook the care of educating young Almagro in the capacity of
+his governor, and had been particularly watchful and successful in the
+charge. Their house in Lima was the rendezvous of such friends and
+partizans of the late Almagro as remained unemployed in Peru, and had been
+excepted from the division of lands and Indians after the defeat of their
+party, as the adherents of the Pizarros would not, and their dependents
+dared not to have any intercourse with them.
+
+After the voyage of Ferdinand Pizarro to Spain, and the setting out of
+Gonzalo Pizarro upon his disastrous discovery of Los Canelos, Herrada and
+the younger Almagro, being now left at entire liberty by the Marquis, who
+before had held them in a species of imprisonment, began to take measures
+for the execution of an enterprize they had long contemplated. For this
+purpose they secretly provided arms and every thing that appeared
+necessary for their project of revenging the death of the elder Almagro.
+Their partizans were farther animated to the accomplishment of this design
+from resentment for the death of several of their friends and companions,
+who had been cut off during the late civil war. The marquis had often used
+his endeavours to reconcile Almagro and Herrada to his authority by gentle
+means, and by the offer of his friendship and patronage to them and their
+adherents; but finding all his advances ineffectual, he deprived Almagro
+of the moderate repartition of Indians which had been assigned to him, on
+purpose to prevent him from continuing to form a party by the application
+of his fortune to the support of the malcontents. All these precautions
+were ultimately ineffectual, as the Almagrians were so closely united
+among themselves, that all their property was in a great measure held
+common among the members of their party, even every thing that the
+individuals acquired by play or otherwise being thrown into a common stock
+in the hands of Herrada to serve their general expence. Their numbers
+increased daily, by the accession of all who were dissatisfied by the
+administration of the marquis, or who thought their merits overlooked in
+the distribution of property and employments. They secretly increased
+their store of arms, and took measures for securing the success of their
+plot.
+
+Their conduct, however secretly pursued, being known among many, came at
+length to the knowledge of some friends of the marquis, who endeavoured to
+put him on his guard against the machinations of his enemies. But he,
+confiding in his honour and good faith, judged of others by himself, and
+refused to listen to this advice; saying that it was proper to leave these
+unfortunate men in peace, who were already sufficiently punished by the
+shame of their defeat, the public hatred, and the poverty to which they
+were reduced. So much were the Almagrians encouraged by the patient
+indulgence of the marquis, that their chiefs used even to pass him in
+public without saluting him or giving him any token of respect; and one
+night some of them had the audacity to affix three ropes to the gibbet,
+one of which was stretched towards the palace of the marquis, another
+towards the house of his lieutenant, and the third to that of his
+secretary. Even this insolence was forgiven by the marquis, in
+consideration of their misery and the unhappy situation of their affairs.
+Profiting by this indulgence, the Almagrians assembled together almost
+openly, several of their party who were wandering about the country
+without property or employment, coming to Lima from the distance even of
+two hundred leagues. They resolved upon putting the marquis to death; yet
+waited to hear from Spain what judgment might be given in the case of
+Ferdinand Pizarro, who was there thrown into prison as accused, of the
+murder of Don Diego Almagro; and to prosecute whom Captain Diego Alvarado
+had gone home and was actively engaged in soliciting his trial and
+punishment. When the conspirators learnt that his majesty had appointed
+the licentiate Vaca de Castro to proceed to Peru, on purpose to examine
+into all the past disorders, but without orders to prosecute the death of
+Almagro with that rigorous severity which they wished and expected, they
+resolved upon the execution of their long concerted enterprize. They were
+anxious, however, to learn exactly the intentions of Vaca de Castro, as
+the intended assassination of the marquis was by no means universally
+approved among the Almagrians. Several of the gentlemen belonging to the
+party, although much incensed at the death of Almagro, were anxious only
+for redress by legal means, and in a manner that might be conformable with
+the pleasure and service of the sovereign. The chiefs of this conspiracy
+who were now assembled in Lima, were Juan de Saavedra, Alfonso de
+Montemayor, Juan de Gusman controller, Manuel de Espinar treasurer, Nugnez
+de Mercado agent, Christoval Ponce de Leon, Juan de Herrada, Pero Lopez de
+Ayala, and some others. In this assemblage, Don Alfonso de Montemayor was
+deputed to wait upon Vaca de Castro; and accordingly set out with letters
+of credence and dispatches to meet Vaca de Castro at the beginning of
+April 1541. After his arrival at the place where Vaca de Castro then was,
+and before he proposed to return to his employers, news was brought of the
+assassination of the marquis. On this occasion, Montemayor and some others
+of the Almagrian party, who were not concerned in the murder, remained
+with Vaca de Castro till after the defeat of the younger Almagro in the
+battle of Chupas, preferring the service of their sovereign, in whose name
+and authority de Castro acted, to their individual resentments.
+
+So public had the measures of the conspirators become in the city of Lima,
+that several persons gave notice of their intentions to the marquis, and
+advised him to employ a guard for the protection of his person: But he
+always said that the lives of others would guard him from violence, and
+that he was resolved to give no cause for suspecting that he used
+precautions of defence against the judge whom his majesty was sending to
+Peru. On one occasion, Juan de Herrada complained to the marquis of a
+report that he meant to put all the friends of Almagro to death. The
+marquis assured him that the report was entirely groundless; and when
+Herrada mentioned that the marquis was collecting a great number of lances
+and other arms, as a confirmation of the report that these were intended
+against the Almagrians, the marquis replied in the gentlest terms, that
+these arms were by no means intended to be used against him or his friends.
+He even presented Herrada with several oranges which he pluckt for him,
+which were then esteemed a high delicacy, as they were the first that were
+grown in Peru; and told him privately, that if he were in want of anything,
+he had only to give him notice, and he might depend on being provided for.
+Herrada kissed his hands, and thanked him for his kindness, going away
+delighted with the assurance that the marquis seemed to have no suspicion
+whatever of the conspiracy.
+
+On arriving at his house, where the principal conspirators waited for him,
+it was determined to kill the marquis on the following Sunday, as they had
+not been able to put their design into execution on the festival of St
+John[1] as they at first intended. On the Saturday immediately preceding,
+one of the conspirators revealed the circumstances of the plot in
+confession to the curate of the great church of Lima. The curate went that
+same evening to communicate the intelligence to Antonio Picado, secretary
+to the marquis, who immediately carried the curate to Francisco Martinez
+de Alcantara, the marquises brother[2], where the marquis then was at
+supper together with his children[3]. On being informed of the urgent
+business on which they came, the marquis rose from table and retired to
+another room, where the curate informed him of every thing he had learnt
+respecting the conspiracy. The marquis was at first considerably agitated
+by his intelligence: but after a moments reflection, he said that he could
+not credit the story, as Herrada had been with him only a few days before,
+and had conversed with him with much humility; for which reason he was
+convinced that the man who now brought this intelligence had some secret
+end to serve, and had invented this story to assume merit. He sent however,
+for his lieutenant, the doctor Juan Velasquez[4] meaning to consult with
+him; but as Velasquez was ill in bed, the marquis went to his house, and
+told him all that he had heard. Velaquez used every argument to convince
+him that the story was false, and that he had nothing to fear. Taking up
+his rod of office, he declared that no one dared to revolt so long as he
+held that badge in his hand, and that the marquis might rest in security.
+He may be said in some measure to have kept his word; for when the
+Almagrians came next day to kill the marquis, Velasquez made his escape
+over a window, and took his rod of office in his teeth, that he might use
+both his hands to assist himself in his descent.
+
+In spite of all these assurances the marquis was somewhat alarmed,
+insomuch that next day, being Sunday the 26th June 1541, he determined not
+to go to church, and had the mass said in his own house. After church, the
+doctor Velasquez and captain Francisco de Chaves, who were the principal
+persons in the colony, went along with several other persons to visit the
+marquis. Having paid their visit, they all retired to their houses, except
+Velasquez and de Chaves who remained to dine with him. After dinner,
+between twelve and one o'clock, when all the attendants of the marquis had
+retired to their dinner, and the whole city was quiet, Juan de Herrada and
+ten or twelve of his associates all armed sallied forth from the house of
+Almagro, which was not more than three hundred paces from the palace of
+the marquis, between which were part of a street and the whole breadth of
+the great square. On coming out into the street with their drawn swords,
+they exclaimed, "death to the tyrant who hath slain the judge sent by the
+emperor to execute judgment upon him." They used these words, and went
+thus openly, to induce the inhabitants to believe that their party was
+numerous, so that no one might take measures to oppose them. Besides this,
+the conspirators believed that there was no time for any one to interpose
+to prevent the execution of their purpose, and that it would either be
+accomplished, or themselves slain in the attempt, before any effectual
+succour would arrive. On their arrival at the palace of the marquis, one
+of the party remained at the gate with a bloody sword in his hand, who
+cried out repeatedly, "_The tyrant is dead! the tyrant is dead!_" This had
+the desired effect, as several of the inhabitants who hastened to the
+palace on the alarm, being convinced that the marquis was already slain,
+retired again to their houses.
+
+In the mean time Juan de Herrada and the rest of the conspirators rushed
+up the stair towards the apartment of the marquis, who, being alarmed by
+some of the Indian servants, desired de Chaves to shut the doors of the
+saloon and the hall, while he retired to put on his armour. De Chaves was
+so much confused, that instead of fastening the doors he went out to the
+staircase demanding the reason of the noise; on which one of the
+conspirators wounded him. "This, said he, is not the usage of a friend,"
+and immediately drew his sword, but was soon overpowered and slain. The
+conspirators immediately rushed into the hall, whence ten or twelve
+Spaniards who were there made their escape by the windows: Among these was
+Velasquez, who, as has been already mentioned, took his rod of office in
+his mouth, that he might use his hands the more readily in making his
+escape by the window. The marquis was at this time in his chamber,
+employed in arming himself, attended by his brother de Alcantara, two
+other gentlemen, and two pages. Seeing his enemies so near, the marquis
+was unable to fasten the clasps of his cuirass, but advanced courageously
+with his sword and buckler to defend the entry to the chamber, in which he
+was bravely assisted by those who were along with him. He defended himself
+for a considerable time successfully, encouraging his brother and the rest
+by his voice and example. At length the Almagrians slew de Alcantara, on
+which one of the pages took his place beside the marquis. The Almagrians,
+being afraid lest succour might arrive, resolved to make a desperate
+effort, for which purpose one of the best armed among them forced in at
+the door and made room for the rest to enter, who now attacked the marquis
+and his faithful companions with such fury that he was soon exhausted with
+fatigue and hardly able to handle his arms. At length the marquis received
+a mortal thrust in his throat, and falling to the ground called out in a
+loud voice for a confessor. Soon losing all power of speech, he made the
+sign of the cross on the floor with his finger, which he kissed and
+expired. Besides his brother, the two pages were likewise slain. Of the
+Almagrians, four were killed, and several of the rest wounded.
+
+When the marquises death was made known, above two hundred men who waited
+the event, declared themselves loudly in favour of Don Diego, and went
+about the city arresting and disarming all who seemed to favour the party
+of the marquis. The conspirators went out into the street waving their
+bloody swords, and Herrada made Don Diego ride on horseback through the
+city of Lima, proclaiming him as governor of Peru. The palace of the
+marquis, and the houses of Alcantara and Picado the secretary were
+pillaged, Herrada assembled the cabildo of the city, and obliged them to
+acknowledge Don Diego as governor, under pretence that the elder Almagro
+had been appointed by his majesty to the government of New Toledo, with
+succession to his son or to any person he might appoint as his successor.
+The conspirators likewise put to death several persons who were
+particularly attached to the late marquis, and gave up their houses to be
+plundered by their own partizans. It was melancholy to behold the misery
+and desolation of the wives and children of those who were thus massacred,
+and whose houses were pillaged of every thing valuable, as they went about
+the streets bewailing their forlorn condition.
+
+Some obscure persons[5] carried or dragged the dead body of the marquis to
+the church, where no one dared to give it burial, till one Juan Barbaran
+and his wife, who had been servants to the marquis, obtained permission
+from Don Diego, and buried the marquis and his brother as well as they
+could. They were obliged to hurry over the ceremony as quickly as possible,
+having hardly time to clothe the body in the habit of St Jago, of which
+order he was a member, and to put on his spurs according to the usual
+manner of burying the knights of that order; as they were informed that
+some of the Almagrians were hastening to the church to cut off the head of
+the marquis to affix it to the gallows. Barbaran himself performed the
+ceremonies of the funeral, at which he was sole mourner, and defrayed all
+the expences from his own funds. He next endeavoured to provide for the
+security of the children of the marquis, who were concealed in different
+parts of the city of Lima, now under the absolute controul of the
+Almagrians.
+
+In this melancholy catastrophe, we have a forcible example of the
+uncertainty and changeableness of fortune. In a very short space of time,
+a private individual who held no important office, had discovered a vast
+extent of country containing powerful kingdoms, of which he made himself
+master and governor with almost uncontrolled authority, bestowing on
+several persons such ample fortunes and extensive revenues as none of the
+richest and most powerful monarchs whom we read of in history had ever
+given away in so short a time. Yet was this man assassinated by only
+twelve men at noonday, in the midst of a city the whole inhabitants of
+which were his creatures, servants, kinsmen, friends, and soldiers, who
+had all eaten of his bread and subsisted on his bounty, even his own
+domestic servants and those who were in his house, flying away and
+abandoning him to his fate. He was interred in the most obscure manner,
+all his richness and greatness having disappeared, not enough being left
+to defray the consecrated tapers and other expences of his funeral. The
+unsearchable ways of Providence are surprisingly illustrated by these
+events; and particularly, that after all the warnings and just causes of
+suspicion which had been given him, he refused to take any precautions for
+his safety which he could have done so easily.
+
+As the discovery and conquest of Peru, the subject of this work,
+originated from the two captains of whom I have hitherto dicoursed, the
+Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro, and the President Don Diego de Almagro; it
+seems proper to attempt giving their portraitures, with some account of
+their manners and qualifications, imitating in this the example of
+Plutarch; who, after giving the lives and heroic actions of two great
+commanders, institutes a comparison between them, shewing how far they
+resembled and differed from each other. We have already said all that
+could be learnt respecting their parentage. They were both personally
+brave and daring, patient of labour, of hale and robust constitutions, and
+exceedingly friendly, being always ready to do good offices to every one
+without consideration of expence. In their inclinations and manner of life
+they very much resembled each other, as neither of them were married,
+though Almagro attained to seventy-five years of age and the marquis to
+sixty-five. Both loved war; but Almagro, when not thus employed, willingly
+devoted himself to the management of his private affairs. They were both
+advanced in life when they undertook the discovery and conquest of Peru,
+in which they both encountered great fatigues, as has been formerly
+mentioned; but the marquis more especially was exposed to great dangers,
+far beyond those of the president, who remained long at Panama providing
+all necessaries for the success of the enterprize, while the marquis was
+actually engaged in the discovery and conquest of the greater part of the
+country. Both had great souls, continually occupied in vast designs and
+splendid enterprizes; yet both were of gentle and conciliatory manners,
+and of easy access to their followers. They were both liberal and generous
+in their gifts; yet the president loved to have his liberalities known and
+published to the world; while the marquis carefully concealed his gifts,
+and expressed uneasiness when they were known or blazed abroad; being more
+anxious to serve the necessities of those to whom he made them, than to
+make an ostentatious display of his munificence. One example of this is
+worthy of being mentioned. He learnt that one of his soldiers had lost a
+horse, on which occasion he went to a tennis-court belonging to his house,
+expecting to meet the soldier in that place, carrying with him an ingot of
+gold of ten pounds weight, which he meant to present him with. Not finding
+the soldier there, he engaged in a match at tennis without taking off his
+coat, as he did not wish the ingot should be noticed, which was concealed
+below his waistcoat. He remained there above three hours, when at length
+the soldier made his appearance. The marquis then took him aside and gave
+him the gold, saying that he would rather have given him thrice as much
+than have been obliged to carry that heavy weight so long.
+
+Many other examples might be given of the secret liberalities of the
+marquis, who gave all his presents with his own hand that they might not
+be known. On this account, Almagro was always considered as more liberal,
+as his gifts were made in an ostentatious manner. They may be considered,
+however, as perfectly equal in their liberality and munificence; for, as
+the marquis used to acknowledge that all came from their common funds,
+being partners and associates in every thing derived from their joint
+discovery and conquest, the half of all that was given by one belonged to
+the other, so that he who consented to or participated in the present, was
+equally generous with the actual donor. Besides, in proof that they both
+deserved the praise of liberality, they were both during their lives
+prodigiously rich in ready money and vast revenues, beyond any person or
+prince not sovereign who had been known for many ages; yet both died so
+poor that no mention is made of the treasures or estates left by them; so
+that hardly at their deaths was there sufficient to defray the expences of
+their funerals; resembling in that respect Cato and Sylla and some other
+famous Romans, who were buried at the public charge.
+
+Both were exceedingly kind to their servants and dependents, whom on all
+occasions they delighted to enrich and advance, and to rescue from dangers.
+In this last particular the marquis carried his attentions even to excess,
+as appears by the following instance. In passing a river called the
+Baranca, one of his Indian servants, of the Yanaconas tribe, was carried
+away by the strength of the current, on which the marquis plunged into the
+stream and swam after him, catching him by the hair, and saved him at the
+imminent hazard of his own life, in so rapid a current that the bravest
+and most vigorous man in his army durst hardly have made the attempt. When
+his officers blamed him for his rashness in thus exposing his life, he
+answered that none of them knew how to value a faithful servant. The
+marquis enjoyed the authority of governor much longer in tranquillity than
+Almagro; who, though he hardly enjoyed that authority at all, was more
+ambitious, and evinced a more ardent desire of exercising command. Both
+affected simplicity in dress, keeping to the same fashion in their old age
+which they had been accustomed to in their youth. In particular, the
+marquis used ordinarily to wear a close coat of black cloth, the wide
+skirts of which came down almost to his ankles, while the body had a very
+short waist and was closely fitted to his shape. His shoes were of white
+leather, with a white or grey hat, and a plain sword and dagger in the old
+fashion. Sometimes on festivals, by the entreaty of his servants, he wore
+a robe of fine fur which had been sent him by the Marquis del Valle; but
+immediately on his return from church he put it off, remaining in his
+shirt or a plain jacket, with a napkin hanging from his neck to wipe away
+sweat, as he usually passed most of the day when in peace in playing at
+bowls or tennis.
+
+Both Pizarro and Almagro were exceedingly patient of labour and fatigue,
+and could submit better than most men to hunger and thirst and other
+privations; but especially the marquis, who was so vigorous that few young
+men were able to compete with him in his old days at athletic sports. The
+marquis in general was more addicted to play than Almagro, insomuch that
+he often spent whole days in playing at bowls, with any one that offered,
+whether mariner or miller was all one; and he never allowed any man to
+lift his bowl for him, or to use any ceremony whatever in respect to his
+rank. He was so fond of play, that few affairs were of sufficient
+importance to induce him to give over, especially when losing. But when
+informed of any insurrection among the Indians, he would instantly lay
+every thing aside, immediately bracing on his armour and seizing his lance
+and target, would hasten to the place where the mutiny had risen, without
+waiting for his people, who followed him with all expedition.
+
+Both the marquis and the president were so brave and so experienced in the
+manner of making war with the Indians, that either of them alone would
+never hesitate when on horseback and armed to charge through a hundred
+Indians. Both were extremely intelligent, sensible, and judicious, and
+could take their measures both in civil and military affairs with great
+promptitude and propriety; yet both were so extremely illiterate that
+neither of them could read or write, or even sign their names; which
+assuredly was a great defect, and exceedingly inconvenient in carrying on
+the important affairs in which they were concerned; and although they in
+every other respect appeared like persons of high birth, and deported
+themselves like noblemen with much dignity and propriety, yet their entire
+ignorance of letters was an evident demonstration of the meanness of their
+birth. The marquis placed implicit confidence in his servants and friends,
+insomuch that in all his dispatches and orders relative to the government,
+and in the assignments of lands and Indians, he only made two lines with
+the pen, between which Antonio Picado his secretary wrote his name,
+Francisco Pizarro. As Ovid said of Romulus, respecting astronomy, we may
+say of Pizarro that he was more learned in the art of war than in the
+sciences, and applied himself more to know how to atchieve glorious
+conquests than to acquire literature. Both were exceedingly affable and
+familiar with the colonists, making them frequent visits, and they readily
+accepted invitations to dinner from any one; yet both were extremely
+moderate in eating and drinking; and both refrained from amorous
+connection with Spanish women, on the principle that to intrigue with the
+wives or daughters of their countrymen was both prejudicial and
+dishonourable to their neighbours. Almagro was the most continent in
+regard to the Peruvian women, as we know of no affairs of his gallantry in
+that country, his only son being born of an Indian woman of Panama. But
+the marquis had more than one attachment in Peru, having lived publickly
+with a sister of Atahualpa, by whom he had a son named Don Gonzalo who
+died at fourteen years of age, and a daughter named Donna Francisca. By
+another Indian woman of Cuzco he had a son named Don Francisco[6].
+
+Both Pizarro and Almagro received high rewards from his majesty for their
+signal services; the former being created a marquis, with the authority of
+governor of New Castille, and the order of St Jago. Almagro was rewarded
+with the government of New Toledo, with the title of President or Lord
+Lieutenant of that country. The marquis always evinced the highest respect
+for his majesty, the utmost zeal for his service, and the most perfect
+obedience for his orders; insomuch that he would often refrain from doing
+many things which were evidently within the scope of his authority, lest
+he should appear to overstep the bounds of his commission. Frequently,
+when sitting in the meeting-houses where the gold and silver was assessed
+for the royal fifth, he would rise from his chair to pick up the small
+pieces which started from the scissars; observing that if the hands failed
+on such occasions, a loyal subject ought to use his mouth to serve the
+king. As these two great men resembled each other in many things during
+their lives, so in their deaths they were alike unfortunate: the president
+being put to death by the brother of the marquis, and the marquis slain by
+the son of the president.
+
+The marquis was exceedingly anxious for the improvement of the country,
+giving every encouragement to the cultivation of the soil, and the
+establishment of colonies of Spaniards in different places. He built for
+himself a fine house or palace in the city of Lima, and had two sluices
+constructed on the river to drive mills for its supply; employing much of
+his leisure in superintending the workmen, and instructing the overseers
+how he wished the works to be carried on. He was particularly diligent in
+procuring the erection of a great and handsome church in Lima, and
+monasteries for the Dominicans and the order of Mercy; both of whom he
+endowed with ample estates in lands and Indians.
+
+
+[1] The festival of St John the Evangelist is on the 5th May but the
+    assasination of the Marquis did not take place till the 26th June
+    1541.--E.
+
+[2] In a former note, it has been mentioned, on the authority of Robertson,
+    that Francisco de Alcantara was the uncle of Pizarro by his mother;
+    yet Garcilasso calls him his brother, and perhaps he was so by a
+    different father.--E.
+
+[3] The language of the French translator is here rather equivocal, but
+    distinctly bears the construction here given of the marquis being at
+    supper in the house of de Alcantara.--E.
+
+[4] By Garcilasso, Velasquez is called the Chief Justice.--E.
+
+[5] Garcilasso, quoting Zarate, says that the body was dragged to church
+    by some negroes; the French translator says _quelques miserables_.--E.
+
+[6] According to Garcilasso, the marquis had only one son and one daughter,
+    Don Francisco being the son of his brother Gonzalo. Don Gonzalo, the
+    only son of the marquis, was born of a daughter of Atahualpa, not a
+    sister, named Angelina. Donna Francisca was the marquises daughter by
+    Ynes Huayllas Nusta, a daughter of the Inca Huana Capac, whose
+    Christian name was Donna Beatrix.--E.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+CONTINUATION OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF PERU, AFTER THE DEATH OF FRANCISCO
+PIZARRO, TO THE DEFEAT OF GONZALO PIZARRO, AND THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF
+TRANQUILITY IN THE COUNTRY; WRITTEN BY AUGUSTINO ZARATE[1].
+
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_From the revival of the civil wars in Peru, to the close of the
+administration of Vaca de Castro, the first governor appointed from Spain_.
+
+
+After Don Diego had made himself master of the city of Lima, he deprived
+the magistrates of all their insignia of command, but which he immediately
+returned to them, with orders to execute their official duties in his name
+and authority. He then ordered the Doctor Velasquez, who had been chief
+justice or adelantado under the marquis, and Antonio Picado who had been
+his secretary, to be taken into custody[2]. In the next place he appointed
+Juan Tello, Francisco de Chaves[3], and one Sotelo to be captains of his
+troops. On the news of this revolution, all the idle vagabonds and
+debauched blackguards of the country hastened to enrol themselves under
+the banners of Don Diego, in hopes of participating in the plunder of the
+partizans of Pizarro, and of being enabled to live licentiously without
+labour. To enable him to pay his troops, Don Diego seized the fifth of the
+precious metals belonging to the crown, and took possession of the
+properties of those who had been massacred, and the revenues of all the
+absentees. In a very short time disputes and divisions arose among those
+who had taken part with Don Diego, as the leaders of the malcontent party
+among them were anxious to assassinate Juan de Herrada, because every
+thing was done and directed by him, Don Diego having only the name of
+captain general, while he in fact exercised the whole authority. The
+intention of these malcontents being discovered, several of them were put
+to death as seditious people; among whom was Francisco de Chaves, who was
+put to the rack and afterwards hanged as a ringleader of this new
+conspiracy. One Antonio de Orihuela likewise, who had only arrived of late
+from Spain, was beheaded, having imprudently asserted that the Almagrians
+were tyrants and usurpers.
+
+Deputies or messengers were sent to all the cities and provinces of Peru,
+to induce the commandants and magistrates to recognize Don Diego as
+governor, which was done in many places out of fear: But Alonso de
+Alvarado, who was lieutenant governor in the province of Chachapoyas,
+ordered the deputies who were sent into his government to be arrested,
+declaring for his majesty in opposition to Don Diego, whom he denounced a
+rebel. He was encouraged in this bold procedure, because he was confident
+of being able to defend himself with a hundred men whom he commanded in a
+strong fortress of his province, which he fortified with much care. Don
+Diego used every effort to gain Alvarado to his party, by flattering
+promises and menaces of condign punishment; but he uniformly replied, that
+he would never acknowledge his authority without an express command from
+his majesty to that effect, and that he hoped, by the blessing of God and
+the assistance of the brave men whom he commanded, to revenge the death of
+the marquis, and to punish the Almagrians for their injurious and
+outrageous conduct, and the contempt of the royal authority which they had
+evinced in their whole procedure. Garcias de Alvarado was therefore sent
+with a force of cavalry and infantry, having orders to go in the first
+place to the cities of San Miguel and Truxillo, to deprive the inhabitants
+of these two colonies of their arms and horses, and then to march with all
+his troops against Alonso de Alvarado. Garcias went accordingly by sea to
+the port of Jauta, about fifteen leagues from Truxillo, where he found
+Captain Alonso de Cabrera, who had fled thither with all the inhabitants
+of Guanuco to join the people of Truxillo against the usurpation of Don
+Diego. Garcias made Cabrera and some other of his companions prisoners;
+and on his arrival at San Miguel he cut off his head, and likewise put to
+death Francisco de Vozmudiana, and Hernando de Villegas.
+
+When the deputies or messengers of Don Diego arrived at Cuzco with orders
+to recognize him as governor general of Peru, Diego de Silva and Francisco
+de Carvajal were the chief magistrates of that city. These officers,
+together with the other magistrates and counsellors forming the Cabildo,
+were unwilling to submit to his authority, yet durst not declare
+themselves openly till they had maturely considered whether they were
+possessed of a sufficient force, and had enough of provisions and warlike
+stores to defend themselves in case of being attacked. On purpose
+therefore to gain time, they desired the messengers of Don Diego to return
+to their master, and to desire him to send them other deputies with more
+ample and more regular powers or instructions, after which they would
+recognize his authority. Gomez de Tordoya, who was one of the principal
+members of the royal council of Cuzco, happened not to be in the city when
+the deputies arrived, as he had gone out that day to take the diversion of
+hawking. The other members sent therefore a message to inform him of what
+was going on, and to desire his presence and advice. On his return to the
+city, he met the messengers of Don Diego, and having learnt the state of
+affairs, he twisted off the head of an excellent falcon which he carried
+on his fist, saying that fighting must now be followed, not the sports of
+the field. After a secret consultation with the rest of the Cabildo on the
+proper measures to be pursued on the present emergency, he left the city
+the same night, and went to the residence of Captain de Castro. They sent
+immediately a message to Pedro Anzurez, the lieutenant of the province of
+Charcas, giving him an account of the state of affairs, and he declared
+himself at once for the party of his majesty.
+
+Immediately afterwards Gomez de Tordoya set off in pursuit of Pedro
+Alvarez Holguin, who had lately marched with above a hundred men to reduce
+some revolted Indians: On coming up with Holguin, Tordoya immediately told
+him all that had taken place, earnestly intreating him to assist the loyal
+inhabitants of Cuzco in their just and honourable intentions, and to
+assume the command of such troops as might be collected for the defence of
+that city against the usurpation of Don Diego. To induce him to comply,
+Tordoya declared himself ready to become one of his soldiers, and to give
+an example of implicit obedience to his commands. Holguin immediately
+declared for his majesty, and agreed to assume the command. He and Tordoya
+assembled the inhabitants of the city of Arequipa, whom they confirmed in
+their loyalty, and immediately set out for Cuzco with all the force they
+could collect. On the arrival of Holguin and Tordoya near Cuzco, above
+fifty men who had declared themselves for Don Diego left the city, meaning
+to join him at Lima; but the royalists sent de Castro and Ferdinand
+Bachicao after them with a party of musqueteers, who came up with and
+attacked them during the night, and brought them all back prisoners to
+Cuzco.
+
+All the magistrates and councillors of Cuzco concurred not only in the
+appointment of Pedro Alvarez Holguin as military commandant, but they
+named him captain general and governor of all Peru, coming under an oath
+of obedience to him in that high capacity till the pleasure of his majesty
+should be made manifest on the subject: And in testimony of their zealous
+loyalty, the whole inhabitants of Cuzco came under obligations to replace
+all the sums that Holguin might be under the necessity of taking from the
+effects and revenues belonging to the crown for the payment and equipment
+of his troops, in case his majesty might not approve and allow that
+expence. Besides this, all the inhabitants of Cuzco, Charcas, and Arequipa
+engaged voluntarily to serve in the war, and to contribute towards its
+expences. Immediately on his appointment to the supreme power, Holguin
+made a proclamation of war against Don Diego as a rebel, and in a short
+time assembled a force of 150 cavalry, 100 musqueteers and 100 pikemen.
+But learning that Don Diego had more than 800 men under arms, he did not
+consider himself powerful enough to wait for him in Cuzco, deeming it more
+prudent to march from thence by way of the mountain road, on purpose to
+join forces with Alonso de Alvarado, who had declared for his majesty.
+Holguin likewise expected to be joined upon the march by several of the
+friends and servants of the late marquis, who had concealed themselves
+from the rage of the Almagrians in different parts of the mountain region
+of Peru. In pursuance of this plan, Holguin set out on his march from
+Cuzco, having appointed Gomez de Tordoya his maestre de campo or major
+general, Garcilasso de la Vega[4] and Pedro Anzurez, captains of horse,
+Nunno de Castro and Hernando de Bachicao captains of foot, and Martin de
+Robles as ensign to carry the royal standard. On leaving Cuzco, all who
+were unfit for active service in the field were left behind, and proper
+officers were appointed for maintaining the government and to distribute
+justice.
+
+On receiving notice of all these events which had taken place in Cuzco,
+and that Holguin had marched from thence with his troops, Don Diego judged
+that Holguin would endeavour to form a junction with Alonzo de Alvarado
+who commanded in Chachapoyas, and would therefore proceed by the mountain
+road towards the north; he resolved therefore to march in such a direction
+as might enable him to intercept Holguin before his junction with Alonzo
+de Alvarado, but did not think it prudent to attempt this before the
+arrival of the force under Garcias de Alvarado, whom he had recalled from
+the originally concerted expedition against Alonzo de Alvarado[5]. While
+passing through Truxillo, levying men and providing arms and horses,
+Garcias proposed to have attacked Alonzo de Alvarado, but was resisted by
+the inhabitants of a town in the province of Chachapoyas named Levanto,
+and receiving his orders of recal from Don Diego he relinquished his
+design, and marched in all haste for Lima. Immediately after the return of
+Garcias, Don Diego began his march against Holguin, with a force of 300
+horse, 100 musqueteers, and 150 pikemen; but before his departure, he
+banished the children of the late marquis and of Gonzalo Pizarro from the
+country, and executed Antonio Picado, having previously put him to the
+torture to endeavour to extort confession from him as to any hidden
+treasure belonging to the marquis.
+
+"As during the civil dissentions in Peru, all intercourse with Spain was
+suspended, the detail of the extraordinary transactions there between the
+marquis and the elder Almagro, already recounted, did not soon reach the
+court[6]. Unfortunately for the victorious faction, the first intelligence
+was brought thither by some of Almagro's officers, who left the country on
+the ruin of their cause; and they related what had happened with every
+circumstance unfavourable to Pizarro and his brothers. Their ambition,
+their breach of the most solemn engagements, their violence and cruelty,
+were painted with all the malignity and exaggeration of party hatred.
+Ferdinand Pizarro, who arrived soon after, and appeared at court with
+great splendour, endeavoured to efface the impression which their
+accusations had made, and to justify his brother and himself by
+representing Almagro as the aggressor. The emperor and his ministers,
+though they could not pronounce which of the contending factions was most
+criminal, clearly discerned the fatal tendency of their dissentions. It
+was obvious, that while the leaders entrusted with the conduct of two
+infant colonies, employed the arms which should have been turned against
+the common enemy in destroying one another, all attention to the public
+good must cease, and there was reason to dread that the Indians might
+improve the advantage which the disunion of the Spaniards presented to
+them, and extirpate both the victors and the vanquished. But the evil was
+more apparent than the remedy. Where the information which had been
+received was so defective and suspicious, and the scene of action so
+remote, it was almost impossible to chalk out the line of conduct that
+ought to be followed; and before any plan that should be approved of in
+Spain could be carried into execution, the situation of the parties, and
+the circumstances of affairs, might alter so entirely as to render its
+effects extremely pernicious."
+
+"Nothing therefore remained but to send a person to Peru, vested with
+extensive and discretionary powers; who, after viewing deliberately the
+posture of affairs with his own eyes, and inquiring on the spot into the
+conduct of the different leaders, should be authorised to establish the
+government in that form which he deemed most conducive to the interest of
+the parent state and the welfare of the colony. The man selected in 1539
+for this important charge was Christoval Vaca de Castro, a judge in the
+court of royal audience at Valladolid; and his abilities, integrity, and
+firmness, justified the choice. His instructions, though ample, were not
+such as to fetter him in his operations. According to the different aspect
+of affairs, he had power to take upon him different characters. If he
+found the governor still alive, he was only to assume the title of judge,
+to maintain the appearance of acting in concert with him, and to guard
+against giving any just cause of offence to a man who had merited so
+highly of his country. But, if Pizarro were dead, he was entrusted with a
+commission that he might then produce, by which he was appointed his
+successor in the government of Peru. This attention to Pizarro, however,
+seems to have flowed rather from dread of his power, than from any
+approbation of his measures; for at the very time that the court seemed so
+solicitous not to irritate him, his brother Ferdinand was arrested at
+Madrid, and confined to a prison where he remained above twenty years[7]."
+
+"Vaca de Castro, who left Spain in 1540, was driven by stress of weather
+in 1541, after a long and disastrous voyage, into a small harbour in the
+province of Popayan; and proceeding from thence by land, after a journey
+no less difficult than tedious, he reached Quito. In his way he received
+accounts of Pizarro's death, and of the events which followed upon it, as
+already mentioned. He immediately produced his commission appointing him
+governor of Peru, with the same privileges and authority which had been
+enjoyed by Pizarro; and his jurisdiction was acknowledged without
+hesitation by Benalcazar, adelantado or lieutenant general for the emperor
+in Popayan, and by Pedro de Puelles, who had the command of the troops
+left in Quito in the absence of Gonzalo Pizarro. Vaca de Castro not only
+assumed the supreme authority, but shewed that he possessed the talents
+which the exercise of it at that juncture required. By his influence and
+address, he soon assembled such a body of troops as not only set him above
+all fear of being exposed to any insult from the adverse party, but
+enabled him to advance from Quito with the dignity that became his
+character. By dispatching persons of confidence to the different
+settlements in Peru, with a formal notification of his arrival and of his
+commission, he communicated to his countrymen the royal pleasure with
+respect to the government of the country. By private emissaries, he
+excited such officers as had discovered their disapprobation of Almagro's
+proceedings, to manifest their duty to their sovereign by supporting the
+person honoured with his commission. Those measures were productive of
+great effects. Encouraged by the approach of the new governor, or prepared
+by his machinations, the loyal were confirmed in their principles, and
+avowed them with greater boldness; the timid ventured to declare their
+sentiments; the neutral and wavering, finding it necessary to choose a
+side, began to lean to that which now appeared to be the safest, as well
+as the most just[8]."
+
+Don Diego had hardly got two leagues from Lima, in 1542, when secret
+orders arrived there from Vaca de Castro, addressed to F. Thomas de San
+Martin, provincial of the Dominicans, and Francisco de Barrionuevo, to
+whom he committed the direction of public affairs till his own arrival. By
+these persons, the cabildo of the city was secretly assembled in the
+Dominican convent, to whom these orders were communicated, and who
+immediately recognized Vaca de Castro as governor, and Geronimo de Aliaga,
+his principal secretary, as adelantado or lieutenant governor of Peru.
+Immediately upon this formal act of recognition, the members of the
+cabildo and several of the principal citizens fled to Truxillo, fearing
+the resentment of the Almagrians. Although all this had passed in secret,
+it was communicated on the same night to Don Diego, who was disposed in
+consequence to have returned with the intention of giving up the city to
+plunder; but he was afraid lest by delay Holguin might escape into the
+north of Peru, and lest by returning, the arrival of the new governor
+might come to the knowledge of his troops. He determined therefore to
+continue his march against Holguin with all expedition. In spite of all
+his precautions, intelligence of the arrival of the new governor reached
+his camp, on which several persons abandoned him secretly, particularly
+the provincial of the Dominicans, Diego de Aguero, Juan de Saavedra, Yllen
+Suarez de Carvajal the commissary, and Gomez de Alvarado.
+
+Although every consideration prompted Don Diego to use the utmost
+diligence in the present posture of affairs, he was under the absolute
+necessity of marching slowly, as Juan de Herrada his great friend and
+adviser fell sick of a mortal distemper. Owing to this delay, Holguin was
+enabled to get beyond the valley of Jauja in his march towards the
+province of Chachapoyas. Yet Don Diego followed after him with so much
+diligence that he very nearly got up with him. In this emergency, as
+Holguin was by no means in sufficient force to venture a battle with Don
+Diego, he put the following stratagem in practice to enable him to escape,
+which effectually succeeded. During the night he detached twenty horsemen
+to make an attack on the advanced guard of the enemy, with orders to take
+some prisoners if possible, and then to retire. They executed their orders
+successfully and made three prisoners, two of whom Holguin ordered to be
+immediately hanged, and offered life and liberty with a considerable
+reward in money to the third, if he would carry information to certain
+persons in the army of Don Diego, who he pretended were disposed to join
+him, that he intended to attack the right wing of the camp in the ensuing
+night, that they might be ready to assist him. He even administered an
+oath to this soldier that he would religiously keep the secret from every
+one but those to whom he was directed to carry the message. Being a young
+man and desirous of procuring the promised large reward, he readily
+undertook the commission, and returned to the camp of Don Diego. When Don
+Diego understood that this man had come back, and that his two companions
+were hanged by Holguin, he suspected that mercy had been shewn him on some
+private conditions; for which reason he ordered the soldier to be put to
+the torture, who immediately avowed all that had been confided to him. By
+this means, Don Diego was led to believe that Holguin actually intended to
+surprise him by night, and took effectual measures to receive him, placing
+the greatest part of his troops under arms all night on that side which
+the soldier mentioned as the part where Holguin was to attack. The
+intentions of Holguin were diametrically opposite to this story which he
+had put in the mouth of the soldier, meaning only to gain time for a
+secure retreat; so that immediately after dispatching the soldier, he
+decamped in the middle of the night, marching with all possible celerity
+to get his army into a place of safety, while Don Diego uselessly kept his
+army under arms in expectation of being attacked.
+
+When Don Diego discovered the trick which had been imposed on him, he
+resumed the pursuit of Holguin with as much celerity as he could: But
+Holguin had sent a quick messenger to Alonso de Alvarado, requesting him
+to hasten to his assistance, which Alvarado did without delay with all his
+own troops and several of the inhabitants of Truxillo. On the junction of
+these officers a few davs afterwards, Don Diego discontinued the pursuit,
+and returned towards Cuzco. Holguin and Alvarado sent off immediately to
+inform Vaca de Castro by letter of all the preceding events, and
+counselled him to advance without delay to join them, as they were in
+sufficient force to make him master of the country when strengthened by
+his authority. At this time Juan de Herrada expired at Jauja, and Don
+Diego detached a part of his army to the low country of Peru to collect
+those of his party who were at Arequipa and other places. His officers
+plundered the city of Arequipa, and dug up every where about the monastery
+of the Dominicans in search of treasure, as they were informed that the
+inhabitants of that city had concealed their valuable effects in that
+convent.
+
+Vaca de Castro had reached Peru with much difficulty and fatigue. The
+voyage from Panama was exceedingly tedious and tempestuous, and the vessel
+in which he sailed lost all its anchors. Having at last reached the
+harbour of Buenaventura at the bottom of the bay of Choco on the coast of
+Raposo, he went from thence by land to the frontiers of the government of
+Benalcazar, who commanded in Popayan, and thence to Peru. He suffered much
+hardship and fatigue in that journey, both from the length and difficulty
+of the way and the scarcity of provisions, so that he fell sick as being
+quite unused to such fatigues. Yet as the death of the marquis and the
+subsequent events were already known in Popayan, de Castro continued his
+journey with as little delay as possible, that he might endeavour by his
+presence to remedy the disorders of the country. Although Vaca de Castro
+had been sent to Peru ostensibly to investigate into and take cognizance
+of the death of Almagro, and of the subsequent transactions, without any
+order to deprive the marquis of the government, or even to suspend his
+authority; yet he had been furnished with a secret commission, by which he
+was authorized to assume the government, in case the marquis should die
+during his voyage, or after his arrival, and to exercise all the functions
+of that high office, till the emperor might give orders to the contrary.
+By the authority of this commission, he was received in the camp of
+Holguin and Alvarado as governor. He was accompanied thither by several
+persons who had joined him on his first arrival in Peru, particularly by
+Captain Lorenzo de Aldana, who had been lieutenant governor of Quito under
+the marquis. He sent before him Captain Pedro de Puelles, to make
+preparations for carrying on the war. He sent likewise Gomez de Royas to
+Cuzco, with orders to the magistrates and inhabitants of that city to
+receive him as lieutenant. Royas used so much diligence and address that
+he arrived at Cuzco and was received and acknowledged in the command of
+that place before Don Diego could reach it with his army.
+
+When Vaca de Castro passed through the province of Bracamoras on his way
+from Quito to Truxillo, Captain Pedro de Vergara, who was then occupied in
+reducing that province, and had even fortified himself in a strong post on
+purpose to defend himself against Don Diego, joined him with all his men.
+At Truxillo the new governor was joined by Gomez de Tordoya, who had
+quitted the camp in consequence of a dispute with Holguin. He was joined
+likewise at Truxillo by Garcilasso de la Vega and some other gentlemen. By
+all these means, when Vaca de Castro left Truxillo to repair to the camp
+of Holguin and Alvarado, he had already collected a well armed force of
+more than two hundred men, all ready to obey his orders. Immediately on
+his arrival at the camp, Holguin and Alvarado received him with every
+demonstration of joy, giving up to him their standards and all other marks
+of authority; all of which he restored, except the royal standard, which
+he retained for himself. Having appointed Holguin to the command of the
+army, as maestre de campo general, he ordered him to march forwards to
+Jauja, and to wait there till he himself might return from Lima, where he
+proposed going that he might establish its government in proper order, and
+on purpose to collect men, arms and ammunition. He gave orders to Holguin,
+that Captain Diego de Royas should always precede the army about twenty
+leagues, with a detachment of thirty horsemen, to gain intelligence of the
+motions of the enemy. At the same time he sent back Diego de Mora to
+Truxillo, to take the command in that city. De Castro thus took every
+proper precaution for the successful issue of his expedition, with as much
+prudent foresight as if he had been all his life enured to warlike affairs.
+
+When Don Diego found that Holguin had escaped from his pursuit, as
+formerly related, he went to Cuzco with his army, where Christoval de
+Sotelo, whom he had detached there before him, had already taken
+possession of the city, and had displaced the magistrates who had been
+established there under the authority of the new governor. Immediately on
+the arrival of Don Diego at Cuzco, he made every exertion to provide
+artillery and gunpowder for the farther prosecution of the war. Both of
+these warlike articles are easily made in Peru. As to artillery, there is
+abundance of metal for that purpose, and there were also several persons
+in Cuzco who were perfectly well acquainted with the manner of founding
+cannon: These were _Levantines_ or Greeks, several of whom had come to
+Peru out of respect for Pedro de Candia, who was master of the ordnance to
+Don Diego. Powder was likewise easily made in great abundance, as
+saltpetre is to be had in every part of that country of excellent quality.
+At the same time he had defensive armour made for those of his people who
+were in want, forming corslets and helmets of silver mixed with copper,
+which answered amazingly well, and, were made by the native artists, who
+fabricated every kind of arms in imitation of, and as good as those of
+Milan. By these means, and by collecting all the arms throughout the whole
+country, every one of his men was at least provided with a coat of mail, a
+cuirass or corselet, and a helmet[9]. In this manner Don Diego was enabled
+to equip two hundred musqueteers, and to establish several companies of
+men at arms, as hitherto in Peru, hardly any thing had been seen of that
+kind, the cavalry being all light horse except a very few.
+
+While these preparations were going on, an unfortunate quarrel arose
+between the captains Garcias de Alvarado and Christoval de Sotelo, in
+which they drew their swords and Sotelo was slain. As both of these
+captains were principal leaders in the Almagrian party, and had many
+friends and partizans in the army, this unfortunate affair occasioned much
+strife, and had nearly occasioned a battle between the friends of the two
+combatants; but Don Diego appeased them with some difficulty, and by using
+a great deal of address. But as Garcias de Alvarado plainly perceived that
+Don Diego took the death of Sotelo much to heart, whom he dearly loved,
+and feared lest he might take measures afterwards of revenge, he
+endeavoured to take precautions in the meantime for his own safety, and
+for this purpose proposed to have assassinated Don Diego. With this view
+he one day invited Don Diego to dinner, intending to have put him to death
+during the entertainment. Don Diego accepted the invitation, but when the
+appointed day came, having some suspicion of what was intended, he sent an
+excuse for his absence, on pretence of being indisposed. As Garcias had
+provided every thing for the execution of his design, he went with several
+of his friends to endeavour to prevail on Don Diego to come to the
+entertainment. While on his way, he met a soldier named Martin Carillo who
+advised him to stay away from the house of Don Diego, who he was fully
+persuaded intended to put him to death. He continued his purpose however,
+and received a similar advice from another soldier a little farther on.
+Yet he persisted in going to the house of Don Diego, and even went up to
+his chamber, where he found him on a day-bed under pretence of being
+unwell. This visit seemed to be expected, as Don Diego had several armed
+men concealed in a neighbouring room.
+
+Garcias de Alvarado and his followers went into the chamber of Don Diego,
+to whom Alvarado said; "I hope, my lord, that your indisposition is of
+little importance. You must rise and shake it off, and you will be the
+better of some exercise and amusement. Come along with us, and though you
+eat little, your presence will give pleasure to the company who expect
+you." Don Diego agreed to go, and called for his cloak, being already
+armed with his sword and dagger. While the company in the room made way by
+going out, and Garcias de Alvarado went immediately before Don Diego,
+Pedro de Onnate and several others who were instructed, shut the door, and
+seizing on Garcias told him he was their prisoner. Don Diego drew his
+sword, with which he wounded Garcias, saying that he must be slain, not
+taken prisoner; and immediately Juan Balsa, Alfonso de Saavedra, Diego
+Mendez the brother of Rodrigo Orgognez, and several others who were
+concealed in the next room, rushed out and put Alvarado to death with many
+wounds.
+
+On the news of this event spreading through the city, it occasioned much
+dissatisfaction and some appearances of an insurrection which might have
+had very fatal consequences; but Don Diego went immediately out into the
+great square, where he succeeded in appeasing the people, and the friends
+of Alvarado were forced to be quiet. Immediately after this, on purpose to
+give employment to his troops, and because he heard that Vaca de Castro
+had joined Holguin and Alonso Alvarado, he marched out from Cuzco, meaning
+to seek out and give battle to the royalists. His army on this occasion
+was the most numerous and best appointed that had hitherto been seen in
+Peru, consisting of 250 horse, 200 musqueteers, and 250 pikemen, many of
+these being armed with halberts, and all remarkably well provided with
+defensive armour, especially all his cavalry, who, besides coats of mail,
+had back and breast-pieces of iron. Besides these, he had a great train of
+artillery, and was accompanied by Paul, the brother of the Inca who had
+been raised to the Peruvian throne by the elder Almagro. The assistance of
+this chief was of great importance to Don Diego on the present occasion,
+as his Indians always went a considerable way before the army, and obliged
+the natives of all the districts through which they passed to supply
+provisions for the troops, and to furnish people for carrying the baggage
+and other necessary services. In this manner Don Diego proceeded for about
+fifty leagues to the province of Vilcas, where he learnt that the royal
+army was only thirty leagues distant from him.
+
+While Vaca de Castro was in Lima, he procured a number of musquets to be
+made by the workmen of that city, and made every other preparation in his
+power to strengthen his army. Among other things, as Don Diego had carried
+off the whole royal treasure, he borrowed a large sum from the inhabitants
+of Lima, for the pay of his troops and other expences of the war; and all
+things being regulated, he set out to join the army with as many men as he
+could collect, leaving Francisco de Barrionuevo as his lieutenant in Lima,
+and Juan Perez de Guevara as commandant of his marine. He directed his
+march for Jauja, leaving orders with the inhabitants of Lima to retire on
+board the ships, in case Don Diego, as he threatened, should make an
+attack upon the city. On his arrival at Jauja, where Holguin and the army
+waited for him, he found that the general had provided good store of arms
+both offensive and defensive, and particularly a large supply of gunpowder
+which had been made at that place. The governor incorporated the horsemen
+whom he brought along with him from Lima among the troops or companies of
+cavalry already in the army, which were commanded by the Captains Pedro
+Alvarez Holguin, Pedro Anzurez, and Garcilasso de la Vega, and formed an
+additional troop of horse of which he gave the command to Gomez de
+Alvarado. Those foot soldiers which he brought with him were distributed
+into the companies of Pedro de Vergara and Nunno de Castro, and he formed
+a new company of musqueteers, of which he appointed the bachelor Juan
+Velez de Guevara captain. Although a man of letters and educated in the
+study of the law, Guevara was an excellent soldier, and particularly
+attentive to discipline, and had even greatly assisted in the construction
+of the musquets with which his company was armed. Being likewise very
+learned in the law, he executed a judicial charge at the same time with
+his military command, both on the present occasion under Vaca de Castro,
+and during the subsequent troubles produced by Gonzalo Pizarro, as will be
+afterwards related. Every day till noon, he held his judicial sittings and
+dispatched such affairs of that kind as occurred, in the ordinary sober
+dress of a lawyer. After that, he dressed in richly embroidered uniforms,
+with a buff jerkin, a feather in his hat, and his musquet on his shoulder,
+exercising his company with much attention, and practised himself in
+firing.
+
+Having drawn together a well armed force of seven hundred men, 370 of whom
+were cavalry, 170 musqueteers, and 160 armed with pikes, Vaca de Castro
+appointed captain Francisco de Carvajal serjeant major[10] of his army;
+the same person who was afterwards maestre de campo general under Gonzalo
+Pizarro. Carvajal was an officer of great experience, having served above
+forty years in the army, and was bred in the wars of Italy under _the
+great captain_, having risen in that service from the ranks to a
+lieutenancy. By him all the movements of the army were directed.
+
+About this time a message was received by Vaca de Castro from Gonzalo
+Pizarro, who had just returned to Quito from his disastrous expedition to
+Los Canelos, formerly related. Gonzalo made offer to the governor to march
+to his assistance with all the troops he could raise; but de Castro, in
+answer, after thanking him for his good will, desired him to remain at
+Quito and on no account to come to the army, as he had hope of bringing
+Don Diego to terms of accommodation, being only desirous of restoring the
+country to peace. In this procedure, the governor meant in some measure to
+mortify the pride of Gonzalo Pizarro; and besides, he feared lest his
+natural desire of taking revenge for the murder of his brother might prove
+an invincible obstacle against Don Diego agreeing to any accommodation,
+who would never venture to submit to any one who was accompanied by
+Gonzalo Pizarro, whose friends in the royal army were very numerous. Some
+persons allege that Vaca de Castro was afraid of permitting Gonzalo to
+join the army, lest they might elect him as their general, as he was
+greatly beloved by the soldiers. At this time likewise, Vaca de Castro
+sent orders to those persons who had the charge of the children of the
+late marquis in San Miguel and Truxillo, to remain with them there till
+farther orders, and on no account to carry them to Lima; alleging, as a
+specious pretext, that they were safer there than at Lima.
+
+All his military preparations being completed, Vaca de Castro left Jauja
+with his army in excellent order, taking the route for Guamanga, as he was
+informed that Don Diego was in full march to take possession of that city,
+or to take post at a very important passage of a river in that
+neighbourhood, which would give great advantage in the future operations
+of the war to either party which might obtain possession of that post, as
+Guamanga was surrounded by precipitous rocks and deep vallies, serving as
+natural fortifications of extremely difficult access. Captain Diego de
+Royas, who has been formerly mentioned as commanding the advanced guard of
+the royal army, had already occupied the city of Guamanga; and on
+receiving intelligence of the rapid march of Don Diego to that place, had
+fortified himself there as strongly as possible, that he might be able to
+defend it till the arrival of the army under Vaca de Castro. The governor,
+therefore, marched with as much celerity as possible, sending on Captain
+de Castro with his company of musqueteers to take post on a craggy hill of
+difficult ascent near Guamanga, called _Farcu_ by the Peruvians and Parcos
+by the Spaniards. Vaca de Castro, on his arrival one evening within two
+leagues of Guamanga, received information that Don Diego was already in
+possession of that city, which disappointed him greatly, more especially
+as the whole of his own troops were not yet come up. Alonso de Alvarado
+was sent back therefore, to expedite their march, and to bring them on in
+good order, as the enemy was so near. Some of the rear-guard of the army
+marched that day above five long leagues, which was a most fatiguing
+exertion, as the road was full of rocks and steep passes, and they were
+under the necessity of carrying their arms and accoutrements. Having
+passed the city, the whole army stood to their arms all night, not having
+any accurate intelligence of the enemy, who was believed to be nigh. Next
+day, however, learning by their scouts, who had been above six leagues in
+advance, that the enemy was still at a considerable distance, the
+royalists encamped to take some rest.
+
+Receiving more certain information of the situation of the enemy, who were
+still at the distance of nine leagues from his camp, Vaca de Castro sent a
+letter to Don Diego by Francisco Ydiaquez, commanding him in his majesty's
+name to dismiss his army, and to repair to the royal standard, on doing
+which he should be pardoned for all that was past: But, if he refused, he
+might expect to be proceeded against with the utmost severity, as a rebel
+against the king. The governor sent likewise a private soldier who was
+well acquainted with the country, diguised as an Indian, carrying letters
+for several gentlemen in the rebel army, offering them an amnesty and
+large rewards if they would abandon Don Diego. Though this man took every
+precaution to prevent discovery, his track was noticed in some places in
+the snow, and he was followed and carried prisoner to Don Diego, who
+ordered him to be hanged. Don Diego complained loudly of Vaca de Castro
+for sending spies to corrupt his followers while making offers of
+accommodation; and drawing out his army in complete order before the
+governors messengers, he ordered all his officers to prepare for battle,
+promising that whoever killed any of the hostile inhabitants of the
+country, should be rewarded with the wife, lands, Indians, and wealth of
+the slain. He then gave an answer to the governors message, that he would
+never acknowledge or obey him so long as he was associated with his
+enemies, Pedro Alvarez Holguin, Alonso de Alvarado, Gomez de Tordoya, Juan
+de Saavedra, Garcilasso de la Vega, Yllen Suarez de Carvajal, Gomez de
+Alvarado, and others of that party. That he would never disband his army,
+unless he received a formal amnesty under the royal sign manual; as he
+could not give faith to one signed by the Cardinal de Loaysa. That de
+Castro was much mistaken in supposing any of his army would abandon him,
+and might therefore prepare for battle, as he was determined to defend the
+country to his last breath.
+
+On receiving this resolute answer, Vaca de Castro marched his army to a
+small distance from Guamanga, where the ground was too rough and uneven
+for his cavalry, and took up a position in a smooth plain named _Chupaz_,
+where he remained three days, during all which time it never ceased
+raining, as it was then the middle of winter, yet the troops were forced
+to be always under arms and ready for action, as the enemy was very near.
+He had resolved to give battle, us the enemy obstinately refused all
+accommodation; yet finding that several persons in his army seemed to
+hesitate on account of the disapprobation which his majesty had evinced
+respecting the former battle of _Salinas_, on which account Ferdinand
+Pizarro was detained in prison, he judged it proper to take some formal
+judicial steps, both for his own justification, and to satisfy the
+scruples of his troops. He pronounced therefore a formal sentence against
+Don Diego, whom he declared a traitor and rebel, condemning him and all
+his adherents to death and the confiscation of all their goods. After
+signing this judicial sentence in the presence of the whole army, he
+commanded the officers to give him asistance for carrying it into
+execution.
+
+Next morning, being Saturday, the scouts brought intelligence after mass
+that the enemy, who had encamped for the night at two short leagues
+distance, was very near, and in full march towards the left of the
+royalist camp, advancing by some low hills to avoid a marsh which covered
+the front of the royalists. Don Diego wished to gain possession of
+Guamanga before giving battle, and entertained no doubt of being
+victorious, trusting to his great superiority in artillery over the
+royalist army. When the two armies were so near that the advanced guards
+were within musket shot, the governor detached Captain Castro with fifty
+musqueteers to skirmish with the enemy, while the rest of his troops
+marched up the slope of a hill on purpose to intercept the march of the
+rebels. This movement was liable to considerable danger, as Don Diego
+might have done the royalists much damage by means of his artillery if he
+had taken advantage of the nature of the ground in proper time; for during
+this conversion, the royalist infantry were often obliged to halt to
+recover their order, which was much deranged by the difficulty of the
+ground. When Carvajal the serjeant-major observed this circumstance, he
+ordered all the troops to gain the height as quickly as possible without
+preserving any precise order of march, and to form again when they were
+arrived at the summit. They accordingly got all up, while Captain Castro
+and his musqueteers were skirmishing with the troops of Don Diego; who
+likewise continued his march, and drew up in order of battle.
+
+After the royal army had been marshalled in good order by the
+serjeant-major, the governor made them a speech, in which he exhorted them
+to recollect that they were loyal Spaniards who were fighting in the just
+cause of their sovereign. He told them that the fate of Peru was now in
+their hands and depended on their courage. If defeated he and they could
+only expect to be put to death; but if victorious, besides the important
+service to the king, which they were bound as good and loyal subjects to
+perform, they would thereby secure the possession of their estates and
+effects, and to such as had none he would provide amply in the name and by
+the authority of his majesty, who only desired to preserve the sovereignty
+of Peru, that he might divide it among those who served him faithfully. In
+conclusion, he said there needed not a long harangue to encourage
+gentlemen of honour and brave soldiers to do their duty, whose example he
+proposed to himself to follow, not pretending to give them one; yet, as a
+proof that he meant to imitate their bravery, he intended to march at
+their head and should be among the first to break a lance. They all
+declared that they would do their duty manfully, and would rather be cut
+to pieces than allow themselves to be defeated, as they all considered
+themselves interested in the success of the war on their own accounts, as
+well as from duty to the king. All the officers earnestly intreated Vaca
+de Castro not to hazard himself in the front of battle, insisting that he
+should take post in the rear with thirty horsemen, whence he might send
+succour to wherever it might be needed. He consented to this, and as the
+day drew towards a close, being within an hour and a half of sunset, he
+proposed to postpone the battle till next morning. But Alonso de Alvarado
+assured him that he would be defeated if he delayed, as the whole army
+seemed then animated by the best resolution, and it was impossible to say
+whether some might not change their sentiments during the night. The
+governor assented to this advice, only saying that he wished to have the
+power which had been given to Joshua, that he might stop the going down of
+the sun.
+
+At this time the artillery belonging to Don Diego opened its fire upon the
+royalists; and as it was dangerous to descend the hill in front towards
+the enemy, on account of being too much exposed in that direction to their
+guns, the serjeant-major and Alonso Alvarado directed the army to move by
+the left, where there was a hollow which led towards the enemy, by which
+they were protected from the balls which all flew over their heads. The
+troops marched in the following order. Alonzo de Alvarado was on the right
+with his troops of horse, having the royal standard carried by Christoval
+de Barientos; on the left were the other four captains of horse, Pedro
+Holguin, Gomes Alvarado, Garcilasso de la Vega, and Pedro Anzurez, all at
+the head of their respective troops in excellent order. Between the two
+wings of cavalry, the Captains Pedro de Vergara and Juan Velez de Guevara
+marched with the infantry; and Nunno de Castro marched in front with his
+musqueteers to begin the battle, with orders to retire when pressed by the
+enemy under the protection of the main body. The governor, at the earnest
+entreaty of his officers, remained in the rear guard at the head of thirty
+horse, at some short distance from the main body, where he could see all
+that occurred, so as to send assistance where it was wanted, which he did
+with much judgment.
+
+During the advance of the royalists, the enemy kept up a constant fire of
+their artillery, but altogether ineffectually, as all their balls flew too
+high. Don Diego observing this circumstance, suspected that Pedro de
+Candia the captain of his artillery was gained by the enemy and did this
+on purpose; for which reason he went to him in great rage and killed him
+with his own hand. After this he pointed and fired off one of the cannon
+against a squadron of the royalists, by which shot several of the troopers
+were killed. Seeing this, and considering that the artillery of the royal
+army was too insignificant to do much service, Carvajal determined to
+leave it behind that the army might advance more quickly. At this time Don
+Diego and his officers had arranged their army in order, the cavalry
+divided on the two wings, and the infantry in the centre, having their
+cannon in front, directly over against the only ground by which the
+royalists could advance to the attack. The rebels believed it would argue
+timidity in them thus to wait for the enemy, and that it was proper for
+them to advance and meet them half way. This movement was much against the
+opinion and advice of Pedro Suarez, serjeant-major to Don Diego, a brave
+and experienced officer; who remonstrated that, as the enemy had to
+advance over a plain of considerable extent, they would be greatly injured
+by the artillery before they could come to the charge, whereas by
+advancing the troops of Don Diego would shorten this dangerous way for
+their enemies, and would lose an excellent advantage now in their power.
+Nothwithstanding this judicious remonstrance the Almagrian army continued
+to advance, and took post near a rising ground over which the royalists
+had to march, and after which the rebel artillery could do them very
+little harm, and was unable to prevent them from charging, as the way
+between was very short. Suarez was so much dissatisfied at his advice
+being thus despised, that he set spurs to his horse and galloped over to
+the royalist army.
+
+About this time the Indians under the command of Paullu the brother of
+Inca Manco Capac, attacked the left wing of the royalists with repeated
+vollies of stones and arrows, but were soon put to flight by a few
+discharges from the musqueteers. Martin Cote who commanded a company of
+musqueteers on the side of Almagro, advanced to that side and began to
+skirmish with the adverse musqueteers of Nunno de Castro. At this time the
+royalists, advancing slowly and in good order to the music of their drums
+and trumpets, made their appearance on the height, where they halted as
+waiting an opportunity to charge, in hopes that the incessant discharge
+from the artillery of the enemy might relax. Although now so near, the
+rebel artillery did them very little harm, as having to point upwards,
+most of their balls flew too high, whereas if the royalists had advanced
+only twenty paces farther, they would have been exposed to point blank
+shot. The infantry indeed of the royalists suffered materially at this
+time, as they were more directly exposed to the shot, insomuch that by one
+ball a whole file of seventeen men was brought down. This made a wide gap
+in the battalion, which the officers took care immediately to fill up. The
+serjeant-major, Francisco de Carvajal, still held back the royalist
+cavalry from the charge, waiting for some relaxation in the fury of the
+adverse artillery, by which the captains Pedro Alvarez Holguin and Gomez
+de Tordoya were both slain, and several others were killed and wounded by
+every discharge. Captain Pedro de Vergara being wounded by a musket shot,
+exclaimed loudly against the conduct of the cavalry, saying that all the
+infantry would be speedily destroyed if the cavalry did not charge the
+enemy. The trumpets immediately sounded a charge, and the royalist
+squadrons advanced, on which those of Don Diego moved forward to meet them
+courageously. The shock was so violent that almost all the lances on both
+sides were broken, and many horsemen of both armies were borne to the
+ground, some killed and others wounded. A bloody engagement succeeded this
+charge, in which they fought man to man with swords, maces and battle axes;
+some even of the cavalry being armed with large woodmens axes which they
+wielded in both hands, gave such heavy blows as no armour could withstand.
+After continuing the battle with great fury till both sides were out of
+breath, they drew off for a little.
+
+In the meantime the royalist infantry advanced against those of Don Diego,
+encouraged by the exhortations and example of Carvajal who marched at
+their head. "Be not afraid, said he, of the artillery: I, who am as large
+as any two of you, do not fear it, and you all see how many bullets pass
+by without hurting me." That his soldiers might not conceive that he
+confided in the goodness of his armour, he threw away his coat of mail and
+helmet, and advanced in this manner to the rebel cannon; and being bravely
+seconded by his men, he soon got possession of them all, killing several
+of those who guarded them, after which he turned them against the enemy.
+By this vigorous, and successful exploit, the event of the battle was in a
+great measure decided. The day was now ended, and the evening became so
+dark that the opponents could hardly distinguish each other except by the
+voice. After a short rest, the cavalry renewed the fight, and victory
+began to lean to the side of the royalists, when Vaca de Castro made a
+furious assault on the left of the enemy, where two troops belonging to
+Don Diego still kept their ground, while all the rest began to fall back.
+On charging the enemy, the governor exclaimed, _Vittoria! Vittoria!_ Yet
+the battle continued undecided for some time, and several of the horsemen
+who followed Vaca de Castro were wounded and unhorsed, two gentlemen and
+several others being slain. The rebels were at last thrown into disorder
+and fled from the field, being pursued for some distance. Two of their
+officers, named Bilboa and de Sosa, were so enraged on seeing the defeat
+and flight of their companions, that they rushed like madmen into the
+thickest of the enemy, crying out _I am he who killed the marquis_, till
+both were slain. Many of the Almagrians saved themselves by favour of the
+darkness; and some of them, for greater security, threw away their _white_
+scarfs, by which the rebels were distinguished, and put on the _red_
+scarfs of the royalists who lay dead on the field. Thus Vaca de Castro
+obtained a complete victory, although before the charge was given his army
+lost many more men than the enemy, insomuch that Don Diego thought himself
+till then secure of conquering. Such of the fugitives as endeavoured to
+save themselves by way of the plain were all killed by the Indians; and a
+hundred and fifty horse, who made their escape to Guamanga, about two
+leagues from the field of battle, were disarmed and made prisoners by the
+small number of inhabitants who remained in that city. Don Diego fled to
+Cuzco, where Rodrigo de Salazar, his own lieutenant, and Antonio Ruyz de
+Guevara, one of the magistrates made him prisoner. Thus ended the
+authority of Don Diego Almagro, who one day was lord and master of the
+great kingdom of Peru, and the next day was thrown into prison by officers
+of his own appointment. This decisive battle of Chupaz was fought on the
+16th September 1542.
+
+A great part of the night was over before their officers could reassemble
+the victorious army, as the soldiers were busied in pillaging the tents of
+the rebels, where they got a rich plunder in silver and gold, and killed
+several of the wounded fugitives who were unable to continue their flight
+any farther. When all were reassembled, Vaca de Castro made the army
+remain all the rest of the night under arms and in order of battle, lest
+the enemy might rally and renew the fight. Vaca de Castro employed himself
+likewise during most part of the night in going about among the troops,
+praising the whole in general, and thanking the individual soldiers for
+having so bravely done their duty. In this battle several officers and
+soldiers on both sides signalized themselves remarkably. Don Diego
+distinguished himself particularly, shewing much courage, and more conduct
+than could have been expected from a young man only twenty-two years of
+age[11]. He was animated by what he considered a just vengeance for the
+death of his father; and was well seconded by many of his followers. Many
+of those on the side of Vaca de Castro, were on the contrary incited by
+the desire of avenging the death of the marquis, for whose memory they
+preserved an inviolable attachment, insomuch that no danger could prevent
+them from using their utmost efforts to punish his murderers. On the two
+sides, about 300 men were slain[12], among whom were several officers and
+men of note. Pedro Alvarez Holguin and Gomez de Tordoya eminently
+distinguished themselves on the side of the royalists, having mantles of
+white velvet richly embroidered over their armour, owing to which they
+were particularly marked out by the musqueteers of the enemy, and both
+lost their lives in consequence. Alonso de Alvarado and Carvajal likewise
+distinguished themselves signally, particularly the latter, as already
+mentioned, in a manner that it seemed almost impossible he should have
+escaped. But by despising death, he appeared to have made it flee from him;
+as indeed it often happens during great dangers, that those who meet them
+bravely are preserved, while those who shrink are lost. A signal instance
+of this happened in the present battle, as a young man who was afraid of
+the balls concealed himself behind a projecting rock; where his head was
+shattered to pieces by a splinter driven off by a cannon ball[13]. Many
+others signalized themselves in the battle, to most of whom the governor
+gave competent estates in lands and Indians, when he made the re-partition
+of the country, adding his warm acknowledgements for having resigned their
+individual interests and resentments in the service of the crown.
+
+The night after the battle was extremely frosty, and as the baggage was
+considerably in the rear, only two of the wounded officers had their
+wounds dressed, so that a good many of the wounded died of cold during the
+night. Next morning, the governor caused every attention to be given to
+the wounded, who exceeded four hundred in number[14], and had the dead
+buried, ordering the bodies of Holguin and Tordoya to be carried to the
+city of Guamanga, where they were magnificently interred. On the day
+succeeding the battle, the governor ordered the heads of several prisoners
+to be cut off, who had been concerned in the murder of the marquis. Next
+day he went to Guamanga, where Captain Diego de Royas had already beheaded
+Juan Tello and some other captains of the rebels. The governor now gave
+orders to the licentiate de la Gama to try the rest of the prisoners, and
+to punish them according to their deserts. De la Gama accordingly hanged
+several and beheaded others, to the number of forty of the most culpable,
+insomuch that in all about sixty were executed. Some others were banished,
+and the rest were pardoned, such of them as had settlements being allowed
+to return to their houses.
+
+The governor went afterwards to Cuzco, where he brought Don Diego to trial,
+and ordered him to be beheaded. Diego de Mendez, Gomez Perez, and another,
+made their escape from prison into the mountains of the Andes, where they
+were kindly received by Manco Capac the fugitive Inca, who had taken
+refuge in an inaccessible country. The Inca was much grieved on learning
+the death of Don Diego, whom he was greatly attached to, and to whom he
+had sent several coats of mail, corselets, cuirasses, and other arms,
+which he had taken from the Spaniards whom he defeated and slew, at the
+time when he went by order of the marquis to relieve Gonzalo and Juan
+Pizarro, then besieged in Cuzco.
+
+After the death of Don Diego and the entire dispersion of his adherents,
+by which peace was restored through the whole country, the governor did
+not consider it proper to disband his army, as he had not sufficient funds
+to reward them according to their services; for which reason he resolved
+to send them in different detachments to make discoveries and conquests.
+Captain Vergara and his troops were accordingly sent back to complete the
+conquest of the Bracamoras. The Captains Diego de Royas and Philip
+Gutierez were sent with above three hundred men to the eastwards, where
+they afterwards made some establishments on the Rio de la Plata. Captain
+Monroy was sent to Chili with reinforcements to Pedro de Valdivia, who was
+engaged in reducing that country. Captain Juan Perez de Guevara was sent
+to reduce the country of Mullobamba which he had discovered. This is an
+exceedingly mountainous country, in which the two great rivers Marannon
+and La Plata have their sources, both of which run into the Atlantic. Its
+inhabitants are Caribs, or canibals, and their country so hot that they go
+entirely naked, or at least have only a few rags round their loins. While
+in this country, Juan Perez got notice of an extensive province beyond the
+mountains towards the north, in which there are rich gold mines, and which
+has camels and fowls like those of New Spain, and a species of sheep
+considerably smaller than those of Peru. In that country it is necessary
+to water all kinds of seeds regularly, as it seldom rains. In it there is
+a lake, the environs of which are exceedingly populous. In all its rivers
+there are certain _fishes_ as large as dogs, which they likewise very much
+resemble, which kill and eat the Indians when they go into the water or
+even pass near it, as they often come out of the water and walk on the dry
+land[15]. This great country is bounded on the north by the Marannon, on
+the east by Brasil, and on the south by the Rio de la Plata; and it is
+said that the Amazons dwell in this country, of whom Orellana received
+intelligence while descending the Marannon.
+
+Vaca de Castro remained above eighteen months in Cuzco after the departure
+of these various expeditions, employing himself in making a distribution
+of the unoccupied lands and Indians, and settling the whole country in
+good order, issuing likewise many useful regulations for the protection
+and preservation of the Indians. In that period the richest gold mine ever
+heard of in our days was discovered near Cuzco in a river named _Carabaya_,
+where a single Indian is able to gather to the extent of a mark in one
+day[16]. The whole country being now perfectly tranquil, and the Indians
+protected from those excessive toils to which they had been subjected
+during the civil war, Gonzalo Pizarro was permitted to come to Cuzco, and
+after a few days went thence to Las Charcas, where he employed himself in
+taking care of the extensive estate which he possessed in that country. He
+there remained in quiet, till the arrival of the viceroy, Blasco Nunnez
+Vela in Peru, as shall be related in the sequel.
+
+
+[1] This chapter is merely a continuation of the history of the discovery
+    and conquest of Peru, by Zarate: but we have thought proper to divide
+    it in this manner, separating the transactions which took place during
+    the life of Francisco Pizarro, from those which occurred after his
+    death.--E.
+
+[2] _Il les fit prenare_, are the words of the French translator:
+    _prendre_ may possibly be an error of the press on this occasion for
+    _pendre_; in which case those officers of the late marquis were
+    ordered to be _hanged_; and indeed they do not appear in the
+    sequel.--E.
+
+[3] There must have been two persons in Peru of this name and surname, as
+    we have already seen _one_ Francisco de Chaves killed on the same day
+    with the marquis.--E.
+
+[4] This officer was father to the historian of the same name.--E.
+
+[5] It was now the year 1542.--E.
+
+[6] As Zarate introduces Vaca de Castro into the history of Peru without
+    any previous notice of his appointment, it has been deemed proper to
+    give a short account of his commission from Robertsons History of
+    America, II. 339, which, being too long for a note, is distinguished
+    in the text by inverted commas--E.
+
+[7] The remainder of the circumstances relative to de Castro, here quoted,
+    are to be found in Robertson II. 353.; the other events in the history
+    of Peru having been already given from Zarate.--E.
+
+[8] We now return to the narrative of Zarate.--E.
+
+[9] Garcilasso says, that on this occasion, the Inca Manca Capac, who had
+    retired to the mountains, in remembrance of the friendship which had
+    subsisted between him and the elder Almagro, provided Don Diego with
+    large quantities of armour, swords and saddles, which had been
+    formerly taken from the Spaniards, sufficient to arm two hundred
+    men.--E.
+
+[10] The rank of serjeant major in the Spanish service appears to answer
+    to our adjutant, as applied to a battalion: On the present occasion
+    Carvajal may be considered as adjutant general under Vaca de Castro.
+    Maestre de Campo seems equivalent to Major-General.--E.
+
+[11] Garcilasso, himself a mestee, says that Don Diego was the bravest
+    Mestizo, or son of a Spaniard by an Indian woman, that ever the New
+    World produced.--E.
+
+[12] According to Garcilasso, of 1500 combatants, including both sides,
+    500 men were slain, and about an equal number wounded; the royalists
+    having 500 killed and 400 wounded, while the rebels had only 200 slain
+    and 100 wounded. In this estimate he has surely made a material error,
+    as he makes the killed and wounded of the royalists equal to the whole
+    number thay had in the field.--E.
+
+[13] At this place, a naked list of a great number of names of those who
+    signalized themselves in the battle, are enumerated by Zarate, but
+    omitted here as altogether uninteresting.--E.
+
+[14] This appears to countenance the account of Garcilasso in a former
+    note, who probably quoted from Zarate; but the latter does not limit
+    this number to the royal troops.--E.
+
+[15] Obviously a misunderstood description of alligators. Indeed the whole
+    account of this country, now called Colona, seems to have been derived
+    from the reports of Indians, and is in many circumstances entirely
+    fabulous, as is well known from the more recent accounts of the Jesuit
+    missions.--E.
+
+[16] Carabaya is an elevated valley of considerable extent, to the south
+    east of Cuzco. A mark of gold or eight ounces is worth about L.32;
+    hence we may readily believe so rich a days work was seldom made.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_Commencement of the Viceroyalty of Blasco Nunnez Vela, and renewal of the
+civil war in Peru by the usurpation of Gonzalo Pizarro_.
+
+
+At this period, some of the clergy who had been in the New World,
+represented to the Emperor Don Carlos and the lords of his council, that
+the Spaniards treated the natives in the conquered provinces of America
+with extreme cruelty, depriving them of all their property by excessive
+exactions, forcing them to labour in the mines and to dive for pearls
+beyond their strength, obliging them to carry heavy burdens in long
+journeys, and frequently subjecting them to arbitrary punishments, and
+even wantonly putting them to death; insomuch that their numbers were fast
+diminishing, and that in a short time they would be entirely extirpated
+from Mexico and Peru and the other continental dominions of Spain in
+America, as was already the case in the islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Porto
+Rico, Jamaica, and others, where hardly any trace remained of the original
+inhabitants. To confirm these representations, they particularly recited
+many instances of cruelty exercised by the Spaniards upon the Indians,
+among which were numerous circumstances that were by no means well
+authenticated. They alleged as one of the greatest of these evils, and a
+principal cause of the destruction of the Indians, that they were forced
+to carry heavy burdens on long journeys, far beyond their strength,
+without any consideration of justice or humanity. They added that these
+tyrannical practices had been carried to the greatest excess by the
+governors, lieutenants, and other officers of the crown, and by the
+bishops, monks, and other favoured and privileged persons, trusting to
+their authority and immunities to be exempted from punishment for their
+improper conduct, by which they were encouraged to the commission of every
+excess. He who insisted in these remonstrances with the greatest zeal and
+perseverance was Fra Bartholomew de las Casas, a Dominican monk, whom his
+majesty had raised to the bishopric of Chiapa.
+
+After maturely considering these representations, his majesty was anxious
+to devise proper means to relieve the Indians from oppression; and for
+this purpose he assembled a council of all those persons to whom the
+administration of affairs in the Indies was confided, with several other
+persons of probity learned in the laws. By this assembly the whole affair
+was deliberately examined, and a code of regulations drawn up by which it
+was expected to remedy the abuses complained of. By these regulations it
+was enacted that no Indian should be forced to labour in the mines, or to
+dive for pearls; that no excessive labours should be imposed on them, and
+even that they should not be obliged to carry burdens except in places
+where no other means could be employed; that all Indians should be paid
+for their labour, and that the tribute which they were to pay to their
+masters should be fixed; that upon the death of any person to whom lands
+and Indians now belonged, they were to revert to the crown. Besides, that
+all lands and Indians belonging to bishops, monasteries, and hospitals, or
+to governors, lieutenant-governors, or other officers of the crown, should
+be taken from them and annexed to the crown, even although the possessor
+should incline to demit their offices for the purpose of enabling them to
+retain their repartitions. It was particularly ordered in regard to Peru,
+that all who had taken any share in the civil wars between the marquis and
+Almagro should forfeit their lands and Indians. And finally, all Indians
+set at liberty by this regulation were to belong in perpetuity to the
+crown, to whom their tributes were to be paid in all time coming.
+
+It is perfectly obvious, in consequence of the concluding clause but one
+of these regulations, by which all who had taken any share in the late
+civil wars were to be deprived of their lands and Indians, that every
+individual then in Peru would have been reduced to poverty, as it may be
+seen by every circumstance related in the foregoing part of this history,
+that every Spaniard in the country had embraced one or other of these
+parties with extreme violence. Even the native Peruvians had taken a part
+in the civil discords, and had frequent quarrels and engagements on the
+subject, some of them taking part with the _Chilese_, and others with the
+_Pachacamacs_, by which titles they distinguished respectively the
+adherents of Almagro and of the marquis. Hitherto the only court of
+justice or royal audience was held at Panama, at a most inconvenient
+distance from Peru. By the new regulations this court of Panama was
+abolished, and besides the establishment of a new court on the frontiers
+of Gauatimala and Nicaragua for all the provinces from Tierra Firma
+northwards, of which the licentiate Maldonado was made president, another
+court of royal audience was ordered to be established in Lima, consisting
+of four oydors or judges, and a president who was to have the title of
+Viceroy and captain general. This measure was deemed indispensibly
+necessary for the well being of this distant country, the richest and most
+valuable dominion which belonged to the crown in all America. All these
+regulations were enacted and published at Madrid in 1542, and copies of
+them were immediately sent to different parts of the New World. These new
+reglations gave extreme dissatisfaction to the conquerors of the American
+provinces, and particularly to those of Peru; as every Spanish settler in
+that country must have been deprived by them of almost every thing they
+possessed, and reduced to the necessity of looking out for new means of
+subsistence. Every one loudly declared that his majesty must have received
+erroneous information respecting the late events, as the partizans and
+adherents both of the marquis and of Almagro, had conducted themselves to
+the best of their judgment as faithful subjects of his majesty, believing
+that they acted in obedience to his orders in what respected the two rival
+governors, who acted in his name and by his authority, and were besides
+under the necessity of obeying their officers, either by force or good
+will, so that they were in fact guilty of no crime in what they had done;
+or, even if their conduct were in some measure faulty, they certainly did
+not deserve to be stript entirely of their property. They alleged farther,
+that when they discovered and conquered the country, which had been done
+at their own proper cost, it had been expressly covenanted that they were
+to enjoy the division of the lands and Indians among them for their lives,
+with remainder to their eldest sons, or to their widows in case of having
+no children; and that, in confirmation of all this, an order had been
+issued by his majesty, by which all who had participated in making the
+conquest of Peru were to marry within a certain specified time, under the
+penalty of losing their lands and Indians, with which regulation most of
+them had complied; and that it were now unjust, when they had become old
+and worn out, and were encumbered with wives and families, to deprive them
+of their substance, when they looked to enjoy repose after all their
+fatigues and dangers; being unable from age and infirmity to go in search
+of new countries and new establishments.
+
+Great numbers of persons repaired to Cuzco, where Vaca de Castro then
+resided, to lay their complaints before him. He told them, that he was
+persuaded his majesty would remedy their grievances when informed of the
+true state of affairs, and recommended therefore that the procurators or
+syndics of the different cities should assemble, and elect a deputation to
+carry a true statement of matters to the king and royal council of the
+Indies, with a humble supplication that his majesty might apply a proper
+remedy, by the revocation or modification of those regulations, which, as
+they stood, would produce such ruinous consequences to the colony. On
+purpose to facilitate this assembly, the governor promised to repair in
+person to Lima, as the most convenient and most central situation for the
+deputies of all the other cities. He accordingly set out from Cuzco for
+Lima, accompanied by the syndics of all the neighbouring cities, and by
+several gentlemen and other persons of consequence.
+
+In the year 1542, while these things were going on in Peru, his majesty
+appointed Blasco Nunnez Vela, who had been commissary general of the
+revenue in Castille, as Viceroy of Peru, and president of the court of
+royal audience, to carry those regulations into effect which we have
+already given an accoun of. Vela was chosen to this high and important
+office as a person of capacity and experience, who would dispense strict
+justice without respect of persons, and would punctually fulfil the royal
+orders. The four oydors or judges nominated to the royal audience of Lima
+were the licentiate Cepeda, doctor Lison de Texada, and the licentiates
+Alvarez and Pedro Ortiz. Augustin de Zarate[1], secretary of the royal
+council of Castille, was appointed at the same time auditor general of
+accounts both for Peru and the Tierra Firma, as since the discovery and
+settlement of these provinces, no accounts of the royal revenues had ever
+been rendered to the treasurers. All these persons embarked at San Lucar
+de Barrameda on the 1st November 1543, and arrived safe at the harbour of
+Nombre de Dios, where they made some stay, on purpose to prepare for their
+voyage to Peru. As the viceroy was eager to proceed, he embarked at Panama
+in the middle of February 1543, without waiting for the judges of the
+royal audience, who anxiously requested to accompany him, and who were
+accordingly much chagrined by this procedure. Even before this, some
+slight disputes had occurred between them and Vela, which though of small
+importance in themselves, had left some impression of mutual
+dissatisfaction, and evinced that they were not likely to agree in the
+government of the country.
+
+Befere leaving the Tierra Firma, the viceroy began to carry one of the new
+regulations into effect, by which all Indians were enjoined to be at
+liberty to return to their native countries, whatever might have been the
+cause of their transportation to other places. He accordingly collected
+all the natives of Peru who happened to be in the province of Tierra Firma;
+and as there was a great and constant intercourse between that province
+and Peru, the number of Peruvians in Tierra Firma was considerable, and he
+ordered all of these to embark in the same ship with himself at the
+expence of their masters. The new viceroy had a quick passage from Panama
+to the port of Tumbez at the northern extremity of proper Peru, where he
+disembarked on the 4th of March, being resolved to go from thence by land
+to Lima, and immediately proceeded to enforce the new regulations in every
+one of the places by which he travelled. In regard to some of the
+colonists, he fixed the services and tributes which they were in future to
+exact from the Indians; and others he deprived entirely of their lands and
+Indians, annexing them to the crown. Many of those who found themselves
+aggrieved by these regulations, particularly all the inhabitants of San
+Miguel and Truxillo, waited on the viceroy, respectfully yet earnestly
+entreating that he would at least postpone the execution of those rigorous
+decrees till the arrival of the judges, when they would make their humble
+application for justice at Lima in the royal court of audience. In
+corroboration of this request, they pointed out one of the articles of the
+regulations, which directed that they were to be put in force by the
+viceroy and oydors conjunctly, and that therefore he was not authorised to
+execute them by his single authority. All their remonstrances and
+reasonings were unavailing, as he refused to listen to them, saying, that
+the orders with which he was entrusted were general laws, which could not
+be suspended or even postponed in compliance with any requests or
+supplications whatever. He persisted, therefore, to put the regulations
+strictly in force, through the whole extent of his journey from Tumbez
+till his arrival in the province of Guavara[2], which is eighteen leagues
+from Lima.
+
+Immediately on his arrival at Tumbez, the viceroy sent an express to
+notify his arrival and the extent of his powers and authority to the
+governor Vaca de Castro, whom he directed to discontinue all exercise of
+authority as governor. By this messenger, and by other persons who
+followed him, the inhabitants of Lima were informed of the rigorous manner
+in which the viceroy had proceeded to enforce the new regulations, and of
+his refusal to listen to any supplications or remonstrances on the subject.
+On purpose still more to irritate every one against the viceroy, reports
+were spread of several other rigorous proceedings as having been exercised
+by him, of which he never even conceived the idea. These news caused much
+emotion and discontent among the persons who accompanied Vaca de Castro,
+insomuch that several of them urged him to refuse recognizing the viceroy,
+and to protest both against the regulations and his commission, as he had
+rendered himself unworthy of the government by executing his commission
+with extreme rigour, refusing justice to his majestys faithful subjects,
+and turning a deaf ear to their respectful remonstrances. Vaca de Castro
+soothed them as much as possible, by assuring them that when the oydors
+were arrived and had begun to act as the royal court of audience, they
+would certainly listen to their remonstrances on being instructed in the
+true state of the country; but that for himself, he could in no degree
+consent to disobey the orders of his majesty. At this time, Vaca de Castro
+had arrived at Guarachiri, about twenty leagues from Lima, and on
+receiving the orders which had been transmitted to him by the viceroy, he
+immediately divested himself of his office, and discontinued from
+exercising any of the functions of government; except that he granted some
+vacant repartitions of lands and Indians to different people, some of
+which grants were in his own name.
+
+Finding all their representations to Vaca de Castro ineffectual, the
+principal persons who attended him set out in their return to Cuzco, under
+pretence that they dared not to await the arrival of the viceroy so long
+as he was alone; but that they would return to Lima on the arrival of the
+judges: Yet, in spite of these specious pretexts, it was easy to see that
+they were much discontented and had evil intentions. Indeed they clearly
+evinced this soon afterwards on their arrival at the city of Guamanga,
+where they excited a great tumult, and took possession of all the
+artillery which Vaca de Castro had disposed in that place after his
+victory over Don Diego. They then collected a great number of Indians, and
+caused the whole of this train or artillery to be removed to Cuzco.
+
+Vaca de Castro continued his journey from Guarachiri to Lima, which he
+found all involved in confusion and discontent, the inhabitants being much
+divided in opinion as to the expediency of receiving the viceroy or
+refusing to recognize him in that capacity. Some alleged that the orders
+of his majesty did not command his recognition till his actual arrival.
+Others said that he ought not to be recognized even on his arrival,
+considering the unjust regulations which he brought along with him, and
+the rigour with which he put them in force, in spite of every remonstrance
+and supplication to the contrary. But by the earnest exhortations of Yllan
+Suarez, _alcalde_ or judge of police and royal commissary of Lima, they
+came at length to the resolution of receiving the viceroy, and even to
+admit the regulations, which were published with much solemnity. Upon this
+all the magistrates principal inhabitants of the city, went to Huaura to
+welcome the viceroy and to pay him their respectful compliments. From
+Huaura he was accompanied by the whole cavalcade to Lima, where he was
+received with great pomp and magnificence, making his entry under a canopy
+of cloth of gold. All the magistrates walked in procession, carrying the
+ensigns of their office, and dressed in long robes of crimson satin turned
+up with white damask. In this grand stile the viceroy was conducted in the
+first place to church, and thence to his palace.
+
+Next day as the viceroy had received information of the discontents and
+seditious conduct of the persons who had retired to Cuzco, he ordered Vaca
+de Castro to be arrested and thrown into the common prison, as he
+suspected that he had fomented these seditious practices, and that he had
+even been their secret adviser to that step. Although the inhabitants of
+Lima were by no means perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Vaca de
+Castro, they yet humbly petitioned the viceroy, not to allow a person of
+such high rank, who was a member of the royal council and had been
+governor of the country, to be thrown into the common prison; as, even if
+he merited the punishment of death, and were to be beheaded next day, he
+ought to be more honourably dealt with. The viceroy was softened by these
+remonstrances, and ordered Vaca de Castro to be placed under arrest in the
+palace, taking a bail bond from the burgesses for his safe custody under a
+heavy penalty; and besides, he placed all the effects of the late governor
+under sequestration. The inhabitants of Lima were extremely discontented
+by the harsh conduct of the viceroy, holding frequent secret conferences
+among themselves, and a considerable number of them withdrew gradually
+from the city, repairing to Cuzco, at which place toe viceroy was not
+acknowledged.
+
+At this time Gonzalo Pizarro dwelt at Chuquisaca de la Plata, in the
+province of las Charcas, employed in the arrangement of the estate which
+had been conferred upon him by his brother the marquis, where ten or
+twelve of his most intimate friends resided along with him. On learning
+the arrival of the viceroy, the causes of his mission, and the regulations
+which he had brought out for the government of the colony, and which he
+rigorously enforced, Gonzalo took the resolution of going to Cuzco, under
+pretence of inquiring after news from Spain, and to regulate the affairs
+belonging to his brother Ferdinand, according to the instructions he had
+received on that subject. While employed in collecting money for his
+journey, he received letters from all parts of Peru, written both by
+private persons and the magistrates of the cities and towns, endeavouring
+to persuade him to stand forwards in defence of the common interests on
+the present emergency, by protesting against the execution of the royal
+ordinances, and demanding either that their execution should be delayed,
+or that some other remedy should be interposed to prevent universal ruin
+among the colonists. Gonzalo was even urged to this interference, as a
+person to whom the government of the country belonged of right, as heir to
+the marquis his brother. In some of these letters the writers offered to
+devote themselves and their fortunes to his service: Others informed him
+that the viceroy had publickly declared he would put Gonzalo to death. In
+this way every means was used to irritate Gonzalo, that he might come to
+Cuzco to prevent the entry of the viceroy into that city. As every thing
+seemed to conspire towards the accomplishment of the desire which he had
+always cherished, of acquiring the government of Peru, he gathered a large
+sum of money, both from his own funds and those belonging to his brother
+Ferdinand, and repaired to Cuzco accompanied by a retinue of twenty
+Spaniards[3].
+
+The whole Spanish population of the city went out to meet him, and
+received him with every demonstration of joy. Every day additional persons
+flocked to Cuzco, withdrawing from Lima in consequence of the rigorous
+conduct of the viceroy, who continually irritated the inhabitants by his
+tyranny. Numerous meetings were held in the town-house of Cuzco, both of
+the magistrates and the citizens in general, to consult as to what ought
+to be their conduct in the event of the viceroy arriving at their city.
+Some proposed that he ought to be received, and that a deputation should
+be sent to his majesty, praying him to give relief in respect to the
+regulations, which would ruin the colony unless changed or considerably
+modified. Others alleged, if the viceroy were received, that he was so
+determined on the establishment of the regulations in their entire rigour,
+that he would instantly deprive them of all their Indians; and that,
+whatever alteration might be afterwards made, it would be exceedingly
+difficult to recover them. It was at length resolved to elect Gonzalo
+Pizarro procurator-general, and Diego Centeno, who had been sent to
+represent the city of la Plata, was appointed his deputy. Gonzalo was
+authorised, in the exercise of this new office, to lay the remonstrances
+of the Spanish inhabitants of Peru, in regard to the new regulations,
+before the royal Court of Audience; and at first considerable difference
+of sentiment took place in the councils of the remonstrants, as to the
+mode in which he should proceed to Lima: whether he should be accompanied
+by a body of troops for his defence in case of need, or should go there
+merely as a peaceful messenger. At last the former alternative was
+resolved on, and for the following reasons, in excuse for taking up arms
+against the viceroy. First, that the viceroy had beat up for volunteers at
+Lima, under pretence of chastising those who had taken possession of the
+artillery. Secondly, that the viceroy conducted himself with the most
+inflexible rigour in carrying the regulations into effect, without
+listening to the supplications and remonstrances which had been presented
+to him, and without waiting for the arrival of the judges of the royal
+audience, to whom, not less than to himself, the authority had been
+confided for enforcing or suspending the execution of the regulations.
+Lastly, because the viceroy had been several times heard to declare that
+he would put Gonzalo to death, on account of his participation in the late
+civil war, and in the death of Don Diego. Some of the remonstrants were
+disposed to place this measure, of escorting the procurator general by an
+armed force, upon a more moderate pretext, alleging that it was necessary
+for him to travel through a part of the country, in his way to Lima, where
+the Inca was in arms, and that it was proper in consequence that Gonzalo
+should be enabled to defend himself from the hostility of the natives.
+Others talked more openly, saying that the viceroy was a person of an
+obstinate and inflexible disposition, who did not confine himself within
+the bounds of justice and equity, and against whom it was necessary to
+have some other protection than that of the law. Some able persons among
+them endeavoured to place their present conduct in a favourable light, by
+drawing up a kind of manifesto, in which they endeavoured to demonstrate,
+that there was nothing in their present conduct which could be considered
+as derogatory to the respect which was due to the royal authority, as
+justice allowed every one to repel force by force, and to defend
+themselves against unjust oppression, even resisting by violence a judge
+who acts unlawfully, and against the essential forms of law and justice.
+
+It was flnally determined therefore, that Gonzalo should raise a body of
+troops, and for this purpose many of the inhabitants of Cuzco offered
+their persons and properties, declaring themselves ready to hazard their
+lives in defence of the common cause. Besides the title of
+Procurator-general of Peru, for the purpose of presenting the
+supplications and remonstrances of the colonists, Gonzalo was appointed
+general of the army which was to defend him against the Inca. As is usual
+in such matters, these resolutions were all extended with much formality,
+to give a colour of regularity to their proceedings. The remonstrants then
+proceeded to levy an army, for the payment of which they took possession
+of the royal treasure, and availed themselves of the property belonging to
+deceased colonists and some other funds, under pretence of a loan. After
+this captain Francisco de Almendras was detached with some troops to take
+possession of the defiles of the mountains, on purpose to prevent any
+intelligence of their proceedings being conveyed to Lima. In this measure,
+they were aided by Paullu, brother to the Inca, who guarded all the
+passes on his side by means of his Peruvians, to prevent any one from
+carrying intelligence to the low country.
+
+The Cabildo or council of Cuzco sent letters to the Cabildo of la Plata,
+representing the prodigous injuries which would accrue to all the
+colonists from the execution of the obnoxious regulations, informing them
+of the measures which they had resolved upon for averting the ruin of the
+colony, and requiring them to approve of and concur in these measures, to
+which in fact they were already parties, since captain Diego Centeno,
+their deputy, had already consented to them in their name and behalf. They
+therefore required their concurrence and assistance, and requested them to
+repair immediately to Cuzco with their arms and horses. Gonzalo wrote by
+the same conveyance to all the inhabitants of La Plata, soliciting their
+individual concurrence and aid. At this time, Luis de Ribera acted in the
+city of La Plata as lieutenant to Vaca de Castro, the former governor, and
+Antonio Alvarez, another inhabitant of the same place, held the office of
+judge ordinary. These men, on hearing of the transactions which had taken
+place at Cuzco immediately revoked the commission which had been given to
+Centeno as deputy from their city, and sent an answer to the regency of
+Cuzco in the name of the whole cabildo of La Plata declaring that they
+were resolved to obey the orders of his majesty, although it should cost
+them their lives and properties: That their city had always preserved its
+loyalty against all who had acted against the royal authority, and they
+were resolved to persist in the same line of conduct: That Centeno had
+only been authorised to concur in their name to such measures as might
+appear conducive to the service of his majesty, the advantage of his
+dominions, and the preservation of the natives of the country; and since,
+in the election of Gonzalo, and the other measures which had been resolved
+upon at Cuzco, they saw no tendency towards those things which had been
+confided to Centeno, they could not be implicated in the consent which
+Centeno had given beyond his legitimate powers, nor were they to be
+considered as bound to ratify what he had done in their name, as every
+thing which had been done was contrary to the orders and instructions
+which they had given him.
+
+This letter did not contain the universal sentiments of the citizens of La
+Plata, in which Gonzalo had several friends, who used their endeavours to
+gain over the inhabitants to his side, and to engage them to join his army.
+They even endeavoured more than once to kill Ribera and Alvarez, but these
+officers used such precautions as to baffle all their attempts. Ribera and
+Alvarez waited patiently for receiving the regulations from the viceroy;
+but owing to the great distance of their city from Lima, these had not yet
+reached them. In the mean time, they commanded all the inhabitants, under
+severe penalties, to remain in La Plata; yet several of them left the city
+and joined the remonstrants at Cuzco.
+
+The viceroy made his entry with great pomp, in the month of May 1544, into
+Lima, where no one dared to speak to him on the subject of suspending the
+obnoxious regulations. The magistrates, indeed, had already made their
+respectful remonstrances and supplications, alleging substantial reasons
+why they ought to be suspended, but all in vain. He engaged indeed, after
+the regulations should have been carried into effect, that he would write
+to his majesty, representing that it was for the interest of the crown, as
+well as for the advantage of the natives of the country, that they should
+be revoked; and that those who had drawn them up were certainly ignorant
+of the true state of the country, or they could never have advised the
+king to establish them. He acknowledged that the regulations were
+prejudicial to the royal interest and the good of the country; and he
+recommended that deputies should be sent to him from all parts of Peru, in
+conjunction with whom he would write to the king what might be proper on
+the subject; and that doubtless he would then receive orders calculated to
+remedy the apprehended evils: But that he could not of his own authority
+suspend the execution of the ordinances, and must continue to act as he
+had already done, as his orders left him no choice but absolute obedience
+to the royal instructions.
+
+At this time three of the judges of the court of audience, Cepeda Alvarez
+and Texada, arrived at Lima, leaving Ortiz, the other judge, sick at
+Truxillo. The viceroy issued immediate orders for the inauguration of the
+royal Court of Audience; for which purpose all the necessary preparations
+were made for the solemn reception of the royal seal, as usual on the
+first establishment of this high tribunal. The seal was placed in a rich
+casket, carried by a horse superbly caparisoned and covered by housings of
+cloth of gold, and led under a canopy of the same splendid materials, held
+up by the magistrates of the city dressed in flowing robes of crimson
+velvet, in the same ceremony as is used in Spain on the entry of the king
+in person into any of the cities. On this occasion, Juan de Leon led the
+horse, being appointed to officiate as chancellor, in the place of the
+Marquis de Camarasa, president of Cazorla, who then held the seals in
+Spain. After this procession, the court of audience was installed, and
+proceeded immediately to business; but a subject of dispute soon arose
+between the viceroy and the judges, which renewed the dissentions which
+had arisen between them even before their arrival in Peru, the explanation
+of which requires some detail.
+
+When the viceroy arrived at the _Tambo_ or palace of Guavra[4], where he
+waited till he was sure of being received at Lima, he found written on one
+of the walls of the _tambo_ to the following effect: "Whoever may
+endeavour to deprive me of my house and property, I shall endeavour to
+deprive of life." He dissimulated his displeasure at these words for some
+time; but being afterwards persuaded that these words had been written by
+Antonio de Solar, to whom the district of Guavra belonged, and who he
+believed was not well inclined towards him, because he had found the tambo
+entirely deserted on his arrival, he sent for Solar a few days after his
+reception at Lima. In a private conference, he spoke to Solar concerning
+these words which he had seen on the walls of the tambo, and reproached
+him likewise for having spoken to him personally with much insolence: Then,
+ordering the gates of the palace to be shut, the viceroy sent for one of
+his chaplains to confess Solar, declaring his resolution to have him
+immediately hanged from one of the pillars of a gallery fronting the great
+square of Lima. Solar refused to confess himself, and the dispute
+continued so long that news of what was going forwards spread over the
+city, on which the archbishop and some other persons of quality came to
+the palace and humbly requested the viceroy to defer the execution. At
+first he obstinately persisted in his intention; but at last consented to
+postpone the execution till next day, and sent Solar to prison loaded with
+fetters. On the morrow, the anger of the viceroy was somewhat appeased, so
+that he did not renew his orders for hanging Solar, but detained him for
+two months in prison and in irons, without any information or process
+respecting his crime.
+
+After the installation of the court of audience, the judges went on a
+Saturday to visit the prison; and having been informed of the foregoing
+circumstances by a judicial note or request presented to them on the
+subject, they demanded to see Solar, whom they asked the cause of his
+imprisonment; to which he answered that he knew nothing about the matter.
+On examination, they found no process against Solar, and the jailor and
+registrars were only able to say that the viceroy had given orders for his
+imprisonment. On the ensuing Monday, the judges represented to the viceroy
+that they had found no process or informations against Solar, and could
+only learn as the reason of his imprisonment that it was by his orders;
+and consequently, having no documents to instruct the lawfulness of his
+detention, they could not in law or equity do otherwise than order him to
+be set at liberty. The viceroy said that Solar had been arrested by his
+orders, and that he had even been inclined to have hanged him, on account
+of the writing on the wall of the tambo, and because of his personal
+insolence when there was no witnesses present; believing, by his sole
+authority as viceroy, that he had the power of arrest, and even of
+ordering him to be hanged, without being under the necessity of giving
+them any reasons for his conduct. To this the judges made answer, that his
+authority as viceroy could only extend so far as justice and the laws of
+the kingdom allowed. As the viceroy and they could not agree on this point,
+when they visited the prison on the following Saturday, they ordered Solar
+to be liberated, desiring him however to remain under arrest in his own
+house; and on a subsequent visitation, they set him entirely at liberty.
+
+The viceroy was much chagrined by this affront, and sought anxiously for
+an opportunity of being revenged, for which he thought the following
+circumstance gave him a favourable opening. The three judges lodged
+separately with some of the richest inhabitants of Lima, who likewise
+provided their tables, and furnished every thing that was necessary for
+themselves and their servants. At first this was done with the consent of
+the viceroy, till such time as they might be able to procure and to
+furnish houses for themselves. After the dispute concerning Solar, the
+viceroy caused them to be informed, that it did not seem to him consistent
+with decorum that they should live at the expence of the citizens, which
+would be assuredly displeasing to his majesty, and therefore that they
+ought to look out for houses for their accommodation: And that, besides,
+he did not approve of their walking about the streets in company with the
+merchants and other inhabitants of the city. The judges made answer, that
+they had not been able to find any houses for hire, and that they were
+under the necessity of waiting till some then building were finished: That
+in future they would live at their own charges: but as to walking in the
+streets with the inhabitants, it was neither a criminal nor a forbidden
+conduct, nor in any way improper; as even in Spain the members of the
+royal council, or of any other tribunal, were in use to do the same, which
+was even useful, as in that way the merchants had an opportunity of
+informing or reminding them of their affairs. The viceroy and the judges
+were always upon bad terms, and their misunderstanding broke out into
+disputes on every occasion. It is said that at one time the licentiate
+Alvarez, one of the judges, preferred an oath to a procurator or attorney,
+respecting a bribe which he had given to Alvarez de Cueto, brother-in-law
+to the viceroy, for his interest to obtain the appointment. By this
+procedure of Alvarez, the viceroy is said to have been greatly offended.
+
+During all this time, the passes of the mountains leading towards Cuzco
+had been so well guarded by the Spaniards and Peruvians appointed for that
+purpose, that no intelligence could be had at Lima of what was going on
+among the remonstrants. It was only known that Gonzalo Pizarro had gone to
+Cuzco, and that all those who had withdrawn from Lima and other places in
+the plain had repaired to the same place in expectation of a civil war.
+The viceroy and judges of the royal audience issued their joint
+proclamation, ordering, in the name of the king, all the inhabitants of
+Cuzco, and the other cities of Peru, to recognize and submit to Blasco
+Nunnez as viceroy, and to repair with their arms and horses to Lima to
+offer their services. Most of these proclamations were lost by the way;
+but that which was sent to La Plata was more fortunate, and, by virtue of
+its authority, Luis de Ribera, Antonio Alvarez, and the other magistrates
+and officers of that city, proclaimed Blasco Nunnez with much ceremony and
+great rejoicings: And, in testimony of their submission to his authority,
+they equipped twenty-five horsemen, being all the city could spare, who
+were sent to join the viceroy under the command of Captain Luis de Ribera.
+Lest Gonzalo might cut off their passage and arrest them on their march,
+Ribera made his way towards Lima by a desert and unfrequented road.
+
+Some even of the inhabitants of Cuzco got copies of the proclamation, in
+consequence of which several of them repaired secretly to Lima to offer
+their services to the viceroy, as will be more particularly specified in
+the sequel. By their means the viceroy became acquainted with the
+transactions at Cuzco, on which account he found himself under the
+necessity of using every effort to increase his forces by means of
+additional levies; for which purpose he fortunately possessed ample funds,
+as Vaca de Castro had embarked upwards of 100,000 crowns which he had
+drawn from Cuzco to transmit to the king, which the viceroy took
+possession of and employed for the equipment and pay of his troops. He
+appointed Don Alfonso de Montemayor and Diego Alvarez de Cuero, who was
+his own brother-in-law, captains of horse; Martin de Robles and Paul de
+Menezes captains of foot; and Gonzalo Diaz de Pignera captain of
+musqueteers. Vela Nunnez, his own brother, was made captain-general of the
+troops. Diego de Urbina maestre de campo, or major general, and Juan de
+Aguire serjeant-major, or adjutant general. Without including the citizens,
+his army amounted to 600 men; of whom 100 were cavalry, 200 musqueteers,
+and the remaining 300 armed with pikes. On purpose to arm these soldiers,
+he caused a considerable number of musquets to be made, some of which were
+of iron, and others of cast metal, which he procured by melting down some
+of the bells belonging to the great church.
+
+Besides frequently exercising his troops to perfect them in their
+discipline, he occasionally caused false alarms to be given that he might
+ascertain their disposition towards him, as it was much suspected that the
+majority were by no means hearty in the cause. Having some suspicion of
+Vaca de Castro, the former governor, whom he had lately allowed to be a
+prisoner at large on parole not to leave the city, and believing that he
+had some secret intelligence with his former friends and dependents, the
+viceroy ordered a false alarm one day about noon, reporting that Gonzalo
+was near at hand; and when the troops were all assembled in the great
+square, he sent his brother-in-law, Diego Alvarez de Cueto to arrest Vaca
+de Castro. At the same time he arrested Don Pedro de Cabrera, Hernan Mexia
+de Gusman, Lorenço de Aldana, Melchior Ramirez, and Baltazar Ramirez his
+brother-in-law, all of whom he sent prisoners on board a ship comanded by
+Jeronimo de Zurbano. A few days afterwards, he set Lorenço de Aldana at
+liberty, and sent off Cabrera and Mexia to Panama, and the two Ramirez to
+Nicaragua. Vaca de Castro remained prisoner in the ship, neither he nor
+any of the rest being informed of what they were accused, nor were any
+informations or law-processes made respecting them. While these civil
+discords were going on, two ships loaded with merchandise arrived at the
+port belonging to Arequipa[5], both of which were purchased by Gonzalo
+Pizarro, with the intention of employing them to transport his artillery,
+and for getting possession of the harbour of Lima, and seizing the ships
+belonging to the viceroy, believing that whoever was master of the sea
+along the coast of Peru must command the country, by having it in his
+power to land in any unguarded place and to do all the mischief he pleased,
+on account of the prodigious extent of coast. By commanding at sea, he
+would likewise have been enabled to procure arms and horses from the
+vessels which are in use to bring these to Peru, and would have it in his
+power to stop all vessels coming there from Spain with merchandise or
+other supplies. On learning that Gonzalo had purchased these two vessels,
+and the purpose for which he destined them, the viceroy was a good deal
+distressed, fearing they might occasion considerable detriment to his
+affairs, as he had no means of opposing two ships so well provided with
+artillery; yet he took the best measures in his power to prepare for his
+defence. He equipped, therefore, one of the vessels in the port of Lima,
+which he armed with eight brass cannon and some others of iron, with
+several musquets and cross-bows, appointing Jeronimo de Zurbano to the
+command, with orders to make the best resistance he could against the
+ships of Gonzalo. Fortunately these preparations became unnecessary; for
+the captains Alfonso de la Caçares and Jeronimo de la Cerna, who dwelt in
+Arequipa, went secretly by night on board the two ships which Gonzalo had
+purchased, and which remained waiting for their artillery, and by large
+bribes to the masters and mariners got possession of them for the viceroy;
+then, abandoning their houses lands and Indians, they immediately set sail
+for Lima. On their arrival off the harbour of Callao, the viceroy got
+notice of their approach from some centinels who were stationed in a
+neighbouring island, and having no doubt that they were enemies, he
+immediately set out from Lima at the head of a body of cavalry. In the
+meantime, Zerbana discharged his artillery against the two ships, which
+immediately lowered their sails in token of peace, and sent some of their
+people on shore in a boat to surrender the ships to the viceroy. This
+circumstance gave much satisfaction to the viceroy and all the inhabitants
+of Lima, as it relieved them from a danger of which they were in great
+fear.
+
+While these things were going on, Gonzalo Pizarro levied troops at Cuzco,
+which he carefully armed and disciplined, and made every necessary
+preparation for war. He assembled a body of 500 men, of which he appointed
+Alfonso de Toro major-general, retaining the chief command in person. He
+divided his cavalry into two troops, one of which he gave the command of
+to Don Pedro de Porto-Carrero, placing himself at the head of the other.
+Gumiel, and the bachelor Juan Belez de Guevera, were appointed captains of
+two companies of pikemen; and Captain Pedro Cermeno had the command of the
+musqueteers. He had three standards, one having the royal arms, which was
+given to Porto Carrero; a second having the arms of Cuzco was confided to
+Antonio de Altamirano, alcalde of Cuzco, whom he afterwards beheaded as
+inclined to the royal interests: the third, bearing his own arms, was
+carried by his ensign; but was afterwards given to Captain Pedro de
+Puelles. Ferdinand Bachicao was made commander of the artillery,
+consisting of twenty excellent field-pieces, with a plentiful supply of
+powder, balls, and every other necessary for their service.
+
+Gonzalo endeavoured to secure the troops in his interest, covering his
+designs and endeavouring to justify his criminal enterprize by the most
+specious pretexts. Having assembled his army he made a long harangue to
+the soldiers, in which he represented, "That he and his brothers, as was
+well known to to them all, had discovered the kingdom of Peru, which they
+had reduced under the dominion of the king at their own proper charges,
+and had already remitted very large sums in gold and silver to his majesty;
+yet, after the death of the marquis, the king had not conferred the
+government of the country, either on the son of the marquis, or on him who
+now addressed them, as ought to have been done in conformity with the
+promises and agreements which had been made at the first discovery, but
+had even sent a cruel and inflexible person at this time to strip all of
+them of their property, as it was quite obvious that every person in Peru
+came under the scope of the obnoxious regulations. Blasco Nunnez Vaca, to
+whom the execution of these fatal regulations was confided, caused them to
+be put in force with the utmost rigour, not only refusing to listen to
+remonstrances and petitions the most respectful, but treating every one
+harshly who presumed to offer the most humble representations against
+their execution; of all which, and many other things of a like nature,
+every one who heard him were able to testify. Besides which, it was
+publickly given out, that the viceroy had orders to cut off his head;
+although it was well known to them all that he had not only never done any
+thing contrary to the service of the king, but had always conducted
+himself with the most zealous loyalty. For all these reasons, and by the
+consent and appointment of the city of Cuzco, he had resolved to go to
+Lima, to make a representation of their grievances to the royal audience,
+and humbly to supplicate a suspension of the ruinous regulations, that
+time might be given for sending deputies to the king in the name and on
+behalf of the whole kingdom of Peru, to inform his majesty of the true
+state of affairs, and of what seemed necessary to be done in the present
+conjuncture; having no doubt, when his majesty was truly informed, that he
+would devise a suitable remedy. If however, after using their utmost
+efforts, his majesty should still think proper to enforce the regulations,
+he and all with whom he acted would then obey the royal orders with the
+most entire and unreserved submission. His own journey and compearance
+before the viceroy, considering the menaces of that officer and the troops
+which he had levied, were obviously attended with the utmost danger to
+himself and all who should accompany him, unless he and they should be in
+a situation to defend themselves from lawless violence. For this reason it
+had been deemed indispensably necessary that he and the other deputies
+should be accompanied by a body of troops, which they had not the most
+distant intentions of employing to injure any person, unless they were
+attacked. He entreated them, therefore, to accompany him in his journey to
+Lima, and to observe during their march the strictest and most vigilant
+discipline, and that they might be assured, he, and those other gentleman
+who acted along with him, would reward them liberally for their toil and
+bravery, in enabling them to act with effect for preserving the properties
+of all from ruin."
+
+By this specious discourse, in which Gonzalo endeavoured to persuade his
+troops that his cause was just and his intentions pure, a considerable
+effect was produced, and his soldiers unanimously declared their
+determination to follow and defend him at the risk of their lives. He then
+marched out from Cuzco, accompanied by all the inhabitants of that city;
+and having put his troops in proper order, he gave permission that same
+evening to several of the citizens, as had been previously concerted
+between them, to return on purpose to prepare for the journey. Next
+morning early, twenty-five of the most eminent citizens, who had first
+given their assent to the supplications against the obnoxious regulations,
+considering that the steps which were now taking were criminal and
+rebellious, and dreading the injurious consequences which they would
+necessarily produce in Peru, came to the resolution of abandoning the
+party of Gonzalo and offering their services to the viceroy. They
+immediately set about executing this design, and went by long journeys
+through unfrequented ways in the deserts and mountains, lest Gonzalo might
+order them to be pursued, which he actually did. The principal persons in
+this defection were Gabriel de Roias, and Gomez de Roias his nephew,
+Garcilasso de la Vega, Pedro del Barco, Martin de Florencia, Jeronimo de
+Soria, Juan de Saavedra, Jeronimo Costilla, Gomez de Leon, Luis de Leon,
+and Pedro Manjares[6]. On setting out from Cuzco, they carried with them
+the orders they had received from the royal audience, by which they were
+enjoined to compear at Lima to submit to the authority of the viceroy.
+
+When Gonzalo was informed of this notable defection from his cause, by
+which all his troops seemed very considerably disconcerted, he was almost
+in the mind to have abandoned his enterprize, and to withdraw into the
+district of Charcas with about fifty horsemen of his most attached friends,
+to fortify himself there as well as he could; but after mature reflection,
+he considered it as less dangerous to follow his first intentions, and to
+continue the march for Lima. Having taken this resolution, he endeavoured
+to encourage his troops, by telling them that the deserters were assuredly
+ill-informed of the true state of affairs at Lima, as he had letters from
+the principal inhabitants of that city, assuring him that, with fifty
+horsemen only, he might easily bring his enterprize to a happy conclusion,
+and without incurring the smallest danger, as all the colonists
+entertained the same sentiments with him, and only needed his countenance
+and direction to declare themselves. He continued his march accordingly,
+but very slowly and with infinite difficulty, on account of the extreme
+labour which was requisite for bringing forward his artillery. All the
+cannon and warlike stores had to be carried on the shoulders of Indians,
+by means of levers or long spars, for which purpose the guns were taken
+off from their carriages, and it required twelve Indians to each gun, who
+were hardly able to go above a hundred paces under their load, when they
+were relieved by an equal number. On this account, 300 Indians were
+assigned to each gun, so that the artillery alone, with its ammunition and
+stores, required above 6000 Indians to conduct it over the mountains.
+
+Several gentlemen and other persons of consideration who accompanied
+Gonzalo, began to repent of being engaged in the enterprize. They had
+concurred with the rest at the beginning, in the propriety of
+remonstrating against the execution of the obnoxious regulations, and had
+even offered to risk their lives and fortunes in that measure; but on
+seeing the turn which affairs had taken, and that Gonzalo gradually
+assumed an authority to which he had no pretensions, they wished sincerely
+to get away from the engagements into which they had entered. Before
+leaving Cuzco, Gonzalo had seized the treasure belonging to the crown, not
+only without the consent and authority of the magistrates, but contrary to
+their advice and desire. They were anxiously desirous, therefore, of
+retracing the dangerous and criminal steps which they had taken, and the
+rather because they already believed that it would be unsuccessful.
+Gaspard Rodriguez De Campo-rondo, the brother of the deceased Captain
+Pedro Anzurez, and who had succeeded to the management of his estate and
+Indians, was the leader of these persons who wished to return to their
+duty. He and the rest concerted with each other how they might best
+abandon Gonzalo and join the viceroy; but they were somewhat afraid of
+trusting implicitly to Blasco Nunnez, in consideration of the extreme
+severity of his character, fearing that he might punish them for the share
+they had taken hitherto in the insurrection, notwithstanding of this their
+intended tardy abandonment of Gonzalo. For this reason they resolved to
+take effectual measures for securing an indemnity, and sent off, by a
+secret and unfrequented road, letters for the viceroy and the audience, in
+charge of a priest named Baltasar de Loaysa, by which they craved pardon
+for the past and a safe conduct for their compearance at Lima; adding,
+that, as they held some rank in the insurgent army, being captains under
+Gonzalo, all their friends and dependents might be expected to follow
+their example, by which in all probability the army of Gonzalo would fall
+to pieces of itself. Besides Rodriguez, Philip Gutierez, Arias Maldonado,
+Pedro de Vila-Castin, and others to the number of twenty-five, concurred
+in this plan of abandoning Gonzalo.
+
+Loaysa went in all haste to Lima, and, for the better concealment, he
+avoided uniting himself with Gabriel de Roias and the others who had
+formerly set out from Cuzco to join the viceroy. On his arrival at Lima,
+he immediately delivered his dispatches to the viceroy and the audience,
+and received without delay the safe conduct which his employers required.
+The news of this affair was soon spread over Lima, in which many of the
+inhabitants and others secretly wished well to the party of Gonzalo, as
+conformable to their own interest; and they were therefore a good deal
+mortified at the defection among the insurgents, which they supposed would
+soon occasion the army of Gonzalo to disperse; after which, the viceroy
+would assuredly carry the regulations into execution with the utmost
+rigour, when there was no one to oppose him.
+
+At the time when the viceroy was received at Lima, Pedro de Puelles, who
+was lieutenant of Guanuco under Vaca de Castro, came among the first to
+pay his compliments and to tender submission to his authority. As he had
+resided long in Peru, and had great experience in the affairs of that
+country, the viceroy gave him a new commission, by which he was confirmed
+in the lieutenancy of Guanuco, to which city he was sent back, with orders
+to hold the inhabitants in readiness to take the field with their horses
+and arms in case of need. Puelles not only prepared the people of his
+government for taking the field, but even retained in his pay some
+soldiers who had come from the province of Chachapoyas along with Gomez de
+Soliz and Bonefaz. Thinking it necessary to strengthen his army as much as
+possible to oppose Gonzalo, who was now marching towards Lima, the viceroy
+sent Jeronimo de Villegas with a letter commanding Puelles to join him
+without delay with all his force. On the arrival of Villegas at Guanuco,
+he and Puelles consulted together on the state of affairs, and concluded
+that if they should join the viceroy they would give a decided superiority
+to his side; and after the defeat of Gonzalo, having no one to oppose him,
+the viceroy would then cause the regulations to be enforced in their
+utmost rigour, by which the whole colonists of Peru would suffer extreme
+injury; as by depriving them of their Indians, not only the burgesses to
+whom they belonged would be reduced to poverty, but even the soldiers
+would be materially injured, as the burgesses would be no longer in
+condition to furnish subsistence to the troops as now. They came to the
+resolution therefore to join the party of Gonzalo, and set out immediately
+in search of his army for that purpose.
+
+
+[1] The author of this history.--E.
+
+[2] About that distance to the north of Lima is the town of _Huaura_,
+    which is probably the place indicated in the text, as in many names of
+    places in Peru the initial syllable _Gua_ or _Hua_, are
+    interchangeably used by different authors.--E.
+
+[3] Zarate is exceedingly negligent in regard to dates. We learn from the
+    history of America, II. 370, that the present occurrences took place
+    in 1544.--E.
+
+[4] It has been already mentioned in a former note, that this is probably
+    a different orthography for Huaura, a place about 70 miles to the N.N.
+    W. of Lima.--E.
+
+[5] Arequipa is a considerable way from the coast, on which there are
+    several harbours, thirty or forty miles distant.--E.
+
+[6] Garcilasso de la Vega differs somewhat in the names of one or two of
+    these leading men who deserted from Gonzalo, and enumerates a
+    considerable number more, among whom he names one Pedro Pizarro,
+    saying they were in all about forty, with many of whom he was
+    personally acquainted.--E.
+
+
+END OF VOLUME FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of
+Voyages and Travels, Vol. IV., by Robert Kerr
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+<head>
+<title>Voyages and Travels`Volume IV</title>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content=
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+<pre>
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of Voyages
+and Travels, Vol. IV., by Robert Kerr
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+Title: A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. IV.
+       Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the
+       Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea
+       and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time: History of the
+       discovery and conquest of Mexico and Peru
+       
+
+Author: Robert Kerr
+
+Release Date: June 4, 2004 [EBook #12514]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, VOL. 4 ***
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Allen Siddle and PG Distributed
+Proofreaders. This file was produced from images generously made
+available by the Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions
+
+</pre>
+
+<h2>A</h2>
+
+<h2>GENERAL</h2>
+
+<h2>HISTORY AND COLLECTION</h2>
+
+<h2>OF</h2>
+
+<h1>VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,</h1>
+
+<h2>ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER:</h2>
+
+<h2>FORMING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS</h2>
+
+<h2>OF NAVIGATION, DISCOVERY, AND COMMERCE,</h2>
+
+<h2>BY SEA AND LAND,</h2>
+
+<h2>FROM THE EARLIEST AGES TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h2>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<h2>BY</h2>
+
+<h2>ROBERT KERR, F.R.S. &amp; F.A.S. EDIN.</h2>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<h2>ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS AND CHARTS.</h2>
+
+<h2>VOL. IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:</h3>
+
+<h3>AND T. CADELL, LONDON.</h3>
+
+<h3>MDCCCXXIV.</h3>
+
+<hr align="center" width="50%">
+<p>ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH VOLUME.</p>
+
+<p>Twelve months have now elapsed since the first half volume of
+this work was offered to the public. The favourable reception it
+has experienced gives the Editor reason to hope that he has
+fulfilled the engagements which he came under at its first
+appearance, and is a powerful inducement to continue his utmost
+exertions to preserve and improve the character of the work. In
+the four volumes which are now published, several extensive and
+important original articles are introduced, which have not
+hitherto appeared in any similar collection, and had not even
+been previously translated into English. These materially
+contribute towards the ample information which was formerly
+announced, in the Preface to the <i>first</i> Volume, as a
+leading object in this Collection. In the subsequent parts of the
+work, every effort shall be made to fill up its several divisions
+with original articles of similar interest and equal
+importance.</p>
+
+<p>Encouraged by a satisfactory and increasing sale, the progress
+of publication has been somewhat hastened, beyond what was
+originally promised in the Prospectus and Conditions; as the
+<i>whole</i> of the fourth Volume is now published, at the period
+when only its <i>first half</i> was to have appeared. It is
+intended to repeat this anticipation occasionally, by the
+publication of two numbers or half-volumes at once, when
+opportunity offers. While this may gratify one portion of our
+readers, it is not meant to preclude others from continuing to be
+supplied, as before, with the numbers or half volumes at regular
+intervals, in their own option.</p>
+
+<p>EDINBURGH, <i>1st Jan</i>, 1812.</p>
+
+<hr align="center" width="50%">
+<p><a name="contents" id="contents"></a></p>
+
+<h2>CONTENTS OF VOLUME IV.</h2>
+
+<p><a href="#part2"><b>PART II.--(Continued.)</b></a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#book2-2"><b>BOOK II.--Continued</b></a></p>
+
+<p>HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, AND OF SOME OF THE EARLY
+CONQUESTS IN THE NEW WORLD</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter2-5"><b><i>CHAPTER V.</i></b></a></p>
+
+<p>History of the discovery and conquest of Mexico,
+continued.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION VI. The Spaniards commence their march to Mexico; with
+an account of the war in Tlascala, and the submission of that
+nation.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION VII. Events during the march of the Spaniards from
+Tlascala to Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION VIII. Arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, and
+transactions there till the arrival of Narvaez to supersede
+Cortes.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION IX. Expedition of Narvaez to supersede Cortes in the
+command, and occurrences till his defeat by Cortes.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION X. Occurrences from the defeat of Narvaez, to the
+expulsion of the Spaniards from Mexico, and the subsequent battle
+of Otumba.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XI. Occurrences from the battle of Otumba, till the
+march of Cortes to besiege Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XII. Transactions of Cortes and the Spaniards, from
+their march against Mexico, to the commencement of the siege of
+that city.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XIII. Narrative of occurrences, from the commencement
+of the siege of Mexico to its reduction, and the capture of
+Guatimotzin.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XIV. Occurrences in New Spain, immediately subsequent
+to the reduction of Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XV. Expeditions sent by Cortes to reduce the provinces
+of the Mexican empire.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XVI. Expedition of Garay to colonize Panuco.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XVII. Narrative of various expeditions for the
+reduction of different provinces in New Spain.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XVIII. Negociations of Cortes at the court of Spain,
+respecting the conquest and government of Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XIX. Of an expedition against the Zapotecas, and
+various other occurrences.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XX. Narrative of the expedition of Cortes to
+Higueras.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XXI. Return of Cortes to Mexico, and occurrences there
+previous to his departure for Europe.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XXII. Narrative of occurrences, from the departure of
+Cortes to Europe till his death.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XXIII. Concluding observations by the Author.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter2-6"><b><i>CHAPTER VI.</i></b></a></p>
+
+<p>History of the discovery and conquest of Peru, by Francisco
+Pizarro; written by Augustino Zarate, treasurer of that kingdom,
+a few years after the conquest.</p>
+
+<p>Introduction.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION I. Of the discovery of Peru, with some account of the
+country and its inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION II. Transactions of Pizarro and the Spaniards in Peru,
+from the commencement of the conquest, till the departure of
+Almagro for the discovery of Chili.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION III. Occurrences from the departure of Almagro for
+Chili, to his capture by Pizarro, being the first part of the
+civil wars in Peru.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION IV. Expeditions of Pedro de Valdivia into Chili, and
+of Gonzalo Pizarro to Los Canelos.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION V. Conspiracy of the Almagrians and Assassination of
+Pizarro.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter2-7"><b><i>CHAPTER VII.</i></b></a></p>
+
+<p>Continuation of the early history of Peru, after the death of
+Francisco Pizarro, to the defeat of Gonzalo Pizarro, and the
+re-establishment of tranquillity in the country; written by
+Augustino Zarate.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION I. From the revival of the civil wars in Peru, to the
+close of the administration of Vaca de Castro, the first governor
+appointed from Spain.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION II. Commencement of the Viceroyalty of Blasco Nunnez
+Vela, and renewal of the civil war in Peru by the usurpation of
+Gonzalo Pizarro. [Illustration: Viceroyalty of Mexico Published 1
+Jan'y 1812 by W'm Blackwood Edin'r.]</p>
+
+<h2>A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.</h2>
+
+<h2><a name="part2" id="part2">PART II.</a></h2>
+
+<h2><a name="book2-2" id="book2-2">BOOK II.--Continued.</a></h2>
+
+<p><b>HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, AND OF SOME OF THE
+EARLY CONQUESTS IN THE NEW WORLD.</b></p>
+
+<h2><a name="chapter2-5" id="chapter2-5">CHAPTER V.</a></h2>
+
+<p><b>HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF MEXICO, WRITTEN IN
+THE YEAR 1568, BY CAPTAIN BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO, ONE OF THE
+CONQUERORS.--<i>Continued</i>.</b></p>
+
+<p>SECTION VI.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Spaniards commence their March to Mexico; with an
+account of the War in Tlascala, and the submission of that
+Nation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Everything being in readiness for our march to Mexico, we were
+advised by our allies of Chempoalla to proceed by way of
+Tlascala, the inhabitants of that province being in friendship
+with them and constantly at war with the Mexicans; and at our
+requisition, we were joined by fifty of the principal warriors of
+the Totanacas[1], who likewise gave us 200 <i>tlamama</i>, or men
+of burden, to draw our guns and to transport our baggage and
+ammunition[2]. Our first day's march on the 16th of August 1519,
+was to <i>Xalapan</i>, and our second to <i>Socochima</i>, a
+place of difficult approach, surrounded by vines. During the
+whole of this march, the main body was kept in compact order,
+being always preceded by an advance of light infantry, and
+patroles of cavalry. Our interpreters informed the people of this
+place, that we were subjects of the great emperor Don Carlos, who
+had sent us to abolish human sacrifices and various other abuses;
+and as these people were allies of Chempoalla and independent of
+Montezuma, they treated us in a friendly manner. We erected a
+cross at this place, explaining its signification and giving them
+information of many things belonging to our holy faith, and
+exhorting them to reverence the cross. From this place we
+proceeded by a difficult pass among lofty mountains to
+<i>Texotla</i>, the people of which place were well disposed to
+us, as they also paid no tribute to Montezuma. Continuing our
+march through desert lofty mountains, we experienced excessive
+cold, with heavy falls of hail, and came next day to a pass,
+where there were some houses and large temples, and great piles
+of wood intended for the service of the idols. Provisions were
+scarce during the two last days, and we now approached the
+confines of the Mexican empire, at a place called
+<i>Xocotlan</i>; to the cacique of which place Cortes sent a
+message informing him of our arrival. The appearance of this
+place evinced that we were entering upon a new and richer
+country. The temples and other buildings were lofty, with
+terraced roofs, and had a magnificent appearance, being all
+plastered and white-washed, so as to resemble some of our towns
+in Spain; on which account we called this place <i>Castel
+blanco</i>.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] Clavigero says that Cortes had some troops of the
+Totanacas, among whom were forty nobles, serving at the same time
+as auxiliaries, and as hostages for the fidelity of their
+nation.--Clavig. II. 30.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] In Clavigero, II. 29. the army of Cortes on this
+occasion is stated to have amounted to 415 Spanish infantry and
+16 cavalry.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In consequence of our message, the cacique and other principal
+persons of the town came out to meet us, and conducted us to our
+quarters, where they gave us a very poor entertainment. After
+supper, Cortes inquired respecting the military power of
+Montezuma, and was told that he was able to bring prodigious
+armies into the field. The city of Mexico was represented as of
+uncommon strength, being built on the water, with no
+communication between the houses, houses, except by means of
+boats or bridges, each house being terraced, and only needing the
+addition of a parapet to become a fortress. The only access to
+the city was by means of three causeways or piers, each of which
+had four or five apertures for the passage of the waters, having
+wooden bridges which could be raised up, so as to preclude all
+access. We were likewise informed of the vast wealth possessed by
+Montezuma, in gold, silver, and jewels, which filled us with
+astonishment; and although the account we had already received of
+the military resources of the empire and the inaccessible
+strength of the capital might have filled us with dismay, yet we
+were eager to try our fortunes. The cacique expatiated in praise
+of Montezuma, and expressed his apprehension of having offended
+him by receiving us into his government without his leave. To
+this Cortes replied, That we had come from a far distant country
+by command of our sovereign, to exhort Montezuma and his subjects
+to desist from human sacrifices and other outrages; adding: "I
+now require all who hear me, to renounce your inhuman sacrifices,
+cannibal feasts, and other abominable customs; for such is the
+command of GOD, whom we adore." The natives listened to all this
+in profound silence, and Cortes proposed to the soldiers to
+destroy the idols and plant the holy cross, as had been already
+done at Chempoalla; but Father Olmedo recommended that this
+should be postponed to a fitter opportunity, lest the ignorance
+and barbarism of the people might incite them to offer indignity
+against that holy symbol of our blessed religion.</p>
+
+<p>We happened to have a very large dog along with us, which
+belonged to Francisco de Lugo, which used to bark very loud
+during the night, to the great surprise of the natives, who asked
+our Chempoallan allies if that terrible animal was a lion or
+tiger which we had brought to devour them. They answered that
+this creature attacked and devoured whoever offended us; that our
+guns discharged stones which destroyed our enemies, and that our
+horses were exceedingly swift and caught whoever we pursued. On
+this the others observed that with such astonishing powers we
+certainly were <i>teules</i>. Our allies also advised them to
+beware of practising any thing against us, as we could read their
+hidden thoughts, and recommended them to conciliate our favour by
+a present. They accordingly brought us several ornaments of much
+debased gold, and gave us four women to make bread, and a load of
+mantles. Near some of the temples belonging to this place I saw a
+vast number of human skeletons arranged in such exact order that
+they might easily be counted with perfect accuracy, and I am
+certain there were above an hundred thousand. In another part
+immense quantities of human bones were heaped up in endless
+confusion. In a third, great numbers of skulls were suspended
+from beams, and watched by three priests. Similar collections
+were to be seen everywhere as we marched through this district
+and the territories of Tlascala.</p>
+
+<p>On consulting the cacique of Xocotla respecting the road to
+Mexico, he advised us to go through Cholula; but our allies
+strongly dissuaded us from that route, alleging that the people
+were very treacherous, and that the town was always occupied by a
+Mexican garrison, and repeated the former advice of going by
+Tlascala, assuring us of a friendly reception there. Cortes
+accordingly sent messengers before us to Tlascala announcing our
+approach, and bearing a crimson velvet cap as a present. Although
+these people were ignorant of writing, yet Cortes sent a letter
+by his messengers, as it was generally understood to carry a
+sanction of the message which was to be delivered. We now set out
+for Tlascala, in our accustomed order of march, attended by
+twenty principal inhabitants of Xocotla. On arriving at a village
+in the territory of Xalacingo[3], where we received intelligence
+that the whole nation of the Tlascalans were in arms to oppose
+us, believing as to be in alliance with their inveterate enemies
+the Mexicans, on account of the number of Mexican subjects who
+attended our army. So great was their suspicion on this account,
+that they imprisoned our two messengers, for whose return we
+waited two days very impatiently. Cortes employed the time in
+exhorting the Indians to abandon their idolatry and to reconcile
+themselves to our holy church. At the end of these two days, we
+resumed our march, accompanied by two of the principal people of
+this place whom Cortes demanded to attend us, and we soon
+afterwards met our messengers who had made their escape, either
+owing to the negligence or connivance of their guards. These
+messengers were in extreme terror, as the people of Tlascala
+threatened to destroy us and every one who should adhere to us.
+As a battle was therefore to be expected, the standard was
+advanced to the front, and Cortes instructed the cavalry to
+charge by threes to the front, never halting to give thrusts with
+their lances, but urging on at speed with couched lances levelled
+at the faces of the enemy. He directed them also, when their
+lance was seized by the enemy, to force it from them by the
+efforts of the horse, firmly grasping the butt under the arm. At
+about two leagues from the last resting-place, we came to a
+fortification built of stone and lime, excellently constructed
+for defence, and so well cemented that nothing but iron tools
+could make an impression on it. We halted for a short time to
+examine this work, which had been built by the Tlascalans to
+defend their territory against the incursions of their Mexican
+enemies; and on Cortes ordering us to march on, saying,
+"Gentlemen follow your standard the holy cross, through which we
+shall conquer;" we all replied, "Forward in the name of God, in
+whom is our only confidence."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] In Clavigero, II. 31. Iztacmaxitlan is said to
+have been the next stage after leaving Xocotla, and is described
+as a populous district, with a strong city or fortress on a high
+rock, defended by barbicans and ditches.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After passing this barrier some distance, our advanced guard
+descried about thirty of the Tlascalan troops, who had been sent
+to observe us. Cortes sent on the cavalry to endeavour to take
+some of these men prisoners, while the infantry advanced at a
+quick pace to support the advanced guard. Our cavalry immediately
+attacked, but the Tlascalans defended themselves bravely with
+their swords, wounding some of the horses severely, on which our
+people had to kill five of them, but were unable to make any
+prisoners. A body of three thousand warriors now sallied out upon
+us with great fury from an ambush, and began to discharge their
+arrows at our cavalry; but as our artillery and musquetry were
+now ready to bear upon them, we soon compelled them to give way,
+though in a regular manner, and fighting as they retreated;
+leaving seventeen of their men dead on the field; and one of our
+men was so severely wounded as to die a few days after. As the
+day was near a close, we did not attempt any pursuit; but
+continued our march, in which we soon descended from the hills
+into a flat country, thickly set with farm-houses, among fields
+of maize and the Maguay plant. We halted for the night on the
+banks of a brook, where we dressed our wounds with the <i>grease
+of a fat Indian</i> who was slain in the skirmish; and though the
+natives had carried away all their provisions, we caught their
+dogs when they returned at night to the houses, and made a
+comfortable supper of that unusual fare. Next day, after
+recommending ourselves to God, we resumed our march against the
+Tlascalan army; both cavalry and infantry being duly instructed
+how to act when we came to battle; the cavalry to charge right
+through, and the infantry to preserve a firm array. We soon fell
+in with the enemy, to the number of about 6000 men in two bodies,
+who immediately attacked us with great spirit, discharging their
+arrows, shouting, and sounding their martial instruments. Cortes
+halted the army, and sent three prisoners to demand a peaceable
+conference, and to assure them we wished to treat them as
+brothers; ordering at the same time the notary Godoy, to witness
+this message officially. This message had no effect, as they
+attacked us more fiercely than before, on which Cortes gave the
+word, <i>St Jago, and on them</i>. We accordingly made a furious
+onset, slaying many with the first discharges of our artillery,
+three of their chiefs falling on this occasion. They now
+retreated to some uneven ground, where the whole army of the
+state of Tlascala, 40,000 in number, were posted under cover,
+commanded by <i>Xicotencatl</i>, the general in chief of the
+republic. As the cavalry could not act in this uneven ground, we
+were forced to fight our way through as well as we were able in a
+compact column, assailed on every side by the enemy, who were
+exceedingly expert archers. They were all clothed in white and
+red, with devices of the same colours, being the uniform of their
+general. Besides the multitudes who discharged continual flights
+of arrows, many of them who were armed with lances closed upon us
+while we were embarrassed by the inequality of the ground; but as
+soon as we got again into the plain, we made a good use of our
+cavalry and artillery. Yet they fought incessantly against us
+with astonishing intrepidity, closing upon us all around, so that
+we were in the utmost danger at every step, but God supported and
+assisted us. While closely environed in this manner, a number of
+their strongest warriors, armed with tremendous two-handed
+swords, made a combined attack on Pedro de Moron, an expert
+horseman, who was charging through them accompanied by other
+three of our cavalry. They seized his lance and wounded himself
+dangerously, and one of them cut through the neck of his horse
+with a blow of a two-handed sword, so that he fell down dead. We
+rescued Moron from the enemy with the utmost difficulty, even
+cutting the girths and bringing off his saddle, but ten of our
+number were wounded in the attempt, and believe we then slew ten
+of their chiefs, while fighting hand to hand. They at length
+began to retire, taking with them the body of the horse, which
+they cut in pieces, and distributed through all the districts of
+Tlascala as a trophy of victory. Moron died soon after of his
+wounds, at least I have no remembrance of seeing him afterwards.
+After a severe and close conflict of above an hour, during which
+our artillery swept down multitudes out of the numerous and
+crowded bodies of the enemy, they drew off in a regular manner,
+leaving the field to us, who were too much fatigued to pursue. We
+took up our quarters, therefore, in the nearest village, named
+<i>Teoatzinco</i>, where we found numbers of subterraneous
+dwellings. This battle was fought on the 2d September 1519. The
+loss of the enemy on this occasion was very considerable, eight
+of their principal chiefs being slain, but how many others we
+know not, as whenever an Indian is wounded or slain, he is
+immediately carried off by his companions. Fifteen of them were
+made prisoners, of whom two were chiefs. On our side fifteen men
+were wounded, one only of whom died. As soon as we got clear of
+the enemy, we gave thanks to God for his merciful preservation,
+and took post in a strong and spacious temple, where we dressed
+our wounds with the fat of Indians. We obtained a plentiful
+supply of food from the fowls and dogs which we found in the
+houses of the village, and posted strong guards on every side for
+our security.</p>
+
+<p>We continued quietly in the temple for one day, to repose
+after the fatigues of the battle, occupying ourselves in
+repairing our cross-bows, and making arrows. Next day Cortes sent
+out seven of our cavalry with two hundred infantry and all our
+allies, to scour the country, which is very flat and well adapted
+for the movements of cavalry, and this detachment brought in
+twenty prisoners, some of whom were women, without meeting with
+any injury from the enemy, neither did the Spaniards do any
+mischief; but our allies, being very cruel, made great havoc, and
+came back loaded with dogs and fowls. Immediately on our return,
+Cortes released all the prisoners, after giving them food and
+kind treatment, desiring them to expostulate with their
+companions on the madness of resisting our arms. He likewise
+released the two chiefs who had been taken in the preceding
+battle, with a letter in token of credence, desiring them to
+inform their countrymen that he only asked to pass through their
+country in his way to Mexico. These chiefs waited accordingly on
+<i>Xicotencatl</i>, whose army was posted about two leagues from
+our quarters, at a place called <i>Tehuacinpacingo</i>, and
+delivered the message of Cortes. To this the Tlascalan general
+replied, "Tell them to go to Tlascala, where we shall give them
+peace by offering their hearts and blood to our gods, and by
+feasting on their bodies." After what we had already experienced
+of the number and valour of the enemy, this horrible answer did
+not afford us much consolation; but Cortes concealed his fears,
+and treated the messengers more kindly than ever, to induce them
+to carry a fresh message. By inquiry from them he got the
+following account of the number of the enemy and of the nature of
+the command enjoyed by its general. The army now opposed to us
+consisted of the troops or quotas of five great chiefs, each
+consisting of 10,000 men. These chiefs were <i>Xicotencatl</i>
+the elder, father to the general, <i>Maxicotzin</i>,
+<i>Chichimecatecle</i>, <i>Tecapaneca</i> cacique of
+<i>Topeyanco</i>, and a cacique named <i>Guaxocinga</i>[4]. Thus
+50,000 men were now collected against us under the banner of
+Xicotencatl, which was a white bird like an ostrich with its
+wings spread out[5]. The other divisions had each its
+distinguishing banner, every cacique bearing these cognizances
+like our Spanish nobles, a circumstance we could not credit when
+so informed by our prisoners. This formidable intelligence did
+not tend to lessen the fears which the terrible answer of
+Xicotencatl had occasioned, and we prepared for the expected
+battle of the next day, by confessing our sins to our reverend
+fathers, who were occupied in this holy office during the whole
+night[6].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] In Clavigero, II. 31. Xicocentcatl Maxicatizin,
+is given as the name of one chief; and only <i>three</i> other
+lords or great caciques are said to have then borne sway in the
+Tlascalan republic, Tlekul, Xolotzin, and Citlalpocatzin. The
+person named Chichimecatecle by Diaz, is called Chichimeca
+Teuchtli by Clavigero: But it is impossible to reconcile the
+differences between these authors respecting the other names of
+the chiefs, nor is it important.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Clavigero, II. 37. says the grand standard of the
+republic of Tlascala, used on this occasion, was a golden eagle
+with expanded wings.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[6] According to Clavigero, II. 37. Xicotencatl, to
+show how little he regarded the Spaniards, sent them 300 turkeys
+and two hundred baskets of <i>tamalli</i>, to recruit their
+strength before the approaching battle.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the 5th of September, we marched out with our whole force,
+the wounded not excepted, having our colours flying and guarded
+by four soldiers appointed for that purpose. The crossbow-men and
+musketeers were ordered to fire alternately, so that some of them
+might be always loaded: The soldiers carrying swords and bucklers
+were directed to use their points only, thrusting home through
+the bodies of the enemy, by which they were less exposed to
+missile weapons; and the cavalry were ordered to charge at half
+speed, levelling their lances at the eyes of the enemy, and
+charging clear through without halting to make thrusts. We had
+hardly marched half a quarter of a league, when we observed the
+whole army of the enemy, covering the plain on every side as far
+as the eye could reach, each separate body displaying its
+particular device or standard, and all advancing to the sound of
+martial music. A great deal might be said of this tremendous and
+long doubtful battle, in which four hundred of us were opposed to
+prodigious hosts, which surrounded us on every side, filling all
+the plains to the extent of two leagues. Their first discharges
+of arrows, stones, and double-headed darts covered the whole
+ground which we occupied, and they advanced continually till
+closed upon us all around, attacking us with the utmost
+resolution with lances and two-handed swords, encouraging each
+other by continual shouts. Our artillery, musketry, and
+cross-bows plied them with incessant discharges, and made
+prodigious havoc among the crowded masses of the enemy, and the
+home thrusts of our infantry with their swords, prevented them
+from closing up so near as they had done in the former battle.
+Yet with all our efforts, our battalion was at one time
+completely broken into and separated, and all the exertions of
+our general was for some time unable to get us again into order;
+at length, however, by the diligent use of our swords, we forced
+them from among us, and were able again to close our ranks.
+During the whole battle our cavalry produced admirable effects,
+by incessant charges through the thickest of the enemy. We in
+some measure owed our safety, under God, to the unwieldy
+multitude of the enemy, so that some of the divisions could never
+get up to the attack. One of the grand divisions, composed of the
+warriors dependant on <i>Guaxocinga</i>, was prevented from
+taking any share in the battle by <i>Chichemecatecle</i>[7],
+their commander, who had been provoked by some insulting language
+by Xicotencatl respecting his conduct in the preceding
+engagement, of which circumstance we received information
+afterwords. The circumstance of these divisions not joining in
+the battle, slackened the ardour of the rest, more especially
+after they had experienced the terrible effects of our cavalry,
+artillery, and other offensive weapons; and one of their greatest
+chiefs being killed, they at length drew off from the fight, and
+were pursued to a short distance by our cavalry. In this great
+battle, one only of our soldiers was killed, but seventy men and
+all our horses were wounded. I had two wounds, one by an arrow
+and the other by a stone, but they were not sufficient to make me
+unfit for duty. Thus again masters of the field, we gave thanks
+to God for his merciful preservation, and returned to our former
+post, first burying our dead companion in one of the
+subterraneous houses, which was filled up and levelled, that his
+body might not be discovered by the enemy. We passed the ensuing
+night in a most comfortless situation, not being able to procure
+even oil and salt, and exposed to excessive cold winds from the
+snowy mountains.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] Called the son of Chichimeca Teuctli by
+Clavigero; perhaps his name was Guaxocingo, and Diaz, after a
+long interval of time, transposed the names of the father and
+son.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Cortes sent a fresh message by three of our prisoners and
+those who had carried his former message, demanding a free
+passage to Mexico, and threatening to destroy the whole country
+in case of refusal. On their arrival at Tlascala, they found the
+chiefs much cast down at their repeated losses, yet unwilling to
+listen to our proposals. They sent for their priests and wizards,
+who pretended to foretel future events by casting lots, desiring
+them to say if the Spaniards were vincible, and what were the
+best means of conquering us; likewise demanding whether we were
+men or superior beings, and what was our food. The wizards
+answered, that we were men like themselves, subsisting upon
+ordinary food, but did not devour the hearts of our enemies as
+had been reported; alleging that though invincible by day, we
+might be conquered at night, as we derived all our power from the
+influence of the sun. Giving credit to this response, Xicotencatl
+received orders to make an immediate attack on our quarters
+during the night. He marched accordingly with ten thousand
+warriors, and made a night attack on our post in three places at
+once: But our outposts kept too good guard to be taken by
+surprise, and we were under arms in a moment to receive them.
+They met with so warm a reception, that they were soon forced to
+turn their backs; and as it was clear moon-light, our cavalry
+pursued them with great effect, so that they returned to their
+camp heartily repenting of their night attack; insomuch that it
+was reported they sacrificed two of their priests for deceiving
+them to their hurt. In this action one only of our allies was
+killed, and two Spaniards wounded; but our situation was far from
+consolatory. Besides being dreadfully hard harassed by fatigue,
+we had lost fifty-five of our soldiers from wounds, sickness, and
+severity of the weather, and several were sick. Our general and
+Father Olmedo were both ill of fevers: And we began to think it
+would be impossible for us to reach Mexico, after the determined
+resistance we had experienced from the Tlascalans.</p>
+
+<p>In this extremity several of the officers and soldiers, among
+whom I was one, waited on Cortes, and advised him to release his
+prisoners and to make a fresh offer of friendship with the
+Tlascalans through these people. He, who acted on all occasions
+like a good captain, never failing to consult with us on affairs
+of importance, agreed with our present advice, and gave orders
+accordingly. Donna Marina, whose noble spirit and excellent
+judgment supported her on all occasions of danger, was now of
+most essential service to us, as indeed she often was; as she
+explained in the most forcible terms to these messengers, that if
+their countrymen did not immediately enter into a treaty of peace
+with us, that we were resolved to march against their capital,
+and would utterly destroy it and their whole nation. Our
+messengers accordingly went to Tlascala, where they waited on the
+chiefs of the republic, the principal messenger bearing our
+letter in one hand, as a token of peace, and a dart in the other
+as a signal of war, as if giving them their choice of either.
+Having delivered our resolute message, it pleased GOD to incline
+the hearts of these Tlascalan rulers to enter into terms of
+accommodation with us. The two principal chiefs, named Maxicatzin
+and Xicotencatl the elder[8], immediately summoned the other
+chiefs of the republic to council, together with the cacique of
+Guaxocingo the ally of the republic, to whom they represented
+that all the attacks which they had made against us had been
+ineffectual, yet exceedingly destructive to them; that the
+strangers were hostile to their inveterate enemies the Mexicans,
+who had been continually at war against their republic for
+upwards of an hundred years, and had so hemmed them in as to
+deprive them of procuring cotton or salt; and therefore that it
+would be highly conducive to the interests of the republic to
+enter into an alliance with these strangers against their common
+enemies, and to offer us the daughters of their principal
+families for wives, in order to strengthen and perpetuate the
+alliance between us. This proposal was unanimously agreed upon by
+the council, and notice was immediately sent to the general of
+this determination, with orders to cease from hostilities.
+Xicotencatl was much offended at this order, and insisted on
+making another nocturnal attack on our quarters. On learning this
+determination of their general, the council of Tlascala sent
+orders to supersede him in the command, but the captains and
+warriors of the army refused obedience to this order, and even
+prevented four of the principal chiefs of the republic from
+waiting upon us with an invitation to come to their city.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] It has been already mentioned that Clavigero
+writes these two as the names of one man, Xicotencatl Maxicatzin,
+informing us that the latter name signifies the
+elder.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After waiting two days for the result of our message without
+receiving any return, we proposed to march to Zumpacingo, the
+chief town of the district in which we then were, the principal
+people of which had been summoned to attend at our quarters, but
+had neglected our message. We accordingly began our march for
+that place early of a morning, having Cortes at our head, who was
+not quite recovered from his late illness. The morning was so
+excessively cold, that two of our horses became so exceedingly
+ill that we expected them to have died, and we were all like to
+perish from the effects of the piercing winds of the <i>Sierra
+Nevada</i>, or Snowy Mountains. This occasioned us to accelerate
+our march to bring us into heat, and we arrived at Zumpacingo
+before daybreak; but the inhabitants, immediately on getting
+notice of our approach, fled precipitately from their houses,
+exclaiming that the <i>teules</i> were coming to kill them. We
+halted in a place surrounded with walls till day, when some
+priests and old men came to us from the temples, making an
+apology for neglecting to obey our summons, as they had been
+prevented by the threats of their general Xicotencatl. Cortes
+ordered them to send us an immediate supply of provisions, with
+which they complied, and then sent them with a message to
+Tlascala, commanding the chiefs of the republic to attend him at
+this place to establish a peace, as we were still ignorant of
+what had taken place in consequence of our former message. The
+Indians of the country began to entertain a favourable opinion of
+us, and orders were given by the Tlascalan senate that the people
+in our neighbourhood should supply us plentifully with
+provisions.</p>
+
+<p>At this time some of the soldiers resumed their mutinous
+complaints, particularly those who had good houses and
+plantations in Cuba, who murmured at the hardships they had
+undergone and the manifold dangers with which we were surrounded.
+Seven of their ringleaders now waited on Cortes, having a
+spokesman at their head, who addressed the general in a studied
+oration, representing, "That above fifty-five of our companions
+had already perished during the expedition, and we were now
+ignorant of the situation of those we had left at Villa Rica.
+That we were so surrounded by enemies, it was hardly possible to
+escape from being sacrificed to the idols of the barbarians, if
+we persisted in our present hopeless enterprize. Our situation,
+they said, was worse than beasts of burden, who had food and rest
+when forced to labour, while we were oppressed with fatigue, and
+could neither procure sleep or provisions. As therefore the
+country now seemed peaceable and the enemy had withdrawn, the
+present opportunity ought to be taken for returning immediately
+to Villa Rica, on purpose to construct a vessel to send for
+reinforcements from Cuba; adding, that they lamented the
+destruction of our shipping, a rash and imprudent step, which
+could not be paralleled in history," Cortes answered them with
+great mildness; "That he was satisfied no soldiers ever exhibited
+more valour than we, and that by perseverance alone could we hope
+to preserve our lives amidst those great perils which God
+hitherto delivered us from, and that he hoped for a continuance
+of the same mercy. He appealed to them to say if he had ever
+shrunk from sharing in all their dangers; which indeed he might
+well do, as he never spared himself on any occasion. As to the
+destruction of the ships, it was done advisably, and for most
+substantial reasons; and as the most illustrious of our
+countrymen had never ventured on so bold a measure, it was better
+to look forward with trust in God, than to repine at what could
+not now be remedied. That although the natives we had left behind
+were at present friendly, all would assuredly rise against us the
+moment we began to retreat; and if our situation were now bad, it
+would then be desperate. We were now in a plentiful country; and
+as for our losses by death and fatigue, such was the fortune of
+war, and we had not come to this country to enjoy sports and
+pastimes. I desire therefore of you, who are all gentlemen, that
+you no longer think of retreat, but that you henceforwards shew
+an example to the rest, by doing your duty like brave soldiers,
+which I have always found you hitherto." They still continued to
+urge the danger of persisting in the march to Mexico; but Cortes
+cut them short, saying, That it was better to die at once than
+live dishonoured: And being supported by all his friends, the
+malcontents were obliged to stifle their dissatisfaction, as we
+all exclaimed that nothing more should be said on the
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>Our deputation from Zumpacingo to Tlascala was at length
+successful; as after four repeated messages from the chiefs of
+the republic, their general Xicotencatl was obliged to cease
+hostilities. Accordingly forty Indians were sent by him to our
+quarters with a present of fowls, bread, and fruit. They also
+brought four old women in tattered clothes, some incense, and a
+quantity of parrots feathers. After offering incense to Cortes,
+one of the messengers addressed him as follows: "Our general
+sends these things to you. If ye are <i>teules</i>, as is
+reported, and desire human victims, take the hearts and blood of
+these women as food: We have not sacrificed them to you, as you
+have not hitherto made known your pleasure. If ye are men, we
+offer you fowls, bread, and fruit; if benignant <i>teules</i>,
+who do not desire human sacrifices, here are incense and parrots
+feathers." Cortes replied, That we were men like themselves, and
+never put any one to death except in our own defence: That he had
+repeatedly required them to make peace with us, which offer he
+now renewed, advising them no longer to continue their mad
+resistance, which must end in their own ruin and the destruction
+of their country: That our only object in coming among them, was
+to manifest the truths of our holy religion, and to put an end to
+human sacrifices, by command from God and our emperor. These men
+were spies, who had been sent by Xicotencatl to gain information
+of the strength and disposition of our quarters; and we were
+informed of this by our Chempoallan allies, who had learnt from
+the people of Zumpacingo that Xicotencatl intended to attack us.
+On this information, Cortes seized four of the messengers, whom
+he forced by threats to confess, that their general only waited
+for their report to attack us that night in our quarters. He then
+caused seventeen of the Tlascalan messengers to be arrested,
+cutting off the hands of some and the thumbs of others, and sent
+them back in that condition to Xicotencatl with a message, that
+he would wait his attack for two days, after which, if he heard
+nothing farther from him, he would march with his Spaniards to
+seek him in his post. On the return of his spies in a mutilated
+state, Xicotencatl, who was prepared to march against us, lost
+all his haughtiness and resolution, and we were informed that the
+chief with whom he had quarrelled, now quitted the army with his
+division.</p>
+
+<p>The approach of a numerous train of Indians by the road from
+Tlascala was announced by one of our videts, from which we all
+conceived hopes of an embassy of peace, which it actually was.
+Cortes ordered us all immediately under arms, and on the arrival
+of the embassy, four old men advanced to our general, and after
+making three several reverences, touching the ground with their
+hands and kissing them, they offered incense, and said: That they
+were sent by the chiefs of Tlascala to put themselves
+henceforwards under our protection, and declared that they would
+on no account have made war upon us, if they had not believed we
+were allies of Montezuma, their ancient and inveterate enemy.
+They assured him that the first attack had been made upon us by
+the Otomies without their approbation, who believed they might
+easily have brought our small number as prisoners to their lords
+of Tlascala. They concluded by soliciting pardon for what had
+passed, assuring us that their general and the other chiefs of
+Tlascala would soon wait upon us to conclude a durable peace.
+Cortes in his answer, assumed a severe countenance, reproaching
+them for the violence they had been guilty of, yet, in
+consideration of their repentance, he accepted their presents,
+and was willing to receive them to favour, as he wished for
+peace; but desired them to inform their chiefs, if they delayed
+waiting upon him, he would continue his hostilities till be had
+ruined their whole country. The four ambassadors returned with
+this message to their employers, leaving their attendants with
+the provisions in our quarters. We now began to entertain hopes
+of their sincerity, to our great satisfaction, as we were
+heartily tired of the severe and hopeless war in which we had
+been so long engaged.</p>
+
+<p>The news of the great victories which we had gained over the
+Tlascalans soon spread over the whole country, and came to the
+knowledge of Montezuma, who sent five principal nobles of his
+court to congratulate us on our success. These men brought a
+present of various articles of gold, to the value of 1000 crowns,
+with twenty loads of rich mantles, and a message, declaring his
+desire to become a vassal of our sovereign, to whom he was
+willing to pay an yearly tribute. He added a wish to see our
+general in Mexico, but, owing to the poverty of the country and
+the badness of the roads, he found himself under the necessity to
+deprive himself of that great pleasure. Cortes expressed his
+gratitude for the present, and his satisfaction at the offer of
+their sovereign to become tributary to our emperor; but requested
+the Mexican ambassadors to remain with him till he had concluded
+his arrangements with the Tlascalans, after which he would give
+them a definitive answer to the message of Montezuma. While
+conversing with the Mexican ambassadors, Xicotencatl, with fifty
+of his principal warriors all in uniform habits of white and red,
+came to wait upon Cortes with great respect, who received them
+very courteously, causing the Tlascalan general to sit down
+beside him. Xicotencatl then said, That he came in the name of
+his father and the other chiefs of the Tlascalan nation, to
+solicit peace and friendship, to submit themselves to our
+sovereign, and to ask pardon for having taken up arms against us,
+which had proceeded from their dread of the machinations of
+Montezuma, who was always desirous of reducing their nation to
+slavery. Their country, he said, was very poor, as it possessed
+neither gold, jewels, cotton, nor salt; the two latter they were
+prevented from obtaining by Montezuma, who had also deprived them
+of all the gold their fathers had collected. Their poverty,
+therefore, must plead their excuse, for not bringing satisfactory
+presents. He made many other complaints against the oppressions
+of Montezuma, and concluded by earnestly soliciting our
+friendship and alliance. Xicotencatl was strong made, tall, and
+well proportioned, having a broad and somewhat wrinkled face, and
+grave aspect, appearing to be about thirty-five years old. Cortes
+treated him with every mark of respect, and expressed his high
+satisfaction that so brave and respectable a nation should become
+our allies, and subjects to our sovereign; but warned them
+seriously to beware of repeating the offences they had been
+guilty of towards us, lest it should occasion an exemplary
+punishment. The Tlascalan chief promised the utmost fidelity and
+obedience, and invited us to come to their city; which Cortes
+promised to do as soon as he had concluded his business with the
+Mexican ambassadors, and Xicotencatl took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>The ambassadors of Montezuma endeavoured to impress Cortes
+with distrust of the sincerity of the Tlascalans; asserting that
+their professions of peace and friendship were only meant to
+betray us, as they would certainly murder us while in their city.
+To these representations Cortes answered that he was resolved to
+go to Tlascala, that he might ascertain the sincerity of their
+professions; and that any such attempt as the Mexicans surmised
+would only bring on its own condign punishment. The ambassadors
+then requested Cortes to delay his march for six days, that they
+might receive fresh instructions from their sovereign, to which
+he acceded for two reasons, because of the state of his own
+health, and that the observations of the ambassadors seemed to
+require serious consideration. He now sent a messenger to Juan
+Escalente at Villa Rica, informing him of all that had happened,
+and requiring him to send some vessels of sacramental wine, and
+some consecrated bread, all that we had brought with us having
+been used. We at this time got the people of Zumpacingo to purify
+and white wash one of their temples, in which we erected a lofty
+cross. Our new friends the Tlascalans supplied us amply with
+provisions, particularly fowls and <i>tunas</i>, or Indian figs;
+and repeatedly invited us to their capital, but with this last we
+could not immediately comply, owing to the engagement with the
+Mexican ambassadors. At the end of the sixth day, as agreed upon,
+six nobles arrived from Montezuma, with a present of gold to the
+value of 3000 crowns, and 200 rich mantles; with a complimentary
+message, desiring us on no account to trust the Tlascalans or to
+go to their capital. Cortes returned thanks for the present, and
+the warning respecting the Tlascalans, whom he said he would
+severely punish if they attempted any treachery: and as he was
+just informed of the approach of the chiefs of Tlascala, he
+requested the Mexican ambassadors to wait three days for his
+final answer.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient chiefs of Tlascala now arrived at our quarters,
+borne in litters or hammocks, and attended by a large train of
+followers. These were Maxicatzin, Xicotencatl the elder, who was
+blind, Guaxocinga, Chichimecatecle, and Tecapaneca the allied
+cacique of Topeyanco. After saluting Cortes with great respect,
+the old blind chief Xicotencatl addressed him to the following
+effect: "We have often sent to request pardon for our
+hostilities, which were caused by our suspicions that you were in
+alliance with our enemy Montezuma. Had we known who and what you
+were, we would have gone down to the coast to invite you from
+your ships, and would have swept the roads clean before you. All
+we can now do is to invite you to our city, where we shall serve
+you in every thing within our power; and we beg you may not
+listen to the misrepresentations of the Mexicans, who are our
+enemies, and are influenced by malice against us." Cortes
+returned thanks for their courtesy, saying that he would have
+visited them ere now, but wanted men to draw his cannons. On
+learning this, five hundred of the natives were assembled for
+this service in less than half an hour, and Cortes promised to
+visit their capital next day. We accordingly began our march
+early next morning, the Mexican ambassadors accompanying us at
+the desire of Cortes, and keeping always near his person that
+they might not be insulted by their Tlascalan enemies. From this
+time the natives always gave Cortes the name of Malintzin,
+signifying the lord or captain of Marina, because she always
+interpreted for him in their language. We entered the city of
+Tlascala on the 23d September 1519, thirty-four days after our
+arrival in the territories of the republic. As soon as we began
+our march, the chiefs went before to provide quarters for us; and
+on our approach to the city, they came out to meet us,
+accompanied by their daughters and other female relations: each
+tribe separately, as this nation consisted of four distinct
+tribes, besides that which was governed by the cacique of
+Topeyanco. These tribes were distinguished from each other by
+different uniforms, of cloth made of <i>nequen</i>, as cotton did
+not grow in their country. The priests, came likewise to meet us,
+in long loose white garments, having their long hair all clotted
+with blood proceeding from recent cuts in the ears, and having
+remarkably long nails on their fingers; they carried pots of
+incense, with which they fumigated us. On our arrival, the chiefs
+saluted Cortes with much respect, and the people crowded to see
+us in such numbers that we could hardly make our way through the
+streets, presenting Cortes and the cavalry with garlands of
+beautiful and sweet smelling flowers.</p>
+
+<p>We at length arrived at some large enclosed courts, in the
+apartments, around which our lodgings were appointed; when the
+two principal chiefs took Cortes by the hand and conducted him
+into the apartment which was destined for his use. Every one of
+our soldiers were provided with a mat and bed-clothes made of
+<i>nequen</i> cloth. Our allies were lodged close by us, and the
+Mexican ambassadors were accommodated, by desire of Cortes, in
+the apartment next his own. Though we had every reason to confide
+in the Tlascalans, Cortes used the most rigid military
+precautions for our safety; which, being observed by the chiefs,
+they complained of as indicating suspicion of their sincerity;
+but Cortes assured them this was the uniform custom of our
+country, and that he had the most perfect reliance on their
+truth. As soon as an altar could be got ready, Cortes ordered
+Juan Diaz to celebrate the mass, as Olmeda was ill of a fever.
+Many of the native chiefs were present on this occasion, whom
+Cortes took along with him after the service into his own
+apartment, attended by those soldiers who usually accompanied
+him. The elder Xicotencatl then offered a present, consisting of
+a small quantity of gold and some pieces of cloth, not worth
+twenty crowns altogether, and expressed his fear that he might
+despise so paltry a present, which he excused on account of the
+poverty of their nation, occasioned by the extortions of
+Montezuma, from whom they were forced to purchase peace at the
+expence of every thing valuable belonging to them. Cortes assured
+them that he valued their gift, small as it was, more than he
+would a house full of gold from others, as it was a testimony of
+their friendship, which he greatly valued. Xicotencatl then
+proposed that a strict alliance should be formed between the two
+nations, and that our chiefs should accept their daughters in
+marriage, offering his own to Cortes, who thanked him for these
+marks of friendship. The chiefs remained with Cortes a whole day,
+and as Xicotencatl was blind, Cortes permitted him to examine his
+head, face, and beard with his hands, which he did with much
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>Next day the chiefs brought five daughters of their principal
+caciques, who were much handsomer than the other women of the
+country, each attended by a female slave. On this occasion
+Xicotencatl presented his own daughter to Cortes, and desired him
+to assign the others among his principal officers. Cortes thanked
+him for the mark of regard, but that for the present the ladies
+must remain with their parents, as we must first obey the
+commands of our God, and the orders of our sovereign, by
+abolishing human sacrifices and other abominations, and by
+teaching them the true faith in the adoration of one only God. He
+then shewed them a beautiful image of the holy Mary, the queen of
+heaven, the mother of our Lord by the power of the Holy Ghost,
+conceived without sin, adding, That if they wished to become our
+brethren, and that we should marry their daughters, they must
+renounce their idolatry, and worship our God, by which they would
+not only benefit their temporal concerns, but would secure an
+eternal happiness in heaven; whereas by persisting in the worship
+of their idols, which were representations of the devils, they
+would consign themselves to hell, where they would be plunged
+eternally into flames of fire. This and a great deal more
+excellently to the purpose, being well explained to them by our
+interpreters, the chiefs made answer to the following effect:
+That they readily believed all they had now heard respecting the
+excellence of our God and his saints, and might in time be able
+to understand the subject of his exhortations; but that if they
+were now to renounce the religion of their ancestors in their old
+age to please us, the priests and people would rebel against
+them; more especially as the priests had already consulted their
+gods, who had commanded them on no account to omit the human
+sacrifices and other ancient customs, as otherwise they would
+send famine, pestilence, and war into their country: They
+requested, therefore that nothing more might be said on this
+subject, as they could not renounce their gods but with their
+lives. When the subject of this conference was reported to father
+Olmedo, who was a wise and good man, he advised the general not
+to urge the matter any farther for the present, as he was adverse
+to forced conversions, such as had been already attempted at
+Chempoalla; and that to destroy the idols were a needless act of
+violence, unless the principles of idolatry were eradicated from
+their minds by argument as they would easily procure other idols
+to continue their worship. Three of our cavaliers, Alvarado, de
+Leon, and De Lugo, gave a similar advice to Cortes, and the
+subject was judiciously dropped, which might have again excited
+the Tlascalans to inveterate enmity.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this we got permission to clear out and purify one
+of the temples, which was converted into a Christian church, and
+had an altar and cross erected. Here the ladies who were destined
+to be the brides of our officers, having been instructed in the
+principles of the Christian religion were baptized. The daughter
+of Xicotencatl was named Donna Luisa, and being taken by the hand
+by Cortes, was presented by him to Alvarado, saying to her rather
+that this officer was his brother, with which arrangement the old
+cacique seemed perfectly satisfied. Almost the whole province of
+Tlascala came afterwards to depend upon this lady, paying rent
+and homage to her. She had a son by Alvarado named Don Pedro, and
+a daughter Donna Leonora, who inherited her mothers domains, and
+is now the wife of Don Francisco de la Cueva, cousin to the Duke
+of Albuquerque, by whom she has four or five sons. In right of
+his wife Donna Luisa, Alvarado became lord, and almost sovereign
+of Tlascala. As far as I can remember, the niece, or daughter of
+Maxicatzin, named Donna Leonora, and remarkably handsome, was
+given to Velasquez de Leon. I have forgotten the names of the
+other ladies, all stiled Donnas, but they were assigned to De
+Oli, Sandoval, and Avila. After the ceremonies were concluded,
+the natives were informed that the crosses were erected in order
+to expel the evil spirits which they had been in use to
+worship.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes obtained considerable information from the two
+principal chiefs of Tlascala, Xicotencatl, and Maxicatzin,
+relative to the military and political state of Mexico. They said
+that Montezuma had an army of an hundred thousand warriors,
+occupying all the cities of the neighbouring states, which were
+subject to his dominions, with strong garrisons, and forcing them
+to pay heavy tributes in gold, manufactures, productions of the
+soil, and victims for sacrifice, so that his wealth and power
+were exceedingly great; but that all the districts which were
+under subjection to him were exceedingly dissatisfied with his
+tyranny, and inclined to take part with his enemies. Their own
+state of Tlascala had been in almost continual wars with the
+Mexicans for above an hundred years, and formed a league for
+mutual defence with the people of Guaxocingo[9]; but were
+principally vexed by inroads from the Mexican garrison in
+Cholula, from which city the troops of Montezuma were able to
+come by surprise on the Tlascalan territories. They described the
+city of Mexico as of great strength, being built in the lake, and
+only accessible by narrow causeways, with wooden bridges, and
+having no access to most of its houses but by drawbridges or
+boats. They described the arms of the Mexicans as consisting of
+double-headed darts, which were projected by a kind of slings,
+lances having stone heads, an ell in length, and both edges as
+sharp as a razor, and two-handed swords, edged likewise with
+sharp stones, besides shields and other defensive armour. The
+chiefs shewed large <i>nequen</i> cloths, on which their various
+battles were represented, with all those different kinds of
+weapons. They alleged that their country was anciently inhabited
+by a people of great stature and very barbarous manners, who had
+been extirpated by their ancestors, and produced a thigh-bone
+which they said had belonged to one of these giants. I stood by
+it, and it equalled my height, though I am as tall as most men.
+We sent this bone to Spain for the inspection of his majesty. The
+chiefs told us that their idols had long ago predicted, that a
+people was to arrive from the distant lands where the sun rises,
+and to subdue their country, and they believed we were those to
+whom the prediction applied. Cortes said that this was certainly
+the case, and that our great emperor had sent us to establish a
+lasting friendship between our nation and them, and to be the
+instruments of shewing them the only way of Salvation: To which
+we all said Amen!</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] This place, so often mentioned by Diaz, seems to
+be the same called Huexotzinco by Clavigero.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While we were in Tlascala a volcano near Guaxocingo threw out
+great quantities of flames, and Diego de Ordas went up to examine
+it, attended by two Spanish soldiers, and some of the principal
+Indians. The natives declined going any nearer to the volcano
+than the temples of <i>Popocatepeque</i>, but De Ordas and his
+two Spanish comrades ascended to the summit of the mountain, and
+looked down into the crater, which is a circle of near a quarter
+of a league diameter. From this peak also, they had a distant
+view of the city of Mexico, which was twelve or thirteen leagues
+from the mountain. This was considered as a great feat, and De
+Ordas, on his return to Spain, got royal authority to bear this
+volcano in his arms, which is now borne by his nephew who dwells
+in La Puebla. This volcano did not throw out flames for a good
+many years afterwards, but it flamed with great violence in 1530.
+We observed many wooden cages in the city of Tlascala, in which
+the victims intended for sacrifice were confined and fattened;
+but we destroyed all these, releasing the unhappy prisoners, who
+remained along with us, as they dared not to return to their own
+homes. Cortes spoke very angrily to the Tlascalan chiefs,
+exhorting them to abolish this horrible custom of human
+sacrifices, and they promised amendment; but immediately, on our
+backs being turned, they resumed their ancient abominations.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION VII</p>
+
+<p><i>Events during the March of the Spaniards from Tlascala to
+Mexico</i>.</p>
+
+<p>After a stay of seventeen days, in Tlascala to refresh
+ourselves after our late severe fatigues, and for the recovery of
+our wounded companions, it was resolved to resume our march to
+the city of Mexico, though the rich settlers of Cuba still
+endeavoured to persuade Cortes to return to Villa Rica. This
+resolution also gave much uneasiness to our new Tlascalan allies,
+who used every argument to make us distrust the courteous manners
+of Montezuma and his subjects, whom they alleged to be extremely
+treacherous, and would either fall upon and destroy us on the
+first favourable opportunity, or would reduce us to slavery. In
+the event of hostilities between us and the Mexicans, they
+exhorted us to kill them all young and old. Cortes thanked them
+for their friendly counsel, and offered to negociate a treaty of
+peace and amity between them and the Mexicans; but they would by
+no means consent to this measure, saying that the Mexican
+government would employ peace only as a cover for treachery. On
+making inquiry as to the best road to Mexico, the ambassadors of
+Montezuma recommended that by Cholula, in which we should find
+good accommodation; but the Tlascalans earnestly entreated us to
+go by Huexotzinco which was in alliance with them, representing
+the Cholulans as a perfidious people. But Cortes determined to
+take the road of Cholula, intending to remain in that city till
+he could secure a safe and peaceable reception at Mexico; he sent
+therefore a message to the chiefs of Cholula, to inform them of
+his intentions, and to express his dissatisfaction at their
+conduct in not having been to wait upon him. While engaged in
+preparations for our departure, four of the principal nobles of
+Mexico arrived with a rich present, consisting of gold to the
+value of 10,000 crowns, and ten bales of mantles of the finest
+feather-work. After saluting Cortes with profound respect, they
+said that Montezuma was astonished at our long residence among so
+poor and base a people as the Tlascalans, and that he requested
+we would come without delay to his capital. Cortes assured them
+that he would very soon pay his respects to their sovereign, and
+requested they would remain along with him during the march. He
+also at this time appointed Pedro de Alvarado, and Vasquez de
+Tupia, to go as his ambassadors to Montezuma, with instructions
+to examine the city of Mexico. These gentlemen set out
+accordingly, along with the former Mexican ambassadors, but were
+soon recalled, in consequence of a remonstrance from the army. At
+this time I was confined by my wounds, and was ill of a fever,
+and consequently incapable of attending minutely to all that
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>In return to our message, the chiefs of Cholula sent a very
+dry and uncourteous answer by four men of low degree, and without
+any present. As this was obviously done in contempt, Cortes sent
+the messengers back to inform the chiefs, that he would consider
+them as rebels if they did not wait upon him personally in three
+days; but, if they complied with this requisition, he was willing
+to accept them as friends and brothers, and had much intelligence
+of great importance to communicate to them. They sent back,
+saying, that they durst not come into the country of their
+inveterate enemies the Tlascalans, who they were sure had grossly
+misrepresented both them and Montezuma to us, but engaged to give
+us an honourable reception in their city. When the Tlascalans
+found we were determined upon taking the road of Cholula,
+contrary to their advice, they proposed that we should take
+10,000 of their best warriors along with us; but our general
+considered this number as too many for a visit of peace, and
+would only accept 3000, who were immediately made ready to attend
+us. Using every proper precaution for our safety, we began our
+march from Tlascala, and arrived that evening at a river about a
+league from Cholula, where there is now a stone bridge, and
+encamped here for the night. Some of the chiefs came to
+congratulate our arrival in their neighbourhood, and gave us a
+courteous invitation to visit their city. We continued our march
+next day, and were met near the city by the chiefs and priests,
+all dressed in cassocks of cotton cloth, resembling those used by
+the Zapotecans. After presenting incense to Cortes, the chiefs
+made an apology for not waiting upon him at Tlascala, and
+requested that so large a body of their enemies might not be
+permitted to enter their city. As this request appeared
+reasonable, Cortes sent Alvarado and De Oli, to desire our allies
+to hut themselves without the city, which they did accordingly,
+imitating the military discipline of the Spaniards, in the
+arrangement of their camp and the appointment of centinels.
+Before entering the city, Cortes explained the purpose of his
+mission in a long oration, in the same manner as he had already
+done at all the other places during the march. To all this they
+answered that they were ready to yield obedience to our sovereign
+in all things, but could not abandon the religion of their
+ancestors. We then marched on in our usual compact order,
+attended only by our allies from Chempoalla, and the Indians who
+drew our artillery, and conveyed our baggage, and entered the
+city, all the streets and terraces of which was filled with an
+immense concourse of people, through whom we were conducted to
+our appointed quarters, in some large apartments, which
+conveniently accommodated our army and all our attendants.</p>
+
+<p>While we remained in this place, a plot was concerted by the
+Mexican ambassadors for the introduction of 20,000 warriors
+belonging to Montezuma, who were to attack us in conjunction with
+the people of Cholula; and several houses were actually filled
+with poles and leather collars, by means of which we were to have
+been bound and carried prisoners to Mexico. But God was pleased
+that we should discover and confound their machinations. During
+the first two days, we were perfectly well entertained; but on
+the third no provisions were sent us, and none of the chiefs or
+priests appeared at our quarters. Such few of the inhabitants as
+we happened to see, speedily withdrew with a malicious sneer; and
+on Cortes applying to the Mexican ambassadors to procure
+provisions for us as usual, some wood and water only were brought
+to us by a few old men, as if in derision, who said that no maize
+could be procured. This day, likewise, some ambassadors arrived
+from Montezuma, who desired in very disrespectful terms on no
+account to approach Mexico, and demanded an immediate answer.
+Cortes gave them a mild answer, expressing his astonishment at
+the alteration in the tone of their sovereign, but requested a
+short delay before giving his definitive answer to their message.
+He then summoned us together, and desired us to keep on the
+alert, as he suspected some great act of treachery was in
+agitation against us. As the chiefs of Cholula had refused to
+wait upon him, Cortes sent some soldiers to a great temple close
+to our quarters, with orders to bring two of the priests to him
+as quietly as possible. They succeeded in this without
+difficulty; and, having made a trifling present to the priests,
+he inquired as to the reason of the late extraordinary conduct of
+the Cholulan chiefs. One of these who was of high rank, having
+authority over all the temples and priests of the city, like one
+of our bishops, told Cortes that he would persuade some of the
+chiefs to attend him, if allowed to speak with them; and, being
+permitted to go away for that purpose, he soon brought several of
+the chiefs to our quarters. Cortes reproved them sharply for the
+change in their behaviour to us, and commanded them to send an
+immediate supply of provisions, and likewise to provide him next
+day with a competent number of people to convey our baggage and
+artillery, as he meant then to resume his march to Mexico. The
+chiefs appeared quite confounded and panic struck, yet promised
+to send in provisions immediately, alleging in excuse for their
+conduct, that they had been so ordered by Montezuma, who was
+unwilling that we should advance any farther into his
+dominions.</p>
+
+<p>At this time, three of our Chempoallan allies called Cortes
+aside, and told him that they had discovered several pitfals
+close to our quarters, covered over with wood and earth, and that
+on examining one of these they found its bottom provided with
+sharpened stakes. They informed him also that all the terraces of
+the houses near our quarters had been recently provided with
+parapets of sod, and great quantities of stones collected on
+them, and that a strong barricade of timber had been erected
+across one of the streets. Eight Tlascalans arrived also from
+their army on the outside of the town, who warned Cortes that an
+attack was intended against us, as the priests of Cholula had
+sacrificed eight victims on the preceding night to their god of
+war, five of whom were children; and that they had seen crowds of
+women and children withdrawing from the city with their valuable
+effects, all of which were sure signs of some impending
+commotion. Cortes thanked the Tlascalans for this instance of
+their fidelity, and sent them back to the camp with orders to
+their chiefs to hold themselves in readiness for any emergency.
+He then returned to the chiefs and priests, to whom he repeated
+his former orders, warning them not to deviate from their
+obedience, on pain of instant condign punishment, commanding them
+at the same time to prepare 2000 of their best warriors to
+accompany him next day on his march to Mexico. The chiefs readily
+promised to obey all his commands, thinking in this manner to
+facilitate their projected treachery, and took their leave.
+Cortes then employed Donna Marina to bring back the two priests
+who had been with him before, from whom he learnt, that Montezuma
+had been lately very unsettled in his intentions towards us,
+sometimes giving orders to receive us honourably, and at other
+times commanding that we should not be allowed to pass. That he
+had lately consulted his gods, who had revealed that we were all
+to be put to death, or made prisoners in Cholula, to facilitate
+which he had sent 20,000 of his troops to that place, half of
+whom were now in the city, and the rest concealed at the distance
+of a league. They added, that the plan of attack was all settled,
+and that twenty of our number were to be sacrificed in the
+temples of Cholula, and all the rest to be conveyed prisoners to
+Mexico. Cortes rewarded them liberally for their intelligence,
+and enjoined them to preserve the strictest secrecy on the
+subject, commanding them to bring all the chiefs to his quarters
+at an appointed time. He then convened a council of all the
+officers, and such soldiers as he most confided in, before whom
+he laid an account of the information which he had received,
+desiring their advice as to the best conduct to be pursued in the
+present alarming emergency. Some proposed to return immediately
+to Tlascala, and others proposed various measures, but it was the
+universal opinion that the treachery of the Cholulans required to
+be severely punished, as a warning to other places. It was
+accordingly resolved to inflict condign punishment on the
+Cholulans within the courts where we were quartered, which were
+surrounded by high walls, but in the meantime, to continue our
+preparations for resuming the march, in order to conceal our
+intentions. We then informed the Mexican ambassadors, that we had
+discovered the treacherous intentions of the Cholulans, who
+pretended that they acted by orders of Montezuma, which we were
+convinced was a false aspersion. They solemnly declared their
+ignorance of these transactions; but Cortes ordered them to have
+no farther intercourse with the inhabitants of the city, and sent
+them to his own quarters under a strong guard for the night,
+during the whole of which we lay upon our arms, ready to act at a
+moments warning.</p>
+
+<p>During this anxious night, the wife of one of the caciques,
+who had taken a great liking to Donna Marina, came secretly to
+visit that lady, informing her of the plot, invited her to take
+refuge in her house from the danger which was about to overwhelm
+us, and proposed to give her for a husband the brother of a boy
+who was along with her. Donna Marina, with her usual presence of
+mind, agreed to every thing proposed with a profusion of thanks,
+and said she only wanted some one to take charge of her effects
+before leaving the Spanish quarters. In course of this
+conversation, Marina acquired particular information of every
+part of this mysterious affair, which the old woman told her had
+been communicated to her three days before by her husband, who
+was chief of one of the divisions of the city, and was now with
+his warriors, giving directions for their co-operation with the
+Mexican troops, and who had lately received a gold drum from
+Mexico, as an ensign of command. Donna Marina desired the old
+woman and her son to remain in her apartment till she went in
+search of her valuables; but went immediately to Cortes, to whom
+she communicated all the information she had received, adding
+that her informer was still in her apartment. Cortes immediately
+sent for the old woman, who being confronted by Donna Marina,
+repeated every thing exactly as before, which agreed in all
+respects with the information he had already received from
+others.</p>
+
+<p>When day appeared, the hurry of the chiefs, priests and people
+in coming to our quarters as appointed, and their apparent
+satisfaction, was as great as if we had been already secured in
+their cages. They brought a much greater number of warriors to
+attend us than had been required, insomuch that the large courts
+in which we were quartered were unable to contain them. We were
+all prepared for the event, having a strong guard of soldiers
+posted at the gate of the great court, to prevent any one from
+escaping. Cortes mounted on horseback, attended by a strong
+guard; and as he saw the people crowding in at the gate, he said
+to us, "See how anxious these traitors are to feast on our flesh!
+But GOD will disappoint their hopes." He ordered the two priests
+who had given him the information to retire to their houses that
+they might escape the intended slaughter. Every one being arrived
+in the great court, he commanded the chiefs and priests to draw
+near, to whom he made a calm remonstrance on the treachery of
+their conduct towards us, which was explained by Donna Marina. He
+asked them why they had plotted to destroy us, and what we had
+done to deserve their enmity, except exhorting them to abandon
+their barbarous and abominable customs, and endeavouring to
+instruct them in our holy religion? Their evil intentions, he
+said, had been obvious, by withdrawing their women and children
+from the city, and by insultingly sending us only wood and water,
+when we required provisions. He said he was perfectly acquainted
+with the ambush which was placed in the road by which we meant to
+march, and with all the other contrivances they had made for our
+destruction; and that in recompence of our proffered friendship,
+and of all the holy services we intended them, he knew that they
+meant to kill and eat us, and that the pots were already on the
+fire, prepared with salt, pepper, and <i>tomatas</i>, in which
+our dissevered limbs were to be boiled. He knew that they had
+doomed twenty of us to be sacrificed to their idols, to whom they
+had already immolated seven of their own brethren. "Since you
+were determined to attack us," said he in conclusion, "it had
+been more manly to have done so openly like the Tlascalans, and
+not to have resorted to mean and cowardly treachery. But be
+assured that the victory which your false gods have promised is
+beyond their power, and the punishment of your treason is now
+ready to burst on your guilty heads."</p>
+
+<p>The astonished chiefs confessed every thing which was laid to
+their charge, but endeavoured to excuse themselves, by laying the
+whole blame on the orders they had received from Montezuma.
+"Wretches," said Cortes, "this falsehood is an aggravation of
+your offence, and such complicated crimes can never be permitted
+to pass unpunished." He then ordered a musket to be fired, as a
+signal to commence the slaughter, for which we all stood
+prepared. We immediately fell furiously on the multitudes who
+were inclosed within the walls of our quarters, and executed
+their merited punishment in such a manner as will be long
+remembered by the remaining natives of Cholula. A vast number of
+them were put to death on the spot, and many of them were
+afterwards burned alive. In less than two hours, our Tlascalan
+allies arrived in the city, having been previously instructed in
+our plan, and made a terrible slaughter in the streets of the
+city; and when the Cholulans ceased to make resistance, they
+ravaged the city, plundering it of every thing valuable they
+could lay hold of, and making slaves of all the inhabitants who
+fell in their way. On the day following, when intelligence
+reached Tlascala of the transactions at Cholula, great numbers
+crowded to the devoted city, which they plundered without mercy.
+It now became necessary to restrain the fury of the Tlascalans,
+and Cortes gave orders to their chiefs to withdraw their troops
+from the city, with which they immediately complied.</p>
+
+<p>Quiet being in some measure restored, some chiefs and priests
+who presided over a distant quarter of the city, which they
+pretended had not been engaged in the conspiracy, waited in an
+humble manner on Cortes, and prayed a remission of the punishment
+which had already fallen so heavily on their townsmen. The two
+before mentioned priests, and the old woman from whom Donna
+Marina had procured such material information, came forward
+likewise, and joined in the same petition, and Cortes determined
+to shew clemency to the rest of the city, yet seemed still in
+great rage. He called the Mexican ambassadors into his presence,
+in whose presence he declared that the whole inhabitants of the
+city and dependancy of Cholula had richly merited to be utterly
+extirpated for their treachery; but that out of respect to the
+great Montezuma, whose vassals they were, he consented to pardon
+them. He then ordered the Tlascalans to liberate their prisoners,
+which they in some measure complied with, setting free many of
+those they intended to have reduced to slavery, yet retained a
+prodigious booty in gold, mantles, cotton, and salt. Having
+proclaimed an amnesty to the Cholulans, he reconciled them and
+the Tlascalans who had anciently been confederates; and being
+desired to appoint a new chief cacique of Cholula, in place of
+the former who had been put to death, Cortes inquired to whom
+that dignity belonged of right, and being informed that the
+brother of the late head cacique ought to succeed according to
+their laws, he nominated him to the office. As soon as the
+inhabitants had returned to their houses, and order was restored
+in the city, Cortes summoned all the chiefs and priests to a
+conference, in which he explained to them the principles of our
+holy religion, earnestly exhorting them to renounce their
+idolatry, and the odious practices connected with it; and, as an
+instance of the uselessness of their idols, he reminded them how
+much they had been lately deceived by the false responses imposed
+upon them in their names: He proposed to them therefore, to
+destroy their senseless idols, and to erect an altar and cross in
+their stead. The latter was immediately complied with, but Father
+Olmedo advised him to postpone the former to a more favourable
+opportunity, from a due consideration of our uncertain and
+perilous situation.</p>
+
+<p>Cholula was then a large and populous city, much resembling
+Valladolid, situated on a fertile plain which was thickly
+inhabited, and all its surrounding district was well cultivated
+with maize, maguey, and pepper. There were above a hundred lofty
+white towers in the city, belonging to different idol temples,
+one of which was held in very high estimation, that principal
+temple being more lofty even than the great temple of Mexico. An
+excellent manufacture of earthen ware was carried on at this
+place, the various articles of which were curiously painted in
+different patterns, in red, black, and white, and from which the
+city of Mexico and all the surrounding countries were supplied,
+as Castile is from Talavera and Placencia. In the numerous
+temples of this city there were many cages; which were filled
+with men and boys, fattening up for sacrifice, all of which
+Cortes caused to be destroyed, sending the miserable captives
+home to their respective houses. He likewise gave positive orders
+to the priests to desist in future from this most abominable
+custom, which they promised to refrain from, but they forgot
+their promises as soon as the authority of our irresistible arms
+was removed.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing the melancholy fate of their companions in Cholula,
+the Mexican troops who were posted in ambush, with trenches and
+barricades to oppose our cavalry, made a precipitate retreat to
+Mexico, whether they carried an account to Montezuma of the
+failure of his plot for our destruction; but he had already heard
+the news of his misfortunes from two of his ambassadors, whom
+Cortes had dismissed for the purpose. It was reported that he
+immediately ordered a solemn sacrifice to his gods, and shut
+himself up for two days with ten of his chief priests, engaged in
+rigid devotional exercises, on purpose to obtain a response from
+his gods respecting his future destiny; and we afterwards learnt
+that the priests advised him, as from their gods, to send an
+embassy to exculpate himself from having any connection with what
+had passed in Cholula, and to inveigle us into Mexico; where, by
+cutting off the supply of water, or by raising the bridges on the
+causeways, he might easily destroy us, or detain us in slavery to
+breed people like ourselves for his service.</p>
+
+<p>Having remained fourteen days in Cholula, Cortes consulted in
+regard to our future operations with a council of those officers
+and soldiers who were most sincerely attached to his person, as
+indeed he never engaged in any matter of importance without
+taking our advice. In this consultation, it was determined to
+send a respectful message to Montezuma, informing him that we
+were on our way to pay our respects to him by the orders of our
+own sovereign. Our messenger was likewise desired to relate the
+whole late events which had occurred at Cholula, where the
+treachery which had been concerted against us had come to our
+knowledge, from which nothing could be concealed which concerned
+our welfare, and that we had desisted from punishing the people
+of that city to the full extent which they deserved, entirely out
+of respect to him, whose vassals they were. That the chiefs and
+priests had given out that all they had done or intended to do
+was by his orders; but we could not possibly believe that so
+great a monarch, after the many marks of friendship with which he
+had honoured us, could be guilty of such infamous proceedings;
+being convinced, if he had meditated hostility, he would have met
+us honourably in the field of battle: But at the same time to
+assure him, that day or night, field or town, fair battle or
+villainous stratagem, were all the same for us, as we were always
+prepared for every emergency. Montezuma had become exceedingly
+thoughtful and alarmed on account of the failure of the plot in
+Cholula, and now sent an embassy of six of his chief nobles to
+wait on Cortes, with a present to the value of 2000 crowns in
+gold, and several bales of fine mantles. The ambassadors saluted
+Cortes with profound respect, and delivered a message in which
+Montezuma endeavoured to exculpate himself from any concern in
+the affair of Cholula, and in conclusion, invited the general to
+his court. Cortes treated these ambassadors with his usual
+politeness, and retaining three of them to serve as guides on our
+march to Mexico, he sent on the others to inform Montezuma that
+we were on our way to his capital. When the Tlascalan chiefs
+understood our determination to proceed, they renewed their
+former warnings to beware of treachery from the Mexicans, and
+again offered to send 10,000 of their warriors along with us. But
+Cortes, after thanking them for their friendly solicitude and
+proffered aid, remarked, as he had done before, that so large a
+body of troops was incompatible with an amicable visit, but
+requested they would furnish 1000 men for our baggage and
+artillery, which they immediately provided. Our faithful
+Chempoalan allies, being afraid of the resentment of the Mexicans
+for their revolt, begged permission to return to their district,
+and Cortes dismissed them with a handsome present, sending
+letters by them to Escalente at Villa Rica, containing an account
+of our proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>We marched from Cholula in our usual compact order, prepared
+for whatsoever might befal, sending out patroles of our cavalry
+by threes in front, supported by a detachment of light infantry
+as an advanced guard. On our arrival at a small village called
+Izcalpan, in the district of Huexotzinco, about four leagues from
+Cholula, we were met by the chiefs bearing provisions, and a
+small present of gold. They requested our general to consider
+only the good will of the givers, not the worthlessness of the
+gift, as they were very poor; and, while they endeavoured to
+dissuade him from attempting to proceed to Mexico, they also
+informed him, that, on ascending the next mountain, he would find
+two roads, the one of which leading by Chalco was broad and open,
+while the other leading by Tlalmanalco, though originally equally
+convenient, had been recently stopped up and obstructed by means
+of trees felled across it to render it difficult, though it was
+in reality shorter and more secure than that of Chalco, on which
+road the Mexicans had placed a large party of troops in ambush
+among some rocks, for the purpose of attacking us by surprise on
+the march. They advised us therefore, if we were determined to
+persevere, to choose the obstructed road, and offered to send a
+number of their people to clear it for us. Cortes thanked them
+for their good advice, of which he would avail himself by the
+blessing of GOD. Having halted for the night at Izcalpan, we
+resumed our march early the next morning, and reached the summit
+of a mountainous ridge about noon, where we found the two roads
+exactly as they had been described to us. We halted here in order
+to deliberate on our procedure, when Cortes called the Mexican
+ambassadors to explain the meaning of the felled trees.
+Pretending ignorance on this subject, they advised him to take
+the road of Chalco, where they said he would be well received.
+Cortes chose however to take the other road, and sent on our
+Indian allies to clear the way before us. As we ascended the
+mountain, the weather became piercingly cold, and we even had a
+considerable fall of snow, which covered the whole country round
+about. We at length arrived at certain houses which had been
+built on the very top of the mountain for the accommodation of
+travellers, where we found an abundant supply of provisions, and
+having placed proper guards, we halted here for the night. We
+resumed our march next morning, and arrived by the hour of high
+mass at the town of Halmanalco, where we were hospitably
+received. The people of the neighbouring districts of Chalco,
+Amaquemecan, and Ajotzinco, where the canoes are kept, waited on
+Cortes at this place with a present of about 150 crowns in gold,
+some mantles, and eight women. Cortes received them affably, and
+promised them his friendship and protection; explaining to them,
+as on former occasions, the doctrines of our holy faith,
+exhorting them to abandon their idolatry and barbarous immolation
+of human victims, informing them that he was sent among them by a
+powerful monarch to redress wrongs, and to lead them in the way
+of eternal salvation. On this the people began to make loud
+complaints of the tyranny of Montezuma, who deprived them of
+their wives and daughters if handsome, forcing the men to work
+like slaves in the conveyance of stones, timber, and corn, and
+appropriating their lands to the service of his temples. Cortes
+gave them kind assurances of speedy redress, but recommended to
+them to be patient yet a little while.</p>
+
+<p>Just as we were going to set out from Tlalmanalco, four of the
+principal nobles of the court of Mexico arrived with presents
+from Montezuma, and having made their customary obeisance, they
+addressed Cortes in the following manner: "<i>Malinatzin</i>! our
+sovereign sent this present to you, and desires us to say, that
+he is grieved you should take so much trouble in coming from a
+distant country to visit him. He has already made you be informed
+that he will give you much gold, silver, and <i>chalchihuis</i>
+for your <i>teules</i>, if you will give up your intention of
+coming to Mexico. We now repeat this request in his name, that
+you will return; and he will send after you a great treasure in
+gold, silver, and jewels for your king, with four loads of gold
+for yourself, and a load for each of your brethren. It is
+impossible for you to proceed to Mexico, as the whole Mexican
+warriors are in arms to oppose you; besides which you will find
+the roads bad, and will be unable to procure provisions."
+Embracing the ambassadors with much politeness, and having
+returned thanks for their present, Cortes expressed his
+astonishment at the changeableness of Montezuma, who thus
+alternately invited and deprecated his presence. He begged them
+to thank Montezuma for the splendid offers he had made of
+treasure to the emperor, himself, and his soldiers; but it was
+quite impossible for him to turn back, especially when so near
+the capital, as his orders from his own sovereign were to pay his
+respects to theirs in person; it was quite useless, therefore, to
+send him any more such messages, for he was resolved to proceed;
+and if Montezuma should desire his departure after having seen
+him, he would be ready at his command to return to his own
+country.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus dismissed the ambassadors, we continued our march,
+and as our allies had informed us that Montezuma intended to put
+us all to death, after our entry into his city, we were filled
+with melancholy reflections on our hazardous situation;
+recommending our souls therefore to the LORD JESUS CHRIST, who
+had already brought us in safety through so many imminent
+dangers, and resolving to sell our lives at a dear rate, we
+proceeded on our march. We halted at a town named Iztapalapan,
+one half of the houses of which were built in the water, and the
+rest on dry land, and took up our quarters there for the night.
+While preparing early next morning to recommence our march,
+information was brought by a sentinel that a great number of
+Mexicans in rich dresses were on the road towards our quarters,
+on which Cortes again dismissed us. Four principal nobles of
+Mexico now presented themselves with profound respect before our
+general, whom they informed that Cacamatzin, lord of Tezcuco, and
+nephew to the great Montezuma was approaching, and begged that he
+would remain in his present situation to receive him. Cacamatzin
+soon followed in vast pomp, borne in a magnificent litter,
+adorned with jewels and plumes of green feathers, set in branched
+pillars of gold. His litter was carried by eight nobles, who
+assisted him to alight, and then swept the way before him as he
+came up to Cortes. Our general embraced the prince, and made him
+a present of three of the jewels named <i>margajitas</i>, which
+are figured with various colours. The only purpose of this visit
+seemed to have been complimentary, as he addressed Cortes in
+these words: "I, and these lords, have come by order of the great
+Montezuma, to conduct you to your residence in our city." We then
+set forwards in our usual array for Mexico, the road being
+crowded on both sides with innumerable multitudes of natives, and
+soon arrived at the causeway of Iztapalapan, one of those which
+leads to the capital.</p>
+
+<p>When we contemplated the number of populous towns so closely
+situated in regard to each other, some on the water, and others
+on the firm ground, we could not help comparing this wonderful
+country to the enchanted scenes we read of in Amadis de Gaul, so
+magnificent were the towers and temples and other superb edifices
+of stone and lime, which seemed everywhere to rise out of the
+water. Many of us were disposed to doubt the reality of the scene
+before us, and to suspect we were in a dream; and my readers must
+excuse the manner of my expressions, as never had any one seen,
+heard, or even dreamt of any thing which could compare to the
+magnificence of the scene we now beheld. On approaching
+Iztapalapan, we were received by several of the highest nobles of
+the Mexican empire, relations of Montezuma, who conducted us to
+the lodgings appointed for us in that place, which were
+magnificent palaces of stone, the timber work of which were
+cedar, having spacious courts and large halls, furnished with
+canopies of the finest cotton. After contemplating the
+magnificence of the buildings, we walked through splendid
+gardens, containing numerous alleys planted with a variety of
+fruit trees, and filled with roses, and a vast variety of
+beautiful and aromatic flowers. In these gardens there was a fine
+sheet of clear water, communicating with the great lake of Mexico
+by a canal, which was of sufficient dimensions to admit the
+largest canoes. The apartments of the palace were everywhere
+ornamented with works of art, admirably painted, and the walls
+were beautifully plastered and whitened; the whole being rendered
+delightful by containing great numbers of beautiful birds. When I
+beheld the delicious scenery around me, I thought we had been
+transported by magic to the terrestrial paradise. But this place
+is now destroyed, and a great deal of what was then a beautiful
+expanse of water, is now converted into fields of maize, and all
+is so entirely altered that the natives themselves would hardly
+know the place where Iztapalapan stood.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION VIII</p>
+
+<p><i>Arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, Description of that
+Court and City, and Transactions there, till the Arrival of
+Narvaez on the coast to supersede Cortes, by order of
+Velasquez</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, being the 8th of November 1519, we set out on our
+way into the city of Mexico along the grand causeway, which is
+eight yards wide, and reaches in a straight line all the way from
+the firm land to the city of Mexico, both sides of the causeway
+being everywhere crowded with spectators, as were all the towers,
+temples, and terraces in every part of our progress, eager to
+behold such men and animals as had never been seen in that part
+of the world. A very different sentiment from curiosity employed
+our minds, though every thing we saw around us was calculated to
+excite and gratify that passion in the highest degree. Our little
+army did not exceed four hundred and fifty men, and we had been
+told at every step of our march, that we were to be put to death
+on our arrival in the city into which we were now about to enter.
+That city was everywhere surrounded by water, and approachable
+only by long moles or causeways interrupted in many places by
+cross cuts, which were only to be passed by means of bridges, the
+destruction or removal of any of which would effectually prevent
+the possibility of retreat. In these circumstances I may fairly
+ask my readers, what men in the world but ourselves would have
+ventured on so bold and hazardous an enterprize?</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding along the broad causeway of Iztapalapan, we came to
+a place called <i>Xoloc</i>, where a smaller causeway goes off
+obliquely from the great one to the city of <i>Cojohuacan</i>, we
+were met by a numerous train of the court nobles in the richest
+dresses, who were sent before Montezuma to compliment us on our
+arrival, after which Cacamatzin and the other nobles who had
+hitherto attended us, went to meet their sovereign, who now
+approached in a most magnificent litter, which was carried by
+four of his highest nobles. When we came near certain towers,
+almost close to the city, Montezuma was lifted from his litter,
+and borne forwards in the arms of the lords of Tezcuco,
+Iztapalapan, Tacuba, and Cojohuacan, under a splendid canopy,
+richly adorned with gold, precious stones hung round like
+fringes, and plumes of green feathers. Montezuma was dressed and
+adorned with great magnificence, his mantle being all covered
+with gold and gems, a crown of thin gold on his head, and gold
+buskins on his legs ornamented with jewels. The princes who
+supported him were all richly dressed, but in different habits
+from those in which they had visited us; and several other nobles
+in fine dresses, went before the monarch, spreading mantles on
+the ground to prevent his feet from touching it. Three nobles
+preceded the whole, each carrying a golden rod, as a signal of
+the presence of their great monarch. All the natives who attended
+Montezuma, except the four princes, kept their eyes fixed on the
+ground, no one daring to look him in the face. On the approach of
+Montezuma, Cortes dismounted and advanced towards him with every
+token of profound respect, and was welcomed by the Mexican
+monarch to his metropolis. Cortes then threw upon the neck of
+Montezuma a collar of the artificial jewels called
+<i>margajitas</i>, being glass beads of various colours, set in
+gold; after which he advanced, meaning to embrace Montezuma, but
+the surrounding nobles prevented him, by taking him respectfully
+by the arms, considering this as too great familiarity. It
+appeared to me that on this occasion Cortes offered to yield the
+right hand to Montezuma, who declined this mark of respect, and
+placed our general on his right. Cortes then made a complimentary
+discourse to Montezuma, expressing his joy in having seen so
+great a monarch, and the great honour he had done him, by coming
+out to meet him, as well as by the many other marks of favour he
+had already received. Montezuma made a gracious reply, and giving
+orders to the princes of Tezcuco and Cojohuacan to conduct Cortes
+and the rest of us to the quarters assigned to us, he returned to
+the city in the same state in which he had come to meet us, all
+the people standing close to the walls, not daring to look up;
+and as we followed the royal attendants, we passed on without any
+obstruction from the multitudes in the streets. It were
+impossible to reckon the innumerable multitudes of men, women,
+and children which thronged everywhere in the streets, on the
+canals, and the terraces on the house tops, during the whole of
+our passage through the city of Mexico. So strongly is every
+thing I saw on this memorable day imprinted on my memory, that it
+appears to me only as yesterday. Glory to our Lord and Saviour
+Jesus Christ, who gave us courage to venture on so hazardous an
+enterprize, and preserved us amid so many dangers: And praised be
+his holy name, who hath permitted me to write this true history;
+though not so full and satisfactory as the subject merits.
+Amen!</p>
+
+<p>Lodgings were provided for us in the palace which had formerly
+been occupied by Azayacatl, not far from the western gate of the
+great temple. Here Montezuma had a secret treasury of gold and
+valuables, which he had inherited from his father Azayacatl, and
+we were placed here, because being considered as <i>teules</i>,
+they thought we were properly lodged in the neighbourhood of
+their idols. The entry to this palace was through a large walled
+court, and the whole was very light, airy, clean, and pleasant,
+with large and lofty apartments. That allotted for our general
+was situated on a raised platform; and for each of us mats were
+provided to sleep upon, having little canopies over them, after
+the fashion of this country. On our arrival at the gate of this
+palace, Montezuma, who had preceded us, took Cortes by the hand
+and led him to the apartment destined to his particular use, and
+having placed a rich collar of gold round the generals neck, he
+said on taking leave of him, "Malinatzin, you and your friends
+are now in your own house, refresh and repose yourselves." We
+were distributed to our several apartments by companies, having
+our artillery posted in a convenient situation, and every thing
+was arranged in such a manner as to be prepared for any
+emergency. A plentiful and even sumptuous entertainment was
+provided for us, to which we sat down with much satisfaction.
+This is a full and true account of our adventurous and
+magnanimous entry into the city of Mexico, on the 8th of November
+1519.</p>
+
+<p>After Montezuma had taken a repast in his own palace, and was
+informed we had done the same, he returned to our quarters
+attended by a great retinue of nobles. Cortes received him in the
+middle of the hall, where Montezuma took him cordially by the
+hand, and they sat down together on magnificently ornamented
+seats. Montezuma made a very pertinent speech, in which he
+observed, "That he rejoiced at the arrival of such valiant
+captains and warriors in his dominions. He had before heard of a
+Spanish captain who had arrived at Pontonchan, and of another who
+came upon the coast in the preceding year with four ships, and
+had wished to see these men, but was disappointed. Now that we
+were actually arrived in his dominions, he was happy to offer
+every favour in his power to grant, being convinced we were those
+men predicted by the gods to his ancestors, who, coming from that
+part of the world in which the sun rises, were to acquire the
+government of this country, as we had fought with such
+astonishing valour ever since our arrival, representations of all
+our battles having been sent him in painting." Cortes replied,
+"That he and all his brethren could never sufficiently repay the
+many favours we had received from his bounty; that we certainly
+were those men to whom the Mexican prophecies related, being the
+vassals of the great and powerful emperor Don Carlos, to whom
+many great princes were subject; and who, hearing of the fame and
+magnificence of the great Montezuma, had sent us to request that
+he and his subjects would embrace the Holy Christian religion,
+abandoning their false gods and senseless idols, and abolishing
+their barbarous human sacrifices, by which means he would
+preserve the souls of himself, his family, and subjects from
+perdition." Cortes enlarged on this and other topics in a most
+edifying manner, promising to communicate more particulars
+hereafter. Montezuma then presented a quantity of valuable
+ornaments of gold to our general, with a present of some gold,
+and three loads of mantles to each of our captains, and two loads
+of mantles to each of the soldiers. After this he asked Cortes if
+all his soldiers were brothers and vassals to our emperor. To
+this Cortes answered that they were all brothers in love and
+friendship, men of rank in our own country, and servants of our
+great sovereign. Montezuma then departed, with mutual
+compliments, after giving orders that we should be amply provided
+with every thing we needed; particularly fowls, fruit, and corn,
+stone mills for grinding our corn, and women to make bread, and
+to supply us daily with plenty of grass for our horses.</p>
+
+<p>Next day being appointed for making a visit to Montezuma,
+Cortes went to the royal palace accompanied by captains Alvarado,
+De Leon, Ordas, and Sandoval, with five soldiers. Montezuma met
+him in the middle of the great hall, attended by his relations,
+all others being excluded from the apartment in which he happened
+to be, except on certain occasions of importance. After mutual
+compliments of ceremony, Montezuma took Cortes by the hand, and
+led him to a seat on his own right hand, placed on an elevated
+platform in the saloon. Cortes then said, "That he came to him in
+the name and for the service of the only true God, who was adored
+by the Christians, the Lord Christ Jesus, who had died to save us
+and all men. He endeavoured to explain the mystery of the cross,
+as an emblem of the crucifixion, by which mankind had been
+redeemed. He recounted the sufferings and death of our Lord and
+Saviour, who had risen on the third day and ascended to heaven,
+where he now reigns, the creator of the heavens, and the earth,
+and the sea, and all that they contain. He asserted, that those
+idols which the natives held as gods, were devils which dared not
+to remain wherever the holy cross was planted. That as all
+mankind were brothers, the offspring of the same first pair, our
+glorious emperor lamented the loss of their souls, which would be
+brought by their idols into everlasting flames, and had sent us
+to apply a sure remedy, by abolishing the worship of idols, the
+bloody and inhuman sacrifices of their fellow men, and their
+other odious customs so contrary to the law of God: And that our
+emperor would send them holy men hereafter to explain all these
+things more fully." To this Montezuma replied, "Malinatzin! I am
+much indebted to your emperor for sending you so far to inform me
+of all these things, of which I have already heard by means of my
+ambassadors who have visited you in my name, and to which
+hitherto we have made no reply. We have always worshipped our
+gods, whom we consider to be just and good, and have no doubt
+yours are so likewise. It had always been his wish to see us from
+the first time he had heard of our arrival on his coasts, because
+he believed we were they of whom their ancient prophecies made
+mention, and his gods had now granted his desire. That our being
+refused entrance into his cities was none of his fault; having
+been done by his subjects without orders, who were terrified by
+the accounts they had received of us, which reported that we were
+furious <i>teules</i>, who carried thunder and lightning along
+with us, that our horses eat men, and other such foolish stories.
+That he now saw we were valiant and wise men, for which he highly
+esteemed us, and would give us proofs of his favour." Then
+changing the manner of his discourse to gaiety, he added
+"Malinatzin! Your new friends the Tlascalans have informed you
+that I am like a god, and that every thing about me is gold,
+silver, and jewels. But you now see that I am like other men, and
+that my houses are of lime, stone, and timber. It is true that I
+am a powerful sovereign, and have great riches, which I have
+inherited from my ancestors. You will now treat these reports
+with the same contempt that I do the ridiculous stories which I
+have been told of your having command over the elements." To this
+Cortes replied, that the accounts of enemies were never to be
+depended on; and made a handsome compliment to Montezuma on his
+power and grandeur. Montezuma then ordered in a rich present,
+giving Cortes a quantity of gold, with ten loads of rich stuffs
+to be divided between him and his captains, and to each of us
+five soldiers, he gave two gold collars, each worth ten crowns,
+and two loads of mantles. The gold given on this occasion was
+worth about a thousand crowns, and the whole was given with so
+much affability and indifference, as made him appear truly
+munificent. Cortes now took leave, it being the hour of dinner,
+and we retired impressed with high respect for the liberality and
+princely munificence of Montezuma.</p>
+
+<p>The great Montezuma appeared to be about forty years of age,
+of good stature, well proportioned, and rather thin. His face was
+rather long, with a pleasant expression, and good eyes, and his
+complexion rather fairer than the other Indians. His hair was
+short, just covering his ears, and his scanty beard was thin,
+black, and well arranged. His person was very clean and delicate,
+as he bathed every evening; and his manners were a pleasing
+compound of gravity and good humour. He had two lawful wives, who
+were princesses, and a number of mistresses; but his visits to
+these were conducted with such secrecy as only to be known by his
+most familiar servants; and he lay under no suspicion of
+unnatural vices, so common among his subjects. The clothes he
+wore one day were not used for four days after. His guard
+consisted of two hundred nobles, who had apartments adjoining his
+own. Certain persons only among these were permitted to speak to
+him, and when they went into his presence, they laid aside their
+ordinary rich dresses, putting on others quite plain but clean,
+entering his apartment barefooted, with their eyes fixed on the
+ground, and making three profound reverences as they approached
+him. On addressing him, they always began, Lord! my Lord! great
+Lord! and when they had finished, he always dismissed them in few
+words; on which they retired with their faces towards him,
+keeping their eyes fixed on the ground. I observed likewise, that
+all the great men who waited upon him on business, always entered
+the palace barefooted and in plain habits, never entering the
+gate directly, but making a circuit in going towards it.</p>
+
+<p>The cooks of the palace had above thirty different ways of
+dressing meats, which were served up in earthen vessels of a very
+ingenious construction for keeping their contents always hot. For
+Montezumas own table above three hundred dishes were dressed
+every day, and more than a thousand for his guards. Montezuma
+sometimes went before dinner to inspect the preparations, on
+which occasions his officers pointed out to him which were the
+best, explaining what birds or flesh they were composed of. It is
+said that the flesh of young children was sometimes dressed for
+his table; but after Cortes had spoken to him respecting the
+barbarity of this inhuman custom, it was no longer practised in
+the palace. The ordinary meats were domestic fowls, pheasants,
+geese, partridges, quails, venison, Indian hogs or
+<i>pecaris</i>, pigeons, hares, rabbits and many other animals
+and birds peculiar to the country; the various meats being served
+up on black and red earthen-ware made at Cholula. In the cold
+weather while at his meals, a number of torches were lighted up,
+of the bark of a tree which has an aromatic smell and gives no
+smoke; and to prevent the glare and heat of those from being
+troublesome, rich screens ornamented with gold and paintings of
+their idols were interposed between Montezuma and the torches. At
+his meals he was seated on a low throne or chair, at a table of
+proportional height covered with white cloths and napkins, four
+beautiful women attending to present him with water for his
+hands, in vessels named <i>xicales</i>, having plates under them,
+after which they gave him towels to dry his hands. Two other
+women attended with small cakes of bread; and when he began to
+eat, a large screen of gilt wood was placed before him, to
+prevent him from being seen. Four ancient nobles, who were his
+relations and served as councillors and judges, stood beside the
+throne, with whom he occasionally conversed, giving them a part
+of what he was eating, which they received with profound respect,
+and eat without lifting their eyes from the ground. Fruit of all
+kinds produced in the country was served up to him at table, of
+which he eat in great moderation; and a certain liquor prepared
+from cocoa, said to be of a stimulant and strengthening nature,
+was presented to him from time to time in golden cups. All the
+time he continued at table his guards and all others in or near
+his apartment had to preserve the most profound silence, under
+pain of death. Owing to the before-mentioned screen which
+concealed him from public view, we could not see all the
+circumstances here described from information. But I noticed
+above fifty jars of foaming chocolate brought into the hall, some
+of which was presented to him by the female attendants. During
+the repast, various Indians were introduced at intervals for his
+amusement: Some of these were hump-backed, ugly, and deformed,
+who played various tricks of buffoonery, and we were told that
+others were jesters, besides which there were companies of
+singers and dancers in which he was said to take great delight;
+and to all these he ordered vases of chocolate to be distributed.
+When the repast was ended, the four female attendants already
+mentioned, after removing the cloths, presented him again with
+water to wash his hands, during which he continued his
+conversation with the four old nobles, who then took their leaves
+with much ceremony. He was then presented with three small hollow
+canes highly ornamented, containing an herb called tobacco mixed
+with liquid amber; and when he was satisfied with the buffoons,
+dancers, and singers, he smoked for a short time from one of
+these canes, and then laid himself to sleep. I forgot to mention
+in its proper place that, during the time of dinner, two
+beautiful women were employed in making certain small delicately
+white cakes, of eggs and other ingredients, which they presented
+on plates covered with napkins to Montezuma; and then another
+kind of bread was brought to him in long loaves, as likewise
+plates of a kind of cakes resembling wafers or pancakes. When
+Montezuma had concluded his meal, all his guards and domestics
+sat down to dinner, and as well as I could judge, above a
+thousand dishes of the various eatables already mentioned were
+served up to them, with immense quantities of fruit, and numerous
+vessels of foaming chocolate. His establishment, including his
+women and inferior servants of all kinds, was amazingly numerous,
+and must have occasioned prodigious expence, yet the most perfect
+regularity was preserved amid that vast profusion. The steward of
+his household, or major-domo, was at this time a prince named
+<i>Tapiea</i>, who kept an account of all the royal rents in a
+set of books or symbolical representations which occupied an
+entire house.</p>
+
+<p>Connected with the palace of Montezuma there were two large
+buildings filled with every kind of arms, both offensive and
+defensive, some of which were richly ornamented with gold and
+jewels; such as large and small shields, some of the latter being
+so contrived as to roll up in a small compass, and to let fall in
+action so as to cover the whole body; much defensive armour of
+quilted cotton, ornamented with various devices in feather work;
+helmets or casques for the head made of wood and bone, adorned
+with plumes of feathers; immense quantities of bows, arrows,
+darts, and slings; lances having stone heads or blades six feet
+long, so strong as not to break when fixed in a shield, and as
+sharp as razors; clubs or two-handed swords, having edges of
+sharp stones; and many other articles which I cannot enumerate.
+In the palace there was a magnificent aviary, containing every
+kind of bird to be found in all the surrounding country, from
+large eagles down to the smallest paroquets of beautiful plumage.
+In this place the ornamental feather-work so much in repute among
+the Mexicans, was fabricated, the feathers for this purpose being
+taken from certain birds called <i>Quetzales</i>, and others,
+having green, red, white, yellow, and blue feathers, about the
+size of our Spanish pyes, the name of which I have forgot. There
+were also great numbers of parrots, and geese of fine plumage;
+all these birds breeding in the royal aviary, and being annually
+stripped of their feathers at the proper season, to supply the
+workers in feather-work. There was likewise a large pond of clear
+water, in which were kept a number of large birds of a red colour
+with very long legs, resembling those called <i>Ipiris</i> in
+Cuba, and called flamingos by the Spaniards. In another great
+building we saw a temple dedicated to the war gods, in which were
+kept great numbers of ferocious beasts, as tigers, lions of two
+species, one of which called <i>Adive</i> resembled a wolf; also
+foxes, and other smaller animals, all of them carnivorous. Most
+of these were bred in this menagerie, and were fed upon game,
+fowls, and dogs, and, as I was informed, on the bodies of the
+sacrificed human victims. Their manner of sacrifice was said to
+be as follows: They open the breasts of the living victim with
+large stone knives, offering his heart and blood to their gods;
+they feast on the head and limbs, giving the bodies to be
+devoured by the wild beasts, and hanging up the skulls in the
+temples as trophies of their misguided piety. In this place
+likewise there were many vipers and serpents, the most dangerous
+of which have a kind of rattle on their tails, making a noise
+like our castanets. These are kept in vessels filled with
+feathers, where they breed, and are fed with human flesh and the
+carcases of dogs. I was assured, after our expulsion from Mexico,
+that these animals were fed for many days on the bodies of our
+companions who perished on that occasion. These ravenous beasts
+and horrid reptiles are fit companions for their infernal
+deities; and when they yelled and hissed, that part of the palace
+might be likened to hell itself.</p>
+
+<p>The town in which most of the Mexican artists resided was
+called <i>Azcapozalco</i>, about a league from the city of
+Mexico, in which were many shops and manufactories of those who
+wrought in gold, silver, and jewellery, whose productions
+surprised the ablest Spanish artist on being carried over to
+Spain. Their painters were also exceedingly expert, as may be
+judged from what we still see among them; as there are now three
+Indian painters in Mexico, named Marcos de Aquino, Juan de la
+Cruz, and Grespillo, who are not inferior to Michael Angelo or
+Berreguete among the moderns, and might even have vied with
+Apelles. The fine cotton manufactures of the Mexicans were
+principally brought from the province of Costitlan. The women
+likewise of Montezumas family of all ranks, were exceedingly
+expert in these kinds of work, and were continually employed; as
+were also certain females who lived together in a kind of
+secluded societies, like our nuns. One division of the city was
+entirely inhabited by Montezumas dancers and posture-makers; some
+of whom danced like those Italians whom we call
+<i>Matachines</i>; others played various tricks by means of
+sticks which they balanced in many curious ways; and others had a
+strange manner of flying in the air. Montezuma had also great
+numbers of carpenters and handicrafts of various descriptions
+continually employed in his service. His gardens were of great
+extent, irrigated by means of canals, and shaded by an infinite
+variety of trees; having stone baths, pavilions for
+entertainments or retirement, theatres for shows and for the
+singers and dancers, and many other particulars, all of which
+were kept in the nicest order by a great number of labourers who
+were constantly at work.</p>
+
+<p>Four days after our arrival in Mexico, Cortes sent a message
+to Montezuma by Aguilar, Donna Marina, and a young page named
+Orteguilla, who already began to understand the language,
+requesting permission to take a view of the city, which was
+immediately granted; but as he was afraid we might offer some
+insult to his temple, he went thither in person attended by a
+great retinue, and in similar pomp as when he came to meet us on
+entering Mexico; two nobles preceding the cavalcade carrying
+sceptres in their hands, as a signal of the approach of the
+monarch. Montezuma was carried in his magnificent litter,
+carrying a small rod in his hand, half of which was gold and the
+other half wood: and on coming to the temple, he quitted the
+litter and walked up the steps attended by many priests, where he
+offered incense and performed many ceremonies in honour of his
+war gods. Cortes marched at the head of his small band of
+cavalry, followed by most of the infantry under arms, into the
+great square, accompanied by many of the court nobles; where we
+were astonished at the prodigious crowds of people, the vast
+quantities of merchandize exposed for sale, and the amazing
+regularity which everywhere prevailed; all of which our Mexican
+attendants carefully pointed out to us. Every different commodity
+had its own particular place, which was distinguished by an
+appropriate sign or emblem. There were dealers in gold, silver,
+feathers, jewels, mantles, chocolate, skins both dressed and
+undressed, sandals, manufactures of the roots and fibres of
+<i>nequen</i>, and so forth. In one place great numbers of male
+and female slaves were exposed for sale, most of whom were
+fastened by the neck in leather collars to long poles. The market
+for provisions was amply stocked with fowls, game, dogs,
+vegetables, fruit, articles of food ready dressed, salt, bread,
+honey, sweet pastry or confectionary of various kinds, and many
+other articles. Other parts of the great square were appropriated
+for the sale of earthen ware, wooden furniture, such as tables
+and benches, fire-wood, paper, hollow canes filled with tobacco
+and liquid amber ready for smoking, copper axes, working tools of
+various kinds, wooden vessels richly painted, and the like. In
+another part many women sold fish, and small loaves of a kind of
+mud taken out of the lake resembling cheese. The makers of stone
+blades were employed in shaping them out of the rough materials.
+The dealers in gold had the native metal in grains as it comes
+from the mines, in transparent tubes or quills, so that it could
+easily be seen; and the gold was valued at so many mantles, or so
+many xiquipils of cocoa nuts, in proportion to the size of the
+quills. The great square was enclosed all round by piazas, under
+which there were great stores of grain, and shops for various
+kinds of goods. On the borders of the adjoining canals there were
+boats loaded with human ordure, used in tanning leather, and on
+all the public roads there were places built of canes and
+thatched with straw or grass, for the convenience of passengers
+in order to collect this material. In one part of the square was
+a court of justice having three judges, and their inferior
+officers were employed in perambulating the market, preserving
+order, and inspecting the various articles.</p>
+
+<p>After having satisfied our curiosity in the square, we
+proceeded to the great temple, where we went through a number of
+large courts, the smallest of which seemed to me larger than the
+great square of Salamanca, the courts being either paved with
+large cut white stones, or plastered and polished, the whole very
+clean, and inclosed by double walls of stone and lime. On coming
+to the gate of the great temple, which was ascended by 114 steps,
+Montezuma sent six priests and two nobles to carry up Cortes,
+which he declined. On ascending to the summit, which consisted of
+a broad platform, we observed the large stones on which the
+victims were placed for sacrifice, near which was a monstrous
+figure resembling a dragon, and much blood appeared to have been
+recently spilt. Montezuma came out of an adoratory or recess, in
+which the accursed idols were kept, and expressed his
+apprehension to Cortes that he must be fatigued by the ascent, to
+which Cortes answered that we were never fatigued. Montezuma,
+taking our general by the hand, pointed out to him the different
+quarters of the city, and the towns in the neighbourhood, all of
+which were distinctly seen from this commanding eminence. We had
+a distinct view of the three causeways by which Mexico
+communicated with the land, and of the aqueduct of Chapoltepec,
+which conveyed an abundant supply of the finest water to the
+city. The numbers of canoes which were continually seen passing
+between Mexico and all the towns on the borders of the lake,
+carrying provisions and merchandise, was really astonishing. We
+could see, as we had been often told, that most of the houses of
+this great city, and of the others in the neighbourhood which
+were built in the water, stood apart from each other, their only
+communication being by means of drawbridges or canoes, and that
+all their roofs were terraced and battlemented. We saw numerous
+temples and adoratories in the great city below, on the
+causeways, and in the adjacent cities, all resembling so many
+fortresses with towers, wonderfully brilliant, being all
+whitewashed. The noise and bustle of the market in the great
+square just below, was so great that it might easily have been
+heard almost at the distance of a league; and some of our
+companions who had seen both Rome and Constantinople, declared
+they had not seen any thing comparable in these cities, for
+convenient and regular distribution or numbers of people.</p>
+
+<p>After having admired the magnificent prospect around, Cortes
+requested of Montezuma to shew us their gods. After consulting
+with his priests, he led us into a kind of saloon in a tower,
+having a timber roof richly wrought, under which stood two altars
+highly adorned, and behind these two gigantic figures resembling
+very fat men. That on the right was <i>Huitzilopochtli</i>, the
+god of war, having a broad face and terrible eyes, all covered
+over with gold and jewels, and having his body twisted round with
+golden serpents. His right hand held a bow, and in his left there
+was a bundle of arrows. Round his neck was a string of the
+figures of human heads and hearts made of pure gold, intermixed
+with precious stones of a blue colour. Close by him stood a small
+image representing his page, carrying a lance and shield richly
+adorned with gold and jewels. Before the great idol stood a pan
+of fire, in which three hearts of human victims were then burning
+along with copal. The whole walls and floor of the apartment was
+stained with human blood, and had a most offensive smell, worse
+than any slaughter-house. On the left of Huitzilopochtli stood
+another gigantic figure, having a countenance like a bear, with
+great shining eyes. The name of this last was
+<i>Tezcatlipoca</i>, who was said to be the god of the infernal
+regions, and to preside over the souls of men[1]. He was likewise
+considered as the brother of the god of war. His body was covered
+all over with figures representing little devils with tails of
+serpents, and was richly adorned with gold and jewels. Before
+this idol lay an offering of five human hearts. On the summit of
+the whole temple was a recess having its wood-work very highly
+ornamented, where we saw a figure half human and the rest like an
+alligator, all inlaid with jewels, and partly covered by a
+mantle. He was considered as the germ and origin of all created
+things, and was worshipped as the god of harvests and fruits.
+Here likewise the walls and altar were stained with blood like
+the others, and so offensive that we were glad to retire in all
+haste. In this place there stood a drum of prodigious size, the
+head of which was made of the skin of a large serpent, which
+resounded, when struck, with a noise that might be heard at the
+distance of two leagues, and gave out a sound so doleful, that it
+might be named the drum of hell. This dreadful drum, the horrid
+sound of their horns and trumpets, and the shocking sight of
+their great sacrificial knives, the remnants of human victims,
+and their blood-stained altars and fanes, made me anxious to get
+away from this horrible scene of human butchery, detestable
+smells, and abominable sights.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] Clavigero calls this the god of providence, the
+soul of the world, the creator of heaven and earth, and the
+master of ill things, the rewarder of the just and the punisher
+of the wicked.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Addressing himself to Montezuma, half jest half earnest,
+Cortes expressed his astonishment how so wise a prince could
+adore such absurd and wicked gods; and proposed to substitute the
+cross on the summit of the tower, and the images of the Holy
+Virgin and her ever-blessed SON in the adoratories, instead of
+those horrid idols, assuring him that he would soon be convinced
+of the vanity of his idolatry, and the deception practised on him
+by these inhuman priests. Montezuma was much displeased with
+these expressions, saying that he would not have admitted us to
+the temple if he had known we were to insult his gods, who
+dispensed health, good harvests, seasonable weather, and victory,
+and whom they were bound in duty and gratitude to adore. Cortes
+dropped the subject and proposed to withdraw, to which Montezuma
+assented, observing that he must remain, and atone by an
+expiatory sacrifice for having admitted us into the temple.
+Cortes then took leave of the king, and we descended the steps,
+to the great inconvenience of our invalids. If I am not quite so
+correct as I wish and ought to be in many of the things which I
+relate and describe, I must beg my readers to consider the
+situation in which I then served, being under the necessity of
+giving more attention to the orders of my officers than to the
+surrounding objects of curiosity. The temple which we had just
+visited covered a prodigious extent of ground, and diminished
+gradually from the base to the platform on the top, having five
+concavities like barbicans between the middle and the top, but
+without parapets. On the broad platform of the summit there was a
+tower in which the images were placed. But as there are many
+paintings of temples in the possession of the conquerors, one of
+which I have, it will be easy to form an idea of the structure of
+this temple from these representations[2]. It was said by the
+Mexicans, that numerous offerings of gold, silver, jewels,
+productions of the earth, and human victims were deposited under
+the foundations of this great temple at the time of its erection;
+and it is certain, when the ground on which it stood was
+afterwards dug up for the church of St Jago, that we found great
+quantities of gold, silver, and other valuables on sinking the
+new foundations. A Mexican also, who obtained a grant of part of
+this ground, discovered a considerable treasure, about which
+there was a law-suit for the royal interest. This account was
+confirmed by King Guatimotzin, who assured us that the
+circumstances were recorded in ancient historical paintings. At a
+small distance from the great temple, there stood a tower, having
+a gate or entrance always open, like the mouth of an enormous
+monster, ready to devour those who entered this hell or
+habitation of the demons. At this horrible door there stood many
+frightful idols, beside which there was a place for sacrifice,
+and within there were pots full of water ready to boil the flesh
+of the victims, which formed the horrible repasts of the priests.
+The idols were like serpents and devils, and the place, all
+smeared over with human blood, was furnished with knives for
+sacrifice like the slaughter-house of a butcher. In another part
+of the buildings there were great piles of wood, and a reservoir
+of water supplied by a pipe from the great aqueduct of
+Chapoltepec. In one of the courts there was a temple, all
+besmeared with blood and soot, surrounded by the tombs of the
+Mexican nobility. In another court there were immense piles of
+human bones, all regularly arranged. Every temple had its
+peculiar idols, and each its regular establishment of priests,
+who were dressed in long black vestments, something between the
+dress of our canons and the Dominican friars. They all wore their
+hair long and clotted with blood, and their ears were all
+lacerated in honour of their abominable idols. At some distance
+from the temple of the tombs, there was another of which the
+idols were said to preside over marriages; and all the courts
+were surrounded by low houses for the priests and their numerous
+assistants. Hard by these was a large building in which great
+numbers of the Mexican young women resided, as in a nunnery, till
+they were married. They were devoted to the worship of two female
+deities, who presided over marriages, to whom they sacrificed in
+order to obtain good husbands. I have thus been diffuse in
+describing this great temple, as it was by far the largest and
+most splendid in Mexico; yet the temple of Cholula was still
+higher, having 120 steps. This was built on a different plan from
+that of Mexico, and was held in high veneration by the natives.
+The temple of Tezcuco also was very large, being ascended by 117
+steps, and all these differed in their structure, though they all
+agreed in having a number of outer courts, and a double
+inclosure. Every province of this country had its own peculiar
+gods, who were supposed to have no concern with those of other
+provinces, so that its gods and idols were quite innumerable.
+Having effectually fatigued ourselves in examining the objects I
+have just described, we retired to our quarters.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Along with the work of Bernal Diaz, and in the
+history of Mexico by Clavigero, there are representations of
+ancient Mexican temples. In both they consist of six frustums of
+truncated pyramids, placed above each other, having a gallery or
+open walk around at each junction, and straight outside stairs
+reaching between each gallery, not unlike the representations
+that have been ideally formed of the tower of
+Babel.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>As Montezuma was entirely adverse to the proposal of Cortes
+for converting the great temple of Mexico into a Christian
+church, he was exceedingly desirous to have a chapel and altar in
+our quarters, and made application to Montezuma through one of
+his principal nobles to have materials for this purpose. This
+request was immediately complied with, and as abundance of timber
+and native workmen were sent immediately, it was completed in
+three days. In this new chapel mass was celebrated every day,
+though we lamented the want of wine for the holy eucharist, as it
+had been all expended during the illness of Cortes, Olmedo, and
+others, while we were in the dominions of Tlascala. We were
+extremely regular in our devotions, both because it was our duty,
+and that we might impress a favourable opinion of our holy
+religion on Montezuma and his subjects. While our carpenters were
+looking out for a proper place in which to fix the holy cross of
+our chapel, they observed the appearance of a door in one of the
+walls of our quarters which had been closed up. Cortes caused
+this to be privately opened, and an apartment was found within,
+in which countless riches were deposited. The secret soon
+transpired, and we went all to view the concealed treasury. I was
+then a young man, and it seemed to me that all the treasures of
+the world gathered together could not have reached the amount of
+what we then saw. It was thought prudent to close up the door of
+this place, and to conceal our knowledge of it and its contents
+to a proper opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>About this time Cortes convened a council of four captains and
+twelve soldiers, of those in whom he had most confidence, among
+whom I was, in order to consult upon our present situation and
+future procedure. Having duly considered how obviously we had
+been hitherto guided and preserved by the mercy of GOD, and how
+the natives, though now kind, might soon change through their
+native fickleness, and notwithstanding the present hospitality of
+Montezuma, he might at any time plot our destruction, we
+unanimously resolved, on the suggestion of Cortes, that the most
+effectual measure for our security was to make that monarch our
+prisoner and the guarantee of our safety. We knew not but we
+might all be poisoned in our food, and no gift which he could
+make us, not even all his fathers treasures which we had just
+discovered, could compensate to us for the continual alarms in
+which we lived. Some of the officers present at the council,
+proposed to induce Montezuma by some plausible pretext to come to
+our quarters, when we could easily seize him without resistance
+or danger. It was observed by some of our soldiers, that we were
+not now so plentifully supplied with provisions by the royal
+officers as at our first coming; and that our interpreter,
+Aguilar, had been secretly informed by two of our Tlascalan
+allies, that they had noticed several indications of evil
+intentions towards us among the Mexicans, for the last two days.
+After a long consultation, we agreed to adjourn the consideration
+of the means of executing our resolution till next day; and in
+the meantime the reverend Father Olmedo was consulted on the
+subject, and we prayed GOD to guide and direct our proceedings
+for the best, in our present ticklish and dangerous situation.
+Next day, two Tlascalans arrived secretly with letters from Villa
+Rica, with an account that Escalente and six Spaniards had been
+slain in a battle with the Mexicans, and that the inhabitants of
+Chempoalla and the neighbouring mountains, who had submitted to
+us, had revolted back to the Mexican government, refusing to
+supply provisions, or to work on the fortifications, insomuch,
+that the remaining garrison of Villa Rica were in much distress
+and knew not how to act. These letters said likewise, that the
+high opinion which the natives had adopted with respect to the
+Spaniards was much altered for the worse, since they found they
+could be killed like other men. This intelligence gave us much
+affliction. It was the first defeat we had experienced since our
+landing; and had produced a most alarming change in our
+situation, and in the opinions of the Mexicans. Before this, we
+were in possession of wealth, and were considered as
+invulnerable, and almost like demigods; but were now lowered in
+the estimation of the natives, almost to a level with themselves,
+in whose power we were. It now seemed more necessary than ever to
+our very existence that we should secure the person of Montezuma;
+considering that if we failed in the attempt, we might as well
+perish in what seemed our only chance of safety, as wait to be
+overwhelmed by the whole power of the Mexican empire. Before I
+proceed to narrate the sequel of our transactions in Mexico, I
+shall give an account of the misfortune which befel
+Escalente[3].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Clavigero pretends that the defeat and death of
+Escalante were known to Cortes and his followers while at
+Cholula. This is highly improbable, both from the narrative of
+Diaz, and because Cortes would not certainly have put himself
+entirely in the power of Montezuma, after this unequivocal
+demonstration of resolute enmity.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>It has been already mentioned, that about thirty native chiefs
+of districts in the neighbourhood of Villa Rica, had voluntarily
+submitted to our government at Chiahuitztla. After our little
+army had penetrated to the capital of the Mexican empire, the
+commander of a garrison belonging to Montezuma endeavoured to
+levy contributions from some of these our new subjects: and when
+this was represented to Escalente, who commanded at Villa Rica,
+he sent orders to the Mexican officers to desist, as otherwise he
+would be under the necessity of chastising them, though he wished
+to remain in peace and friendship with the subjects of Mexico. To
+this the Mexican officers sent a haughty reply, saying that he
+would find them in the field. On receiving this answer,
+Escalente, who was a brave man, set out with forty of his own
+soldiers, and two thousand of our allies of the Totanaca nation
+to march against the Mexicans, whom he found pillaging the
+country, and immediately attacked them. Our allies were always
+afraid of the Mexicans, and fled at the first shower of arrows,
+leaving the Spaniards to get out of the scrape as well as they
+might. They made their retreat with great difficulty to Villa
+Rica[4], where Escalente and six of his soldiers died of their
+wounds. A Spanish soldier named Arguello, of great bodily
+strength, with a large head, and thick frizzled beard, was taken
+alive, but died of his wounds. The Mexican captains reported the
+whole of this affair to Montezuma, to whom they brought the head
+of Arguello; and it is said that Montezuma trembled when he
+beheld it, and ordered it to be taken out of the way. He
+reproached his captains for not having overwhelmed the whole of
+that small number of Spaniards with their numerous forces; but
+they alleged that a supernatural being fought against them,
+assisting and encouraging the Spaniards, and struck terror into
+their men.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] In the original of Diaz they are said to have
+retreated to Almeria, but this is an obvious mistake. Almeria,
+according to Clavigero, II. 55, was the name given by the
+Spaniards to Nauhtlan, a city on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico,
+thirty-six miles north of Villa Rica, which was governed by
+Quauhpopoca for Montezuma, and by whom the Mexican detachment was
+commanded by which Escalente was defeated.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Having finally resolved to seize Montezuma, we spent the whole
+night before proceeding on that hazardous enterprize in earnest
+prayer to GOD, that what we were about to do might redound to his
+holy service; and in the morning we arranged the manner in which
+this our resolution was to be executed. Our cavalry and infantry
+were all ordered to be in readiness for instant action, and as it
+was usual with us to go always fully armed, this circumstance
+gave no suspicion to the Mexicans. Leaving the whole of his
+forces prepared to act in case of need, Cortes proceeded to the
+palace, attended by five of his captains, Alvarado, Sandoval, De
+Leon, De Lugo, and Avila[5], with the interpreters Donna Marina
+and Aguilar, having first sent a message to the king, intimating
+his intention to wait upon him. Montezuma supposed that this
+visit of Cortes was on occasion of the affair which had lately
+occurred at Chiahuitztla, and that our general was much
+displeased on that account, yet sent back that he would be glad
+to see him. Our general, <i>and we that were with him</i>,
+immediately went to the royal apartment, and after paying his
+respects as usual, Cortes addressed Montezuma to the following
+effect through his interpreters: "He was astonished that so brave
+and magnanimous a monarch, who had shewn so much friendship for
+us on all occasions, should have clandestinely given orders to
+his troops in <i>Totonacapan</i>[6] to make an attack upon the
+Spaniards whom he had left at Villa Rica, in which one of them
+had been killed, and our allies the Totonacas had been pillaged
+and destroyed without mercy." Cortes intentionally concealed the
+death of Escalente and his six soldiers, not wishing that the
+extent of our loss on this occasion should be known to the
+Mexicans. He then charged Montezuma as the author of the
+treachery which had been attempted against us in Cholula, saying,
+that he had hitherto refrained from speaking on that subject,
+from motives of esteem and respect; but, from the late hostile
+attack by his governor of Totonacapan, and having learned that
+the officers of the court were plotting to cut us off in Mexico,
+it became necessary for us to use effectual measures to secure
+our safety. For this purpose therefore, and in order to prevent
+the ruin of the city of Mexico, it was necessary that his majesty
+should go immediately to our quarters, assuring him if he gave
+the smallest alarm, or made any resistance, the officers and
+soldiers then present would put him instantly to death. On
+hearing this proposal Montezuma was so petrified with terror and
+amazement that he seemed to have lost all sensation for a time.
+After recovering a little, he positively denied having given any
+orders to Quauhpopoca the governor of Nauhtlan to attack our
+troops under Escalente; and taking from his wrist the signet of
+Huitzilopochtli, which he employed on all occasions of importance
+to confirm and enforce his orders, he gave it to one of his
+officers whom he commanded to bring Quauhpopoca to court without
+delay to answer for his conduct. Then assuming a dignified air,
+he declined the proposal of quitting his palace with disdain,
+declaring that he would not be constrained to take so humiliating
+a step. Cortes endeavoured to explain the necessity of his
+immediate compliance, and the king persisted in his refusal, so
+that the conversation drew to considerable length, half an hour
+at least having elapsed. The captains who accompanied Cortes
+became impatient of delay, fearing that great numbers of the
+Mexicans might collect to the rescue of their sovereign, and that
+we should be oppressed under superior force. In this dilemma, De
+Leon exclaimed in his rough voice to Cortes: "Why, Sir, do you
+waste so many words? Tell him, that if he does not instantly
+yield himself our prisoner, we will plunge our swords into his
+body: Let us now assure our lives or perish." Montezuma was much
+struck with the manner in which De Leon expressed himself, and
+asked Donna Marina what he had said. She answered with much
+discretion, by mildly advising him to consent immediately to go
+along with us, assuring him that he would be treated with all the
+honour and respect he could desire, whereas she was convinced we
+would put him to death if he refused or even hesitated. Montezuma
+then offered to put his legitimate son and two daughters into the
+hands of Cortes, as hostages, and earnestly entreated that he
+might not be exposed before his subjects as a prisoner. But
+Cortes assured him that nothing short of what had been originally
+proposed could satisfy us, and that all remonstrances were
+unavailing. At last he was obliged to consent, saying, "I trust
+myself with you, let us go! let us go! since the gods will have
+it so." Our captains gave him every assurance of their perfect
+esteem and respect, begging of him not to be offended at their
+conduct, which was indispensably necessary to their own safety,
+and requested that he would say to his officers that he went of
+his own free will, and by the advice of his gods and priests. His
+magnificent state litter was now brought for his accommodation,
+and he proceeded to our quarters in his accustomed pomp, attended
+by his guards, where he was received and entertained with every
+mark of respect; yet our posts and centinels were properly placed
+in every direction to guard against his escape or rescue. He was
+soon waited on by the princes of his family, and all the
+principal Mexican nobles, who came to inquire the reason of this
+change of abode, and whether it was his wish that they should
+attack us. But he told them that he intended to remain with us
+for a few days, and commanded them to take no steps which might
+disturb the peace of the city.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] It is obvious from a circumstance in the sequel
+of this story that Diaz and other soldiers attended Cortes on
+this occasion. Clavigero, II. 77. says there were twenty-five
+soldiers besides the five captains, who repaired two by two to
+the palace, and joined Cortes there as if by accident. This
+daring transaction took place eight days after the arrival of
+Cortes in the city of Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Diaz calls this Tuzapan; but as Nauhtlan was in
+the country of the Totonacas, called Totonacapan by the Mexicans,
+we have chosen here and everywhere else that this could be done
+with certainty, to adopt the orthography of
+Clavigero.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Thus we accomplished the seizure of the great Montezuma. He
+was attended in our quarters with the same magnificence as in his
+own palace; his wives, family, and officers being constantly with
+him, and having always twenty chiefs or counsellors in his
+presence. He bathed twice a-day, and appeared calm and resigned
+to his fate. Ambassadors came to him from all the provinces of
+his empire; some to deliver the accustomed tribute, and others to
+transact various affairs of importance, all of which was
+dispatched in the usual manner. I perfectly remember that however
+great might be the princes or chiefs who had to wait upon him,
+they always took off their rich dresses and put on plain and
+coarse <i>nequen</i> clothes, and came into the royal apartments
+in this habit, barefooted, not entering directly, but making a
+circuit by the wall. On entering the presence they kept their
+eyes cast down on the ground, and after three profound
+reverences, always began their addresses in these words, <i>lord!
+my lord! great lord!</i> They then displayed certain cloths
+before him, on which the business they came upon was represented
+by painting, the particulars of which they explained pointing out
+the figures by means of nicely polished rods or wands. While this
+was going on, two old nobles always stood beside the king, who
+attentively considered every circumstance, on which they gave him
+their opinions, and he then dispatched the affair in few words.
+The person who had the business with the king then withdrew
+without reply, making three profound reverences as before, always
+keeping his eyes on the ground, and his face to the throne till
+out of sight. On leaving the royal apartments, they reassumed
+their rich dresses, in which they walked about the city.</p>
+
+<p>The messengers who had been dispatched with the royal signet
+to arrest the officers against whom Cortes had complained for the
+attack on Escalente, soon returned with them to Mexico. I know
+not what passed in the royal presence when they appeared before
+the king; but he sent them immediately to Cortes to do with them
+as he pleased. On their examination, when the king was not
+present, they avowed all that had happened in Totonacapan, but
+said that they had acted by orders from Montezuma, by whom they
+had been commanded to levy the royal tribute, and even to attack
+the Spaniards if they should support the refractory subjects of
+the empire. On Montezuma being charged with this, he endeavoured
+to exculpate himself; but Cortes told him, that although his
+participation in the guilt of his officers was apparent, and
+although he had been commanded by his own sovereign to punish
+with death all who had inflicted death on any of the Spaniards,
+yet he had so great a regard for his majesty, that he would
+sooner loose his own life than do him any injury. Notwithstanding
+these assurances, Montezuma was in great fear of being put to
+death. Cortes sentenced the Mexican officers to be burnt alive in
+front of their kings palace, which was immediately carried into
+execution; and to prevent any commotion while this was taking
+place, he ordered Montezuma to be put in irons. The unfortunate
+king could not suppress his sense of this indignity, and wept
+aloud when the fetters were put on. After the execution was over,
+Cortes went into the apartment of Montezuma, attended by his five
+captains formerly mentioned, and took off the irons with his own
+hands, assuring him with a cordial embrace, that he loved him
+more even than a brother, and that he hoped soon to extend his
+dominions to more than double their present size. He is said also
+to have told him that he was now at liberty to return to his own
+palace, if he so wished; but we understood that Cortes ordered
+the interpreters to inform Montezuma, that he was inclined to set
+him at liberty, but that the other officers refused their
+consent. The spirit of the unfortunate king was now entirely
+subdued, and the tears ran down his cheeks while Cortes was
+speaking: He declined the offer with thanks, well knowing the
+emptiness of his words; adding, that he thought it most prudent
+to remain where he was, to prevent an insurrection in the city.
+Montezuma requested Cortes to give him his page, Orteguilla, a
+youth who had already made considerable progress in the Mexican
+language. Cortes immediately complied, and Orteguilla remained
+afterwards constantly about the kings person, as Montezuma took
+great delight in inquiring from him many particulars respecting
+the manners and customs of Europe; and, from his knowledge of the
+language, Orteguilla was of great service to us in the sequel, by
+communicating every circumstance that was of importance for us to
+be made acquainted with. Montezuma continued to reside among us,
+always treated with the utmost respect and attention, as no
+officer and soldier, even Cortes, ever came into his presence or
+even passed him, without taking of his helmet. He always treated
+us in return with much courtesey.</p>
+
+<p>The Mexican officers who were publickly executed, were four in
+number. Of these Quauhpopoca was the principal, two of the others
+were named <i>Coatl</i> and <i>Quiabuitl,</i> but I have forgot
+the name of the fourth[7]. As soon as this punishment was made
+known throughout the provinces of the Mexican empire, it
+occasioned universal terror among the natives, and the people of
+Tontonacapan immediately returned to submission to our garrison
+at Villa Rica.--Let me now pause, and request my readers to
+consider the train of our heroic acts which I have already
+related. <i>First</i>, we destroyed our ships, by which we cut
+off all hope of retreat. <i>Secondly</i>, we entered the city of
+Mexico, in spite of the many alarming warnings we had received.
+<i>Thirdly</i>, we made Montezuma, the sovereign of that great
+and populous empire, a prisoner, in the midst of his own palace
+and capital, surrounded by numerous guards. <i>Fourthly</i>, we
+publickly burnt his officers in front of his palace, and put the
+king in irons during the execution. I now frequently revolve upon
+these great events in my old age, which still appear as fresh in
+my memory as if they had only happened yesterday. I say to
+myself, it was not we who did those mighty things, but we were
+guided therein by the hand of God. For without his direction, how
+was it to be conceived that so small a number as we were, not
+amounting to four hundred and fifty men, should have dared to
+seize and put in irons, and publickly burn his officers for
+obeying his orders, in a city larger and more populous than
+Venice, and 1500 leagues from our own country.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] According to Clavigero, II. 82. Quauhpopoca, his
+son, and fifteen other nobles were cruelly put to death on this
+occasion. Diaz names the principal chief
+Quetzalpopoca.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>It was necessary to appoint a successor in the command at
+Villa Rica, and accordingly Cortes gave the command to Alonzo de
+Grado, an indifferent soldier, but a good speaker, a handsome
+man, a musician, and a ready writer, who had always been adverse
+to our marching to Mexico, and was the chief orator on these
+occasions, in conveying the sentiments of the opposite party to
+Cortes. On notifying this appointment, Cortes said to him
+jocularly, "Senior de Grado, you are now commandant of Villa
+Rica. See that you fortify it well; but I charge you not to go to
+war with the wicked Indians, lest they kill you as they have done
+Juan de Escalente." This was said ironically, as Cortes well knew
+he would not venture out of his garrison for any consideration.
+As we noticed the concealed meaning of Cortes in these words, we
+could hardly refrain from laughing aloud. He then enjoined him to
+be kind to the natives, and to protect them from oppression; to
+use all diligence in completing the fortifications of the wooden
+fort, and to cause two large chains to be made from the old iron
+of the destroyed ships, by the smiths at Villa Rica, which were
+to be sent immediately to Mexico. De Grado, on arriving at his
+government, assumed a lofty demeanour, and ordered the
+neighbouring Indians who were allied with us, to send him gold
+and females slaves, neglecting the fortifications, and spending
+his time in feasting and deep play. What was still worse, he
+plotted with the adherents of Velasquez to deliver up to him the
+post with which he had been entrusted. When Cortes learned these
+things, he repented of having employed a person whose bad
+dispositions he well knew in a post of so much importance, and
+sent therefore Sandoval, our alguazil-major to supersede him.
+Sandoval was accompanied by Pedro de Ircio, who used to amuse him
+with anecdotes of the families of the Conde de Ureno and Don
+Pedro Giron, by which means he gained the favour of Sandoval, who
+never ceased promoting him till he got him to the rank of
+captain. On his arrival at Villa Rica, Sandoval arrested De
+Grado, and sent him prisoner to Mexico, under a guard of Indians,
+by order of Cortes, who would not see him on his arrival, but
+ordered him to be confined in the stocks, where he remained two
+days. De Grado afterwards made his peace, and got the office of
+contador, in place of Avila, who was sent over to Hispaniola as
+procurador. Sandoval made himself exceedingly popular among the
+natives in the neighbourhood of Villa Rica, and diligently
+applied to complete the fortifications. He likewise sent to
+Mexico by order of the general, all the ironwork necessary for
+the construction of two vessels which were ordered to be built
+for sailing on the lake.</p>
+
+<p>Every day after mass Cortes went with all his officers to pay
+his respects to Montezuma, asking his orders, the king always
+affecting to be perfectly contented with his situation. On these
+occasions the discourse frequently turned upon the principles of
+our holy faith, and the power of our emperor Don Carlos. At other
+times Montezuma and Cortes used to play at a game called
+<i>totoloque</i> by the Mexicans, in which they aim with golden
+balls at certain other objects made of gold. Once, when Cortes
+and Alvarado were playing against Montezuma and his nephew, the
+king said in a jocular manner, that he would not allow
+<i>Tonatiu</i>, for so he called Alvarado on account of his
+handsomeness, to mark, as if he cheated; on which we all fell a
+laughing, as we knew Alvarado was rather given to exaggeration.
+On these occasions, Cortes gave all his winnings among the
+Mexican attendants of the king; and Montezuma distributed his
+among us soldiers of the guard. Indeed he every day made presents
+to all of us who attended him, and particularly to Velasquez de
+Leon, the captain of his guard, who always treated him with much
+respect and attention. One night, a soldier named Truxillo, was
+guilty of a very disrespectful action within his hearing, at
+which Montezuma was much offended, and asked the page Orteguilla
+who had committed this extreme rudeness. Orteguilla told him that
+Truxillo was a person of low birth, and knew no better, and then
+gave him an account of our different ranks and characters, by
+which he was much gratified. He sent next day for Truxillo, and
+after reproving him for his unmannerly behaviour, made him a
+present worth five crowns. Next night, Truxillo committed a
+similar rudeness, in hopes to get more gold, but Montezuma
+complained to De Leon, who ordered Truxillo to be relieved, after
+which he gave him a severe reprimand. Another night, a soldier
+named Pedro Lopez happened to be unwell, and cursed that dog of
+an Indian, meaning Montezuma, for occasioning so much trouble.
+The king overheard this and discovered its meaning, on which he
+complained to Cortes, who ordered the man to be whipped. After
+this, proper discipline and strict silence were preserved by the
+guard, which greatly pleased the king, who knew us all, and used
+to address us by our names, and was always very kind to us. I was
+then a young man, and always behaved to him with much respect.
+The page had informed him that I had been twice on the coast of
+his empire before the arrival of Cortes, and that I had desired
+him to say to his majesty that I would be much obliged to him for
+a handsome Indian girl. He very graciously complied with this
+request, and calling me before him, addressed me to the following
+effect: "Bernal Diaz, the young woman I now present to you is the
+daughter of one of my principal nobles; treat her well, and her
+relations will give you as much gold, and as many mantles as you
+can desire." I respectfully kissed his hand, thanking him for his
+gracious condescension, and prayed God to bless and prosper him.
+On which he observed, that my manner spoke me of noble
+extraction, and he ordered me three plates of gold, and two loads
+of mantles. In the morning, after his devotions, according to the
+manner of his country, Montezuma used to eat a light breakfast of
+vegetables seasoned with <i>agi,</i> which is a kind of pepper.
+He then employed a full hour in the dispatch of business, in the
+way I have formerly mentioned, being attended at this time by
+twenty counsellors; and in this way, sometimes amusing himself,
+and sometimes meditating on his situation, he spent the time of
+his confinement among us. He had many mistresses, and he used
+often to give away some of these in marriage among his officers
+and particular friends. Some of these ladies fell to our lot, and
+the one I got was a lady of high birth, as she shewed by her
+manner; after her baptism she was called Donna Francisca.</p>
+
+<p>After the iron materials, with sails and cordage had arrived
+from Villa Rica, Cortes asked leave from Montezuma to build two
+brigantines for the purpose of his amusement on the lake, and
+also that he would order the native carpenters to assist in their
+construction. Montezuma readily consented, and as there was
+plenty of oak at no great distance, the work went on
+expeditiously under Martin Lopez our principal ship-builder, so
+that the two brigantines were soon built, launched, and rigged.
+While this was going on, Montezuma begged to be allowed to
+perform his devotions in the great temple, that his friends and
+subjects might be satisfied he lived among us by his own choice,
+and the permission of his gods. Cortes granted this, under a
+strict caution to beware of doing any thing that might bring his
+life in hazard, as he would send a strong guard along with him,
+with orders to put him to death instantly if any commotion should
+arise among the people. Cortes likewise insisted that no human
+sacrifices should be permitted on the occasion. All this being
+agreed to, Montezuma set out for the temple in his usual pomp,
+attended by four of our captains, and an hundred and fifty
+Spanish soldiers, Father Olmedo being likewise present, to
+prevent any human sacrifice. Montezuma came out of his litter
+near the temple, where he was met by a number of priests, who
+carried him up the steps. They had sacrificed four Indians the
+night before to their accursed idols, as all our endeavours were
+insufficient to stop that abominable practice, which we were
+forced to connive at for a season, being afraid to do any thing
+which might occasion an insurrection. After remaining a short
+time at his devotions, Montezuma came down from the temple, and
+returned to our quarters in much good humour, and made presents
+to all of us who had attended him.</p>
+
+<p>Our two brigantines were now afloat on the lake, fully
+equipped, and manned by expert sailors, and were found to obey
+both sail and oar to a wish. When Montezuma learnt this, he
+requested to go a-hunting to a certain district which was full of
+game, all other persons being prohibited from hunting there under
+pain of death. Cortes granted permission, giving warning that his
+life would pay the forfeit of the smallest attempt to escape, and
+offered him the use of our ships to convey him to the hunting
+ground, which he accepted with much pleasure. The king and his
+suit embarked in the swiftest of the two vessels, and the other
+accommodated his son and a number of nobles. Four of our captains
+attended the king, with a guard of two hundred soldiers, and four
+brass guns, with their ammunition and artillery-men, were
+embarked on the occasion. The wind was fresh, and our sailors
+took great delight in exerting their utmost skill. Our ships
+seemed to fly along the lake, and left a prodigious multitude of
+the canoes of the Mexicans far behind. Montezuma landed at the
+place kept for his hunting, which abounded in game, so that he
+soon procured a great quantity of various kinds, such as deer,
+hares, and rabbits; and having satisfied himself with sport, he
+reimbarked and came back to Mexico. We discharged our artillery
+during the voyage, which gave him much amusement. He delighted us
+all by his affability and noble behaviour, and was held by every
+one of us in the highest respect. It happened one day, while
+three of our captains were in his presence, that a hawk flew into
+the apartment in pursuit of a quail, both these birds and doves
+being bred about the palace. On this occasion our officers and
+soldiers admired the beauty and fine flight of the hawk, and
+Montezuma was curious to know the subject of their discourse: It
+was accordingly explained to him, as likewise that we were
+accustomed to tame hawks, and to fly them from our hands in
+pursuit of game. On this Montezuma gave immediate orders to have
+the hawk caught for us, and the very same bird was caught and
+brought to us next morning.</p>
+
+<p>Cacamatzin prince of Tezcuco, the largest town in the empire
+next to Mexico, took great umbrage at hearing that his uncle
+Montezuma had been kept many days prisoner by the Spaniards, and
+that we had opened the treasury of his ancestors. He therefore
+called a meeting of his principal vassals, and of the
+neighbouring princes or great feudatories of the Mexican empire,
+among whom was the lord of Matlatzinco, a renowned warrior and
+near relation of Montezuma, who was reported to have some
+pretensions to the throne. His intention in summoning these
+princes was to persuade them to assemble their forces, in order
+to attack us, and on making this proposal to the assembled
+chiefs, he of Matlatzinco offered to concur with his whole force,
+on condition that they would raise him to the throne of Mexico.
+But Cacamatzin alleged that he had a preferable claim to that
+dignity, and declared he would destroy the Spaniards with his own
+forces, for which purpose he entered into arrangements with his
+partizans in Mexico. The whole of this plan was reported to
+Montezuma, who immediately commanded his nephew Cacamatzin to
+desist from his preparations, and communicated the information he
+had received to Cortes, who had already received some notice of
+what was going forwards, but not to the full extent. Cortes
+immediately proposed to go at the head of a detachment of the
+Spaniards, and a large body of Mexican troops, and to destroy
+Tezcuco; but as this proposal did not please Montezuma, Cortes
+sent a message to Cacamatzin, requiring him to desist from his
+war-like preparations, and declaring his wish to have him for a
+friend. Cacamatzin answered, that he would not become the dupe of
+plausible words like others, and meant soon to pay us a visit,
+when he would listen to what we had to say. In a second message,
+Cortes warned him not to proceed to hostilities, which would
+certainly occasion the death of his uncle; but he replied, that
+he cared neither for Montezuma nor Cortes, and was determined to
+act as he thought proper.</p>
+
+<p>Cacamatzin had a brother named Cuitcuitzcatzin, who resided in
+Mexico, having been obliged to take refuge there in consequence
+of a family quarrel. As this was known to us, Cortes proposed
+that Cacamatzin should be brought to Mexico, where we would seize
+him unless he agreed to preserve the peace, or might substitute
+his brother in the government of Tezcuco. Montezuma agreed to
+send for him, and assured us if he refused to come, he would give
+orders to bring him by force. Cortes thanked the king for this
+instance of his fidelity, declaring that he now only remained in
+Mexico to protect him against his rebellious subjects, and would
+feel happy to reinstate him in his own palace, but could not
+prevail on the rest of the Spanish captains to agree to this
+measure. Montezuma said in reply, that he would immediately
+transmit information to Cacamatzin, that his present residence
+was entirely of his own free will, and by the advice of their
+gods; for Montezuma was perfectly aware of the simulation of
+Cortes in his declarations, and endeavoured to fight him with his
+own weapons. He accordingly sent a message to the prince in the
+proposed terms; but Cacamatzin understood the manner in which his
+uncle was constrained to act, and declared his determination to
+assail our quarters within four days, saying that Montezuma was a
+despicable monarch, for having neglected to attack us at the Port
+of Chalco, as he had advised. That he was resolved to be avenged
+of the wrongs which we had heaped upon Montezuma and his country,
+and that if the throne of Mexico should fall to his lot during
+the contest, he would liberally reward all who assisted him
+against the Spanish invaders. Several of the Mexican chiefs who
+were along with Cacamatzin, expressed their scruples about
+entering into war without the orders of their legitimate
+sovereign, and proposed to send to him for instructions.
+Cacamatzin was enraged at this proposal, as adverse to his views
+of assuming the crown of the Mexican empire, and immediately
+ordered three of the most refractory into custody; by which
+procedure the rest were intimidated into compliance with his
+plans. He then sent a message to Montezuma, representing the
+disgrace into which he had fallen, by joining himself with
+wizards and magicians, and declared his resolution to destroy us
+all. Montezuma was much offended by the proud independence
+assumed by his nephew, whom he now resolved to circumvent and
+make prisoner. For this purpose he entrusted his signet to six of
+his captains, whom he commanded to shew it to certain other
+leaders among his subjects, who were not well affected to the
+prince, and to communicate to them his orders to seize Cacamatzin
+and bring him prisoner to Mexico. These men went accordingly to
+where Cacamatzin was consulting with the confederate chiefs on
+the arrangement of his expedition; and shewing the royal signet
+with which they were entrusted, they secured him and five of his
+principal chiefs without opposition, and brought them away to
+Mexico. Cacamatzin, being brought into the presence of Montezuma,
+was reproached by him for his disobedience and treason, and then
+delivered over to Cortes; but the other prisoners were
+released.</p>
+
+<p>Arrangements were immediately made for raising
+Cuitcuitzcatzin, one of the brothers of Cacamatzin, to the
+principality of Tezcuco; who was accordingly invested with this
+dignity in the presence, of Montezuma, and sent over with a
+splendid retinue to take possession of the government[8]. This
+important business being completed to our entire satisfaction, we
+continued to reside in Mexico, paying our court to Montezuma with
+the utmost demonstrations of respect, yet detaining him always a
+prisoner in our quarters.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] Diaz says that he assumed the name of Don Carlos
+on this occasion; but does not allege even that he had been
+baptised. This name was probably merely imposed upon him by the
+Spanish soldiery; or he may have acquired it on becoming a
+Christian after the conquest of Mexico was
+completed.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Cortes now resumed a proposal which had been formerly made,
+for Montezuma acknowledging the sovereignty of our emperor over
+him and his dominions; to which Montezuma replied, that he would
+summon a council of all his dependent princes, which he did
+accordingly, and almost the whole of them attended in the course
+of ten days. Among a few who absented themselves on this
+occasion, was the chief of Matlatzinco, who has been already
+mentioned as renowned for his warlike prowess. He sent back an
+answer, that he would neither obey the summons nor pay any more
+tribute. Montezuma was much incensed by this contumacious message
+from his vassal, and sent officers to apprehend him, but they
+were unable to succeed. The princes and feudatories being all
+assembled, Montezuma reminded them of the ancient prophecies, by
+which it was foretold to their ancestors, that a people was to
+come from the region of the rising sun, to whom the empire of the
+country was to be transferred. He added, that he believed the
+Spaniards to be the people spoken of in that prophecy; and had
+sacrificed to his gods in vain to give him a distinct revelation
+on the subject, but they referred him to the former responses,
+and commanded him to ask no more. From all this he concluded that
+they willed him to yield obedience to the king of Castile, who
+was the sovereign of these strangers. "I now," said he in
+conclusion, "beseech you to agree to this submission, which is
+required of me by the Spaniards. During the eighteen years which
+I have reigned, I have ever been a kind monarch to you, and you
+have always been faithful subjects. Since our gods will have it
+so, let no one refuse this instance of obedience which I now
+ask." The princes, with many sighs and tears, promised to do
+every thing he might desire. Montezuma, who was still more
+affected than they, sent a message to inform Cortes, that he and
+his princes would tender their allegiance to our emperor next
+day. This was accordingly done at the time appointed, in presence
+of all our officers and many of our soldiers, none of whom could
+refrain from tears, at beholding the distress and agitation of
+the great and generous Montezuma on this humiliating
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Some time afterwards, when Cortes and his captains were
+conversing with Montezuma on various topics, the general made
+inquiry relative to the gold mines of the empire, when Montezuma
+informed him that the richest of these were in the province of
+Zacatula or Zacatollan, and said that the gold was procured by
+washing the earth, the small grains of metal sinking to the
+bottom during the operation. He also said that it was obtained
+from two rivers in the province of Guztepeque, where the natives
+were not subjects to his empire; but, if Cortes chose to send
+some troops to that place, he would order his officers to
+accompany them. Cortes accordingly sent the pilot Umbria and two
+soldiers to examine the mines of Zacatula; and sent his relation
+Pizarro, to the territories of Chinantla and Zapoteca. Pizarro
+was then a young man, and at that time his name and that of Peru,
+now so famous, were both equally unknown. Pizarro, who was one of
+our captains, took with him four soldiers who were used to
+mining, and four Mexican nobles; and Montezuma presented Cortes
+with a map of the whole northern, or rather eastern coast of the
+Mexican empire, admirably represented in painting, extending at
+least an hundred and forty leagues, all the way to Tabasco. Among
+the rivers said to produce gold, was that of Huatzocoalco, which
+Cortes wished to have examined, and Diego de Ordas offering
+himself for this purpose, was reluctantly accepted by Cortes, as
+he was a person on whom he depended for sound judgment and
+wholesome advice on occasions of importance. Before his
+departure, Montezuma told Ordas, that the power of the crown of
+Mexico did not extend over the country to which he was going, but
+that he was welcome to the assistance of the frontier garrisons.
+Umbria returned first from his mission, bringing with him gold to
+the value of three hundred crowns and reported that the mines
+might be made very productive, if they were as expertly managed
+as those of Hispaniola and Cuba. Two principal persons of the
+district accompanied him to Mexico, who brought a present of gold
+to the value of about a hundred crowns, and offered to submit
+themselves and country to the sovereignty of our emperor. Umbria
+and his companions described the country which they had visited
+as extremely rich and populous, and he and his companions
+appeared to have done something handsome for themselves on the
+expedition, which Cortes winked at in order to make up for some
+former differences.</p>
+
+<p>Ordas, on his return, said that he had passed through very
+populous districts, in all of which he was well received. That he
+found several bodies of Mexican troops on the frontiers, of whose
+outrages the natives of the country made heavy complaints, on
+which account he had severely reprehended the commanders of the
+troops, threatening them with a similar punishment with what had
+been inflicted on the lord of Nauhtlan. He had sounded the river
+of Huatzcoalco, where he found three fathoms water on the bar at
+low tide in the shallowest part, and still deeper within, where
+there was a place very proper for a naval establishment. The
+caciques and natives treated him with much hospitality, and
+offered themselves as vassals to our emperor, but complained
+loudly against the exactions of Montezuma and his officers, and
+pointed out a place where they had lately slain many of the
+Mexican troops, which they had named <i>Cuilonemequi,</i> or the
+Place of Slaughter of the Mexicans, on whom they bestowed the
+most opprobrious epithets. He represented the soil of the country
+as well fitted for tillage and the rearing of cattle, and the
+port as well situated for trade with Cuba, Hispaniola, and
+Jamaica; but as inconvenient, from its distance from Mexico, and
+unhealthy owing to the morasses in its vicinity. Pizarro returned
+from Tustepeque or Tzapotecapan, with gold in grains to the value
+of a thousand crowns. He reported, that in going into the
+mountains inhabited by the Chinantlans, they flew to arms and
+would not permit the Mexicans to enter into their country,
+threatening to put them all to death; but admitted him and his
+Spaniards with great attention. He brought several of the chiefs
+of that country along with him to Mexico, who wished to shake off
+the Mexican yoke, and to become subjects to our emperor. Cortes
+then inquired at Pizarro for the soldiers who had accompanied
+him, when Pizarro answered, that finding the country rich and the
+people friendly, he had left them to make a plantation of cocoa,
+and to explore the rivers and mines. Cortes said nothing to him
+in public, but gave him a severe private reprimand for employing
+the soldiers in such foolish pursuits, contrary to his orders,
+and immediately sent a message commanding their return to
+head-quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes now proposed to Montezuma to order a general
+contribution in gold to be collected through the whole of his
+dominions, as a tribute to our emperor, and also that he should
+deliver up his treasure for the same purpose. Montezuma
+accordingly sent orders to his officers in those districts where
+the mines were situated, commanding them immediately to transmit
+a certain quantity of gold plates, of the size usually paid as
+tribute, two of which were sent as patterns. He remarked at the
+same time, that there were many districts of the empire from
+which gold was not to be expected in any considerable quantity,
+as they had no mines, and the natives had only such golden toys
+among them as they had inherited from their ancestors. Much gold
+was immediately transmitted to Mexico from the rich provinces in
+compliance with the order; but when it was communicated to the
+refractory lord of Matlatzinco, formerly mentioned, he haughtily
+answered, that he would pay no tribute, for he had as good a
+right as Montezuma to the throne of Mexico. Montezuma was much
+enraged at this insolent message, and immediately sent some
+trusty officers with his signet, who succeeded in apprehending
+this redoubted chief. On being brought prisoner into the presence
+of the king, he behaved with so much insolence that Montezuma
+ordered him to be put to death; but Cortes interceded for him,
+and got his punishment transmuted to imprisonment. He even
+endeavoured to make a friend of this chief, and proposed to have
+him set at liberty, but Montezuma insisted that he should be kept
+in chains along with Cacamatzin.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty days after the orders had been issued for collecting
+the tribute, it was all brought to Mexico, on which Montezuma
+summoned Cortes into his presence, along with the captains and
+the soldiers who formed his usual guard, and addressed us as
+follows: "Being indebted to your great king, whom I much esteem
+for having sent you as his ambassadors to me from so great a
+distance, and as I am convinced by the prophecies transmitted to
+us by our ancestors, and confirmed by our gods, that he is
+destined to rule over us, take this gold, which is all I could
+collect on so short a notice, and also the treasure which I
+inherited from my ancestors which you have already seen; send all
+this to your emperor, and let it be recorded in your chronicles
+that this is the tribute from his vassal Montezuma. Besides all
+this, I shall give you for your monarch, a quantity of our most
+valuable jewels, which we call <i>calchihuis</i>[9], every one of
+which is worth two loads of gold, and three tubes for shooting
+darts or pellets, so richly adorned with jewels that he will be
+pleased with them. Accept all this as an instance of my good
+will, for it is the last of my treasure." We all immediately took
+off our helmets, and gave our hearty thanks to Montezuma for his
+munificent and liberal gift, which Cortes promised should be
+presented to the emperor with a just representation of the merits
+of the donor. We were employed for three days in taking to pieces
+the gold contained in the various ornamental articles in the
+concealed treasury, which was now delivered up to us by the
+command of Montezuma, in which we were assisted by the royal
+goldsmiths from the town of Escapuzalco. When separated and
+weighed, these articles weighed to the value of above 600,000
+crowns, besides many other articles of value, and exclusive of
+gold in plates and bars, and in its rough state as brought from
+the mines. All this gold was melted down by the goldsmiths, and
+cast into bars of three fingers breadth, all of which were
+stamped with the royal arms, with our entire approbation. The
+rest of the present of Montezuma was worthy of great admiration,
+consisting of the jewels called <i>calchihius</i> ornamented
+tubes covered with gold and jewels, beautiful embroideries of
+pearls and feathers, plumes of feathers, and an endless variety
+of rich manufactures; and it was unanimously agreed by us all not
+to take these rich ornaments to pieces.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] It is impossible now to say what were these
+jewels so much valued by the Mexicans. Clavigero, I. 422,
+enumerates among their precious stones, "Emeralds, amethysts,
+cornelians, turquoises, and others not known in Europe." In
+another passage, I. 424, he mentions many small red stones
+similar to rubies, as among the Mexican curiosities transmitted
+to Charles V. by Cortes.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After the royal officers had weighed and valued the gold,
+which exceeded, as I have already mentioned, 600,000 crowns,
+exclusive of the silver and other ornamental articles, it was
+proposed to deduct the royal fifth, and to distribute the shares
+among the officers and soldiers. Cortes proposed to postpone the
+division till we acquired more treasure, and had more exact
+weights: But the soldiers were clamorous for an immediate
+division, as we perceived that above a third part had disappeared
+since the various articles were taken to pieces, Cortes and the
+captains and others being continually carrying it away and
+concealing it for their own use. It was at length agreed to make
+the division next day, when it was still found to exceed 600,000
+crowns in weight. On making the division, Cortes in the
+<i>first</i> place caused a fifth to be laid aside for his
+majesty; <i>secondly</i>, a fifth for himself, as had been agreed
+upon; <i>thirdly</i>, a portion to reimburse the naval
+expenditure incurred by Velasquez, the destruction of the ships,
+and all the expences of the expedition from Cuba;
+<i>fourthly</i>, for the expences of the agents whom we had sent
+to Spain; <i>fifthly</i>, for the shares of our companions who
+were in garrison at Villa Rica; <i>sixthly</i>, for the value of
+the horses which had been killed; <i>seventhly</i>, for the
+reverend Father Olmeda and our captains; <i>eighthly</i>, double
+shares for the cavalry, musketeers, and crossbow-men. When all
+these deductions were made from the stock, the shares which
+remained for each soldier were hardly worth acceptance, not
+exceeding 100 crowns a-man. We were obliged to submit, having no
+one to appeal to for justice; yet many were very clamorous, whom
+Cortes secretly endeavoured to appease, giving a little to one
+and a little to another in private, and feeding all with fair
+promises. Our captains got chains of gold made for them by the
+Mexican workmen, Cortes did the same, and had a superb service of
+gold plate made for his table. Many of our soldiers, who had been
+fortunate in secreting plunder, had golden ornaments made for
+their use, and gave themselves up to deep gaming, for which
+purpose they made cards from drum-heads; and thus we passed our
+time in Mexico. One Cardenas, a pilot, who had a wife and
+children, seeing that all the immense treasure of Montezuma had
+dwindled down to paltry shares of a hundred crowns, made loud
+complaints of the injustice he and all of us had experienced. On
+this coming to the ears of Cortes, he called us together, and
+gave us a long honied speech, wondering how we should be so
+clamorous about a paltry sum of gold, as the whole country, with
+all its rich mines, would soon be ours, by which we would all
+have enough to make us lords and princes, and I know not all
+what. After this he distributed presents secretly among the most
+clamorous, and promised Cardenas to send home 300 crowns to his
+wife and children.</p>
+
+<p>All men are desirous of acquiring riches, and the desire
+generally increases with the acquisition. As it was well known
+that a great many valuable pieces of gold had been abstracted
+from the treasury, suspicion naturally fell upon several persons
+who appeared to have more gold than their shares amounted to.
+Among these, it was noticed that Velasquez de Leon had some large
+chains of gold, and many trinkets and ornaments of that metal, in
+the hands of the Mexican workmen, which the treasurer Mexia
+claimed as having been purloined. De Leon resisted this, alleging
+that it had been given him by Cortes before the gold was run into
+bars. Mexia replied that Cortes had concealed enough, and had
+already taken too much from the soldiers, without giving him so
+great a quantity, and insisted on restitution. Both were valiant
+men, and their quarrel rose to such a height, that they drew
+their swords, and each of them received two wounds before they
+could be parted. Cortes ordered them both under arrest and to be
+put in chains; but spoke privately to De Leon, who was his
+intimate friend, to submit quietly, and released Mexia in
+consideration of his holding the office of treasurer. Velasquez
+was a strong active man, and used to walk much in the apartment
+where he was confined, and as Montezuma heard the rattling of his
+chains, he inquired who it was, and interceded with Cortes for
+his liberation. Cortes told him that Velasquez was a mad fellow,
+who would go about robbing the Mexicans of their gold if not
+confined. Montezuma replied, if that were all, he would supply
+his wants, and Cortes affected to release him as a favour to the
+king, but banished him to Cholula, whence he returned in six
+days, richer than before by the king's bounty.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, the king offered to give Cortes one of the
+princesses his daughter in marriage. Cortes received this offer
+with much gratitude, but suggested the propriety of having her in
+the first place instructed in the Christian religion, with which
+Montezuma complied, though he still continued attached to his own
+false worship and brutal human sacrifices. Cortes and his
+captains were much scandalized by this persistence of Montezuma
+in idolatry, and thought it their duty as Christians, to run even
+the risk of occasioning a rebellion of the Mexicans by destroying
+the idols and planting the true cross in their place; or if that
+could not be now accomplished, to make a chapel for Christian
+worship in the temple. On this determination, seven officers and
+soldiers attended Cortes and Father Olmedo to wait upon
+Montezuma, to whom they communicated their wish, and their
+resolution to employ force if necessary. The king was much
+alarmed, and earnestly begged leave to consult with his priests
+on the subject. Cortes seemed touched with his situation, and
+made a signal to the officers and soldiers to retire, leaving him
+and Olmedo with the king. He then told him, that he would
+endeavour to prevail on the officers to be satisfied for the
+present, if a part of the great temple was appropriated for the
+reception of an altar and crucifix, by which his majesty would
+soon be convinced of the falsehood of his erroneous worship[10].
+To this proposal Montezuma reluctantly consented, with the
+appearance of much agitation and deep sorrow; and, an altar and
+crucifix being erected, mass was solemnly celebrated in the new
+chapel, for the care of which a proper person was appointed.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] We are duly sensible of the divine
+super-excellence of Christianity, and the gross barbarism of
+idolatry joined with abominable human sacrifices. Yet, the mere
+change of two crossed sticks and the images of Saint Somebody or
+Saint Nobody, for the idols of the Mexicans, under pretence of
+introducing the pure religion of the meek and holy Jesus, seems
+in our humble opinion a mere <i>qui pro quo</i>; and, when taken
+in conjunction with the proposed conversion by military
+execution, and the introduction of the bloody tribunal of the
+Inquisition, not one iota less idolatrous or less
+barbarous.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The whole time of our stay in this city was one continued
+series of alarms, sufficient to have destroyed us if we had not
+been supported by divine interposition. By this last measure,
+through the representations of the priests, acting on the
+prejudices of the people, our dangers were much increased. Their
+gods, as the priests alleged, threatened to desert them, unless
+we were destroyed for this violation of the temple, and an
+universal determination was formed to obey this manifestation of
+their commands. This resolution of the people was conveyed to
+Montezuma by the priests, and all his principal warriors; who,
+besides this subject of complaint on the score of religion, made
+many other representations respecting our misconduct, ever since
+our arrival in the empire. The page Orguetilla communicated many
+alarming circumstances which he had observed, to Cortes,
+respecting frequent secret conferences between Montezuma and his
+priests and nobles, and the angry and melancholy appearances
+which he had frequently seen the king assume on these occasions.
+Cortes was alarmed by this intelligence, and immediately waited
+on the king accompanied by his interpreters and five of his
+captains. Montezuma seemed much distressed during this
+conference, and declared to Cortes that he was extremely grieved
+at the manifestation of the will of his gods that we should all
+be put to death or expelled from Mexico: He therefore, as our
+sincere friend, earnestly recommended that we should not run the
+risk of incurring the indignation of his subjects, but should
+save our lives by a retreat whilst that remained within our
+power. Cortes and the rest were naturally much alarmed at this;
+but Cortes answered that he was principally concerned, because in
+the first place, he had no vessels for returning into his own
+country, and in the next place he would be under the necessity of
+taking Montezuma along with him, that he might present him to our
+emperor. He therefore entreated Montezuma to use every influence
+to restrain his priests and warriors from proceeding to violence,
+until we had time to build three ships for our conveyance, and
+offered immediately to send our ship-builders to fell timber and
+construct the vessels on the coast, requesting the king to order
+the assistance of his carpenters for this purpose, that there
+might be no delay. He repeated his request, that Montezuma would
+employ all his influence to prevent any insurrection in the city,
+and his endeavours to appease his priests and gods, providing
+that no human sacrifices were resorted to for that purpose.
+Martin Lopez, our principal ship-builder, was immediately
+dispatched to Villa Rica to commence building the three ships,
+which were put on the stocks without delay. During this interval,
+we remained in Mexico full of terror of being attacked by the
+whole force of a numerous and warlike people, exasperated by the
+insults we had heaped on their sovereign and their religious
+belief. Our apprehensions were continually kept alive by the
+information we received from Donna Marina, and the page
+Orteguilla; who, by understanding the language, obtained much
+information which must otherwise have escaped our knowledge. We
+kept however constant guard over Montezuma, and the strictest
+military discipline in our quarters, sleeping always in our
+armour, and having our horses saddled and bridled every night.
+Without meaning it as any boast, I may say this of myself, that
+my armour became as easy and familiar to me as if it had been a
+soft down bed. And so habituated am I to this, that now in my old
+age, when I make the circuit of my district, I never take a bed
+along with me, unless attended by stranger gentlemen, when I do
+so merely to avoid the appearance of poverty or avarice. Yet,
+even when I have one, I always sleep in my clothes; neither can I
+rest throughout the night, but get up to contemplate the stars,
+walking about without hat or cap, as I used to do on guard; yet
+thank GOD I never get cold, nor am I the worse for this practice.
+This is to be a true soldier! My readers must pardon this
+digression, which does not proceed from vanity, but to let him
+know what kind of men we were, the real conquerors of
+Mexico[11].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] Bernal Diaz neglects to accommodate his readers
+with the very useful appendage of dates; it therefore may be
+proper to remark that the Spaniards entered the city of Mexico
+for the first time on the 8th November 1519; and as Cortes left
+it in the beginning of May 1520, in his march against Narvaez, he
+had now spent about six months in the capital of a mighty empire,
+with hardly 450 soldiers.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION IX.</p>
+
+<p><i>Expedition of Narvaez to supersede Cortes in the command,
+and occurrences till the Defeat of that Officer by Cortes at
+Chempoalla</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Bishop of Burgos, who was president of the council of the
+Indies, bore unlimited sway in that department of the Spanish
+government during the absence of the emperor in Flanders. Owing
+to the representations of Velasquez against Cortes, he sent
+orders to him to seize and make us all prisoners at every hazard,
+as rebellious subjects. Velasquez therefore fitted out a fleet of
+nineteen ships from the Island of Cuba, in which he embarked an
+army of fourteen hundred soldiers, eighty of whom were cavalry,
+eighty musketeers, and eighty crossbow-men, with twenty pieces of
+cannon, and all necessary ammunition and appointments, giving the
+command in chief to Pamphilo de Narvaez. Such was his animosity
+against Cortes and us for having thrown off our dependance upon
+him, that he made a journey of above seventy leagues from the
+Havanna on purpose to expedite the preparations. At this time,
+the royal audience of St Domingo and the brethren of the order of
+St Jerorimo, being satisfied of our loyalty and great exertions
+in the service of God and the emperor, sent over the oydor Lucas
+Vasquez de Aillon to Cuba, with positive injunctions to stop the
+sailing of the armament against us; but as Velasquez was
+confident in the support of the bishop of Burgos, he gave no heed
+to the orders communicated to him by Aillon, who therefore went
+along with the armament, that he might endeavour as much as
+possible to prevent injury to the public service by his mediation
+and influence, and be at hand if necessary, to take possession of
+the country for the emperor, in virtue of his office.</p>
+
+<p>Narvaez arrived safe with his whole fleet in the harbour of St
+Juan de Ulua, except that he lost one small vessel during the
+voyage. Soon after his arrival, the soldiers who had been sent by
+Cortes to that part of the country in search of mines, went on
+board, and it is said gave thanks to God for being delivered from
+the command of Cortes and the dangers of the city of Mexico.
+Finding them in this mood, Narvaez ordered them to be plentifully
+supplied with wine, to make them more communicative. Cervantes
+the jester, who was one of these soldiers, under pretence of
+facetiousness, exposed to him all the discontents of our soldiers
+respecting the distribution of the treasure we had obtained, and
+informed him also of the bad state of the garrison in Villa Rica
+under Sandoval. The arrival of this new armament was soon
+communicated to Montezuma, who concealed the intelligence for
+some time from Cortes, and opened a private correspondence with
+Narvaez, to whom he sent many rich presents. Narvaez, in his
+correspondence with Montezuma, said every thing that was bad
+against Cortes and his troops, representing the whole of us as
+outcasts and robbers, and that the emperor, hearing of our evil
+conduct, and that we detained the great Montezuma in custody, had
+sent the present expedition for the express purpose of liberating
+him and putting us all to death. This intelligence gave great
+satisfaction to Montezuma, who thought we must necessarily be all
+destroyed, as he had got an exact account of their force
+represented to him in paintings: He accordingly transmitted very
+magnificent presents to Narvaez, and could ill conceal the
+satisfaction he had derived from the intelligence. Montezuma
+concealed the news of this armament from Cortes, who observed and
+was astonished at the alteration which it had produced on the
+kings manners and behaviour. At length however, from the
+circumstance of Cortes making him two visits in one day,
+Montezuma became apprehensive of the general procuring
+intelligence from any other quarter, and told him the news,
+pretending only to have just heard of it himself. Cortes
+expressed the utmost joy at the intelligence, and Montezuma
+shewed him the representations which had been transmitted to him,
+by which he learnt every thing he wished to know on the subject.
+He immediately left the king and communicated the intelligence to
+the troops, who got immediately under arms, and fired several
+vollies in token of our joy. We soon noticed, however, that
+Cortes was exceedingly pensive when alone, of which we could not
+divine the cause; till he soon afterwards convinced us, and
+explained that the armament was evidently designed against us;
+and he now, partly by promises and partly by gifts, as from his
+bounty of what was ours by good right, made interest with us to
+stand firmly by him in the approaching contest with Narvaez.</p>
+
+<p>From what had been told him by Cervantes and our other
+deserters, Narvaez was induced to send a deputation to Sandoval,
+demanding him to surrender the port of Villa Rica. He appointed
+three persons on this errand, Guavera a clergyman of abilities,
+Amarga, a relation of Velasquez, and one Vergara, a scrivener.
+Sandoval had received information of the arrival of the armament,
+and prepared to defend his post, as he rightly guessed that it
+was destined to act against us. He sent off all his invalids to
+an Indian village at some distance, and exhorting his soldiers to
+stand by him, he erected a gibbet, and placed a guard on the road
+to Chempoalla. On the arrival of the deputation from Narvaez at
+Villa Rica, they were astonished to meet none but Indians, as
+Sandoval had ordered all the soldiers to remain in their
+quarters, and remained at home himself; they knew not well how to
+proceed, but at length guessing by the appearance of the house
+that it belonged to the governor, they went in. Guavera
+immediately began the conversation, by representing the greatness
+of the force under Narvaez, and its object, which was to arrest
+Cortes and all his followers as traitors, and concluded by
+summoning Sandoval to surrender himself and his post to general
+Narvaez. Sandoval was much displeased, and told him, if it were
+not for the protection of his holy function, he would punish his
+insolence in calling those traitors who were more faithful
+subjects than either Narvaez or his employer Velasquez. He
+desired him to carry his demand to Cortes at Mexico, who would
+settle the business with him at that place. Guavera insisted to
+execute the commission on which he was sent, and ordered the
+scrivener Vergara to produce the authority under which they
+acted. But Sandoval stopped him, saying, "I know not whether your
+papers be true or false; but if you attempt to read any here I
+will order you to receive a hundred lashes." On this, Guavera
+exclaimed, "Why do you mind these traitors? read your
+commission." Sandoval, calling him a lying rascal, ordered them
+all to be seized: On which a number of Indians, who had been
+previously instructed, came in and threw nets over them, and
+instantly set out with them on their backs for Mexico, to which
+they were carried post by relays of Indians, through the several
+large and populous towns by the way, with a rapidity that
+confounded them, hardly knowing whether they were alive or dead,
+the whole seeming as if done by enchantment. Sandoval sent Pedro
+de Solis to accompany them, by whom he wrote a hasty letter to
+Cortes, giving him an account of all he knew. When the general
+got notice of their arrival in Mexico, he ordered us all under
+arms, released them immediately from their trammels, and made an
+apology for the rudeness of Sandoval, whom he greatly blamed. He
+entertained them with great hospitality and respect, giving them
+plenty of gold, and sent them back in a few days as gentle as
+lambs, who had come out against him as furious as lions.</p>
+
+<p>Our general was one whose resources were never exhausted, and
+it must not be concealed that his officers and soldiers supported
+him through all his difficulties by our valour in the field and
+our wisdom in council. On this occasion, we determined that it
+was proper to send letters to Narvaez and others of the new army,
+which they might receive previous to the return of Guavera. In
+these, we earnestly urged that no rash steps might be taken to
+endanger our general interest, by inciting the Indians to rise
+upon us; and held out every inducement of interest and friendship
+to the followers of Narvaez to bring them over to our party, not
+forgetting to treat secretly with such as we thought might be
+easiest wrought upon, as both Guavera and Vergara had informed
+Cortes that Narvaez was by no means on good terms with his
+officers, among whom gold well applied would work wonders. In his
+letters to Narvaez, Cortes adjured him by their former
+friendship, not to give encouragement to the Mexicans to rise and
+destroy us, seeing that they were ready to have recourse to any
+extremity to liberate Montezuma, whose dispositions were much
+altered for the worse since the arrival of this new armament, and
+the opening a correspondence between him and Narvaez. He was
+convinced, he said, that the expressions which Narvaez had been
+reported to use, could never have come from so wise a man, but
+must have been fabricated by such wretches as the buffoon
+Cervantes; and he concluded by offering an unlimited submission
+to the authority of Narvaez. Cortes wrote also to the secretary
+Andres de Duero, and Lucas Vasques the oydor, taking care to
+accompany his letters with valuable presents of gold. On
+receiving the letter from Cortes, Narvaez turned it into
+ridicule, handing it about among his officers, speaking of us all
+as traitors whom he would put to death without mercy. He declared
+he would cut off and eat the ears of Cortes, and a great deal of
+such braggart nonsense, and of course made no answer to the
+letters. Just at this time Father Olmedo arrived, bringing with
+him the private letters and presents. He went in the first place
+to wait upon Narvaez, intending to assure him that Cortes would
+be proud to serve under his command; but Narvaez would not listen
+to him, and did nothing but abuse both Cortes and him. He
+accordingly desisted from that part of his commission which
+related to an agreement with Narvaez, and applied himself to the
+distribution of presents among the officers with so much judgment
+and success, that he soon won over all the principal officers to
+our party. If the oydor Vasques was originally disposed to favour
+Cortes, he was entirely so on seeing the magnificent presents
+which were now distributed with so much liberality; which formed
+a striking contrast with the avarice of Narvaez, who used to
+enjoin his major domo to take heed that not a mantle were
+missing, as he had marked down every article committed to his
+charge. This penuriousness set all his officers against him,
+which he attributed to the intrigues of Vasques; and as there was
+a difference between them, because Narvaez neglected to inform
+him respecting every thing sent in by order of Montezuma, of
+which he ought to have been informed as oydor, an irreconcileable
+quarrel ensued; and depending on the favour of the bishop of
+Burgos, Narvaez caused the oydor to be arrested, and sent
+prisoner to Cuba or Spain, I know not which. But during the
+voyage, Vasques prevailed on the captain of the ship to land him
+in Hispaniola, where he so represented the treatment he had
+received to the Audience and the Jeronimites, that they
+complained to the council of Castile, but ineffectually, owing to
+the influence of the bishop of Burgos in favour of Narvaez. About
+this time too, a gentleman named Oblanco, made remonstrances to
+Narvaez respecting his violence, saying a good deal in favour of
+Cortes and his troops, with which Narvaez was so much offended
+that he threw him into prison; which Oblanco took so much to
+heart that he died three days after.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the arrival of Father Olmedo, Guevara and his two
+companions returned from Mexico, and launched out in praise of
+Cortes, reporting the many expressions of respect he had used in
+speaking of Narvaez; and, commending the services he had already
+performed to our emperor, they expatiated on the advantages which
+would result from uniting their forces, instead of fomenting a
+civil war. All this put Narvaez into such a rage that he refused
+to see them any more, and commanded them to be silent on this
+hateful subject. They carried their discourse therefore among
+their comrades; and when they saw how well furnished with gold
+these men had returned from Mexico, they began seriously to wish
+themselves in the army of Cortes.</p>
+
+<p>Narvaez now quitted the coast with his army and took
+possession of the town of Chempoalla; immediately on his arrival
+seizing by force the young women who had been given to the
+officers of Cortes by their parents, with all the gold and
+mantles which had been left in the custody of the fat cacique
+along with the ladies, when we set out on our march to Mexico.
+When the cacique complained of this to Narvaez, and of the
+robberies committed by his soldiers, saying that Cortes and his
+soldiers conducted themselves in quite a different manner, a
+bragging fellow called Salvatierra exclaimed, "See what fear
+these Indians are in for the sorry fellow Cortes!" yet this
+boaster, who was so ready with his tongue, was the most cowardly
+wretch I ever beheld, when we came afterwards to attack the army
+of Narvaez. About this time, Narvaez transmitted to Cortes a copy
+of the commission he had received from the governor of Cuba, the
+particulars of which I shall detail hereafter. Cortes received
+regular intelligence of every thing done by Narvaez, partly from
+the friends he had made in the adverse army and partly from
+Sandoval, who now informed him that five persons of consideration
+had joined from the army of Narvaez, who alleged for their
+reason, that being the relations of the oydor Vasquez, who had
+met with such injurious treatment, they had little hopes of being
+themselves well used; and he added, that these persons said
+Narvaez meant very soon to march to Mexico against us. On this
+being made known to such of us as Cortes used generally to
+consult with, he agreed with us in opinion that it was advisable
+for us to march immediately against Narvaez and his army, leaving
+the command in Mexico with Alvarado; and we left under his charge
+all those men who were not inclined to be of the present
+hazardous expedition, and all whom we suspected to have an
+inclination for the party of Narvaez or Velasquez. We also left
+with Alvarado a sufficient supply of provisions, in case the
+Mexicans should refuse to supply him, and because the late
+harvest had been deficient, in consequence of too dry a season.
+Our quarters were strengthened by the addition of a good
+pallisade, and, besides four heavy guns, we left a garrison of
+eighty-three men, twenty-four of whom were armed with muskets or
+cross-bows: a very inadequate force, surely, for keeping the
+great and populous city of Mexico in awe.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to our departure, Cortes paid a visit to Montezuma,
+who questioned him very anxiously about the difference between
+him and Narvaez, as both were vassals of the same sovereign, and
+desired an explanation of the charges which the new comers had
+made against us, that we were outcasts and traitors. He likewise
+asked if he could serve us in any way, expressing an apprehension
+of our safety, considering the great superiority under Narvaez.
+Cortes replied in a cheerful manner, that he had not sooner
+informed him of our intended departure, lest it might give him
+concern; that we certainly were all subjects to the same monarch,
+but that the report of our being traitors and fugitives was
+utterly false, as we had come into his country with full
+authority from our sovereign. As to the other party destroying us
+by their superiority in numbers, that did not depend on them, but
+on the will of our Lord and his holy mother, who would support
+us. He added, that our sovereign ruled over many different
+countries, the inhabitants of some of which were more valiant
+than those of others; that we were all true Castilians, while the
+commander of our opponents was a Biscayan, and his majesty would
+soon see the difference between us, as he trusted by the blessing
+of God to bring them all back as prisoners. He concluded by
+recommending in the strongest terms to Montezuma, to use his
+utmost endeavours to prevent any insurrection in the city during
+our absence; as, on his return, he would assuredly punish all in
+a most exemplary manner who behaved amiss. Montezuma promised to
+do every thing which Cortes required, and even offered to assist
+us with five thousand of his warriors, which Cortes politely
+declined, knowing indeed that the king had not that in his power,
+if he even wished to have done so. Then requesting Montezuma to
+cause due respect to be paid to that part of the great temple
+which had been consecrated to the Christian worship, he embraced
+Montezuma with much cordiality and took leave. He then called
+Alvarado and the garrison which was to remain in Mexico, all of
+whom he strictly enjoined to be extremely watchful, and to take
+special care not to allow Montezuma to escape; promising to make
+them all rich on his return, if he found they had done their
+duty. On this occasion of leaving Mexico, he left the clergyman
+Juan Diaz with Alvarado, and some other persons whose fidelity he
+questioned.</p>
+
+<p>We began our march from Mexico in the beginning of May
+1520[1], making our first halt at Cholula. From that place we
+sent a message to the senate of Tlascala, requiring them to
+assist us with four thousand of their warriors. They sent us
+twenty loads of fowls, saying that they were ready at any time to
+join us in war against Indians, but begged to be excused if we
+were marching against our own countrymen. At this time likewise,
+Cortes sent orders to Sandoval to join our little army with the
+whole of his garrison that was fit for duty, at a place named
+Tampinequeta or Mitalaquita[2], twelve leagues from Chempoalla.
+We marched in regular order without baggage, having always two
+confidential soldiers in advance about a days journey, who were
+directed not to keep the main road, but to go always by those in
+which cavalry could not march, and whose especial business was to
+inquire for intelligence respecting the motions of Narvaez, which
+they were to communicate without delay to Cortes. When we had
+proceeded a considerable way on our march, one of our advanced
+parties fell in with four Spaniards belonging to the army of
+Narvaez, who were bringing to Cortes a copy of his commission and
+instructions as captain-general in New Spain. On being brought to
+the general, they saluted him respectfully, and he immediately
+dismounted in order to hear what they had to say. Alonzo de Mata,
+who was at the head of the deputation, produced his papers and
+began to read them; but Cortes stopt him short, demanding if he
+were a royal notary; as in that case, by shewing his commission,
+he would be implicitly obeyed, but if he had no such authority,
+he certainly would not be allowed to read any pretended orders.
+"The commands of his majesty," said Cortes, "I shall submit to
+with the utmost humility; but, I desire that the original may be
+produced." Mata was confounded at these words, as he held no
+office whatever under the crown, and was entirely at a loss how
+to proceed. But Cortes relieved him from his embarrassment,
+telling him our destination, and that he was ready to receive any
+message from his general, of whom he always spoke with great
+respect, but would listen to no orders that were not sanctioned
+by the royal authority. We halted for some time at this place,
+and Cortes had some private conferences with these agents of
+Narvaez, with whom he used such powerful arguments that he made
+them his firm friends. They returned to Chempoalla, quite loud in
+their praises of Cortes, crying up his generosity to the skies,
+and made a magnificent report of the riches of our soldiers, many
+of whom had ornaments of gold on their arms, and some of them
+gold chains and collars about their necks.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] The date is supplied in the text from attentive
+consideration of dates mentioned by Diaz in the sequel, and in
+this date Clavigero, II. 97, agrees. Diaz gives no account of the
+strength of Cortes on the present occasion, but afterwards
+mentions 206 soldiers, with five horsemen and two gunners,
+independent of 70 more who joined under Sandoval from the
+garrison of Villa Rica. This would make the whole force 285
+soldiers, against 1400 who were under the command of
+Narvaez.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] No such place is to be found in the map of
+Clavigero, nor in that recently published by
+Humbolt.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Next day, Sandoval joined with the garrison of Villa Rica, to
+the number of about seventy men, with whom came the five
+Spaniards who had deserted from Narvaez, who were very graciously
+received by Cortes. Sandoval reported that he had sent two of his
+soldiers, a little time before into the quarters of Narvaez, who
+went disguised like Indians, having each a load of fruit for
+sale, and their complexions so completely resembled the natives
+that they were never suspected. They went immediately to the
+quarters of the braggart Salvatierra, who gave them a string of
+yellow beads for their fruit, and sent them to cut grass for his
+horse on the banks of a small rivulet. They brought home the last
+load of grass in the evening, and having fed the horse, they
+remained about the place till night, listening to the
+conversation of Salvatierra, whom they heard observing to some of
+his companions, how luckily they had come at the present moment
+to deprive the traitor Cortes of the 700,000 crowns which he had
+obtained from Montezuma. When it was dark, our disguised soldiers
+got privately out of the house, and took away Salvatierras horse
+with the saddle and bridle, and meeting another horse by the way,
+which happened to be lame, they brought it along with them.
+Cortes laughed heartily at this exploit; and we learned
+afterwards that Salvatierra gave much amusement to the soldiers
+of Narvaez, by his absurd behaviour on discovering the trick
+which had been played upon him.</p>
+
+<p>It was now resolved in a general consultation of our little
+army, to send a letter in all our names to Narvaez, by the hands
+of Father Olmedo, of which the following is the purport: "We had
+rejoiced on hearing of the arrival of so noble a person with so
+fine an army, by which we expected great advantages to have been
+derived to our holy religion and to the service of our sovereign;
+but on the contrary he had reviled us as traitors, and had
+occasioned the whole country to revolt. Our general had already
+offered to resign to him whatever provinces or territories he
+might be inclined to occupy, but nothing would serve him except
+treating our general and us as rebels, who had proved ourselves
+by our actions faithful subjects to the emperor. If he came by
+the authority of a commission from his majesty, we demanded to
+see the original within three days, for which purpose we had
+advanced to this place, and were ready to obey it in all humility
+and reverence: but, if he had no such authority, we required him
+to return immediately to Cuba, and not to make any attempt to
+throw the country which we had conquered into confusion; as
+otherwise we should deem it our bounden duty to send him as a
+prisoner to his majesty, to be dealt with according to his royal
+pleasure. We declared that he was answerable for all the
+lamentable consequences which might follow from his unlawful
+conduct; and that we had sent this letter by its present
+conveyance, since no royal notary could undertake to deliver our
+remonstrance in due form, after the violence which he had
+committed against his majesties oydor Vasquez, a treasonable act,
+the perpetrator of which our general was bound to apprehend and
+bring to justice, and for which we now cited him to appear and
+answer for his conduct." This letter was concluded in terms of
+great respect, and was signed by Cortes, all the captains, and
+several of the most confidential of the soldiers. It was sent by
+the reverend Father Olmedo, accompanied by a soldier named
+Ulagre, whose brother was in the army of Narvaez as commander of
+his artillery. Olmedo waited on Narvaez with great respect on his
+arrival at Chempoalla; and proceeded afterwards to execute the
+secret commission with which he had been entrusted, by a liberal
+distribution of gold among certain officers of the army of
+Narvaez, among whom were Rodrigo Mira, Ulagre, and Andres de
+Duero, which last he invited to pay a visit to Cortes. Narvaez
+soon began to suspect the real object of Olmedo, and was much
+inclined to have made him a prisoner: but Duero, who had much
+influence over Narvaez, both on account of his situation and
+because they were in some degree related, represented the
+impropriety of such an outrage against a person of his holy
+functions, and dissuaded him from doing so. He also suggested to
+him the great probability of his being able to gain over the
+soldiers of Cortes to his party, by means of a little policy. By
+these arguments he appeased Narvaez for the present, and went
+immediately to Olmedo whom he informed of all that had
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, Narvaez sent for Olmedo, who requested to
+speak with him in private; when he told him good-humouredly that
+he knew his intentions of making him a prisoner, in which he was
+much to blame, as there was no one whatever more devoted to his
+service, and he knew that there were many persons with Cortes,
+who would gladly see their commander delivered up to his
+excellency; in proof of which he had a letter which Cortes had
+written at the suggestion of these very persons who wished to
+deliver him up; which letter was so full of ridiculous
+absurdities that he was frequently tempted to throw it away, but
+would now with his permission lay it before him. He accordingly
+went, as he pretended for the letter, which he alleged was with
+his baggage, but in reality to bring Duero and others along with
+him, that they might witness its delivery. In order to contrive
+an interview with Cortes, Duero proposed that a communication
+should be opened between Narvaez and him; and Augustin Bermudez,
+a secret friend of Cortes, proposed that Duero and Salvatierra
+should be sent on this business, well knowing the character of
+Salvatierra to be disinclined to any such employment. It was at
+last settled that Duero should wait upon Cortes, and invite him
+to a conference with Narvaez at a convenient place between the
+two armies, where they might treat of an accommodation and
+arrange their future measures: And it was resolved that Narvaez
+should make him prisoner at the conference, for which twenty of
+his most confidential soldiers were prepared. Duero carried
+intelligence immediately to Cortes, and Father Olmedo remained at
+the quarters of Narvaez, having scraped acquaintance with
+Salvatierra, under pretence of relationship, with whom he dined
+every day.</p>
+
+<p>On first learning the arrival of Narvaez, Cortes sent one of
+his soldiers named Barrientos, who had served in Italy and was
+well acquainted with the management of the pike, to the province
+of the Chinantlans, who had lately entered into alliance with us.
+That nation used lances or pikes much longer than ours, having
+heads of sharpened stone, and Barrientos was directed to obtain
+300 of these lances for our use. There was plenty of excellent
+copper in the country of the Chinantlans, and Barrientos was
+directed to get two heads of this metal for each lance, and these
+were executed so ingeniously that they were better made even than
+the pattern sent. He also obtained a promise of 2000 warriors of
+that nation to join us, who were to be armed in the same manner,
+but they did not arrive till after we had overcome Narvaez. All
+this being settled, Barrientos arrived at our quarters attended
+by 200 Chinantlans carrying the lances he had procured. On trial
+these were found excellent, and we were immediately exercised in
+their use. A muster was now made of our force, which amounted to
+two hundred and six men, including fife and drum, with five
+mounted cavalry, two artillery-men, few cross-bows, and fewer
+musketeers. This being the force, and such the weapons, with
+which we marched against and defeated the vastly superior army of
+Narvaez.</p>
+
+<p>I have formerly mentioned that the secretary Duero and the
+contador Lares had negociated the appointment of Cortes as
+general of our expedition, and that they were to enjoy equal
+shares with him in all the treasure he should acquire. Lares was
+some time dead, and Duero seeing how wealthy Cortes had become,
+used the colour of the proposed treaty between Narvaez and
+Cortes, in order to have an opportunity of an interview with
+Cortes, that he might remind him of their agreement. Cortes not
+only promised faithfully to perform his engagement, but promised
+him an equal command with himself, and an equal share of
+territory when the conquest of the country was completed. It was
+accordingly agreed upon between them, in concurrence with
+Augustin Bermudez, who was alguazil-major of the army of Narvaez,
+and many other officers whom I do not name, to get Narvaez put
+out of the command in favour of Cortes. In order to confirm these
+in his interest, and to gain over others, Cortes was more liberal
+than ever in his presents, and on the present occasion loaded the
+two Indians who attended on Duero with gold. On one of the days
+of intercourse, after Cortes and Duero had been a considerable
+time together in private, and had dined, Duero asked him on
+mounting his horse to go away, if he had any farther commands. To
+this Cortes replied, "Remember what has been settled between us,
+or if you don't, I shall be in your quarters before three days,
+and you shall be the first person at whom I will throw my lance."
+Duero answered laughing, that he would not fail, and immediately
+set off for the quarters of Narvaez, where he is reported to have
+said that Cortes and all his men were ready to submit to the
+command of Narvaez. Soon after this, Cortes sent for Juan
+Velasquez de Leon, a person of much consideration, who had always
+been greatly attached to him, though a near relation of the
+governor of Cuba. On coming to his quarters, Cortes addressed him
+in smooth and persuasive terms, which he could always assume at
+pleasure:--"Duero has informed me that Narvaez is anxious to see
+you at his quarters, and that it is generally believed I am
+completely ruined if you go there. Now my worthy friend, I desire
+you to put on your gold chain, mount your grey mare, take all
+your gold along with you and more which I will give you; go
+immediately and fix yourself with Narvaez, and distribute the
+gold which I confide to you according to my directions."
+Velasquez was perfectly willing to do as he was desired, but
+objected to the measure of carrying his own treasure along with
+him, and after a secret conference with Cortes he set out for
+Chempoalla. De Leon arrived there by day-break, and as the
+Indians were rejoiced to see him, the news soon reached Narvaez,
+who came out to meet and embrace him. After paying his
+compliments, Velasquez said his only object there was to
+endeavour to make an amicable arrangement between Narvaez and
+Cortes; upon which Narvaez took him aside and asked him how he
+could propose to treat for such a traitor? Velasquez desired that
+no such injurious epithet might be used in his presence, as
+Cortes was a most zealous and faithful officer. Narvaez then
+offered to make him second in command under himself if he would
+renounce Cortes; but Velasquez declared he would never quit one
+who had done such signal services for God and the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>By this time all the principal officers in the army of Narvaez
+had come up to salute Velasquez, who was an universal favourite,
+as he was very polite and well bred, and had a fine person and
+handsome countenance. At this time he cut a fine martial figure,
+as he had a massy gold chain which made two turns round his body
+and over his shoulders, so that he impressed every one with
+respect. Bermudez the alguazil-major and Duero wished much to
+have had some private communication with Velasquez; but just at
+this time Captain Gamarra, Juan Yuste, Juan Buono, and
+Salvatierra the braggadocio, persuaded Narvaez to give private
+orders for taking Velasquez into custody, for having spoken so
+boldly in defence of Cortes; but the others who had come over to
+the interest of Cortes, strongly represented the impropriety and
+impolicy of such rash conduct, and Narvaez again spoke in a
+friendly manner to Velasquez, whom he invited to dine with him,
+and entreated his assistance to bring Cortes and the rest of us
+into his power. Velasquez now agreed to forward this design, but
+represented Cortes as headstrong and resolute, advising that
+Narvaez and he should divide the country between them, each
+taking separate provinces. At this time Olmedo came up, and
+advised Narvaez to order his troops under arms, that Velasquez
+might see them and report to Cortes, who would be terrified when
+he knew their strength. The troops were accordingly turned out in
+review order, and Velasquez complimented Narvaez on their number
+and martial appearence, wishing him an increase of his power.
+Narvaez said he hoped Velasquez was now satisfied how easily he
+could crush Cortes and his despicable force; to which Velasquez
+replied, he hoped they knew how to defend themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Velasquez dined next day with Narvaez, where a captain in his
+army who was nephew to the governor of Cuba happened to be, who
+used very insulting language respecting Cortes. On this Velasquez
+requested of Narvaez, that such insulting language might not be
+allowed in his hearing; but the other gentleman continued his
+abuse, and even took great liberties with Velasquez himself; who,
+laying his hand on his sword, asked permission from Narvaez to
+chastise that base liar. The other officers who were present
+interfered to prevent mischief, and advised both Velasquez and
+Olmedo to retire. Velasquez accordingly mounted his excellent
+grey mare, in his helmet and coat of mail, with his gold chain
+about his shoulders, and took leave of Narvaez, who returned his
+salute with apparent coldness. The young captain was again very
+violent in his abuse; on which Velasquez swore by his beard, that
+he should see in a few days what stuff he was made of. Then,
+taking a hasty leave of the bystanders, he put spurs to his good
+grey mare and was soon out of sight, as he had some hint or
+suspicion that Narvaez might send after him, and even saw some
+horsemen following him apparently for that purpose, but he was
+too well mounted for their pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>In about two hours after Velasquez had left our camp to visit
+Narvaez, the drum beat to arms, and our little army set forwards
+on our march for Chempoalla. We killed two wild hogs on our way,
+which our soldiers considered as a good omen of our ultimate
+success. We halted for the night on the side of a rivulet, having
+the ground for a bed, stones for our pillows, and heaven for our
+canopy, and arrived next day at the place where the city of Vera
+Cruz is now built, which was then an Indian village in a grove of
+trees. Being mid-day and the weather extremely sultry, we stopped
+here for rest and refreshment, being much fatigued by the weight
+of our lances and armour. While here, a report was brought from
+one of our out-posts that some horsemen were in sight, who turned
+out to be Velasquez and Olmedo, who were received by Cortes, and
+all of us with much joy, and we all came round them to hear the
+news. Velasquez told Cortes in what manner he had executed his
+commission and distributed the presents among the officers of
+Narvaez. Then our merry Father Olmedo gave an account by what
+finesse he had persuaded Narvaez to read our letter; how he had
+made the foolish braggart Salvatierra believe they were cousins,
+and of the ridiculous bravadoes he uttered, as how he would kill
+Cortes and all of us in revenge for the loss of his horse; then
+how he had prevailed on Narvaez to turn out his troops in review,
+merely to laugh at him; and in all these stories he mimicked
+Narvaez and Salvatierra most admirably, so that we laughed and
+enjoyed ourselves as if going to a wedding-feast, though we well
+knew that on the morrow we must conquer or die, having to attack
+five times our number. Such is the fortune of war! After the heat
+of the day was over, we proceeded on our march, and halted for
+the night at a river about a league from Chempoalla, where there
+is now a bridge and a dairy farm.</p>
+
+<p>After the departure of Father Olmedo and Velasquez from the
+quarters of Narvaez, some of his officers gave him warning of the
+secret practices going on, and advised him to be on his guard, as
+Cortes had many friends in his army. The fat cacique of
+Chempoalla, being terrified for being called to account by Cortes
+for delivering up the women and mantles that had been confided to
+his care, was extremely vigilant in watching all our motions.
+Finding that we drew near Chempoalla, he said to Narvaez, "Why
+are you so careless! <i>Malinatzin</i> and his <i>teules</i> will
+come upon you by surprise and put you all to death." Narvaez,
+being confident in his vast superiority, laughed heartily at the
+fears of the fat cacique, yet did not neglect the warning. In the
+first place, he declared war against us as rebels, with fire,
+sword, and rope, and then drew up his whole army, cavalry,
+artillery, and infantry, in a plain about a quarter of a league
+from Chempoalla, where he resolved to wait for us; all of which
+we learned from a soldier, named El Galleguillo, who either
+deserted to us, or was sent by Duero to Cortes. The day happened
+to be very rainy, and the troops of Narvaez, being unaccustomed
+to hardships, and despising our small number, became restless and
+dissatisfied with their situation, on which his officers advised
+him to march them back to quarters, which he did, placing all his
+guns in a line before the house in which he lodged. He likewise
+placed a grand guard of forty cavalry on the road by which we
+were expected to advance, and some cavalry videts and active foot
+soldiers at the ford where we must pass on our way to Chempoalla.
+Twenty of his cavalry were also appointed to patrole during the
+whole night around his quarters. All this was done by the advice
+of his officers, who were anxious to get under cover, and who
+alleged it was absurd to suppose that Cortes would venture to
+attack them with so pitiful a handful of men, and that he only
+advanced from ostentation, or to induce them to come to an
+agreement. On returning to quarters, Narvaez publickly offered a
+reward of two thousand crowns to whoever should kill Cortes or
+Sandoval; and he stationed as spies at the ford, Gonzalo
+Carrasco, who now dwells in La Puebla, and a soldier named
+Hurtado. He also filled his own quarters, and those of
+Salvatierra, Gamarra, and Buono, with musketeers, crossbow-men,
+and soldiers armed with partizans or halberts.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at the river which runs through the rich meadows
+about a league from Chempoalla, having appointed trusty
+out-guards, Cortes summoned all his officers and soldiers round
+him, and addressed us as follows: "Gentlemen! you well know that
+the governor of Cuba selected me as your general, although there
+are many among you as worthy of the command. You also know that
+it was publickly proclaimed and believed among us, that we were
+to conquer and colonize this country, whereas our instructions
+were only to barter with the natives for gold. You will recollect
+my determination to have returned to Cuba, to give an account of
+my mission to Velasquez, when I was required by you to remain and
+colonize the country for his majesties service, appointing me
+your captain-general and chief magistrate, till his majesties
+pleasure was made known, and that we have in consequence
+essentially served God, and the interest of our sovereign. I beg
+leave to remind you, that we have written to the king, giving him
+a full account of this country, and all that we have done and
+suffered for his service, requesting that the government might
+not be conferred on any unworthy person, and how we transmitted
+all the treasure to his majesty that we had obtained. You
+likewise know, that fearing the arts and influence of the bishop
+of Burgos and his favourite Velasquez, we came to a resolution to
+maintain his majesties rights and government in this country,
+till his royal mandate, duly authenticated, should be produced to
+us. I must now remind you to what dangers you have been exposed
+in various sanguinary battles, what hardships you have suffered
+from hunger and fatigue, and the inclemencies of the weather,
+having often been obliged to sleep on the ground in rain, wind,
+and snow, during all which, above fifty of your companions have
+died, and many of your own wounds are still unhealed. I recal to
+your remembrance, your numerous sufferings by sea and land, and
+the perils of Tabasco, Tlascala, and Cholula, where the boilers
+were already on the fires in which your limbs were to have been
+prepared for the barbarous repast of your savage enemies. And
+lastly, your hazardous entry into Mexico, the seizure of its
+powerful sovereign, and its occupation in the face of an immense
+and warlike population for more than six months. Let me now state
+the reward of all these dangerous and brilliant services. Narvaez
+is sent here by your enemies the governor of Cuba and bishop of
+Burgos, to strip you of your well-earned fame and dear-bought
+treasures. By aspersing your characters with the great Montezuma
+he has occasioned the defection of the natives who had submitted
+to our government, and he proclaims exterminating war against us
+with fire, sword, and rope, as if we were infidel Moors." He said
+a great deal more to the same purpose, exalting our merits and
+valour to the skies, and after a profusion of compliments and
+promises, he concluded by observing that this Narvaez, who had
+come to deprive us of our lives and properties, and had
+imprisoned the royal oydor for endeavouring to defend us, only
+held his command through the favour of our great enemy the bishop
+of Burgos; and it became us therefore, as faithful subjects, to
+make a bold stand in defence of the royal rights, and our own
+lives and properties: He therefore now wished to know our
+determination on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>The whole officers and soldiers declared unanimously that we
+were ready to follow him, and determined to conquer or die. We
+desired, therefore, that we might hear no more said about an
+accommodation with Narvaez, or a partition of the country; as in
+that case we would plunge our swords into his body, and elect
+another chief. Cortes highly extolled our spirited declaration,
+saying that he expected no less from men of our valour; adding a
+multitude of fine promises and flattering assurances that he
+would make us all rich and great. Then adverting to the
+approaching attack, he earnestly enjoined us to observe the
+strictest discipline, and the most profound silence, observing
+that success in battle often depended a great deal more on
+prudent conduct and precise obedience, than on the most
+determined bravery: He well knew, he said, that our ardour would
+prompt every one of us to strive who should be most forward in
+the battle, but it was indispensably necessary that we should be
+distributed into companies, having each our distinct duties to
+perform. The first thing necessary to be done, was to seize the
+enemies artillery, and for this duty he selected seventy
+soldiers, among whom I was one, over whom he appointed to the
+command his relation Pizarro, an active young man, but then as
+little known to fame as the kingdom of Peru. Our farther orders
+were, as soon as we had got possession of the guns, that we were
+to join and support the detachment which was to attack the
+quarters of Narvaez. This duty was assigned to Sandoval at the
+head of seventy select men; and, as he was alguazil-major of our
+army, he was provided with a formal warrant to arrest the body of
+Pamphilo de Narvaez, for having imprisoned an officer of his
+majesty, and to put him to death in case of resistance. Cortes
+also promised a reward of three thousand crowns to the first
+soldier who should lay hands on Narvaez, two thousand to the
+second, and one thousand to the third. Juan Velasquez de Leon was
+appointed with a third body of seventy men, to seize his relation
+Diego Velasquez; and Cortes retained a body of reserve of twenty
+men, to act whatever he might see occasion, and in particular to
+support the intended attack on the quarters of Narvaez and
+Salvatierra, which were in the lofty temple of Chempoalla[3].
+Having thus arranged the troops and instructed our leaders, he
+addressed us in a short speech, saying, That he well knew the
+army of Narvaez was four times more numerous than we, but they
+were unaccustomed to arms, and many of them ill; he trusted
+therefore in this unexpected attack, that God would give us
+victory, and that it was better to die gloriously than to live
+dishonoured. I have often reflected on this circumstance, that in
+all his addresses to us, he never once mentioned a word
+respecting those in the army of Narvaez who were our friends; in
+which he acted the part of a wise commander, making us to rely
+entirely on our own prowess, without counting on any assistance.
+Our three detachments were now formed, having each their captains
+at their head, explaining to us our particular duties, while we
+mutually encouraged each other to hope for victory. Pizarro, our
+leader, directed us to rush forwards upon the guns, with our
+lances at the charge, and immediately on getting possession, the
+artillery-men who were attached to our division, were to point
+and fire them against the quarters of Narvaez. Those who happened
+at this moment to be deficient in defensive armour, would have
+given every thing they had in the world for a morion, a helmet,
+or a breast-plate. Our countersign for the engagement was
+<i>Spiritu Santo</i>, that of Narvaez <i>Santa Maria</i>. Just
+before marching, Captain Sandoval, who had always been my
+intimate friend, called me aside, and made me promise, if I
+survived the capture of the guns, I should seek out and attach
+myself to him during the rest of the battle.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] These numbers, as arranged for the attack on
+Narvaez, only amount to 230 men. At the occupation of Mexico the
+Spanish army is said to have been about 450, besides the garrison
+of Villa Rica. Eighty-three men are stated to have been left in
+Mexico under the command of Alvarado, which would still leave 367
+to march under Cortes for Chempoalla, to which 70 being added
+from Villa Rica under Sandoval, would raise the amount of the
+army now under Cortes to about 437 men, so that about 207 are
+unaccounted for in the arrangement for the attack, besides Ordas,
+and other eminent captains are not now mentioned in the text. We
+may, therefore, reasonably conclude, that these captains and the
+unaccounted for remaining force of Cortes, were left at the ford
+of the river, about a league from Chempoalla, as a rear guard, on
+which to retreat in case of a defeat, or may have formed a main
+body for the assault.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>All things being arranged, we remained waiting the order to
+march, and reflecting with much anxiety on what was before us. I
+was stationed at an advanced post, where soon afterwards a
+patrole came to me, asking if I had heard any thing, to which I
+answered that I had not. A corporal came up to my post soon
+after, who said that Galleguillo, the deserter from Narvaez, was
+missing, and was suspected of having come among us as a spy, for
+which reason Cortes had given orders to march immediately. The
+drum was soon heard beating for us to fall in, and the captains
+were calling over their companies. We joined the column, and soon
+after found the missing soldier sleeping under some mantles to
+relieve his fatigue, as he had not been accustomed to hardships.
+We marched on at a quick pace, and in profound silence, and on
+arriving at the river, surprised the two videts of Narvaez, one
+of whom we made prisoner, and the other flying into the town
+before us, spread the alarm of our approach. Owing to rain the
+river was deeper than usual, and the ford was difficult to pass,
+from loose stones and the weight of our armour. Carrasco the
+videt, whom we had taken, exclaimed to Cortes, "Do not advance,
+Senior Cortes, for Narvaez and all his force is drawn out to
+receive you." We proceeded, however, with all expedition, and on
+coming to the town, heard the other man who had escaped giving
+the alarm, and Narvaez calling on his officers to turn out. Our
+company was at the head of the column; and rushing on with
+charged lances, we soon made ourselves masters of the guns, the
+artillery-men having only time to discharge four, one only of
+which took effect, and killed three of our men. Our whole force
+now advanced, and brought down seven of the enemies cavalry; but
+we could not for some time quit the guns, as the enemy kept up a
+smart discharge of musketry and arrows from the quarters of
+Narvaez. Sandoval and his company pressed forwards to climb the
+steps of the temple, in which attempt he was resisted by the
+enemy, with musketry, partizans, and lances, and was even forced
+down six or seven steps. At this time, seeing that the artillery
+was no longer in danger of being rescued, our company, with
+Captain Pizarro at their head, went to the assistance of
+Sandoval, when we jointly made the enemy give ground in their
+turn; and at this critical moment I heard Narvaez crying out,
+"Santa Maria assist me! they have slain me, and beat out one of
+my eyes!" On hearing this we shouted out, "Victory! victory! for
+the Espiritu Santo! Narvaez is dead!" Still we were unable to
+force our way into the temple, till Martin Lopez, who was very
+tall, set the thatch on fire, and forced those within to rush
+down the steps to save themselves from being burnt to death.
+Sanches Farfan laid hold on Narvaez, whom we carried prisoner to
+Sandoval, along with several other captive captains, continually
+shouting, "Victory! victory! Long live the king and Cortes!
+Narvaez is slain!"</p>
+
+<p>While this was going on with us, Cortes and the rest of our
+army were engaged with some of the enemy who occupied some other
+lofty temples. When the cause of our shouts was understood,
+Cortes notified to them the fall of their commander, proclaiming
+that all who did not instantly submit should be put to death; yet
+those who were in the temple, commanded by Diego Velasquez and
+Salvatierra would not submit, till Sandoval with half of our
+body, and the captured guns, forced his way into the temple and
+made them all prisoners. Sandoval now returned to take charge of
+Narvaez, who was doubly ironed; and we now, had in custody
+besides him, Salvatierra, Diego Velasquez, Gamarra, Juan Yuste,
+Juan Buono, and many other principal persons. At this time Cortes
+came in unobserved, extremely fatigued; and addressing Sandoval,
+said it was impossible to describe the labour he had experienced;
+then asked, "What has become of Narvaez?" Sandoval told him that
+Narvaez was here safe. Cortes then said, "Son Sandoval, keep good
+watch over him and the other officers." After which he hastened
+away, and caused proclamation to be made, that all should lay
+down their arms and submit. The whole of this happened during the
+night, during which there were frequent showers, with intervals
+of moon-shine; but at the moment of attack it was extremely dark,
+with multitudes of fire flies, which the soldiers of Narvaez
+mistook for the lighted matches of our musketry. Narvaez was
+badly wounded, and had one of his eyes beaten out, on which
+account he requested to send for Master Juan the surgeon; and
+while he was getting his eye dressed Cortes entered the room,
+when Narvaez said to him: "Senior Cortes! thank your good fortune
+for having made me your prisoner." Cortes answered, That his
+thanks were due to God and his valiant soldiers, who had
+succeeded in more difficult achievements since they came to New
+Spain; and he considered the arrest of the royal oydor was more
+daring than our present attack. He then left the room, with
+strict injunctions to Sandoval to keep strict guard. Narvaez and
+the rest of the captured officers were removed into a more secure
+apartment, where I and some other confidential soldiers were
+appointed for their guard, and Sandoval gave me a private order
+to allow no one to speak with Narvaez.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes knew that forty of the enemies cavalry were still at an
+outpost on the river, and that it was necessary to keep a good
+look out, lest they might attack us for the rescue of their
+officers. He sent, therefore, De Oli and De Ordas to speak with
+them, on two horses which were found fastened in a wood, and
+guided by one of the soldiers of Narvaez. By their arguments and
+fair promises, the horsemen were all persuaded to submit, and
+came back with them for that purpose to the town. It was now
+clear day, and Cortes was seated in an arm-chair, with an
+orange-coloured mantle over his shoulders, and his arms by his
+side, surrounded by his officers and soldiers. He received the
+salutations of the cavaliers, as they came up successively to
+kiss his hand, with amazing affability, embracing them all most
+cordially, and politely complimenting them. Among these were
+Bermudez, Duero, and several others, who were secretly his
+friends already. Each of the cavaliers, after paying his
+respects, went to the quarters assigned for their lodgings. Ever
+since day-break, the drums, fifes, and timbals of the army of
+Narvaez never ceased their music in honour of Cortes, though none
+of us had spoken a word to them on the subject. A comical fellow
+of a negro, who belonged to the band, danced for joy, shouting
+out; "Where are your Romans now? They never achieved so glorious
+a victory with such small numbers!" We could not silence these
+noisy fellows, till Cortes ordered them to be confined. In this
+action, a gentleman of Seville, and standard-bearer to Narvaez,
+Roxas, one of his captains, and two others, were killed, and many
+wounded; one also of the three who deserted from us to him was
+killed, and several wounded. The fat cacique also, who took
+refuge in the quarters of Narvaez on our approach, was wounded,
+and Cortes ordered him to his house, to be there well taken care
+of. As for Salvatierra, who had made so many boasts, his own
+soldiers said they never saw so pitiful a fellow. When he heard
+our drum he was in a terrible fright, and when we shouted out
+victory, he declared he had a pain at his stomach, and could
+fight no more. Diego Velasquez, who was wounded, was taken by his
+relation Juan Velasquez de Leon to his own quarters, where he was
+well taken care of, and treated with the utmost attention[4].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] This victory of Cortes over Narvaez took place on
+the 26th May 1520.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The reinforcement of warriors which Cortes had been promised
+from Chinantla, marched into Chempoalla soon after the conclusion
+of the action, under the command of Barrientos, who had
+marshalled them in a very shewy manner, in regular files,
+lancemen and archers alternately, 1500 in number, accompanied
+with colours, drums, and trumpets, and making a most warlike
+appearance, to the great astonishment of the soldiers of Narvaez,
+who thought they were double the number. Our general received
+them with much courtesy, and as their services were no longer
+needed, he made them handsome presents, and dismissed them with
+thanks.</p>
+
+<p>The army of Narvaez being now secured, Cortes sent F. de Lugo
+to order all the captains and pilots of the fleet to come to
+Chempoalla, and directed all the ships to be dismantled, to cut
+off all communication with Cuba. One Barahona, afterwards an
+inhabitant of Guatimala, had been confined by Narvaez, and was
+now set at liberty, who was in a very weak state when he joined
+us. The captains and pilots of the fleet came on shore to pay
+their respects, and Cortes bound them all by oath not to leave
+him, appointing Pedro Cavallero, one of their number, admiral of
+the whole fleet now in his possession; and, as more ships were
+expected from Cuba, gave him orders to dismantle them all as they
+arrived, and to send the captains and pilots to head-quarters.
+All these important matters being arranged, and his authority
+completely established, Cortes proceeded to such measures as
+seemed proper for extending and securing the conquest and
+discovery of New Spain. For this purpose, Velasquez de Leon was
+appointed to conduct an expedition to the river of Panuco, with
+220 soldiers, 20 of which were taken from among ourselves, and
+100 from the soldiers of Narvaez: And was to be accompanied by
+two ships, on purpose to extend the discovery of the coast. Diego
+de Ordas, was appointed with a similar force, to establish a
+colony in the province of Guacocualco, or Coatzacualco; and as
+that country was well adapted for breeding cattle, he was
+directed to send to Jamaica for horses, mares, bulls, and cows,
+for the purpose of establishing an independent supply in the
+country. All the prisoners were released, except Narvaez and
+Salvatierra, who still had the pain in his stomach. Cortes also
+gave orders to restore all their horses and arms to the soldiers
+of Narvaez, which gave us all much dissatisfaction, but we were
+obliged to submit. On this occasion I had to resign a good horse
+with a saddle and bridle, two swords, three daggers, and a
+shield. Avila and Father Olmedo, speaking on this subject to
+Cortes, said he resembled Alexander the Great, who was always
+more generous to the vanquished, than to his own conquering
+soldiers. Indeed as fast as Cortes received gold or other
+valuables, he gave away all to the captains of the other army,
+quite forgetful of us who had made him what he was. Cortes
+protested that he and all he had was entirely devoted to our
+service, as he would shew by his future conduct; but that his
+present procedure was necessary for our common interest and
+safety, we being so few, and the others so numerous. Avila, who
+was of a lofty disposition, remonstrated in an imperious manner,
+and Cortes was forced to dissemble with him at the time, knowing
+him to be a brave man; he pacified him therefore with presents
+and flattering promises, to prevent any violence, but took care
+in future to employ him in distant business, as his agent first
+in Hispaniola, and afterwards in Spain.</p>
+
+<p>There happened to come over in the army of Narvaez, a negro
+who was ill of the small-pox, a most unfortunate circumstance for
+the people of New Spain, as the disease spread with astonishing
+rapidity through the country, and destroyed the natives by
+thousands, as they used to throw themselves into cold water in
+the height of the disease, with the nature of which they were
+utterly unacquainted. Thus multitudes of unfortunate souls were
+hurried into eternity, without an opportunity of being received
+into the bosom of the holy Catholic church. At this time, such of
+our soldiers as had been in distant garrisons, applied to Cortes
+to receive their shares of the gold which had been got in Mexico.
+As far as I can remember, he referred them to a place in
+Tlascala, desiring that two persons might be sent to receive it
+at that place; and I shall have occasion to mention the result
+hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION X.</p>
+
+<p><i>Occurrences, from the Defeat of Narvaez, 26th May 1520, to
+the Expulsion of the Spaniards from Mexico, on the 1st, and the
+Battle of Otumba on the 4th of July of the same Year</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The wheel of fortune is ever in motion, evil following closely
+upon good. This was strongly exemplified with us at this time, as
+our late successes were speedily followed by melancholy news from
+Mexico by express, informing us that an insurrection had broke
+out in that city, that Alvarado was besieged in his quarters,
+which the natives had set on fire, after killing seven of his men
+and wounding many; for which reason Alvarado earnestly entreated
+immediate succour. It is not to be expressed how much this news
+afflicted us all. In consequence of this distressing
+intelligence, Cortes countermanded the expeditions which were to
+have marched under De Leon and De Ordas, and determined upon an
+immediate forced march to Mexico. We left Narvaez and Salvatierra
+as prisoners at Villa Rica, under the charge of Roderigo Rangel,
+who was likewise directed to collect all the stragglers, and to
+take care of the invalids, who were numerous: Just as we were
+ready to march, four principal nobles arrived from the court of
+Montezuma, who made a heavy complaint against Alvarado, who had
+assaulted them while dancing at a solemn festival in honour of
+their gods, which had been held by his permission, and stating
+that they had been constrained to take up arms in their own
+defence, during which seven of the Spanish soldiers were slain.
+Cortes made them a short answer, saying that he would shortly be
+at Mexico, when he would make proper inquiry and set all to
+rights, with which answer they had to return to Montezuma, who
+was much displeased with the insulting tone in which it was
+given, more especially as a great number of his subjects had been
+killed by Alvarado. Before commencing our march, Cortes made a
+speech to the soldiers of Narvaez, exhorting them to forget all
+past animosities, and not to let the present opportunity be lost
+of serving both his majesty and themselves; and by way of
+inducement, gave them a magnificent picture of the riches of
+Mexico, to a participation in which their faithful conduct would
+entitle them. They one and all declared their resolution to obey
+his orders, and to proceed immediately to Mexico, which they
+would hardly have agreed to if they had known its strength, and
+the numerous martial population of that city.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived at Tlascala by very long marches, where we were
+informed that the Mexicans had made incessant attacks on
+Alvarado, until Montezuma and they received intelligence of the
+defeat of Narvaez; after which they had desisted, leaving the
+Spaniards in great distress, owing to excessive fatigue from
+their continual exertions, and much in want of water and
+provisions. At Tlascala, Cortes made a general muster and
+inspection of our army, which now amounted to thirteen hundred
+men, of whom nearly an hundred were cavalry, and a hundred and
+sixty armed with muskets and crossbows. We were here joined by
+two thousand Tlascalan warriors, and marched from hence to
+Tezcuco, where we were very ill received, every thing bearing the
+appearance of disaffection.</p>
+
+<p>On St John's day, 24th of June 1520, we again entered
+Mexico[1], where we met with a very different reception from what
+we had experienced on our former entry, on the 8th November 1519,
+seven months and a half before. Not one of the nobles of our
+acquaintance came now to meet us, and the whole city seemed to
+have been deserted by its inhabitants. On entering our quarters,
+Montezuma advanced to embrace Cortes, and to congratulate him on
+his victory; but our general turned from him with disdain, and
+would neither speak to him nor listen to his address, on which
+the king returned to his apartment much cast down. Cortes made
+inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the late commotion,
+from all of which it was evident that it had neither been
+instigated nor approved by Montezuma; as if he had chosen to act
+against our garrison, they might all have been as easily
+destroyed as only seven. Alvarado said, that the Indians were
+enraged at the detention of their sovereign, and by the erection
+of the cross in their temple; and that when they went, as they
+said by order of their gods, to pull it down, all their strength
+was unable to move it from its place; and that Montezuma had
+strictly enjoined them to desist from all such attempts. In
+justification of himself, Alvarado alleged that the friends and
+subjects of Montezuma had planned the attack upon him for the
+liberation of their sovereign, at the time when they believed
+Cortes and his army had been destroyed by Narvaez: And being
+questioned why he had fallen on the Mexicans, while holding a
+festival in honour of their gods, he pretended that he had
+intelligence of their hostile intentions from a priest and two
+nobles, and thought it safest to be beforehand with them. When
+pressed by Cortes to say whether the Mexicans had not asked and
+obtained his permission to hold that festival, he acknowledged it
+was so, and that he had fallen upon them by anticipation, that he
+might terrify them into submission, and prevent them from going
+to war with the Spaniards. Cortes was highly displeased with the
+conduct of Alvarado, and censured him in the strongest terms.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] We are not writing the history of the conquest of
+Mexico, yet may be allowed to say that Cortes committed a gross
+military error, in entering Mexico without establishing a strong
+communication of posts between that insulated city and the land,
+along one of the causeways; which he might easily have done along
+the shortest causeway of Tacuba or Tlacopan, or by the aqueduct
+of Chapoltepec.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Alvarado alleged that during one of the attacks of the
+Mexicans on his quarters, he had endeavoured to fire off one of
+his guns and could not get the priming to take fire; but sometime
+afterwards, when they were in great danger, the gun went off of
+itself and made prodigious havock among the enemy, who were thus
+miraculously repulsed, and the Spaniards saved from inevitable
+destruction. He said also, that the garrison being in great
+distress for water, they sank a pit in one of the courts, when
+immediately a spring of the sweetest water sprung up. I know that
+there was a spring in the city which often produced tolerably
+fresh water[2]. Glory be to GOD for all his mercies! Some alleged
+that Alvarado was excited to this attack by avarice, in order to
+plunder the Indians of their golden ornaments during the
+festival; but I am satisfied his attack proceeded from a mistaken
+idea of preventing insurrection by terror. It is certain, that
+even after the massacre at the temple, Montezuma used every
+endeavour to prevent his subjects from attacking our people: but
+they were so enraged that nothing could restrain their eager
+thirst for vengeance.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] It is to be noticed that the lake in which the
+city of Mexico was built contained water so salt as to be unfit
+for drinking.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>During our march, Cortes had launched out to the new comers in
+warm eulogiums on the riches of Mexico, the power and influence
+which he had acquired, and the respect and obedience of the
+Mexicans, filling them with promises and expectations of enjoying
+gold in abundance. From the negligent coldness of his reception
+in Tezcuco, and the similar appearances in Mexico, he became
+vexed, disappointed, and peevish; insomuch, that when the
+officers of Montezuma came to wait upon him, and expressed the
+wishes of their master to see him, Cortes exclaimed angrily:
+"Away with the dog, wherefore does he neglect to supply us." The
+captains De Leon, De Oli, and De Lugo, happening to be present on
+this occasion, entreated him to remember the former kindness and
+generosity of the Mexican sovereign, and to treat him with
+moderation. This only seemed to irritate Cortes so much the more,
+as it appeared to censure his conduct, and he indignantly
+answered: "What obligations am I under to the wretch, who plotted
+secretly against me with Narvaez, and who now neglects to supply
+us with provisions?" The captains admitted that this ought to be
+done, and Cortes being full of confidence in the great military
+power he now commanded, continued a haughty demeanour to the
+Mexican noblemen who still waited his pleasure. Turning therefore
+to them, he desired them to tell their master, that he must
+immediately order markets to be held, and provisions to be
+supplied for his troops, or to beware of the consequences. These
+lords understood the general import of the injurious expressions
+which Cortes had used against Montezuma, and made a faithful
+report to him of all that passed. Whether it may have proceeded
+from rage on account of these opprobrious expressions against
+their sovereign, or from a plan previously concerted to fall upon
+us, I know not, but within a quarter of an hour, a soldier
+dangerously wounded came running into our quarters, and reported
+that the whole people were in arms against us. This man had been
+sent by Cortes to bring over to our quarters the daughter of
+Montezuma and other Indian ladies, who had been left under the
+charge of the cacique of Tacuba, when we marched against Narvaez.
+He was returning with these ladies, when the people attacked him
+in great numbers on the causeway of Tacuba, where they had broken
+down one of the bridges, and had once seized him, and were
+forcing him into a canoe to carry him off to be sacrificed; but
+he extricated himself by a violent effort, and got away with two
+dangerous wounds.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes immediately ordered out a detachment of 400 men under
+Ordas, to see what was the matter, and to endeavour to pacify the
+people; but he had hardly proceeded the length of a street, when
+he was assailed by immense numbers of the natives, some in the
+street, and others from the terraced tops of the houses, who
+killed eight of his men on the first discharge of missiles, and
+wounded mostly the whole of his men, himself in three places.
+Finding it impossible to proceed, Ordas retreated slowly towards
+our quarters, and soon after lost another soldier, who did
+astonishing feats of valour with a two-handed sword. The streets
+were so crowded with enemies, and we were so incessantly attacked
+in front and rear, and from the roofs, that for a long while he
+was unable to force his way. Neither the effect of our fire-arms,
+nor the most efficacious use of our other arms could deter the
+natives from closing in upon us hand to hand, and foot to foot;
+but at length Ordas forced his way back, having lost in all
+twenty-three of his men. Our quarters were attacked by prodigious
+multitudes at the same moment that the attack on Ordas began, and
+they poured in such incessant discharges of missile weapons, that
+they soon wounded above forty-six of our men, of whom twelve
+afterwards died. Even after the retreat of Ordas, the enemy
+continued their attacks, and at length set fire to various parts
+of the buildings forming our quarters, thinking to burn us alive
+or to stifle us with smoke; and we were reduced to the necessity
+of tearing down some parts of the building, and to throw earth
+upon other parts, to extinguish the fire. All the courts and open
+places of our quarters were thickly strewed with arrows, stones,
+and darts, which had been thrown at us; and we were occupied the
+whole day and night, in repelling the incessant assaults,
+repairing the breaches in our defences, dressing our wounds, and
+preparing for future assaults. At dawn of the ensuing morning, we
+sallied out with our whole force, determined to conquer or to
+impress them with respect. The Mexicans met us with the utmost
+resolution, and though we fought almost in despair, their numbers
+were so immense, and they continually brought up such strong
+reinforcements of fresh troops, that even if we had all been
+Hectors or Orlandos, we could not have forced them to give
+ground. It is quite impossible to give any adequate idea of the
+obstinacy and violence of this battle. Though in every reiterated
+charge we brought down thirty or forty of the enemy, it had no
+effect, as they returned upon us with more violence and
+desperation than before; our musketry and cannon made no
+impression that was not instantly replaced; and if at any time
+they gave ground, it was only to draw us farther from our
+quarters, to make our destruction more sure. In the midst of all
+this, the stones and darts which were launched upon us from the
+terraces of the house tops did us astonishing injury. Some of our
+soldiers who had been in the wars of Italy declared, that neither
+among Christians or Turks, nor even in the French artillery, had
+they ever seen such desperate fighting as now among these
+Indians. We were at length forced to retreat to our quarters,
+which we reached with infinite difficulty, after losing ten or
+twelve of our men killed, and almost every one of us severely
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>After our return, we were busily occupied in preparing for a
+general sally on the next day after but one, with four military
+engines of strong timber like towers, each of which was
+calculated to contain twenty-five men under cover, with portholes
+for the artillery, and for muskets and crossbows. During this
+interval we had likewise to repair the breaches which the
+Mexicans had made in our walls, and to resist their attempts to
+scale them, often in twenty places at once. The Mexicans
+constantly used the most injurious language against us; saying
+that the voracious animals in the great temple had been kept
+fasting for two days, that they might be ready to devour our
+bodies, when we were sacrificed to their gods. They assured us at
+the same time that our allies were to be put into cages to
+fatten, and that they would soon recover our ill got treasure.
+Sometimes they adjured us in the most plaintive terms to restore
+their king to liberty, and they annoyed us without ceasing by
+flights of arrows, constantly shouting and whistling. On the
+ensuing morning at day-break, having first recommended ourselves
+to GOD, we sallied out from our quarters with the turrets, such
+as I have seen in other places, and called <i>mantas</i> or
+<i>burros</i>. Our column was headed by a party of musketeers and
+crossbow-men, and our cavalry on our flanks, occasionally
+charging the enemy. Our purpose was to assail the great temple,
+which by its elevation and strong enclosures, served as a citadel
+to the Mexicans, and we advanced therefore in that direction,
+accompanied by our turrets; but the enemy resisted all our
+efforts with the most determined obstinacy. I will not attempt to
+relate all the circumstances of this desperate battle, or the
+difficulty which we had to encounter in driving the enemy from a
+very strong house which they occupied. The arrows of the Mexicans
+wounded many of our horses, notwithstanding that they wore
+defensive armour; and when our cavalry attempted at any time to
+charge or to pursue the enemy, they threw themselves into the
+canals, while others sallied out from the houses on both sides
+with long lances, assailing our people in the rear and on both
+flanks. It was utterly impossible for us to burn the houses, or
+to pull them down, as they all stood singly in the water,
+communicating only by means of draw-bridges; and it was too
+dangerous for us to attempt reaching them by swimming, as they
+showered vollies of stones upon us by slings, and threw large
+stones upon our heads from the terraces of their house tops. Even
+when a house was set on fire, it was very long of taking effect;
+and even when we succeeded, the flames could not communicate to
+the other houses, as they were all separated by canals, and their
+roofs were terraced, not thatched.</p>
+
+<p>At length we reached the great temple, into which four
+thousand of the Mexicans immediately rushed, independent of other
+large bodies who were previously stationed there for its defence.
+They defended their temple with the most obstinate valour, and
+for some time prevented us from being able to ascend, our
+turrets, musketry, and cavalry, being of no avail to force them
+to give ground. The pavements of the temple courts were so
+smooth, that the horses fell when our cavalry attempted to
+charge. They opposed us in front from the steps of the great
+temple, and assailed us with such fury on both flanks and in the
+rear, that though our guns swept off a dozen or fifteen of them
+at every discharge, and though in each charge of our infantry we
+killed many of them with our swords and lances, they continually
+filled up the chasms we had made among them, and their numbers
+and resolution were so great that we could not make any permanent
+or effectual impression. We were even forced to abandon our
+<i>mantas</i> or turrets, which the enemy had demolished. At
+length, by a desperate effort, we forced our way up the steps,
+and in this assault Cortes shewed himself a hero. Our battle in
+this place was most desperate, every man among us being covered
+with blood, and above forty of our number lay dead on the spot.
+We reached with infinite difficulty the place where we had
+formerly set up the image of the blessed Virgin, which was not to
+be found, as it had been removed by order of Montezuma, either
+through fear or from devotion to his idols. We set fire to the
+buildings, and burnt down a part of the temples of
+Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca; and while some of us were
+employed in setting fire to the buildings, and others fighting,
+in which our Tlascalan allies seconded us most gallantly, above
+three thousand Mexican nobles, headed by their priests, made a
+most severe attack, and drove us down eight or ten of the steps.
+Others of the enemy from the corridors, or within the railings
+and concavities of the temple, assailed us on every side with
+arrows and other missiles, so that we were unable even to
+maintain the ground we had gained. We were constrained therefore
+to retreat, every man of us being wounded, and forty-six of our
+number slain. We regained our quarters with the utmost
+difficulty, which the enemy had almost gained possession of, as
+they had been continually endeavouring to carry them by assault
+during our absence, or to set them on fire. But they desisted in
+a great measure from the assault on our arrival, yet continued to
+throw in perpetual showers of arrows, darts, and stones. In the
+course of this most terrible engagement, we made two of the chief
+priests prisoners, whom we carried along with us to our quarters.
+I have often seen representations of this battle in Mexican
+paintings, both at Mexico and Tlascala, in which the various
+incidents were represented in a very lively manner. Our ascent to
+the great temple; the setting the temple on fire; the numerous
+warriors defending it in the corridors, from behind the rails,
+and in the concavities, and others on the plain ground, in the
+courts of the temple, and on all sides of us; many of our men
+being represented as dead, and all of us covered with wounds. In
+these paintings, the destruction of our turrets is conspicuously
+represented as a most heroic achievement.</p>
+
+<p>The night which succeeded this unfortunate battle was passed
+by us in a most melancholy state; repairing the breaches which
+had been made in the walls of our quarters, dressing our wounds,
+burying our slain companions, and consulting upon measures for
+extricating us from our present almost hopeless situation. The
+followers of Narvaez heaped maledictions on Cortes for leading
+them to Mexico, and Velasquez came in for an ample share of their
+abuse, for having induced them to quit their peaceful habitations
+in Cuba. The enemy assembled around us again at day-break, and
+assailed our quarters with greater fury than ever, insomuch that
+our fire-arms were insufficient to repel them, though they mowed
+them down in great numbers. In this desperate situation, Cortes
+sent for Montezuma, whom he desired to address his subjects from
+a terrace, desiring them to desist from their attacks, assuring
+them that we would immediately evacuate the city. On receiving
+this message, Montezuma burst into tears, exclaiming, "What does
+he want with me now? I have been reduced to my present unhappy
+state on his account, and I neither wish to see him nor to live
+any longer?" He therefore dismissed the messengers with a
+refusal, and it is reported that he added, that he desired not to
+be any more troubled with the false words and specious promises
+of Cortes. Father Olmedo and Captain De Oli went to wait upon
+him, and used all possible expressions of respect and affection
+to induce him to comply with the request of Cortes. To this he
+replied, that he did not believe any thing he could now do would
+be of any avail, as the Mexicans had elected another sovereign,
+and were resolved not to allow a single Spaniard to quit the city
+alive. He made his appearance however at the railing of a
+terraced roof, attended by many of our soldiers, and made a very
+affectionate address to the people below, earnestly entreating a
+cessation of hostilities, that we might evacuate Mexico. As soon
+as Montezuma was perceived, the chiefs and nobles made their
+troops to desist from the attack, and commanded silence. Then
+four of the principal nobles came forwards, so near as to be able
+to hold conversation with Montezuma whom they addressed,
+lamenting the misfortunes which had befallen him and his family.
+They told him that they had raised <i>Cuitlahuatzin</i>[3] to the
+throne; that the war would soon be ended, as they had promised to
+their gods never to desist till they had utterly destroyed the
+Spaniards; that they offered up continual prayers for the safety
+of Montezuma their beloved sovereign, whom they would venerate
+and obey as formerly, as soon as they had rescued him from our
+hands, and hoped he would pardon all they had done for the
+defence of their religion and independence, and their present
+disobedience. Just as they concluded this address, a shower of
+arrows fell about the place where Montezuma stood; and though the
+Spaniards had hitherto protected him by interposing their
+shields, they did not expect any assault while he was speaking to
+his subjects, and had therefore uncovered him for an instant; in
+that unguarded state, three stones and an arrow hit him on the
+head, the arm, and the leg, wounding him severely. Montezuma
+refused every assistance, and all the endeavours of Father Olmedo
+could not prevail upon him to embrace the holy Catholic faith,
+neither could he be prevailed upon to have his wounds attended
+to. When informed of his death, Cortes and our captains lamented
+him exceedingly, and all of us soldiers who had been acquainted
+with his generosity and other amiable qualities, grieved as for
+the loss of a father. He was said to have reigned seventeen
+years, and to have been the best of all the sovereigns who had
+ruled over Mexico; having fought and conquered in three pitched
+battles, while subjugating other states to his dominions.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] This prince, whom Diaz names Coadlavaca, was
+brother to Montezuma, prince of Iztapalapan, and Tlachcocoatl, or
+grand general of the Mexican army.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After the death of Montezuma, Cortes sent two of our
+prisoners, a nobleman and a priest, with a message to the new
+sovereign Cuitlahuatzin, to inform him of the melancholy event,
+which had happened by the hands of his own subjects; to express
+our grief on the occasion; and our wish that Montezuma might be
+interred with that respect which was due to his exalted
+character. Cortes likewise informed these messengers, that he did
+not acknowledge the right of the sovereign whom the Mexicans had
+chosen, as the throne ought to belong to the son of the great
+Montezuma, or to his cousin, who was now a prisoner in our
+quarters. He desired them also to say, if they would desist from
+hostilities, we would immediately march out of their city. He
+then ordered the body of Montezuma to be carried out by six
+nobles, and attended by most of the priests whom we had taken
+prisoners, desiring them to deliver the body of their deceased
+monarch to the Mexican chiefs, according to his dying
+injunctions. We could hear the exclamations of sorrow which were
+expressed by the people, at the sight of the body of their late
+sovereign; but our message was unavailing, as they recommenced
+their attack on our quarters with the utmost violence,
+threatening that in two days we should all pay with our lives for
+the death of their king and the dishonour of their gods, as they
+had now a sovereign whom we could not deceive as we had done by
+the good Montezuma.</p>
+
+<p>Our situation was now exceedingly alarming, and on the day
+after the death of Montezuma, we made another sally towards that
+part of the city which contained many houses built on the firm
+ground, meaning to do all the injury we could, and, taking
+advantage of the causeway, to charge through the enemy with our
+cavalry, hoping to intimidate them by severe military execution,
+so as to induce them to grant us a free passage; we accordingly
+forced our way to that part of the city, where we burnt down
+about twenty houses, and very nearly reached the firm land[4].
+But the injury we did the enemy was dearly purchased by the death
+of twenty of our soldiers, and we were unable to gain possession
+of any of the bridges, which were all partly broken down, and the
+enemy had constructed barricades or retrenchments in various
+places to obstruct the cavalry, wherever they could have done
+most essential service. Thus our troubles and perplexities
+continually increased, and we were forced again to fight our way
+back to our quarters. In this sally, which took place on a
+Thursday, Sandoval and others of our cavalry acted with great
+bravery; but those who came with Narvaez, not having been
+accustomed to such service, were timorous in comparison with our
+veterans. The number and fury of our enemies increased daily,
+while our force was diminished by each successive attack, and
+from our wounds we were become less able for resistance. Our
+powder was almost entirely expended; provisions and water became
+scarce; our friend Montezuma was no more; all our proposals for
+peace were rejected; the bridges by which we might have retreated
+were broken down; and in fine nothing but death in its direst
+form of immolation to their horrible idols appeared before us. In
+this state almost bordering on despair, it was resolved by Cortes
+in a consultation with all his confidential officers and
+soldiers, to make an attempt to quit the city during the night,
+as we were in expectation to find the enemy less upon their guard
+than in the day time. In order to deceive them, a message was
+sent by one of their chief priests who had been made prisoner,
+engaging to give up all the treasure in our possession, if they
+would give us permission within eight days to quit the city. Four
+days before this, one Botello, who pretended to be an astrologer,
+predicted that if we did not leave Mexico on this very night,
+that none of us would ever get out of it alive, adding many other
+foolish particulars to his prophecy.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] The expression in the text, of having nearly
+reached the firm land, is rather obscure, and may possibly mean
+that they had nearly forced their way along one of the causeways
+leading from the insular city to the continental shore of the
+lake.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>As it was determined to endeavour to force our way from the
+city, a portable bridge of very strong timber was prepared for
+enabling us to pass over the canals or passages in the causeway,
+where the enemy had broken down the bridges; and one hundred and
+fifty of our soldiers, with four hundred Tlascalan allies, were
+appointed for conveying, guarding, and placing this bridge. The
+advanced guard of an hundred of our youngest and most active men,
+was commanded by Sandoval, assisted by Azevedo, De Lugo, De
+Ordas, and De Tapia, with eight of the captains that came with
+Narvaez. The rear guard of an hundred men, mostly those of
+Narvaez, and the greater part of our cavalry, was confided to
+Alvarado and Velasquez de Leon. Donna Marina and Donna Luisa,
+with the Mexican chiefs who were prisoners, were placed under an
+escort of thirty Spanish soldiers and three hundred Tlascalans:
+Our general, with Avila, Oli, and other officers, and fifty
+soldiers, formed a body of reserve to act where they might be
+most needed. The rest of our soldiers and allies, with the
+baggage, formed a main body along with which the prisoners and
+their especial escort was to move, under protection of the van
+and rear guards. By the time that all these arrangements were
+completed, it drew towards night, and Cortes caused all the gold,
+which had hitherto been kept in his apartment, to be brought into
+the great hall of our quarters, when he desired Avila and Mexia,
+the kings officers, to take charge of what belonged to his
+majesty, assigning them eight wounded horses and above fourscore
+Mexicans for its conveyance. When these were loaded with all the
+gold they were able to carry, a great deal more remained heaped
+up in the saloon. Cortes then desired his secretary Hernandez and
+other notaries to bear witness that he could no longer be
+responsible for this gold; and desired the soldiers to take as
+much as they pleased, saying it were better for them to have it,
+than to leave it to their Mexican enemies. Upon this many of the
+soldiers of Narvaez, and some even of our veterans, loaded
+themselves with treasure. I was never avaricious, and was now
+more intent on saving my life than on the possession of riches: I
+took the opportunity, however, of carrying off four calchihuis
+from a casket, though Cortes had ordered his major-domo to take
+especial care of this casket and its contents, and these jewels
+were of infinite use to me afterwards, as a resource against
+famine, as they are highly prized by the Indians. The memorable
+night of our leaving Mexico, was dark, with much mist and some
+rain. Just before midnight, the detachment having charge of the
+portable bridge moved off from our quarters, followed in regular
+succession by the other divisions of our army. On coming to the
+first aperture in the causeway of Tacuba or Tlacopan, by which we
+retreated as being the shortest, the bridge was laid across, and
+was passed by the vanguard, the baggage, artillery, part of the
+cavalry, the Tlascalans with the gold. Just as Sandoval and his
+party had passed, and Cortes with his body of reserve, the
+trumpets of the enemy were heard, and the alarm was given on
+every side, the Mexicans shouting out, "<i>Tlaltelulco!
+Tlaltelulco</i>[5]! out with your canoes! the teules are marching
+off, assail them at the bridges!" In an instant the enemy
+assailed us on every side, some on the land and others in their
+canoes, which swarmed on the lake and the canals on both sides of
+our road, and so numerous were they and so determined that they
+entirely intercepted our line of march, especially at the broken
+bridges, and from this moment nothing but confusion and dismay
+prevailed among our troops. It rained so heavily that some of the
+horses became restive and plunged into the water with their
+riders; and to add to our distress our portable bridge was broken
+down at this first gap, and it was no longer serviceable. The
+enemy attacked us with redoubled fury, and as our soldiers made a
+brave resistance, the aperture became soon choked up with the
+dead and dying men and horses, intermixed with artillery, packs
+and bales of baggage, and those who carried them, all heaped up
+in the water. Many of our companions were drowned at this place,
+and many were forced into canoes and hurried away to be
+sacrificed. It was horrible to hear the cries of these
+unfortunate captives, calling upon us for aid which we were
+unable to give, and invoking the blessed Virgin and all the
+saints in vain for deliverance. Others of our companions escaped
+across those gaps in the causeway, by clambering over the
+confused mass of dead bodies and luggage by which they were
+filled, and were calling out for assistance to help them up on
+the other side; while many of them, thinking themselves in safety
+when they got to the firm ground, were there seized by the
+Mexicans, or killed with war clubs. All the regularity which had
+hitherto guided our march was now utterly lost and abandoned.
+Cortes and all the mounted officers and soldiers galloped off
+along the causeway, providing for their own immediate safety, and
+leaving all the rest to save ourselves as we best might: Nor can
+I blame them for this procedure, as the cavalry could do nothing
+against the enemy, who threw themselves into the water on both
+sides of the causeway when attacked, while others, by continual
+flights of arrows from the houses, or with long lances from the
+canoes on each side, killed and wounded the men and horses. Our
+powder was all expended, so that we were unable to do any injury
+to the Mexicans in the canoes. In this situation of utter
+confusion and derout, the only thing we could do was by uniting
+together in bands of thirty or forty, to endeavour to force our
+way to the land: When the Indians closed upon us, we exerted our
+utmost efforts to drive them off with our swords, and then
+hurried our march to get over the causeway as soon as possible.
+Had we waited for each other, or had our retreat been in the day,
+we had all been inevitably destroyed. The escape of such as made
+their way to land, was due to the mercy of God who gave us
+strength to force our way; for the multitudes that surrounded us,
+and the melancholy sight of our companions hurried away in the
+canoes to instant sacrifice, was horrible in the extreme. About
+fifty of us, mostly soldiers of Cortes, with a few of those who
+came with Narvaez, stuck together in a body, and made our way
+along the causeway through infinite difficulty and danger. Every
+now and then strong parties of Indians assailed us, calling us
+<i>luilones</i>, their severest term of reproach, and using their
+utmost endeavours to seize us. As soon as we thought them within
+reach, we faced about and repelled them with a few thrusts of our
+swords, and then resumed our march. We thus proceeded, until at
+last we reached the firm ground near Tacuba, where Cortes,
+Sandoval, De Oli, Salcedo, Dominguez, Lares, and others of the
+cavalry, and such of the infantry as had got across the bridge
+before it was broken down, had already arrived[6].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Tlaltelulco was the name of that division of the
+city of Mexico through which the Spaniards marched in their way
+towards the causeway of Tacuba, and was probably used to summon
+the inhabitants of that quarter to the attack.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Clavigero, II. 116, says that the miserable
+remnant of the Spaniards assembled in Popotla, a village near
+Tacuba or Tlacopan. Diaz is often negligent of dates, but we
+learn in a subsequent passage, that this disastrous retreat from
+Mexico was on the 1st of July 1520.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On our approach, we heard the voices of Sandoval, De Oli, and
+Morla, calling on Cortes to return to the assistance of those who
+were still on the causeway, who loudly complained of being
+abandoned. Cortes replied, that it was a miracle any should have
+escaped, and that all who returned to the bridges would assuredly
+be slain: Yet he actually did return with ten or twelve of the
+cavalry and such of the infantry as had escaped unhurt, and
+proceeded along the causeway to attempt the succour of such as
+might be still engaged. He had not gone far when he met Alvarado
+badly wounded, accompanied by three of our soldiers, four of
+those belonging to Narvaez, and eight Tlascalans, all severely
+wounded and covered with blood. These Alvarado assured him were
+all that remained of the rear-guard, Velasquez de Leon and about
+twenty of the cavalry, and above an hundred of the infantry, who
+had belonged to his division, being all slain, or made prisoners
+and carried away to be sacrificed. He said farther, that after
+all the horses were slain, about eighty had assembled in a body
+and passed the first gap on the heaps of luggage and dead bodies;
+that at the other bridge the few who now accompanied him were
+saved by the mercy of God. I do not now perfectly recollect in
+what manner he passed that last aperture, as we were all more
+attentive to what he related of the death of Velasquez and above
+two hundred of our unhappy companions. As to that last fatal
+bridge, which is still called <i>Salto de Alvarado</i>, or the
+Leap of Alvarado, we were too much occupied in saving our own
+lives to examine whether he leaped much or little. He must,
+however, have got over on the baggage and dead bodies; for the
+water was too deep for him to have reached the bottom with his
+lance, and the aperture was too wide and the sides too high for
+him to have leaped over, had he been the most active man in the
+world. In about a year after, when we besieged Mexico, I was
+engaged with the enemy at that very bridge which was called
+Alvarados Leap, where the enemy had constructed breastworks and
+barricades, and we all agreed that the leap was impossible. One
+Ocampo, a soldier who came with Garay, who used to amuse himself
+with lampoons, made one on this supposed feat of Alvarado,
+saying, "That fear made him give that prodigious leap, leaving
+Velasquez and two hundred more to their fate as he leaped for his
+life." As Cortes found, by the information of Alvarado, that the
+causeway was entirely filled by the enemy, who must have
+intercepted all the rest of our companions, he returned to
+Tacuba, where all who had escaped were now collected. Messengers
+had been already sent from Mexico, ordering all the people of
+Tacuba, Ezcapuzalco, Tenajocan, and other neighbouring cities on
+that side of the lake, to collect and attack us; and they now
+began to surround us in the inclosed courts of Popotla where we
+had taken shelter, harassing us with stones and arrows, and even
+attacking us with lances, many of which were headed with the
+swords which we lost during our retreat. We defended ourselves
+against this attack as well as we could, and made several sallies
+to drive them off. But, as the enemy continually increased in
+number, it was determined to endeavour to reach Tlascala, for
+which purpose we set out under the direction of six or seven of
+our allies who were well acquainted with the country. After a
+fatiguing march by an indirect road, during which we were much
+harassed by the enemy, who plied us with stones and arrows, we
+reached some houses on a hill near a temple, where we defended
+ourselves, and took such care as we could of our wounds; but
+could get no provisions. After the conquest of Mexico, a church
+was built on the site of this temple, and dedicated to <i>Nuestra
+Senora de los Remedios</i>, our Lady of Succour, to which many
+ladies and other inhabitants of Mexico, now go in procession to
+pay nine days devotion[7].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] This place is about nine miles W.N.W. from
+Mexico, and only about a mile and a half from Tacuba. Its Mexican
+name, according to Clavigero, was Otoncalpolco. It is almost in
+an opposite direction from the road to Tlascala, but was probably
+chosen on purpose to avoid the populous hostile vale of Mexico,
+and to get as soon as possible among the hills, and among some of
+the conquered tribes who bore the Mexican yoke with impatience.
+Clavigero says that the Spaniards procured at this place some
+refreshments from a tribe of Otomies, who inhabited two
+neighbouring hamlets.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Our wounds had become extremely painful from cold, and want of
+proper dressings, and we now bound them up as well as we could.
+We had to deplore the loss of great numbers of our valiant
+companions, most of the soldiers of Narvaez having lost their
+lives by being overloaded with gold. Poor Botello the astrologer
+was killed among the rest. The sons of Montezuma, Cacamatzin who
+had been prince of Tezcuco, and all the other prisoners, among
+whom were some Mexican princes, lost their lives on this fatal
+night of our retreat from Mexico. All our artillery were lost. We
+had only twenty-three horses remaining, and very few crossbows;
+and our situation was melancholy and desperate in the extreme,
+having no other resource but to endeavour to reach Tlascala, and
+even there our reception was exceedingly uncertain[8]. After
+dressing our wounds, and making arrows for our crossbows, during
+which employment we were incessantly harassed in our present
+post, we proceeded at midnight on our march, under the direction
+of our faithful Tlascalans. Some of those who were badly wounded
+had to walk with the aid of crutches; others were assisted on
+each side by some of their companions; and those who were utterly
+unable to support themselves were placed upon lame horses. Thus,
+making head against the enemy with as many of the infantry as
+could bear arms, and having the cavalry who were able to act in
+front and on our flanks, with the wounded Spaniards and allies in
+the centre, we marched on continually harassed by the enemy, who
+reviled us, saying that we should soon meet our destruction;
+words that we did not then understand. I have forgot to mention
+the satisfaction we all enjoyed at finding Donna Marina and Donna
+Luisa had been saved in our retreat from Mexico. Having crossed
+among the first, they had been brought safe to Popotla by the
+exertions of two brothers of Donna Luisa, all the rest of the
+female Indians having been lost in the retreat.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] The distance from where they now were to Tlascala
+was between 80 and 90 miles in a straight line; but as they chose
+a very circuitous route, by the west and north of the lakes in
+the vale of Mexico, before turning south-eastwards to Tlascala,
+their march must have much exceeded that
+distance.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On this day we reached a large town named Gualtitlan[9]. From
+that place we continued our march, still harassed at every step
+by the enemy, whose numbers and boldness increased as we
+advanced, insomuch that they killed two of our lame soldiers and
+one of our horses at a difficult pass, wounding many both of our
+horses and ourselves. Having repulsed them, we reached some
+villages, where we halted for the night, making our supper of the
+slain horse[10]. We began our march very early next morning, and
+had only proceeded about a league, believing ourselves now almost
+in safety, when three of our videts came in with a report that
+the whole extent of a plain through which we must necessarily
+pass was covered over by an innumerable army. This intelligence
+was truly terrifying to our small numbers, worn out with fatigue
+and privations, and covered with wounds; yet we resolved to
+conquer or die, as we had indeed no other alternative. We were
+immediately halted and formed in order of battle, the infantry
+being directed to use their swords only in thrusts, by which we
+exposed ourselves less to the weapons of the enemy, and the
+cavalry were ordered to charge clear through at half speed, with
+their lances levelled at the faces of the enemy, never stopping
+to make thrusts. While recommending ourselves to God and his Holy
+Mother, and invoking the aid of St Jago, the enemy began to close
+around us, and we resolved to sell our lives dearly, or force our
+way through. The infantry being drawn up in a solid column, and
+our cavalry formed in bodies of five, we proceeded to the attack.
+It is impossible to describe the tremendous battle which ensued:
+How we closed hand to hand, and with what fury the enemy attacked
+us, wounding us with their clubs and lances and two-handed
+swords; while our cavalry, favoured by the even surface of the
+plain, rode through them at will with couched lances, bearing
+down the enemy wherever they came, and fighting most manfully
+though they and their horses were all wounded. We too of the
+infantry did our best, regardless of our former wounds and of
+those we now received, closing up with the enemy, and using every
+effort to bear them down with our swords. Cortes, Alvarado, and
+De Oli, though all wounded, continued to make lanes through the
+throng of the enemy, calling out to us to strike especially at
+the chiefs, who were easily distinguished by their plumes of
+feathers, golden ornaments, rich arms, and curious devices. The
+valiant Sandoval encouraged us by his example and exhortations,
+exclaiming, "Now is the day of victory! Trust in God, who will
+still preserve us to do him service." We were all resolute to
+conquer or die, and were assuredly assisted by the Lord Jesus
+Christ, the Holy Virgin, and St Jago; as was afterwards certified
+by a chief belonging to Guatimotzin, who was present in this
+battle. Though some were killed and many wounded, we continued to
+maintain our ground, yet the enemy never relaxed in their
+efforts. At length it was the will of God, that Cortes,
+accompanied by Sandoval, De Oli, Alvarado, Avila, and other
+captains, came up to that part of the enemy in which their
+commander-in-chief was posted, who was distinguished from all the
+rest by his rich golden arms, and highly adorned plume of
+feathers, and the grand standard of the army[11]. Immediately on
+Cortes perceiving this chief, who was surrounded by many nobles
+wearing plumes of feathers, he exclaimed to his companions, "Now,
+gentlemen, let us charge these men, and if we succeed the day is
+our own." Then, recommending themselves to God, they charged upon
+them, and Cortes struck the Mexican chief and threw down his
+standard, he and the other cavaliers effectually breaking and
+dispersing this numerous body. The Mexican chief, however, was
+making his escape, but was pursued and slain by Juan de
+Salamanca, who seized his rich plume of feathers and presented it
+to Cortes, saying, that as he had first struck the Mexican
+general and overthrown the standard, the trophy of the conquest
+was his undoubted right.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] Named Quauhtitlan by Clavigero, and Guautitlan,
+Huauhtitlan or Teutitlan, in Humboldts map of the Vale of
+Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[10] As related in the text, this march to the
+villages appears to have been made on the same day with that to
+Guauhtitlan, and the battle of Otumba or Otompan, to have been
+fought on the second day of the march from Popotla or <i>Los
+Remedios</i>. But the distances and difficulty of the march
+renders this almost impossible. The chronology and distances,
+taking the names of some of the stages from Clavigero, II. 117,
+and the distances from Humboldts map, may have been as follows;
+Retreat from Mexico to Popotla, 1st July, 9 miles. March to
+Quauhtitlan, 2d July, 10 miles. To Xoloc, 3d July, 13 miles. To
+Zacamolco, 4th July, 10 miles. To Otompan, 5th July, 3
+miles:--and indeed these dates are sufficiently confirmed by Diaz
+himself in the sequel.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[11] According to Clavigero, II. 118, this standard
+was a net of gold fixed to a staff ten palms long, which was
+firmly tied to his back, and was called by the Mexicans
+Tlahuizmatlaxopilli.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>It pleased God, that the enemy should relax in their efforts
+immediately on learning the death of their general and of the
+numerous chiefs who surrounded him. On perceiving that they began
+to retreat, we forgot our hunger, thirst, fatigue, and wounds,
+and thought of nothing but victory and pursuit. Our scanty
+cavalry followed them up close, dealing destruction around them
+on every side; and our faithful allies fought like lions, mowing
+down all before them with the arms which the enemy threw away to
+facilitate their flight. On the return of our cavalry from the
+pursuit, we gave humble thanks to God for our unexpected victory
+and miraculous preservation. Never had the Mexican empire
+collected together so large a force as on this occasion; being
+composed of all the warriors of Mexico, Tezcuco, and Tlalcopan,
+headed by the whole nobility of these nations, magnificently
+armed and adorned, and all determined not to leave a single trace
+of us upon earth. This great and decisive battle was fought in
+the neighbourhood of a place called Obtumba, Otumba, or Otompan.
+I have frequently seen it, and all the other battles we fought
+against the Mexicans, antecedent to the final conquest, admirably
+represented in Mexican paintings. It is now proper to mention,
+that we entered Mexico to relieve Alvarado on the 24th of June
+1520, with upwards of 1300 soldiers, including 97 cavalry, 80
+musketeers, and 80 armed with crossbows; having with us a great
+train of artillery, and 2000 warriors of our allies the
+Tlascalans. Our flight from Mexico was on the 1st of the
+succeeding month of July, and the battle of Obtumba on the 4th of
+that month. In Mexico, during our passage of the causeway, on our
+march, and in the battle, we lost above 870 soldiers, including
+72 of those belonging to Narvaez, and five Spanish women, who
+were put to death at a place called Tustepeque. Upwards of 1200
+of our Tlascalan allies were also killed; as were Juan de
+Alcantara and two more who had been sent from Chempoalla for the
+share of the gold assigned to the garrison of Villa Rica, who
+were robbed and murdered. Upon the whole, all who were concerned
+in the treasure came to bad fortune; and thus a much greater
+proportion of the soldiers of Narvaez perished in the flight from
+Mexico than of our veterans, as they had avariciously loaded
+themselves with gold on that unhappy night[12].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] Cortes entered Mexico with above 1300 men, and
+there were there under Alvarado about 75. Of these above 870 were
+slain, down to the close of the battle of Otumba; so that about
+500 still remained under the command of Cortes. Diaz reckons only
+440; but these were probably exclusive of such as were entirely
+disabled from service by their wounds.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION XI.</p>
+
+<p><i>Occurrences from the Battle of Otumba till the march of
+Cortes to besiege Mexico</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after the victory, we resumed our march for
+Tlascala, cheered by our success, and subsisted on a kind of
+gourds, called <i>ayotes</i>, which we found in the country
+through which we passed. We halted for the night in a strong
+temple, being occasionally alarmed by detached parties of the
+Mexicans, who still kept hovering about us, as if determined to
+see us out of their country. From this place we were rejoiced at
+seeing the mountains of Tlascala, being anxious to ascertain the
+fidelity of these allies, and to hear news from our friends at
+Villa Rica. Cortes warned us to be exceedingly cautious of giving
+any offence to the Tlascalans, and particularly enforced this
+advice on the soldiers of Narvaez, who were less accustomed to
+discipline. He said that he hoped to find our allies steady in
+their attachment; but if they should have changed in consequence
+of our misfortunes, although we were now only 440 strong, all
+wounded and ill armed, we still possessed vigorous bodies and
+firm minds to carry us through, if necessary, to the coast. We
+now arrived at a fountain on the side of a hill, where we came to
+a rampart built in ancient times as a boundary between the state
+of Tlascala and the dominions of Mexico. We halted here, and then
+proceeded to a town called Gualiopar, or Huejotlipan, where we
+halted one day, and procured some food for which we were obliged
+to pay. Immediately on our arrival being announced at Tlascala,
+our friends Maxicatzin, Xicotencatl, Chichimecatl, the chief of
+Huexatcinco, and others, came to wait upon Cortes, whom they
+embraced, yet kindly blamed him for having neglected their advice
+to distrust the treachery of the Mexicans. They wept for the
+losses we had sustained, yet rejoiced at our escape, and praised
+our valiant actions; assuring us that they were assembling 30,000
+of their warriors to have joined us at Obtumba. They were
+rejoiced to see Donna Marina and Donna Luisa, and lamented the
+loss of the other ladies. Maxicatzin in particular bewailed the
+fate which had befallen his daughter and Velasquez de Leon, to
+whom he had given her. They invited us to their city, where we
+were kindly received, and where we reposed in peace and safety
+after our many and severe hardships. Cortes lodged in the house
+of Maxicatzin, Alvarado in that of Xicotencatl, and the other
+officers were distributed among the houses of the nobles, all the
+soldiers being likewise supplied with comfortable quarters and
+abundant food. Here in the midst of our friends, we recovered
+from our wounds and fatigues, all except four who died.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after our arrival, Cortes made inquiry after certain gold
+to the value of 40,000 crowns, the share belonging to the
+garrison of Villa Rica, which had been sent here from Mexico; and
+was informed by the Tlascalan chiefs, and by a Spanish invalid
+left here when on our march to Mexico, that the persons who had
+been sent for it from Villa Rica had been robbed and murdered on
+the road, at the time we were engaged in hostilities with the
+Mexicans. Letters were sent to Villa Rica, giving an account of
+all the disastrous events which had befallen us, and desiring an
+immediate supply of all the arms and ammunition that could be
+spared, and to send us a strong reinforcement. By the return of
+the messengers, we were informed that all was well at Villa Rica
+and the neighbourhood, and that the reinforcement should be
+immediately sent. It accordingly arrived soon after, consisting
+in all of <i>seven</i> men, three of whom were sailors, and all
+of them were invalids. They were commanded by a soldier named
+Lencero, who afterwards kept an inn still known by his name; and
+for a long while afterwards, <i>a Lencero reinforcement</i> was a
+proverbial saying among us. We were involved in some trouble by
+the younger Xicotencatl, who had commanded the Tlascalan army
+against us on our first arrival in their country. This ambitious
+chieftain, anxious to be revenged upon us for the disgrace he had
+formerly sustained, on hearing of our misfortunes and our
+intended march to Tlascala, conceived a project for surprising us
+on our march and putting us all to death. For this purpose, he
+assembled many of his relations, friends, and adherents, to whom
+he shewed how easily we might all be destroyed, and was very
+active in forming a party and collecting an army for this
+purpose. Although severely reproached by his father for this
+treacherous design, he persevered in his plan; but the intrigue
+was discovered by Chichimecatl, his determined enemy, who
+immediately communicated the intelligence to the council of
+Tlascala, before whom Xicotencatl was brought prisoner to answer
+for his treacherous intentions. Maxicatzin made a long speech in
+our favour, representing the prosperity which their state had
+enjoyed ever since our arrival, by freeing them from the
+depredations of their Mexican enemies, and enabling them to
+procure salt from which they had been long debarred. He then
+reprobated the proposed treachery of the younger Xicotencatl,
+against men who certainly were those concerning whom the prophecy
+had been handed down by their ancestors. In reply to this, and to
+a discourse from his father to the same purpose, the young man
+used such violent and disrespectful language, that he was seized
+and thrown down the steps of the council-hall into the street,
+with such violence that he narrowly escaped with his life. Such
+was the faithful conduct of our Tlascalan allies, and Cortes did
+not think it prudent to push the matter any farther in our
+present ticklish situation.</p>
+
+<p>After remaining twenty two days in Tlascala, Cortes resolved
+upon attacking the adjoining provinces of Tepejacac and Zacatula,
+on account of some murders the inhabitant of these districts had
+committed on the Spaniards; but the soldiers of Narvaez were
+decidedly averse from entering into any new war, as the slaughter
+of Mexico and the battle of Obtumba made them anxious to renounce
+Cortes and his conquests, and to return as soon as possible to
+their houses and mines in Cuba. Beyond all the rest, Andres Duero
+was heartily sick of his junction with Cortes, regretting the
+gold he had been forced to leave in the ditches of Mexico. These
+men, finding that words were of no avail to persuade Cortes to
+relinquish his plans of conquest, made a formal remonstrance in
+writing, stating the insufficiency of our force, and demanding
+leave to return to Cuba. Cortes urged every reason he could think
+of to induce them to concur in his schemes; and we who were his
+own soldiers, requested him on no account to permit any one to
+depart, but that all should remain to serve the cause of God and
+the king. The malcontents were forced reluctantly to acquiesce,
+murmuring against Cortes and his expeditions, and us who
+supported him, who, they said, had nothing but our lives to
+lose[1]. We now, therefore, set out on an expedition to chastise
+these districts, without artillery or fire-arms of any kind, all
+of which had been left in the Mexican canals. Our force consisted
+of 16 cavalry, 424 of our own infantry, mostly armed with swords
+and targets, and about 4000 Tlascalans. We halted at about three
+leagues from Tepejacac, but the inhabitants had deserted their
+houses on our approach. Having got some prisoners during the
+march, Cortes sent them to the chiefs with a message, intimating
+that he came to demand justice for the murder of eighteen
+Spaniards in their territories, and for their admitting Mexican
+troops into their country; and threatening them with fire and
+sword if they did not immediately submit to his authority. By our
+messengers and two Mexicans, they sent back a message, ordering
+us to return immediately, or they would put us all to death, and
+feast upon our bodies. Upon this it was determined in a council
+of the officers, that a full statement of all that had passed,
+should be drawn up by a royal notary, denouncing slavery on the
+Mexicans or their allies who had killed any Spanish subjects,
+after having submitted to the authority of the king. When this
+was drawn up and authenticated, we sent once more to require
+their submission, giving notice of the inevitable consequences of
+their disobedience. But they returned an answer like the former.
+Both sides being prepared for battle, we came to action with them
+next day; and as the enemy were drawn up in open fields of maize,
+our cavalry soon put the enemy to flight with considerable loss,
+though they made an obstinate resistance. In this battle our
+Tlascalan allies fought bravely; and, in the pursuit, we took a
+good many prisoners, all of whom were made slaves of. After this
+victory, the natives sued for peace, and we marched to the town
+of Tepejacac to receive their submission; and finding it an
+eligible situation, being in a fertile district, and on the road
+to Villa Rica, Cortes founded a colony in the place, naming it
+<i>Segura de la Frontera.</i> Municipal officers were appointed,
+and a branding-iron for marking those natives who were taken and
+reduced to slavery. We made excursions from this place through
+the surrounding district, and to the towns of Cachula,
+Tecamechalco, Guayavas, and some others, taking many prisoners,
+who were immediately branded for slaves; and in about six weeks
+we reduced the people to order and obedience.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] A long digression is here omitted, in which Diaz
+severely reprehends the account given by Gomara of this and other
+transactions in his history of the conquest of Mexico, altogether
+uninteresting to the English reader.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>At this time Cortes was informed from Villa Rica, that a
+vessel had arrived there commanded by Pedro Barba, his intimate
+friend, who had been lieutenant to Velasquez at the Havanna, and
+had now brought over thirteen soldiers and two horses; as also
+letters from Velasquez to Narvaez, ordering to send Cortes, if
+alive, to Cuba, that he might be sent to Castile, such being the
+orders of the bishop of Burgos. On the arrival of Barba in the
+harbour, the admiral appointed by Cortes went on board in a boat
+well armed, but with the arms concealed. When on board, the
+admiral saluted Barba, inquiring after the health of Velasquez,
+and the others inquired for Narvaez, and what had become of
+Cortes. They were told that Narvaez was in possession of the
+country, and had acquired great riches, while Cortes was a
+fugitive, wandering about with only twenty followers. They then
+invited Barba and the rest on shore; but the moment they entered
+the boats, they were ordered to surrender themselves prisoners to
+Cortes. The ship was dismantled, and the captain and crew,
+together with Barba and his men, sent up to us at Tepejacac, to
+our great satisfaction; for though we did not now suffer much in
+the field, we were very unhealthy from continual fatigue, five of
+our men having died of pleurisies of late. Francisco Lopez,
+afterwards regidor of Guatimala, came along with this party.
+Barba was kindly received by Cortes, whom he informed that
+another small vessel might be expected with provisions in about a
+week. It came accordingly, having on board Roderigo de Lobera,
+with eight soldiers and a horse. These were circumvented like the
+others, and sent up to us, by which we were much pleased to
+procure an accession to our small force.</p>
+
+<p>About this period, Cuitlahuitzin, who had been elected
+sovereign of Mexico in place of his brother Montezuma, died of
+the small-pox, and Quauhtemotzin, or Gautimotzin, was chosen in
+his stead, a young man of twenty-five years of age, of fine
+appearance, exceedingly brave, and so terrible to his subjects
+that every one trembled at his sight. On receiving notice of the
+reduction of Tepejacac, he became apprehensive of losing his
+other provinces, yet neglected no precautions to preserve the
+chiefs in their obedience, and sent considerable bodies of troops
+to the provinces nearest to where we were, to watch our motions.
+But these Mexican troops injured the cause they were sent to
+support, becoming very disorderly, plundering and maltreating the
+people whom they were sent to defend, or to keep under
+subjection. Provoked by these injuries, the ruling people of
+these provinces deputed four chiefs to negociate with Cortes,
+offering to submit to him, provided he would expel the Mexicans.
+Cortes immediately acceded to this proposal, and detached all the
+cavalry and crossbow-men of our army under De Oli, with as many
+of our other infantry as made up a force of 300 men, to which a
+considerable number of Tlascalan allies were joined. While our
+people were on their march, they received such formidable
+accounts of the number and force of the enemy, as entirely
+deprived the soldiers of Narvaez of all inclination for military
+expeditions. They mutinied, and told De Oli that, if he were
+determined to persevere, he might go alone, for they were
+resolved to quit him. De Oli remonstrated with them in vain,
+though supported by all the old soldiers of Cortes, and was
+compelled to halt at Cholula, whence he sent word to Cortes of
+his situation. Cortes returned an angry answer, ordering him to
+advance at all events. De Oli was now in a violent rage at those
+who had occasioned this reprimand from the general, and ordered
+the whole to march immediately, declaring he would send back all
+who hesitated, to be treated by Cortes as their cowardice
+deserved. On his arrival within a league of Guacacualco, he was
+met by some of the native chiefs, who informed him how he might
+best come upon the enemy. He accordingly marched against the
+Mexican forces, whom he completely defeated and put to flight,
+after a sharp action, in which eight of our men were wounded, and
+two horses killed. Our allies made a great slaughter of the
+Mexicans during the pursuit. The Mexicans fell back to a large
+town called Ozucar, where they joined another great body of their
+countrymen, who fortified themselves in that post, and broke down
+the bridges. De Oli pursued with as many of his troops as could
+keep up with him; and having passed the river by the assistance
+of his friends of Guacacualco, he again attacked the Mexicans,
+whom he again defeated and dispersed, losing two more of his
+horses. He received two wounds himself on this occasion, and his
+horse was wounded in several places. He halted two days after his
+double victory, receiving the submission of all the neighbouring
+chiefs, after which he returned with his troops to Segura de la
+Frontera. De Oli was received with applause by Cortes and all of
+us; and when we laughed at him for the hesitation of his men, he
+joined with us heartily, saying he would take the poor soldiers
+of Cortes on the next expedition, and not the rich planters who
+came with Narvaez, who thought more of their houses and estates
+than of military glory, and were more ready to command than to
+obey.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes now got information from Villa Rica of the arrival of a
+ship commanded by one Comargo, having upwards of seventy soldiers
+on board, all very sickly. This vessel had belonged to an
+expedition sent from Jamaica by Garray to establish a colony at
+Panuco; the other captain, Pineda, and all his soldiers, having
+been put to death by the natives, and their ship burnt. On
+finding, therefore, the ill success of that adventure, and that
+his men were afflicted with diseases of the liver from the
+unhealthy nature of the country, Camargo had come to Villa Rica
+for assistance. He is said to have been perfectly acquainted with
+the state of affairs in New Spain; and, on his arrival at Villa
+Rica, he immediately disembarked his soldiers, and went to Segura
+de la Frontera by slow marches, where he and his men were
+received with the utmost kindness by Cortes, and every possible
+care was bestowed for his and their recovery; but he and several
+of his soldiers soon died. By reason of their swollen bodies and
+discoloured countenances, we used to call these men <i>the green
+paunches</i>. That I may not interrupt the thread of my
+narrative, I shall mention in this place, that all the rest of
+this armament which was destined for Panuco, arrived at our port
+of Villa Rica at different and irregular periods, Garray
+continually sending us reinforcements, which he meant for Panuco,
+as he believed his intended colony at that place was going on
+successfully. The first of these reinforcements after Camargo
+consisted of fifty soldiers with seven horses, under the command
+of Michael Diaz de Auz. These men were all plump and jolly, and
+we gave them the nickname of the <i>Sir-loins</i>. Shortly after
+him another vessel brought forty soldiers with ten horses, and a
+good supply of crossbows and other arms. These were commanded by
+an officer named Ramirez, and as all his soldiers wore very thick
+and clumsy cotton armour, quite impenetrable by arrows, we called
+them the <i>Pack-horses</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Being thus unexpectedly reinforced by upwards of an hundred
+and fifty men, and twenty horses, Cortes determined to chastise
+the Indians of Xalatcingo, Cacatame, and other towns near the
+road to Villa Rica, who had been concerned in the murder of those
+Spaniards who had been sent from Villa Rica for the treasure. For
+this purpose he sent a detachment of two hundred veterans, among
+whom were twenty horsemen, and twelve armed with crossbows, under
+the command of Sandoval, who had likewise along with him a strong
+detachment of Tlascalans. Being informed that the Indians of that
+district were in arms, and reinforced by Mexican troops, Sandoval
+sent a message, offering pardon for the murder of the Spaniards,
+if they would submit to our government, and return the treasure.
+Their answer was, that they would eat him and all his men, as
+they had done the others. Sandoval, therefore, immediately
+marched into their country, and attacked them in two places at
+once, and though both the natives and the Mexicans defended
+themselves with great bravery, they were soon defeated with
+considerable loss. On going into some of their temples after the
+victory, our people found Spanish cloths, arms, saddles, and
+bridles, hung up as offerings to their gods. The inhabitants of
+this district submitted themselves to his majesties government,
+but were unable to return the treasure, as it had been sent to
+Mexico. Sandoval remained three days in this district receiving
+the submission of the inhabitants, whom he referred to Cortes for
+their pardon, and then returned to head-quarters, carrying a
+number of women and boys along with him, who were all branded as
+slaves. I was not on this expedition, being ill of a fever,
+attended with a vomiting of blood; but, being bled plentifully, I
+recovered by the blessing of God. In pursuance of orders from
+Sandoval, the chiefs of these tribes and of many others in the
+neighbourhood, came to Cortes and submitted themselves to his
+authority. Sandoval was sent in the next place to chastise the
+inhabitants of a district called Xocotlan, who had murdered nine
+Spaniards, having with him an hundred infantry, thirty cavalry,
+and a strong body of Tlascalans. On entering the district, he
+summoned the people to submission under the usual threats; but,
+as they had a considerable body of Mexican forces to aid them,
+they returned for answer, that they would acknowledge no other
+government than that of Mexico. Sandoval, therefore, put his
+troops in motion, cautioning the allies not to advance to the
+attack till the enemy were broken by our troops, and then to fall
+upon the Mexicans especially. Two large bodies of the enemy were
+found posted in strong and rocky ground, very difficult for our
+cavalry, insomuch, that before Sandoval could drive them from
+this post, one of his horses was killed, and nine wounded, as
+likewise were four of his soldiers. They were at length driven
+from this post into the town of Xocotlan, where they took post in
+the temples and some large walled courts; but were dislodged from
+these and put to flight with great slaughter, our Tlascalan
+allies giving good assistance, as they were incited by the hopes
+of abundant plunder. Sandoval halted two days in this place, to
+receive the submission of the chiefs, who begged pardon for what
+had passed, promising future obedience, and to supply us
+plentifully with provisions. On being ordered to restore the
+effects of the Spaniards whom they had slain, they replied that
+every thing of that kind had been burnt. They said, likewise that
+most of the Spaniards whom they had slain were eaten by them,
+except five, whom they sent to Guatimotzin[2].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Clavigero, II. 132, mentions about this time an
+expedition against Tochtepec, a considerable town on the river of
+Papaloapan, in which Salcedo and a detachment of 80 Spaniards
+were entirely cut off.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>These expeditions were productive of the best effects, as they
+extended the fame of Cortes and the Spaniards through the whole
+country for valour and clemency; and our general became more
+dreaded and respected than Guatimotzin, the new sovereign of
+Mexico, insomuch that his authority was resorted to on all
+occasions of importance. The small-pox at this time committed
+dreadful ravages in New Spain, cutting off vast numbers of the
+natives, and among the rest, many of the chiefs and princes of
+the country became victims to this dreadful calamity. On these
+occasions, the claimants for succession to the vacant chiefships
+resorted to Cortes, as sovereign of the country, for his
+decision, which they uniformly submitted to. Among the rest, the
+lordship of Guacacualco and Ozucar became vacant, and the various
+claimants submitted their claims to the decision of Cortes, who
+decided in favour of a nephew of the late Montezuma, whose sister
+had been married to the former cacique of the district.</p>
+
+<p>All the country around Tlascala and to the eastwards being now
+reduced to subjection, an order was issued to bring all the
+prisoners to a large house in the town of Segura, that the fifths
+belonging to the king and Cortes might be deducted, and the rest
+divided among the troops. The prisoners consisted of women, boys,
+and girls, as the men were found too difficult to keep, and our
+Tlascalan friends performed every service for us that we could
+desire, such as carrying our baggage, ammunition, and provisions,
+and all other drudgery. The prisoners were confined all night,
+and the repartition took place next morning. In the first place
+the king's fifth was set aside, and then that which belonged to
+Cortes; but when the shares of the soldiers came to be
+distributed, there remained only a parcel of old miserable jades,
+and it was found that some person had been in the depot during
+the night, who had taken away all the young and handsome women.
+This occasioned much clamour among the soldiers, who accused
+Cortes of injustice, and the soldiers of Narvaez swore no such
+thing had ever been heard of in the Spanish dominions as two
+kings and two fifths. One Juan de Quexo was very loud in his
+complaints on this occasion, declaring that he would make it
+known in Spain how we had been abused by Cortes, more especially
+in regard to the gold at Mexico, where only the value of 300,000
+crowns appeared at the division, whereas 700,000 crowns worth
+were produced at the time of our flight. Many of the soldiers
+loudly complained of having their women taken from them, after
+they had given them clothes and ornaments, saying they had only
+expected to have paid the fifth of their values to the king, and
+then that each would have got back his own. Cortes protested that
+better regulations should he adopted in future, and got the
+affair hushed up with smooth words and fair promises; yet he soon
+attempted even worse than this. It may be remembered, that, on
+the fatal night of our retreat from Mexico, all the treasure was
+produced, and every soldier was allowed to take as much as he
+pleased. On this occasion, many of the soldiers of Narvaez, and
+some of our own, loaded themselves with gold. Cortes now learned
+that a quantity of gold in bars was in circulation among the
+troops at La Frontera, who were much engaged in deep play, and
+forgot the old adage, that riches and amours should be concealed.
+He now issued an order for all the gold to be delivered within a
+given time, under severe penalties for disobedience, and promised
+to return back a third part to all who delivered their gold, but
+that all should be forfeited in case of failure or evasion. Many
+of the soldiers refused obedience to this arbitrary order, and
+from some Cortes took their gold by way of loan, yet rather by
+force than with their consent. Many of our captains, and those
+who had civil offices in the colony, were possessed of gold, and
+at length Cortes was glad to quash the order and say no more
+about the matter.</p>
+
+<p>The officers who had come with Narvaez thought the present
+interval of tranquillity was a favourable opportunity to renew
+their solicitations for leave to return to Cuba, to which Cortes
+at length consented, and gave them one of the best ships in the
+harbour, which was victualled with salted dogs, fowls, maize, and
+other provisions of the country. By this ship, Cortes sent
+letters to his wife Donna Catalina and her brother Juan Suarez,
+giving them an account of all that had happened in New Spain, and
+sent them some bars of gold and Mexican curiosities. The
+following were among the persons who now returned to Cuba, having
+their pockets well lined after all our disasters. Andres de
+Duero, Augustin Bermudez, Juan Buono, Bernardino de Quesada,
+Francisco Velasquez, Gonsalo Carrasco, who afterwards returned to
+New Spain, and lives now in La Puebla, Melchior Velasquez, one
+Ximenes, who now lives in Guaxaca, and went over at this time for
+his sons, the commendator Leon de Cervantes, who went to bring
+over his daughters, who were very honourably married after the
+conquest of Mexico; one Maldonado of Medelin, an invalid, a
+person named Vargas, and Cardinas the pilot, he who talked about
+the two kings, to whom Cortes gave the three hundred crowns he
+had formerly promised for his wife and daughters. We remonstrated
+with Cortes for allowing so many persons to quit the army,
+considering how weak we were already, on which he observed, that
+he did it partly to get rid of their importunities, and partly
+because they were unfit for war, and it was better to have a few
+good soldiers than many bad ones. Alvarado was sent to see these
+men safely shipped off, and he sent at this time Diego de Ordas
+and Alonzo de Mendoza to Spain, with instructions of which we
+were ignorant, except that they were meant to counteract the
+malice of the bishop of Burgos, who had declared us all traitors.
+De Ordas executed his commission to good purpose, and got the
+order of St Jago for himself, and the volcano of Popocatepetl
+added to his arms. Cortes sent also Alonzo de Avila, contador of
+New Spain, and Francisco Alvarez, to Hispaniola, to make a report
+to the court of royal audience, and the brothers of the order of
+Jeronymites, of all that had taken place, particularly in regard
+to Narvaez, and supplicating them to represent our faithful
+services to the emperor, and to support our interests against the
+enmity and misrepresentations of Velasquez and the bishop of
+Burgos. He sent likewise De Solis to Jamaica to purchase horses.
+It may be asked how Cortes was able to send agents to Spain,
+Hispaniola, and Jamaica, without money. But, although many of our
+soldiers were slain in our flight from Mexico, and much treasure
+lost in the ditches and canals of Mexico, yet a considerable
+quantity of gold was saved, as the eighty loaded Tlascalans were
+among the first who passed the bridge, and afterwards delivered
+all their gold to Cortes[3]. But we poor soldiers had enough ado
+to preserve our lives, all badly wounded, and did not trouble
+ourselves to inquire what became of the gold, or how much was
+brought off. It was even rumoured among us, that the share
+belonging to the garrison of Villa Rica, the carriers of which
+had been robbed and murdered, went after all to Spain, Jamaica,
+and other places; but as Cortes lined the pockets of our captains
+with plenty of gold, all inquiry on this head was stopped.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] This must have been a very considerable treasure.
+On one occasion, Clavigero reckons a load of gold at 800 ounces.
+The eighty Tlascalans might therefore carry off 64,000 ounces,
+which at &pound;4 the ounce, is worth &pound;256,000 Sterling,
+and of considerably more efficacious value in those days than a
+million is now.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>It may be wondered how Cortes should send away so valiant a
+captain as Alonzo de Avila on an affair of negociation, when he
+had several men of business in his army who could have been
+better spared, such as Alonzo de Grado, Juan Carceres <i>the
+rich</i>, and several others. The true reason was, that Avila was
+too ready to speak out on all occasions to obtain justice for the
+soldiers, and therefore Cortes sent him away that he might no
+longer be opposed and thwarted in his proceedings; and that he
+might give his company to Andres de Tapia, and his office of
+contador to Alonzo de Grado.</p>
+
+<p>Having now determined to undertake the siege of Mexico, Cortes
+left a garrison of twenty men, mostly sick and invalids in
+Frontera, under the command of Juan de Orozco, and marched with
+the rest of the army into the country of Tlascala, where he gave
+orders to cut down a quantity of timber, with which to construct
+a number of vessels to command the lake of Mexico. These ships
+were to be built under the direction of Martin Lopez, an
+excellent shipwright, and a valiant soldier, in which he was
+assisted by Andres Nunez, and old Ramirez, who was lame from a
+wound. Lopez conducted matters with great spirit, insomuch that
+in a very short time he had all the timber cut down, shaped, and
+marked out for the vessels, ready to be put together. The iron
+work, anchors, cables, sails, cordage, and all other necessaries
+for the vessels were procured from Villa Rica, whence all the
+smiths were sent up to the army to give their assistance. As
+pitch was unknown among the natives, four sailors were sent to
+the pine forests of Huetzotzinco, to obtain a supply of that
+article, in which they succeeded.</p>
+
+<p>On our arrival at Tlascala, we learnt that our good friend and
+faithful ally Maxicatzin had fallen a sacrifice to the small-pox.
+Cortes lamented the death of this good man as that of a father,
+and put on mourning out of respect to his memory, in which he was
+imitated by many of our officers and soldiers. As there was some
+difficulty in regard to the succession, Cortes conferred the
+vacant dignity on the legitimate son of the deceased chief, as he
+had desired a short time before his death, on which occasion he
+had strictly enjoined all his family and dependents to persevere
+in their alliance with us, as we were undoubtedly destined to
+rule their country according to their ancient traditions. The
+other chiefs of the Tlascalans offered their best services, in
+providing timber for our vessels, and engaged to aid us with all
+their military force in prosecuting the war against Mexico.
+Cortes accepted their offer with every mark of gratitude and
+respect; and even prevailed on the elder Xicotencatl, one of
+their principal caciques, to become a Christian, who was
+accordingly baptised with great ceremony, by the name of Don
+Lorenzo de Vargas.</p>
+
+<p>Just as we were about to begin our march, intelligence came
+from Villa Rica of the arrival of a vessel from Spain and the
+Canaries, loaded with military stores, horses, and merchandize,
+and having thirteen soldiers on board. The owner, who was
+likewise on board, was one Juan de Burgos, but the vessel was
+commanded by Francisco Medel. Cortes sent immediate orders to
+purchase the whole cargo, and all the people came up to join us
+to our great satisfaction. Among these were one Juan del Espinar,
+afterwards a very rich man, and two others named Sagredo, and
+Monjaraz a Biscayan, who had two nephews of the same name in our
+army. Monjaraz never went upon any expedition or engagement along
+with us, always feigning to be sick, though he omitted no
+opportunity to boast of his courage. Once, while we were
+besieging Mexico, he went up to the top of a high temple, as he
+said to see how the natives fought; and by some means which we
+could never find out, he was killed that day by some of the
+Indians. Those who had known him in Hispaniola, said it was a
+just judgment, for having procured the death of his wife, a
+beautiful and honourable woman, by means of false witnesses.</p>
+
+<p>All the timber for our vessels being in readiness, and every
+thing prepared for our expedition against Mexico, it was debated
+in our council of war in what place we should establish our
+head-quarters, in order to prepare our measures for investing
+that city. Some strongly recommended Ayotcingo as most convenient
+for that purpose, on account of its canals. Cortes and others
+preferred Tezcuco, as best adapted for making incursions into the
+Mexican territory, and that place was accordingly fixed upon. We
+accordingly began our march from Tlascala immediately after the
+junction of our last reinforcement from Villa Rica, consisting of
+the soldiers who came with Medel and De Burgos.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XII.</p>
+
+<p><i>Transactions of Cortes and the Spaniards from their March
+against Mexico, to the Commencement of the Siege of that
+City</i>.</p>
+
+<p>We began our March from Tlascala on the 26th of December 1520,
+with the whole of our Spanish force, and accompanied by ten
+thousand of our Tlascalan allies[1], and halted that night within
+the territories of the state of Tezcuco, the inhabitants of which
+place supplied us with provisions. We marched about three leagues
+on the 27th, when we halted at the foot of a ridge of mountains,
+finding the weather extremely cold. Early next day we began to
+ascend the mountains, the bad roads having been made more
+difficult by the enemy, by means of ditches and felled trees,
+which were removed by the exertions of our allies. We proceeded
+with the utmost order and precaution, having an advanced guard of
+musketeers and crossbow-men, and our allies cleared the way to
+enable our cavalry to advance. After passing the summit of the
+mountain, we enjoyed the glorious prospect of the vale of Mexico
+below, with the lakes, the capital rising out of the waters, and
+all its numerous towns and cultivated fields; and gave thanks to
+GOD, who had enabled us again to behold this astonishing scene of
+riches and population, after passing through so many dangers. We
+could distinctly perceive numerous signals made by smoke in all
+the towns towards Mexico; and a little farther on, we were
+resisted by a body of the enemy, who endeavoured to defend a bad
+pass at a deep water-run, where the wooden bridge had been broken
+down; but we soon drove them away, and passed over, as the enemy
+contented themselves with shooting their arrows from a
+considerable distance. Our allies pillaged the country as we went
+along, which was contrary to the inclination of our general, but
+he was unable to restrain them. From some prisoners whom we had
+taken at the broken bridge, we were informed that a large body of
+the enemy was posted on our line of march, intending to give us
+battle; but it appeared afterwards that they had separated in
+consequence of dissentions among the chiefs, and we soon learnt
+that a civil war actually existed between the Mexicans and the
+state of Tezcuco. The small-pox also raged at this time in the
+country, which had a great effect in our favour, by preventing
+the enemy from being able to assemble their forces.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] According to Clavigero, II. 135, the Spanish
+force at this time amounted to forty cavalry, divided into four
+troops, and 550 infantry, in nine companies: But he swells the
+auxiliary force of the Tlascalans to 110,000
+men.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Next morning we proceeded on our march for Tezcuco, which was
+about two leagues from the place where we had halted for the
+night; but we had not proceeded far, when one of our patroles
+brought intelligence that several Indians were coming towards us
+bearing signals of peace, and indeed we found the whole country
+through which we marched this day in perfect tranquillity. On the
+arrival of the Indians, we found them to consist of seven chiefs
+from Tezcuco, sent as ambassadors by Coanacotzin, the prince of
+Tezcuco or Acolhuacan. A golden banner was carried before them on
+a long lance, which was lowered on approaching Cortes, to whom
+the ambassadors bowed themselves in token of respect. They then
+addressed our general in the name of their prince, inviting us to
+his city, and requesting to be received under our protection.
+They denied having taken any part in the attacks which we had
+experienced, earnestly entreating that no injury might be done to
+their city by our allies, and presented their golden banner to
+Cortes, in token of peace and submission. Three of these
+ambassadors were known to most of us, as they were relations of
+Montezuma, and had been captains of his guards, when we were
+formerly at Mexico. The ambassadors were assured by Cortes that
+he would use his utmost efforts to protect the country, although
+they must well know that above forty Spaniards and two hundred of
+our allies had been put to death in passing through their
+territories when we retreated from Mexico. Cortes added, that
+certainly no reparation could now be made for the loss of our
+men, but he expected they would restore the gold and other
+property which had been taken on that occasion. They asserted
+that the whole blame of that transaction was owing to
+Cuitlahuatzin, the successor of Montezuma, who had received the
+spoil and sacrificed the prisoners. Cortes found that very little
+satisfaction could be got from them for the past, yet wishing if
+possible to make them now our friends, he earnestly entreated the
+Tlascalan chiefs to prohibit their warriors from pillaging the
+country, and his wishes were strictly complied with, except in
+regard to provisions. After this conference was ended, we
+proceeded to a village named Guatinchan or Huexotla, at a small
+distance from Tezcuco, where we halted for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, being the 31st December 1520, we marched into
+Tezcuco, where neither women or children were to be seen, and
+even the men had a suspicious appearance, indicating that some
+mischief was intended against us. We took up our quarters in some
+buildings which consisted of large halls and inclosed courts, and
+orders were issued that none of the soldiers were to go out of
+their quarters, and that all were to be on the alert to guard
+against surprize. On the soldiers being dismissed to their
+respective quarters, the Captains Alvarado and De Oli, with some
+soldiers, among whom I was, went up to the top of a lofty temple,
+from which we had a commanding view, to observe what was going on
+in the neighbourhood. We could see all the people everywhere in
+motion, carrying off their children and effects to the woods and
+the reedy borders of the lake, and to great numbers of canoes.
+Cortes wished to have secured Coanacotzin, who had sent us the
+friendly embassy, which now appeared to have been merely a
+pretext to gain time; but it was found that he and many of the
+principal persons of Tezcuco had fled to Mexico. We posted strong
+guards, therefore, in every direction, and kept ourselves in
+constant readiness for action. Cortes soon learnt that factions
+existed in Tezcuco, and that many of the chiefs were adverse to
+their present prince, and remained in their houses, while those
+of the opposite faction had withdrawn. Cortes sent for those
+chiefs next morning, from whom he learnt, that they considered
+their present prince, Coanacotzin, as an usurper, he having
+murdered his elder brother, Cuicutzcatzin, who had been placed on
+the throne by Montezuma and Cortes, and that Coanacotzin owed his
+elevation to the favour of Guatimotzin, the present sovereign of
+Mexico. They pointed out a youth named Ixtlilxochitl as the
+rightful heir of Acolhuacan, who was brought immediately to
+Cortes, and installed without delay in the government. Cortes
+prevailed upon him to become a Christian, and had him baptised
+with great solemnity, standing godfather on the occasion, and
+giving him his own name, Don Hernando Cortes Ixtlilxochitl; and
+to retain him in the Spanish interest and in our holy faith, he
+appointed three Spaniards to attend upon him, Escobar, who was
+made captain or governor of Tezcuco, Anthonio de Villa Real, and
+Pedro Sanches Farfan. In the next place, Cortes required the new
+prince of Tezcuco to supply him with a number of labourers to
+open up the canals leading to the lake, on purpose to admit our
+vessels which were to be put together at Tezcuco. He also
+informed him of our intentions to besiege Mexico, for which
+operation the young prince engaged to give all the assistance in
+his power. The work on the canals was conducted with all
+expedition, as we never had less than seven or eight thousand
+Indians employed[2]. As Guatimotzin, the reigning monarch of
+Mexico, frequently sent out large bodies of troops in canoes on
+the lake, apparently with the hope of attacking us unprepared,
+Cortes used every military precaution to guard against any sudden
+attack, by assigning proper posts to our several captains, with
+orders to be always on the alert. The people in Huexotla, a town
+and district only a few miles from Tezcuco, who had been guilty
+of murdering some of our countrymen on a former occasion,
+petitioned Cortes for pardon, and were taken into favour on
+promise of future fidelity.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] In the very imperfect maps of Diaz and Clavigero,
+Tezcuco is placed near the mouth of a rivulet which discharges
+itself into the lake of Mexico: In the former, the buildings are
+represented as extending two miles and a half along the rivulet,
+and coming close to the edge of the lake; but the map of
+Clavigero has no scale. In the map given by Humboldt, Tezcuco is
+placed on a rising ground, near two miles from the edge of the
+lake. But the lake has since the time of Cortes been much
+diminished in extent by a grand drain, insomuch that Mexico,
+formerly insulated, is now a mile and a half from the
+lake.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Before his elevation to the throne of Mexico, Guatimotzin had
+been prince or cacique of Iztapalapa, the people of which place
+were determined enemies to us and our allies[3]. We had been now
+twelve days in Tezcuco, where the presence of so large a force
+occasioned some scarcity of provisions, and even our allies began
+to grow somewhat impatient of our inactivity. From all these
+considerations, Cortes determined upon an expedition to
+Iztapalapa, against which place he marched at the head of 13
+cavalry 220 infantry, and the whole of our Tlascalan allies. The
+inhabitants had received a reinforcement of 8000 Mexican
+warriors, yet they fell back into the town on our approach, and
+even fled into their canoes and the houses which stood in the
+water, allowing us to occupy that part of the town which stood on
+the firm land. As it was now night, we took up our quarters for
+the night and posted our guards, unaware of a stratagem which had
+been planned for our destruction. On a sudden there came so great
+a body of water into the streets and houses, that we had been all
+infallibly drowned if our friends from Tezcuco had not given us
+instant notice of our danger. The enemy had cut the banks of the
+canals, and a causeway also, by which means the place was laid
+almost instantly under water. We escaped with some difficulty,
+two only of our allies being drowned; but all our powder was
+destroyed, and we passed a very uncomfortable night, without
+food, and all wet and very cold; and were very much provoked at
+the laughter and taunts of the Mexicans from the lake. At
+daybreak, large bodies of Indians crossed over from Mexico and
+attacked us with such violence, that they killed two of our
+soldiers and one horse, and wounded many of us, and were repelled
+with much difficulty. Our allies also suffered considerable loss
+on this occasion; but the enemy were at last repulsed, and we
+returned to Tezcuco very little satisfied with the fame or profit
+of this fruitless expedition. Two days after our retreat from
+Iztapalapa, the inhabitants of these neighbouring districts,
+Tepetezcuco, Obtumba or Otompan, and some others in that quarter,
+sent to solicit pardon for the hostilities they had formerly
+committed against us, alleging in excuse that they had acted by
+the orders of their sovereign Cuitlahuatzin, the immediate
+successor of Montezuma. Cortes, knowing that he was not in a
+situation to chastise them, granted them pardon on promise of
+future obedience. The inhabitants also of a place which we named
+Venezuela, or Little Venice, because built in the water, who had
+been always at variance with the Mexicans, now solicited our
+alliance, and engaged to bring over their neighbours to our
+party. This circumstance was of much importance to our views,
+from the situation of that place on the lake facilitating our
+future operations, especially those of our naval force.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] On this occasion Diaz mentions the inhabitants of
+Chalco, Tlalmalanco, Mecameca, and Chimaloacan, as the allies of
+the Spaniards; but these states do not appear to have submitted
+to the Spaniards till afterwards. Cortes employed the interval,
+from his arrival at Tezcuco in the end of December 1520, to the
+investment of Mexico, at the end of May 1521, five months, in
+detaching a great number of the native states from their
+dependence upon Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>We soon afterwards received intelligence, that large bodies of
+Mexican troops had attacked the districts which were in alliance
+with us, by which the inhabitants were compelled to fly into the
+woods for shelter, or to take refuge in our quarters. Cortes went
+out with twenty of our cavalry and two hundred infantry, having
+Alvarado and De Oli along with him, to drive in the Mexicans. The
+real cause of contention on the present occasion was concerning
+the crop of maize growing on the borders of the lake, which was
+now fit to reap, and from which the natives had been in use to
+supply our wants, whereas it was claimed by the Mexicans, as
+belonging to the priests of their city. Cortes desired the
+natives to inform him when they proposed to cut down this corn,
+and sent upwards of a hundred of our men and a large body of our
+allies to protect the reapers. I was twice on that duty, and on
+one of these occasions, the Mexicans came over to attack us in
+above a thousand canoes, and endeavoured to drive us from the
+maize fields; but we and our allies drove them back to their
+boats, though they fought with great resolution, killed one of
+our soldiers and wounded a considerable number. In this skirmish,
+twenty of the enemy were left dead on the field, and we took live
+prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Chalco and Tlalmanalco were two places of material importance
+to us at this time, as they lay in the direct road between
+Tlascala and our head-quarters at Tezcuco, but both of them were
+garrisoned by Mexican troops; and though Cortes was at this time
+solicited by several important districts to enable them to throw
+off the yoke of Mexico, he considered it as of the first
+necessity to dislodge the Mexicans from these two towns, on
+purpose to open a secure communication with our allies, and to
+cover the transport of our ship timber from Tlascala. He sent
+therefore a strong detachment of fifteen horse and two hundred
+infantry under Sandoval and De Lugo, with orders to drive the
+Mexicans from that part of the country, and to open a clear
+communication with Villa Rica. During the march, Sandoval placed
+ten of his men as a rear guard, to protect a considerable number
+of our allies who were returning home to Tlascala loaded with
+plunder. The Mexicans fell upon this weak rear-guard by surprise
+during the march, killing two of our men and wounding all the
+rest; and though Sandoval made all the haste he could to their
+rescue, the Mexicans escaped on board their canoes with very
+little loss. He now placed the Tlascalans in security, by
+escorting them beyond the Mexican garrisons, and sent forward the
+letter of our general to the commandant of Villa Rica, by which
+he was enjoined to send what reinforcements he could possibly
+spare to Tlascala, there to wait until they were quite certain
+that the road from thence to Tezcuco was clear. Sandoval, after
+seeing the Tlascalans safe upon their journey, returned towards
+Chalco, sending word secretly to the inhabitants, who were very
+impatient under the Mexican yoke, to be in readiness to join him.
+He was attacked on his march through a plain covered with maize
+and <i>maguey</i>, by a strong body of Mexican troops, who
+wounded several of his men; but they were soon repulsed and
+pursued to a considerable distance by the cavalry. Sandoval now
+prosecuted his march to Chalco, where he found the cacique of
+that place had recently died of the small-pox, having recommended
+his two sons on his deathbed to the protection of Cortes, as he
+was convinced we were the bearded men who, according to their
+ancient prophecy, were to come from the eastern countries to rule
+over this land, and had therefore commanded his sons to receive
+the investiture of their state from the hands of Cortes. Sandoval
+set out therefore for Tezcuco next day, talking along with him
+the two young lords of Chalco, and many of the nobles of that
+place, carrying a present of golden ornaments to our general
+worth about 200,000 crowns. Cortes accordingly received the young
+princes of Chalco with great distinction, and divided their
+fathers territories between them; giving the city of Chalco and
+the largest share of the district to the elder brother, and
+Tlalmanalco, Aytocinco, and Chimalhuacan to the younger.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, Cortes sent a message to Guatimotzin, the
+reigning sovereign of Mexico, by means of some prisoners whom he
+enlarged for this purpose, inviting him in the most conciliatory
+terms to enter into a treaty of peace and friendship; but
+Guatimotzin refused to listen to any terms of accommodation, and
+continued to carry on the most determined and unceasing hostility
+against us. Frequent and loud complaints were made by our allies
+of Huexotla and Coatlichan of the incursions made upon their
+territories in the neighbourhood of the lake by the enemy, on the
+old quarrel about the fields which had been appropriated for the
+priests who served in the temples of Mexico. In consequence of
+these hostilities so near our head-quarters, Cortes went with a
+strong detachment, with which he came up with the enemy about two
+leagues from Tezcuco, and gave them so complete a defeat, that
+they never ventured to shew themselves there any more. It was now
+resolved to bring the timber which had been prepared in Tlascala
+for constructing our naval force on the lake of Mexico; for which
+purpose Sandoval was sent with a force of 200 infantry, including
+20 musketeers and crossbow-men, and 15 cavalry, to serve as an
+escort. He was likewise ordered to conduct the chiefs of Chalco
+to their own district; and before they set out, Cortes effected a
+reconciliation between the Tlascalans and the inhabitants of
+Chalco, who had been long at variance. He gave orders likewise to
+Sandoval, after leaving the chiefs of Chalco in their own city,
+to inflict exemplary punishment on the inhabitants of a place
+which we call <i>Puebla Moresca</i>, who had robbed and murdered
+forty of our men who were marching from Vera Cruz to Mexico, at
+the time when we went to relieve Alvarado. These people had not
+been more guilty than those of Tezcuco, who indeed were the
+leaders in that affair, but they could be more conveniently
+chastised. The place was given up to military execution, though
+not more than three or four were put to death, as Sandoval had
+compassion upon them. Some of the principal inhabitants were made
+prisoners; who assured Sandoval that the Spaniards were fallen
+upon by the troops of Mexico and Tezcuco in a narrow pass, where
+they could only march in single file, and that it was done in
+revenge for the death of Cacamatzin.</p>
+
+<p>In the temples at this place, our men found the walls and
+idols smeared with the blood of our countrymen, and the skins of
+two of their faces with their beards on were found hung upon the
+altars, having been dressed like leather. The skins also of four
+of our horses were found hung up as trophies; and they saw
+written on a piece of marble in the wall of one of the houses:
+"Here the unfortunate Juan Yuste and many of his companions were
+made prisoners." Yuste was one of the gentlemen who came over
+with Narvaez and had served in the cavalry. These melancholy
+remains filled Sandoval and his men with grief and rage; but
+there were no objects on which to wreak their vengeance, as all
+the men were fled, and none remained but women and children, who
+deprecated their anger in the most moving terms. Sandoval
+therefore granted them pardon, and sent them to bring back their
+husbands and fathers, with a promise of forgiveness on condition
+of submission and future obedience. On questioning them about the
+gold they had taken from our people, they assured him it had all
+been claimed by the Mexicans[4].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] From the circumstance of the gold, it is probable
+Yuste and his companions had been slain on their retreat from
+Mexico, not on their way there as stated in the text. From this
+and other similar incidents, of parties of Spaniards having been
+slain in different places after the retreat from Mexico, it is
+highly probable that several detached parties made their escape,
+who missed forming a junction with Cortes. He, it will be
+recollected, made a detour round the west and south sides of the
+lake; and it is probable that they had turned to the east, as the
+nearest and most direct way to Tlascala and Villa
+Rica.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Sandoval continued his route towards Tlascala, near which he
+was met by a vast body of Indians commanded by Chichimecatl,
+accompanied by Martin Lopez, and employed in transporting the
+ship timber. Eight thousand men carried the timber all ready
+shaped for our thirteen vessels, with the sails, cordage, and all
+other materials. Eight thousand warriors attended in arms to
+protect the bearers of the timber; and two thousand carried
+provisions for the whole[5]. Several Spaniards joined us along
+with this escort, and two other principal chiefs of the
+Tlascalans, Ayotecatle and Teotlipil. During the march, only some
+small bodies of the enemy appeared, and these always at a
+distance; but it was deemed necessary to use the utmost
+vigilance, to avoid the danger of a surprise, considering the
+great length of the line of march[6]. Sandoval accordingly sent a
+strong detachment of Spanish troops as an advanced guard, and
+posted others on the flanks; while he remained with the rear
+guard which he assigned to the Tlascalans. This arrangement gave
+great offence to Chichimecatl; but he was reconciled to this
+post, on being told that the Mexicans would most probably attack
+the rear, which was therefore the post of honour, because of more
+danger. In two days more, the whole escort arrived in safety at
+Tezcuco; the allies being all dressed out in their gayest habits,
+with great plumes of feathers, and splendid banners, sounding
+their horns and trumpets, and beating their drums, as in triumph
+for the expected fall of Mexico. They continued marching into
+Tezcuco for half a day, amid continual shouts of "Castilla!
+Castilla! Tlascala! Tlascala! Long live the emperor Don Carlos!"
+Our timber was now laid down at the docks which had been prepared
+for this purpose; and, by the exertion of Martin Lopez, the hulls
+of our thirteen brigantines were very soon completed; but we were
+obliged to keep a very careful guard, as the Mexicans sent
+frequent parties to endeavour to set them on fire.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Clavigero, II. 146, exaggerates the armed escort
+to 30,000 Tlascalan warriors, commanded by three chiefs,
+Chichimecatl, Ayotecatl, and Teotlipil. Diaz calls the two last,
+Teuleticle and Teatical; but though his facts are fully more to
+be depended upon, Clavigero may be accounted better versant in
+Mexican orthography.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Clavigero, II. 146, quotes Diaz as saying that it
+extended six miles from front to rear. This may very likely have
+been the case, but Diaz nowhere specifies the length of the
+line.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The Tlascalan chiefs were very anxious to be employed on some
+enterprize against their ancient enemies the Mexicans, and Cortes
+resolved to indulge them by an expedition against Xaltocan, a
+town situated on an island of a lake to the northward of the
+great lake of Mexico or Tezcuco, which is now called the lake of
+St Christopher. Leaving therefore the charge of the important
+post of Tezcuco with Sandoval, who was enjoined to use the utmost
+vigilance, and giving orders to Martin Lopez to have the vessels
+all ready for launching in fifteen days, he set out on the
+expedition against Xaltocan with 250 Spanish infantry, 30
+cavalry, the whole force of the Tlascalans, and a body of
+warriors belonging to Tezcuco[7]. On approaching Xaltocan, our
+army was met by some large bodies of Mexican troops, whom the
+cavalry soon dispersed and drove into the woods. The troops
+halted for the night in some villages in a very populous country,
+and were obliged to keep on the alert, as it was known that the
+enemy had a strong force in Xaltocan, to which place a strong
+body of Mexicans had been sent in large canoes, and were now
+concealed among the deep canals in that neighbourhood. Next
+morning, on resuming their march, our troops were exceedingly
+harassed by the enemy, and several of them wounded, as our
+cavalry had no opportunity to charge them, the ground being much
+intersected by canals. The only causeway which led from the land
+to the town had been laid under water, so that our troops could
+not approach, and our musquetry had little or no effect against
+the enemy in the canoes, as they were defended by strong screens
+of timber. Our people began to despair of success, when some of
+the natives of Tezcuco pointed out a ford with which they were
+acquainted, by which our people were enabled, under their
+guidance, to make their way to the causeway leading into the town
+leaving Cortes and the cavalry on the main land. Our infantry
+forced their way into the town, where they made a considerable
+slaughter of the Mexicans, driving the remainder of them and many
+of the inhabitants of the town to take shelter in their canoes.
+They then returned to Cortes, bringing with them a considerable
+booty in gold, slaves, and mantles, having only lost one soldier
+in this exploit. Next day, Cortes marched through a thickly
+peopled and well cultivated country against a large town named
+Quauhtitlan, which we found deserted, and in which we halted for
+the night. On the ensuing day, we marched to another large town
+called Tenayoecan, but which we named <i>Villa de Serpe</i>, or
+the Town of Serpents, on account of some enormous figures of
+these animals which were found in the temples, and which these
+people worshipped as gods. This place was likewise deserted by
+the inhabitants, who had withdrawn with their effects into places
+of safety. From thence we marched to Escapuzalco, or the town of
+the goldsmiths, which was also deserted, and thence to Tacuba or
+Tlacopan, to which our troops had to cut their way through
+considerable bodies of the enemy. Our troops halted here for the
+night, and were assailed next morning by several successive
+bodies of the enemy, who had formed a plan to draw us into an
+ambuscade, by pretending to take flight along the fatal causeway
+of Tacuba, where we had suffered so much on our retreat from
+Mexico. This partly succeeded, as Cortes and his troops pursued
+them along the causeway across one of the bridges, and were
+immediately surrounded by prodigious numbers of the enemy, some
+on the land and others in canoes on the water. Cortes soon
+perceived his mistake, and ordered a retreat, which was made with
+the utmost firmness and regularity, our men constantly keeping
+a-front to the enemy and giving ground inch by inch, continually
+fighting. In the confusion of this surprise, Juan Volante, who
+carried the colours, fell from the bridge into the lake, and the
+Mexicans were even dragging him away to their canoes; yet he
+escaped from them and brought away his colours. In this
+unfortunate affair, five of our soldiers were slain, and a great
+many wounded. Cortes halted for five days at Tacuba[8], during
+which there were many skirmishes with the enemy, and then marched
+back to Tezcuco, the Mexicans continuing to harass him by
+frequent attacks; but having drawn them on one occasion into an
+ambuscade, in which they were defeated with considerable
+slaughter, they desisted from any farther attack. On arriving at
+our head-quarters in Tezcuco, the Tlascalans, who had enriched
+themselves with plunder during the expedition, solicited
+permission to go home that they might secure their acquisitions
+in their own country, which Cortes readily consented to.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] Clavigero says, 350 Spanish infantry, 25
+horsemen, and 30,000 Tlascalans, with six small
+cannon.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>During four days after our return from this expedition, the
+Indians of several neighbouring districts came in with presents
+and offers of submission. Although Cortes was well aware that
+they had been concerned in the murder of our men after the
+retreat from Mexico, he received them all very graciously, and
+dismissed them with promises of protection. About this time
+likewise, several nations who had joined with us in alliance made
+strong representations of the outrages which had been committed
+upon them by the Mexicans, of which they produced paintings in
+their manner, and earnestly entreated succour. But Cortes could
+not grant them the required assistance, as our army, besides
+having suffered loss by several being killed and many wounded
+during the late hostilities, was now grown very unhealthy. He
+gave them, however, fair promises, but advised them to rely more
+upon their own exertions and the assistance of our other allies,
+for which purpose he issued orders to all the districts in our
+alliance to assemble in arms against the common enemy. They
+accordingly collected their forces, and came to action in the
+field with the Mexicans, and exerted themselves with so much
+vigour that they gained the victory. The province of Chalco was
+however an object of principal importance to us, as the
+possession of that country was essentially necessary to preserve
+our communication with Tlascala and Villa Rica, and being
+likewise a fertile corn country, contributed largely to the
+subsistence of our army. As it was much harassed by the enemy,
+Cortes sent Sandoval with a detachment of about 250 of our
+troops, cavalry and infantry, to clear it of the Mexicans, and
+accompanied by a body of warriors from Tezcuco and such of our
+Tlascalan allies as still remained with our army. Sandoval set
+out from Tezcuco on the 12th of March 1521, and arrived next
+morning at Tlalmanalco, where he learnt that the Mexican forces
+were posted at a large town called Guaztepeque or Huaxtepec.
+Being now joined by the warriors of Chalco, Sandoval halted for
+the night at the town of Chimalcan; and next morning gave orders
+to his musketeers and crossbow-men to attack the enemy, who were
+posted in strong ground; the troops who were armed with swords
+and targets, were formed into a compact body of reserve; and the
+cavalry, being formed in small bodies of three each, were
+directed to charge as soon as the firing had made an impression
+on the enemy. While advancing in this order, Sandoval perceived
+the Mexican forces drawn up in three large columns or dense
+battalions, and thought proper to change his original plan, and
+to endeavour to break through them by a cavalry charge. Placing
+himself, therefore, at the head of the cavalry, he immediately
+proceeded to the charge, exclaiming, "St Jago! fall on,
+comrades!" The main body of the enemy was partly broken by this
+charge, but immediately closed again and stood firm; and the
+nature of the ground was so much in favour of the Mexicans, that
+Sandoval found it necessary to endeavour to drive them from their
+post in the manner first proposed, into the open ground in the
+rear. For this purpose he made the musketeers and crossbow-men
+attack the enemy in front, and those armed with swords and
+targets to turn their flanks, ordering also the allies to come
+forward to the attack, and directed the cavalry to be ready to
+charge at an appointed signal. Our troops at length forced them
+to retreat, but they immediately occupied another strong position
+in their rear, so that Sandoval and the cavalry were unable to
+make any considerable impression upon them. In one of the charges
+in this difficult broken ground, the horse of Gonzalo Dominguez
+fell with him, and he was so much injured that he died in a few
+days afterwards: His loss was much regretted by the army, as he
+was esteemed as brave as either Sandoval or De Oli. Our army
+broke the enemy a second time, and pursued them to the town,
+where they were suddenly opposed by not less than 15,000 fresh
+warriors, who endeavoured to surround our troops: But Sandoval
+caused them to be attacked on both flanks, when they fled towards
+the town, endeavouring however to make a stand behind some
+recently constructed works; but our troops followed them up so
+vigorously that they had no time to rally, and were constrained
+to take shelter in the town. As his troops were much fatigued,
+and had got hold of a good supply of provisions, Sandoval thought
+proper to allow them some repose, and they began to prepare their
+victuals, in which they were soon interrupted by an alarm of the
+enemy approaching. They were ready for action in a moment, and
+advanced to meet the enemy, fortunately in an open place; where,
+after a smart action, the enemy were constrained to retreat
+behind their works; but Sandoval pushed on the advantage with so
+much impetuosity, that he soon drove them from their works, and
+compelled them to evacuate the town with the utmost
+precipitation.</p>
+
+<p>Sandoval took up his quarters in a very extensive and
+magnificent garden, which contained a number of large handsome
+buildings, and many admirable conveniencies fit for the residence
+of a great prince; but our soldiers had not then time to examine
+all its beauties, as it was more than a quarter of a league in
+length. I was not in this expedition, being confined under cure
+of a bad wound in my throat, which I received by a lance in the
+affair at Iztapalapa, and of which I still carry the marks; but I
+saw this fine garden about twenty days afterwards, when I
+accompanied Cortes to this place. Not being on this expedition, I
+do not in my narrative say <i>we</i> and <i>us</i> on this
+occasion, but <i>they</i> and <i>them</i>; yet every thing I
+relate is perfectly true, as all the transactions of every
+enterprize were regularly reported at headquarters. Sandoval now
+summoned all the neighbouring districts to submit, but to little
+purpose, as the people of Acapistlan or Jacapichtla answered by a
+defiance. This gave much uneasiness to our allies of Chalco, as
+they were assured the Mexicans would immediately attack them
+again on the Spaniards returning to Tezcuco. Sandoval was rather
+averse from engaging in any new enterprize, as a great number of
+his men were wounded, and the soldiers of Narvaez disliked risks
+of every kind; but our allies of Chalco were anxious to reduce
+that place, and were strongly supported in this opinion by Luis
+Marin, a wise and valiant officer; and as the distance was only
+two leagues, Sandoval acquiesced. On his advance, the enemy
+assailed him with their missile weapons, and then retired to
+their strong post in the town. Our allies were not very much
+disposed to attack the works, in which the Spaniards shewed them
+the way, some even of the cavalry dismounting to fight on foot,
+and leaving the rest in the plain to protect the rear. Our people
+at length carried the place, but had a good many wounded in the
+assault, even Sandoval himself. Though our allies were rather
+tardy in the assault, they made up for it after the place was
+carried, saving the Spaniards the trouble of putting the enemy to
+death; and indeed we often blamed the ferocious cruelty of our
+allies, from whom we saved many of our Indian enemies. At this
+time indeed, our countrymen thought themselves better employed in
+searching for gold and taking good female prisoners, than in
+butchering a parcel of poor wretches who no longer attempted any
+defence.</p>
+
+<p>Sandoval returned to Tezcuco with many slaves and considerable
+plunder, and just as he arrived at head-quarters, even before he
+had time to make a report to Cortes of the success of his late
+expedition, an express arrived from Chalco with information that
+they were in a more perilous situation than before. Guatimotzin
+was enraged at the defection of the inhabitants of Chalco, and
+determined to inflict upon them the most exemplary chastisement.
+For this purpose, he sent a force of 20,000 Mexican warriors
+across the lake in 2000 canoes, with orders to lay waste the
+whole district with fire and sword. On the communication of this
+intelligence to Cortes, he was exceedingly enraged at Sandoval,
+believing that this had been occasioned by his negligence, and he
+gave him orders to return instantly to the defence of Chalco,
+refusing even to hear his relation of what he had already done.
+Sandoval was much hurt at this treatment, yet went back to Chalco
+with all possible expedition; but found the business over before
+his arrival, as the inhabitants of that province, having summoned
+their neighbours to their aid, had already repelled the Mexican
+invasion, and Sandoval had only to return to head-quarters with
+the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>At this period a proclamation was issued, by which all the
+soldiers were ordered to bring in the Indian prisoners to be
+branded, and to pay for them the royal dues. I have already
+mentioned the treatment we formerly met with at Tepeaca on a
+similar occasion, but we were worse used now at Tezcuco if
+possible. In the first place a fifth was taken away for the king;
+then another fifth for Cortes; and, what was still worse, most of
+the good female slaves were abstracted during the night. We had
+been promised that all the slaves should be rated according to
+their value; but the officers of the crown valued them as they
+thought proper, and at a most exorbitant rate. In consequence of
+this, the poor soldiers for the future passed their slaves as
+servants, denying that they were prisoners of war, to avoid the
+heavy duty; and such as were in favour with Cortes, often got
+their slaves marked privately, paying him the composition. Many
+of the slaves who happened to fall to bad masters, or such as had
+a bad reputation, used to run away; but their owners always
+remained debtors for their estimated value in the royal books, so
+that many were more in debt on this account than all the value of
+their share in the prize gold could pay for. About this time
+likewise, a ship arrived at Villa Rica from Spain with arms and
+gunpowder, in which came Julian de Alderete, who was sent out as
+royal treasurer. In the same vessel came the elder Orduna, who
+brought out five daughters after the conquest, all of whom were
+honourably married. Fra Melgarejo de Urrea, also, a Franciscan
+friar, came in this vessel, bringing a number of papal bulls, to
+quiet our consciences from any guilt we might have incurred
+during our warfare: He made a fortune of these in a few months,
+and returned to Spain. Several other persons came by this vessel,
+among whom were, Antonio Caravajal, who still lives in Mexico,
+though now very old; Geronimo Ruyz de la Mora; one Briones who
+was hanged about four years afterwards for sedition at Guatimala;
+and Alonzo Diaz, who now resides in Valladolid. We learned by
+this ship, with infinite satisfaction, that the bishop of Burgos
+had been deprived of all power over the affairs of the West
+Indies, as his majesty had been much displeased with his conduct
+in regard to our expedition, after having received a true account
+of our eminent services.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely were we apprised of the success of the inhabitants of
+Chalco and their confederates, when a new urgent message arrived
+from Chalco for assistance against a fresh invasion of the
+Mexicans. The brigantines intended for securing the command of
+the lake were now ready to launch, and we were all anxious to
+commence the siege of Mexico, yet Cortes was sensible of the
+importance of Chalco to the success of our ultimate operations,
+and determined to march in person to its support. Leaving the
+command in Tezcuco to Sandoval, Cortes marched for Chalco on
+Friday the 5th of April 1521, at the head of 300 infantry,
+including twenty crossbow-men, and fifteen musketeers, with
+thirty cavalry, and a large body of the auxiliaries of Tezcuco
+and Tlascala, meaning to clear the district of Chalco and the
+environs of the lake from the Mexicans. In this expedition, our
+general was accompanied by the treasurer Alderete, Melgarejo the
+Franciscan friar, with the captains Alvarado de Oli, and Tapia,
+and I also was on this expedition. We halted during the first
+night at Tlalmanalco, and reached Chalco next day, when Cortes
+convened all the chiefs of that state, to whom he communicated
+his intention of proceeding very soon to attack Mexico, in which
+they engaged to give him all the assistance in their power. We
+continued our march next day to Chimalhuecan or Chimalacoan, a
+town in the province of Chalco, where above twenty thousand
+warriors had assembled to join us, belonging to our allies of
+Chalco, Guaxocingo, Tlascala, Tezcuco, and other places, being
+the largest body of our allies that I had hitherto seen together.
+These were attracted by the hope of plunder, and by a voracious
+appetite for human flesh, just as the vultures and other birds of
+prey follow our armies in Italy, in order to feast on dead bodies
+after a battle.</p>
+
+<p>At this place we were informed that the Mexican forces, and
+their allies or subjects in that neighbourhood, were in the field
+to oppose us. Cortes therefore issued orders to the army to be
+always ready for action at a moments warning, and we proceeded on
+our march next morning early, after hearing mass, our route lying
+between two ridges of rocks, the summits of which were fortified
+and filled with large bodies of the enemy[9], who endeavoured by
+outcries and reproaches to incite us to attack them. But we
+pursued our march to Guaztepeque or Huaxtepec, a large town on
+the southern declivity of the mountains, which we found
+abandoned. Beyond this place we came to a plain in which water
+was very scarce, on one side of which was a lofty rock having a
+fortress on the summit which was filled with troops, who saluted
+us on our approach with showers of arrows and stones, by which
+three of our soldiers were wounded at the first discharge. Cortes
+ordered us to halt, and sent a party of cavalry to reconnoitre
+the rock, who reported on their return that the side where we
+then were seemed the most accessible. We were then ordered to the
+attack, Corral preceding us with the colours, and Cortes remained
+on the plain with our cavalry to protect the rear. On ascending
+the mountain, the Indians threw down great fragments of rock,
+which rolled among us and rebounded over our heads in a most
+frightful manner, so that it was wonderful how any of us escaped.
+This was a most injudicious attack, and very unlike the usual
+prudence of our general. One soldier, named Martin Valenciano,
+though defended by a helmet, was killed at my side. As we
+continued to ascend, three more soldiers, Gaspar Sanches, one
+named Bravo, and Alonzo Rodriguez, were slain, and two others
+knocked down, most of the rest being wounded, yet we continued to
+ascend. I was then young and active, and followed close behind
+our ensign, taking advantage of any hollows in the rock for
+shelter. Corral was wounded in the head, having his face all
+covered with blood, and the colours he bore were all torn to
+rags. "Senor Diaz," said he to me, "let us remain under cover,
+for it is impossible to advance, and it is all I can do to keep
+my hold." On looking down, I noticed Pedro Barba the captain of
+our crossbows climbing up with two soldiers, and taking advantage
+as we had done of the concavities of the rock. I called to him
+not to advance, as it was impossible to climb much farther, and
+utterly out of our power to gain the summit. He replied in lofty
+terms, to keep silence and proceed; on which I exerted myself and
+got a good way higher, saying we should see what he would do. At
+this moment a shower of large fragments of rocks came tumbling
+down, by which one of the soldiers along with Barba was crushed
+to death, after which he did not stir a step higher. Corral now
+called out to those below, desiring them to report to the general
+that it was utterly impossible to advance, and that even retreat
+was infinitely dangerous. On learning this, and being informed
+that most of us were wounded and many killed, as he could not see
+us on account of the inequalities of the rock, Cortes recalled us
+by signal, and we came back in a very bloody and bruised
+condition, eight of our party having been slain. Three even of
+the cavalry were killed on the plain and seven wounded, by the
+masses of rock, which rebounded to a great distance after their
+descent from so great a height.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] Clavigero, II. 147, says that Cortes endeavoured
+at this time, but in vain, to come to an amicable agreement with
+the court of Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[9] In this expedition Cortes appears, by the
+information of Clavigero, II. 152, to have crossed the southern
+mountains of the Mexican vale, and to have reduced Huastepec,
+Jautepec, Quauhnahuac, and other towns belonging to the
+Tlahuicas, who were subject to the Mexican empire; thus
+judiciously using his endeavours to strengthen his own party and
+to weaken that of the Mexicans, before proceeding to assail the
+capital of that powerful empire.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Numerous bodies of Mexicans were lying in wait for us,
+intending to have attacked us while engaged in the ascent, and
+now advanced towards us in the plain; but we soon drove them
+before us, on which they took shelter among some other rocky
+ridges. We pursued them through some narrow passes among the
+rocks, and found they had taken shelter in another very strong
+fortress, similar to that from which we had been repulsed. We
+desisted for the present, and returned to our former post in
+search of water, our men and horses having been unable to procure
+any during the whole of this day. We found some appearance of
+springs at the foot of the rock, but they had been drawn dry by
+the great numbers of the enemy, and nothing remained but mud.
+Being under the necessity of endeavouring to procure water, we
+returned again to the second fortress, which was about a league
+and a half from the first, where we found a small village with a
+grove of mulberry trees, in which we discovered a very scanty
+spring. The people above discharged their missile weapons on our
+approach, seeming to be much more numerous than in the former
+place, and they were so situated that no shot from us could reach
+them. For some way up the rock, there were evident paths, but it
+seemed to present insurmountable difficulties against any attack.
+Fortunately for us there was another rock which commanded that on
+which the enemy were posted, and within shot, to which all our
+fire-arms and crossbows were detached, and the rest of our
+infantry proceeded to climb up the garrisoned rock slowly and
+with infinite difficulty. The enemy might easily have destroyed
+us by rolling down fragments of rocks on our heads, but their
+attention was called off from their main defence by our missiles,
+though rather at too great distance to produce much effect; yet
+having killed several of the enemy, they lost heart and offered
+to submit. On this, Cortes ordered five of their chiefs to come
+down, and offered to pardon them for their hostile resistance, on
+condition that they should induce those in the other fortress to
+surrender, which they accordingly engaged for. Cortes then sent
+the captains Xaramillo and de Ircio, with the ensign Corral and a
+party of men, among whom I was, to ascend the rock which had
+surrendered, giving us orders not to touch a grain of maize. I
+considered this as full permission to do ourselves all the good
+in our power. We found this fortress to consist of an extensive
+plain on the summit of a perpendicular rock, the entrance to
+which did not exceed twice the size of the mouth of an oven. The
+whole plain was full of men, women, and children, but they had
+not a drop of water. Twenty of their warriors had been slain by
+our shot, and a great many wounded. All their property was packed
+up in bales, among which there was a considerable quantity of
+tribute, which had been collected on purpose to be sent to
+Mexico. I had brought four of my Indian servants along with me,
+whom I began to load, and four of the natives whom I engaged in
+my service; but Captain De Ircio ordered me to desist, or he
+would report me to the general, putting me in mind that Cortes
+had forbidden us to touch a grain of maize. I answered that I had
+distinctly heard the orders about the maize, and for that reason
+I took the bales. But he would not allow me to carry any thing
+away, and reported me on our return to Cortes, expecting I should
+receive a reprimand; Cortes, however, observed that he was sorry
+I had not got the plunder, as the dogs would laugh at us and keep
+their property, after all the evil they had done us. De Ircio
+then proposed to return; but Cortes said it was not now time. The
+chiefs now returned from the other fortress, having induced its
+garrison to submit; and we returned to Huaxtepec that we might
+procure water. Our whole force was lodged for the night in the
+buildings belonging to the noble garden which I formerly
+mentioned, and I certainly never saw one of such beauty and
+magnificence. Our general and others who walked over all its
+extent, declared that it was most admirably disposed, and
+equalled the most magnificent they had ever seen in Spain.</p>
+
+<p>We marched next day towards the city of Cuernabaca or
+Quauhnahuac. The Mexicans who occupied that place came out to
+fight us, but were soon defeated and pursued to Teputztlan or
+Tepatlan, which we took by storm, and made a considerable booty
+of Indian women and other spoils. Cortes summoned the chiefs of
+this place to come in and submit; and on their refusal, and
+on-purpose to impress the inhabitants of other places with
+terror, he ordered about the half of this town to be set on fire.
+At this time, the chiefs of a town called Yauhtepec came to
+Cortes and made their submission. Next day, we returned to
+Cuernabaca, which is a large town in a very strong situation,
+being defended by a deep ravine with a small rivulet, which
+precludes all access except by two bridges, which the inhabitants
+had broken down on our approach. Cortes was informed of a ford
+about half a league above the town which was practicable for the
+cavalry, to which he marched, by which the main strength of the
+enemy was drawn off to oppose him. We of the infantry searched
+for means to pass the ravine, and at length discovered a very
+dangerous pass by means of some trees which hung over from both
+sides, by the help of which about thirty of us and a considerable
+number of our Tlascalan allies got across. Three fell into the
+ravine, one of whom broke his leg. It was a most terrifying
+passage, and at one time I was quite blind with giddiness. Having
+got over and formed, we fell unexpectedly on the flank and rear
+of the enemy, and being now joined by a party of the cavalry, we
+soon drove the enemy from the field into the neighbouring woods
+and rocks. We found considerable property in the town, and we
+were here all lodged in the buildings of a large garden belonging
+to the cacique of the district. A deputation of twenty of the
+chiefs of the Tlahuican nation now waited on Cortes, offering to
+submit their whole country to his authority, and threw all the
+blame of their hostilities on the Mexicans.</p>
+
+<p>The object of our next march was against Xochimilco, a large
+city on the fresh water lake of Chalco, in which most of the
+houses are built. As it was late before we left Quauhnahuac, and
+the weather was exceedingly sultry, our troops suffered
+excessively for want of water, which was not to be procured on
+our route. Many of our allies fainted, and one of them, and also
+one of our soldiers died of thirst. Seeing the distress of the
+army, Cortes ordered a halt in a pine forest, and sent forwards a
+party in search of relief. As I saw my friend De Oli about to set
+off, I took three of my Indian servants and followed the party,
+who endeavoured to persuade me to return; but I was resolute, and
+De Oli at length consented, telling me I should have to fight my
+way. At the distance of about half a league our cavalry came to
+some villages on the side of a ridge of mountains, where they
+found water in the houses, and one of my servants brought me a
+large jar full of water. Having quenched my thirst, I now
+determined to return, as the natives had taken the alarm, and
+were gathering to attack us. I found Cortes just about to resume
+the march, and gave him and the officers, who were with him a
+hearty draught from my jar. The whole army now moved forward to
+the villages, where a scanty supply of water was procured. It was
+now near sunset, and the cavalry came in with a report that the
+whole country had risen against us, on which account we halted
+here for the night, which was very rainy with much wind, as I
+well remember, being on the night guard. Several of our soldiers
+were taken ill here with inflammation of their mouth and throat,
+owing to their having eaten a species of artichoke to quench
+their thirst.</p>
+
+<p>We resumed our march early next morning, and arrived about
+eight o'clock at Xochimilco[10]. I can give no idea of the
+prodigious force of the enemy which was collected at this place
+to oppose us. They had broken down the bridges, and fortified
+themselves with many parapets and pallisades, and many of their
+chiefs were armed with the swords which we lost during our flight
+from Mexico, which they had polished very nicely. The attack at
+the bridge lasted above half an hour, several of our people
+getting across by swimming, in which attempt some were drowned,
+and we were assailed at once in front and rear and on both
+flanks. At length our cavalry got on firm ground, after losing
+several men, and we drove the enemy before us; but just at this
+time a fresh reinforcement of at least 10,000 Mexicans arrived,
+and received the charge of the cavalry with great intrepidity,
+and wounded four of our men. At this moment the good chesnut
+horse on which Cortes rode fell under him among a crowd of the
+enemy, who knocked him down, and great numbers gathering around
+were carrying him off, when a body of our Tlascalan allies came
+up to his rescue, headed by the valiant De Oli, and remounted
+him, after he had been severely wounded in the head. De Oli also
+received three desperate sword wounds from the enemy. As all the
+streets of the town were full of Mexican warriors, we had to
+divide into a number of separate bodies in order to fight them;
+but we who were nearest the place in which our general was in
+such danger, being alarmed by the uncommon noise and outcry,
+hurried there, where they found him and about fifteen of the
+cavalry in a very embarrassing situation, amid parapets and
+canals where the horse had no freedom to act. We immediately
+attacked the enemy, whom we forced to give ground, and brought
+off Cortes and De Oli. On first passing at the bridge, Cortes had
+ordered the cavalry to act in two divisions on purpose to clear
+our flanks: They returned at this time all wounded, and reported
+that the enemy were so numerous and desperate, that all their
+efforts wore unavailing to drive them away. At the time the
+cavalry came in, we were in an enclosed court, dressing our
+wounds with rags and burnt oil; and the enemy sent in such
+showers of arrows among us that hardly any escaped being wounded.
+We all now sallied out upon the enemy, both cavalry and infantry,
+and made considerable havoc among them with our swords, so that
+we drove them away and they gave over their attempt to storm our
+post. Having now some relaxation, Cortes brought our whole force
+to the large enclosures in which the temples were situated; and
+on some of us ascending to the top of one of the temples, where
+we had a commanding view of Mexico and the lake, we perceived
+about two thousand canoes full of troops coming to attack us. A
+body of ten thousand men were likewise seen in full march by land
+for the same purpose, and the enemy had already fully that number
+in and about the town. We learned from five chiefs whom we had
+made prisoners, that this immense force was destined to assault
+our quarters that night; for which reason strong guards were
+posted at all the places where the enemy were expected to
+disembark; the cavalry were held in readiness to charge upon them
+on the roads and firm ground; and constant patroles were kept
+going about during the night. I was posted along with ten other
+soldiers to keep guard at a stone and lime wall which commanded
+one of the landing-places, and while there we heard a noise
+occasioned by the approach of a party of the enemy, whom we beat
+off, sending a report to Cortes by one of our number. The enemy
+made a second attempt, in which they knocked down two of our men;
+but being again repulsed, they made an attempt to land at a
+different place, where there was a small gate communicating with
+a deep canal. The night was extremely dark, and as the natives
+were not accustomed to fight in the night time, their troops fell
+into confusion; and instead of making their attack in two
+opposite places at the same time, they formed in one body of at
+least 15,000 men.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] This beautiful city was the largest in the vale
+of Mexico, after the capital and the royal residences of Tezcuco
+and Tlacopan, and was famous for its floating gardens, whence it
+derived its name, signifying flower gardens in the Mexican
+language.--Clavig. II. 155.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When our report reached Cortes, he came to us attended by nine
+or ten of the cavalry, and as he did not answer my challenge, I
+and my comrade Gonzalo Sanchez, a Portuguese from Algarve, fired
+three or four shots at them; on which knowing our voices, Cortes
+observed to his escort, that this post did not require to be
+inspected, as it was in charge of two of his veterans. He then
+observed that our post was a dangerous one, and continued his
+rounds without saying any more. I was afterwards told that one of
+the soldiers of Narvaez was whipped this very night for
+negligence on his post. As our powder was all expended, we were
+ordered to prepare a good supply of arrows for the crossbows, and
+were employed all the rest of the night in heading and feathering
+these, under the direction of Pedro Barba, who was captain of the
+crossbow-men. At break of day the enemy made a fresh attack and
+killed one Spaniard, but we drove them back, killing several of
+their chiefs, and took a great many prisoners. Our cavalry had
+been ordered out to charge the Mexicans, but finding them in
+great force, they sent back for assistance. The whole of our army
+now sallied forth and completely defeated the enemy, from whom we
+took several prisoners. From these men, we learned that the
+Mexicans intended to weary us out by reiterated attacks, on which
+account it was resolved to evacuate the place next day. In the
+mean time, having information that the town contained much
+wealth, we got some of the prisoners to point out the houses in
+which it was contained, which stood in the water of the fresh
+water lake, and could only be approached by small bridges over
+the canals, leading from a causeway. A considerable number both
+of our men and of the allies went to these houses, from which
+they brought away a great deal of booty in cotton cloth and other
+valuable articles, and this example was followed by others. While
+thus employed, a body of Mexicans came upon them unexpectedly in
+canoes, and besides wounding many of our men, they seized four
+soldiers alive, whom they carried off in triumph to Mexico; and
+from these men Guatimotzin learnt the smallness of our number,
+and the great loss we had sustained in killed and wounded. After
+questioning them as much as he thought proper, Guatimotzin
+commanded their hands and feet to be cut off, and sent them in
+this mutilated condition through many of the surrounding
+districts, as an example of the treatment he intended for us all,
+and then ordered them to be put to death.</p>
+
+<p>On the ensuing morning we had to sustain a fresh attack, as
+had regularly been the case during the four days we remained in
+Xochimilco, but which we now determined to quit. Before
+commencing our march, Cortes drew up the army in an open place a
+little way out of the town, in which the markets were held, where
+he made us a speech, in which he expatiated on the dangers we had
+to encounter in our march, and the strong bodies of the enemy we
+might expect to oppose our retreat, and then warmly urged us to
+leave all our plunder and luggage, that we might not be exposed
+to danger in its defence. We remonstrated, however, that it would
+be a cowardly act to abandon what we had so hardly won, declaring
+that we felt confident of being able to defend our persons and
+property against all assailants. He gave way, therefore, to our
+wishes, and arranged the order of our march, placing the baggage
+in the centre, and dividing the cavalry and crossbows between the
+van and rear guards, as our musketry was now useless for want of
+powder. The enemy harassed us by continual assaults all the way
+from Xochimilco to Cuyocan, or Cojohuacan, a city on the borders
+of the lake, near one of the causeways leading to Mexico, which
+we found abandoned, and where we took up our quarters for two
+days, taking care of our wounds, and making arrows for our
+crossbows. The enemy which had especially obstructed us on this
+march, consisted of the inhabitants of Xochimilco, Cuyocan,
+Huitzilopochco, Iztapalapa, Mizquic, and five other towns, all of
+considerable size, and built on the edge of the lake, near one
+another, and not far from Mexico. On the third morning we marched
+for Tlacopan or Tacuba, harassed as usual by the enemy, but our
+cavalry soon forced them to retire to their canals and ditches.
+During this march, Cortes attempted to lay an ambush for the
+enemy, for which purpose he set out with ten horsemen and four
+servants, but had nearly fallen into a snare himself. Having
+encountered a party a Mexicans who fled before him, he pursued
+them too far, and was suddenly surrounded by a large body of
+warriors, who started out from an ambuscade, and wounded all the
+horses in the first attack, carrying off two of the attendants of
+Cortes to be sacrificed at Mexico, the rest of the party escaping
+with considerable difficulty. Our main body reached Tacuba in
+safety, with all the baggage; but as Cortes and his party did not
+appear, we began to entertain suspicions of some misfortune
+having befallen him. On this account, Alvarado, De Oli, Tapia,
+and I, with some others, went to look for him in the direction in
+which we had last seen him. We soon met two of his servants, who
+informed us of what had happened, and were shortly afterwards
+joined by Cortes, who appeared extremely sad, and even shed
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>When we arrived at our quarters in Tacuba, which were in some
+large enclosed courts, it rained very heavily, and we were
+obliged to remain exposed for about two hours. On the weather
+clearing up, the general and his officers, with many of the men
+who were off duty, went up to the top of the great temple of
+Tacuba, whence we had a most delightful prospect of the lake,
+with all its numerous cities and towns, rising as it were out of
+the water. Innumerable canoes were seen in all directions, some
+employed in fishing, and others passing with provisions or
+merchandize of all kinds. We all gave praise to God, who had been
+pleased to render us the instruments for bringing the numerous
+inhabitants of so fine a country to the knowledge of his holy
+name; yet the bloody scenes which we had already experienced in
+Mexico, filled us with melancholy for the past, and even with
+some apprehension for the future. These recollections made Cortes
+exceedingly sad, regretting the many valiant soldiers he had
+already lost, and the brave men whom he might still expect to
+fall before he could be able to reduce the great, strong, and
+populous city of Mexico to submission[11]. Our reverend Father
+Olmedo, endeavoured to console him, and one of our soldiers
+observed, that such was the fortune of war, and that our general
+was in a very different situation from Nero, when he contemplated
+his capital on fire. Cortes replied, that he felt melancholy
+while reflecting on the fatigues and dangers we should still have
+to pass through; but that he should soon take effectual measures
+for bringing the great object in view to a speedy conclusion.
+Having no particular purpose to serve by remaining in Tacuba,
+some of our officers and soldiers proposed to take a view of the
+causeway where we had suffered so severely on the fatal night of
+our flight from Mexico; but this was considered dangerous and
+imprudent. We accordingly proceeded on our march by Escapozalco,
+which was abandoned by the enemy on our approach, to Terajoccan,
+which was also deserted, and thence to Coatitlan or Guatitlan,
+where we arrived excessively fatigued, as it never ceased raining
+during the whole of that day. We took up our quarters in that
+place for the night, which was excessively rainy; and, though the
+enemy gave us some alarms during the night, I can testify that no
+proper watch was kept, owing to the inclemency of the weather, as
+my post was not visited either by rounds or corporal. From
+Coatitlan, we continued our march by a deep miry road, through
+four or five other towns, all abandoned, and arrived in two days
+at Aculman or Oculman, in the territory of Tezcuco, where we
+received the pleasing intelligence that a reinforcement had
+arrived to us from Spain. Next day we proceeded to Tezcuco, where
+we arrived worn out with wounds and fatigue, and even diminished
+in our numbers.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] Diaz mentions a poem circulated at the time, as
+beginning in reference to the melancholy of Cortes on this
+occasion, somewhat in the following strain:<br>
+ In Tacuba was Cortes, with many a gallant chief; He thought upon
+his losses, and bow'd his head with grief.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Soon after our return to Tezcuco, a conspiracy was formed for
+the assassination of our general, at the head of which was one
+Antonio de Villafana, an adherent of Velasquez, and some of the
+other soldiers who had come over with Narvaez, but whose names I
+do not choose to mention, and the conspirators had even
+communicated their plan to two principal officers, whom I will
+not name, one of whom was to have been appointed captain-general
+on the death of Cortes. They had even arranged matters for the
+appointment of alguazil-major, alcaldes, regidor, contador,
+treasurer, veedor, and others of that kind, and of captains and
+standard-bearer to the army, all from among the soldiers of
+Narvaez. All the principal adherents of Cortes were to have been
+put to death, and the conspirators were to have divided our
+properties, arms, and horses, among themselves. This business was
+revealed to Cortes, only two days after our return to Tezcuco, by
+the repentance of one of the conspirators, whom he amply
+rewarded. The general immediately communicated the intelligence
+to Alvarado, De Oli, Sandoval, Tapia, Luis Marin, and Pedro de
+Ircio, who were the two alcaldes for the time, also to me, and to
+all in whom he reposed confidence. We all accompanied Cortes,
+well armed, to the quarters of Villafana, where he found him and
+many others of the conspirators, and took him immediately into
+custody. The others endeavoured to escape, but were all detained
+and sent to prison. Cortes took a paper from the bosom of
+Villafana, having the signatures of all his accomplices; but
+which he afterwards pretended that Villafana had swallowed, to
+set the minds of the conspirators at rest, as they were too
+numerous to be all punished in the present weak state of our
+army. Villafana was immediately tried, and made a full
+confession; and his guilt being likewise clearly established by
+many witnesses, the judges, who were Cortes, the two alcaldes,
+and De Oli, condemned him to die. Having confessed himself to the
+reverend Juan Diaz, he was hanged from a window of the apartment.
+No more of the conspirators were proceeded against; but Cortes
+thought it prudent to appoint a body guard for his future
+security, selected from among those who had been with him from
+the first, of which Antonio de Quinones was made captain.</p>
+
+<p>At this period an order was issued for bringing in all our
+prisoners to be marked, being the third time since we came to the
+country. If that operation were unjustly conducted the first
+time, it was worse the second, and this time worse than ever; for
+besides the two fifths for the king and Cortes, no less than
+thirty draughts were made for the captains; besides which, all
+the handsome females we had given in to be marked, were stolen
+away, and concealed till it became convenient to produce
+them.</p>
+
+<p>As the brigantines were entirely finished, and the canal for
+their passage into the lake was now sufficiently wide and deep
+for that purpose, Cortes issued orders to all the districts in
+our alliance, near Tezcuco, to send him, in the course of ten
+days, 8000 arrow-shafts from each district, made of a particular
+wood, and as many copper heads. Within the appointed time, the
+whole number required was brought to head-quarters, all executed
+better than even the patterns. Captain Pedro Barba, who commanded
+the crossbows, ordered each of his soldiers to provide two cords
+and nuts, and to try the range of their bows. Cortes ordered all
+the cavalry to have their lances new-headed, and to exercise
+their horses daily. He sent likewise an express to the elder
+Xicotencatl at Tlascala, otherwise called Don Lorenzo de Vargas,
+to send 20,000 of the warriors of Tlascala, Huixotzinco and
+Cholula; and he sent similar orders to Chalco and Tlalmanalco;
+ordering all our allies to rendezvous at Tezcuco on the day after
+the festival of the Holy Ghost, 28th April 1521. And on that day,
+Don Hernandez Ixtlilxochitl of Tezcuco, was to join us with all
+his forces. Some considerable reinforcements of soldiers, horses,
+arms, and ammunition had arrived from Spain and other places, so
+that when mustered mustered on the before-mentioned day by
+Cortes, in the large enclosures of Tezcuco, our Spanish force
+amounted to the following number: 84 cavalry, 650 infantry, armed
+with sword and buckler, or pikes, and 194 musketeers and
+crossbow-men, in all 928 Spaniards. From this number he selected
+12 musketeers or crossbow-men, and 12 of the other infantry, for
+rowers to each of the vessels, in all 312 men, appointing a
+captain to each vessel; and he distributed 20 cannoneers through
+the fleet, which he armed with such guns as we had that were fit
+for this service. Many of our men had been formerly sailors, yet
+all were extremely averse from acting as rowers on the present
+occasion; for which reason the general made inquiry as to those
+who were natives of sea-ports, or who had formerly been fishers
+or seafaring men, all of whom he ordered to the oars; and though
+some of them pled their gentility as an exemption, he would hear
+of no excuse. By these means he obtained 150 men for this
+service, who were in fact in a much better situation than we who
+bore the brunt and danger of the war on land, as will appear in
+the sequel. When all this was arranged, and the crews embarked
+along with their commanders, each brigantine hoisted a royal
+standard, and every one a distinguishing flag. Cortes likewise
+gave the captains written instructions for their guidance,
+dividing them into squadrons, each of which was to co-operate
+with a particular leader of the land forces.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes now issued the following general orders to the army: 1.
+No person to blaspheme the Lord Jesus, his Virgin Mother, the
+Holy Apostles, or any of the Saints, under heavy penalties. 2. No
+soldier to maltreat any of our allies in their persons or
+properties. 3. No soldier to be absent from quarters on any
+pretence. 4. Every soldier to keep his arms, both offensive and
+defensive, in the best order. 5. No soldier to stake his horse or
+arms in gaming. 6. No soldier to sleep out of his armour, or
+without his arms beside him, except when disabled by wounds or
+sickness. Lastly, the penalty of death was denounced for sleeping
+on guard, for a sentinel quitting his post, for absence from
+quarters without leave, for quitting the ranks in the field, or
+for flight in battle.</p>
+
+<p>At this time our allies of Tlascala arrived under the command
+of Xicotencatl the younger, who was accompanied by his two
+brothers. Some of the warriors of Huexotzinco and Cholula came
+along with the Tlascalans, but not in any great numbers[12], yet
+the alacrity of our allies was such that they joined us a day
+previous to that which was appointed by Cortes. They marched in
+with great military parade, each of the chiefs carrying a
+standard with their national device, a white spread eagle, and
+they were all in high spirits, shouting out, Castilla! Castilla!
+Tlascala! Tlascala! From the arrival of their van, till the rear
+came in, took up three hours. Cortes received them with great
+courtesy, promising to make them all rich on their return to
+their native country, and dismissed them with many compliments to
+their respective quarters.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] Clavigero, II. 159, carries the number of allies
+which joined Cortes on this occasion, to more than 200,000 men.
+In his enumeration of the several divisions of the army appointed
+for the investment of Mexico, Diaz makes the Indian allies very
+little more than 24,000 warriors.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Cortes made the following arrangement of our land army for the
+investment of Mexico, distributing our forces in three separate
+divisions, under the respective commands of Alvarado, De Oli, and
+Sandoval, reserving to himself to act where his presence might be
+most necessary, and taking in the mean time the command of the
+fleet. Pedro de Alvarado, under whom I served, had 150 infantry,
+30 cavalry, 18 musketeers and crossbow-men, and 8000 Tlascalans,
+and was ordered to take post at Tacuba, having three captains
+under his command, his brother Jorge de Alvarado, Pedro
+Guttierrez, and Andres de Monjara, having each a company of 50
+infantry, with a third of the musketeers and crossbow-men, the
+cavalry being commanded by Alvarado in person.--Christoval de Oli
+commanded the second division, having under him Andres de Tapia,
+Francisco Verdugo, and Francisco de Lugo, with 175 infantry, 30
+cavalry, 20 musketeers and crossbows, and 8000 of our Indian
+allies. This division was ordered to take post at Cuyoacan or
+Cojohuacan.--The third division, under the command of Gonzalo de
+Sandoval, who had under him captains Luis Marin and Pedro de
+Ircio, consisted of 150 infantry, 24 cavalry, 14 musketeers and
+crossbows, and above 8000 Indian warriors, was to take post at
+Iztapalapa. The division of Alvarado and De Oli were ordered to
+march from Tezcuco by the right, going round the northern side of
+the lake, and the third, under Sandoval, by the left, to the
+south end of the lake; and his march being much shorter, he was
+ordered to remain in Tezcuco until Cortes should sail out with
+the fleet[13].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[13] Diaz mentions, that about this time intelligence
+came to Tezcuco, that three of our soldiers who had been left by
+Pizarro to search for mines in the country of the Zapotecas had
+been put to death by the Mexicans, one only, named Barrientos,
+having escaped to Chinantla, where he was protected by the
+natives.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Before setting out on their march, Alvarado and De Oli
+directed our Indian allies to go on a day before us, that we
+might not be interrupted by their numbers, and ordered them to
+wait for us when they reached the Mexican territory. While on
+their march, Chichimecatl remarked that Xicotencatl, the
+commander in chief of the Tlascalans was absent; and it was found
+that he had secretly gone off from Tezcuco for Tlascala on the
+preceding night, in order to take possession of the territory and
+property of Chichimecatl, thinking this a good opportunity during
+the absence of that chief and his warriors, and being in no
+apprehension of any opposition, now that Maxicatzin was dead.
+Chichimecatl returned immediately to Tezcuco, to inform Cortes of
+what had taken place; and our general sent five chiefs of Tezcuco
+and two Tlascalan chiefs, to request Xicotencatl to return. He
+answered, that if his old father and Maxicatzin had listened to
+him, they would not have been now domineered over by Cortes and
+the Spaniards, and absolutely refused to go back. On this haughty
+answer being reported to Cortes, he immediately sent off an
+alguazil with four horsemen and five Tezcucan chiefs, ordering
+them to seize and hang Xicotencatl wherever they could find him.
+Alvarado interceded strongly for his pardon, but ineffectually;
+for though Cortes seemed to relent, the party who arrested
+Xicotencatl in a town subject to Tezcuco, hung him up by private
+orders from Cortes, and some reported that this was done with the
+approbation of the elder Xicotencatl, father to the Tlascalan
+general. This affair detained us a whole day, and on the next the
+two divisions of Alvarado and De Oli marched by the same route,
+halting for the night at Aculma or Alcolman, a town belonging to
+the state of Tezcuco, where a very ruinous quarrel was near
+taking place between our two commanders and their divisions. De
+Oli had sent some persons before to take quarters for his troops,
+and had appropriated every house in the place for his men,
+marking them by setting up green boughs on the terraces; so that
+when Alvarado arrived with his division, we had not a single
+house for us to lodge in. Our soldiers were much irritated at
+this circumstance, and stood immediately to their arms to fight
+with those of De Oli, and the two commanders even challenged each
+other; but several of the more prudent of the officers on both
+sides interposed, and a reconciliation was effected, yet Alvarado
+and De Oli were never afterwards good friends. An express was
+sent off immediately to apprize Cortes of this misunderstanding,
+who wrote to all the people of any influence in the two
+divisions, greatly condemning the circumstances of this
+disagreement, which might have produced fatal consequences to our
+whole army, and earnestly recommended a reconcilement. We
+continued our march for two days more, by several Mexican cities,
+which were abandoned by their inhabitants; and passing through
+Coatitlan, Tenajoccan and Itzcapuzalco, where our allies waited
+for us, we proceeded for Tacuba, otherwise called Tlacopan.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XIII.</p>
+
+<p><i>Narrative of Occurrences from the commencement of the Siege
+of Mexico to its Reduction, and the Capture of
+Guatimotzin</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus, by the occupation of Tacuba, commenced the
+investment of the great and populous city of Mexico, we soon
+found the enemy around us in great numbers; and as the first
+operation, it was determined on the following day, that our
+divisions should march to Chapoltepec to destroy the aqueduct at
+that place, by which the city of Mexico was supplied with fresh
+water. We set out accordingly with our allies, and although the
+enemy attacked us on our march, we repelled them and succeeded in
+our object of cutting off the pipes, so that from that time the
+city of Mexico was deprived of fresh water. It was now determined
+to endeavour to penetrate to the city of Mexico by the causeway
+of Tacuba, or at least to attempt getting possession of the first
+bridge on that causeway; but on our arrival there, the prodigious
+number of boats which covered the water on both sides, and the
+multitude of Mexican troops which thronged the causeway to oppose
+us, was perfectly astonishing. By the first flight of arrows
+which they discharged against us, three of our men were slain and
+thirty wounded; yet we advanced to the bridge, the enemy retiring
+before us, as if by a concerted stratagem, so that we were
+exposed on both flanks, on a narrow road only twenty feet wide,
+as a butt for the innumerable arrows of the Mexicans in the
+canoes, and neither our musquetry nor crossbows were of any avail
+against the people in the canoes, as they were effectually
+protected by high wooden screens. The horses of our cavalry were
+all wounded, and when at any time they made a charge upon the
+enemy, they were almost immediately stopt by barriers and
+parapets which the enemy had drawn across the causeway for the
+purpose, and from whence they defended themselves with long
+lances. Likewise, when the infantry advanced along the causeway,
+instead of abiding our attack, the enemy threw themselves into
+the water and escaped by swimming or into their canoes, returning
+incessantly to the attack. We were thus engaged for more than an
+hour to no useful purpose, the enemy continually increasing in
+number, by reinforcements from every part of the lake; and our
+allies, instead of being serviceable, only encumbered the
+causeway and hindered our movements. Finding that we were unable
+any longer to resist the multitude of enemies who assailed us
+perpetually from the water, and almost with entire impunity, we
+determined to retreat to our quarters in Tacuba, having eight of
+our men slain and above fifty wounded, and were closely followed
+up and much harassed by the enemy during our retreat. De Oli laid
+the blame of the disaster of this day on the rashness of
+Alvarado.</p>
+
+<p>Next day[1], though we were all extremely solicitous for the
+two captains to remain together, De Oli proceeded with his
+division to take possession of Cojohuacan, according to the
+orders he had received from Cortes; but this separation was
+assuredly extremely ill judged; as, if the enemy had known the
+smallness of our numbers at the two stations, they might have
+fallen upon and destroyed us separately, during the four or five
+days that we remained divided before the arrival of Cortes with
+the brigantines. In all that time we never ventured to make any
+more attempts against the Mexican causeways, but the enemy
+frequently sent bodies of their troops to the main land to make
+attacks on our quarters, on which occasions we always drove them
+away.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] According to Clavigero, II. 162, the 30th of May
+1521, on which day Cortes dated the commencement of this
+memorable siege.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Sandoval with his division did not leave Tezcuco until the
+fourth day after the feast of Corpus Christi[2], when he marched
+through a friendly country by the south side of the lake, and
+arrived without interruption in front of Iztapalapa. Immediately
+on his arrival, he commenced an attack on the enemy, and burnt
+many of the houses in that part of the town which stood on the
+firm land; but fresh bodies of Mexican warriors came over in
+canoes and by the causeway of Iztapalapa to relieve their friends
+in the town, and made a determined resistance against Sandoval.
+While the engagement was going on, a smoke was observed to arise
+from a hill above the town, which was answered by similar signals
+at many other points around the lake, which were afterwards found
+to have been made to apprize the enemy of the appearance of our
+flotilla on the lake. On this, the efforts of the enemy against
+Sandoval were much relaxed, as their canoes and warriors were
+recalled to oppose our naval force; and Sandoval was thus enabled
+to take up his quarters in a part of the town of Iztapalapa;
+between which and Cojohuacan the only means of communication was
+by a causeway or mound dividing the lake of Chalco from that of
+Mexico or Tezcuco, which passage was at that time impracticable
+in the face of the enemy.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Corpus Christi fell that year, according to
+Clavigero, on the 30th May, so that the occupation of Iztapalapa,
+by which the investment of Mexico was completed, was on the 3d of
+June.</blockquote>
+
+<p>"Before proceeding to the narrative of the siege of Mexico, it
+may be proper to give some account of the situation of the city
+of Mexico, and the mounds or causeways by which it communicated
+with the land at the several posts which were occupied by Cortes
+for its investment[3]. The city of Mexico was built partly on an
+island and partly in the water, at the west side of a
+considerable salt lake, named sometimes the lake of Tezcuco, and
+sometimes the lake of Mexico, and appears to have been about a
+mile from the firm land. It communicated with the land by three
+mounds or causeways; that of Tepejacac on the north, about three
+miles long, measuring from the great temple in centre of Mexico;
+that usually called of Iztapalapa on the south, nearly five miles
+in length; and that of Tacuba or Tlacopan on the west, about two
+miles long, likewise measuring from the temple; but at least a
+mile may be abstracted from each of these measurements, on
+account of the extent of the city from the great temple to the
+commencement of the causeways. About the middle of the southern
+causeway called that of Iztapalapa, another causeway branched off
+obliquely to the south-east, to the town of Cojohuacan; and at
+the place where these two causeways united stood the town of
+Xoloc, partly on the sides of the causeways, but chiefly in the
+water intersected by canals and ditches. Besides these three
+grand causeways for communicating with the land, there was a
+smaller mound about two miles south from the causeway of Tacuba,
+from a town named Chapoltepec, along which the aqueduct, or
+pipes, for supplying Mexico with fresh water was carried; but
+this appears to have been too narrow for allowing any passage, at
+least the Spaniards do not seem to have availed themselves of it,
+in their long and arduous endeavours to force their way into
+Mexico. Near the south-west angle of the salt lake of Mexico, it
+communicated by a narrow neck or strait with the fresh water lake
+of Chalco; and at their junction a mound or causeway had been
+constructed across, to prevent the admixture of the salt and
+fresh lakes, having a town called Mexicaltzinco at the eastern
+extremity of this mound. Iztapalapa stood in the western end of
+the peninsula, between the lakes of Mexico and Chalco, but on the
+borders and in the waters of the former. The whole fertile vale
+of Mexico or Anahuac, around these two lakes, and some others to
+the north of the great lake, was thickly planted with cities,
+towns, and villages, and highly cultivated, containing and giving
+subsistence to a prodigious population. The extent of this
+extraordinary valley, elevated nearly 8000 feet above the level
+of the sea, is about 50 miles from north to south, and forty
+miles from east to west; being surrounded on every side by ridges
+of lofty mountains, some of them perpetually covered with snow,
+and rising to about 10,000 feet in perpendicular elevation above
+the ocean."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] The whole of this topographical account of Mexico
+and its approaches is added by the editor, and has been placed in
+the text, distinguished by inverted commas, as too long for a
+note. A plan is added, constructed from a comparison of the maps
+in Diaz and Clavigero, both evidently drawn without any actual
+survey, and corrected by means of the excellent map of the vale
+of Mexico given by Humboldt. By means of a great drain, made
+considerably posterior to the conquest, the lake has been greatly
+diminished in magnitude, insomuch that the city is now above
+three miles from the lake; so that the accurate map of Humboldt
+does not now serve for the ancient topography of Mexico and its
+near environs.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When Cortes brought out his fleet of brigantines upon the
+lake, he went in the first place to attack an insular rock close
+beside Mexico, on which a vast number of the inhabitants of that
+city and other places in the neighbourhood had taken shelter.
+Immediately on perceiving his intentions, their whole force
+collected from every part of the lake, and proceeded against him
+in not less than 4000 large canoes full of warriors. On
+perceiving this immense number of boats coming to attack him,
+Cortes withdrew with his brigantines into an open part of the
+lake, ordering his captains to wait patiently for a breeze of
+wind which then began to blow. As the enemy supposed that this
+movement proceeded from fear, they immediately closed up around
+the flotilla with shouts of triumph. The wind now sprung up, and
+the whole fleet made sail through the throng of canoes, plying
+their oars at the same time, and run down and overset great
+numbers of the Mexican canoes, compelling all the rest to fly for
+shelter to the recesses and shallows on the borders of the lake.
+After this, Cortes made sail to Cojohuacan[4], where he was again
+attacked by the Mexicans, both by means of their canoes on the
+water, and from their temples on the land: But Cortes brought
+four guns to bear upon them, by which he did considerable
+execution. During this action his powder magazine blew up, owing
+to some mismanagement of the gunners, by which many of his people
+were wounded. This unfortunate accident obliged him to detach his
+smallest brigantine to Sandoval for a supply of ammunition. He
+remained at Cojohuacan for two days with the flotilla, repairing
+the injury his ship had sustained from the explosion.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] It is hard to guess which way the brigantines
+could get there, as by the maps both of Diaz and Clavigero, the
+great double causeway of Xoloc or Iztapalapa, ought to have
+completely prevented his penetrating to that part of the lake. It
+was probably Xoloc against which this attack was made, and Diaz
+may have mistaken the name after an interval of fifty-one years;
+for so long intervened between the siege of Mexico in 1521, and
+1572, when he informs us his history was
+concluded.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When we were assured that the flotilla was out upon the lake,
+Alvarado marched out with our division to the causeway of Tacuba,
+as far as the bridge, in which we were constantly engaged with
+the enemy to very little purpose, except that we repaired the
+passes in our rear as we advanced, and did not now suffer the
+cavalry to come upon the causeway, as we had found by experience
+that they were of very little service, and besides that their
+horses were exposed to much danger. Finding that he could not
+sufficiently annoy the enemy in his present post at Iztapalapa,
+where the Mexicans had possession of the houses which were built
+in the water, Sandoval advanced by a causeway to a more
+commanding situation[5]. When this was noticed from Mexico, a
+large detachment of warriors came over in canoes, with orders to
+cut the causeway in the rear of our troops. Cortes observed this,
+and immediately made sail with his vessels to the relief of
+Sandoval, giving orders at the same time to De Oli to march a
+body of troops by the causeway for the same purpose. Having
+relieved Sandoval by these means, Cortes ordered him to remove
+with his division from Iztapalapa to Tepeaquilla or Tepejacac,
+where the church of our Lady of Guadalupe now stands, in which
+many wonderful miracles have been performed.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Perhaps along the mound or causeway of
+Mexicaltzinco; by which he approached towards the great causeway
+of Xoloc, and the position of De Oli at
+Cojohuacan.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>As it was impossible for our troops to advance on the
+causeways, unless their flanks were secured from attacks by
+water, the flotilla was appointed to this service in three
+divisions, one of which was attached to each of the three
+detachments of our land force: Four brigantines being allotted to
+Alvarado, six to De Oli, and two to Sandoval[6]; twelve in all,
+the thirteenth having been found too small for service, and was
+therefore laid up, and her crew distributed to the rest, as
+twenty men had been already severely wounded in the several
+vessels. Alvarado now led our division to attack the causeway of
+Tacuba, placing two brigantines on each flank for our protection.
+We drove the enemy before us from several of their bridges and
+barricades; but after fighting the whole day, we were obliged to
+retreat to our quarters at night, almost all of us wounded by the
+incessant showers of stones and arrows of the enemy. We were
+continually assailed on the causeway, by fresh troops of
+warriors, carrying different banners or devices; and our
+brigantines were excessively annoyed from the terraces of the
+houses which stood in the water; and as we could not leave a
+party to keep possession of what we had acquired during the day,
+the enemy repossessed themselves of the bridges at night, and
+repaired and strengthened their parapets and other defences. In
+some places they deepened the water, digging pits in the shallow
+places, and placing the canoes in ambush, which they secured
+against the approach of our brigantines by means of pallisades
+under water. Every day we were employed in the same manner,
+driving the enemy before us, and every night we returned to our
+quarters to bind up our wounds. The cavalry were of no service,
+on account of the barricades defended by long lances; and the
+soldiers even did not choose to risk their horses, as their price
+at this time was from eight hundred to a thousand crowns. One
+Juan, a soldier from Catalonia, used to heal our wounds by charms
+and prayers, which by the mercy of God recovered us very fast;
+and this being observed by our allies, all their wounded men
+applied to Juan, who had more business on his hands than he was
+able for. But whether whole or wounded, we were obliged to go out
+daily against the enemy, as otherwise our companies would have
+been reduced to less than half their strength. Our ensign was
+disabled almost every day, as he could not at the same time carry
+his colours and defend himself from the enemy. We were abundantly
+supplied with corn, but were much in want of refreshments for the
+wounded men; our chief resource being <i>tunas</i> or Indian
+figs, cherries while in season, and a plant called
+<i>quilities</i> by the natives. The situation of the other two
+attacks was precisely similar to ours. Every day, when we marched
+to the attack, a signal was made from the great temple of
+Tlaltelolco, the great division of Mexico nearest Tacuba, on
+which the enemy rushed out against us, and were continually
+relieved by fresh troops, marching out in succession. Finding
+that we gained nothing by these daily attacks, we changed our
+plan of operations. On our causeway there was a small open space,
+on which stood some buildings for religious worship, where we
+formed a lodgment, and established a post, leaving our cavalry
+and allies to secure our rear in Tacuba, whence we were supplied
+with provisions. Though very badly lodged in this place, as every
+shower of rain came in upon us, we maintained this post and
+advanced a little towards the city every day, filling up the
+trenches which intersected the causeway, and pulling down the
+houses on each side, and using their materials to strengthen our
+defences. We found it extremely difficult to set the houses on
+fire, nor could the flames communicate from house to house, as
+all the houses were separated by canals and ditches. During this
+operation we were subjected to great danger, as the enemy
+destroyed us from their terraces when we endeavoured to swim over
+from the causeway to these detached houses.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Though not mentioned by Diaz, this necessarily
+implies that one of the bridges of each causeway must have been
+taken possession of by the Spaniards, to allow the brigantines to
+get through into those parts of the lake which were intersected
+by the causeways.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In this manner we gained some ground every day, which we
+secured by parapets and other defences, and preserved during the
+night. Every evening at sunset, the company which was first for
+duty, was entrusted with the advanced post, to which they sent
+forty men; the second company sent an equal number at midnight,
+and the relieved guard did not quit their post, but had to remain
+sleeping on the ground; the third company did the same the same
+two hours before day-break, and the second now lay down to sleep,
+so that we now had 120 men on guard. Sometimes our whole
+detachment had to remain under arms the whole night, especially
+on the following occasion: We learnt from some of our prisoners,
+that the Mexicans intended to force our post by a great effort,
+which would have frustrated the other two attacks. For this
+purpose, all the warriors of nine towns around the lake,
+including those of Tacuba, Izcapuzalco, and Tenajocan, were by a
+joint attack upon our rear to carry off our baggage and destroy
+our bakery in Tacuba, while the Mexicans were to assail us in
+front on the causeway. We immediately communicated this
+intelligence to our cavalry and allies at headquarters, warning
+them to keep on the alert. In pursuance of this plan, we were
+attacked both in front and rear for several successive nights,
+from midnight to day-break. Sometimes the enemy came on with a
+prodigious noise of shouting and military instruments, and at
+other times stole upon us in profound silence; but their night
+attacks were never made with so much resolution as those during
+the day. Yet we were harassed to death with continual watching,
+fatigue, and wounds, and constantly exposed to cold winds and
+almost incessant rain. Our post was reduced to a mere splash of
+mud and water, and our only food was maize and miserable herbs.
+When we complained, the only comfort given us by our officers,
+was that such is the fortune of war. Yet all our efforts,
+fatigues, and privations, were of little avail; as the parapets
+we destroyed and the ditches we filled up during the day, were
+uniformly replaced next night by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The destruction of the aqueduct of Chapoltepec, from which so
+much had been expected, by cutting off the water which supplied
+the city of Mexico, was unavailing, neither could we starve them
+into a surrender, as they were regularly supplied with every
+thing they wanted by means of their canoes from the towns around
+the lake. In order to prevent this, two of our brigantines were
+ordered to cruize every night on the lake, to intercept these
+supplies. This measure answered the purpose in some degree, but
+not effectually, as some of the canoes escaped into the city
+every night. At this time the Mexicans laid a plan to surprise
+our two cruizing brigantines. Having concealed thirty of their
+largest piraguas among some tall reeds on the borders of the
+lake, they sent several canoes, as if carrying provisions, to
+decoy our vessels into the snare, and even fixed a number of
+large wooden piles under water at the place to which our vessels
+were to be inveigled. On the appearance of the decoy-canoes, our
+two vessels made immediately towards them, the canoes rowing away
+towards the ambush followed by our brigantines. As soon as they
+arrived at the place, the thirty piraguas immediately surrounded
+them, and wounded every officer, soldier, and mariner on board,
+by their first flight of arrows. Our vessels could not move on
+account of the piles, and the enemy continued the assault with
+the utmost vigour. One of the captains, named Portilla, was
+slain, and Captain Pedro Barba, the commander of our crossbows,
+died of his wounds. This ambush completely succeeded, as the two
+brigantines fell into the hands of the enemy. They belonged to
+the principal division of our flotilla, which was commanded by
+Cortes in person, who was much exasperated by the loss; but he
+soon repayed the enemy in their own way. He constantly sent out
+some vessels every night to scour the lake, and on one occasion
+they brought in some prisoners of consequence, from whom he
+learnt that the enemy had formed another ambuscade of forty large
+piraguas and as many canoes. He now laid a plan to turn their
+schemes against themselves; for which purpose he sent six vessels
+one night with muffled oars, to conceal themselves in a water-cut
+at the edge of the lake, covered with bushes and tall reeds,
+about a quarter of a league from the ambushment of the enemy. A
+single brigantine was then sent out early in the morning, as if
+in search of the canoes which carried provisions to Mexico, and
+having the prisoners on board to point out the place where the
+enemies fleet lay concealed. The enemy sent as before some loaded
+canoes to decoy the brigantine towards the ambush, and our vessel
+pursued them until near the place, where it lay-to, as if fearful
+to approach. The Mexican fleet now sallied out upon them, and our
+brigantine rowed away towards the place where the six others were
+concealed, closely followed up by the enemy. When arrived near
+enough, the brigantine fired two shots as a signal, on which the
+other vessels pushed out against the enemy, running down many of
+their vessels, dispersing all the rest, and making a great number
+of prisoners. This sickened them at ambushments, and from
+henceforwards they did not attempt to cross the lake in their
+canoes so openly.</p>
+
+<p>Our three divisions of the land army continued to pursue their
+plan for gradually advancing along the causeways. Always as we
+gained ground, we pulled down the houses on each side, filling up
+the ditches or canals which intersected the causeways, and
+strengthening our posts; in which, and in all the operations of
+the war, we were excellently seconded by our brave Tlascalan
+allies. On our attack, the Mexicans broke down one of the bridges
+in the rear of their own barricades and parapets, leaving one
+narrow passage at a place where the water was very deep as a
+decoy, and even dug trenches and pitfalls where the water was
+more shallow, placing pallisades in the deep water to prevent the
+approach of our vessels, and constructing parapets on both sides
+of the breach. They had also a number of canoes in readiness to
+sally out upon us on a concerted signal. When all these
+preparations were in readiness, they made a combined attack upon
+us in three several directions. One body advanced towards our
+rear from the side of Tacuba, a second directly on our front
+along the causeway from the city, and the third by the ruins of
+the houses which we had destroyed. We repulsed the enemy on all
+sides; and one party of us, having forced them from the works at
+the broken bridge, crossed the water up to our necks at the place
+they had left open for us, and rashly pushed on to an open place
+where there were some large temples and towers. We were here
+assailed on all sides by fresh troops from the houses and
+terraces, and those whom we pursued faced about and fought us in
+front. We now found it necessary to retreat, which we did with
+the utmost order till we came to the pass at the broken bridge,
+which was occupied by the enemy in canoes; and as the others
+pressed upon our rear, we were forced to throw ourselves into the
+lake and to get over any way we could. Those who could not swim
+got entangled among the concealed ditches and pits in the shallow
+water, where the enemy closed in upon us, wounding the whole
+party, and even taking five of our soldiers alive. The vessels
+which came to our relief were unable to approach, on account of
+the pallisades, and they lost two of their soldiers on this
+occasion. It was wonderful we were not all destroyed at this
+dangerous pass. At one time I was laid hold of by a number of the
+enemy; but God gave me strength to disengage my arm, and with the
+assistance of my good sword, I extricated myself from their
+grasp. Though wounded, I escaped to the dry ground, where I
+fainted and remained for some time insensible, owing to my great
+exertions and the loss of blood. When the enemy had me in their
+clutches, I recommended myself to the aid of God and his blessed
+Mother, and they heard my prayer: Glory be to them for all their
+mercies! From the time that we had cleared the flanks of our post
+by the destruction of the houses, Alvarado had brought a part of
+his cavalry thither; and one of them, who had crossed along with
+us at the broken bridge, lost both his horse and his own life.
+Fortunately all the rest were then with Alvarado in Tacuba; for
+if they had been with us they must have all been destroyed from
+the tops of the houses and temples, as the action took place
+almost within the city of Mexico. The enemy was much elated by
+the success of this day, and continued to assail our posts day
+and night. Cortes was much displeased at the defeat we had
+sustained, which he attributed to our having neglected his
+orders; which were always to fill up the cuts in the causeway as
+we advanced, by means of timber and rubbish.</p>
+
+<p>In the space of four days, counting from our late defeat, we
+filled up the great aperture at the broken bridge, and
+established our advanced post at this place, but lost six of our
+soldiers in the course of this operation. The enemy established a
+post directly in front of us, which they secured by a ditch and
+parapet, so as to protect themselves from our shot. They made a
+large fire in front of their post, by which they were concealed
+from our view, except when they had occasion to renew the fire,
+which was sometimes extinguished by the frequent heavy rains
+which prevailed at this season. They kept profound silence on
+guard, except when interrupted by loud whistling, which they used
+as signals. Every morning we marched against the enemy, with whom
+we fought during the whole day, and retreated to our post towards
+evening, covered with wounds. Before retreating, we sent back our
+allies, whose numbers embarrassed us in the narrow causeway, and
+then fell back step by step, flanked by our armed brigantines,
+and firing on the enemy as they pressed upon us during the
+retreat.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, the inhabitants of the cities on the lake
+grew weary of the long protracted warfare, and sent deputations
+to our general, offering to submit themselves to his authority,
+and declaring that they had been constrained by the Mexicans to
+persist hitherto in their hostilities against us. Cortes received
+them very graciously, and assured them of his protection,
+providing that they should conduct themselves properly for the
+future, and give him their assistance by supplying canoes and
+provisions to our army, and in the construction of barracks for
+the troops. They readily promised all this, but performed very
+badly. Cortes had huts built for his detachment[7]; but the rest
+of us remained exposed to the weather, which was exceedingly
+severe and distressing, as it rained almost incessantly during
+June, July, and August.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] Though not especially mentioned by Diaz, it
+appears that Cortes had taken the immediate command of the
+detachment of De Oli, at Cojohuacan, which formed the southern
+attack.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Our detachment on the causeway of Tacuba continued our
+approach towards Mexico, filling up every ditch and canal as we
+advanced by means of the materials of the houses which we
+destroyed; and we every day gained possession of temples or
+houses, which stood apart from each other, and of the bridges by
+which they communicated. To avoid jealousy, our three companies
+took the duties of working and fighting alternately, our allies
+giving most important assistance in pulling down the houses and
+filling up the ditches and cross-cuts of the causeway. Every
+evening the whole of our men stood to their arms, and we sent off
+our allies before us, before retreating to our post for the
+night. During all this time, Sandoval, who carried on his
+approach from Tepejacac, was obliged to sustain continual attacks
+from the enemy; as likewise was Cortes, who now commanded at the
+third attack.</p>
+
+<p>On his side there was an out-post of the Mexicans, at a place
+where one of the apertures in the causeway was too deep to be
+forded, and which had been strongly fortified by the enemy. He
+made a successful attack on this place, where he commanded in
+person, although the enemy made a brave resistance both by land
+and water; but he was obliged to retire at night without filling
+up the ditch, and he lost four Spaniards killed, and had above
+thirty wounded, the pass being commanded from the terraces of
+several houses in the water, and his brigantines were unable to
+get forward to protect his flanks, owing to the piles which the
+enemy had fixed under water. Guatimotzin and his Mexicans
+defended themselves with amazing bravery and resolution, trusting
+to wear us out and destroy us by continual assaults. On the 21st
+of June, the anniversary of the day of our first entry into
+Mexico, the enemy assailed us at every point of all our three
+attacks, both by land and water, in front, flanks, and rear,
+about two hours before day. The number fit for duty at our post
+on the causeway of Tacuba was 120 men, and all the allies
+attached to our detachment, were as usual off the causeway during
+the night. It was with the utmost difficulty that we were able to
+resist and repulse the enemy, of whom a great number were killed
+and wounded, losing two of our own soldiers. The enemy repeated
+their assaults on all the posts for two other nights
+successively; and on the third morning, just at day-break, they
+concentrated their whole force and made a desperate attack on our
+post. If our allies had been with us we should have been all
+lost. On this occasion our cavalry saved our rear, and our
+brigantines did signal service by clearing our flanks. After a
+most severe and long doubtful contest, we beat off the enemy and
+made four of their chiefs prisoners, eight of our soldiers being
+slain in this tough affair. I fear my readers may be tired of
+this constant repetition of battles, which my duty of historian
+compels me to relate: But if I were to give an account of every
+action which took place during the ninety-three days in which we
+were engaged in the siege of this great, strong, and populous
+city, every day and night of which time brought a perpetual
+succession of battles and assaults, my work would be without end,
+and would more resemble Amadis de Gaul and other romances of
+chivalry than a true history, which it really is.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes became impatient of delay, and proposed in a council of
+war to make a general assault on the city, marching at once by
+all the three causeways, and uniting our whole force in the great
+square, whence we could command all the streets leading to that
+centre of Mexico. Some of the members of the council objected
+greatly to this plan, giving the preference to our present system
+of advancing gradually, filling up the ditches as we proceeded,
+and destroying the houses to make roads and defences of their
+materials. They alleged that if we were to succeed in forcing our
+way into the great square, we should in our turn be besieged in
+the heart of the city, exactly as we had been before our flight
+from Mexico, and be involved in much greater difficulties than
+now; as the enemy would be enabled to environ us with their whole
+force by land and water, and would cut off all possibility of our
+retreat, by cutting through the causeways. But Cortes, after
+hearing all these well founded reasons, still adhered to his own
+plan, and issued orders for the whole army, including the allies,
+to attack the city next day, and to use our utmost efforts to get
+possession of the great square. On the next morning therefore,
+having recommended ourselves to God in the solemn service of the
+mass, all our three detachments marched to attack the posts of
+the enemy on their several fronts. In our attack commanded by
+Alvarado, most of the Spaniards were wounded at the first ditch
+and parapet of the enemy; one Spaniard was slain, and above a
+thousand of our allies were killed or wounded. In the attack
+commanded by Cortes in person, he carried every thing before him
+at first, and having driven the enemy from a post where the water
+was very deep and the causeway very narrow, he imprudently pushed
+on after the enemy followed by the Indian allies. The enemy
+induced him by frequent halts and feigned resistance to continue
+the pursuit, having even narrowed the causeway on purpose, and
+Cortes negligently omitted to fill up the deep ditch which he had
+passed. When the enemy perceived that our general had fallen into
+the snare which they had laid for him, they attacked him with
+fresh troops in front, while numerous canoes filled with warriors
+issued out at an appointed signal and assailed him both on the
+flanks and rear, his brigantines being unable to approach for his
+defence by the pallisades under water. Retreat became now
+indispensably necessary, which was at first conducted with
+perfect regularity; but when they came to the narrow part of the
+causeway, which was all covered with mud and water, the retreat
+changed to an absolute flight, our people flying from the enemy
+with their utmost speed, without even attempting to defend
+themselves. Cortes used every effort to rally his men, but all in
+vain, and was wounded in the leg at the narrow pass by some of
+the enemy from the canoes. At this pass, six of our horses were
+killed, and seventy-two Spaniards were carried off alive. At this
+moment six Mexican chiefs seized Cortes, but by the will of God,
+Christoval de Olea, that valiant soldier, and another brave man
+named Lerma flew to the rescue of our general. De Olea killed
+four of the chiefs with his own hand, and gallantly lost his life
+in defence of Cortes, while Lerma narrowly escaped. Other brave
+soldiers arrived at this moment to his aid, among whom was
+Quinones the captain of his guards. By these men he was lifted
+out of the water and hurried off from among a crowd of the enemy.
+At this critical moment, Guzman his majordomo, brought up a horse
+on which our wounded general was mounted. The enemy followed up
+their success with increasing ardour, Cortes and the shattered
+remains of his troops, retreating to their quarters with the
+utmost difficulty, pursued to the last by the Mexicans.</p>
+
+<p>After our first attack, in which we defeated the enemy and
+drove them from their post, we were met by fresh bodies of the
+enemy, marching in great parade, bearing rich plumes of feathers
+and ornamented standards. On coming near, they threw down before
+us five bleeding heads, saying these were the heads of Cortes and
+his officers, and that we should soon meet the same fate. They
+then marched up, and fought us hand to hand with the utmost
+valour, insomuch that we were at length compelled to retreat. As
+usual, we gave orders to our allies to clear the way, by
+retreating before us; but the sight of the bloody heads had done
+this effectually, and not a man of them remained on the causeway
+to impede our flight. Our cavalry made several charges this day,
+but our great safety depended upon two guns which raked the whole
+causeway, and were admirably managed by Pedro Morena, an
+excellent officer, whose services this day were singularly
+useful, as the whole causeway was crowded by the enemy. Before we
+arrived at our quarters, and while pursued by the enemy, we heard
+the shrill timbals and mournful sound of the great drum from the
+summit of the temple of the god of war. The priests were then
+sacrificing the hearts of ten of our companions to their accursed
+idols, and the sound of their dismal drum, which might be heard
+at almost three leagues off, might be imagined to be the music of
+the infernal deities. Soon after this, the horn of Guatimotzin
+was heard, giving notice to the Mexican officers either to make
+prisoners of their enemies, or to die in the attempt. It is
+utterly impossible to describe the fury with which they assailed
+us on hearing this dreadful signal, though the remembrance is
+still as lively as if now passing before me: I can only say, that
+it was the good pleasure of God that we got back in safety to our
+post; praised be his mercy now and for ever. Amen! We were
+ignorant of the fate of our other detachments. Sandoval was more
+than half a league from us, and Cortes still farther. The
+melancholy sight of the heads of our countrymen, and the loss of
+one of our brigantines in which three of our soldiers were slain,
+filled us with melancholy, and we almost thought that we had
+reached the last hour of our lives. Our captured vessel was
+afterwards recovered by Captain Xaramillo. In the action of this
+day, Captain Caravajal, a most gallant officer, had the honour of
+being the first who broke through the enemies pallisades with his
+vessel: He now lives in La Puebla, and has been ever since
+entirely deaf, having lost his hearing this day by excessive
+exertion.</p>
+
+<p>Most of the soldiers in the detachment of Cortes were wounded,
+a good many slain, and a great number taken prisoners, so that on
+his arrival in his quarters, where he was immediately attacked,
+his men were little able to defend themselves. To add to their
+distress, the enemy threw into their post four bleeding heads,
+saying they were those of Alvarado, Sandoval, and two other
+officers, in order to impress the soldiers of Cortes with the
+belief that the two other detachments had been as roughly handled
+as their own. On beholding this horrid spectacle, Cortes was
+severely agitated, and his heart sunk within him; yet he kept up
+appearances, encouraging his men to stand to their arms and
+defend their post against the enemy. He now sent Tapia with three
+others on horseback to our quarters, to ascertain our situation.
+They were attacked on their way by several bodies of the enemy,
+who had been sent out by Guatimotzin to obstruct our
+communications; but they forced their way through, and found us
+engaged with the Mexicans.</p>
+
+<p>On his side, Sandoval went on victoriously till the defeat of
+Cortes, when the enemy sent a powerful reinforcement against him,
+by whom he was very vigorously assailed; and in the first assault
+they killed two of his men and wounded all the rest, Sandoval
+himself receiving three wounds, one of which was on the head. As
+they had done at the other posts, they threw down six bleeding
+heads, pretending they were the heads of Cortes and his principal
+officers, and threatening Sandoval and his men with a similar
+fate. Sandoval was not to be intimidated, and encouraged his men
+to behave themselves bravely; yet, seeing no chance of ultimate
+success, he brought his people back to their quarters, many of
+them being wounded, but having only two slain. After this, though
+severely wounded himself, he left the command of his quarters
+with Captain Luis Marin, and set out on horseback to have an
+interview with Cortes. Like Tapia, he was frequently attacked by
+the enemy on the road, yet made his way to Cortes, whom he
+addressed with condolence and astonishment, asking the occasion
+of his severe misfortune. Cortes laid the blame on Alderate, for
+neglecting to fill up the bad pass where the enemy threw his men
+into confusion; but the treasurer denied the charge, saying that
+Cortes had not given any such orders, but hurried on his men
+after the feigned retreat of the enemy. In fact Cortes was much
+blamed for his rashness, and for not sending the allies soon
+enough out of his way. About this time, Cortes was agreeably
+surprised by the arrival of two of his brigantines, which he had
+given over for lost. Cortes requested Sandoval to visit our
+quarters at Tacuba, being unable to go there himself, as he was
+apprehensive the brunt of the attack might now fall upon our
+post. Sandoval arrived about the hour of vespers, when he found
+us occupied in repelling the enemy, some of them having attacked
+us by the causeway, and others from the ruined houses. I and
+several other soldiers were at this time up to our middles in the
+water, engaging the enemy in defence of a brigantine which had
+run aground, and of which the enemy were endeavouring to gain
+possession. Just as Sandoval arrived, we got her afloat by a
+great exertion, after the enemy had slain two of her crew and
+badly wounded all the rest. The enemy continued their attack with
+the utmost violence, and Sandoval received a blow on the face
+with a stone. He called out to us to retreat; and as we did not
+fall back as fast as he wished, he repeated his orders, asking us
+if we wished to have all the cavalry destroyed. We then retreated
+to our post, and though the two guns under Moreno frequently
+swept the causeway, the execution they made did not prevent the
+enemy from pursuing us to our works.</p>
+
+<p>We remained for some time at our quarters comparatively at
+rest, recounting the events which had occurred at our post, and
+listening to a relation of what had taken place at the two
+others. On a sudden, we were struck by the horrifying sound of
+the great drum, accompanied by the timbals, horns, and trumpets
+of the temple of the god of war: And, shocking to tell! we could
+distinctly see our unfortunate companions who had been made
+prisoners, driven by blows to the summit of the diabolical
+temple. On their arrival at the platform, we could see the
+miserable victims decorated for sacrifice, with plumes of
+feathers on their heads, and fans in their hands, when they were
+forced to dance to the infernal music before the accursed idols.
+After this, we saw them stretched on their backs on the stone of
+sacrifice, where their hearts were cut out alive, and presented
+yet palpitating to the damnable gods of the enemy, and their
+bodies drawn by the feet down the steps. "O merciful GOD of
+Heaven," said we among ourselves, "suffer not that we too may be
+sacrificed by these wretches!" My readers may conceive how
+poignant were our reflexions at this horrible scene, more
+especially as we were utterly unable to afford the smallest aid
+to our poor friends, whom we saw thus butchered before our eyes.
+At this moment the enemy assailed our post in great force; but we
+maintained it with determined resolution, and drove them back
+with much loss. During this assault, they reviled us, saying that
+their gods had promised to deliver the whole of us into their
+hands, and they threw over some of the mangled remains of the
+horrible repast they had made on our countrymen, sending round
+other portions among the neighbouring towns, as a bloody memorial
+of their victory over us. Sandoval and Tapia, on their return to
+Cortes, reported the valiant manner in which we defended our
+post; and Sandoval mentioned me in particular with approbation,
+saying many handsome things of me, which it would be improper for
+me to repeat, though the facts were perfectly well known to all
+the army.</p>
+
+<p>Our new allies on the lake had suffered considerably from the
+resentment of the enemy, who had taken from them above half their
+canoes: Yet some continued firm in their alliance with us, out of
+hatred to the Mexicans; and others satisfied themselves with
+looking on, without attempting to molest us. In consequence of
+our recent losses, having lost near eighty men, killed and
+prisoners, and seven horses, and almost all the rest of us being
+wounded, Cortes issued orders to cease from our attacks for four
+days. But the enemy continued their attacks daily, and even
+gained ground, making new ramparts and ditches. We had a deep
+ditch and very defensible ramparts in front of our post; and
+during this cessation from offensive operations, the whole of our
+infantry kept guard on the causeway every night, flanked by our
+brigantines, one half of our cavalry patroling in Tacuba, and the
+other half on the causeway to protect our rear. Every morning we
+prepared ourselves to resist the attacks of the enemy, who
+continued every day to sacrifice some of our miserable
+companions. During their daily and incessant attacks, they
+reviled us, saying, that their gods had promised to permit them
+to destroy us all within eight days; yet that our flesh was too
+bitter to be eaten: And truly I believe that this was
+miraculously the case. The threats of the Mexicans, and their
+declaration that their gods had promised to deliver us into their
+hands in eight days, had such an effect upon our allies, combined
+with the bad appearance of our affairs, that they almost entirely
+deserted from us about this time. The only one who remained with
+Cortes, was Suchel, otherwise called Don Carlos, brother to our
+ally the prince of Tezcuco, with about forty followers. The chief
+of Huexotzinco remained in the camp of Sandoval with about fifty
+of his warriors; and the brave Chichimecatl, with the two sons of
+Don Lorenzo de Vargas of Tlascala, and about eighty Tlascalans,
+continued with us in the quarters of Alvarado. When they were
+asked the reason of the desertion of their countrymen, they said,
+that the Mexican gods had predicted our destruction, and the
+younger Xicotencatl had foretold from the first we should all be
+put to death; they saw that many of us were killed and all
+wounded, and they had already had above twelve hundred of their
+own number slain; And, considering us all devoted to inevitable
+ruin, they had fled to avoid sharing our fate. Though Cortes
+secretly thought there was too much reason in what they alleged,
+he yet assumed a cheerful appearance of perfect security as to
+the ultimate result of the enterprize, and used his utmost
+endeavours to reassure our remaining friends, turning the hopes
+and predictions of the Mexicans and the promises of their false
+gods into ridicule, and had the good fortune to persuade our few
+remaining friends to abide with us. The Indian Don Carlos, or
+Suchel of Tezcuco, who was a brave warrior and a wise man,
+strongly represented to our general that he had hitherto acted on
+a most erroneous plan, especially considering the relative
+situations of us and the enemy. "If you cut off their means of
+procuring water and provisions," he observed, "how is it possible
+that the many <i>xiquipils</i>[8] of warriors can subsist? Their
+provisions must be at last expended: The water of their wells is
+salt and unwholesome, and their only resource is from the present
+rainy season. Combat them, therefore, by means of hunger and
+thirst, and do not throw away your own force by unnecessary
+violence." Cortes embraced Suchel, thanking him for his salutary
+advice; which indeed had already more than once occurred to
+ourselves, but we were too impatient to act with so much
+prudence. Our general began therefore to act upon this new
+system, so judiciously recommended by our friend of Tezcuco, and
+sent orders to all the detachments to confine themselves entirely
+to the defensive for the next three days. As the canoes of the
+enemy were numerous, our brigantines never ventured singly on the
+lake; and as they had now found out the way to break through the
+pallisades of the enemy, by using both sails and oars when
+favoured by the wind, we became absolute masters of the lake, and
+were able to command all the insulated houses at any distance
+from the city; and as the brigantines could now break through the
+pallisades of the enemy, they could always secure our flanks,
+while we were engaged in filling up the ditches in our front,
+which we did effectually in a very few days, Cortes even
+assisting in person to carry beams and earth for that
+purpose.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] On some former occasions the xiquipil has been
+already explained as denoting eight thousand
+men.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Every night of this period during which we remained on the
+defensive, the enemy continued their infernal ceremonies,
+sacrificing some of our unfortunate companions, which we could
+distinctly see as their temple was brightly illuminated; the
+accursed drum continually stunned our ears, and the shrieks and
+yells of the multitudes who surrounded the temple were at times
+perfectly diabolical. Christoval de Guzman was the last executed,
+who remained eighteen days in their hands. We learned every
+minute circumstance respecting these horrible sacrifices from our
+prisoners, who told us, that after each successive sacrifice,
+their war god renewed his promise of delivering us all into their
+power. Sometimes, even during this period, the enemy employed
+some of our own crossbows against us, obliging our unfortunate
+companions who were in their custody to shoot them off; but our
+post was protected by the excellent management of the two guns by
+Morena, and we every day advanced, gaining possession of a bridge
+or a parapet. Our brigantines also were of infinite service, as
+they were continually intercepting the canoes which carried water
+and provisions to the enemy, and those which were employed in
+procuring a certain nutritive substance from the bottom of the
+lake, which, when dry, resembles cheese. Twelve or thirteen days
+had now elapsed after the time when the Mexican priest had
+predicted we had only eight days to live. Our allies, therefore,
+recovered their courage when they saw the fallacy of the
+prediction, and at the requisition of our steady friend Suchel,
+two thousand warriors of Tezcuco returned to our quarters, with
+whom came Pedro Farfan and Antonio Villareal, who had been left
+by Cortes at that city. About the same time, many bodies of
+warriors returned to us from Tlascala and other places in our
+alliance. After their return, Cortes called the chiefs together,
+to whom he made a speech; partly reprimanding them for having
+abandoned us, and partly encouraging their future fidelity by
+confident hopes of victory, and promises of reward, and concluded
+by earnestly admonishing them not to put any of their Mexican
+prisoners to death, as he wished to negociate peace with
+Guatimotzin.</p>
+
+<p>Though the heavy rains which fell at this season were both
+incommodious and distressing to us, they operated in our favour,
+as the enemy always relaxed their efforts against us during their
+continuance. By slow but steady perseverance, we had now
+considerably advanced into the city at all the three attacks, and
+had even reached the wells of brackish water which the enemy had
+dug, and which we now destroyed. Our cavalry could now act freely
+through the whole space which we had gained, as we had carefully
+levelled the causeway behind us, destroying all the houses on
+each side from which we could be annoyed, and carefully fortified
+our several fronts. Cortes deemed the present conjuncture
+favourable for offering peace to the Mexicans, and proposed to
+three of our principal prisoners to carry a message to
+Guatimotzin to that effect; but they declined the commission,
+alleging that he would put them to death. They were at length
+prevailed upon to comply, and were instructed to represent to
+Guatimotzin in the name of Cortes: "That from respect to the
+family of the great Montezuma, and that he might prevent the
+destruction of the capital and the loss of so many lives, he was
+willing to enter into a treaty of peace and amity; desiring
+Guatimotzin to reflect that he and his people were now cut off
+from all supplies of water and provisions; and that all the
+nations who had formerly been the vassals of Mexico, were now in
+alliance with the Spaniards." A great deal more was added, to the
+same effect, all of which was perfectly understood by the
+messengers. Before they went into the city, they required a
+letter from Cortes, to serve them as a token of credence; with
+which they waited on their sovereign, weeping and lamenting
+themselves bitterly, as they knew the danger to which they were
+exposed. At first, Guatimotzin and his principal chiefs were
+filled with rage and indignation at the proposal; but he at last
+consented to call a council of all the princes, chiefs, and
+principal priests of the city, before whom he laid the message of
+Cortes, and even expressed his own inclination to come into terms
+of peace, considering the inefficacy of their resistance, the
+desertion of their allies, and the miseries to which the people
+were reduced. The priests obstinately opposed every idea of
+peace. They represented the hostile conduct of the Spaniards to
+their nation ever since they first came into the country; their
+profanation of the temples and idols of their gods; their
+injurious treatment of the great Montezuma, and of all the other
+princes who had fallen under their power; the death of the two
+sons of Montezuma, the seizure of the royal treasures, and the
+destruction of the city. They reminded Guatimotzin of his own
+martial fame, which would be sullied and disgraced by submission;
+insisting, that all the offers of Cortes were only insidiously
+meant to enslave and circumvent; and concluded by repeating the
+assurances of victory which they had received from their gods.
+Guatimotzin yielded to these arguments, and declared his
+resolution to fight to the last: He gave orders, therefore, to
+husband their provisions with the utmost frugality, to use their
+utmost endeavours to procure supplies under night, and to sink
+new wells in various parts of the city. Our army had remained two
+days quietly in their posts, waiting an answer to our pacific
+message. On the third, we were furiously assailed on all points
+by large bodies of the enemy, who rushed upon us like lions,
+closing up as if utterly regardless of their lives, and using
+their utmost efforts to make us prisoners; all the while, the
+horn of Guatimotzin being continually sounded, to inspire them
+with fury. For seven days we were thus continually assailed:
+After watching all night, we had to go into action every morning
+at day-break; and having fought the whole day, we retired in the
+evening to a miserable regale of maize calces, with <i>tunas</i>
+or Indian figs, herbs, and <i>agi</i> or pepper. Our recent
+pacific offer was employed as a subject of contempt, for which
+they reproached us as cowards; saying that peace belonged only to
+women, arms and war to brave men.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already mentioned, that the horrible fragments of
+our wretched companions had been sent round the provinces of the
+Mexican empire, to encourage them to rise in support of the
+sovereign and his capital. In consequence of this, a great force
+assembled from Matlatzinco, Malinalco, and other places about
+eight leagues from Mexico, which was intended for an attack on
+our rear, while the Mexicans should attack us in front. On the
+assemblage of this force, they committed horrible ravages on the
+country in our rear, seizing numbers of children in order to
+sacrifice them to their idols. To disperse this hostile
+assemblage, Andres de Tapia was detached with twenty cavalry and
+an hundred infantry, and effectually executed his commission,
+driving the enemy back to their own country with great loss. Soon
+after his return, Cortes sent Sandoval with a detachment to the
+assistance of the country around Quauhnahuac, or Cuernabaca. Much
+might be said of this expedition, were I to enter into a detail:
+but it may suffice, that it was more like a peaceable triumph
+than a warlike expedition, yet proved of most excellent service
+to us, as Sandoval returned accompanied by two chiefs of the
+nation against which he was sent[9]. Cortes, after these
+successes, sent a second message to Guatimotzin, reminding him of
+the distresses to which his people were reduced, and expressing
+great anxiety to save the city of Mexico from destruction, which
+could only be done by immediate submission; and to convince him
+that all hopes of assistance from his former allies were now at
+an end, he sent this message by the two chiefs who had
+accompanied Sandoval. Guatimotzin refused any answer, but sent
+back the chiefs unhurt. The enemy continued their daily assaults
+upon the advanced works of our several attacks, increasing even
+in their fury if possible, and exultingly exclaiming, <i>Tenitotz
+re de Castila? Tenitotz axa a!</i> "What says the king of
+Castile? What does he now?"</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] Clavigero, II. 180, supplies the brevity used by
+Diaz on this occasion. He says that the chiefs of the districts
+of Matlatzinco, Malinalco, and Cohuixco came to Cortes and
+entered into a confederacy with him against Mexico; by which
+means, added to his former alliances, he was now able to have
+employed "more warriors against Mexico than Xerxes did against
+Greece." Clavigero everywhere deals in monstrous exaggeration,
+while Diaz is uniformly modest, and within due bounds of
+credibility. Even in the few <i>miracles</i> of which Diaz makes
+mention, his credulity is modestly guarded by devout fear of the
+holy office.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>We still continued to advance towards the centre of Mexico,
+regularly destroying the houses on both sides of us, and
+carefully fortifying our advanced post; and we now perceived a
+considerable relaxation in the efforts of the enemy, who were not
+so eager as formerly to open up the ditches; yet they continued
+to attack us with the utmost fury, as if courting death. But we
+too had now serious cause of alarm, as our gunpowder was almost
+entirely expended. At this critical moment, and most fortunately
+for us, a vessel arrived at Villa Rica with soldiers and ordnance
+stores, all of which, together with the men, were immediately
+sent to Cortes by Rangel, who commanded at Villa Rica. This
+vessel belonged to an armament which had been fitted out by Lucas
+Vasquez de Aillon, and which had been destroyed or dispersed near
+Florida. On the arrival of this reinforcement, Cortes and all the
+army determined to make a grand push for the great square in that
+part of the city called Tlaltelolco, as it would become an
+excellent place of arms, on account of some principal temples and
+other strong buildings which were there situated. For this
+purpose, each of our divisions continued their daily efforts to
+advance in our usual cautious manner. Cortes got possession of a
+small square in which were some temples, on the beams of which
+many of the heads of our sacrificed companions were placed, their
+hair and beards being much grown. I could not have believed this,
+if I had not myself seen them three days afterwards, when our
+party had worked their way to the same place, after having filled
+up three canals. In twelve days afterwards, they were all
+reverently buried by us in that place where the Church of the
+Martyrs is now built.</p>
+
+<p>Our detachment under Alvarado continued to advance, and at
+last forced the enemy from the barricades they had thrown up to
+defend the great square, which cost us two hours hard fighting.
+Our cavalry was now of most essential service in the large space
+which was now laid open, and drove the enemy before them into the
+temple of the god of war, which stood in the middle of the great
+square. Alvarado determined to gain possession of the temple; for
+which purpose he divided his forces into three bodies, one of
+which, commanded by Guttierrez de Badajoz, he ordered to gain
+possession of the temple, while with the other two he occupied
+the attention of the enemy below. A large force of the enemy,
+headed by the priests, occupied the platform of the temple, with
+all its idol sanctuaries and galleries, and repulsed the troops
+of Guttierrez, driving them down the steps. The body to which I
+belonged was now ordered by Alvarado to their support. We
+advanced boldly to the assault, and having ascended to the
+platform, we drove the enemy from the post, of which we took
+possession, setting fire to their abominable idols, and planting
+our standard in triumph on the summit of the temple. The view of
+this signal of victory greatly rejoiced Cortes, who would fain
+have joined us; but he was still a quarter of a league from the
+place, and had many ditches to fill as he advanced. In four days
+more, both he and Sandoval had worked their way up to the great
+square of Tlaltelolco, where they joined us, and thus
+communications from all our three attacks were opened up to the
+centre of Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>Our attack on the temple was truly perilous, considering the
+number of the enemy, the height and difficulty of the ascent, and
+the fury with which they continued to fight against us, even
+after we had attained the platform and set their idols on fire,
+and it was night before we could compel them to abandon the
+summit. The royal palaces were now levelled with the ground, and
+Guatimotzin had retired with his troops to a more distant quarter
+of the city towards the lake[10]. Still, however, the enemy
+attacked us every day, and at night pursued us into our quarters;
+and though apparently reduced to the last extremity, they made no
+offer towards peace. Cortes now laid a plan for drawing the enemy
+into an ambush: For this purpose, he one night placed 30 of our
+cavalry, with 100 of our best foot soldiers, and 1000 Tlascalans,
+in some large houses which had belonged to a principal nobleman
+of Mexico. Next morning he went in person with the rest of our
+army to attack a post at a bridge, which was defended by a large
+force of the Mexicans. After continuing the assault for some
+time, Cortes slowly retreated with his men, drawing the enemy
+after him by the buildings in which the ambush lay concealed.
+When he had led them to a sufficient distance, he gave the
+concerted signal, by firing two guns in quick succession. We
+immediately sallied out, and having thus enclosed the enemy
+between us, we made a terrible havoc among them, and from that
+time they never ventured to annoy us on our nightly retreat.
+Another trap was laid for the enemy by Alvarado, which had not
+the same success; but as I was now doing duty with the division
+which Cortes commanded in person, I was not present, and cannot,
+therefore recount the particulars. Hitherto we had continued to
+retreat every night to the posts we had established on the
+causeways, which were at least half a league from the great
+temple; but we now quitted these posts, and formed a lodgment for
+the whole army in the great square of Tlaltelolco, where we
+remained for three days without doing any thing worth notice, as
+Cortes wished to abstain from destroying any more of the city, in
+hopes of prevailing on Guatimotzin to accept of peace. He sent,
+therefore, a message, requesting him to surrender, giving him the
+strongest assurances that he should continue to enjoy the
+sovereignty, and should be treated with every honourable
+distinction; and he accompanied this message with a considerable
+present of provisions, such as fowls, game, bread, and fruit.
+Guatimotzin pretended to be inclined towards a pacification, and
+even sent four of his principal nobles to propose an interview
+between him and our general. But this, was a mere stratagem to
+gain time for strengthening his fortifications, and making
+preparations to attack us; as from the example of what had
+befallen his uncle Montezuma, and the suggestions of his
+advisers, he was afraid to trust himself in our hands. The mask
+was soon thrown off, and the enemy attacked us with such extreme
+violence, and having taken us in some measure by surprise, that
+they had some success at first, killing one of our soldiers and
+two horses; but in the end we drove them back with considerable
+loss.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] The whole western division of Mexico called
+Tlaltelolco was now in possession of the Spaniards, and probably
+destroyed by them to secure their communications; and the
+miserable remnant of the brave Mexicans had retired into the
+eastern division, named Tenochtitlan.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Cortes now ordered us to proceed on our former system, of
+advancing daily against that part of the city which was occupied
+by Guatimotzin, filling up the ditches and destroying the houses
+as we proceeded; and we accordingly gained ground as formerly.
+Guatimotzin, on seeing this, made another offer of an interview
+with our general, proposing the conference might take place
+across a large canal. To this Cortes readily assented, and went
+accordingly to the appointed place, but Guatimotzin never
+appeared; instead of which he sent some of his principal nobles,
+who said the king was apprehensive of being shot during the
+conference. Cortes engaged by the most solemn oaths that no
+injury should be offered, but all to no purpose. At this time two
+of these nobles played a most ridiculous farce: They took out
+from a sack a fowl, some bread, and a quantity of cherries, which
+they began to eat deliberately, as if to impress us with the
+belief that they had abundance of provisions. When Cortes found
+that the proposed conference was only a pretext to gain time, he
+sent a message of defiance to Guatimotzin and retired. For four
+days after this, we were not attacked by the enemy; but numbers
+of famished Mexicans used to surround our quarters every night.
+Cortes pitied their wretched situation, and ordered us to refrain
+from hostilities, always hoping that the enemy would offer terms
+of accommodation. One of our soldiers, named Sotela, who had
+served in Italy, was always boasting of the great battles he had
+seen, and of the wonderful military engines which he was able to
+construct, and particularly that he could make a machine for
+throwing stones, by which he would destroy the whole of that part
+of the city which Guatimotzin occupied, in a very few days.
+Cortes was at last induced to listen to him, and all kinds of
+materials were brought for him to construct his engine. Stone and
+lime was procured; the carpenters were set to work to prepare
+timber; two strong cables were made; and a number of large stones
+were brought, which the machine was to project. When all was
+ready, a stone was placed in the engine, and it was played off
+against the quarters of Guatimotzin. But instead of taking that
+direction, the stone flew up vertically into the air, and
+returned exactly to the place whence it was launched. Cortes was
+angry and ashamed at the result, and ordered the machine to be
+destroyed, reproaching the soldier for his ignorant
+presumption.</p>
+
+<p>Sandoval was now sent with the command of the flotilla, to act
+against that division of the city in which Guatimotzin still held
+out. He was ordered to spare the Mexicans as much as possible,
+but to destroy all the houses and advanced works which the enemy
+possessed in the lake. On this occasion, Cortes ascended to the
+high platform of the great temple, attended by many of his
+officers and soldiers, to observe the movements of the fleet.
+Guatimotzin, on observing the approach of Sandoval, became very
+apprehensive of being made prisoner, and determined to attempt
+making his escape. For this purpose he had already fifty large
+piraguas in readiness, on board of which he embarked with his
+family, principal officers and courtiers, and all their most
+valuable effects, and endeavoured to escape by the lake to the
+main land; all the piraguas taking different directions, in order
+to distract the pursuit of the brigantines. At this time Sandoval
+was occupied in tearing down some houses, that he might clear his
+way towards the quarters of Guatimotzin, of whose flight he got
+immediate notice. He set out therefore immediately in pursuit,
+giving strict orders to all the captains of his brigantines to
+offer no injury or insult to the royal fugitive; but to keep a
+watchful eye on that vessel in which Guatimotzin was supposed to
+have embarked, using every effort to take it, and paying no
+attention to the rest. In particular, he directed Garcia Holguin,
+who commanded the swiftest sailing vessel of the fleet, to make
+for that part of the shore to which it was supposed Guatimotzin
+was most likely to go. Holguin accordingly fell in with several
+piraguas, one of which, from the superior appearance of its
+structure and awning, he supposed to be that which carried the
+king. He called out to the people on board to bring to, but
+without effect, and then ordered his musketeers and cross-bows to
+present. On seeing this, Guatimotzin called out to them not to
+shoot, acknowledging who he was, and declared his readiness to
+submit, requesting to be taken immediately to the general, and
+entreating that his queen, children, and attendants might not be
+ill treated. Holguin received him and his queen with the utmost
+respect, placing them and twenty of the nobles who attended them
+on the poop of his vessel, setting such refreshments before them
+as he had in his power, and ordered the piraguas which carried
+the royal effects to follow untouched. At this time, perceiving
+that Holguin had made Guatimotzin prisoner, and was carrying him
+to Cortes, Sandoval made a signal for all the brigantines to
+close up with him, and ordered his rowers to exert every effort
+to bring him up with Holguin. On getting alongside, Sandoval
+demanded Guatimotzin to be delivered up to him, as commander of
+the naval force, but Holguin refused, and many high words passed
+between them. One of the vessels was sent to inform Cortes of the
+great event which had taken place, and by the same means he
+learnt the dispute which had occurred between Sandoval and
+Holguin. He immediately sent the Captains Marin and De Lugo with
+orders to bring the whole party to his quarters on the summit of
+the great temple, ordering them to treat Guatimotzin and his
+queen with the highest respect. In the meantime, he ordered a
+state canopy to be arranged as well as he could, with cloths and
+mantles, to receive his prisoners, and a table to be spread with
+such refreshments as could be procured.</p>
+
+<p>On the approach of the prisoners, Cortes went forward to meet
+the king, whom he embraced with much respect, and shewed all
+possible attention to his followers. The unfortunate monarch
+sinking under his affliction, addressed Cortes as follows, with
+his eyes full of tears: "<i>Malinatzin!</i> I have done every
+thing in my power to defend my kingdom and people, but all my
+efforts have been in vain, and I am now your prisoner; I request
+of you, therefore, to draw your dagger and stab me to the heart."
+Cortes used his best endeavours to console him, assuring him of
+his high esteem for the valour and firmness he had exerted, that
+he should continue to reign as formerly, and that he had only
+required his submission when all reasonable hope of defence was
+gone, in order to avoid the utter destruction of his capital and
+people. Cortes then inquired after the queen, and was told that
+she and her female attendants remained in the piragua till their
+fate was decided. He then ordered them to be sent for, and
+treated them with all respect. As the evening drew on, and it
+threatened to rain, the whole royal family was sent to
+Cojohuacan, under the care of Sandoval, and a sufficient escort.
+Guatimotzin was about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age,
+of a noble appearance, both in person and countenance, having
+large and cheerful features, with lively eyes, and his complexion
+was very fair for an Indian. His queen, who was the niece[11] of
+Montezuma, was young and very handsome.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] According to the genealogy of the Mexican kings
+in Clavigero, I. 240, this princess, whose name was
+Tecuichpotzin, was queen successively to her uncle Cuitlahuatzin,
+and her cousin Guatimotzin. After the conquest, she became a
+Christian, by the name of Donna Elizabeta Montezuma, marrying
+three noble Spaniards in succession; and from her descended the
+two noble families of Cano Montezuma, and Andrea Montezuma.
+Montezuma left likewise a son, Don Pedro Johualicahuatxin
+Montezuma, whose male descendants failed in a great-grandson; but
+there are several noble families both in Spain and Mexico
+descended from that sovereign of Mexico in the female
+line.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The whole army was now ordered to withdraw from the great
+temple of Tlaltelolco, and to return to their original
+head-quarters. Cortes proceeded to Cojohuacan, where he took the
+command in person, sending Sandoval to resume his station at
+Tepejacac, and our division, under Alvarado, retired to Tacuba.
+Thus was the important seige of Mexico brought to a successful
+conclusion, by the capture of Guatimotzin and his family at the
+hour of vespers, on the day of St Hypolitus, 13th of August 1521.
+Glorified be our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Holy Virgin Mother,
+Amen!</p>
+
+<p>In the night after the capture of Guatimotzin, about midnight,
+there was the greatest tempest of thunder, lightning, and rain I
+ever witnessed. But all the soldiers were as deaf as if they had
+been an hour in a belfrey, and all the bells ringing about their
+ears. This proceeded from the continual noise they had been
+accustomed to from the enemy during the <i>ninety-three
+days</i>[12] of this memorable siege: Some bringing on their
+troops to attack us on the causeways, with loud shouts, and
+shrill whistling; others in canoes assailing our flanks; some at
+work on the pallisades, water courses, and stone parapets, or
+preparing their magazines of arms, and the shrieks and yells of
+the women, who supplied the warriors with stones, darts, and
+arrows; the infernal noise of their timbals, horns, and trumpets,
+and the dismal drum, and other shocking noises, perpetually
+sounding in our ears: All of which immediately ceased on the
+capture of Guatimotzin. In consequence of the dispute between
+Sandoval and Holguin threatening unpleasant consequences, Cortes
+related to them from the Roman history the dispute between Marius
+and Sylla, about the capture of Iugurtha, which was ultimately
+productive of very fatal civil wars. He assured them that the
+whole affair should be represented to the emperor Don Carlos, by
+whose arbitration it should be decided. But in two years after,
+the emperor authorised Cortes to bear in his arms the seven kings
+whom he had subdued, Montezuma, Guatimotzin, and the princes of
+Tezcuco, Cojohuacan, Iztapalapa, Tacuba, and Matlatzinco.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] We have formerly said, on the authority of
+Clavigero, that the siege of Mexico commenced on the 30th of May,
+and as it ended on the 13th of August, the siege, by this mode of
+reckoning, could only have lasted 76 days. It is highly probable,
+therefore, that the commencement of the siege must have been on
+the 13th of May, and the 30th of Clavigero may only be an error
+of the press.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>It is absolutely truth, to which I swear <i>amen</i>! that all
+the lake, the houses, and the courts were filled with dead
+bodies, so that I know not how to describe the miserable
+spectacle. All the streets, squares, courts, and houses of
+Tlaltelolco, were so covered by them, that we could not take a
+single step without treading on or between the bodies of dead
+Indians. The lake and the canals were full of them, and the
+stench was intolerable. It was for this reason that our troops
+retired from the city immediately after the capture of
+Guatimotzin: Cortes was himself ill for some time, owing to the
+dreadful effluvia arising from the putrifying bodies. I have read
+the history of the destruction of Jerusalem, but I cannot
+conceive that the mortality even there exceeded what I was
+witness to in Mexico; as all the warriors from the most distant
+provinces of that populous empire were concentrated there, and
+almost the whole garrison was cut off in their almost perpetual
+encounters with us, or perished of famine.</p>
+
+<p>Our vessels were now in the best situation for service; as
+those on board had ready access to the houses in the water, which
+were beyond our reach, whence they carried away all the best of
+the plunder. Their crews also discovered a great many valuable
+articles which the Mexicans had concealed among the tall reeds on
+the borders of the lake, and they intercepted a great deal that
+the inhabitants of the city endeavoured to carry away in their
+canoes; all of which was beyond our reach: Indeed the wealth
+which our mariners procured at this time was quite incalculable,
+as Guatimotzin and all his chiefs declared that far the greater
+part of the public treasure fell into their hands.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the capture of Guatimotzin, it was ordered on his
+suggestion, that all the remaining inhabitants of Mexico should
+remove to the neighbouring towns, in order to have the the city
+cleared of the dead bodies, to restore its salubrity. In
+consequence of this order, all the causeways were full for three
+days and nights, of weak, sickly, and squalid wretches, men,
+women, and children, covered with filth, worn out by famine and
+disease, so that the sight was shocking in the extreme. When all
+were gone who had been able to get away, we went to examine the
+situation of the city, which was as I have already described, in
+a most miserable state. All the streets, courts, and houses were
+covered with dead bodies, among whom some miserable wretches were
+crawling about in the different stages of the most offensive
+diseases, occasioned by famine, the most unnatural food, and the
+pestilential smell of the corrupting carcases. Even the trees
+were stripped of their bark, and the ground had been everywhere
+dug up in search of any kind of roots it might be able to afford.
+Not a drop of water could be any where procured; and though it
+was the constant practice of all these nations to feast on the
+prisoners they took in war, not one instance occurred, in the
+midst of their extreme distress, of their having preyed on each
+other: and certainly there never existed in the history of this
+world any instance of a people who suffered so severely from
+hunger, thirst, and warfare. I must here observe, that in all our
+combats, the Mexicans seemed much more anxious to carry our
+soldiers away alive, that they might be sacrificed to their gods,
+than to kill them.</p>
+
+<p>After a solemn service of thanks to God for our victory,
+Cortes determined upon giving a feast in Cojohuacan to celebrate
+our triumph, as a vessel had arrived at Villa Rica with abundance
+of hogs, and a cargo of wine. He invited all his officers, and
+all the soldiers of particular estimation to this entertainment,
+and we all accordingly waited upon him at the time appointed.
+When we came to sit down to dinner, there were not tables and
+covers prepared for more than half of us, so that the company
+fell into sad confusion. The wine occasioned many to commit
+follies and other worse things. Some leapt over the tables, who
+were afterwards unable to get out at the doors, and many rolled
+down the steps, who could not walk home to their quarters. The
+private soldiers, in high expectations of immense plunder,
+declared they would buy horses with gold trappings, and the
+crossbow-men swore they would henceforth use only golden arrows.
+When the tables were removed, the soldiers danced in their
+armour, with the few ladies who were present; but the
+disproportion was very great, and the scene became truly
+ludicrous. Father Olmedo became quite scandalized at the conduct
+of the visitors at the feast, and was so disgusted at what was
+going on during the dances, that he complained to Sandoval, who
+reported to Cortes that the good Father was grumbling and
+scolding out of all measure. Our general, always prudent in his
+proceedings, came up to Olmedo, affecting to disapprove of the
+indecent conduct of his guests, and requested of him to order a
+solemn mass and thanksgiving, and to give the soldiers a sermon
+on their religious and moral duties. The good father was quite
+delighted at this proposal; and accordingly the crucifixes and
+the image of the blessed Virgin were carried in solemn
+procession, amid our drums and military ensigns; Olmedo chanted
+the litany and administered the sacrament, and we all gave thanks
+to God for our victory.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes now dismissed the Tlascalan chiefs and our other
+allies, who had rendered most important services during our long
+protracted warfare, making them many compliments and great
+promises, that he would make them all rich and great lords, with
+extensive territories and numerous vassals, so that they all
+departed in high spirits: But they had secured something more
+substantial than empty promises, as they were all well laden with
+the plunder of Mexico. Neither were they behind our enemies in
+their cannibal feasts, of which they had reserved some portions
+to give to their friends on their return.</p>
+
+<p>Now that I have concluded the narrative of so many furious and
+bloody engagements, through which the Almighty has been pleased
+to protect me, I must confess, that the sight of so many of my
+companions sacrificed alive to the war-god of the Mexicans,
+inspired me with fear. This may appear to some as an indication
+of want of courage, yet in that time I considered myself, and was
+looked upon by all as a valiant soldier, and was never exceeded
+by any in bold achievements. But when I saw the palpitating
+hearts of my companions taken out alive, and their legs and arms
+cut off to be served up in the barbarous feasts of our cannibal
+enemies, I feared it might one day be my own lot; and in fact the
+enemy had me twice in their hands, but by the blessing of God I
+escaped from their savage grasp. Yet I ever afterwards remembered
+the dreadful scene which I had witnessed, and on going to battle
+was much depressed and uneasy, fearing to be doomed to that cruel
+death. Yet I always recommended myself to God and his blessed
+Mother, and the moment I was engaged with the enemy all fear left
+me. Let those valiant cavaliers who have been in desperate
+battles and mortal dangers decide on the cause of my fears, for I
+declare I never knew what fear was till I saw the savage
+immolation of my seventy-two companions: In my own opinion it was
+from excessive courage, as I was fully aware of the extent of
+danger which I was voluntarily about to encounter. I have related
+many engagements in this history, at which I was not present; for
+even if my body had been of iron I could not have been present at
+all, and I was much oftener wounded than whole.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XIV.</p>
+
+<p><i>Occurrences in New Spain immediately subsequent to the
+reduction of Mexico</i>.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Cortes had leisure to think of objects of internal
+regulation, he gave orders to have the aqueduct restored by which
+the city of Mexico was supplied with water, and to have the city
+cleared of the dead bodies and repaired, so that it might be
+again habitable within two months. The palaces and houses were
+ordered to be rebuilt, and a certain portion of the city was
+allotted for the natives, while another part was reserved for the
+residence of the Spaniards. Guatimotzin made application to our
+general, in the name of many of his principal nobles, requesting
+that all their women of rank who had been taken by our soldiers,
+might be restored to their husbands and fathers. This was a
+matter of considerable difficulty; yet the general allowed a
+search to be made, with an assurance that all should be delivered
+up who were inclined to return. Every house was accordingly
+searched; and though many were found, three only of the whole
+number were inclined to return to their families; all the rest
+expressed their abhorrence at the idolatry of their countrymen,
+besides which, many of them declared that they were pregnant, and
+refused to quit the soldiers to whom they were attached.</p>
+
+<p>One of the first public works undertaken in Mexico was an
+arsenal for the reception of our flotilla which had been of such
+signal service during the siege. To the best of my remembrance,
+Alvarado was appointed alcalde, or chief magistrate, till the
+arrival of Salazar de la Pedrada. It was currently reported that
+Guatimotzin had thrown great quantities of gold, silver, and
+jewels, into the lake four days before his capture, and it was
+well known that our allies had got large plunder as well as our
+own men who served in the brigantines, and many of us suspected
+that Cortes was well pleased that Guatimotzin had concealed much
+treasure, as he expected to procure the whole for himself. It was
+then proposed in the army, that Guatimotzin and the prince of
+Tacuba, his most confidential counsellor, should be put to the
+torture, to extort confession of where the treasure was secreted;
+this horrid act was certainly greatly against the inclination of
+Cortes, yet he was forced to leave the unfortunate king and the
+lord of Tacuba at the disposal of those avaricious wretches, who
+alleged that our general objected to this infernal measure that
+he might secure the gold for himself. In answer to all
+interrogatories on the subject of the treasure, the royal Mexican
+officers uniformly protested that no more existed than what had
+been produced; which, when melted, did not exceed the value of
+380,000 crowns; so that, when the royal fifth and that for Cortes
+were deducted, those of the conquerors who were not friends to
+Cortes were exceedingly dissatisfied. All that could be extorted
+by the inhuman procedure of torture from the king and prince was,
+that they had thrown some treasure into the lake, together with
+the muskets and other arms captured during our flight from Mexico
+in the preceding year, four days before the surrender. The place
+indicated was repeatedly searched to no purpose by our best
+divers; but a sun of solid gold, similar to one we got from
+Montezuma, with many ornaments of small value, were found in a
+deep pond near his residence. The prince of Tacuba declared under
+the torture that he had buried some gold at a place about four
+leagues from Tacuba; but when Alvarado and six soldiers
+accompanied him there, of whom I was one, he declared he had no
+gold, and had only said so in hope of dying on the road. In fact
+the treasury was reduced very low before the accession of
+Guatimotzin. I and several other good divers searched that part
+of the lake which had been indicated by Guatimotzin, but we found
+only some small pieces of gold, which were immediately claimed by
+Cortes and Alederete the treasurer; who likewise sent down other
+persons in their own presence, but all they got did not reach the
+value of ninety crowns. We were all miserably disappointed to
+find our shares so small; insomuch that Olmedo and all the
+captains proposed to Cortes to divide the whole which belonged to
+the army among the wounded, the lame, the blind, and the sick,
+all who were sound renouncing their claims. We were all curious
+to know what our shares amounted to, and it at length appeared
+that the share of a horseman was only an hundred crowns. I forget
+how much belonged to a foot soldier; but it was so small that
+none of us would accept the paltry sum, more especially the
+soldiers of Narvaez, who never liked Cortes.</p>
+
+<p>Many of our soldiers had incurred heavy debts. A crossbow cost
+fifty crowns, a musket a hundred, a horse eight hundred or a
+thousand, and every thing else in proportion. Our surgeon, master
+Juan, and Doctor Murcia our apothecary and barber, charged very
+high, and there were various other sources of debt, all to be
+satisfied from our miserable dividends. These required to be
+regulated; and accordingly Cortes appointed two respectable
+persons, Santa Clara and Lerena, to arbitrate all claims, which
+were ordered to be cleared off within two years according to
+their award. The value also of the gold was debased, to serve us
+in our dealings with the merchants from Spain and Cuba; but it
+had the opposite effect, as they charged more than double the
+difference on their goods. On these abuses being known at court,
+our emperor was pleased to prohibit the farther currency of this
+base metal, ordering it to be all received in payment of certain
+duties, and no more of it to be made; and as two goldsmiths were
+detected for putting off base metal with the legal mark of good,
+they were hanged for the fraud.</p>
+
+<p>As the best way to rid himself of troublesome demands, Cortes
+resolved to send off colonies to make settlements at convenient
+situations. Sandoval was sent for this purpose to occupy
+Coatzacualco and Tzapotecapan, the south-eastern provinces of the
+Mexican empire. Juan Velasquez to Colima, and Villa Fuerte to
+Zacatollan, the most westerly provinces on the south sea.
+Christoval de Oli to take possession of the kingdom of Michuacan,
+and Francisca de Orozco to Guaxaca or Oaxaco. The native chiefs
+of the distant provinces could hardly be brought to believe that
+Mexico was destroyed, and sent deputations to ascertain the truth
+of the report, bearing large presents of gold to Cortes, and
+submitting themselves as vassals to our emperor. Many came in
+person to Mexico, and even brought their children to see the
+fallen condition of that great power which they had once held in
+such awe and terror, expressing themselves in their own language,
+as who should say, <i>Here stood Troy</i>. My readers may be
+curious to know how we, the conquerors of Mexico, after
+encountering so many fatigues and dangers to gain possession of
+that city, should now so readily abandon it in search of new
+settlements. To this I answer: The books containing the record of
+the Mexican revenues were examined to find whence Montezmna had
+obtained the valuable articles of tribute, such as gold, cocoa,
+and cotton, and we all wished to remove to these productive
+districts. Some especially were led by the example of Sandoval,
+who was known to be the particular friend of Cortes, and who
+would not, as they thought, be sent upon an unprofitable errand.
+We all knew that the vicinity of Mexico had neither mines,
+plantations, nor manufactures, being entirely occupied in the
+cultivation of maize and <i>maguey</i>, which did not afford
+sufficient prospects of advantage, and we anxiously removed
+therefore to other places, where we were miserably disappointed.
+I among others, went to Cortes and asked permission to accompany
+Sandoval to his government: "Brother Diaz," said he, "you had
+better stay with me: If you are resolved to accompany your friend
+Sandoval, you may certainly go; but on my conscience you will
+repent." All the gold got into the hands of the royal officers,
+as the slaves were purchased by the soldiers at a public sale.
+The various detachments were sent out at different periods to
+occupy the provinces, but all within two months after the
+reduction of Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>At this time, Christoval de Tapia, <i>veedor</i> of
+Hispaniola, arrived at Villa Rica with a commission to assume the
+government of New Spain, by order of the emperor and under the
+direction of the bishop of Burgos. He likewise brought letters
+from the bishop to Cortes and many persons in the army,
+recommending him to be received with honour as governor,
+promising great rewards to all who should assist him in assuming
+the government, with severe threats of punishing all who opposed
+him: besides these sealed letters, he had many others which he
+was authorised to address as he saw occasion. Tapia in the first
+place presented his commission to Alvarado, who now commanded at
+Villa Rica, who received it with the highest respect, saying that
+it did not belong to him to decide on so important a subject, and
+it would be proper, therefore, to assemble the alcaldes and
+regidors of the settlement, that the commission might be verified
+in their presence, and that it might be certainly known it came
+regularly from his majesty. This did not exactly suit the views
+of Tapia, who was advised to proceed to Mexico, and to produce
+his commission to the general; he therefore forwarded to Cortes
+the letter of the bishop, and wrote to him on the subject of his
+mission to New Spain, using smooth and persuasive terms, and
+Cortes was by no means behind hand in the civility of his reply.
+Cortes, however, sent off expresses to some of his most
+confidential officers whom he had previously detached to settle
+colonies, ordering them to go to meet Tapia, who had already
+begun his journey to Mexico, and was met with on the road by
+Alvarado, Sandoval, Valdenegro, Andres de Tapia, and Father
+Olmedo, all persons in the confidence of Cortes, by whom
+Christoval de Tapia was persuaded to go back to Chempoalla, and
+to produce his commission to them. Having examined it and finding
+it genuine, they placed it on their heads in token of respect and
+submission to the will of the emperor, yet hesitated as to
+acknowledging Tapia for governor, alleging that it was necessary
+in the first place to be assured of his majestys pleasure in the
+present state of New Spain, which had been concealed from his
+knowledge by the bishop of Burgos, to serve his own private views
+and to favour Tapia and Velasquez, one of whom it was alleged was
+to marry his niece. Tapia saw evidently that it would be no easy
+matter to enter upon his office of governor, and fell sick with
+vexation. The before-mentioned deputies informed Cortes by letter
+of all that had passed, and advised him to try the all-powerful
+influence of gold on the would-be governor. Cortes complied with
+this advice, and transmitted a good quantity of golden ingots by
+return of the express, by means of which his friends gratified
+the avarice of Tapia, under pretence of purchasing one of his
+ships, with some horses and negroes; and Tapia set sail in his
+other vessel for Hispaniola, where he was very ill received by
+the royal audience and the Jeronymite brotherhood, as he had
+undertaken this business contrary to their express orders.</p>
+
+<p>I have formerly mentioned some particulars of an unsuccessful
+expedition set on foot by Garray, the governor of Jamaica, for
+the establishment of a colony on the river of Panuco; and as
+Cortes was informed that Garray intended to resume that project,
+he resolved to anticipate him, considering the country on that
+river as included in New Spain. Having likewise been informed
+that Narvaez, who still continued a prisoner at Villa Rica, had
+held some confidential intercourse with Tapia, in which he
+advised him to quit the country as soon as possible, and to lay a
+statement of the whole before his patron the bishop of Burgos;
+Cortes sent orders to Rangel, now commandant at Villa Rica, to
+send up Narvaez to Cojohuacan, where Cortes resided until the
+palace he meant to inhabit at Mexico was completed. On appearing
+before Cortes, Narvaez fell on his knees and endeavoured to kiss
+his hand; but Cortes raised and embraced him, and treated him
+with the utmost kindness. His residence in Mexico being ready for
+his reception, Cortes went to live there in great splendour,
+marking out a plan for the restoration of the city, in which
+ample allotments were made for churches, monasteries, and public
+buildings, with squares and markets, all the rest of the ground
+being set apart for the private inhabitants; and both so speedily
+and splendidly was this capital restored, that all who have seen
+it allow there is not in Christendom a larger, better built, or
+more populous city. While thus employed, intelligence was brought
+to Cortes that the province of Panuco was in arms, and had killed
+many of the soldiers whom he had sent to make a settlement at
+that place. He resolved, therefore, to proceed to Panuco in
+person, as all his most confidential officers were now absent on
+different duties.</p>
+
+<p>By this time our strength had been considerably augmented,
+both by means of those formerly mentioned who had been on the
+expedition to Florida under Aillon, and by several who had come
+over along with Tapia, and by the arrival of many adventurers
+from the islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, and Jamaica. De Oli,
+likewise, had now returned from Mechoacan, which he had reduced
+to submission, bringing with him the principal cacique of that
+country and several other chiefs, with a considerable quantity of
+gold. Cortes therefore left a respectable garrison in Mexico,
+under Diego de Soto, and set out on his march for Panuco[1] with
+130 cavalry, 250 infantry, and 10,000 Mexican warriors. As this
+expedition was very expensive, Cortes, wished the charge to be
+defrayed from the royal funds, but the officers of the treasury
+refused, under the pretext that it had been undertaken from
+motives of private interest, to prevent Garray from establishing
+a colony in that place, and not for the public service. The
+Panuchese, otherwise called the Guastecas and Naguaticas, were
+numerous and warlike, and had collected a force of above 70,000
+warriors, with which they fought two battles against Cortes in
+the course of a few days, in which three Spaniards, four horses,
+and above a hundred Mexicans were slain; but we obtained the
+victory in both actions, with such slaughter of the rebels, as
+deprived them of all inclination to renew the war for the
+present. By means of Father Olmedo and some prisoners, the
+Panuchese were now induced to submit. Cortes in the next place
+proceeded with half his army across the river Chila, to reduce
+the natives who had murdered the messengers whom he sent to
+require their submission. On crossing the river, the enemy fell
+upon our troops with great fury, but were soon defeated, and our
+people advanced to a town in which they found abundance of
+provisions. Some of our soldiers, on going into a temple next
+morning, found the remains of some of our men, and even
+recognized their features, a melancholy sight to us all; but we
+carefully collected and buried their remains. From this place our
+detachment marched to another, where the enemy concealed some of
+their troops among houses, intending to fall upon our men when
+the cavalry had dismounted; but as their plan was discovered it
+failed of success, yet they fought valiantly for half an hour,
+even rallying three times, contrary to the usual custom of the
+Indians, and three of our soldiers were so badly wounded that
+they afterwards died. On the ensuing day, our soldiers scoured
+the country, and in some deserted towns they found a number of
+earthen vessels filled with a species of wine in underground
+cellars. After having marched for five days through the country
+in various directions, the detachment returned to the river
+Chila, and Cortes again summoned the the country to submission.
+They promised to send a deputation for that purpose in four days,
+for which Cortes waited, but to no purpose; he therefore sent a
+large body of Mexicans, during a dark rainy night, across a lake
+to attack one of their largest towns, which was entirely
+destroyed; after which most of the country submitted, and Cortes
+established a town of 130 houses about a league from the river of
+Chila, which he named Estevan del Puerto, leaving 63 Spanish
+soldiers to keep the country under subjection, and giving the
+command of all the neighbouring country to Pedro Valego. Before
+leaving this country, Cortes was informed of three districts,
+which had now submitted, the inhabitants of which had been very
+active in the murder of the Spaniards at Panuco on the former
+occasion, and who had entered into a resolution to fall upon the
+new settlement as soon as he quitted the country. He marched
+therefore against them, and destroyed their towns, which they
+re-established soon after his departure. In consequence of the
+loss of a vessel which Cortes had ordered to bring provisions
+from Villa Rica, this new settlement was reduced to much
+distress. The inhabitants of this province of Panuco were the
+most barbarous of all the tribes in New Spain, being cruel to
+excess, exceedingly addicted to human sacrifices, drunken,
+filthy, and wicked beyond belief. They frequently rebelled, and
+were as often punished in a most exemplary manner; but all would
+not reduce them under good government: But when Nunez de Guzman
+became governor of New Spain, he reduced the whole nation to
+slavery, and sold them among the different Islands of the West
+Indies.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] The province here named Panuco, is situated on
+the coast of the gulf of Mexico, at the mouth of a considerable
+river which drains the superfluous waters of the Mexican vale,
+named at first Rio del Desague, then Rio de Tula, and Rio Tampico
+at its mouth, in about lat. 22&deg; 15' N. The Modern town of
+Panuco is about 200 miles almost due north from
+Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On his return towards Mexico, Cortes received complaints of
+various depredations having been committed by the inhabitants of
+the neighbouring mountains on the peaceable districts of New
+Spain[2], He determined therefore to chastise these lawless
+tribes while on his way; but they anticipated him, by assaulting
+his rear in a difficult pass of the mountains, where they got
+possession of a considerable portion of the baggage. But our
+Mexican allies severely revenged this insult, and made prisoners
+of two of the principal hostile chiefs who were both hanged.
+After this victory, Cortes suspended hostilities, and having
+summoned the people to appear before him, they came in and
+submitted, on which Cortes appointed the brother of the cacique
+who had been put to death to the vacant government. About this
+time Alonza de Avila, who was formerly mentioned, returned with
+full powers from the royal audience and the Jeronymite
+brotherhood, to continue our conquests, to make settlements of
+land and colonies according to the established rules in
+Hispaniola and Cuba, and to brand slaves: And he brought notice
+that these tribunals had transmitted a report of the steps they
+had now taken to the government in Spain, whence it was
+transmitted to the emperor, then in Flanders. If Avila had been
+in New Spain at the arrival of Tapia, he might have proved
+troublesome, as he was entirely devoted to the Bishop of Burgos,
+having been bred up in his house. On this account, and by the
+advice of Olmedo, Cortes gave him the command of the district of
+Guatitlan, one of the most profitable in New Spain, and also made
+him a considerable present of gold, and many flattering words and
+promises by which he gained him over entirely to his interest,
+insomuch that he sent him soon afterwards into Spain as his
+agent, carrying a large quantity of gold, pearls, and jewels to
+the emperor, together with several gigantic human bones that were
+found in a temple at Cojohuacan, similar to those which had been
+formerly sent from Tlascala, as already mentioned[3]. Besides
+these things, he carried over three Mexican tigers, and many
+other curious things which I do not now remember. One part of the
+business of this agency, was to carry a memorial from the
+<i>cabildo</i> of Mexico, and from us the conquerors of New
+Spain, soliciting to be supplied with bishops and clergy of holy
+life and exemplary manners, and requesting that all offices of
+honour and emolument might be conferred on us who had conquered
+this vast empire for our sovereign, and that the supreme
+government might be confided to our general Cortes. We requested
+that his majesty might be pleased to prohibit any lawyers from
+coming among us, who would throw us into confusion with their
+learned quibbles; and we farther represented the insufficient
+commission of Christoval de Tapia, who had been sent out by the
+Bishop of Burgos, merely for the purpose of effectuating a
+marriage between him and the bishops niece. We deprecated the
+interference of the bishop in the affairs of New Spain, which had
+already obstructed our efforts of conquest in the service of his
+majesty, and had manifested great enmity against us by
+prohibiting the Casa de Contratation of Seville from sending us
+any supplies. We concluded by declaring ourselves ready to
+receive his majesties commands with the most perfect submission
+and obedience, but that we had deemed it our bounden duty to lay
+all these particulars before his majesty, which had hitherto been
+artfully kept from his knowledge. On his part, Cortes sent a
+memorial to the king of twenty-one pages long, in which he left
+no argument unemployed to serve his own and our interest. He even
+requested permission to go over to the island of Cuba, and to
+send the governor Velasquez a prisoner to Spain, that he might be
+tried and punished for the injuries he had done to the public
+service, and especially for having sent an order to put Cortes to
+death.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] These were probably the Chichimecas and Otomies,
+who inhabited to the north-west of the Mexican
+empire.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[3] From these slight notices, nothing certain can be
+gathered respecting these large bones: Yet there is every reason
+to believe they must have been of the same kind with those now
+familiar to the learned world, under the name of <i>Mammoth</i>.
+The vale of Mexico has every indication of having once been an
+immense inland lake, and the other <i>big bones</i> of North
+America have all been found in places of a similar description.
+The greatest deposit of these hitherto known, is at a place
+called <i>big-bone-swamp</i>, near the Mississippi, in the modern
+state of Kentucky.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Our agents sailed from Vera Cruz on the 20th December 1522,
+and no particular occurrence happened on the voyage to the
+Terceras or A&ccedil;ores, except that one of the tigers broke
+loose and wounded some of the sailors, who were likewise obliged
+to kill the other on account of its ferocity. At the island of
+Tercera, Captain Quinones lost his life in a duel, occasioned by
+a quarrel about a lady, by which means our business was left in
+the hands of Alonzo de Avila. In continuing his voyage to Europe,
+he was taken by a French privateer, commanded by one Jean Florin,
+who took another ship from Hispaniola with a valuable cargo of
+sugar and hides, and 20,000 crowns in gold, and many pearls; so
+that with this and our treasure he returned very rich to France,
+where he made magnificent presents to the king and admiral of
+France, astonishing every body at the magnificence of the
+presents which we had transmitted for our emperor. The king of
+France observed on this occasion, that the wealth which we
+supplied from New Spain was alone sufficient to enable our
+sovereign to wage war against him, although Peru was not then
+discovered. It was also reported that the king of France sent a
+message to our emperor, saying, That as he and the king of
+Portugal had divided the world between them, he desired to see
+the will of our father Adam, to know if he had made them
+exclusively his heirs. In his next expedition, Florin was made
+prisoner by a strong squadron belonging to Biscay, and was hanged
+in the island of Teneriffe.</p>
+
+<p>Avila was made a close prisoner in France, but by gaining the
+friendship of the officer to whose custody he had been confided,
+he was enabled to correspond with his friends in Spain, to whom
+he transmitted all the documents with which he had been
+entrusted, which were all laid before the emperor Don Carlos by
+Martin Cortes, our generals father, and Diego de Ordas, by means
+of the licentiate Nunez, <i>relator</i> of the royal council, who
+was cousin to Cortes. The emperor was pleased, on due
+consideration of these documents, to order that all favour should
+be shewn to our general, and that the proceedings respecting the
+government of New Spain should be suspended until his majesty
+returned into Spain.</p>
+
+<p>We were much disappointed on receiving intelligence of the
+loss of our treasure, and the detention of our agent in France;
+yet Cortes honourably reserved the district of Guatitlan for
+Avila, notwithstanding his captivity, and gave it three years
+afterwards to a brother of Alonzo de Avila, who was then promoted
+to be <i>contador</i> of Yucutan.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XV.</p>
+
+<p><i>Expeditions of Gonzalo de Sandoval, Pedro de Alvarado, and
+others, for reducing the Mexican Provinces</i>.</p>
+
+<p>After the settlement with Christoval de Tapia, the Captains
+Sandoval and Alvarado resumed the expeditions with which they had
+been before entrusted, and on this occasion I went along with
+Sandoval. On our arrival at Tustepeque[1], I took my lodgings on
+the summit of a very high tower of a temple, for the sake of
+fresh air, and to avoid the musquitoes, which were very
+troublesome below. At this place, seventy-two of the soldiers who
+came with Narvaez and six Spanish women were put to death. The
+whole province submitted immediately to Sandoval, except the
+Mexican chief who had been the principal instrument of the
+destruction of our soldiers, who was soon afterwards made
+prisoner and burnt alive. Many others had been equally guilty,
+but this example of severity was deemed sufficient.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] This expedition appears to have been for the
+reduction of certain provinces to the south-east of the vale of
+Mexico, now forming the intendency of Oaxaca, inhabited by the
+Mixtecas and Tzapotecas. The Tustepeque of the text, was probably
+a town on the Boca de Chacahua on the South Sea, now called
+Tututepec, in lat. 15&ordm; 50' N. and long. 100&ordm; 15' E. On
+the very imperfect map of Clavigero, it is named Tototepec, and
+is placed in the country of the Mixtecas.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Sandoval, in the next place, sent a message to the Tzapotecas,
+who inhabit a mountainous district about ten leagues from
+Tustepeque or Tututepec, ordering them to submit to his
+authority; and on their refusal, an expedition was sent against
+them under Captain Briones, who according to his own account had
+served with reputation in the wars of Italy. His detachment
+consisted of 100 Spanish infantry, and about an equal number of
+Indian allies; but the enemy were prepared for him, and so
+completely surprised him in a difficult pass of the mountains,
+that they drove him and his men over the rocks, rolling them down
+to the bottom, by which above a third of them were wounded, of
+whom one afterwards died. The district inhabited by the
+Tzapotecas is of very difficult access among rocky mountains,
+where the troops can only pass in single file, and the climate is
+very moist and rainy. The inhabitants are armed with long lances,
+having stone heads about an ell long, which have two edges as
+sharp as razors, and they are defended by pliable shields which
+cover their whole bodies. They are extremely nimble, and give
+signals to each other by loud whistlings, which echo among the
+rocks with inconceivable shrillness. Their province is named
+Tiltepeque[2]; which, after its submission, was confided to the
+charge of a soldier named Ojeda. On his return to quarters,
+Sandoval ridiculed Briones on the bad success of his expedition,
+asking him if he had ever seen the like in Italy; for Briones was
+always boasting of his exploits there, as how he had severed men
+in two, and the like. Briones was sore displeased with these
+sarcasms, and swore he would rather fight against the Turks or
+Moors than the Tzapotecas. There was another district of the
+Tzapotecas called Xaltepec, which was then at war with a
+neighbouring tribe, and who immediately, on being summoned by
+Sandoval, sent a deputation of their chiefs to wait upon him with
+handsome presents; among which was a considerable quantity of
+gold, partly made into toys, and partly in ten little tubes.
+Their chiefs were dressed in long cotton robes, richly
+embroidered, and reaching to their feet, like the upper garments
+worn by the Moors. They requested to be assisted by some of our
+soldiers against their enemies, whom they named the Minxes. The
+state of our force at this time did not permit him to comply with
+this request, but he promised to transmit their request to our
+general at Mexico, with an application for an auxiliary force to
+be sent them, and said he could only now send a small number of
+his men along with them, to observe the nature of the passes, but
+his real object was to examine their mines. With this answer he
+dismissed them all except three, sending eight of us along with
+them to explore the country and its mines.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Named, more appropriately, in the map of
+Clavigero, Tzapoteca-pan.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>There was another soldier of the same name with myself in this
+party, for indeed there were three of us in the army named
+Castillo. At that time I prided myself on my dress, and was
+called <i>Castillo the beau</i>. My namesake who went on the
+present expedition was named <i>Castillo the thoughtful</i>, as
+he was of slow speech, never replying to a question for a long
+while, and then answering by some absurdity. The third was called
+<i>Castillo the prompt</i>, as he was always very ready and smart
+in all his words. On our arrival at the district of Xaltepec, the
+Indians turned over the soil in three different rivers, in each
+of which they found gold, and soon filled three tubes with it as
+large as a mans middle finger, with which we returned to
+Sandoval, who now thought that all our fortunes would be made. He
+took a district to himself, from which he very soon procured gold
+to the value of 15,000 crowns. He gave the district of Xaltepec,
+whence we had obtained the gold, to Captain Luis Marin, but it
+turned out very indifferently. He gave me a very profitable
+district, which I wish to God I had kept; it consisted of three
+places, named Matalan, Oztoequipa, and Oriaca, where the
+<i>ingenio</i> of the viceroy is now situated; but I thought it
+more consistent with my character as a soldier to accompany
+Sandoval in his military expeditions. Sandoval called his town
+Medellin, after the birth-place of Cortes; and the Rio de las
+Vanderas, from which he procured the 15,000 crowns, was for some
+time the port where the merchandise from Spain was discharged,
+until Vera Cruz became the emporium.</p>
+
+<p>We now marched into the province of Coatzacualco, through the
+district of Citla[3], which is about twelve leagues in length and
+breadth, and is very populous, having a fine climate and
+abounding in provisions. The chiefs immediately submitted. On our
+arrival at the river of Coatzacualco, which is the governing
+district of all the neighbouring tribes, the chiefs did not make
+their appearance on being summoned, which we considered as an
+indication of hostility, which was in fact their first intention;
+but after five days, they came in and made their submissions,
+presenting some trinkets of fine gold to Sandoval. By his orders,
+they collected a hundred canoes, in which we crossed the river,
+sending four soldiers in advance to examine and report the state
+of the country. A town was founded in this place, which we named
+Villa del Espiritu Santo, because on that day we defeated
+Narvaez, using that expression as our watchword, and because we
+crossed this river on the same day. In this place the flower of
+our army was established, which at this time mustered eighty
+cavalry, a greater number in proportion than five hundred is now,
+horses being then very scarce and dear. Having examined the
+surrounding districts, Sandoval divided them among the different
+settlements. To the settlement of Coatzacualco, he allotted
+Cuetzpaltepec, Tepeca, Chinantla, the Tzapotecas, Copilco,
+Cimatan, Tabasco, Cachula, the Zoques, Techeapa, Cinacatan, the
+Quilenes, and Papanahausta. We had a long litigation afterwards
+with the district of Vera Cruz about three of these,
+Cuetzpaltepec, Chinantla, and Tepeca; with Tabasco about Cimatan
+and Copilco; with Chiapa or Guatimala, concerning the Quilenes
+and Zoques; and likewise with the town of St Ildefonso about the
+Tzapotecas. I regretted having fixed myself in this place, as the
+lands were very poor, and every thing turned out to my
+disadvantage. We might indeed have done well enough if we had
+been left in our original situation; but as new settlements were
+successively formed, ours were curtailed to accommodate them, so
+that our colony fell into decay; and from being the best, and
+containing the greatest number of the true conquerors of Mexico,
+it has now very few inhabitants.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] I suspect this ought to be named
+Chinantla.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>About this time Sandoval received intelligence of the arrival
+of Donna Catalina, the lady of our general, in the river of
+Aguayalco[4], accompanied by her brother. La Zembrana also with
+her family came along with her, and Donna Elvira Lopez <i>the
+tall</i>, who married Juan de Palma, who was afterwards hanged.
+We all went to pay our respects to the ladies, the roads being
+almost impassable owing to constant heavy rain. Having escorted
+Donna Catalina and the rest to our town of Coatzacualco, or
+Espiritu Santo, intelligence was sent to Cortes of their arrival,
+and they set out soon afterwards for Mexico. Cortes was sorry for
+their coming, but he received them with great pomp, and we heard
+about three months afterwards that Donna Catalina had died of an
+asthma.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] This way probably be some corruption of the
+native name of the Rio Coatzacualco, or Huaxacualco; by giving it
+the ordinary Spanish prefix <i>agua</i>; which signifies water,
+or a river, with the native termination
+<i>cualco</i>.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Villafuerte had been sent to Zacatula, and Juan Alvarez Chico
+to Colima, two provinces on the south sea to the west of Mexico,
+but were unsuccessful; on which Cortes sent Christoval de Oli to
+reduce these provinces to submission. The natives attacked him on
+his march, killing two of his soldiers; yet he reached the
+station of Villafuerte, who was afraid to stir out, and had four
+even of his soldiers killed by the enemy in the town where he
+resided. I do not know what became of Captain Juan Alvarez, but I
+believe he lost his life about this time in some action with the
+natives. De Oli reduced both provinces to submission and returned
+to Mexico, where he was hardly arrived when intelligence was
+brought that they had again rebelled; on which Cortes sent
+Sandoval with a small party of veterans to take the charge of
+them. He punished the ringleaders of the rebellion, and regulated
+them in so effectual a manner, that they continued ever
+afterwards submissive.</p>
+
+<p>On the departure of Sandoval with the ladies, several of the
+districts subjected to Coatzacualco rebelled, killing the
+soldiers who were appointed to collect the tribute; among which
+were the Tzapotecas of Xaltepec, Cimatan and Copilco, the first
+being difficult of access on account of its rugged mountains, and
+the two others because of lakes and marshes, so that they were
+not reduced to subjection without great difficulty. While Captain
+Luis Marin was engaged in reducing these districts, Juan Buono
+arrived at our settlement in a small vessel. He immediately
+called us all together, and endeavoured to persuade us to submit
+to Christoval de Tapia as governor of New Spain, being ignorant
+of the return of that person to Hispaniola. Buono had a number of
+unaddressed letters from the bishop of Burgos, making large
+offers to such as would further his views of superseding Cortes,
+and which Buono had a discretionary power of directing to any
+persons that he supposed might support the cause in which he was
+engaged, and which he accordingly transmitted to those who held
+offices in the settlement. Among the rest, I was offered the
+appointment of regidor. When Buono learnt that Tapia had left the
+country, he seemed much disappointed. We referred him to Cortes
+at Mexico, to which place he went. I know not what passed between
+him and Cortes, but I believe the general sent him back to Spain
+with some money in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Among the tribes that courted our alliance after the conquest
+of Mexico, was a people of the Tzapotecan nation, named the
+Tutepecs, who earnestly requested our assistance against a
+hostile tribe, who bore the same name with themselves, and whom
+they represented as possessing a very rich country. Accordingly,
+in the year 1522, Alvarado marched from Mexico with a detachment
+of 180 soldiers, cavalry and infantry, with orders to take twenty
+more on his march through the district of Oaxaco, and also to
+visit and reduce during his march certain mountainous districts
+which were said to be in rebellion. Alvarado was forty days on
+his march between Mexico and Tutepec, and was very hospitably
+received on his arrival, being lodged in the most populous part
+of the city, where the houses stood close together, and were
+thatched with straw, it not being the custom of that part of the
+country to have terraced roofs, on account of their climate being
+very sultry. By the advice of Father Olmedo, Alvarado removed his
+quarters to a more open part of the town; as in case of any
+treachery being intended, the natives might easily have set fire
+to the first quarters. In this place, Alvarado was plentifully
+supplied with provisions, and the principal chief made him every
+day some rich present of gold; and among other things gave him a
+pair of golden stirrups, made according to a pattern. Yet, only a
+few days after, the cacique was made a prisoner, on the
+information, as was said, of the Indians of Tecuantepec, that he
+meant to burn the Spaniards in the quarters which had been
+assigned them in the temples. Some of the Spaniards alleged that
+Alvarado made him a prisoner in order to extort gold for his
+ransom. However this may have been, he died in prison of
+vexation, after Alvarado had got from him to the value of 30,000
+crowns. His son was permitted to succeed him in the government,
+from whom Alvarado obtained more gold than he had done from the
+father. Alvarado now established a colony, which was called
+<i>Segura</i>, because most of the colonists came from Tepeaca,
+named by us Segura de la Frontera.</p>
+
+<p>Alvarado set out soon afterwards on his return to Mexico with
+all his wealth, as Cortes had written to him to bring all the
+treasure he possibly could, which he intended to send into Spain.
+The soldiers were much dissatisfied at being thus excluded from
+any share, and several of them entered into a conspiracy to
+assassinate Alvarado and his brothers. One of the conspirators,
+named Tribejo, gave information of the plot to Father Olmedo,
+only a few hours before it was intended to have been executed;
+and the reverend Father informed Alvarado, just as he was riding
+out along with some of the conspirators. He continued his
+intended excursion for a short way; then turning suddenly, he
+complained of a pain in his side, saying he must go back for a
+surgeon to bleed him. On his arrival at quarters, he immediately
+sent for his two brothers, together with the alcaldes and
+alguazils of the settlement, whom he ordered to arrest the
+conspirators, two of whom were hanged. Alvarado returned to
+Mexico with his gold; but the colonists finding all the gold
+taken away, and that the place was hot and unhealthy, infested
+with musqutioes, bugs, and other vermin, and themselve and slaves
+fast dying, they abandoned the settlement, some going to Mexico,
+and others to different places. Cortes was much displeased at
+this abandonment, and finding on inquiry that it had been done by
+a resolution of the alcaldes and regidors in full cabildo, he
+condemned them to suffer death; but their punishment, at the
+intercession of Olmedo, was mitigated to banishment. Thus the
+settlement of Segura fell to the ground, which had been
+established in a very fertile country, but exceedingly unhealthy.
+By the cruelty and extortion of Alvarado, the minds of the
+natives were alienated, and they threw off their allegiance; but
+he reduced them again to submission, and they continued
+afterwards to behave themselves peaceably.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XVI.</p>
+
+<p><i>Some Account of the Expedition of Francisco de Garay for
+the Colonization of Panuco</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Having formerly mentioned the expedition fitted out by
+Francisco de Garay, the governor of Jamaica, it seems proper to
+give a more particular account of that affair in this place.
+Hearing of the great riches which Diego Velasquez was likely to
+acquire from New Spain, and of the fertile countries which had
+been discovered on the continent of the West Indies, and
+encouraged by the means he now possessed of prosecuting
+discoveries and conquests, he determined to try his own fortune
+in that career. For this purpose he sent for and discoursed with
+Alaminos, who had been our chief pilot, from whom he received so
+favourable an account of these countries, that he sent Juan de
+Torralva, a person in whom he could confide, to solicit the
+bishop of Burgos to grant him a commission for settling the
+country on the river of Panuco; and having succeeded in this
+preliminary step, he fitted out an armament of three ships, with
+240 soldiers, under the command of Alonzo Alvarez Pineda, who was
+defeated by the Panuchese, one ship only escaping, which joined
+us at Villa Rica, as already related. Receiving no intelligence
+of the fate of his first armament, Garay sent a second, which
+also arrived at our port. Having now expended a great deal of
+money to no purpose, and having learnt the good fortune of
+Cortes, he became more than ever desirous to secure the
+advantages he expected to derive from his commission. With this
+view he fitted out thirteen ships, in which he embarked 136
+cavalry, and 840 foot soldiers, mostly musqueteers and
+crossbow-men, of which he took the command in person. He sailed
+with this great armament from Jamaica, on the 24th June 1523, and
+arrived safe at the port of Xagua in the island of Cuba, where he
+received information that Cortes had reduced the province of
+Panuco to subjection, and had sent a petition to the emperor to
+get a commission for governing his new acquisition. He was here
+informed of the heroic deeds of Cortes and his companions, and in
+particular of our having defeated the large force of Narvaez,
+while we had only 270 soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Struck with awe at the power and abilities of our general, he
+solicited the licentiate Zuazco to mediate between him and
+Cortes, that he might be permitted to take possession of the
+government of Panuco, in pursuance of his commission from the
+bishop of Burgos.</p>
+
+<p>Garay shortly afterwards set out with his armament, and being
+driven by a storm into the river Palmas[1], he disembarked there,
+intending to march by land to Panuco, having first exacted an
+oath of fidelity from his troops; and he even nominated the
+various officers of his colony, which he intended to name
+Garayana. Having marched for two days along the sea-shore,
+through a marshy uninhabited country, he arrived at some
+villages, where the inhabitants entertained him hospitably, but
+many of his soldiers straggled about robbing and maltreating the
+people. Garay at length arrived at Panuco, where his soldiers
+expected all their difficulties would end, but it was almost a
+desert, as it had been much wasted in the war with Cortes, and
+the natives concealed what remained, so that they found nothing
+but bare walls, where they were tormented with mosquitos and
+every kind of vermin. Garay could get no intelligence of his
+fleet, and learnt from a Spaniard who had fled from punishment
+and lived among the Indians, that the province of Panuco was poor
+and unhealthy; and as this man gave a very favourable account of
+Mexico, many of Garays soldiers deserted from him, and went off
+for Mexico, plundering the natives on their way. Garay found
+himself in a bad plight, and sent one of his officers, named
+Diego de Ocampo, to sound the disposition of Vallejo, who was
+governor of St Estevan del Puerto for Cortes, and to notify the
+appointment of Garay to the government of this country. Vallejo
+gave a favourable answer, requesting the soldiers might be
+restrained from maltreating the inhabitants; but sent off an
+express to Cortes, soliciting a strong reinforcement or the
+immediate presence of the general. On receiving this
+intelligence, Cortes immediately sent off Alvarado, Sandoval,
+Father Olmedo, and Gonzalo de Ocampo, brother to Diego de Ocampo,
+who was with Garay, giving them a copy of the royal instructions,
+by which all his conquests were left under his command till the
+dispute between him and Velasquez were judicially settled.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] This is probably the river of Nueva Santander,
+about 100 miles north from the Rio Tampico or river of
+Panuco--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the arrival of Garay in the neighbourhood of St Estevan,
+Vallejo learnt from five deserters that the troops were scattered
+negligently in a large town called Nacoplan, on which he
+concerted a plan for coming on them by surprise, and made forty
+of them prisoners, alleging that they had invaded the country
+without a commission, and had plundered the inhabitants who lived
+under his government. Garay threatened Vallejo with the vengeance
+of the court of Spain for this outrage, and demanded the
+immediate release of his soldiers; on which Vallejo requested to
+see his commission, which, if from his majesty, he would obey in
+all humility. Just at this time arrived the deputies from Cortes,
+and Diego de Ocampo, being then first alcalde of Mexico, made a
+formal remonstrance against the entrance of Garay with an armed
+force into the government of another person. Several days were
+spent in remonstrances and replies on both sides, during which
+time many of Garays troops deserted from him.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the ships belonging to Garay were lost in a tempest,
+and the remainder took shelter in the mouth of the river, when
+Vallejo secretly negotiated with their officers to join the party
+of Cortes. He at length contrived to inviegle the whole of the
+fleet up the river to the port of St Estevan, where he made all
+their officers and men prisoners in the name of Cortes; but
+Father Olmedo persuaded him to set them at liberty. The
+unfortunate Garay entreated the officers of Cortes to restore his
+ships and to compel his troops to return to their duty, promising
+to give up his intended settlement at Panuco, and to retire to
+the river Palmas. They agreed to this, and used every measure to
+induce the deserters to return, but with little effect; as they
+alleged they had already discharged their engagement in coming to
+Panuco, and they despised Garay. In this hopeless state, Garay
+was persuaded to write to Cortes, stating his situation, and
+requesting his protection and assistance, in consideration of
+their former friendship. Cortes engaged to do what he desired,
+and invited him to come to Mexico, where he was honourably
+received, and promised every redress, referring him to Olmedo,
+Sandoval, and Alvarado, to agree with him on the terms. At the
+suggestion of Olmedo, a marriage was proposed between Donna
+Catalina Cortes y Pizarro, the daughter of Cortes, and the eldest
+son of Garay, who had a command in the fleet. Cortes agreed to
+this, giving his daughter a liberal fortune, and agreed that
+Garay should establish a colony on the river Palmas, in which he
+engaged to give him every assistance in his power. Garay now
+interceded with Cortes to allow Narvaez to return to Cuba, for
+which favour Narvaez was extremely thankful, and took leave of
+Cortes with many professions of gratitude. Soon afterwards, Garay
+was seized with a pleurisy, of which he died in four days,
+leaving Cortes and Father Olmedo his executors. As his armament
+was left without a head, a competition arose among his officers
+for the vacant command; but young Garay was ultimately made
+general. This gave great offence to the soldiers, in consequence
+of which they dispersed about the country in small bodies of
+fifteen or twenty men, pillaging the natives as if they had been
+among Moors. This enraged the Indians, who laid a plot to cut off
+the Spaniards, which they executed so effectually that in a very
+short time they sacrificed and eat above five hundred of the
+soldiers of Garay, in some of the towns upwards of a hundred of
+them being destroyed at one time. In other places they fell upon
+the stragglers, whom they massacred almost without resistance;
+and, encouraged by this success, they even rose against the
+settlement of Estevan in such numbers, that they could hardly be
+resisted by Vallejo and seven or eight of the veterans of Cortes,
+who induced many of Garays soldiers to abide by them in the open
+field, where three battles were fought, in one of which Vallejo
+was slain, and a great number of Spaniards wounded. The Indians
+became at length so bold and desperate, that they one night
+killed and burned forty Spaniards, among whom were several
+belonging to Cortes, and destroyed fifteen horses. When Cortes
+heard of these proceedings he was much enraged, and would have
+gone in person to suppress the rebellion, but was then confined
+by a broken arm; wherefore he sent Gonzalo de Sandoval, with 100
+infantry, 50 cavalry, 15 musqueteers, and two field-pieces,
+accompanied by 8000 Mexican and Tlascalan warriors, giving orders
+to reduce the country so completely under subjection that they
+might not have power to give any farther disturbance.</p>
+
+<p>Sandoval was a person of much vigilance when he had any
+important business in hand, and made no delay in marching against
+the enemy, who had concentrated their forces in two narrow
+defiles. Sandoval divided his forces into two bodies, but was so
+obstinately resisted, that he drew off his forces, feigning to
+retreat to Mexico, followed by the Indians, whom he completely
+deceived, making an unexpected countermarch at midnight, by which
+he gained possession of the passes; yet not till he had lost
+three horses, and had a great many of his men wounded. On passing
+the defiles, he found himself opposed in front by an immense body
+of Indians, who had collected on receiving notice of his
+countermarch. He concentrated his whole force into one solid
+column; and as his cavalry were inexperienced in the service, he
+gave them full instructions never to halt making thrusts, as the
+Indians always seized the lances when wounded, and often wrested
+them from the hands of our men; but ordered them to clap spurs to
+their horses on such occasions, firmly grasping their lances, and
+thus force them from the enemy by the strength of their horses.
+Having placed guards and patroles, and ordered the horses of the
+cavalry to remain all night saddled and bridled, he made the
+troops repose under arms on the banks of a river, placing the
+Mexican and Tlascalan warriors at a short distance from the
+Spanish troops, knowing by experience that the allies were of
+more harm than benefit in a night attack. At day-break next
+morning, Sandoval put his troops in motion, and was soon fronted
+by three large bodies of the enemy, who endeavoured to surround
+him. Forming his cavalry in two squadrons, he attacked the enemy
+with such spirit that they were soon broken and dispersed, with
+the loss of two soldiers and three horses on his side. The allies
+made terrible havock after this victory, burning and plundering
+all before them, till the arrival of the army at St Estevan. The
+remains of this colony were found in a miserable condition, and
+the soldiers of Garay assured him that its preservation was
+entirely owing to the bravery and conduct of our few veterans who
+were there. Sandoval divided his army into several bodies, which
+he entrusted to the command of the veterans, and sent them to
+overrun the neighbouring districts, with orders to send in all
+the provisions they could collect, being unable to go out
+himself, as he was badly wounded. In the course of three days,
+his parties sent in many prisoners of the ordinary class, and
+five chiefs; but Sandoval released the common people, and ordered
+his troops to make no more prisoners, except of such chiefs as
+had been concerned in or present at the murder of the Spaniards.
+In a few days Sandoval was able to take the field, and by skilful
+measures he made prisoners of twenty caciques, who had commanded
+where no less than six hundred Spaniards were slain. He then
+summoned all the neighbouring towns to send their chiefs to him
+to treat of peace and submission: Some obeyed, but others
+neglected to attend, and he thought it best to dissimulate with
+the latter for the present, till he had informed Cortes what had
+been already done, and had received his orders as to the disposal
+of the prisoners and his future procedure. Cortes, who now
+conferred the vacant command of St Estevan on Sandoval, ordered
+all who had been any way concerned in the murder of the Spaniards
+to be punished with death, as an example to deter others from
+being guilty of the like offence, directing Diego de Ocampo, as
+alcalde-major, to take the necessary steps against them, with
+orders to execute all who should be found guilty. He gave orders
+likewise to conciliate the natives by all possible means, and to
+prevent the soldiers of Garay from committing any future
+outrages. Two days after the receipt of these orders, the accused
+caciques were brought to trial; and many of them being found
+guilty by evidence, or by their own confession, were publickly
+executed, some being burnt and others hanged. Many also were
+pardoned; and all the districts which had belonged to the
+caciques who suffered on this occasion, were restored to their
+children or other heirs. Ocampo now proceeded against all those
+Spaniards who had been guilty of outrages, going about the
+country in bands, plundering and murdering the natives, or who
+had invited other soldiers to desert to them; and having
+collected them together, he shipped them off for Cuba. To Juan de
+Grijalva, who had been commodore of the fleet under Garay, Cortes
+offered the alternative of a present of 2000 crowns, and a
+passage to Cuba, or an honourable reception at Mexico. But
+Grijalva and all the other officers belonging to Garay preferred
+going to Cuba. When Sandoval and Ocampo had thus reduced the
+settlement to order, and cleared it of these troublesome inmates,
+they returned to Mexico, leaving the command at St Estevan to an
+officer named Vallecillo; and on their arrival at the capital,
+they were received by Cortes and others with the distinction
+which their services richly merited[2].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] A very uninteresting episode, respecting the
+misfortunes of the liceniate Zuazo, who has been formerly
+mentioned, is here omitted, as having no reference whatever to
+the general history in hand: It is sufficient to say that, after
+many perils by sea and land, Zuazo came to Mexico, where Cortes
+gave him the office of alcalde-major, which seems to have
+resembled our provost-marshal, or chief military
+judge.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION XVII.</p>
+
+<p><i>Narrative of various Expeditions for the Reduction of
+different Provinces in New Spain</i>.</p>
+
+<p>As the views of Cortes were always lofty, so was he always
+well supported by the talents and bravery of his officers and
+soldiers. After his power was thoroughly established in the great
+city of Mexico and its more immediate dependencies, and in the
+districts or provinces of Guaxaca, Zacatula, Colima, Vera Cruz,
+Panuco, Coatzacualco, and others, as already related, he was
+informed that there were populous nations and rich mines in the
+province of Guatimala; and he resolved to send a military force
+under Alvarado, to conquer and colonize that country. Alvarado,
+therefore, was dispatched to that province, with 300 infantry,
+135 cavalry, 200 Tlascalans and Cholulans, and 100 Mexicans[1],
+and four field-pieces. Alvarado was instructed to bring those
+nations to submission by peaceful means, if possible; and Father
+Olmedo accompanied him, on purpose to preach the doctrines of our
+holy religion to the natives; and at all events, to insist upon
+all the prisons and cages that were used for human victims being
+destroyed, the prisoners set free, and the utter abolition of
+human sacrifices and cannibal feasts. This expedition left Mexico
+on the 13th of December 1523; and Alvarado during his march,
+received the submission of the district known by the name of the
+Rocks of Guelama, where he received many rich contributions in
+gold. Having passed the districts belonging to the Tzapotecas of
+Tecuantepec, and by Soconusco, a town containing above 15,000
+houses, Alvarado came to the neighbourhood of a place named
+Zapotitlan, where, at a bridge over a river, he was opposed by a
+very numerous body of warriors who disputed the passage with so
+much bravery, that many of the soldiers were wounded and one
+horse killed; and it required three very hard fought battles
+before the Spaniards were able to break through and disperse the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] Though without any warrant for this purpose, we
+believe that the numbers of these allies ought to have been
+reckoned by thousands instead of hundreds.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>From this place, continuing his march, Alvarado was
+continually harassed by the Indians of Quetzaltenango, and came
+at length to a defile in a high mountain, where the ascent was
+about a league and a half. On arriving at the summit, a
+remarkably fat woman was found in the act of sacrificing a dog,
+which is an infallible token of intended hostilities; and
+immediately afterwards, great numbers of armed Indians were seen
+advancing on all sides, in a difficult broken ground, where the
+cavalry of Alvarado were unable to act. In this rough and
+impracticable place, above 6000 of the warriors of Utatlan, a
+district adjoining to Quetzaltenango, made an attack upon our
+troops; and being soon put to flight, they rallied shortly after,
+reinforced by great numbers of fresh troops, who waited the
+advance of our forces, and fought them bravely hand to hand. On
+this occasion, three or four of the enemy uniting their efforts,
+used to seize a horse before and behind, endeavouring to pull him
+to the ground, and it required the most strenuous exhortations
+both of Alvarado and Father Olmedo to animate the exertions of
+our troops, who at length succeeded in defeating and dispersing
+the Indians. Our army halted in the field of battle for three
+days, unmolested by the enemy, and then marched to
+Quetzaltenango, where Alvarado hoped to have given his troops
+some repose; but he found two xiquipils of warriors, or 16,000
+men assembled to oppose him in a plain, where he gave them so
+complete a defeat, with so heavy a loss of warriors, that they
+remained for a long time under complete awe of the Spaniards. The
+chiefs of these Indians sent a deputation to Alvarado, offering
+peace and submission, under which they had concealed a plan for
+destroying his army in the following manner. At a short distance
+there was a place called Utatlan, in a very difficult rugged
+country, and surrounded by defiles, to which they invited him to
+march, intending to fall upon him there with all their forces, as
+in that place the cavalry could not act.</p>
+
+<p>Alvarado accordingly marched to Utatlan, a town of
+considerable strength, which had only two gates, the ascent to
+one of which was by a stair of about twenty-five steps, and the
+other opened to a very bad broken causeway, the streets likewise
+being very narrow, and the houses very close together. Observing
+the bad situation of this place, and that the women and children
+had disappeared, Alvarado began to suspect that some mischief was
+in contemplation; and he was informed by some Indians of the
+place he had last quitted, that a number of warriors were
+concealed all round the place, to which they meant to set fire in
+the night, and then assault him with all their forces. Alvarado
+immediately called his troops to arms, and marched out into the
+open country, telling the chiefs that he did so for the purpose
+of procuring grass for his horses. They did not seem pleased with
+this change; and as soon as Alvarado was completely clear of the
+town, he seized the principal cacique, whom he reproached for his
+treachery, and ordered to be burnt alive. Father Olmedo obtained
+a respite of this sentence, with permission to endeavour to
+convert the condemned cacique to the holy faith, in which he
+exerted himself a whole day, and at length succeeded: and, <i>as
+an indulgence</i>, his punishment was commuted to hanging, and
+his territory given to his son. After this, Alvarado attacked and
+dispersed the native warriors who were in the neighbourhood of
+the town. When this success became known in Guatimala, which was
+engaged in hostility with the people of Utatlan, they sent an
+embassy to treat with Alvarado before his arrival on their
+frontiers, bringing a present of gold, declaring their submission
+to the government of our emperor, and offering to serve as allies
+in all our wars. Alvarado accepted their submission and offer of
+service, and desired them to send him 2000 of their warriors,
+with which they immediately complied; and as the people of
+Utatlan had again rebelled, he remained eight days in their
+country, collecting considerable spoil and making many slaves;
+after which he marched to the city of Guatimala, where he was
+hospitably received.</p>
+
+<p>As the utmost harmony subsisted between Alvarado and the
+natives of Guatimala, the chiefs of that nation represented to
+him that a nation in their neighbourhood, called the Altitlans,
+who occupied several strong fortresses on the side of a lake, had
+refused to make submission to him, and that they were a barbarous
+and malicious people. Alvarado sent a message commanding these
+people to submit, but they abused his messengers; on which he
+marched against them with 140 Spanish soldiers and 2000 warriors
+of the Guatimalans, and was resisted by a strong force of the
+Altitlans, whom he soon defeated with considerable loss, and
+pursued to their fortresses on the lake. Having driven them from
+these fortresses, they took shelter in an island of the lake, to
+which he sent several of their chiefs whom he had taken
+prisoners, to persuade them into peace and submission, in which
+he at length succeeded, partly by threats and partly by promises,
+and returned to Guatimala. Father Olmedo exerted himself so
+effectually in his mission, that he prevailed upon the people to
+imitate our example, in adoring the holy Virgin, for which
+purpose he erected an altar and image of our lady, and explained
+the mysteries of the Christian faith to the natives. A people
+named the Pipiles, who came from a considerable distance towards
+the south, to enter into submission to Alvarado, informed him
+that a nation in their way, called the Izcuintepecs, were of a
+malignant disposition, and maltreated all travellers through
+their country. He sent, therefore, a message to invite them to
+come in and submit, which they refused to comply with; for which
+reason he marched into their country with his whole force, united
+to a strong body of his allies of Guatimala, and made great
+havock among them. Not having been present in this expedition, as
+I did not go into the province of Guatimala until my return from
+Higueras, I have only given a short summary of the conquest of
+Guatimala and its dependencies, which may be found related at
+full length in a book written by Gonzalo de Alvarado.</p>
+
+<p>About this time Cortes was informed that the provinces of
+Higueras and Honduras contained rich mines, and some sailors
+reported that the native fishers of these countries used weights
+to their nets made of gold mixed with copper; they alleged also,
+that a strait or passage would probably be found in that
+direction into the Pacific Ocean. On these accounts he determined
+to send some troops to that country under Christoval de Oli, to
+inquire after the mines, and to search for this reported strait,
+by which a communication might be opened with the Spice Islands;
+and as the way by land was long and difficult, it was determined
+to send this expedition by sea. Accordingly, de Oli embarked in
+six ships, with a force of 370 soldiers, 100 of whom were
+musqueteers and crossbow-men, and 22 cavalry. Five of the veteran
+conquerors of Mexico went along with this expedition; among whom
+was one Briones, a seditious fellow and a bitter enemy of Cortes;
+besides whom, many of the soldiers on this expedition were
+greatly dissatisfied at the unequal distribution of lands which
+had been made in New Spain. De Oli was ordered to go first to the
+Havanna, to procure a supply of provisions and necessaries, and
+then to pursue his voyage to the Higueras to make the necessary
+inquiries for the reported mines and straits; after which he was
+to build a town in some commodious situation. To advance the
+interests of our holy religion, he was provided with two friars,
+one of whom understood the Mexican language. At the Havanna, de
+Oli took on board five of the followers of Garay, who had been
+expelled from Panuco for seditious conduct, who ingratiated
+themselves into his confidence, and advised him to renounce his
+obedience to Cortes, in which they were aided by Briones; so that
+he at length went over to the party of Velasquez, who engaged to
+make such representations at court that the command of this
+intended settlement might be given to de Oli independent of
+Cortes. De Oli was a brave man, and endowed with many good
+qualities, yet unfit for his present employment, having been
+brought up in the house of Velasquez, so that he was the more
+readily influenced by bad advisers to desert the interest of
+Cortes to whom he lay under great obligations. On the third of
+May, de Oli arrived at his station, which he named <i>El Triumpho
+de la Cruz</i>, where he appointed to the civil administration of
+the new colony, such alcaldes and regidors as had been
+recommended by Cortes, and even took possession of the country
+for his majesty in the name of Cortes, as he wished to conceal
+his secession from our general till he saw whether the country
+was sufficiently rich to be worth while to set up an independent
+government; as, if it turned out otherwise, he could return to
+his possessions in Mexico, and gloss over his negociations with
+Velasquez, under pretence of having done so in order to procure
+the necessary supplies. In this manner was the new colony of El
+Triumpho established, from whence Cortes had no intelligence for
+more than eight months.</p>
+
+<p>There were a considerable number of veterans and Spaniards of
+rank, established in the town of Coatzacuaclo, otherwise called
+Del Espiritu Santo, who were entrusted with the government of
+that province, together with the districts of Citla, Tabasco,
+Cimatan, Choutalpa, Cachula, Zoque, the Quilenes, Cinacatan,
+Chamuela, Chiapa, Papanahausta, Pinula, Xaltepec, Huaxaltepec,
+Chinantla, Tepeque, and others; but through all New Spain, the
+demand for tribute was the signal of insurrection, and all who
+attempted to levy it were killed, as were all Spaniards who fell
+into the hands of the natives; so that we were continually
+obliged to go from one town to another with a company of soldiers
+to preserve peace. As the district of Cimatan was particularly
+refractory, and Captain Luis Marin could not conveniently send a
+body of troops to that place, I and three other Spaniards were
+sent there to endeavour to prevail on the people to submit. On
+approaching the principal town, we were attacked by a large body
+of Indians, who killed two of my companions, and wounded me
+desperately in the throat. My surviving companion made off to
+some canoes on the banks of the river Macapa, leaving me alone
+and in great jeopardy; but I crept under cover of some bushes
+where I lay some time almost exhausted, and recovering my
+strength after some time, I forced my way through the natives,
+and escaped to where my companion was in the canoes, with four
+Indians whom we had brought with us to carry our baggage, which
+they had thrown away, and for the sake of which the natives
+quitted us, so that we got across the river, which is broad and
+deep and full of alligators. To avoid the Indians, we concealed
+ourselves for eight days in the woods, so that we were concluded
+to be lost, and our property in lands and Indians was divided
+among the other Spaniards, such being then the custom in New
+Spain. We returned to the town, however, at the end of
+twenty-three days, to the great joy of our friends, and the
+disappointment of those who had succeeded to our property.</p>
+
+<p>Our captain, Luis Marin, thought proper to wait upon Cortes,
+to represent the necessity of a reinforcement; and accordingly
+got thirty soldiers, commanded by Alonzo de Grado, with orders
+for all the Spaniards at Coatzacualco to march for the province
+of Chiapa, which was then in a state of rebellion, and directions
+to build a town there to keep the natives in order. In the first
+place, we had to make roads through the woods, and the country
+being very marshy, we were under the necessity of constructing
+causeways in many places to enable the horses to pass. The first
+place we came to was Tezputzlan, and thence to Cachula, beyond
+which there had been no passage before our expedition, all the
+other natives being in great fear of the inhabitants of Chiapa,
+who were then the bravest warriors in all America, and had never
+been subdued by the Mexicans; but they were extremely barbarous,
+being in use to rob all passengers, and to carry away the natives
+of other districts to till their ground. The present expedition
+was during Lent, and as well as I can now remember, in the year
+1524, our little army consisting of 27 cavalry, 23 musqueteers,
+72 foot soldiers armed with sword and target, and one field-piece
+under the direction of a cowardly fellow of a gunner, who
+pretended to have served in Italy. Besides these, we had 50
+Mexican warriors, and the cacique of Cachula with some of his
+principal people, who were all terribly afraid. On approaching
+Chiapa, an advanced guard of four of our most active soldiers, of
+whom I was one, always preceded the army to reconnoitre, and as
+the ground was not fit for a horse, I left mine behind. We were
+usually about half a league in front of the army, but on our
+approach to Estapa, their first settlement, some of the hunters
+of Chiapa perceived us at a distance, and gave the alarm by means
+of smoke. The road was now wide and convenient, between well
+cultivated fields of corn and other vegetables; and on coming to
+Estapa we found it abandoned by the inhabitants, on which we
+posted our guards and patroles, and took up our quarters for the
+night. We were soon disturbed by information from our out-guards,
+that the natives were collecting on every side to attack us; and,
+going out of town to meet them we had a severe action, in which
+they killed two of our soldiers and four horses, wounding our
+reverend father Fra Juan, and thirteen soldiers, including our
+captain Luis Marin, who was wounded in two places; besides which
+many of our allies were slain. This action lasted till dark
+night, when the enemy were forced to retire, leaving fifteen
+slain and many wounded in the field. From two of the wounded, who
+seemed chiefs, we learnt that a general attack was intended
+against us next day. These people were clothed in good defensive
+armour of quilted cotton, using darts hardened in the fire, war
+clubs, and lances longer than ours, and they fought with unusual
+bravery; insomuch that, when one of our horsemen halted to make a
+thrust, the Indians seized the horse, and either wrested the
+lance from the horseman or pulled him to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Next day we pursued our march to Chiapa, a place with very
+regular streets, and containing not less than four thousand
+families, besides the dependent towns and villages around. We had
+not proceeded above a quarter of a league from Estapa, where we
+had passed the night, when we found the whole warriors of the
+district drawn up to oppose us, well armed, dressed up in plumes
+of feathers, and making the hills resound with their warlike
+shouts. They attacked us with the utmost fury, and our black
+gunner was so stupified with fear, that he stood long trembling
+before he durst put the match to the gun, and when he fired the
+piece all the good he did was wounding three of our own men.
+After a severe conflict, we at length forced them to fly; but
+they rallied in some broken ground, reinforced by some fresh
+bodies of Indians, and attacked us again by surprize, while we
+were giving God thanks for our victory. In these new troops, many
+were provided with long thongs to twist round our horses, and
+some carried the nets they used in hunting for the same purpose.
+In this second battle the enemy were so desperate that they
+killed two of our soldiers and five horses, and scarce one of us
+escaped without a wound. They had along with them a very fat aged
+woman, whom they esteemed a wizard, who had promised them the
+victory. Her body was all covered over with paint mixed with
+cotton wool; and she advanced fearlessly amid our allies, who
+were regularly formed by companies, by whom she was cut to
+pieces. At length, by a violent effort, we forced the enemy to
+fly, some taking to the rocks and others to the river, and being
+excellent swimmers they made their escape. We then halted and
+sang the <i>Salve regina</i>: After which we took possession of a
+town on the river, where we halted for the night, taking care of
+our wounded, and carefully concealing our dead.</p>
+
+<p>About midnight, ten chiefs of neighbouring districts came down
+the river in five canoes, and were brought to our captain, whom
+they informed that they belonged to the nation of the Xaltepecs,
+who were at war with the people of Chiapa, and came to offer
+their assistance to us against them, on condition that we should
+afterwards support the independence of their nation against the
+people of Chiapa. This was very satisfactory to us, as we could
+not have passed the river, which was both broad and deep, without
+their assistance; the chiefs were therefore dismissed with a
+promise on our part of protection, and on theirs to bring us
+canoes and auxiliaries. During the remainder of the night we had
+to keep strict guard, as the drums and horns of the enemy were
+heard on the opposite banks of the river, where their warriors
+were collecting from all sides to attack us. As soon as it was
+light, our new friends joined us with the promised canoes, and
+shewed us a very dangerous ford, which they urged us to pass
+without delay, that we might endeavour to save the lives of some
+of their people who had been recently made prisoners by the
+enemy. We accordingly passed the river in a solid column at the
+ford, which reached our armpits, and where we lost one of our
+cavalry. On gaining the opposite bank, we were so hotly assailed
+by the enemy with darts and arrows, that every one of us had two
+or three wounds before we got out of the water. But as we were
+now joined by large bodies of those Indians who had offered their
+assistance, we soon compelled the enemy to fly for shelter to
+their city, against which we immediately advanced in good order,
+accompanied by our new allies. On arriving there, it seemed too
+closely built to be occupied with safety, and we encamped
+therefore in the open field, sending messengers to invite them to
+peace, with which they complied, by sending a deputation of their
+chiefs, who submitted to become subject to our sovereign, and
+requiring that the neighbouring tribes might be prevented from
+destroying their houses and plantations. All these things being
+settled to our mutual satisfaction, we went into the town, where
+we found many prisoners confined in wooden cages, who had been
+seized by the Chiapese while travelling from place to place, all
+of whom we set free. In the temples of this place we found
+several idols of horrible figures, and many remains of men and
+boys, who had been recently sacrificed. Our reverend father Fra
+Juan, broke all the idols to pieces, and preached so successfully
+that many were baptized. Many of the chiefs of the neighbouring
+tribes came in and made their submission: Among these were the
+chiefs of Cinacatan, Papanahaustla, Pinola, Guehuistlan, Chamula,
+the Quilenes, and others who spoke the Zoque language, and many
+other tribes, the names of which I do not now remember. These
+people were much surprised when they perceived the smallness of
+the force with which we had ventured to attack a nation so
+warlike as the Chiapese, whom the Mexicans were never able to
+subdue.</p>
+
+<p>While our captain was thus occupied in arranging matters with
+the chiefs of the surrounding districts, one of our soldiers went
+accompanied by eight Mexicans, to a town called Chamula, where he
+demanded a contribution of gold in the name of our captain,
+though entirely without authority. A quantity was accordingly
+offered him; but not being satisfied with the amount, he
+attempted to seize the cacique, by which violent proceeding he
+occasioned an insurrection of that town, and another in the
+neighbourhood called Quiahuitlan, or Guehuistlan. When this
+improper transaction came to the ears of our captain, he sent the
+soldier a prisoner to Mexico, and immediately marched to Chamula
+to quell the insurrection, being assisted on this occasion by the
+inhabitants of Cinacatan, a polished tribe which was addicted to
+merchandize. On our arrival at Chamula, we found the place
+strongly fortified by art and nature, and the people well armed,
+having a peculiar species of large shield which covered the whole
+body, and could be rolled up into a small compass when not in
+use. Our cavalry were ordered to keep guard in the plain in our
+rear, to watch the motions of the insurgents in the neighbouring
+districts; while the infantry endeavoured to force their way into
+the town; but our musketeers made very little impression, as the
+enemy were covered by their walls, while their missiles injured
+us materially, being exposed without any defence. We continued
+the attack during the whole day to very little purpose, being
+unable to force the ramparts, which were guarded by above 2000
+men armed with lances. We therefore drew off for the time, and
+procured some timber from a depopulated town in the
+neighbourhood, with which we constructed certain machines named
+<i>mantas</i> or <i>burros</i>, under cover of which twenty men
+or more could approach the walls in safety, to work a passage
+through them. On our first attempt to do this, the enemy threw
+down upon our machines, heavy stones, fire, and scalding water,
+so that we were constrained to remove our machines to repair the
+injury they had sustained. We again brought forward our machines
+to the walls, and at length succeeded in making several breaches.
+While employed in this manner, four of their principal chiefs and
+priests addressed us from the top of the ramparts, saying, since
+we wanted gold they had brought us some, and then threw over
+seven crowns of fine gold, with many gold trinkets, some of which
+were cast in the shape of various birds, shells, and the like;
+immediately after which they assailed us with repeated vollies of
+darts, arrows, and stones. By the time that it was dark, we had
+made two considerable breaches; but as a heavy rain came on, we
+drew off for the night, keeping a vigilant guard round our post,
+and having our cavalry on the alert in the plain, ready saddled
+and bridled. During the whole night, the enemy kept continually
+sounding their warlike instruments, making horrid yells, and
+threatening us with destruction next day, which they said was
+promised by their gods. We brought forward our machines again at
+day-break to enlarge the breaches we had made on the preceding
+day; but the enemy defended themselves with great obstinacy,
+wounding five of our people, and myself among the rest by the
+thrust of a lance, which had gone through me, had it not been for
+the strength of my quilted cotton armour. Towards evening it came
+on again to rain hard, and we were called off from the attack;
+but as the enemy ceased to shout and make their usual noises, I
+suspected they were about leaving the town, and perceived also
+that their lances were mostly rested against the walls and
+parapets, except about two hundred which still appeared in the
+hands of a part of the enemy. On this, I and one of my comrades
+crept in at a small breach in the wall, and were immediately
+attacked by above two hundred of these lancemen, who would soon
+have dispatched us, if some of our Indian allies had not noticed
+our perilous situation, and called the rest of our soldiers to
+our aid, who crowded in at the breach and soon enabled us to put
+the enemy to flight. These were only the rear guard of the
+garrison, all the rest of the inhabitants, men, women, and
+children, having evacuated the town by the opposite gate. We
+immediately pursued, and made many prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving this place, we marched for Cinacatan, and halted for
+the night at the place where <i>Chiapa de los
+&Eacute;spanoles</i> is now built; from whence our captain
+dismissed six of our prisoners, with a message to their
+countrymen, offering to restore all the rest of the prisoners, if
+they would submit. They immediately complied with this, and
+submitted themselves as subjects to the Spanish monarchy. In this
+neighbourhood dwelt a nation called the Guehuistlans[2], who
+possessed three fortified towns, and were in rebellion against
+us. Leaving our baggage and wounded men in Cinacatan, we
+proceeded to reduce these people to submission. They had
+barricaded all the approaches to their towns by means of felled
+trees, which were cleared away by the aid of our Indian allies,
+and we got up to one of their fortresses, which threatened to
+give us infinite trouble, as it was full of warriors, well armed
+both for offence and defence. But they all fled when we mounted
+to the assault, leaving the place to us without resistance. By
+means of two prisoners who were taken by our allies, offers of
+peace and good treatment were sent to them, on condition of
+submission; with which they complied, bringing with them some
+trifling presents of gold and <i>quetzal</i> feathers.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Diaz is often variable in his orthography of
+Indian names; calling this people in different places,
+Gueguestitlans, Guehuistlans, and Quiahuistlans.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Having thus effected our business in this place, by reducing
+all the surrounding tribes to submission, we proceeded, according
+to the orders of Cortes, to establish a colony, though some who
+had already plantations and Indians in Coatzacualco objected to
+this place as unfit for cavalry, and that our force was too small
+for keeping so populous a district under subjection, especially
+as the natives had many strong fortresses in the fastnesses of
+their mountains. Even our captain, Luis Marin, and the royal
+notary Diego de Godoy, were adverse to the plan. Alonzo de Grado,
+also, a very troublesome fellow, was possessed of a patent from
+Cortes, by which he was entitled to an <i>encomienda</i> in the
+province of Chiapa, when reduced to obedience; and in virtue of
+this, he demanded that all the gold which had been received from
+the Indians of Chiapa, and also, that which had been found in the
+temples, amounting to about 1500 crowns, should be delivered up
+to him. This was refused by Marin, who alleged that it ought to
+be applied for replacing the horses which were killed during the
+expedition. These disputes ran so high, that our captain ordered
+both Godoy and De Grado into irons, intending to send them to
+Mexico. Godoy obtained his liberty by concessions; and in return
+for this lenity entered into cabals with De Grado for
+misrepresenting the conduct of Marin to Cortes. On this occasion
+I was solicited to write to Cortes in exculpation of De Grado, as
+they said that Cortes would believe my statements. I wrote
+accordingly a true state of the case, but in no respect charging
+Marin with any thing amiss. De Grado was sent off to Mexico,
+under an oath to appear before Cortes in eighty days, as the
+distance he had to travel exceeded 190 leagues. On his arrival,
+Cortes was so much displeased by his conduct, that he ordered De
+Grado to take 3000 crowns and retire to Cuba, that he might give
+no farther trouble in his government; but De Grado made such
+ample apologies, that he was restored to favour. As it was
+finally resolved to establish a colony in this place, and as I
+had an order to that effect from Cortes, our captain, who was
+likewise my particular friend, appointed me to the command of the
+<i>encomienda</i> at Cinacatan, which I enjoyed for eight years.
+As soon as possible after my appointment, I procured a reverend
+father to preach to the Indians, whom I was anxious to convert to
+our holy faith. He accordingly erected an altar and crucifix, and
+preached with so much success, that fifteen of the Indians
+offered themselves for baptism on the first day of his mission;
+which gave me infinite satisfaction, as I felt the warmest
+interest in the welfare of these people, whom I looked upon as my
+own children.</p>
+
+<p>When all things were properly settled at this place, we
+resolved to chastise the people of Cimatan who had slain two of
+the party with which I had been deputed to them, as formerly
+mentioned near the beginning of this section. In our way to that
+place, we had to march through a district named Tapelola, which
+was so very rugged that our horses were unable to proceed until
+the roads were cleared for them, which was immediately done on
+application to the caciques. We continued our march by the
+districts of Silo, Suchiapa, and Coyumelapa, to those of
+Tecomayatacal and Ateapan; the chief town of which was extensive,
+closely built, and very populous. This place belonged to my
+<i>encomienda</i>. Near this town there was a large and deep
+river which it was necessary for us to pass, where we were
+opposed by the people of the vicinity with so much vigour that we
+had six soldiers wounded and three of our horses killed; but we
+put them to flight, and they withdrew into the woods and
+mountains, after setting fire to their town. We remained here
+five days, taking care of our wounded men; and as we had taken
+many of the women of this district, some of them were sent out to
+invite the natives to return and submit, with which they
+complied. Godoy was averse from the lenity shewn on this
+occasion, and insisted that these people ought to be punished for
+their revolt, or at least made to pay for the horses which they
+had slain. I happened to be of a different opinion; and as I
+spoke freely, Godoy became enraged and used very angry words,
+which I retorted. At length we proceeded to blows and drew our
+swords; and if we had not been parted one or other of us must
+have been killed, we were both so much enraged. Even as it was,
+several cuts were given and received on both sides, before we
+were separated. Marin was a good man and of a mild disposition,
+so that he restored every thing to these deluded people and left
+them in peace.</p>
+
+<p>We continued our march through the other districts of Cimatlan
+and Talatiopan, where we were attacked by a numerous body of
+archers, by whom above twenty of our soldiers were wounded and
+two horses killed; but we very soon defeated them. These people
+were the most powerful archers I had yet seen, as they were able
+to drive their arrows through two suits of well quilted cotton
+armour; and their country is mostly composed of a marsh which
+quakes under foot. It was in vain therefore to think of pursuing
+the natives in such an impracticable country; and as they treated
+all our offers of peace with contempt, we judged it best to
+return to our colony of Coatzacualco; which we did through the
+districts of Guimango, Nacaxa, Xuica, Teotitlan, Copilco, and
+some others which I do not remember the names of, to Ulapa, and
+thence across the rivers Agaqualulco and Tonala to Coatzacualco,
+where the slain horses were paid for at the rate of a penny the
+pound.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XVIII.</p>
+
+<p><i>Negotiations of Cortes at the Court of Spain, in respect to
+the Conquest and Government of Mexico</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1521, the holy father Adrian de Lobayana,
+succeeded to the papacy, he being then governor of Castille and
+resident in the city of Vittoria, where our agents waited upon
+him to kiss the foot of his holiness. About the same time a great
+nobleman, named M. de la Soa, arrived from Germany, who was
+chamberlain to our emperor, and was sent by him to congratulate
+the new pope on his election. When this nobleman was informed of
+the heroic deeds of the conquerors of Mexico, and the great
+things they had performed for the extension of the holy faith, by
+the conversion and baptism of such myriads of Indians, he became
+interested in our behalf, and made application to his holiness to
+expedite the business of our agents. This was readily acceded to,
+as besides the allegations of our agents, the pope had received
+other complaints against the bishop of Burgos from persons of
+quality and honour. Our chief agents on this occasion were
+Francisco de Montejo, Diego de Ordas, Francisco Nunez cousin to
+our general, and his father Martin Cortes; who were countenanced
+by many powerful noblemen, and chiefly by the Duke of Bejar. Thus
+supported, they brought forward their charges against the bishop
+to good purpose. These were, that Velasquez had bribed the bishop
+by the gift of a considerable district in Cuba, the natives of
+which were made to work in the gold mines for his emolument, to
+the manifest injury of the royal revenue. That when, in 1517, 110
+of us had sailed at our own expence under the command of
+Hernandez de Cordova for the discovery of New Spain, the bishop
+had falsely informed his majesty that it was done by Velasquez.
+That Velasquez had transmitted 20,000 crowns in gold, which had
+been procured by his nephew Juan de Grijalva on our second
+voyage, all of which was given to the bishop, and no part of it
+to his majesty to whom it belonged. That when Cortes sent home a
+large contribution in gold to his majesty, the bishop had
+suppressed our letters, substituting others, and ascribed the
+present to Velasquez, retaining half of the treasure to his own
+use; and, when Puertocarrera applied to him for permission to
+wait upon his majesty, the bishop had thrown him into prison,
+where he died. That the bishop had forbidden the officers of the
+<i>Casa de contratation</i> of Seville to give any assistance to
+Cortes, by which the public service had suffered manifest injury.
+That he had appointed very unfit persons to the military command
+in New Spain, as was particularly the case with regard to
+Christoval de Tapia, to whom he had given a commission as
+governor of New Spain, in order to bring about a marriage between
+his niece and Tapia. That he had given authenticity to the false
+accounts transmitted by the agents of Velasquez, suppressing the
+true relations which came from Cortes. There were many other
+charges against the bishop which he could not gainsay, as they
+were all substantiated by good evidence.</p>
+
+<p>All these things being made clear to his holiness, he was
+pleased to order, that the bishop should have no longer any
+authority in regard to the affairs of New Spain, of which the
+government should be conferred on Cortes, and that Velasquez
+should be remunerated for all the expences he had incurred on
+account of the expedition, which he could duly substantiate. His
+holiness sent also to New Spain, a great number of indulgences
+for the hospitals and churches, and recommended to Cortes and the
+other conquerors to pay unremitting attention to the conversion
+of the Indians, and was pleased to send us his holy bulls of
+absolution. His majesty graciously confirmed all these orders of
+the pope, ordering Velasquez to be deprived of the government of
+Cuba, on account of having sent the expedition under Narvaez, in
+defiance of peremptory orders to the contrary from the royal
+audience of St Domingo, and the Jeronymite brethren. The bishop
+was so much affected by his disgrace on this occasion, that he
+fell dangerously ill.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, Panfilo de Narvaez and Christoval de Tapia
+arrived in Spain, together with the pilot Umbria and Cardenas,
+who by the instigation of the bishop of Burgos, preferred many
+severe accusations against Cortes to his majesty, in which they
+were gladly joined by the agents of Velasquez. They alleged, that
+Velasquez had fitted out three several expeditions for New Spain
+at vast expence, the last of which he had confided to Cortes, who
+broke his engagements and converted the armament to his own
+advantage. That when Velasquez sent Narvaez as governor of New
+Spain, with his majesties commission, Cortes made war upon him,
+defeated him and made him a prisoner. That when the bishop of
+Burgos sent Tapia to take the command of New Spain in the name of
+his majesty, Cortes refused obedience, and compelled him to
+re-embark. They also accused Cortes of having embezzled a great
+quantity of gold which he had obtained for his majesty; of taking
+a fifth of all the plunder to his own use; of having tortured
+Guatimotzin; of defrauding the soldiers of their shares; of
+making the natives of Mexico construct for his use magnificent
+palaces and castles as large as villages; of having poisoned
+Francisco de Garay, in order to get possession of his ships and
+troops, and many other charges of a similar nature. By command of
+his majesty, a court of inquiry was appointed from the privy
+council, to hear and determine upon these allegations, before
+which the following answers were given in. That Cordova was the
+real discoverer of New Spain, which had been done by him and his
+companions at their own cost. That although Velasquez had sent
+Juan de Grijalva on an expedition to New Spain, it was only for
+the purpose of trade, and not of colonization. That the principal
+charges had been expended by the different captains, and not by
+Velasquez, who had received the chief part of 20,000 crowns which
+these captains had collected. That Velasquez gave Indians in Cuba
+to the bishop of Burgos to collect gold for him, which ought to
+have belonged to his majesty. That although it was true Velasquez
+had sent Cortes to New Spain, his orders were only to barter; and
+the establishment he had made was entirely owing to the
+representations of his companions for the service of God and his
+majesty, and in no respect due to the instructions of Velasquez.
+That it was well known to all, that Cortes had reported the whole
+of his proceedings to his majesty, to whom he and his companions
+sent all the gold they could procure, waiting his majesties
+ultimate orders in the utmost humility; whereas the bishop of
+Burgos suppressed his letters, and appropriated the gold to his
+own use, concealing our meritorious services from his majesty,
+preventing our agents from gaining access to the emperor, and
+even throwing one of them into prison, where he died; and that he
+prevented the royal officers from supplying us with such things
+as we needed, by which our enterprize had been much retarded.
+That all these things had been done by the bishop from corrupt
+motives, that he might give the government of Mexico to Velasquez
+or Tapia, in order that one of them might marry his <i>niece</i>
+Donna Petronilla de Fonseca, being anxious to make his
+<i>son-in-law</i> governor of that splendid kingdom. As for the
+expedition of Narvaez, our agents contended that Velasquez ought
+to suffer death for having sent it in direct disobedience of his
+majesties orders as communicated by the royal audience; and that
+he had behaved with high disrespect to his majesty, in making his
+application to the bishop of Burgos on this occasion. In support
+of all these accusations they offered to bring substantial
+proofs, and prayed the court to award punishment for these
+multiplied offences.</p>
+
+<p>In reply to the accusations of Narvaez against Cortes, they
+represented, that Narvaez sent word to Montezuma on his arrival
+in Mexico, that he came to rescue him, by which he occasioned a
+dangerous war. That when Cortes desired to see his commission,
+and represented the necessity of an amicable junction of their
+forces for the good of the service, Narvaez would give no answer,
+but immediately declared war against Cortes and his companions,
+by which they were forced to defend themselves, and that Narvaez
+had even presumed to seize his majesties oydor, for which Cortes
+deemed it requisite to bring him to punishment. That when Cortes
+went to wait on Narvaez, that he might see his commission and
+remonstrate with him on his proceedings, Narvaez had attempted to
+make him prisoner by surprise, of which proof could be made by
+witnesses. As to the failure of Garay, and the ridiculous charge
+of having poisoned him; it was well known that the expedition
+under Garay had failed through his own misconduct and ignorance
+of the country; after which he had gladly accepted the friendly
+offers of Cortes, who had given him an hospitable reception in
+Mexico, where an alliance was agreed upon between their families,
+and Garay was to have been assisted in establishing a colony on
+the river Palmas; and finally, it was established beyond all
+doubt, by the oaths of the physicians who attended him, that
+Garay had died of a pleurisy. In regard to the charge of
+retaining his majesties fifth, it was proved that Cortes had
+fairly expended it in the public service, together with 6000
+crowns of his own property. That the fifth which he had retained
+for himself, was according to compact with the soldiers; and as
+to the shares belonging to the soldiers, it was well known that
+very little gold was found in Mexico on its capture, as almost
+all the wealth of the place had fallen into the hands of our
+allies of Tlascala and Tezcuco. That the torture given to
+Guatimotzin had been done by his majesties officers, contrary to
+the inclination of Cortes, in order to force a discovery of where
+the treasures of Montezuma had been concealed. As for the
+buildings, though certainly sumptuous, they were intended for the
+use of his majesty and his successors, and that the work had been
+carried on by the Indians, under the order of Guatimotzin, as was
+always done in building houses for the great in that country. As
+to Alonzo de Avila having taken the commission from Narvaez by
+force; it appeared there was no commission among his papers,
+which consisted entirely of receipts for the purchase of horses
+and the like; and farther, that these papers had been taken
+without any order from Cortes, who never saw any of them. As for
+Tapia, it was urged, that if he had come to Mexico and produced
+his majesties orders, they should have been received and obeyed
+by Cortes with the utmost humility: But that his incapacity was
+so notorious to every one then in New Spain, that it was the
+universal advice and desire of all that Cortes should retain the
+command. As to the pilot Umbria, whose feet had been cut off,
+this had been done in the due course of justice, for having run
+away with his ship. That Cardenas had consented along with all
+the rest to give up his share of the gold, that the whole might
+be sent to his majesty; and that Cortes had given him 300 crowns
+from his own pocket, which was more than he deserved, being a
+person of no consideration and no soldier.</p>
+
+<p>The court having duly weighed all the charges and answers, the
+whole proceedings were reported to his majesty, together with
+their opinion and sentence, which were entirely in favour of
+Cortes, whose merit and valour, and that of all the veteran
+conquerors of Mexico, were highly praised. Velasquez was enjoined
+silence in respect to his complaints against Cortes, and was told
+that he might seek for the remuneration of his expences by a
+legal process. Cortes was declared governor-general of New Spain,
+pursuant to the orders of the pope, and the court approved of the
+arrangements which he had made in the country, authorizing him to
+distribute and appoint the districts or <i>repartimientos</i> in
+the way he thought proper. Narvaez was referred for redress to
+France, where Avila was still a prisoner. The pilots Umbria and
+Cardenas obtained royal grants of property in New Spain, to the
+extent of a thousand crowns in annual rent. And it was ordained
+that all the veterans of Cortes should have immediate and ample
+gratifications in lands and Indians, with such precedency in rank
+as their valour and services had deserved. This sentence was
+confirmed by the emperor at Valladolid, who was then on his road
+to Flanders; and he gave orders likewise for the banishment of
+all relapsed converts in New Spain, and that no
+<i>Scholars</i>[1] should be admitted into that country for a
+certain term of years. His majesty, and his brother the king of
+Hungary, were graciously pleaded to write letters to Cortes, and
+to us the conquerors, thanking us for the good service we had
+performed.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] This probably alludes to <i>lawyers</i>, as on a
+former occasion, Diaz mentions a request from the Spaniards that
+none of that fraternity might be sent over to New Spain, probably
+to avoid the introduction of litigious law
+suits.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>This affair being decided in our favour, the necessary
+documents were entrusted to two relations of Cortes, Roderigo de
+Paz and Francisco de las Casas, who carried them in the first
+place to St Jago in the island of Cuba, where Velasquez resided.
+On the sentence being made known to him, and proclaimed by sound
+of trumpet, he fell ill from vexation, and died soon afterwards
+poor and miserable. Francisco de Montejo had the government of
+Yucutan and Cozumel from his majesty, with the title of Don.
+Diego de Ordas was ennobled, getting for his coat of arms the
+volcano of Guaxocingo, and was confirmed in all his possessions
+in New Spain. He went back to Spain two years afterwards to
+solicit permission to conquer the province of Maranion, in which
+enterprize he lost his life and all his property. On the arrival
+of Las Casas and De Paz in Mexico with the appointment of Cortes
+to the government, there were great rejoicings everywhere. Las
+Casas was made a captain, and got the <i>encomienda</i> of a good
+district called Anquitlan; and De Paz was appointed major-domo
+and secretary to Cortes, getting likewise valuable possessions.
+Cortes liberally rewarded the captain of the vessel which brought
+out this pleasing information, and provided handsomely for all
+who came out to New Spain from his native country of Medellin.
+All the proceedings of our agents in Spain were regularly
+conveyed to us the conquerors; but it seemed to me that they
+agented solely for Cortes and themselves, as we who had raised
+Cortes to his greatness, were continually encountering dangers
+and hardships, without any reward. May God protect us, and
+inspire our great emperor to cause his just intentions towards us
+to be carried into effect. To us, the ancient, wise, and brave
+conquerors of Mexico, it appeared that Cortes ought to have duly
+considered his true friends, who had supported him from the first
+through all his difficulties and dangers, and ought to have
+rewarded us according to our respective merits, and his majesties
+orders, by giving us good and profitable situations, instead of
+leaving us poor and miserable. By his majesties orders, and by
+his duty, Cortes was bound to have given to us and our children
+all the good offices in the kingdom of New Spain; but be thought
+only of himself and his favourites. In our opinion, who were the
+conquerors, the whole country ought to have been divided into
+five equal parts, allotting one to the crown, another for the
+holy church, and the remaining three parts to Cortes and the rest
+of us, who were the true original conquerors, giving each a share
+in perpetuity in proportion to our rank and merits, considering
+that we had not only served his majesty in gratuity, but without
+his knowledge, and, almost against his will. This arrangement
+would have placed us at our ease; instead of which, many of us
+are wandering about, almost without a morsel to eat, and God only
+knows what may become of our children.</p>
+
+<p>To the veedor Pedro Alonzo Chirinos, Gonzalo Salazar the
+factor, Rodrigo Albornos the contador, and many others who came
+now from Spain, and to the dependents of great men, who flattered
+him and told him fine tales, Cortes refused nothing; but he
+treated us the true conquerors like vassals, forgetting us
+entirely in the distribution of property, yet never failing to
+call upon us when he wanted our assistance, as if we had been fit
+only for expeditions and battles. I do not blame him for being
+generous, as there was enough for all; but he ought in the first
+place to have considered those who had served his majesty in the
+conquest of this noble kingdom, and to whose blood and valour he
+was indebted for his own elevation. Long afterwards, when Luis
+Ponce de Leon came out to supersede Cortes, we the veteran
+conquerors represented to our general that he ought to give us
+that property which he had been ordered by his majesty to resign.
+He expressed his sorrow for having so long neglected us, and
+promised even with an oath, that he would provide for us all, if
+he returned to his government, thinking to satisfy us with smooth
+words and empty promises.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XIX.</p>
+
+<p><i>Of an Expedition against the Zapotecas, and various other
+Occurrences</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Intelligence was brought to Mexico that the Zapotecas were in
+rebellion, on which Rodrigo Rangel, whom I have several times
+mentioned already, solicited Cortes to be appointed to the
+command of an expedition for their reduction, that he too might
+have an opportunity of acquiring fame, proposing likewise to take
+Pedro de Ircio along with him as his lieutenant and adviser.
+Cortes knew well that Rangel was very unfit for any service of
+danger or difficulty, being a miserably diseased object, the
+effect of his sins, and put him off therefore by various excuses;
+but as he was a very slanderous fellow, whom he wished to get rid
+of, he at length agreed to his proposal, and at the same time
+wrote for ten or twelve veterans, then residing in Coatzacualco,
+of whom I was one, desiring us to accompany Rangel on this
+expedition. The country of the Zapotecas is composed of high and
+rugged mountains, always enveloped in clouds and mists, with such
+narrow and bad roads as to be unfit for cavalry, so steep that
+they must be climbed up like ladders, each successive soldier of
+the file having his head at the heels of the man immediately
+before him. The natives of these mountains are light and active,
+and have a way of whistling and shouting, so as to make the hills
+resound again, insomuch that it is hardly possible to know on
+which side they are coming to attack. Against such enemies in so
+strong a country, and with such a leader, it was impossible for
+us to effect any thing. We advanced, however, under heavy rain,
+to a scattered village, part of the houses being situated on a
+rocky ridge, and the rest in a valley, and well it was for us
+that the Indians made no stand, as poor Rangel whined and moaned
+the whole way, complaining of pains in his limbs, and the
+severity of the weather. It was at last agreed, as he grew every
+day worse and worse, that we could be of no use here, and were
+exposing ourselves needlessly to danger, to abandon this
+fruitless expedition, and return to our homes. Pedro de Ircio was
+among the first who advised this, and soon set the example, by
+retiring to his own town of Villa Rica; but Rangel chose rather
+to go along with us to Coatzacualco, to our great
+dissatisfaction, as he expected benefit from that warm climate to
+relieve him of his pains.</p>
+
+<p>We were hardly returned to Coatzacualco, when Rangel took it
+into his head to go upon an expedition against the Indians of
+Cimatan and Tatupan, who continued in rebellion, confiding in the
+impracticability of their country, among large rivers and
+trembling marshes; being also very formidable warriors, who used
+very long bows of great strength. We were all very averse from
+this, but as Rangel produced his commission from Cortes, we were
+under the necessity to obey, and accordingly set out on the
+expedition, with about 100 horse and foot. We soon arrived at a
+pass among lakes and marshes, where the Indians had thrown up a
+strong circular entrenchment of large trees and pallisades,
+having loop-holes to shoot through, and where they gave us a very
+warm reception with a flight of darts and arrows, by which they
+killed seven horses, and wounded Rangel and eight of our men. We
+had often told him what stout warriors these Indians were, and he
+now declared that in future the old conquerors should command
+him, and not he us, for he would not have been now in such
+jeopardy if he had listened to our advice. When our wounded men
+and horses were dressed, he requested me to go forward to
+reconnoitre, on which I took two comrades, and a fierce dog
+belonging to Rangel, desiring the infantry to follow close
+behind, but that Rangel and the cavalry might keep at a good
+distance in the rear. In this order we pursued our march for
+Cimatan, and soon fell in with another post, fortified like the
+former, and as strongly defended, whence the Indians assailed us
+with a shower of arrows, which killed the dog, and wounded us all
+three. On this occasion I received a wound in my leg, and had
+seven arrows sticking in my cotton armour. I immediately called
+to some of our Indian auxiliaries, who were a little way behind,
+to desire all the infantry to come up immediately, but that all
+the cavalry must remain behind, as otherwise they would certainly
+lose their horses. We soon drove the Indians from their
+entrenchments; but they took refuge among the marshes, where we
+could not pursue them without running the risk of sinking at
+every step.</p>
+
+<p>Having passed the night at an Indian village, we proceeded
+forwards next day, when we were opposed by a body of Indians
+posted in a marsh on the border of an open plain. In spite of
+every thing we could say, Rangel made a charge upon them with his
+cavalry, and was the first to tumble head foremost into the
+marsh, where the Indians closed in upon him, in hope of taking
+him alive for sacrifice. By great exertions we rescued him from
+their hands, half drowned and badly wounded. The country being
+very populous, we very soon found a village which the natives had
+abandoned, where we went for the purpose of refreshment, and to
+dress our wounded men: But had hardly been there a quarter of an
+hour, when the enemy attacked us with such violence, that we had
+much ado to repel them, after they had killed one of our men and
+two horses. Poor Rangel complained grievously of his wounds and
+bruises, and was so infested by mosquitoes and other vermin,
+which abound greatly in that country, that he could not rest
+either day or night. He, and some of the soldiers who had
+belonged to Garay that accompanied him, grew very sick of their
+expedition, in which nothing had been got except three hard
+fought battles, in which eleven horses and two soldiers had been
+slain, and many others wounded, on which account they were very
+desirous to get home again; yet Rangel was averse from having it
+appear that a retreat was his choice, and got, therefore, a
+council of those who were of his own opinion to propose that
+measure. At this time, I and about twenty more had gone out to
+try if we could make any prisoners, and had taken five among some
+gardens and plantations near the village. On my return, Rangel
+called me aside, and informed me that his council had determined
+on a retreat, and desired me to persuade the rest of the
+detachment to come into that opinion. "How, Sir," said I, "can
+you think of a retreat? What will Cortes and the world say of
+you, when they hear of your retreating in two successive
+expeditions, without having done any thing? You cannot surely
+return without disgrace, till you have reached the head town of
+these Indians. I will go forward on foot with the infantry to
+reconnoitre: Give my horse to another soldier, and you may follow
+in the rear with the cavalry." "You give good advice, said
+Rangel, and we will march on." This was done accordingly, to the
+great regret of many of our companions, and we advanced in good
+order to Cimatan, the principal town of the district, where we
+were saluted as usual by a shower of arrows. We entered the town,
+however, which was abandoned by the enemy, yet took several
+prisoners, whom I dismissed, with an invitation to the chiefs to
+come in and make peace with us; but they never returned. Rangel
+was very angry at me on this account, and swore that he would
+make me procure Indians for him, in place of those whom I had
+liberated. To pacify him, I went among the neighbouring marshes
+with thirty soldiers, where we picked up several stragglers, whom
+we brought to him. But he dismissed these likewise, in hopes to
+induce the rest to submit, yet all to no purpose. Thus ended the
+two famous expeditions against the Zapotecans and Cimatanese, and
+such was all the fame acquired by Rangel in the wars of New
+Spain. Two years afterwards, we effected the conquest of both
+these countries, the natives of which were converted to our holy
+religion, by the grace of God, and through the exertions of
+Father Olmedo, now grown weak and infirm, to the great regret of
+all who knew him, as he was an excellent minister of the
+gospel.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes had now collected 80,000 crowns in gold, and had caused
+a superb golden culverin to be made as a present for the emperor,
+on which the following motto was engraved:</p>
+
+<p><i>Esta ave nacio sin par: Yo en servir os sin segundo; Y vos
+sin iqual en el Mundo</i>[1].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] Like the solitary Phoenix, I, without a peer,
+serve you, who have no equal in the world.</blockquote>
+
+<p>This sumptuous present was sent over to Spain under the care
+of Diego de Soto. I am uncertain whether Juan de Ribera, who had
+been secretary to Cortes went over at the same time with Soto;
+but I know that he carried over a sum of money for the generals
+father, which he appropriated to his own use; and, unmindful of
+the many obligations he had received, he reported much evil of
+Cortes, combining with the bishop of Burgos and others to injure
+him. I always thought him a bad man, from what I had observed of
+him when engaged in gaming, and many other circumstances: But, as
+he was of a fluent speech, and had been secretary to Cortes, he
+did him much harm, and would have injured him much more, if it
+had not been for the interest of the Duke of Bejar, who protected
+Cortes, who was then engaged in a treaty of marriage with the
+dukes niece, Donna Juana de Zuniga[2]. By this interest, and
+combined with the magnificent present brought over by Soto, the
+affairs of Cortes at the court of Spain took a favourable turn.
+The golden Phoenix with its motto, gave great offence to many,
+who thought it presumptuous in Cortes to insinuate that he had no
+equal in his services: But his friends justly defended him,
+observing that no one had so far extended the fame and power of
+his majesty, or had brought so many thousand souls under the
+dominion of the holy catholic church as he had done. Neither did
+they forget the merits of us his associates, truly declaring that
+we were entitled to honours and emoluments, which we had as
+justly earned as the original nobles of Castille, whose estates
+and honours were now enjoyed by their descendents. The culverin
+went no farther than Seville, as his majesty was graciously
+pleased to give it to Don Francisco de los Cobos,
+commendator-major of Leon, who melted it down. Its value was
+20,000 ducats. Martin Cortes, our generals father, brought a suit
+against Ribera for the money of which he had defrauded him; and
+while that was pending, Ribera died suddenly while at dinner, and
+without confession. May God pardon his sins! <i>Amen</i>.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] In Clavigero, at the close of Vol. I. this lady
+is named Donna Jeroma Ramirez de Arrellano y Zuniga, daughter of
+Don Carlos Ramiro de Arellano, Count of Auguiller, by Donna
+Jeroma de Zuniga, a daughter of the Count of Benares, eldest son
+of Don Alvaro de Zuniga, duke of Bejar. After two male descents
+from this marriage, the Marquisate of the Valley of Oaxaca, and
+the great estates of Cortes in New Spain, fell, by various
+collateral female descents, to the Neapolitan family of
+Pignatelli, duke of Montelione and Terranova, marquis of the
+Valley of Oaxaca, Grandee of Spain, and prince of the Roman
+empire.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Cortes continued to rebuild and embellish the city of Mexico,
+which was again as well peopled by natives as ever it had been
+before the conquest. All of these were exempted from paying
+tribute to his majesty, till their houses were built, and till
+the causeways, bridges, public edifices, and aqueducts, were all
+restored. In that quarter of the city appropriated to the
+Spaniards, churches and hospitals were erected under the
+superintendence of Father Olmedo, as vicar and superior; who
+likewise established an hospital for the natives, to whom he paid
+particular attention. In compliance with our petition, formerly
+mentioned, the general of the Franciscans sent over twelve of his
+order, under the vicarage of Father Martin de Valentia. Among
+these came Father Torribio de Motolinea, which name, signifying
+<i>poor brother</i>, he acquired from the Mexicans, because all
+that he received in charity he gave away in the same manner,
+going always barefooted in a tattered habit, preaching to the
+natives, and often in want of food. When Cortes learnt that these
+reverend fathers were arrived at Villa Rica, he ordered the road
+to Mexico to be repaired, and to have houses built at proper
+intervals for their accommodation; commanding the inhabitants of
+all the towns in the way to meet them with the utmost reverence,
+ringing their bells, bearing crucifixes and lighted wax-candles,
+and that all the Spaniards should kneel down and kiss their
+hands. On their approach to Mexico, Cortes went out to meet them,
+and dismounting from his horse, kneeled down to kiss the hands of
+the vicar. The natives were astonished to see so much honour
+conferred on these reverend fathers in tattered garments and bare
+feet, and considering them as gods, they all followed the example
+of the general, and have ever since behaved to them with the
+utmost reverence.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, Cortes informed his majesty of his
+proceedings with regard to the conversion of the natives, and
+rebuilding the city of Mexico; and also of the conduct of De Oli,
+whom he had sent to reduce the province of Higueras, but who had
+deserted and joined the party of Velasquez, on which account he
+had resolved to send a force to reduce him to obedience. He
+complained also of the proceedings of Velasquez, to the great
+injury of his majesties service, and of the partiality which had
+been shewn by the bishop of Burgos. At this time likewise, he
+remitted 30,000 crowns in gold to the royal treasury, lamenting
+the injurious effects of the proceedings of Velasquez and the
+bishop, which had prevented him from making a much larger
+contribution. He complained also against the contador, Rodrigo de
+Albornos, who had aspersed him from private pique, because he had
+refused to give him in marriage the daughter of the prince of
+Tezcuco; and that he understood Albornos corresponded in cyphers
+with the bishop of Burgos. Cortes had not yet learnt that the
+bishop was removed from the management of the affairs of the
+Indies. By the same ship, Albornos sent home accusations against
+Cortes; charging him with the levy of exorbitant contributions in
+gold for his own use; fortifying castles to defend himself, and
+marrying his private soldiers to the daughters of the native
+lords: insinuating that Cortes was endeavouring to set himself up
+as an independent king, and that it was highly necessary to send
+out an able officer with a great force to supersede him. The
+bishop of Burgos laid these letters before the whole junto of the
+enemies of Cortes, who immediately produced this new accusation
+to the emperor, complaining of the partial favour which had been
+shewn him on former occasions. Deceived by these
+misrepresentations, which were enforced by Narvaez, his majesty
+issued an order to the admiral of Hispaniola, to go with six
+hundred soldiers to arrest Cortes, and to make him answer with
+his head if found guilty; as also to punish all of us who had
+been concerned in attacking Narvaez. As an encouragement, this
+officer was promised the admiralty of New Spain, the right to
+which was then under litigation. Either from want of money, or
+because he was afraid of committing himself against so able and
+successful a commander, the admiral delayed his expedition so
+long, that the friends and agents of Cortes had time to make a
+full explanation of all the circumstances to the Duke of Bejar,
+who immediately represented a true statement of the case to the
+emperor, and offered to pledge his own life in security for the
+loyalty of Cortes. Being on due consideration quite satisfied of
+the justice of our cause, his majesty determined to send out a
+person of high quality and good character to hold a supreme court
+of justice in New Spain. The person chosen for this purpose was
+Luis Ponce de Leon, cousin to Don Martin, Count of Cordova; whom
+his majesty entrusted to inquire into the conduct of Cortes, with
+full power to inflict capital punishment if guilty. But it was
+two years and a half before this gentleman arrived in New
+Spain.</p>
+
+<p>I now go beyond the date of my narrative to inform my readers
+of a circumstance which happened during the viceroyalty of that
+illustrious nobleman, Don Antonio de Mendoza, worthy of eternal
+memory and heavenly glory for his wise and just government.
+Albornos wrote malignant and slanderous letters against him, as
+he had before done of Cortes, which letters were all sent back
+from Spain to Don Antonio. When he had read all the gross abuse
+which they contained, he sent for Albornos, to whom he shewed his
+own letters; saying mildly, in his usual slow manner, "When you
+are pleased to make me the subject of your letters to his
+majesty, remember always in future to tell the truth."</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XX.</p>
+
+<p><i>Narrative of the Expedition of Cortes to Higueras</i>.</p>
+
+<p>I have formerly mentioned the revolt of De Oli. Cortes was
+much distressed on receiving this intelligence, and immediately
+sent off his relation, Francisco de las Casas, with five ships
+and a hundred well appointed soldiers, among whom were some of
+the veteran conquerors of Mexico, with orders to reduce De Oli.
+Las Casas soon arrived at the bay of Triumpho de la Cruz, where
+De Oli had established his head-quarters; and though Las Casas
+hoisted a signal of peace, De Oli determined on resistance, and
+sent a number of soldiers in two armed vessels to oppose Las
+Casas, who ordered out his boats armed with swivels and musquetry
+to attack those belonging to De Oli. In this affair Las Casas was
+successful, as he sunk one of the vessels belonging to De Oli,
+killed four of his soldiers, and wounded a great number. On this
+misfortune, and because a considerable number of his soldiers
+were on a detached service in the inland country, for the purpose
+of reducing a party of Spaniards under Gil Gonzalez de Avila, who
+was employed in making conquests on the river Pechin, De Oli
+thought it advisable to propose terms of peace to Las Casas, in
+hopes that his detachment might return to his assistance. Las
+Casas unfortunately agreed to treat, and remained at sea; partly
+for the purpose of finding some better place of disembarkation,
+and partly induced by letters from the friends of Cortes who were
+along with De Oli. That same night a heavy storm arose, by which
+the vessels of Las Casas were driven on shore and utterly lost,
+and above thirty of the soldiers perished. All the rest were made
+prisoners two days afterwards, having been all that time on shore
+without food, and almost perished with cold, as it was the season
+of almost incessant rain. De Oli obliged all his prisoners to
+swear fidelity to him against Cortes, and then released them all
+except Las Casas.</p>
+
+<p>The party which he sent against De Avila returned about this
+time, having been successful in their errand. Avila had gone with
+a party to reduce the country about the <i>Golfe Dolce</i>, and
+had founded a settlement to which he gave the name of <i>St Gil
+de buena vista</i>; and the troops sent against him, after
+killing his nephew and eight of his soldiers, made himself and
+all the rest prisoners. De Oli was now much elated by his
+success, in having made two captains belonging to Cortes
+prisoners, and sent off a full account of his exploits to his
+friend Velasquez. He afterwards marched up the country to a place
+called Naco in a very populous district, which is all now laid
+waste. While here, he sent off various detachments in different
+directions, among which one was commanded by Briones, who had
+first instigated him to revolt; bat Briones now revolted from him
+in his turn, and marched off with all his men for New Spain. He
+was a seditious fellow, who had on some former occasion had the
+lower part of his ears cut off, which he used to say had been
+done for refusing to surrender in some fortress or other. He was
+afterwards hanged at Guatimala for mutiny.</p>
+
+<p>De Oli was personally brave but imprudent, and permitted Las
+Casas and Avila to be at large, disdaining to be under any
+apprehensions from them; but they concerted a plan with some of
+the soldiers for putting him to death. Las Casas one day asked
+him, as if half in jest, for liberty to return to Cortes; but De
+Oli said he was too happy to have the company of so brave a man,
+and could not part with him. "Then" said Las Casas, "I advise you
+to take care of me, for I shall kill you one of these days". De
+Oli considered this as a joke, but measures were actually
+concerted for the purpose; and one night after supper, when the
+servants and pages had withdrawn to their own apartment, Las
+Casas, Avila, Juan de Mercado, and some other soldiers attached
+to Cortes, suddenly drew out their penknives and fell upon De
+Oli. Las Casas seized him by the beard, and made a cut at his
+throat, and the rest gave him several wounds; but being strong
+and active, he escaped from their hands, calling loudly to his
+people for assistance, but they were all too busy at their
+suppers to hear him. He then fled and concealed himself among
+some bushes, calling out for assistance, and many of his people
+turned out for that purpose; but Las Casas called upon them to
+rally on the side of the king and his general Cortes, which after
+some hesitation they consented to. De Oli was made prisoner by
+the two captains, who shortly afterwards sentenced him to be
+beheaded, which was carried into execution in the town of Naco.
+He was a brave man, but of no foresight, and thus paid with his
+life for following evil counsels. He had received many favours
+from Cortes, having valuable estates, and the commission of
+<i>Maestre de Campo</i>. His lady, Donna Philippa de Aranja, was
+a Portuguese, by whom he had one daughter. Las Casas and Avila
+now joined their troops together, and acted in concert as
+captains under Cortes. Las Casas colonized Truzilo in New
+Estremadura. Avila sent orders to his lieutenant in Buena Vista
+to remain in charge of that establishment, promising to send him
+a reinforcement as soon as possible, for which purpose he meant
+to go to Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>Some months after the departure of Las Casas, Cortes became
+afraid of some disaster, and repented that he had not gone
+himself on the expedition, and now resolved to go himself, that
+he might examine the state of the country and the mines it was
+said to contain. He left a good garrison in Mexico, and appointed
+Alonzo de Estrada and Albornos, the treasurer and contador, to
+carry on the government in his absence, with strict injunctions
+to pay every attention to the interest of his majesty, and
+recommended to Motolinca and Olmedo to labour incessantly in
+converting the natives. On purpose to deprive the Mexicans of
+chiefs during his absence, he took along with him Guatimotzin the
+late king of Mexico, the prince of Tacuba, an Indian now named
+Velasquez, who had been a captain under Guatimotzin, and several
+other caciques of consequence. We had along with us Fra Juan de
+las Varillas, and several other good theologians to preach to the
+Indians, as also the captains Sandoval and Marin and many other
+cavaliers. On this occasion, Cortes, was attended by a splendid
+personal suit; such as a steward, paymaster, keeper of the plate,
+a major-domo, two stewards of the household, a butler,
+confectioner, physician, surgeon a number of pages, among whom
+was Francisco de Montejo, who was afterwards captain in Yutucan,
+two armour-bearers, eight grooms, two falconers, five musicians,
+a stage-dancer, a juggler and puppet-master, a master of the
+horse, and three Spanish muleteers. A great service of gold and
+silver plate accompanied the march, and a large drove of swine
+for the use of the table. Three thousand Mexican warriors
+attended their own chiefs, and a numerous train of domestic
+servants.</p>
+
+<p>When about to set out, the factor Salazar and veedor Chirinos,
+remonstrated with Cortes on the danger of leaving the seat of
+government; but finding him determined, they asked permission to
+accompany him to Coatzacualco, which he agreed to. Cortes was
+received in all the places on his way with much pomp and many
+rejoicings; and above fifty soldiers and straggling travellers
+newly arrived from Spain, joined us on the road. During the march
+to Coatzacualco, Cortes divided his troops into two detachments,
+for the convenience of quarters and provisions. While on the
+march, a marriage took place at the town of Ojeda near Orizava,
+between our linguist Donna Marina and Juan Xaramillo. As soon as
+the advance of Cortes to Guazpaltepec in the district of Sandoval
+was known at Coatzacualco, all the Spaniards of that settlement
+went above thirty leagues to meet him; in so much respect and awe
+was he held by us all. In proceeding beyond Guazpaltepec fortune
+began to frown upon us, as in passing a large river three of our
+canoes overset, by which some plate and other valuables were
+lost, and nothing could be recovered as the river swarmed with
+alligators. At Coatzacualco three hundred canoes were prepared
+for crossing the river, fastened two and two together to prevent
+oversetting, and we were here received under triumphal arches,
+with various festivities, such as mock skirmishes between
+Christian's and Moors, fireworks, and the like. Cortes remained
+six days at Coatzacualco, where the factor and veedor prevailed
+on Cortes to give them a commission to assume the government of
+Mexico in case they should judge that the present deputies failed
+in their duty. This measure occasioned much trouble afterwards in
+Mexico, as I shall explain hereafter; but these two associates
+took their leaves at this place, with much pretended tenderness
+and affection for the general, even affecting to sob and cry at
+parting.</p>
+
+<p>From Coatzacualco, Cortes sent orders to Simon de Cucena, one
+of his major-domos, to freight two light vessels at Villa Rica
+with biscuit made of maize flour, as there was then no wheat in
+Mexico, wine, oil, vinegar, pork, iron, and other necessaries,
+and to proceed with them along the coast till he had farther
+directions. Cortes now gave orders for all the settlers of
+Coatzacualco who were fit for duty, to join the expedition. This
+was a severe disappointment to us, as our colony was composed of
+most of the respectable hildagos, the veteran conquerors, who
+expected to have been allowed to enjoy our hard earned houses and
+lands in peace, instead of which we were obliged to undertake an
+arduous expedition of five hundred leagues, which took us up
+above two years and a half of infinite fatigues. We had nothing
+for it but compliance, so that we armed ourselves and mounted our
+horses; being in all above 250 veterans, 130 of whom were
+cavalry, besides many soldiers newly arrived from Old Spain. I
+was immediately dispatched at the head of 30 Spaniards and 3000
+Mexicans, to reduce the district of Cimatan, which was then in
+rebellion. My orders were, if I found the natives submissive, I
+was merely to quarter my troops on the natives, and do them no
+farther injury. But, if refractory, they were to be summoned
+three times in presence of a royal notary and proper witnesses,
+after which, if they still persisted in rebellion, I was to make
+war on them and compel them to submit. The people received me in
+a peaceable manner, for which reason I marched on with my
+detachment to rejoin Cortes at Iquinapa. In consequence of the
+veterans being withdrawn from Coatzacualco, these people revolted
+again in a few months after. After I left him, the general
+proceeded with the rest of his troops to Tonala, crossing the
+river Aquacualco, and another river seven leagues from an arm of
+the sea, by a bridge a quarter of a league in length, which was
+constructed by the natives under the direction of two Spanish
+settlers of Coatzacualco. The army then proceeded to the large
+river Mazapa, called by seamen <i>Rio de dos bocas</i>, or
+Two-mouth river, which flows past Chiapa. Crossing this by means
+of double canoes, they proceeded through several villages to
+Iquinapa, where my detachment rejoined the army. Crossing another
+river and an arm of the sea, on wooden bridges, we came to a
+large town named Copilco, where the province of Chontalpa begins;
+a populous district, full of plantations of cacoa, which we found
+perfectly peaceable. From thence we marched by Nicaxuxica and
+Zagutan, passing another river, in which the general lost some
+part of his baggage. We found Zagutan in peace, yet the
+inhabitants fled during the night; on which Cortes ordered
+parties out into the woods to make prisoners. Seven chiefs and
+some others were taken, but they all escaped from us again in the
+night, and left us without guides. At this place fifty canoes
+arrived at our quarters from Tabasco, loaded with provisions, and
+some also from Teapan, a place in my encomienda.</p>
+
+<p>From Zagutan, we continued our march to Tepetitan, crossing a
+large river called Chilapa, where we were detained four days
+making barks. I here proposed sending five of our Indian guides
+to a town of the same name, which I understood was on the banks
+of this river, in order to desire the inhabitants to send their
+canoes to our assistance; which was accordingly done, and they
+sent us six large canoes and some provisions: Yet with all the
+aid we could procure, it took us four days to pass this river.
+From thence we went to Tepetitan, which was depopulated and burnt
+in consequence of a civil war. For three days of our march from
+the river Chilapa, our horses were almost constantly up to their
+bellies in the marshy grounds, and when we reached a place called
+Iztapa, it was found abandoned by the inhabitants; but several
+chiefs and others were brought in, who were treated kindly, and
+made the general some trifling presents of gold. As this place
+abounded in corn and grass, we halted three days to refresh the
+men and horses, and it was considered by Cortes as a good
+situation for a colony, being surrounded by a number of towns,
+which might serve as dependencies. Cortes received information
+from some travelling merchants at this place concerning the
+country he had to pass through, produced to them a map painted on
+cloth, representing the road to <i>Huy-Acala</i>, which signifies
+<i>great</i> Acala, there being another place of the same name.
+According to them, the way was much intersected by rivers, as, to
+reach a place named Tamaztepec, three days journey from Iztapa,
+there were three rivers and an arm of the sea to cross. In
+consequence of this intelligence, the general sent orders to the
+chiefs to provide canoes and construct bridges at the proper
+places, but neither of these things were done. Instead of three
+days, our march occupied us for a whole week; but the natives
+succeeded in getting quit of us, and we set out with only
+provisions of roasted maize and roots for three days, so that we
+were reduced to great straits, having nothing to eat but a wild
+plant called <i>quexquexque</i>, which inflamed our mouths. We
+were obliged to construct bridges of timber, at which every one
+had to labour from the general downwards; which detained us for
+three days. When we had crossed the last inlet, we were obliged
+to open a way through the woods with infinite labour, and after
+toiling in this manner for two days we were almost in despair.
+The trees were so thick that we could not see the sun; and on
+climbing to the top of one of the trees, we could not discover
+any thing but a continuation of the same impervious forest. Two
+of our guides had fled, and the only one who remained was utterly
+ignorant of the country. The resources of Cortes were quite
+inexhaustible, as he guided our way by a mariners compass,
+assisted by his Indian map, according to which the town of
+<i>Huy-acala</i> of which we were in search, lay to the east; but
+even he acknowledged that he knew not what might become of us, if
+we were one day longer of finding it out.</p>
+
+<p>We who were of the advanced guard fortunately at this time
+fell in with the remains of some trees which had been formerly
+cut, and a small lane or path, which seemed to lead towards a
+town or village. The pilot Lopez and I returned to the main body
+with intelligence of this happy discovery, which revived the
+spirits of our whole army. We accordingly made all possible haste
+in that direction, and soon came to a river, on the opposite side
+of which we found a village named Tamaztepec, where, though
+abandoned by the inhabitants, we found plenty of provisions for
+ourselves and horses. Parties were immediately sent out in search
+of the natives, who soon brought back many chiefs and priests who
+were well treated, and both supplied us plentifully with
+provisions, and pointed out our road to Izguantepec, which was
+three days journey, or sixteen leagues from the town where we now
+were. During our journey to this place, our stage-dancer and
+three of the new come Spaniards died of fatigue, and many of the
+Mexicans had been left behind to perish. We discovered likewise
+that some of the Mexican chiefs who accompanied us, had seized
+some of the natives of the places through which we passed, and
+had eaten them to appease their hunger. Cortes very severely
+reprimanded all who had been concerned in this barbarous deed,
+and one of our friars preached a holy sermon on the occasion;
+after which, as an example to deter our allies from this practice
+in future, the general caused one against whom this crime had
+been most clearly proved, to be burnt. All had been equally
+guilty, but one example was deemed sufficient on the present
+occasion. Our poor musicians felt severely the want of the feasts
+they had been used to in Spain, and their harmony was now stopt,
+except one fellow; but the soldiers used to curse him, saying
+they wanted maize not music. It may be asked, how we did not lay
+our hands on the herd of swine belonging to Cortes in our present
+state of starvation? But these were out of sight, and the steward
+alleged they had been devoured by the alligators on passing one
+of the rivers: In reality, they were artfully kept four days
+march behind the army. During our route, we used to carve crosses
+on the bark of trees, with inscriptions bearing, that Cortes and
+his army had passed this way at such and such a time.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians of Tamaztepec sent a message to Izguantepec, our
+next station, to inform the inhabitants, and that they might not
+be alarmed at our approach: They also deputed twenty of their
+number to attend us to that place as guides. After our arrival at
+Izguantepec, Cortes was curious to know the course of a large
+river which flowed past that place, and was informed that it
+discharged itself into the sea near two towns named Guegatasta
+and Xicolanga; from which he judged that this might be a
+convenient way in which to send for information concerning his
+ships under Cuen&ccedil;a whom he had ordered to wait his orders
+on that part of the coast. He accordingly sent off two Spaniards
+on that errand, to one of whom, Francisco de Medina, he gave an
+order to act as joint commander along with Simon Cuen&ccedil;a.
+Medina was a man of dilligence and abilities, and well acquainted
+with the country; but the commission he carried proved most
+unfortunate in its consequences. He found the ships waiting at
+Xicolanga, and on presenting his authority as joint captain, a
+dispute arose between him and Cuen&ccedil;a as to which of them
+should have the chief command. Each was supported by a party, and
+had recourse to arms, in which all the Spaniards were slain
+except eight. The neighbouring Indians fell upon the survivors,
+and put them all to death; after which they plundered the ships
+and then destroyed them. It was two years and a half after this,
+before we knew what had become of the ships.</p>
+
+<p>We now learnt that the town of Huy-acala was three days march
+distant from our present quarters, and that the way lay across
+some deep rivers and trembling marshes. Two soldiers were sent on
+by Cortes to examine the route, who reported on their return that
+the rivers were passable by means of timber bridges, but as for
+the marshes, which were more material to know, they were beyond
+the rivers and had not been examined. Cortes sent me in the next
+place, along with one Gonzalo de Mexia and some Indian guides,
+with orders to go forward to Huy-acala to procure provisions,
+with which we were to meet him on the road. But our guides
+deserted us the first night, on account of the two nations being
+at war, and we were forced to rely entirely on ourselves for the
+remainder of the journey. On our arrival at the first town
+belonging to the district of Huy-acala, which has the supreme
+command over twenty other towns, the inhabitants seemed very
+jealous of us at first, but were soon reconciled. This district
+is much intersected by rivers, lakes, and marshes, and some of
+the dependent towns are situated in islands, the general
+communication being by means of canoes. We invited the chiefs to
+accompany us back to Cortes; but they declined this, because
+their nation was at war with the people of Izguantepec. It would
+appear that at our arrival they had no idea of the force of our
+army under Cortes; but, having received more accurate
+intelligence concerning it next day, they treated us with much
+deference, and promised that they would provide every
+accommodation for our army on its arrival. While still
+conversing, two other Spaniards came up to me with letters from
+Cortes, in which he ordered me to meet him within three days with
+all the provisions I could possibly collect; as the Indians of
+Izguantepec had all deserted him, and he was now on his march for
+Huy-acala entirely destitute of necessaries. These Spaniards also
+informed me, that four soldiers who had been detached farther up
+the river had not returned, and were supposed to have been
+murdered, which we learnt afterwards was the case. In pursuing
+his march, Cortes had been four days occupied in constructing a
+bridge over the great river, during which time the army suffered
+excessive famine, as they had come from their last quarters
+without provisions, owing to the desertion of the natives. Some
+of the old soldiers cut down certain trees resembling palms, by
+which means they procured nuts which they roasted and eat; but
+this proved a miserable recourse for so great a number. On the
+night that the bridge was completed, I arrived with 130 loads of
+provisions, consisting of corn, honey, fruit, salt, and fowls. It
+was then dark, and Cortes had mentioned his expectation of my
+arrival with provisions, in consequence of which, the soldiers
+waited for me and seized every thing I had, not leaving any thing
+for Cortes and the other officers. It was all in vain that the
+major-domo cried out, "this is for the general;" for the soldiers
+said the general and his officers had been eating their hogs,
+while they were starving, and neither threats nor entreaties
+could prevail on them to leave him a single load of corn. Cortes
+lost all patience, and swore he would punish those who had seized
+the provisions and spoken about the hogs; but he soon saw that it
+was better to be quiet. He then blamed me; but I told him he
+ought to have placed a guard to receive the provisions, as hunger
+knows no law. Seeing there was no remedy, Cortes, who was
+accompanied by Sandoval, addressed me as follows: "My dear
+friend, I am sure you must have something in reserve for yourself
+and your friend Sandoval, pray take us along with you that we may
+partake." Sandoval also assured me that he had not a single
+handful of maize. "Well," said I, "gentlemen, come to me when the
+soldiers are asleep, and you shall partake of what I had provided
+for myself and my companions." They both thanked and embraced me,
+and so we escaped famine for this bout, as I had with me twelve
+loads of maize, twenty fowls, three jars of honey, and some fruit
+and salt. Cortes made inquiry as to how the reverend fathers had
+fared; but they were well off, as every soldier gave them a share
+of what they had procured. Such are the hardships of military
+expeditions in unexplored countries. Feared as he was by the
+soldiers, our general was pillaged of his provisions, and in
+danger of starving, and both he and captain Sandoval were
+indebted to me for their rations.</p>
+
+<p>On continuing our march from the river for about a league, we
+came to the trembling marshes, where our horses had all been
+nearly destroyed; but the distance across did not exceed half a
+bowshot, between the firm ground on either side, and we got them
+through by main force. When we were all safe over, and had given
+thanks to God for our safety, Cortes sent on to Huy-acala for a
+fresh supply of provisions, and took care not to have these
+plundered like the former; and on the ensuing day, our whole army
+arrived early at Huy-acala, where the chiefs had made ample
+preparation for our reception. Having used every proper means to
+conciliate the chiefs of this nation, Cortes inquired from them
+as to the country we had still to march through, and whether they
+had heard of any ships being on the coast, or of any Europeans
+being settled in the country. He was informed, that at the
+distance of eight days journey, there were many men having beards
+like ourselves, who had horses and three ships. They also gave
+the general a map of the route, and offered every assistance in
+their power; but when asked to clear the road, they represented
+that some of their dependent districts had revolted, and
+requested our assistance to reduce them to obedience. This duty
+was committed to Diego de Mazariegos, a relation of the treasurer
+de Estrada, as a compliment to him, and Cortes desired me in
+private to accompany him as his counsellor, being experienced in
+the affairs of this country. I do not mention this circumstance,
+which is known to the whole army, by way of boast, but as my duty
+of historian requires it of me, and indeed his majesty was
+informed of it, in the letters which were written to him by
+Cortes. About eighty of us went on this occasion along with
+Mazariegos, and had the good fortune to find the district in the
+best disposition. The chiefs returned with us to Cortes, and
+brought a most abundant supply of provisions along with them. In
+about four days, however, all the chiefs deserted us, and we were
+left with only three guides to pursue our march, as well as we
+could. After crossing two rivers, we came to another town in the
+district of Huy-acala, which was abandoned by the inhabitants,
+but in which we took up our quarters.</p>
+
+<p>In this place, Guatimotzin, the last king of the Mexicans,
+closed his unhappy career. It appeared that a plot had been
+concerted by this unfortunate monarch with many of the Mexican
+nobles who accompanied him, to endeavour to cut off the
+Spaniards; after which they proposed to make the best of their
+way back to Mexico, where, collecting all the forces of the
+natives, they hoped to be able to overpower the Spanish garrison.
+This conspiracy was revealed to Cortes by two Mexican nobles who
+had commanded under Guatimotzin during the siege, and who had
+been baptized by the names of Tapia and Velasquez. On receiving
+this intelligence, Cortes immediately took the judicial
+informations of these two and of several others who were
+concerned in the plot; from which it was learnt, that the
+Mexicans, observing that we marched in a careless manner, that
+discontent prevailed among our troops, many of whom were sick,
+that ten of our Spanish soldiers had died of hunger, and several
+had returned towards Mexico, and considering also the uncertainty
+of the fate of the expedition and the miseries they endured from
+scarcity of provisions, they had come to the resolution of
+falling upon us at the passage of some river or marsh, being
+encouraged by their numbers, which exceeded 3000 well armed men,
+and thinking it preferable to die at once than to encounter the
+perpetual miseries they now endured by accompanying us in this
+wilderness. Guatimotzin acknowledged that he had heard of this
+proposal, which he never approved of, declaring that he did not
+believe it would ever have been attempted, and anxiously denied
+that the whole of the Mexican force had concurred in the plot.
+His cousin, the prince of Tacuba, declared that all which had
+ever passed on the subject, between him and Guatimotzin, was,
+that they had often expressed their opinion, that it would be
+better to lose their lives at once like brave men, than to suffer
+in the manner they did by hunger and fatigue, and to witness the
+intolerable distresses of their friends and subjects who
+accompanied them. On those scanty proofs, Cortes sentenced
+Guatimotzin and the prince of Tacuba to be immediately hanged;
+and when the preparations were made for the execution, they were
+led forth to the place attended by the reverend fathers, who did
+their utmost to console them in their last moments. Before his
+execution, Guatimotzin addressed Cortes to the following effect:
+"<i>Malintzin</i>! I now see that your false words and flattering
+promises have ended in my death. It had been better to have
+fallen by my own hands, than to have trusted myself to your
+power. You take away my life unjustly, and may God demand of you
+my innocent blood." The prince of Tacuba only said, that he was
+happy to die along with his beloved sovereign. Thus did these two
+great men end their lives, and, for Indians, most piously and
+like good Christians. I lamented them both sincerely, having seen
+them in their greatness. They always treated me kindly on this
+march, giving me Indians to procure grass for my horse, and doing
+me many services. To me and all of us, their sentence appeared
+cruel and unjust, and their deaths most undeserved.</p>
+
+<p>After this, we continued our march with much circumspection,
+being apprehensive of a mutiny among the Mexican troops in
+revenge for the execution of their chiefs; but these poor
+creatures were so exhausted by famine, sickness, and fatigue,
+that they did not seem even to have bestowed a thought on the
+matter. At night we came to a deserted village; but on searching
+we found eight priests, whom we brought to Cortes. He desired
+them to recal the inhabitants, which they readily promised,
+requesting him not to injure their idols in a temple close to
+some buildings in which Cortes was quartered, which he agreed to,
+yet expostulated with them on the absurdity of worshipping
+compositions of clay and wood. They seemed as if it would have
+been easy to induce them to embrace the doctrines of our holy
+faith; and soon brought us twenty loads of fowls and maize. On
+being examined by Cortes about the bearded men with horses, they
+said that these people dwelt at a place called <i>Nito</i>, at
+the distance of seven suns, or days journey from their village,
+and offered to guide us to that place. At this time Cortes was
+exceedingly sad and ill-humoured, being fretted by the
+difficulties and misfortunes of his march, and his conscience
+upbraided him for the cruelty he had committed upon the
+unfortunate king of Mexico. He was so distracted by these
+reflections, that he could not sleep, and used to walk about at
+night, as a relief for his anxious thoughts. Going in the dark to
+walk in a large apartment which contained some of the Indian
+idols, he missed his way and fell from a height of twelve feet,
+by which he received a severe contused wound in his head. He
+endeavoured to conceal this circumstance from general knowledge,
+and got his wounds cured as well as he could, keeping his
+sufferings to himself.</p>
+
+<p>After leaving this place, we came in two days to a district
+inhabited by a nation called the <i>Mazotecas</i>, where we found
+a newly built town, fortified by two circular enclosures of
+pallisades, one of which was like a barbican, having loop-holes
+to shoot through, and was strengthened by ditches. Another part
+of the town was inaccessible, being on the summit of a
+perpendicular rock, on the top of which the natives had collected
+great quantities of stones for their defence. And a third quarter
+of the town was defended by an impassable morass. Yet after all
+these defensive preparations, we were astonished to find the town
+entirely abandoned, though every house was full of the different
+kinds of provisions which the country afforded, besides which it
+had a magazine stocked with arms of all sorts. While we were
+expressing our astonishment at these circumstances, fifteen
+Indians came out of the morass in the most submissive manner, and
+told us that they had been forced to the construction of this
+fortress as their last resort, in an unsuccessful war with a
+neighbouring nation, called the <i>Lazandones</i> as far as I can
+now remember. They brought back the inhabitants, whom we treated
+with kindness, and from whom we received farther information,
+respecting, the Spanish settlement, to which two of the natives
+of this place undertook to shew us the way. From this place we
+entered upon vast open plains, in which not a tree was to be
+seen, and in which innumerable herds of deer were feeding, which
+were so tame as almost to come up to us. Our horsemen, therefore,
+easily took as many as they pleased, and we found that the
+Indians never disturbed them, considering them as a kind of
+divinities, and had even been commanded by their idols, or
+priests rather in their name, neither to kill or frighten these
+animals. The heat of the weather was now so excessive that
+Palacios Rubios, a relation of Cortes, lost his horse by pursuing
+the deer. We continued our march along this open campaign
+country, passing several villages where the destructive ravages
+of war were distinctly perceivable. On one occasion we met some
+Indians on their return from hunting, who had along with them a
+huge <i>lion</i>[1] just killed, and several <i>iguanas</i>[2], a
+species of small serpent very good to eat. These people shewed us
+the way to their town, to which we had to wade up to our middles
+through a lake of fresh water by which it was surrounded. This
+lake was quite full of fish, resembling shads, but enormously
+large, with prickles on their backs; and having procured some
+nets, we took above a thousand of them, which gave us a plentiful
+supply. On inquiry, five of the natives of this place engaged to
+guide us to the settlement of our countrymen; and they were glad
+to get so easily rid of us, as they were apprehensive we had come
+to put them all to death.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] The true lion, Felis leo, is only found in the
+old world, chiefly in Africa and the south of Persia. The
+American lion, or <i>puma</i>, the Felis concolor of naturalists,
+is considerably less than the true lion, being about the size of
+a large wolf, of a lively red colour tinged with black, but
+without spots. It climbs trees, whence it drops down by surprise
+on animals passing below; and though fierce and cunning, hardly
+ever ventures to attack mankind.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] The iguana, instead of being a <i>serpent</i>, is
+a large species of <i>lizard</i>, the Lacerta iguana of
+naturalists. It abounds in all the warm and marshy parts of
+America, and is reckoned excellent eating.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Leaving this place, we proceeded to a town named
+<i>Tayasal</i>, situated on an island in a river, the white
+temples, towers, and houses, of which place, glistened from a
+distance. As the road now became very narrow, we thought proper
+to halt here for the night, having in the first place detached
+some soldiers to the river to look out for a passage. They were
+so fortunate as to take two canoes, containing ten men and two
+women, who were conveying a cargo of maize and salt. Being
+brought to Cortes, they informed him that they belonged to a town
+about four leagues farther on. Our general detained one of the
+canoes and some of the people, and sent two Spaniards along with
+the rest in the other canoe, to desire the cacique of that town
+to send him canoes to enable us to cross the river. Next morning,
+we all marched down to the river, where we found the cacique
+waiting for us, who invited the general to his place of
+residence. Cortes accordingly embarked with an escort of thirty
+crossbows, and was presented on his arrival at the town with a
+few toys of gold very much alloyed, and a small number of
+mantles. They informed him that they knew of Spaniards being at
+three different places, which were Nito, Buena Vista, and Naco,
+the last being ten days journey inland from Nito, and where the
+greater number of the Spaniards resided, Nito being on the coast.
+On hearing this, Cortes observed to us that De Oli had probably
+divided his forces, as we knew nothing as yet respecting Gil
+Gonzalo de Avila, or Las Casas.</p>
+
+<p>Our whole army now crossed the river, and halted about two
+leagues from it, waiting the return of Cortes. At this place,
+three Spanish soldiers, two Indians, and a Negro deserted;
+preferring to take their chance among the unknown natives of the
+country, to a continuance of the fatigues and dangers they had
+experienced. This day likewise, I had a stroke of the sun, which
+occasioned a burning fever or calenture. At this period the
+weather changed, and for three days and nights it rained
+incessantly; yet we had to continue our march, lest our
+provisions might fail. After two days march we came to a ridge of
+rocky hills, which we named the <i>Sierra de los Pedernales</i>,
+the stones of which were as sharp as knives. Several soldiers
+were sent a league on each side of this bad pass in search of a
+better road, but to no purpose, so that we were forced to
+proceed. Our horses fell at every step, and the farther we
+advanced it grew the worse, insomuch that we lost eight horses,
+and all the rest were so lamed that they could not keep up with
+us. After getting over this shocking pass, we advanced towards a
+town called <i>Taica</i>, where we expected to procure provisions
+in abundance; but to our great mortification were unexpectedly
+stopped by a prodigious torrent, so swelled by the late heavy
+rains that it was quite impassable, and made such a noise in
+tumbling over its rocky bed that it might have been heard at the
+distance of two leagues. We had to stop here for three complete
+days to construct a bridge between the precipitous banks of this
+river; in consequence of which delay the people of Taica had
+abandoned their town, removing all their provisions out of our
+reach. We were all miserably disappointed at this event, finding
+that hunger was to be our portion after all our fatigues. After
+sending out his servants in every direction, Cortes was only able
+to procure about a bushel of maize. He then called together the
+colonists of Coatzacualco, and earnestly solicited us to use our
+utmost endeavours to procure supplies. Pedro de Ircio requested
+to have the command on this occasion, to which Cortes assented:
+But as I knew Ircio to be a better prater than marcher, I
+whispered to Cortes and Sandoval to prevent him from going, as he
+was a duck-legged fellow, who could not get through the miry
+ground, and would only interrupt us in our search. Cortes
+accordingly ordered him to remain, and five of us set out with
+two Indian guides across rivers and marshes, and came at length
+to some Indian houses where we found provisions in abundance. We
+here made some prisoners, and with their fruit, fowls, and corn,
+we celebrated the feast of the Resurrection to our great
+contentment. That same night we were joined by a thousand
+Mexicans, who had been sent after us, whom we loaded with all the
+corn we could procure, and twenty fowls for Cortes and Sandoval,
+after which there still remained some corn in the town, which we
+remained to guard. We advanced next day to some other villages,
+where we found corn in abundance, and wrote a billet to Cortes
+desiring him to send all the Indians he could spare to carry it
+to the army. Thirty soldiers and about five hundred Indians
+arrived in a short time, and we amply provided for the wants of
+the army during the five days it remained at Taica. I may observe
+here, that the bridges which we constructed on this march
+continued good for many years; and the Spaniards, when they
+travelled this way, used to say, "These are the bridges of
+Cortes."</p>
+
+<p>After resting five days at Taica, we continued our march for
+two days to a place called Tania, through a country everywhere
+intersected by marshes, rivers, and rivulets, all the towns being
+abandoned and the provisions carried away; and, to add to our
+misfortunes, our guides made their escape during the night, being
+entrusted, as I suppose, to some of the newly arrived Spaniards,
+who used to sleep on their posts. We were thus left in a
+difficult country, and did not know which way to go; besides
+which heavy rains fell without ceasing. Cortes was very much out
+of humour, and observed among his officers, that he wished some
+others besides the Coatzacualco settlers would bestir themselves
+in search of guides. Pedro de Ircio, a man of quality named
+Marmolejo, and Burgales, who was afterwards regidor of Mexico,
+offered their services, and taking each of them six soldiers,
+were out three days in search of Indians, but all returned
+without success, having met with nothing but rivers, marshes, and
+obstructions. Cortes was quite in despair, and desired Sandoval
+to ask me as a favour to undertake the business. Though ill, I
+could not refuse when applied to in this manner; wherefore,
+taking two friends along with me who could endure fatigue, we set
+out following the course of a stream, and soon found a way to
+some houses, by observing marks of boughs having been cut.
+Following these marks, we came in sight of a village surrounded
+by fields of corn; but we remained concealed till we thought the
+people were asleep, and taking the inhabitants by surprise, we
+secured three men, two very handsome Indian girls, and an old
+woman, with a few fowls and a small quantity of maize. On
+bringing our prize to head-quarters, Sandoval was quite
+overjoyed. "Now," said he to Pedro de Ircio in the presence of
+Cortes, "was not Castillo in the right, when he refused to take
+hobbling people along with him, who tell old stories of the
+adventures of the Conde de Urena and his son Don Pedro Giron?"
+All who were present laughed heartily at this sally, as Ircio
+used to pester us with these stories continually, and Sandoval
+knew that Ircio and I were not on friendly terms. Cortes paid me
+many compliments on this occasion, and thanked me for my good
+service. But what is praise more than emptiness, and what does it
+profit me that Cortes said he relied on me, next to God, for
+procuring guides? We learnt from the prisoners that it was
+necessary to descend the river for two days march, when we would
+come to a town of two hundred houses, called <i>Oculiztli</i>;
+which he did accordingly, passing some large buildings where the
+travelling Indian merchants used to stop on their journeys. At
+the close of the second day we came to Oculiztli, where we got
+plenty of provisions, and in one of the temples we found an old
+red cap and a sandal, which had been placed there as offerings to
+the idols. Some of our soldiers brought two old men and four
+women to Cortes, who told him that the Spanish settlement was on
+the seaside two days journey from this place, with no intervening
+towns. Cortes therefore gave orders to Sandoval to set out
+immediately with six soldiers for the coast, to ascertain what
+number of men De Oli had with him, as he meant to fall upon him
+by surprise, being quite ignorant of the revolution which had
+happened in this quarter.</p>
+
+<p>Sandoval set out accordingly with three guides, and on
+reaching the sea shore, he soon perceived a canoe; and concealing
+himself where he expected it might anchor for the night, was
+fortunate enough to get possession of the canoe; which belonged
+to some Indian merchants who were carrying salt to <i>Golfo
+dolce</i>. Sandoval embarked in this canoe with a part of his
+men, sending the rest along the shore, and made for the great
+river. During the voyage, he fell in with four Spaniards
+belonging to the settlement, who were searching for fruit near
+the mouth of the river, being in great distress from sickness and
+the hostilities of the Indians. Two of these men were up in a
+tree, when they saw Sandoval to their great astonishment, and
+soon joined him. They informed him of the great distress of the
+settlement, and of all the events which had occurred, and how
+they had hanged the officer whom Avila had left in the command,
+and a turbulent priest, for opposing their determination to
+return to Cuba, and had elected one Antonio Niote in his stead.
+Sandoval resolved to carry these people to Cortes, whom he wished
+to inform as soon as possible of the news, and sent a soldier
+named Alonzo Ortiz, who soon reached us with the agreeable
+intelligence, for which Cortes gave him an excellent horse, and
+all of us gave him something in proportion to our abilities.
+Sandoval arrived soon afterwards, and Cortes issued immediate
+orders to march to the coast, which was about six leagues
+distant. Cortes pushed forwards with his attendants, and crossed
+the river by means of the two canoes, swimming the horses. The
+Spanish settlement was about two leagues from the place where
+Cortes landed, and the colonists were astonished on seeing the
+Europeans coming towards them, and still more so when they found
+it was the renowned conqueror of Mexico. Cortes received their
+congratulations very graciously, and desired them to bring all
+the canoes they could collect, and the boats belonging to their
+ships to assist his army in crossing. He likewise ordered them to
+provide bread for the army; but of this only fifty pounds weight
+could be got, as they lived almost entirely on <i>sapotes</i> and
+other vegetables, and fish.</p>
+
+<p>We had an arm of the sea to cross, and had therefore to wait
+for low water, but Cortes had found the passage so dangerous that
+he sent us word not to follow till farther orders. The care of
+passing this dangerous place was entrusted to Sandoval, who took
+as effectual measures as possible, but it took us four days to
+get over, partly wading and partly swimming. One soldier and his
+horse went to the bottom, and was never seen more, and two other
+horses were lost. A person named Saavedra, presuming on his
+relationship to Cortes, refused obedience to the orders of
+Sandoval, and endeavoured to force his passage, even laying his
+hand on his poinard, and using disrespectful expressions to
+Sandoval; who seized him instantly and threw him into the water,
+where he was nearly drowned. Our sufferings at this time were
+excessive, as during all these four days we had literally nothing
+to eat, except by gathering a few nuts and some wild fruits, and
+on getting across our condition was not improved. We found this
+colony to contain forty men and six women, all yellow and sickly,
+and utterly destitute of provisions; so that we were under the
+necessity of setting out immediately in search of food both for
+ourselves and them. For this purpose, about eighty of us marched,
+under the command of Luis Marin, to a town about eight leagues
+distant, where we found abundance of maize and vegetables, and
+great quantities of cacao; and as this place was in the direct
+road for Naco, to which Cortes intended to go, he immediately
+sent Sandoval and the greatest part of the troops to join us, on
+receiving the agreeable intelligence of our good fortune. We sent
+a plentiful supply of maize to the miserable colonist who had
+been so long in a starving condition, of which they eat to such
+excess that seven of them died. About this time likewise a vessel
+arrived with seven horses, forty hogs, eight pipes of salted
+meat, a considerable quantity of biscuit, and fifteen adventurers
+from Cuba. Cortes immediately purchased all the provisions, which
+he distributed among the colonists, who eat the salted meat so
+voraciously that it occasioned diarrhoeas, by which, in a very
+few days, fourteen of them were carried off.</p>
+
+<p>As Cortes wished to examine this great river, he caused one of
+the brigantines belonging to Avila which had been stranded to be
+fitted out; and embarking with thirty soldiers and eight mariners
+belonging to the vessel lately arrived, having likewise a boat
+and four double canoes, he proceeded up the river to a spacious
+lake with good anchorage. This lake was navigable for six
+leagues, all the adjacent country being subject to be inundated;
+but on endeavouring to proceed higher, the current became
+stronger, and he came to certain shallows, which prevented the
+vessels from proceeding any farther. Cortes now landed with his
+soldiers, and advanced into the country by a narrow road which
+led to several villages of the natives. In the first of these he
+procured some guides, and in the second he found abundance of
+corn, and many domesticated birds, among which were pheasants,
+pigeons, and partridges, which last are often domesticated by the
+Indians of America. In prosecuting his route, he approached a
+large town called <i>Cinacan Tencintle</i>, in the midst of fine
+plantations of cacao, where he heard the sound of music and
+merry-making, the inhabitants being engaged in a drunken feast.
+Cortes waited a favourable opportunity, concealed in a wood close
+by the town, when suddenly rushing out, he made prisoners of ten
+men and fifteen women. The rest of the inhabitants attacked him
+with their darts and arrows, but our people closed with them and
+killed eight of their chiefs, on which the rest submitted,
+sending four old men, two of whom were priests, with a trifling
+present of gold, and to petition for the liberation of the
+prisoners, which he accordingly engaged to give up on receiving a
+good supply of provisions, which they promised to deliver at the
+ships. A misunderstanding took place afterwards between Cortes
+and these Indians, as he wished to retain three of their women to
+make bread, and hostilities were renewed, in which Cortes was
+himself wounded in the face, twelve of his soldiers wounded, and
+one of his boats destroyed. He then returned after an absence of
+twenty-six days, during which he had suffered excessive torment
+from the mosquitoes. He wrote to Sandoval, giving him an account
+of all that had occurred in his expedition to Cinacan, which is
+seventy leagues from Guatimala, and ordered him to proceed to
+Naco; as he proposed to remain himself on purpose to establish a
+colony at <i>Puerto de Cavallos</i>[3], for which he desired
+Sandoval to send back ten of the Coatzacualco veterans, without
+whose assistance nothing could be done properly. Taking with him
+all the Spaniards who remained at St Gil de Buena Vista, Cortes
+embarked in two ships, and arrived in eight days sail at Puerto
+de Cavallos, which had a good harbour, and seemed every way well
+calculated for a colony, which he established there under the
+command of Diego de Godoy, naming the town Natividad. Expecting
+by this time that Sandoval might have arrived at Naco, which is
+not far distant from Puerto Cavallos, Cortes sent a letter for
+him to that place, requiring a reinforcement of ten of the
+veteran soldiers of Coatzacualco, as he intended to proceed for
+the bay of Honduras; but this letter reached us in our
+last-mentioned quarters as we had not yet reached Naco. Leaving
+Cortes for the present, I shall only say that he was so tormented
+by the mosquitoes, which prevented him from procuring rest either
+by night or day, that he had almost lost his life or his
+senses.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Diaz is very lax in his topographical notices of
+this famous expedition. The settlement of St Gil de Buena Vista,
+where Cortes now was, appears to have been at the bottom of the
+gulf of Amatique in the bay of Honduras, on the east side of the
+inlet which communicates with the <i>golfo dolce</i>. His
+exploration of that inland gulf, was probably in the hope of
+finding a navigable passage to the Pacific Ocean. The settlement
+which Cortes projected in Puerto Cavallos, must have been near
+that now called Fort Omoa.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[4] These islands of Guanajes appear to be those
+called by the English settlers of Honduras, Ratan and Bonaeo, off
+cape Honduras.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On receiving this last letter from the general, Sandoval
+pressed on for Naco, but was obliged to halt at a place called
+<i>Cuyocan</i>, in order to collect the stragglers who had gone
+in quest of provisions. We were also impeded by a river, and the
+natives on every side were hostile. Our line of march was now
+extremely long, by the great number of invalids, especially of
+the Mexicans, who were unable to keep up with the main body; on
+which account Sandoval left me at this place, with the command of
+eight men at the ferry, to protect and bring up the stragglers.
+One night the natives attacked my post, setting fire to the house
+in which we were lodged, and endeavoured to carry away our canoe;
+but, with the assistance of some of our Mexicans who had come up,
+we beat them off; and, having collected all the invalids who had
+loitered behind, we crossed the river next day, and set but to
+rejoin Sandoval. A Genoese, who had been sometime ill, sunk at
+length through weakness, occasioned by poverty of diet, and died
+on the road, and I was obliged to leave his body behind. When I
+made my report to Sandoval, he was ill pleased at me for not
+having brought on the dead body; but I told him we had already
+two invalids on every horse, and one of my companions said rather
+haughtily, that we had enough of difficulty to bring on
+ourselves, without carrying dead men. Sandoval immediately
+ordered me and that soldier, whose name was Villanueva, to go
+back and bury the Genoese, which we did accordingly, and placed a
+cross over his grave. We found a purse in his pocket, containing
+some dice, and a memorandum of his family and effects in
+Teneriffe. God rest his soul! <i>Amen</i>. In about two days we
+arrived at Naco, passing a town named <i>Quinistlan</i>, and a
+place where mines have been since discovered. We found Naco to be
+a very good town, but it was abandoned by its inhabitants, yet we
+procured plenty of provisions and salt, of which we were in very
+great need. We took up our quarters in some large quadrangular
+buildings, where De Oli was executed, and established ourselves
+there as if we had been to have remained permanently. There is
+the finest water at this place that is to be found in all New
+Spain; as likewise a species of tree which is most admirable for
+the <i>siesta</i>; as, however great may be the heat of the sun,
+there is always a most delightful and refreshing coolness under
+its shade, and it seems to give out a delicate kind of dew, which
+is good for the head. Naco is admirably situated, in a fertile
+neighbourhood, which produces different kinds of <i>sapotes</i>
+in great abundance, and it was then very populous. Sandoval
+obtained possession of three chiefs of the district, whom he
+treated kindly, by which means the people of the district
+remained in peace, but all his endeavours to induce the
+inhabitants to return to the town were ineffectual. It was now
+necessary to send the reinforcement of ten Coatzacualco veterans
+which Cortes had required. At that time I was ill, and besides
+Sandoval wished to retain me along with him: Eight valiant
+soldiers were sent off, however, who heartily cursed Cortes and
+his expedition at every step of their march; for which indeed
+they had good reason, as they were entirely ignorant of the state
+of the country through which they had to go. Sandoval took the
+precaution of sending five principal people of the natives along
+with them, making known at the same time that he would punish the
+country most severely if any injury was done them on their
+journey. They arrived in safety at Natividad, where Cortes then
+was; who immediately embarked for Truxillo, leaving Godoy in the
+command of the settlement at Puerto de Cavallos, with forty
+Spaniards, who were all that remained of the settlers who had
+accompanied de Avila, and of those who had come recently from
+Cuba. Godoy maintained himself for some time; but his men were
+continually dropping off by disease, and the Indians began at
+last to despise and neglect him, refusing to supply the
+settlement with provisions, so that in a short time he lost above
+half his number by sickness and famine, and three of his men
+deserted to join Sandoval. By various expeditions and judicious
+measures, Sandoval reduced all the country round Naco to peace
+and submission, namely the districts of Cirimongo, Acalao,
+Quinistlan, and four others, of which I forget the names, and
+even extended his authority over the natives as far as Puerto
+Cavallos, where Godoy commanded.</p>
+
+<p>After six days sail, Cortes arrived at the port of Truxillo,
+where he found a colony which had been established by Francisco
+de las Casas, among whom were many of the mutineers who had
+served under De Oli, and who had been banished from Panuco.
+Conscious of their guilt, all these men waited on Cortes, and
+supplicated for pardon, which he granted them, even confirming
+all who had been appointed to offices in the colony; but he
+placed his relation Saavedra as commandant of the colony and
+surrounding province. Cortes summoned all the chiefs and priests
+of the Indians, to whom he made a long harangue, giving them to
+understand that he had come among them to induce them to abandon
+the cruel and abominable practices of their false religion, and
+to embrace the only true faith. He also enlarged upon the power
+and dignity of our great emperor, to whose government he required
+their submission. He was followed by the reverend fathers, who
+exhorted them to become proselytes to the holy catholic religion,
+the principles of which they explained. After all this, the
+people readily agreed to obey our general, and to become vassals
+to Don Carlos; and Cortes enjoined them to provide the settlement
+with provisions, especially fish, which are caught in great
+abundance in the sea about the islands of <i>Guanojes</i>[4]; he
+likewise ordered them to send a number of labourers to clear the
+woods in front of the town of Truxillo, so as to open a view of
+the sea. Cortes likewise ordered a number of sows with young to
+be turned loose in these islands, by which, in a few years, they
+were amply stocked. The natives cleared the woods between
+Truxillo and the sea in two days, and built fifteen houses for
+the colonists, one of which for Cortes, was sufficiently
+commodious. Cortes became feared and renowned over all the
+districts, as far as <i>Olancho</i>, where rich mines have been
+since discovered; the natives giving him the name of <i>Captain
+Hue-hue de Marina</i>, or the old captain of Donna Marina. He
+reduced the whole country to submission, excepting two or three
+districts in the mountains, against which he sent a party of
+soldiers under Captain Saavedra, who brought most of them under
+subjection, one tribe only named the <i>Acaltecans</i> holding
+out.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Diaz is very lax in his topographical notices of
+this famous expedition. The settlement of St Gil de Buena Vista,
+where Cortes now was, appears to have been at the bottom of the
+gulf of Amatique in the bay of Honduras, on the east side of the
+inlet which communicates with the <i>golfo dolce</i>. His
+exploration of that inland gulf, was probably in the hope of
+finding a navigable passage to the Pacific Ocean. The settlement
+which Cortes projected in Puerto Cavallos, must have been near
+that now called Fort Omoa.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[4] These islands of Guanajes appear to be those
+called by the English settlers of Honduras, Ratan and Bonaeo, off
+cape Honduras.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>As a great many of the people along with Cortes became sick
+through the unhealthiness of the climate, he sent them by a
+vessel to Hispaniola or Cuba for the recovery of their healths.
+By this opportunity, he sent letters to the royal audience of St
+Domingo and the reverend brothers of the order of St Jerome,
+giving an account of all the events that had recently happened,
+and in particular of his having left the government of Mexico in
+the hands of deputies, while he proceded to reduce de Oli who had
+rebelled. He apprised them of his future intentions, and
+requested a reinforcement of soldiers, to enable him to reduce
+the country where he now was to subjection; and that they might
+attach the greater credit to his report of its value, he sent a
+valuable present of gold, taken in reality from his own
+side-board, but which he endeavoured to make them believe was the
+produce of this new settlement. He entrusted the management of
+this business to a relation of his own, named Avalos, whom he
+directed to take up in his way twenty-five soldiers who, he was
+informed, had been left in the island of Cozumel to kidnap
+Indians to be sent for slaves to the West Indian islands. This
+vessel was wrecked about seventy leagues from the Havanna, on
+which occasion Avalos and many of the passengers perished. Those
+who escaped, among whom was the licentiate Pedro Lopez, brought
+the first intelligence to the islands of the existence of Cortes
+and his army; as it had been universally believed in Cuba and
+Hispaniola that we had all perished. As soon as it was known
+where Cortes was, two old ships were sent over to Truxillo with
+horses and colts, and one pipe of wine; all the rest of their
+cargoes consisting of shirts, caps, and useless trumpery of
+various kinds. Some of the Indian inhabitants of the Guanajas
+islands, which are about eight leagues from Truxillo, came at
+this time to Cortes, complaining that the Spaniards had been
+accustomed to carry away the natives and their <i>macegualos</i>
+or slaves, and that a vessel was now there which was supposed to
+have come for that purpose. Cortes immediately sent over one of
+his vessels to the islands; but the ship against which the
+natives complained made sail immediately on seeing her, and
+escaped. It was afterwards known, that this vessel was commanded
+by the bachelor Moreno, who had been sent on business by the
+royal audience of St Domingo to Nombre de Dios.</p>
+
+<p>While Sandoval remained at Naco, the chiefs of two
+neighbouring districts, named Quecuspan and Tanchinalchapa,
+complained to him of a party of Spaniards, at the distance of a
+days march from Naco, who robbed their people and made slaves of
+them. Sandoval set out against these people immediately with a
+party of seventy men, and on coming to the place these Spaniards
+were exceedingly surprised at seeing us and took to their arms;
+but we soon seized their captain and several others, and made
+them all prisoners without any bloodshed. Sandoval reprehended
+them severely for their misconduct, and ordered all the Indians
+whom they had made prisoners to be immediately released. One
+Pedro de Garro was the commander of these men, among whom were
+several gentlemen, and in comparison of us dirty and worn down
+wretches, they were all mounted and attended like lords. They
+were all marched to our head-quarters as prisoners; but in a day
+or two they became quite reconciled to their lot. The occasion of
+their coming into the country was as follows: Pedro Arias de
+Avila, the governor of Tierra Firma, had sent a captain named
+Francisco Hernandez to reduce the provinces of Nicaragua and New
+Leon, and to establish a colony in that place, which he
+accomplished. After the atrocious murder of Balboa, who had
+married Donna Isabella the daughter of Aries, Moreno had been
+sent over by the court of royal audience, and persuaded
+Hernandez, who was now comfortably settled, to throw off his
+dependence upon Pedro Aries, and to establish a distinct
+government immediately under the royal authority. Hernandez had
+done so, and had sent this party under de Garro on purpose to
+open a communication from Nicaragua with the north coast, by
+which to receive supplies from old Spain. When all this was
+explained to Sandoval, he sent Captain Luis Marin to communicate
+the intelligence to Cortes, in expectation that he would support
+the views of Hernandez. I was sent along with Marin on this
+occasion, our whole force consisting of ten men. Our journey was
+exceedingly laborious, having to cross many rivers which were
+much swollen by the rains, and we had at times to make our way
+through hostile Indians armed with large heavy lances, by which
+two of our soldiers were wounded. We had sometimes three
+difficult rivers to cross in one day; and one river, named Xagua,
+ten leagues from Triumpho de la Cruz, detained us for two days.
+By the side of that river we found the skeletons of seven horses,
+which had belonged to the troops of de Oli, and had died from
+eating poisonous herbs. Several of the rivers and inlets on our
+journey were much infested by alligators.</p>
+
+<p>Passing Triumpho de la Cruz and a place called Quemara, we
+arrived one evening near Truxillo, where we saw five horsemen
+riding along the sea shore, who happened to be our general and
+four of his friends taking the air. After the first surprize at
+this unexpected meeting, Cortes dismounted and embraced us all
+with tears in his eyes, quite overjoyed to see us. It made me
+quite melancholy to see him, as he was so worn down by distress
+and disease, that he appeared much reduced and extremely weak,
+insomuch that he had even expected death, and had procured a
+Franciscan habit to be buried in. He walked along with us into
+the town of Truxillo, and invited us all to sup with him; where
+we fared so wretchedly that I had not even my fill of bread or
+biscuit. After reading over the letters we had brought him
+relative to Hernandez, he promised to do every thing in his power
+to support him. The two vessels which I formerly mentioned as
+having brought horses from Hispaniola, only arrived three days
+before us, and we were fools enough to run ourselves in debt by
+purchasing their useless frippery. Hitherto Cortes had not
+received any intelligence whatever from Mexico since he left it
+on this disastrous expedition; but, while we were giving him an
+account of the hardships of our late journey from Naco, a vessel
+was descried at a distance making for our port. This vessel was
+from the Havanna, and brought letters from the licentiate Zuazo,
+who had been alcalde-major of Mexico, the contents of which
+overwhelmed Cortes with such sorrow and distress, that he retired
+to his private apartment, whence he did not stir out for a whole
+day, and we could distinctly hear that he suffered great
+agitation. After hearing mass next morning, he called us together
+and communicated to us the intelligence which these letters
+conveyed, which was to the following effect.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the power which Cortes had inconsiderately
+granted to Salazar and Chirinos, to supersede Estrada and
+Albornos in the administration of government in Mexico, in case
+of misconduct in these deputies, they had formed a strong party
+on their return to Mexico, among whom were Zuazo the
+alcalde-major, Rodrigo de Paz, alguazil-major, Alonzo de Tapis,
+Jorge de Alvarado, and many of the veteran conquerors, and had
+attempted to seize the government by force, and much disturbance
+and some bloodshed had ensued. Salazar and Chirinos had carried
+their point, and had taken the two former deputies and many of
+their friends prisoners; and as discontents and opposition still
+prevailed, they had confiscated the property of their opponents,
+which they distributed among their own partizans. They had
+superseded Zuazo in his office of alcalde-major, and had
+imprisoned Rodrigo de Paz; yet Zuazo had brought about a
+temporary reconciliation. During these disturbances, the
+Zapotecans and Mixtecans, and the inhabitants of a strong rocky
+district named Coatlan had rebelled, against whom the veedor
+Chirinos had marched with an armed force; but his troops thought
+of nothing but card-playing, so that the enemy had surprised
+their camp and done them much mischief. The factor Salazar had
+sent a veteran captain, Andres de Monjaraz, to assist and advise
+Chirinos; but Monjaraz being an invalid was unable to exert
+himself properly; and to add to their distractions, an
+insurrection was every hour expected in Mexico. The factor
+Salazar, constantly remitted gold to his majesties treasurer, Don
+Francisco de los Cobos, to make interest for himself at court,
+reporting that we had all died at Xicalonga. This report
+originated with Diego de Ordas, who, on purpose to escape from
+the factious troubles in Mexico, had gone with two vessels in
+search of us to Xicalongo, where Cuen&ccedil;a and Medina had
+been slain as formerly mentioned, on learning which misfortune he
+concluded it had been Cortes and his whole party, which he so
+reported in letters to Mexico, and had sailed himself to Cuba.
+Salazar shewed these letters to our several relations in Mexico,
+who all put on mourning, and so universally were we all believed
+to be dead, that out properties had been sold by public auction.
+The factor Salazar even assumed to himself the office of governor
+and captain-general of New Spain; a monument was erected to the
+honour of Cortes, and funeral service was performed for him in
+the great church of Mexico. The self-assumed governor even issued
+an order, that all the women whose husbands had gone with Cortes,
+and who had any regard for their souls, should consider
+themselves as widows and should immediately marry again; and
+because a woman named Juana de Mansilla, the wife of Alonzo
+Valiente, refused to obey this order, alleging we were not people
+who would be so easily destroyed as Salazar and his party, she
+was ordered to be publickly whipped through Mexico as a witch.
+One person from whom we expected better behaviour, and whose name
+I will not mention, by way of flattering Salazar, solemnly
+assured him before many witnesses, that one night, as he was
+passing the church of St Jago, which is built on the site of the
+great temple of Mexico, he saw the souls of Cortes, Donna Marina,
+and Sandoval burning in flames of fire: Another person, also, of
+good reputation, pretended that the quadrangles of Tescuco were
+haunted by evil spirits, which the natives said were the souls of
+Donna Marina and Cortes.</p>
+
+<p>At this time the captains Las Casas and De Avila, who had
+beheaded Christoval de Oli, arrived in Mexico, and publickly
+asserted the existence of Cortes, reprobating the conduct of
+Salazar, and declaring if Cortes were actually dead, that
+Alvarado was the only fit person to have been raised to the
+government, till his majesties pleasure could be known. Alvarado
+was written to on the subject, and even set out for Mexico; but
+becoming apprehensive for his life, he returned to his district.
+Finding that he could not bring over Las Casas, De Avila, and
+Zuazo to his party, Salazar caused the two former to be arrested
+and prosecuted for the murder of De Oli, and even procured their
+condemnation; and it was with the utmost difficulty their
+execution could be prevented by an appeal to his majesty; but he
+was obliged to content himself with sending them prisoners to
+Spain. He next sent off the licentiate Zuazo in irons to Cuba,
+under pretence of making him answer for his conduct while acting
+as a judge in that island. Salazar collected all the gold he
+could lay his hands upon, and seized Rodrigo de Paz,
+alguazil-major of Mexico, who had been major domo to Cortes,
+demanding of him an account and surrender of all the treasure
+belonging to the general; and as he either could not or would not
+discover where it was, he caused him to be tortured by burning
+his feet and legs, and even caused him to be hanged that he might
+not carry his complaints to his majesty. His object in collecting
+gold was to support his negociations at court; but in this he was
+counteracted by almost all the other officers of government in
+New Spain, who determined to send their own statements of the
+affairs of the colony to court by the same conveyance with his.
+He arrested most of the friends of Cortes, several of whom joined
+his party as he gave them Indians, and because they wished to be
+of the strongest side; but Tapia and Jorge Alvarado took
+sanctuary with the Franciscans. To deprive the malcontents of
+arms, he brought the whole contents of the arsenal to his palace,
+in front of which he planted all the artillery for his defence,
+under the command of Captain Luis de Guzman, son-in-law to the
+duke of Medina Sidonia. He formed likewise a body guard for his
+own individual protection, partly composed of soldiers who had
+belonged to Cortes, to the command of which he appointed one
+Arriaga. This letter likewise mentioned the death of Father
+Bartholomew de Olmedo, who was so much revered by the native
+Mexicans, that they fasted from the time of his death till after
+his burial. Zuazo, in the conclusion of his letter, expressed his
+apprehensions that the colony of Mexico would be utterly ruined
+by these confusions. Along with this long and melancholy letter
+from Zuazo, Cortes received letters from his father, informing
+him of the death of the bishop of Burgos, and of the intrigues of
+Albornos at court, already mentioned on a former occasion, and
+the interference of the Duke of Bejar in his behalf. He also told
+him that Narvaez had been appointed to the government of the
+country on the river Palmas, and one Nuno de Guzman to the
+province of Panuco.</p>
+
+<p>The intelligence from Zuazo made us all very melancholy, and
+it is difficult to say which of the two we cursed most heartily
+in secret for our misfortunes, Cortes or Salazar, for we gave
+them ten thousand maledictions, and our hearts sunk within us to
+think of our miserable plight after all our fatigues and dangers.
+Cortes retired to his chamber, and did not appear again till the
+evening, when we unanimously entreated him to hasten to Mexico,
+that he might recover the government from the usurper. He replied
+kindly: "My dear friends, this villainous factor is very
+powerful. If I go along with you to Mexico, he may waylay us by
+the road and murder us all. I think it better for me to go
+privately to Mexico with only three or four of you, that I may
+come upon him at unawares, and that all the rest of you rejoin
+Sandoval and go along with him to Mexico." When I saw that Cortes
+was resolved on going privately to Mexico, I anxiously requested
+to attend him, as I had hitherto accompanied him in all his
+difficulties and dangers. He complimented me on my fidelity, but
+insisted on my continuing with Sandoval. Several of the colonists
+of Truxillo began to grow mutinous, because Cortes had neglected
+promoting them to offices; but he pacified them by promises of
+providing for them when he should be replaced in his government
+of Mexico. Previous to his intended departure, he wrote to Diego
+de Godoy, to quit Puerto Cavallos with his settlers, where they
+were unable to remain on account of mosquitos and other vermin,
+ordering them to relieve us in the good settlement of Naco. He
+also ordered that we should take the province of Nicaragua in our
+way to Mexico, as it was a country in his opinion worth taking
+care of. We took our leave of Cortes, who embarked on his
+intended voyage, and we set out cheerfully for Naco to join
+Sandoval, as Mexico was now the object of our march. The route to
+Naco was as usual attended with much difficulty and distress, yet
+we got safe there, and found that Captain De Garro had set off
+for Nicaragua, to inform his commander Hernandez that Cortes was
+setting out for Mexico, and had promised to give him all the
+assistance in his power.</p>
+
+<p>Two confidential friends of Pedro Aries had come to the
+knowledge of the private correspondence between Hernandez and
+Cortes, and suspected that Hernandez meant to detach himself from
+the command of Aries, and to surrender his province to Cortes.
+The names of these men were Garruito and Zamorrano, the former of
+whom was urged by an ancient enmity to Cortes, on account of a
+rivalship between them in Hispaniola when both young men, about a
+lady, which ended in a duel. These persons communicated
+intelligence of all they knew to Aries, who immediately hastened
+to Nicaragua, to seize all the parties concerned. Garro took the
+alarm in time, and made his escape to us; but Hernandez, relying
+on his former intimacy with Aries, expected that he would not
+proceed to extremities against him, and waited his arrival. He
+was miserably disappointed in these hopes, as Aries, after a
+summary process, ordered him to execution as a traitor to his
+superior officer.</p>
+
+<p>On his first attempt to sail from Truxillo to Vera Cruz,
+Cortes was put back by contrary winds, and a second time by an
+accident happening to his ship. Dispirited by sickness, the
+accidents which had delayed his voyage prayed on his spirits, he
+became apprehensive of the power of Salazar being too great for
+him, and his lofty mind sunk under superstitious fears. On his
+second return to Truxillo, he ordered the celebration of a solemn
+mass, and prayed fervently to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit
+as to his future proceedings. On this occasion it appears that he
+became inclined to remain in Truxillo to colonize that part of
+the country; and in three several expresses which he sent in
+quick succession to recall us to that place, he attributed his
+determination on that subject to the inspiration of his guardian
+angel. On receiving these messages, we cursed Cortes and his bad
+fortune, and declared to Sandoval that he must remain by himself,
+if he chose that measure, as we were resolved on returning to
+Mexico. Sandoval was of the same opinion with us, and we sent a
+letter to Cortes to that effect signed by all of us; to which we
+had an answer in a few days, making great offers to such of us as
+would remain, and saying, if we refused, that there still were
+good soldiers to be had in Castile and elsewhere. On receiving
+this letter we were more determined than ever to proceed; but
+Sandoval persuaded us to wait a few days till he could see and
+speak with Cortes; to whom we wrote in reply, that if he could
+find soldiers in Castile, so could we find governors and generals
+in Mexico, who would give us plantations for our services, and
+that we had already suffered sufficient misfortunes by following
+him. With this reply Sandoval set off, attended by a soldier
+named Sauzedo and a farrier, swearing by his beard that he would
+not return till he had seen Cortes embarked for Mexico. On this
+occasion Sandoval applied to me for my horse, an excellent animal
+for speed, exercise, and travel, which cost me six hundred
+crowns, my former horse having been killed in action at a place
+called Zulaco. Sandoval gave me one of his in exchange, which was
+killed under me in less than two months; after which I was
+reduced to a vicious colt which I bought from the two vessels at
+Truxillo. On parting from us, Sandoval desired us to wait his
+return at a large Indian town called Acalteca.</p>
+
+<p>When Sandoval came to Truxillo, Cortes received him very
+joyfully; but neither his pressing instances nor our letter could
+prevail on him to proceed to Mexico. He prevailed on him,
+therefore, to send Martin de Orantes, a confidential servant,
+with a commission to Pedro de Alvarado and Francisco de las
+Casas, in case these officers were in Mexico, to assume the
+government till he should return; or, in the event of their
+absence, to authorise the treasurer, Estrada, and the contador,
+Albornos, to resume the power granted by the former deputation,
+revoking that which he had so inadvertently given to the factor
+Salazar and the veedor Chirinos, which they had so grossly
+abused. Cortes agreed to this, and having given Orantes his
+instructions and commissions, directed him to land in a bay
+between Vera Cruz and Panuco, suffering no person but himself to
+go on shore, after which the vessel was immediately to proceed to
+Panuco, that his arrival might be kept as secret as possible.
+Orantes was likewise furnished with letters from Cortes to all
+his friends in New Spain, and to the treasurer and contador,
+although he knew they were not of that description, desiring them
+all to use their utmost diligence in displacing the present
+tyrannical usurpers. Having favourable weather, Orantes soon
+arrived at his destination; and disguising himself as a labourer,
+set forward on his journey, always avoiding the Spaniards, and
+lodging only among the natives. When questioned by any one, he
+called himself Juan de Flechilla; and indeed he was so altered
+during his absence of two years and three months, that his most
+intimate acquaintances could not have recognised him. Being a
+very active man, he arrived in four days in Mexico, which he
+entered in the dark, and proceeded immediately to the convent of
+the Franciscans, where he found the Alvarados and several other
+friends of Cortes, who were there concealed. On explaining his
+errand and producing the letters of Cortes, every one was
+exceedingly rejoiced, and even the reverend fathers danced for
+gladness. The gates of the monastery were immediately locked, to
+preclude all notice being conveyed to the adverse party; and
+about midnight, the treasurer and contador, and many of the
+friends of Cortes were brought secretly to the convent, where the
+intelligence was communicated to them. In a grand consultation,
+it was resolved to seize the factor Salazar next morning, the
+contador Chirinos being still occupied at the rock of
+Coatlan.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the night was employed in providing arms and
+collecting all their friends, and at day-break next morning the
+whole party marched for the palace which Salazar inhabited,
+calling out as they went along, "Long live the king, and the
+governor Hernando Cortes." When this was heard by the citizens,
+they all took up arms; and under an idea that their assistance
+was required by the government, many of them joined Estrada on
+the march. The contador Albornos played a double game on the
+occasion, as he sent intelligence to put Salazar on his guard,
+for which Estrada reproached him afterwards with much severity.
+On approaching the palace, the friends of Cortes found Salazar
+already well prepared for resistance, in consequence of the
+information he had received; the artillery under Guzman being
+drawn out ready for action in front of the palace, and a strong
+garrison inside for its defence. But the adherents of Cortes
+pushed on, forcing their way by the different doors, and others
+by the terraces or wherever they could get access, continually
+shouting, for the king and Cortes. The adherents of Salazar were
+dismayed; the artillery-men abandoned the guns, and the other
+soldiers run away and hid themselves, leaving the poor factor
+with only Pedro Gonzalez Sabiote and four servants. Salazar being
+thus abandoned, became desperate, and endeavoured to fire off one
+of the guns, in which attempt he was made prisoner, and confined
+in a wooden cage. Circular notice of this revolution was
+immediately conveyed to all the provinces of New Spain; and the
+veedor Chirinos, leaving the command of his troops with Monjaraz,
+took refuge in the Franciscan monastery at Tescuco; but was
+shortly afterwards made prisoner and secured in another cage.
+Immediate intelligence of this revolution was transmitted to
+Pedro de Alvarado, with directions to go immediately to Truxillo
+to wait upon Cortes. The next thing done by the new deputies was
+to wait upon Juanna de Mansilla, who had been whipped as a witch,
+who was placed on horseback behind the treasurer Estrada, in
+which situation she was escorted in grand procession through all
+the streets of Mexico, like a Roman matron, and was ever
+afterwards stiled <i>Donna Juanna</i>, in honour of her
+constancy, for refusing to marry again while she believed her
+husband was still living.</p>
+
+<p>As the situation of Mexico evidently required the presence of
+Cortes, Fra Diego de Altamirano was sent by his friends to
+represent to him the necessity of setting out immediately for the
+capital. This reverend father had been in the army before he
+entered the church, and was a man of considerable abilities, and
+experienced in business. On his arrival at Truxillo, and giving
+Cortes an account of the recent events in Mexico, the general
+gave thanks to God for the restoration of peace; but declared his
+intention of going to Mexico by land, being afraid of
+encountering the adverse currents, and because of the bad state
+of his health. The pilots, however, represented that the season
+was quite favourable for the voyage, it being then the month of
+April, and prevailed on him to give up his first resolution. But
+he would on no account leave Truxillo till the return of
+Sandoval, who had been detached with seventy soldiers against a
+Captain Roxas, who served under Pedro Arias de Avila, against
+whom complaints had been made by the inhabitants of Olancho, a
+district about fifty-five leagues from Truxillo. When the parties
+first met they were on the brink of proceeding to hostilities;
+but they were reconciled and parted amicably, Roxas and his men
+agreeing to evacuate the country. Sandoval was recalled in
+consequence of the arrival of Altamirano, and Cortes took
+measures to leave the country in good order, of which Saavedra
+was left lieutenant-governor. Captain Luis Marin was directed to
+march our whole party to Mexico by way of Guatimala, and Captain
+Godoy was ordered to take the command at Naco. All things being
+now settled for the departure of Cortes, he confessed to Fra Juan
+and received the Sacrament, previous to his embarkation, as he
+was so exceedingly ill that he thought himself on the point of
+death. The wind was favourable, and he soon arrived at the
+Havanna, where he was honourably received by his former friends
+and acquaintances, and where he had the pleasure, by a vessel
+just arrived from Vera Cruz, to receive intelligence that New
+Spain was entirely restored to peace; as all the refractory
+Indians, on hearing that Cortes and we their former conquerors
+were alive and returning, had come in and made their
+submissions.</p>
+
+<p>The conduct of Salazar and Chirinos during their usurped
+authority had gained them many adherents; as, by means of their
+confiscations and the distribution of property among their greedy
+supporters, many were interested in the maintenance of their
+authority. These were mostly of the lower order, and persons of a
+seditious disposition; though some men of quality, especially
+influenced by the contador Albornos, who dreaded the arrival of
+Cortes, had formed a plot to kill the treasurer Estrada, and to
+reinstate Salazar and Chirinos in the government. For the purpose
+of releasing them from prison, they employed one Guzman, a
+white-smith, a fellow of low character who affected to be a wit,
+to make keys for opening their cages, giving him a piece of gold
+of the form which they required, and enjoining the strictest
+secrecy. He undertook all that they asked with the utmost
+apparent zeal, pretending to be very anxious for the liberation
+of the prisoners; and by his affected humour and zeal for the
+cause, contrived to become acquainted with their whole plan of
+procedure: But when the keys were finished and the plot ripe for
+execution, he communicated intelligence of the whole affair to
+Estrada; who instantly assembled the friends of Cortes, and went
+to the place of meeting, where he found twenty of the
+conspirators already armed and waiting for the signal. These were
+seized, but many others made their escape. Among the prisoners
+there were several very notorious characters, one of whom had
+lately committed violence on a Spanish woman. They were
+immediately brought to trial before Ortega, the alcalde-major of
+Mexico; and, being convicted, three of them were hanged, and
+several of the rest whipped.</p>
+
+<p>I must here digress, to mention an affair not exactly
+accordant in point of time with my narrative, but relevant in
+regard to its subject. By the same vessel in which Salazar had
+transmitted letters to his majesty tending to criminate Cortes,
+other letters were conveyed and so artfully concealed that he had
+no suspicion of their existence, in which a full and true account
+of all his oppresions and unlawful proceedings was sent to his
+majesty. All these facts had also been reported by the royal
+court of audience at St Domingo; by which the reported death of
+Cortes was contradicted, and his majesty was truly informed in
+what manner the general was employed for his service. In
+consequence of these representations, the emperor is said to have
+expressed his high indignation at the unworthy treatment which
+Cortes had experienced, and his determination to support him in
+the government of New Spain.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XXI.</p>
+
+<p><i>Return of Cortes to Mexico, and occurrences there previous
+to his departure for Europe; together with an account of the
+return of the Author to Mexico</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes remained five days at the Havanna for refreshment,
+after which he reimbarked, and in twelve days arrived at the port
+of Medelin, opposite the <i>Isla de los Sacrificios</i>, where he
+disembarked with twenty soldiers; and while proceeding to the
+town of San Juan de Ulua, about half a league from Medelin, he
+had the good fortune to fall in with a string of horses and mules
+which had been employed in conveying travellers to the coast,
+which he immediately engaged to carry him and his suit to Vera
+Cruz[1]. He gave strict orders to all who accompanied him to give
+no hint to any person of his name and quality; and on his arrival
+at the town before day-break, he went directly to the church, the
+doors of which were just opened. The sacristan was alarmed at
+seeing so great a number of strangers going into the church, and
+immediately ran into the streets to call the civil power to his
+assistance. The alcaldes, with the alguazils, and some of the
+inhabitants repaired immediately to the church with their arms;
+and Cortes was so squalid from long illness, that no one knew him
+till he began to speak. The moment he was known, they all fell on
+their knees and kissed his hands, welcoming him back to New
+Spain; and his old fellow-soldiers escorted him after mass to the
+quarters of Pedro Moreno, where he remained eight days, during
+which he was feasted by the inhabitants. Intelligence was
+immediately conveyed of the joyful news to Mexico and all the
+surrounding country, and Cortes wrote to all his friends giving
+them notice of his arrival. The neighbouring Indians flocked to
+wait upon him with presents and congratulations; and when he set
+out on his journey to Mexico, every preparation was made for his
+accommodation and honourable entertainment. The inhabitants of
+Mexico, and all the places round the lake, and those of Tlascala
+and all the other Indian towns, celebrated his return with
+festivals. On his arrival at Tescuco, the contador came to wait
+upon him, and on entering the capital, he was received in great
+state by all the civil and military officers, and all the
+inhabitants. The natives in their gayest attire, and armed as
+warriors, filled the lake in their canoes; dancing and festivity
+prevailed in every corner of the city during the whole day; and
+at night every house was illuminated. Immediately on his arrival,
+he went to the monastery of St Francis, to give thanks to God for
+his preservation and safe return; and from thence went to his
+magnificent palace, where he was esteemed, served, and feared
+like a sovereign prince, all the provinces sending messages of
+congratulation on his happy return, with considerable presents.
+This return of Cortes to Mexico was in June[2], and he
+immediately ordered the arrest of all who had been most eminent
+for sedition during his absence, causing a judicial inquiry to be
+made into the conduct of the two principal culprits, Salazar and
+Chirinos, whom he intended to have brought immediately to justice
+for their crimes; and, if he had done so, no one would have found
+fault, but in this instance he certainly acted with too much
+lenity, or rather want of firmness. I remember to have heard from
+some of the members of the royal council of the Indies in 1540,
+that the capital punishment of these men would have been approved
+by his majesty. One Ocampo, who had been guilty of defamatory
+libels, and an old scrivener named Ocana, who used to be called
+the soul of Chirinos, was arrested on this occasion.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] The harbour of Medelin is fifteen or twenty miles
+south from Vera Cruz; but I suspect the place named St Juan de
+Ulua in the text is the modern town of Vera Cruz, the harbour of
+which is protected by the island and castle of St Juan de Ulua.
+The ancient town of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, now called
+Antigua, is about twenty-five miles north from modern Vera
+Cruz.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Diaz is frequently inattentive to dates, and does
+not on this occasion inform us of the year: By reference to
+Robertsons History of America, II. 266, 12mo. ed Lond. 1800, it
+certainly apoears to have been in the year 1524.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Shortly after the arrival of Cortes in Mexico, the licentiate
+Luis Ponce de Leon arrived unexpectedly at Medelin, and Cortes
+was surprised with this intelligence while performing his
+devotions in the church of St Francis. He prayed earnestly for
+direction from God, that he might so conduct himself on this
+critical emergency, as seemed best fitting to his holy will, and
+the good service of his sovereign; and immediately sent a
+confidential person to bring him information of the particular
+object and tendency of the coming of De Leon. In two days after,
+he received a copy of the royal orders to receive the licentiate
+as resident judge of Mexico: In consequence of which, he
+dispatched a person with a complimentary message, desiring to
+know which of the two roads to the city De Leon intended to take,
+that he might give orders for every proper accommodation to be
+prepared suitable to his rank. De Leon sent back an answer,
+thanking him for his polite attention, but that he proposed to
+repose for some time where he then was, to recover from the
+fatigues of his voyage. This interval was busily employed by the
+enemies of Cortes, in misrepresenting all the transactions in
+which Cortes had been concerned. They asserted that Cortes
+intended to put the factor and veedor to death before the arrival
+of De Leon at Mexico, and even warned him to take great care of
+his own personal safety, alleging that the civility of Cortes in
+desiring to know the road he meant to take, were to enable him to
+prepare for his assassination, under pretence of doing him
+honour. The persons with whom the licentiate principally
+consulted were, Proano, the alcalde-major, and his brother, who
+was alcalde of the citadel, named Salazar de la Pedrada, who soon
+afterwards died of a pleurisy; Marcos de Aguilar, a licentiate or
+bachelor; a soldier named Bocanegra de Cordova, and certain
+friars of the Dominican order, of whom Fra Thomas Ortiz was
+provincial. This man had been a prior somewhere, and was said to
+be much better fitted for worldly affairs, than for the concerns
+of his holy office. By these men De Leon was advised to proceed
+to Mexico without delay, and accordingly the last messengers sent
+to him by Cortes met him on the road at Iztapalapa. A sumptuous
+banquet was prepared at this place for De Leon and his suit, in
+which, after several abundant and magnificent courses, some
+cheese-cakes and custards were served up as great delicacies,
+which were much relished, and some of the company eat of them so
+heartily that they became sick. Ortiz asserted that they had been
+mixed up with arsenic, and that he had refrained from eating them
+from suspicion; but some who were present declared that he
+partook of them heartily, and declared they were the best he had
+ever tasted. This ridiculous story was eagerly circulated by the
+enemies of Cortes. While De Leon was at Iztapalapa, Cortes
+remained in Mexico; and report said that he sent at this time a
+good sum in gold as a present to the licentiate. When De Leon set
+out from Iztapalapa, Cortes having notice of his approach, went
+immediately to meet him, with a grand and numerous retinue of all
+the officers and gentlemen of the city. At meeting, many
+civilities passed between the two great men, and Cortes prevailed
+with some difficulty on De Leon to take the right hand. De Leon
+proceeded immediately to the monastery of St Francis, to offer up
+his thanks to the Almighty for his safe arrival, whence he was
+conducted by Cortes to a palace prepared for him, where he was
+most sumptuously entertained, all business being deferred for
+that day. On this occasion the grandeur and politeness of Cortes
+were so conspicuous, that De Leon is said to have observed
+privately among his friends, that Cortes must have been long
+practising the manners of a great man.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, the <i>cabildo</i> or council of Mexico, all the
+civil and military officers, and all the veterans who were
+present in the capital, were ordered to assemble; and in the
+presence of all these, the licentiate Ponce de Leon produced his
+commission from his majesty. Cortes kissed it, and placed it on
+his head as a mark of respectful submission, and all present
+declared their ready obedience. The licentiate then received from
+Cortes the rod of justice, in token of surrendering the
+government into his hands, saying: "General, I receive this
+government from you by the orders of his majesty; although it is
+by no means implied that you are not most worthy both of this and
+of a higher trust." The general answered, "That he was always
+happy in obeying the commands of his majesty, and was the more
+satisfied on the present occasion, because he would have an
+opportunity to prove the malice and falsehood of his enemies." De
+Leon replied, "That in all societies there were good and bad men,
+for such was the way of the world; and he trusted that both would
+be repaid in kind." This was all the material business of the
+first day. On the next, the new governor sent a respectful
+summons to Cortes, who accordingly waited upon him, and they had
+a long private conference, at which no one was present except the
+prior Ortiz: Yet it was believed that the conversation was to the
+following effect. De Leon observed, that it was the wish of his
+majesty that those who had most merit in the conquest of the
+country should be well provided for in the distribution of
+plantations, those soldiers who had first come from Cuba being
+more especially considered: Whereas it was understood that they
+had been neglected, while others who had newly arrived had been
+gratified with unmerited wealth. To this Cortes answered, that
+all had got shares in the division of the country; and that it
+could not be imputed to him that some of these had turned out of
+less value than others: But it was now in the power of the new
+governor to remedy this inequality. The governor then asked why
+Luis de Godoy had been left to perish in a distant settlement,
+when the veterans ought to have been allowed to enjoy the
+comforts of established possessions in Mexico, and the new
+settlements assigned to new colonists: And why Captain Luis
+Marin, Bernal Diaz, and other approved veterans had been
+neglected. Cortes answered, That for business of difficulty and
+danger, none but the veterans could be depended on: But that all
+these were soon expected to return to Mexico, when the new
+governor would have it in his power to provide for them. De Leon
+next questioned him rather sharply about his imprudent march
+against Christoval de Oli, which he had undertaken without
+permission from his majesty. Cortes said, That he looked upon
+that measure as necessary for his majestys service, as such an
+example might have dangerous effects on officers entrusted with
+subordinate commands; and that he had reported his intentions to
+his majesty before he set out on this expedition. De Leon
+questioned him likewise on the affairs of Narvaez, Garay, and
+Tapia; on all of which subjects Cortes gave such answers that the
+governor seemed perfectly satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this conference, Ortiz called on three very
+intimate friends of the general, and pretending to be actuated
+only by the most friendly desire to serve him, assured them that
+the governor had secret orders from the emperor to behead Cortes
+immediately; and that he, from private regard, and in conformity
+with the duties of his holy functions, had considered it to be
+his duty to give him this intelligence. He even desired an
+interview with Cortes next morning, and communicated the same
+information to him, accompanied with many protestations of regard
+and friendship. This assuredly gave Cortes a very serious subject
+of meditation: But he had already been informed of the intriguing
+character of the prior, and suspected all this proceeded from a
+wish to be bribed for his good offices with the governor; though
+some alleged that Ortiz acted by the secret directions of De Leon
+on this occasion. Cortes received this pretended friendly
+information with many thanks; but declared his belief that his
+majesty had a better opinion of his services, than to proceed
+against him in this clandestine manner; and that he had too high
+an opinion of the governor, than to believe he could proceed to
+such extremities without the royal warrant. When the prior found
+that his sly conduct did not produce the effect which he had
+expected, he remained so confused that he knew not what farther
+to say on the occasion. The new governor gave public notice, for
+all who had complaints to make against the former administration,
+to bring their charges, whether against Cortes, or any others of
+the civil or military officers. In consequence of this, a vast
+number of accusers, litigants, and claimants started up; among
+whom many private enemies of the general preferred unjust
+accusations against him, while others made just claims for what
+was really due to them. Some alleged that they had not received
+their just shares of the gold; others that they had not been
+sufficiently rewarded in the distribution of settlements; some
+demanded remuneration for their horses which had been killed in
+the wars, though they had already been paid ten times their
+value; and others demanded satisfaction for personal injuries.
+Just as the governor had opened his court to give a hearing to
+all parties, it pleased God, for our sins, and to our great
+misfortune, that he was suddenly taken ill of a fever. He
+remained four days in a lethargic state; after which, by the
+advice of his physicians, he confessed and received the sacrament
+with great devotion, and appointed Marcos de Aguilar, who had
+come with him from Spain, to succeed him in the government. On
+the ninth day from the commencement of his illness, he departed
+from this life, to the great grief of all the colonists,
+particularly the military, as he certainly intended to have
+redressed all abuses, and to have rewarded us according to our
+merits. He was of a gay disposition, and fond of music; and it is
+said that his attendants, while his illness was at the height,
+brought a lute player into his apartment, in hopes of soothing
+his distress. While a favourite air was playing, he was said to
+have beat time with perfect accuracy, and expired just when the
+tune was finished.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately on his death, the enemies of Cortes in Mexico
+circulated the most malignant slanders against him, even going
+the length of asserting that he said Sandoval had poisoned the
+governor as he had before done with Garay. The most busy in
+propagating this malicious report was the Prior Ortiz. But the
+truth was, that the vessel which brought the governor and his
+suite from Spain was infected with the disease of which he died;
+above a hundred of the crew and passengers having died at sea or
+soon after landing; among whom, almost all the friars who came
+out at that time were carried off, and the contagion spread
+through the city of Mexico. Some of the principal people in
+Mexico objected against the appointment which the late governor
+had made of a successor; alleging that Marcos de Aguilar was only
+a bachelor and not a licentiate, and therefore incapable of
+acting in that capacity. The cabildo of Mexico insisted that
+Aguilar was incapable of executing the high office to which De
+Leon had appointed him, on account of his age and infirmities; as
+he was a diseased hectic old man, who was obliged to drink goats
+milk, and to be suckled by a woman to keep him alive; they
+recommended therefore that Cortes should be associated with him
+in the government: But Aguilar insisted on adhering strictly to
+the testament of his predecessor; and Cortes, for substantial
+private reasons, was entirely averse from taking any share in the
+authority. The enemies of Cortes insisted on the inquiry
+proceeding in the manner intended by the late governor; and
+Cortes readily assented to this, providing the new governor would
+take the responsibility on himself for acting contrary to the
+testament of his predecessor, who had left orders for him not to
+proceed with the business before the court, but that the whole
+should be laid before his majesty.</p>
+
+<p>It is now proper to revert to our situation who had been left
+at Naco, when Cortes set sail from Truxillo for the Havanna and
+Mexico. We remained for some time at Naco, waiting intelligence
+for the sailing of Cortes, which Sandoval was to have sent us;
+but Saavedra maliciously suppressed the letters. Becoming
+impatient after a considerable delay, our captain, Luis Marin,
+sent ten of the cavalry, among whom I was, to Truxillo to learn
+the truth. On our arrival at a place named Olancho, we learned
+from some Spaniards that Cortes was sailed; which information was
+soon afterwards confirmed by a message from Saavedra. We returned
+therefore joyfully to Marin, and set out for Mexico, throwing
+stones at the country we were quitting, as a mark of our dislike.
+At a place called Maniani, we met five soldiers commanded by
+Diego de Villaneuva, one of our brave veterans, who were sent in
+search of us by Alvarado, who was at a place not far distant,
+named <i>Chohilteca Malalaca</i>, where we joined him in two
+days, and where we were likewise joined by a party belonging to
+Pedro Arias de Avilla, who had sent some of his captains to
+adjust some disputed boundaries with Alvarado. From this place,
+where we remained three days, Alvarado sent one Gaspar Arias de
+Avilla to treat on some confidential business with Pedro Arias, I
+believe relative to a marriage; for Pedro Arias seemed much
+devoted henceforwards to Alvarado. Continuing our march through a
+hostile country, the natives killed one of our soldiers, and
+wounded three; but we were too much in haste to punish them as
+they deserved. Farther on in Guatimala, the natives manned the
+passes against us, and we were detained three days in forcing our
+way through, on which occasion I received a slight wound. While
+in the valley where the city of Guatimala has been since built,
+and all the people of which were hostile, we had a number of
+shocks of an earthquake, all of which continued a long while, and
+were so violent that several of our soldiers were thrown down. On
+passing old Guatimala, the natives assembled against us in
+hostile array, but we drove them before us, and took possession
+of their magnificent dwellings and quadrangles for the night, and
+hutted ourselves next day on the plain, where we remained ten
+days. During this time Alvarado summoned the neighbouring Indians
+to submit, but they neglected to appear. We then proceeded by
+long marches to Olintepec, where Alvarados main force was
+stationed, whence we proceeded by Soconuzco and Teguantepec
+towards Mexico, losing two soldiers on our march, and the Mexican
+lord named Juan Velasquez, who had been a chief under
+Guatimotzin.</p>
+
+<p>On our arrival at Oaxaca, we learned the news of the death of
+Ponce de Leon the governor. We pressed forward to Mexico, and on
+our arrival at Chalco sent messengers to inform Cortes of our
+approach, and to request he would provide us with good quarters,
+having been two years and three months absent on our expedition.
+Cortes, attended by many gentlemen on horseback, met us on the
+causeway and accompanied us into the city, where we immediately
+went to the great church to return thanks to God for our arrival,
+after which we went to the generals palace, where a sumptuous
+entertainment was provided for us. Alvarado went to reside at the
+fortress, of which he had been appointed alcalde. Luis Marin went
+to lodge with Sandoval; and Captain Luis Sanchez and I, were
+taken by Andres de Tapia to his house. Cortes and Sandoval and
+all our other friends sent us presents of gold and cacao to bear
+our expences[3]. Next day, my friend Sanchez and I went to wait
+upon the new governor Aguilar, accompanied by Sandoval and De
+Tapia. We were received with much politeness, saying he would
+have done every thing in his power for us, if so authorised, but
+every thing having been referred by De Leon to his majesty, he
+was unable to make any new arrangements.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] It may be proper to remark in this place, that
+the cacao nuts were used by the Mexicans before the conquest as a
+medium for purchases of small value instead of money, and the
+practice was continued under the Spanish dominion, as the markets
+were supplied by the original natives. Clavigero, I. 366. says
+that the Mexicans used five substitutes for money. 1. Cacao,
+which they counted by <i>xiquipils</i>, or in sacks containing
+each three xiquipils, or 24,000 nuts. 2. Small cotton cloths,
+called <i>patolquachtli</i>. 3. Gold dust in goose quills. 4.
+Pieces of copper in the form of the letter T. 5. Thin pieces of
+tin.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>At this time Diego de Ordas arrived from Cuba, who was said to
+have circulated the report of our deaths; but he declared that he
+had only sent an account of the unfortunate catastrophe of
+Xicalonga as it really happened, and that the misrepresentation
+proceeded entirely from the factor Salazar. Cortes had so much
+business on his hands that he thought proper to drop this affair,
+and endeavoured to recover his property which had been disposed
+of under the supposition of his death. A great part of it had
+been expended in celebrating his funeral obsequies, and in the
+purchase of perpetual masses for his soul; but, on his being
+discovered to be alive, had been repurchased by one Juan Caceres
+for his own benefit when he might happen to die, so that Cortes
+could not recover his property. Ordas, who was a man of much
+experience, seeing that Cortes was fallen much into neglect since
+he was superseded from the government, advised him to assume more
+state and consequence to maintain the respect due to him: But
+such was his native plainness of manners, that he never wished to
+be called otherwise than simply <i>Cortes</i>; a truly noble
+name, as glorious as those of Cesar, Pompey, or Hanibal among the
+ancients. Ordas likewise informed Cortes of a current report in
+Mexico, that he intended to put Salazar privately to death in
+prison, and warned him that he was powerfully patronized. About
+this time, the treasurer Estrada married one of his daughters to
+Jorge de Alvarado, and another to Don Luis de Guzman, son to the
+Conde de Castellar. Pedro de Alvarado went over to Spain to
+solicit the government of Guatimala, sending in the meantime his
+brother Jorge to reduce that province, with a force chiefly
+composed of the warriors of the different nations that were in
+our alliance. The governor also sent a force against the province
+of Chiapa, under the command of Don Juan Enriquez de Guzman, a
+near relation to the Duke of Medina Sidonia: And an expedition
+was sent against the Zapotecan mountaineers, under Alonzo de
+Herrera, one of our veteran soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Having lingered about eight months, Marcos de Aguilar died,
+and appointed by his testament Alonzo de Estrada the treasurer to
+succeed him in the government: But the Cabildo of Mexico and many
+of the principal Spaniards were very solicitous that Cortes
+should be associated in the government; and on his peremptory
+refusal, they recommended that Sandoval, who was then
+alguazil-major, should act in conjunction with Estrada, which
+accordingly was the case. The incompetence of Estrada for
+conducting the government in the present conjuncture,
+particularly appeared from the following circumstance. Nuno de
+Guzman, who had held the government of Panuco for two years,
+conducted himself in a furious and tyrannical manner, arbitrarily
+extending the bounds of his jurisdiction on the most frivolous
+pretences, and putting to death all who dared to oppose his
+commands. Among these, Pedro Gonzalez de Truxillo, having
+asserted truly that his district was dependent on Mexico, Guzman
+immediately ordered him to be hanged. He put many other Spaniards
+to death, merely to make himself feared; and set the authority of
+the governor of Mexico at defiance. Some of the enemies of Cortes
+persuaded Estrada to represent to the court of Spain, that he had
+been compelled by the influence of Cortes to associate Sandoval
+with himself in the government, contrary to his inclination, and
+to the detriment of his majesties service. By the same
+conveyance, a string of malevolent falsehoods were transmitted
+against the general; as that he had poisoned Garay, De Leon, and
+Aguilar; that he had endeavoured to administer arsenic in
+cheese-cakes to a great number of people at a feast; that he was
+plotting the deaths of the veedor and factor Chirinos and
+Salazar, then in jail; and that he had procured the death of his
+wife, Donna Catalina. All these lies were supported by the
+industry of the contador Albornos, then in Spain: And, in
+consequence of these gross falsehoods, Cortes was partly judged
+unheard; as orders were sent to release Salazar and Chirinos; and
+Pedro de la Cueva, commendator-major of Alcantara, was ordered to
+go out to Mexico with an escort of three hundred soldiers at the
+expence of Cortes, with authority to put Cortes to death if his
+guilt were proved, and to distribute his property among the
+veteran conquerors of Mexico. This was to have been done,
+however, under the authority of a court of royal audience, which
+was to be sent out to Mexico; but all ended in nothing; as
+neither De la Cueva nor the court of royal audience made their
+appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Estrada was greatly elated by the countenance he received at
+court, which he attributed to his being considered as a natural
+son of the Catholic king. He disposed of governments at his
+pleasure, and carried every thing with a high hand. At this time
+he sent his relation Mazoriejos to inquire into the conduct of
+Don Juan Enriquez de Guzman in Chiapa, who is said to have made
+more plunder there than was proper. He sent also a force against
+the Zapotecas and Mixtecas, under the command of one De Barrios,
+said to be a brave soldier who had served in Italy. I do not mean
+De Barrios of Seville, the brother-in-law of Cortes. This officer
+marched with a hundred men against the Zapotecas; but they
+surprised him, one night, and slew himself and seven of his
+soldiers. Such was the difference between these raw half formed
+soldiers, who were ignorant of the stratagems of the enemy, and
+us the veteran conquerors. One Figuero, a particular friend of
+Estrada, was sent with a hundred new soldiers to the province of
+Oaxaca. On passing through the country of the Zapotecas, Figuero
+fell into a dispute with one Alonzo de Herrera, who had been sent
+to command there by the late governor Aguilar, in which Figuero
+and three soldiers were wounded. Finding himself unable for the
+field, and that his soldiers were unfit for expeditions among the
+mountains, Figuero thought proper to search for the sepulchres of
+the ancient chiefs, on purpose to appropriate the gold which used
+to be buried along with them; by which means he collected above
+an hundred thousand crowns, and returned with this wealth to
+Mexico, leaving the province in a worse state than before. From
+Mexico he went to Vera Cruz, where he embarked for Spain; but he
+and all his wealth went to the bottom, as the vessel in which he
+sailed was lost in a storm. The business of subjecting these
+Indians was finally left for us, the veterans of Coatzacualco,
+who at length reduced them to submission. They used to submit
+during the summer, and to rebel when the torrents rendered their
+country inaccessible. I was on three expeditions against them;
+and at last the town of St Alfonso was built to keep them under
+subjection.</p>
+
+<p>When the governor heard how his friend Figuero had been
+maltreated by Herrera, he sent the officers of justice to
+apprehend him, but he made his escape to the rocks and woods.
+They took a soldier named Cortejo who used to accompany him, whom
+they brought prisoner to Mexico, where the governor ordered his
+right hand to be cut off, without hearing him in his defence,
+although he was a gentleman. About this time also, a servant
+belonging to Sandoval wounded one of Estradas servants in a
+quarrel. The governor had him arrested, and sentenced him to have
+his right hand cut off, Cortes and Sandoval resided at this time
+in Quernavaca, partly on prudential considerations; and
+immediately posted off to Mexico, where he is said to have used
+such severe expressions to the governor as to put him in fear of
+his life. He called his friends about him to form a guard for his
+person, and immediately released Salazar and Chirinos from
+prison, by whose advice he issued an order for the expulsion of
+Cortes from Mexico. When this was represented to Cortes, he
+declared his readiness to obey; and since it was the will of God,
+that he who had gained that city at the expence of his best
+blood, should be banished from it by base and unworthy men, he
+was resolved to go immediately to Spain and demand justice from
+his majesty. He quitted the city instantly, and went to one of
+his country residences at Cojohuacan, from whence in a few days
+he proceeded towards the coast. Estradas lady, a person worthy of
+memory for her many virtues, seeing the dangerous consequences
+which were likely to result from this absurd and arbitrary
+conduct, remonstrated with her husband on the subject, reminding
+him of the many favours he had received from Cortes, the
+ingratitude with which he now repaid him, and the many powerful
+friends of the general. These representations are said to have
+induced the treasurer to repent sincerely of the violent steps he
+had taken. Just at this time, Fra Julian Garrios, the first
+bishop of Tlascala arrived in New Spain, who was much displeased
+on hearing the proceedings of the governor; and two days after
+his arrival in Mexico, where he was received with great pomp, he
+undertook to mediate a reconciliation between the governor and
+Cortes. Many seditious persons, knowing the dissatisfaction of
+Cortes, offered him their services if he would set himself up as
+an independant monarch in New Spain, and he even received similar
+offers from many persons in Mexico. He immediately arrested all
+of these men who were in his reach, threatening to put them to
+death, and wrote to inform the bishop of Tlascala of their
+treasonable offers. The bishop waited on Cortes, and found his
+conduct in every respect satisfactory, of which he sent word to
+Mexico; and finding that Cortes was positively determined upon
+going to Spain, the prelate added to his letter a severe censure
+from himself upon the misconduct of those who had driven him from
+thence.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION XXII.</p>
+
+<p><i>Narrative of Occurrences, from the Departure of Cortes to
+Europe till his Death</i>.</p>
+
+<p>About this time likewise, Cortes received letters from the
+president of the council of the Indies, the Duke of Bejar, and
+several others of his friends in Spain; strongly urging the
+necessity of his appearance at court to counteract the malignant
+accusations of his numerous enemies[1]. By the same conveyance,
+he received notice of the death of his father. Having performed
+funeral obsequies in memory of his father, he ordered two ships
+to be purchased, which he stored so abundantly with provisions of
+all kinds, that after his arrival in Spain the overplus might
+have served for a voyage of two years. I am uncertain whether
+Cortes returned to Mexico in order to arrange his private
+affairs; but he appointed several agents for that purpose, the
+principal of whom was the licentiate Altamirano. His major-domo,
+Esquival, was employed in making preparations for the voyage;
+who, in crossing the lake to Ajotzinco in a large canoe with six
+Indians and a negro, having some ingots of gold in his
+possession, was waylaid and murdered; but the manner of his death
+could never be ascertained, as neither canoe, Indians, nor negro
+could ever be traced. The body of Esquival was found four days
+afterwards on a small island, half eaten by the birds of prey.
+There were many suspicions about this affair, some of such a
+nature as I cannot relate; but no great inquiry was made as to
+his death. Cortes appointed other persons to complete the
+preparations for his voyage; and offered by proclamation a free
+passage for all Spaniards who had license from the government to
+go to Spain, with a supply of provisions during the voyage. He
+took home with him from Mexico a great number of the curiosities
+of the country to present to his majesty, among which were
+various unknown birds, two tigers[2], many barrels of ambergris
+and indurated balsam, and of a kind resembling oil[3]: Four
+Indians who were remarkably expert in playing the stick with
+their feet: Some of those Indian jugglers who had a manner of
+appearing to fly in the air: Three hunchbacked dwarfs of
+extraordinary deformity: Some male and female Indians whose skins
+were remarkable for an extraordinary whiteness, and who had a
+natural defect of vision[4]. Cortes was likewise attended by
+several young chiefs of the Mexican and Tlascalan nations, who
+went over along with him into Spain at their own request[5].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] According to Robertson, II. 266. Cortes took the
+resolution of returning into Spain to avoid exposing himself to
+the ignominy of a trial in Mexico, the scene of his triumphs, on
+hearing that a commission of inquiry into his conduct was on the
+point of coming out to New Spain for that purpose. Diaz almost
+perpetually neglects dates, in the latter part of his work
+especially: but we learn from Robertson that it was now the year
+1528.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] The Mexican Tiger, or Jaguar, called Tlatlauhqui
+ocelotl by the Mexicans, the <i>felis onca</i> of naturalists, is
+of a yellowish colour with cornered annular spots, which are
+yellow in the middle. It grows to the size of a wolf or large
+dog, and resembles the Bengal tiger, <i>felis tigris</i>, in
+craft and cruelty, but not in size or courage.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Perhaps the Balsam of Capivi, which is of that
+consistence. The indurated balsam may be that of
+Tolu.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[4] These were <i>albinos</i>, an accidental or
+diseased rariety of the human species, having chalky white skins,
+pure white hair, and a want of the pigmentum nigrum of the eye.
+The white rabbit is a plentiful example of animal albinos, which
+variety continues to propagate its kind.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[5] According to Herrera, Dec. iv. lib. iij. c. 8.
+and lib. iv. c. 1. as quoted by Robertson, <i>note</i> cxxiv. the
+treasure which Cortes took over with him consisted of 1500 marks
+of wrought plate, 200,000 pesos of fine gold, and 10,000 of
+inferior standard; besides many rich jewels, one in particular
+being worth 40,000 pesos. The value of this enumerated treasure
+amounts to L.104,250 Sterling numerical value; but estimating its
+efficient value in those days, with Robertson, as equal to six
+times the present amount, it exceeds L.600,000.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Every thing being in readiness for the voyage, Cortes
+confessed and received the sacrament, after which he embarked
+along with Sandoval, de Tapia, and other gentlemen; and in
+forty-one days arrived in Spain, where he disembarked near the
+town of Palos, in the month of December 1527. As soon as he set
+his foot on shore, he knelt down and returned thanks to God for
+the safety of his voyage. This fortunate voyage was soon
+succeeded by severe grief, in consequence of the death of the
+valiant Sandoval, who expired after a lingering illness in the
+house of a rope-maker in Palos, who robbed him in his presence of
+thirteen bars of gold, in the following manner: Perceiving the
+extreme weakness of Sandoval, he sent away all his servants on a
+pretended message to Cortes; and then went into Sandovals room,
+where he broke open his chest and took out the gold, our poor
+friend being too ill in bed to hinder him, and even apprehensive
+if he made any outcry, that the robber might take his life. As
+soon as he got the gold, he made his escape into Portugal, where
+he could not be pursued. Sandoval grew worse hourly, and as the
+physicians pronounced his end approaching, he prepared himself
+for death like a good Christian, and made his will, by which he
+left all his property to a sister, who afterwards married a
+natural son of the Conde de Medelin. Sandoval died universally
+regretted, and was followed to the grave by Cortes and a great
+train of mourners. May God pardon his sins! <i>Amen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes transmitted by express, an account of his arrival and
+of the death of his friend Sandoval to his majesty and to his
+patrons at court; and when the Duke of Bejar and the Conde de
+Aguilar waited on his majesty on the occasion, they found him
+already acquainted by means of letters from Cortes, and that he
+had been pleased to issue orders for his being received in the
+most honourable manner in all the towns and cities where he might
+have occasion to pass. On his arrival at Seville, Cortes was
+entertained by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who presented him with
+several beautiful horses. He proceeded from thence to attend the
+<i>nine days devotion</i> at the shrine of our lady of
+Guadaloupe, where Donna Maria, the lady of the commendador Don
+Francisco de los Cobos, and many other ladies of high rank
+arrived at the same time. After Cortes had performed his
+devotions, and given charity to the poor, he went in grand style
+to pay his respects to Donna Maria, her beautiful sister, and the
+many other ladies of distinguished rank who were along with her,
+where he exhibited that politeness, gallantry, and generosity, in
+which he surpassed all men. He presented various golden ornaments
+of great value to all the ladies, giving a plume of green
+feathers richly ornamented with gold to every one of the ladies,
+but his presents to Donna Maria and her sister were particularly
+rich and valuable. He then produced his Indian dancers and
+players with the stick, who astonished all the spectators. And
+learning that one of the mules belonging to Donna Marias sister
+had fallen lame, he presented her with two of the finest which
+could be procured. Waiting the departure of these ladies, he
+attended them during their journey to the court, entertaining
+them magnificently on all occasions, doing the honours with a
+grace peculiar to himself, insomuch that Donna Maria de Mendoza
+began to have thoughts of a marriage between her sister and
+Cortes, and wrote in such strains of the politeness and
+generosity of Cortes, that she brought over the commendador her
+husband entirely to his interest.</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival at court, his majesty was pleased to order
+apartments for him, and all his friends came out to meet him on
+the road. Next day he went by permission to throw himself at his
+majestys feet, accompanied by the Duke of Bejar, the Admiral of
+the Indies, and the commendador of Leon. His majesty commanded
+him to rise, on which Cortes, after a short enumeration of his
+services and vindication of his conduct from the aspersions of
+his enemies, presented a memorial in which the whole was fully
+detailed. His majesty then honoured him with the title of Marquis
+della Valle de Oaxaca and the order of St Jago, giving him an
+estate for the support of his new dignity, and appointed him
+Captain-general of New Spain and of the South Seas. Thus loaded
+with honours, Cortes retired from the royal presence; and shortly
+afterwards falling dangerously ill, the emperor did him the
+honour of paying him a visit in person. One Sunday after his
+recovery, when the emperor was at mass in the cathedral of
+Toledo, seated according to custom with all the nobility in their
+proper stations, Cortes came there rather late, designedly as it
+was said, after all were seated; and, passing before all the
+others, took his place next the Conde de Nasao, who sat nearest
+the emperor. This gave great offence to many, though some said it
+was done by desire of the emperor. Indeed Cortes felt his
+elevation so much, that he ceased to hold some of his patrons in
+the estimation they deserved, bestowing his whole attentions on
+the Duke of Bejar, the Admiral, and the Conde de Nasao. He
+applied likewise to the emperor to be reappointed to the
+government of New Spain; but, though supported in this request by
+his noble patrons, his majesty refused compliance, and from this
+time he did not seem so much in favour as before.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor now proceeded on a journey to Flanders; and
+shortly after his departure, Cortes was married to Donna Juanna
+de Zuniga, on which occasion he presented his lady with the most
+magnificent jewels that had ever been seen in Spain. Queen
+Isabella, from the report of the lapidaries, expressed a wish for
+some similar jewels, which Cortes accordingly presented to her;
+but it was reported that these were not so fine or so valuable as
+those he had given to his lady. At this time Cortes obtained
+permission from the council of the Indies to fit out two ships on
+a voyage of discovery to the south seas, with the condition of
+enjoying certain privileges and revenues from all lands that were
+acquired through his means to the crown of Spain. Don Pedro de la
+Cueva, who was to have gone to Mexico with a commission to try
+Cortes and to put him to death if found guilty, was now upon the
+most intimate footing with him, and told him that even his
+innocence would have been sufficiently expensive, as the cost of
+the expedition, which he was to have paid, would have exceeded
+300,000 crowns.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes sent Juan de Herrada, a brave soldier who had attended
+him in his expedition to Honduras, to carry a rich present of
+gold, silver, and jewels, to his holiness Pope Clement, with an
+ample memorial of all the circumstances respecting the newly
+discovered countries; and on this occasion solicited some
+abatement of the tithes of New Spain. Herrada was accompanied to
+Rome by several of the Indians who shewed feats of agility, and
+with whose performances the pope and cardinals were highly
+diverted. His holiness, on the receipt of the letters and
+memorial, gave thanks to God for the opportunity of making so
+many thousands converts to the holy catholic faith, praising the
+services which Cortes and we had rendered to the church and our
+sovereign, and sent us bulls of indulgence, freeing us from the
+penalties of our sins, and others for the erection of churches
+and hospitals; but I know not what was done in regard to the
+tithes. When Herrada had concluded his business at Rome, he
+returned to Spain with a liberal reward from the pope, who gave
+him the rank of Count Palatine, and strongly recommended that he
+should have the grant of a considerable plantation in New Spain,
+which he never got. After his return to America, he went to Peru,
+where Diego de Almagro left him in the office of governor to his
+son. He was high in the favour and confidence of the family and
+party of Almagro, with whom he served as <i>maestre de campo</i>
+under young Almagro, and headed the party which put to death the
+elder Don Francisco Pizarro.</p>
+
+<p>While Cortes remained in Spain, the members of the court of
+royal audience arrived in Mexico. Of this court, Nuno de Guzman,
+who had been governor of Panuco, was president; the four
+<i>oydors</i> or judges being the licentiates, Matienzo,
+Delgadillo, Parada, and Maldonado; not the good Alonzo Maldonado
+who was afterwards governor of Guatimala. These magistrates had
+greater powers than had hitherto been confided to any officers in
+New Spain, being entrusted with the final distribution of landed
+property, in which his majesty had particularly charged them to
+take care of the interests of the conquerors, and they evinced
+from the very first a determination to do justice. Immediately
+after their arrival, they issued a proclamation, requiring the
+attendance of an agent from each settlement, and to be furnished
+with memorials and returns of the several districts; and the
+agents accordingly arrived as soon as possible. Being then in
+Mexico in the execution of my office of procurator-syndic of the
+town of Coatzacualco, I posted to that place in order to be
+present at the election of agents, and after a violent contest,
+Captain Marin and I were elected by the majority. On our arrival
+in Mexico, we found that two of the oydors had died of
+pleurisies, and that the factor Salazar had acquired so complete
+an ascendancy over the others that they followed his advice in
+every thing. The agents pressed a final distribution of lands;
+but Salazar persuaded the president and the two remaining oydors
+not hastily to part with that source of patronage, which would
+necessarily diminish their influence. Salazar even set out for
+Spain, to solicit the government for the president, Nuno de
+Guzman; but was shipwrecked on the coast near Coatzacualco, and
+had to return to Mexico. Estrada died soon after being
+superseded, which he owed more to his own tameness than to any
+right the members of the court could found on his majestys
+orders, which left the government entirely with him, without
+saying any thing of the association of Guzman; who yet usurped
+the sole government to himself as president. Estrada was
+universally regretted, as he conducted himself with perfect
+impartiality, and would assuredly have been supported, if he had
+insisted on retaining his office of governor.</p>
+
+<p>A commission was appointed at Guatimala, where Jorge de
+Alvarado commanded, of which I never learnt the result. In Mexico
+the most severe proceedings were adopted against the Marquis
+della Valle, during which the factor Salazar reviled and
+slandered him in the grossest manner. The licentiate Altamirano,
+his friend and manager of his affairs, remonstrated with the
+court against these indecent proceedings, but to no purpose, as
+Guzman and the surviving judges gave their countenance to
+Salazar, who became more abusive than ever; insomuch that on one
+of these occasions Altamirano drew his poniard, and would have
+stabbed the factor, throwing the court into confusion and uproar,
+if he had not been prevented. Altamirano was sent prisoner to the
+citadel, and Salazar was ordered into arrest in his own house,
+and the city was thrown into an universal ferment. At the end of
+three days, the licentiate was liberated from confinement at our
+earnest desire, and the dispute was quieted for the present; but
+a more serious disscution succeeded. One Zavalos, a relation of
+Narvaez, had been sent by his wife in quest of him, as he had
+gone as governor to the Rio Palmas, and had not been heard of for
+a long while. On coming to Mexico, Zavalos, as is supposed by
+instigation of the members of the royal court of audience, lodged
+criminal information against all the soldiers of Cortes who had
+been concerned in the attack upon Narvaez; so that about two
+hundred and fifty of us, then in the city, myself among the rest,
+were apprehended, brought to trial, convicted, and sentenced to a
+fine of a certain quantity of gold, and banishment to the
+distance of five leagues from Mexico: But the banishment was
+remitted and very few paid the fine.</p>
+
+<p>The enemies of the marquis took a new ground of attack,
+alleging that he had embezzled the treasure of Montezuma and
+Guatimotzin, and was answerable to the soldiers both for what he
+had appropriated to his own use, and for that which had been sent
+to Spain as a present to his majesty and had been captured by
+Florin the French corsair. A long list of other demands followed,
+on every one of which he was found liable, and his property was
+sold under executions for the payment. At this time likewise,
+Juan Suarez the brother of Donna Catalina, the first wife of
+Cortes, charged him with her murder, offering to produce
+witnesses of the manner of her death. Many of us the veteran
+conquerors, who were the friends of Cortes, seeing the harsh
+manner in which he was treated, met by appointment at the house
+of Garcia Holguin, under the license of an alcalde or judge of
+police, where we entered into a resolution to renounce all our
+claims to the treasure: But when the judges of the royal tribunal
+heard of our proceedings, they ordered us all to be arrested for
+an illegal meeting; and though we produced the license under
+which our meeting was held, they again banished us five leagues
+from Mexico; but we were allowed to return. A proclamation was
+issued about this time, that all persons of Moorish descent, or
+from those who had been burned or <i>sanbenited</i>[6] by the
+holy tribunal, as far as the fourth generation, should quit New
+Spain within four months, under the penalty of losing half their
+property. Vast numbers of informers and accusers started up on
+this occasion, by which an infinite number of most infamous
+slanders were propagated; and yet after all only two individuals
+were expelled.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Those who had worn the <i>san benito</i>, or
+penal dress, in <i>an auto de fe</i>. In the original translation
+the <i>descendants of Indians</i> are included in this
+proscription, which certainly must be an error.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The court was generous in fulfilling the royal commands
+respecting the veteran conquerors, who were all amply provided
+for; but they granted an excessive license in regard to the
+branding of slaves, in consequence of which so many were made in
+the province of Panuco that it became almost depopulated. Guzman
+made a new-years-gift to Albornos, who was newly returned to
+Spain, of the whole district of Guazpaltepec. Albornos brought
+with him a royal patent for erecting some sugar-works at
+Chempoalla, which soon went to ruin. The oydor Delgadillo was
+much censured for his <i>free gifts</i>, as it was observed he
+always reserved some rents to himself, and the consequent
+extortions and oppressions of those he patronized were excessive.
+The other oydor Matienzo was superannuated. The abuses of the
+members of this supreme court became at length so notorious, that
+other members of more discretion were sent out to supersede them.
+Old Matienzo, who was the least exceptionable, was sent to Panuco
+to inquire into and remedy the abuses committed in that province;
+where he revoked the grants made by the president and Delgadillo
+to their friends and clients, bestowing the plantations on those
+who were pointed out by the royal instructions; but all those who
+were desired to deliver up their plantations endeavoured to bring
+proof that they had been granted in reward of former services,
+disclaiming all favour or patronage from Guzman or Delgadillo,
+and most of them succeeded in keeping what they had got, the only
+persons deprived being Albornos of his new-years-gift, Villareal,
+and Villegas.</p>
+
+<p>When the members of the royal tribunal understood that they
+were to be superseded, they resolved to send agents to Spain,
+provided with witnesses and documents to vouch for the propriety
+of their conduct; and for this purpose all the veteran conquerors
+and other persons of distinction were convened in the great
+church, to choose an agent for our interest. The president and
+judges of the royal tribunal recommended Salazar the factor; and
+though they had committed some improprieties, as they had in the
+main done us justice in the <i>repartimientos</i>, or
+distribution of property and vassals, we were all disposed to
+vote for the person they recommended; but when we had assembled
+in the church, so many persons had crowded in who had no right,
+making a prodigious noise and confusion, that we could not
+proceed to business; and though all who had not been summoned
+were ordered to withdraw, they refused and insisted to vote as
+well as the others. We therefore adjourned to the next day, at
+the house of the president; and none being admitted but those
+summoned, the business was soon amicably adjusted by agreement
+with the members of the royal audience, and two agents were
+chosen. One, named Antonio de Carvajal, for the court; and
+Bernardino Vasquez de Tapia, for Cortes and the conquerors. In my
+opinion, both of these were equally devoted to the views of the
+president; but this was natural on our part, as Guzman had done
+much more for us during his short administration, than Cortes
+during all the period of his power. Yet we were always more
+attached to Cortes, who had been our commander, than he was to
+our interest, notwithstanding that he had his majestys orders to
+provide for us; of which the following is a striking proof. The
+president and judges used their influence with us to petition his
+majesty that Cortes might never be permitted to return to New
+Spain, under pretence that his presence might occasion factions
+and disturbances, tending to the loss of the country. We opposed
+this to the utmost of our power; and as Alvarado arrived at this
+time from Spain with the commission of governor and
+lieutenant-general of Guatimala, and decorated with a commandery
+of St Jago, he and the friends of Cortes agreed to lay a
+statement of every thing before his majesty, giving a clear
+developement of the views and conduct of the members of the royal
+audience. From this it appeared to the royal council of the
+Indies, that all the measures they had taken against Cortes were
+dictated by passion and interest, and the determination of
+recalling the present members of the audience was thereby
+confirmed. The presence of Cortes in Spain at this time was also
+highly favourable to his interests, and he was now rapidly
+advancing to the pinnacle of his fortune.</p>
+
+<p>As Guzman was now quite certain of being superseded, he
+determined upon an expedition into the province of Xalisco, now
+called New Gallicia[7]. For this purpose he collected a large
+military force, partly of volunteers, and partly by the influence
+of his supreme authority, obliging those who did not serve
+personally to find substitutes, and those who had horses to sell
+them for half value. He took with him likewise a considerable
+number of Mexicans, partly as soldiers, and others to carry the
+baggage. In this expedition, he cruelly oppressed the provinces
+through which he passed, that he might amass riches. From
+Mechoacan[8] he obtained a large quantity of gold much alloyed
+with silver, which the inhabitants had been collecting for ages;
+and as the unfortunate prince or cacique of that country was
+unable to gratify his avarice sufficiently, he had him tortured
+in the first place, and afterwards hanged on some false or
+trifling allegations, to the great displeasure of all the
+Spaniards in his army, who considered it as the cruellest and
+most unjust action ever committed in New Spain. All the booty
+which he had made in this expedition was collected at the town of
+Compostello, which he founded at a heavy expence to the crown and
+to the inhabitants of Mexico, and he remained in this place until
+his arrest.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] New Gallicia, to the north-west of Mexico and
+upon the Pacific Ocean, is now included in the <i>Intendencia</i>
+of Guadalaxara, and appears to have been named Colima by the
+Mexicans.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In consequence of the injustice of the former court of
+audience, his majesty was pleased to suppress it, and to cancel
+all its grants, and to appoint a new one consisting of wise and
+upright men. Of this new tribunal, Don Sebastian Ramirez, bishop
+of St Domingo was president, and the oydors or judges were the
+licentiates Maldonado de Salamanca, Vaco de Quiroga y Madrigal,
+afterwards bishop of Mechoacan, Zaynos de Toro, and Solomon de
+Madrid. On commencing their sittings, such crowds of complainants
+of all descriptions, settlers, agents, and native chiefs from
+every city, town, and district of New Spain made application for
+redress against the partiality and oppression of the former
+court, that the members were quite astonished. The demands made
+by the agents of Cortes for what had been unjustly taken from
+him, amounted to above 200,000 crowns. As Nuno de Guzman was
+absent, the whole blame was laid upon him by the other members of
+the former tribunal, who alleged that they were compelled to act
+according to his orders. He was accordingly summoned to appear,
+which he did not think proper to do, and it was judged proper to
+refer the whole affair for the present to the supreme court in
+Spain. Accordingly, one Torre, a licentiate, was sent with full
+powers from Spain to Xalisco, having orders to transmit Guzman to
+Mexico, and to commit him to prison. Torre was also commissioned
+to indemnify us for the fines which had been imposed on us
+respecting the affair of Narvaez.</p>
+
+<p>The properties of Delgadillo and Martienzo, were sold to pay
+the damages of those who had gained causes against them, and
+their persons imprisoned for the deficiency. A brother of
+Delgadillo, who was alcalde-major in Oaxaca, and another who was
+alcalde among the Zapotecas, were fined and imprisoned for the
+same reason, and died in jail. Delgadillo and Martienzo returned
+afterwards to Spain in poverty, where they soon died. The new
+judges were wise and just, regulating their conduct entirely
+according to the will of God and the king, and shewing a laudable
+zeal for the protection and conversion of the Indians. They
+prohibited all branding of the natives for slaves, and made many
+other excellent regulations. In about four years, Solomon and
+Zaynos, two of the judges, being old and wealthy, petitioned for
+leave to retire. The president also was ordered to repair to
+Europe, to give an account of the affairs of New Spain. He was
+then bishop of St Domingo, having been formerly inquisitor in
+Seville. After his return to Spain, he was advanced successively
+to the bishopricks of Toro, Leon, and Cuen&ccedil;a, with
+astonishing rapidity, and was also made president of the royal
+chancery in Valladolid. The good conduct of the <i>oydor</i>
+Maldonado was rewarded by the government of Guatimala, Honduras,
+and Veragua, and the title of <i>adelantado</i> or lieutenant
+governor of Yucutan. The other judge, Quiroga de Madrigal,
+obtained the bishoprick of Mechoacan. Such were the rewards of
+these just judges!</p>
+
+<p>His majesty was pleased to appoint Don Antonio de Mendoza
+viceroy of New Spain. This most illustrious nobleman, worthy of
+all praise, was brother to the Marquis of Montejar. Along with
+him there came out as oydors or judges of the court of audience,
+the doctor Quesada, and the licentiates Tejada de Logrono and
+Loaysa. The latter was an old man who staid only three or four
+years in Mexico, where he collected a good deal of money, and
+then returned home to Spain. Santilana, another licentiate came
+out at the same time, appointed to succeed Maldonado as oydor
+when he might vacate his office. All were excellent magistrates.
+On opening their court, they gave leave to every one to make
+objections against the conduct of their predecessors; but which
+was found on inquiry to have been perfectly right. When the
+viceroy Mendoza arrived, as he knew that the licentiate Torre had
+orders to arrest Nuno de Guzman, he invited him to Mexico,
+meaning to save him from insult, and gave him apartments in the
+palace, where he was treated with all respect. But Torre, who had
+orders to communicate his commission to the viceroy, not finding
+himself countenanced in the strong measures he was inclined to
+pursue, and being naturally violent, arrested Guzman in the
+palace and carried him to the common prison, saying that he acted
+by royal authority. Guzman remained several days in custody, but
+was at length released at the intercession of the viceroy. The
+licentiate was much addicted to cards, particularly at the games
+of <i>triumpho</i> and primero, on which circumstance one of
+Guzmans friends played him the following trick to hold him up to
+ridicule. The civilians at that time wore gowns with loose
+hanging sleeves, into one of which some wag contrived to convey a
+pack of cards, so that when Torre was walking across the great
+square of Mexico in company with several persons of quality, the
+cards began to drop from his sleeve, leaving a long trail behind
+him as he walked along. On discovering the trick, which was
+heartily laughed at, he became very much enraged; and either from
+vexation or the influence of the climate, he died soon after of a
+<i>calenture</i> or burning fever, by which the affair of Guzman
+was respited.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes having now been long in Spain, advanced to the dignity
+of marquis, captain-general of New Spain, and admiral of the
+south sea, being anxious to revisit his estates in New Spain,
+embarked with his family and twelve fathers of the order of
+mercy. On his arrival at Vera Cruz, he was by no means so
+honourably received as formerly, and went from thence to Mexico,
+to present his patents to the viceroy and to take possession of
+his offices. Considerable difficulty occurred in regard to the
+interpretation of the royal grant of towns and lands to the
+marquis, which I do not pretend to understand. The grant, in
+mentioning the districts which were granted to him, enumerated
+the <i>vicinos</i> or neighbours who were considered as belonging
+to it and as constituting his vassals. Cortes insisted that the
+head person only of each family was to be considered as the
+<i>vicino</i> or vassal; but the Doctor Quesada, who was deputed
+to allot his districts, contended that every adult male in a
+family, master, son, servant, or slave, was to be reckoned in the
+number of the <i>vicinos</i>. The marquis was much disappointed
+by this interpretation, as there were often twelve or fifteen of
+these in one household or family, which would have prodigiously
+reduced his revenue, and several law-suits ensued in consequence.
+This matter was reported for his majesties determination, and
+continued for several years in suspence, during which the marquis
+received his full rents without hindrance: But finding the great
+diminution of his importance in the country which he had subdued,
+by the appointment of a viceroy, he retired to Quernavaca, where
+he established his residence, being on his own estate, never
+returning to Mexico. While Marcos de Aguilar held the government
+of New Spain, Cortes caused four ships to be fitted out at
+Zacatula on the south sea, under the command of Alvarado de
+Saavedra, and provided with various articles of merchandize, for
+a voyage to China and the Molucca or spice islands. He was
+likewise directed to look out for a squadron which had sailed
+from Spain for China, commanded by Don Garcia de Loaysa, a
+commander of the order of St John at Rhodes[9]. While Saavedra
+was preparing for his expedition, a vessel belonging to the
+squadron of Loaysa arrived at Zacatula, from the pilot and crew
+of which he acquired all the information he wished. Taking with
+him the pilot and two sailors of this ship, Saavedra proceeded on
+his voyage in December 1527 or 1528, and sustained many
+misfortunes and hardships on the way to the Moluccas. I do not
+know the particulars of this voyage: But, about three years
+afterwards, I met a sailor who had sailed in this expedition, who
+told me many strange things respecting the cities and nations he
+had seen. I also heard that the Portugueze had captured Saavedra
+and several of his people, whom they had sent prisoners to
+Europe. After his return to New Spain the marquis sent two ships,
+in May 1532, from Acapulco, commanded by Diego Hurtado de
+Mendoza, to make discoveries in the south sea. One of his ships
+mutinied and returned to New Spain, to the great mortification of
+Cortes, and Hurtado was never heard of afterwards. After this,
+Cortes sent out two other vessels, one commanded by Diego Bezerra
+de Mendoza, and the other by Hernando de Grijalva. The first
+night after their departure from Tehuantepec, they were separated
+in a gale of wind and never joined again, Grijalva being well
+pleased to escape from under the command of Bezerra, who was of a
+haughty temper; and besides, Grijalva was desirous to take the
+merit of any discoveries he might make to himself. After sailing
+200 leagues, he came to an uninhabited island, which he named St
+Thomas. Bezerra made himself so odious by his domineering
+disposition, that his pilot Ximenes entered into a plot for his
+assassination, which he carried into effect, and took the command
+of the vessel. Continuing the voyage, he discovered an island
+which he named Santa Cruz, which was inhabited by savages, and
+where he set on shore two Franciscan friars and several persons
+who had refused to join in the mutiny. Being in want of water, he
+went at the same time on shore for that purpose; but he and all
+who landed were put to death by the savages within view of the
+ship. After this misfortune the survivors returned to New
+Spain.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] Mechoacan, to the west of Mexico and reaching to
+the south sea forms now the Intendency of
+Valladolid.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[9] For the information of some readers, it may be
+proper to observe, that the order of St John of Jerusalem, lately
+known by the name of the order of Malta, then resided at
+Rhodes.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The Marquis del Valle was so much vexed by these
+disappointments that he resolved to go in person upon discovery,
+with three ships which he had ready for launching at Teguantepec.
+When the Spaniards learnt that he meant to embark on a voyage of
+discovery, they thought that success was quite certain, and great
+numbers resolved to accompany him. Above 320 persons, including
+women, offered their services, as there were above 130 of them
+married men, who brought their wives along with them. Leaving
+Teguantepec in May 1536 or 1537, accompanied by Andres de Tapia
+and several other officers, with some ecclesiastics, physicians
+and surgeons, and as many colonists as the vessels could contain,
+he sailed for the island of Santa Cruz, where he arrived after a
+prosperous voyage, and sent back the ships to bring over the
+remainder of the people[10]. The second voyage was not so
+fortunate, as they separated in a gale of wind near the river of
+St Peter and St Paul, one only of the ships arriving at the
+island of Santa Cruz, where the marquis anxiously expected them,
+as provisions were growing scarce. One of the other vessels,
+which contained the provisions, was stranded on the coast of
+Xalisco, whence most of the people returned to New Spain. The
+other vessel came to a bay which the people named Guayaval, from
+the quantity of <i>guayavas</i> which they found there. During
+this time, the marquis and his people were experiencing extreme
+distress on the uncultivated island of Santa Cruz, twenty-three
+of the soldiers dying of famine, and the rest sinking daily, and
+cursing his expeditions and discoveries. Taking fifty soldiers
+with him in the ship which had arrived, he went in search of the
+other two; and after some considerable search he found one
+stranded, as already mentioned, on the coast of Xalisco, and
+abandoned by the people, and met the other among some rocks.
+Having repaired these vessels, he brought them with a quantity of
+provisions to Santa Cruz, where his famished colonists eat so
+voraciously that half of them died. Anxious to quit this scene of
+misery, the marquis embarked from Santa Cruz, and, continuing his
+project of discoveries, fell in with the land of California,
+heartily tired of his fruitless pursuit, yet unwilling to return
+to New Spain without effecting some important discovery. When the
+Marchioness del Valle had notice of the loss of one of the
+vessels, she became very apprehensive of her husbands safety, and
+fitted out two ships to go in search of the marquis and his
+unfortunate colonists. These sailed under the command of
+Francisco de Ulloa, who carried letters from the marchioness and
+the viceroy, requesting the return of Cortes to New Spain. Ulloa
+had the good fortune to fall in with Cortes, who suffered himself
+to be prevailed on, and returned to New Spain by way of Acapulco,
+leaving Ulloa to command the squadron. His return rejoiced the
+Spaniards, who were always afraid the natives chiefs might
+revolt, when not awed by his presence. The people whom he left in
+California returned soon afterwards; but whether they were so
+ordered by the government I know not.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] Santa Cruz is a small island in the Vermilion
+sea, on the eastern coast of California, in lat. 25&ordm; 23' N.
+lon. 110&ordm; 47' W. from Greenwich.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After a few months, the Marquis fitted out other two ships,
+which he sent upon discovery under the command of Ulloa, who
+sailed from the port of Navidad in the month of June, but I
+forget the year. Ulloa had orders to explore the coast of
+California, and to search for Hurtado, who had never been heard
+of. After an absence of seven months, Ulloa returned to Xalisco,
+without having effected any discovery of importance; and was
+assassinated a few days afterwards on shore by a soldier who bore
+him a grudge. Thus ended the projected discoveries of the Marquis
+del Valle, in which I have heard him say that he expended above
+300,000 crowns. He never prospered after his first conquest of
+New Spain; and his bad fortune was ascribed to the curses of his
+companions, for having treated them so ill in the distribution of
+the property acquired by their bravery. He now determined on
+going to Spain, in order to solicit an allowance from his majesty
+for the expences he had been at in these voyages, as also to
+endeavour to end the dispute concerning the vassals of his
+estates in New Spain, and to procure restitution of the property
+which had been seized from him by Nuno de Guzman, who was now a
+prisoner in Castille.</p>
+
+<p>After the departure of the Marquis, the viceroy and court of
+audience sent a military force from Xalisco by land to the north
+west, under the command of Francisco Vasquez Coronado, who
+married the beautiful and virtuous daughter of the treasurer
+Estrada. Coronado left his government of Xalisco, under the
+charge of an officer named Onate, and marched into the country
+named <i>Celibola</i>[11] or the Seven Cities; whence he sent a
+Franciscan friar, named Marcos de Nica, to Mexico, to give the
+viceroy an account of the country. He described it as consisting
+of fine plains, with great herds of cattle quite different from
+those of Europe; having populous towns, in which the houses were
+of two stories with stairs. He also represented that it lay on
+the coast of the south sea, by means of which necessaries and
+reinforcements could be easily sent to the Spanish force.
+Accordingly, three ships were sent for that purpose, under the
+command of Hernando de Alarco, an officer belonging to the
+household of the viceroy.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] This appears to be the country now called
+Cinaloa, or Culiacan. The strange appellation of the <i>seven
+cities</i> seems to have reference to that fancied ancient
+Spanish colony which has been formerly spoken of in the
+introduction to the discovery of Columbus.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In the year 1537, Don Pedro de Alvarado fitted out a great
+armament of thirteen vessels from the port of <i>Acaxatla</i>[12]
+on the south sea, in consequence of a license from his majesty,
+in which he had a grant of certain rents and advantages in such
+countries as he might discover; that is to say, in China and the
+Moluccas or Spice Islands. As the port where this armament was
+fitted out was above 200 leagues from Vera Cruz, whence all the
+iron and most other articles had to be carried by land, its cost
+might easily have fitted out eighty such vessels from Old Spain.
+All the wealth which Alvarado brought from Peru[13], together
+with what he had got from the mines in Guatimala, with the rents
+of his estates, and rich presents from his friends and relations,
+were insufficient for his preparations on this occasion, although
+all the merchandize was procured on credit. Great as was the
+expence of the ships, it was far exceeded by that of his army,
+consisting of 650 soldiers with their officers, and a number of
+horses, as a good horse at that time cost 300 crowns. Alvarado
+sailed some time in the year 1538 for the harbour of
+<i>Navidad</i> near the city of <i>Purification</i>, in the
+province of Xalisco, or New Galicia, where he meant to take in
+water, and to embark more soldiers. When the viceroy heard of
+this great armament, he became desirous to have a share in it,
+and went to Navidad to view the fleet, whence he and Alvarado
+returned to Mexico. Alvarado wished to have a relation of his own
+named Juan appointed to have the command of this expedition,
+while the viceroy was desirous to have another officer, named
+Villalobos, joined in command with Juan Alvarado. On his return
+to the port of Navidad, and when just ready to sail, Alvarado
+received a letter from Onate, who had been left in the command of
+the province of Xalisco, earnestly entreating his immediate
+assistance, as he and the settlement were threatened with
+destruction by the Indians of Cochitlan. Alvarado, who was always
+zealous in his majestys service, marched immediately with his
+troops to their relief, and found them in a most desperate
+situation. The insurgents rather diminished in the violence of
+their attacks on the arrival of Alvarado, but hostilities were
+still continued; and one day, as Alvarado was following the enemy
+among some rocky mountains, a soldier on horseback, who was at a
+considerable height above him on the steep side of a mountain,
+came rolling down above him, horse and all, by which he was so
+much bruised, that soon after his removal to the town of the
+Purification, he was seized with fainting-fits, and expired in a
+few days. On the news of Alvarados death being known to his fleet
+and army, many of the people returned to their homes with what
+they had received. The viceroy sent off the licentiate Maldonado
+to prevent confusion as much as possible, whom he followed soon
+after to take the charge of the remaining soldiers, with whom he
+marched against the insurgents, and after a tedious and difficult
+warfare of some continuance, reduced them to submission.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] This name, which is not to be found in any map,
+is probably a mistake for Zacatula, in lat. 18&ordm; N. on the
+coast of the Pacific Ocean, W.S.W. from Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The loss of Alvarado was severely felt in his family, and his
+memory was long held in high esteem through all New Spain. On
+receiving the fatal intelligence in Guatimala, the worthy bishop
+Maroguin and all his clergy celebrated his obsequies with much
+honour, and his major-domo caused the walls of his house to be
+painted black, which colour has remained ever since. Many
+gentlemen waited on Donna Beatrix de la Cueva, his lady, to
+console her for her loss. They advised her to give God thanks,
+since it was his will to take her husband to himself. Like a good
+Christian, she assented to this sentiment, yet said that she now
+wished to leave this melancholy world and all its misfortunes.
+The historian Gomara has falsely said that she spoke
+blasphemously on this occasion, saying that God could now do her
+no more injury; and injuriously ascribes the subsequent
+misfortune which befel her to these words which she did not
+utter. A deluge of mud and water burst forth from the volcano
+near Guatimala, which overwhelmed the house in which she was
+praying along with her women. Although Alvarado and his four
+brothers had served his majesty with much zeal, no part of his
+property descended to his children, and the whole family was
+peculiarly unfortunate. Don Pedro died, as I have already
+related, by an uncommon accident in Cochitlan, or Culiacan. His
+brother Jorge died in Madrid in 1540, while soliciting his
+majesty for a recompence of his services. Gomes de Alvarado died
+in Peru. Gonzalo in Mexico or Oaxaca, I am uncertain which. Juan
+on his voyage to Cuba. The eldest son of Don Pedro, while on a
+voyage along with his relation the younger Juan, to solicit a
+recompence for his fathers services, was lost at sea. Don Diego,
+the younger son, seeing the fortunes of the family desperate,
+returned to Peru, where he died in battle. Donna Beatrix[14], the
+lady of Don Pedro, with the female part of the family, were
+destroyed, as before related, by a torrent from a volcano, one of
+his daughters only excepted, Donna Leonora, who was saved from
+the torrent, and has caused two sepulchres to be built in the
+great church of Guatimala, to receive the bones of her relations.
+May our Lord Jesus take them all with him into glory!
+<i>Amen</i>.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[13] The expedition of Alvarado to Peru will be
+related in the subsequent chapter. Diaz merely gives this slight
+hint on the subject.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[14] In the <i>sixth</i> section of this chapter, it
+has been already mentioned that Don Pedro Alvarado was married to
+<i>Donna Luisa</i> the daughter of Xicotencatl, one of the
+princes or chiefs of Tlascala, through whom he acquired a great
+inheritance, and by whom he had a son Don Pedro, and a daughter
+Donna Leonora, married to Don Francisco de la Cueva, cousin to
+the Duke of Albuquerque, by whom she had four or five sons. The
+widow of Don Pedro destroyed in Guatimala, seems to have been a
+second wife--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>About a year after the death of Don Pedro Alvarado, the
+viceroy sent the best of his ships under Villalobos to make
+discoveries to the westwards of the Pacific Ocean; but with what
+success I never learnt. No part of the expences of this armament
+were ever recovered by any of the descendants of Alvarado.</p>
+
+<p>As the Marquis del Valle was in Spain at the time of the
+expedition against Algiers, he attended his majesty on that
+occasion, along with his legitimate son Don Martinez, and Don
+Martin the son he had by Donna Marina. The fleet was dispersed in
+a storm, and the ship on board of which the marquis had embarked
+was stranded, on which occasion he, his sons, and his suite, got
+on shore with much difficulty. On this occasion he tied a
+quantity of rich jewels, which he used to wear like other great
+lords <i>for no use</i>, in a handkerchief round his arm, but
+they were all lost. On account of this disaster to the fleet, the
+council of war was of opinion that the siege ought to be
+immediately raised. The marquis was not called to this council;
+but it has been said that, if present, he would have declared for
+continuing the siege, and if he had been so fortunate as to
+command there such brave soldiers as those who accompanied him to
+Mexico, he would have entertained no doubt of success.</p>
+
+<p>The marquis was now grown old and worn out by long and severe
+fatigue, and was anxious to have returned to New Spain, to settle
+his affairs: But he waited the celebration of a marriage, between
+his eldest daughter Donna Maria and Don Alvaro Pinez Osorio, son
+and heir to the Marquis of Astorga, and had agreed to give his
+daughter a fortune of 100,000 ducats. He had sent to bring over
+his daughter from Mexico, and had even gone himself to Seville to
+meet her; but the match was broke off, as is said by the fault of
+Don Alvaro. Cortes was much disappointed at this, and as his
+health was already in a bad state, he declined so rapidly, that
+he retired to Castileja de la Cuesta, to attend to the concerns
+of his soul, and to make his testament. Having arranged all his
+affairs, both for this and the next world, he departed this life
+on the 2d of December 1547. He was buried with great pomp in the
+chapel of the dukes of Medina Sidonia; but, according to his
+will, his remains were afterwards, removed to Cojohuacan or
+Tezcuco in New Spain, I am uncertain which. By his latter will,
+he left funds for the endowment of an hospital in Mexico, and a
+nunnery in his own town of Cojohuacan. In 1519, when we went
+along with him from Cuba against Mexico, he used to tell us that
+he was then thirty-four years old; and as he died 28 years
+afterwards, he must have been exactly 62 at his death. The arms
+granted to him by his majesty, when he was created a marquis,
+were the heads of seven kings surrounded by a chain, implying
+Montezuma, Cacamatzin, Guatimotzin, Tulapa, Coadlavaca, and the
+princes of Tacuba and Cojohuacan. The motto, as I have been told,
+was well adapted to a valiant warrior; but being in Latin, which
+I do not understand, I say nothing on that subject.</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis del Valle de Oaxaca, was strong built, and of a
+good stature, with a rather pale complexion and serious
+countenance. His features were rather small, with mild and grave
+eyes. His hair and beard were black and thin. His breast and
+shoulders were broad, and his body thin. He was well-limbed, his
+legs being somewhat bent. He was an excellent horseman, and very
+dexterous in the use of arms; and he also had the heart and mind
+of valour, which is the principal part of that business. I have
+heard that, when young, he was very wild about women, and had
+several duels in Hispaniola on that account with able swordsmen,
+in all of which he came off victorious: But he received a wound
+near his under lip on one of these occasions, the scar of which
+could be seen through his beard when closely examined. In his
+appearance, manners, behaviour, conversation, table, and dress,
+every thing corresponded to a man of high rank; and, although his
+clothes always corresponded to the fashion of the times, he was
+not fond of silks, damasks, or velvets; but wore every thing
+plain and handsome. Instead of large chains of gold in which some
+delighted, he was satisfied with a small chain of exquisite
+workmanship, to which was appended a gold medal of the Virgin and
+child Jesus, with a Latin motto, and on the reverse St John the
+Baptist and another motto. On his finger he wore a very fine
+diamond ring; and in his cap, which was of velvet, he bore a gold
+medal, the head and motto of which I have forgot: But, in his
+latter days, he wore a plain cloth cap without ornament.</p>
+
+<p>His table was always magnificently served and attended, having
+four major-domos or principal officers, with many pages, and a
+great quantity of massy plate both of gold and silver. He dined
+heartily about mid-day, drinking only about half a pint of wine
+mixed with water. He was not nice or expensive in his food,
+except on particular occasions, where he saw it to be proper. He
+was exceedingly affable with all his captains and soldiers,
+especially those who accompanied him at first from Cuba; yet
+practised the strictest attention to military discipline,
+constantly going the rounds himself in the night, and visiting
+the quarters of the soldiers, severely reprehending all whom he
+found without their armour or appointments, and not ready to turn
+out at a moments warning, saying, "It is a bad sheep that cannot
+carry its own wool." He was a Latin scholar, and as I have been
+told, a bachelor of laws, a good rhetorician, and something even
+of a poet. He was very devote to the Holy Virgin, and to St
+Peter, St James, and St John the Baptist. His oath was, "By my
+conscience." When angry with any of his friends, he used to say,
+"may you repent it;" and when in great warmth, the veins of his
+throat and forehead used to swell much, but he then never spoke.
+He was very patient under insults or injuries, as the soldiers
+were sometimes very rude and abusive; yet he never resented their
+conduct, only saying, "Be silent," or, "Go in Gods name, and do
+not repeat this or I shall have you punished." In all matters of
+war, he was exceedingly headstrong and determined, never
+attending to remonstrances on account of danger; one instance of
+which was in the attack of the fortresses called the <i>Rocks of
+the Marquis</i>, which he forced us to climb, contrary to all our
+opinions, where courage, counsel, or wisdom, could give no
+rational hope of success. Another instance was in his obstinacy
+respecting the expedition against De Oli; in which I repeatedly
+urged him to go by way of the mountains, whereas he obstinately
+persisted in going by the coast. Had he taken my advice, he would
+have found towns the whole way. Where we had to erect any
+fortress or entrenchment, he was always the hardest labourer;
+when we advanced to battle, he was always in the front.</p>
+
+<p>Cortes was fond of play, both at cards and dice, at which he
+was always good-humoured and affable, often using the cant terms
+customary on these occasions. During our expedition to Higueras,
+I observed that he had acquired a habit of taking a short sleep
+or <i>siesta</i> after eating; and if he could not get this he
+was apt to become sick. On this account, let the rain be ever so
+heavy, or the sun ever so hot, he always reposed a short while on
+a cloak or carpet under a tree; and after a short sleep, mounted
+his horse and proceeded on his march. When engaged in the
+conquest of New Spain, he was very thin and slender; but after
+his return from Higueras, he became fat and corpulent. His beard
+began at that time to grow grey, after which he trimmed it in the
+short fashion. In his early life, he was very liberal, but grew
+close afterwards, insomuch that some of his servants complained
+that he did not pay them properly. I have already observed that
+he never succeeded in his latter undertakings: Perhaps such was
+the will of Heaven, which reserved his reward for a better world;
+for he was a good gentleman and very devout. God pardon him his
+sins, and me mine, and give me a good end, which is better than
+all conquests or victories over Indians! Amen.</p>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<p><i>Descendants of Hernando Cortes[15]</i>.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[15] This extended account of the descendants of
+Cortes, is adopted from Clavigero, I. 442. The first paragraph,
+which enumerates the younger children of the marquis, and his
+natural children, are from Diaz. There is a difference between
+these authors in the name of the marchioness, whom Diaz names
+Donna <i>Juanna</i>, and Clavigero <i>Jeroma</i>: The former
+likewise names the eldest son of Cortes <i>Martin</i>, and the
+latter <i>Martinez</i>.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The legitimate children of Cortes were, Don Martin, who
+succeeded him as marquis; Donna Maria, who married the Conde de
+Luna of Leon; Donna Juanna, who married Don Hernando Enriquez,
+heir to the Marquis of Tarriffa; Donna Catalina, who died in
+Seville; and Donna Leonora, who married, in Mexico, Juanez de
+Tolosa, a rich Biscayan, which alliance gave great offence to the
+young marquis. He left also two natural sons: Don Martin by Donna
+Marina; and Don Luis by a lady named De Hermosilla; both of whom
+were commanders of the order of St Jago. Besides these, he had
+three natural daughters; one by an Indian woman of Cuba, and two
+others by a Mexican woman: He left great fortunes to all these
+ladies.</p>
+
+<p>Don Hernando Cortes, conqueror, governor, and captain-general
+of New Spain, admiral of the South Seas, <i>first</i> Marquis of
+the Valley of Oaxaca, had in second marriage, Donna Jeroma
+Ramirez de Arellano y Zuniga, daughter of Don Carlos Ramirez de
+Arellano, <i>second</i> Conde de Aguilar, and of Donna Jeroma de
+Zuniga, daughter of the <i>first</i> Duke of Bejar. Their son
+was,</p>
+
+<p>I. Don Martinez Cortes de Ramirez y Arellano, <i>second</i>
+Marquis of the Valley, married his cousin, Donna Anna Ramirez de
+Arellano. Their issue was,</p>
+
+<p>II. Don Hernando Cortes de Ramirez ye Arellano, <i>third</i>
+Marquis of the Valley; married Donna Murcia Hernandez de Cabrera
+y Mendoza, daughter of Don Pedro Hernandez de Cabrera y
+Bovadilla, <i>second</i> Conde de Chinchon, and Donna Maria de
+Mendoza y Cerda, sister to the Prince of Melito. Don Hernando had
+but one son, who died in childhood, and was therefore succeeded
+by his brother,</p>
+
+<p>2. Don Pedro Cortes, &amp;c. <i>fourth</i> Marquis of the
+Valley, who married Donna Anna Pacheco de la Cerda, sister of the
+second Conde de Montalban: But leaving no issue was succeeded by
+his sister,</p>
+
+<p>3. Donna Jeroma Cortes, &amp;c. <i>fifth</i> Marchioness of
+the Valley, who married Don Pedro Carillo de Mendoza,
+<i>ninth</i> Conde de Priego, captain-general of Seville, and
+grand major-domo to Queen Margaret of Austria. Their only
+daughter, who carried on the line of the family, was,</p>
+
+<p>III. Donna Stephania Carillo de Mendoza y Cortes, <i>sixth</i>
+Marchioness of the Valley, who married Don Diego de Arragon,
+<i>fourth</i> Duke of Terra Nova, prince of Castel Vetrano, and
+of the holy Roman empire, Marquis of Avola and Favora, constable
+and admiral of Sicily, commander of Villa Franca, viceroy of
+Sardinia, knight of the golden fleece. Their only daughter
+was,</p>
+
+<p>IV. Donna Juana de Arragon, &amp;c. <i>fifth</i> Duchess of
+Terra Nova, <i>seventh</i> Marchioness of the Valley, &amp;c. who
+married Don Hector Pignatelli, Duke of Montelione, prince of
+Noja, &amp;c. Their only son was,</p>
+
+<p>V. Don Andrea Fabrizio Pignatelli, &amp;c. duke of Montelione
+and Terra Nova, &amp;c. <i>eighth</i> Marquis of the Valley; who
+married Donna Teresa Pimentel y Benavides, &amp;c. Their daughter
+was,</p>
+
+<p>VI. Donna J. Pignatelli, &amp;c. Duchess of Montelione and
+Terra Nova, <i>ninth</i> Marchioness of the Valley, &amp;c. who
+married Don Nicolas Pignatelli, viceroy of Sardinia and Sicily,
+&amp;c. Their son was,</p>
+
+<p>VII. Don Diego Pignatelli, &amp;c. duke of Montelione and
+Terra Nova, <i>tenth</i> Marquis of the Valley, &amp;c. His son
+was,</p>
+
+<p>VIII. Don Fabrizio Pignatelli, &amp;c. Duke of Montelione and
+Terra Nova, <i>eleventh</i> Marquis of the Valley, &amp;c. His
+son was,</p>
+
+<p>IX. Don Hector Pignatelli, &amp;c. Duke of Montelione and
+Terra Nova, <i>twelfth</i> Marquis of the Valley, grandee of
+Spain, prince of the holy Roman empire, <i>at present living in
+Naples</i>[16], and married to Donna N. Piccolomini, of the
+family of the Dukes of Amalfi.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[16] This refers to the period when Clavigero
+composed his History of Mexico, about the year 1780; according to
+Humboldt, the dukes of Montelione retained the vast estates of
+Cortes in Mexico within the present century.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>From the noble couple mentioned in the VI. step of the
+foregoing deduction, besides Don Diego, who carried on their
+line, there were three other sons and three daughters: 1. Don
+Diego, as above. 2. Don Ferdinand. 3. Don Antonio. 4. Don
+Fabrizio. 5. Donna Rosa. 6. Donna Maria Teresa. 7. Donna
+Stephania[17].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[17] This genealogical deduction has been somewhat
+abridged, as to the multiplicity of high sounding titles, and
+minute particulars of marriages and noble connections, altogether
+uninteresting to the English reader.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION XXIV.</p>
+
+<p><i>Concluding Observations by the Author</i>[1].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] In this section Diaz gives a minute enumeration
+<i>of the valiant companions who passed over to the conquest of
+Mexico with the most adventurous and most magnanimous Don
+Hernando Cortes, Marquis of the Valley</i>. This must assuredly
+be a most valuable document to vast numbers of the present
+inhabitants of New Spain, by enabling them to trace their
+honourable descent from the conquerors; but, as totally
+uninteresting to the English reader, is here
+omitted.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Having enumerated the soldiers who passed from Cuba along with
+Cortes, to the conquest of New Spain, I have to observe that we
+were for the most part <i>hidalgos</i>, or gentlemen, though some
+were not of such clear lineage as others; but, whatever may have
+been the dignity of our birth, we made ourselves much more
+illustrious by our heroic actions in the conquest of this
+country, at our own sole cost, without any aid or support, save
+that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the ancient history
+of our own country, many cavaliers rose to dignity and honours by
+valiant and faithful services to their kings; and though they did
+not go into the field as we did, without pay, they were rewarded
+with lands, houses, castles, dignities, and privileges, to them
+and their heirs in perpetuity. Also, when his majesty Don Jayme,
+won certain parts of his kingdom from the Moors, he made grants
+of these to the cavaliers who assisted him in the conquest, from
+which period their descendants derive their estates, honours, and
+blazons. Those also who served under the Great Captain and the
+Prince of Orange were rewarded in like manner. I have recalled
+the recollection of these things, that the world may consider and
+determine whether we, who gained this great country by our
+valour, even without the knowledge of his majesty, are not as
+worthy of such rewards and honours as those cavaliers
+above-mentioned, by our good, notable, and loyal services to God,
+the king, and all Christendom.</p>
+
+<p>I have placed myself last in the list, having been twice in
+this country before the coming of Cortes, and the third time
+along with him; and, as among those whom I have enumerated, there
+were many valiant captains, so I was held in no inconsiderable
+estimation in my day as a soldier. Besides the many battles and
+dangers in which I participated since I came into this country,
+and the distresses, by hunger, thirst, fatigue and wounds,
+incident to all who undertake discoveries and wars in unknown
+countries, I was twice in the hands of the enemy, who were
+carrying me off for sacrifice: But thanks and praise to God and
+his holy Virgin Mother, who gave me force to escape from their
+grasp, that I might now relate and make manifest our heroic deeds
+in the conquest of this <i>new world</i>, and thereby to prevent
+all the honour and merit from being unjustly ascribed to our
+general alone. It is now proper that I should make some
+observations on the good effects produced by our exertions and
+illustrious conquests, to the service of God and our king, in
+which many of our companions lost their lives, being sacrificed
+to the gods or idols of the Mexicans, Huitzilopochtli and
+Tezcatlipoca.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, we purged the land of many wicked customs,
+and in particular from human sacrifices. By estimates made by the
+reverend Franciscan friars, who succeeded Fra Bartholomew de
+Olmedo, it appears that above 2500 human victims were sacrificed
+yearly in Mexico and some adjacent towns on the lake; so that the
+number annually put to death in the whole country must have been
+very great. Their various other horrible practices exceed my
+powers of description. Their cursed adoratories were exceedingly
+numerous, like our holy churches, hermitages, and chapels, in
+Spain, as they had everywhere houses dedicated to idols, devils,
+and infernal figures. Besides which, every individual native had
+two altars, one beside the place where he or she slept, and
+another at the door of the house, with chests containing large or
+small idols and stone knives, and books made of the bark of trees
+containing the record of past times. Especially on the coast and
+other sultry parts of the country, they were addicted to the most
+abominable vices, where they had boys in female attire. They fed
+on human flesh, as we do on beef, having wooden cages in every
+town, in which men, women, and children, were kept and fed for
+that purpose, to which all the prisoners taken in war were
+destined. Incest was common among them, and they were extremely
+addicted to drunkenness. They had as many wives as they pleased.
+From these and many other abominations, it was the will of God
+that we should be the humble instruments to clear the land;
+substituting a good policy and the holy doctrine of Jesus Christ
+in their place. It is true that, two years afterwards, when the
+country was subjugated and civilized, certain worthy Franciscans
+of good example and holy doctrine came here, who were followed in
+three or four years by fathers of the order of St Dominic, who
+completed what others had begun. But the honour of having
+destroyed the abominations of the land, assuredly belongs to us
+the true conquerors, who opened the way for these holy
+fathers.</p>
+
+<p>By the will of God, and the sacred Christianity of the emperor
+Don Carlos of glorious memory, and our present most fortunate
+sovereign the invincible Don Philip, all the natives of this
+great country have been baptised to the salvation of their souls,
+formerly sunk and lost in the bottomless pit. We have many
+fathers of the different orders, who go about preaching and
+baptizing, by which means the knowledge of the holy Evangile is
+firmly planted in the hearts of the natives, who confess yearly,
+and those who have sufficient knowledge in the faith, participate
+in the holy eucharist. The churches and their altars are richly
+adorned with all requisites for holy worship; as crosses,
+candlesticks, wax-candles, chalices, cups, plates, and vessels
+for incense, all of silver. The ornaments of the altars and
+crosses are of velvet, and damask, and other rich materials, of
+various colours and splendid workmanship, adorned with embroidery
+of gold, silk and pearls. Each town has its bells according to
+its ability. The chapels have choirs of good voices which sing in
+concert, tenors, trebles, and counter-tenors. In some places
+there are organs; but most have lutes, sackbuts, dulcimers, and
+bass and treble trumpets. This one province of Guatimala has more
+than my native county, old Castille. It is edifying and wonderful
+to see the devotion of the natives at the holy mass, especially
+when performed by the fathers of the orders of St Francis and of
+Mercy, who have the cures of the parishes. All the natives, men,
+women, and children, are taught the holy prayers in their own
+tongue; and always on passing a cross, crucifix, or altar, they
+fall on their knees repeating a <i>pater noster</i> or an <i>ave
+Maria</i>. We, the conquerors, taught them to burn wax candles
+before the holy altars and crosses, and to behave respectfully to
+the reverend fathers, going out to meet them when they came to
+the towns, with lighted candles, ringing of bells, and providing
+them abundantly with provisions. On Lady Day and Corpus Christi,
+and other solemn fasts of the church, when we make processions,
+most of the natives of this city of Guatimala go likewise in
+procession, with crosses and lighted candles, bearing the images
+of their patron saints as richly dressed as they can afford, and
+singing litanies and other holy prayers to the sound of flutes
+and trumpets.</p>
+
+<p>The natives also of these countries have learnt all the trades
+used among us in Spain, having their shops, manufactories, and
+work-people. Their goldsmiths and silversmiths, both those who
+make cast work or who use the hammer, are excellent. Their
+lapidaries or engravers on precious stones, especially emeralds,
+execute the nicest representations of the holy acts and passion
+of our blessed Saviour, in such a manner as could not be believed
+from Indians. Three of our native Mexican artists, named Andres
+de Aquino, Juan de la Cruz, and El Crispillo, have in my humble
+judgment executed paintings which may vie with those of Apelles,
+Michael Angelo, and Berruguete. The sons of the chiefs used to be
+educated in grammar, and were learning very well, till this was
+prohibited by the holy synod, under an order of the most reverend
+the archbishop of Mexico. Many of the natives are manufacturers
+of silks and various other stuffs, and hatters, and soap-boilers.
+Two trades only could never be acquired by them, which is the art
+of glass blowing, and that of the apothecary; but this is not
+owing to any defect of natural genius, as there are among them
+surgeons, herbalists, jugglers, makers of puppets, and of
+violins. They cultivated the ground before our arrival; and now
+they rear stock, break in bullocks to the plough, sow, reap,
+manure, and make bread and biscuit. They have planted their lands
+with the various fruits of old Spain, such as quince, apple, and
+pear trees, which they hold in high estimation; but cut down the
+unwholesome peach trees and the overshading plantains. From us
+they have learnt laws and justice; and they every year elect
+their own alcaldes, regidors, notaries, alguazils, fiscals, and
+major-domos[2]. They have their <i>cabildos</i>, or common
+councils, and bailiffs, which meet twice a-week, judging,
+sentencing, and punishing for smaller offences; but for murder
+and higher crimes, they must have recourse to the Spanish
+governors in places where there are no courts of royal audience.
+In Tlascala, Tezcuco, Cholula, Guaxocinco, Tepeaca, and other
+large cities, gilt maces are borne before the native magistrates
+when they go to hold their cabildos, as is done before our
+viceroys; and they distribute justice with much zeal and
+impartiality, being anxious to acquire a thorough knowledge of
+our laws. All the caciques are rich, and ride on horses
+handsomely caparisoned, attended by pages. In some townships
+likewise, they exercise with the lance on horseback, running at
+the ring; and they have bull feasts, especially on the days of
+Corpus Christi, St John, St James, the Assumption, or the patron
+or patroness saint of the town. Many of them are excellent
+horsemen, and the natives especially of Chiapa de los Indios,
+will face the fiercest bull. The caciques breed horses, and use
+them and mules for conveying their various commodities for sale,
+such as maize, wood or lime; and many of the natives gain their
+living by following the occupation of carriers.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] These are the ordinary municipal officers of
+Spanish townships, answerable to our mayors, aldermen, bailiffs,
+constables, &amp;c.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>By means of our illustrious services, our mother-country
+obtains gold, silver, precious stones, cochineal, wool,
+salsaparilla, hides, and various other commodities, to the great
+advantage of the royal revenue. Since the time of the great and
+wise Solomon, neither ancient nor modern history record the
+acquisition of such riches by any country, as have been derived
+from New Spain. I do not now include the millions in gold and
+silver derived from Peru, as that country was unknown when we
+conquered New Spain, and was not conquered till ten years
+afterwards: Besides all which, Peru has been involved in cruel
+civil wars, whereas we have ever remained submissive in our
+allegiance to his majesty, and ready to devote our lives and
+fortunes to his service. The numerous cities in New Spain are
+worthy of consideration, but would be too tedious to enumerate.
+Besides the archbishoprick of Mexico, we have ten bishopricks,
+with many cathedrals, and monastaries belonging to the
+Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustines, and the order of Mercy. Many
+hospitals, with extensive remissions and pardons attached to
+them; besides the <i>Santa casa</i> of our Lady of Guadeloupe,
+where many holy miracles are performed daily. In Mexico there is
+an university in which are taught grammar, theology, rhetoric,
+logic, philosophy, and other sciences; and in which the students
+take the several degrees of bachelor, licentiate, and doctor;
+having also a printing press for books in the Spanish and Latin
+languages. If all I have now said be insufficient, let the wise
+and learned read over this my true history with impartial care,
+and they must confess that there never were men who have gained
+more by their valorous achievements for their king than we the
+brave conquerors, among the most valiant of whom I was
+considered. And I say again, I myself, who am a true conqueror,
+am the most ancient of all. Of the 550 soldiers who left Cuba
+along with Cortes, <i>five</i> only are now living in the year
+1568, while I am writing this history; all the rest having been
+slain in the wars, or sacrificed to the accursed idols, or have
+died in the course of nature. Of 1300 soldiers who came with
+Narvaez, exclusive of mariners, not more than ten or eleven now
+survive. Of those who came with Garay, including the three
+companies which landed at St Juan de Ulua previous to his own
+arrival, amounting to 1200 soldiers, most were sacrificed and
+devoured in the province of Panuco. We five companions of Cortes
+who yet survive, are all very old and bowed down with
+infirmities, and extremely poor; having heavy charges of sons to
+establish, daughters to marry off, and grand-children to
+maintain, with very small means to do all this. Whereas we ought
+to have had the best properties in the country allotted to us, in
+reward of our high prowess and transcendent services in that
+country which we conquered; not indeed to the same extent with
+the rewards granted to Cortes, but in just moderation in
+proportion to our merits. This indeed was ordered by his majesty,
+but interest and partiality gave away what we ought to have
+received to others, leaving little for the royal patrimony or to
+be bestowed on us. Immediately after the conquest, Cortes ought
+to have divided the whole country into five shares, assigning the
+richest and best to his majesty, out of which to reward those
+cavaliers who served him in his European wars; taking a share and
+a half to himself, and for the establishment of churches,
+monasteries, and municipalities; and dividing the remaining half
+in perpetual grants to us the true conquerors, by which we should
+have all been amply provided for.</p>
+
+<p>Our emperor was so truly a Christian monarch, that he would
+willingly have granted us these favours, more especially as the
+conquest cost him nothing. But we knew not then where to apply
+for justice, except to Cortes himself, who did in all things as
+he thought fit, taking care of himself, and of his friends and
+relations newly come from old Spain. We remained therefore with
+the little which had been assigned to us, till we saw Don
+Francisco de Montejo, who had waited on his majesty in Europe,
+return with the appointment of adelantado and governor of
+Yucutan, estates in Mexico, and other rewards. Diego de Ordas
+also, who went to court, obtained a commandery of St Jago, and
+districts in New Spain. Don Pedro de Alvarado, who likewise went
+to represent his services, was made adelantado and governor of
+Guatimala and Chiapa, commander of the order of St Jago, and
+obtained extensive grants of land. When therefore, we the
+conquerors saw that those who did not reach his majesty, or had
+no one to speak for them, were neglected, we transmitted a
+petition, by which we prayed that such lands as fell vacant might
+be distributed among us in perpetuities, as had been done by the
+first court of royal audience, of which Nuno de Guzman was
+president; who had been directed to make the divisions more
+equal, deducting in due proportions from the immoderate grants of
+Cortes, and that the best districts and rents should be divided
+among us the true conquerors, leaving the cities and great towns
+for his majesty. His majesty likewise ordered the vassals of
+Cortes to be counted, leaving no more than were specified in his
+patents; but I do not remember what was to have been done with
+the surplus. Nuno de Guzman and the judges of his tribunal were
+misled by advisers from making their grants perpetual, under
+pretence that the conquerors would cease to depend upon and
+respect them if independent, and that it was better to keep them
+under the necessity of supplicating for subsistence, and likewise
+to preserve to themselves the power of dividing the conquered
+lands to the advantage of their own interest. Guzman and his
+oydors indeed, constantly assigned such districts as fell vacant
+among the conquerors and colonists to universal satisfaction; but
+were superseded in consequence of their disputes with Cortes.</p>
+
+<p>In 1550, when I was in Old Spain, a council was formed,
+consisting of Bartholomew de las Casas, bishop of Chiapa, Vasco
+de Quiroga, bishop of Mechoacan, and other cavaliers who had come
+as agents from New Spain and Peru, with some gentlemen who had
+come on business to court; to which council I also was called, as
+being the most ancient of the conquerors of New Spain. At this
+time certain of the Peruvian gentlemen petitioned his majesty to
+cause perpetual allotments of lands to be made in that kingdom,
+and a similar petition was presented by Gonzalo Lopez and Alonzo
+de Villanueva, who had come over as agents from Mexico. His
+majesty was pleased to order the <i>rapartimiento</i> or
+distribution of lands to be referred to the council of the
+Indies, consisting of the Marquis de Mondejar president, with the
+licentiates Gutierre Velasquez, Tello de Sandoval, Gregorio Lopes
+de Briviesca, and the Doctor Hernan Perez de la Fuente, oydors or
+judges of that court, together with the members of other royal
+councils. At this meeting, it was proposed to make a perpetual
+distribution of the lands of New Spain and Peru; I am uncertain
+if New Granada and Popayan were to have been included. Many
+excellent reasons were given for this measure being adopted, but
+it was strenuously opposed by the members of the royal council of
+the Indies, together with Bishop de las Casas, Fra Rodrigo his
+coadjutor, and the Bishop of las Charcas, who insisted that the
+matter should be postponed till the return of the emperor from
+Vienna, when every thing should be arranged to the satisfaction
+of the conquerors: And thus the affair was dropped for the
+present.</p>
+
+<p>After my return to New Spain, the conquerors then proposed to
+send agents to solicit his majesty for our interest exclusively,
+in consequence of which I was written to here in Guatimala, by
+Captain Andres de Tapia, Pedro Morena de Medrana, and Juan
+Limpias Caravajal, on the subject. I accordingly went round among
+the other conquerors who were settled in this city, to raise a
+sum by subscription for the purpose, but this project failed for
+want of money. At a subsequent period, our present invincible
+king Don Philip, was pleased to command that the conquerors and
+their posterity should be provided for, attending in the first
+instance to those who were married. But all has been of no
+avail.</p>
+
+<p>Two learned licentiates, to whom I communicated the MS. of
+this history, observed that I had praised myself greatly in the
+battles of which I have given an account, whereas I ought to have
+left that to be done by others. But how is any one who was not in
+the wars with us to praise us as we deserve? To compare myself, a
+poor soldier, with the great emperor and warrior Julius Cesar, we
+are told by historians, that he used to write down with his own
+hand an account of his own heroic deeds, not chusing to entrust
+that office to others, although he had many historians in his
+empire. It is not therefore extraordinary if I relate the battles
+in which I fought, that it may be known in future ages, <i>thus
+did Bernal Diaz del Castillo</i>; that my sons and grandsons may
+enjoy the fame of their ancestor, as many cavaliers and lords of
+vassals do the deeds and blazons of their predecessors. I shall
+therefore enumerate the various battles and other warlike affairs
+in which I have been present. At Cape Cotoche, under Cordova; at
+Pontonchan in a battle where half our number was slain; and in
+Florida where we landed to procure water. Under Juan de Grijalva,
+I was present in the second battle of Pontonchan. During my third
+voyage, under Cortes, two pitched battles at Tabasco. On our
+arrival in New Spain, the battle of Cingapacinga or Teoatzinco.
+Shortly afterwards three pitched battles with the Tlascalans. The
+affair of Cholula. On our entry into Mexico, I was at the seizure
+of Montezuma, which I do not enumerate as a warlike exploit, but
+on account of its great boldness. Four months afterwards, when
+with 276 men, Cortes defeated Narvaez who had 1300. The relief of
+Alvarado, when the Mexicans made incessant attacks upon us during
+eight days and nights, during which I reckon eight several
+battles, at all of which I was present, and in the course of
+which we lost 870 men. The battle of Obtumba or Otompan. A battle
+at Tepeaca. A battle at Tezcuco. Two battles, in one of which I
+was wounded in the throat by a lance. Two actions about the maize
+fields near Chalco. The rash attack on the fortresses called the
+Rocks of the Marquis in our expedition round the lake. The battle
+of Cuernavaca. Three battles at Xochimilco. During the siege of
+Mexico, which lasted <i>ninety-three</i> days, I find by my
+account that I was engaged in upwards of eighty battles and
+skirmishes. After the conquest, I was sent out on various
+expeditions to reduce Coatzacualco, Chiapa, and the Zapotecans,
+in which we had several engagements. In Chamula and Cuitlan, two
+engagements. In Teapa and Chematlan two others, in one of which I
+was badly wounded in the throat. I forgot to mention, that we
+were pursued for nine days in our flight from Mexico, and had to
+fight four battles before the great one at Otompan. Several
+actions in our expedition to Higueras and Honduras, during which
+in a battle at Culacotu I had a horse killed under me which cost
+600 crowns. After my return to Mexico, I went upon an expedition
+into the mountains against the Zapotecas and Mixtecas. I have on
+the whole been present in <i>one hundred and nineteen</i>
+battles, engagements, and skirmishes; so that it is not wonderful
+if I praise myself for the many and notable services which I have
+rendered to God, his majesty and all Christendom: And I give
+thanks and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ, who hath preserved me
+in so many dangers.</p>
+
+<p>THE END OF BERNAL DIAZ.</p>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<h2><a name="chapter2-6" id="chapter2-6">CHAPTER VI.</a></h2>
+
+<p>HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF PERU, BY FRANCISCO
+PIZARRO, WRITTEN BY AUGUSTINO ZARATE, TREASURER OF THAT KINGDOM,
+A FEW YEARS AFTER THE CONQUEST.</p>
+
+<p>INTRODUCTION.</p>
+
+<p>The present chapter, like that immediately preceding from the
+pen of Bernal Diaz, although in strict language neither a journey
+nor a voyage, records in every step of the conquerors a new
+<i>discovery</i> of coasts, islands, rivers, districts, and
+tribes, that had never been visited before. In conformity with
+our uniform desire to have recourse upon all occasions to the
+most authentic original authorities for every article admitted
+into this collection, so far as in our power, the work of Zarate
+has been chosen as the record of the discovery and conquest of
+Peru, in preference to any modern compilation on the same
+subject. As we learn from himself, Zarate was a person of rank
+and education, who went into Peru in 1543, only <i>eighteen</i>
+years after the first movements of Pizarro and Almagro towards
+the discovery of that extensive country, and only <i>eleven</i>
+years after its actual invasion by Pizarro in 1532. From the
+illustrious historian of America, Dr William Robertson, the work
+which we now offer to the public for the first time in the
+English language, has the following high character: "The history
+of Zarate, whether we attend to its matter or composition, is a
+book of considerable merit, and great credit is due to his
+testimony." Besides this general eulogy; in his enumeration of
+six original authors whom he had consulted in the composition of
+that portion of his History of America which refers to Peru, he
+clearly shews that Zarate alone can be considered as at the same
+time perfectly authentic and sufficiently copious for the purpose
+we have at present in view. The substance of his account of all
+the six is as follows.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Two</i> of the more early writers on the subject of the
+discovery and conquest of Peru, Francisco de Xeres, the secretary
+of Pizarro, and Pedro Sanchez, an officer who served under the
+conqueror, break off almost in the introduction to the narrative,
+going no farther into the history of the conquest than the death
+of Atahualpa in 1533, only one year after the invasion of Peru.
+The <i>third</i> in point of time, Pedro Cioca de Leon, only two
+years earlier in his publication than Zarate, gives nothing more
+than a description of the country, and an account of the
+institutions and customs of the natives. Zarate is the
+<i>fourth</i>. The <i>fifth</i>, Don Diego Fernandez, solely
+relates to the dissentions and civil wars among the Spanish
+conquerors. The <i>sixth</i> and last of these original authors,
+Garcilasso de la Vega <i>Inca</i>, the son of a Spanish officer
+of distinction by a <i>Coya</i>, or Peruvian female of the royal
+race, gives little more than a commentary on the before mentioned
+writers, and was not published till 1609, seventy five years
+after the invasion of Peru by Pizarro[1]."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] History of America, <i>note</i>
+cxxv.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In the Bibliotheque des Voyages, VI. 319. mention is made of a
+Description of Peru as published in French in 1480, and said to
+be a very rare work: <i>Rare</i>, indeed, if the imprint be not
+an error, <i>fifty-two</i> years before the actual invasion and
+discovery. In the same useful work, the performance of Zarate is
+thus characterized. "The author has not confined his views to the
+history and conquest of Peru, but has given us a statement of the
+natural features of the country, an account of the manners of the
+inhabitants, and a curious picture of the religious opinions and
+institutions of the Peruvians."</p>
+
+<p>Four of the six original authors respecting Peru which are
+noticed by Robertson, we have not seen; having confined our views
+to that of Zarate, which is not only the best according to the
+opinion of that excellent judge, but the only one which could
+answer the purpose of our present collection. In preparing this
+original work for publication, it is proper to acknowledge that
+we have been satisfied with translating from the French edition
+of Paris, 1742; but, besides every attention to fidelity of
+translation, it has been carefully collated throughout with the
+<i>Royal Commentary</i> of the Inca Garcilasso de la Vega, as
+published in English by Sir Paul Rycaut, knight, in 1688; and
+with the excellent work of Dr Robertson. It may be proper to
+mention, however, that the following translation, though
+faithful, has been made with some freedom of retrenching a
+superfluity of useless language; though nothing has been omitted
+in point of fact, and nothing altered.</p>
+
+<p>Having mentioned the work of Garcilasso de la Vega, which we
+have employed as an auxiliary on the present occasion, it may be
+worth while to give a short account of it in this place: For
+there never was, perhaps, a literary composition so strangely
+mixed up of unconnected and discordant sense and nonsense, and so
+totally devoid of any thing like order or arrangement, in the
+whole chronology of authorship, or rather of book-making, as has
+been produced by this scion of the Incas. No consideration short
+of our duty to the public, could have induced us to wade through
+such a labyrinth of absurdity in quest of information. It is
+astonishing how the honest knight could have patience to
+translate 1019 closely printed folio pages of such a farrago; and
+on closing the work of the Inca for ever, we heartily joined in
+the concluding pious thanksgiving of the translator, <i>Praised
+be God</i>. This enormous literary production of the <i>Inca</i>
+Garcilasso, is most regularly divided and subdivided into parts,
+books, and chapters; which contain here a little history, then
+digressions on manners, customs, opinions, ceremonies, laws,
+policy, arts, animals, vegetables, agriculture, buildings,
+&amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c. intermixed with bits and scraps of
+history, in an endless jumble; so that for every individual
+circumstance on any one of these topics, the pains-taking reader
+must turn over the whole work with the most anxious attention. We
+quote an example, taken absolutely at random, the titles of the
+Chapters of Part I. Book ix.</p>
+
+<p>Chap. I. Huayna Capac makes a gold chain as big as a cable,
+and why. II. Reduces ten vallies of the coast. III. Punishes some
+murderers. IV.-VII. Incidents of his reign, confusedly related.
+VIII. Gods and customs of the Mantas. IX. Of giants formerly in
+Peru. X. Philosophical sentiments of the Inca concerning the sun.
+XI. and XII. Some incidents of his reign. XIII. Construction of
+two extensive roads. XIV. Intelligence of the Spaniards being on
+the coast. XV. Testament and death of Huayna Capac. XVI. How
+horses and mares were first bred in Peru. XVII. Of cows and oxen.
+XVIII.-XXIII. Of various animals, all introduced after the
+conquest. XXIV.-XXXI. Of various productions, some indigenous,
+and others introduced by the Spaniards. XXXII. Huascar claims
+homage from Atahualpa. XXXIII.-XL. Historical incidents,
+confusedly arranged, all without dates.</p>
+
+<p>The whole work is equally confused at best, and often much
+more so; often consisting of extracts from other writers, with
+commentaries, argumentations, ridiculous speeches, miracles, and
+tales recited by old <i>Incas</i> and <i>Coyas</i>, uncles aunts
+and cousins of the author. To add to the difficulty of
+consultation, Sir Paul, having exhausted his industry in the
+translation, gives no table of contents whatever, and a most
+miserable Index which hardly contains an hundredth part of the
+substance of the work. Yet the author of the Bibliotheque des
+Voyages, says "that this work is <i>very precious</i>, as it
+contains the only remaining notices of the government, laws,
+manners, and customs of the Peruvians."--Ed.</p>
+
+<p>PREFACE OF THE AUTHOR.</p>
+
+<p>After having enjoyed the office of secretary to the royal
+council of Castille for fifteen years, the king was graciously
+pleased to order me to Peru in 1543, as treasurer-general of that
+province and of the Tierra Firma; in which employment I was
+entrusted with the entire receipt of the royal revenues and
+rights, and the payment of all his majesties officers in those
+countries. I sailed thither in the fleet which conveyed Blasco
+Nugnez Vela the viceroy of Peru; and immediately on my arrival in
+the New World, I observed so many insurrections, disputes, and
+novelties, that I felt much inclined to transmit their memory to
+posterity. I accordingly wrote down every transaction as it
+occurred; but soon discovered that these could not be understood
+unless the previous events were explained from which they
+originated. I found it necessary, therefore, to go back to the
+epoch of the discovery of the country, to give a detail of the
+occurrences in their just order and connection. My work might
+perhaps have been somewhat more perfect, if I had been able to
+compose it in regular order while in Peru; but a brutal
+major-general, who had served under Gonzalo Pizarro[1],
+threatened to put any one to death who should presume to write a
+history of his transactions, so that I was obliged to satisfy
+myself with collecting all the documents I could procure for
+enabling me to compose my history after returning into Spain. He
+was perhaps right in wishing these transactions might fall into
+oblivion, instead of being transmitted to posterity.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] Even the orthography of the name of Pizarro is
+handed down to us with some variety. In the work of Garcilasso de
+la Vega it is always spelt Pi&ccedil;arro: Besides which, the
+Inca Garcilasso, in his almost perpetual quotations of our author
+Zarate, always gives the name Carate; the <i>&ccedil;</i>, or
+cerilla <i>c</i>, being equivalent in Spanish to the <i>z</i> in
+the other languages of Europe.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Should my style of writing be found not to possess all the
+polish that my readers may desire, it will at least record the
+true state of events; and I shall not be disappointed if it only
+serve to enable another to present a history of the same period
+in more elegant language and more orderly arrangement. I have
+principally directed my attention to a strict regard for truth,
+the soul of history, using neither art nor disguise in my
+description of things and events which I have seen and known; and
+in relating those matters which happened before my arrival, I
+have trusted to the information of dispassionate persons, worthy
+of credit. These were not easy to find in Peru, most persons
+having received either benefits or injuries from the party of
+Pizarro or that of Almagro; which were as violent in their mutual
+resentments as the adherents of Marius and Sylla, or of Caesar
+and Pompey of old.</p>
+
+<p>In all histories there are three chief requisites: the
+designs, the actions, and the consequences. In the two latter
+particulars I have used all possible care to be accurate. If I
+may not always agree with other authors in regard to the first of
+these circumstances, I can only say that such is often the case
+with the most accurate and faithful historians. After I had
+finished this work, it was my intention to have kept it long
+unpublished, lest I might offend the families of those persons
+whose improper conduct is therein pourtrayed. But some persons to
+whom I had communicated my manuscript, shewed it to the king
+during his voyage to England, who had it read to him as an
+amusement from the tiresomeness of the voyage. My work had the
+good fortune to please his majesty, who honoured it with his
+approbation, and graciously commanded me to have it printed; and
+which I have the more readily complied with, as his royal
+commands may protect my book from the cavils of the censorious
+readers.</p>
+
+<p>* * * * *</p>
+
+<p>Much difficulty occurs respecting the origin of the people who
+inhabited Peru and the other provinces of America, and by what
+means their ancestors could have crossed the vast extent of sea
+which separates that country from the old world. In my opinion
+this may be explained from what is said by Plato in his
+<i>Timaeus</i>, and the subsequent dialogue entitled
+<i>Atlantis</i>. He says: "That the Egyptians report, to the
+honour of the Athenians, that they contributed to defeat certain
+kings who came with a numerous army by sea from the great island
+of Atlantis, which, beginning beyond the Pillars of Hercules, is
+larger than all Asia and Africa together, and is divided into ten
+kingdoms which Neptune gave among his ten sons, Atlas, the
+eldest, having the largest and most valuable share." Plato adds
+several remarkable particulars concerning the customs and riches
+of that island; especially concerning a magnificent temple in the
+chief city, the walls of which were entirely covered over with
+gold and silver, having a roof of copper, and many other
+circumstances which are here omitted for the sake of brevity;
+though it is certain that several customs and ceremonies
+mentioned by Plato are still practised in the provinces of Peru.
+Beyond the great island of Atlantis, there were other large
+islands not far distant from the <i>Firm Land</i>, beyond which
+again was the <i>True Sea</i>. The following are the words which
+Plato attributes, in his Timaeus, to Socrates, as spoken to the
+Athenians. "It is held certain, that in ancient times your city
+resisted an immense number of enemies from the Atlantic Ocean,
+who had conquered almost all Europe and Asia. In those days the
+<i>Straits</i> were navigable, and immediately beyond them there
+was an island, commencing almost at the <i>Pillars of
+Hercules</i>, which was said to be larger than Asia and Africa
+united; from whence the passage was easy to other islands near
+and opposite to the continent of the <i>True Sea</i>." A little
+after this passage, it is added. "That nine thousand years before
+his days, a great change took place, as the sea adjoining that
+island was so increased by the accession of a prodigious quantity
+of water, that in the course of one day it swallowed up the whole
+island; since when that sea has remained so full of shallows and
+sand banks as to be no longer navigable, neither has any one been
+able to reach the other islands and the <i>Firm Land</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Some authors hare believed this recital to be merely
+allegorical, while most of the commentators on Plato considered
+it as a real historical narrative. The <i>nine thousand
+years</i>, mentioned by Plato, must not be considered as an
+indication of this discourse being fabulous; since, according to
+Eudoxus, we must understand them as lunar years or <i>moons</i>,
+after the Egyptian mode of computation, <i>or nine thousand
+months</i>, which are <i>seven hundred and fifty years</i>. All
+historians and cosmographers, ancient as well as modern, have
+concurred to name the sea by which that great island was
+swallowed up, the <i>Atlantic Ocean</i>, in which the name of
+that ancient island is retained, giving a strong evidence of its
+former existence. Adopting, therefore the truth of this
+historical fact, it must be granted that this island of Atlantis,
+beginning from the Straits of Gibraltar near Cadiz, must have
+stretched a vast way from north to south, and from east to west,
+since it was larger than all Asia and Africa. The <i>other</i>
+islands in the neighbourhood must have been those now named
+Hispaniola, Cuba, Porto Rico, Jamaica, and others of the West
+Indies; and the <i>Firm Land</i>, that part of the Continent to
+which we still give the name of <i>Tierra Firma</i>, together
+with the other countries and provinces of America, from the
+Straits of Magellan in the south to the extreme north; as Peru,
+Popayan, Golden Castille, Veragua, Nicaragua, Guatimala, New
+Spain, <i>the Seven Cities</i>, Florida, <i>Baccalaos</i>, and so
+on along the north to Norway. The authority of Plato is
+conclusive that the <i>New World</i> which has been discovered in
+our time, is the same Continent or Firm Land mentioned by that
+philosopher; and his <i>True Sea</i> must be that which we name
+the <i>South Sea</i>, or Pacific Ocean; for the whole
+Mediterranean, and all that was before known of the Ocean, which
+we call the <i>North Sea</i>, can only be considered as rivers or
+lakes in comparison with the vast extent of that other sea. After
+these explanations, it is not difficult to conceive how mankind
+in ancient times may have passed from the great island of
+<i>Atlantis</i> and the <i>other</i> neighbouring isles, to what
+we now call the Tierra Firma, or <i>Firm Land</i>, and thence by
+land, or by the South Sea, into Peru: As we must believe that the
+inhabitants of these islands practised navigation, which they
+must have learned by intercourse with the great island, in which
+Plato expressly says there were many ships, and carefully
+constructed harbours. These, in my opinion, are the most probable
+conjectures which can be formed on this obscure subject of
+antiquity; more especially as we can derive no lights from the
+Peruvians, who have no writing by which to preserve the memory of
+ancient times. In New Spain, indeed, they had certain pictures,
+which answered in some measure instead of books and writings; but
+in Peru, they only used certain strings of different colours with
+several knots, by means of which and the distances between them,
+they were able to express some things in a very confused and
+uncertain manner, as shall be explained in the course of this
+history.</p>
+
+<p>So much of the following history as relates to the discovery
+of the country, has been derived from the information of Rodrigo
+Lozan, an inhabitant of Truxillo in Peru, and from others who
+were witnesses of and actors in the transactions which I have
+detailed.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION I.</p>
+
+<p><i>Of the discovery of Peru, with some account of the country
+and its inhabitants</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The city of Panama is a port on the South Sea, in that
+province of the continent of America which is called Golden
+Castille. In the year 1524, three inhabitants of that city
+entered into an association for the purpose of discovering the
+western coast of the continent by the South Sea, in that
+direction which has been since named Peru. These were Don
+Francisco Pizarro of Truxillo, Don Diego de Almagro of Malagon,
+and Hernando de Luque, an ecclesiastic. No one knew the family or
+origin of Almagro, though some said that he had been found at a
+church door[1]. These men, being among the richest of the
+colonists of Panama, proposed to themselves to enrich and
+aggrandize themselves by means of discovering new countries, and
+to do important service to the emperor, Don Carlos V. by
+extending his dominions. Having received permission from Pedro
+Arias de Avila[2], who then governed that country, Francisco
+Pizarro fitted out a vessel with considerable difficulty, in
+which he embarked with 114 men. About fifty leagues from Panama,
+he discovered a small and poor district, named <i>Peru</i>, from
+which that name has been since improperly extended to all the
+country afterwards discovered along that coast to the south for
+more than 1200 leagues. Beyond that Peru, he discovered another
+district, to which the Spaniards gave the name of <i>El Pueblo
+quemado</i>, or the <i>Burnt People</i>. The Indians of that
+country made war upon him with so much obstinacy, and killed so
+many of his men, that he was constrained to retreat to
+<i>Chinchama</i> or Chuchama, not far from Panama.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] In a note of the French edition of 1742, it is
+said that, in the folio edition of Zarate printed at Seville in
+1677, Luque was called the father of Almagro, and that no mention
+is made of that ecclesiastic having taken any part in the
+expedition. Robertson, in his History of America, II. 273, says
+that Pizarro was the natural son of a gentleman of honourable
+family by a low woman, and that his education was so entirely
+neglected that he could neither read nor write. He adds that,
+after serving some years in Italy, he embarked for America, where
+he greatly distinguished himself. In our last chapter, Diaz makes
+frequent mention of Pizarro as serving with reputation under
+Cortes, in the early part of the expedition to Mexico; but gives
+no account of his quitting the service of Cortes; to whom he was
+probably somehow related, as the mother of Cortes was named
+Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. Almagro, according to Robertson, was
+a foundling, and bred like Pizarro in the army. Luque acted as
+priest and schoolmaster at Panama, and had amassed considerable
+riches.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Named Pedrarias by Robertson.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In the mean time, Almagro fitted out another vessel at Panama,
+in which he embarked with 70 men, and went along the coast in
+search of Pizarro as far as the river San Juan, a hundred leagues
+from Panama. Not finding him there, Almagro returned along the
+coast to the <i>Pueblo quemado</i>, where, from certain
+indications of Pizarro having been there, he landed with his men.
+The Indians, puffed up with the remembrance of the victory they
+had gained over Pizarro, attacked Almagro with great courage, and
+did him considerable injury; and one day they even penetrated the
+entrenchment he had thrown up for defence, through some
+negligence in the guards, and put the Spaniards to flight, who
+were forced to retreat with loss to their vessel and put to sea,
+on which occasion Almagro lost an eye. Following the shore on the
+way back towards Panama, Almagro found Pizarro at Chinchama[3].
+Pizarro was much pleased by the junction of Almagro, as by means
+of his men, and some additional soldiers they procured in
+Chinchama, they had now a force of two hundred Spaniards. They
+accordingly recommenced the expedition, endeavouring to sail down
+the coast to the southwards in two vessels and three large
+canoes. In this navigation they suffered great fatigue from
+contrary winds and currents, and were much incommoded when they
+attempted to land in any of the numerous small rivers which fall
+into the South Sea, as they all swarmed at their mouths with
+large lizards, or alligators, called caymans by the natives.
+These animals, are ordinarily from twenty to twenty-five feet
+long, and kill either men or beasts when in the water. They come
+out of the water to lay their eggs, which they bury in great
+numbers in the sand, leaving them to be hatched by the heat of
+the sun. These caymans have a strong resemblance to the
+crocodiles of the river Nile. The Spaniards suffered much from
+hunger in this voyage, as they could find nothing fit to eat
+along this coast except the fruit of a tree called mangles, which
+grew in great abundance everywhere along the shore. These trees
+are tall and straight, and have a very hard wood; but as they
+grow on the shore, their roots being drenched in sea water, their
+fruit is salt and bitter; yet necessity obliged the Spaniards to
+subsist on them, along with such fish as they could find,
+particularly crabs; as on the whole of that coast no maize was
+grown by the natives. From the currents along this coast, which
+always set strongly to the north, they were obliged to make their
+way by dint of constant rowing; always harassed by the Indians,
+who assailed them with loud cries, calling them banished men, and
+<i>hairy faces</i>, who were formed from the spray of the sea,
+and wandered about without cultivating the earth, like outcasts
+and vagabonds.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Chinchama, by the map in Zarate is that part of
+the western coast of Tierra Firma or Darien, opposite the Isla
+del Rey. The poor province of Peru, beyond or to the southwards
+of Cinchama, is that now called Biruquete; and the Pueblo
+quemada, or Burnt People, must be looked for in the province of
+Novita, perhaps Nounamas, immediately to the south of which is
+the river of St Juan.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Having lost several of his men through famine and by the
+incessant attacks of the Indians, it was agreed that Almagro
+should return to Panama for recruits and provisions. Having
+procured twenty-four, they advanced with these and the remains of
+their original force to a country named <i>Catamez</i>[4],
+considerably beyond the river of St Juan, a tolerably peopled
+country, in which they found plenty of provisions. The Indians of
+this part of the coast, who were still hostile, were observed to
+have certain ornaments of gold, resembling nails, inserted into
+holes made for that purpose in different parts of their faces.
+Almagro was sent back a second time to Panama, to endeavour to
+procure a larger force, and Pizarro retired in the mean time to
+the small island of <i>Gallo</i> somewhat farther to the north,
+near the shore of the <i>Barbacoas</i>, and not far from Cape
+<i>Mangles</i>, where he and his people suffered extreme
+hardships from scarcity of provisions, amounting almost to
+absolute famine.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] Tacamez, otherwise called the district of
+<i>Esmeraldas</i>, or of emeralds, is in the kingdom of Quito
+near the equinoctial line.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the return of Almagro to Panama for reinforcements, he
+found the government in the hands of Pedro de los Rios, who
+opposed the design of Almagro to raise recruits, because those
+with Pizarro had secretly conveyed a petition to the governor,
+not to permit any more people to be sent upon an enterprize of so
+much danger, and requesting their own recal. The governor,
+therefore, sent an officer to the Isle of Gallo, with an order
+for such as were so inclined to return to Panama, which was
+eagerly embraced by the greatest part of the soldiers of Pizarro,
+twelve only remaining along with him. Not daring to remain with
+so small a force in an island so near the main land, Pizarro
+retired to an uninhabited island named Gorgona, about 70 miles
+farther north, and considerably more distant from the coast than
+Gallo, in which island, which had abundance of springs and
+rivulets, he and his small band of faithful associates, lived on
+crabs in expectation of relief and reinforcement from Panama. At
+last a vessel arrived with provisions, but no soldiers, in which
+Pizarro embarked with his twelve men, to whose courage and
+constancy the discovery of Peru was owing. Their names deserve to
+be handed down to posterity: Nicolas de Ribera, Pedro de Candia a
+native of the Greek island of that name, Juan de Torre, Alfonso
+Briseno, Christoval de Peraulte, Alfonso de Truxillo, Francisco
+de Cuellar, and Alfonso de Molina[5]. The pilot of the vessel in
+which they embarked was named Bartholomew Bruyz, a native of
+Moguer. Under the guidance of this man, but with infinite
+difficulty from contrary winds and adverse currents, Pizarro
+reached a district named <i>Mostripe</i>[6], about equally
+distant from the two places since built by the Christians, named
+Truxillo and San Miguel. With the very small number of men who
+accompanied him, Pizarro dared not to advance any farther along
+the coast, and contented himself with going a small way up the
+river <i>Puechos</i> or de la Chira[7]; where he procured some of
+the sheep[8] of the country, and some of the natives on purpose
+to serve him as interpreters in the sequel. Returning from
+thence, Pizarro went northwards to the port of Tumbez on the
+south-side of the bay of Guayaquil, where he was informed that
+the king of Peru had a fine palace, and where the Indians were
+said to be very rich. This place was one of the most
+extraordinary in the country, until it was ruined by the
+inhabitants of the island of Puna, as will be related hereafter.
+At this place, three of his men deserted, who were afterwards put
+to death by the Indians.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Instead of <i>twelve</i>, the text only names
+<i>eight</i> of the brave associates of Pizarro.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Morope, in lat. 6&deg; 35', in the district of
+Sana, is in the situation of the place mentioned in the
+text.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[7] This river, otherwise called Amatape, runs into
+the bay of Payta, in lat. 5&deg; 10' south.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[8] Under the name of Peruvian sheep, five species of
+the Camel genus are known to naturalists, the Glama or Llama,
+Guanaco, Chillihueque, Vicugna, and Pacos. The three former were
+used as animals of burthen by the native Peruvians, and
+domesticated, the two latter, especially the Vicugna, are
+valuable for the firmness of their fleeces. The three larger
+species carry loads of about a hundred pounds weight, the other
+two, when domesticated, may be made to carry smaller burdens of
+from fifty to seventy-five pounds.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After these discoveries, Pizarro returned to Panama, having
+spent three years in this voyage, counting from his first leaving
+Panama, in which time he was exposed to many dangers fatigues and
+privations, by the opposition and hostilities of the Indians, and
+through famine, and more than all distressed by the discontents
+and mutinies of his people, most of whom lost all hope of
+success, or of deriving any advantage from the expedition.
+Pizarro soothed their fears and encouraged their perseverance by
+every means in his power, providing for their necessities with
+much prudent care, and bearing up against every difficulty with
+astonishing firmness and perseverance: leaving to Almagro to
+provide men arms and horses, and necessaries of all kinds for the
+enterprize. These two officers, from being the richest of the
+settlers in Panama at the commencement of their enterprize, were
+now entirely ruined and overwhelmed in debt; yet did they not
+despair of ultimate success, and resolved to prosecute the
+discovery of which a very promising commencement had now been
+made[9].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] It was now towards the close of 1527, the third
+year from the first departure of Pizarro from Panama.--Robertsons
+America, II. 281.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In concert with his associates Almagro and Luque, Pizarro went
+to Spain, to lay an account before the king of the discovery
+which he had made, and to solicit the appointment of governor of
+that country, of which he proposed to prosecute the discovery,
+and to reduce it under the dominion of the crown of Spain. His
+majesty granted his demand, under those conditions which used to
+be stipulated with other officers who engaged in similar
+enterprizes. With this authority, he returned to Panama,
+accompanied by Ferdinand, Juan, and Gonzalo Pizarro, and
+Francisco Martin de Alcantara, his brothers. Ferdinand and Juan
+Pizarro were his brothers both by father and mother, and the only
+lawful sons of Gonzalo Pizarro, an inhabitant of Truxillo in Old
+Spain, a captain in the infantry regiment of Navarre: Don
+Francisco Pizarro himself and Gonzalo Pizarro were natural sons
+of the elder Gonzalo Pizarro by different mothers: Francisco de
+Alcantara was likewise the brother of Don Francisco Pizarro, by
+his mother only, but by a different father[10]. Besides these,
+Pizarro brought as many men from Spain to assist in his
+enterprize as he could procure, being mostly inhabitants of
+Truxillo and other places in Estremadura[11].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] Robertson, II. 284. gives a different account of
+these four relations of Francisco Pizarro from Zarate. According
+to him, Ferdinand was the only lawful son of old Gonzalo Pizarro;
+Francisco, Juan, and the younger Gonzalo being all natural sons;
+and Francisco de Alcantara was the uncle of Don Francisco, being
+the brother of his mother. In the sequel, the conqueror of Peru
+shall be always mentioned by the single name of Pizarro,
+distinguishing his brothers by the addition of their Christian
+names. While in Spain, Pizarro received a supply of money from
+Cortes, under whom he had served in the early part of the
+conquest of Mexico.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[11] His commission from the crown of Spain, imposed
+the condition of raising 250 men, and to supply the ships and
+warlike stores necessary for the expedition; but his funds and
+credit were so low that he could hardly complete half the number,
+and had to steal away from the port of Seville to elude the
+examination of the officers as to the fulfilment of his
+contract.--Robertsons America, II. 284.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On his arrival at Panama in 1530, Pizarro and his associates
+used every effort to complete the preparations for the
+enterprize; but at first a dispute arose between him and Almagro.
+The latter complained that Pizarro had only attended to his own
+interests when at the court of Spain, having procured the
+appointments of governor and president of Peru for himself,
+without making any mention of Almagro, or at least without having
+procured any office for him, who had borne the far greater
+proportion of the expences hitherto incurred. Pizarro alleged
+that the king had refused to give any office to Almagro, though
+solicited by him for that purpose: But engaged his word to
+renounce the office of president in his behalf, and to supplicate
+the king to bestow that appointment upon him. Almagro was
+appeased by this concession; and they proceeded to make every
+preparation in concert that might be conducive to the success of
+the undertaking. But, before entering upon the narrative of their
+actions, it seems proper to give some account of the situation of
+Peru, of the most remarkable things which it contains, and of the
+manners and customs of the inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>The country of Peru, of which this history is intended to
+treat, commences at the equator, and extends south towards the
+antarctic pole[12]. The people who inhabit in the neighbourhood
+of the equator have swarthy complexions; their language is
+extremely guttural; and they are addicted to unnatural vices, for
+which reason they care little for their women and use them
+ill[13], The women wear their hair very short, and their whole
+clothing consists of a short petticoat, covering only from the
+waist to about the knees. By the women only is the grain
+cultivated, and by them it is bruised or ground to meal, and
+baked. This grain, called maize in the West-Indian Islands, is
+called <i>Zara</i> in the language of Peru[14]. The men wear a
+kind of shirts or jackets without sleeves, which only reach to
+the navel, and do not cover the parts of shame. They wear their
+hair short, having a kind of tonsure on their crowns, almost like
+monks. They have no other dress or covering, yet pride themselves
+on certain ornaments of gold hanging from their ears and
+nostrils, and are particularly fond of pendants made of emeralds,
+which are chiefly found in those parts of the country bordering
+on the equator. The natives have always concealed the places
+where these precious stones are procured, but the Spaniards have
+been in use to find some emeralds in that part of the country,
+mixed among pebbles and gravel, on which account it is supposed
+that the natives procured them from thence. The men also are fond
+of wearing a kind of bracelets, or strings of beads, of gold and
+silver, mixed with small turquoise stones and white shells, or of
+various colours; and the women are not permitted to wear any of
+those ornaments.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] It is impossible to give any competent
+geographical account of this extensive country in the compass of
+a note. Proper Peru begins at the river Tumbez in the gulf of
+Guayaquil, in about lat. 3&deg; 20' S. and extends S.S.E. along
+the Pacific Ocean to the desert of Atacama, which divides it from
+Chili, in lat. 21&deg; 28 S. an extent of about 1200 miles;
+consisting of two remarkably different tracts of country. A
+narrow valley along the Pacific Ocean, seldom so much as 70 miles
+in breadth, bounded on the east by the enormous main ridge of the
+Andes; beyond which are many elevated vallies or table lands of
+various extent, divided by collateral ridges and branches of the
+Andes, from each other and from the prodigiously extensive plains
+of the vast Orinoco Maranon and La Plata rivers. Quito, which had
+been annexed to the kingdom of Peru, only a short time before the
+Spanish conquest, is similarly situated, both as to maritime
+vale, and elevated table land, immediately to the north of Peru
+proper, and seems to have reached from lat. 3&deg; 20' S. to
+about lat, 1&deg; N. but is now included in the viceroyalty of
+New Granada which reaches to the Carribbean sea, with which it is
+connected by the river Magdalena.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[13] The substance of this description appears to
+refer entirely to that province of the kingdom of Quito which is
+named Esmeraldas or Tacamez, on both sides of the
+equator.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[14] Various reasons have been assigned for the
+origin of the word Peru, as the name of the empire of the Incas,
+unknown to themselves, at least in that sense. The most probable
+derivation is from the river <i>Piura</i>, near its northern
+frontier, where it was first visited by Pizarro.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The country is exceedingly hot and unwholesome, and the
+inhabitants are particularly subject to certain malignant warts
+or carbuncles of a dangerous nature on the face and other parts
+of the body, having very deep roots, which are more dangerous
+than the small-pox, and almost equally destructive as the
+carbuncles of the plague. The natives have many temples, of which
+the doors always front the east, and are closed only by cotton
+curtains. In each temple there are two idols or figures in relief
+resembling black goats, before which they continually burn
+certain sweet-smelling woods. From this wood a certain liquor
+exudes, when the bark is stripped off, which has a strong and
+disagreeable flavour, by means of which dead bodies are preserved
+free from corruption. In their temples, they have also
+representations of large serpents, to which they give adoration;
+besides which every nation, district, tribe or house, had its
+particular god or idol. In some temples, particularly in those of
+certain villages which were called <i>Pafao</i>, the walls and
+pillars were hung round with dried bodies of men women and
+children, <i>in the form of crosses</i>, which were all so
+thoroughly embalmed by means of the liquor already mentioned,
+that they were entirely devoid of bad smell. In these places also
+they had many human heads hung up; which by means of certain
+drugs with which they were anointed, were so much shrunk or dried
+up as to be no bigger than a mans fist[15].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[15] This circumstance is unintelligible, as the
+bones could not shrink, unless by supposing these <i>human
+heads</i> to have been the heads of small apes, resembling human
+faces. The expression of the text, immediately before, of human
+carcasses hung up <i>in the form of crosses</i>, ought perhaps to
+have been rendered <i>instead of</i> crosses.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>This country is extremely dry, as it very seldom has any rain,
+and its rivulets are few and scanty; so that the people are
+reduced to the necessity of digging pit-wells, or of procuring
+water from certain pools or reservoirs. Their houses are built of
+large canes or reeds. It possesses gold, but of a very low
+quantity; and has very few fruits. The inhabitants use small
+canoes hollowed out of the trunks of trees, and a sort of rafts
+which are very flat. The whole coast abounds in fish, and whales
+are sometimes seen in these seas. On the doors of the temples in
+that district which is called <i>Caraque</i>, the figures of men
+are sometimes seen, which have dresses somewhat resembling those
+of our deacons.</p>
+
+<p>Near the last mentioned province, at Cape St Helena in the
+province of Guayaquil, there are certain springs or mineral veins
+which give out a species of bitumen resembling pitch or tar, and
+which is applied to the same purposes. The Indians of that
+country pretend that in ancient times it was inhabited by giants,
+who were four times the height of ordinary men[16]. The Spaniards
+saw two representations of these giants at <i>Puerto viejo</i>,
+one of a man and the other of a woman, and the inhabitants
+related a traditionary tale of the descent of a young man from
+heaven, whose countenance and body shone like the sun, who fought
+against the giants and destroyed them with flames of fire. In the
+year 1543, Captain Juan de Holmos, lieutenant-governor of Puerto
+viejo, caused a certain valley to be carefully examined, in which
+these giants were were said to have been destroyed, and in which
+ribs and other bones of prodigious size were dug up, which fully
+confirmed the traditions of the Indians[17]. The natives of this
+country have no knowledge whatever of writing, nor had they even
+any use of that method of painting employed by the Mexicans for
+preserving the memory of ancient events, which were handed down
+from father to son merely by traditionary stories. In some places
+indeed they used an extraordinary means for preserving the
+remembrance of important events, by certain cords or strings of
+cotton called <i>Quippos</i>, on which they represented
+<i>numbers</i> by knots of different kinds, and at regulated
+intervals, from <i>units</i> up to <i>dozens</i>, and so forth;
+the cords being of the same colours with those things which they
+were intended to represent. In every province, there are persons
+who are entrusted with the care of these <i>quippos</i>, who are
+named <i>Quippo camayos</i>, who register public matters by means
+of these coloured strings and knots artificially disposed; and it
+is wonderful with what readiness these men understand and explain
+to others events that have happened several ages ago. There are
+public buildings throughout the country which are used as
+magazines of these quippos.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[16] A good deal more is said of these giants, both
+by Zarate and Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 363, but so vague and
+absurd as not to be worth insertion. The whole story seems to
+have arisen out of the colossal representation of a man and woman
+at Puerto viejo.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[17] This is merely a repetition of the <i>big
+bones</i> of Mexico and the Ohio, already referred to the
+Mammoth, or animal ignotum.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>To the south of the equator, and near the coast, is the island
+of Puna[18], about twelve leagues in circumference, containing
+abundance of game, and having great quantities of fish on its
+shores. It has plenty of fresh water, and was formerly very
+populous, its inhabitants being almost continually engaged in
+war, especially with the people of Tumbez, which is twelve
+leagues distant to the south. These people wore shirts, above
+which they had a kind of woollen garments. They went to sea in a
+peculiar kind of flats or rafts, made of long planks of a light
+wood fixed to two other cross planks below them to hold them
+together. The upper planks are always an uneven number, usually
+five, but sometimes seven or nine; that in the middle, on which
+the conductor of the float sits and rows, being longer than the
+others, which are shorter and shorter toward the sides, and they
+are covered by a species of awning to keep those who sit upon
+them from the weather. Some of these floats are large enough to
+carry fifty men and three horses, and are navigated both by oars
+and sails, in the use of which the Indians are very expert.
+Sometimes, when the Spaniards have trusted themselves on these
+floats, the Indian rowers have contrived to loosen the planks,
+leaving the christians to perish, and saving themselves by
+swimming. The Indians of that island were armed with bows and
+slings, and with maces and axes of silver and copper. They had
+likewise spears or lances, having heads made of gold very much
+alloyed; and both men and women wore rings and other ornaments of
+gold, and their most ordinary utensils were made of gold and
+silver. The lord of this island was much feared and respected by
+his subjects, and so extremely jealous of his women, that those
+who had the care of them were not only eunuchs, but had their
+noses cut off. In a small island near Puna, there was found in a
+house the representation of a garden, having the figures of
+various trees and plants artificially made of gold and
+silver.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[18] Puna is in the bay of Guayaquil, in lat. 3&deg;
+S. and is near <i>thirty</i> leagues in circumference, being
+about <i>ten</i> leagues long by five in
+breadth.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Opposite to the island of Puna on the main land, there dwelt a
+nation or tribe which had given so much offence to the king of
+Peru, that they were obliged as a punishment to extirpate all
+their upper teeth; in consequence of which, even now, the people
+of that district have no teeth in their upper jaws. From Tumbez
+for five hundred leagues to the south along the coast of the
+south sea, and for ten leagues in breadth, more or less according
+to the distance between the sea and the mountains, it never rains
+or thunders. But on the mountains which bound that maritime
+plain, there are both rain and thunder, and the climate has the
+vicissitudes of summer and winter nearly as in Spain. While it is
+winter in the mountain, it is summer all along the coast; and on
+the contrary, during the summer on the mountain the coast has
+what may be termed winter. The length of Peru, from the city of
+<i>St Juan de Parto</i> to the province of Chili lately
+discovered, is above 1800[19] leagues of Castille. Along the
+whole of that length, a vast chain of exceedingly high and desert
+mountains extends from north to south, in some places fifteen or
+twenty leagues distant from the sea, and less in others. The
+whole country is thus divided into two portions, all the space
+between the mountains and the sea being denominated <i>the
+plain</i>, and all beyond is called the mountain.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[19] The estimate in the text is exceedingly
+erroneous. The city of Parto is in lat. 1&deg; 12' N. and the Rio
+de Loa, or commencement of the desert of Atacama, in lat. 21&deg;
+26' S. which give only a difference of nearly 25 degrees of
+latitude, which at 17-1/2 Spanish leagues to the degree are only
+438 leagues. Even supposing the text to include Chili, which
+extends to 39&deg; 21' S. the whole extent of Peru and Chili is
+only 753 Spanish leagues.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The whole plain of Peru is sandy and extremely arid, as it
+never has any rain, and there are no springs or wells, nor any
+rivulets, except in four or five places near the sea, where the
+water is brackish. The only water used by the inhabitants is from
+torrents which come down from the mountain, and which are there
+formed by rain and the melting of snow, as there are even very
+few springs in the mountainous part of the country. In some
+places, these torrents or mountain-streams are twelve fifteen or
+twenty leagues distance from each other, but generally only seven
+or eight leagues; and travellers for the most part are under the
+necessity of regulating their days journies by these streams or
+rivers, that they may have water for themselves and cattle. Along
+these rivers, for the breadth of a league, more or less according
+to the nature of the soil, there are some groves and fruit-trees,
+and maize fields cultivated by the Indians, to which wheat has
+been added since the establishment of the Spaniards. For the
+purpose of irrigating or watering these cultivated fields, small
+canals are dug from the rivers, to conduct the water wherever it
+is necessary and where that can be done; and in the construction
+of these the natives are exceedingly ingenious and careful,
+having often to draw these canals seven or eight leagues by
+various circuits to avoid intermediate hollows, although perhaps
+the whole breadth of the vale may not exceed half a league. In
+all these smaller vales along the streams and torrents, from the
+mountain to the sea, the country is exceedingly fertile and
+agreeable. Several of these torrents are so large and deep, such
+as those of Santa, Baranca, and others, that without the
+assistance of the Indians, who break and diminish for a short
+time the force of the current, by means of piles and branches
+forming a temporary wear or dike, the Spaniards would be unable
+to pass. In these hazardous passages, it was necessary to get
+over with all possible expedition, to avoid the violence of the
+stream, which often rolled down very large stones. Travellers in
+the plain of Peru, when going north or south, almost always keep
+within sight of the sea, where the torrents are less violent,
+owing to the greater flatness of the plain as it recedes from the
+mountain. Yet in winter the passage of these torrents is
+extremely dangerous, as they cannot be then forded, and must be
+crossed in barks or floats like those formerly mentioned, or on a
+kind of rafts made of gourds inclosed in a net, on which the
+passenger reclines, while one Indian swims before pulling the
+raft after him with a rope, and another Indian swims behind and
+pushes the raft before him.</p>
+
+<p>On the borders of these rivers there are various kinds of
+fruit-trees, cotton-trees, willows, and many kinds of canes,
+reeds, and sedges. The watered land is extremely fertile, and is
+kept under continual cultivation; wheat and maize being sown and
+reaped all the year through. The Indians in the plain seldom have
+any houses, or at best a kind of rude huts or cabins made of
+branches of trees, often dwelling under the shade of trees,
+without any habitation whatever. The women are habited in long
+dresses of cotton which descend to their feet; while the men wear
+breeches and vests which come down to their knees, and have a
+kind of cloak or mantle thrown over their shoulders. They are all
+dressed in a similar manner, having no distinctions except in
+their head-dresses, according to rank or the different districts
+of the country; some wearing a tuft of wool, others a single
+cord, and others several cords of different colours. All the
+Indians of the plain are distributed into three orders; the first
+named <i>Yungas</i>, the second <i>Tallanes</i>, and the third
+<i>Mochicas</i>. Every province has its own peculiar language or
+dialect, different from all the rest. But all the caciques or
+principal people and nobles of the country, besides the language
+peculiar to their respective countries or districts, were obliged
+to understand and speak the language of Cuzco. One of the
+Peruvian kings, named Huana Capac, the father of Atahualpa or
+Atabalipa, was much displeased that the caciques and principal
+people of his empire should be under the necessity of employing
+interpreters when they had occasion to speak to him; and gave
+orders that all the caciques and their relatives should send
+their children to reside at court, to be instructed in the
+language of Cuzco which was spoken by the Incas. This was the
+ostensible reason of the measure; but in reality he wished to
+have these children in his power, to serve as hostages for the
+loyalty of their parents. By this means, all the nobles of the
+land came to understand the peculiar language of Cuzco which was
+spoken at court; just as in Flanders all the nobles and persons
+of any rank speak French. Owing to this circumstance, as the
+Spaniards have learnt the language of the Incas, or of Cuzco,
+they are able to converse with all the principal natives of Peru,
+both those of the mountain and of the plain.</p>
+
+<p>It may appear difficult to some of my readers to comprehend
+why no rain should fall in the plain of Peru, considering that
+the country is bounded along the whole of one side by the sea,
+where many vapours are constantly ascending, and on the other
+side by a vast range of mountain which is always enveloped in
+rain or snow. Those who have carefully considered this singular
+phenomenon, allege that it is occasioned by the continual
+prevalence of a strong south-west wind all along the coast and
+over the whole plain of Peru, which carries off all the vapours
+which rise from the sea and the land, without allowing them to
+rise sufficiently high in the air to gather and fall down again
+in rain. From the tops of the high mountains, these vapours are
+often seen far beneath on the plain in thick clouds, while all is
+quite clear and serene on the mountain. By the perpetual blowing
+of the same wind, the waters of the South-sea have a constant
+current along the coast to the northward. Others allege a
+different reason for this current; saying, that the water of the
+South-sea having only a narrow outlet at the straits of Magellan,
+which are only two leagues broad, and being there opposed by the
+Atlantic Ocean, they are forced to return to the northward along
+the coast of Chili and Peru. This constant wind and current
+render the navigation exceedingly difficult, from Panama to Peru
+for the greater part of the year; so that vessels are obliged
+always to tack to windward against wind and current.</p>
+
+<p>The whole coast of Peru abounds in fish of various kinds,
+among which are great quantities of sea-calves or seals, of
+several species. Beyond the river of Tumbez there are no caymans
+or alligators, which is supposed to be owing to the too great
+coolness of the sea and rivers, as these animals delight in heat;
+but it is more probable that their absence from the rivers of
+Peru is occasioned by their great rapidity, as they usually
+frequent rivers that are very still. In the whole extent of the
+plain there are only five cities inhabited by the Christians[20].
+The first of these, Puerto Viejo, about one degree south of the
+line, has very few inhabitants, as it stands in a poor and
+unwholesome country, in which the principal production of value
+is a few emeralds. Fifty leagues to the southward, and about
+fifteen leagues from the coast, is the city of San Miguel, named
+<i>Piuru</i> by the Indians, in a pleasant and fruitful country,
+but which has no mines of gold or silver. Most people who have
+occasion to go there are liable to be afflicted with diseases of
+the eyes. Sixty leagues farther along the coast, is the city of
+Truxillo, two leagues from the sea, in the valley of Chimo,
+having a dangerous harbour of difficult approach. This city
+stands on the banks of a river in a fine plain, which is fertile
+in wheat and maize, and breeds great abundance of cattle, having
+plenty of excellent water. Truxillo is very regularly built, and
+is inhabited by about three hundred Spanish families. About
+eighty leagues from Truxillo to the south, and in the valley of
+<i>Rimac</i>, stands the city of <i>Los Reys</i>, or Lima,
+because it was founded at Epiphany, vulgarly called the day of
+the kings. This city is about two leagues from the harbour of
+<i>Callao</i>, an excellent and secure harbour, and is situated
+on a large river in a fine plain, abounding in grain, and in all
+kinds of fruit and cattle. All the streets are perfectly
+straight, and all of them lead towards the country, which may be
+seen from all parts of the city. This is a most agreeable
+residence, as the air is always temperate, being never either too
+hot or too cold at any season of the year. During the four months
+which constitute the summer in Spain, the air here is somewhat
+cooler than for the rest of the year; and every day from sun-rise
+to noon there falls a light dew, somewhat like the mists at
+Valladolid in Old Spain. Far from being injurious to health, this
+slight moisture is reckoned an infallible cure for headaches.
+This part of the country produces the same kinds of fruit as are
+found in Spain, particularly oranges, citrons, and lemons of all
+kinds, both sweet and sour, with figs and pomegranates. It might
+assuredly have produced grapes in great abundance, if the
+discords which have prevailed in this country had allowed the
+colonists to plant and cultivate the vine; as it already has
+several thriving vine plants which have grown from the pips of
+dried raisins. The neighbouring country produces all kinds of pot
+herbs and garden vegetables usually cultivated in Spain, in great
+perfection and abundance. Indeed every thing conspires to assist
+cultivation at this place, as every plantation has a canal from
+the river sufficiently large for a mill-stream; and on the main
+river, the Spaniards have several corn-mills. This city is
+universally reckoned the most salubrious and most agreeable
+residence in all Peru; and its harbour is so convenient for
+trade, that people come here from all parts of Peru to provide
+themselves with necessaries of all kinds, bringing with them the
+gold and silver which is so abundantly procured from the mines of
+the other provinces. For these reasons, and because it is nearly
+central to Peru, it has been chosen by his majesty for the
+residence of the royal court of audience, to which the
+inhabitants of all Peru have to carry their law-suits, by which
+means it is to be presumed that this place will in time become
+more considerable and very populous. Lima at present, 1550,
+contains five hundred houses; yet is larger than any city in
+Spain of fifteen hundred houses, as the square in the centre of
+the town is very large, and all the streets very wide, and
+because each house has a plot of eighty feet in front by twice
+that in depth. The houses likewise are all of one storey, as the
+country has no wood fit for joists or flooring-deals, every kind
+which it produces becoming worm-eaten in three years. The houses,
+however, are large and magnificent, and have many chambers and
+very convenient apartments. The walls are built on both sides of
+brick, leaving a hollow between of five feet, which is filled up
+with hard-rammed earth; in which manner the apartments are
+carried up to a convenient height, and the windows towards the
+street are raised considerably above the ground. The stairs
+leading up are towards the interior court, and in the open air,
+leading to galleries or corridors, which serve as passages to the
+several apartments. The roofs are formed of some rough timbers,
+not even hewn square, which are covered underneath by coloured
+matts like those of Almeria, or painted canvas, serving as
+ceilings, to conceal these clumsy joists: and the whole is
+covered over by way of roofing with branches of trees with their
+leaves, which keep the rooms cool and effectually exclude the
+rays of the sun. In this climate there is no call for any defence
+from rain, which never falls in the plain of Peru.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[20] This is only to be understood of the period when
+Zarate wrote, about the middle of the sixteenth century, or two
+hundred and fifty years ago. The first town he enumerates, Puerto
+Viejo, is now in the viceroyalty of New Granada.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>One hundred and thirty leagues still farther south, is the
+city of Villahermosa de Arequipa, containing about three hundred
+houses, in a very healthy situation, abounding in provisions.
+Though at twelve leagues distance from the sea, this place is
+very conveniently situated for trade, as vessels can easily
+import thither by the river Quilca all sorts of European
+commodities for the supply of the city of Cuzco and the province
+of Charcas, which are much frequented on account of the mines of
+Potosi and Porco; and from whence large quantities of silver are
+carried to Arequipa, to be transported by sea to Lima and Panama,
+which saves a vast expence and risk of land-carriage; now become
+more difficult since his majesty has forbidden those heavy
+burdens upon the Indians by which they were formerly oppressed.
+From this city we travel four hundred leagues by land along the
+coast of the South Sea to the province of Chili, which was
+discovered and in part colonized by the governor Pedro de
+Valdibia, or Baldivia. In the language of the Indians the word
+<i>Chili</i> signifies cold; and it was so named by the Peruvians
+because of the terribly cold mountains which were necessary to be
+passed on the way thither from Peru, as will be particularly
+mentioned when we come to detail the perilous enterprize
+undertaken by Don Diego de Almagro when he marched to discover
+that distant country. Such is a rapid view of that portion of
+Peru which is called <i>the plain</i>; to which must be added
+that the sea along its entire coast is always smooth and
+tranquil, from which it has been called the <i>Pacific Ocean</i>,
+being never vexed with storms, or disturbed by high and low
+tides; so that vessels can everywhere ride in perfect security at
+single anchor.</p>
+
+<p>Those Indians who inhabit the mountainous regions of Peru are
+entirely different from the inhabitants of the plain, whom they
+vastly exceed in strength, courage, and mental abilities. They
+live in a much less savage manner, having houses covered with
+earth, and being clothed in shirts and mantles made from the wool
+of their sheep[21]; but their only head-dress consists in a
+species of bands or fillets. The women wear a species of
+vestments like shifts without sleeves, and gird their waists with
+several turns of a woollen girdle, which give them a neat and
+handsome shape; covering their shoulders with a mantle or plaid
+of woollen cloth like a large napkin, which they fix round the
+neck with a large skewer or pin of silver or gold called
+<i>topos</i> in their language, with large broad heads, the edges
+of which are sharpened so as to serve in some measure the
+purposes of a knife. These women give great assistance to their
+husbands in all the labours belonging to husbandry and household
+affairs, or rather these things fall entirely to their lot. Their
+complexions are much fairer, and their countenances, manners, and
+whole appearance, are greatly superior in all respects to the
+natives of the plain. Their countries likewise differ entirely;
+as instead of the sterile sands which are everywhere interspersed
+over the plain, the mountain is covered through its whole extent
+with verdure, and is everywhere furnished with rivulets and
+springs of fine water, which unite to form the torrents and
+rivers which descend so impetuously into the plain country. The
+fields are everywhere full of flowers and plants of infinite
+varieties, among which are many species like the plants which
+grow in Spain; such as cresses, lettuce, succory, sorrel,
+vervain, and others; and vast quantities of wild mulberries, and
+other fruit-bearing shrubs are found everywhere. There is one
+particular plant with yellow flowers, having leaves like those of
+celery, of most admirable virtues. If applied to the most putrid
+sore, it makes it quite clean and sweet in a short time; but if
+laid upon a sound place it soon eats to the very bone. There are
+many fruit-trees in this country of various kinds, carrying
+abundant crops of fruit as good as those of Spain without having
+the smallest care taken of them.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[21] The wool-bearing animals of Peru, improperly
+named sheep, are one or other of the species of camel already
+mentioned in a former note.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>There are great numbers of sheep in the mountainous region,
+part of which are domesticated by the Indians, but vast numbers
+of them are wild; likewise abundance of deer and roes, many foxes
+and other smaller animals. The natives often have public hunts of
+these animals, which they call <i>chaco</i>, in which they take
+great delight. Four or five thousand natives, more or less
+according to the population of the district, assemble together,
+and enclose two or three leagues of country by forming a circle,
+in which at first they are at considerable distances from each
+other, and by gradually contracting their circle, beating the
+bushes, and singing certain songs appropriated to the occasion,
+they drive all the animals of every kind before them to an
+appointed place in the centre. The whole company at length join
+in a small circle, holding each other by the hands, and hallooing
+loudly, by which the beasts are terrified from endeavouring to
+break through, and are easily taken in nets or even by the hand.
+Even partridges, hawks, and other birds, are often so astonished
+by the loud cries of the hunters as to fall down in the circle
+and allow themselves to be taken. In these mountains there are
+lions or <i>pumas</i>, black bears, wild cats of several kinds,
+and many species of apes and monkeys. The principal birds, both
+of the plain and the mountain, are eagles, pigeons, turtle-doves,
+plovers, quails, parroquets, falcons, owls, geese, white and grey
+herons, and other water fowl; nightingales and other birds of
+sweet song, many kinds of which have very beautiful plumage.
+There is one kind of bird very remarkable for its astonishing
+smallness, not being larger than a grasshopper or large beetle,
+which however has several very long feathers in its tail. Along
+the coast there is a species of very large vulture, the wings of
+which, when extended, measure fifteen or sixteen palms from tip
+to tip. These birds often make prey of large seals, which they
+attack when out of the water: On these occasions, some of the
+birds attack the animal behind; others tear out his eyes; and the
+rest of the flock tear him on all sides with their beaks, till at
+length they kill him, and tear him to pieces. Upon the coast of
+the South Sea there are great numbers of birds named
+<i>alcatraz</i>, somewhat like our ordinary poultry in shape, but
+so large that each individual may contain three pecks of grain in
+its crop. These birds feed mostly on fish which they catch in the
+sea, yet are fond of carrion, which they go in search of thirty
+or forty leagues inland. The flesh of these birds stinks most
+abominably, insomuch that some persons who have been driven to
+the necessity of eating it have died, as if poisoned.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already said, that rain, hail, and snow, fall on
+the mountainous region of Peru, where in many places it is
+intensely cold: But in many parts of that region there are deep
+valleys in which the air is so hot, that the inhabitants have to
+use various contrivances to defend themselves from the excessive
+heat. In these vallies there is an herb called <i>coca</i>, which
+is held in very high estimation by the natives: Its leaf
+resembles that of the <i>sumach</i>, and the Indians have learnt
+from experience that, by keeping a leaf of that plant in their
+mouth they can prevent themselves for a long time from feeling
+either hunger or thirst. In many parts of the mountain there is
+no wood, so that travellers in those parts are obliged to use a
+species of earth which is found there for the purpose of fuel,
+and which burns very much like turf or peats. In the mountains
+there are veins of earth of various colours, and mines both of
+gold and silver, in which the natives are exceedingly conversant,
+and are even able to melt and purify these metals with less
+labour and expence than the Christians. For this purpose they
+construct furnaces in the mountains, placing always the door of
+the furnace towards the south, as the wind blows always from that
+point. The ores are put into these furnaces alternately with
+dried sheeps dung, which serves as fuel, and by means of the wind
+the fire is raised to a sufficient power to melt and purify the
+metal. In melting the vast quantities of silver which has been
+dug from the mines of Potosi, the furnaces constructed with
+bellows were found quite inefficient, while these furnaces, named
+<i>guayras</i> by the Indians, which signifies wind-furnaces,
+answered the purpose effectually.</p>
+
+<p>The soil is everywhere extremely fertile, and gives abundant
+returns of all the kinds of grain which are there sown; insomuch
+that from one bushel of seed for the most part at hundred bushels
+are reaped, sometimes an hundred and fifty, and even as high as
+two hundred. The natives employ no ploughs, but labour the earth
+with a kind of hoes; and set their seed into the ground in holes
+made with a dibble, or pointed stick, just as beans are sown in
+Spain. All kinds of pot and garden herbs grow so luxuriantly that
+radishes have been seen at Truxillo as thick as a mans body, yet
+neither hard nor stringy. Lettuces, cabbages, and all other
+vegetables grow with similar luxuriance: But the seeds of these
+must all be brought from Spain; as when raised in the country the
+produce is by no means so large and fine. The principal food of
+the Indians is maize, either roasted or boiled, which serves them
+for bread, and venison of various kinds, which they salt up for
+use. They likewise use dried fish, and several kinds of roots,
+one of which named <i>yuca</i> resembles skirret; likewise
+lupines and many other leguminous vegetables. Instead of wine,
+they make a fermented liquor from maize, which they bury in the
+earth along with water in tubs or large jars, where it ferments.
+In this process, besides the maize in its natural state, a
+certain quantity of maize which has been steeped in a particular
+manner is used as a ferment; and there are men and women who are
+versant in the manner of steeping maize, and are hired for this
+purpose. When this kind of drink is made by means of stagnant
+water, it is reckoned stronger and better than when running water
+is used. In the West Indian islands this drink is called
+<i>chica</i>, but the Peruvian name is <i>azua</i>. It is either
+white or red, according to the kind of maize used for its
+preparation, and inebriates even more readily than Spanish wine;
+yet the Indians prefer the latter when it can be procured. They
+make another kind of liquor from the fruit of certain trees,
+which they call <i>molles</i>; but it is by no means so well
+liked as <i>azua</i> from maize.</p>
+
+<p>The first city of the Christians in the mountain of Peru is
+<i>Quito</i>, which is about four degrees to the south of the
+equator[22]. This city is situated in an agreeable and fertile
+district; and particularly since 1544 and 1545, when rich mines
+of gold were discovered in its neighbourhood, it has become
+populous, and continued to increase fast in the number of its
+inhabitants; till in the destructive civil wars its people were
+almost entirely cut off by Gonzalo Pizarro and his adherents, as
+they favoured the party of the viceroy Blasco Nugnez Vela, who
+made this place his ordinary residence. The Spaniards had no
+other establishment in the mountain till the discovery of the
+province of <i>Bracamoras</i>[23], by the captains, Juan Porcel
+and Vergara, who established some small colonies in these parts,
+on purpose to continue the discovery and conquest of the interior
+country; but these establishments have been since entirely
+ruined, as Gonzalo Pizarro recalled these two captains and their
+men to assist him in his war. This discovery was made under the
+orders of the licentiate Vaca de Castro, who was then governor of
+Peru. The Captain Porcel was sent by him from S. Miguel de Piura,
+and Vergara into the province of <i>Chachapoyas</i> farther to
+the south; but they unexpectedly met each other in the course of
+their exploration of the country, and quarrelled about the
+boundaries of their discoveries, in consequence of which they
+were recalled by Vaco de Castro, and were at Lima at the
+commencement of the civil war in the service of the viceroy; and
+when he was made prisoner they entered into the party of Gonzalo
+Pizarro. The place which they discovered, called Bracamoras, is a
+hundred and sixty leagues from Quito by way of the mountain; and
+eighty leagues farther south they discovered a province named
+Chacaapoyas, where there is a small Christian town named
+<i>Levanto</i>[24]. This province abounds in provisions, and has
+mines of some value. Its situation is peculiarly strong against
+an enemy, as it is surrounded on all sides by a deep valley, in
+which runs a considerable river; so that by breaking down the
+bridges, it may be made very difficult of access. The Maestre de
+Campo Alfonzo de Alvarado, who held the command of this province,
+established a colony of Christians at this place.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[22] Instead of <i>four</i> degrees, Quito is only
+the <i>fourth</i> part of a degree beyond the
+line.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[23] Bracamoras, or Jaen de Bracamoras, in lat.
+5&deg; 30' S. is in the district or province of Jaen in the
+kingdom of New Granada, on one of the branches of the Lauricocha
+or Tanguragua, which is one of the great rivers which contribute
+to form the vast Maranon, or river of the
+Amazons.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[24] No place of that name is now found in our best
+maps. The principal town of the district of Chachapoyas has the
+same name, otherwise called St Juan de la
+Frontera.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Sixty leagues farther to the south, in the district of
+<i>Guanuco</i>, Vaco de Castro established a colony which he
+ordered to be called <i>Leon</i>, as he came from the city of
+that name in Spain. The country of Guanuco is fertile and abounds
+in provisions; and valuable mines are believed to exist on that
+side which is occupied by a warlike and powerful inca in a
+province of the Andes, as shall be mentioned hereafter[25]. There
+is no other place in the mountains farther south which has been
+as yet settled by the Christians, till we come to the province of
+<i>Guamanga</i>, in which is a small town named San Juan de la
+Vittoria[26], which is sixty leagues from Leon. In San Juan there
+are very few Spaniards, but their number is expected to increase,
+if the neighbouring inca can be induced to submit to peace; as he
+at present occupies the best lands belonging to that city, in
+which there are many mines, and which produces the herb called
+<i>coca</i> in great abundance, formerly mentioned as of great
+value. The town of Guamanga is about eighty leagues from the city
+of Cuzco; the road between being exceedingly difficult, as it
+goes over high and precipitous mountains, and through very
+dangerous passes.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[25] Not far to the south of San Leon de Guanuco, in
+the mountains of Lauricocha, there are considerable silver
+mines.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[26] No such place is now found on our maps in the
+province of Guamanga; but the ruins of a town named Vittoria are
+marked in the district of Calca, about fifty miles north-west
+from the city of Cuzco. Perhaps the Vittoria of the text is the
+town now called Guamanga.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the kings of Peru resided
+in the city of Cuzco, whence they governed the whole of this
+great country of which I have endeavoured to give some account,
+and which will be more particularly treated of in the sequel of
+this history. This city served as the common centre for all the
+chiefs or caciques of this vast kingdom, to which they resorted
+from all quarters, to pay their tributes to the king, and to
+obtain justice in case of disputes among each other. At that time
+Cuzco was the only place in all Peru that had the least
+resemblance to a city. It had even a strong fortress, built of
+such enormous dressed stones, that it was very wonderful to
+conceive in what manner the Indians had been able to transport
+such vast masses of stone without the aid of any animals of
+draught. In fact some of these are so large that they would have
+required ten yokes of oxen to have dragged them along on a fit
+carriage. The houses which are now inhabited by the Spaniards are
+the same which were formerly occupied by the Indians; some of
+which houses have been merely repaired and others enlarged by
+their present possessors. This city was formerly divided into
+four quarters, corresponding to the four cardinal points; and by
+orders of the <i>Incas</i>, or sovereigns of Peru, all those
+natives who came to the capital were obliged to lodge in the
+particular quarter which was towards the direction of the
+province from whence they came, under severe penalties. The south
+quarter of the city was named <i>Colla-sugo</i>, from the
+province of <i>Collao</i> which lay to the south. The northern
+quarter was named <i>Chinca-sugo</i>, from the large and renowned
+province of <i>Chinca</i>[27] in that direction. The eastern and
+western quarters were respectively named <i>Ande-sugo</i> and
+<i>Conde-sugo</i>. The country about Cuzco is extremely fertile,
+and abounds in all kinds of provisions, and the climate is so
+healthy that the inhabitants are seldom if ever sick. Around the
+city there are many rich mines, whence all the gold which has
+been hitherto sent into Spain was procured. These indeed have
+been nearly abandoned since the discovery of the rich silver
+mines of Potosi; both because much greater profit may be made
+from these other mines of silver, and because the working of
+these are far less dangerous both to the Indians and Spaniards
+who are there employed.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[27] Probably the country of the people now called
+<i>Chunchos</i>, who are implacable enemies to the
+Spaniards.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>From the city of Cuzco to that of La Plata in the province of
+Charcas, the distance is more than a hundred and fifty leagues,
+between which two places there is a large flat province named
+<i>Collao</i>, above fifty leagues long; the principal part of
+which, named <i>Chiquito</i>, belongs to his majesty. Seeing so
+large an extent of country unoccupied by the Spaniards, the
+licentiate De la Gasca sent some people there in 1545 to commence
+an establishment. The city of La Plata is situated in the coldest
+part of all the mountainous region of Peru, and has very few
+inhabitants, but these are extremely rich, and spend the greatest
+part of the year in the mines of <i>Porco</i>, and in those of
+<i>Potosi</i> since their discovery. Towards the left hand or the
+east from La Plata, a new province was explored by Diego de Rojas
+and Philip Gutierez, by the order of Vaca de Castro, which was
+named <i>Rojas</i>[28] from one of these captains. It is said to
+be fertile and abounding in provisions, but they have not found
+so much riches there as was expected. Captain Domingo de Ytala
+and his companions came by that way into Peru in 1549, having
+remounted the Rio Plata from the Atlantic Ocean.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[28] Probably the province now called <i>Chicas</i>
+on the eastern side of the Andes, occupying the head of the river
+Chirivionas which joins the Paraguay or Rio
+Plata.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Such is the state and situation of all that has been hitherto
+discovered of this vast country of Peru, which is chiefly known
+along the coast of the South Sea, and has not been much explored
+in its inland parts, on account of the vast quantity of lofty and
+rude mountains, by which it is everywhere pervaded, and which are
+extremely difficult to pass; because of their height and
+precipitous nature, the excessive cold which prevails among them,
+and the scarcity of food. Yet the industry and courage of the
+Spaniards would have overcome all these obstacles, if there were
+any hope of finding a rich country beyond.</p>
+
+<p>As the Peruvians were ignorant of writing they knew nothing
+respecting the history of the creation and deluge or of their own
+origin. They had however some tradition among them, which had
+been altered from age to age according to the fancies of the
+reciters. They said that there came anciently from the north, a
+man who had no bones or joints, and who was able to shorten or
+lengthen the way before him as he thought fit, and to elevate or
+depress the mountains at his pleasure. By this man the ancient
+Indians were created; and as those of the plain had given him
+some cause of displeasure, he rendered their country sterile and
+sandy as it now is, and commanded that it should never rain in
+that district; yet sent them the rivers and torrents which run
+through it, that they might have wherewithal to quench their
+thirst. This person, named <i>Con</i>, who they allege was son of
+the sun and moon, they esteemed and adored as a god, pretending
+that he had given the herbs and wild fruits as food for the
+people whom he had created. After him came another man from the
+south, named <i>Pachacamac</i>, or the creator, who was likewise
+the son of the sun and moon, but more powerful than <i>Con</i>,
+who disappeared on his arrival, leaving the men whom he had
+created without chiefs or laws, and Pachacamac transformed them
+all into various animals, as birds, cats, bears, lions, and the
+like, giving origin in this manner to all the beasts and birds
+which are now found in the country. After this Pachacamac created
+the present race of Indians, teaching them the art of labouring
+the ground for the cultivation of plants of various kinds for
+food. Pachacamac is considered as a god, and all the principal
+persons among the Peruvians are desirous of being buried in the
+province named from him Pachacamac, as he resided there, which is
+about four leagues from the city of Lima[29]. They pretended that
+their god Pachacamac continued several ages among them, even to
+the time of the arrival of the Spaniards, since when he has
+disappeared. Hence we may presume that he was some demon by whom
+they were miserably abused and misled, and who filled their minds
+with so many extravagant absurd fables.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[29] Off the mouth of the river Lurin, in lat.
+12&deg; 26' S. is the island of Pachacamac, probably indicating
+the situation of the ancient province of that
+name.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The Indians believe likewise, that even before Con and
+Pachacamac, there was a great deluge, during which mankind saved
+themselves in great caves in the high mountains, into which they
+carried a store of food, shutting up the entries, and carefully
+filling up all the crevices, to keep out the water. After a long
+while, they sent out some dogs, who returned to them all wet but
+not dirtied with mud, from which circumstance they concluded that
+the waters still remained very high, and they did not venture to
+leave their caverns till the dogs came back a second time all
+covered with mud. They allege that great numbers of serpents were
+engendered by the moisture left in the earth by this deluge, by
+which their ancestors were much distressed for a long time, till
+they at length succeeded to extirpate them. From this tradition
+they appear to have retained some confused notion of the deluge,
+although they were ignorant of the way in which Noah and seven
+other persons were saved in the ark to repeople the whole earth.
+Perhaps their tradition may refer to some partial deluge, like
+that of Deucalion.</p>
+
+<p>The have a notion that the world is to come to an end; before
+which there is to be a great drought, when no rain is to fall for
+several years. On this account, in former times, the caciques
+used to lay up large magazines of maize to serve them during the
+long drought. Even yet, the more timid among the Peruvians make a
+great lamentation when the sun or moon are eclipsed, believing
+the end of the world to be at hand; as they allege that these
+luminaries are to be extinguished at the destruction of the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>The Peruvians worship the Sun and Moon as deities, and swear
+by these luminaries and by the earth, which they consider as
+their mother. In their temples they adore certain stones, as
+representatives of the sun, which they name <i>guacas</i>, a word
+signifying to weep, which they do on entering into their temples.
+No person is permitted to approach these guacas except the
+priests who sacrifice to these idols, who are all clothed in
+white. When they go up to their idols, they carry certain white
+cloths in their hands, prostrating themselves and crawling on the
+earth, and addressing their idols in a language which is not
+understood by any of the natives. By these priests all the
+offerings for the idols are received and buried in the temples,
+as the Indian votaries make gifts of figures in gold or silver of
+those things for which they address their prayers to the guaca.
+These priests likewise offer sacrifices of animals and even of
+men to their gods, searching the hearts and intrails of the
+victims for certain signs which they wish to find, and repeating
+their abominable sacrifices until they meet with those signs
+which they desire; pretending that the idols are not satisfied by
+the sacrifices till these appear. During all the time that the
+priests are engaged in sacrificing, they never appear in public,
+neither have they any intercourse with women, and employ
+themselves all night in loud cries, invoking the demons near to
+the places in which the guacas are kept, which are extremely
+numerous, as most houses have each their own guaca. The priests
+prepare themselves for having intercourse with the demons by long
+fasts, after which they tie up their eyes and some even carry
+their superstition to such excess as to put out their own eyes.
+The caciques and other great men among the Peruvians never
+undertake any affair of importance without having first consulted
+the idols, or demons rather, by means of the priests.</p>
+
+<p>In the temples of the sun the Spaniards found several large
+earthen jars containing the dried bodies of children which had
+been sacrificed. Among the figures of gold and silver which were
+used as ornaments to the guacas, there were several which had a
+strong resemblance to the mitres and crosiers of our bishops, and
+some of these idols were found having mitres on their heads. When
+Thomas de Verlanga, bishop of Tierra Firma travelled through
+Peru, with his mitre, in which he was seen by the Indians
+celebrating the mass, they asked if he was the guaca of the
+Christians. When asked the reason of these mitres, they could
+only say that they had been handed down from their ancestors. In
+every part of Peru there were certain houses or monasteries,
+which were inhabited by women who were consecrated to the sun.
+These women never went out, but were perpetually employed in
+spinning cotton and wool, which they wove into cloth, and then
+burned along with the bones of white sheep, throwing the ashes
+into the air in honour of the sun. These women were consecrated
+to perpetual celibacy, and were put to death if found to be with
+child, unless they could swear that their child was begotten by
+the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Every year, at the season of the maize harvest, the
+mountaineer Peruvians had a solemn festival; on which occasion
+they set up two tall straight trees like masts, on the top of
+which was placed the figure of a man surrounded by other figures
+and adorned with flowers. The inhabitants went in procession
+armed with bows and arrows and regularly marshalled into
+companies, beating their drums and with great outcries and
+rejoicings, each company in succession discharging their arrows
+at the dressed up figure. After which the priests set up an idol
+at the bottom of the masts, before which they sacrificed a man or
+a sheep, sprinkling the idol with the blood of the victim; and
+having inspected the heart and entrails of the sacrifice, they
+reported the signs they had discovered to the people, who were
+sad or rejoiced according as these were good or bad. The whole of
+this festival was usually spent in dancing and drinking, and in
+various games and sports, some of which were warlike exercises,
+with maces, clubs, axes and other arms.</p>
+
+<p>All the caciques and other principal inhabitants of Peru are
+reposited after their death in a kind of vaults, clothed in all
+their richest dresses, and seated in a kind of chairs which they
+name <i>duos</i>. It was customary also to bury along with them
+one or two of their best beloved wives, and on this occasion the
+honour was frequently contested among the wives of the deceased,
+unless when the husband had previously settled who were to be
+chosen to accompany him in the tomb. Two or three youths of their
+train, and all their gold and silver-plate used also to be buried
+along with them; all of which was done in the hope of one day
+rising again from the dead, and that they might then appear in
+proper style, accompanied by their wives and servants. When the
+Spaniards broke up these sepulchres on purpose to take possession
+of their buried treasures, the Peruvians requested of them not to
+disturb the bones of the dead, that they might not be hindered in
+their resurrection. In the burial ceremony, the relations of the
+deceased used to pour some of the liquor formerly mentioned,
+named <i>Chica</i>, into the grave, of which a portion was
+conveyed by some hollow canes into the mouth of the dead person.
+On the top of the tomb or sepulchre, wooden images were placed,
+representing the appearance of the deceased; but on the graves of
+the lower orders, they satisfied themselves by some painted
+emblems of their profession or employment, more especially if
+they happened to be warriors.</p>
+
+<p>In all the provinces of Peru there were certain nobles or
+principal persons, of whom the chiefs or rulers were named
+<i>curacas</i>, similar in every respect to the caciques of the
+islands. As the Spaniards who conquered Peru had been accustomed
+to name many things according to the language of Hispaniola and
+Cuba, and were at first ignorant of the Peruvian language, they
+continued to employ the terms to which they had been accustomed;
+and the Peruvians have so far accommodated themselves to this
+language, especially in speaking to the Spaniards, that they
+mostly use these terms. Thus they call those chiefs
+<i>caciques</i>, who in their own language are named
+<i>curacas</i>, their bread corn and drink, which in the Peruvian
+are <i>zara</i> and <i>azua</i>, they denominate <i>maize</i> and
+<i>chica</i>, which names were brought from the islands by the
+Spaniards. These curacas or caciques were the judges and
+protectors of their subjects in peace, and their leaders in war
+against the neighbouring tribes. The whole people of Peru lived
+in that manner for many years under a multiplicity of independent
+chiefs, having no king or supreme chief; until at length a
+warlike nation came from the environs of the great lake Titicaca
+named the Incas in the language of Peru. These men had their
+heads close shaven, and their ears pierced, in which they wore
+large round pendents of gold, by which their ears were dragged
+down upon their shoulders, in consequence of which they were
+called <i>ringrim</i>, or the large ears. Their chief was called
+<i>Zapalla Inca</i>[30], or the only king; though others say that
+he was named <i>Inca Vira cocha</i>, or the king from the scum of
+the lake, because the astonished natives, not knowing the origin
+of their invaders, believed that they had started into existence
+from the scum or mud of the great lake. This great lake of
+Titicaca is about eighty leagues in circumference, from which a
+large river runs to the southwards, which in some places is half
+a league in breadth, and which discharges its waters into a small
+lake about forty leagues from the great lake, which has no
+outlet. This circumstance gives great astonishment to many, who
+are unable to comprehend how so vast a body of water should
+disappear in so small a reservoir. As this smaller lake appears
+to have no bottom, some conceive that it discharges itself into
+the sea by some subterranean communication, like the river
+Alphaeus in Greece.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[30] The first of the Incas is named by Robertson,
+II. 290. and III. 47. Manco Capac.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>These Incas established themselves in the first place at
+Cuzco, from whence they gradually extended their sway over the
+whole of Peru, which became tributary to them. The empire of the
+Incas descended in successive order, but not by immediate
+hereditary rules. On the death of a king, he was succeeded by his
+immediately younger brother; and on his demise the eldest son of
+the preceding king was called to the throne; so as always to have
+on the throne a prince of full age. The royal ornament worn by
+the supreme Inca in place of a crown or diadem, consisted in a
+fringe of coloured worsted from one temple to the other, reaching
+almost to the eyes. He governed their extensive empire with much
+grandeur and absolute power; and perhaps there never was a
+country in the world where the subjects were so submissive and
+obedient. They had only to place a single thread drawn from their
+diadem in the hands of one of the <i>ringrim</i> or great ears,
+by which he communicated to this deputy the most absolute
+delegation of power, which was respected and obeyed over the
+whole empire. Alone, and without troops or attendants, the
+message or order which he carried was instantly obeyed, were it
+even to lay waste a whole province, and to exterminate every one
+of its inhabitants; as on the sight of this thread from the royal
+fillet, every one offered themselves voluntarily to death,
+without a single murmur or the slightest resistance.</p>
+
+<p>In the before mentioned order of succession, the empire of the
+Incas fell in process of time to a sovereign named <i>Huana
+Capac</i>[31], which signifies the young rich man. This prince
+made great conquests, and augmented the empire more considerably
+than had been done by any one of his predecessors, and ruled over
+the whole more reasonably and with greater justice and equity
+than had ever been done by the former sovereigns. He established
+everywhere the most perfect police, and exact rules for
+cultivating the earth; ruling and governing among a barbarous and
+ignorant nation with the most surprising order and justice; and
+the love and obedience of his subjects was equally wonderful and
+perfect. They gave him a signal proof of this, worthy of being
+mentioned, in the construction of two roads through the whole
+extent of Peru for his more convenient travelling; of which the
+difficulty labour and expence equal or even surpass all that the
+ancients have written of the seven wonders of the world. Huana
+Capac, in marching from Cuzco to conquer the kingdom of Quito,
+had to march five hundred leagues by the mountains, where he had
+everywhere to encounter excessive difficulties, from bad roads,
+rocks, precipices and ravines, almost impracticable in many
+places. After he had successfully executed this great enterprize,
+by the conquest and submission of Quito and its dependencies, his
+subjects conceived that it was incumbent on them to do honour to
+his victorious career, by preparing a commodious road for his
+triumphant return to Cuzco. They accordingly undertook, and
+executed by prodigious labour, a broad and easy road through the
+mountains of five hundred leagues in length, in the course of
+which they had often to dig away vast rocks, and to fill up
+valleys and precipices of thirty to forty yards in depth. It is
+said that this road, when first made, was so smooth and level
+that it would have admitted a coach with the utmost ease through
+its whole length; but since that time it has suffered great
+injuries, especially during the wars between the Spaniards and
+the Peruvians, having been broken up in many places, on purpose
+to obstruct the invasion of the enemy. The grandeur and
+difficulty of this vast undertaking may be readily conceived, by
+considering the labour and cost which has been expended in Spain
+to level only two leagues of a mountain road between Segovia and
+Guadarrama, and which after all has never been brought to any
+degree of perfection, although the usual passage of the king and
+court on travelling to or from Andalusia or the kingdom of
+Toledo. Not satisfied with this first astonishing labour, the
+Peruvians soon afterwards undertook another of a similar and no
+less grand and difficult kind. Huana Capac was fond of visiting
+the kingdom of Quito which he had conquered, and proposed to
+travel thither from Cuzco by way of the plain, so as to visit the
+whole of his extensive dominions. For his accommodation likewise,
+his subjects undertook to make a road also in the plain; and for
+this purpose they constructed high mounds of earth across all the
+small vallies formed by the various rivers and torrents which
+descend from the mountain, that the road might be everywhere
+smooth and level This road was near forty feet wide, and where it
+crossed the sandy heights which intervene betwixt the verdant
+vallies of the torrents, it was marked on each side by stakes,
+forming palings in straight lines to prevent any one losing the
+way. This road was five hundred leagues in length like that of
+the mountain; but the palings are now wanting in many places, the
+wood of which they were constructed having been used by the
+Spaniards for fuel during the war; but the mounds still exist
+across the vallies, and most of them are yet tolerably entire, by
+which the grandeur of the entire work may be judged of. In his
+journeys to and from Quito, Huana Capac used to go by one of
+these roads and return by the other; and during his whole journey
+his subjects used to strew the way with branches and flowers of
+the richest perfume.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[31] By Zarate this Inca is named Guaynacava, but the
+more general name used by Garcilasso de la Vega and other Spanish
+writers, and from them by the illustrious Robertson, is adopted
+in this translation.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Besides the two great roads already mentioned, Huana Capac
+ordered to be built on the mountain road a number of large
+palaces, at the distance of a days journey from each other,
+having a prodigious number of apartments, sufficient to lodge his
+own personal suite and all his army. Such were likewise built
+along the road in the plain, but not so numerous or so near each
+other as on the mountain road, as these palaces of the plain had
+all to be placed on the sides of the rivers for convenience and
+the procurement of provisions and other necessaries; so that they
+were in some places eight or ten leagues distant from each other,
+and in other places fifteen or twenty leagues. These buildings
+were named <i>tambos</i>, and the neighbouring Indians were bound
+to furnish each of these with provisions and every thing else
+that might be wanted for the royal armies; insomuch that in each
+of these <i>tambos</i>, in case of necessity, clothing and arms
+could be had for twenty or thirty thousand men. Huana Capac was
+always escorted by a considerable body of soldiers, armed with
+lances, halberts, maces, and battle axes, made of silver or
+copper, and some of them even of gold.</p>
+
+<p>In their armies, besides these arms, the Peruvians used
+slings, and javelins having their points hardened in the fire. On
+such parts of their rivers as furnished materials for the
+purpose, they built wooden bridges; and where timber could not be
+had, they stretched across the stream two large cables made of a
+plant named <i>maguey</i>, forming a kind of net work between
+these of smaller ropes and masts, strong enough to answer the
+purpose of a bridge. In this manner they constructed bridges of a
+surprizing magnitude; some of them being thirty yards broad and
+four hundred yards long[32]. In such places as did not admit of
+the construction of bridges, they passed over rivers by means of
+a cable or thick rope extended from side to side, on which they
+hung a large basket, which was drawn over by means of a smaller
+rope. All these bridges were kept in repair by the inhabitants of
+the districts in which they stood.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[32] Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 65, describes the
+bridge over the Apurimac not far from Cuzco, as about two hundred
+paces in length. He says that its floor consisted of three great
+cables as thick as the body of a man; having another cable on
+each side, a little raised, to serve as rails. The two hundred
+toises or four hundred yards of the text seem an exaggeration;
+perhaps a mistake of the French translator.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The king of Peru was always carried in a species of litter
+covered over with plates of gold, and was attended by more than a
+thousand of the principal native nobles, who relieved each other
+in carrying the royal litter on their shoulders. All these men
+were counsellors, principal officers of the household, or
+favourites of the prince. The caciques or curacas of the
+different provinces were likewise carried in litters on the
+shoulders of their vassals. The Peruvians were exceedingly
+submissive to their sovereigns, insomuch that even the most
+powerful lord always entered the presence barefooted, and
+carrying some present wrapped up in a cloth, as a mark of homage;
+and even if one person had occasion to go an hundred times in one
+day to speak to the king, the present had to be repeated every
+time he went. To look the king in the face was considered as a
+criminal disrespect; and if any one should happen to stumble
+while carrying the royal litter, so as to make it fall, his head
+was immediately cut off. At every half league on the public roads
+throughout the whole empire, there were Indians in constant
+attendance to relieve each other in carrying dispatches, which
+they did swifter than our post horses. When any province or
+district was subdued, the natives of the place, or at least all
+their chiefs and principal people, were immediately removed to
+other parts of the empire, and natives from other places which
+had been long subjected were sent to occupy the new conquest, by
+which means the fidelity and submission of the whole were
+secured. From every province of the empire, yearly tributes of
+the several productions of their respective countries were sent
+to the king; and even some sterile districts above three hundred
+leagues distant from Cuzco, had to send yearly a number of
+lizards as a mark of their submission, having nothing of any
+value to send. Huana Capac rebuilt the temple of the sun at
+Cuzco, and covered over all the walls and the roof of that
+structure with plates of gold and silver. During his reign, one
+Chimocappa, who was curaca or prince of a large district in the
+plain, above a hundred leagues in length, chose to erect the
+standard of rebellion; but Huana Capac marched against him in
+person, defeated him in battle, and put him to death; after which
+he commanded that the Indians of the plain should not be
+permitted to carry arms. Yet he allowed the son and successor of
+Chimocappa to remain in the province of <i>Chimo</i>, in which
+the city of Truzillo has been since built.</p>
+
+<p>Peru was astonishingly full of those animals called sheep; as
+Huana Capac and his predecessors had established laws for their
+multiplication and preservation. Every year a certain proportion
+of these animals belonging to individuals were set apart as a
+kind of tythe or offering to the sun, and these consecrated
+animals multiplied greatly, no person being allowed to injure
+them under pain of sacrilege, except the prince only for his own
+use or that of his army. On such occasions, he gave orders for
+one of these hunts called <i>chacos</i>, formerly mentioned, at
+some of which twenty or thirty thousand sheep have been taken at
+one time. Gold was in great request among the Peruvians, as the
+king and all the principal persons of the empire used it for the
+construction of vessels for all uses, as ornaments for their
+persons, and as offerings to their gods. The king had everywhere
+carried along with him a kind of couch or table of gold, of
+sixteen carats fine, on which he used to sit, and which was worth
+25,000 ducats of standard gold. This was chosen by Don Francisco
+Pizarro, at the time of the conquest, in consequence of an
+agreement, by which he was authorized to appropriate some single
+jewel or valuable article to his own use, besides his regular
+share of the plunder. When the eldest son of Huana Capac was
+born, he ordered a prodigious chain or cable of gold to be made,
+so large and heavy that two hundred men were hardly able to lift
+it. In remembrance of this circumstance, the infant was named
+<i>Huascar</i>, which signifies a cable or large rope, as the
+Peruvians have no word in their language signifying a chain. To
+this name of Huascar was added the surname Inca, belonging to all
+their kings, just as Augustus was given to all the Roman
+emperors. Huana Capac had several large magazines full of gold in
+various shapes, such as the figures of men and women, of sheep
+and animals of all kinds, and of all the kinds of plants which
+are found in the country, all accurately represented. He had also
+great quantities of vestments of various kinds, and many slings,
+in which the fabric was mixed with gold threads; and many bars of
+gold and silver made like billets of fire wood.</p>
+
+<p>Although the main object of this history is to relate the
+Spanish Discovery and Conquest of Peru, it seems proper to
+explain the circumstances under which they found the affairs of
+that empire at their arrival; by which we shall have occasion to
+admire the wisdom of Providence, in permitting that enterprize to
+take place at a time when that vast country was divided into two
+hostile parties, which greatly facilitated the conquest. After
+Huana Capac had reduced many provinces to submission, to the
+extent of five hundred leagues from Cuzco, he undertook in person
+to make the conquest of the kingdom of Quito, which bounded with
+his empire in the north-west. Having successfully accomplished
+that great enterprise, finding the country exceedingly pleasant,
+he continued to reside there for a long while, leaving at Cuzco
+several of his children, both sons and daughters, among whom were
+his eldest son Huascar Inca, Manco Inca, Paul Inca, and several
+others. While at Quito, he took to wife the daughter of the
+former lord of that country, by whom he had a son named Atahualpa
+or Atabalipa, of whom he was very fond, and whom he left to be
+educated in Quito when he returned to Cuzco. After residing for
+some years in Cuzco, he made a journey back to Quito, partly
+because he delighted in that country which he had subdued, and
+partly from affection for his son Atahualpa, whom he loved more
+than all the rest of his children. He continued to reside in
+Quito all the rest of his life; and at his death, he bequeathed
+the kingdom of Quito to Atahualpa[33], which had belonged to his
+maternal ancestors. On his death, Atahualpa secured the affection
+of the army, and got possession of all the treasure which his
+father had in Quito, but the far greater proportion of the
+treasure remained in Cuzco, as too heavy for transportation, and
+accordingly fell to Huascar, the eldest son.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[33] This prince is called Atabaliba by Zarate, and
+Atabalipa by some other writers, but we have chosen to follow the
+illustrious historian of America in naming him
+Atahualpa.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Atahualpa sent ambassadors to his eldest brother Huascar,
+informing him of the death of their father, and assuring him of
+his loyalty and obedience; yet requesting that he might be
+permitted to retain the command of the kingdom of Quito, the
+conquest of his father; which he alleged was beyond the limits of
+the Peruvian empire, and ought not therefore to follow the
+ordinary rules of primogeniture, more especially as Atahualpa was
+the legitimate heir of that country in right of his mother and
+grandfather. Huascar sent back for answer, that if Atahualpa
+would come to Cuzco and give up the army, he should receive lands
+and possessions sufficient to enable him to live according to his
+rank; but that he would on no account give up Quito, a frontier
+province of the empire, where of course he must keep up a body of
+troops for the defence of the whole. Huascar added, that if
+Atahualpa refused submission to these conditions, he would march
+in person against him as a declared enemy. On receiving this
+message, Atahualpa consulted two of his fathers principal
+officers, Quiz-quiz and Cilicuchima, brave and experienced
+warriors, who advised him not to wait the invasion of his
+brother, but to take the field without delay and march against
+him; as the army which was under his orders was sufficient to
+enable him to acquire the whole provinces of the empire, and
+would increase on the march by means of the provinces which
+intervened between Quito and Cusco. Atahualpa followed this
+advice and gradually made himself master of the country through
+which he marched. Huascar, on hearing of the hostile proceedings
+of his brother, sent some light-armed troops against him. The
+commander of these troops advanced to the province of Tumibamba
+about a hundred leagues from Quito; and learning that Atahualpa
+had taken the field, he sent a courier to Cuzco with notice of
+the state of the affairs, and to request that he might be
+furnished with two thousand officers of experience; by means of
+whom he could arm thirty thousand men of the warlike province
+called <i>Cagnares</i> which remained in allegiance to Huascar.
+These two thousand experienced warriors were immediately sent, by
+whose means, and with assistance of the curacas of Tumibamba,
+Chaparras, Paltas, and Cagnares[34], in that neighbourhood,
+Huascars general was enabled to collect a formidable army.
+Atahualpa marched against this army, with whom he fought a battle
+which lasted three days, in which he was at last defeated and
+made prisoner, in attempting to escape by the bridge of
+Tumibamba.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[34] These names are not to be found in our best
+modern maps of Peru: but some other names not unlike, as
+Mayobamba, Chachapoyas, Partas, and Caxamarca, are in the present
+bishopric of Truxillo, the most northern in Peru proper, and
+therefore likely to have been the seat of war against the
+revolters in Quito.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While the army of Huascar was celebrating their victory with
+great feasts and rejoicings, Atahualpa contrived to escape from
+the <i>tambos</i> or palace of Tumibamba in which he was
+confined, by digging through a very thick wall with a bar of
+copper, which he procured from a woman. He returned immediately
+to Quito, where he collected the remains of his defeated army, to
+whom he represented that his father had changed him into a
+serpent, by which means he had been enabled to escape from his
+prison through a small hole; and that his father had assured him
+of certain victory, if they would return along with him against
+the enemy. His troops were so much encouraged by this stratagem,
+that they followed him with great courage, believing themselves
+invincible under the protection of Huana Capac. He again attacked
+the army of Huascar, which in this second battle was entirely
+defeated. Such numbers were slain on both sides in these two
+battles, that even to this day large quantities of human bones
+remain in the places where they were fought. In pursuit of his
+victory, Atahualpa marched into the provinces which adhered to
+his brother, which he destroyed with fire and sword. He entirely
+destroyed the great city of Tumibamba, which stood on a plain
+watered by three great rivers. In his pursuing his conquests, he
+gave no quarter wherever he met with resistance but granted mercy
+and peace to all such districts as submitted quietly to his
+authority, obliging all the warriors to join his army, which by
+these means, increased continually as he advanced. On arriving at
+Tumbez he was desirous to take possession of the island of Puna,
+but as the <i>curaca</i> of that island defended himself
+courageously, Atahualpa did not think it prudent to waste much
+time in the attempt, more especially as he had intelligence of
+the approach of Huascar with a numerous army; for which reason he
+continued his march towards Cuzco, and arrived at Caxamarca,
+where he established his head-quarters. From this place he
+detached two of his principal officers at the head of two or
+three thousand light armed troops, with orders to reconnoitre the
+army of the enemy, and to bring him word of their numbers and
+situation. When this party had arrived at no great distance from
+the camp of the enemy, they quitted the direct road and made a
+circuit among the woods and mountains, to prevent the enemy from
+discovering them. Procuring intelligence that Huascar had retired
+to a place at some distance from his camp, attended by seven
+hundred of his principal officers and nobles, on purpose to avoid
+the noise and confusion of his great army, they attacked his
+quarters by surprise, easily defeated his small escort, and made
+him prisoner. While endeavouring to make good their retreat to
+the camp of Atahualpa with their great prize, they were
+surrounded on every side by the vast army of the enemy, which
+could easily have exterminated them, being at least thirty to
+one. But the commanders of this fortunate detachment, immediately
+told Huascar that they would put him to death, if he did not
+instantly give orders to his army to retire: and at the same time
+assured him that his brother Atahualpa had no farther desire than
+to be permitted to enjoy the kingdom of Quito in peace, for which
+he would do homage to him as his king and lord. Huascar,
+terrified by the prospect of death, and believing their promise
+of restoration to liberty and dominion, issued peremptory orders
+to his army to desist from their intended attack and to return to
+Cuzco, which they did accordingly; and the Atahualpan officers
+carried Huascar a prisoner to Caxamarca, where they delivered him
+up to their master. Thus were the affairs of Peru situated when
+Don Francisco Pizarro arrived in that country with the Spaniards;
+which conjuncture was exceedingly favourable to his views of
+conquest, of which we shall give an account in the next section,
+as the great army of Huascar was entirely dispersed, and
+Atahualpa had dismissed a great proportion of his troops, after
+this fortunate event, which had placed his enemy in his
+hands.</p>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<p><i>Of the Peruvian History before the arrival of the
+Spaniards</i>[35].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[35] The whole of this appendix to the first section
+is an addition to Zarate, extracted from Garcilasso de la Vega
+and Robertson; which, being too long for a note, has been placed
+in the text. The introductory part of this deduction is from the
+History of America, Vol. II p. 289. The list of kings is from
+Garcilasso, whose disarranged work is too confused for
+quotation.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>"Peru, like the rest of the New World, was originally
+possessed by small independent tribes, differing from each other
+in manners, and in their forms of rude policy. All, however, were
+so little civilized, that, if the traditions concerning their
+mode of life, preserved among their descendants, deserve credit,
+they must be classed among the most unimproved savages of
+America. Strangers to every species of cultivation or regular
+industry, without any fixed residence, and unacquainted with
+those sentiments and obligations which form the first bonds of
+social union, they are said to have roamed naked about the
+forests with which their country was then covered, more like wild
+beasts than like men. After they had struggled for ages with the
+hardships and calamities which are inevitable in such a state,
+and when no circumstance seemed to indicate the approach of any
+uncommon effort towards improvement, we are told that there
+appeared on the banks of the lake Titicaca, a man and woman of
+majestic form, and clothed in decent garments. They declared
+themselves to be children of the sun, sent by their beneficent
+parent, who beheld with pity the miseries of the human race, and
+who had commanded them to instruct and reclaim them. At their
+persuasion, enforced by reverence for the divinity in whose name
+they were supposed to speak, several of the dispersed savages
+united together, and receiving their commands as heavenly
+instructions, followed them to Cuzco where they settled, and
+where they begun to lay the foundations of a city, afterwards the
+capital of Peru."</p>
+
+<p>"Manco Capac and Mama Ocollo, for such were the names of these
+extraordinary personages, having thus collected some wandering
+tribes, formed that social union which, by multiplying the
+desires, and uniting the efforts of the human species, excites
+industry and leads to improvement. Manco Capac instructed the men
+in agriculture and other useful arts; Mama Ocollo taught the
+women to spin and weave. By the labour of the one sex subsistence
+became less precarious; by that of the other life was rendered
+more comfortable. After securing the object of first necessity in
+an infant state, by providing food, raiment, and habitations for
+the rude people of whom he took charge, Manco Capac turned his
+attention towards introducing such laws and policy as might
+perpetuate their happiness. By his institutions, the various
+relations in private life were established, and the duties
+resulting from them prescribed with such propriety, as gradually
+formed a barbarous people to decency of manners. In public
+administration, the functions of persons in authority were so
+precisely defined, and the subordination of those under
+jurisdiction maintained with such a steady hand, that the society
+in which he presided soon assumed the aspect of a regular and
+well-governed state."</p>
+
+<p>"Thus, according to the Indian traditions, was founded the
+empire of the <i>Incas</i>, or Lords of Peru. At first its extent
+was small; as the territory of Manco Capac did not reach above
+eight leagues from Cuzco: But within these narrow limits he
+exercised an uncontrolled authority. His successors, as their
+dominions extended, arrogated a similar jurisdiction over the new
+subjects which they acquired; the despotism of Asia was not more
+complete. The Incas were not only obeyed as monarchs, but revered
+as divinities. Their blood was held to be sacred, and by
+prohibiting intermarriages with the people, was never
+contaminated by mixing with that of any other race. The family
+thus separated from the rest of the nation, was distinguished by
+peculiarities in dress and ornaments, which it was unlawful for
+others to assume. The monarch himself appeared with ensigns of
+royalty reserved for him alone; and received from his subjects
+marks of obsequious homage and respect, which approached almost
+to adoration. But among the Peruvians, this unbounded power of
+their monarchs seems to have been uniformly accompanied with
+attention to the good of their subjects. It was not the rage of
+conquests, if we may believe the accounts of their countrymen,
+that prompted the Incas to extend their dominion, but the desire
+of diffusing the blessings of civilization, and the knowledge of
+the arts which they possessed, among the barbarous people whom
+they reduced. During a succession of twelve monarchs, it is said
+that not one deviated from this beneficent character."</p>
+
+<p>"When the Spaniards first visited the coast of Peru in 1526,
+Huana Capac, the twelfth monarch from the founder of the state,
+was seated on the throne. He is represented as a prince
+distinguished not only for the pacific virtues peculiar to the
+race, but eminent for his martial talents. By his victorious arms
+the kingdom of Quito was subjected, a conquest of such extent and
+importance as almost doubled the power of the Peruvian empire. He
+was fond of residing in the capital of that valuable province
+which he had added to his dominions; and notwithstanding the
+ancient and fundamental law of the monarchy against polluting the
+royal blood by any foreign alliance, he married the daughter of
+the vanquished monarch of Quito. She bore him a son named
+Atahualpa, whom, on his death at Quito, which seems to have
+happened about the year 1529, he appointed his successor in that
+kingdom, leaving the rest of his dominions to Huascar, his eldest
+son, by a mother of the royal race. Greatly as the Peruvians
+revered the memory of a monarch who had reigned with greater
+reputation and splendour than any of his predecessors, the
+destination of Huana Capac concerning the succession appeared so
+repugnant to a maxim coeval with the empire, and founded on
+authority deemed sacred, that it was no sooner known at Cuzco
+than it excited general disgust. Encouraged by those sentiments
+of his subjects, Huascar required his brother to renounce the
+government of Quito, and to acknowledge him as his lawful
+superior. But it had been the first care of Atahualpa to gain a
+large body of troops which had accompanied his father to Quito.
+These were the flower of the Peruvian warriors, to whose valour
+Huana Capac had been indebted for all his victories. Atahuaipa
+first eluded the demand of his brother, and then marched against
+him in hostile array."</p>
+
+<p>"Thus the ambition of two young princes, the title of the one
+founded on ancient usage, and of the other asserted by the
+veteran troops, involved Peru in civil war, a calamity to which
+it had been hitherto a stranger, under a succession of virtuous
+monarchs. In such a contest the issue was obvious. The force of
+arms triumphed over the authority of laws. Atahualpa remained
+victorious, and made a cruel use of his victory. Conscious of the
+defect in his own title to the throne, he attempted to
+exterminate the royal race, by putting to death all the children
+of the sun descended from Manco Capac, whom he could seize either
+by force or stratagem. From a political motive, the life of the
+unfortunate Huascar, who had been taken prisoner in a battle
+which decided the fate of the empire, was prolonged for some
+time; that, by issuing orders in his name, the usurper might more
+easily establish his own authority."</p>
+
+<p>"When Pizarro landed in the bay of St Matthew, in 1531, this
+civil war raged between the two brothers in its greatest fury;
+and though the two competitors received early accounts of the
+arrival of the Spaniards, they were so intent upon the operations
+of a war which they deemed more interesting, that they gave no
+attention to the motions of an enemy too inconsiderable in number
+to excite any great alarm, and to whom it would be easy, as they
+imagined, to give a check when more at leisure. By this fortunate
+coincidence of events, of which he could have no foresight, and
+of which he remained long ignorant from its defective mode of
+intercourse with the people of the country, Pizarro was permitted
+to advance unmolested into the centre of a great empire, before
+any effort of its power was exerted to stop his career. During
+their progress, the Spaniards acquired some imperfect knowledge
+of the struggle between the two contending factions; and the
+first complete information respecting it was received from
+messengers sent by Huascar to Pizarro, to solicit his aid against
+Atahualpa, whom he represented as a rebel and an usurper."</p>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<p>Manco Capac, the first Inca of the Peruvians, is said to have
+reigned about the middle of the twelfth century, as the
+traditionary accounts attribute a period of about 400 years
+between the commencement of his reign and the decease of Huana
+Capac in 1529, which would place the origin of the monarchy about
+the year 1129, allowing an average of 30 years to each of 13
+successive reigns. The traditions of such ancient matters among
+an ignorant people are little to be depended on; and even
+admitting the series of kings to be right as to number, the
+ordinary average of <i>twenty</i> years to each of the
+<i>thirteen</i> successive reigns would only give 260 years for
+the duration of the monarchy, and would carry back the
+commencement of the reign of Manco Capac only to the year 1269.
+The series of these kings, as given by various Spanish writers,
+according to the traditions of the Peruvians, is as follows:</p>
+
+<p>1. Manco Capac. 2. Sinchi Roca. 3. Lloque Yupanqui. 4. Mayta
+Capac. 5. Capac Yupanqui. 6. Inca Roca. 7. Yahuar Huacac. 8. Inca
+Roca, likewise named Viracocha. 9. Pachacutec[36]. 10. Yupanqui.
+11. Tupac Yupanqui. 12. Huana Capac. 13. Huascar, or
+Inti-cusi-Hualpa. 14. Atahualpa. 15. Manco Capac the Second,
+crowned at Cuzco by permission of Pizarro; afterwards revolted
+and retired to the mountains. 16. Sayri Tupac; who resigned the
+nominal sovereignty of Peru to Philip II. He died a Christian,
+and left one daughter who married a Spaniard named Onez de
+Loyola, and from whom are descended the marquisses of Orepesa and
+Alcanises.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[36] By some authors an Inca Roca is here interposed,
+who was deposed after a reign of eleven days.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<p>As the empire of Peru was made up of many barbarous tribes,
+its native inhabitants spoke many languages or dialects, which
+were only understood in their own particular districts. The
+language of the ruling people or tribe to which the royal family
+belonged, called the <i>Quichua</i>, was solely used at court,
+and we have already seen that the sons of all the chiefs or
+curacas of the empire were ordered to be educated at Cuzco, that
+they might be all able to converse with the sovereign. In this
+language the sounds of <i>b, d, f, g</i>, and <i>r</i>, are said
+to have been wanting; and yet that of the <i>r</i> occurs in the
+names of several of their kings. Garcilasso says that this letter
+had a guttural sound, perhaps resembling the burr, or <i>parler
+gras</i> of the French: And it is alleged that this language of a
+comparatively barbarous people was nearly as copious and as
+artificial as the Greek. The following specimens are given in the
+Modern Geography, III. 585, to which are added two examples of
+what are called Peruvian poetry, from Garcilasso de la Vega, p.
+50. The nouns in this language are declined by altering the
+terminations thus; <i>Runa</i>, a man; <i>Runap</i>, of a man;
+<i>Runapac</i>, to a man, &amp;c. The verbs have also moods and
+tenses, the terminations often extending to a great length.</p>
+
+<pre>
+  1. Huc              5. Chumpi, picheca.         9. Yscon.
+  2. Yscay            6. Zocta.                  10. Chunca.
+  3. Quimza           7. Canchis.               100. Pachac.
+  4. Tahua            8. Puzac.                1000. Huaranca.
+
+  The Andes....Anti                A Hog.........Cuchi
+  The Arm......Ricra               A House.......Huaci
+  Bad..........Mana alli[A]        A Husband.....Coza
+  The Beard....Zunca               Iron..........Quellay
+  Beauty.......Zumay               A King........Capac, Inca
+  The Belly....Vicza               A Lake........Cocha
+  A Brother....Huauquey            A Lance.......Chuqui
+  A Canoe......Huampu              Land..........Allpa
+  To Die.......Huauny, pitini      Little........Huchuy
+  A Dog........Alles               Love..........Cuyay, munay
+  To Drink.....Upiana              A man.........Runa
+  The Ears.....Rinri               The Moon......Quilla
+  Eared, or having                 Mother........Mama
+     great ears...Ringrim          A Mountain....Puna, acha
+  To Eat.......Micuni              The Mouth.....Simi
+  An Emerald...Umina               No............Maria
+  The Eye......Naui                The Nose......Cenca
+  A Family.....Ayllu               A Queen, or
+  Father.......Mayu                   Princess...Coya
+  Fire.........Nina                A Sacrifice...Arpay
+  Many fires...Ninanina            Sand..........Aco
+  A Fish.......Challhua            The Sea.......Atun cocha[B]
+  Flesh........Aycha                      .......Mama cocha[C]
+  A Foot.......Chaqui              A Ship........Huampu[D]
+  A Friend.....Cocho               Silver........Collqui
+  Good.........Alli                A Sister......Panay
+  Gold.........Cori                Snow..........Riti
+  Gold dust....Chichi cori         A Son.........Churi
+  Great........Hatun               A Stone.......Rumi
+  A Hatchet....Avri, champi        The Sun.......Inti
+  The Hair.....Caspa               Water.........Unu, yaco
+  The Hand.....Maqui               Woman.........Huami
+  The Head.....Uma                 Yes...........Y
+
+</pre>
+
+<p><i>Specimen of Peruvian poetry</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Caylla Llapi</i> To the Song <i>Pununqui</i> I will Sleep,
+<i>Chaupitua</i> At Midnight <i>Samusac</i> I will come.</p>
+
+<p>[A] Not good.</p>
+
+<p>[B] Great Lake.</p>
+
+<p>[C] Mother Lake.</p>
+
+<p>[D] Huampu likewise signifies a canoe, and probably a ship
+might be named Atun huampu, a great canoe.--E.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION II.</p>
+
+<p><i>Transactions of Pizarro and the Spaniards in Peru, from the
+commencement of the Conquest, till the departure of Almagro for
+the Discovery of Chili</i>.</p>
+
+<p>After the return of Don Francisco Pizarro from Spain to
+Panama, he made every preparation in his power for the conquest
+of Peru, in which he was not seconded with the same spirit as
+formerly by his companion Almagro, by which their affairs were
+considerably retarded, as Almagro was the richer man and had
+greater credit among the settlers. Diego Almagro, as formerly
+mentioned, was much dissatisfied with Pizarro for having
+neglected his interest in his applications to his majesty; but at
+length became pacified by his apologies and promises, and their
+friendship was renewed; yet Almagro could never be thoroughly
+reconciled to the brothers of Pizarro, more especially Ferdinand,
+against whom he had a rooted dislike. Owing to these disputes a
+considerable time elapsed; but at length Ferdinand Ponce de
+Leon[1] fitted out a ship which belonged to him, in which Don
+Francisco Pizarro embarked with all the soldiers he could
+procure, which were very few in number, as the people in Panama
+were much discouraged by the great difficulties and hardships
+which had been suffered in the former attempt, and the poor
+success which had then been met with[2]. Pizarro set sail about
+the commencement of the year 1531; and in consequence of contrary
+winds was obliged to land on the coast of Peru a hundred leagues
+more to the north than he intended[3]; by which means he was
+reduced to the necessity of making a long and painful march down
+the coast, where he and his troops suffered great hardships from
+scarcity of provisions, and by the extreme difficulty of crossing
+the different rivers which intersected their line of march, all
+of which they had to pass near their mouths, where they are wide
+and deep, insomuch that both men and horses had often to pass
+them by swimming. The courage and address of Pizarro was
+conspicuous amidst these difficulties, by encouraging the
+soldiers, and frequently exposing himself to danger for their
+relief, even assisting those who were unable to swim. They
+arrived at length at a place named <i>Coaque</i>[4] on the sea
+side, which was well peopled, and where they procured abundance
+of provisions to refresh and restore them after the hardships and
+privations they had undergone. From that place, Pizarro sent back
+one of his vessels to Panama, and the other to Nicaragua, sending
+by them above 30,000 <i>castillanas</i>[5] of gold, which he had
+seized at Coaque, to encourage fresh adventurers to join him, by
+giving a specimen of the riches of the country. At Coaque the
+Spaniards found some excellent emeralds, as this country being
+under the line, is the only place where such precious stones are
+to be had. Several of these were destroyed by the Spaniards, who
+broke them in order to examine their nature; as they were so
+ignorant as to believe that good emeralds ought to bear the
+hammer without breaking, like diamonds. Believing therefore that
+the Indians might impose false stones upon them, they broke many
+of great value through their ignorance. The Spaniards were here
+afflicted by a singular disease, formerly mentioned, which
+produced a dangerous kind of warts or wens on their heads faces
+and other parts of their body, extremely sore and loathsome, of
+which some of the soldiers died, but most of them recovered,
+though almost every one was less or more affected.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] With regard to this person, the original French
+translator makes the following observation: "Perhaps this is the
+person named Hernando de Luque at the beginning of the first
+section, who is said to have been one of the original adventurers
+in the enterprize. If so, the name of de Luque on the former
+occasion may be an error of the press."--It must be observed
+however, that Garcilasso de la Vega names the third person of the
+original fraternity Hernando de Luque, and makes no mention
+whatever of Ponce de Leon.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[2] Neither Zarate nor Garcilasso mention the number
+of troops embarked on this expedition, but we learn from
+Robertson, II. 206, that the whole armament consisted of 180
+soldiers, 36 of whom were horsemen.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[3] According to Robertson, II. 293, Pizarro landed
+in the bay of St Matthew. The distance of 100 Spanish leagues
+from Tumbez, mentioned by Garcilasso as the intended place of
+landing, would lead us to the Rio de Santjago in lat. 1&deg; S.
+on the coast of Tacames or Esmeraldas. Garcilasso says that
+Pizarro had two vessels, which he immediately sent back to
+Panama. But these seem to have accompanied the march of Pizarro
+to Coaque.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[4] From the sequel, this place appears to have been
+in the province of Tacames.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[5] A species of gold coin worth 14 reals 18
+maravedies. Garcilasso says that Pizarro sent 24000 or 25000
+ducats of gold to Almagro, part of which was plunder, and part
+received in ransom for prisoners.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Leaving Coaque on account of this strange disease, which
+Pizarro attributed to the malignity of the air, he marched on to
+that province or district in which <i>Puerto Viejo</i> now
+stands, and easily reduced all the surrounding country to
+subjection. The captains Sebastian Benalcazar and Juan Fernandez
+joined him at this place, with a small reinforcement of horse and
+foot, which they brought from Nicaragua[6].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] In making this small progress the whole of the
+year 1531 had been employed, and the year 1532 was already begun
+before Pizarro left Coaque.--Roberts. H. of Amer. II.
+288.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Having reduced the province of Puerto Viejo to subjection,
+Pizarro proceeded with all his troops to the harbour of
+<i>Tumbez</i>, whence he determined to pass over into the island
+of Puna, which is opposite to that port. For this purpose he
+caused a number of flats or rafts to be constructed after the
+manner of the Peruvians, formerly mentioned, to transport his men
+and horses to the island, which is above twenty miles from the
+river of Tumbez. The Spaniards were in imminent danger in this
+passage, as the Indians who guided their floats had resolved to
+cut the cords by which their planks were held together, on
+purpose to drown the men and horses; but as Pizarro had some
+suspicion or intimation of their secret intentions, he ordered
+all his people to be on their guard, constantly sword in hand,
+and to keep a watchful eye on the Indians. On arriving in the
+island, the inhabitants received them courteously and requested
+that there might be peace between them; yet it was soon known
+that they had concealed their warriors in ambush, with the
+intention of massacring the Spaniards during the night. When
+Pizarro was informed of this treachery, he attacked and defeated
+the Indians, and took the principal cacique of the island; and
+next morning made himself master of the enemies camp, which was
+defended by a considerable body of warriors. Learning that
+another body of the islanders had attacked the flat vessels or
+rafts in which they had come over, Pizarro and his brothers went
+in all haste to assist the Spanish guard which had the care of
+them, and drove away the enemy with considerable slaughter. In
+these engagements two or three of the Spaniards were killed, and
+several wounded, among whom was Gonzalo Pizarro, who received a
+dangerous hurt on the knee.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this action, Hernando de Soto arrived from
+Nicaragua with a considerable reinforcement of foot and horse.
+But finding it difficult to subdue the islanders effectually, as
+they kept their canoes concealed among the mangrove trees which
+grow in the water, Pizarro resolved to return to Tumbez; more
+especially as the air of Puna is unwholesome from its extreme
+heat, and the marshy nature of its shores. For this reason he
+divided all the gold which had been collected in the island, and
+abandoned the place. In this island of Puna, the Spaniards found
+above six hundred prisoners, men and women, belonging to the
+district of Tumbez, among whom was one of the principal nobles of
+that place. On the 16th May 1532, Pizarro set all these people at
+liberty, and supplied them with barks or floats to carry them
+home to Tumbez; sending likewise in one of these barks along with
+the liberated Indians, three Spaniards to announce his own speedy
+arrival. The Indians of Tumbez repaid this great favour with the
+blackest ingratitude, as immediately on their arrival, they
+sacrificed these three Spaniards to their abominable idols.
+Hernando de Soto made a narrow escape from meeting with the same
+fate: He was embarked on one of these floats, with a single
+servant, along with some of the Indians, and had already entered
+the river of Tumbez, when he was seen by Diego de Aguero and
+Roderick Lozan, who had already landed, and who made him stop the
+float and land beside them; otherwise, if he had been carried up
+to Tumbez, he would certainly have been put to death.</p>
+
+<p>From the foregoing treachery of the inhabitants of Tumbez, it
+may readily be supposed that they were by no means disposed to
+furnish barks for the disembarkation of the Spanish troops and
+horses; so that on the first evening, only the Governor Don
+Francisco Pizarro, with his brothers Ferdinand and Juan, the
+bishop Don Vincente de Valverde, captain de Soto, and the other
+two Spaniards already mentioned, Aguero and Lozan, were able to
+land. These gentlemen had to pass the whole night on horseback
+entirely wet, as the sea was very rough, and they had no Indians
+to guide their bark, which the Spaniards did not know how to
+manage, so that it overset while they were endeavouring to land.
+In the morning, Ferdinand Pizarro remained on the shore to direct
+the landing of the troops, while the governor and the others who
+had landed rode more than two leagues into the country without
+being able to find a single Indian, as all the natives had armed
+themselves and retired to the small hills in the neighbourhood.
+On returning towards the coast, he met the captains Mina and
+Salcedo, who had rode to meet him with several of the cavalry
+which had disembarked. He returned with them to Tumbez, where he
+encamped with all the troops he was able to collect.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards, Captain Benalcazar arrived with the rest of
+the troops from the island of Puna, where he had been obliged to
+remain till the return of the vessels, as there was not enough of
+shipping to contain the whole at once. While he waited for the
+vessels, he had to defend himself from continual attacks of the
+islanders; but now rejoined the governor with very little loss.
+Pizarro remained above twenty days at Tumbez, during which time
+he used every endeavour to persuade the cacique to enter into
+terms of peace, by sending him repeated messages to that effect,
+but all to no purpose. On the contrary, the natives did every
+injury in their power to our people, and especially to the
+servants and others who went out into the country in search of
+provisions; while the Spaniards were unable to retaliate, as the
+Indians kept always on the opposite side of the river. The
+governor caused three barks or floats to be brought up secretly
+from the coast, in which he crossed the river during the night,
+with his brothers Juan and Gonzalo, and the Captains Benalcazar
+and Soto, with above fifty horsemen. With these he made a very
+fatiguing march before day, as the road was very difficult and
+uneven, and full of knolls overgrown with brambles and bushes.
+About day break he came unexpectedly to the Indian camp, which he
+immediately attacked and carried, putting many of the natives to
+the sword; and for fifteen days he pursued them into all their
+haunts, making a cruel war upon them with fire and sword, in
+revenge for the three Spaniards whom they had sacrificed. At
+length, the principal cacique of Tumbez sued for peace, and made
+some presents of gold and silver in token of submission.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus reduced the province of Tumbez, Pizarro left a
+part of his troops there under the charge of Antonio de Navarre
+and Alonso Requelme, the former of whom was Contador or
+comptroller of accounts, and the latter treasurer, both in the
+service of his majesty. Taking along with himself the greater
+part of his troops, he went forwards to the river
+<i>Poechos</i>[7], thirty leagues to the southward of Tumbez, in
+which march, as the caciques and inhabitants received him
+peaceably, he conducted himself in a friendly manner to the
+natives. Passing beyond the before mentioned river, he came to
+the bay of Payta, which is the best on all that coast; whence he
+detached de Soto to reduce the caciques inhabiting the banks of
+the river Amatape or Chira, in which he succeeded after a slight
+resistance, all the caciques and natives submitting and demanding
+peace.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] Perhaps that now called Mancora, intermediate
+between the river of Tumbez and that of Piura. In this route
+Pizarro had to cross a mountainous district, not mentioned by
+Zarate, called the hills of Castro, Aguarro, and
+Pachini--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While at this place, Pizarro received a message from Cuzco by
+certain envoys sent by Huascar, informing him of the revolt of
+his brother Atahualpa, and requesting his assistance to establish
+him, as the lawful sovereign, in his just rights[8]. On the
+receipt of this message, Pizarro determined to take advantage of
+the divisions in Peru. He sent therefore his brother Ferdinand to
+Tumbez to bring the troops from thence; and established a colony
+at San Miguel in the district of Tangarara, near the sea on the
+river Chira[9], as a port in which to receive vessels coming with
+reinforcements from Panama. Having placed a garrison in St
+Miguel, and made a division of all the gold and silver which had
+been procured since leaving Puna, the governor marched with the
+rest of his army for the province of Caxamarca, in which he was
+informed that Atahualpa then was[10].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] Garcillasso suspects that this message must have
+come from some <i>curaca</i> in the interest of Huascar, who was
+then a prisoner to Atahualpa.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[9] San Miguel stands on the river Piuru, which runs
+into the sea upwards of forty miles farther south than the Chira.
+This colony being intended for a harbour to receive
+reinforcements, was probably first established at the mouth of
+the river, where Sechura now stands. The present town of San
+Miguel is near thirty miles from the sea--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[10] In this adventurous march into the interior of
+an extensive empire, the forces commanded by Pizarro, who had now
+received several reinforcements, consisted of 62 horsemen and 102
+foot soldiers, twenty of whom were armed with cross-bows, and
+only three carried muskets or rather matchlocks.--Robertson, H.
+of Amer. II. 295. He appears also to have had two small
+field-pieces.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On this march towards Caxamarca, the Spaniards suffered
+intolerably, while passing through the dry and burning sandy
+desert of Sechura, where for above fifty miles they could not
+find any water to drink, or a single tree to shelter them from
+the sun. This desert reaches from San Miguel or the river Piura
+to the province of Motupe, in which latter they found some well
+peopled vallies full of verdure, and were supplied with abundance
+of provisions and refreshments to restore them after the fatigues
+and privations they had suffered in the desert. Marching from
+thence by way of the mountain towards Caxamarca, Pizarro was met
+by an envoy from Atahualpa, bringing presents from that prince,
+among which were painted slippers and golden bracelets. This
+messenger informed the governor, that, when he appeared before
+Atahualpa, he must wear these slippers and bracelets, that the
+prince might know who he was[11]. Pizarro received this envoy
+with much kindness, and promised to do every thing that had been
+required on the part of Atahualpa; desiring the envoy to inform
+his sovereign that he might be assured of receiving no injury
+from him or the Spaniards, on condition that the Peruvians
+treated them with peace and friendship; as he had it in orders
+from the king his master, who had sent him to this country, to do
+no harm to any one without just cause.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] This envoy would assuredly bring some other
+message; and accordingly Robertson, II. 296, says that he offered
+an alliance, and a friendly reception at Caxamarca. Garcilasso
+gives a long and vague account of the object of this message, and
+enumerates many articles of provisions and curiosities, and some
+rich presents of gold and silver dishes and vases which were sent
+on this occasion by Atahualpa to Pizarro.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the departure of the Peruvian envoy, Pizarro continued his
+march with great precaution, being uncertain whither the Indians
+might not attack him during the passage of the mountains, in one
+part of which he had to pass through an almost inaccessible
+narrow defile, where a few resolute men might have destroyed his
+whole party. On his arrival at Caxamarca, he found another
+messenger from Atahualpa, who desired that he would not presume
+to take up his quarters in that place until he received
+permission for the purpose. Pizarro made no answer to this
+message, but immediately took up his quarters in a large court,
+on one side of which there was a house or palace of the Inca, and
+on the other side a temple of the sun, the whole being
+surrounded, by a strong wall or rampart of earth. When he had
+posted his troops in this advantageous situation, he sent captain
+Soto at the head of twenty horsemen to the camp of Atahualpa,
+which was at the distance of a league from Caxamarca, with orders
+to announce his arrival. On coming towards the presence of
+Atahualpa, Soto pushed his horse into a full career, making him
+prance and curvet to the great terror of many of the Peruvians,
+who ran away in a prodigious fright. Atahualpa was so much
+displeased at his subjects for their cowardice, that he ordered
+all who had run away from the horse to be immediately put to
+death.</p>
+
+<p>After Soto had delivered his message, Atahualpa declined
+giving any direct answer, not choosing to address his discourse
+immediately to Soto: He spoke first to one of his attendant
+chiefs, who communicated what the king had said to the
+interpreter, after which the interpreter explained what had been
+said to Soto. While this circuitous conversation was going on,
+Ferdinand Pizarro arrived with some more horsemen, and addressed
+Atahualpa in the name of his brother, to the following effect.
+"That his brother the general had been sent to wait upon
+Atahualpa by his sovereign Don Carlos with an offer of friendship
+and alliance, and wished therefore to have an audience of his
+majesty, that he might communicate what had been given to him in
+charge by the king of Spain." To this Atahualpa replied; "That he
+accepted with pleasure the offer of friendship from the general,
+provided he would restore to his subjects all the gold and silver
+he had taken from them, and would immediately quit the country;
+and that on purpose to settle an amicable arrangement, he meant
+next day to visit the Spanish general in the palace of
+Caxamarca."</p>
+
+<p>After visiting the Peruvian camp, which had the appearance of
+an immense city, from the prodigious multitude of tents and the
+vast numbers of men which it contained, Ferdinand Pizarro
+returned to his brother, to whom he gave a faithful account of
+every thing he had seen, and of the words of Atahualpa. The
+answer of that prince gave some considerable uneasiness to
+Pizarro, as having rather a menacing appearance, more especially
+considering that the army of the Peruvians outnumbered his own
+small force in the proportion of one or two hundred to one. Yet
+as the general and most of those who were with him were men of
+bold and determined resolution, they encouraged each other during
+the night to act like men of courage and honour, trusting to the
+assistance of God in the discharge of their duty. They passed the
+whole night under arms, keeping strict watch round their
+quarters, and in complete readiness for whatever might befal.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the morning of the 16th November 1532, Pizarro drew
+up his small body of men in regular order. Dividing his cavalry
+into three bodies, under the command of his three brothers,
+Ferdinand, Juan, and Gonzalo, assisted by the Captains Soto and
+Benalcazar, he ordered to keep themselves concealed within their
+quarters till they should receive orders to attack. He remained
+himself at the head of the infantry, in another part of the
+inclosed court, having issued the strictest commands that no one
+should make the smallest motion without his orders, which were to
+be conveyed by the discharge of the artillery.</p>
+
+<p>Atahualpa employed a great part of the day in arranging his
+troops in order of battle, pointing out to each of the commanders
+where and in what manner their divisions were to attack the
+Spaniards. He likewise sent a detachment of 5000 Peruvian
+warriors under one of his principal officers named Ruminagui,
+with orders to take possession of the defile by which the
+Spaniards had penetrated the mountain, and to kill every one of
+them who might endeavour to escape in that way[12]. Atahualpa
+having given all these orders, began his march and advanced so
+slowly that in four hours his army hardly proceeded a short
+league. He was carried in his litter in the usual state, on the
+shoulders of some of the principal lords of his court, having
+three hundred Indians marching before him in rich uniforms, who
+removed every stone or other substance which might obstruct the
+way, even carefully picking up the smallest straws. He was
+followed by a numerous train of curacas or caciques, and
+principal officers of his court, all carried in litters. The
+Peruvians held the Spaniards in small estimation, they were so
+few in number, and imagined they could easily make them all
+prisoners without presuming to make the smallest resistance. One
+of the caciques had sent to inform Atahualpa not to stand in any
+awe of the Spaniards, as they were not only few in number, but so
+effeminate and lazy that they were unable to march on foot
+without being tired by a very short distance, for which reason
+they travelled on the backs of <i>large sheep</i>, by which name
+they distinguished our horses.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] Robertson, II. 299, suppresses all mention of
+any hostile intentions on the part of Atahualpa.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In the order already described, Atahualpa entered with all his
+army and attendants into a large square or enclosure in front of
+the <i>tambos</i> or palace of Caxamarca; and seeing the
+Spaniards so few in number and all on foot, as the cavalry
+remained in concealment, he conceived that they would not
+certainly dare to stand before him or to resist his commands.
+Rising up therefore in his litter, be said to his attendants,
+"These people are all in our power, and will assuredly
+surrender." To which they all answered that this was certainly
+the case. At this time, the bishop Don Vincente Valverde advanced
+towards Atahualpa, holding a crucifix in one hand and his
+breviary in the other, and addressed him to the following
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>"There is but one God in three persons who has created the
+heavens and the earth and all that are therein. He formed Adam
+the first man out of the dust of the earth, and afterwards made
+Eve his wife from a rib taken out of his side. All the
+generations of men are descended from these our first parents, by
+whose disobedience we have all become sinners, unworthy therefore
+of the grace and mercy of God, and beyond the hope of heaven,
+until Jesus Christ our Redeemer was born of the Virgin and
+suffered death to purchase for us life and immortality. After our
+Lord had suffered a shameful death upon the cross, he rose again
+in a glorious manner; and, having remained a short time on earth,
+he ascended into Heaven, leaving St Peter his vicar on earth, and
+after him his successors who dwell in Rome, and are named popes
+by the Christians. These holy successors of St Peter have divided
+all the countries of the world among the Christian kings and
+princes, giving in charge to each to subdue that portion which
+has been alotted to him. This country of Peru having fallen to
+the share of his imperial and royal majesty, the emperor Don
+Carlos king of Spain, that great monarch hath sent in his place
+the governor Don Francisco Pizarro, now present, to make known to
+you on the part of God and the king of Spain, all that I have now
+said. If you are disposed to believe all this, to receive
+baptism, and to obey the emperor, as is done by the greatest
+portion of the Christian world, that great prince will protect
+and defend you and your country in peace, causing justice to be
+administered to all. He will likewise confirm all your rights and
+liberties, as he is accustomed to do to all the kings and princes
+who have voluntarily submitted to his authority. But if you
+refuse this and choose to run the hazard of war, the governor
+will attack you with fire and sword, and is ready at this moment
+to do so with arms in his hand[13]."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[13] Robertson, note cxxx, justly observes, that the
+extravagant and absurd discourse of Valverde, of which that given
+by Zarate in the text is an epitome, is merely a translation or
+paraphrase of a form, concerted in 1509 by a junto of Spanish
+lawyers and divines, for directing the office employed in the New
+World how to take possession of any new country.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When Atahualpa had listened to this discourse, very
+imperfectly rendered by an ignorant interpreter, he answered,
+"That the whole of this country had been conquered by his father
+and his ancestors, who had left it in rightful succession to his
+elder brother the inca Huascar. That he having been conquered and
+taken prisoner, Atahualpa held himself as legitimate sovereign,
+and could not conceive how St Peter could pretend to give it away
+to any one, without the knowledge and consent of him to whom it
+belonged. As for Jesus Christ, who he said had created heaven and
+earth and man and all other things, he knew nothing of all this,
+believing that the sun his father was the creator of all, whom he
+and his nation venerated as a god, worshipping likewise the earth
+as the mother of all things, and the <i>guacas</i> as subordinate
+divinities, and that Pachacama was the supreme ruler and creator
+of all things. As for what he had said of the king of Spain, he
+knew nothing at all about the matter, never having seen him." At
+the last, he asked the bishop where he had learnt all those
+things which he had been telling him. Valverde answered him that
+all these things were contained in the book which he held in his
+hand, which was the word of God. Atahualpa asked it from him,
+opened the book turning over its leaves, saying that it said
+nothing to him, and threw it on the ground. The bishop then
+turning to the Spaniards, called out, "To arms! to arms!
+Christians: The word of God is insulted."</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro being of opinion that he would be easily destroyed if
+he waited for the attack of the Peruvians, immediately ordered
+his soldiers to advance to the charge, sending word to his
+brothers and the other officers who commanded the cavalry to
+execute the orders which they had already received. He likewise
+ordered the artillery and the crossbows to commence firing upon
+the Indians, on which the cavalry, as had been concerted, sallied
+forth and charged through among the Indians in three separate
+bodies; while he moved forwards at the head of the infantry,
+pushing directly for the litter in which Atahualpa was carried,
+the bearers of which they began to slay, while others pressed on
+to supply their places. As Pizarro was convinced that he and his
+people would be infallibly destroyed if the battle remained for
+any length of time undecided, the loss of one soldier being of
+infinitely worse consequence to him than the destruction of
+hundreds was to the enemy, and that he gained nothing by the
+death of thousands of the Peruvians, determined to make every
+effort to gain possession of Atahualpa, for which purpose he cut
+his way up to the litter in which he was carried; and seizing him
+by his long hair dragged him from his seat to the ground. In
+doing this, as several of his soldiers were making cuts with
+their swords against the golden litter, one of their swords
+glancing off wounded Pizarro in the hand. Paying no attention to
+this wound, he held fast his rich prize, in spite of the
+endeavours of multitudes of Indians to rescue their sovereign,
+who were all either killed or driven away, and at length secured
+Atahualpa as his prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>When the Peruvians saw their sovereign in the hands of the
+Spaniards, and found themselves assailed in so many places at
+once by the enemy, especially by the horse, the fury of whose
+charge they were unable to resist, they threw down their arms and
+dispersed in every direction, endeavouring to preserve their
+lives by flight. A prodigious multitude of them being stopped by
+a corner of the great court or square, pressed with such violence
+against the wall that a part of it gave way, forming a large
+breach by which many of them escaped. The cavalry pursued the
+fugitives in every direction till night, when they returned to
+quarters[14].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[14] In this engagement, or massacre rather,
+according to one Spanish writer 2000 Peruvians were slain, while
+another author swells the number to six or seven thousand, and a
+third says five thousand. Of the Spaniards not one was even hurt
+except the general Pizarro, who was wounded in the hand by one of
+his own soldiers.--Roberts. Hist. of America. II. 302. and note
+cxxxi.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When Ruminagui heard the noise of the artillery, and saw a
+centinel who had been placed on the top of a rock thrown down by
+a Spaniard, he concluded that the Spaniards had gained the
+victory; and was so much alarmed that he marched away with all
+his men to Quito, never stopping for any time till he got to that
+city, which is two hundred and fifty leagues from Caxamarca.</p>
+
+<p>Atahualpa being thus made prisoner, and his whole army having
+taken to flight, the Spaniards went next morning to pillage his
+camp, where they found a prodigious quantity of gold and silver
+vessels, excessively rich tents, stuffs, vestments, and many
+other articles of immense value. The gold plate alone which was
+carried along with the army for the use of Atahualpa exceeded the
+value of 60,000 pistoles[15]. Above 5000 women who were found in
+the camp of the enemy voluntarily surrendered themselves to the
+Spaniards.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[15] Considerable even as this sum appears, it seems
+too small for the sovereign of so vast an empire which abounded
+so much in gold; yet we have no means of correcting the amount.
+Garcilasso however mentions one piece of goid plate found in the
+baths of Atahualpa after the battle worth 100,000 ducats; but his
+work is so strange a farrago of confusion and absurdity as to
+bear very little authority.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The captive Atahualpa now made submissive application to
+Pizarro, earnestly intreating to be well used, and made offer for
+his ransom to deliver a quantity of gold that should fill a large
+chamber, besides so large a mass of silver that the Spaniards
+would be unable to carry the whole away. Pizarro was astonished
+at this magnificent offer, which he could hardly credit, yet
+promised the fallen monarch that he should be well used, and even
+engaged to restore his freedom if he made good his offer.
+Atahualpa was so much pleased with this promise, that he
+immediately sent numerous messengers through the whole empire,
+particularly to Cuzco, ordering all the gold and silver that
+could be procured to be brought to Caxamarca to pay his ransom.
+He had promised an immense quantity, as he had engaged to fill a
+long hall in the <i>tambos</i> or palace of Cazamarca as high as
+he could reach with his hand[16], for which purpose the height
+was marked by a coloured line drawn round the whole room.
+Although large quantities of gold and silver arrived every day
+after this agreement, the Spaniards could not be satisfied that
+the promise of Atahualpa would ever be fulfilled. They began even
+to murmur at the delay, alleging that the time which had been
+fixed by Atahualpa for the accomplishment of his promise was
+already past; and they alleged that he had fallen upon this
+scheme on purpose to gain time for the assemblage of a new army,
+with which to attack them at unawares. As Atahualpa had
+considerable sagacity, he soon noticed the discontent of the
+Spaniards, and asked Pizarro the reason. On being informed, he
+made answer that they were in the wrong to complain of the delay,
+which was not such as to give any reasonable cause for suspicion.
+They ought to consider that Cuzco, from whence the far greater
+part of the gold had to be brought, was above 200 <i>large</i>
+leagues distant from Caxamarca by an extremely difficult road, by
+which all the gold had to be carried on the shoulders of the
+Peruvians, and that very little time had elapsed for the
+accomplishment of so laborious a work. Having thus endeavoured to
+explain the cause of delay in payment of the ransom, he requested
+that they would satisfy themselves on the subject by inspection
+that he was actually able to perform his engagement; after which
+they would not think much of its being delayed a month more or
+less. For this purpose, he proposed that he should depute two or
+three of the Spaniards, who might go to Cuzco, having orders from
+him to be shewn the royal treasures in that city, of which they
+would then be able to bring back certain information to satisfy
+the rest.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[16] The omission of the length and breadth of this
+room by Zarate, is supplied by Robertson, ii. 503, from the other
+original Spanish authors, who say the room was 22 feet long by 16
+feet broad. The reach of Atahualpa could not be less than. 7-1/2
+feet, 2640 cubic feet of gold, even heaped up of hollow vessels,
+must have produced a most astonishing value of that precious
+metal; but there are no data on which to calculate the numerical
+value of this imperial ransom, which the Spaniards certainly
+meant to accept, but would never have fulfilled the
+alternative.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Opinions were much divided among the Spaniards, as to the
+adoption or rejection of this proposal. Several considered it is
+a most dangerous measure for any person to trust himself in the
+hand of the Peruvians, especially to so great a distance.
+Atahualpa considered this doubt of safety as very strange,
+especially as they had him in their hands as an hostage, together
+with his wives, children, and brothers. On this, Hernando de Soto
+and Pedro de Barco resolved to undertake the journey; and
+accordingly by the directions of Atahualpa, they set out in
+litters, each of which was carried on the shoulders of two men,
+with a number of other Peruvians accompanying them, to serve as
+reliefs when the others were tired. They were carried in this
+manner almost as fast as if they had rode post; as the litter
+carriers went along with great swiftness, frequently relieved by
+the others, of whom there were fifty or sixty in all.</p>
+
+<p>Several days journey from Caxamarca, Soto and Barco met a
+party of the troops of Atahualpa, who were escorting the Inca
+Huascar as a prisoner. This unfortunate prince, on learning who
+they were, requested to have a conference with them, to which
+they consented, and in which he was distinctly informed of all
+the recent events. On being informed of the intentions of his
+imperial majesty Don Carlos, and of Pizarro, who commanded the
+Spaniards in his name, to cause impartial justice to be executed
+both to the Peruvians and Spaniards, he laid before them a
+distinct account of the injustice which he had suffered from his
+brother Atahualpa, who not only wished to deprive him of the
+kingdom, which belonged to him of right, as the eldest son of the
+late monarch Huana Capac, but now kept him a prisoner, with the
+design of putting him to death. He urged them to return to their
+general, and to lay his complaints before him, requesting that
+he, who now had both competitors in his power, and was
+consequently entire master of the country, would judge between
+them, and decree the possession of the empire to him who held the
+lawful right of succession. He farther promised, if Pizarro would
+do this, that he would not only fulfil all that Atahualpa had
+promised, which was to fill the apartment at Caxamarca to a
+certain height, but he would fill it with gold to the roof, which
+would be three times more than Atahualpa had promised. He assured
+them that he was better able to do all this, than was Atahualpa
+to perform what he had promised; because Atahualpa, to implement
+his engagement, would be under the necessity of stripping the
+temple of the Sun at Cuzco of all the plates of gold and silver
+with which it was lined; whereas he, Huascar, was in possession
+of all the treasures which belonged to his father Huana Capac,
+and the former Incas, by which he was able to perform what he had
+now offered, and a great deal more.</p>
+
+<p>All that he alleged was certainly true, as Huascar was in
+possession of immense treasures, which he had hidden under ground
+in some secret place, unknown to all the world. On this occasion,
+he had employed many Indians to transport his wealth into the
+place of concealment, after which he had ordered them all to be
+put to death, that they might not inform any one of the place.
+After the Spaniards were entire masters of the country, they made
+every possible search after these treasures, and even continue
+their search to the present day, digging in every place where
+they suspect they may be concealed, but hitherto without being
+able to find them.</p>
+
+<p>Soto and Barco told Huascar, that it was out of their power to
+turn back, being under the necessity of continuing the journey on
+which they had been sent by order of their general; but that on
+their return they would make a faithful report of all he had
+said. They accordingly went on their way towards Cuzco. But this
+meeting and conference occasioned the death of Huascar, and the
+loss to the Spaniards of the vast treasure he had promised for
+his liberty and restoration. The captains who had the custody of
+Huascar made a report to Atahualpa of all that had passed in the
+interview between their prisoner and the Spanish messengers; and
+Atahualpa had sufficient sagacity to see, if these matters came
+to the knowledge of Pizarro, that he would feel inclined to take
+part with Huascar, especially in consideration of the prodigious
+quantity of gold which had been offered for his interference. He
+had remarked the extreme eagerness of the Spaniards for the
+possession of gold, and feared that they would deprive him of the
+kingdom, and give it his brother, and might put himself to death,
+as an unjust usurper of the clear rights of another. Being
+disposed, from these motives, to order his brother Huascar to be
+put to death, he was only restrained from doing this immediately
+by one circumstance. He had frequently heard from the Christians,
+that one of their principal laws, which was most religiously
+observed, was, that all who were guilty of murder were punished
+with death, whether the murder were committed by themselves
+personally, or by others at their instigation. He resolved,
+therefore, to sound Pizarro, and to discover his sentiments on
+this subject, which he did with wonderful artifice and
+dissimulation. One day he pretended to be overcome with extreme
+grief, weeping and sobbing, and refusing to eat or drink, or to
+speak with any one. When Pizarro inquired the cause of this
+distress, he allowed himself to be long intreated before he would
+give any reason of his sorrow. At length, as if overcome by
+solicitation, he said, "That he had just received intelligence
+that one of his officers had put his brother Huascar to death, by
+which news he was entirely overcome with grief, as he had always
+entertained the warmest and most respectful affection for him,
+not only as his eldest brother, but in a great measure as his
+father and sovereign. That although he had taken Huascar
+prisoner, he not only had no intention of using him ill in his
+person, but did not even mean to deprive him of the kingdom: his
+sole object being to oblige him to give up the possession of the
+kingdom of Quito, according to the last will of their father,
+Huana Capac; who had made a conquest of that country, which was
+beyond the boundary of the hereditary empire of the incas, and
+which consequently their father had an undoubted right to dispose
+of in his favour." Pizarro endeavoured to console the pretended
+affliction of Atahualpa, by assuring him, when peace and good
+order re-established in the empire, that he would make a strict
+inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Huascar, and would
+severely punish all who had participated in the crime.</p>
+
+<p>When Atahualpa found that Pizarro took up this affair with so
+much coolness and moderation, he resolved to execute his design,
+and sent immediate orders to his officers who had the custody of
+Huascar to put him to death. So promptly were these orders
+obeyed, that it was difficult to ascertain in the sequel whether
+the excessive grief of Atahualpa was feigned, and whether it
+preceded or followed the death of his brother Huascar. Most of
+the soldiers blamed Soto and Barco for this unhappy event: not
+considering the necessity of every one to obey the orders of
+their superiors with exactness, according to their instructions,
+especially in time of war, without assuming the liberty of making
+any alteration or modification according to circumstances in
+their own opinion, unless they have express and formal
+discretionary power.</p>
+
+<p>It was currently reported among the Peruvians, that when
+Huascar learnt he was to be put to death by order of his brother,
+he made the following observation: "I have been only a short
+while sovereign of this country, but my faithless brother, by
+whose orders I am to die, will not be longer a king than I have
+been." When the Peruvians soon afterwards saw Atahualpa put to
+death, conformable to this prediction, they believed Huascar to
+have been a true son of the sun. It is reported also, that
+Huascar should have said, when his father Huana Capac took his
+last leave of him, he foretold "That white men with long beards
+would soon come into Peru, and advised him to treat them as
+friends, as they would become masters of the kingdom." Huana
+Capac may have received some intimation of this future
+circumstance from the demons; and that the more readily, that
+Pizarro had been on the coast of Peru before his death, and had
+even begun to make some conquests.</p>
+
+<p>While Pizarro continued to reside in Caxamarca, he sent out
+his brother Ferdinand with a party of cavalry to discover the
+country, who went as far as Pachacamac, about a hundred leagues
+from Caxamarca. In the district of Huamachucos, Ferdinand met
+with Hlescas, one of the brothers of Atahualpa, who was escorting
+a prodigious quantity of gold to Caxamarca, part of the ransom of
+the captive inca, to the value of two or three millions at the
+least, without counting an immense quantity of silver[17]. He
+continued his journey from Huamachucos to Pachacamac, not far to
+the south of where Lima now stands, through several difficult and
+dangerous passes; when he learnt that one of the generals of
+Atahualpa, named Cilicuchima was stationed with a large army at a
+place about forty leagues from thence. Ferdinand Pizarro sent a
+message to the Peruvian general to request that he would come to
+speak with him; and as Cilicuchima refused, Ferdinand took the
+resolution to wait upon him in person. This was considered by
+many as extremely rash and imprudent, to trust himself in the
+hands of a barbarous and powerful enemy. He was successful
+however in the attempt, as by various representations and
+promises, he prevailed on the Peruvian general to dismiss his
+army, and to go along with him to Caxamarca to wait upon his
+sovereign Atahualpa. To shorten their journey, they took a very
+difficult route through mountains covered with snow, where they
+were in danger of perishing with cold.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[17] The sum in the text is quite vaguely expressed;
+perhaps pieces of eight reals, or dollars.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On arriving at Caxamarca, before entering into the presence of
+Atahualpa, Cilicuchima bared his feet and carried a present to
+his sovereign after the custom of the country, and said to him
+weeping, that if he had been along with him, the Spaniards should
+not have been allowed to make him a prisoner. Atahualpa answered,
+that his captivity was a punishment from the gods, whom he had
+not honoured and respected as he ought to have done; but that his
+defeat and capture were chiefly owing to the cowardice and flight
+of Ruminagui with his 5000 men, who ought to have succoured him
+when attacked by the Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>While Don Francisco Pizarro was in the province of Poecho
+between Tumbez and Payta, before he marched to Caxamarca, he
+received a letter without any signature, which it was afterwards
+learnt had been sent to him by the secretary of Don Diego de
+Almagro. He was informed by this letter, that Almagro had fitted
+out a large ship and several smaller vessels with a considerable
+number of soldiers, in which he proposed to sail beyond the
+country of which Pizarro had taken possession, and to reduce the
+best portion of Peru under his own authority, as beyond the
+government which had been granted to Pizarro by his majesty,
+which only extended 200 leagues to the south of the equator[18].
+The governor had never shewn his patents to any person[19]; yet
+it was currently reported that Almagro actually left Panama with
+the intention of carrying that design into execution; but on
+arriving at Puertoviejo, and learning the amazing successes of
+Pizarro, and the prodigious quantities of gold and silver he had
+already acquired, the half of which he considered as belonging to
+him, he changed his purpose, and marched with all his people to
+Caxamarca to join Pizarro. On his arrival there, the greater part
+of the ransom of Atahualpa was already brought, and Almagro and
+his followers were filled with astonishment and admiration at the
+sight of the prodigious masses of gold and silver which were
+there collected, more than they thought could have been in any
+part of the world.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[18] At 17-1/2 leagues to the degree, this government
+accorded to Pizarro, would have reached from about Tacames to the
+lat. of 11&deg; 25' S. whereas the kingdom of Peru extends to
+lat. 21&deg; 35' S. and its most valuable and richest provinces
+would have fallen to the share of Almagro.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[19] This expression is entirely vague, and does not
+even say which governor is meant. We shall see afterwards that
+this project of Almagro to appropriate the southern part of Peru
+took place at a subsequent period, and involved the recent
+conquest in long and destructive civil wars.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When all this gold and silver was melted down, weighed and
+essayed, it was found to amount to the amazing sum of six hundred
+millions of <i>maravedies</i>, or more than 4,500,000 livres. It
+is true that the proof or essay of this gold was made hurriedly,
+and only by means of the touchstone, as they had no <i>aqua
+fortis</i> to conduct the process in a more exact manner. It
+afterwards appeared that this gold had been estimated two or
+three <i>carats</i> below its real value; so that the whole
+amount ought to have been reckoned at <i>seven</i> millions of
+maravedies, or 5,250,000 livres. The quantity of silver was so
+large, that the royal fifth amounted to 30,000 marks of fine
+silver, most of which was afterwards found to contain two or
+three carats of gold. The royal fifth of the gold amounted to 120
+millions of maravedies, or 900,000 livres. Each horseman received
+for his share in gold, without counting the silver 240 marks or
+12,000 pesos, equal to 80,000 francs. The shares of the horsemen
+were a quarter part larger than those of the foot soldiers. Yet
+all these sums did not amount to a fifth part of what Atahualpa
+had engaged to pay for his ransom. Those who had come along with
+Almagro, though considerable both from their rank and number,
+certainly had no just title to demand any share in the treasure
+which Atahualpa paid for his ransom, as they had no share in his
+capture; yet the general assigned each of them 20 marks, or 1000
+pesos, as a donative to keep them in good humour.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro thought it now incumbent upon him to send intelligence
+to his majesty of the success of his enterprize, for which
+purpose he sent over his brother Ferdinand to Spain; and as when
+he departed, the precious metals had not been melted or proved,
+so that it was impossible to ascertain what was the exact share
+belonging to the king, two thousand marks of gold and twenty
+thousand marks of silver, were set apart for this purpose[20]. In
+making the selection of articles to be sent to Spain, the largest
+and finest pieces were chosen, that they might have a grander
+appearance: Among these were several large vessels of various
+kinds and for different uses, together with figures of men and
+women and various animals. When Atahualpa learnt that Ferdinand
+Pizarro was to embark for Spain he was much afflicted, having a
+great affection for that gentleman, in whom he reposed implicit
+confidence; and when Ferdinand came to take leave, he said to
+him, "I am sore afflicted at your departure, for I am much afraid
+the big-belly and the blinkard will put me to death in your
+absence." By the former he meant Requelme the treasurer, who was
+very fat, and by the latter Almagro, who had lost an eye, whom he
+had observed frequently to mutter against him, for certain
+reasons, which will appear in the sequel.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[20] Reckoning the mark at <i>eight</i> ounces, the
+gold at L.4, and the silver at 5s 6d. per oz. this royal fifth
+would come to L.108,000, and the whole treasure to five times
+that sum, or L.540,000. But as the precious metals were then
+worth at least <i>six</i> times as much as now, or would purchase
+<i>six</i> times the amount of labour or necessaries, this first
+fruit of the conquest of Peru exceeded the value of three
+millions sterling.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>As Atahualpa suspected, Ferdinand Pizarro had not been long
+gone, when the death of the unfortunate prince began to be talked
+of among the Spaniards. This was brought about by the suggestions
+of an Indian named Philippillo, who had accompanied the general
+into Spain, and now served him as an interpreter with the
+Peruvians. He pretended that Atahualpa had secretly laid a plan
+for destroying all the Spaniards; for which purpose he had a
+great number of armed men concealed in various places, meaning to
+employ them when a favourable opportunity occurred. The proofs
+and examination of facts and circumstances respecting this
+alleged plot, had all to come through Philippillo, as the only
+one who knew both languages; and he gave such a turn to every
+thing as best suited his own views and purposes. Accordingly the
+Spaniards were never able perfectly to discover the truth, or to
+penetrate entirely into his motives for this procedure. It has
+been alleged by some persons, that Philippillo had become amorous
+of one of the wives of Atahualpa, with whom he even had a
+criminal intercourse, and expected to secure the quiet possession
+of his mistress by the death of that unfortunate prince. It was
+even reported that Atahualpa had come to the knowledge of that
+amour, and had complained to Pizarro of the criminal and even
+treasonable conduct of the paramours; which, by the laws of Peru,
+could only be expiated by burning the guilty persons, putting to
+death all their near relations, destroying all their cattle and
+substance, laying waste the place of their birth, and sowing salt
+on the place, so as to render the memory of the crime infamous
+for ever.</p>
+
+<p>It has been alleged by others that the death of Atahualpa was
+occasioned by the solicitations and intrigues of those newly
+arrived Spaniards who accompanied Almagro, who considered his
+continuing to live as prejudicial to their interests. The
+soldiers of Pizarro who were with him when Atahualpa was taken
+prisoner, insisted that those who came with Almagro had no right
+to participate in any part of the treasure given or to be given
+on account of his ransom, and could not justly pretend to any
+share of what might be collected until all that Atahualpa had
+promised was entirely paid up. The soldiers of Almagro, on the
+other hand, believed it to be for their interest that Atahualpa
+should be removed out of the way; since as long as he might live,
+the soldiers of Pizarro would always pretend that all the
+treasure which might be procured formed part of his ransom, so
+that they would never come in for any share. However this might
+be, the death of that unfortunate prince was resolved on, and
+even this determination was communicated to him. Astonished at
+this fatal intelligence, of which he had never entertained the
+slightest suspicion, Atahualpa urged his merciless conquerors to
+confine him rather in a stricter captivity, or even to put him on
+board their ships. "I know not," said he, "how you can possibly
+suppose me so stupid as to think of any treachery against you in
+my present situation. How can you believe those troops which you
+say are assembled, have been called together by my orders or by
+my consent? Am I not a prisoner, in chains, and in your hands?
+And is it not easy for you to put me to death whenever these
+pretended troops make their appearance? If you believe that my
+subjects will undertake any thing against you without my consent,
+you are ill informed of the absolute authority I possess over all
+my subjects, and the perfect obedience which it is their glory to
+render me on all occasions. So to speak, the birds do not dare to
+fly, nor the leaves to move upon the trees without my orders; and
+how then shall my subjects presume to go to war against you
+without my consent."</p>
+
+<p>All that he could urge was of no avail, as his death was
+absolutely resolved upon, although he offered to place hostages
+of the highest consideration in the hands of the Spaniards, whose
+lives should be answerable for any of the Christians who might be
+slain or ill treated by his subjects. Besides the suspicions
+already mentioned, which were alleged against Atahualpa, it is
+said that he was accused of the death of his brother Huascar. He
+was condemned to die, and his sentence was executed without
+delay. In his distress, he was continually repeating the name of
+Ferdinand Pizarro; saying, if he had been present, he would not
+have allowed him to be thus unjustly put to death. Shortly before
+his death, he was persuaded by Pizarro and Valverde to submit to
+the ceremony of baptism[21].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[21] Of this tragical event, the illustrious
+Historian of America, gives a somewhat different account, II.
+310, from Herrera and Garcilasso de la Vega; which, as much too
+long for a note, is subjoined in the text to the narrative of
+Zarate, and distinguished by inverted commas.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>"While Almagro and his followers openly demanded the life of
+Atahualpa, and Philippillo laboured to ruin him by private
+machinations, that unhappy prince inadvertently contributed to
+hasten his own fate. During his confinement he had attached
+himself with peculiar affection to Ferdinand Pizarro and Hernando
+Soto; who, as they were persons of birth and education superior
+to the rough adventurers with whom they served, were accustomed
+to behave with more decency and attention to the captive monarch.
+Soothed with this respect from persons of such high rank, he
+delighted in their society. But in the presence of the governor
+he was always uneasy and overawed. This dread soon came to be
+mingled with contempt. Among all the European arts, that which he
+most admired, was reading and writing; and he long deliberated
+with himself, whether he should regard it as a natural or
+acquired talent. In order to determine this, he desired one of
+the soldiers who guarded him, to write the name of God on the
+nail of his thumb. This he shewed successively to several
+Spaniards, asking its meaning; and, to his amazement, they all,
+without hesitation, gave the same answer. At length Pizarro
+entered; and on presenting it to him, he blushed, and with some
+confusion was obliged to acknowledge his ignorance. From that
+moment, Atahualpa considered him as a mean person, less
+instructed than his own soldiers; and he had not address enough
+to conceal the sentiments with which this discovery inspired him.
+To be the object of scorn to a barbarian, not only mortified the
+pride of Pizarro; but excited such resentment in his breast, as
+added force to all the other considerations which prompted him to
+put the Inca to death."</p>
+
+<p>"But in order to give some colour of justice to this violent
+action, and that he himself might be exempted from standing
+singly responsible for the commission of it, Pizarro resolved to
+try the Inca with all the formalities observed in the criminal
+courts of Spain. Pizarro himself and Almagro, with two
+assistants, were appointed judges, with full power to acquit or
+condemn; an attorney-general was named to carry on the
+prosecution in the king's name; counsellors were chosen to assist
+the prisoner in his defence; and clerks were ordained to record
+the proceedings of court. Before this strange tribunal, a charge
+was exhibited still more amazing. It consisted of various
+articles: That Atahualpa, though a bastard, had dispossessed the
+rightful owner of the throne, and usurped the regal power; that
+he had put his brother and lawful sovereign to death; that he was
+an idolater, and had not only permitted, but commanded the
+offering of human sacrifices; that he had a great number of
+concubines; that since his imprisonment he had wasted and
+embezzled the royal treasures, which now belonged of right to the
+conquerors; that he had incited his subjects to take arms against
+the Spaniards. On these heads of accusation, some of which are so
+ludicrous, and others so absurd, that the effrontery of Pizarro,
+in making them the subject of a serious procedure, is not less
+surprizing than his injustice, did this strange court go on to
+try the sovereign of a great empire, over whom it had no
+jurisdiction. With respect to each of the articles, witnesses
+were examined; but as they delivered their evidence in their
+native tongue, Philippillo had it in his power to give their
+words whatever turn best suited his malevolent intentions. To
+judges pre-determined in their opinion, this evidence appeared
+sufficient. They pronounced Atahualpa guilty, and condemned him
+to be burnt alive. Friar Valverde prostituted the authority of
+his sacred function to confirm this sentence, and by his
+signature warranted it to be just. Astonished at his fate,
+Atahualpa endeavoured to avert it by tears, by promises, and by
+entreaties that he might be sent to Spain, where a monarch would
+be the arbiter of his lot. But pity never touched the unfeeling
+heart of Pizarro. He ordered him to be led instantly to
+execution; and, what added to the bitterness of his last moments,
+the same monk who had just ratified his doom, offered to console,
+and attempted to convert him. The most powerful argument Valverde
+employed to prevail with him to embrace the Christian faith, was
+a promise of mitigation in his punishment. The dread of a cruel
+death extorted from the trembling victim a desire of receiving
+baptism. The ceremony was performed; and Atahualpa, instead of
+being burnt alive, was strangled at the stake."</p>
+
+<p>Ruminagui, one of the captains under Atahualpa, who had fled
+with five thousand men from Caxamarca, as already related, having
+arrived in the kingdom of Quito, seized the children of
+Atahualpa, and made himself master of that country as if he had
+been the lawful sovereign. A short time before his death,
+Atahualpa had sent his brother Illescas into the kingdom of
+Quito, with orders to bring his children from thence; but
+Ruminagui not only refused to deliver them up, but even put them
+all to death. After the death of Atahualpa, some of his principal
+officers, according to his dying commands, carried his body to
+Quito that it might be interred beside the remains of his father
+Huana capac. Ruminagui received them in the most honourable
+manner, with every outward mark of affection and respect, and
+caused the body of Atahualpa to be buried with much pomp and
+solemnity, according to the custom of the country. After the
+ceremony, he gave a grand entertainment to the officers of the
+late unfortunate monarch, at which, when they were intoxicated,
+he caused them all to be put to death, together with Illescas the
+brother of Atahualpa. He caused this person to be flead alive,
+and had a drum covered with his skin, inclosing his head in the
+inside of the drum.</p>
+
+<p>After the governor Pizarro had made a repartition of all the
+gold and silver which was found in Caxamarca, he learned that one
+of the officers of Atahualpa, named Quizquiz, had assembled some
+troops in the province of <i>Xauxa</i>[22], and endeavoured to
+excite an insurrection in the country. Pizarro therefore marched
+against him, but Quizquiz durst not wait for him in Xauxa, and
+retreated to a greater distance. Pizarro pursued, causing
+Hernando de Soto to lead the van with a party of horse, while he
+led the rear or main body himself. While advancing in this order
+into the province of <i>Vilcacinga</i>[23], Soto was unexpectedly
+attacked by a vast body of Peruvians, and in great danger of
+being totally defeated, five or six of his men being slain; but
+on the approach of night, the Peruvians retreated to a mountain,
+and the governor sent on Almagro with a reinforcement of cavalry
+to Soto. Early next morning the fight was resumed, and the
+Spaniards endeavoured to draw the Peruvians into the plain, by
+pretending to retreat, that they might not be exposed to the
+prodigious quantity of stones which the Indians hurled down upon
+them from the mountain. The Peruvians seemed aware of this
+stratagem, as they continued to defend their position on the
+mountain; though they were not apprized of the reinforcement
+which Soto had received, as the morning was thick and misty.
+Being unable to induce their enemies to descend from their
+advantageous situation, the Spaniards assailed the Peruvians with
+so much resolution, that they drove them from their position with
+considerable slaughter, and forced them to take to flight.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[22] Probably the district now called Jauja: as the x
+and j have nearly the same sound in Spanish with the aspirated
+Greek xi.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[23] Apparently Guancavelica, in which is the town of
+Vilca-bamba.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>At this place, a brother of the late Incas, Huascar and
+Atahualpa, named <i>Paul Inca</i>[24], came to Pizarro under
+pretence of entering into terms of peace and submission. After
+the death of his brothers, this prince had been recognised as
+king of Peru, and had been invested with the fringed fillet,
+which answered among the Peruvians as the crown or emblem of
+supreme rule. The Inca told the governor that he had a very
+considerable force of warriors in Cuzco, all of whom only waited
+his arrival to submit to his orders. Pizarro accordingly marched
+towards that city, and arrived within sight of it after several
+days march. So thick a smoke was seen to arise from the city,
+that Pizarro suspected the Peruvians had set it on fire, and
+immediately sent on a detachment of cavalry to endeavour if
+possible to prevent the destruction of the city. On their arrival
+near Cuzco, a vast body of Peruvians issued from the city and
+attacked them with great violence, with stones, darts, and other
+arms; insomuch that the Spaniards were forced to retreat above a
+league to rejoin the main body of the army which was commanded by
+Pizarro in person. He immediately detached the greater part of
+his cavalry under the command of his brothers Juan and Gonzalo,
+who attacked the enemy with so much courage and impetuosity, that
+they were soon defeated and many Peruvians were slain in the
+pursuit. On the approach of night, Pizarro reassembled all his
+army, which he ordered to lie on their arms; and marched next
+morning with every precaution to Cuzco, which he entered without
+opposition.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[24] This name of <i>Paul</i> could hardly be
+Peruvian. Manco Capac, a full brother of Huascar, had been
+recognized as Inca at Cuzco; perhaps the person named Paul by
+Zarate, is the same prince who is called Paullu by Gardilasso,
+and may have received that name in baptism at an after
+period.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After remaining twenty days in Cuzco, Pizarro was informed
+that the Peruvian General Quizquiz had drawn together a
+considerable body of warriors, with whom he pillaged and raised
+contributions in a province named <i>Condefugo</i>[25]. The
+governor detached Hernando Soto with fifty horsemen against
+Quizquiz, who did not think proper to await his arrival; but he
+took the resolution of marching to Xauxa or Jauja, on purpose to
+attack the baggage and royal treasure belonging to the Spaniards,
+which had been left there with a guard, under the care of
+Requelme the treasurer. Although the Spanish troops in Xauxa were
+few in number, they posted themselves in a strong position,
+waiting the attack of Quizquiz, and defended themselves so
+courageously that he was unable to make any impression upon them,
+and accordingly drew off his troops, taking the road to Quito.
+The governor sent Soto after him with his detachment of cavalry,
+and soon afterwards sent off his two brothers, Juan and Gonzalo,
+to reinforce Soto. These three Spanish captains pursued Quizquiz
+above a hundred leagues, but were unable to come up with him, and
+returned therefore to Cuzco.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[25] This it probably an error of the press for
+<i>Condesugo</i>. To the south of Cusco, and in the plain of
+Peru, there are two contiguous districts named the Condesuyos of
+Arequipa and Cusco, which are probably the province alluded to in
+the text. The term seems Spanish; but it is not unusual with
+Zarate to substitute posterior names to those of the period
+concerning which he writes.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In that ancient capital of the Peruvian empire, Pizarro and
+the Spaniards found a prodigious booty in gold and silver, not
+less in value than all they had collected at Caxamarca for the
+ransom of Atahualpa. He made a division of this among his
+soldiers, and settled a colony in Cuzco, which had long been the
+capital of the Peruvian empire, and continued to be so for a
+considerable time under the Spaniards. He likewise made a
+repartition of Indians among such Spaniards as chose to settle in
+the place as colonists: Only a few, however, chose to avail
+themselves of their advantage; as a considerable proportion of
+the Spaniards were better pleased to return into Spain, that they
+might enjoy in repose the treasure which they had acquired at
+Caxamarca and Cuzco, than to remain in Peru.</p>
+
+<p>"The riches displayed by the early conquerors of Peru on their
+return among their astonished countrymen, had so great an effect
+to induce others to try their fortunes in that golden region,
+that the governors of Guatimala, Panama, and Nicaragua could
+hardly restrain the people under their jurisdiction from
+abandoning their possessions, and crowding to that inexhaustible
+source of wealth which seemed to be opened in Peru. In spite of
+every check or regulation, such numbers resorted to the standard
+of Pizarro, that he was soon enabled to take the field at the
+head of five hundred men, besides leaving sufficient garrisons in
+San Miguel and other places necessary for the defence of his
+conquests[26]".</p>
+
+<blockquote>[26] This paragraph is added from the history of
+America, II. 313, to the text of Zarate, as necessary to account
+for the subsequent operations of Pizarro, after the secession of
+a considerable part of his original followers.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>It has been already said that Pizarro, soon after his arrival
+in Peru, established a settlement at the town of San Miguel in
+the province of Tangarara, not far from the harbour of
+Tumbez[27], as a secure place of disembarkation for those who
+came to join him from Spain. While he still remained at Caxamarca
+after the death of Atahualpa, on recollection that he had left a
+weak garrison in San Miguel, the governor thought proper to send
+a reinforcement of ten horsemen to that place under the command
+of Benalcazar. Soon after his arrival, a considerable number of
+Spanish soldiers came there from Panama and Nicaragua, and as the
+Cagnares made loud complaints to him that they were oppressed by
+Ruminagui and the Peruvians of Quito, Benalcazar chose two
+hundred of the new recruits, eighty of whom were cavalry, with
+whom he marched for Quito, because he was informed that Atahualpa
+had left a large quantity of gold in that city, and that he might
+likewise protect the Cagnares, who had declared themselves the
+friends of the Spaniards. Ruminagui advanced with an army of more
+than twelve thousand Peruvians to defend the defiles of the
+mountains leading towards the kingdom of Quito, which he
+endeavoured to do with considerable judgment, taking advantage of
+the nature of the ground, and fighting only in places of
+difficult approach. Benalcazar, on his side likewise, joined
+stratagem and military conduct to courage and prudence; for,
+while he occupied the attention of the enemy by frequent
+skirmishes, and demonstrations of attacking them in front, he
+detached one of his officers with fifty or sixty horsemen, who
+gained possession of a commanding post during the night on the
+rear of the Peruvians, so that he was able next morning to render
+himself easily master of the pass they had endeavoured to defend.
+In this way, Benalcazar gradually drove the enemy from their
+strong ground into the plain of Quito, where they were unable to
+withstand the charge of the cavalry and suffered considerably.
+Ruminagui still endeavoured to make head in several different
+posts, which he carefully forfeited with concealed pit-falls,
+digging for this purpose broad and deep ditches, in the bottom of
+which a number of pointed stakes were set up, the whole covered
+over with green turf held up by slender twigs, somewhat like
+those described by Caesar as contrived by the inhabitants of
+Alesia. But all the contrivances of the Peruvians for surprizing
+Benalcazar, or for drawing him into their snares were quite
+unavailing. He avoided them all, and never attacked on the side
+they expected; often making a circuit of several leagues so as to
+attack them unexpectedly on the flank and rear, and always
+carefully avoiding every piece of ground that had not a natural
+appearance. The Peruvians tried another stratagem, on seeing the
+former miscarry: They dug a great number of small pits close to
+each other, about the size of a horses foot, in every place
+around their camp where they thought the cavalry might come to
+attack them. But all their arts and labour were useless, as
+Benalcazar was never off his guard, and was not to be deceived by
+any of their contrivances, so that they were at last driven all
+the way to the city of Quito. It is reported of Ruminagui, that
+one day after his arrival in Quito, where he had a great number
+of wives, that he told them they might soon expect to have the
+pleasure of seeing the Christians, with whom they would have the
+opportunity of diverting themselves; and that, believing him in
+jest, they laughed heartily at the news, on which he caused most
+of them to be put to death. After this cruel deed, he set fire to
+a large apartment filled with rich dresses and valuable moveables
+belonging to the late Inca Huana Capac, and retired from Quito,
+having first made another unsuccessful attempt to surprise the
+Spaniards by a night attack, after which Benalcazar made himself
+master of Quito with very little opposition.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[27] Tumbez seems here substituted by mistake for
+Payta. San Miguel is not less than 130 miles from Tumbez, and
+only about 30 from Payta--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While these things were going on in the kingdom of Quito, the
+governor Pizarro received information that Don Pedro de Alvarado,
+who was governor of Guatimala, had embarked with a considerable
+force for Peru, on which account he deemed it proper to detach
+some troops under Almagro to San Miguel, to inquire into the
+truth of that report and to prevent the invasion of his
+government. As Almagro on his arrival at San Miguel could get no
+distinct accounts of the motions of Alvarado, and was informed of
+the resistance made to Benalcazar in the kingdom of Quito by
+Ruminagui, he accordingly marched there with his troops and
+formed a junction with Benalcazar, assuming the command of the
+combined forces, after which he reduced several districts and
+fortified stations of the natives. But, as he did not find any
+gold in that country, which was by no means so rich as he thought
+he had reason to expect from report, he soon afterwards returned
+towards Cuzco, leaving the command in Quito to Benalcazar.</p>
+
+<p>After the conquest of New Spain by the Marquis del Valle, he
+detached one of his captains named Don Pedro de Alvarado to a
+neighbouring country called Guatimala; which that officer
+accordingly reduced to subjection after much trouble and many
+dangers, and, as a reward of his services, was appointed to the
+government of that province by the king of Spain. On receiving
+intelligence of the riches of the newly discovered empire of
+Peru, Alvarado solicited permission from the emperor Don Carlos
+to be permitted to undertake the conquest of some part of that
+country, beyond the bounds that had been granted to Pizarro, and
+received a patent to that effect. Having received authority for
+this purpose, while he was making preparations for the
+expedition, he sent one of his officers, named Garcias Holguin,
+with two ships to examine the coast of Peru, and to gain some
+precise intelligence respecting its actual state. From the report
+of Holgum respecting the immense quantities of gold which the
+governor Don Francisco Pizarro had found in that country,
+Alvarado was encouraged to proceed in his enterprize; flattering
+himself, that while Pizarro and his troops were occupied at
+Caxamarca, he might be able to acquire possession of Cuzco[28],
+which he considered as beyond the two hundred and fifty leagues
+which had been assigned as the extent of the government conferred
+upon Pizarro. For the better execution of his design, and lest
+reinforcements might be sent from Nicaragua to Pizarro, he came
+by sea to that place one night, where he made himself master of
+two large ships which had been fitted out there expressly for the
+purpose of carrying a large reinforcement of men and horses to
+Peru. In these two ships, and in those which he brought with him
+from Guatimala, Alvarado set sail with five hundred men, cavalry
+and infantry, and landed on the coast of South America at the
+harbour of Puerto Viejo.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[28] From the subsequent operations of Alvarado, this
+seems an error of the press for Quito.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>From Puerto Viejo, Alvarado marched almost due east with his
+army, crossing those mountains which separate the plain country
+of Guayaquil from the table land of Quito, which the Spaniards
+call the <i>Arcabucos</i>, being thickly covered with brushwood,
+but over which the road is tolerably easy and only moderately
+steep, being almost under the equator. In this march his men
+suffered extremely from hunger and thirst, as the country through
+which they went was very barren, and had neither springs nor
+rivulets. The only relief they could procure was from certain
+large canes as thick as a mans leg, in each of the joints of
+which they usually found rather more than a quart of excellent
+water. They were so much distressed by famine on this march as to
+be under the necessity of eating several of their horses, the
+flesh of which sold so high that a dead horse brought more money
+on this occasion than he had cost when living. Besides thirst and
+famine, they were very much distressed during a considerable part
+of the way by quantities of hot ashes falling upon them, which
+they afterwards learnt were thrown up by a volcano in the
+neighbourhood of Quito, which burns with such violence that its
+ashes are often carried by the wind to the distance of eighty
+leagues, and its noise like prodigious thunder is sometimes heard
+at a hundred leagues from Quito. In the whole march, which was
+nearly under the equinoctial line, the troops of Alvarado found
+everywhere abundance of emeralds. After a long and difficult
+march through these <i>arcabucos</i>, where they were for the
+most part obliged to cut their way through the thick brushwood by
+means of axes and their swords, they came at length to a high
+chain of mountains covered with snow, over which it was necessary
+to pass. In this difficult and dangerous passage by an extremely
+narrow road, it snowed almost continually, and the cold was so
+extremely severe, that although every one put on all the clothes
+they had along with them, more than sixty men perished from the
+extreme severity of the weather. One of the soldiers happened to
+be accompanied by his wife and two young children, and seeing
+them entirely worn out with fatigue, while he was unable to
+assist them, he preferred to remain with them and perish,
+although he might have saved himself. At length, after infinite
+toil and danger, they found that they had reached the top of the
+mountain, and began joyfully to descend into the lower grounds of
+the kingdom of Quito. It is true that in this country they found
+other high mountains covered likewise with snow, as the province
+is entirely surrounded and interspersed with mountains; but then
+there are many temperate vallies among these mountains, which are
+well peopled and cultivated. About this time, so great a quantity
+of snow melted suddenly on one of these mountains, producing such
+prodigious torrents of water, that the valley and village of
+<i>Contiega</i> were entirely overwhelmed and inundated. These
+torrents bring down immense quantities of stones, and even vast
+fragments of rock, with as much ease as if they were only pieces
+of cork.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already said that Almagro had left Benalcazar in
+the government of Quito, meaning to return to Cuzco, because no
+intelligence had reached him of the motions of Alvarado; and
+mention has been made of his having reduced certain rocks and
+fortresses into which the Indians of Quito had retired to defend
+themselves. This had occupied him so long, that Alvarado had
+penetrated into the province of Quito before Almagro had returned
+into the south of Peru, being still employed in reducing the
+southern districts of Quito. He received the first intelligence
+of the arrival of Alvarado while reducing the province of
+<i>Liribamba</i>[29], for which purpose he had to pass a
+considerable river with much difficulty and danger, as the
+Indians had destroyed the bridges, and waited on the other side
+of the river to attack him while passing. He defeated them,
+though with much difficulty, as the Indians were very numerous,
+and their wives fought as bravely as the men, being very expert
+in slinging stones. In this engagement the head cacique of the
+Indians was made prisoner, and from him Almagro got the first
+intelligence of the arrival of Alvarado, who was then only at the
+distance of about sixty miles, employed in reducing an Indian
+fortress into which one of the captains of the Indians had
+retired, whose name was Zopazopaqui. On receiving this news,
+Almagro sent seven horsemen to inquire into its truth, and to
+bring him exact information of the strength and intentions of
+Alvarado. These were all made prisoners by the troops of
+Alvarado, who liberated them some time afterwards. Alvarado
+advanced with his troops within less than twenty miles of the
+camp of Almagro, who, considering the great superiority in number
+possessed by Alvarado, formed the resolution of returning to
+Cuzco with an escort of twenty-five horse, and to leave the
+remainder of his troops under Benalcazar for the defence of the
+country.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[29] Probably that now called Riobamba by the
+Spaniards, about 100 miles south from Quito.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>At this time, Philipillo, the Indian interpreter who has been
+already mentioned as the cause of the death of Atahualpa, fearing
+to incur the punishment of his treachery, fled from the camp of
+Almagro to that of Alvarado, taking along with him a principal
+Peruvian cacique. These men had concerted with most of the
+Peruvian <i>curacas</i> or chiefs who accompanied Almagro, to
+hold themselves and their people in readiness to abandon him and
+to join Alvarado at the earliest notice sent them for that
+purpose. Immediately on his arriving in the presence of Alvarado,
+Philipillo offered to make him master of the whole country,
+informing him at the same time of the design of Almagro to retire
+to Cuzco, and that if he chose to attack him without delay he
+might easily make him prisoner, as he had only about eighty
+horsemen and a hundred and fifty infantry. On this advice,
+Alvarado marched immediately to attack Almagro, whom he found at
+Liribamba, resolved to defend himself bravely, and to die
+fighting rather than fly. Almagro had thrown up intrenchments for
+his defence, having divided his small party into two bands, one
+of which he commanded in person, and placed the other under the
+command of Benalcazar. Alvarado marched up with his troops in
+order of battle; but when just on the point of commencing the
+attack, certain propositions of peace were made, and a truce was
+agreed upon for the rest of the day and the following night, on
+purpose to agree upon conditions[30]. In a conferrence for this
+purpose, an agreement was entered into, which was greatly
+forwarded by a licentiate named Caldera. It was agreed that
+Almagro should pay to Alvarado 100,000 pesos, or 2000 marks of
+gold[31], as an equivalent for the expences he had incurred in
+fitting out his expedition, and that the two commanders should go
+together to Pizarro, for the purpose of procuring the necessary
+funds for payment of this agreement. The conditions were kept
+secret, lest the companions of Alvarado might prevent their
+execution, as their interest had been entirely overlooked in this
+agreement. It was therefore given out that Alvarado was to embark
+with his people to make farther discovery of the country, leaving
+that part which was already occupied and conquered by the
+Spaniards, and permission was given to all who thought proper
+that they might remain at Quito with Benalcazar. A considerable
+number of the followers of Alvarado availed themselves of this
+permission, and others accompanied him and Almagro to Pachacamac,
+where they were informed Pizarro had gone from Xauxa expressly to
+receive them. Before leaving the province of Quito, Almagro
+ordered the <i>curaca</i> who deserted from him along with
+Philipillo to be burnt alive, and would have treated the
+interpreter in the same manner, but Alvarado interceded for him,
+and obtained his pardon.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[30] Garcilasso says that the soldiers of both
+armies, being mostly natives of Estremedura, mixed together
+without permission of their officers, and made propositions of
+peace and amity, by which the generals were in a great measure
+forced to an agreement.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[31] Two thousand marks of gold of eight ounces each,
+and the ounce at four pound Sterling are worth L.64,000, perhaps
+equivalent to near L.460,000 of modern money.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While Almagro and Alvarado were on their march from the
+province of Quito for Pachacamac, the <i>curaca</i> or chief of
+the Cagnares, informed them that the Peruvian general Quizquiz
+had assembled an army of above 12,000 men, with which he had
+collected all the people and cattle of the country between and
+Xauxa, and intended attacking them on their march. This chief
+added, that if they would delay their march for some time, he
+would contrive a plan for delivering Quizquiz into their hands.
+Almagro was not disposed to put too much confidence in this
+proposal, and continued his journey. On arriving in the province
+of <i>Chaparra</i>[32], they unexpectedly fell in with above two
+thousand Peruvian warriors commanded by a curaca named Sotaurco.
+This was the advanced guard of Quizquiz, whose main body was two
+or three days march in the rear. Quizquiz had a similar
+detachment at a considerable distance on his left flank, on
+purpose to raise contributions of provisions from the inhabitants
+of the country for the subsistence of his army; and had besides a
+rear guard of three or four thousand warriors, two days march
+behind. The main body under his own immediate command escorted
+all the cattle which had been collected on the march, and great
+numbers of prisoners, so that his whole army occupied a space of
+above sixty miles of country.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[32] Perhaps that now called Xibarros, in the south
+of the kingdom of Quito.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Sotaurco, the commander of the Peruvian vanguard, endeavoured
+to gain possession of a defile or pass in the mountains, by which
+he supposed the Spaniards intended to march; but Almagro not only
+prevented the execution of that project by seizing the pass, but
+even made Sotaurco prisoner. From him Almagro was informed of the
+order of march observed by Quizquiz, and determined to make a
+forced march with all his cavalry to attack him. In this march,
+at a steep stoney pass near a river which it was necessary to
+pass, most of the horses lost their shoes; and as it was in the
+night, the Spaniards had to replace them as well as they could by
+the light of fires and candles. Being afraid lest Quizquiz might
+be informed of their approach by some of the natives of the
+country, Almagro continued his march with all possible
+expedition, and towards the evening of the second day of his
+march he came in sight of the Peruvian camp.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately on seeing the Spaniards, Quizquiz withdrew to some
+distance with all the women and people who were unfit for battle,
+and placed his troops in a post of very difficult access under
+the command of <i>Huaypalca</i>, a brother of the late inca
+Atahualpa. Almagro advanced without hesitation to attack them,
+although the horses were so weary that they were hardly able to
+move though led mostly by the soldiers; besides which the
+Peruvians rolled down upon them from the mountain great
+quantities of large stones and fragments of rock. In spite of
+every obstacle, the Spaniards made their way to the post occupied
+by Huaypalca, which they attacked both in front and flank, and
+forced him to retire among the steep rocks, where he defended
+himself till night, and then drew off under cover of the darkness
+to rejoin Quizquiz. Sometime afterwards, it was learnt that the
+detached party of Peruvians which marched on the left of
+Quizquiz, had made prisoners of fourteen Spaniards, all of whom
+they put to death. Almagro, in continuing his march, was opposed
+by the Peruvian rear-guard at the passage of a river, so that he
+was unable to get over for a whole day. Besides occupying the
+opposite bank of the river, the Peruvians had taken possession of
+a very high mountain immediately above the place occupied by the
+Spaniards, so that they were unable to attack the enemy without
+exposing themselves to great danger; and indeed a good many of
+the Spaniards were wounded, among whom Alfonso de Alvarado was
+pierced quite through the thigh by a javelin, and another officer
+of rank was severely wounded. The Peruvians kept firm all night,
+but in the morning they abandoned their post on the banks of the
+river, leaving the passage free for the Spaniards. The Indians
+had burnt all the baggage which they could not carry off, but
+above 15,000 Peruvian sheep were found in their camp, and more
+than four thousand Indian men and women, of those whom Quizquiz
+had made prisoners, who now voluntarily surrendered themselves to
+the Spaniards. The Peruvian warriors had retired to a strong post
+on the top of a mountain, where Almagro did not think fit to
+attack them, as he was desirous to continue his march to the
+south.</p>
+
+<p>On their arrival at San Miguel, Almagro sent the Captain Diego
+de Mora to Puerto Viejo, to take the charge of the vessels
+belonging to Alvarado, who likewise sent Garcias de Holguin on
+his part, that this measure might be executed amicably according
+to agreement. After giving all the necessary orders at San
+Miguel, and having provided his own men and those of Alvarado
+with arms, money, and clothes, he and Alvarado continued their
+journey towards Pachacamac. In the course of this march, he left
+Captain Martin Astete to build and settle a town now called
+Truxillo, in a convenient situation on the coast, in pursuance of
+orders to that effect from the governor Don Francisco
+Pizarro.</p>
+
+<p>About this time Quizquiz, having continued his march towards
+Quito, had his advanced guard attacked and defeated by one of the
+officers belonging to Benalcazar. Quizquiz was much afflicted by
+this loss, and knew not well what to do or how to conduct
+himself. The curacas or native chiefs in his army advised him to
+make his peace with Benalcazar; but he would not listen to this
+proposal, even threatening to put them to death if they ever
+mentioned such a thing again, and ordered them to prepare for
+returning into Peru. But, as they were in want of provisions, and
+had no hopes of procuring any in the retreat which Quizquiz
+meditated, several of the <i>curacas</i>, at the head of whom was
+Huaypalca, remonstrated with him that it was better to die like
+brave men in battle against the Spaniards, than to retreat as he
+desired and to die of famine in a desert country. As Quizquiz
+gave a very unsatisfactory answer to this remonstrance, Huaypalca
+gave him a thrust in the breast with his lance, and all the other
+curacas fell upon him with their clubs and axes, cutting him to
+pieces. After this they dismissed the troops, allowing every one
+to go where he pleased.</p>
+
+<p>On the arrival of Almagro and Alvarado at Pachacamac, they
+were joyfully received by the governor, who had come there from
+Xauxa to meet them. Pizarro honourably fulfilled the entire
+agreement which Almagro had made with Alvarado, by the payment of
+the stipulated sum of 100,000 gold pesos; though several persons
+remonstrated against paying so large a sum, and alleged that
+Almagro had been constrained to enter into the agreement by
+necessity, and that Alvarado, instead of receiving so much money,
+deserved to be sent prisoner into Spain, for having invaded the
+government belonging to another person. After receiving the
+money, Alvarado returned quietly to his government of
+Guatimala[33].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[33] According to Garcilosso, Pizarro made an
+additional free gift to Alvarado of 20,000 gold pesos to defray
+the expence of his voyage back to his government, with emeralds
+and turquoises to a considerable value, and several articles of
+gold plate for the use of his table.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After the departure of Alvarado, the governor Pizarro began
+the establishment of a colony or settlement in the district of
+Pachacamac, which he named <i>Ciudad de los Reyes</i>, or the
+City of the Kings, otherwise called Lima, to which place he
+removed the colonists whom he had formerly established at Xauxa
+or Jauja; as the situation of Lima appeared to him exceedingly
+well calculated for trade, being near the sea[34]. From that
+place, Almagro went with a considerable force to Cuzco, and
+Pizarro visited Truxillo on purpose to place that colony on a
+proper footing, by making an equitable repartition of the lands
+and Indians among the colonists.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[34] Lima or Los Reyes is built on the banks of a
+river named Rimac or Limac by the Peruvians, whence its ordinary
+name of Lima. It is about ten miles from the sea, having a port
+named Callao at the mouth of the river. This city got the name of
+<i>the City of the Kings</i>; either from its foundation being
+laid on the 18th of January 1535, on the festival of the <i>three
+kings</i>; or in honour of Juana and Carlos, joint sovereigns of
+Castile.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While at Truxillo, Pizarro received information that Almagro
+was inclined to take possession of the city of Cuzco, having been
+apprized by Ferdinand Pizarro, who was sent to Spain, that his
+majesty had appointed him a separate government extending a
+hundred leagues beyond the boundaries which had been assigned to
+Pizarro, and which Almagro alleged were considerably to the north
+of Cuzco. Juan and Gonzalo Pizarro, brothers of the governor, who
+were then in Cuzco, and several other persons of consideration,
+vigorously opposed Almagro and Hernando Soto, who took the part
+of Almagro, and a civil war seemed on the point of breaking out:
+But Almagro was unable to succeed in his design, as the great
+majority of the senators or members of the Cabildo took the part
+of the governor and his brothers. Immediately on receiving
+intelligence of these disputes, Pizarro posted with all
+expedition to Cuzco, where he soon re-established tranquillity by
+his presence. He pardoned Almagro, who was much ashamed of having
+occasioned so much confusion by attempting a matter of such high
+importance on such slight grounds as a mere hearsay or report.
+The ancient friendship and association between Pizarro and
+Almagro was renewed, and it was agreed that Almagro should go
+with a military force on discovery to the south, and if he found
+any country worth taking possession of, that the associates were
+to use their joint interest at the court of Spain to procure the
+government of it for him; but, if no good country were to be
+found, the government of Peru was then to be divided between
+Pizarro and Almagro. This agreement was solemnly ratified by oath
+upon the consecrated host, pledging themselves never to attempt
+in future to do any thing contrary to the interests of each
+other. Some have said that Almagro, on this occasion, swore that
+he would never make any future attempt upon Cuzco, or any part of
+the country to the distance of a hundred and thirty leagues to
+the south of that city, even in the event of being named by the
+king to to its government; and they add, that in addressing
+himself on this occasion to the holy body of Christ, he used
+these words, "If I should violate the oath which I now make, I
+pray, O Lord! that thou mayest punish and confound me in body and
+soul."</p>
+
+<p>After this solemn agreement; Almagro prepared everything for
+his departure, and accordingly set out with above five hundred
+men, as shall be related in the next section. Pizarro returned to
+Lima, whence he sent Alfonso de Alvarado to conquer the country
+of the Chachapoyas, which is in the mountainous region of Peru
+about sixty leagues from Truxillo. This officer and his followers
+encountered much difficulty and labour in this enterprize, in
+which they at length succeeded, by forming establishments and
+reducing the inhabitants to submission; after which, the
+government of the province was conferred upon Alvarado, by whom
+the conquest had been effected.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION III.</p>
+
+<p><i>Occurrences from the departure of Almagro for Chili, to his
+capture by Pizarro, being the first part of the civil wars in
+Peru</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Inconsequence of the agreement between Pizarro and Almagro,
+which was ratified on the 12th of June 1535, Almagro soon
+afterwards set out upon the proposed discovery and conquest at
+the head of five hundred and seventy men, partly cavalry and part
+infantry; for so great were the hopes of acquiring riches in this
+expedition, that several who had already acquired establishments
+in Peru, abandoned their houses, lands, and Indians, to follow
+the fortunes of Almagro[1]. Juan, de Saavedra was sent on before
+the main body of the army with a detachment of a hundred men;
+and, in the course of his march through that province which has
+since been called <i>Los Charcas</i>, he met with some Indians on
+their road from Chili to Peru, who were going to pay their homage
+to the Inca. Almagro having along with him a body of two hundred
+men, both horse and foot, made a march of two hundred and fifty
+leagues, reducing the whole country in his way, till he arrived
+in the district of the <i>Chichas</i>, where he learnt that he
+was followed by a body of fifty Spaniards commanded by Niguerol
+de Ulloa. Almagro commanded that party to join him, and continued
+his march towards Chili, which is 350 leagues beyond the
+province, of Chichas, reducing all the tribes on his route to
+submission. Almagro halted at this place with half his troops,
+and sent on the rest under Gomez de Aivarado, who proceeded sixty
+leagues farther; but was forced to return to Almagro, in
+consequence of the severity of the weather.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] Though not mentioned directly in the text, it
+appears that Almagro knew of and intended to conquer the country
+of Chili, and that he chose to march by the high country of Peru,
+through the great elevated valley of the lake Titicaca, probably
+the highest inhabited land of South America. His object was in
+all probability to avoid the extensive desert of Atacama, which
+divides the plain of Peru from Chili.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After the departure of Almagro from Cuzco, the Inca Manco
+Capac and his, brother Villaoma entered into a plot for
+massacring all the Spaniards in Peru on a certain day. Manco
+Capac had engaged execute to that part of the conspiracy which
+had for its object the destruction of Almagro and his troops, but
+which he was unable to accomplish. What was done by his brother
+will be related afterwards. Philipillo, the Peruvian interpreter
+who has been formerly mentioned, was acquainted with this
+conspiracy, on which account he made his escape from Almagro, and
+being pursued and taken was condemned to be quartered. Before his
+execution, he confessed that he had unjustly procured the death
+of Atahualpa, that he might thereby secure to himself one of the
+wives of that unhappy prince, of whom he was enamoured.</p>
+
+<p>About two months after the arrival of Almagro in Chili, one of
+his captains named Ruy Dias came to him with a reinforcement of a
+hundred men, and informed him that all the natives of Peru had
+revolted and had massacred most of the Spaniards in that country.
+Almagro was much grieved at this intelligence, and resolved
+immediately to return, that he might chastise the revolters and
+restore the country to obedience; meaning afterwards to send one
+of his captains with a sufficient force to reduce Chili. He
+accordingly set out on his return, and was met on his way by
+Rodrigo Orgognez, who brought him a reinforcement of twenty-five
+men, and was soon afterwards joined by Juan de Herrada with a
+farther reinforcement of a hundred. Herrada brought him likewise
+the letters patent of the king, by which he was appointed
+governor of two hundred leagues of country beyond the boundaries
+assigned to Pizarro. This new government which was granted to
+Almagro was directed to be named the New Kingdom of Toledo, and
+that of Pizarro, the New Kingdom of Castille. Having said at the
+commencement of this section, that Almagro carried with him from
+Cuzco on this expedition a force of 570 Spanish troops; it must
+be remarked that such was his intention, but that in reality he
+had only 200 men along with him, after which his army was made up
+nearly to the intended number by the different reinforcements of
+which we have made mention.</p>
+
+<p>In the march of Almagro into Chili, his army suffered
+excessive hardships from hunger and thirst. Besides their other
+fatigues, they had often to encounter Indians of great stature,
+clothed in the skins of sea-wolves and seals, who used the bow
+and arrow with great strength and address. But the most severe
+circumstance during this march was the intense cold which they
+encountered in passing over some mountains covered with snow. In
+particular, several of the soldiers belonging to Ruy Dias and a
+good many horses were frozen to death; and so excessive was the
+cold, that when Almagro returned towards Cuzco five months
+afterwards, several of the bodies of those who had been frozen to
+death were found upright and leaning against the rocks, still
+holding the bridles of their horses, which were likewise frozen,
+and their flesh still remained as sweet and uncorrupted as if
+they had only just expired, insomuch that the troops used the
+flesh of these horses as food on their return to Peru. In some
+parts of these deserts where there was no snow, the Spaniards
+were reduced to great straits from want of water; on which
+account they had to make bags or leather bottles of the skins of
+sheep, in which to carry water for their supply.</p>
+
+<p>It is proper to remark, that the Peruvian sheep are much
+larger animals than those of Europe, and are used as beasts of
+burden. They resemble in some measure the camel in their shape,
+except that they have no hunches on their backs, and are able to
+carry a load of a hundred pounds or more, with which they are
+able to travel four or five leagues a-day. The Spaniards even
+sometimes rode on their backs. When fatigued, they immediately
+lie down, and it is impossible to make them rise again by any
+means whatever, neither blows nor kindness are of any avail, and
+it becomes necessary to unload them. When a person rides on one
+of these animals, and endeavours to urge it on when weary, it
+turns round its head towards the man, blowing upon him a most
+offensive breath mixed with a kind of stinking dew, which seems
+to proceed from the contents of its stomach. This is a most
+useful and profitable animal, as besides serving as a beast of
+burden, its wool is excellent and very fine; more especially that
+species which is called <i>pacas</i>, which has very long wool.
+These animals are supported at very little expence while on a
+journey, requiring only a very small allowance of maize, and they
+can subsist four or five days without drinking. Their flesh is
+well tasted and wholesome, and equal to the best fat mutton of
+Spain; and it is accordingly sold in all the butcher-markets of
+Peru. At the first settlement of the Spaniards in this country,
+before the establishment of regular markets, when any person
+killed one of these sheep, his neighbours used to participate,
+and they in their turns killed others, and divided them among the
+neighbours.</p>
+
+<p>In some of the level plains of Peru there is a species of
+ostrich, which is taken in the following manner. Several horsemen
+place themselves in ambush, while others likewise on horseback
+pursue the ostriches and endeavour to drive them towards their
+companions who are concealed. These birds, although they are
+unable to rise in flight into the air, go with astonishing
+swiftness, partly by running, and partly by means of short
+flights close to the ground, insomuch that a man on horseback is
+altogether unable to get up with them, so that it requires
+stratagem to kill or take them alive.</p>
+
+<p>In Chili there are some rivers which have water only during
+the day, and are entirely dry during the night. This is owing to
+the heat of the sun melting the snow on the mountains by day, by
+which temporary rivers, or torrents rather, are formed by day,
+which cease again at night when the cold puts a stop to the
+melting of the snow. When we have got about 500 leagues along the
+coast from Peru towards the south, or in the lat. of about
+30&deg; S. rain is often met with, and the winds are no longer so
+regular as nearer the line, but blow sometimes one way and
+sometimes another, as in Spain and other countries of Europe.
+Chili is a tolerably well peopled country, and resembles Peru in
+being divisible into two districts, the plain and the mountain,
+and its coast is considerably more indented by gulfs and bays
+than that of Peru[2]. It enjoys the vicissitudes of summer and
+winter nearly as in Spain, but at opposite times of the year, the
+winter of Chili being at the same time with the Spanish summer,
+and vice versa. The pole seen from that country, which is
+directly opposite our <i>Arctic</i> or north pole, is only marked
+by a kind of small white cloud or nebula, which is seen after
+sunset in that direction in which astronomers have placed the
+antartic or south pole. There is likewise seen a constellation of
+seven stars, four of them being in form of a cross, followed by
+three others, resembling the lesser bear of the astronomers which
+turns round the north polar star. These seven stars near the
+south pole are situated somewhat like those of the <i>ursa
+minor</i>, except that the four which form the cross are nearer
+each other than those of the north pole which are seen in our
+hemisphere. Our north pole is lost sight of somewhat less than
+200 leagues to the south of Panama, under the equator; from
+whence, or a little beyond, on either side of the line, these two
+constellations may be seen when they rise a little above the
+poles of the horizon. On the south side of the equinoctial line,
+navigators are only able to see the four stars near the antarctic
+pole which form the cross, until they reach the <i>thirtieth</i>
+degree of south latitude, after which they get sight of the other
+three stars which form this constellation.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] From the desert of Atacama in lat 25&deg; S. to
+the island of Chiloe in about lat. 42&deg; S. Chili Proper,
+between the Pacific ocean and the western ridge of the Andes,
+stretches about 1100 English miles nearly north and south by an
+average breadth of about 140 miles.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The change in the length of the days and nights in Chili is
+nearly the same as in Spain, only the longest day in Chili is at
+that time of the year when Spain has the day shortest. In Peru
+and Tierra firma and generally in all places near the equinoctial
+line, the days and nights are always equal or nearly so during
+the whole year. Even at Lima and other places the difference is
+so small as hardly to be noticed. The natives of Chili are
+clothed nearly in the same manner with the Peruvians, and use the
+same kind of food. The inhabitants, both men and women, are
+tolerably well looked. They are governed by great lords, who make
+war against each other, and some of whom are able to bring
+200,000 men into the field. One of these lords at this time was
+named <i>Leuchengorma</i>, who possessed an island about two
+leagues from the coast which was consecrated to his idols, in
+which was a temple ministered to by two thousand priests. The
+subjects of Leuchengorma informed the Spaniards, that there was a
+great province about fifty leagues farther on, situated between
+two rivers, which was entirely inhabited by women, who did not
+admit any men among them but at certain times, for the purpose of
+having children, and who sent all their sons to their fathers,
+reserving their daughters only to be brought up among themselves.
+They said farther, that these women were subjects of
+Leuchengorma, and were ruled over by a queen named
+<i>Guaboymilla</i>, which signifies <i>golden heaven</i> in their
+language, and so named because her country produces a great
+quantity of gold. These women manufactured rich stuffs, in which,
+and in the gold produced in their country, they paid tribute to
+Leuchengorma. Although these things have often been spoken of,
+their truth has not as yet been ascertained by the discovery of
+the country, Almagro having made no establishment there. Of late,
+indeed, Pedro de Valdivia has been sent thither to establish some
+colonies, but he has never yet had a sufficient force for making
+discoveries, or for colonization, and has settled one colony
+only, which is placed about thirty-three degrees to the south of
+the equator[3].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Valparayso stands nearly in the latitude
+indicated by the text. Valdivia, taking its name from that
+commander, is in lat. 30&deg;40' S.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The whole coast of Chili is well peopled, as far as to the
+latitude of 40&deg; south and still farther; which is known by
+one of the ships belonging to the fleet sent out by Don Gabriel
+de Carvajal bishop of Placentia, which passed through the straits
+of Magellan, and sailed along the whole western coast of South
+America from south to north, and at length reached the port
+belonging to Lima. This ship brought over the first rats ever
+seen in Peru, which have so multiplied since that there are
+plenty in every town of the whole country.</p>
+
+<p>These animals are named <i>ococha</i> by the Peruvians, which
+word signifies having come from the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the departure of Almagro from Cuzco on his
+expedition to Chili, Ferdinand Pizarro returned from Spain, where
+his majesty made him a knight of the order of St Jago, with other
+advantages[4]. He had likewise obtained an enlargement of the
+government of his brother to a certain extent, and brought out
+with him a commission for Almagro to a new government.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] Zarate is extremely remiss in regard to dates,
+and not a little confused in the arrangement of his narrative. We
+learn from Robertson, II. 325, that Ferdinand Pizarro returned to
+Peru in 1536.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>At this time Manco Capac, whom Pizarro had permitted to assume
+the nominal title of Inca of Peru, was detained a prisoner in the
+citadel of Cuzco, in consequence of the discovery of a conspiracy
+he had entered into with his brothers Paul and Villaoma to
+exterminate the Spaniards. Manco Capac wrote to Juan Pizarro,
+intreating to be set at liberty before the arrival of Ferdinand
+Pizarro at Cuzco; and Juan, who was then in the <i>Collao</i>
+endeavouring to reduce certain Indians who had retired into a
+strong place among rocks, sent orders to liberate the Inca. On
+the arrival of Ferdinand Pizarro at Cuzco, he treated Manco Capac
+with much respect, yet kept a constant guard over him, and it is
+believed that Ferdinand shewed great friendship for the Inca, in
+the hope of procuring gold from him, to send to the king of Spain
+or for his own use. Two months after the return of Ferdinand to
+Cuzco, Manco Capac solicited permission from Ferdinand to go into
+the district of <i>Jucaya</i>[5] on purpose to celebrate a solemn
+festival, promising on his return to present him with a statue of
+the late Huana Capac of solid gold as large as life. Ferdinand
+allowed him to attend this festival, which turned out merely the
+unravelment of the plot which had been formed at the time when
+Almagro began his march for Chili. Manco Capac gave immediate
+orders to put to death some Spaniards who superintended the
+working of the mines, and others who were travelling through the
+country on various affairs. He sent likewise one of his captains
+with a considerable body of troops against Cuzco, who by a sudden
+and unexpected attack got possession of the castle of that city.
+The Spaniards indeed retook it after six or seven days, yet not
+without hard fighting, in which they lost Juan Pizarro; who was
+killed by a stone which struck him on the head, at a time when he
+was unable to wear his helmet in consequence of a former wound.
+His death was much regretted by the Spaniards, being a brave man
+and much experienced in the manner of carrying on war with the
+Indians, and besides because his manners had made him beloved by
+every one.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] According to Robertson, II. 326, the place where
+the festival was to be celebrated was only at a few leagues
+distance from Cuzco. Garcilasso says that it was a garden
+belonging to the Incas only a league from the
+city.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the recapture of the castle of Cuzco by the
+Spaniards, the Inca brought a large army against the city, which
+he besieged for more than eight months, making frequent assaults
+on various parts of the works, chiefly during moon-light nights
+when the moon was full. Ferdinand Pizarro and his brothers,
+assisted by Gabriel de Roias, Hernand Ponce de Leon, Don Alfonso
+Enriquez, the treasurer Requelme, and other brave officers, made
+a resolute defence, and were almost perpetually under arms day
+and night, as the number of the garrison was exceedingly
+inadequate to the extent of the place and the multitude of
+assailants. As the Spaniards in Cuzco were aware that the
+insurrection was general over all Peru, they hardly doubted but
+the governor and all their other countrymen were cut off, so that
+they defended themselves as men who had no earthly hope of
+succour, depending only on the mercy of God and their own
+courage. Their small number was daily diminished, as hardly a day
+passed in which the Indians did not kill or wound some of their
+people. One time during the siege, Gonzalo Pizarro made a sally
+with twenty horsemen, and proceeded to the lake or marsh of
+Chinchero which is five leagues from Cuzco, where he was
+surrounded by so vast a force of Indians that he must inevitably
+have been made prisoner, had not Ferdinand Pizarro and Alfonso de
+Toro come up to his rescue with a body of horse. Gonzalo was much
+blamed on this occasion for having advanced so far among the
+enemy with so few men.</p>
+
+<p>We have already mentioned that Almagro had resolved to return
+into Peru and to make himself master of Cuzco, from the time that
+Juan de Herrada had brought him the commission by which he was
+appointed to a government beyond that assigned to Don Francisco
+Pizarro. The principal officers who were along with him, strongly
+urged him to this measure, particularly Gomez Alvarado and Diego
+Alvarado, brother and uncle of Don Pedro Alvarado the governor of
+Guatimala, and Rodrigo Orgognez; some of whom were eager to
+procure settlements in Peru, and others were desirous of gaining
+establishments in Chili. To succeed in their design, as reports
+of the insurrection in Peru had reached Chili, they instructed
+some Indian interpreters to inform Almagro that the governor
+Francisco Pizarro and most of the Spaniards in Peru had been
+slain by the Peruvians. Urged by all these considerations,
+Almagro marched back into Peru, and even arrived within six
+leagues of Cuzco without giving notice to Ferdinand Pizarro of
+his motions or intentions[6]. Almagro made overtures to the Inca
+Manco Capac for an accommodation, offering to forgive him all the
+injury he had already done to the Spaniards, in consideration of
+joining his party and assisting him to become master of Cuzco, of
+which he pretended that he had been appointed governor by the
+king of Spain. The Inca proposed an interview between them under
+pretence of settling the terms of an agreement, to which Almagro
+consented without suspecting any treachery, and went accordingly
+with a part only of his troops to the place appointed for the
+conference, leaving the rest of his force under the command of
+Juan de Saavedra. Taking advantage of this confidence, the Inca
+attacked Almagro by surprize with extreme fury, and even killed
+and wounded several of his men.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] The return of Almagro to Cuzco was in the year
+1537.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In the mean time, Ferdinand Pizarro received notice of the
+arrival of Almagro, and that Juan de Saavedra was left at the
+village of Hurcos in command of the troops in the absence of
+Almagro. He went therefore from Cuzco at the head of an hundred
+and seventy of his best troops, in hope of being able to prevail
+on Saavedra and the rest to abandon the party of Almagro, or to
+fall upon them by surprize and make them prisoners. But Saavedra
+got timely notice of his approach, and drew up his forces,
+amounting to three hundred Spaniards, in an advantageous
+situation for his reception. When the two parties were just about
+to engage, Ferdinand Pizarro sent a message to Saavedra proposing
+a private interview, that they might endeavour to agree upon an
+accommodation, to which the other consented. As this conference
+was entirely between themselves, it is difficult to know with any
+certainty what passed; but it was reported that Ferdinand
+endeavoured to persuade Saavedra to join him with the troops
+under his command, for which he offered a large recompense in
+gold; but that Saavedra, like a man of honour, peremptorily
+refused to betray his general.</p>
+
+<p>On the return of Almagro from his affair with the Inca, he
+rejoined the troops under Saavedra, and marched for Cuzco with
+his whole force. While on the march, he made prisoners of four
+horsemen who had been sent out by Ferdinand Pizarro to
+reconnoitre, from whom he learnt all the particulars of the
+insurrection of the Peruvians, who had killed more than six
+hundred Spaniards, and had burnt down a great part of the city of
+Cuzco, on which news Almagro was very sensibly afflicted. He sent
+however, his patents as governor to the senators of the royal
+council or Cabildo of Cuzco, whom he urged to receive him as
+their governor; since, as he insisted, the bounds of the
+government assigned to Francisco Pizarro certainly did not
+include their city, and even fell considerably short of it to the
+north. In answer to this demand, the council made answer, that
+whenever the extent of the government belonging to Pizarro was
+accurately measured and determined, they would be ready to accede
+to his desires, provided their city was found to be beyond his
+limits. This subject was endeavoured to be settled at that time,
+and has been since tried to be ascertained by several experienced
+persons; but the manner in which this affair ought to be
+regulated has never been agreed upon between the two interested
+parties. The adherents of Almagro have always insisted, that the
+extent assigned by his majesty as the government of Pizarro,
+ought to be measured either along the sea coast or by the grand
+road of the Incas, taking into the account all the turnings and
+windings in either of these routes; by which means, in either of
+these ways not only the city of Cuzco, but even Lima according to
+the opinions of several persons, would be left out of the
+province of Pizarro. He on the other hand, insisted that the
+extent of country granted to him, ought to be measured in a
+straight line directly from north to south, without any angles or
+turnings, or by means of settling the degrees of latitude at the
+two extremities, allowing so many leagues to each degree.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand Pizarro offered to admit Almagro and his troops into
+Cuzco, and to assign them a particular quarter of the city for
+their residence, if he would agree to defer the dispute about the
+boundaries, till intelligence were sent to the governor Don
+Francisco Pizarro, then at Lima, that he might have it in his
+power to endeavour to fall upon some means of settling the
+difference between them in an amicable manner. It has been said
+by some, that a truce was agreed upon between them on these
+principles; and that on the faith of this truce, Ferdinand
+Pizarro allowed all the soldiers and inhabitants to retire to
+their quarters for rest and refreshment, after their long
+fatigues, having spent several days and nights continually under
+arms, without time to sleep or even to take proper food. It is
+farther said, that Almagro, being informed of this circumstance,
+made a night attack on Cuzco, in which he was aided by a thick
+mist, so that he got possession of the defences without being
+observed. Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro, awakened by the noise,
+flew to arms and defended their house, which was the first
+attacked, with the assistance of their servants; but as the enemy
+set it on fire in several places, they were forced to surrender.
+Next day, Almagro obliged the Cabildo to receive him as governor,
+and committed Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro to prison. Several of
+his confidents even urged him to secure his conquest by putting
+the Pizarros to death; but he was chiefly dissuaded from this by
+the influence of Diego de Alvarado, who became responsible for
+them.</p>
+
+<p>It has been said that Almagro violated the truce which he had
+agreed to with Ferdinand Pizarro, in consequence of the false
+representations of several Indians and Spaniards, who told him
+that Ferdinand had ordered all the bridges to be broken down, and
+was employed in fortifying Cuzco against him. In proof of this,
+it is alleged that when Almagro was advancing to attack the city,
+and saw the bridges remained uninjured, he said aloud that he had
+been imposed on. The governor Don Francisco Pizarro did not
+receive any account of these events at Cuzco for a good many days
+afterwards. As the Inca Manco Capac had fled with a large body of
+Peruvian warriors to the high mountains of the Andes, Almagro
+invested his brother the <i>Inca Paul</i>[7] with the royal
+fringed fillet, appointing him nominal king of Peru.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] Garcilasso names this prince Paullu
+Inca.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Among those things which Don Francisco Pizarro had solicited
+from his majesty in reward for his services in the discovery and
+conquest of Peru, he particularly requested the grant in
+perpetuity to him and his descendants of twenty thousand Indians
+in a province named <i>Atabillos</i>[8], with all the revenues,
+imposts, rights, and jurisdictions appertaining to them, together
+with the title of Marquis of that province. The king gave him the
+title of Marquis according to his desire; but in regard to the
+grant of Indians which he solicited, answered, that he must in
+the first place be better informed of the nature and
+circumstances of the country and its native institutions, before
+he could determine on that measure, but that Pizarro might rest
+assured of having every reasonable concession in his favour.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] Named <i>Atavillos</i> by Garcilasso de la
+Vega.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On receiving information of the insurrection of the Peruvians
+around Cuzco under Manco Capac, Francisco Pizarro, now Marquis,
+sent several detachments of troops to the assistance of his
+brother Ferdinand at Cuzco, sometimes ten or fifteen only
+together, according as circumstances or convenience occurred, not
+believing the state of affairs to be so hazardous as it was in
+reality[9]. The Peruvians having accurate information of the
+march of these detachments, occupied the difficult passes of the
+mountains with parties of warriors, and succeeded on several
+occasions to defeat these small bodies, most of whom were slain.
+One considerable reinforcement of seventy horsemen, was sent by
+the Marquis from Truxillo and San Miguel under the command of
+Diego Pizarro, who was waylaid by the Peruvians at a difficult
+pass called the mountain of Parios, about fifty leagues from
+Cuzco, where he and his men were all slain. One Gonzalo de Tapia,
+who was brother-in-law to the Marquis, who went with a body of
+eighty horsemen, was likewise defeated and slain; and two other
+captains, named Morgoveio and Gaete, while endeavouring to pass
+the mountains to the relief of Cuzco, were treated in the same
+manner. Of all these different detachments, scarcely one man
+escaped, so that those who followed knew nothing of what happened
+to those who went before them. The enemy always attacked the
+Spaniards while engaged in marching through some deep and narrow
+valley among the mountains, occupying both ends of the valley by
+strong bodies of warriors, and rolling down great stones and
+masses of rock from the steep and high mountains on both sides of
+the valley, destroyed our men and horses in a miserable manner,
+often without fighting. In this way they at different times
+destroyed more than three hundred soldiers, and made themselves
+masters of their arms, besides acquiring considerable and
+valuable plunder in gold and jewels and silk dresses. Not knowing
+the fate of the former detachments, Francisco de Godoy was sent
+with a reinforcement of eighty men; but falling in with two of
+those who had belonged to the detachment under Gaete, who had
+escaped, he learnt from them what had happened, on which he
+immediately endeavoured to retreat from the mountain passes, in
+which he had considerable difficulty, as the Indians had already
+occupied the defiles in his rear. He made good his retreat
+however, followed and harassed by the Indians for more than
+twenty leagues, sometimes attacking him in the rear and at other
+times in the van, and at length got safe to Lima with much
+difficulty. About the same time the captain Diego de Aguero
+arrived at that place with some other Spaniards, who had saved
+themselves from the Indians, who had endeavoured to massacre them
+at their country residences.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] The arrangement of Zarate is extremely faulty and
+confused, as he here recounts circumstances which preceeded the
+return of Almagro to Cuzco. We are here giving a translation of a
+original document; not endeavouring to write a history of the
+Conquest of Peru, and have not therefore authority to alter the
+arrangement of our author.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The marquis sent Pedro de Lerma at the head of eighty cavalry
+to drive away a numerous army of Peruvian warriors who had
+invaded the lower country in pursuit of Aguero. Lerma fought
+against these troops of the Inca a whole day, and at last forced
+them to take refuge in a strong place among steep rocks, where
+the Spaniards surrounded them. In this battle, Lerma lost several
+of his teeth, and several of his men were wounded, but none
+killed. The Indians were so exceedingly crowded together among
+the rocks to which they had retired, that they were unable to use
+their arms, insomuch that the Spaniards might probably have put
+an end to the war on this occasion, if the marquis had not sent
+them an order to retire. On seeing the retreat of their enemies,
+the Indians returned thanks to their gods for their escape from
+so great danger, and took post on a high mountain near the city
+of Lima on the other side of the river, whence they harassed the
+Spaniards by frequent skirmishes and attacks. The commander of
+these Indians was named Tyzogopangui, who had along with him one
+of the brothers of the Inca, whom the marquis had sent along with
+Gaete[10]. While the Peruvians remained in the neighbourhood of
+Lima, skirmishing every day with the Spaniards, it often happened
+that the natives who were in the service of the Spaniards, who
+were called <i>Yanacones</i>, went during the day to their
+friends in the mountains, who gave them provisions, and returned
+at night to their masters.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] Garcilasso names the Peruvian general Titu
+Yupanqui. The remainder of the sentence, respecting the brother
+of the Inca and Gaete, is quite unintelligible. I suspect it has
+been misunderstood by the French translator and ought to stand
+thus: "The commander of these Peruvians was Titu Yupanqui, a
+brother of the Inca, and the same person who had driven Gaete and
+others to take refuge in Lima."--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>As he was in a manner besieged by so large a force of the
+enemy in Lima, the marquis concluded that his brothers and all
+the other Spaniards in Cuzco had certainly been slain, and that
+the insurrection was so general that the inhabitants of Chili had
+likewise destroyed Almagro and his army. In this emergency, both
+that his Spaniards might not expect to save themselves by sea,
+and to convince the Peruvians that he had no intention to leave
+the country, he sent off all his ships to Panama. At the same
+time he sent notice to the Viceroy of New Spain and all the other
+governors in America and the West Indies of the perilous state of
+affairs in Peru, intreating them to send him assistance. In these
+letters, he is said not to have shewn his usual firmness, and it
+is reported that this was occasioned by the earnest solicitations
+of many of those around him. He sent orders at the same time to
+the commandant of Truxillo to abandon that place, and to come to
+his assistance with all the armed men and horses he could
+collect, sending off the women and children and all their
+valuable effects to the province of Tierra firma. But before the
+execution of these orders, the captain Alfonso de Alvarado
+arrived at Truxillo with the troops he had taken along with him
+for the conquest of the province of the Chachapoyas, whence he
+had been recalled by orders from the marquis. Leaving a part of
+his troops for the defence of Truxillo, Alvarado marched with the
+rest to Lima, where the marquis appointed him lieutenant-general
+of his army, in place of Don Pedro de Lerma, who had hitherto
+enjoyed that office. This gave great offence to Lerma, and was
+the occasion of his revolt, as shall be mentioned in the
+sequel.</p>
+
+<p>As the marquis was now reinforced by a considerable number of
+troops, he thought himself in condition to send assistance to
+those parts which were in greatest danger, and detached therefore
+Alfonso Alvarado with three hundred horse and foot, who pillaged
+several districts with very little resistance from the Indians.
+But about four leagues from the city of Pachacamac, he was
+violently attacked by the Indians, whom he defeated with
+considerable slaughter; after which he continued his march
+towards Cuzco. On this march the army of Alvarado suffered great
+hardships in passing across a large extent of desert country,
+five hundred Indians who attended as servants perishing of
+thirst; and it is said that all the Spanish infantry must have
+died of thirst and fatigue, if they had not been relieved by the
+activity of the cavalry in bringing them water from a distance.
+After reaching the province of Jauja, Alvarado was joined by
+Gomez de Tordoya with two hundred horse and foot, who had been
+sent after him. His force being augmented to five hundred men by
+this reinforcement, Alvarado proceeded to the bridge of
+<i>Lumichaca</i>, where he was surrounded by a numerous army of
+hostile Indians. Having defeated these in battle, he continued
+his march to the bridge of Abancay[11], continually harassed by
+the Indians. At that place he learned that Ferdinand and Gonzalo
+Pizarro had been imprisoned by Almagro, who had taken possession
+of Cuzco; on which he resolved to halt where he then was till he
+might receive precise orders from the marquis for his farther
+proceedings.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] Abancay is a town on one of the branches of the
+Apurimac about 60 miles west from Cuzco.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When Almagro was informed of the arrival of Alfonso Alvarado
+at Abancay, he sent Diego Alvarado to wait upon him, attended by
+seven or eight horsemen, with orders to notify his commission as
+governor in these parts. Alfonso, after examining the commission,
+declared that he did not consider himself competent to decide
+upon an affair of such high importance, and that the documents
+ought to be communicated to the marquis. Almagro had come part of
+the way from Cuzco towards the camp of Alvarado, where he waited
+the return of his messenger; and not seeing him at the time he
+expected, he became afraid that Alvarado had detained him and
+might advance to Cuzco by another road. He returned therefore to
+Cuzco in all haste to provide for his defence. Learning the
+discontent of Lerma, on account of having been superseded in the
+command of the army by the marquis, and that he was disposed to
+come over to his side with eighty men, Almagro marched out from
+Cuzco with his troops a fortnight afterwards, and advanced
+towards the army of Alfonso Alvarado. While on the march, the
+advanced guard belonging to Almagro, by means of an ambush, made
+Pedro Alvarez Holguin prisoner, who had been sent out on
+discovery by Alvarado. On learning this circumstance, Alvarado
+meant to have arrested Pedro de Lerma, as he entertained
+suspicions that he was in correspondence with Almagro; but Lerma
+had previously escaped to the enemy, carrying along with him the
+signatures of all those who had joined him in the plot for
+deserting to Almagro.</p>
+
+<p>After the junction of Lerma, Almagro approached during the
+night to the bridge of Abancay with one part of his army, where
+he knew that Gomez de Tordoya and a son of Colonel Vilalva waited
+for him; and he detached at the same time a large body of his
+troops to a ford of the river, where those who had conspired in
+his favour along with Lerma had the guard. By these men the
+troops of Almagro were received as friends, so that they passed
+the river without opposition. Some of these conspirators
+contrived during the night to throw above fifty lances belonging
+to the cavalry of Alvarado into the river. Owing to all these
+circumstances, when Alvarado proposed next morning to have
+attacked the enemy, he found himself abandoned by the
+conspirators; and a considerable number of his own troops, not
+being able to find their arms, did not come up in time for the
+attack. By these means Almagro got an easy and bloodless victory,
+not a single Spaniard being killed on either side, Rodrigo
+Orgognez only losing several of his teeth by a stone thrown from
+a sling[12]. After the capture of Alfonso Alvarado, the
+Almagrians pillaged his camp, and carried all the adherents of
+Pizarro as prisoners to Cuzco, where they were harshly treated.
+In consequence of this victory the partizans of Almagro were so
+much elated, that they used to say the Pizarros might now retire
+from Peru to govern the Mangroves under the equator.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[12] We learn from the History of America, II. 331,
+that this bloodless victory over Alvarado took place on the 12th
+July 1537. Garcilasso calls it the battle of the river Amancay,
+and names Alvarado Alonso.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In consequence of the victories which Alvarado had gained over
+the Indians at Pachacamac and Lumichaca, as already mentioned,
+the Inca and Titu Yupanqui were obliged to retire from before
+Lima, which they had in a manner blockaded. By this circumstance
+the marquis found himself at liberty to act in support of his
+interest at Cuzco; and having received considerable
+reinforcements from various parts, he began his march for Cuzco
+at the head of more than seven hundred men, horse and foot. In
+this expedition, his only purpose was to succour his brothers
+against the Peruvians, as he had not hitherto received
+information of the return of Almagro from Chili, or any of those
+other events which had taken place, as before related. Most of
+the troops by which the marquis was lately joined, were sent by
+Don Alonso de Fuenmayor, archbishop and president of Hispaniola,
+under the command of his brother Don Diego de Fuenmayor. Besides
+these, Gaspar de Espinosa had brought some troops from Panama,
+and Diego de Avala had brought others from Nicaragua. With this
+army the marquis set out from Lima for Cuzco, taking the way of
+the plain, and arrived in the province of Nasca, about
+twenty-five leagues from Lima[13]. At this place he received
+intelligence of the return of Almagro, the death of one of his
+brothers and imprisonment of the other two, the defection of
+Lerma, and the capture of Alvarado. He was sensibly affected by
+this afflicting news; and considering that his troops were only
+prepared for contending against Indians, he thought proper to
+return immediately to Lima to take proper measures under the
+present emergency of his affairs.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[13] Nasca is about 240 miles S.S.E. from Lima, or
+about sixty Spanish leagues.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Soon after his return to Lima, the marquis sent the licentiate
+Espinosa to endeavour to bring about an accommodation with
+Almagro. Espinosa was directed to represent to Almagro, that if
+his majesty were informed of the disputes between them, and the
+evil consequences of these upon the condition of the colony, he
+would assuredly recal both, and send some other person to assume
+the government of Peru, who would reap the rich fruit of their
+joint labours. If Almagro refused to listen to these
+remonstrances, and to enter into a friendly accommodation,
+Espinosa was instructed to request that he would set the brothers
+of Pizarro at liberty, and would remain at Cuzco without
+attempting any farther hostilities, untill they had laid a
+statement of their differences before his majesty, and had
+received his final orders respecting the boundaries between their
+governments. Espinosa was unable to persuade Almagro to agree to
+any accommodation, and soon afterwards died. Leaving Gabriel de
+Roias as his lieutenant in Cuzco, with the charge of Gonzalo
+Pizarro and Alonso de Alvarado, Almagro descended into the plain
+with a considerable force, carrying Ferdinand Pizarro along with
+him. He penetrated into the province of Chancay, which is only
+twenty leagues from Lima, where he even established a colony or
+garrison, in a place which was without any manner of doubt within
+the province of the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>On the return of the marquis to Lima, he made additional
+levies of troops; giving out openly that he was reduced to take
+up arms against Almagro, who had invaded his government. In a few
+days he assembled an army of seven hundred men, among whom was a
+considerable body of musqueteers, which had been brought from
+Flanders with the necessary arms and ammunition by Pedro de
+Vergera, along with the troops of Diego de Fuenmayor. Hitherto
+there had not been a sufficient number of musquets in Peru to
+form entire companies of that species of troops; but on the
+present occasion the marquis was enabled to arm two companies
+with that powerful weapon, one of which was commanded by the
+before named Pedro de Vergera, who had been formerly sent to
+discover the province of Bracamoras. Nugno de Castro was
+appointed captain of the other company of musqueteers. Diego de
+Urbina, nephew of the maestre de campo Juan de Urhina, was made
+captain of the pikemen. Diego de Roias, Peranzures, and Alfonso
+de Mercadillo, were appointed captains of horse: Pedro de
+Valdivia maestre de campo, and Antonio de Vilalva sergeant-major,
+who was son of Colonel Vilalva.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, Alonso de Alvarado and Gonzalo Pizarro, who
+remained prisoners in Cuzco[14], made their escape from prison,
+and joined the marquis with above seventy men whom they had
+persuaded to accompany them, bringing likewise along with them as
+prisoner Gabriel de Roias the lieutenant of Almagro. The arrival
+of these officers gave much satisfaction to the marquis, both on
+account of their escape from danger, and because the
+reinforcement they brought along with them gave great
+encouragement to his troops. He appointed his brother Gonzalo
+lieutenant-general of his army, and Alonso Alvarado maestre de
+campo, or major-general of the cavalry. When Almagro learnt that
+his prisoners had escaped, and the numerous forces which the
+marquis had procured, he became desirous of an accommodation, for
+which purpose he sent Alfonso Enriquez, Diego Nugnez de Mercadura
+the factor, and Juan de Guzman treasurer, to the marquis to
+desire an interview, at which they might regulate every thing
+that was in dispute between them. After several messages and
+proposals, the marquis proposed to refer the whole matter to the
+umpirage of Francisco de Bovadilla, provincial of the order of
+Mercy, to which Almagro consented.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[14] Zarate forgets that only a few lines before, he
+had mentioned that Almagro carried these officers along with his
+army:--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In virtue of the powers given to him by both parties,
+Bovadilla ordained that Ferdinand Pizarro should be set at
+liberty; that Cuzco should be restored to the marquis; that both
+armies should be disbanded, and the different companies sent in
+various directions to discover and conquer the country; and that
+finally the whole dispute about the boundaries of the two
+governments should be referred to the decision of his majesty.
+Bovadilla likewise persuaded Almagro and Pizarro to have an
+interview in the village of Mala[15], mid-way between the two
+armies, at which they might discuss the terms of an entire
+reconcilement, each to be attended by twelve horsemen. They
+accordingly set out for that place from their respective camps;
+but as Gonzalo Pizarro did not give implicit confidence to the
+promise of Almagro, he followed his brother with the whole army,
+which he secretly posted in the neighbourhood of Mala, placing
+Castro with forty musketeers in ambush among some reeds near the
+road by which Almagro had to pass, and directing him, in case
+Almagro was accompanied by a larger force than was agreed on, to
+give notice by a discharge of musketry, that Gonzalo might hasten
+to the defence of the marquis.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[15] Mala, or San Pedro de Mala, is a town and
+sea-port on a river of the same name, about 50 miles south from
+Lima.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Before leaving Chincha on his way to the interview with
+Pizarro, Almagro left orders with his lieutenant-general, Rodrigo
+Orgognez, to keep vigilant guard againt the machinations of the
+enemy, in case the marquis should bring a greater escort than was
+agreed upon, that he might send him prompt assistance; and if any
+treason were practised against him, that Ferdinand Pizarro should
+be considered as an hostage for his safety. On their meeting, the
+marquis and Almagro embraced each other with much apparent
+cordiality; but after a short discourse, in which no part of
+their difference was alluded to, one of the horsemen who
+accompanied the marquis, whispered to Almagro that he was in
+danger, and advised him to retire without delay, as Gonzalo
+Pizarro had placed an ambush to intercept him. Almagro
+immediately called for his horse; and several of the attendants
+on Pizarro, seeing Almagro about to retire, endeavoured to
+persuade the marquis to have him arrested, which could easily
+have been done by means of the musqueteers under De Castro. To
+this the marquis would by no means consent, being resolved to
+keep his promise inviolate, and would not believe that Almagro
+meant to go away without coming to some conclusion on the subject
+of their meeting. Almagro however went away; and as he saw the
+ambush on his way back, he was convinced that treachery was
+intended against him, and made loud complaints of the conduct of
+the marquis after his return to Chincha. Yet, by the intercession
+of Diego de Alvarado, Almagro set Ferdinand Pizarro at liberty,
+on condition that the marquis should provide him with a ship and
+a free port, by which he might send dispatches to Spain and
+receive answers, and that they should continue in peace until
+they received the final determination of the sovereign respecting
+the boundaries of their governments. Rodrigo Orgognez was
+exceedingly averse from this measure of liberating Ferdinand
+Pizarro, who had been harshly treated while a prisoner, and who
+he believed would be eager for revenge if set free, and strongly
+urged Almagro to put him to death. But Almagro would not listen
+to his advice, and sent Ferdinand Pizarro to the marquis,
+accompanied by his own son the younger Almagro and several
+gentlemen. Ferdinand Pizarro was hardly set off on his return,
+when Almagro began to repent that he had set him at liberty; and
+it is believed he would have been remanded to prison if he had
+not made haste on his journey, during which he was met by several
+of his brothers principal officers.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the liberation of his brother Ferdinand, the
+marquis received provisional orders from his majesty, by the
+hands of Pedro Anzures; by which the two governors were commanded
+to retain the countries which each of them had discovered and
+conquered, and in which they had formed establishments at the
+time when this provisional order should be notified to them;
+neither of them making any attempt to disturb the other until his
+majesty should give definitive orders on the subject. Having now
+his brother at liberty, the marquis sent a notification to
+Almagro of this imperial order, requiring him to retire according
+to his majestys orders from the country which he, Pizarro, had
+discovered, and in which he had established colonies. Almagro
+answered, that he was ready to obey the orders of his majesty, in
+keeping possession of the country and establishments he occupied
+when the imperial order was notified, for which reason he
+required the marquis to leave him in the peaceable enjoyment of
+what he how possessed, declaring that on his part he would
+carefully and entirely perform whatever should be finally
+commanded by his majesty. The marquis replied, that the city of
+Cuzco and the adjoining territory had been first discovered,
+colonized, and occupied by him, of which he had been violently
+dispossessed by Almagro, that in conformity with the orders of
+his majesty, therefore, it behoved Almagro to evacuate that city
+and territory, or he would drive him from it by force, as all the
+compacts and conventions which had been entered into between them
+were abrogated by this new regulation of his majesty.</p>
+
+<p>As Almagro refused to accede to these demands, the marquis
+marched against him with his whole force, on which Almagro
+retired towards Cuzco, and fortified himself on a high mountain
+named Guavtara, breaking up all the roads to render the approach
+to his camp as difficult as possible. Ferdinand Pizarro found
+means to ascend the mountain during the night by a secret path,
+and forced the passages with his musqueteers, so that Almagro was
+forced to abandon this position, seeking his safety in flight.
+Being sick at the time, he went with the advanced guard, leaving
+Orgognez to bring up and protect the rear. One night, Orgognez
+learnt by two of Pizarros horsemen who were taken prisoners, that
+the enemy were close up with his rear, on which he hastened the
+retreat as much as possible, although several of his officers
+were anxious for him to turn back upon the pursuers, knowing by
+experience that those who usually inhabited the plain were
+liable, on their first coming into the mountainous region, to
+sickness and vomiting, very much resembling sea-sickness.
+Orgognez refused to listen to this advice, because contrary to
+the orders of Almagro; yet it was believed he might have been
+successful, as the troops belonging to the marquis were in
+reality affected by that ordinary malady, and were besides so
+much distressed by the snow that Pizarro retired back with his
+army into the maritime plain of Peru. Almagro continued his march
+to Cuzco, where he employed himself for two months in raising
+recruits, procuring ammunition, preparing arms of silver and
+copper, founding cannon, and making every preparation to defend
+himself against Pizarro.</p>
+
+<p>After the return of the marquis into the plain, various
+consultations were held as to the best plan of procedure, and it
+was at last determined that Ferdinand Pizarro, now
+lieutenant-general under the marquis, with his brother Gonzalo
+Pizarro as major-general, should march with the army against
+Cuzco[16]. On this occasion, a manifesto was circulated as the
+reason of this measure, that several of the inhabitants of Cuzco
+had made complaints to the marquis against the tyranny of
+Almagro, who had violently seized their goods and houses, and
+dispossessed them of their Indians and every thing that belonged
+to them. The marquis returned to Lima, and his brother Ferdinand
+marched at the head of the army towards Cuzco. Having arrived on
+the mountainous ridge near Cuzco in the evening, all his officers
+urged Ferdinand Pizarro to descend immediately into the plain
+that the army might encamp there for the night; but Ferdinand
+positively rejected this advice, and ordered the army to encamp
+on the mountain. Early next morning, the whole army of Almagro
+was seen drawn up in order of battle on the plain, under the
+supreme command of Orgognez; Francisco de Chaves, Juan Tello, and
+Vasco de Guevara, having the command of the cavalry under his
+orders. On the side of the mountain there was a great body of
+Indians in charge of a small number of Spaniards, intended to be
+employed as circumstances might admit in the expected battle. In
+the meantime, all the friends and partizans of the marquis who
+were in Cuzco were committed prisoners to the citadel, which was
+so extremely crowded on this occasion, and the places
+appropriated for their confinement so small, that several of them
+were stifled.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[16] According to Robertson, II. 334, after an
+unsuccessful attempt to cross the mountains by the direct road
+from Lima to Cuzco, Ferdinand marched southwards in the maritime
+plain to Nasca, whence he penetrated by the defiles of the
+mountains in that quarter.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the following day, after the solemnization of the mass,
+Ferdinand Pizarro marched his army into the plain of Cuzco in
+order of battle, and advanced towards the city, intending to gain
+possession of some high ground which overlooked the citadel.
+Ferdinand and his troops flattered themselves, from their great
+superiority in numbers, that Almagro would not risk a battle, and
+were even anxious to spare the effusion of Christian blood on the
+present occasion, in which the natives of the same country and
+subjects of the same sovereign were preparing to destroy each
+other, instead of uniting in a common cause for the general good
+of all. Orgognez was actuated by a different principle, and had
+occupied the only passage by which the troops of Pizarro could
+approach towards Cuzco, in which he had drawn up his troops and
+artillery with much judgment, under cover of a marsh, across
+which it was necessary for the troops of Pizarro to pass before
+they could attack his position. Immediately on reconnoitring the
+order of the enemy, Ferdinand Pizarro ordered captain Mercadillo
+to advance with his cavalry to a proper place for keeping the
+Indians in check in case they should attempt to attack his army
+while engaged in battle with Orgognez, and whence likewise he
+might be able to give succour where necessary during the
+approaching engagement. Before the Spaniards began to engage, the
+Indians on both sides skirmished with each other. The cavalry of
+Pizarro endeavoured to pass the morass, and being opposed by a
+squadron of Almagro's horse, the musketeers belonging to Pizarro
+advanced in front of their own horse and soon compelled the
+adverse cavalry to give ground. On seeing this successful
+commencement of the battle, Pedro de Valdivia, a maestre de campo
+of the marquis, assured his friends that the victory was their
+own. While the troops of Pizarro were passing the marsh, the
+Almagrians plied their artillery, and by one discharge five men
+belonging to Pizarro were brought down. But Pizarro pressed on
+under cover of a close fire from his musketeers, and passed both
+the marsh and a rivulet beyond, and drew up in good order on the
+firm ground, every one of the captains having been previously
+instructed how to proceed with their divisions before the
+engagement commenced. As Pizarro noticed that the pikemen in the
+army of Orgognez carried their pikes high, he gave orders to his
+musketeers to fire a little high, by which means in two vollies
+they broke above fifty of the enemies pikes[17]. At this time
+Orgognez ordered his army to advance to the charge, and observing
+that several of his divisions hesitated, being held in check by
+the fire of the musqueteers, he moved on himself at the head of
+his main body, directing his attack to that part of the enemy
+where Ferdinand Pizarro was seen at the head of his squadrons.
+Orgognez apparently despairing of the battle, called out while
+advancing, "Follow me who will! I go in the name of God to do my
+duty, and to seek an honourable death!" While Orgognez was
+advancing, Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso Alvarado observed that his
+flank was uncovered, and accordingly made an immediate charge, by
+which above fifty of the Almagrians were overthrown. Orgognez was
+wounded by a musket-ball in the head, which broke through his
+beaver; notwithstanding which he killed two men with his lance,
+and wounded one of Pizarros servants in the mouth whom he mistook
+for the general, as he was finely dressed. For some time the
+engagement was extremely severe and the combatants were mingled
+together; but at length the troops of Pizarro forced the
+Almagrians to take to flight after they had a considerable number
+killed and wounded.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[17] Garcilasso informs us that the musketeers of
+Pizarro used a kind of chain shot on this occasion; their leaden
+bullets being cast in two hemispheres connected together by
+several links of a small iron chain.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Almagro being sick, took no part in the battle, which he
+observed from a height at some distance, and on seeing his troops
+take to flight, exclaimed, "I thought we had come out to fight
+like valiant soldiers, not to run away like cowards." He
+immediately withdrew to the citadel of Cuzco, to which place he
+was pursued by Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso Alvarado, and made
+prisoner. Orgognez was taken prisoner by two of Pizarros
+horsemen, who were leading him away when a third came up who bore
+him a grudge for some injurious treatment, and cut off his head.
+Several others who had surrendered were slain in this manner by
+personal enemies, in spite of every endeavour by Ferdinand
+Pizarro and his officers to protect them. The soldiers of
+Alvarado especially, ashamed and irritated by the defeat they had
+formerly sustained at the bridge of Abancay, were eager for
+revenge, and put many of the Almagrians to death in cold blood.
+Captain Ruy Dias had taken up a prisoner behind him on horseback,
+on purpose to protect him, when one of his own troopers run him
+through with his lance.</p>
+
+<p>When the Indian servants of the two armies saw that the battle
+among the Christians was ended, they too gave over fighting, and
+fell to plundering the dead, whom they stripped of their clothes
+and valuables, even pillaging several who were yet alive, but
+unable to defend themselves because of their wounds; and as the
+conquerors were entirely taken up in pursuing their victory, the
+Indians had it in their power to do as they pleased, so that they
+entirely stripped everyone whom they found on the field of
+battle. The Spaniards, both victors and vanquished, were so worn
+out and fatigued by their exertions in this battle, that they
+might have been easily destroyed by the Indians who were present,
+if they had dared to attack them according to their original
+intention; but they were so busied in plundering the killed and
+wounded, that they neglected the opportunity of avenging
+themselves on their oppressors. This decisive battle was fought
+on the 6th of April 1538, in a plain called <i>Cachipampa</i> or
+the field of salt by the Indians, about a league to the south of
+the citadel of Cuzco, near a salt spring from which the
+inhabitants make great quantities of salt; and as these salt
+works are in the neighbourhood of the field, this engagement has
+been always known by the name of the battle of <i>Salinas</i>, or
+of the salt works[18].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[18] In Zarate the date of this battle is given as
+the 26th of April, in which he is followed by Robertson; but
+Garcilasso carefully notices the mistake, and assures us that it
+was fought on the 6th of the month.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After this decisive victory, Ferdinand Pizarro used every
+means to conciliate the officers of Almagros army who had
+survived the battle, that he might engage them in the party of
+the marquis, and being unsuccessful, he banished several of them
+from Cuzco. Being unable to satisfy the demands of all those who
+had served him on the late occasion, as many of them thought so
+highly of their own merits that the government of Peru would
+hardly have been a sufficient reward in their own estimation,
+Ferdinand Pizarro resolved to separate the army, sending it away
+in various detachments to discover and conquer those parts of the
+country which had not been hitherto explored and reduced. By this
+measure, he at the same time rewarded his friends by giving them
+opportunities to distinguish and enrich themselves, and got rid
+of his enemies by sending them to a distance. On this occasion
+Pedro de Candia was sent with three hundred men, part of whom had
+belonged to Almagro, to conquer the country of Collao, a
+mountainous district which was said to be extremely rich. Not
+being able to make any progress in this country on account of the
+difficulty of the roads, he had to return; besides which his
+troops became mutinous, chiefly at the instigation of one Mesa,
+who had been commissary of artillery under Almagro, and was
+encouraged by the other soldiers of Almagro who served on this
+expedition. On this, Candia arrested Mesa and sent him to
+Ferdinand Pizarro with the evidences of his guilt. This
+circumstance, combined with information of conspiracies in
+several other places, which had for their object to free Almagro
+from prison and to give him possession of Cuzco, satisfied
+Ferdinand Pizarro that the country would never be in quiet while
+Almagro lived.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand accordingly brought Almagro to trial, in which he
+was convicted of giving occasion to all the preceding disorders,
+of which he was the first and chief cause; having begun the war
+by several acts of hostilities; having taken forcible possession
+of the city of Cuzco by his own private authority, where he put
+several persons to death merely for opposing his unlawful
+usurpation; and having marched in hostile array into the province
+of Chincha, which incontestibly belonged to the province assigned
+to the marquis. When sentence of death was pronounced, Almagro
+said every thing he could think of to excite the compassion of
+Ferdinand Pizarro that he might spare his life. He represented
+that the marquis in a great measure owed his present greatness to
+him; as he had advanced the greatest proportion of the original
+funds for the discovery of Peru. He desired Ferdinand to
+recollect, that when he was a prisoner in his hands, he had set
+him at liberty contrary to the representations of his officers,
+who advised that he should be put to death: And that though he,
+Pizarro, might have been ill treated while a prisoner, that had
+been done without his orders or knowledge. He intreated him to
+consider his very advanced age, which would soon bring him to the
+grave, without the disgrace of a public punishment. Ferdinand
+expressed his astonishment that one of such great courage should
+shew so much fear of death, which was now inevitable, and desired
+him to submit to the will of God like a good Christian, and to
+meet death with the courage of a gentleman and a man of honour.
+Almagro replied, that be ought not to be surprised at seeing him
+afraid of death, being a man and a sinner, since even Jesus
+Christ had evinced a fear to die. All this however was of no
+avail, as Ferdinand caused him to be beheaded.</p>
+
+<p>After the execution of Almagro, Ferdinand Pizarro went to
+Collao, where he punished Mesa for having excited mutiny among
+the troops of Candia; after which he sent the three hundred men
+under the command of Peranzures to reduce the country which had
+been assigned to Pedro de Candia. These troops had to march by a
+most difficult and dangerous route among morasses and
+uncultivated places, where they thought to have perished of
+famine. Ferdinand remained in Collao, which he reduced. This is a
+level country containing several gold mines, but so cold that it
+produces no maize, the natives living principally on a root named
+<i>papas</i>, which resembles truffles. This country likewise
+abounds in those Peruvian sheep which have been formerly
+described[19]. About this time the marquis came to Cuzco, to
+which place Ferdinand went to confer with him, leaving his
+brother Gonzalo Pizarro to continue his conquest. Gonzalo
+advanced into the province of the Charcas[20], where he was
+attacked by a great body of Indians and reduced to great straits,
+insomuch that Ferdinand set out from Cuzco to his assistance with
+a body of horse. On this occasion, on purpose to encourage these
+succours to use every possible expedition, the marquis gave out
+that he meant to go in person to relieve his brother Gonzalo, and
+actually went two or three days journey from Cuzco. When
+Ferdinand arrived at Charcas, he found that Gonzalo had already
+extricated himself from his difficulties, having defeated and
+dispersed the enemy. They continued together for some time
+reducing the country, having frequently to fight with the
+Indians, till at last they took their chief prisoner, named
+<i>Tixo</i>[21], on which the natives universally submitted.
+Ferdinand and Gonzalo now returned to Cuzco, where the marquis
+distributed settlements to every one sufficient to maintain them
+in ease and comfort.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[19] Collao in the text is probably Cailloma of
+modern maps, a very elevated valley at the head of one of the
+branches of the Apurimac. The marshy country beyond, to which
+Candia and Peranzures were sent on discovery, is called Musu by
+Garcilasso, and was probably the Pampas or marshy plains of the
+Mojos or Muju, to the east of the Andes, nearly in the latitude
+of Cailloma--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[20] We learn from Garcilasso that in this province
+the city of La Plata was afterwards built, not far distant from
+the famous mines of Potosi and Porco--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[21] Perhaps the Inca Titu Yupanqui is here meant,
+who was named Tizogopangui by Zarate on a former
+occasion.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>About this time likewise various other parties were sent out
+in different directions to discover and reduce the provinces of
+Peru and the neighbouring districts; among the commanders of
+these detachments were the captains Vergara, Porcel, Mercadillo,
+and Guevera. Pedro de Valdivia likewise was sent to Chili, where
+Almagro had formerly been, and Gonzalo Pizarro to Quito, of whose
+adventures we shall speak hereafter. When all these matters were
+arranged, by which the Spaniards were dispersed in various parts,
+and tranquillity was restored to the country, Ferdinand Pizarro
+set out for Spain to give an account to the emperor of all the
+transactions which had taken place in Peru, though many advised
+him not to run the risk of that measure until it was known what
+judgment might be formed at court respecting the death of
+Almagro. Before his departure, Ferdinand strongly advised his
+brother the marquis to put no trust in those who had adhered to
+the service of Almagro in the late troubles, who were usually
+denominated the <i>Chilese</i>, and particularly that he ought to
+keep them at a distance from each other, being well assured that
+if even eight or ten of them were permitted to dwell in one
+neighbourhood, that they would form conspiracies against his
+life.</p>
+
+<p>SECTION IV.</p>
+
+<p><i>Expeditions of Pedro de Valdivia into Chili, and of Gonzalo
+Pizarro to Los Canelos</i>.</p>
+
+<p>On the arrival of Pedro de Valdivia in Chili, he was peaceably
+received by the Indians, who wished to gather in their crops, as
+it was then the season of harvest. When this important business
+was accomplished, the whole country rose upon the Spaniards, who
+were unprepared for this event and somewhat dispersed, and killed
+forty of them before they could draw their forces together. On
+this occasion, when Valdivia was about to take the field to
+chastise the Chilese, part of his troops threatened to mutiny
+against his authority, and he was under the necessity of hanging
+several of the ringleaders, among whom was captain Pedro Sancho
+de Hosz, who was almost equal to himself in the command of this
+expedition. After the suppression of this mutiny, Valdivia took
+the field against the Indians, and during his absence an army of
+the enemy exceeding seven thousand men came to attack the newly
+established city, in which only a small number of Spaniards
+remained for its defence, under the command of the captains
+Francisco de Villagran, and Alfonso de Monroy. These officers
+went boldly out against the Chilese, at the head only of thirty
+horsemen, with whom they fought bravely against the immense
+number of Chilese archers from morning till night, after which
+they retired into the city, extremely fatigued and several of
+them wounded, but none of them slain. As the Chilese suffered a
+great loss in killed and wounded during this engagement, they
+retired during the night.</p>
+
+<p>For eight years afterwards, Valdivia and his troops defended
+themselves bravely against every effort of the Chilese, who
+continued the war incessantly. In all that time, Valdivia obliged
+his soldiers to cultivate a sufficient quantity of land for their
+sustenance, not being able to procure Indians for that purpose,
+yet resolved not to abandon the country which had been commited
+to his government. At the end of that period he returned into
+Peru, at the time when the licentiate Pedro de la Gasca was
+employed in levying an army against Gonzalo Pizarro, as shall be
+related in the sequel[1].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] We shall have a future opportunity of giving a
+better account of the discovery and conquest of Chili than this
+extremely meagre notice by Zarate from Molina, Ovalle and other
+early authors. The nameless city mentioned by Zarate was probably
+St Jago de Chili, which was founded by Valdivia. The commencement
+of the Valdivian expedition was in the year
+1530.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Soon after the overthrow of the Almagrians, it was reported in
+Peru that a very rich country had been discovered to the
+eastwards of Quito, which in particular contained great
+quantities of cinnamon trees, on which account it got the name of
+Los Canelos, or the cinnamon country. The marquis accordingly
+resolved to send his brother Gonzalo Pizarro to discover that
+country; and as it was necessary to march thither by way of
+Quito, where likewise every requisite for the expedition was to
+be procured, the marquis conferred the government of the kingdom
+of Quito on his brother, till his majestys pleasure might be made
+known. Gonzalo Pizarro accordingly set out from Cuzco with a
+considerable force, taking his route for Quito by way of the
+elevated mountain vallies[2]. In this march he was opposed by the
+Indians of the province of Guanuco with so much perseverance and
+bravery, that the marquis was under the necessity of sending him
+a reinforcement under Francisco de Chaves. After having overcome
+this obstacle, he arrived in safety at Quito, where he proceeded
+to make preparations for his expedition to Los Canelos.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] This force, according to Garcilasso, amounted to
+100 horse, and an equal number of foot.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On account of the hostile conduct of the Guanucos towards
+Gonzalo, and because the curacas or caciques of that province, in
+conjunction with those of the Conchucos had made frequent attacks
+on the city and province of Truxillo, in which they killed all
+the Spaniards they could meet with and pillaged the country, not
+even sparing their Indian neighbours, the marquis sent a
+detachment of troops under Gomez de Alvarado to make a conquest
+of Guanuco, with orders to establish a settlement in that country
+to keep the natives under subjection. In their military
+expeditions, the Peruvians of Guanuco carried an idol along with
+them, named Cataquilla, to which they made offerings of all whom
+they massacred or made prisoners, and of the spoil which fell
+into their hands. They persisted for a long time in their
+barbarous hostilities, till at length, Miguel de la Cerna raised
+a considerable force in Truxillo, with which he joined Francisco
+de Chaves. With these forces conjoined, they fought successfully
+against the Indians of Guanuco and reduced them to
+subjection.</p>
+
+<p>When Gonzalo Pizarro had completed the preparations for his
+expedition, he set out from Quito in the year 1540 at the head of
+200 Spaniards well equipped, of whom the half was cavalry[3]. He
+was attended by 4000 friendly Indians[4], and by a flock of 4000
+animals, consisting of swine and Peruvian sheep, to serve as
+provisions, and to carry the baggage and ammunition of the army.
+After passing a place called Inca, the boundary of the conquests
+of Huana Capac towards the north and east, Gonzalo arrived in the
+country of the Quixos, where he was opposed by the natives, but
+they all disappeared one night, without the Spaniards being able
+to make a single prisoner. On the retreat of the Indians, Gonzalo
+and his troops took possession of their deserted habitations in
+which they rested for some days. While here, the country was
+visited by a dreadful earthquake, accompanied by prodigious
+thunder and lightning and an immense fall of rain. The earth
+opened in many places and swallowed up above five hundred houses.
+By the excessive rains, which continued forty or fifty days, a
+river in the neighbourhood of the Spanish quarters became so
+swollen that it was quite impassable, in consequence of which the
+troops suffered much from famine, as they were unable to get
+across the river in search of provisions. On the cessation of the
+tempest, Gonzalo had to cross a prodigious ridge of mountains, on
+the top of which they suffered such extreme cold that many of
+their attendant Indians were frozen to death. And as no
+provisions or shelter could be had in that elevated region, he
+made haste to arrive in the province of Zumaco[5] which is
+situated at the foot of a volcano. As provisions were found here
+in abundance, the army halted in this place for refreshments. In
+the mean time Gonzalo went with a small party of troops to
+endeavour to find out a passage through the forest. He at length
+reached the banks of a river named Coca, whence he sent for the
+remainder of his people to join him from Zumaco. During two
+months that the army remained in this country, it never ceased
+raining day or night, so that they never had a sufficient
+interval in which to dry their clothes.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] According to Garcilasso de la Vega, his force
+consisted of 340 Spaniards, of whom 150 were
+horsemen.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[4] These Indians, according to Garcilasso, were
+laden with arms, provisions, and ammunition, besides large
+quantities of hatchets, ropes, nails, and wooden pins, to use
+upon occasion.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Perhaps the elevated valley of Macas on the river
+Morona which runs into the Tunguragua.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In this province of Zumaco the trees are found which afford
+cinnamon. These trees are very large and have leaves resembling
+the laurel. Their fruit grows in clusters, consisting of a nut
+resembling the acorn of the cork tree, but larger, and containing
+a number of small seeds. The fruit, leaves, bark, and roots have
+all the taste and flavour of cinnamon; but the best consists of
+the shell or nut which contains the seeds. In the whole of that
+country vast numbers of these trees are found wild in the woods,
+growing and producing fruit without care; but the Indians
+cultivate them with much attention in their plantations; and
+these cultivated trees produce a much better cinnamon than those
+trees which grow wild. This cinnamon is in great request among
+the natives, and is exchanged by the inhabitants of Zumaco with
+the neighbouring tribes, receiving in return provisions and other
+things of which they are in want.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving the greater part of his people in the country of
+Zumaco, as has been already said, Gonzalo penetrated into the
+country with much difficulty, accompanied by the most vigorous of
+his men, and guided by the Indians, who frequently gave him false
+accounts of the country in advance, on purpose to get him away
+from their own district. Thus the people of Zumaco informed him
+that the country beyond theirs was well peopled and had abundance
+of provisions; but he found it extremely barren and very thinly
+inhabited. Having penetrated to the province of Coca upon a large
+river of that name, he remained there about six weeks, waiting
+the arrival of the rest of his people from Zumaco, all the while
+treated in a friendly manner by the cacique of the district.</p>
+
+<p>After his troops were all assembled at Coca, Gonzalo marched
+along the course of the river, till at last he arrived at a place
+where it fell over a cataract of above 200 fathoms making a noise
+that could be easily heard at six leagues distance. A few days
+march below that place, the whole waters of the river became
+confined in a rocky channel not exceeding twenty feet wide, while
+the rocks were at least 200 fathoms in height above the water,
+and perfectly perpendicular. After a march of fifty leagues along
+the banks of this river, the Spaniards could find no place where
+they might possibly cross over, except at that narrow rocky
+channel, where a considerable number of Indians opposed their
+passage. Having driven away these Indians by means of their
+firearms, the Spaniards constructed a wooden bridge across
+between the steep rocks, over which they all passed in
+safety.</p>
+
+<p>After crossing the river, the Spaniards penetrated through the
+woods to a country named Guema, which was extremely flat and
+intersected with rivers and marshes, and in which they could get
+no provisions except wild fruits; but after this they came to a
+country tolerably peopled, in which there were some provisions.
+In this place the natives wore cotton vestments, but in the whole
+country through which they had hitherto passed, the few natives
+they had seen were entirely naked, either on account of the
+continual and excessive heat of the climate, or because they had
+no means of procuring clothes: The men had only a kind of girdles
+round their waist, with some strings tied to their prepuce, which
+passed between their thighs and were drawn up to the girdle; and
+the women wore some slight clouts. At this place Gonzalo built a
+bark to serve for crossing the rivers in search of provisions,
+and to transport the baggage and the sick by water. Besides in
+some places the country was so covered with wood, that they were
+unable to clear the way by means of their swords and hatchets,
+and in other places so inundated, that they were often obliged to
+transport the whole party by water. The building of this vessel
+occasioned infinite difficulty and labour, as besides cutting
+down wood for the purpose, they had to construct a forge in which
+to make the necessary iron work, which they made from the shoes
+of their dead horses. On this occasion, Gonzalo not only obliged
+every one to labour without regard to rank, but gave the example
+himself in using both the hatchet and the hammer as occasion
+required. Instead of pitch and tar, the gum which exuded from
+some trees of the forest was collected; and instead of flax and
+hemp, the old clothes of the Indians and the wore-out shirts of
+the Spaniards were employed for caulking the scams. They at
+length succeeded in making their bark capable of swimming, so as
+to transport all their baggage very commodiously; besides which
+they hollowed out several canoes to accompany the bark instead of
+boats.</p>
+
+<p>Gonzalo flattered himself that all his difficulties would be
+surmounted by means of this bark, and that he would now be able
+to pursue his discoveries to any extent he pleased. He continued
+his march therefore, accompanied by the bark which carried the
+baggage, while the main body had to travel along the banks of the
+river, often greatly incommoded in passing marshes, thick woods,
+and close brushwood. In some of these places they had to cut
+their way through canes and reeds with great toil, by means of
+their swords and hatchets; often changing from one side of the
+river to the other in search of an easier road. In this march
+they were always accompanied by the bark; and at night the whole
+party united together, that they might be able to give mutual
+assistance in case of need. After having penetrated above two
+hundred leagues, always following the course of the river, during
+which space they got only wild fruits and roots to support them,
+Gonzalo gave orders to Francisco de Orellana, one of his
+captains, to go forwards in the bark with fifty men in search of
+provisions; with orders to load his bark with these if he found
+any, leaving all the baggage at a place where two great rivers
+joined, according to information received from the Indians; and
+likewise to leave two canoes in a river which crossed the road to
+that place by land, to serve for ferrying over the troops.</p>
+
+<p>Orellana set out accordingly in the bark, and was very soon
+carried by the current to the appointed place where the two
+rivers met; but finding no provisions, and considering the
+immense difficulty of going up the river against a rapid current,
+he resolved to trust himself to the stream to try his fortune in
+that way. He even neglected to leave the two canoes at this place
+according to the orders of Gonzalo; and although several of those
+who were along with him in the bark urged him to remain according
+to the orders of his general, he insisted upon going forwards,
+even maltreating Friar Gaspard de Carvajal, who opposed this act
+of mutiny and desertion more forcibly than any of the rest. In
+his progress down the river, Orellana and his people frequently
+landed in search of provisions, and had often to fight with the
+Indians, who sometimes even attacked him in the bark by means of
+canoes, on which occasion the Spaniards could hardly defend
+themselves they were so crowded. On this last account he built a
+second bark, at a place where the Indians received him in a
+friendly manner and supplied him with provisions. From these
+Indians he was informed of a district a few days journey farther
+on, which was entirely inhabited by women, who made war and
+defended themselves agaist their neighbours[6].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Even Garcilasso, who is sufficiently fond of the
+marvellous and ever ready to adopt absurdities, honestly relates
+of these <i>Amazons</i>, that they were a fierce and wild nation
+of men, whose wives went forth to war along with their husbands;
+and that Orellana invented the tale of a nation of Amazons to
+raise the honour of his atchievement, and to induce the emperor
+to bestow upon him the government of the country he had
+discovered.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Following continually the stream of the river, but without
+finding any gold or silver, or the least indication of these
+metals, Orellana arrived at the mouth of this river on the
+Atlantic Ocean, about 350 leagues from the island of Cubagua.
+This great river is called the Maragnon or Marannon, from a
+person of that name who first discovered its mouth. It takes its
+rise in Peru on the eastern slopes of the Andes of Quito, and its
+entire course measured in a straight line extends to 700 leagues;
+but following all its flexures from the Andes to the ocean, it
+measures at least 1800 leagues. At its mouth it measures 15
+leagues in breadth, and in many parts of its course is three or
+four leagues broad. Orellana went afterwards into Spain[7], where
+he gave an account to his majesty of his discovery, which he
+pretended to have made at his own charges. He alleged that he had
+discovered a very rich country inhabited by a nation of warlike
+females, on which account the country and river came to be called
+<i>of the Amazons</i>. Having procured a commission of governor
+of this new country from his majesty, he levied a force of five
+hundred men for its conquest, with which he embarked from
+Seville: But having a most unprosperous voyage, in which his
+people suffered much from scarcity of provisions, most of his
+followers deserted from him at the Canaries, leaving him almost
+alone. He died during the subsequent part of the voyage, and all
+his remaining companions dispersed themselves among the
+islands.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] According to Garcilasso, he contrived with great
+difficulty and danger to navigate in his rude bark from the mouth
+of the Marannon or Amazons to the island of Trinidada, where he
+purchased a ship for his voyage to Spain.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Gonzalo Pizarro was reduced to prodigious straits in
+consequence of the desertion of Orellana, both by the want of
+provisions and the difficulty of passing the rivers in his
+course; besides which Orellana had carried away with him a great
+quantity of gold, silver, and emeralds, which he converted to his
+own use in making his solicitations at the court of Spain, and in
+fitting out his expedition for the conquest and settlement of
+Amazonia. On his arrival at the place where Orellana had been
+ordered to leave the canoes, for the purpose of facilitating the
+passage of certain rivers which fall into the great Maranon,
+Gonzalo and his people were exceedingly embarrassed, and had to
+make other canoes with much difficulty to enable them to cross
+over, that they might continue their journey. When they came
+afterwards to where the two large rivers joined[8], and where
+Orellana ought to have waited for them, they found a Spaniard who
+had been left at this place by Orellana, because he had opposed
+the continuation of the voyage, and preferred to wait in that
+place for his general[9]. By his account, Orellana had renounced
+his dependence on Gonzalo Pizarro, meaning to proceed to discover
+the river in his own name and authority, and had prevailed on the
+people who accompanied him to elect him of new for their
+captain.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] The river Napo joins the Maranon in lat. 3&deg;
+20' S. and long. 70&deg; W. But we are uncertain whether this
+were the place where Orellana deserted, as there are many
+junctions of large rivers in the course of the vast Maranon. The
+two greatest of its tributary streams are the Negro which joins
+in long. 60&deg; W. from the north, and the Madeira in long.
+58&deg; W. from the south.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[9] Garcilasso preserves the name of that faithful
+Spaniard, Hernando Sanchez de Vargas, a young gentleman of
+Badajoz.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>By the loss of their vessel Gonzalo and his men were deprived
+of every means of procuring provisions from the Indians, as all
+the mirrors, bells, and other baubles for trading with the
+natives of the country had been put on board the bark. In this
+hopeless and discouraging situation, above four hundred leagues
+distant from Quito, they came to the immediate resolution of
+returning to that city; although, from the length and difficulty
+of the way, through forests and marshes, they had very little
+hope of ever getting back, and could hardly expect to escape
+dying of famine in the mountains and deserts over which they had
+to pass. In fact above forty actually died of famine during the
+march. After recommending themselves to the mercy of God, they
+began their march in great dejection; and as the way in which
+they came from Peru was full of difficulties and destitute of
+provisions, they took another road in their return, altogether at
+hazard, which they did not find in any degree better than the
+former[10]. Before reaching Peru, they were under the necessity
+of killing all their remaining horses to keep themselves from
+starving, and even to eat all their dogs. In the course of this
+journey likewise, they were reduced to the necessity of feeding
+on certain strings, or twining plants, a good deal like the
+tendrils of vines, which they found in the woods, and which had
+the taste of garlic. During this march a wild cat or a turkey
+sold for four dollars, and one of the sea-birds named Alcatraz,
+formerly mentioned as being very bad eating, brought a dollar or
+more, although reckoned very unwholesome.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] We learn from Garcilasso that this new road was
+on the north side of the river, Napo probably, and consequently
+that they had kept the south side in their way
+eastwards.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Some short time before Gonzalo got to Peru intelligence of his
+return had reached Quito, on which the inhabitants collected a
+considerable number of swine and Peruvian sheep which they sent
+off to meet him. They sent off at the same time a good many
+horses, and a supply of clothes for Gonzalo and his officers.
+This seasonable supply met them above fifty leagues from Quito,
+and one may easily judge that it was received with much joy,
+especially the provisions. The whole party, from the general to
+the private soldier, was almost entirely naked; as, from the
+almost continual rains to which they had been exposed, and the
+other hardships of their journey, their clothes were all rotten
+and torn to rags, and they were reduced to the necessity of
+covering themselves with the skins of beasts. Their swords were
+all without scabbards, and almost destroyed with rust. Their legs
+and arms were torn and scratched by the brushwood, thorns, and
+brakes, through which they had travelled; and the whole party
+were so pale, lean, and worn out with fatigue and famine, that
+their most intimate acquaintances were hardly able to recognize
+them. Among all their privations, what they felt the most
+unsufferable, was the want of salt, of which they had not been
+able to procure the smallest supply for above two hundred
+leagues.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving in the kingdom of Quito, where every thing they
+stood in need of was brought them, they knelt down and kissed the
+ground as a mark of gratitude and satisfaction, and returned
+thanks to God for their preservation from so many dangers. Such
+was their eagerness for food after so long famine, that it became
+necessary to regulate their supply, and only to allow them to eat
+by little and little at a time, till their stomachs became
+accustomed to digest their food. As there had only been sent from
+Quito a sufficiency of horses and clothes for Gonzalo and his
+officers, they refused to avail themselves of either, not
+choosing to enjoy any advantages which they could not share with
+their soldiers, by which they rendered themselves extremely
+popular and gained their affection greatly. They arrived at Quito
+in the morning, and went immediately to church to hear mass, and
+to give thanks to God for their delivery from so many and severe
+evils; after which every one retired to his quarters, to refresh
+and clothe themselves according to their means. This country of
+Los Canelos, whence the cinnamon is procured, is immediately
+under the equinoctial line, similar in that respect to the
+Molucca islands, whence cinnamon is brought into Spain and other
+parts of Europe[11].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] It is hardly necessary to say that cinnamon
+comes only from Ceylon, not from the Moluccas; and that so
+entirely different was the substance sought for in this
+disastrous expedition from cinnamon, that it is now entirely
+unknown in Europe; unless it be the Canella alba, now only used
+as a light aromatic of small value by druggists.<br>
+ Zarate is generally loose and confused in his accounts, and
+almost entirely neglectful of dates. We learn from the History of
+America that this unfortunate expedition lasted near two years,
+and that two hundred and ten Spaniards and four thousand Indians
+perished during its continuance, only eighty Spaniards returning
+to Quito. Garcilasso says that two thousand of the Indians
+returned along with the Spaniards, and served them during the
+hardships of the journey with the most affectionate fidelity,
+supplying their extreme necessities with herbs, roots, and wild
+fruit, and with toads, snakes, and other reptiles, which the
+Spaniards greedily devoured, or they must have died for want of
+food.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION V.</p>
+
+<p><i>Conspiracy of the Almagrians and Assassination of
+Pizarro</i>.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to Quito in 1541, Gonzalo Pizarro received
+accounts of the most afflicting nature. When, as formerly
+related, Don Diego Almagro was put to death at Cuzco by Ferdinand
+Pizarro, a son whom Almagro had by an Indian woman was sent to
+reside in Lima. This young man, who was named after his father
+Diego Almagro, was of a graceful appearance, handsome, generous,
+and excelling in all the martial exercises, being particularly
+graceful and dexterous in riding the manage horse. His literary
+education likewise had been so carefully attended to, that he was
+considered as more versant in these things than his situation
+required. Juan de Herrada, formerly mentioned, to whose care he
+had been especially confided by his father, undertook the care of
+educating young Almagro in the capacity of his governor, and had
+been particularly watchful and successful in the charge. Their
+house in Lima was the rendezvous of such friends and partizans of
+the late Almagro as remained unemployed in Peru, and had been
+excepted from the division of lands and Indians after the defeat
+of their party, as the adherents of the Pizarros would not, and
+their dependents dared not to have any intercourse with them.</p>
+
+<p>After the voyage of Ferdinand Pizarro to Spain, and the
+setting out of Gonzalo Pizarro upon his disastrous discovery of
+Los Canelos, Herrada and the younger Almagro, being now left at
+entire liberty by the Marquis, who before had held them in a
+species of imprisonment, began to take measures for the execution
+of an enterprize they had long contemplated. For this purpose
+they secretly provided arms and every thing that appeared
+necessary for their project of revenging the death of the elder
+Almagro. Their partizans were farther animated to the
+accomplishment of this design from resentment for the death of
+several of their friends and companions, who had been cut off
+during the late civil war. The marquis had often used his
+endeavours to reconcile Almagro and Herrada to his authority by
+gentle means, and by the offer of his friendship and patronage to
+them and their adherents; but finding all his advances
+ineffectual, he deprived Almagro of the moderate repartition of
+Indians which had been assigned to him, on purpose to prevent him
+from continuing to form a party by the application of his fortune
+to the support of the malcontents. All these precautions were
+ultimately ineffectual, as the Almagrians were so closely united
+among themselves, that all their property was in a great measure
+held common among the members of their party, even every thing
+that the individuals acquired by play or otherwise being thrown
+into a common stock in the hands of Herrada to serve their
+general expence. Their numbers increased daily, by the accession
+of all who were dissatisfied by the administration of the
+marquis, or who thought their merits overlooked in the
+distribution of property and employments. They secretly increased
+their store of arms, and took measures for securing the success
+of their plot.</p>
+
+<p>Their conduct, however secretly pursued, being known among
+many, came at length to the knowledge of some friends of the
+marquis, who endeavoured to put him on his guard against the
+machinations of his enemies. But he, confiding in his honour and
+good faith, judged of others by himself, and refused to listen to
+this advice; saying that it was proper to leave these unfortunate
+men in peace, who were already sufficiently punished by the shame
+of their defeat, the public hatred, and the poverty to which they
+were reduced. So much were the Almagrians encouraged by the
+patient indulgence of the marquis, that their chiefs used even to
+pass him in public without saluting him or giving him any token
+of respect; and one night some of them had the audacity to affix
+three ropes to the gibbet, one of which was stretched towards the
+palace of the marquis, another towards the house of his
+lieutenant, and the third to that of his secretary. Even this
+insolence was forgiven by the marquis, in consideration of their
+misery and the unhappy situation of their affairs. Profiting by
+this indulgence, the Almagrians assembled together almost openly,
+several of their party who were wandering about the country
+without property or employment, coming to Lima from the distance
+even of two hundred leagues. They resolved upon putting the
+marquis to death; yet waited to hear from Spain what judgment
+might be given in the case of Ferdinand Pizarro, who was there
+thrown into prison as accused, of the murder of Don Diego
+Almagro; and to prosecute whom Captain Diego Alvarado had gone
+home and was actively engaged in soliciting his trial and
+punishment. When the conspirators learnt that his majesty had
+appointed the licentiate Vaca de Castro to proceed to Peru, on
+purpose to examine into all the past disorders, but without
+orders to prosecute the death of Almagro with that rigorous
+severity which they wished and expected, they resolved upon the
+execution of their long concerted enterprize. They were anxious,
+however, to learn exactly the intentions of Vaca de Castro, as
+the intended assassination of the marquis was by no means
+universally approved among the Almagrians. Several of the
+gentlemen belonging to the party, although much incensed at the
+death of Almagro, were anxious only for redress by legal means,
+and in a manner that might be conformable with the pleasure and
+service of the sovereign. The chiefs of this conspiracy who were
+now assembled in Lima, were Juan de Saavedra, Alfonso de
+Montemayor, Juan de Gusman controller, Manuel de Espinar
+treasurer, Nugnez de Mercado agent, Christoval Ponce de Leon,
+Juan de Herrada, Pero Lopez de Ayala, and some others. In this
+assemblage, Don Alfonso de Montemayor was deputed to wait upon
+Vaca de Castro; and accordingly set out with letters of credence
+and dispatches to meet Vaca de Castro at the beginning of April
+1541. After his arrival at the place where Vaca de Castro then
+was, and before he proposed to return to his employers, news was
+brought of the assassination of the marquis. On this occasion,
+Montemayor and some others of the Almagrian party, who were not
+concerned in the murder, remained with Vaca de Castro till after
+the defeat of the younger Almagro in the battle of Chupas,
+preferring the service of their sovereign, in whose name and
+authority de Castro acted, to their individual resentments.</p>
+
+<p>So public had the measures of the conspirators become in the
+city of Lima, that several persons gave notice of their
+intentions to the marquis, and advised him to employ a guard for
+the protection of his person: But he always said that the lives
+of others would guard him from violence, and that he was resolved
+to give no cause for suspecting that he used precautions of
+defence against the judge whom his majesty was sending to Peru.
+On one occasion, Juan de Herrada complained to the marquis of a
+report that he meant to put all the friends of Almagro to death.
+The marquis assured him that the report was entirely groundless;
+and when Herrada mentioned that the marquis was collecting a
+great number of lances and other arms, as a confirmation of the
+report that these were intended against the Almagrians, the
+marquis replied in the gentlest terms, that these arms were by no
+means intended to be used against him or his friends. He even
+presented Herrada with several oranges which he pluckt for him,
+which were then esteemed a high delicacy, as they were the first
+that were grown in Peru; and told him privately, that if he were
+in want of anything, he had only to give him notice, and he might
+depend on being provided for. Herrada kissed his hands, and
+thanked him for his kindness, going away delighted with the
+assurance that the marquis seemed to have no suspicion whatever
+of the conspiracy.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at his house, where the principal conspirators
+waited for him, it was determined to kill the marquis on the
+following Sunday, as they had not been able to put their design
+into execution on the festival of St John[1] as they at first
+intended. On the Saturday immediately preceding, one of the
+conspirators revealed the circumstances of the plot in confession
+to the curate of the great church of Lima. The curate went that
+same evening to communicate the intelligence to Antonio Picado,
+secretary to the marquis, who immediately carried the curate to
+Francisco Martinez de Alcantara, the marquises brother[2], where
+the marquis then was at supper together with his children[3]. On
+being informed of the urgent business on which they came, the
+marquis rose from table and retired to another room, where the
+curate informed him of every thing he had learnt respecting the
+conspiracy. The marquis was at first considerably agitated by his
+intelligence: but after a moments reflection, he said that he
+could not credit the story, as Herrada had been with him only a
+few days before, and had conversed with him with much humility;
+for which reason he was convinced that the man who now brought
+this intelligence had some secret end to serve, and had invented
+this story to assume merit. He sent however, for his lieutenant,
+the doctor Juan Velasquez[4] meaning to consult with him; but as
+Velasquez was ill in bed, the marquis went to his house, and told
+him all that he had heard. Velaquez used every argument to
+convince him that the story was false, and that he had nothing to
+fear. Taking up his rod of office, he declared that no one dared
+to revolt so long as he held that badge in his hand, and that the
+marquis might rest in security. He may be said in some measure to
+have kept his word; for when the Almagrians came next day to kill
+the marquis, Velasquez made his escape over a window, and took
+his rod of office in his teeth, that he might use both his hands
+to assist himself in his descent.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] The festival of St John the Evangelist is on the
+5th May but the assasination of the Marquis did not take place
+till the 26th June 1541.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In spite of all these assurances the marquis was somewhat
+alarmed, insomuch that next day, being Sunday the 26th June 1541,
+he determined not to go to church, and had the mass said in his
+own house. After church, the doctor Velasquez and captain
+Francisco de Chaves, who were the principal persons in the
+colony, went along with several other persons to visit the
+marquis. Having paid their visit, they all retired to their
+houses, except Velasquez and de Chaves who remained to dine with
+him. After dinner, between twelve and one o'clock, when all the
+attendants of the marquis had retired to their dinner, and the
+whole city was quiet, Juan de Herrada and ten or twelve of his
+associates all armed sallied forth from the house of Almagro,
+which was not more than three hundred paces from the palace of
+the marquis, between which were part of a street and the whole
+breadth of the great square. On coming out into the street with
+their drawn swords, they exclaimed, "death to the tyrant who hath
+slain the judge sent by the emperor to execute judgment upon
+him." They used these words, and went thus openly, to induce the
+inhabitants to believe that their party was numerous, so that no
+one might take measures to oppose them. Besides this, the
+conspirators believed that there was no time for any one to
+interpose to prevent the execution of their purpose, and that it
+would either be accomplished, or themselves slain in the attempt,
+before any effectual succour would arrive. On their arrival at
+the palace of the marquis, one of the party remained at the gate
+with a bloody sword in his hand, who cried out repeatedly,
+"<i>The tyrant is dead! the tyrant is dead!</i>" This had the
+desired effect, as several of the inhabitants who hastened to the
+palace on the alarm, being convinced that the marquis was already
+slain, retired again to their houses.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time Juan de Herrada and the rest of the
+conspirators rushed up the stair towards the apartment of the
+marquis, who, being alarmed by some of the Indian servants,
+desired de Chaves to shut the doors of the saloon and the hall,
+while he retired to put on his armour. De Chaves was so much
+confused, that instead of fastening the doors he went out to the
+staircase demanding the reason of the noise; on which one of the
+conspirators wounded him. "This, said he, is not the usage of a
+friend," and immediately drew his sword, but was soon overpowered
+and slain. The conspirators immediately rushed into the hall,
+whence ten or twelve Spaniards who were there made their escape
+by the windows: Among these was Velasquez, who, as has been
+already mentioned, took his rod of office in his mouth, that he
+might use his hands the more readily in making his escape by the
+window. The marquis was at this time in his chamber, employed in
+arming himself, attended by his brother de Alcantara, two other
+gentlemen, and two pages. Seeing his enemies so near, the marquis
+was unable to fasten the clasps of his cuirass, but advanced
+courageously with his sword and buckler to defend the entry to
+the chamber, in which he was bravely assisted by those who were
+along with him. He defended himself for a considerable time
+successfully, encouraging his brother and the rest by his voice
+and example. At length the Almagrians slew de Alcantara, on which
+one of the pages took his place beside the marquis. The
+Almagrians, being afraid lest succour might arrive, resolved to
+make a desperate effort, for which purpose one of the best armed
+among them forced in at the door and made room for the rest to
+enter, who now attacked the marquis and his faithful companions
+with such fury that he was soon exhausted with fatigue and hardly
+able to handle his arms. At length the marquis received a mortal
+thrust in his throat, and falling to the ground called out in a
+loud voice for a confessor. Soon losing all power of speech, he
+made the sign of the cross on the floor with his finger, which he
+kissed and expired. Besides his brother, the two pages were
+likewise slain. Of the Almagrians, four were killed, and several
+of the rest wounded.</p>
+
+<p>When the marquises death was made known, above two hundred men
+who waited the event, declared themselves loudly in favour of Don
+Diego, and went about the city arresting and disarming all who
+seemed to favour the party of the marquis. The conspirators went
+out into the street waving their bloody swords, and Herrada made
+Don Diego ride on horseback through the city of Lima, proclaiming
+him as governor of Peru. The palace of the marquis, and the
+houses of Alcantara and Picado the secretary were pillaged,
+Herrada assembled the cabildo of the city, and obliged them to
+acknowledge Don Diego as governor, under pretence that the elder
+Almagro had been appointed by his majesty to the government of
+New Toledo, with succession to his son or to any person he might
+appoint as his successor. The conspirators likewise put to death
+several persons who were particularly attached to the late
+marquis, and gave up their houses to be plundered by their own
+partizans. It was melancholy to behold the misery and desolation
+of the wives and children of those who were thus massacred, and
+whose houses were pillaged of every thing valuable, as they went
+about the streets bewailing their forlorn condition.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] In a former note, it has been mentioned, on the
+authority of Robertson, that Francisco de Alcantara was the uncle
+of Pizarro by his mother; yet Garcilasso calls him his brother,
+and perhaps he was so by a different father.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[3] The language of the French translator is here
+rather equivocal, but distinctly bears the construction here
+given of the marquis being at supper in the house of de
+Alcantara.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[4] By Garcilasso, Velasquez is called the Chief
+Justice.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Some obscure persons[5] carried or dragged the dead body of
+the marquis to the church, where no one dared to give it burial,
+till one Juan Barbaran and his wife, who had been servants to the
+marquis, obtained permission from Don Diego, and buried the
+marquis and his brother as well as they could. They were obliged
+to hurry over the ceremony as quickly as possible, having hardly
+time to clothe the body in the habit of St Jago, of which order
+he was a member, and to put on his spurs according to the usual
+manner of burying the knights of that order; as they were
+informed that some of the Almagrians were hastening to the church
+to cut off the head of the marquis to affix it to the gallows.
+Barbaran himself performed the ceremonies of the funeral, at
+which he was sole mourner, and defrayed all the expences from his
+own funds. He next endeavoured to provide for the security of the
+children of the marquis, who were concealed in different parts of
+the city of Lima, now under the absolute controul of the
+Almagrians.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Garcilasso, quoting Zarate, says that the body
+was dragged to church by some negroes; the French translator says
+<i>quelques miserables</i>.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>In this melancholy catastrophe, we have a forcible example of
+the uncertainty and changeableness of fortune. In a very short
+space of time, a private individual who held no important office,
+had discovered a vast extent of country containing powerful
+kingdoms, of which he made himself master and governor with
+almost uncontrolled authority, bestowing on several persons such
+ample fortunes and extensive revenues as none of the richest and
+most powerful monarchs whom we read of in history had ever given
+away in so short a time. Yet was this man assassinated by only
+twelve men at noonday, in the midst of a city the whole
+inhabitants of which were his creatures, servants, kinsmen,
+friends, and soldiers, who had all eaten of his bread and
+subsisted on his bounty, even his own domestic servants and those
+who were in his house, flying away and abandoning him to his
+fate. He was interred in the most obscure manner, all his
+richness and greatness having disappeared, not enough being left
+to defray the consecrated tapers and other expences of his
+funeral. The unsearchable ways of Providence are surprisingly
+illustrated by these events; and particularly, that after all the
+warnings and just causes of suspicion which had been given him,
+he refused to take any precautions for his safety which he could
+have done so easily.</p>
+
+<p>As the discovery and conquest of Peru, the subject of this
+work, originated from the two captains of whom I have hitherto
+dicoursed, the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro, and the President
+Don Diego de Almagro; it seems proper to attempt giving their
+portraitures, with some account of their manners and
+qualifications, imitating in this the example of Plutarch; who,
+after giving the lives and heroic actions of two great
+commanders, institutes a comparison between them, shewing how far
+they resembled and differed from each other. We have already said
+all that could be learnt respecting their parentage. They were
+both personally brave and daring, patient of labour, of hale and
+robust constitutions, and exceedingly friendly, being always
+ready to do good offices to every one without consideration of
+expence. In their inclinations and manner of life they very much
+resembled each other, as neither of them were married, though
+Almagro attained to seventy-five years of age and the marquis to
+sixty-five. Both loved war; but Almagro, when not thus employed,
+willingly devoted himself to the management of his private
+affairs. They were both advanced in life when they undertook the
+discovery and conquest of Peru, in which they both encountered
+great fatigues, as has been formerly mentioned; but the marquis
+more especially was exposed to great dangers, far beyond those of
+the president, who remained long at Panama providing all
+necessaries for the success of the enterprize, while the marquis
+was actually engaged in the discovery and conquest of the greater
+part of the country. Both had great souls, continually occupied
+in vast designs and splendid enterprizes; yet both were of gentle
+and conciliatory manners, and of easy access to their followers.
+They were both liberal and generous in their gifts; yet the
+president loved to have his liberalities known and published to
+the world; while the marquis carefully concealed his gifts, and
+expressed uneasiness when they were known or blazed abroad; being
+more anxious to serve the necessities of those to whom he made
+them, than to make an ostentatious display of his munificence.
+One example of this is worthy of being mentioned. He learnt that
+one of his soldiers had lost a horse, on which occasion he went
+to a tennis-court belonging to his house, expecting to meet the
+soldier in that place, carrying with him an ingot of gold of ten
+pounds weight, which he meant to present him with. Not finding
+the soldier there, he engaged in a match at tennis without taking
+off his coat, as he did not wish the ingot should be noticed,
+which was concealed below his waistcoat. He remained there above
+three hours, when at length the soldier made his appearance. The
+marquis then took him aside and gave him the gold, saying that he
+would rather have given him thrice as much than have been obliged
+to carry that heavy weight so long.</p>
+
+<p>Many other examples might be given of the secret liberalities
+of the marquis, who gave all his presents with his own hand that
+they might not be known. On this account, Almagro was always
+considered as more liberal, as his gifts were made in an
+ostentatious manner. They may be considered, however, as
+perfectly equal in their liberality and munificence; for, as the
+marquis used to acknowledge that all came from their common
+funds, being partners and associates in every thing derived from
+their joint discovery and conquest, the half of all that was
+given by one belonged to the other, so that he who consented to
+or participated in the present, was equally generous with the
+actual donor. Besides, in proof that they both deserved the
+praise of liberality, they were both during their lives
+prodigiously rich in ready money and vast revenues, beyond any
+person or prince not sovereign who had been known for many ages;
+yet both died so poor that no mention is made of the treasures or
+estates left by them; so that hardly at their deaths was there
+sufficient to defray the expences of their funerals; resembling
+in that respect Cato and Sylla and some other famous Romans, who
+were buried at the public charge.</p>
+
+<p>Both were exceedingly kind to their servants and dependents,
+whom on all occasions they delighted to enrich and advance, and
+to rescue from dangers. In this last particular the marquis
+carried his attentions even to excess, as appears by the
+following instance. In passing a river called the Baranca, one of
+his Indian servants, of the Yanaconas tribe, was carried away by
+the strength of the current, on which the marquis plunged into
+the stream and swam after him, catching him by the hair, and
+saved him at the imminent hazard of his own life, in so rapid a
+current that the bravest and most vigorous man in his army durst
+hardly have made the attempt. When his officers blamed him for
+his rashness in thus exposing his life, he answered that none of
+them knew how to value a faithful servant. The marquis enjoyed
+the authority of governor much longer in tranquillity than
+Almagro; who, though he hardly enjoyed that authority at all, was
+more ambitious, and evinced a more ardent desire of exercising
+command. Both affected simplicity in dress, keeping to the same
+fashion in their old age which they had been accustomed to in
+their youth. In particular, the marquis used ordinarily to wear a
+close coat of black cloth, the wide skirts of which came down
+almost to his ankles, while the body had a very short waist and
+was closely fitted to his shape. His shoes were of white leather,
+with a white or grey hat, and a plain sword and dagger in the old
+fashion. Sometimes on festivals, by the entreaty of his servants,
+he wore a robe of fine fur which had been sent him by the Marquis
+del Valle; but immediately on his return from church he put it
+off, remaining in his shirt or a plain jacket, with a napkin
+hanging from his neck to wipe away sweat, as he usually passed
+most of the day when in peace in playing at bowls or tennis.</p>
+
+<p>Both Pizarro and Almagro were exceedingly patient of labour
+and fatigue, and could submit better than most men to hunger and
+thirst and other privations; but especially the marquis, who was
+so vigorous that few young men were able to compete with him in
+his old days at athletic sports. The marquis in general was more
+addicted to play than Almagro, insomuch that he often spent whole
+days in playing at bowls, with any one that offered, whether
+mariner or miller was all one; and he never allowed any man to
+lift his bowl for him, or to use any ceremony whatever in respect
+to his rank. He was so fond of play, that few affairs were of
+sufficient importance to induce him to give over, especially when
+losing. But when informed of any insurrection among the Indians,
+he would instantly lay every thing aside, immediately bracing on
+his armour and seizing his lance and target, would hasten to the
+place where the mutiny had risen, without waiting for his people,
+who followed him with all expedition.</p>
+
+<p>Both the marquis and the president were so brave and so
+experienced in the manner of making war with the Indians, that
+either of them alone would never hesitate when on horseback and
+armed to charge through a hundred Indians. Both were extremely
+intelligent, sensible, and judicious, and could take their
+measures both in civil and military affairs with great
+promptitude and propriety; yet both were so extremely illiterate
+that neither of them could read or write, or even sign their
+names; which assuredly was a great defect, and exceedingly
+inconvenient in carrying on the important affairs in which they
+were concerned; and although they in every other respect appeared
+like persons of high birth, and deported themselves like noblemen
+with much dignity and propriety, yet their entire ignorance of
+letters was an evident demonstration of the meanness of their
+birth. The marquis placed implicit confidence in his servants and
+friends, insomuch that in all his dispatches and orders relative
+to the government, and in the assignments of lands and Indians,
+he only made two lines with the pen, between which Antonio Picado
+his secretary wrote his name, Francisco Pizarro. As Ovid said of
+Romulus, respecting astronomy, we may say of Pizarro that he was
+more learned in the art of war than in the sciences, and applied
+himself more to know how to atchieve glorious conquests than to
+acquire literature. Both were exceedingly affable and familiar
+with the colonists, making them frequent visits, and they readily
+accepted invitations to dinner from any one; yet both were
+extremely moderate in eating and drinking; and both refrained
+from amorous connection with Spanish women, on the principle that
+to intrigue with the wives or daughters of their countrymen was
+both prejudicial and dishonourable to their neighbours. Almagro
+was the most continent in regard to the Peruvian women, as we
+know of no affairs of his gallantry in that country, his only son
+being born of an Indian woman of Panama. But the marquis had more
+than one attachment in Peru, having lived publickly with a sister
+of Atahualpa, by whom he had a son named Don Gonzalo who died at
+fourteen years of age, and a daughter named Donna Francisca. By
+another Indian woman of Cuzco he had a son named Don
+Francisco[6].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] According to Garcilasso, the marquis had only one
+son and one daughter, Don Francisco being the son of his brother
+Gonzalo. Don Gonzalo, the only son of the marquis, was born of a
+daughter of Atahualpa, not a sister, named Angelina. Donna
+Francisca was the marquises daughter by Ynes Huayllas Nusta, a
+daughter of the Inca Huana Capac, whose Christian name was Donna
+Beatrix.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Both Pizarro and Almagro received high rewards from his
+majesty for their signal services; the former being created a
+marquis, with the authority of governor of New Castille, and the
+order of St Jago. Almagro was rewarded with the government of New
+Toledo, with the title of President or Lord Lieutenant of that
+country. The marquis always evinced the highest respect for his
+majesty, the utmost zeal for his service, and the most perfect
+obedience for his orders; insomuch that he would often refrain
+from doing many things which were evidently within the scope of
+his authority, lest he should appear to overstep the bounds of
+his commission. Frequently, when sitting in the meeting-houses
+where the gold and silver was assessed for the royal fifth, he
+would rise from his chair to pick up the small pieces which
+started from the scissars; observing that if the hands failed on
+such occasions, a loyal subject ought to use his mouth to serve
+the king. As these two great men resembled each other in many
+things during their lives, so in their deaths they were alike
+unfortunate: the president being put to death by the brother of
+the marquis, and the marquis slain by the son of the
+president.</p>
+
+<p>The marquis was exceedingly anxious for the improvement of the
+country, giving every encouragement to the cultivation of the
+soil, and the establishment of colonies of Spaniards in different
+places. He built for himself a fine house or palace in the city
+of Lima, and had two sluices constructed on the river to drive
+mills for its supply; employing much of his leisure in
+superintending the workmen, and instructing the overseers how he
+wished the works to be carried on. He was particularly diligent
+in procuring the erection of a great and handsome church in Lima,
+and monasteries for the Dominicans and the order of Mercy; both
+of whom he endowed with ample estates in lands and Indians.</p>
+
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<h2><a name="chapter2-7" id="chapter2-7">CHAPTER VII.</a></h2>
+
+<p>CONTINUATION OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF PERU, AFTER THE DEATH OF
+FRANCISCO PIZARRO, TO THE DEFEAT OF GONZALO PIZARRO, AND THE
+RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANQUILITY IN THE COUNTRY; WRITTEN BY
+AUGUSTINO ZARATE[1].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] This chapter is merely a continuation of the
+history of the discovery and conquest of Peru, by Zarate: but we
+have thought proper to divide it in this manner, separating the
+transactions which took place during the life of Francisco
+Pizarro, from those which occurred after his
+death.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION I.</p>
+
+<p><i>From the revival of the civil wars in Peru, to the close of
+the administration of Vaca de Castro, the first governor
+appointed from Spain</i>.</p>
+
+<p>After Don Diego had made himself master of the city of Lima,
+he deprived the magistrates of all their insignia of command, but
+which he immediately returned to them, with orders to execute
+their official duties in his name and authority. He then ordered
+the Doctor Velasquez, who had been chief justice or adelantado
+under the marquis, and Antonio Picado who had been his secretary,
+to be taken into custody[2]. In the next place he appointed Juan
+Tello, Francisco de Chaves[3], and one Sotelo to be captains of
+his troops. On the news of this revolution, all the idle
+vagabonds and debauched blackguards of the country hastened to
+enrol themselves under the banners of Don Diego, in hopes of
+participating in the plunder of the partizans of Pizarro, and of
+being enabled to live licentiously without labour. To enable him
+to pay his troops, Don Diego seized the fifth of the precious
+metals belonging to the crown, and took possession of the
+properties of those who had been massacred, and the revenues of
+all the absentees. In a very short time disputes and divisions
+arose among those who had taken part with Don Diego, as the
+leaders of the malcontent party among them were anxious to
+assassinate Juan de Herrada, because every thing was done and
+directed by him, Don Diego having only the name of captain
+general, while he in fact exercised the whole authority. The
+intention of these malcontents being discovered, several of them
+were put to death as seditious people; among whom was Francisco
+de Chaves, who was put to the rack and afterwards hanged as a
+ringleader of this new conspiracy. One Antonio de Orihuela
+likewise, who had only arrived of late from Spain, was beheaded,
+having imprudently asserted that the Almagrians were tyrants and
+usurpers.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] <i>Il les fit prenare</i>, are the words of the
+French translator: <i>prendre</i> may possibly be an error of the
+press on this occasion for <i>pendre</i>; in which case those
+officers of the late marquis were ordered to be <i>hanged</i>;
+and indeed they do not appear in the sequel.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[3] There must have been two persons in Peru of this
+name and surname, as we have already seen <i>one</i> Francisco de
+Chaves killed on the same day with the marquis.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Deputies or messengers were sent to all the cities and
+provinces of Peru, to induce the commandants and magistrates to
+recognize Don Diego as governor, which was done in many places
+out of fear: But Alonso de Alvarado, who was lieutenant governor
+in the province of Chachapoyas, ordered the deputies who were
+sent into his government to be arrested, declaring for his
+majesty in opposition to Don Diego, whom he denounced a rebel. He
+was encouraged in this bold procedure, because he was confident
+of being able to defend himself with a hundred men whom he
+commanded in a strong fortress of his province, which he
+fortified with much care. Don Diego used every effort to gain
+Alvarado to his party, by flattering promises and menaces of
+condign punishment; but he uniformly replied, that he would never
+acknowledge his authority without an express command from his
+majesty to that effect, and that he hoped, by the blessing of God
+and the assistance of the brave men whom he commanded, to revenge
+the death of the marquis, and to punish the Almagrians for their
+injurious and outrageous conduct, and the contempt of the royal
+authority which they had evinced in their whole procedure.
+Garcias de Alvarado was therefore sent with a force of cavalry
+and infantry, having orders to go in the first place to the
+cities of San Miguel and Truxillo, to deprive the inhabitants of
+these two colonies of their arms and horses, and then to march
+with all his troops against Alonso de Alvarado. Garcias went
+accordingly by sea to the port of Jauta, about fifteen leagues
+from Truxillo, where he found Captain Alonso de Cabrera, who had
+fled thither with all the inhabitants of Guanuco to join the
+people of Truxillo against the usurpation of Don Diego. Garcias
+made Cabrera and some other of his companions prisoners; and on
+his arrival at San Miguel he cut off his head, and likewise put
+to death Francisco de Vozmudiana, and Hernando de Villegas.</p>
+
+<p>When the deputies or messengers of Don Diego arrived at Cuzco
+with orders to recognize him as governor general of Peru, Diego
+de Silva and Francisco de Carvajal were the chief magistrates of
+that city. These officers, together with the other magistrates
+and counsellors forming the Cabildo, were unwilling to submit to
+his authority, yet durst not declare themselves openly till they
+had maturely considered whether they were possessed of a
+sufficient force, and had enough of provisions and warlike stores
+to defend themselves in case of being attacked. On purpose
+therefore to gain time, they desired the messengers of Don Diego
+to return to their master, and to desire him to send them other
+deputies with more ample and more regular powers or instructions,
+after which they would recognize his authority. Gomez de Tordoya,
+who was one of the principal members of the royal council of
+Cuzco, happened not to be in the city when the deputies arrived,
+as he had gone out that day to take the diversion of hawking. The
+other members sent therefore a message to inform him of what was
+going on, and to desire his presence and advice. On his return to
+the city, he met the messengers of Don Diego, and having learnt
+the state of affairs, he twisted off the head of an excellent
+falcon which he carried on his fist, saying that fighting must
+now be followed, not the sports of the field. After a secret
+consultation with the rest of the Cabildo on the proper measures
+to be pursued on the present emergency, he left the city the same
+night, and went to the residence of Captain de Castro. They sent
+immediately a message to Pedro Anzurez, the lieutenant of the
+province of Charcas, giving him an account of the state of
+affairs, and he declared himself at once for the party of his
+majesty.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately afterwards Gomez de Tordoya set off in pursuit of
+Pedro Alvarez Holguin, who had lately marched with above a
+hundred men to reduce some revolted Indians: On coming up with
+Holguin, Tordoya immediately told him all that had taken place,
+earnestly intreating him to assist the loyal inhabitants of Cuzco
+in their just and honourable intentions, and to assume the
+command of such troops as might be collected for the defence of
+that city against the usurpation of Don Diego. To induce him to
+comply, Tordoya declared himself ready to become one of his
+soldiers, and to give an example of implicit obedience to his
+commands. Holguin immediately declared for his majesty, and
+agreed to assume the command. He and Tordoya assembled the
+inhabitants of the city of Arequipa, whom they confirmed in their
+loyalty, and immediately set out for Cuzco with all the force
+they could collect. On the arrival of Holguin and Tordoya near
+Cuzco, above fifty men who had declared themselves for Don Diego
+left the city, meaning to join him at Lima; but the royalists
+sent de Castro and Ferdinand Bachicao after them with a party of
+musqueteers, who came up with and attacked them during the night,
+and brought them all back prisoners to Cuzco.</p>
+
+<p>All the magistrates and councillors of Cuzco concurred not
+only in the appointment of Pedro Alvarez Holguin as military
+commandant, but they named him captain general and governor of
+all Peru, coming under an oath of obedience to him in that high
+capacity till the pleasure of his majesty should be made manifest
+on the subject: And in testimony of their zealous loyalty, the
+whole inhabitants of Cuzco came under obligations to replace all
+the sums that Holguin might be under the necessity of taking from
+the effects and revenues belonging to the crown for the payment
+and equipment of his troops, in case his majesty might not
+approve and allow that expence. Besides this, all the inhabitants
+of Cuzco, Charcas, and Arequipa engaged voluntarily to serve in
+the war, and to contribute towards its expences. Immediately on
+his appointment to the supreme power, Holguin made a proclamation
+of war against Don Diego as a rebel, and in a short time
+assembled a force of 150 cavalry, 100 musqueteers and 100
+pikemen. But learning that Don Diego had more than 800 men under
+arms, he did not consider himself powerful enough to wait for him
+in Cuzco, deeming it more prudent to march from thence by way of
+the mountain road, on purpose to join forces with Alonso de
+Alvarado, who had declared for his majesty. Holguin likewise
+expected to be joined upon the march by several of the friends
+and servants of the late marquis, who had concealed themselves
+from the rage of the Almagrians in different parts of the
+mountain region of Peru. In pursuance of this plan, Holguin set
+out on his march from Cuzco, having appointed Gomez de Tordoya
+his maestre de campo or major general, Garcilasso de la Vega[4]
+and Pedro Anzurez, captains of horse, Nunno de Castro and
+Hernando de Bachicao captains of foot, and Martin de Robles as
+ensign to carry the royal standard. On leaving Cuzco, all who
+were unfit for active service in the field were left behind, and
+proper officers were appointed for maintaining the government and
+to distribute justice.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] This officer was father to the historian of the
+same name.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>On receiving notice of all these events which had taken place
+in Cuzco, and that Holguin had marched from thence with his
+troops, Don Diego judged that Holguin would endeavour to form a
+junction with Alonzo de Alvarado who commanded in Chachapoyas,
+and would therefore proceed by the mountain road towards the
+north; he resolved therefore to march in such a direction as
+might enable him to intercept Holguin before his junction with
+Alonzo de Alvarado, but did not think it prudent to attempt this
+before the arrival of the force under Garcias de Alvarado, whom
+he had recalled from the originally concerted expedition against
+Alonzo de Alvarado[5]. While passing through Truxillo, levying
+men and providing arms and horses, Garcias proposed to have
+attacked Alonzo de Alvarado, but was resisted by the inhabitants
+of a town in the province of Chachapoyas named Levanto, and
+receiving his orders of recal from Don Diego he relinquished his
+design, and marched in all haste for Lima. Immediately after the
+return of Garcias, Don Diego began his march against Holguin,
+with a force of 300 horse, 100 musqueteers, and 150 pikemen; but
+before his departure, he banished the children of the late
+marquis and of Gonzalo Pizarro from the country, and executed
+Antonio Picado, having previously put him to the torture to
+endeavour to extort confession from him as to any hidden treasure
+belonging to the marquis.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] It was now the year 1542.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>"As during the civil dissentions in Peru, all intercourse with
+Spain was suspended, the detail of the extraordinary transactions
+there between the marquis and the elder Almagro, already
+recounted, did not soon reach the court[6]. Unfortunately for the
+victorious faction, the first intelligence was brought thither by
+some of Almagro's officers, who left the country on the ruin of
+their cause; and they related what had happened with every
+circumstance unfavourable to Pizarro and his brothers. Their
+ambition, their breach of the most solemn engagements, their
+violence and cruelty, were painted with all the malignity and
+exaggeration of party hatred. Ferdinand Pizarro, who arrived soon
+after, and appeared at court with great splendour, endeavoured to
+efface the impression which their accusations had made, and to
+justify his brother and himself by representing Almagro as the
+aggressor. The emperor and his ministers, though they could not
+pronounce which of the contending factions was most criminal,
+clearly discerned the fatal tendency of their dissentions. It was
+obvious, that while the leaders entrusted with the conduct of two
+infant colonies, employed the arms which should have been turned
+against the common enemy in destroying one another, all attention
+to the public good must cease, and there was reason to dread that
+the Indians might improve the advantage which the disunion of the
+Spaniards presented to them, and extirpate both the victors and
+the vanquished. But the evil was more apparent than the remedy.
+Where the information which had been received was so defective
+and suspicious, and the scene of action so remote, it was almost
+impossible to chalk out the line of conduct that ought to be
+followed; and before any plan that should be approved of in Spain
+could be carried into execution, the situation of the parties,
+and the circumstances of affairs, might alter so entirely as to
+render its effects extremely pernicious."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] As Zarate introduces Vaca de Castro into the
+history of Peru without any previous notice of his appointment,
+it has been deemed proper to give a short account of his
+commission from Robertsons History of America, II. 339, which,
+being too long for a note, is distinguished in the text by
+inverted commas--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>"Nothing therefore remained but to send a person to Peru,
+vested with extensive and discretionary powers; who, after
+viewing deliberately the posture of affairs with his own eyes,
+and inquiring on the spot into the conduct of the different
+leaders, should be authorised to establish the government in that
+form which he deemed most conducive to the interest of the parent
+state and the welfare of the colony. The man selected in 1539 for
+this important charge was Christoval Vaca de Castro, a judge in
+the court of royal audience at Valladolid; and his abilities,
+integrity, and firmness, justified the choice. His instructions,
+though ample, were not such as to fetter him in his operations.
+According to the different aspect of affairs, he had power to
+take upon him different characters. If he found the governor
+still alive, he was only to assume the title of judge, to
+maintain the appearance of acting in concert with him, and to
+guard against giving any just cause of offence to a man who had
+merited so highly of his country. But, if Pizarro were dead, he
+was entrusted with a commission that he might then produce, by
+which he was appointed his successor in the government of Peru.
+This attention to Pizarro, however, seems to have flowed rather
+from dread of his power, than from any approbation of his
+measures; for at the very time that the court seemed so
+solicitous not to irritate him, his brother Ferdinand was
+arrested at Madrid, and confined to a prison where he remained
+above twenty years[7]."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[7] The remainder of the circumstances relative to de
+Castro, here quoted, are to be found in Robertson II. 353.; the
+other events in the history of Peru having been already given
+from Zarate.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>"Vaca de Castro, who left Spain in 1540, was driven by stress
+of weather in 1541, after a long and disastrous voyage, into a
+small harbour in the province of Popayan; and proceeding from
+thence by land, after a journey no less difficult than tedious,
+he reached Quito. In his way he received accounts of Pizarro's
+death, and of the events which followed upon it, as already
+mentioned. He immediately produced his commission appointing him
+governor of Peru, with the same privileges and authority which
+had been enjoyed by Pizarro; and his jurisdiction was
+acknowledged without hesitation by Benalcazar, adelantado or
+lieutenant general for the emperor in Popayan, and by Pedro de
+Puelles, who had the command of the troops left in Quito in the
+absence of Gonzalo Pizarro. Vaca de Castro not only assumed the
+supreme authority, but shewed that he possessed the talents which
+the exercise of it at that juncture required. By his influence
+and address, he soon assembled such a body of troops as not only
+set him above all fear of being exposed to any insult from the
+adverse party, but enabled him to advance from Quito with the
+dignity that became his character. By dispatching persons of
+confidence to the different settlements in Peru, with a formal
+notification of his arrival and of his commission, he
+communicated to his countrymen the royal pleasure with respect to
+the government of the country. By private emissaries, he excited
+such officers as had discovered their disapprobation of Almagro's
+proceedings, to manifest their duty to their sovereign by
+supporting the person honoured with his commission. Those
+measures were productive of great effects. Encouraged by the
+approach of the new governor, or prepared by his machinations,
+the loyal were confirmed in their principles, and avowed them
+with greater boldness; the timid ventured to declare their
+sentiments; the neutral and wavering, finding it necessary to
+choose a side, began to lean to that which now appeared to be the
+safest, as well as the most just[8]."</p>
+
+<blockquote>[8] We now return to the narrative of
+Zarate.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Don Diego had hardly got two leagues from Lima, in 1542, when
+secret orders arrived there from Vaca de Castro, addressed to F.
+Thomas de San Martin, provincial of the Dominicans, and Francisco
+de Barrionuevo, to whom he committed the direction of public
+affairs till his own arrival. By these persons, the cabildo of
+the city was secretly assembled in the Dominican convent, to whom
+these orders were communicated, and who immediately recognized
+Vaca de Castro as governor, and Geronimo de Aliaga, his principal
+secretary, as adelantado or lieutenant governor of Peru.
+Immediately upon this formal act of recognition, the members of
+the cabildo and several of the principal citizens fled to
+Truxillo, fearing the resentment of the Almagrians. Although all
+this had passed in secret, it was communicated on the same night
+to Don Diego, who was disposed in consequence to have returned
+with the intention of giving up the city to plunder; but he was
+afraid lest by delay Holguin might escape into the north of Peru,
+and lest by returning, the arrival of the new governor might come
+to the knowledge of his troops. He determined therefore to
+continue his march against Holguin with all expedition. In spite
+of all his precautions, intelligence of the arrival of the new
+governor reached his camp, on which several persons abandoned him
+secretly, particularly the provincial of the Dominicans, Diego de
+Aguero, Juan de Saavedra, Yllen Suarez de Carvajal the
+commissary, and Gomez de Alvarado.</p>
+
+<p>Although every consideration prompted Don Diego to use the
+utmost diligence in the present posture of affairs, he was under
+the absolute necessity of marching slowly, as Juan de Herrada his
+great friend and adviser fell sick of a mortal distemper. Owing
+to this delay, Holguin was enabled to get beyond the valley of
+Jauja in his march towards the province of Chachapoyas. Yet Don
+Diego followed after him with so much diligence that he very
+nearly got up with him. In this emergency, as Holguin was by no
+means in sufficient force to venture a battle with Don Diego, he
+put the following stratagem in practice to enable him to escape,
+which effectually succeeded. During the night he detached twenty
+horsemen to make an attack on the advanced guard of the enemy,
+with orders to take some prisoners if possible, and then to
+retire. They executed their orders successfully and made three
+prisoners, two of whom Holguin ordered to be immediately hanged,
+and offered life and liberty with a considerable reward in money
+to the third, if he would carry information to certain persons in
+the army of Don Diego, who he pretended were disposed to join
+him, that he intended to attack the right wing of the camp in the
+ensuing night, that they might be ready to assist him. He even
+administered an oath to this soldier that he would religiously
+keep the secret from every one but those to whom he was directed
+to carry the message. Being a young man and desirous of procuring
+the promised large reward, he readily undertook the commission,
+and returned to the camp of Don Diego. When Don Diego understood
+that this man had come back, and that his two companions were
+hanged by Holguin, he suspected that mercy had been shewn him on
+some private conditions; for which reason he ordered the soldier
+to be put to the torture, who immediately avowed all that had
+been confided to him. By this means, Don Diego was led to believe
+that Holguin actually intended to surprise him by night, and took
+effectual measures to receive him, placing the greatest part of
+his troops under arms all night on that side which the soldier
+mentioned as the part where Holguin was to attack. The intentions
+of Holguin were diametrically opposite to this story which he had
+put in the mouth of the soldier, meaning only to gain time for a
+secure retreat; so that immediately after dispatching the
+soldier, he decamped in the middle of the night, marching with
+all possible celerity to get his army into a place of safety,
+while Don Diego uselessly kept his army under arms in expectation
+of being attacked.</p>
+
+<p>When Don Diego discovered the trick which had been imposed on
+him, he resumed the pursuit of Holguin with as much celerity as
+he could: But Holguin had sent a quick messenger to Alonso de
+Alvarado, requesting him to hasten to his assistance, which
+Alvarado did without delay with all his own troops and several of
+the inhabitants of Truxillo. On the junction of these officers a
+few davs afterwards, Don Diego discontinued the pursuit, and
+returned towards Cuzco. Holguin and Alvarado sent off immediately
+to inform Vaca de Castro by letter of all the preceding events,
+and counselled him to advance without delay to join them, as they
+were in sufficient force to make him master of the country when
+strengthened by his authority. At this time Juan de Herrada
+expired at Jauja, and Don Diego detached a part of his army to
+the low country of Peru to collect those of his party who were at
+Arequipa and other places. His officers plundered the city of
+Arequipa, and dug up every where about the monastery of the
+Dominicans in search of treasure, as they were informed that the
+inhabitants of that city had concealed their valuable effects in
+that convent.</p>
+
+<p>Vaca de Castro had reached Peru with much difficulty and
+fatigue. The voyage from Panama was exceedingly tedious and
+tempestuous, and the vessel in which he sailed lost all its
+anchors. Having at last reached the harbour of Buenaventura at
+the bottom of the bay of Choco on the coast of Raposo, he went
+from thence by land to the frontiers of the government of
+Benalcazar, who commanded in Popayan, and thence to Peru. He
+suffered much hardship and fatigue in that journey, both from the
+length and difficulty of the way and the scarcity of provisions,
+so that he fell sick as being quite unused to such fatigues. Yet
+as the death of the marquis and the subsequent events were
+already known in Popayan, de Castro continued his journey with as
+little delay as possible, that he might endeavour by his presence
+to remedy the disorders of the country. Although Vaca de Castro
+had been sent to Peru ostensibly to investigate into and take
+cognizance of the death of Almagro, and of the subsequent
+transactions, without any order to deprive the marquis of the
+government, or even to suspend his authority; yet he had been
+furnished with a secret commission, by which he was authorized to
+assume the government, in case the marquis should die during his
+voyage, or after his arrival, and to exercise all the functions
+of that high office, till the emperor might give orders to the
+contrary. By the authority of this commission, he was received in
+the camp of Holguin and Alvarado as governor. He was accompanied
+thither by several persons who had joined him on his first
+arrival in Peru, particularly by Captain Lorenzo de Aldana, who
+had been lieutenant governor of Quito under the marquis. He sent
+before him Captain Pedro de Puelles, to make preparations for
+carrying on the war. He sent likewise Gomez de Royas to Cuzco,
+with orders to the magistrates and inhabitants of that city to
+receive him as lieutenant. Royas used so much diligence and
+address that he arrived at Cuzco and was received and
+acknowledged in the command of that place before Don Diego could
+reach it with his army.</p>
+
+<p>When Vaca de Castro passed through the province of Bracamoras
+on his way from Quito to Truxillo, Captain Pedro de Vergara, who
+was then occupied in reducing that province, and had even
+fortified himself in a strong post on purpose to defend himself
+against Don Diego, joined him with all his men. At Truxillo the
+new governor was joined by Gomez de Tordoya, who had quitted the
+camp in consequence of a dispute with Holguin. He was joined
+likewise at Truxillo by Garcilasso de la Vega and some other
+gentlemen. By all these means, when Vaca de Castro left Truxillo
+to repair to the camp of Holguin and Alvarado, he had already
+collected a well armed force of more than two hundred men, all
+ready to obey his orders. Immediately on his arrival at the camp,
+Holguin and Alvarado received him with every demonstration of
+joy, giving up to him their standards and all other marks of
+authority; all of which he restored, except the royal standard,
+which he retained for himself. Having appointed Holguin to the
+command of the army, as maestre de campo general, he ordered him
+to march forwards to Jauja, and to wait there till he himself
+might return from Lima, where he proposed going that he might
+establish its government in proper order, and on purpose to
+collect men, arms and ammunition. He gave orders to Holguin, that
+Captain Diego de Royas should always precede the army about
+twenty leagues, with a detachment of thirty horsemen, to gain
+intelligence of the motions of the enemy. At the same time he
+sent back Diego de Mora to Truxillo, to take the command in that
+city. De Castro thus took every proper precaution for the
+successful issue of his expedition, with as much prudent
+foresight as if he had been all his life enured to warlike
+affairs.</p>
+
+<p>When Don Diego found that Holguin had escaped from his
+pursuit, as formerly related, he went to Cuzco with his army,
+where Christoval de Sotelo, whom he had detached there before
+him, had already taken possession of the city, and had displaced
+the magistrates who had been established there under the
+authority of the new governor. Immediately on the arrival of Don
+Diego at Cuzco, he made every exertion to provide artillery and
+gunpowder for the farther prosecution of the war. Both of these
+warlike articles are easily made in Peru. As to artillery, there
+is abundance of metal for that purpose, and there were also
+several persons in Cuzco who were perfectly well acquainted with
+the manner of founding cannon: These were <i>Levantines</i> or
+Greeks, several of whom had come to Peru out of respect for Pedro
+de Candia, who was master of the ordnance to Don Diego. Powder
+was likewise easily made in great abundance, as saltpetre is to
+be had in every part of that country of excellent quality. At the
+same time he had defensive armour made for those of his people
+who were in want, forming corslets and helmets of silver mixed
+with copper, which answered amazingly well, and, were made by the
+native artists, who fabricated every kind of arms in imitation
+of, and as good as those of Milan. By these means, and by
+collecting all the arms throughout the whole country, every one
+of his men was at least provided with a coat of mail, a cuirass
+or corselet, and a helmet[9]. In this manner Don Diego was
+enabled to equip two hundred musqueteers, and to establish
+several companies of men at arms, as hitherto in Peru, hardly any
+thing had been seen of that kind, the cavalry being all light
+horse except a very few.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[9] Garcilasso says, that on this occasion, the Inca
+Manca Capac, who had retired to the mountains, in remembrance of
+the friendship which had subsisted between him and the elder
+Almagro, provided Don Diego with large quantities of armour,
+swords and saddles, which had been formerly taken from the
+Spaniards, sufficient to arm two hundred men.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While these preparations were going on, an unfortunate quarrel
+arose between the captains Garcias de Alvarado and Christoval de
+Sotelo, in which they drew their swords and Sotelo was slain. As
+both of these captains were principal leaders in the Almagrian
+party, and had many friends and partizans in the army, this
+unfortunate affair occasioned much strife, and had nearly
+occasioned a battle between the friends of the two combatants;
+but Don Diego appeased them with some difficulty, and by using a
+great deal of address. But as Garcias de Alvarado plainly
+perceived that Don Diego took the death of Sotelo much to heart,
+whom he dearly loved, and feared lest he might take measures
+afterwards of revenge, he endeavoured to take precautions in the
+meantime for his own safety, and for this purpose proposed to
+have assassinated Don Diego. With this view he one day invited
+Don Diego to dinner, intending to have put him to death during
+the entertainment. Don Diego accepted the invitation, but when
+the appointed day came, having some suspicion of what was
+intended, he sent an excuse for his absence, on pretence of being
+indisposed. As Garcias had provided every thing for the execution
+of his design, he went with several of his friends to endeavour
+to prevail on Don Diego to come to the entertainment. While on
+his way, he met a soldier named Martin Carillo who advised him to
+stay away from the house of Don Diego, who he was fully persuaded
+intended to put him to death. He continued his purpose however,
+and received a similar advice from another soldier a little
+farther on. Yet he persisted in going to the house of Don Diego,
+and even went up to his chamber, where he found him on a day-bed
+under pretence of being unwell. This visit seemed to be expected,
+as Don Diego had several armed men concealed in a neighbouring
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Garcias de Alvarado and his followers went into the chamber of
+Don Diego, to whom Alvarado said; "I hope, my lord, that your
+indisposition is of little importance. You must rise and shake it
+off, and you will be the better of some exercise and amusement.
+Come along with us, and though you eat little, your presence will
+give pleasure to the company who expect you." Don Diego agreed to
+go, and called for his cloak, being already armed with his sword
+and dagger. While the company in the room made way by going out,
+and Garcias de Alvarado went immediately before Don Diego, Pedro
+de Onnate and several others who were instructed, shut the door,
+and seizing on Garcias told him he was their prisoner. Don Diego
+drew his sword, with which he wounded Garcias, saying that he
+must be slain, not taken prisoner; and immediately Juan Balsa,
+Alfonso de Saavedra, Diego Mendez the brother of Rodrigo
+Orgognez, and several others who were concealed in the next room,
+rushed out and put Alvarado to death with many wounds.</p>
+
+<p>On the news of this event spreading through the city, it
+occasioned much dissatisfaction and some appearances of an
+insurrection which might have had very fatal consequences; but
+Don Diego went immediately out into the great square, where he
+succeeded in appeasing the people, and the friends of Alvarado
+were forced to be quiet. Immediately after this, on purpose to
+give employment to his troops, and because he heard that Vaca de
+Castro had joined Holguin and Alonso Alvarado, he marched out
+from Cuzco, meaning to seek out and give battle to the royalists.
+His army on this occasion was the most numerous and best
+appointed that had hitherto been seen in Peru, consisting of 250
+horse, 200 musqueteers, and 250 pikemen, many of these being
+armed with halberts, and all remarkably well provided with
+defensive armour, especially all his cavalry, who, besides coats
+of mail, had back and breast-pieces of iron. Besides these, he
+had a great train of artillery, and was accompanied by Paul, the
+brother of the Inca who had been raised to the Peruvian throne by
+the elder Almagro. The assistance of this chief was of great
+importance to Don Diego on the present occasion, as his Indians
+always went a considerable way before the army, and obliged the
+natives of all the districts through which they passed to supply
+provisions for the troops, and to furnish people for carrying the
+baggage and other necessary services. In this manner Don Diego
+proceeded for about fifty leagues to the province of Vilcas,
+where he learnt that the royal army was only thirty leagues
+distant from him.</p>
+
+<p>While Vaca de Castro was in Lima, he procured a number of
+musquets to be made by the workmen of that city, and made every
+other preparation in his power to strengthen his army. Among
+other things, as Don Diego had carried off the whole royal
+treasure, he borrowed a large sum from the inhabitants of Lima,
+for the pay of his troops and other expences of the war; and all
+things being regulated, he set out to join the army with as many
+men as he could collect, leaving Francisco de Barrionuevo as his
+lieutenant in Lima, and Juan Perez de Guevara as commandant of
+his marine. He directed his march for Jauja, leaving orders with
+the inhabitants of Lima to retire on board the ships, in case Don
+Diego, as he threatened, should make an attack upon the city. On
+his arrival at Jauja, where Holguin and the army waited for him,
+he found that the general had provided good store of arms both
+offensive and defensive, and particularly a large supply of
+gunpowder which had been made at that place. The governor
+incorporated the horsemen whom he brought along with him from
+Lima among the troops or companies of cavalry already in the
+army, which were commanded by the Captains Pedro Alvarez Holguin,
+Pedro Anzurez, and Garcilasso de la Vega, and formed an
+additional troop of horse of which he gave the command to Gomez
+de Alvarado. Those foot soldiers which he brought with him were
+distributed into the companies of Pedro de Vergara and Nunno de
+Castro, and he formed a new company of musqueteers, of which he
+appointed the bachelor Juan Velez de Guevara captain. Although a
+man of letters and educated in the study of the law, Guevara was
+an excellent soldier, and particularly attentive to discipline,
+and had even greatly assisted in the construction of the musquets
+with which his company was armed. Being likewise very learned in
+the law, he executed a judicial charge at the same time with his
+military command, both on the present occasion under Vaca de
+Castro, and during the subsequent troubles produced by Gonzalo
+Pizarro, as will be afterwards related. Every day till noon, he
+held his judicial sittings and dispatched such affairs of that
+kind as occurred, in the ordinary sober dress of a lawyer. After
+that, he dressed in richly embroidered uniforms, with a buff
+jerkin, a feather in his hat, and his musquet on his shoulder,
+exercising his company with much attention, and practised himself
+in firing.</p>
+
+<p>Having drawn together a well armed force of seven hundred men,
+370 of whom were cavalry, 170 musqueteers, and 160 armed with
+pikes, Vaca de Castro appointed captain Francisco de Carvajal
+serjeant major[10] of his army; the same person who was
+afterwards maestre de campo general under Gonzalo Pizarro.
+Carvajal was an officer of great experience, having served above
+forty years in the army, and was bred in the wars of Italy under
+<i>the great captain</i>, having risen in that service from the
+ranks to a lieutenancy. By him all the movements of the army were
+directed.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[10] The rank of serjeant major in the Spanish
+service appears to answer to our adjutant, as applied to a
+battalion: On the present occasion Carvajal may be considered as
+adjutant general under Vaca de Castro. Maestre de Campo seems
+equivalent to Major-General.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>About this time a message was received by Vaca de Castro from
+Gonzalo Pizarro, who had just returned to Quito from his
+disastrous expedition to Los Canelos, formerly related. Gonzalo
+made offer to the governor to march to his assistance with all
+the troops he could raise; but de Castro, in answer, after
+thanking him for his good will, desired him to remain at Quito
+and on no account to come to the army, as he had hope of bringing
+Don Diego to terms of accommodation, being only desirous of
+restoring the country to peace. In this procedure, the governor
+meant in some measure to mortify the pride of Gonzalo Pizarro;
+and besides, he feared lest his natural desire of taking revenge
+for the murder of his brother might prove an invincible obstacle
+against Don Diego agreeing to any accommodation, who would never
+venture to submit to any one who was accompanied by Gonzalo
+Pizarro, whose friends in the royal army were very numerous. Some
+persons allege that Vaca de Castro was afraid of permitting
+Gonzalo to join the army, lest they might elect him as their
+general, as he was greatly beloved by the soldiers. At this time
+likewise, Vaca de Castro sent orders to those persons who had the
+charge of the children of the late marquis in San Miguel and
+Truxillo, to remain with them there till farther orders, and on
+no account to carry them to Lima; alleging, as a specious
+pretext, that they were safer there than at Lima.</p>
+
+<p>All his military preparations being completed, Vaca de Castro
+left Jauja with his army in excellent order, taking the route for
+Guamanga, as he was informed that Don Diego was in full march to
+take possession of that city, or to take post at a very important
+passage of a river in that neighbourhood, which would give great
+advantage in the future operations of the war to either party
+which might obtain possession of that post, as Guamanga was
+surrounded by precipitous rocks and deep vallies, serving as
+natural fortifications of extremely difficult access. Captain
+Diego de Royas, who has been formerly mentioned as commanding the
+advanced guard of the royal army, had already occupied the city
+of Guamanga; and on receiving intelligence of the rapid march of
+Don Diego to that place, had fortified himself there as strongly
+as possible, that he might be able to defend it till the arrival
+of the army under Vaca de Castro. The governor, therefore,
+marched with as much celerity as possible, sending on Captain de
+Castro with his company of musqueteers to take post on a craggy
+hill of difficult ascent near Guamanga, called <i>Farcu</i> by
+the Peruvians and Parcos by the Spaniards. Vaca de Castro, on his
+arrival one evening within two leagues of Guamanga, received
+information that Don Diego was already in possession of that
+city, which disappointed him greatly, more especially as the
+whole of his own troops were not yet come up. Alonso de Alvarado
+was sent back therefore, to expedite their march, and to bring
+them on in good order, as the enemy was so near. Some of the
+rear-guard of the army marched that day above five long leagues,
+which was a most fatiguing exertion, as the road was full of
+rocks and steep passes, and they were under the necessity of
+carrying their arms and accoutrements. Having passed the city,
+the whole army stood to their arms all night, not having any
+accurate intelligence of the enemy, who was believed to be nigh.
+Next day, however, learning by their scouts, who had been above
+six leagues in advance, that the enemy was still at a
+considerable distance, the royalists encamped to take some
+rest.</p>
+
+<p>Receiving more certain information of the situation of the
+enemy, who were still at the distance of nine leagues from his
+camp, Vaca de Castro sent a letter to Don Diego by Francisco
+Ydiaquez, commanding him in his majesty's name to dismiss his
+army, and to repair to the royal standard, on doing which he
+should be pardoned for all that was past: But, if he refused, he
+might expect to be proceeded against with the utmost severity, as
+a rebel against the king. The governor sent likewise a private
+soldier who was well acquainted with the country, diguised as an
+Indian, carrying letters for several gentlemen in the rebel army,
+offering them an amnesty and large rewards if they would abandon
+Don Diego. Though this man took every precaution to prevent
+discovery, his track was noticed in some places in the snow, and
+he was followed and carried prisoner to Don Diego, who ordered
+him to be hanged. Don Diego complained loudly of Vaca de Castro
+for sending spies to corrupt his followers while making offers of
+accommodation; and drawing out his army in complete order before
+the governors messengers, he ordered all his officers to prepare
+for battle, promising that whoever killed any of the hostile
+inhabitants of the country, should be rewarded with the wife,
+lands, Indians, and wealth of the slain. He then gave an answer
+to the governors message, that he would never acknowledge or obey
+him so long as he was associated with his enemies, Pedro Alvarez
+Holguin, Alonso de Alvarado, Gomez de Tordoya, Juan de Saavedra,
+Garcilasso de la Vega, Yllen Suarez de Carvajal, Gomez de
+Alvarado, and others of that party. That he would never disband
+his army, unless he received a formal amnesty under the royal
+sign manual; as he could not give faith to one signed by the
+Cardinal de Loaysa. That de Castro was much mistaken in supposing
+any of his army would abandon him, and might therefore prepare
+for battle, as he was determined to defend the country to his
+last breath.</p>
+
+<p>On receiving this resolute answer, Vaca de Castro marched his
+army to a small distance from Guamanga, where the ground was too
+rough and uneven for his cavalry, and took up a position in a
+smooth plain named <i>Chupaz</i>, where he remained three days,
+during all which time it never ceased raining, as it was then the
+middle of winter, yet the troops were forced to be always under
+arms and ready for action, as the enemy was very near. He had
+resolved to give battle, us the enemy obstinately refused all
+accommodation; yet finding that several persons in his army
+seemed to hesitate on account of the disapprobation which his
+majesty had evinced respecting the former battle of
+<i>Salinas</i>, on which account Ferdinand Pizarro was detained
+in prison, he judged it proper to take some formal judicial
+steps, both for his own justification, and to satisfy the
+scruples of his troops. He pronounced therefore a formal sentence
+against Don Diego, whom he declared a traitor and rebel,
+condemning him and all his adherents to death and the
+confiscation of all their goods. After signing this judicial
+sentence in the presence of the whole army, he commanded the
+officers to give him asistance for carrying it into
+execution.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, being Saturday, the scouts brought intelligence
+after mass that the enemy, who had encamped for the night at two
+short leagues distance, was very near, and in full march towards
+the left of the royalist camp, advancing by some low hills to
+avoid a marsh which covered the front of the royalists. Don Diego
+wished to gain possession of Guamanga before giving battle, and
+entertained no doubt of being victorious, trusting to his great
+superiority in artillery over the royalist army. When the two
+armies were so near that the advanced guards were within musket
+shot, the governor detached Captain Castro with fifty musqueteers
+to skirmish with the enemy, while the rest of his troops marched
+up the slope of a hill on purpose to intercept the march of the
+rebels. This movement was liable to considerable danger, as Don
+Diego might have done the royalists much damage by means of his
+artillery if he had taken advantage of the nature of the ground
+in proper time; for during this conversion, the royalist infantry
+were often obliged to halt to recover their order, which was much
+deranged by the difficulty of the ground. When Carvajal the
+serjeant-major observed this circumstance, he ordered all the
+troops to gain the height as quickly as possible without
+preserving any precise order of march, and to form again when
+they were arrived at the summit. They accordingly got all up,
+while Captain Castro and his musqueteers were skirmishing with
+the troops of Don Diego; who likewise continued his march, and
+drew up in order of battle.</p>
+
+<p>After the royal army had been marshalled in good order by the
+serjeant-major, the governor made them a speech, in which he
+exhorted them to recollect that they were loyal Spaniards who
+were fighting in the just cause of their sovereign. He told them
+that the fate of Peru was now in their hands and depended on
+their courage. If defeated he and they could only expect to be
+put to death; but if victorious, besides the important service to
+the king, which they were bound as good and loyal subjects to
+perform, they would thereby secure the possession of their
+estates and effects, and to such as had none he would provide
+amply in the name and by the authority of his majesty, who only
+desired to preserve the sovereignty of Peru, that he might divide
+it among those who served him faithfully. In conclusion, he said
+there needed not a long harangue to encourage gentlemen of honour
+and brave soldiers to do their duty, whose example he proposed to
+himself to follow, not pretending to give them one; yet, as a
+proof that he meant to imitate their bravery, he intended to
+march at their head and should be among the first to break a
+lance. They all declared that they would do their duty manfully,
+and would rather be cut to pieces than allow themselves to be
+defeated, as they all considered themselves interested in the
+success of the war on their own accounts, as well as from duty to
+the king. All the officers earnestly intreated Vaca de Castro not
+to hazard himself in the front of battle, insisting that he
+should take post in the rear with thirty horsemen, whence he
+might send succour to wherever it might be needed. He consented
+to this, and as the day drew towards a close, being within an
+hour and a half of sunset, he proposed to postpone the battle
+till next morning. But Alonso de Alvarado assured him that he
+would be defeated if he delayed, as the whole army seemed then
+animated by the best resolution, and it was impossible to say
+whether some might not change their sentiments during the night.
+The governor assented to this advice, only saying that he wished
+to have the power which had been given to Joshua, that he might
+stop the going down of the sun.</p>
+
+<p>At this time the artillery belonging to Don Diego opened its
+fire upon the royalists; and as it was dangerous to descend the
+hill in front towards the enemy, on account of being too much
+exposed in that direction to their guns, the serjeant-major and
+Alonso Alvarado directed the army to move by the left, where
+there was a hollow which led towards the enemy, by which they
+were protected from the balls which all flew over their heads.
+The troops marched in the following order. Alonzo de Alvarado was
+on the right with his troops of horse, having the royal standard
+carried by Christoval de Barientos; on the left were the other
+four captains of horse, Pedro Holguin, Gomes Alvarado, Garcilasso
+de la Vega, and Pedro Anzurez, all at the head of their
+respective troops in excellent order. Between the two wings of
+cavalry, the Captains Pedro de Vergara and Juan Velez de Guevara
+marched with the infantry; and Nunno de Castro marched in front
+with his musqueteers to begin the battle, with orders to retire
+when pressed by the enemy under the protection of the main body.
+The governor, at the earnest entreaty of his officers, remained
+in the rear guard at the head of thirty horse, at some short
+distance from the main body, where he could see all that
+occurred, so as to send assistance where it was wanted, which he
+did with much judgment.</p>
+
+<p>During the advance of the royalists, the enemy kept up a
+constant fire of their artillery, but altogether ineffectually,
+as all their balls flew too high. Don Diego observing this
+circumstance, suspected that Pedro de Candia the captain of his
+artillery was gained by the enemy and did this on purpose; for
+which reason he went to him in great rage and killed him with his
+own hand. After this he pointed and fired off one of the cannon
+against a squadron of the royalists, by which shot several of the
+troopers were killed. Seeing this, and considering that the
+artillery of the royal army was too insignificant to do much
+service, Carvajal determined to leave it behind that the army
+might advance more quickly. At this time Don Diego and his
+officers had arranged their army in order, the cavalry divided on
+the two wings, and the infantry in the centre, having their
+cannon in front, directly over against the only ground by which
+the royalists could advance to the attack. The rebels believed it
+would argue timidity in them thus to wait for the enemy, and that
+it was proper for them to advance and meet them half way. This
+movement was much against the opinion and advice of Pedro Suarez,
+serjeant-major to Don Diego, a brave and experienced officer; who
+remonstrated that, as the enemy had to advance over a plain of
+considerable extent, they would be greatly injured by the
+artillery before they could come to the charge, whereas by
+advancing the troops of Don Diego would shorten this dangerous
+way for their enemies, and would lose an excellent advantage now
+in their power. Nothwithstanding this judicious remonstrance the
+Almagrian army continued to advance, and took post near a rising
+ground over which the royalists had to march, and after which the
+rebel artillery could do them very little harm, and was unable to
+prevent them from charging, as the way between was very short.
+Suarez was so much dissatisfied at his advice being thus
+despised, that he set spurs to his horse and galloped over to the
+royalist army.</p>
+
+<p>About this time the Indians under the command of Paullu the
+brother of Inca Manco Capac, attacked the left wing of the
+royalists with repeated vollies of stones and arrows, but were
+soon put to flight by a few discharges from the musqueteers.
+Martin Cote who commanded a company of musqueteers on the side of
+Almagro, advanced to that side and began to skirmish with the
+adverse musqueteers of Nunno de Castro. At this time the
+royalists, advancing slowly and in good order to the music of
+their drums and trumpets, made their appearance on the height,
+where they halted as waiting an opportunity to charge, in hopes
+that the incessant discharge from the artillery of the enemy
+might relax. Although now so near, the rebel artillery did them
+very little harm, as having to point upwards, most of their balls
+flew too high, whereas if the royalists had advanced only twenty
+paces farther, they would have been exposed to point blank shot.
+The infantry indeed of the royalists suffered materially at this
+time, as they were more directly exposed to the shot, insomuch
+that by one ball a whole file of seventeen men was brought down.
+This made a wide gap in the battalion, which the officers took
+care immediately to fill up. The serjeant-major, Francisco de
+Carvajal, still held back the royalist cavalry from the charge,
+waiting for some relaxation in the fury of the adverse artillery,
+by which the captains Pedro Alvarez Holguin and Gomez de Tordoya
+were both slain, and several others were killed and wounded by
+every discharge. Captain Pedro de Vergara being wounded by a
+musket shot, exclaimed loudly against the conduct of the cavalry,
+saying that all the infantry would be speedily destroyed if the
+cavalry did not charge the enemy. The trumpets immediately
+sounded a charge, and the royalist squadrons advanced, on which
+those of Don Diego moved forward to meet them courageously. The
+shock was so violent that almost all the lances on both sides
+were broken, and many horsemen of both armies were borne to the
+ground, some killed and others wounded. A bloody engagement
+succeeded this charge, in which they fought man to man with
+swords, maces and battle axes; some even of the cavalry being
+armed with large woodmens axes which they wielded in both hands,
+gave such heavy blows as no armour could withstand. After
+continuing the battle with great fury till both sides were out of
+breath, they drew off for a little.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the royalist infantry advanced against those
+of Don Diego, encouraged by the exhortations and example of
+Carvajal who marched at their head. "Be not afraid, said he, of
+the artillery: I, who am as large as any two of you, do not fear
+it, and you all see how many bullets pass by without hurting me."
+That his soldiers might not conceive that he confided in the
+goodness of his armour, he threw away his coat of mail and
+helmet, and advanced in this manner to the rebel cannon; and
+being bravely seconded by his men, he soon got possession of them
+all, killing several of those who guarded them, after which he
+turned them against the enemy. By this vigorous, and successful
+exploit, the event of the battle was in a great measure decided.
+The day was now ended, and the evening became so dark that the
+opponents could hardly distinguish each other except by the
+voice. After a short rest, the cavalry renewed the fight, and
+victory began to lean to the side of the royalists, when Vaca de
+Castro made a furious assault on the left of the enemy, where two
+troops belonging to Don Diego still kept their ground, while all
+the rest began to fall back. On charging the enemy, the governor
+exclaimed, <i>Vittoria! Vittoria!</i> Yet the battle continued
+undecided for some time, and several of the horsemen who followed
+Vaca de Castro were wounded and unhorsed, two gentlemen and
+several others being slain. The rebels were at last thrown into
+disorder and fled from the field, being pursued for some
+distance. Two of their officers, named Bilboa and de Sosa, were
+so enraged on seeing the defeat and flight of their companions,
+that they rushed like madmen into the thickest of the enemy,
+crying out <i>I am he who killed the marquis</i>, till both were
+slain. Many of the Almagrians saved themselves by favour of the
+darkness; and some of them, for greater security, threw away
+their <i>white</i> scarfs, by which the rebels were
+distinguished, and put on the <i>red</i> scarfs of the royalists
+who lay dead on the field. Thus Vaca de Castro obtained a
+complete victory, although before the charge was given his army
+lost many more men than the enemy, insomuch that Don Diego
+thought himself till then secure of conquering. Such of the
+fugitives as endeavoured to save themselves by way of the plain
+were all killed by the Indians; and a hundred and fifty horse,
+who made their escape to Guamanga, about two leagues from the
+field of battle, were disarmed and made prisoners by the small
+number of inhabitants who remained in that city. Don Diego fled
+to Cuzco, where Rodrigo de Salazar, his own lieutenant, and
+Antonio Ruyz de Guevara, one of the magistrates made him
+prisoner. Thus ended the authority of Don Diego Almagro, who one
+day was lord and master of the great kingdom of Peru, and the
+next day was thrown into prison by officers of his own
+appointment. This decisive battle of Chupaz was fought on the
+16th September 1542.</p>
+
+<p>A great part of the night was over before their officers could
+reassemble the victorious army, as the soldiers were busied in
+pillaging the tents of the rebels, where they got a rich plunder
+in silver and gold, and killed several of the wounded fugitives
+who were unable to continue their flight any farther. When all
+were reassembled, Vaca de Castro made the army remain all the
+rest of the night under arms and in order of battle, lest the
+enemy might rally and renew the fight. Vaca de Castro employed
+himself likewise during most part of the night in going about
+among the troops, praising the whole in general, and thanking the
+individual soldiers for having so bravely done their duty. In
+this battle several officers and soldiers on both sides
+signalized themselves remarkably. Don Diego distinguished himself
+particularly, shewing much courage, and more conduct than could
+have been expected from a young man only twenty-two years of
+age[11]. He was animated by what he considered a just vengeance
+for the death of his father; and was well seconded by many of his
+followers. Many of those on the side of Vaca de Castro, were on
+the contrary incited by the desire of avenging the death of the
+marquis, for whose memory they preserved an inviolable
+attachment, insomuch that no danger could prevent them from using
+their utmost efforts to punish his murderers. On the two sides,
+about 300 men were slain[12], among whom were several officers
+and men of note. Pedro Alvarez Holguin and Gomez de Tordoya
+eminently distinguished themselves on the side of the royalists,
+having mantles of white velvet richly embroidered over their
+armour, owing to which they were particularly marked out by the
+musqueteers of the enemy, and both lost their lives in
+consequence. Alonso de Alvarado and Carvajal likewise
+distinguished themselves signally, particularly the latter, as
+already mentioned, in a manner that it seemed almost impossible
+he should have escaped. But by despising death, he appeared to
+have made it flee from him; as indeed it often happens during
+great dangers, that those who meet them bravely are preserved,
+while those who shrink are lost. A signal instance of this
+happened in the present battle, as a young man who was afraid of
+the balls concealed himself behind a projecting rock; where his
+head was shattered to pieces by a splinter driven off by a cannon
+ball[13]. Many others signalized themselves in the battle, to
+most of whom the governor gave competent estates in lands and
+Indians, when he made the re-partition of the country, adding his
+warm acknowledgements for having resigned their individual
+interests and resentments in the service of the crown.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[11] Garcilasso, himself a mestee, says that Don
+Diego was the bravest Mestizo, or son of a Spaniard by an Indian
+woman, that ever the New World produced.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[12] According to Garcilasso, of 1500 combatants,
+including both sides, 500 men were slain, and about an equal
+number wounded; the royalists having 500 killed and 400 wounded,
+while the rebels had only 200 slain and 100 wounded. In this
+estimate he has surely made a material error, as he makes the
+killed and wounded of the royalists equal to the whole number
+thay had in the field.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote>[13] At this place, a naked list of a great number of
+names of those who signalized themselves in the battle, are
+enumerated by Zarate, but omitted here as altogether
+uninteresting.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The night after the battle was extremely frosty, and as the
+baggage was considerably in the rear, only two of the wounded
+officers had their wounds dressed, so that a good many of the
+wounded died of cold during the night. Next morning, the governor
+caused every attention to be given to the wounded, who exceeded
+four hundred in number[14], and had the dead buried, ordering the
+bodies of Holguin and Tordoya to be carried to the city of
+Guamanga, where they were magnificently interred. On the day
+succeeding the battle, the governor ordered the heads of several
+prisoners to be cut off, who had been concerned in the murder of
+the marquis. Next day he went to Guamanga, where Captain Diego de
+Royas had already beheaded Juan Tello and some other captains of
+the rebels. The governor now gave orders to the licentiate de la
+Gama to try the rest of the prisoners, and to punish them
+according to their deserts. De la Gama accordingly hanged several
+and beheaded others, to the number of forty of the most culpable,
+insomuch that in all about sixty were executed. Some others were
+banished, and the rest were pardoned, such of them as had
+settlements being allowed to return to their houses.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[14] This appears to countenance the account of
+Garcilasso in a former note, who probably quoted from Zarate; but
+the latter does not limit this number to the royal
+troops.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The governor went afterwards to Cuzco, where he brought Don
+Diego to trial, and ordered him to be beheaded. Diego de Mendez,
+Gomez Perez, and another, made their escape from prison into the
+mountains of the Andes, where they were kindly received by Manco
+Capac the fugitive Inca, who had taken refuge in an inaccessible
+country. The Inca was much grieved on learning the death of Don
+Diego, whom he was greatly attached to, and to whom he had sent
+several coats of mail, corselets, cuirasses, and other arms,
+which he had taken from the Spaniards whom he defeated and slew,
+at the time when he went by order of the marquis to relieve
+Gonzalo and Juan Pizarro, then besieged in Cuzco.</p>
+
+<p>After the death of Don Diego and the entire dispersion of his
+adherents, by which peace was restored through the whole country,
+the governor did not consider it proper to disband his army, as
+he had not sufficient funds to reward them according to their
+services; for which reason he resolved to send them in different
+detachments to make discoveries and conquests. Captain Vergara
+and his troops were accordingly sent back to complete the
+conquest of the Bracamoras. The Captains Diego de Royas and
+Philip Gutierez were sent with above three hundred men to the
+eastwards, where they afterwards made some establishments on the
+Rio de la Plata. Captain Monroy was sent to Chili with
+reinforcements to Pedro de Valdivia, who was engaged in reducing
+that country. Captain Juan Perez de Guevara was sent to reduce
+the country of Mullobamba which he had discovered. This is an
+exceedingly mountainous country, in which the two great rivers
+Marannon and La Plata have their sources, both of which run into
+the Atlantic. Its inhabitants are Caribs, or canibals, and their
+country so hot that they go entirely naked, or at least have only
+a few rags round their loins. While in this country, Juan Perez
+got notice of an extensive province beyond the mountains towards
+the north, in which there are rich gold mines, and which has
+camels and fowls like those of New Spain, and a species of sheep
+considerably smaller than those of Peru. In that country it is
+necessary to water all kinds of seeds regularly, as it seldom
+rains. In it there is a lake, the environs of which are
+exceedingly populous. In all its rivers there are certain
+<i>fishes</i> as large as dogs, which they likewise very much
+resemble, which kill and eat the Indians when they go into the
+water or even pass near it, as they often come out of the water
+and walk on the dry land[15]. This great country is bounded on
+the north by the Marannon, on the east by Brasil, and on the
+south by the Rio de la Plata; and it is said that the Amazons
+dwell in this country, of whom Orellana received intelligence
+while descending the Marannon.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[15] Obviously a misunderstood description of
+alligators. Indeed the whole account of this country, now called
+Colona, seems to have been derived from the reports of Indians,
+and is in many circumstances entirely fabulous, as is well known
+from the more recent accounts of the Jesuit
+missions.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Vaca de Castro remained above eighteen months in Cuzco after
+the departure of these various expeditions, employing himself in
+making a distribution of the unoccupied lands and Indians, and
+settling the whole country in good order, issuing likewise many
+useful regulations for the protection and preservation of the
+Indians. In that period the richest gold mine ever heard of in
+our days was discovered near Cuzco in a river named
+<i>Carabaya</i>, where a single Indian is able to gather to the
+extent of a mark in one day[16]. The whole country being now
+perfectly tranquil, and the Indians protected from those
+excessive toils to which they had been subjected during the civil
+war, Gonzalo Pizarro was permitted to come to Cuzco, and after a
+few days went thence to Las Charcas, where he employed himself in
+taking care of the extensive estate which he possessed in that
+country. He there remained in quiet, till the arrival of the
+viceroy, Blasco Nunnez Vela in Peru, as shall be related in the
+sequel.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[16] Carabaya is an elevated valley of considerable
+extent, to the south east of Cuzco. A mark of gold or eight
+ounces is worth about L.32; hence we may readily believe so rich
+a days work was seldom made.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>SECTION II.</p>
+
+<p><i>Commencement of the Viceroyalty of Blasco Nunnez Vela, and
+renewal of the civil war in Peru by the usurpation of Gonzalo
+Pizarro</i>.</p>
+
+<p>At this period, some of the clergy who had been in the New
+World, represented to the Emperor Don Carlos and the lords of his
+council, that the Spaniards treated the natives in the conquered
+provinces of America with extreme cruelty, depriving them of all
+their property by excessive exactions, forcing them to labour in
+the mines and to dive for pearls beyond their strength, obliging
+them to carry heavy burdens in long journeys, and frequently
+subjecting them to arbitrary punishments, and even wantonly
+putting them to death; insomuch that their numbers were fast
+diminishing, and that in a short time they would be entirely
+extirpated from Mexico and Peru and the other continental
+dominions of Spain in America, as was already the case in the
+islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Porto Rico, Jamaica, and others,
+where hardly any trace remained of the original inhabitants. To
+confirm these representations, they particularly recited many
+instances of cruelty exercised by the Spaniards upon the Indians,
+among which were numerous circumstances that were by no means
+well authenticated. They alleged as one of the greatest of these
+evils, and a principal cause of the destruction of the Indians,
+that they were forced to carry heavy burdens on long journeys,
+far beyond their strength, without any consideration of justice
+or humanity. They added that these tyrannical practices had been
+carried to the greatest excess by the governors, lieutenants, and
+other officers of the crown, and by the bishops, monks, and other
+favoured and privileged persons, trusting to their authority and
+immunities to be exempted from punishment for their improper
+conduct, by which they were encouraged to the commission of every
+excess. He who insisted in these remonstrances with the greatest
+zeal and perseverance was Fra Bartholomew de las Casas, a
+Dominican monk, whom his majesty had raised to the bishopric of
+Chiapa.</p>
+
+<p>After maturely considering these representations, his majesty
+was anxious to devise proper means to relieve the Indians from
+oppression; and for this purpose he assembled a council of all
+those persons to whom the administration of affairs in the Indies
+was confided, with several other persons of probity learned in
+the laws. By this assembly the whole affair was deliberately
+examined, and a code of regulations drawn up by which it was
+expected to remedy the abuses complained of. By these regulations
+it was enacted that no Indian should be forced to labour in the
+mines, or to dive for pearls; that no excessive labours should be
+imposed on them, and even that they should not be obliged to
+carry burdens except in places where no other means could be
+employed; that all Indians should be paid for their labour, and
+that the tribute which they were to pay to their masters should
+be fixed; that upon the death of any person to whom lands and
+Indians now belonged, they were to revert to the crown. Besides,
+that all lands and Indians belonging to bishops, monasteries, and
+hospitals, or to governors, lieutenant-governors, or other
+officers of the crown, should be taken from them and annexed to
+the crown, even although the possessor should incline to demit
+their offices for the purpose of enabling them to retain their
+repartitions. It was particularly ordered in regard to Peru, that
+all who had taken any share in the civil wars between the marquis
+and Almagro should forfeit their lands and Indians. And finally,
+all Indians set at liberty by this regulation were to belong in
+perpetuity to the crown, to whom their tributes were to be paid
+in all time coming.</p>
+
+<p>It is perfectly obvious, in consequence of the concluding
+clause but one of these regulations, by which all who had taken
+any share in the late civil wars were to be deprived of their
+lands and Indians, that every individual then in Peru would have
+been reduced to poverty, as it may be seen by every circumstance
+related in the foregoing part of this history, that every
+Spaniard in the country had embraced one or other of these
+parties with extreme violence. Even the native Peruvians had
+taken a part in the civil discords, and had frequent quarrels and
+engagements on the subject, some of them taking part with the
+<i>Chilese</i>, and others with the <i>Pachacamacs</i>, by which
+titles they distinguished respectively the adherents of Almagro
+and of the marquis. Hitherto the only court of justice or royal
+audience was held at Panama, at a most inconvenient distance from
+Peru. By the new regulations this court of Panama was abolished,
+and besides the establishment of a new court on the frontiers of
+Gauatimala and Nicaragua for all the provinces from Tierra Firma
+northwards, of which the licentiate Maldonado was made president,
+another court of royal audience was ordered to be established in
+Lima, consisting of four oydors or judges, and a president who
+was to have the title of Viceroy and captain general. This
+measure was deemed indispensibly necessary for the well being of
+this distant country, the richest and most valuable dominion
+which belonged to the crown in all America. All these regulations
+were enacted and published at Madrid in 1542, and copies of them
+were immediately sent to different parts of the New World. These
+new reglations gave extreme dissatisfaction to the conquerors of
+the American provinces, and particularly to those of Peru; as
+every Spanish settler in that country must have been deprived by
+them of almost every thing they possessed, and reduced to the
+necessity of looking out for new means of subsistence. Every one
+loudly declared that his majesty must have received erroneous
+information respecting the late events, as the partizans and
+adherents both of the marquis and of Almagro, had conducted
+themselves to the best of their judgment as faithful subjects of
+his majesty, believing that they acted in obedience to his orders
+in what respected the two rival governors, who acted in his name
+and by his authority, and were besides under the necessity of
+obeying their officers, either by force or good will, so that
+they were in fact guilty of no crime in what they had done; or,
+even if their conduct were in some measure faulty, they certainly
+did not deserve to be stript entirely of their property. They
+alleged farther, that when they discovered and conquered the
+country, which had been done at their own proper cost, it had
+been expressly covenanted that they were to enjoy the division of
+the lands and Indians among them for their lives, with remainder
+to their eldest sons, or to their widows in case of having no
+children; and that, in confirmation of all this, an order had
+been issued by his majesty, by which all who had participated in
+making the conquest of Peru were to marry within a certain
+specified time, under the penalty of losing their lands and
+Indians, with which regulation most of them had complied; and
+that it were now unjust, when they had become old and worn out,
+and were encumbered with wives and families, to deprive them of
+their substance, when they looked to enjoy repose after all their
+fatigues and dangers; being unable from age and infirmity to go
+in search of new countries and new establishments.</p>
+
+<p>Great numbers of persons repaired to Cuzco, where Vaca de
+Castro then resided, to lay their complaints before him. He told
+them, that he was persuaded his majesty would remedy their
+grievances when informed of the true state of affairs, and
+recommended therefore that the procurators or syndics of the
+different cities should assemble, and elect a deputation to carry
+a true statement of matters to the king and royal council of the
+Indies, with a humble supplication that his majesty might apply a
+proper remedy, by the revocation or modification of those
+regulations, which, as they stood, would produce such ruinous
+consequences to the colony. On purpose to facilitate this
+assembly, the governor promised to repair in person to Lima, as
+the most convenient and most central situation for the deputies
+of all the other cities. He accordingly set out from Cuzco for
+Lima, accompanied by the syndics of all the neighbouring cities,
+and by several gentlemen and other persons of consequence.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1542, while these things were going on in Peru,
+his majesty appointed Blasco Nunnez Vela, who had been commissary
+general of the revenue in Castille, as Viceroy of Peru, and
+president of the court of royal audience, to carry those
+regulations into effect which we have already given an accoun of.
+Vela was chosen to this high and important office as a person of
+capacity and experience, who would dispense strict justice
+without respect of persons, and would punctually fulfil the royal
+orders. The four oydors or judges nominated to the royal audience
+of Lima were the licentiate Cepeda, doctor Lison de Texada, and
+the licentiates Alvarez and Pedro Ortiz. Augustin de Zarate[1],
+secretary of the royal council of Castille, was appointed at the
+same time auditor general of accounts both for Peru and the
+Tierra Firma, as since the discovery and settlement of these
+provinces, no accounts of the royal revenues had ever been
+rendered to the treasurers. All these persons embarked at San
+Lucar de Barrameda on the 1st November 1543, and arrived safe at
+the harbour of Nombre de Dios, where they made some stay, on
+purpose to prepare for their voyage to Peru. As the viceroy was
+eager to proceed, he embarked at Panama in the middle of February
+1543, without waiting for the judges of the royal audience, who
+anxiously requested to accompany him, and who were accordingly
+much chagrined by this procedure. Even before this, some slight
+disputes had occurred between them and Vela, which though of
+small importance in themselves, had left some impression of
+mutual dissatisfaction, and evinced that they were not likely to
+agree in the government of the country.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[1] The author of this history.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Befere leaving the Tierra Firma, the viceroy began to carry
+one of the new regulations into effect, by which all Indians were
+enjoined to be at liberty to return to their native countries,
+whatever might have been the cause of their transportation to
+other places. He accordingly collected all the natives of Peru
+who happened to be in the province of Tierra Firma; and as there
+was a great and constant intercourse between that province and
+Peru, the number of Peruvians in Tierra Firma was considerable,
+and he ordered all of these to embark in the same ship with
+himself at the expence of their masters. The new viceroy had a
+quick passage from Panama to the port of Tumbez at the northern
+extremity of proper Peru, where he disembarked on the 4th of
+March, being resolved to go from thence by land to Lima, and
+immediately proceeded to enforce the new regulations in every one
+of the places by which he travelled. In regard to some of the
+colonists, he fixed the services and tributes which they were in
+future to exact from the Indians; and others he deprived entirely
+of their lands and Indians, annexing them to the crown. Many of
+those who found themselves aggrieved by these regulations,
+particularly all the inhabitants of San Miguel and Truxillo,
+waited on the viceroy, respectfully yet earnestly entreating that
+he would at least postpone the execution of those rigorous
+decrees till the arrival of the judges, when they would make
+their humble application for justice at Lima in the royal court
+of audience. In corroboration of this request, they pointed out
+one of the articles of the regulations, which directed that they
+were to be put in force by the viceroy and oydors conjunctly, and
+that therefore he was not authorised to execute them by his
+single authority. All their remonstrances and reasonings were
+unavailing, as he refused to listen to them, saying, that the
+orders with which he was entrusted were general laws, which could
+not be suspended or even postponed in compliance with any
+requests or supplications whatever. He persisted, therefore, to
+put the regulations strictly in force, through the whole extent
+of his journey from Tumbez till his arrival in the province of
+Guavara[2], which is eighteen leagues from Lima.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[2] About that distance to the north of Lima is the
+town of <i>Huaura</i>, which is probably the place indicated in
+the text, as in many names of places in Peru the initial syllable
+<i>Gua</i> or <i>Hua</i>, are interchangeably used by different
+authors.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>Immediately on his arrival at Tumbez, the viceroy sent an
+express to notify his arrival and the extent of his powers and
+authority to the governor Vaca de Castro, whom he directed to
+discontinue all exercise of authority as governor. By this
+messenger, and by other persons who followed him, the inhabitants
+of Lima were informed of the rigorous manner in which the viceroy
+had proceeded to enforce the new regulations, and of his refusal
+to listen to any supplications or remonstrances on the subject.
+On purpose still more to irritate every one against the viceroy,
+reports were spread of several other rigorous proceedings as
+having been exercised by him, of which he never even conceived
+the idea. These news caused much emotion and discontent among the
+persons who accompanied Vaca de Castro, insomuch that several of
+them urged him to refuse recognizing the viceroy, and to protest
+both against the regulations and his commission, as he had
+rendered himself unworthy of the government by executing his
+commission with extreme rigour, refusing justice to his majestys
+faithful subjects, and turning a deaf ear to their respectful
+remonstrances. Vaca de Castro soothed them as much as possible,
+by assuring them that when the oydors were arrived and had begun
+to act as the royal court of audience, they would certainly
+listen to their remonstrances on being instructed in the true
+state of the country; but that for himself, he could in no degree
+consent to disobey the orders of his majesty. At this time, Vaca
+de Castro had arrived at Guarachiri, about twenty leagues from
+Lima, and on receiving the orders which had been transmitted to
+him by the viceroy, he immediately divested himself of his
+office, and discontinued from exercising any of the functions of
+government; except that he granted some vacant repartitions of
+lands and Indians to different people, some of which grants were
+in his own name.</p>
+
+<p>Finding all their representations to Vaca de Castro
+ineffectual, the principal persons who attended him set out in
+their return to Cuzco, under pretence that they dared not to
+await the arrival of the viceroy so long as he was alone; but
+that they would return to Lima on the arrival of the judges: Yet,
+in spite of these specious pretexts, it was easy to see that they
+were much discontented and had evil intentions. Indeed they
+clearly evinced this soon afterwards on their arrival at the city
+of Guamanga, where they excited a great tumult, and took
+possession of all the artillery which Vaca de Castro had disposed
+in that place after his victory over Don Diego. They then
+collected a great number of Indians, and caused the whole of this
+train or artillery to be removed to Cuzco.</p>
+
+<p>Vaca de Castro continued his journey from Guarachiri to Lima,
+which he found all involved in confusion and discontent, the
+inhabitants being much divided in opinion as to the expediency of
+receiving the viceroy or refusing to recognize him in that
+capacity. Some alleged that the orders of his majesty did not
+command his recognition till his actual arrival. Others said that
+he ought not to be recognized even on his arrival, considering
+the unjust regulations which he brought along with him, and the
+rigour with which he put them in force, in spite of every
+remonstrance and supplication to the contrary. But by the earnest
+exhortations of Yllan Suarez, <i>alcalde</i> or judge of police
+and royal commissary of Lima, they came at length to the
+resolution of receiving the viceroy, and even to admit the
+regulations, which were published with much solemnity. Upon this
+all the magistrates principal inhabitants of the city, went to
+Huaura to welcome the viceroy and to pay him their respectful
+compliments. From Huaura he was accompanied by the whole
+cavalcade to Lima, where he was received with great pomp and
+magnificence, making his entry under a canopy of cloth of gold.
+All the magistrates walked in procession, carrying the ensigns of
+their office, and dressed in long robes of crimson satin turned
+up with white damask. In this grand stile the viceroy was
+conducted in the first place to church, and thence to his
+palace.</p>
+
+<p>Next day as the viceroy had received information of the
+discontents and seditious conduct of the persons who had retired
+to Cuzco, he ordered Vaca de Castro to be arrested and thrown
+into the common prison, as he suspected that he had fomented
+these seditious practices, and that he had even been their secret
+adviser to that step. Although the inhabitants of Lima were by no
+means perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Vaca de Castro,
+they yet humbly petitioned the viceroy, not to allow a person of
+such high rank, who was a member of the royal council and had
+been governor of the country, to be thrown into the common
+prison; as, even if he merited the punishment of death, and were
+to be beheaded next day, he ought to be more honourably dealt
+with. The viceroy was softened by these remonstrances, and
+ordered Vaca de Castro to be placed under arrest in the palace,
+taking a bail bond from the burgesses for his safe custody under
+a heavy penalty; and besides, he placed all the effects of the
+late governor under sequestration. The inhabitants of Lima were
+extremely discontented by the harsh conduct of the viceroy,
+holding frequent secret conferences among themselves, and a
+considerable number of them withdrew gradually from the city,
+repairing to Cuzco, at which place toe viceroy was not
+acknowledged.</p>
+
+<p>At this time Gonzalo Pizarro dwelt at Chuquisaca de la Plata,
+in the province of las Charcas, employed in the arrangement of
+the estate which had been conferred upon him by his brother the
+marquis, where ten or twelve of his most intimate friends resided
+along with him. On learning the arrival of the viceroy, the
+causes of his mission, and the regulations which he had brought
+out for the government of the colony, and which he rigorously
+enforced, Gonzalo took the resolution of going to Cuzco, under
+pretence of inquiring after news from Spain, and to regulate the
+affairs belonging to his brother Ferdinand, according to the
+instructions he had received on that subject. While employed in
+collecting money for his journey, he received letters from all
+parts of Peru, written both by private persons and the
+magistrates of the cities and towns, endeavouring to persuade him
+to stand forwards in defence of the common interests on the
+present emergency, by protesting against the execution of the
+royal ordinances, and demanding either that their execution
+should be delayed, or that some other remedy should be interposed
+to prevent universal ruin among the colonists. Gonzalo was even
+urged to this interference, as a person to whom the government of
+the country belonged of right, as heir to the marquis his
+brother. In some of these letters the writers offered to devote
+themselves and their fortunes to his service: Others informed him
+that the viceroy had publickly declared he would put Gonzalo to
+death. In this way every means was used to irritate Gonzalo, that
+he might come to Cuzco to prevent the entry of the viceroy into
+that city. As every thing seemed to conspire towards the
+accomplishment of the desire which he had always cherished, of
+acquiring the government of Peru, he gathered a large sum of
+money, both from his own funds and those belonging to his brother
+Ferdinand, and repaired to Cuzco accompanied by a retinue of
+twenty Spaniards[3].</p>
+
+<blockquote>[3] Zarate is exceedingly negligent in regard to
+dates. We learn from the history of America, II. 370, that the
+present occurrences took place in 1544.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>The whole Spanish population of the city went out to meet him,
+and received him with every demonstration of joy. Every day
+additional persons flocked to Cuzco, withdrawing from Lima in
+consequence of the rigorous conduct of the viceroy, who
+continually irritated the inhabitants by his tyranny. Numerous
+meetings were held in the town-house of Cuzco, both of the
+magistrates and the citizens in general, to consult as to what
+ought to be their conduct in the event of the viceroy arriving at
+their city. Some proposed that he ought to be received, and that
+a deputation should be sent to his majesty, praying him to give
+relief in respect to the regulations, which would ruin the colony
+unless changed or considerably modified. Others alleged, if the
+viceroy were received, that he was so determined on the
+establishment of the regulations in their entire rigour, that he
+would instantly deprive them of all their Indians; and that,
+whatever alteration might be afterwards made, it would be
+exceedingly difficult to recover them. It was at length resolved
+to elect Gonzalo Pizarro procurator-general, and Diego Centeno,
+who had been sent to represent the city of la Plata, was
+appointed his deputy. Gonzalo was authorised, in the exercise of
+this new office, to lay the remonstrances of the Spanish
+inhabitants of Peru, in regard to the new regulations, before the
+royal Court of Audience; and at first considerable difference of
+sentiment took place in the councils of the remonstrants, as to
+the mode in which he should proceed to Lima: whether he should be
+accompanied by a body of troops for his defence in case of need,
+or should go there merely as a peaceful messenger. At last the
+former alternative was resolved on, and for the following
+reasons, in excuse for taking up arms against the viceroy. First,
+that the viceroy had beat up for volunteers at Lima, under
+pretence of chastising those who had taken possession of the
+artillery. Secondly, that the viceroy conducted himself with the
+most inflexible rigour in carrying the regulations into effect,
+without listening to the supplications and remonstrances which
+had been presented to him, and without waiting for the arrival of
+the judges of the royal audience, to whom, not less than to
+himself, the authority had been confided for enforcing or
+suspending the execution of the regulations. Lastly, because the
+viceroy had been several times heard to declare that he would put
+Gonzalo to death, on account of his participation in the late
+civil war, and in the death of Don Diego. Some of the
+remonstrants were disposed to place this measure, of escorting
+the procurator general by an armed force, upon a more moderate
+pretext, alleging that it was necessary for him to travel through
+a part of the country, in his way to Lima, where the Inca was in
+arms, and that it was proper in consequence that Gonzalo should
+be enabled to defend himself from the hostility of the natives.
+Others talked more openly, saying that the viceroy was a person
+of an obstinate and inflexible disposition, who did not confine
+himself within the bounds of justice and equity, and against whom
+it was necessary to have some other protection than that of the
+law. Some able persons among them endeavoured to place their
+present conduct in a favourable light, by drawing up a kind of
+manifesto, in which they endeavoured to demonstrate, that there
+was nothing in their present conduct which could be considered as
+derogatory to the respect which was due to the royal authority,
+as justice allowed every one to repel force by force, and to
+defend themselves against unjust oppression, even resisting by
+violence a judge who acts unlawfully, and against the essential
+forms of law and justice.</p>
+
+<p>It was flnally determined therefore, that Gonzalo should raise
+a body of troops, and for this purpose many of the inhabitants of
+Cuzco offered their persons and properties, declaring themselves
+ready to hazard their lives in defence of the common cause.
+Besides the title of Procurator-general of Peru, for the purpose
+of presenting the supplications and remonstrances of the
+colonists, Gonzalo was appointed general of the army which was to
+defend him against the Inca. As is usual in such matters, these
+resolutions were all extended with much formality, to give a
+colour of regularity to their proceedings. The remonstrants then
+proceeded to levy an army, for the payment of which they took
+possession of the royal treasure, and availed themselves of the
+property belonging to deceased colonists and some other funds,
+under pretence of a loan. After this captain Francisco de
+Almendras was detached with some troops to take possession of the
+defiles of the mountains, on purpose to prevent any intelligence
+of their proceedings being conveyed to Lima. In this measure,
+they were aided by Paullu, brother to the Inca, who guarded all
+the passes on his side by means of his Peruvians, to prevent any
+one from carrying intelligence to the low country.</p>
+
+<p>The Cabildo or council of Cuzco sent letters to the Cabildo of
+la Plata, representing the prodigous injuries which would accrue
+to all the colonists from the execution of the obnoxious
+regulations, informing them of the measures which they had
+resolved upon for averting the ruin of the colony, and requiring
+them to approve of and concur in these measures, to which in fact
+they were already parties, since captain Diego Centeno, their
+deputy, had already consented to them in their name and behalf.
+They therefore required their concurrence and assistance, and
+requested them to repair immediately to Cuzco with their arms and
+horses. Gonzalo wrote by the same conveyance to all the
+inhabitants of La Plata, soliciting their individual concurrence
+and aid. At this time, Luis de Ribera acted in the city of La
+Plata as lieutenant to Vaca de Castro, the former governor, and
+Antonio Alvarez, another inhabitant of the same place, held the
+office of judge ordinary. These men, on hearing of the
+transactions which had taken place at Cuzco immediately revoked
+the commission which had been given to Centeno as deputy from
+their city, and sent an answer to the regency of Cuzco in the
+name of the whole cabildo of La Plata declaring that they were
+resolved to obey the orders of his majesty, although it should
+cost them their lives and properties: That their city had always
+preserved its loyalty against all who had acted against the royal
+authority, and they were resolved to persist in the same line of
+conduct: That Centeno had only been authorised to concur in their
+name to such measures as might appear conducive to the service of
+his majesty, the advantage of his dominions, and the preservation
+of the natives of the country; and since, in the election of
+Gonzalo, and the other measures which had been resolved upon at
+Cuzco, they saw no tendency towards those things which had been
+confided to Centeno, they could not be implicated in the consent
+which Centeno had given beyond his legitimate powers, nor were
+they to be considered as bound to ratify what he had done in
+their name, as every thing which had been done was contrary to
+the orders and instructions which they had given him.</p>
+
+<p>This letter did not contain the universal sentiments of the
+citizens of La Plata, in which Gonzalo had several friends, who
+used their endeavours to gain over the inhabitants to his side,
+and to engage them to join his army. They even endeavoured more
+than once to kill Ribera and Alvarez, but these officers used
+such precautions as to baffle all their attempts. Ribera and
+Alvarez waited patiently for receiving the regulations from the
+viceroy; but owing to the great distance of their city from Lima,
+these had not yet reached them. In the mean time, they commanded
+all the inhabitants, under severe penalties, to remain in La
+Plata; yet several of them left the city and joined the
+remonstrants at Cuzco.</p>
+
+<p>The viceroy made his entry with great pomp, in the month of
+May 1544, into Lima, where no one dared to speak to him on the
+subject of suspending the obnoxious regulations. The magistrates,
+indeed, had already made their respectful remonstrances and
+supplications, alleging substantial reasons why they ought to be
+suspended, but all in vain. He engaged indeed, after the
+regulations should have been carried into effect, that he would
+write to his majesty, representing that it was for the interest
+of the crown, as well as for the advantage of the natives of the
+country, that they should be revoked; and that those who had
+drawn them up were certainly ignorant of the true state of the
+country, or they could never have advised the king to establish
+them. He acknowledged that the regulations were prejudicial to
+the royal interest and the good of the country; and he
+recommended that deputies should be sent to him from all parts of
+Peru, in conjunction with whom he would write to the king what
+might be proper on the subject; and that doubtless he would then
+receive orders calculated to remedy the apprehended evils: But
+that he could not of his own authority suspend the execution of
+the ordinances, and must continue to act as he had already done,
+as his orders left him no choice but absolute obedience to the
+royal instructions.</p>
+
+<p>At this time three of the judges of the court of audience,
+Cepeda Alvarez and Texada, arrived at Lima, leaving Ortiz, the
+other judge, sick at Truxillo. The viceroy issued immediate
+orders for the inauguration of the royal Court of Audience; for
+which purpose all the necessary preparations were made for the
+solemn reception of the royal seal, as usual on the first
+establishment of this high tribunal. The seal was placed in a
+rich casket, carried by a horse superbly caparisoned and covered
+by housings of cloth of gold, and led under a canopy of the same
+splendid materials, held up by the magistrates of the city
+dressed in flowing robes of crimson velvet, in the same ceremony
+as is used in Spain on the entry of the king in person into any
+of the cities. On this occasion, Juan de Leon led the horse,
+being appointed to officiate as chancellor, in the place of the
+Marquis de Camarasa, president of Cazorla, who then held the
+seals in Spain. After this procession, the court of audience was
+installed, and proceeded immediately to business; but a subject
+of dispute soon arose between the viceroy and the judges, which
+renewed the dissentions which had arisen between them even before
+their arrival in Peru, the explanation of which requires some
+detail.</p>
+
+<p>When the viceroy arrived at the <i>Tambo</i> or palace of
+Guavra[4], where he waited till he was sure of being received at
+Lima, he found written on one of the walls of the <i>tambo</i> to
+the following effect: "Whoever may endeavour to deprive me of my
+house and property, I shall endeavour to deprive of life." He
+dissimulated his displeasure at these words for some time; but
+being afterwards persuaded that these words had been written by
+Antonio de Solar, to whom the district of Guavra belonged, and
+who he believed was not well inclined towards him, because he had
+found the tambo entirely deserted on his arrival, he sent for
+Solar a few days after his reception at Lima. In a private
+conference, he spoke to Solar concerning these words which he had
+seen on the walls of the tambo, and reproached him likewise for
+having spoken to him personally with much insolence: Then,
+ordering the gates of the palace to be shut, the viceroy sent for
+one of his chaplains to confess Solar, declaring his resolution
+to have him immediately hanged from one of the pillars of a
+gallery fronting the great square of Lima. Solar refused to
+confess himself, and the dispute continued so long that news of
+what was going forwards spread over the city, on which the
+archbishop and some other persons of quality came to the palace
+and humbly requested the viceroy to defer the execution. At first
+he obstinately persisted in his intention; but at last consented
+to postpone the execution till next day, and sent Solar to prison
+loaded with fetters. On the morrow, the anger of the viceroy was
+somewhat appeased, so that he did not renew his orders for
+hanging Solar, but detained him for two months in prison and in
+irons, without any information or process respecting his
+crime.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[4] It has been already mentioned in a former note,
+that this is probably a different orthography for Huaura, a place
+about 70 miles to the N.N. W. of Lima.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>After the installation of the court of audience, the judges
+went on a Saturday to visit the prison; and having been informed
+of the foregoing circumstances by a judicial note or request
+presented to them on the subject, they demanded to see Solar,
+whom they asked the cause of his imprisonment; to which he
+answered that he knew nothing about the matter. On examination,
+they found no process against Solar, and the jailor and
+registrars were only able to say that the viceroy had given
+orders for his imprisonment. On the ensuing Monday, the judges
+represented to the viceroy that they had found no process or
+informations against Solar, and could only learn as the reason of
+his imprisonment that it was by his orders; and consequently,
+having no documents to instruct the lawfulness of his detention,
+they could not in law or equity do otherwise than order him to be
+set at liberty. The viceroy said that Solar had been arrested by
+his orders, and that he had even been inclined to have hanged
+him, on account of the writing on the wall of the tambo, and
+because of his personal insolence when there was no witnesses
+present; believing, by his sole authority as viceroy, that he had
+the power of arrest, and even of ordering him to be hanged,
+without being under the necessity of giving them any reasons for
+his conduct. To this the judges made answer, that his authority
+as viceroy could only extend so far as justice and the laws of
+the kingdom allowed. As the viceroy and they could not agree on
+this point, when they visited the prison on the following
+Saturday, they ordered Solar to be liberated, desiring him
+however to remain under arrest in his own house; and on a
+subsequent visitation, they set him entirely at liberty.</p>
+
+<p>The viceroy was much chagrined by this affront, and sought
+anxiously for an opportunity of being revenged, for which he
+thought the following circumstance gave him a favourable opening.
+The three judges lodged separately with some of the richest
+inhabitants of Lima, who likewise provided their tables, and
+furnished every thing that was necessary for themselves and their
+servants. At first this was done with the consent of the viceroy,
+till such time as they might be able to procure and to furnish
+houses for themselves. After the dispute concerning Solar, the
+viceroy caused them to be informed, that it did not seem to him
+consistent with decorum that they should live at the expence of
+the citizens, which would be assuredly displeasing to his
+majesty, and therefore that they ought to look out for houses for
+their accommodation: And that, besides, he did not approve of
+their walking about the streets in company with the merchants and
+other inhabitants of the city. The judges made answer, that they
+had not been able to find any houses for hire, and that they were
+under the necessity of waiting till some then building were
+finished: That in future they would live at their own charges:
+but as to walking in the streets with the inhabitants, it was
+neither a criminal nor a forbidden conduct, nor in any way
+improper; as even in Spain the members of the royal council, or
+of any other tribunal, were in use to do the same, which was even
+useful, as in that way the merchants had an opportunity of
+informing or reminding them of their affairs. The viceroy and the
+judges were always upon bad terms, and their misunderstanding
+broke out into disputes on every occasion. It is said that at one
+time the licentiate Alvarez, one of the judges, preferred an oath
+to a procurator or attorney, respecting a bribe which he had
+given to Alvarez de Cueto, brother-in-law to the viceroy, for his
+interest to obtain the appointment. By this procedure of Alvarez,
+the viceroy is said to have been greatly offended.</p>
+
+<p>During all this time, the passes of the mountains leading
+towards Cuzco had been so well guarded by the Spaniards and
+Peruvians appointed for that purpose, that no intelligence could
+be had at Lima of what was going on among the remonstrants. It
+was only known that Gonzalo Pizarro had gone to Cuzco, and that
+all those who had withdrawn from Lima and other places in the
+plain had repaired to the same place in expectation of a civil
+war. The viceroy and judges of the royal audience issued their
+joint proclamation, ordering, in the name of the king, all the
+inhabitants of Cuzco, and the other cities of Peru, to recognize
+and submit to Blasco Nunnez as viceroy, and to repair with their
+arms and horses to Lima to offer their services. Most of these
+proclamations were lost by the way; but that which was sent to La
+Plata was more fortunate, and, by virtue of its authority, Luis
+de Ribera, Antonio Alvarez, and the other magistrates and
+officers of that city, proclaimed Blasco Nunnez with much
+ceremony and great rejoicings: And, in testimony of their
+submission to his authority, they equipped twenty-five horsemen,
+being all the city could spare, who were sent to join the viceroy
+under the command of Captain Luis de Ribera. Lest Gonzalo might
+cut off their passage and arrest them on their march, Ribera made
+his way towards Lima by a desert and unfrequented road.</p>
+
+<p>Some even of the inhabitants of Cuzco got copies of the
+proclamation, in consequence of which several of them repaired
+secretly to Lima to offer their services to the viceroy, as will
+be more particularly specified in the sequel. By their means the
+viceroy became acquainted with the transactions at Cuzco, on
+which account he found himself under the necessity of using every
+effort to increase his forces by means of additional levies; for
+which purpose he fortunately possessed ample funds, as Vaca de
+Castro had embarked upwards of 100,000 crowns which he had drawn
+from Cuzco to transmit to the king, which the viceroy took
+possession of and employed for the equipment and pay of his
+troops. He appointed Don Alfonso de Montemayor and Diego Alvarez
+de Cuero, who was his own brother-in-law, captains of horse;
+Martin de Robles and Paul de Menezes captains of foot; and
+Gonzalo Diaz de Pignera captain of musqueteers. Vela Nunnez, his
+own brother, was made captain-general of the troops. Diego de
+Urbina maestre de campo, or major general, and Juan de Aguire
+serjeant-major, or adjutant general. Without including the
+citizens, his army amounted to 600 men; of whom 100 were cavalry,
+200 musqueteers, and the remaining 300 armed with pikes. On
+purpose to arm these soldiers, he caused a considerable number of
+musquets to be made, some of which were of iron, and others of
+cast metal, which he procured by melting down some of the bells
+belonging to the great church.</p>
+
+<p>Besides frequently exercising his troops to perfect them in
+their discipline, he occasionally caused false alarms to be given
+that he might ascertain their disposition towards him, as it was
+much suspected that the majority were by no means hearty in the
+cause. Having some suspicion of Vaca de Castro, the former
+governor, whom he had lately allowed to be a prisoner at large on
+parole not to leave the city, and believing that he had some
+secret intelligence with his former friends and dependents, the
+viceroy ordered a false alarm one day about noon, reporting that
+Gonzalo was near at hand; and when the troops were all assembled
+in the great square, he sent his brother-in-law, Diego Alvarez de
+Cueto to arrest Vaca de Castro. At the same time he arrested Don
+Pedro de Cabrera, Hernan Mexia de Gusman, Loren&ccedil;o de
+Aldana, Melchior Ramirez, and Baltazar Ramirez his
+brother-in-law, all of whom he sent prisoners on board a ship
+comanded by Jeronimo de Zurbano. A few days afterwards, he set
+Loren&ccedil;o de Aldana at liberty, and sent off Cabrera and
+Mexia to Panama, and the two Ramirez to Nicaragua. Vaca de Castro
+remained prisoner in the ship, neither he nor any of the rest
+being informed of what they were accused, nor were any
+informations or law-processes made respecting them. While these
+civil discords were going on, two ships loaded with merchandise
+arrived at the port belonging to Arequipa[5], both of which were
+purchased by Gonzalo Pizarro, with the intention of employing
+them to transport his artillery, and for getting possession of
+the harbour of Lima, and seizing the ships belonging to the
+viceroy, believing that whoever was master of the sea along the
+coast of Peru must command the country, by having it in his power
+to land in any unguarded place and to do all the mischief he
+pleased, on account of the prodigious extent of coast. By
+commanding at sea, he would likewise have been enabled to procure
+arms and horses from the vessels which are in use to bring these
+to Peru, and would have it in his power to stop all vessels
+coming there from Spain with merchandise or other supplies. On
+learning that Gonzalo had purchased these two vessels, and the
+purpose for which he destined them, the viceroy was a good deal
+distressed, fearing they might occasion considerable detriment to
+his affairs, as he had no means of opposing two ships so well
+provided with artillery; yet he took the best measures in his
+power to prepare for his defence. He equipped, therefore, one of
+the vessels in the port of Lima, which he armed with eight brass
+cannon and some others of iron, with several musquets and
+cross-bows, appointing Jeronimo de Zurbano to the command, with
+orders to make the best resistance he could against the ships of
+Gonzalo. Fortunately these preparations became unnecessary; for
+the captains Alfonso de la Ca&ccedil;ares and Jeronimo de la
+Cerna, who dwelt in Arequipa, went secretly by night on board the
+two ships which Gonzalo had purchased, and which remained waiting
+for their artillery, and by large bribes to the masters and
+mariners got possession of them for the viceroy; then, abandoning
+their houses lands and Indians, they immediately set sail for
+Lima. On their arrival off the harbour of Callao, the viceroy got
+notice of their approach from some centinels who were stationed
+in a neighbouring island, and having no doubt that they were
+enemies, he immediately set out from Lima at the head of a body
+of cavalry. In the meantime, Zerbana discharged his artillery
+against the two ships, which immediately lowered their sails in
+token of peace, and sent some of their people on shore in a boat
+to surrender the ships to the viceroy. This circumstance gave
+much satisfaction to the viceroy and all the inhabitants of Lima,
+as it relieved them from a danger of which they were in great
+fear.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[5] Arequipa is a considerable way from the coast, on
+which there are several harbours, thirty or forty miles
+distant.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>While these things were going on, Gonzalo Pizarro levied
+troops at Cuzco, which he carefully armed and disciplined, and
+made every necessary preparation for war. He assembled a body of
+500 men, of which he appointed Alfonso de Toro major-general,
+retaining the chief command in person. He divided his cavalry
+into two troops, one of which he gave the command of to Don Pedro
+de Porto-Carrero, placing himself at the head of the other.
+Gumiel, and the bachelor Juan Belez de Guevera, were appointed
+captains of two companies of pikemen; and Captain Pedro Cermeno
+had the command of the musqueteers. He had three standards, one
+having the royal arms, which was given to Porto Carrero; a second
+having the arms of Cuzco was confided to Antonio de Altamirano,
+alcalde of Cuzco, whom he afterwards beheaded as inclined to the
+royal interests: the third, bearing his own arms, was carried by
+his ensign; but was afterwards given to Captain Pedro de Puelles.
+Ferdinand Bachicao was made commander of the artillery,
+consisting of twenty excellent field-pieces, with a plentiful
+supply of powder, balls, and every other necessary for their
+service.</p>
+
+<p>Gonzalo endeavoured to secure the troops in his interest,
+covering his designs and endeavouring to justify his criminal
+enterprize by the most specious pretexts. Having assembled his
+army he made a long harangue to the soldiers, in which he
+represented, "That he and his brothers, as was well known to to
+them all, had discovered the kingdom of Peru, which they had
+reduced under the dominion of the king at their own proper
+charges, and had already remitted very large sums in gold and
+silver to his majesty; yet, after the death of the marquis, the
+king had not conferred the government of the country, either on
+the son of the marquis, or on him who now addressed them, as
+ought to have been done in conformity with the promises and
+agreements which had been made at the first discovery, but had
+even sent a cruel and inflexible person at this time to strip all
+of them of their property, as it was quite obvious that every
+person in Peru came under the scope of the obnoxious regulations.
+Blasco Nunnez Vaca, to whom the execution of these fatal
+regulations was confided, caused them to be put in force with the
+utmost rigour, not only refusing to listen to remonstrances and
+petitions the most respectful, but treating every one harshly who
+presumed to offer the most humble representations against their
+execution; of all which, and many other things of a like nature,
+every one who heard him were able to testify. Besides which, it
+was publickly given out, that the viceroy had orders to cut off
+his head; although it was well known to them all that he had not
+only never done any thing contrary to the service of the king,
+but had always conducted himself with the most zealous loyalty.
+For all these reasons, and by the consent and appointment of the
+city of Cuzco, he had resolved to go to Lima, to make a
+representation of their grievances to the royal audience, and
+humbly to supplicate a suspension of the ruinous regulations,
+that time might be given for sending deputies to the king in the
+name and on behalf of the whole kingdom of Peru, to inform his
+majesty of the true state of affairs, and of what seemed
+necessary to be done in the present conjuncture; having no doubt,
+when his majesty was truly informed, that he would devise a
+suitable remedy. If however, after using their utmost efforts,
+his majesty should still think proper to enforce the regulations,
+he and all with whom he acted would then obey the royal orders
+with the most entire and unreserved submission. His own journey
+and compearance before the viceroy, considering the menaces of
+that officer and the troops which he had levied, were obviously
+attended with the utmost danger to himself and all who should
+accompany him, unless he and they should be in a situation to
+defend themselves from lawless violence. For this reason it had
+been deemed indispensably necessary that he and the other
+deputies should be accompanied by a body of troops, which they
+had not the most distant intentions of employing to injure any
+person, unless they were attacked. He entreated them, therefore,
+to accompany him in his journey to Lima, and to observe during
+their march the strictest and most vigilant discipline, and that
+they might be assured, he, and those other gentleman who acted
+along with him, would reward them liberally for their toil and
+bravery, in enabling them to act with effect for preserving the
+properties of all from ruin."</p>
+
+<p>By this specious discourse, in which Gonzalo endeavoured to
+persuade his troops that his cause was just and his intentions
+pure, a considerable effect was produced, and his soldiers
+unanimously declared their determination to follow and defend him
+at the risk of their lives. He then marched out from Cuzco,
+accompanied by all the inhabitants of that city; and having put
+his troops in proper order, he gave permission that same evening
+to several of the citizens, as had been previously concerted
+between them, to return on purpose to prepare for the journey.
+Next morning early, twenty-five of the most eminent citizens, who
+had first given their assent to the supplications against the
+obnoxious regulations, considering that the steps which were now
+taking were criminal and rebellious, and dreading the injurious
+consequences which they would necessarily produce in Peru, came
+to the resolution of abandoning the party of Gonzalo and offering
+their services to the viceroy. They immediately set about
+executing this design, and went by long journeys through
+unfrequented ways in the deserts and mountains, lest Gonzalo
+might order them to be pursued, which he actually did. The
+principal persons in this defection were Gabriel de Roias, and
+Gomez de Roias his nephew, Garcilasso de la Vega, Pedro del
+Barco, Martin de Florencia, Jeronimo de Soria, Juan de Saavedra,
+Jeronimo Costilla, Gomez de Leon, Luis de Leon, and Pedro
+Manjares[6]. On setting out from Cuzco, they carried with them
+the orders they had received from the royal audience, by which
+they were enjoined to compear at Lima to submit to the authority
+of the viceroy.</p>
+
+<blockquote>[6] Garcilasso de la Vega differs somewhat in the
+names of one or two of these leading men who deserted from
+Gonzalo, and enumerates a considerable number more, among whom he
+names one Pedro Pizarro, saying they were in all about forty,
+with many of whom he was personally acquainted.--E.</blockquote>
+
+<p>When Gonzalo was informed of this notable defection from his
+cause, by which all his troops seemed very considerably
+disconcerted, he was almost in the mind to have abandoned his
+enterprize, and to withdraw into the district of Charcas with
+about fifty horsemen of his most attached friends, to fortify
+himself there as well as he could; but after mature reflection,
+he considered it as less dangerous to follow his first
+intentions, and to continue the march for Lima. Having taken this
+resolution, he endeavoured to encourage his troops, by telling
+them that the deserters were assuredly ill-informed of the true
+state of affairs at Lima, as he had letters from the principal
+inhabitants of that city, assuring him that, with fifty horsemen
+only, he might easily bring his enterprize to a happy conclusion,
+and without incurring the smallest danger, as all the colonists
+entertained the same sentiments with him, and only needed his
+countenance and direction to declare themselves. He continued his
+march accordingly, but very slowly and with infinite difficulty,
+on account of the extreme labour which was requisite for bringing
+forward his artillery. All the cannon and warlike stores had to
+be carried on the shoulders of Indians, by means of levers or
+long spars, for which purpose the guns were taken off from their
+carriages, and it required twelve Indians to each gun, who were
+hardly able to go above a hundred paces under their load, when
+they were relieved by an equal number. On this account, 300
+Indians were assigned to each gun, so that the artillery alone,
+with its ammunition and stores, required above 6000 Indians to
+conduct it over the mountains.</p>
+
+<p>Several gentlemen and other persons of consideration who
+accompanied Gonzalo, began to repent of being engaged in the
+enterprize. They had concurred with the rest at the beginning, in
+the propriety of remonstrating against the execution of the
+obnoxious regulations, and had even offered to risk their lives
+and fortunes in that measure; but on seeing the turn which
+affairs had taken, and that Gonzalo gradually assumed an
+authority to which he had no pretensions, they wished sincerely
+to get away from the engagements into which they had entered.
+Before leaving Cuzco, Gonzalo had seized the treasure belonging
+to the crown, not only without the consent and authority of the
+magistrates, but contrary to their advice and desire. They were
+anxiously desirous, therefore, of retracing the dangerous and
+criminal steps which they had taken, and the rather because they
+already believed that it would be unsuccessful. Gaspard Rodriguez
+De Campo-rondo, the brother of the deceased Captain Pedro
+Anzurez, and who had succeeded to the management of his estate
+and Indians, was the leader of these persons who wished to return
+to their duty. He and the rest concerted with each other how they
+might best abandon Gonzalo and join the viceroy; but they were
+somewhat afraid of trusting implicitly to Blasco Nunnez, in
+consideration of the extreme severity of his character, fearing
+that he might punish them for the share they had taken hitherto
+in the insurrection, notwithstanding of this their intended tardy
+abandonment of Gonzalo. For this reason they resolved to take
+effectual measures for securing an indemnity, and sent off, by a
+secret and unfrequented road, letters for the viceroy and the
+audience, in charge of a priest named Baltasar de Loaysa, by
+which they craved pardon for the past and a safe conduct for
+their compearance at Lima; adding, that, as they held some rank
+in the insurgent army, being captains under Gonzalo, all their
+friends and dependents might be expected to follow their example,
+by which in all probability the army of Gonzalo would fall to
+pieces of itself. Besides Rodriguez, Philip Gutierez, Arias
+Maldonado, Pedro de Vila-Castin, and others to the number of
+twenty-five, concurred in this plan of abandoning Gonzalo.</p>
+
+<p>Loaysa went in all haste to Lima, and, for the better
+concealment, he avoided uniting himself with Gabriel de Roias and
+the others who had formerly set out from Cuzco to join the
+viceroy. On his arrival at Lima, he immediately delivered his
+dispatches to the viceroy and the audience, and received without
+delay the safe conduct which his employers required. The news of
+this affair was soon spread over Lima, in which many of the
+inhabitants and others secretly wished well to the party of
+Gonzalo, as conformable to their own interest; and they were
+therefore a good deal mortified at the defection among the
+insurgents, which they supposed would soon occasion the army of
+Gonzalo to disperse; after which, the viceroy would assuredly
+carry the regulations into execution with the utmost rigour, when
+there was no one to oppose him.</p>
+
+<p>At the time when the viceroy was received at Lima, Pedro de
+Puelles, who was lieutenant of Guanuco under Vaca de Castro, came
+among the first to pay his compliments and to tender submission
+to his authority. As he had resided long in Peru, and had great
+experience in the affairs of that country, the viceroy gave him a
+new commission, by which he was confirmed in the lieutenancy of
+Guanuco, to which city he was sent back, with orders to hold the
+inhabitants in readiness to take the field with their horses and
+arms in case of need. Puelles not only prepared the people of his
+government for taking the field, but even retained in his pay
+some soldiers who had come from the province of Chachapoyas along
+with Gomez de Soliz and Bonefaz. Thinking it necessary to
+strengthen his army as much as possible to oppose Gonzalo, who
+was now marching towards Lima, the viceroy sent Jeronimo de
+Villegas with a letter commanding Puelles to join him without
+delay with all his force. On the arrival of Villegas at Guanuco,
+he and Puelles consulted together on the state of affairs, and
+concluded that if they should join the viceroy they would give a
+decided superiority to his side; and after the defeat of Gonzalo,
+having no one to oppose him, the viceroy would then cause the
+regulations to be enforced in their utmost rigour, by which the
+whole colonists of Peru would suffer extreme injury; as by
+depriving them of their Indians, not only the burgesses to whom
+they belonged would be reduced to poverty, but even the soldiers
+would be materially injured, as the burgesses would be no longer
+in condition to furnish subsistence to the troops as now. They
+came to the resolution therefore to join the party of Gonzalo,
+and set out immediately in search of his army for that
+purpose.</p>
+
+<h2>END OF VOLUME FOURTH.</h2>
+
+<hr align="center" width="50%">
+<hr align="center" width="25%">
+<pre>
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+
diff --git a/old/12514.txt b/old/12514.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of Voyages
+and Travels, Vol. IV., by Robert Kerr
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. IV.
+       Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the
+       Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea
+       and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time: History of the
+       discovery and conquest of Mexico and Peru
+
+
+Author: Robert Kerr
+
+Release Date: June 4, 2004 [EBook #12514]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, VOL. 4 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Allen Siddle and PG Distributed
+Proofreaders. This file was produced from images generously made
+available by the Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions
+
+
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,
+
+ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER:
+
+FORMING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF NAVIGATION,
+DISCOVERY, AND COMMERCE, BY SEA AND LAND, FROM THE EARLIEST AGES TO THE
+PRESENT TIME.
+
+
+BY
+
+
+ROBERT KERR, F.R.S. & F.A.S. EDIN.
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY MAPS AND CHARTS.
+
+VOL. IV.
+
+WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:
+AND T. CADELL, LONDON.
+MDCCCXXIV.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH VOLUME.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Twelve months have now elapsed since the first half volume of this work
+was offered to the public. The favourable reception it has experienced
+gives the Editor reason to hope that he has fulfilled the engagements
+which he came under at its first appearance, and is a powerful inducement
+to continue his utmost exertions to preserve and improve the character of
+the work. In the four volumes which are now published, several extensive
+and important original articles are introduced, which have not hitherto
+appeared in any similar collection, and had not even been previously
+translated into English. These materially contribute towards the ample
+information which was formerly announced, in the Preface to the _first_
+Volume, as a leading object in this Collection. In the subsequent parts of
+the work, every effort shall be made to fill up its several divisions with
+original articles of similar interest and equal importance.
+
+Encouraged by a satisfactory and increasing sale, the progress of
+publication has been somewhat hastened, beyond what was originally
+promised in the Prospectus and Conditions; as the _whole_ of the fourth
+Volume is now published, at the period when only its _first half_ was to
+have appeared. It is intended to repeat this anticipation occasionally, by
+the publication of two numbers or half-volumes at once, when opportunity
+offers. While this may gratify one portion of our readers, it is not meant
+to preclude others from continuing to be supplied, as before, with the
+numbers or half volumes at regular intervals, in their own option.
+
+EDINBURGH, _1st Jan_, 1812.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS OF VOL. IV.
+
+
+PART II. BOOK II. CONTINUED.
+
+CHAP. V. History of the discovery and conquest of Mexico, continued.
+
+SECT.
+  VI. The Spaniards commence their march to Mexico; with an account of the
+  war in Tlascala, and the submission of that nation.
+
+  VII. Events during the march of the Spaniards from Tlascala to Mexico.
+
+  VIII. Arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, and transactions there till
+  the arrival of Narvaez to supersede Cortes.
+
+  IX. Expedition of Narvaez to supersede Cortes in the command, and
+  occurrences till his defeat by Cortes.
+
+  X. Occurrences from the defeat of Narvaez, to the expulsion of the
+  Spaniards from Mexico, and the subsequent battle of Otumba.
+
+  XI. Occurrences from the battle of Otumba, till the march of Cortes to
+  besiege Mexico.
+
+  XII. Transactions of Cortes and the Spaniards, from their march against
+  Mexico, to the commencement of the siege of that city.
+
+  XIII. Narrative of occurrences, from the commencement of the siege of
+  Mexico to its reduction, and the capture of Guatimotzin.
+
+  XIV. Occurrences in New Spain, immediately subsequent to the reduction
+  of Mexico.
+
+  XV. Expeditions sent by Cortes to reduce the provinces of the Mexican
+  empire.
+
+  XVI. Expedition of Garay to colonize Panuco.
+
+  XVII. Narrative of various expeditions for the reduction of different
+  provinces in New Spain.
+
+  XVIII. Negociations of Cortes at the court of Spain, respecting the
+  conquest and government of Mexico.
+
+  XIX. Of an expedition against the Zapotecas, and various other
+  occurrences.
+
+  XX. Narrative of the expedition of Cortes to Higueras.
+
+  XXI. Return of Cortes to Mexico, and occurrences there previous to his
+  departure for Europe.
+
+  XXII. Narrative of occurrences, from the departure of Cortes to Europe
+  till his death.
+
+  XXIII. Concluding observations by the Author.
+
+CHAP. VI. History of the discovery and conquest of Peru, by Francisco
+Pizarro; written by Augustino Zarate, treasurer of that kingdom, a few
+years after the conquest.
+
+Introduction.
+
+SECT.
+  I. Of the discovery of Peru, with some account of the country and its
+  inhabitants.
+
+  II. Transactions of Pizarro and the Spaniards in Peru, from the
+  commencement of the conquest, till the departure of Almagro for the
+  discovery of Chili.
+
+  III. Occurrences from the departure of Almagro for Chili, to his capture
+  by Pizarro, being the first part of the civil wars in Peru.
+
+  IV. Expeditions of Pedro de Valdivia into Chili, and of Gonzalo Pizarro
+  to Los Canelos.
+
+  V. Conspiracy of the Almagrians and Assassination of Pizarro.
+
+CHAP. VII. Continuation of the early history of Peru, after the death of
+Francisco Pizarro, to the defeat of Gonzalo Pizarro, and the
+re-establishment of tranquillity in the country; written by Augustino
+Zarate.
+
+SECT.
+  I. From the revival of the civil wars in Peru, to the close of the
+  administration of Vaca de Castro, the first governor appointed from
+  Spain.
+
+  II. Commencement of the Viceroyalty of Blasco Nunnez Vela, and renewal
+  of the civil war in Peru by the usurpation of Gonzalo Pizarro.
+
+
+[Illustration: Viceroyalty of Mexico Published 1 Jan'y 1812 by W'm
+Blackwood Edin'r.]
+
+
+
+A GENERAL HISTORY AND COLLECTION OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS.
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+BOOK II. CONTINUED.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF MEXICO, WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1568,
+BY CAPTAIN BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO, ONE OF THE CONQUERORS.--_Continued_.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION VI.
+
+_The Spaniards commence their March to Mexico; with an account of the War
+in Tlascala, and the submission of that Nation_.
+
+
+Everything being in readiness for our march to Mexico, we were advised by
+our allies of Chempoalla to proceed by way of Tlascala, the inhabitants of
+that province being in friendship with them and constantly at war with the
+Mexicans; and at our requisition, we were joined by fifty of the principal
+warriors of the Totanacas[1], who likewise gave us 200 _tlamama_, or men
+of burden, to draw our guns and to transport our baggage and ammunition[2].
+Our first day's march on the 16th of August 1519, was to _Xalapan_, and
+our second to _Socochima_, a place of difficult approach, surrounded by
+vines. During the whole of this march, the main body was kept in compact
+order, being always preceded by an advance of light infantry, and patroles
+of cavalry. Our interpreters informed the people of this place, that we
+were subjects of the great emperor Don Carlos, who had sent us to abolish
+human sacrifices and various other abuses; and as these people were allies
+of Chempoalla and independent of Montezuma, they treated us in a friendly
+manner. We erected a cross at this place, explaining its signification and
+giving them information of many things belonging to our holy faith, and
+exhorting them to reverence the cross. From this place we proceeded by a
+difficult pass among lofty mountains to _Texotla_, the people of which
+place were well disposed to us, as they also paid no tribute to Montezuma.
+Continuing our march through desert lofty mountains, we experienced
+excessive cold, with heavy falls of hail, and came next day to a pass,
+where there were some houses and large temples, and great piles of wood
+intended for the service of the idols. Provisions were scarce during the
+two last days, and we now approached the confines of the Mexican empire,
+at a place called _Xocotlan_; to the cacique of which place Cortes sent a
+message informing him of our arrival. The appearance of this place evinced
+that we were entering upon a new and richer country. The temples and other
+buildings were lofty, with terraced roofs, and had a magnificent
+appearance, being all plastered and white-washed, so as to resemble some
+of our towns in Spain; on which account we called this place _Castel
+blanco_.
+
+In consequence of our message, the cacique and other principal persons of
+the town came out to meet us, and conducted us to our quarters, where they
+gave us a very poor entertainment. After supper, Cortes inquired
+respecting the military power of Montezuma, and was told that he was able
+to bring prodigious armies into the field. The city of Mexico was
+represented as of uncommon strength, being built on the water, with no
+communication between the houses, houses, except by means of boats or
+bridges, each house being terraced, and only needing the addition of a
+parapet to become a fortress. The only access to the city was by means of
+three causeways or piers, each of which had four or five apertures for the
+passage of the waters, having wooden bridges which could be raised up, so
+as to preclude all access. We were likewise informed of the vast wealth
+possessed by Montezuma, in gold, silver, and jewels, which filled us with
+astonishment; and although the account we had already received of the
+military resources of the empire and the inaccessible strength of the
+capital might have filled us with dismay, yet we were eager to try our
+fortunes. The cacique expatiated in praise of Montezuma, and expressed his
+apprehension of having offended him by receiving us into his government
+without his leave. To this Cortes replied, That we had come from a far
+distant country by command of our sovereign, to exhort Montezuma and his
+subjects to desist from human sacrifices and other outrages; adding: "I
+now require all who hear me, to renounce your inhuman sacrifices, cannibal
+feasts, and other abominable customs; for such is the command of GOD, whom
+we adore." The natives listened to all this in profound silence, and
+Cortes proposed to the soldiers to destroy the idols and plant the holy
+cross, as had been already done at Chempoalla; but Father Olmedo
+recommended that this should be postponed to a fitter opportunity, lest
+the ignorance and barbarism of the people might incite them to offer
+indignity against that holy symbol of our blessed religion.
+
+We happened to have a very large dog along with us, which belonged to
+Francisco de Lugo, which used to bark very loud during the night, to the
+great surprise of the natives, who asked our Chempoallan allies if that
+terrible animal was a lion or tiger which we had brought to devour them.
+They answered that this creature attacked and devoured whoever offended us;
+that our guns discharged stones which destroyed our enemies, and that our
+horses were exceedingly swift and caught whoever we pursued. On this the
+others observed that with such astonishing powers we certainly were
+_teules_. Our allies also advised them to beware of practising any thing
+against us, as we could read their hidden thoughts, and recommended them
+to conciliate our favour by a present. They accordingly brought us several
+ornaments of much debased gold, and gave us four women to make bread, and
+a load of mantles. Near some of the temples belonging to this place I saw
+a vast number of human skeletons arranged in such exact order that they
+might easily be counted with perfect accuracy, and I am certain there were
+above an hundred thousand. In another part immense quantities of human
+bones were heaped up in endless confusion. In a third, great numbers of
+skulls were suspended from beams, and watched by three priests. Similar
+collections were to be seen everywhere as we marched through this district
+and the territories of Tlascala.
+
+On consulting the cacique of Xocotla respecting the road to Mexico, he
+advised us to go through Cholula; but our allies strongly dissuaded us
+from that route, alleging that the people were very treacherous, and that
+the town was always occupied by a Mexican garrison, and repeated the
+former advice of going by Tlascala, assuring us of a friendly reception
+there. Cortes accordingly sent messengers before us to Tlascala announcing
+our approach, and bearing a crimson velvet cap as a present. Although
+these people were ignorant of writing, yet Cortes sent a letter by his
+messengers, as it was generally understood to carry a sanction of the
+message which was to be delivered. We now set out for Tlascala, in our
+accustomed order of march, attended by twenty principal inhabitants of
+Xocotla. On arriving at a village in the territory of Xalacingo[3], where
+we received intelligence that the whole nation of the Tlascalans were in
+arms to oppose us, believing as to be in alliance with their inveterate
+enemies the Mexicans, on account of the number of Mexican subjects who
+attended our army. So great was their suspicion on this account, that they
+imprisoned our two messengers, for whose return we waited two days very
+impatiently. Cortes employed the time in exhorting the Indians to abandon
+their idolatry and to reconcile themselves to our holy church. At the end
+of these two days, we resumed our march, accompanied by two of the
+principal people of this place whom Cortes demanded to attend us, and we
+soon afterwards met our messengers who had made their escape, either owing
+to the negligence or connivance of their guards. These messengers were in
+extreme terror, as the people of Tlascala threatened to destroy us and
+every one who should adhere to us. As a battle was therefore to be
+expected, the standard was advanced to the front, and Cortes instructed
+the cavalry to charge by threes to the front, never halting to give
+thrusts with their lances, but urging on at speed with couched lances
+levelled at the faces of the enemy. He directed them also, when their
+lance was seized by the enemy, to force it from them by the efforts of the
+horse, firmly grasping the butt under the arm. At about two leagues from
+the last resting-place, we came to a fortification built of stone and lime,
+excellently constructed for defence, and so well cemented that nothing but
+iron tools could make an impression on it. We halted for a short time to
+examine this work, which had been built by the Tlascalans to defend their
+territory against the incursions of their Mexican enemies; and on Cortes
+ordering us to march on, saying, "Gentlemen follow your standard the holy
+cross, through which we shall conquer;" we all replied, "Forward in the
+name of God, in whom is our only confidence."
+
+After passing this barrier some distance, our advanced guard descried
+about thirty of the Tlascalan troops, who had been sent to observe us.
+Cortes sent on the cavalry to endeavour to take some of these men
+prisoners, while the infantry advanced at a quick pace to support the
+advanced guard. Our cavalry immediately attacked, but the Tlascalans
+defended themselves bravely with their swords, wounding some of the horses
+severely, on which our people had to kill five of them, but were unable to
+make any prisoners. A body of three thousand warriors now sallied out upon
+us with great fury from an ambush, and began to discharge their arrows at
+our cavalry; but as our artillery and musquetry were now ready to bear
+upon them, we soon compelled them to give way, though in a regular manner,
+and fighting as they retreated; leaving seventeen of their men dead on the
+field; and one of our men was so severely wounded as to die a few days
+after. As the day was near a close, we did not attempt any pursuit; but
+continued our march, in which we soon descended from the hills into a flat
+country, thickly set with farm-houses, among fields of maize and the
+Maguay plant. We halted for the night on the banks of a brook, where we
+dressed our wounds with the _grease of a fat Indian_ who was slain in the
+skirmish; and though the natives had carried away all their provisions, we
+caught their dogs when they returned at night to the houses, and made a
+comfortable supper of that unusual fare. Next day, after recommending
+ourselves to God, we resumed our march against the Tlascalan army; both
+cavalry and infantry being duly instructed how to act when we came to
+battle; the cavalry to charge right through, and the infantry to preserve
+a firm array. We soon fell in with the enemy, to the number of about 6000
+men in two bodies, who immediately attacked us with great spirit,
+discharging their arrows, shouting, and sounding their martial instruments.
+Cortes halted the army, and sent three prisoners to demand a peaceable
+conference, and to assure them we wished to treat them as brothers;
+ordering at the same time the notary Godoy, to witness this message
+officially. This message had no effect, as they attacked us more fiercely
+than before, on which Cortes gave the word, _St Jago, and on them_. We
+accordingly made a furious onset, slaying many with the first discharges
+of our artillery, three of their chiefs falling on this occasion. They now
+retreated to some uneven ground, where the whole army of the state of
+Tlascala, 40,000 in number, were posted under cover, commanded by
+_Xicotencatl_, the general in chief of the republic. As the cavalry could
+not act in this uneven ground, we were forced to fight our way through as
+well as we were able in a compact column, assailed on every side by the
+enemy, who were exceedingly expert archers. They were all clothed in white
+and red, with devices of the same colours, being the uniform of their
+general. Besides the multitudes who discharged continual flights of arrows,
+many of them who were armed with lances closed upon us while we were
+embarrassed by the inequality of the ground; but as soon as we got again
+into the plain, we made a good use of our cavalry and artillery. Yet they
+fought incessantly against us with astonishing intrepidity, closing upon
+us all around, so that we were in the utmost danger at every step, but God
+supported and assisted us. While closely environed in this manner, a
+number of their strongest warriors, armed with tremendous two-handed
+swords, made a combined attack on Pedro de Moron, an expert horseman, who
+was charging through them accompanied by other three of our cavalry. They
+seized his lance and wounded himself dangerously, and one of them cut
+through the neck of his horse with a blow of a two-handed sword, so that
+he fell down dead. We rescued Moron from the enemy with the utmost
+difficulty, even cutting the girths and bringing off his saddle, but ten
+of our number were wounded in the attempt, and believe we then slew ten of
+their chiefs, while fighting hand to hand. They at length began to retire,
+taking with them the body of the horse, which they cut in pieces, and
+distributed through all the districts of Tlascala as a trophy of victory.
+Moron died soon after of his wounds, at least I have no remembrance of
+seeing him afterwards. After a severe and close conflict of above an hour,
+during which our artillery swept down multitudes out of the numerous and
+crowded bodies of the enemy, they drew off in a regular manner, leaving
+the field to us, who were too much fatigued to pursue. We took up our
+quarters, therefore, in the nearest village, named _Teoatzinco_, where we
+found numbers of subterraneous dwellings. This battle was fought on the 2d
+September 1519. The loss of the enemy on this occasion was very
+considerable, eight of their principal chiefs being slain, but how many
+others we know not, as whenever an Indian is wounded or slain, he is
+immediately carried off by his companions. Fifteen of them were made
+prisoners, of whom two were chiefs. On our side fifteen men were wounded,
+one only of whom died. As soon as we got clear of the enemy, we gave
+thanks to God for his merciful preservation, and took post in a strong and
+spacious temple, where we dressed our wounds with the fat of Indians. We
+obtained a plentiful supply of food from the fowls and dogs which we found
+in the houses of the village, and posted strong guards on every side for
+our security.
+
+We continued quietly in the temple for one day, to repose after the
+fatigues of the battle, occupying ourselves in repairing our cross-bows,
+and making arrows. Next day Cortes sent out seven of our cavalry with two
+hundred infantry and all our allies, to scour the country, which is very
+flat and well adapted for the movements of cavalry, and this detachment
+brought in twenty prisoners, some of whom were women, without meeting with
+any injury from the enemy, neither did the Spaniards do any mischief; but
+our allies, being very cruel, made great havoc, and came back loaded with
+dogs and fowls. Immediately on our return, Cortes released all the
+prisoners, after giving them food and kind treatment, desiring them to
+expostulate with their companions on the madness of resisting our arms. He
+likewise released the two chiefs who had been taken in the preceding
+battle, with a letter in token of credence, desiring them to inform their
+countrymen that he only asked to pass through their country in his way to
+Mexico. These chiefs waited accordingly on _Xicotencatl_, whose army was
+posted about two leagues from our quarters, at a place called
+_Tehuacinpacingo_, and delivered the message of Cortes. To this the
+Tlascalan general replied, "Tell them to go to Tlascala, where we shall
+give them peace by offering their hearts and blood to our gods, and by
+feasting on their bodies." After what we had already experienced of the
+number and valour of the enemy, this horrible answer did not afford us
+much consolation; but Cortes concealed his fears, and treated the
+messengers more kindly than ever, to induce them to carry a fresh message.
+By inquiry from them he got the following account of the number of the
+enemy and of the nature of the command enjoyed by its general. The army
+now opposed to us consisted of the troops or quotas of five great chiefs,
+each consisting of 10,000 men. These chiefs were _Xicotencatl_ the elder,
+father to the general, _Maxicotzin_, _Chichimecatecle, _Tecapaneca_
+cacique of _Topeyanco_, and a cacique named _Guaxocinga_[4]. Thus 50,000
+men were now collected against us under the banner of Xicotencatl, which
+was a white bird like an ostrich with its wings spread out[5]. The other
+divisions had each its distinguishing banner, every cacique bearing these
+cognizances like our Spanish nobles, a circumstance we could not credit
+when so informed by our prisoners. This formidable intelligence did not
+tend to lessen the fears which the terrible answer of Xicotencatl had
+occasioned, and we prepared for the expected battle of the next day, by
+confessing our sins to our reverend fathers, who were occupied in this
+holy office during the whole night[6].
+
+On the 5th of September, we marched out with our whole force, the wounded
+not excepted, having our colours flying and guarded by four soldiers
+appointed for that purpose. The crossbow-men and musketeers were ordered to
+fire alternately, so that some of them might be always loaded: The
+soldiers carrying swords and bucklers were directed to use their points
+only, thrusting home through the bodies of the enemy, by which they were
+less exposed to missile weapons; and the cavalry were ordered to charge at
+half speed, levelling their lances at the eyes of the enemy, and charging
+clear through without halting to make thrusts. We had hardly marched half
+a quarter of a league, when we observed the whole army of the enemy,
+covering the plain on every side as far as the eye could reach, each
+separate body displaying its particular device or standard, and all
+advancing to the sound of martial music. A great deal might be said of
+this tremendous and long doubtful battle, in which four hundred of us were
+opposed to prodigious hosts, which surrounded us on every side, filling
+all the plains to the extent of two leagues. Their first discharges of
+arrows, stones, and double-headed darts covered the whole ground which we
+occupied, and they advanced continually till closed upon us all around,
+attacking us with the utmost resolution with lances and two-handed swords,
+encouraging each other by continual shouts. Our artillery, musketry, and
+cross-bows plied them with incessant discharges, and made prodigious havoc
+among the crowded masses of the enemy, and the home thrusts of our
+infantry with their swords, prevented them from closing up so near as they
+had done in the former battle. Yet with all our efforts, our battalion was
+at one time completely broken into and separated, and all the exertions of
+our general was for some time unable to get us again into order; at length,
+however, by the diligent use of our swords, we forced them from among us,
+and were able again to close our ranks. During the whole battle our
+cavalry produced admirable effects, by incessant charges through the
+thickest of the enemy. We in some measure owed our safety, under God, to
+the unwieldy multitude of the enemy, so that some of the divisions could
+never get up to the attack. One of the grand divisions, composed of the
+warriors dependant on _Guaxocinga_, was prevented from taking any share in
+the battle by _Chichemecatecle_[7], their commander, who had been provoked
+by some insulting language by Xicotencatl respecting his conduct in the
+preceding engagement, of which circumstance we received information
+afterwords. The circumstance of these divisions not joining in the battle,
+slackened the ardour of the rest, more especially after they had
+experienced the terrible effects of our cavalry, artillery, and other
+offensive weapons; and one of their greatest chiefs being killed, they at
+length drew off from the fight, and were pursued to a short distance by
+our cavalry. In this great battle, one only of our soldiers was killed,
+but seventy men and all our horses were wounded. I had two wounds, one by
+an arrow and the other by a stone, but they were not sufficient to make me
+unfit for duty. Thus again masters of the field, we gave thanks to God for
+his merciful preservation, and returned to our former post, first burying
+our dead companion in one of the subterraneous houses, which was filled up
+and levelled, that his body might not be discovered by the enemy. We
+passed the ensuing night in a most comfortless situation, not being able
+to procure even oil and salt, and exposed to excessive cold winds from the
+snowy mountains.
+
+Cortes sent a fresh message by three of our prisoners and those who had
+carried his former message, demanding a free passage to Mexico, and
+threatening to destroy the whole country in case of refusal. On their
+arrival at Tlascala, they found the chiefs much cast down at their
+repeated losses, yet unwilling to listen to our proposals. They sent for
+their priests and wizards, who pretended to foretel future events by
+casting lots, desiring them to say if the Spaniards were vincible, and
+what were the best means of conquering us; likewise demanding whether we
+were men or superior beings, and what was our food. The wizards answered,
+that we were men like themselves, subsisting upon ordinary food, but did
+not devour the hearts of our enemies as had been reported; alleging that
+though invincible by day, we might be conquered at night, as we derived
+all our power from the influence of the sun. Giving credit to this
+response, Xicotencatl received orders to make an immediate attack on our
+quarters during the night. He marched accordingly with ten thousand
+warriors, and made a night attack on our post in three places at once: But
+our outposts kept too good guard to be taken by surprise, and we were
+under arms in a moment to receive them. They met with so warm a reception,
+that they were soon forced to turn their backs; and as it was clear
+moon-light, our cavalry pursued them with great effect, so that they
+returned to their camp heartily repenting of their night attack; insomuch
+that it was reported they sacrificed two of their priests for deceiving
+them to their hurt. In this action one only of our allies was killed, and
+two Spaniards wounded; but our situation was far from consolatory. Besides
+being dreadfully hard harassed by fatigue, we had lost fifty-five of our
+soldiers from wounds, sickness, and severity of the weather, and several
+were sick. Our general and Father Olmedo were both ill of fevers: And we
+began to think it would be impossible for us to reach Mexico, after the
+determined resistance we had experienced from the Tlascalans.
+
+In this extremity several of the officers and soldiers, among whom I was
+one, waited on Cortes, and advised him to release his prisoners and to
+make a fresh offer of friendship with the Tlascalans through these people.
+He, who acted on all occasions like a good captain, never failing to
+consult with us on affairs of importance, agreed with our present advice,
+and gave orders accordingly. Donna Marina, whose noble spirit and
+excellent judgment supported her on all occasions of danger, was now of
+most essential service to us, as indeed she often was; as she explained in
+the most forcible terms to these messengers, that if their countrymen did
+not immediately enter into a treaty of peace with us, that we were
+resolved to march against their capital, and would utterly destroy it and
+their whole nation. Our messengers accordingly went to Tlascala, where
+they waited on the chiefs of the republic, the principal messenger bearing
+our letter in one hand, as a token of peace, and a dart in the other as a
+signal of war, as if giving them their choice of either. Having delivered
+our resolute message, it pleased GOD to incline the hearts of these
+Tlascalan rulers to enter into terms of accommodation with us. The two
+principal chiefs, named Maxicatzin and Xicotencatl the elder[8],
+immediately summoned the other chiefs of the republic to council, together
+with the cacique of Guaxocingo the ally of the republic, to whom they
+represented that all the attacks which they had made against us had been
+ineffectual, yet exceedingly destructive to them; that the strangers were
+hostile to their inveterate enemies the Mexicans, who had been continually
+at war against their republic for upwards of an hundred years, and had so
+hemmed them in as to deprive them of procuring cotton or salt; and
+therefore that it would be highly conducive to the interests of the
+republic to enter into an alliance with these strangers against their
+common enemies, and to offer us the daughters of their principal families
+for wives, in order to strengthen and perpetuate the alliance between us.
+This proposal was unanimously agreed upon by the council, and notice was
+immediately sent to the general of this determination, with orders to
+cease from hostilities. Xicotencatl was much offended at this order, and
+insisted on making another nocturnal attack on our quarters. On learning
+this determination of their general, the council of Tlascala sent orders
+to supersede him in the command, but the captains and warriors of the army
+refused obedience to this order, and even prevented four of the principal
+chiefs of the republic from waiting upon us with an invitation to come to
+their city.
+
+After waiting two days for the result of our message without receiving any
+return, we proposed to march to Zumpacingo, the chief town of the district
+in which we then were, the principal people of which had been summoned to
+attend at our quarters, but had neglected our message. We accordingly
+began our march for that place early of a morning, having Cortes at our
+head, who was not quite recovered from his late illness. The morning was
+so excessively cold, that two of our horses became so exceedingly ill that
+we expected them to have died, and we were all like to perish from the
+effects of the piercing winds of the _Sierra Nevada_, or Snowy Mountains.
+This occasioned us to accelerate our march to bring us into heat, and we
+arrived at Zumpacingo before daybreak; but the inhabitants, immediately on
+getting notice of our approach, fled precipitately from their houses,
+exclaiming that the _teules_ were coming to kill them. We halted in a
+place surrounded with walls till day, when some priests and old men came
+to us from the temples, making an apology for neglecting to obey our
+summons, as they had been prevented by the threats of their general
+Xicotencatl. Cortes ordered them to send us an immediate supply of
+provisions, with which they complied, and then sent them with a message to
+Tlascala, commanding the chiefs of the republic to attend him at this
+place to establish a peace, as we were still ignorant of what had taken
+place in consequence of our former message. The Indians of the country
+began to entertain a favourable opinion of us, and orders were given by
+the Tlascalan senate that the people in our neighbourhood should supply us
+plentifully with provisions.
+
+At this time some of the soldiers resumed their mutinous complaints,
+particularly those who had good houses and plantations in Cuba, who
+murmured at the hardships they had undergone and the manifold dangers with
+which we were surrounded. Seven of their ringleaders now waited on Cortes,
+having a spokesman at their head, who addressed the general in a studied
+oration, representing, "That above fifty-five of our companions had
+already perished during the expedition, and we were now ignorant of the
+situation of those we had left at Villa Rica. That we were so surrounded
+by enemies, it was hardly possible to escape from being sacrificed to the
+idols of the barbarians, if we persisted in our present hopeless
+enterprize. Our situation, they said, was worse than beasts of burden, who
+had food and rest when forced to labour, while we were oppressed with
+fatigue, and could neither procure sleep or provisions. As therefore the
+country now seemed peaceable and the enemy had withdrawn, the present
+opportunity ought to be taken for returning immediately to Villa Rica, on
+purpose to construct a vessel to send for reinforcements from Cuba; adding,
+that they lamented the destruction of our shipping, a rash and imprudent
+step, which could not be paralleled in history," Cortes answered them with
+great mildness; "That he was satisfied no soldiers ever exhibited more
+valour than we, and that by perseverance alone could we hope to preserve
+our lives amidst those great perils which God hitherto delivered us from,
+and that he hoped for a continuance of the same mercy. He appealed to them
+to say if he had ever shrunk from sharing in all their dangers; which
+indeed he might well do, as he never spared himself on any occasion. As to
+the destruction of the ships, it was done advisably, and for most
+substantial reasons; and as the most illustrious of our countrymen had
+never ventured on so bold a measure, it was better to look forward with
+trust in God, than to repine at what could not now be remedied. That
+although the natives we had left behind were at present friendly, all
+would assuredly rise against us the moment we began to retreat; and if our
+situation were now bad, it would then be desperate. We were now in a
+plentiful country; and as for our losses by death and fatigue, such was
+the fortune of war, and we had not come to this country to enjoy sports
+and pastimes. I desire therefore of you, who are all gentlemen, that you
+no longer think of retreat, but that you henceforwards shew an example to
+the rest, by doing your duty like brave soldiers, which I have always
+found you hitherto." They still continued to urge the danger of persisting
+in the march to Mexico; but Cortes cut them short, saying, That it was
+better to die at once than live dishonoured: And being supported by all
+his friends, the malcontents were obliged to stifle their dissatisfaction,
+as we all exclaimed that nothing more should be said on the subject.
+
+Our deputation from Zumpacingo to Tlascala was at length successful; as
+after four repeated messages from the chiefs of the republic, their
+general Xicotencatl was obliged to cease hostilities. Accordingly forty
+Indians were sent by him to our quarters with a present of fowls, bread,
+and fruit. They also brought four old women in tattered clothes, some
+incense, and a quantity of parrots feathers. After offering incense to
+Cortes, one of the messengers addressed him as follows: "Our general sends
+these things to you. If ye are _teules_, as is reported, and desire human
+victims, take the hearts and blood of these women as food: We have not
+sacrificed them to you, as you have not hitherto made known your pleasure.
+If ye are men, we offer you fowls, bread, and fruit; if benignant _teules_,
+who do not desire human sacrifices, here are incense and parrots feathers."
+Cortes replied, That we were men like themselves, and never put any one to
+death except in our own defence: That he had repeatedly required them to
+make peace with us, which offer he now renewed, advising them no longer to
+continue their mad resistance, which must end in their own ruin and the
+destruction of their country: That our only object in coming among them,
+was to manifest the truths of our holy religion, and to put an end to
+human sacrifices, by command from God and our emperor. These men were
+spies, who had been sent by Xicotencatl to gain information of the
+strength and disposition of our quarters; and we were informed of this by
+our Chempoallan allies, who had learnt from the people of Zumpacingo that
+Xicotencatl intended to attack us. On this information, Cortes seized four
+of the messengers, whom he forced by threats to confess, that their
+general only waited for their report to attack us that night in our
+quarters. He then caused seventeen of the Tlascalan messengers to be
+arrested, cutting off the hands of some and the thumbs of others, and sent
+them back in that condition to Xicotencatl with a message, that he would
+wait his attack for two days, after which, if he heard nothing farther
+from him, he would march with his Spaniards to seek him in his post. On
+the return of his spies in a mutilated state, Xicotencatl, who was
+prepared to march against us, lost all his haughtiness and resolution, and
+we were informed that the chief with whom he had quarrelled, now quitted
+the army with his division.
+
+The approach of a numerous train of Indians by the road from Tlascala was
+announced by one of our videts, from which we all conceived hopes of an
+embassy of peace, which it actually was. Cortes ordered us all immediately
+under arms, and on the arrival of the embassy, four old men advanced to
+our general, and after making three several reverences, touching the
+ground with their hands and kissing them, they offered incense, and said:
+That they were sent by the chiefs of Tlascala to put themselves
+henceforwards under our protection, and declared that they would on no
+account have made war upon us, if they had not believed we were allies of
+Montezuma, their ancient and inveterate enemy. They assured him that the
+first attack had been made upon us by the Otomies without their
+approbation, who believed they might easily have brought our small number
+as prisoners to their lords of Tlascala. They concluded by soliciting
+pardon for what had passed, assuring us that their general and the other
+chiefs of Tlascala would soon wait upon us to conclude a durable peace.
+Cortes in his answer, assumed a severe countenance, reproaching them for
+the violence they had been guilty of, yet, in consideration of their
+repentance, he accepted their presents, and was willing to receive them to
+favour, as he wished for peace; but desired them to inform their chiefs,
+if they delayed waiting upon him, he would continue his hostilities till
+be had ruined their whole country. The four ambassadors returned with this
+message to their employers, leaving their attendants with the provisions
+in our quarters. We now began to entertain hopes of their sincerity, to
+our great satisfaction, as we were heartily tired of the severe and
+hopeless war in which we had been so long engaged.
+
+The news of the great victories which we had gained over the Tlascalans
+soon spread over the whole country, and came to the knowledge of Montezuma,
+who sent five principal nobles of his court to congratulate us on our
+success. These men brought a present of various articles of gold, to the
+value of 1000 crowns, with twenty loads of rich mantles, and a message,
+declaring his desire to become a vassal of our sovereign, to whom he was
+willing to pay an yearly tribute. He added a wish to see our general in
+Mexico, but, owing to the poverty of the country and the badness of the
+roads, he found himself under the necessity to deprive himself of that
+great pleasure. Cortes expressed his gratitude for the present, and his
+satisfaction at the offer of their sovereign to become tributary to our
+emperor; but requested the Mexican ambassadors to remain with him till he
+had concluded his arrangements with the Tlascalans, after which he would
+give them a definitive answer to the message of Montezuma. While
+conversing with the Mexican ambassadors, Xicotencatl, with fifty of his
+principal warriors all in uniform habits of white and red, came to wait
+upon Cortes with great respect, who received them very courteously,
+causing the Tlascalan general to sit down beside him. Xicotencatl then
+said, That he came in the name of his father and the other chiefs of the
+Tlascalan nation, to solicit peace and friendship, to submit themselves to
+our sovereign, and to ask pardon for having taken up arms against us,
+which had proceeded from their dread of the machinations of Montezuma, who
+was always desirous of reducing their nation to slavery. Their country, he
+said, was very poor, as it possessed neither gold, jewels, cotton, nor
+salt; the two latter they were prevented from obtaining by Montezuma, who
+had also deprived them of all the gold their fathers had collected. Their
+poverty, therefore, must plead their excuse, for not bringing satisfactory
+presents. He made many other complaints against the oppressions of
+Montezuma, and concluded by earnestly soliciting our friendship and
+alliance. Xicotencatl was strong made, tall, and well proportioned, having
+a broad and somewhat wrinkled face, and grave aspect, appearing to be
+about thirty-five years old. Cortes treated him with every mark of respect,
+and expressed his high satisfaction that so brave and respectable a nation
+should become our allies, and subjects to our sovereign; but warned them
+seriously to beware of repeating the offences they had been guilty of
+towards us, lest it should occasion an exemplary punishment. The Tlascalan
+chief promised the utmost fidelity and obedience, and invited us to come
+to their city; which Cortes promised to do as soon as he had concluded his
+business with the Mexican ambassadors, and Xicotencatl took his leave.
+
+The ambassadors of Montezuma endeavoured to impress Cortes with distrust
+of the sincerity of the Tlascalans; asserting that their professions of
+peace and friendship were only meant to betray us, as they would certainly
+murder us while in their city. To these representations Cortes answered
+that he was resolved to go to Tlascala, that he might ascertain the
+sincerity of their professions; and that any such attempt as the Mexicans
+surmised would only bring on its own condign punishment. The ambassadors
+then requested Cortes to delay his march for six days, that they might
+receive fresh instructions from their sovereign, to which he acceded for
+two reasons, because of the state of his own health, and that the
+observations of the ambassadors seemed to require serious consideration.
+He now sent a messenger to Juan Escalente at Villa Rica, informing him of
+all that had happened, and requiring him to send some vessels of
+sacramental wine, and some consecrated bread, all that we had brought with
+us having been used. We at this time got the people of Zumpacingo to
+purify and white wash one of their temples, in which we erected a lofty
+cross. Our new friends the Tlascalans supplied us amply with provisions,
+particularly fowls and _tunas_, or Indian figs; and repeatedly invited us
+to their capital, but with this last we could not immediately comply,
+owing to the engagement with the Mexican ambassadors. At the end of the
+sixth day, as agreed upon, six nobles arrived from Montezuma, with a
+present of gold to the value of 3000 crowns, and 200 rich mantles; with a
+complimentary message, desiring us on no account to trust the Tlascalans
+or to go to their capital. Cortes returned thanks for the present, and the
+warning respecting the Tlascalans, whom he said he would severely punish
+if they attempted any treachery: and as he was just informed of the
+approach of the chiefs of Tlascala, he requested the Mexican ambassadors
+to wait three days for his final answer.
+
+The ancient chiefs of Tlascala now arrived at our quarters, borne in
+litters or hammocks, and attended by a large train of followers. These
+were Maxicatzin, Xicotencatl the elder, who was blind, Guaxocinga,
+Chichimecatecle, and Tecapaneca the allied cacique of Topeyanco. After
+saluting Cortes with great respect, the old blind chief Xicotencatl
+addressed him to the following effect: "We have often sent to request
+pardon for our hostilities, which were caused by our suspicions that you
+were in alliance with our enemy Montezuma. Had we known who and what you
+were, we would have gone down to the coast to invite you from your ships,
+and would have swept the roads clean before you. All we can now do is to
+invite you to our city, where we shall serve you in every thing within our
+power; and we beg you may not listen to the misrepresentations of the
+Mexicans, who are our enemies, and are influenced by malice against us."
+Cortes returned thanks for their courtesy, saying that he would have
+visited them ere now, but wanted men to draw his cannons. On learning this,
+five hundred of the natives were assembled for this service in less than
+half an hour, and Cortes promised to visit their capital next day. We
+accordingly began our march early next morning, the Mexican ambassadors
+accompanying us at the desire of Cortes, and keeping always near his
+person that they might not be insulted by their Tlascalan enemies. From
+this time the natives always gave Cortes the name of Malintzin, signifying
+the lord or captain of Marina, because she always interpreted for him in
+their language. We entered the city of Tlascala on the 23d September 1519,
+thirty-four days after our arrival in the territories of the republic. As
+soon as we began our march, the chiefs went before to provide quarters for
+us; and on our approach to the city, they came out to meet us, accompanied
+by their daughters and other female relations: each tribe separately, as
+this nation consisted of four distinct tribes, besides that which was
+governed by the cacique of Topeyanco. These tribes were distinguished from
+each other by different uniforms, of cloth made of _nequen_, as cotton did
+not grow in their country. The priests, came likewise to meet us, in long
+loose white garments, having their long hair all clotted with blood
+proceeding from recent cuts in the ears, and having remarkably long nails
+on their fingers; they carried pots of incense, with which they fumigated
+us. On our arrival, the chiefs saluted Cortes with much respect, and the
+people crowded to see us in such numbers that we could hardly make our way
+through the streets, presenting Cortes and the cavalry with garlands of
+beautiful and sweet smelling flowers.
+
+We at length arrived at some large enclosed courts, in the apartments,
+around which our lodgings were appointed; when the two principal chiefs
+took Cortes by the hand and conducted him into the apartment which was
+destined for his use. Every one of our soldiers were provided with a mat
+and bed-clothes made of _nequen_ cloth. Our allies were lodged close by us,
+and the Mexican ambassadors were accommodated, by desire of Cortes, in the
+apartment next his own. Though we had every reason to confide in the
+Tlascalans, Cortes used the most rigid military precautions for our safety;
+which, being observed by the chiefs, they complained of as indicating
+suspicion of their sincerity; but Cortes assured them this was the uniform
+custom of our country, and that he had the most perfect reliance on their
+truth. As soon as an altar could be got ready, Cortes ordered Juan Diaz to
+celebrate the mass, as Olmeda was ill of a fever. Many of the native
+chiefs were present on this occasion, whom Cortes took along with him
+after the service into his own apartment, attended by those soldiers who
+usually accompanied him. The elder Xicotencatl then offered a present,
+consisting of a small quantity of gold and some pieces of cloth, not worth
+twenty crowns altogether, and expressed his fear that he might despise so
+paltry a present, which he excused on account of the poverty of their
+nation, occasioned by the extortions of Montezuma, from whom they were
+forced to purchase peace at the expence of every thing valuable belonging
+to them. Cortes assured them that he valued their gift, small as it was,
+more than he would a house full of gold from others, as it was a testimony
+of their friendship, which he greatly valued. Xicotencatl then proposed
+that a strict alliance should be formed between the two nations, and that
+our chiefs should accept their daughters in marriage, offering his own to
+Cortes, who thanked him for these marks of friendship. The chiefs remained
+with Cortes a whole day, and as Xicotencatl was blind, Cortes permitted
+him to examine his head, face, and beard with his hands, which he did with
+much attention.
+
+Next day the chiefs brought five daughters of their principal caciques,
+who were much handsomer than the other women of the country, each attended
+by a female slave. On this occasion Xicotencatl presented his own daughter
+to Cortes, and desired him to assign the others among his principal
+officers. Cortes thanked him for the mark of regard, but that for the
+present the ladies must remain with their parents, as we must first obey
+the commands of our God, and the orders of our sovereign, by abolishing
+human sacrifices and other abominations, and by teaching them the true
+faith in the adoration of one only God. He then shewed them a beautiful
+image of the holy Mary, the queen of heaven, the mother of our Lord by the
+power of the Holy Ghost, conceived without sin, adding, That if they
+wished to become our brethren, and that we should marry their daughters,
+they must renounce their idolatry, and worship our God, by which they
+would not only benefit their temporal concerns, but would secure an
+eternal happiness in heaven; whereas by persisting in the worship of their
+idols, which were representations of the devils, they would consign
+themselves to hell, where they would be plunged eternally into flames of
+fire. This and a great deal more excellently to the purpose, being well
+explained to them by our interpreters, the chiefs made answer to the
+following effect: That they readily believed all they had now heard
+respecting the excellence of our God and his saints, and might in time be
+able to understand the subject of his exhortations; but that if they were
+now to renounce the religion of their ancestors in their old age to please
+us, the priests and people would rebel against them; more especially as
+the priests had already consulted their gods, who had commanded them on no
+account to omit the human sacrifices and other ancient customs, as
+otherwise they would send famine, pestilence, and war into their country:
+They requested, therefore that nothing more might be said on this subject,
+as they could not renounce their gods but with their lives. When the
+subject of this conference was reported to father Olmedo, who was a wise
+and good man, he advised the general not to urge the matter any farther
+for the present, as he was adverse to forced conversions, such as had been
+already attempted at Chempoalla; and that to destroy the idols were a
+needless act of violence, unless the principles of idolatry were
+eradicated from their minds by argument as they would easily procure other
+idols to continue their worship. Three of our cavaliers, Alvarado, de Leon,
+and De Lugo, gave a similar advice to Cortes, and the subject was
+judiciously dropped, which might have again excited the Tlascalans to
+inveterate enmity.
+
+Soon after this we got permission to clear out and purify one of the
+temples, which was converted into a Christian church, and had an altar and
+cross erected. Here the ladies who were destined to be the brides of our
+officers, having been instructed in the principles of the Christian
+religion were baptized. The daughter of Xicotencatl was named Donna Luisa,
+and being taken by the hand by Cortes, was presented by him to Alvarado,
+saying to her rather that this officer was his brother, with which
+arrangement the old cacique seemed perfectly satisfied. Almost the whole
+province of Tlascala came afterwards to depend upon this lady, paying rent
+and homage to her. She had a son by Alvarado named Don Pedro, and a
+daughter Donna Leonora, who inherited her mothers domains, and is now the
+wife of Don Francisco de la Cueva, cousin to the Duke of Albuquerque, by
+whom she has four or five sons. In right of his wife Donna Luisa, Alvarado
+became lord, and almost sovereign of Tlascala. As far as I can remember,
+the niece, or daughter of Maxicatzin, named Donna Leonora, and remarkably
+handsome, was given to Velasquez de Leon. I have forgotten the names of
+the other ladies, all stiled Donnas, but they were assigned to De Oli,
+Sandoval, and Avila. After the ceremonies were concluded, the natives were
+informed that the crosses were erected in order to expel the evil spirits
+which they had been in use to worship.
+
+Cortes obtained considerable information from the two principal chiefs of
+Tlascala, Xicotencatl, and Maxicatzin, relative to the military and
+political state of Mexico. They said that Montezuma had an army of an
+hundred thousand warriors, occupying all the cities of the neighbouring
+states, which were subject to his dominions, with strong garrisons, and
+forcing them to pay heavy tributes in gold, manufactures, productions of
+the soil, and victims for sacrifice, so that his wealth and power were
+exceedingly great; but that all the districts which were under subjection
+to him were exceedingly dissatisfied with his tyranny, and inclined to
+take part with his enemies. Their own state of Tlascala had been in almost
+continual wars with the Mexicans for above an hundred years, and formed a
+league for mutual defence with the people of Guaxocingo[9]; but were
+principally vexed by inroads from the Mexican garrison in Cholula, from
+which city the troops of Montezuma were able to come by surprise on the
+Tlascalan territories. They described the city of Mexico as of great
+strength, being built in the lake, and only accessible by narrow causeways,
+with wooden bridges, and having no access to most of its houses but by
+drawbridges or boats. They described the arms of the Mexicans as
+consisting of double-headed darts, which were projected by a kind of
+slings, lances having stone heads, an ell in length, and both edges as
+sharp as a razor, and two-handed swords, edged likewise with sharp stones,
+besides shields and other defensive armour. The chiefs shewed large
+_nequen_ cloths, on which their various battles were represented, with all
+those different kinds of weapons. They alleged that their country was
+anciently inhabited by a people of great stature and very barbarous
+manners, who had been extirpated by their ancestors, and produced a
+thigh-bone which they said had belonged to one of these giants. I stood by
+it, and it equalled my height, though I am as tall as most men. We sent
+this bone to Spain for the inspection of his majesty. The chiefs told us
+that their idols had long ago predicted, that a people was to arrive from
+the distant lands where the sun rises, and to subdue their country, and
+they believed we were those to whom the prediction applied. Cortes said
+that this was certainly the case, and that our great emperor had sent us
+to establish a lasting friendship between our nation and them, and to be
+the instruments of shewing them the only way of Salvation: To which we all
+said Amen!
+
+While we were in Tlascala a volcano near Guaxocingo threw out great
+quantities of flames, and Diego de Ordas went up to examine it, attended
+by two Spanish soldiers, and some of the principal Indians. The natives
+declined going any nearer to the volcano than the temples of
+_Popocatepeque_, but De Ordas and his two Spanish comrades ascended to the
+summit of the mountain, and looked down into the crater, which is a circle
+of near a quarter of a league diameter. From this peak also, they had a
+distant view of the city of Mexico, which was twelve or thirteen leagues
+from the mountain. This was considered as a great feat, and De Ordas, on
+his return to Spain, got royal authority to bear this volcano in his arms,
+which is now borne by his nephew who dwells in La Puebla. This volcano did
+not throw out flames for a good many years afterwards, but it flamed with
+great violence in 1530. We observed many wooden cages in the city of
+Tlascala, in which the victims intended for sacrifice were confined and
+fattened; but we destroyed all these, releasing the unhappy prisoners, who
+remained along with us, as they dared not to return to their own homes.
+Cortes spoke very angrily to the Tlascalan chiefs, exhorting them to
+abolish this horrible custom of human sacrifices, and they promised
+amendment; but immediately, on our backs being turned, they resumed their
+ancient abominations.
+
+
+[1] Clavigero says that Cortes had some troops of the Totanacas, among
+    whom were forty nobles, serving at the same time as auxiliaries, and
+    as hostages for the fidelity of their nation.--Clavig. II. 30.
+
+[2] In Clavigero, II. 29. the army of Cortes on this occasion is stated
+    to have amounted to 415 Spanish infantry and 16 cavalry.--E.
+
+[3] In Clavigero, II. 31. Iztacmaxitlan is said to have been the next
+    stage after leaving Xocotla, and is described as a populous district,
+    with a strong city or fortress on a high rock, defended by barbicans
+    and ditches.--E.
+
+[4] In Clavigero, II. 31. Xicocentcatl Maxicatizin, is given as the name
+    of one chief; and only _three_ other lords or great caciques are said
+    to have then borne sway in the Tlascalan republic, Tlekul, Xolotzin,
+    and Citlalpocatzin. The person named Chichimecatecle by Diaz, is
+    called Chichimeca Teuchtli by Clavigero: But it is impossible to
+    reconcile the differences between these authors respecting the other
+    names of the chiefs, nor is it important.--E.
+
+[5] Clavigero, II. 37. says the grand standard of the republic of Tlascala,
+    used on this occasion, was a golden eagle with expanded wings.--E.
+
+[6] According to Clavigero, II. 37. Xicotencatl, to show how little he
+    regarded the Spaniards, sent them 300 turkeys and two hundred baskets
+    of _tamalli_, to recruit their strength before the approaching
+    battle.--E.
+
+[7] Called the son of Chichimeca Teuctli by Clavigero; perhaps his name
+    was Guaxocingo, and Diaz, after a long interval of time, transposed
+    the names of the father and son.--E.
+
+[8] It has been already mentioned that Clavigero writes these two as the
+    names of one man, Xicotencatl Maxicatzin, informing us that the latter
+    name signifies the elder.--E.
+
+[9] This place, so often mentioned by Diaz, seems to be the same called
+    Huexotzinco by Clavigero.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+_Events during the March of the Spaniards from Tlascala to Mexico_.
+
+
+After a stay of seventeen days, in Tlascala to refresh ourselves after our
+late severe fatigues, and for the recovery of our wounded companions, it
+was resolved to resume our march to the city of Mexico, though the rich
+settlers of Cuba still endeavoured to persuade Cortes to return to Villa
+Rica. This resolution also gave much uneasiness to our new Tlascalan
+allies, who used every argument to make us distrust the courteous manners
+of Montezuma and his subjects, whom they alleged to be extremely
+treacherous, and would either fall upon and destroy us on the first
+favourable opportunity, or would reduce us to slavery. In the event of
+hostilities between us and the Mexicans, they exhorted us to kill them all
+young and old. Cortes thanked them for their friendly counsel, and offered
+to negociate a treaty of peace and amity between them and the Mexicans;
+but they would by no means consent to this measure, saying that the
+Mexican government would employ peace only as a cover for treachery. On
+making inquiry as to the best road to Mexico, the ambassadors of Montezuma
+recommended that by Cholula, in which we should find good accommodation;
+but the Tlascalans earnestly entreated us to go by Huexotzinco which was
+in alliance with them, representing the Cholulans as a perfidious people.
+But Cortes determined to take the road of Cholula, intending to remain in
+that city till he could secure a safe and peaceable reception at Mexico;
+he sent therefore a message to the chiefs of Cholula, to inform them of
+his intentions, and to express his dissatisfaction at their conduct in not
+having been to wait upon him. While engaged in preparations for our
+departure, four of the principal nobles of Mexico arrived with a rich
+present, consisting of gold to the value of 10,000 crowns, and ten bales
+of mantles of the finest feather-work. After saluting Cortes with profound
+respect, they said that Montezuma was astonished at our long residence
+among so poor and base a people as the Tlascalans, and that he requested
+we would come without delay to his capital. Cortes assured them that he
+would very soon pay his respects to their sovereign, and requested they
+would remain along with him during the march. He also at this time
+appointed Pedro de Alvarado, and Vasquez de Tupia, to go as his
+ambassadors to Montezuma, with instructions to examine the city of Mexico.
+These gentlemen set out accordingly, along with the former Mexican
+ambassadors, but were soon recalled, in consequence of a remonstrance from
+the army. At this time I was confined by my wounds, and was ill of a fever,
+and consequently incapable of attending minutely to all that passed.
+
+In return to our message, the chiefs of Cholula sent a very dry and
+uncourteous answer by four men of low degree, and without any present. As
+this was obviously done in contempt, Cortes sent the messengers back to
+inform the chiefs, that he would consider them as rebels if they did not
+wait upon him personally in three days; but, if they complied with this
+requisition, he was willing to accept them as friends and brothers, and
+had much intelligence of great importance to communicate to them. They
+sent back, saying, that they durst not come into the country of their
+inveterate enemies the Tlascalans, who they were sure had grossly
+misrepresented both them and Montezuma to us, but engaged to give us an
+honourable reception in their city. When the Tlascalans found we were
+determined upon taking the road of Cholula, contrary to their advice, they
+proposed that we should take 10,000 of their best warriors along with us;
+but our general considered this number as too many for a visit of peace,
+and would only accept 3000, who were immediately made ready to attend us.
+Using every proper precaution for our safety, we began our march from
+Tlascala, and arrived that evening at a river about a league from Cholula,
+where there is now a stone bridge, and encamped here for the night. Some
+of the chiefs came to congratulate our arrival in their neighbourhood, and
+gave us a courteous invitation to visit their city. We continued our march
+next day, and were met near the city by the chiefs and priests, all
+dressed in cassocks of cotton cloth, resembling those used by the
+Zapotecans. After presenting incense to Cortes, the chiefs made an apology
+for not waiting upon him at Tlascala, and requested that so large a body
+of their enemies might not be permitted to enter their city. As this
+request appeared reasonable, Cortes sent Alvarado and De Oli, to desire
+our allies to hut themselves without the city, which they did accordingly,
+imitating the military discipline of the Spaniards, in the arrangement of
+their camp and the appointment of centinels. Before entering the city,
+Cortes explained the purpose of his mission in a long oration, in the same
+manner as he had already done at all the other places during the march. To
+all this they answered that they were ready to yield obedience to our
+sovereign in all things, but could not abandon the religion of their
+ancestors. We then marched on in our usual compact order, attended only by
+our allies from Chempoalla, and the Indians who drew our artillery, and
+conveyed our baggage, and entered the city, all the streets and terraces
+of which was filled with an immense concourse of people, through whom we
+were conducted to our appointed quarters, in some large apartments, which
+conveniently accommodated our army and all our attendants.
+
+While we remained in this place, a plot was concerted by the Mexican
+ambassadors for the introduction of 20,000 warriors belonging to Montezuma,
+who were to attack us in conjunction with the people of Cholula; and
+several houses were actually filled with poles and leather collars, by
+means of which we were to have been bound and carried prisoners to Mexico.
+But God was pleased that we should discover and confound their
+machinations. During the first two days, we were perfectly well
+entertained; but on the third no provisions were sent us, and none of the
+chiefs or priests appeared at our quarters. Such few of the inhabitants as
+we happened to see, speedily withdrew with a malicious sneer; and on
+Cortes applying to the Mexican ambassadors to procure provisions for us as
+usual, some wood and water only were brought to us by a few old men, as if
+in derision, who said that no maize could be procured. This day, likewise,
+some ambassadors arrived from Montezuma, who desired in very disrespectful
+terms on no account to approach Mexico, and demanded an immediate answer.
+Cortes gave them a mild answer, expressing his astonishment at the
+alteration in the tone of their sovereign, but requested a short delay
+before giving his definitive answer to their message. He then summoned us
+together, and desired us to keep on the alert, as he suspected some great
+act of treachery was in agitation against us. As the chiefs of Cholula had
+refused to wait upon him, Cortes sent some soldiers to a great temple
+close to our quarters, with orders to bring two of the priests to him as
+quietly as possible. They succeeded in this without difficulty; and,
+having made a trifling present to the priests, he inquired as to the
+reason of the late extraordinary conduct of the Cholulan chiefs. One of
+these who was of high rank, having authority over all the temples and
+priests of the city, like one of our bishops, told Cortes that he would
+persuade some of the chiefs to attend him, if allowed to speak with them;
+and, being permitted to go away for that purpose, he soon brought several
+of the chiefs to our quarters. Cortes reproved them sharply for the change
+in their behaviour to us, and commanded them to send an immediate supply
+of provisions, and likewise to provide him next day with a competent
+number of people to convey our baggage and artillery, as he meant then to
+resume his march to Mexico. The chiefs appeared quite confounded and panic
+struck, yet promised to send in provisions immediately, alleging in excuse
+for their conduct, that they had been so ordered by Montezuma, who was
+unwilling that we should advance any farther into his dominions.
+
+At this time, three of our Chempoallan allies called Cortes aside, and
+told him that they had discovered several pitfals close to our quarters,
+covered over with wood and earth, and that on examining one of these they
+found its bottom provided with sharpened stakes. They informed him also
+that all the terraces of the houses near our quarters had been recently
+provided with parapets of sod, and great quantities of stones collected on
+them, and that a strong barricade of timber had been erected across one of
+the streets. Eight Tlascalans arrived also from their army on the outside
+of the town, who warned Cortes that an attack was intended against us, as
+the priests of Cholula had sacrificed eight victims on the preceding night
+to their god of war, five of whom were children; and that they had seen
+crowds of women and children withdrawing from the city with their valuable
+effects, all of which were sure signs of some impending commotion. Cortes
+thanked the Tlascalans for this instance of their fidelity, and sent them
+back to the camp with orders to their chiefs to hold themselves in
+readiness for any emergency. He then returned to the chiefs and priests,
+to whom he repeated his former orders, warning them not to deviate from
+their obedience, on pain of instant condign punishment, commanding them at
+the same time to prepare 2000 of their best warriors to accompany him next
+day on his march to Mexico. The chiefs readily promised to obey all his
+commands, thinking in this manner to facilitate their projected treachery,
+and took their leave. Cortes then employed Donna Marina to bring back the
+two priests who had been with him before, from whom he learnt, that
+Montezuma had been lately very unsettled in his intentions towards us,
+sometimes giving orders to receive us honourably, and at other times
+commanding that we should not be allowed to pass. That he had lately
+consulted his gods, who had revealed that we were all to be put to death,
+or made prisoners in Cholula, to facilitate which he had sent 20,000 of
+his troops to that place, half of whom were now in the city, and the rest
+concealed at the distance of a league. They added, that the plan of
+attack was all settled, and that twenty of our number were to be
+sacrificed in the temples of Cholula, and all the rest to be conveyed
+prisoners to Mexico. Cortes rewarded them liberally for their
+intelligence, and enjoined them to preserve the strictest secrecy on the
+subject, commanding them to bring all the chiefs to his quarters at an
+appointed time. He then convened a council of all the officers, and such
+soldiers as he most confided in, before whom he laid an account of the
+information which he had received, desiring their advice as to the best
+conduct to be pursued in the present alarming emergency. Some proposed to
+return immediately to Tlascala, and others proposed various measures, but
+it was the universal opinion that the treachery of the Cholulans required
+to be severely punished, as a warning to other places. It was accordingly
+resolved to inflict condign punishment on the Cholulans within the courts
+where we were quartered, which were surrounded by high walls, but in the
+meantime, to continue our preparations for resuming the march, in order to
+conceal our intentions. We then informed the Mexican ambassadors, that we
+had discovered the treacherous intentions of the Cholulans, who pretended
+that they acted by orders of Montezuma, which we were convinced was a
+false aspersion. They solemnly declared their ignorance of these
+transactions; but Cortes ordered them to have no farther intercourse with
+the inhabitants of the city, and sent them to his own quarters under a
+strong guard for the night, during the whole of which we lay upon our arms,
+ready to act at a moments warning.
+
+During this anxious night, the wife of one of the caciques, who had taken
+a great liking to Donna Marina, came secretly to visit that lady,
+informing her of the plot, invited her to take refuge in her house from
+the danger which was about to overwhelm us, and proposed to give her for a
+husband the brother of a boy who was along with her. Donna Marina, with
+her usual presence of mind, agreed to every thing proposed with a
+profusion of thanks, and said she only wanted some one to take charge of
+her effects before leaving the Spanish quarters. In course of this
+conversation, Marina acquired particular information of every part of this
+mysterious affair, which the old woman told her had been communicated to
+her three days before by her husband, who was chief of one of the
+divisions of the city, and was now with his warriors, giving directions
+for their co-operation with the Mexican troops, and who had lately
+received a gold drum from Mexico, as an ensign of command. Donna Marina
+desired the old woman and her son to remain in her apartment till she went
+in search of her valuables; but went immediately to Cortes, to whom she
+communicated all the information she had received, adding that her
+informer was still in her apartment. Cortes immediately sent for the old
+woman, who being confronted by Donna Marina, repeated every thing exactly
+as before, which agreed in all respects with the information he had
+already received from others.
+
+When day appeared, the hurry of the chiefs, priests and people in coming
+to our quarters as appointed, and their apparent satisfaction, was as
+great as if we had been already secured in their cages. They brought a
+much greater number of warriors to attend us than had been required,
+insomuch that the large courts in which we were quartered were unable to
+contain them. We were all prepared for the event, having a strong guard of
+soldiers posted at the gate of the great court, to prevent any one from
+escaping. Cortes mounted on horseback, attended by a strong guard; and as
+he saw the people crowding in at the gate, he said to us, "See how anxious
+these traitors are to feast on our flesh! But GOD will disappoint their
+hopes." He ordered the two priests who had given him the information to
+retire to their houses that they might escape the intended slaughter.
+Every one being arrived in the great court, he commanded the chiefs and
+priests to draw near, to whom he made a calm remonstrance on the treachery
+of their conduct towards us, which was explained by Donna Marina. He asked
+them why they had plotted to destroy us, and what we had done to deserve
+their enmity, except exhorting them to abandon their barbarous and
+abominable customs, and endeavouring to instruct them in our holy
+religion? Their evil intentions, he said, had been obvious, by withdrawing
+their women and children from the city, and by insultingly sending us only
+wood and water, when we required provisions. He said he was perfectly
+acquainted with the ambush which was placed in the road by which we meant
+to march, and with all the other contrivances they had made for our
+destruction; and that in recompence of our proffered friendship, and of
+all the holy services we intended them, he knew that they meant to kill
+and eat us, and that the pots were already on the fire, prepared with salt,
+pepper, and _tomatas_, in which our dissevered limbs were to be boiled. He
+knew that they had doomed twenty of us to be sacrificed to their idols, to
+whom they had already immolated seven of their own brethren. "Since you
+were determined to attack us," said he in conclusion, "it had been more
+manly to have done so openly like the Tlascalans, and not to have resorted
+to mean and cowardly treachery. But be assured that the victory which your
+false gods have promised is beyond their power, and the punishment of your
+treason is now ready to burst on your guilty heads."
+
+The astonished chiefs confessed every thing which was laid to their charge,
+but endeavoured to excuse themselves, by laying the whole blame on the
+orders they had received from Montezuma. "Wretches," said Cortes, "this
+falsehood is an aggravation of your offence, and such complicated crimes
+can never be permitted to pass unpunished." He then ordered a musket to be
+fired, as a signal to commence the slaughter, for which we all stood
+prepared. We immediately fell furiously on the multitudes who were
+inclosed within the walls of our quarters, and executed their merited
+punishment in such a manner as will be long remembered by the remaining
+natives of Cholula. A vast number of them were put to death on the spot,
+and many of them were afterwards burned alive. In less than two hours, our
+Tlascalan allies arrived in the city, having been previously instructed in
+our plan, and made a terrible slaughter in the streets of the city; and
+when the Cholulans ceased to make resistance, they ravaged the city,
+plundering it of every thing valuable they could lay hold of, and making
+slaves of all the inhabitants who fell in their way. On the day following,
+when intelligence reached Tlascala of the transactions at Cholula, great
+numbers crowded to the devoted city, which they plundered without mercy.
+It now became necessary to restrain the fury of the Tlascalans, and Cortes
+gave orders to their chiefs to withdraw their troops from the city, with
+which they immediately complied.
+
+Quiet being in some measure restored, some chiefs and priests who presided
+over a distant quarter of the city, which they pretended had not been
+engaged in the conspiracy, waited in an humble manner on Cortes, and
+prayed a remission of the punishment which had already fallen so heavily
+on their townsmen. The two before mentioned priests, and the old woman
+from whom Donna Marina had procured such material information, came
+forward likewise, and joined in the same petition, and Cortes determined
+to shew clemency to the rest of the city, yet seemed still in great rage.
+He called the Mexican ambassadors into his presence, in whose presence he
+declared that the whole inhabitants of the city and dependancy of Cholula
+had richly merited to be utterly extirpated for their treachery; but that
+out of respect to the great Montezuma, whose vassals they were, he
+consented to pardon them. He then ordered the Tlascalans to liberate their
+prisoners, which they in some measure complied with, setting free many of
+those they intended to have reduced to slavery, yet retained a prodigious
+booty in gold, mantles, cotton, and salt. Having proclaimed an amnesty to
+the Cholulans, he reconciled them and the Tlascalans who had anciently
+been confederates; and being desired to appoint a new chief cacique of
+Cholula, in place of the former who had been put to death, Cortes inquired
+to whom that dignity belonged of right, and being informed that the
+brother of the late head cacique ought to succeed according to their laws,
+he nominated him to the office. As soon as the inhabitants had returned to
+their houses, and order was restored in the city, Cortes summoned all the
+chiefs and priests to a conference, in which he explained to them the
+principles of our holy religion, earnestly exhorting them to renounce
+their idolatry, and the odious practices connected with it; and, as an
+instance of the uselessness of their idols, he reminded them how much they
+had been lately deceived by the false responses imposed upon them in their
+names: He proposed to them therefore, to destroy their senseless idols,
+and to erect an altar and cross in their stead. The latter was immediately
+complied with, but Father Olmedo advised him to postpone the former to a
+more favourable opportunity, from a due consideration of our uncertain and
+perilous situation.
+
+Cholula was then a large and populous city, much resembling Valladolid,
+situated on a fertile plain which was thickly inhabited, and all its
+surrounding district was well cultivated with maize, maguey, and pepper.
+There were above a hundred lofty white towers in the city, belonging to
+different idol temples, one of which was held in very high estimation,
+that principal temple being more lofty even than the great temple of
+Mexico. An excellent manufacture of earthen ware was carried on at this
+place, the various articles of which were curiously painted in different
+patterns, in red, black, and white, and from which the city of Mexico and
+all the surrounding countries were supplied, as Castile is from Talavera
+and Placencia. In the numerous temples of this city there were many cages;
+which were filled with men and boys, fattening up for sacrifice, all of
+which Cortes caused to be destroyed, sending the miserable captives home
+to their respective houses. He likewise gave positive orders to the
+priests to desist in future from this most abominable custom, which they
+promised to refrain from, but they forgot their promises as soon as the
+authority of our irresistible arms was removed.
+
+On hearing the melancholy fate of their companions in Cholula, the Mexican
+troops who were posted in ambush, with trenches and barricades to oppose
+our cavalry, made a precipitate retreat to Mexico, whether they carried an
+account to Montezuma of the failure of his plot for our destruction; but
+he had already heard the news of his misfortunes from two of his
+ambassadors, whom Cortes had dismissed for the purpose. It was reported
+that he immediately ordered a solemn sacrifice to his gods, and shut
+himself up for two days with ten of his chief priests, engaged in rigid
+devotional exercises, on purpose to obtain a response from his gods
+respecting his future destiny; and we afterwards learnt that the priests
+advised him, as from their gods, to send an embassy to exculpate himself
+from having any connection with what had passed in Cholula, and to
+inveigle us into Mexico; where, by cutting off the supply of water, or by
+raising the bridges on the causeways, he might easily destroy us, or
+detain us in slavery to breed people like ourselves for his service.
+
+Having remained fourteen days in Cholula, Cortes consulted in regard to
+our future operations with a council of those officers and soldiers who
+were most sincerely attached to his person, as indeed he never engaged in
+any matter of importance without taking our advice. In this consultation,
+it was determined to send a respectful message to Montezuma, informing him
+that we were on our way to pay our respects to him by the orders of our
+own sovereign. Our messenger was likewise desired to relate the whole late
+events which had occurred at Cholula, where the treachery which had been
+concerted against us had come to our knowledge, from which nothing could
+be concealed which concerned our welfare, and that we had desisted from
+punishing the people of that city to the full extent which they deserved,
+entirely out of respect to him, whose vassals they were. That the chiefs
+and priests had given out that all they had done or intended to do was by
+his orders; but we could not possibly believe that so great a monarch,
+after the many marks of friendship with which he had honoured us, could be
+guilty of such infamous proceedings; being convinced, if he had meditated
+hostility, he would have met us honourably in the field of battle: But at
+the same time to assure him, that day or night, field or town, fair battle
+or villainous stratagem, were all the same for us, as we were always
+prepared for every emergency. Montezuma had become exceedingly thoughtful
+and alarmed on account of the failure of the plot in Cholula, and now sent
+an embassy of six of his chief nobles to wait on Cortes, with a present to
+the value of 2000 crowns in gold, and several bales of fine mantles. The
+ambassadors saluted Cortes with profound respect, and delivered a message
+in which Montezuma endeavoured to exculpate himself from any concern in
+the affair of Cholula, and in conclusion, invited the general to his court.
+Cortes treated these ambassadors with his usual politeness, and retaining
+three of them to serve as guides on our march to Mexico, he sent on the
+others to inform Montezuma that we were on our way to his capital. When
+the Tlascalan chiefs understood our determination to proceed, they renewed
+their former warnings to beware of treachery from the Mexicans, and again
+offered to send 10,000 of their warriors along with us. But Cortes, after
+thanking them for their friendly solicitude and proffered aid, remarked,
+as he had done before, that so large a body of troops was incompatible
+with an amicable visit, but requested they would furnish 1000 men for our
+baggage and artillery, which they immediately provided. Our faithful
+Chempoalan allies, being afraid of the resentment of the Mexicans for
+their revolt, begged permission to return to their district, and Cortes
+dismissed them with a handsome present, sending letters by them to
+Escalente at Villa Rica, containing an account of our proceedings.
+
+We marched from Cholula in our usual compact order, prepared for
+whatsoever might befal, sending out patroles of our cavalry by threes in
+front, supported by a detachment of light infantry as an advanced guard.
+On our arrival at a small village called Izcalpan, in the district of
+Huexotzinco, about four leagues from Cholula, we were met by the chiefs
+bearing provisions, and a small present of gold. They requested our
+general to consider only the good will of the givers, not the
+worthlessness of the gift, as they were very poor; and, while they
+endeavoured to dissuade him from attempting to proceed to Mexico, they
+also informed him, that, on ascending the next mountain, he would find two
+roads, the one of which leading by Chalco was broad and open, while the
+other leading by Tlalmanalco, though originally equally convenient, had
+been recently stopped up and obstructed by means of trees felled across it
+to render it difficult, though it was in reality shorter and more secure
+than that of Chalco, on which road the Mexicans had placed a large party
+of troops in ambush among some rocks, for the purpose of attacking us by
+surprise on the march. They advised us therefore, if we were determined
+to persevere, to choose the obstructed road, and offered to send a number
+of their people to clear it for us. Cortes thanked them for their good
+advice, of which he would avail himself by the blessing of GOD. Having
+halted for the night at Izcalpan, we resumed our march early the next
+morning, and reached the summit of a mountainous ridge about noon, where
+we found the two roads exactly as they had been described to us. We halted
+here in order to deliberate on our procedure, when Cortes called the
+Mexican ambassadors to explain the meaning of the felled trees. Pretending
+ignorance on this subject, they advised him to take the road of Chalco,
+where they said he would be well received. Cortes chose however to take
+the other road, and sent on our Indian allies to clear the way before us.
+As we ascended the mountain, the weather became piercingly cold, and we
+even had a considerable fall of snow, which covered the whole country
+round about. We at length arrived at certain houses which had been built
+on the very top of the mountain for the accommodation of travellers, where
+we found an abundant supply of provisions, and having placed proper guards,
+we halted here for the night. We resumed our march next morning, and
+arrived by the hour of high mass at the town of Halmanalco, where we were
+hospitably received. The people of the neighbouring districts of Chalco,
+Amaquemecan, and Ajotzinco, where the canoes are kept, waited on Cortes at
+this place with a present of about 150 crowns in gold, some mantles, and
+eight women. Cortes received them affably, and promised them his
+friendship and protection; explaining to them, as on former occasions, the
+doctrines of our holy faith, exhorting them to abandon their idolatry and
+barbarous immolation of human victims, informing them that he was sent
+among them by a powerful monarch to redress wrongs, and to lead them in
+the way of eternal salvation. On this the people began to make loud
+complaints of the tyranny of Montezuma, who deprived them of their wives
+and daughters if handsome, forcing the men to work like slaves in the
+conveyance of stones, timber, and corn, and appropriating their lands to
+the service of his temples. Cortes gave them kind assurances of speedy
+redress, but recommended to them to be patient yet a little while.
+
+Just as we were going to set out from Tlalmanalco, four of the principal
+nobles of the court of Mexico arrived with presents from Montezuma, and
+having made their customary obeisance, they addressed Cortes in the
+following manner: "_Malinatzin_! our sovereign sent this present to you,
+and desires us to say, that he is grieved you should take so much trouble
+in coming from a distant country to visit him. He has already made you be
+informed that he will give you much gold, silver, and _chalchihuis_ for
+your _teules_, if you will give up your intention of coming to Mexico. We
+now repeat this request in his name, that you will return; and he will
+send after you a great treasure in gold, silver, and jewels for your king,
+with four loads of gold for yourself, and a load for each of your brethren.
+It is impossible for you to proceed to Mexico, as the whole Mexican
+warriors are in arms to oppose you; besides which you will find the roads
+bad, and will be unable to procure provisions." Embracing the ambassadors
+with much politeness, and having returned thanks for their present, Cortes
+expressed his astonishment at the changeableness of Montezuma, who thus
+alternately invited and deprecated his presence. He begged them to thank
+Montezuma for the splendid offers he had made of treasure to the emperor,
+himself, and his soldiers; but it was quite impossible for him to turn
+back, especially when so near the capital, as his orders from his own
+sovereign were to pay his respects to theirs in person; it was quite
+useless, therefore, to send him any more such messages, for he was
+resolved to proceed; and if Montezuma should desire his departure after
+having seen him, he would be ready at his command to return to his own
+country.
+
+Having thus dismissed the ambassadors, we continued our march, and as our
+allies had informed us that Montezuma intended to put us all to death,
+after our entry into his city, we were filled with melancholy reflections
+on our hazardous situation; recommending our souls therefore to the LORD
+JESUS CHRIST, who had already brought us in safety through so many
+imminent dangers, and resolving to sell our lives at a dear rate, we
+proceeded on our march. We halted at a town named Iztapalapan, one half of
+the houses of which were built in the water, and the rest on dry land, and
+took up our quarters there for the night. While preparing early next
+morning to recommence our march, information was brought by a sentinel
+that a great number of Mexicans in rich dresses were on the road towards
+our quarters, on which Cortes again dismissed us. Four principal nobles of
+Mexico now presented themselves with profound respect before our general,
+whom they informed that Cacamatzin, lord of Tezcuco, and nephew to the
+great Montezuma was approaching, and begged that he would remain in his
+present situation to receive him. Cacamatzin soon followed in vast pomp,
+borne in a magnificent litter, adorned with jewels and plumes of green
+feathers, set in branched pillars of gold. His litter was carried by eight
+nobles, who assisted him to alight, and then swept the way before him as
+he came up to Cortes. Our general embraced the prince, and made him a
+present of three of the jewels named _margajitas_, which are figured with
+various colours. The only purpose of this visit seemed to have been
+complimentary, as he addressed Cortes in these words: "I, and these lords,
+have come by order of the great Montezuma, to conduct you to your
+residence in our city." We then set forwards in our usual array for Mexico,
+the road being crowded on both sides with innumerable multitudes of
+natives, and soon arrived at the causeway of Iztapalapan, one of those
+which leads to the capital.
+
+When we contemplated the number of populous towns so closely situated in
+regard to each other, some on the water, and others on the firm ground, we
+could not help comparing this wonderful country to the enchanted scenes we
+read of in Amadis de Gaul, so magnificent were the towers and temples and
+other superb edifices of stone and lime, which seemed everywhere to rise
+out of the water. Many of us were disposed to doubt the reality of the
+scene before us, and to suspect we were in a dream; and my readers must
+excuse the manner of my expressions, as never had any one seen, heard, or
+even dreamt of any thing which could compare to the magnificence of the
+scene we now beheld. On approaching Iztapalapan, we were received by
+several of the highest nobles of the Mexican empire, relations of
+Montezuma, who conducted us to the lodgings appointed for us in that place,
+which were magnificent palaces of stone, the timber work of which were
+cedar, having spacious courts and large halls, furnished with canopies of
+the finest cotton. After contemplating the magnificence of the buildings,
+we walked through splendid gardens, containing numerous alleys planted
+with a variety of fruit trees, and filled with roses, and a vast variety
+of beautiful and aromatic flowers. In these gardens there was a fine sheet
+of clear water, communicating with the great lake of Mexico by a canal,
+which was of sufficient dimensions to admit the largest canoes. The
+apartments of the palace were everywhere ornamented with works of art,
+admirably painted, and the walls were beautifully plastered and whitened;
+the whole being rendered delightful by containing great numbers of
+beautiful birds. When I beheld the delicious scenery around me, I thought
+we had been transported by magic to the terrestrial paradise. But this
+place is now destroyed, and a great deal of what was then a beautiful
+expanse of water, is now converted into fields of maize, and all is so
+entirely altered that the natives themselves would hardly know the place
+where Iztapalapan stood.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+_Arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, Description of that Court and City,
+and Transactions there, till the Arrival of Narvaez on the coast to
+supersede Cortes, by order of Velasquez_.
+
+
+Next day, being the 8th of November 1519, we set out on our way into the
+city of Mexico along the grand causeway, which is eight yards wide, and
+reaches in a straight line all the way from the firm land to the city of
+Mexico, both sides of the causeway being everywhere crowded with
+spectators, as were all the towers, temples, and terraces in every part of
+our progress, eager to behold such men and animals as had never been seen
+in that part of the world. A very different sentiment from curiosity
+employed our minds, though every thing we saw around us was calculated to
+excite and gratify that passion in the highest degree. Our little army did
+not exceed four hundred and fifty men, and we had been told at every step
+of our march, that we were to be put to death on our arrival in the city
+into which we were now about to enter. That city was everywhere surrounded
+by water, and approachable only by long moles or causeways interrupted in
+many places by cross cuts, which were only to be passed by means of
+bridges, the destruction or removal of any of which would effectually
+prevent the possibility of retreat. In these circumstances I may fairly
+ask my readers, what men in the world but ourselves would have ventured on
+so bold and hazardous an enterprize?
+
+Proceeding along the broad causeway of Iztapalapan, we came to a place
+called _Xoloc_, where a smaller causeway goes off obliquely from the great
+one to the city of _Cojohuacan_, we were met by a numerous train of the
+court nobles in the richest dresses, who were sent before Montezuma to
+compliment us on our arrival, after which Cacamatzin and the other nobles
+who had hitherto attended us, went to meet their sovereign, who now
+approached in a most magnificent litter, which was carried by four of his
+highest nobles. When we came near certain towers, almost close to the city,
+Montezuma was lifted from his litter, and borne forwards in the arms of
+the lords of Tezcuco, Iztapalapan, Tacuba, and Cojohuacan, under a
+splendid canopy, richly adorned with gold, precious stones hung round like
+fringes, and plumes of green feathers. Montezuma was dressed and adorned
+with great magnificence, his mantle being all covered with gold and gems,
+a crown of thin gold on his head, and gold buskins on his legs ornamented
+with jewels. The princes who supported him were all richly dressed, but in
+different habits from those in which they had visited us; and several
+other nobles in fine dresses, went before the monarch, spreading mantles
+on the ground to prevent his feet from touching it. Three nobles preceded
+the whole, each carrying a golden rod, as a signal of the presence of
+their great monarch. All the natives who attended Montezuma, except the
+four princes, kept their eyes fixed on the ground, no one daring to look
+him in the face. On the approach of Montezuma, Cortes dismounted and
+advanced towards him with every token of profound respect, and was
+welcomed by the Mexican monarch to his metropolis. Cortes then threw upon
+the neck of Montezuma a collar of the artificial jewels called
+_margajitas_, being glass beads of various colours, set in gold; after
+which he advanced, meaning to embrace Montezuma, but the surrounding
+nobles prevented him, by taking him respectfully by the arms, considering
+this as too great familiarity. It appeared to me that on this occasion
+Cortes offered to yield the right hand to Montezuma, who declined this
+mark of respect, and placed our general on his right. Cortes then made a
+complimentary discourse to Montezuma, expressing his joy in having seen so
+great a monarch, and the great honour he had done him, by coming out to
+meet him, as well as by the many other marks of favour he had already
+received. Montezuma made a gracious reply, and giving orders to the
+princes of Tezcuco and Cojohuacan to conduct Cortes and the rest of us to
+the quarters assigned to us, he returned to the city in the same state in
+which he had come to meet us, all the people standing close to the walls,
+not daring to look up; and as we followed the royal attendants, we passed
+on without any obstruction from the multitudes in the streets. It were
+impossible to reckon the innumerable multitudes of men, women, and
+children which thronged everywhere in the streets, on the canals, and the
+terraces on the house tops, during the whole of our passage through the
+city of Mexico. So strongly is every thing I saw on this memorable day
+imprinted on my memory, that it appears to me only as yesterday. Glory to
+our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave us courage to venture on so
+hazardous an enterprize, and preserved us amid so many dangers: And
+praised be his holy name, who hath permitted me to write this true history;
+though not so full and satisfactory as the subject merits. Amen!
+
+Lodgings were provided for us in the palace which had formerly been
+occupied by Azayacatl, not far from the western gate of the great temple.
+Here Montezuma had a secret treasury of gold and valuables, which he had
+inherited from his father Azayacatl, and we were placed here, because
+being considered as _teules_, they thought we were properly lodged in the
+neighbourhood of their idols. The entry to this palace was through a large
+walled court, and the whole was very light, airy, clean, and pleasant,
+with large and lofty apartments. That allotted for our general was
+situated on a raised platform; and for each of us mats were provided to
+sleep upon, having little canopies over them, after the fashion of this
+country. On our arrival at the gate of this palace, Montezuma, who had
+preceded us, took Cortes by the hand and led him to the apartment destined
+to his particular use, and having placed a rich collar of gold round the
+generals neck, he said on taking leave of him, "Malinatzin, you and your
+friends are now in your own house, refresh and repose yourselves." We were
+distributed to our several apartments by companies, having our artillery
+posted in a convenient situation, and every thing was arranged in such a
+manner as to be prepared for any emergency. A plentiful and even sumptuous
+entertainment was provided for us, to which we sat down with much
+satisfaction. This is a full and true account of our adventurous and
+magnanimous entry into the city of Mexico, on the 8th of November 1519.
+
+After Montezuma had taken a repast in his own palace, and was informed we
+had done the same, he returned to our quarters attended by a great retinue
+of nobles. Cortes received him in the middle of the hall, where Montezuma
+took him cordially by the hand, and they sat down together on
+magnificently ornamented seats. Montezuma made a very pertinent speech, in
+which he observed, "That he rejoiced at the arrival of such valiant
+captains and warriors in his dominions. He had before heard of a Spanish
+captain who had arrived at Pontonchan, and of another who came upon the
+coast in the preceding year with four ships, and had wished to see these
+men, but was disappointed. Now that we were actually arrived in his
+dominions, he was happy to offer every favour in his power to grant, being
+convinced we were those men predicted by the gods to his ancestors, who,
+coming from that part of the world in which the sun rises, were to acquire
+the government of this country, as we had fought with such astonishing
+valour ever since our arrival, representations of all our battles having
+been sent him in painting." Cortes replied, "That he and all his brethren
+could never sufficiently repay the many favours we had received from his
+bounty; that we certainly were those men to whom the Mexican prophecies
+related, being the vassals of the great and powerful emperor Don Carlos,
+to whom many great princes were subject; and who, hearing of the fame and
+magnificence of the great Montezuma, had sent us to request that he and
+his subjects would embrace the Holy Christian religion, abandoning their
+false gods and senseless idols, and abolishing their barbarous human
+sacrifices, by which means he would preserve the souls of himself, his
+family, and subjects from perdition." Cortes enlarged on this and other
+topics in a most edifying manner, promising to communicate more
+particulars hereafter. Montezuma then presented a quantity of valuable
+ornaments of gold to our general, with a present of some gold, and three
+loads of mantles to each of our captains, and two loads of mantles to each
+of the soldiers. After this he asked Cortes if all his soldiers were
+brothers and vassals to our emperor. To this Cortes answered that they
+were all brothers in love and friendship, men of rank in our own country,
+and servants of our great sovereign. Montezuma then departed, with mutual
+compliments, after giving orders that we should be amply provided with
+every thing we needed; particularly fowls, fruit, and corn, stone mills
+for grinding our corn, and women to make bread, and to supply us daily
+with plenty of grass for our horses.
+
+Next day being appointed for making a visit to Montezuma, Cortes went to
+the royal palace accompanied by captains Alvarado, De Leon, Ordas, and
+Sandoval, with five soldiers. Montezuma met him in the middle of the great
+hall, attended by his relations, all others being excluded from the
+apartment in which he happened to be, except on certain occasions of
+importance. After mutual compliments of ceremony, Montezuma took Cortes by
+the hand, and led him to a seat on his own right hand, placed on an
+elevated platform in the saloon. Cortes then said, "That he came to him in
+the name and for the service of the only true God, who was adored by the
+Christians, the Lord Christ Jesus, who had died to save us and all men. He
+endeavoured to explain the mystery of the cross, as an emblem of the
+crucifixion, by which mankind had been redeemed. He recounted the
+sufferings and death of our Lord and Saviour, who had risen on the third
+day and ascended to heaven, where he now reigns, the creator of the
+heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and all that they contain. He
+asserted, that those idols which the natives held as gods, were devils
+which dared not to remain wherever the holy cross was planted. That as all
+mankind were brothers, the offspring of the same first pair, our glorious
+emperor lamented the loss of their souls, which would be brought by their
+idols into everlasting flames, and had sent us to apply a sure remedy, by
+abolishing the worship of idols, the bloody and inhuman sacrifices of
+their fellow men, and their other odious customs so contrary to the law of
+God: And that our emperor would send them holy men hereafter to explain
+all these things more fully." To this Montezuma replied, "Malinatzin! I am
+much indebted to your emperor for sending you so far to inform me of all
+these things, of which I have already heard by means of my ambassadors who
+have visited you in my name, and to which hitherto we have made no reply.
+We have always worshipped our gods, whom we consider to be just and good,
+and have no doubt yours are so likewise. It had always been his wish to
+see us from the first time he had heard of our arrival on his coasts,
+because he believed we were they of whom their ancient prophecies made
+mention, and his gods had now granted his desire. That our being refused
+entrance into his cities was none of his fault; having been done by his
+subjects without orders, who were terrified by the accounts they had
+received of us, which reported that we were furious _teules_, who carried
+thunder and lightning along with us, that our horses eat men, and other
+such foolish stories. That he now saw we were valiant and wise men, for
+which he highly esteemed us, and would give us proofs of his favour." Then
+changing the manner of his discourse to gaiety, he added "Malinatzin! Your
+new friends the Tlascalans have informed you that I am like a god, and
+that every thing about me is gold, silver, and jewels. But you now see
+that I am like other men, and that my houses are of lime, stone, and
+timber. It is true that I am a powerful sovereign, and have great riches,
+which I have inherited from my ancestors. You will now treat these reports
+with the same contempt that I do the ridiculous stories which I have been
+told of your having command over the elements." To this Cortes replied,
+that the accounts of enemies were never to be depended on; and made a
+handsome compliment to Montezuma on his power and grandeur. Montezuma then
+ordered in a rich present, giving Cortes a quantity of gold, with ten
+loads of rich stuffs to be divided between him and his captains, and to
+each of us five soldiers, he gave two gold collars, each worth ten crowns,
+and two loads of mantles. The gold given on this occasion was worth about
+a thousand crowns, and the whole was given with so much affability and
+indifference, as made him appear truly munificent. Cortes now took leave,
+it being the hour of dinner, and we retired impressed with high respect
+for the liberality and princely munificence of Montezuma.
+
+The great Montezuma appeared to be about forty years of age, of good
+stature, well proportioned, and rather thin. His face was rather long,
+with a pleasant expression, and good eyes, and his complexion rather
+fairer than the other Indians. His hair was short, just covering his ears,
+and his scanty beard was thin, black, and well arranged. His person was
+very clean and delicate, as he bathed every evening; and his manners were
+a pleasing compound of gravity and good humour. He had two lawful wives,
+who were princesses, and a number of mistresses; but his visits to these
+were conducted with such secrecy as only to be known by his most familiar
+servants; and he lay under no suspicion of unnatural vices, so common
+among his subjects. The clothes he wore one day were not used for four
+days after. His guard consisted of two hundred nobles, who had apartments
+adjoining his own. Certain persons only among these were permitted to
+speak to him, and when they went into his presence, they laid aside their
+ordinary rich dresses, putting on others quite plain but clean, entering
+his apartment barefooted, with their eyes fixed on the ground, and making
+three profound reverences as they approached him. On addressing him, they
+always began, Lord! my Lord! great Lord! and when they had finished, he
+always dismissed them in few words; on which they retired with their faces
+towards him, keeping their eyes fixed on the ground. I observed likewise,
+that all the great men who waited upon him on business, always entered the
+palace barefooted and in plain habits, never entering the gate directly,
+but making a circuit in going towards it.
+
+The cooks of the palace had above thirty different ways of dressing meats,
+which were served up in earthen vessels of a very ingenious construction
+for keeping their contents always hot. For Montezumas own table above
+three hundred dishes were dressed every day, and more than a thousand for
+his guards. Montezuma sometimes went before dinner to inspect the
+preparations, on which occasions his officers pointed out to him which
+were the best, explaining what birds or flesh they were composed of. It is
+said that the flesh of young children was sometimes dressed for his table;
+but after Cortes had spoken to him respecting the barbarity of this
+inhuman custom, it was no longer practised in the palace. The ordinary
+meats were domestic fowls, pheasants, geese, partridges, quails, venison,
+Indian hogs or _pecaris_, pigeons, hares, rabbits and many other animals
+and birds peculiar to the country; the various meats being served up on
+black and red earthen-ware made at Cholula. In the cold weather while at
+his meals, a number of torches were lighted up, of the bark of a tree
+which has an aromatic smell and gives no smoke; and to prevent the glare
+and heat of those from being troublesome, rich screens ornamented with
+gold and paintings of their idols were interposed between Montezuma and
+the torches. At his meals he was seated on a low throne or chair, at a
+table of proportional height covered with white cloths and napkins, four
+beautiful women attending to present him with water for his hands, in
+vessels named _xicales_, having plates under them, after which they gave
+him towels to dry his hands. Two other women attended with small cakes of
+bread; and when he began to eat, a large screen of gilt wood was placed
+before him, to prevent him from being seen. Four ancient nobles, who were
+his relations and served as councillors and judges, stood beside the
+throne, with whom he occasionally conversed, giving them a part of what he
+was eating, which they received with profound respect, and eat without
+lifting their eyes from the ground. Fruit of all kinds produced in the
+country was served up to him at table, of which he eat in great moderation;
+and a certain liquor prepared from cocoa, said to be of a stimulant and
+strengthening nature, was presented to him from time to time in golden
+cups. All the time he continued at table his guards and all others in or
+near his apartment had to preserve the most profound silence, under pain
+of death. Owing to the before-mentioned screen which concealed him from
+public view, we could not see all the circumstances here described from
+information. But I noticed above fifty jars of foaming chocolate brought
+into the hall, some of which was presented to him by the female attendants.
+During the repast, various Indians were introduced at intervals for his
+amusement: Some of these were hump-backed, ugly, and deformed, who played
+various tricks of buffoonery, and we were told that others were jesters,
+besides which there were companies of singers and dancers in which he was
+said to take great delight; and to all these he ordered vases of chocolate
+to be distributed. When the repast was ended, the four female attendants
+already mentioned, after removing the cloths, presented him again with
+water to wash his hands, during which he continued his conversation with
+the four old nobles, who then took their leaves with much ceremony. He was
+then presented with three small hollow canes highly ornamented, containing
+an herb called tobacco mixed with liquid amber; and when he was satisfied
+with the buffoons, dancers, and singers, he smoked for a short time from
+one of these canes, and then laid himself to sleep. I forgot to mention in
+its proper place that, during the time of dinner, two beautiful women were
+employed in making certain small delicately white cakes, of eggs and other
+ingredients, which they presented on plates covered with napkins to
+Montezuma; and then another kind of bread was brought to him in long
+loaves, as likewise plates of a kind of cakes resembling wafers or
+pancakes. When Montezuma had concluded his meal, all his guards and
+domestics sat down to dinner, and as well as I could judge, above a
+thousand dishes of the various eatables already mentioned were served up
+to them, with immense quantities of fruit, and numerous vessels of foaming
+chocolate. His establishment, including his women and inferior servants of
+all kinds, was amazingly numerous, and must have occasioned prodigious
+expence, yet the most perfect regularity was preserved amid that vast
+profusion. The steward of his household, or major-domo, was at this time a
+prince named _Tapiea_, who kept an account of all the royal rents in a set
+of books or symbolical representations which occupied an entire house.
+
+Connected with the palace of Montezuma there were two large buildings
+filled with every kind of arms, both offensive and defensive, some of
+which were richly ornamented with gold and jewels; such as large and small
+shields, some of the latter being so contrived as to roll up in a small
+compass, and to let fall in action so as to cover the whole body; much
+defensive armour of quilted cotton, ornamented with various devices in
+feather work; helmets or casques for the head made of wood and bone,
+adorned with plumes of feathers; immense quantities of bows, arrows, darts,
+and slings; lances having stone heads or blades six feet long, so strong
+as not to break when fixed in a shield, and as sharp as razors; clubs or
+two-handed swords, having edges of sharp stones; and many other articles
+which I cannot enumerate. In the palace there was a magnificent aviary,
+containing every kind of bird to be found in all the surrounding country,
+from large eagles down to the smallest paroquets of beautiful plumage. In
+this place the ornamental feather-work so much in repute among the
+Mexicans, was fabricated, the feathers for this purpose being taken from
+certain birds called _Quetzales_, and others, having green, red, white,
+yellow, and blue feathers, about the size of our Spanish pyes, the name of
+which I have forgot. There were also great numbers of parrots, and geese
+of fine plumage; all these birds breeding in the royal aviary, and being
+annually stripped of their feathers at the proper season, to supply the
+workers in feather-work. There was likewise a large pond of clear water,
+in which were kept a number of large birds of a red colour with very long
+legs, resembling those called _Ipiris_ in Cuba, and called flamingos by
+the Spaniards. In another great building we saw a temple dedicated to the
+war gods, in which were kept great numbers of ferocious beasts, as tigers,
+lions of two species, one of which called _Adive_ resembled a wolf; also
+foxes, and other smaller animals, all of them carnivorous. Most of these
+were bred in this menagerie, and were fed upon game, fowls, and dogs, and,
+as I was informed, on the bodies of the sacrificed human victims. Their
+manner of sacrifice was said to be as follows: They open the breasts of
+the living victim with large stone knives, offering his heart and blood to
+their gods; they feast on the head and limbs, giving the bodies to be
+devoured by the wild beasts, and hanging up the skulls in the temples as
+trophies of their misguided piety. In this place likewise there were many
+vipers and serpents, the most dangerous of which have a kind of rattle on
+their tails, making a noise like our castanets. These are kept in vessels
+filled with feathers, where they breed, and are fed with human flesh and
+the carcases of dogs. I was assured, after our expulsion from Mexico, that
+these animals were fed for many days on the bodies of our companions who
+perished on that occasion. These ravenous beasts and horrid reptiles are
+fit companions for their infernal deities; and when they yelled and hissed,
+that part of the palace might be likened to hell itself.
+
+The town in which most of the Mexican artists resided was called
+_Azcapozalco_, about a league from the city of Mexico, in which were many
+shops and manufactories of those who wrought in gold, silver, and
+jewellery, whose productions surprised the ablest Spanish artist on being
+carried over to Spain. Their painters were also exceedingly expert, as may
+be judged from what we still see among them; as there are now three Indian
+painters in Mexico, named Marcos de Aquino, Juan de la Cruz, and Grespillo,
+who are not inferior to Michael Angelo or Berreguete among the moderns,
+and might even have vied with Apelles. The fine cotton manufactures of the
+Mexicans were principally brought from the province of Costitlan. The
+women likewise of Montezumas family of all ranks, were exceedingly expert
+in these kinds of work, and were continually employed; as were also
+certain females who lived together in a kind of secluded societies, like
+our nuns. One division of the city was entirely inhabited by Montezumas
+dancers and posture-makers; some of whom danced like those Italians whom
+we call _Matachines_; others played various tricks by means of sticks
+which they balanced in many curious ways; and others had a strange manner
+of flying in the air. Montezuma had also great numbers of carpenters and
+handicrafts of various descriptions continually employed in his service.
+His gardens were of great extent, irrigated by means of canals, and shaded
+by an infinite variety of trees; having stone baths, pavilions for
+entertainments or retirement, theatres for shows and for the singers and
+dancers, and many other particulars, all of which were kept in the nicest
+order by a great number of labourers who were constantly at work.
+
+Four days after our arrival in Mexico, Cortes sent a message to Montezuma
+by Aguilar, Donna Marina, and a young page named Orteguilla, who already
+began to understand the language, requesting permission to take a view of
+the city, which was immediately granted; but as he was afraid we might
+offer some insult to his temple, he went thither in person attended by a
+great retinue, and in similar pomp as when he came to meet us on entering
+Mexico; two nobles preceding the cavalcade carrying sceptres in their
+hands, as a signal of the approach of the monarch. Montezuma was carried
+in his magnificent litter, carrying a small rod in his hand, half of which
+was gold and the other half wood: and on coming to the temple, he quitted
+the litter and walked up the steps attended by many priests, where he
+offered incense and performed many ceremonies in honour of his war gods.
+Cortes marched at the head of his small band of cavalry, followed by most
+of the infantry under arms, into the great square, accompanied by many of
+the court nobles; where we were astonished at the prodigious crowds of
+people, the vast quantities of merchandize exposed for sale, and the
+amazing regularity which everywhere prevailed; all of which our Mexican
+attendants carefully pointed out to us. Every different commodity had its
+own particular place, which was distinguished by an appropriate sign or
+emblem. There were dealers in gold, silver, feathers, jewels, mantles,
+chocolate, skins both dressed and undressed, sandals, manufactures of the
+roots and fibres of _nequen_, and so forth. In one place great numbers of
+male and female slaves were exposed for sale, most of whom were fastened
+by the neck in leather collars to long poles. The market for provisions
+was amply stocked with fowls, game, dogs, vegetables, fruit, articles of
+food ready dressed, salt, bread, honey, sweet pastry or confectionary of
+various kinds, and many other articles. Other parts of the great square
+were appropriated for the sale of earthen ware, wooden furniture, such as
+tables and benches, fire-wood, paper, hollow canes filled with tobacco and
+liquid amber ready for smoking, copper axes, working tools of various
+kinds, wooden vessels richly painted, and the like. In another part many
+women sold fish, and small loaves of a kind of mud taken out of the lake
+resembling cheese. The makers of stone blades were employed in shaping
+them out of the rough materials. The dealers in gold had the native metal
+in grains as it comes from the mines, in transparent tubes or quills, so
+that it could easily be seen; and the gold was valued at so many mantles,
+or so many xiquipils of cocoa nuts, in proportion to the size of the
+quills. The great square was enclosed all round by piazas, under which
+there were great stores of grain, and shops for various kinds of goods. On
+the borders of the adjoining canals there were boats loaded with human
+ordure, used in tanning leather, and on all the public roads there were
+places built of canes and thatched with straw or grass, for the
+convenience of passengers in order to collect this material. In one part
+of the square was a court of justice having three judges, and their
+inferior officers were employed in perambulating the market, preserving
+order, and inspecting the various articles.
+
+After having satisfied our curiosity in the square, we proceeded to the
+great temple, where we went through a number of large courts, the smallest
+of which seemed to me larger than the great square of Salamanca, the
+courts being either paved with large cut white stones, or plastered and
+polished, the whole very clean, and inclosed by double walls of stone and
+lime. On coming to the gate of the great temple, which was ascended by 114
+steps, Montezuma sent six priests and two nobles to carry up Cortes, which
+he declined. On ascending to the summit, which consisted of a broad
+platform, we observed the large stones on which the victims were placed
+for sacrifice, near which was a monstrous figure resembling a dragon, and
+much blood appeared to have been recently spilt. Montezuma came out of an
+adoratory or recess, in which the accursed idols were kept, and expressed
+his apprehension to Cortes that he must be fatigued by the ascent, to
+which Cortes answered that we were never fatigued. Montezuma, taking our
+general by the hand, pointed out to him the different quarters of the city,
+and the towns in the neighbourhood, all of which were distinctly seen from
+this commanding eminence. We had a distinct view of the three causeways by
+which Mexico communicated with the land, and of the aqueduct of
+Chapoltepec, which conveyed an abundant supply of the finest water to the
+city. The numbers of canoes which were continually seen passing between
+Mexico and all the towns on the borders of the lake, carrying provisions
+and merchandise, was really astonishing. We could see, as we had been
+often told, that most of the houses of this great city, and of the others
+in the neighbourhood which were built in the water, stood apart from each
+other, their only communication being by means of drawbridges or canoes,
+and that all their roofs were terraced and battlemented. We saw numerous
+temples and adoratories in the great city below, on the causeways, and in
+the adjacent cities, all resembling so many fortresses with towers,
+wonderfully brilliant, being all whitewashed. The noise and bustle of the
+market in the great square just below, was so great that it might easily
+have been heard almost at the distance of a league; and some of our
+companions who had seen both Rome and Constantinople, declared they had
+not seen any thing comparable in these cities, for convenient and regular
+distribution or numbers of people.
+
+After having admired the magnificent prospect around, Cortes requested of
+Montezuma to shew us their gods. After consulting with his priests, he led
+us into a kind of saloon in a tower, having a timber roof richly wrought,
+under which stood two altars highly adorned, and behind these two gigantic
+figures resembling very fat men. That on the right was _Huitzilopochtli_,
+the god of war, having a broad face and terrible eyes, all covered over
+with gold and jewels, and having his body twisted round with golden
+serpents. His right hand held a bow, and in his left there was a bundle of
+arrows. Round his neck was a string of the figures of human heads and
+hearts made of pure gold, intermixed with precious stones of a blue colour.
+Close by him stood a small image representing his page, carrying a lance
+and shield richly adorned with gold and jewels. Before the great idol
+stood a pan of fire, in which three hearts of human victims were then
+burning along with copal. The whole walls and floor of the apartment was
+stained with human blood, and had a most offensive smell, worse than any
+slaughter-house. On the left of Huitzilopochtli stood another gigantic
+figure, having a countenance like a bear, with great shining eyes. The
+name of this last was _Tezcatlipoca_, who was said to be the god of the
+infernal regions, and to preside over the souls of men[1]. He was likewise
+considered as the brother of the god of war. His body was covered all over
+with figures representing little devils with tails of serpents, and was
+richly adorned with gold and jewels. Before this idol lay an offering of
+five human hearts. On the summit of the whole temple was a recess having
+its wood-work very highly ornamented, where we saw a figure half human and
+the rest like an alligator, all inlaid with jewels, and partly covered by
+a mantle. He was considered as the germ and origin of all created things,
+and was worshipped as the god of harvests and fruits. Here likewise the
+walls and altar were stained with blood like the others, and so offensive
+that we were glad to retire in all haste. In this place there stood a drum
+of prodigious size, the head of which was made of the skin of a large
+serpent, which resounded, when struck, with a noise that might be heard at
+the distance of two leagues, and gave out a sound so doleful, that it
+might be named the drum of hell. This dreadful drum, the horrid sound of
+their horns and trumpets, and the shocking sight of their great
+sacrificial knives, the remnants of human victims, and their blood-stained
+altars and fanes, made me anxious to get away from this horrible scene of
+human butchery, detestable smells, and abominable sights.
+
+Addressing himself to Montezuma, half jest half earnest, Cortes expressed
+his astonishment how so wise a prince could adore such absurd and wicked
+gods; and proposed to substitute the cross on the summit of the tower, and
+the images of the Holy Virgin and her ever-blessed SON in the adoratories,
+instead of those horrid idols, assuring him that he would soon be
+convinced of the vanity of his idolatry, and the deception practised on
+him by these inhuman priests. Montezuma was much displeased with these
+expressions, saying that he would not have admitted us to the temple if he
+had known we were to insult his gods, who dispensed health, good harvests,
+seasonable weather, and victory, and whom they were bound in duty and
+gratitude to adore. Cortes dropped the subject and proposed to withdraw,
+to which Montezuma assented, observing that he must remain, and atone by
+an expiatory sacrifice for having admitted us into the temple. Cortes then
+took leave of the king, and we descended the steps, to the great
+inconvenience of our invalids. If I am not quite so correct as I wish and
+ought to be in many of the things which I relate and describe, I must beg
+my readers to consider the situation in which I then served, being under
+the necessity of giving more attention to the orders of my officers than
+to the surrounding objects of curiosity. The temple which we had just
+visited covered a prodigious extent of ground, and diminished gradually
+from the base to the platform on the top, having five concavities like
+barbicans between the middle and the top, but without parapets. On the
+broad platform of the summit there was a tower in which the images were
+placed. But as there are many paintings of temples in the possession of
+the conquerors, one of which I have, it will be easy to form an idea of
+the structure of this temple from these representations[2]. It was said by
+the Mexicans, that numerous offerings of gold, silver, jewels, productions
+of the earth, and human victims were deposited under the foundations of
+this great temple at the time of its erection; and it is certain, when the
+ground on which it stood was afterwards dug up for the church of St Jago,
+that we found great quantities of gold, silver, and other valuables on
+sinking the new foundations. A Mexican also, who obtained a grant of part
+of this ground, discovered a considerable treasure, about which there was
+a law-suit for the royal interest. This account was confirmed by King
+Guatimotzin, who assured us that the circumstances were recorded in
+ancient historical paintings. At a small distance from the great temple,
+there stood a tower, having a gate or entrance always open, like the mouth
+of an enormous monster, ready to devour those who entered this hell or
+habitation of the demons. At this horrible door there stood many frightful
+idols, beside which there was a place for sacrifice, and within there were
+pots full of water ready to boil the flesh of the victims, which formed
+the horrible repasts of the priests. The idols were like serpents and
+devils, and the place, all smeared over with human blood, was furnished
+with knives for sacrifice like the slaughter-house of a butcher. In
+another part of the buildings there were great piles of wood, and a
+reservoir of water supplied by a pipe from the great aqueduct of
+Chapoltepec. In one of the courts there was a temple, all besmeared with
+blood and soot, surrounded by the tombs of the Mexican nobility. In
+another court there were immense piles of human bones, all regularly
+arranged. Every temple had its peculiar idols, and each its regular
+establishment of priests, who were dressed in long black vestments,
+something between the dress of our canons and the Dominican friars. They
+all wore their hair long and clotted with blood, and their ears were all
+lacerated in honour of their abominable idols. At some distance from the
+temple of the tombs, there was another of which the idols were said to
+preside over marriages; and all the courts were surrounded by low houses
+for the priests and their numerous assistants. Hard by these was a large
+building in which great numbers of the Mexican young women resided, as in
+a nunnery, till they were married. They were devoted to the worship of two
+female deities, who presided over marriages, to whom they sacrificed in
+order to obtain good husbands. I have thus been diffuse in describing this
+great temple, as it was by far the largest and most splendid in Mexico;
+yet the temple of Cholula was still higher, having 120 steps. This was
+built on a different plan from that of Mexico, and was held in high
+veneration by the natives. The temple of Tezcuco also was very large,
+being ascended by 117 steps, and all these differed in their structure,
+though they all agreed in having a number of outer courts, and a double
+inclosure. Every province of this country had its own peculiar gods, who
+were supposed to have no concern with those of other provinces, so that
+its gods and idols were quite innumerable. Having effectually fatigued
+ourselves in examining the objects I have just described, we retired to
+our quarters.
+
+As Montezuma was entirely adverse to the proposal of Cortes for converting
+the great temple of Mexico into a Christian church, he was exceedingly
+desirous to have a chapel and altar in our quarters, and made application
+to Montezuma through one of his principal nobles to have materials for
+this purpose. This request was immediately complied with, and as abundance
+of timber and native workmen were sent immediately, it was completed in
+three days. In this new chapel mass was celebrated every day, though we
+lamented the want of wine for the holy eucharist, as it had been all
+expended during the illness of Cortes, Olmedo, and others, while we were
+in the dominions of Tlascala. We were extremely regular in our devotions,
+both because it was our duty, and that we might impress a favourable
+opinion of our holy religion on Montezuma and his subjects. While our
+carpenters were looking out for a proper place in which to fix the holy
+cross of our chapel, they observed the appearance of a door in one of the
+walls of our quarters which had been closed up. Cortes caused this to be
+privately opened, and an apartment was found within, in which countless
+riches were deposited. The secret soon transpired, and we went all to view
+the concealed treasury. I was then a young man, and it seemed to me that
+all the treasures of the world gathered together could not have reached
+the amount of what we then saw. It was thought prudent to close up the
+door of this place, and to conceal our knowledge of it and its contents to
+a proper opportunity.
+
+About this time Cortes convened a council of four captains and twelve
+soldiers, of those in whom he had most confidence, among whom I was, in
+order to consult upon our present situation and future procedure. Having
+duly considered how obviously we had been hitherto guided and preserved by
+the mercy of GOD, and how the natives, though now kind, might soon change
+through their native fickleness, and notwithstanding the present
+hospitality of Montezuma, he might at any time plot our destruction, we
+unanimously resolved, on the suggestion of Cortes, that the most effectual
+measure for our security was to make that monarch our prisoner and the
+guarantee of our safety. We knew not but we might all be poisoned in our
+food, and no gift which he could make us, not even all his fathers
+treasures which we had just discovered, could compensate to us for the
+continual alarms in which we lived. Some of the officers present at the
+council, proposed to induce Montezuma by some plausible pretext to come to
+our quarters, when we could easily seize him without resistance or danger.
+It was observed by some of our soldiers, that we were not now so
+plentifully supplied with provisions by the royal officers as at our first
+coming; and that our interpreter, Aguilar, had been secretly informed by
+two of our Tlascalan allies, that they had noticed several indications of
+evil intentions towards us among the Mexicans, for the last two days.
+After a long consultation, we agreed to adjourn the consideration of the
+means of executing our resolution till next day; and in the meantime the
+reverend Father Olmedo was consulted on the subject, and we prayed GOD to
+guide and direct our proceedings for the best, in our present ticklish and
+dangerous situation. Next day, two Tlascalans arrived secretly with
+letters from Villa Rica, with an account that Escalente and six Spaniards
+had been slain in a battle with the Mexicans, and that the inhabitants of
+Chempoalla and the neighbouring mountains, who had submitted to us, had
+revolted back to the Mexican government, refusing to supply provisions, or
+to work on the fortifications, insomuch, that the remaining garrison of
+Villa Rica were in much distress and knew not how to act. These letters
+said likewise, that the high opinion which the natives had adopted with
+respect to the Spaniards was much altered for the worse, since they found
+they could be killed like other men. This intelligence gave us much
+affliction. It was the first defeat we had experienced since our landing;
+and had produced a most alarming change in our situation, and in the
+opinions of the Mexicans. Before this, we were in possession of wealth,
+and were considered as invulnerable, and almost like demigods; but were
+now lowered in the estimation of the natives, almost to a level with
+themselves, in whose power we were. It now seemed more necessary than ever
+to our very existence that we should secure the person of Montezuma;
+considering that if we failed in the attempt, we might as well perish in
+what seemed our only chance of safety, as wait to be overwhelmed by the
+whole power of the Mexican empire. Before I proceed to narrate the sequel
+of our transactions in Mexico, I shall give an account of the misfortune
+which befel Escalente[3].
+
+It has been already mentioned, that about thirty native chiefs of
+districts in the neighbourhood of Villa Rica, had voluntarily submitted to
+our government at Chiahuitztla. After our little army had penetrated to
+the capital of the Mexican empire, the commander of a garrison belonging
+to Montezuma endeavoured to levy contributions from some of these our new
+subjects: and when this was represented to Escalente, who commanded at
+Villa Rica, he sent orders to the Mexican officers to desist, as otherwise
+he would be under the necessity of chastising them, though he wished to
+remain in peace and friendship with the subjects of Mexico. To this the
+Mexican officers sent a haughty reply, saying that he would find them in
+the field. On receiving this answer, Escalente, who was a brave man, set
+out with forty of his own soldiers, and two thousand of our allies of the
+Totanaca nation to march against the Mexicans, whom he found pillaging the
+country, and immediately attacked them. Our allies were always afraid of
+the Mexicans, and fled at the first shower of arrows, leaving the
+Spaniards to get out of the scrape as well as they might. They made their
+retreat with great difficulty to Villa Rica[4], where Escalente and six of
+his soldiers died of their wounds. A Spanish soldier named Arguello, of
+great bodily strength, with a large head, and thick frizzled beard, was
+taken alive, but died of his wounds. The Mexican captains reported the
+whole of this affair to Montezuma, to whom they brought the head of
+Arguello; and it is said that Montezuma trembled when he beheld it, and
+ordered it to be taken out of the way. He reproached his captains for not
+having overwhelmed the whole of that small number of Spaniards with their
+numerous forces; but they alleged that a supernatural being fought against
+them, assisting and encouraging the Spaniards, and struck terror into
+their men.
+
+Having finally resolved to seize Montezuma, we spent the whole night
+before proceeding on that hazardous enterprize in earnest prayer to GOD,
+that what we were about to do might redound to his holy service; and in
+the morning we arranged the manner in which this our resolution was to be
+executed. Our cavalry and infantry were all ordered to be in readiness for
+instant action, and as it was usual with us to go always fully armed, this
+circumstance gave no suspicion to the Mexicans. Leaving the whole of his
+forces prepared to act in case of need, Cortes proceeded to the palace,
+attended by five of his captains, Alvarado, Sandoval, De Leon, De Lugo,
+and Avila[5], with the interpreters Donna Marina and Aguilar, having
+first sent a message to the king, intimating his intention to wait upon
+him. Montezuma supposed that this visit of Cortes was on occasion of the
+affair which had lately occurred at Chiahuitztla, and that our general was
+much displeased on that account, yet sent back that he would be glad to
+see him. Our general, _and we that were with him_, immediately went to the
+royal apartment, and after paying his respects as usual, Cortes addressed
+Montezuma to the following effect through his interpreters: "He was
+astonished that so brave and magnanimous a monarch, who had shewn so much
+friendship for us on all occasions, should have clandestinely given orders
+to his troops in _Totonacapan_[6] to make an attack upon the Spaniards
+whom he had left at Villa Rica, in which one of them had been killed, and
+our allies the Totonacas had been pillaged and destroyed without mercy."
+Cortes intentionally concealed the death of Escalente and his six soldiers,
+not wishing that the extent of our loss on this occasion should be known
+to the Mexicans. He then charged Montezuma as the author of the treachery
+which had been attempted against us in Cholula, saying, that he had
+hitherto refrained from speaking on that subject, from motives of esteem
+and respect; but, from the late hostile attack by his governor of
+Totonacapan, and having learned that the officers of the court were
+plotting to cut us off in Mexico, it became necessary for us to use
+effectual measures to secure our safety. For this purpose therefore, and
+in order to prevent the ruin of the city of Mexico, it was necessary that
+his majesty should go immediately to our quarters, assuring him if he gave
+the smallest alarm, or made any resistance, the officers and soldiers then
+present would put him instantly to death. On hearing this proposal
+Montezuma was so petrified with terror and amazement that he seemed to
+have lost all sensation for a time. After recovering a little, he
+positively denied having given any orders to Quauhpopoca the governor of
+Nauhtlan to attack our troops under Escalente; and taking from his wrist
+the signet of Huitzilopochtli, which he employed on all occasions of
+importance to confirm and enforce his orders, he gave it to one of his
+officers whom he commanded to bring Quauhpopoca to court without delay to
+answer for his conduct. Then assuming a dignified air, he declined the
+proposal of quitting his palace with disdain, declaring that he would not
+be constrained to take so humiliating a step. Cortes endeavoured to
+explain the necessity of his immediate compliance, and the king persisted
+in his refusal, so that the conversation drew to considerable length, half
+an hour at least having elapsed. The captains who accompanied Cortes
+became impatient of delay, fearing that great numbers of the Mexicans
+might collect to the rescue of their sovereign, and that we should be
+oppressed under superior force. In this dilemma, De Leon exclaimed in his
+rough voice to Cortes: "Why, Sir, do you waste so many words? Tell him,
+that if he does not instantly yield himself our prisoner, we will plunge
+our swords into his body: Let us now assure our lives or perish."
+Montezuma was much struck with the manner in which De Leon expressed
+himself, and asked Donna Marina what he had said. She answered with much
+discretion, by mildly advising him to consent immediately to go along with
+us, assuring him that he would be treated with all the honour and respect
+he could desire, whereas she was convinced we would put him to death if he
+refused or even hesitated. Montezuma then offered to put his legitimate
+son and two daughters into the hands of Cortes, as hostages, and earnestly
+entreated that he might not be exposed before his subjects as a prisoner.
+But Cortes assured him that nothing short of what had been originally
+proposed could satisfy us, and that all remonstrances were unavailing. At
+last he was obliged to consent, saying, "I trust myself with you, let us
+go! let us go! since the gods will have it so." Our captains gave him
+every assurance of their perfect esteem and respect, begging of him not to
+be offended at their conduct, which was indispensably necessary to their
+own safety, and requested that he would say to his officers that he went
+of his own free will, and by the advice of his gods and priests. His
+magnificent state litter was now brought for his accommodation, and he
+proceeded to our quarters in his accustomed pomp, attended by his guards,
+where he was received and entertained with every mark of respect; yet our
+posts and centinels were properly placed in every direction to guard
+against his escape or rescue. He was soon waited on by the princes of his
+family, and all the principal Mexican nobles, who came to inquire the
+reason of this change of abode, and whether it was his wish that they
+should attack us. But he told them that he intended to remain with us for
+a few days, and commanded them to take no steps which might disturb the
+peace of the city.
+
+Thus we accomplished the seizure of the great Montezuma. He was attended
+in our quarters with the same magnificence as in his own palace; his wives,
+family, and officers being constantly with him, and having always twenty
+chiefs or counsellors in his presence. He bathed twice a-day, and appeared
+calm and resigned to his fate. Ambassadors came to him from all the
+provinces of his empire; some to deliver the accustomed tribute, and
+others to transact various affairs of importance, all of which was
+dispatched in the usual manner. I perfectly remember that however great
+might be the princes or chiefs who had to wait upon him, they always took
+off their rich dresses and put on plain and coarse _nequen_ clothes, and
+came into the royal apartments in this habit, barefooted, not entering
+directly, but making a circuit by the wall. On entering the presence they
+kept their eyes cast down on the ground, and after three profound
+reverences, always began their addresses in these words, _lord! my lord!
+great lord!_ They then displayed certain cloths before him, on which the
+business they came upon was represented by painting, the particulars of
+which they explained pointing out the figures by means of nicely polished
+rods or wands. While this was going on, two old nobles always stood beside
+the king, who attentively considered every circumstance, on which they
+gave him their opinions, and he then dispatched the affair in few words.
+The person who had the business with the king then withdrew without reply,
+making three profound reverences as before, always keeping his eyes on the
+ground, and his face to the throne till out of sight. On leaving the royal
+apartments, they reassumed their rich dresses, in which they walked about
+the city.
+
+The messengers who had been dispatched with the royal signet to arrest the
+officers against whom Cortes had complained for the attack on Escalente,
+soon returned with them to Mexico. I know not what passed in the royal
+presence when they appeared before the king; but he sent them immediately
+to Cortes to do with them as he pleased. On their examination, when the
+king was not present, they avowed all that had happened in Totonacapan,
+but said that they had acted by orders from Montezuma, by whom they had
+been commanded to levy the royal tribute, and even to attack the Spaniards
+if they should support the refractory subjects of the empire. On Montezuma
+being charged with this, he endeavoured to exculpate himself; but Cortes
+told him, that although his participation in the guilt of his officers was
+apparent, and although he had been commanded by his own sovereign to
+punish with death all who had inflicted death on any of the Spaniards, yet
+he had so great a regard for his majesty, that he would sooner loose his
+own life than do him any injury. Notwithstanding these assurances,
+Montezuma was in great fear of being put to death. Cortes sentenced the
+Mexican officers to be burnt alive in front of their kings palace, which
+was immediately carried into execution; and to prevent any commotion while
+this was taking place, he ordered Montezuma to be put in irons. The
+unfortunate king could not suppress his sense of this indignity, and wept
+aloud when the fetters were put on. After the execution was over, Cortes
+went into the apartment of Montezuma, attended by his five captains
+formerly mentioned, and took off the irons with his own hands, assuring
+him with a cordial embrace, that he loved him more even than a brother,
+and that he hoped soon to extend his dominions to more than double their
+present size. He is said also to have told him that he was now at liberty
+to return to his own palace, if he so wished; but we understood that
+Cortes ordered the interpreters to inform Montezuma, that he was inclined
+to set him at liberty, but that the other officers refused their consent.
+The spirit of the unfortunate king was now entirely subdued, and the tears
+ran down his cheeks while Cortes was speaking: He declined the offer with
+thanks, well knowing the emptiness of his words; adding, that he thought
+it most prudent to remain where he was, to prevent an insurrection in the
+city. Montezuma requested Cortes to give him his page, Orteguilla, a youth
+who had already made considerable progress in the Mexican language. Cortes
+immediately complied, and Orteguilla remained afterwards constantly about
+the kings person, as Montezuma took great delight in inquiring from him
+many particulars respecting the manners and customs of Europe; and, from
+his knowledge of the language, Orteguilla was of great service to us in
+the sequel, by communicating every circumstance that was of importance for
+us to be made acquainted with. Montezuma continued to reside among us,
+always treated with the utmost respect and attention, as no officer and
+soldier, even Cortes, ever came into his presence or even passed him,
+without taking of his helmet. He always treated us in return with much
+courtesey.
+
+The Mexican officers who were publickly executed, were four in number. Of
+these Quauhpopoca was the principal, two of the others were named _Coatl_
+and _Quiabuitl,_ but I have forgot the name of the fourth[7]. As soon as
+this punishment was made known throughout the provinces of the Mexican
+empire, it occasioned universal terror among the natives, and the people
+of Tontonacapan immediately returned to submission to our garrison at
+Villa Rica.--Let me now pause, and request my readers to consider the
+train of our heroic acts which I have already related. _First_, we
+destroyed our ships, by which we cut off all hope of retreat. _Secondly_,
+we entered the city of Mexico, in spite of the many alarming warnings we
+had received. _Thirdly_, we made Montezuma, the sovereign of that great
+and populous empire, a prisoner, in the midst of his own palace and
+capital, surrounded by numerous guards. _Fourthly_, we publickly burnt his
+officers in front of his palace, and put the king in irons during the
+execution. I now frequently revolve upon these great events in my old age,
+which still appear as fresh in my memory as if they had only happened
+yesterday. I say to myself, it was not we who did those mighty things, but
+we were guided therein by the hand of God. For without his direction, how
+was it to be conceived that so small a number as we were, not amounting to
+four hundred and fifty men, should have dared to seize and put in irons,
+and publickly burn his officers for obeying his orders, in a city larger
+and more populous than Venice, and 1500 leagues from our own country.
+
+It was necessary to appoint a successor in the command at Villa Rica, and
+accordingly Cortes gave the command to Alonzo de Grado, an indifferent
+soldier, but a good speaker, a handsome man, a musician, and a ready
+writer, who had always been adverse to our marching to Mexico, and was the
+chief orator on these occasions, in conveying the sentiments of the
+opposite party to Cortes. On notifying this appointment, Cortes said to
+him jocularly, "Senior de Grado, you are now commandant of Villa Rica. See
+that you fortify it well; but I charge you not to go to war with the
+wicked Indians, lest they kill you as they have done Juan de Escalente."
+This was said ironically, as Cortes well knew he would not venture out of
+his garrison for any consideration. As we noticed the concealed meaning of
+Cortes in these words, we could hardly refrain from laughing aloud. He
+then enjoined him to be kind to the natives, and to protect them from
+oppression; to use all diligence in completing the fortifications of the
+wooden fort, and to cause two large chains to be made from the old iron of
+the destroyed ships, by the smiths at Villa Rica, which were to be sent
+immediately to Mexico. De Grado, on arriving at his government, assumed a
+lofty demeanour, and ordered the neighbouring Indians who were allied with
+us, to send him gold and females slaves, neglecting the fortifications,
+and spending his time in feasting and deep play. What was still worse, he
+plotted with the adherents of Velasquez to deliver up to him the post with
+which he had been entrusted. When Cortes learned these things, he repented
+of having employed a person whose bad dispositions he well knew in a post
+of so much importance, and sent therefore Sandoval, our alguazil-major to
+supersede him. Sandoval was accompanied by Pedro de Ircio, who used to
+amuse him with anecdotes of the families of the Conde de Ureno and Don
+Pedro Giron, by which means he gained the favour of Sandoval, who never
+ceased promoting him till he got him to the rank of captain. On his
+arrival at Villa Rica, Sandoval arrested De Grado, and sent him prisoner
+to Mexico, under a guard of Indians, by order of Cortes, who would not see
+him on his arrival, but ordered him to be confined in the stocks, where he
+remained two days. De Grado afterwards made his peace, and got the office
+of contador, in place of Avila, who was sent over to Hispaniola as
+procurador. Sandoval made himself exceedingly popular among the natives in
+the neighbourhood of Villa Rica, and diligently applied to complete the
+fortifications. He likewise sent to Mexico by order of the general, all
+the ironwork necessary for the construction of two vessels which were
+ordered to be built for sailing on the lake.
+
+Every day after mass Cortes went with all his officers to pay his respects
+to Montezuma, asking his orders, the king always affecting to be perfectly
+contented with his situation. On these occasions the discourse frequently
+turned upon the principles of our holy faith, and the power of our emperor
+Don Carlos. At other times Montezuma and Cortes used to play at a game
+called _totoloque_ by the Mexicans, in which they aim with golden balls at
+certain other objects made of gold. Once, when Cortes and Alvarado were
+playing against Montezuma and his nephew, the king said in a jocular
+manner, that he would not allow _Tonatiu_, for so he called Alvarado on
+account of his handsomeness, to mark, as if he cheated; on which we all
+fell a laughing, as we knew Alvarado was rather given to exaggeration. On
+these occasions, Cortes gave all his winnings among the Mexican attendants
+of the king; and Montezuma distributed his among us soldiers of the guard.
+Indeed he every day made presents to all of us who attended him, and
+particularly to Velasquez de Leon, the captain of his guard, who always
+treated him with much respect and attention. One night, a soldier named
+Truxillo, was guilty of a very disrespectful action within his hearing, at
+which Montezuma was much offended, and asked the page Orteguilla who had
+committed this extreme rudeness. Orteguilla told him that Truxillo was a
+person of low birth, and knew no better, and then gave him an account of
+our different ranks and characters, by which he was much gratified. He
+sent next day for Truxillo, and after reproving him for his unmannerly
+behaviour, made him a present worth five crowns. Next night, Truxillo
+committed a similar rudeness, in hopes to get more gold, but Montezuma
+complained to De Leon, who ordered Truxillo to be relieved, after which he
+gave him a severe reprimand. Another night, a soldier named Pedro Lopez
+happened to be unwell, and cursed that dog of an Indian, meaning Montezuma,
+for occasioning so much trouble. The king overheard this and discovered
+its meaning, on which he complained to Cortes, who ordered the man to be
+whipped. After this, proper discipline and strict silence were preserved
+by the guard, which greatly pleased the king, who knew us all, and used to
+address us by our names, and was always very kind to us. I was then a
+young man, and always behaved to him with much respect. The page had
+informed him that I had been twice on the coast of his empire before the
+arrival of Cortes, and that I had desired him to say to his majesty that I
+would be much obliged to him for a handsome Indian girl. He very
+graciously complied with this request, and calling me before him,
+addressed me to the following effect: "Bernal Diaz, the young woman I now
+present to you is the daughter of one of my principal nobles; treat her
+well, and her relations will give you as much gold, and as many mantles as
+you can desire." I respectfully kissed his hand, thanking him for his
+gracious condescension, and prayed God to bless and prosper him. On which
+he observed, that my manner spoke me of noble extraction, and he ordered
+me three plates of gold, and two loads of mantles. In the morning, after
+his devotions, according to the manner of his country, Montezuma used to
+eat a light breakfast of vegetables seasoned with _agi,_ which is a kind
+of pepper. He then employed a full hour in the dispatch of business, in
+the way I have formerly mentioned, being attended at this time by twenty
+counsellors; and in this way, sometimes amusing himself, and sometimes
+meditating on his situation, he spent the time of his confinement among us.
+He had many mistresses, and he used often to give away some of these in
+marriage among his officers and particular friends. Some of these ladies
+fell to our lot, and the one I got was a lady of high birth, as she shewed
+by her manner; after her baptism she was called Donna Francisca.
+
+After the iron materials, with sails and cordage had arrived from Villa
+Rica, Cortes asked leave from Montezuma to build two brigantines for the
+purpose of his amusement on the lake, and also that he would order the
+native carpenters to assist in their construction. Montezuma readily
+consented, and as there was plenty of oak at no great distance, the work
+went on expeditiously under Martin Lopez our principal ship-builder, so
+that the two brigantines were soon built, launched, and rigged. While this
+was going on, Montezuma begged to be allowed to perform his devotions in
+the great temple, that his friends and subjects might be satisfied he
+lived among us by his own choice, and the permission of his gods. Cortes
+granted this, under a strict caution to beware of doing any thing that
+might bring his life in hazard, as he would send a strong guard along with
+him, with orders to put him to death instantly if any commotion should
+arise among the people. Cortes likewise insisted that no human sacrifices
+should be permitted on the occasion. All this being agreed to, Montezuma
+set out for the temple in his usual pomp, attended by four of our captains,
+and an hundred and fifty Spanish soldiers, Father Olmedo being likewise
+present, to prevent any human sacrifice. Montezuma came out of his litter
+near the temple, where he was met by a number of priests, who carried him
+up the steps. They had sacrificed four Indians the night before to their
+accursed idols, as all our endeavours were insufficient to stop that
+abominable practice, which we were forced to connive at for a season,
+being afraid to do any thing which might occasion an insurrection. After
+remaining a short time at his devotions, Montezuma came down from the
+temple, and returned to our quarters in much good humour, and made
+presents to all of us who had attended him.
+
+Our two brigantines were now afloat on the lake, fully equipped, and
+manned by expert sailors, and were found to obey both sail and oar to a
+wish. When Montezuma learnt this, he requested to go a-hunting to a
+certain district which was full of game, all other persons being
+prohibited from hunting there under pain of death. Cortes granted
+permission, giving warning that his life would pay the forfeit of the
+smallest attempt to escape, and offered him the use of our ships to convey
+him to the hunting ground, which he accepted with much pleasure. The king
+and his suit embarked in the swiftest of the two vessels, and the other
+accommodated his son and a number of nobles. Four of our captains attended
+the king, with a guard of two hundred soldiers, and four brass guns, with
+their ammunition and artillery-men, were embarked on the occasion. The wind
+was fresh, and our sailors took great delight in exerting their utmost
+skill. Our ships seemed to fly along the lake, and left a prodigious
+multitude of the canoes of the Mexicans far behind. Montezuma landed at
+the place kept for his hunting, which abounded in game, so that he soon
+procured a great quantity of various kinds, such as deer, hares, and
+rabbits; and having satisfied himself with sport, he reimbarked and came
+back to Mexico. We discharged our artillery during the voyage, which gave
+him much amusement. He delighted us all by his affability and noble
+behaviour, and was held by every one of us in the highest respect. It
+happened one day, while three of our captains were in his presence, that a
+hawk flew into the apartment in pursuit of a quail, both these birds and
+doves being bred about the palace. On this occasion our officers and
+soldiers admired the beauty and fine flight of the hawk, and Montezuma was
+curious to know the subject of their discourse: It was accordingly
+explained to him, as likewise that we were accustomed to tame hawks, and
+to fly them from our hands in pursuit of game. On this Montezuma gave
+immediate orders to have the hawk caught for us, and the very same bird
+was caught and brought to us next morning.
+
+Cacamatzin prince of Tezcuco, the largest town in the empire next to
+Mexico, took great umbrage at hearing that his uncle Montezuma had been
+kept many days prisoner by the Spaniards, and that we had opened the
+treasury of his ancestors. He therefore called a meeting of his principal
+vassals, and of the neighbouring princes or great feudatories of the
+Mexican empire, among whom was the lord of Matlatzinco, a renowned warrior
+and near relation of Montezuma, who was reported to have some pretensions
+to the throne. His intention in summoning these princes was to persuade
+them to assemble their forces, in order to attack us, and on making this
+proposal to the assembled chiefs, he of Matlatzinco offered to concur with
+his whole force, on condition that they would raise him to the throne of
+Mexico. But Cacamatzin alleged that he had a preferable claim to that
+dignity, and declared he would destroy the Spaniards with his own forces,
+for which purpose he entered into arrangements with his partizans in
+Mexico. The whole of this plan was reported to Montezuma, who immediately
+commanded his nephew Cacamatzin to desist from his preparations, and
+communicated the information he had received to Cortes, who had already
+received some notice of what was going forwards, but not to the full
+extent. Cortes immediately proposed to go at the head of a detachment of
+the Spaniards, and a large body of Mexican troops, and to destroy Tezcuco;
+but as this proposal did not please Montezuma, Cortes sent a message to
+Cacamatzin, requiring him to desist from his war-like preparations, and
+declaring his wish to have him for a friend. Cacamatzin answered, that he
+would not become the dupe of plausible words like others, and meant soon
+to pay us a visit, when he would listen to what we had to say. In a second
+message, Cortes warned him not to proceed to hostilities, which would
+certainly occasion the death of his uncle; but he replied, that he cared
+neither for Montezuma nor Cortes, and was determined to act as he thought
+proper.
+
+Cacamatzin had a brother named Cuitcuitzcatzin, who resided in Mexico,
+having been obliged to take refuge there in consequence of a family
+quarrel. As this was known to us, Cortes proposed that Cacamatzin should
+be brought to Mexico, where we would seize him unless he agreed to
+preserve the peace, or might substitute his brother in the government of
+Tezcuco. Montezuma agreed to send for him, and assured us if he refused to
+come, he would give orders to bring him by force. Cortes thanked the king
+for this instance of his fidelity, declaring that he now only remained in
+Mexico to protect him against his rebellious subjects, and would feel
+happy to reinstate him in his own palace, but could not prevail on the
+rest of the Spanish captains to agree to this measure. Montezuma said in
+reply, that he would immediately transmit information to Cacamatzin, that
+his present residence was entirely of his own free will, and by the advice
+of their gods; for Montezuma was perfectly aware of the simulation of
+Cortes in his declarations, and endeavoured to fight him with his own
+weapons. He accordingly sent a message to the prince in the proposed terms;
+but Cacamatzin understood the manner in which his uncle was constrained to
+act, and declared his determination to assail our quarters within four
+days, saying that Montezuma was a despicable monarch, for having neglected
+to attack us at the Port of Chalco, as he had advised. That he was
+resolved to be avenged of the wrongs which we had heaped upon Montezuma
+and his country, and that if the throne of Mexico should fall to his lot
+during the contest, he would liberally reward all who assisted him against
+the Spanish invaders. Several of the Mexican chiefs who were along with
+Cacamatzin, expressed their scruples about entering into war without the
+orders of their legitimate sovereign, and proposed to send to him for
+instructions. Cacamatzin was enraged at this proposal, as adverse to his
+views of assuming the crown of the Mexican empire, and immediately ordered
+three of the most refractory into custody; by which procedure the rest
+were intimidated into compliance with his plans. He then sent a message to
+Montezuma, representing the disgrace into which he had fallen, by joining
+himself with wizards and magicians, and declared his resolution to destroy
+us all. Montezuma was much offended by the proud independence assumed by
+his nephew, whom he now resolved to circumvent and make prisoner. For this
+purpose he entrusted his signet to six of his captains, whom he commanded
+to shew it to certain other leaders among his subjects, who were not well
+affected to the prince, and to communicate to them his orders to seize
+Cacamatzin and bring him prisoner to Mexico. These men went accordingly to
+where Cacamatzin was consulting with the confederate chiefs on the
+arrangement of his expedition; and shewing the royal signet with which
+they were entrusted, they secured him and five of his principal chiefs
+without opposition, and brought them away to Mexico. Cacamatzin, being
+brought into the presence of Montezuma, was reproached by him for his
+disobedience and treason, and then delivered over to Cortes; but the other
+prisoners were released.
+
+Arrangements were immediately made for raising Cuitcuitzcatzin, one of the
+brothers of Cacamatzin, to the principality of Tezcuco; who was
+accordingly invested with this dignity in the presence, of Montezuma, and
+sent over with a splendid retinue to take possession of the government[8].
+This important business being completed to our entire satisfaction, we
+continued to reside in Mexico, paying our court to Montezuma with the
+utmost demonstrations of respect, yet detaining him always a prisoner in
+our quarters.
+
+Cortes now resumed a proposal which had been formerly made, for Montezuma
+acknowledging the sovereignty of our emperor over him and his dominions;
+to which Montezuma replied, that he would summon a council of all his
+dependent princes, which he did accordingly, and almost the whole of them
+attended in the course of ten days. Among a few who absented themselves on
+this occasion, was the chief of Matlatzinco, who has been already
+mentioned as renowned for his warlike prowess. He sent back an answer,
+that he would neither obey the summons nor pay any more tribute. Montezuma
+was much incensed by this contumacious message from his vassal, and sent
+officers to apprehend him, but they were unable to succeed. The princes
+and feudatories being all assembled, Montezuma reminded them of the
+ancient prophecies, by which it was foretold to their ancestors, that a
+people was to come from the region of the rising sun, to whom the empire
+of the country was to be transferred. He added, that he believed the
+Spaniards to be the people spoken of in that prophecy; and had sacrificed
+to his gods in vain to give him a distinct revelation on the subject, but
+they referred him to the former responses, and commanded him to ask no
+more. From all this he concluded that they willed him to yield obedience
+to the king of Castile, who was the sovereign of these strangers. "I now,"
+said he in conclusion, "beseech you to agree to this submission, which is
+required of me by the Spaniards. During the eighteen years which I have
+reigned, I have ever been a kind monarch to you, and you have always been
+faithful subjects. Since our gods will have it so, let no one refuse this
+instance of obedience which I now ask." The princes, with many sighs and
+tears, promised to do every thing he might desire. Montezuma, who was
+still more affected than they, sent a message to inform Cortes, that he
+and his princes would tender their allegiance to our emperor next day.
+This was accordingly done at the time appointed, in presence of all our
+officers and many of our soldiers, none of whom could refrain from tears,
+at beholding the distress and agitation of the great and generous
+Montezuma on this humiliating occasion.
+
+Some time afterwards, when Cortes and his captains were conversing with
+Montezuma on various topics, the general made inquiry relative to the gold
+mines of the empire, when Montezuma informed him that the richest of these
+were in the province of Zacatula or Zacatollan, and said that the gold was
+procured by washing the earth, the small grains of metal sinking to the
+bottom during the operation. He also said that it was obtained from two
+rivers in the province of Guztepeque, where the natives were not subjects
+to his empire; but, if Cortes chose to send some troops to that place, he
+would order his officers to accompany them. Cortes accordingly sent the
+pilot Umbria and two soldiers to examine the mines of Zacatula; and sent
+his relation Pizarro, to the territories of Chinantla and Zapoteca.
+Pizarro was then a young man, and at that time his name and that of Peru,
+now so famous, were both equally unknown. Pizarro, who was one of our
+captains, took with him four soldiers who were used to mining, and four
+Mexican nobles; and Montezuma presented Cortes with a map of the whole
+northern, or rather eastern coast of the Mexican empire, admirably
+represented in painting, extending at least an hundred and forty leagues,
+all the way to Tabasco. Among the rivers said to produce gold, was that of
+Huatzocoalco, which Cortes wished to have examined, and Diego de Ordas
+offering himself for this purpose, was reluctantly accepted by Cortes, as
+he was a person on whom he depended for sound judgment and wholesome
+advice on occasions of importance. Before his departure, Montezuma told
+Ordas, that the power of the crown of Mexico did not extend over the
+country to which he was going, but that he was welcome to the assistance
+of the frontier garrisons. Umbria returned first from his mission,
+bringing with him gold to the value of three hundred crowns and reported
+that the mines might be made very productive, if they were as expertly
+managed as those of Hispaniola and Cuba. Two principal persons of the
+district accompanied him to Mexico, who brought a present of gold to the
+value of about a hundred crowns, and offered to submit themselves and
+country to the sovereignty of our emperor. Umbria and his companions
+described the country which they had visited as extremely rich and
+populous, and he and his companions appeared to have done something
+handsome for themselves on the expedition, which Cortes winked at in order
+to make up for some former differences.
+
+Ordas, on his return, said that he had passed through very populous
+districts, in all of which he was well received. That he found several
+bodies of Mexican troops on the frontiers, of whose outrages the natives
+of the country made heavy complaints, on which account he had severely
+reprehended the commanders of the troops, threatening them with a similar
+punishment with what had been inflicted on the lord of Nauhtlan. He had
+sounded the river of Huatzcoalco, where he found three fathoms water on
+the bar at low tide in the shallowest part, and still deeper within, where
+there was a place very proper for a naval establishment. The caciques and
+natives treated him with much hospitality, and offered themselves as
+vassals to our emperor, but complained loudly against the exactions of
+Montezuma and his officers, and pointed out a place where they had lately
+slain many of the Mexican troops, which they had named _Cuilonemequi,_ or
+the Place of Slaughter of the Mexicans, on whom they bestowed the most
+opprobrious epithets. He represented the soil of the country as well
+fitted for tillage and the rearing of cattle, and the port as well
+situated for trade with Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica; but as inconvenient,
+from its distance from Mexico, and unhealthy owing to the morasses in its
+vicinity. Pizarro returned from Tustepeque or Tzapotecapan, with gold in
+grains to the value of a thousand crowns. He reported, that in going into
+the mountains inhabited by the Chinantlans, they flew to arms and would
+not permit the Mexicans to enter into their country, threatening to put
+them all to death; but admitted him and his Spaniards with great attention.
+He brought several of the chiefs of that country along with him to Mexico,
+who wished to shake off the Mexican yoke, and to become subjects to our
+emperor. Cortes then inquired at Pizarro for the soldiers who had
+accompanied him, when Pizarro answered, that finding the country rich and
+the people friendly, he had left them to make a plantation of cocoa, and
+to explore the rivers and mines. Cortes said nothing to him in public, but
+gave him a severe private reprimand for employing the soldiers in such
+foolish pursuits, contrary to his orders, and immediately sent a message
+commanding their return to head-quarters.
+
+Cortes now proposed to Montezuma to order a general contribution in gold
+to be collected through the whole of his dominions, as a tribute to our
+emperor, and also that he should deliver up his treasure for the same
+purpose. Montezuma accordingly sent orders to his officers in those
+districts where the mines were situated, commanding them immediately to
+transmit a certain quantity of gold plates, of the size usually paid as
+tribute, two of which were sent as patterns. He remarked at the same time,
+that there were many districts of the empire from which gold was not to be
+expected in any considerable quantity, as they had no mines, and the
+natives had only such golden toys among them as they had inherited from
+their ancestors. Much gold was immediately transmitted to Mexico from the
+rich provinces in compliance with the order; but when it was communicated
+to the refractory lord of Matlatzinco, formerly mentioned, he haughtily
+answered, that he would pay no tribute, for he had as good a right as
+Montezuma to the throne of Mexico. Montezuma was much enraged at this
+insolent message, and immediately sent some trusty officers with his
+signet, who succeeded in apprehending this redoubted chief. On being
+brought prisoner into the presence of the king, he behaved with so much
+insolence that Montezuma ordered him to be put to death; but Cortes
+interceded for him, and got his punishment transmuted to imprisonment. He
+even endeavoured to make a friend of this chief, and proposed to have him
+set at liberty, but Montezuma insisted that he should be kept in chains
+along with Cacamatzin.
+
+Twenty days after the orders had been issued for collecting the tribute,
+it was all brought to Mexico, on which Montezuma summoned Cortes into his
+presence, along with the captains and the soldiers who formed his usual
+guard, and addressed us as follows: "Being indebted to your great king,
+whom I much esteem for having sent you as his ambassadors to me from so
+great a distance, and as I am convinced by the prophecies transmitted to
+us by our ancestors, and confirmed by our gods, that he is destined to
+rule over us, take this gold, which is all I could collect on so short a
+notice, and also the treasure which I inherited from my ancestors which
+you have already seen; send all this to your emperor, and let it be
+recorded in your chronicles that this is the tribute from his vassal
+Montezuma. Besides all this, I shall give you for your monarch, a quantity
+of our most valuable jewels, which we call _calchihuis_[9], every one of
+which is worth two loads of gold, and three tubes for shooting darts or
+pellets, so richly adorned with jewels that he will be pleased with them.
+Accept all this as an instance of my good will, for it is the last of my
+treasure." We all immediately took off our helmets, and gave our hearty
+thanks to Montezuma for his munificent and liberal gift, which Cortes
+promised should be presented to the emperor with a just representation of
+the merits of the donor. We were employed for three days in taking to
+pieces the gold contained in the various ornamental articles in the
+concealed treasury, which was now delivered up to us by the command of
+Montezuma, in which we were assisted by the royal goldsmiths from the town
+of Escapuzalco. When separated and weighed, these articles weighed to the
+value of above 600,000 crowns, besides many other articles of value, and
+exclusive of gold in plates and bars, and in its rough state as brought
+from the mines. All this gold was melted down by the goldsmiths, and cast
+into bars of three fingers breadth, all of which were stamped with the
+royal arms, with our entire approbation. The rest of the present of
+Montezuma was worthy of great admiration, consisting of the jewels called
+_calchihius_ ornamented tubes covered with gold and jewels, beautiful
+embroideries of pearls and feathers, plumes of feathers, and an endless
+variety of rich manufactures; and it was unanimously agreed by us all not
+to take these rich ornaments to pieces.
+
+After the royal officers had weighed and valued the gold, which exceeded,
+as I have already mentioned, 600,000 crowns, exclusive of the silver and
+other ornamental articles, it was proposed to deduct the royal fifth, and
+to distribute the shares among the officers and soldiers. Cortes proposed
+to postpone the division till we acquired more treasure, and had more
+exact weights: But the soldiers were clamorous for an immediate division,
+as we perceived that above a third part had disappeared since the various
+articles were taken to pieces, Cortes and the captains and others being
+continually carrying it away and concealing it for their own use. It was
+at length agreed to make the division next day, when it was still found to
+exceed 600,000 crowns in weight. On making the division, Cortes in the
+_first_ place caused a fifth to be laid aside for his majesty; _secondly_,
+a fifth for himself, as had been agreed upon; _thirdly_, a portion to
+reimburse the naval expenditure incurred by Velasquez, the destruction of
+the ships, and all the expences of the expedition from Cuba; _fourthly_,
+for the expences of the agents whom we had sent to Spain; _fifthly_, for
+the shares of our companions who were in garrison at Villa Rica; _sixthly_,
+for the value of the horses which had been killed; _seventhly_, for the
+reverend Father Olmeda and our captains; _eighthly_, double shares for the
+cavalry, musketeers, and crossbow-men. When all these deductions were made
+from the stock, the shares which remained for each soldier were hardly
+worth acceptance, not exceeding 100 crowns a-man. We were obliged to
+submit, having no one to appeal to for justice; yet many were very
+clamorous, whom Cortes secretly endeavoured to appease, giving a little to
+one and a little to another in private, and feeding all with fair promises.
+Our captains got chains of gold made for them by the Mexican workmen,
+Cortes did the same, and had a superb service of gold plate made for his
+table. Many of our soldiers, who had been fortunate in secreting plunder,
+had golden ornaments made for their use, and gave themselves up to deep
+gaming, for which purpose they made cards from drum-heads; and thus we
+passed our time in Mexico. One Cardenas, a pilot, who had a wife and
+children, seeing that all the immense treasure of Montezuma had dwindled
+down to paltry shares of a hundred crowns, made loud complaints of the
+injustice he and all of us had experienced. On this coming to the ears of
+Cortes, he called us together, and gave us a long honied speech, wondering
+how we should be so clamorous about a paltry sum of gold, as the whole
+country, with all its rich mines, would soon be ours, by which we would
+all have enough to make us lords and princes, and I know not all what.
+After this he distributed presents secretly among the most clamorous, and
+promised Cardenas to send home 300 crowns to his wife and children.
+
+All men are desirous of acquiring riches, and the desire generally
+increases with the acquisition. As it was well known that a great many
+valuable pieces of gold had been abstracted from the treasury, suspicion
+naturally fell upon several persons who appeared to have more gold than
+their shares amounted to. Among these, it was noticed that Velasquez de
+Leon had some large chains of gold, and many trinkets and ornaments of
+that metal, in the hands of the Mexican workmen, which the treasurer Mexia
+claimed as having been purloined. De Leon resisted this, alleging that it
+had been given him by Cortes before the gold was run into bars. Mexia
+replied that Cortes had concealed enough, and had already taken too much
+from the soldiers, without giving him so great a quantity, and insisted on
+restitution. Both were valiant men, and their quarrel rose to such a
+height, that they drew their swords, and each of them received two wounds
+before they could be parted. Cortes ordered them both under arrest and to
+be put in chains; but spoke privately to De Leon, who was his intimate
+friend, to submit quietly, and released Mexia in consideration of his
+holding the office of treasurer. Velasquez was a strong active man, and
+used to walk much in the apartment where he was confined, and as Montezuma
+heard the rattling of his chains, he inquired who it was, and interceded
+with Cortes for his liberation. Cortes told him that Velasquez was a mad
+fellow, who would go about robbing the Mexicans of their gold if not
+confined. Montezuma replied, if that were all, he would supply his wants,
+and Cortes affected to release him as a favour to the king, but banished
+him to Cholula, whence he returned in six days, richer than before by the
+king's bounty.
+
+About this time, the king offered to give Cortes one of the princesses his
+daughter in marriage. Cortes received this offer with much gratitude, but
+suggested the propriety of having her in the first place instructed in the
+Christian religion, with which Montezuma complied, though he still
+continued attached to his own false worship and brutal human sacrifices.
+Cortes and his captains were much scandalized by this persistence of
+Montezuma in idolatry, and thought it their duty as Christians, to run
+even the risk of occasioning a rebellion of the Mexicans by destroying the
+idols and planting the true cross in their place; or if that could not be
+now accomplished, to make a chapel for Christian worship in the temple. On
+this determination, seven officers and soldiers attended Cortes and Father
+Olmedo to wait upon Montezuma, to whom they communicated their wish, and
+their resolution to employ force if necessary. The king was much alarmed,
+and earnestly begged leave to consult with his priests on the subject.
+Cortes seemed touched with his situation, and made a signal to the
+officers and soldiers to retire, leaving him and Olmedo with the king. He
+then told him, that he would endeavour to prevail on the officers to be
+satisfied for the present, if a part of the great temple was appropriated
+for the reception of an altar and crucifix, by which his majesty would
+soon be convinced of the falsehood of his erroneous worship[10]. To this
+proposal Montezuma reluctantly consented, with the appearance of much
+agitation and deep sorrow; and, an altar and crucifix being erected, mass
+was solemnly celebrated in the new chapel, for the care of which a proper
+person was appointed.
+
+The whole time of our stay in this city was one continued series of alarms,
+sufficient to have destroyed us if we had not been supported by divine
+interposition. By this last measure, through the representations of the
+priests, acting on the prejudices of the people, our dangers were much
+increased. Their gods, as the priests alleged, threatened to desert them,
+unless we were destroyed for this violation of the temple, and an
+universal determination was formed to obey this manifestation of their
+commands. This resolution of the people was conveyed to Montezuma by the
+priests, and all his principal warriors; who, besides this subject of
+complaint on the score of religion, made many other representations
+respecting our misconduct, ever since our arrival in the empire. The page
+Orguetilla communicated many alarming circumstances which he had observed,
+to Cortes, respecting frequent secret conferences between Montezuma and
+his priests and nobles, and the angry and melancholy appearances which he
+had frequently seen the king assume on these occasions. Cortes was alarmed
+by this intelligence, and immediately waited on the king accompanied by
+his interpreters and five of his captains. Montezuma seemed much
+distressed during this conference, and declared to Cortes that he was
+extremely grieved at the manifestation of the will of his gods that we
+should all be put to death or expelled from Mexico: He therefore, as our
+sincere friend, earnestly recommended that we should not run the risk of
+incurring the indignation of his subjects, but should save our lives by a
+retreat whilst that remained within our power. Cortes and the rest were
+naturally much alarmed at this; but Cortes answered that he was
+principally concerned, because in the first place, he had no vessels for
+returning into his own country, and in the next place he would be under
+the necessity of taking Montezuma along with him, that he might present
+him to our emperor. He therefore entreated Montezuma to use every
+influence to restrain his priests and warriors from proceeding to violence,
+until we had time to build three ships for our conveyance, and offered
+immediately to send our ship-builders to fell timber and construct the
+vessels on the coast, requesting the king to order the assistance of his
+carpenters for this purpose, that there might be no delay. He repeated his
+request, that Montezuma would employ all his influence to prevent any
+insurrection in the city, and his endeavours to appease his priests and
+gods, providing that no human sacrifices were resorted to for that purpose.
+Martin Lopez, our principal ship-builder, was immediately dispatched to
+Villa Rica to commence building the three ships, which were put on the
+stocks without delay. During this interval, we remained in Mexico full of
+terror of being attacked by the whole force of a numerous and warlike
+people, exasperated by the insults we had heaped on their sovereign and
+their religious belief. Our apprehensions were continually kept alive by
+the information we received from Donna Marina, and the page Orteguilla;
+who, by understanding the language, obtained much information which must
+otherwise have escaped our knowledge. We kept however constant guard over
+Montezuma, and the strictest military discipline in our quarters, sleeping
+always in our armour, and having our horses saddled and bridled every
+night. Without meaning it as any boast, I may say this of myself, that my
+armour became as easy and familiar to me as if it had been a soft down bed.
+And so habituated am I to this, that now in my old age, when I make the
+circuit of my district, I never take a bed along with me, unless attended
+by stranger gentlemen, when I do so merely to avoid the appearance of
+poverty or avarice. Yet, even when I have one, I always sleep in my
+clothes; neither can I rest throughout the night, but get up to
+contemplate the stars, walking about without hat or cap, as I used to do
+on guard; yet thank GOD I never get cold, nor am I the worse for this
+practice. This is to be a true soldier! My readers must pardon this
+digression, which does not proceed from vanity, but to let him know what
+kind of men we were, the real conquerors of Mexico[11].
+
+
+[1] Clavigero calls this the god of providence, the soul of the world, the
+    creator of heaven and earth, and the master of ill things, the
+    rewarder of the just and the punisher of the wicked.--E.
+
+[2] Along with the work of Bernal Diaz, and in the history of Mexico by
+    Clavigero, there are representations of ancient Mexican temples. In
+    both they consist of six frustums of truncated pyramids, placed above
+    each other, having a gallery or open walk around at each junction, and
+    straight outside stairs reaching between each gallery, not unlike the
+    representations that have been ideally formed of the tower of
+    Babel.--E.
+
+[3] Clavigero pretends that the defeat and death of Escalante were known
+    to Cortes and his followers while at Cholula. This is highly
+    improbable, both from the narrative of Diaz, and because Cortes would
+    not certainly have put himself entirely in the power of Montezuma,
+    after this unequivocal demonstration of resolute enmity.--E.
+
+[4] In the original of Diaz they are said to have retreated to Almeria,
+    but this is an obvious mistake. Almeria, according to Clavigero, II.
+    55, was the name given by the Spaniards to Nauhtlan, a city on the
+    coast of the Gulf of Mexico, thirty-six miles north of Villa Rica,
+    which was governed by Quauhpopoca for Montezuma, and by whom the
+    Mexican detachment was commanded by which Escalente was defeated.--E.
+
+[5] It is obvious from a circumstance in the sequel of this story that
+    Diaz and other soldiers attended Cortes on this occasion. Clavigero,
+    II. 77. says there were twenty-five soldiers besides the five captains,
+    who repaired two by two to the palace, and joined Cortes there as if
+    by accident. This daring transaction took place eight days after the
+    arrival of Cortes in the city of Mexico.--E.
+
+[6] Diaz calls this Tuzapan; but as Nauhtlan was in the country of the
+    Totonacas, called Totonacapan by the Mexicans, we have chosen here and
+    everywhere else that this could be done with certainty, to adopt the
+    orthography of Clavigero.--E.
+
+[7] According to Clavigero, II. 82. Quauhpopoca, his son, and fifteen
+    other nobles were cruelly put to death on this occasion. Diaz names
+    the principal chief Quetzalpopoca.--E.
+
+[8] Diaz says that he assumed the name of Don Carlos on this occasion; but
+    does not allege even that he had been baptised. This name was probably
+    merely imposed upon him by the Spanish soldiery; or he may have
+    acquired it on becoming a Christian after the conquest of Mexico was
+    completed.--E.
+
+[9] It is impossible now to say what were these jewels so much valued by
+    the Mexicans. Clavigero, I. 422, enumerates among their precious
+    stones, "Emeralds, amethysts, cornelians, turquoises, and others not
+    known in Europe." In another passage, I. 424, he mentions many small
+    red stones similar to rubies, as among the Mexican curiosities
+    transmitted to Charles V. by Cortes.--E.
+
+[10] We are duly sensible of the divine super-excellence of Christianity,
+    and the gross barbarism of idolatry joined with abominable human
+    sacrifices. Yet, the mere change of two crossed sticks and the images
+    of Saint Somebody or Saint Nobody, for the idols of the Mexicans,
+    under pretence of introducing the pure religion of the meek and holy
+    Jesus, seems in our humble opinion a mere _qui pro quo_; and, when
+    taken in conjunction with the proposed conversion by military
+    execution, and the introduction of the bloody tribunal of the
+    Inquisition, not one iota less idolatrous or less barbarous.--E.
+
+[11] Bernal Diaz neglects to accommodate his readers with the very useful
+    appendage of dates; it therefore may be proper to remark that the
+    Spaniards entered the city of Mexico for the first time on the 8th
+    November 1519; and as Cortes left it in the beginning of May 1520, in
+    his march against Narvaez, he had now spent about six months in the
+    capital of a mighty empire, with hardly 450 soldiers.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION IX.
+
+_Expedition of Narvaez to supersede Cortes in the command, and occurrences
+till the Defeat of that Officer by Cortes at Chempoalla_.
+
+
+The Bishop of Burgos, who was president of the council of the Indies, bore
+unlimited sway in that department of the Spanish government during the
+absence of the emperor in Flanders. Owing to the representations of
+Velasquez against Cortes, he sent orders to him to seize and make us all
+prisoners at every hazard, as rebellious subjects. Velasquez therefore
+fitted out a fleet of nineteen ships from the Island of Cuba, in which he
+embarked an army of fourteen hundred soldiers, eighty of whom were cavalry,
+eighty musketeers, and eighty crossbow-men, with twenty pieces of cannon,
+and all necessary ammunition and appointments, giving the command in chief
+to Pamphilo de Narvaez. Such was his animosity against Cortes and us for
+having thrown off our dependance upon him, that he made a journey of above
+seventy leagues from the Havanna on purpose to expedite the preparations.
+At this time, the royal audience of St Domingo and the brethren of the
+order of St Jerorimo, being satisfied of our loyalty and great exertions
+in the service of God and the emperor, sent over the oydor Lucas Vasquez
+de Aillon to Cuba, with positive injunctions to stop the sailing of the
+armament against us; but as Velasquez was confident in the support of the
+bishop of Burgos, he gave no heed to the orders communicated to him by
+Aillon, who therefore went along with the armament, that he might
+endeavour as much as possible to prevent injury to the public service by
+his mediation and influence, and be at hand if necessary, to take
+possession of the country for the emperor, in virtue of his office.
+
+Narvaez arrived safe with his whole fleet in the harbour of St Juan de
+Ulua, except that he lost one small vessel during the voyage. Soon after
+his arrival, the soldiers who had been sent by Cortes to that part of the
+country in search of mines, went on board, and it is said gave thanks to
+God for being delivered from the command of Cortes and the dangers of the
+city of Mexico. Finding them in this mood, Narvaez ordered them to be
+plentifully supplied with wine, to make them more communicative. Cervantes
+the jester, who was one of these soldiers, under pretence of facetiousness,
+exposed to him all the discontents of our soldiers respecting the
+distribution of the treasure we had obtained, and informed him also of the
+bad state of the garrison in Villa Rica under Sandoval. The arrival of
+this new armament was soon communicated to Montezuma, who concealed the
+intelligence for some time from Cortes, and opened a private
+correspondence with Narvaez, to whom he sent many rich presents. Narvaez,
+in his correspondence with Montezuma, said every thing that was bad
+against Cortes and his troops, representing the whole of us as outcasts
+and robbers, and that the emperor, hearing of our evil conduct, and that
+we detained the great Montezuma in custody, had sent the present
+expedition for the express purpose of liberating him and putting us all to
+death. This intelligence gave great satisfaction to Montezuma, who thought
+we must necessarily be all destroyed, as he had got an exact account of
+their force represented to him in paintings: He accordingly transmitted
+very magnificent presents to Narvaez, and could ill conceal the
+satisfaction he had derived from the intelligence. Montezuma concealed the
+news of this armament from Cortes, who observed and was astonished at the
+alteration which it had produced on the kings manners and behaviour. At
+length however, from the circumstance of Cortes making him two visits in
+one day, Montezuma became apprehensive of the general procuring
+intelligence from any other quarter, and told him the news, pretending
+only to have just heard of it himself. Cortes expressed the utmost joy at
+the intelligence, and Montezuma shewed him the representations which had
+been transmitted to him, by which he learnt every thing he wished to know
+on the subject. He immediately left the king and communicated the
+intelligence to the troops, who got immediately under arms, and fired
+several vollies in token of our joy. We soon noticed, however, that Cortes
+was exceedingly pensive when alone, of which we could not divine the cause;
+till he soon afterwards convinced us, and explained that the armament was
+evidently designed against us; and he now, partly by promises and partly
+by gifts, as from his bounty of what was ours by good right, made interest
+with us to stand firmly by him in the approaching contest with Narvaez.
+
+From what had been told him by Cervantes and our other deserters, Narvaez
+was induced to send a deputation to Sandoval, demanding him to surrender
+the port of Villa Rica. He appointed three persons on this errand, Guavera
+a clergyman of abilities, Amarga, a relation of Velasquez, and one Vergara,
+a scrivener. Sandoval had received information of the arrival of the
+armament, and prepared to defend his post, as he rightly guessed that it
+was destined to act against us. He sent off all his invalids to an Indian
+village at some distance, and exhorting his soldiers to stand by him, he
+erected a gibbet, and placed a guard on the road to Chempoalla. On the
+arrival of the deputation from Narvaez at Villa Rica, they were astonished
+to meet none but Indians, as Sandoval had ordered all the soldiers to
+remain in their quarters, and remained at home himself; they knew not well
+how to proceed, but at length guessing by the appearance of the house that
+it belonged to the governor, they went in. Guavera immediately began the
+conversation, by representing the greatness of the force under Narvaez,
+and its object, which was to arrest Cortes and all his followers as
+traitors, and concluded by summoning Sandoval to surrender himself and his
+post to general Narvaez. Sandoval was much displeased, and told him, if it
+were not for the protection of his holy function, he would punish his
+insolence in calling those traitors who were more faithful subjects than
+either Narvaez or his employer Velasquez. He desired him to carry his
+demand to Cortes at Mexico, who would settle the business with him at that
+place. Guavera insisted to execute the commission on which he was sent,
+and ordered the scrivener Vergara to produce the authority under which
+they acted. But Sandoval stopped him, saying, "I know not whether your
+papers be true or false; but if you attempt to read any here I will order
+you to receive a hundred lashes." On this, Guavera exclaimed, "Why do you
+mind these traitors? read your commission." Sandoval, calling him a lying
+rascal, ordered them all to be seized: On which a number of Indians, who
+had been previously instructed, came in and threw nets over them, and
+instantly set out with them on their backs for Mexico, to which they were
+carried post by relays of Indians, through the several large and populous
+towns by the way, with a rapidity that confounded them, hardly knowing
+whether they were alive or dead, the whole seeming as if done by
+enchantment. Sandoval sent Pedro de Solis to accompany them, by whom he
+wrote a hasty letter to Cortes, giving him an account of all he knew. When
+the general got notice of their arrival in Mexico, he ordered us all under
+arms, released them immediately from their trammels, and made an apology
+for the rudeness of Sandoval, whom he greatly blamed. He entertained them
+with great hospitality and respect, giving them plenty of gold, and sent
+them back in a few days as gentle as lambs, who had come out against him
+as furious as lions.
+
+Our general was one whose resources were never exhausted, and it must not
+be concealed that his officers and soldiers supported him through all his
+difficulties by our valour in the field and our wisdom in council. On this
+occasion, we determined that it was proper to send letters to Narvaez and
+others of the new army, which they might receive previous to the return of
+Guavera. In these, we earnestly urged that no rash steps might be taken to
+endanger our general interest, by inciting the Indians to rise upon us;
+and held out every inducement of interest and friendship to the followers
+of Narvaez to bring them over to our party, not forgetting to treat
+secretly with such as we thought might be easiest wrought upon, as both
+Guavera and Vergara had informed Cortes that Narvaez was by no means on
+good terms with his officers, among whom gold well applied would work
+wonders. In his letters to Narvaez, Cortes adjured him by their former
+friendship, not to give encouragement to the Mexicans to rise and destroy
+us, seeing that they were ready to have recourse to any extremity to
+liberate Montezuma, whose dispositions were much altered for the worse
+since the arrival of this new armament, and the opening a correspondence
+between him and Narvaez. He was convinced, he said, that the expressions
+which Narvaez had been reported to use, could never have come from so wise
+a man, but must have been fabricated by such wretches as the buffoon
+Cervantes; and he concluded by offering an unlimited submission to the
+authority of Narvaez. Cortes wrote also to the secretary Andres de Duero,
+and Lucas Vasques the oydor, taking care to accompany his letters with
+valuable presents of gold. On receiving the letter from Cortes, Narvaez
+turned it into ridicule, handing it about among his officers, speaking of
+us all as traitors whom he would put to death without mercy. He declared
+he would cut off and eat the ears of Cortes, and a great deal of such
+braggart nonsense, and of course made no answer to the letters. Just at
+this time Father Olmedo arrived, bringing with him the private letters and
+presents. He went in the first place to wait upon Narvaez, intending to
+assure him that Cortes would be proud to serve under his command; but
+Narvaez would not listen to him, and did nothing but abuse both Cortes and
+him. He accordingly desisted from that part of his commission which
+related to an agreement with Narvaez, and applied himself to the
+distribution of presents among the officers with so much judgment and
+success, that he soon won over all the principal officers to our party.
+If the oydor Vasques was originally disposed to favour Cortes, he was
+entirely so on seeing the magnificent presents which were now distributed
+with so much liberality; which formed a striking contrast with the avarice
+of Narvaez, who used to enjoin his major domo to take heed that not a
+mantle were missing, as he had marked down every article committed to his
+charge. This penuriousness set all his officers against him, which he
+attributed to the intrigues of Vasques; and as there was a difference
+between them, because Narvaez neglected to inform him respecting every
+thing sent in by order of Montezuma, of which he ought to have been
+informed as oydor, an irreconcileable quarrel ensued; and depending on the
+favour of the bishop of Burgos, Narvaez caused the oydor to be arrested,
+and sent prisoner to Cuba or Spain, I know not which. But during the
+voyage, Vasques prevailed on the captain of the ship to land him in
+Hispaniola, where he so represented the treatment he had received to the
+Audience and the Jeronimites, that they complained to the council of
+Castile, but ineffectually, owing to the influence of the bishop of Burgos
+in favour of Narvaez. About this time too, a gentleman named Oblanco, made
+remonstrances to Narvaez respecting his violence, saying a good deal in
+favour of Cortes and his troops, with which Narvaez was so much offended
+that he threw him into prison; which Oblanco took so much to heart that he
+died three days after.
+
+Soon after the arrival of Father Olmedo, Guevara and his two companions
+returned from Mexico, and launched out in praise of Cortes, reporting the
+many expressions of respect he had used in speaking of Narvaez; and,
+commending the services he had already performed to our emperor, they
+expatiated on the advantages which would result from uniting their forces,
+instead of fomenting a civil war. All this put Narvaez into such a rage
+that he refused to see them any more, and commanded them to be silent on
+this hateful subject. They carried their discourse therefore among their
+comrades; and when they saw how well furnished with gold these men had
+returned from Mexico, they began seriously to wish themselves in the army
+of Cortes.
+
+Narvaez now quitted the coast with his army and took possession of the
+town of Chempoalla; immediately on his arrival seizing by force the young
+women who had been given to the officers of Cortes by their parents, with
+all the gold and mantles which had been left in the custody of the fat
+cacique along with the ladies, when we set out on our march to Mexico.
+When the cacique complained of this to Narvaez, and of the robberies
+committed by his soldiers, saying that Cortes and his soldiers conducted
+themselves in quite a different manner, a bragging fellow called
+Salvatierra exclaimed, "See what fear these Indians are in for the sorry
+fellow Cortes!" yet this boaster, who was so ready with his tongue, was
+the most cowardly wretch I ever beheld, when we came afterwards to attack
+the army of Narvaez. About this time, Narvaez transmitted to Cortes a copy
+of the commission he had received from the governor of Cuba, the
+particulars of which I shall detail hereafter. Cortes received regular
+intelligence of every thing done by Narvaez, partly from the friends he
+had made in the adverse army and partly from Sandoval, who now informed
+him that five persons of consideration had joined from the army of Narvaez,
+who alleged for their reason, that being the relations of the oydor
+Vasquez, who had met with such injurious treatment, they had little hopes
+of being themselves well used; and he added, that these persons said
+Narvaez meant very soon to march to Mexico against us. On this being made
+known to such of us as Cortes used generally to consult with, he agreed
+with us in opinion that it was advisable for us to march immediately
+against Narvaez and his army, leaving the command in Mexico with Alvarado;
+and we left under his charge all those men who were not inclined to be of
+the present hazardous expedition, and all whom we suspected to have an
+inclination for the party of Narvaez or Velasquez. We also left with
+Alvarado a sufficient supply of provisions, in case the Mexicans should
+refuse to supply him, and because the late harvest had been deficient, in
+consequence of too dry a season. Our quarters were strengthened by the
+addition of a good pallisade, and, besides four heavy guns, we left a
+garrison of eighty-three men, twenty-four of whom were armed with muskets
+or cross-bows: a very inadequate force, surely, for keeping the great and
+populous city of Mexico in awe.
+
+Previous to our departure, Cortes paid a visit to Montezuma, who
+questioned him very anxiously about the difference between him and Narvaez,
+as both were vassals of the same sovereign, and desired an explanation of
+the charges which the new comers had made against us, that we were
+outcasts and traitors. He likewise asked if he could serve us in any way,
+expressing an apprehension of our safety, considering the great
+superiority under Narvaez. Cortes replied in a cheerful manner, that he
+had not sooner informed him of our intended departure, lest it might give
+him concern; that we certainly were all subjects to the same monarch, but
+that the report of our being traitors and fugitives was utterly false, as
+we had come into his country with full authority from our sovereign. As to
+the other party destroying us by their superiority in numbers, that did
+not depend on them, but on the will of our Lord and his holy mother, who
+would support us. He added, that our sovereign ruled over many different
+countries, the inhabitants of some of which were more valiant than those
+of others; that we were all true Castilians, while the commander of our
+opponents was a Biscayan, and his majesty would soon see the difference
+between us, as he trusted by the blessing of God to bring them all back as
+prisoners. He concluded by recommending in the strongest terms to
+Montezuma, to use his utmost endeavours to prevent any insurrection in the
+city during our absence; as, on his return, he would assuredly punish all
+in a most exemplary manner who behaved amiss. Montezuma promised to do
+every thing which Cortes required, and even offered to assist us with five
+thousand of his warriors, which Cortes politely declined, knowing indeed
+that the king had not that in his power, if he even wished to have done so.
+Then requesting Montezuma to cause due respect to be paid to that part of
+the great temple which had been consecrated to the Christian worship, he
+embraced Montezuma with much cordiality and took leave. He then called
+Alvarado and the garrison which was to remain in Mexico, all of whom he
+strictly enjoined to be extremely watchful, and to take special care not
+to allow Montezuma to escape; promising to make them all rich on his
+return, if he found they had done their duty. On this occasion of leaving
+Mexico, he left the clergyman Juan Diaz with Alvarado, and some other
+persons whose fidelity he questioned.
+
+We began our march from Mexico in the beginning of May 1520[1], making our
+first halt at Cholula. From that place we sent a message to the senate of
+Tlascala, requiring them to assist us with four thousand of their warriors.
+They sent us twenty loads of fowls, saying that they were ready at any
+time to join us in war against Indians, but begged to be excused if we
+were marching against our own countrymen. At this time likewise, Cortes
+sent orders to Sandoval to join our little army with the whole of his
+garrison that was fit for duty, at a place named Tampinequeta or
+Mitalaquita[2], twelve leagues from Chempoalla. We marched in regular
+order without baggage, having always two confidential soldiers in advance
+about a days journey, who were directed not to keep the main road, but to
+go always by those in which cavalry could not march, and whose especial
+business was to inquire for intelligence respecting the motions of Narvaez,
+which they were to communicate without delay to Cortes. When we had
+proceeded a considerable way on our march, one of our advanced parties
+fell in with four Spaniards belonging to the army of Narvaez, who were
+bringing to Cortes a copy of his commission and instructions as
+captain-general in New Spain. On being brought to the general, they
+saluted him respectfully, and he immediately dismounted in order to hear
+what they had to say. Alonzo de Mata, who was at the head of the
+deputation, produced his papers and began to read them; but Cortes stopt
+him short, demanding if he were a royal notary; as in that case, by
+shewing his commission, he would be implicitly obeyed, but if he had no
+such authority, he certainly would not be allowed to read any pretended
+orders. "The commands of his majesty," said Cortes, "I shall submit to
+with the utmost humility; but, I desire that the original may be produced."
+Mata was confounded at these words, as he held no office whatever under
+the crown, and was entirely at a loss how to proceed. But Cortes relieved
+him from his embarrassment, telling him our destination, and that he was
+ready to receive any message from his general, of whom he always spoke
+with great respect, but would listen to no orders that were not sanctioned
+by the royal authority. We halted for some time at this place, and Cortes
+had some private conferences with these agents of Narvaez, with whom he
+used such powerful arguments that he made them his firm friends. They
+returned to Chempoalla, quite loud in their praises of Cortes, crying up
+his generosity to the skies, and made a magnificent report of the riches
+of our soldiers, many of whom had ornaments of gold on their arms, and
+some of them gold chains and collars about their necks.
+
+Next day, Sandoval joined with the garrison of Villa Rica, to the number
+of about seventy men, with whom came the five Spaniards who had deserted
+from Narvaez, who were very graciously received by Cortes. Sandoval
+reported that he had sent two of his soldiers, a little time before into
+the quarters of Narvaez, who went disguised like Indians, having each a
+load of fruit for sale, and their complexions so completely resembled the
+natives that they were never suspected. They went immediately to the
+quarters of the braggart Salvatierra, who gave them a string of yellow
+beads for their fruit, and sent them to cut grass for his horse on the
+banks of a small rivulet. They brought home the last load of grass in the
+evening, and having fed the horse, they remained about the place till
+night, listening to the conversation of Salvatierra, whom they heard
+observing to some of his companions, how luckily they had come at the
+present moment to deprive the traitor Cortes of the 700,000 crowns which
+he had obtained from Montezuma. When it was dark, our disguised soldiers
+got privately out of the house, and took away Salvatierras horse with the
+saddle and bridle, and meeting another horse by the way, which happened
+to be lame, they brought it along with them. Cortes laughed heartily at
+this exploit; and we learned afterwards that Salvatierra gave much
+amusement to the soldiers of Narvaez, by his absurd behaviour on
+discovering the trick which had been played upon him.
+
+It was now resolved in a general consultation of our little army, to send
+a letter in all our names to Narvaez, by the hands of Father Olmedo, of
+which the following is the purport: "We had rejoiced on hearing of the
+arrival of so noble a person with so fine an army, by which we expected
+great advantages to have been derived to our holy religion and to the
+service of our sovereign; but on the contrary he had reviled us as
+traitors, and had occasioned the whole country to revolt. Our general had
+already offered to resign to him whatever provinces or territories he
+might be inclined to occupy, but nothing would serve him except treating
+our general and us as rebels, who had proved ourselves by our actions
+faithful subjects to the emperor. If he came by the authority of a
+commission from his majesty, we demanded to see the original within three
+days, for which purpose we had advanced to this place, and were ready to
+obey it in all humility and reverence: but, if he had no such authority,
+we required him to return immediately to Cuba, and not to make any attempt
+to throw the country which we had conquered into confusion; as otherwise
+we should deem it our bounden duty to send him as a prisoner to his
+majesty, to be dealt with according to his royal pleasure. We declared
+that he was answerable for all the lamentable consequences which might
+follow from his unlawful conduct; and that we had sent this letter by its
+present conveyance, since no royal notary could undertake to deliver our
+remonstrance in due form, after the violence which he had committed
+against his majesties oydor Vasquez, a treasonable act, the perpetrator of
+which our general was bound to apprehend and bring to justice, and for
+which we now cited him to appear and answer for his conduct." This letter
+was concluded in terms of great respect, and was signed by Cortes, all the
+captains, and several of the most confidential of the soldiers. It was
+sent by the reverend Father Olmedo, accompanied by a soldier named Ulagre,
+whose brother was in the army of Narvaez as commander of his artillery.
+Olmedo waited on Narvaez with great respect on his arrival at Chempoalla;
+and proceeded afterwards to execute the secret commission with which he
+had been entrusted, by a liberal distribution of gold among certain
+officers of the army of Narvaez, among whom were Rodrigo Mira, Ulagre, and
+Andres de Duero, which last he invited to pay a visit to Cortes. Narvaez
+soon began to suspect the real object of Olmedo, and was much inclined to
+have made him a prisoner: but Duero, who had much influence over Narvaez,
+both on account of his situation and because they were in some degree
+related, represented the impropriety of such an outrage against a person
+of his holy functions, and dissuaded him from doing so. He also suggested
+to him the great probability of his being able to gain over the soldiers
+of Cortes to his party, by means of a little policy. By these arguments he
+appeased Narvaez for the present, and went immediately to Olmedo whom he
+informed of all that had passed.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Narvaez sent for Olmedo, who requested to speak with
+him in private; when he told him good-humouredly that he knew his
+intentions of making him a prisoner, in which he was much to blame, as
+there was no one whatever more devoted to his service, and he knew that
+there were many persons with Cortes, who would gladly see their commander
+delivered up to his excellency; in proof of which he had a letter which
+Cortes had written at the suggestion of these very persons who wished to
+deliver him up; which letter was so full of ridiculous absurdities that he
+was frequently tempted to throw it away, but would now with his permission
+lay it before him. He accordingly went, as he pretended for the letter,
+which he alleged was with his baggage, but in reality to bring Duero and
+others along with him, that they might witness its delivery. In order to
+contrive an interview with Cortes, Duero proposed that a communication
+should be opened between Narvaez and him; and Augustin Bermudez, a secret
+friend of Cortes, proposed that Duero and Salvatierra should be sent on
+this business, well knowing the character of Salvatierra to be disinclined
+to any such employment. It was at last settled that Duero should wait upon
+Cortes, and invite him to a conference with Narvaez at a convenient place
+between the two armies, where they might treat of an accommodation and
+arrange their future measures: And it was resolved that Narvaez should
+make him prisoner at the conference, for which twenty of his most
+confidential soldiers were prepared. Duero carried intelligence
+immediately to Cortes, and Father Olmedo remained at the quarters of
+Narvaez, having scraped acquaintance with Salvatierra, under pretence of
+relationship, with whom he dined every day.
+
+On first learning the arrival of Narvaez, Cortes sent one of his soldiers
+named Barrientos, who had served in Italy and was well acquainted with the
+management of the pike, to the province of the Chinantlans, who had lately
+entered into alliance with us. That nation used lances or pikes much
+longer than ours, having heads of sharpened stone, and Barrientos was
+directed to obtain 300 of these lances for our use. There was plenty of
+excellent copper in the country of the Chinantlans, and Barrientos was
+directed to get two heads of this metal for each lance, and these were
+executed so ingeniously that they were better made even than the pattern
+sent. He also obtained a promise of 2000 warriors of that nation to join
+us, who were to be armed in the same manner, but they did not arrive till
+after we had overcome Narvaez. All this being settled, Barrientos arrived
+at our quarters attended by 200 Chinantlans carrying the lances he had
+procured. On trial these were found excellent, and we were immediately
+exercised in their use. A muster was now made of our force, which amounted
+to two hundred and six men, including fife and drum, with five mounted
+cavalry, two artillery-men, few cross-bows, and fewer musketeers. This
+being the force, and such the weapons, with which we marched against and
+defeated the vastly superior army of Narvaez.
+
+I have formerly mentioned that the secretary Duero and the contador Lares
+had negociated the appointment of Cortes as general of our expedition, and
+that they were to enjoy equal shares with him in all the treasure he
+should acquire. Lares was some time dead, and Duero seeing how wealthy
+Cortes had become, used the colour of the proposed treaty between Narvaez
+and Cortes, in order to have an opportunity of an interview with Cortes,
+that he might remind him of their agreement. Cortes not only promised
+faithfully to perform his engagement, but promised him an equal command
+with himself, and an equal share of territory when the conquest of the
+country was completed. It was accordingly agreed upon between them, in
+concurrence with Augustin Bermudez, who was alguazil-major of the army of
+Narvaez, and many other officers whom I do not name, to get Narvaez put
+out of the command in favour of Cortes. In order to confirm these in his
+interest, and to gain over others, Cortes was more liberal than ever in
+his presents, and on the present occasion loaded the two Indians who
+attended on Duero with gold. On one of the days of intercourse, after
+Cortes and Duero had been a considerable time together in private, and had
+dined, Duero asked him on mounting his horse to go away, if he had any
+farther commands. To this Cortes replied, "Remember what has been settled
+between us, or if you don't, I shall be in your quarters before three days,
+and you shall be the first person at whom I will throw my lance." Duero
+answered laughing, that he would not fail, and immediately set off for the
+quarters of Narvaez, where he is reported to have said that Cortes and all
+his men were ready to submit to the command of Narvaez. Soon after this,
+Cortes sent for Juan Velasquez de Leon, a person of much consideration,
+who had always been greatly attached to him, though a near relation of the
+governor of Cuba. On coming to his quarters, Cortes addressed him in
+smooth and persuasive terms, which he could always assume at
+pleasure:--"Duero has informed me that Narvaez is anxious to see you at
+his quarters, and that it is generally believed I am completely ruined if
+you go there. Now my worthy friend, I desire you to put on your gold chain,
+mount your grey mare, take all your gold along with you and more which I
+will give you; go immediately and fix yourself with Narvaez, and
+distribute the gold which I confide to you according to my directions."
+Velasquez was perfectly willing to do as he was desired, but objected to
+the measure of carrying his own treasure along with him, and after a
+secret conference with Cortes he set out for Chempoalla. De Leon arrived
+there by day-break, and as the Indians were rejoiced to see him, the news
+soon reached Narvaez, who came out to meet and embrace him. After paying
+his compliments, Velasquez said his only object there was to endeavour to
+make an amicable arrangement between Narvaez and Cortes; upon which
+Narvaez took him aside and asked him how he could propose to treat for
+such a traitor? Velasquez desired that no such injurious epithet might be
+used in his presence, as Cortes was a most zealous and faithful officer.
+Narvaez then offered to make him second in command under himself if he
+would renounce Cortes; but Velasquez declared he would never quit one who
+had done such signal services for God and the emperor.
+
+By this time all the principal officers in the army of Narvaez had come up
+to salute Velasquez, who was an universal favourite, as he was very polite
+and well bred, and had a fine person and handsome countenance. At this
+time he cut a fine martial figure, as he had a massy gold chain which made
+two turns round his body and over his shoulders, so that he impressed
+every one with respect. Bermudez the alguazil-major and Duero wished much
+to have had some private communication with Velasquez; but just at this
+time Captain Gamarra, Juan Yuste, Juan Buono, and Salvatierra the
+braggadocio, persuaded Narvaez to give private orders for taking Velasquez
+into custody, for having spoken so boldly in defence of Cortes; but the
+others who had come over to the interest of Cortes, strongly represented
+the impropriety and impolicy of such rash conduct, and Narvaez again spoke
+in a friendly manner to Velasquez, whom he invited to dine with him, and
+entreated his assistance to bring Cortes and the rest of us into his power.
+Velasquez now agreed to forward this design, but represented Cortes as
+headstrong and resolute, advising that Narvaez and he should divide the
+country between them, each taking separate provinces. At this time Olmedo
+came up, and advised Narvaez to order his troops under arms, that
+Velasquez might see them and report to Cortes, who would be terrified when
+he knew their strength. The troops were accordingly turned out in review
+order, and Velasquez complimented Narvaez on their number and martial
+appearence, wishing him an increase of his power. Narvaez said he hoped
+Velasquez was now satisfied how easily he could crush Cortes and his
+despicable force; to which Velasquez replied, he hoped they knew how to
+defend themselves.
+
+Velasquez dined next day with Narvaez, where a captain in his army who was
+nephew to the governor of Cuba happened to be, who used very insulting
+language respecting Cortes. On this Velasquez requested of Narvaez, that
+such insulting language might not be allowed in his hearing; but the other
+gentleman continued his abuse, and even took great liberties with
+Velasquez himself; who, laying his hand on his sword, asked permission
+from Narvaez to chastise that base liar. The other officers who were
+present interfered to prevent mischief, and advised both Velasquez and
+Olmedo to retire. Velasquez accordingly mounted his excellent grey mare,
+in his helmet and coat of mail, with his gold chain about his shoulders,
+and took leave of Narvaez, who returned his salute with apparent coldness.
+The young captain was again very violent in his abuse; on which Velasquez
+swore by his beard, that he should see in a few days what stuff he was
+made of. Then, taking a hasty leave of the bystanders, he put spurs to his
+good grey mare and was soon out of sight, as he had some hint or suspicion
+that Narvaez might send after him, and even saw some horsemen following him
+apparently for that purpose, but he was too well mounted for their pursuit.
+
+In about two hours after Velasquez had left our camp to visit Narvaez, the
+drum beat to arms, and our little army set forwards on our march for
+Chempoalla. We killed two wild hogs on our way, which our soldiers
+considered as a good omen of our ultimate success. We halted for the night
+on the side of a rivulet, having the ground for a bed, stones for our
+pillows, and heaven for our canopy, and arrived next day at the place
+where the city of Vera Cruz is now built, which was then an Indian village
+in a grove of trees. Being mid-day and the weather extremely sultry, we
+stopped here for rest and refreshment, being much fatigued by the weight
+of our lances and armour. While here, a report was brought from one of our
+out-posts that some horsemen were in sight, who turned out to be Velasquez
+and Olmedo, who were received by Cortes, and all of us with much joy, and
+we all came round them to hear the news. Velasquez told Cortes in what
+manner he had executed his commission and distributed the presents among
+the officers of Narvaez. Then our merry Father Olmedo gave an account by
+what finesse he had persuaded Narvaez to read our letter; how he had made
+the foolish braggart Salvatierra believe they were cousins, and of the
+ridiculous bravadoes he uttered, as how he would kill Cortes and all of us
+in revenge for the loss of his horse; then how he had prevailed on Narvaez
+to turn out his troops in review, merely to laugh at him; and in all these
+stories he mimicked Narvaez and Salvatierra most admirably, so that we
+laughed and enjoyed ourselves as if going to a wedding-feast, though we
+well knew that on the morrow we must conquer or die, having to attack
+five times our number. Such is the fortune of war! After the heat of the
+day was over, we proceeded on our march, and halted for the night at a
+river about a league from Chempoalla, where there is now a bridge and a
+dairy farm.
+
+After the departure of Father Olmedo and Velasquez from the quarters of
+Narvaez, some of his officers gave him warning of the secret practices
+going on, and advised him to be on his guard, as Cortes had many friends
+in his army. The fat cacique of Chempoalla, being terrified for being
+called to account by Cortes for delivering up the women and mantles that
+had been confided to his care, was extremely vigilant in watching all our
+motions. Finding that we drew near Chempoalla, he said to Narvaez, "Why
+are you so careless! _Malinatzin_ and his _teules_ will come upon you by
+surprise and put you all to death." Narvaez, being confident in his vast
+superiority, laughed heartily at the fears of the fat cacique, yet did not
+neglect the warning. In the first place, he declared war against us as
+rebels, with fire, sword, and rope, and then drew up his whole army,
+cavalry, artillery, and infantry, in a plain about a quarter of a league
+from Chempoalla, where he resolved to wait for us; all of which we learned
+from a soldier, named El Galleguillo, who either deserted to us, or was
+sent by Duero to Cortes. The day happened to be very rainy, and the troops
+of Narvaez, being unaccustomed to hardships, and despising our small
+number, became restless and dissatisfied with their situation, on which
+his officers advised him to march them back to quarters, which he did,
+placing all his guns in a line before the house in which he lodged. He
+likewise placed a grand guard of forty cavalry on the road by which we
+were expected to advance, and some cavalry videts and active foot soldiers
+at the ford where we must pass on our way to Chempoalla. Twenty of his
+cavalry were also appointed to patrole during the whole night around his
+quarters. All this was done by the advice of his officers, who were
+anxious to get under cover, and who alleged it was absurd to suppose that
+Cortes would venture to attack them with so pitiful a handful of men, and
+that he only advanced from ostentation, or to induce them to come to an
+agreement. On returning to quarters, Narvaez publickly offered a reward of
+two thousand crowns to whoever should kill Cortes or Sandoval; and he
+stationed as spies at the ford, Gonzalo Carrasco, who now dwells in La
+Puebla, and a soldier named Hurtado. He also filled his own quarters, and
+those of Salvatierra, Gamarra, and Buono, with musketeers, crossbow-men,
+and soldiers armed with partizans or halberts.
+
+On arriving at the river which runs through the rich meadows about a
+league from Chempoalla, having appointed trusty out-guards, Cortes
+summoned all his officers and soldiers round him, and addressed us as
+follows: "Gentlemen! you well know that the governor of Cuba selected me
+as your general, although there are many among you as worthy of the
+command. You also know that it was publickly proclaimed and believed among
+us, that we were to conquer and colonize this country, whereas our
+instructions were only to barter with the natives for gold. You will
+recollect my determination to have returned to Cuba, to give an account of
+my mission to Velasquez, when I was required by you to remain and colonize
+the country for his majesties service, appointing me your captain-general
+and chief magistrate, till his majesties pleasure was made known, and that
+we have in consequence essentially served God, and the interest of our
+sovereign. I beg leave to remind you, that we have written to the king,
+giving him a full account of this country, and all that we have done and
+suffered for his service, requesting that the government might not be
+conferred on any unworthy person, and how we transmitted all the treasure
+to his majesty that we had obtained. You likewise know, that fearing the
+arts and influence of the bishop of Burgos and his favourite Velasquez, we
+came to a resolution to maintain his majesties rights and government in
+this country, till his royal mandate, duly authenticated, should be
+produced to us. I must now remind you to what dangers you have been
+exposed in various sanguinary battles, what hardships you have suffered
+from hunger and fatigue, and the inclemencies of the weather, having often
+been obliged to sleep on the ground in rain, wind, and snow, during all
+which, above fifty of your companions have died, and many of your own
+wounds are still unhealed. I recal to your remembrance, your numerous
+sufferings by sea and land, and the perils of Tabasco, Tlascala, and
+Cholula, where the boilers were already on the fires in which your limbs
+were to have been prepared for the barbarous repast of your savage enemies.
+And lastly, your hazardous entry into Mexico, the seizure of its powerful
+sovereign, and its occupation in the face of an immense and warlike
+population for more than six months. Let me now state the reward of all
+these dangerous and brilliant services. Narvaez is sent here by your
+enemies the governor of Cuba and bishop of Burgos, to strip you of your
+well-earned fame and dear-bought treasures. By aspersing your characters
+with the great Montezuma he has occasioned the defection of the natives
+who had submitted to our government, and he proclaims exterminating war
+against us with fire, sword, and rope, as if we were infidel Moors." He
+said a great deal more to the same purpose, exalting our merits and valour
+to the skies, and after a profusion of compliments and promises, he
+concluded by observing that this Narvaez, who had come to deprive us of
+our lives and properties, and had imprisoned the royal oydor for
+endeavouring to defend us, only held his command through the favour of our
+great enemy the bishop of Burgos; and it became us therefore, as faithful
+subjects, to make a bold stand in defence of the royal rights, and our own
+lives and properties: He therefore now wished to know our determination on
+the subject.
+
+The whole officers and soldiers declared unanimously that we were ready to
+follow him, and determined to conquer or die. We desired, therefore, that
+we might hear no more said about an accommodation with Narvaez, or a
+partition of the country; as in that case we would plunge our swords into
+his body, and elect another chief. Cortes highly extolled our spirited
+declaration, saying that he expected no less from men of our valour;
+adding a multitude of fine promises and flattering assurances that he
+would make us all rich and great. Then adverting to the approaching attack,
+he earnestly enjoined us to observe the strictest discipline, and the most
+profound silence, observing that success in battle often depended a great
+deal more on prudent conduct and precise obedience, than on the most
+determined bravery: He well knew, he said, that our ardour would prompt
+every one of us to strive who should be most forward in the battle, but it
+was indispensably necessary that we should be distributed into companies,
+having each our distinct duties to perform. The first thing necessary to
+be done, was to seize the enemies artillery, and for this duty he selected
+seventy soldiers, among whom I was one, over whom he appointed to the
+command his relation Pizarro, an active young man, but then as little
+known to fame as the kingdom of Peru. Our farther orders were, as soon as
+we had got possession of the guns, that we were to join and support the
+detachment which was to attack the quarters of Narvaez. This duty was
+assigned to Sandoval at the head of seventy select men; and, as he was
+alguazil-major of our army, he was provided with a formal warrant to
+arrest the body of Pamphilo de Narvaez, for having imprisoned an officer
+of his majesty, and to put him to death in case of resistance. Cortes also
+promised a reward of three thousand crowns to the first soldier who should
+lay hands on Narvaez, two thousand to the second, and one thousand to the
+third. Juan Velasquez de Leon was appointed with a third body of seventy
+men, to seize his relation Diego Velasquez; and Cortes retained a body of
+reserve of twenty men, to act whatever he might see occasion, and in
+particular to support the intended attack on the quarters of Narvaez and
+Salvatierra, which were in the lofty temple of Chempoalla[3]. Having thus
+arranged the troops and instructed our leaders, he addressed us in a short
+speech, saying, That he well knew the army of Narvaez was four times more
+numerous than we, but they were unaccustomed to arms, and many of them ill;
+he trusted therefore in this unexpected attack, that God would give us
+victory, and that it was better to die gloriously than to live dishonoured.
+I have often reflected on this circumstance, that in all his addresses to
+us, he never once mentioned a word respecting those in the army of Narvaez
+who were our friends; in which he acted the part of a wise commander,
+making us to rely entirely on our own prowess, without counting on any
+assistance. Our three detachments were now formed, having each their
+captains at their head, explaining to us our particular duties, while we
+mutually encouraged each other to hope for victory. Pizarro, our leader,
+directed us to rush forwards upon the guns, with our lances at the charge,
+and immediately on getting possession, the artillery-men who were attached
+to our division, were to point and fire them against the quarters of
+Narvaez. Those who happened at this moment to be deficient in defensive
+armour, would have given every thing they had in the world for a morion, a
+helmet, or a breast-plate. Our countersign for the engagement was _Spiritu
+Santo_, that of Narvaez _Santa Maria_. Just before marching, Captain
+Sandoval, who had always been my intimate friend, called me aside, and
+made me promise, if I survived the capture of the guns, I should seek out
+and attach myself to him during the rest of the battle.
+
+All things being arranged, we remained waiting the order to march, and
+reflecting with much anxiety on what was before us. I was stationed at an
+advanced post, where soon afterwards a patrole came to me, asking if I had
+heard any thing, to which I answered that I had not. A corporal came up to
+my post soon after, who said that Galleguillo, the deserter from Narvaez,
+was missing, and was suspected of having come among us as a spy, for which
+reason Cortes had given orders to march immediately. The drum was soon
+heard beating for us to fall in, and the captains were calling over their
+companies. We joined the column, and soon after found the missing soldier
+sleeping under some mantles to relieve his fatigue, as he had not been
+accustomed to hardships. We marched on at a quick pace, and in profound
+silence, and on arriving at the river, surprised the two videts of Narvaez,
+one of whom we made prisoner, and the other flying into the town before us,
+spread the alarm of our approach. Owing to rain the river was deeper than
+usual, and the ford was difficult to pass, from loose stones and the
+weight of our armour. Carrasco the videt, whom we had taken, exclaimed to
+Cortes, "Do not advance, Senior Cortes, for Narvaez and all his force is
+drawn out to receive you." We proceeded, however, with all expedition, and
+on coming to the town, heard the other man who had escaped giving the
+alarm, and Narvaez calling on his officers to turn out. Our company was at
+the head of the column; and rushing on with charged lances, we soon made
+ourselves masters of the guns, the artillery-men having only time to
+discharge four, one only of which took effect, and killed three of our men.
+Our whole force now advanced, and brought down seven of the enemies
+cavalry; but we could not for some time quit the guns, as the enemy kept
+up a smart discharge of musketry and arrows from the quarters of Narvaez.
+Sandoval and his company pressed forwards to climb the steps of the temple,
+in which attempt he was resisted by the enemy, with musketry, partizans,
+and lances, and was even forced down six or seven steps. At this time,
+seeing that the artillery was no longer in danger of being rescued, our
+company, with Captain Pizarro at their head, went to the assistance of
+Sandoval, when we jointly made the enemy give ground in their turn; and at
+this critical moment I heard Narvaez crying out, "Santa Maria assist me!
+they have slain me, and beat out one of my eyes!" On hearing this we
+shouted out, "Victory! victory! for the Espiritu Santo! Narvaez is dead!"
+Still we were unable to force our way into the temple, till Martin Lopez,
+who was very tall, set the thatch on fire, and forced those within to rush
+down the steps to save themselves from being burnt to death. Sanches
+Farfan laid hold on Narvaez, whom we carried prisoner to Sandoval, along
+with several other captive captains, continually shouting, "Victory!
+victory! Long live the king and Cortes! Narvaez is slain!"
+
+While this was going on with us, Cortes and the rest of our army were
+engaged with some of the enemy who occupied some other lofty temples. When
+the cause of our shouts was understood, Cortes notified to them the fall
+of their commander, proclaiming that all who did not instantly submit
+should be put to death; yet those who were in the temple, commanded by
+Diego Velasquez and Salvatierra would not submit, till Sandoval with half
+of our body, and the captured guns, forced his way into the temple and
+made them all prisoners. Sandoval now returned to take charge of Narvaez,
+who was doubly ironed; and we now, had in custody besides him, Salvatierra,
+Diego Velasquez, Gamarra, Juan Yuste, Juan Buono, and many other principal
+persons. At this time Cortes came in unobserved, extremely fatigued; and
+addressing Sandoval, said it was impossible to describe the labour he had
+experienced; then asked, "What has become of Narvaez?" Sandoval told him
+that Narvaez was here safe. Cortes then said, "Son Sandoval, keep good
+watch over him and the other officers." After which he hastened away, and
+caused proclamation to be made, that all should lay down their arms and
+submit. The whole of this happened during the night, during which there
+were frequent showers, with intervals of moon-shine; but at the moment of
+attack it was extremely dark, with multitudes of fire flies, which the
+soldiers of Narvaez mistook for the lighted matches of our musketry.
+Narvaez was badly wounded, and had one of his eyes beaten out, on which
+account he requested to send for Master Juan the surgeon; and while he was
+getting his eye dressed Cortes entered the room, when Narvaez said to him:
+"Senior Cortes! thank your good fortune for having made me your prisoner."
+Cortes answered, That his thanks were due to God and his valiant soldiers,
+who had succeeded in more difficult achievements since they came to New
+Spain; and he considered the arrest of the royal oydor was more daring
+than our present attack. He then left the room, with strict injunctions to
+Sandoval to keep strict guard. Narvaez and the rest of the captured
+officers were removed into a more secure apartment, where I and some other
+confidential soldiers were appointed for their guard, and Sandoval gave me
+a private order to allow no one to speak with Narvaez.
+
+Cortes knew that forty of the enemies cavalry were still at an outpost on
+the river, and that it was necessary to keep a good look out, lest they
+might attack us for the rescue of their officers. He sent, therefore, De
+Oli and De Ordas to speak with them, on two horses which were found
+fastened in a wood, and guided by one of the soldiers of Narvaez. By their
+arguments and fair promises, the horsemen were all persuaded to submit,
+and came back with them for that purpose to the town. It was now clear day,
+and Cortes was seated in an arm-chair, with an orange-coloured mantle over
+his shoulders, and his arms by his side, surrounded by his officers and
+soldiers. He received the salutations of the cavaliers, as they came up
+successively to kiss his hand, with amazing affability, embracing them all
+most cordially, and politely complimenting them. Among these were Bermudez,
+Duero, and several others, who were secretly his friends already. Each of
+the cavaliers, after paying his respects, went to the quarters assigned
+for their lodgings. Ever since day-break, the drums, fifes, and timbals of
+the army of Narvaez never ceased their music in honour of Cortes, though
+none of us had spoken a word to them on the subject. A comical fellow of a
+negro, who belonged to the band, danced for joy, shouting out; "Where are
+your Romans now? They never achieved so glorious a victory with such small
+numbers!" We could not silence these noisy fellows, till Cortes ordered
+them to be confined. In this action, a gentleman of Seville, and
+standard-bearer to Narvaez, Roxas, one of his captains, and two others,
+were killed, and many wounded; one also of the three who deserted from us
+to him was killed, and several wounded. The fat cacique also, who took
+refuge in the quarters of Narvaez on our approach, was wounded, and Cortes
+ordered him to his house, to be there well taken care of. As for
+Salvatierra, who had made so many boasts, his own soldiers said they never
+saw so pitiful a fellow. When he heard our drum he was in a terrible
+fright, and when we shouted out victory, he declared he had a pain at his
+stomach, and could fight no more. Diego Velasquez, who was wounded, was
+taken by his relation Juan Velasquez de Leon to his own quarters, where he
+was well taken care of, and treated with the utmost attention[4].
+
+The reinforcement of warriors which Cortes had been promised from
+Chinantla, marched into Chempoalla soon after the conclusion of the action,
+under the command of Barrientos, who had marshalled them in a very shewy
+manner, in regular files, lancemen and archers alternately, 1500 in number,
+accompanied with colours, drums, and trumpets, and making a most warlike
+appearance, to the great astonishment of the soldiers of Narvaez, who
+thought they were double the number. Our general received them with much
+courtesy, and as their services were no longer needed, he made them
+handsome presents, and dismissed them with thanks.
+
+The army of Narvaez being now secured, Cortes sent F. de Lugo to order all
+the captains and pilots of the fleet to come to Chempoalla, and directed
+all the ships to be dismantled, to cut off all communication with Cuba.
+One Barahona, afterwards an inhabitant of Guatimala, had been confined by
+Narvaez, and was now set at liberty, who was in a very weak state when he
+joined us. The captains and pilots of the fleet came on shore to pay their
+respects, and Cortes bound them all by oath not to leave him, appointing
+Pedro Cavallero, one of their number, admiral of the whole fleet now in
+his possession; and, as more ships were expected from Cuba, gave him
+orders to dismantle them all as they arrived, and to send the captains and
+pilots to head-quarters. All these important matters being arranged, and
+his authority completely established, Cortes proceeded to such measures as
+seemed proper for extending and securing the conquest and discovery of New
+Spain. For this purpose, Velasquez de Leon was appointed to conduct an
+expedition to the river of Panuco, with 220 soldiers, 20 of which were
+taken from among ourselves, and 100 from the soldiers of Narvaez: And was
+to be accompanied by two ships, on purpose to extend the discovery of the
+coast. Diego de Ordas, was appointed with a similar force, to establish a
+colony in the province of Guacocualco, or Coatzacualco; and as that
+country was well adapted for breeding cattle, he was directed to send to
+Jamaica for horses, mares, bulls, and cows, for the purpose of
+establishing an independent supply in the country. All the prisoners were
+released, except Narvaez and Salvatierra, who still had the pain in his
+stomach. Cortes also gave orders to restore all their horses and arms to
+the soldiers of Narvaez, which gave us all much dissatisfaction, but we
+were obliged to submit. On this occasion I had to resign a good horse with
+a saddle and bridle, two swords, three daggers, and a shield. Avila and
+Father Olmedo, speaking on this subject to Cortes, said he resembled
+Alexander the Great, who was always more generous to the vanquished, than
+to his own conquering soldiers. Indeed as fast as Cortes received gold or
+other valuables, he gave away all to the captains of the other army, quite
+forgetful of us who had made him what he was. Cortes protested that he and
+all he had was entirely devoted to our service, as he would shew by his
+future conduct; but that his present procedure was necessary for our
+common interest and safety, we being so few, and the others so numerous.
+Avila, who was of a lofty disposition, remonstrated in an imperious manner,
+and Cortes was forced to dissemble with him at the time, knowing him to be
+a brave man; he pacified him therefore with presents and flattering
+promises, to prevent any violence, but took care in future to employ him
+in distant business, as his agent first in Hispaniola, and afterwards in
+Spain.
+
+There happened to come over in the army of Narvaez, a negro who was ill of
+the small-pox, a most unfortunate circumstance for the people of New Spain,
+as the disease spread with astonishing rapidity through the country, and
+destroyed the natives by thousands, as they used to throw themselves into
+cold water in the height of the disease, with the nature of which they
+were utterly unacquainted. Thus multitudes of unfortunate souls were
+hurried into eternity, without an opportunity of being received into the
+bosom of the holy Catholic church. At this time, such of our soldiers as
+had been in distant garrisons, applied to Cortes to receive their shares
+of the gold which had been got in Mexico. As far as I can remember, he
+referred them to a place in Tlascala, desiring that two persons might be
+sent to receive it at that place; and I shall have occasion to mention
+the result hereafter.
+
+
+[1] The date is supplied in the text from attentive consideration of dates
+    mentioned by Diaz in the sequel, and in this date Clavigero, II. 97,
+    agrees. Diaz gives no account of the strength of Cortes on the present
+    occasion, but afterwards mentions 206 soldiers, with five horsemen and
+    two gunners, independent of 70 more who joined under Sandoval from the
+    garrison of Villa Rica. This would make the whole force 285 soldiers,
+    against 1400 who were under the command of Narvaez.--E.
+
+[2] No such place is to be found in the map of Clavigero, nor in that
+    recently published by Humbolt.--E.
+
+[3] These numbers, as arranged for the attack on Narvaez, only amount to
+    230 men. At the occupation of Mexico the Spanish army is said to have
+    been about 450, besides the garrison of Villa Rica. Eighty-three men
+    are stated to have been left in Mexico under the command of Alvarado,
+    which would still leave 367 to march under Cortes for Chempoalla, to
+    which 70 being added from Villa Rica under Sandoval, would raise the
+    amount of the army now under Cortes to about 437 men, so that about
+    207 are unaccounted for in the arrangement for the attack, besides
+    Ordas, and other eminent captains are not now mentioned in the text.
+    We may, therefore, reasonably conclude, that these captains and the
+    unaccounted for remaining force of Cortes, were left at the ford of
+    the river, about a league from Chempoalla, as a rear guard, on which
+    to retreat in case of a defeat, or may have formed a main body for the
+    assault.--E.
+
+[4] This victory of Cortes over Narvaez took place on the 26th May
+    1520.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION X.
+
+_Occurrences, from the Defeat of Narvaez, 26th May 1520, to the Expulsion
+of the Spaniards from Mexico, on the 1st, and the Battle of Otumba on the
+4th of July of the same Year_.
+
+
+The wheel of fortune is ever in motion, evil following closely upon good.
+This was strongly exemplified with us at this time, as our late successes
+were speedily followed by melancholy news from Mexico by express,
+informing us that an insurrection had broke out in that city, that
+Alvarado was besieged in his quarters, which the natives had set on fire,
+after killing seven of his men and wounding many; for which reason
+Alvarado earnestly entreated immediate succour. It is not to be expressed
+how much this news afflicted us all. In consequence of this distressing
+intelligence, Cortes countermanded the expeditions which were to have
+marched under De Leon and De Ordas, and determined upon an immediate
+forced march to Mexico. We left Narvaez and Salvatierra as prisoners at
+Villa Rica, under the charge of Roderigo Rangel, who was likewise directed
+to collect all the stragglers, and to take care of the invalids, who were
+numerous: Just as we were ready to march, four principal nobles arrived
+from the court of Montezuma, who made a heavy complaint against Alvarado,
+who had assaulted them while dancing at a solemn festival in honour of
+their gods, which had been held by his permission, and stating that they
+had been constrained to take up arms in their own defence, during which
+seven of the Spanish soldiers were slain. Cortes made them a short answer,
+saying that he would shortly be at Mexico, when he would make proper
+inquiry and set all to rights, with which answer they had to return to
+Montezuma, who was much displeased with the insulting tone in which it was
+given, more especially as a great number of his subjects had been killed
+by Alvarado. Before commencing our march, Cortes made a speech to the
+soldiers of Narvaez, exhorting them to forget all past animosities, and
+not to let the present opportunity be lost of serving both his majesty and
+themselves; and by way of inducement, gave them a magnificent picture of
+the riches of Mexico, to a participation in which their faithful conduct
+would entitle them. They one and all declared their resolution to obey his
+orders, and to proceed immediately to Mexico, which they would hardly have
+agreed to if they had known its strength, and the numerous martial
+population of that city.
+
+We arrived at Tlascala by very long marches, where we were informed that
+the Mexicans had made incessant attacks on Alvarado, until Montezuma and
+they received intelligence of the defeat of Narvaez; after which they had
+desisted, leaving the Spaniards in great distress, owing to excessive
+fatigue from their continual exertions, and much in want of water and
+provisions. At Tlascala, Cortes made a general muster and inspection of
+our army, which now amounted to thirteen hundred men, of whom nearly an
+hundred were cavalry, and a hundred and sixty armed with muskets and
+crossbows. We were here joined by two thousand Tlascalan warriors, and
+marched from hence to Tezcuco, where we were very ill received, every
+thing bearing the appearance of disaffection.
+
+On St John's day, 24th of June 1520, we again entered Mexico[1], where we
+met with a very different reception from what we had experienced on our
+former entry, on the 8th November 1519, seven months and a half before.
+Not one of the nobles of our acquaintance came now to meet us, and the
+whole city seemed to have been deserted by its inhabitants. On entering
+our quarters, Montezuma advanced to embrace Cortes, and to congratulate
+him on his victory; but our general turned from him with disdain, and
+would neither speak to him nor listen to his address, on which the king
+returned to his apartment much cast down. Cortes made inquiry into the
+causes and circumstances of the late commotion, from all of which it was
+evident that it had neither been instigated nor approved by Montezuma; as
+if he had chosen to act against our garrison, they might all have been as
+easily destroyed as only seven. Alvarado said, that the Indians were
+enraged at the detention of their sovereign, and by the erection of the
+cross in their temple; and that when they went, as they said by order of
+their gods, to pull it down, all their strength was unable to move it from
+its place; and that Montezuma had strictly enjoined them to desist from
+all such attempts. In justification of himself, Alvarado alleged that the
+friends and subjects of Montezuma had planned the attack upon him for the
+liberation of their sovereign, at the time when they believed Cortes and
+his army had been destroyed by Narvaez: And being questioned why he had
+fallen on the Mexicans, while holding a festival in honour of their gods,
+he pretended that he had intelligence of their hostile intentions from a
+priest and two nobles, and thought it safest to be beforehand with them.
+When pressed by Cortes to say whether the Mexicans had not asked and
+obtained his permission to hold that festival, he acknowledged it was so,
+and that he had fallen upon them by anticipation, that he might terrify
+them into submission, and prevent them from going to war with the
+Spaniards. Cortes was highly displeased with the conduct of Alvarado, and
+censured him in the strongest terms.
+
+Alvarado alleged that during one of the attacks of the Mexicans on his
+quarters, he had endeavoured to fire off one of his guns and could not get
+the priming to take fire; but sometime afterwards, when they were in great
+danger, the gun went off of itself and made prodigious havock among the
+enemy, who were thus miraculously repulsed, and the Spaniards saved from
+inevitable destruction. He said also, that the garrison being in great
+distress for water, they sank a pit in one of the courts, when immediately
+a spring of the sweetest water sprung up. I know that there was a spring
+in the city which often produced tolerably fresh water[2]. Glory be to GOD
+for all his mercies! Some alleged that Alvarado was excited to this attack
+by avarice, in order to plunder the Indians of their golden ornaments
+during the festival; but I am satisfied his attack proceeded from a
+mistaken idea of preventing insurrection by terror. It is certain, that
+even after the massacre at the temple, Montezuma used every endeavour to
+prevent his subjects from attacking our people: but they were so enraged
+that nothing could restrain their eager thirst for vengeance.
+
+During our march, Cortes had launched out to the new comers in warm
+eulogiums on the riches of Mexico, the power and influence which he had
+acquired, and the respect and obedience of the Mexicans, filling them with
+promises and expectations of enjoying gold in abundance. From the
+negligent coldness of his reception in Tezcuco, and the similar
+appearances in Mexico, he became vexed, disappointed, and peevish;
+insomuch, that when the officers of Montezuma came to wait upon him, and
+expressed the wishes of their master to see him, Cortes exclaimed angrily:
+"Away with the dog, wherefore does he neglect to supply us." The captains
+De Leon, De Oli, and De Lugo, happening to be present on this occasion,
+entreated him to remember the former kindness and generosity of the
+Mexican sovereign, and to treat him with moderation. This only seemed to
+irritate Cortes so much the more, as it appeared to censure his conduct,
+and he indignantly answered: "What obligations am I under to the wretch,
+who plotted secretly against me with Narvaez, and who now neglects to
+supply us with provisions?" The captains admitted that this ought to be
+done, and Cortes being full of confidence in the great military power he
+now commanded, continued a haughty demeanour to the Mexican noblemen who
+still waited his pleasure. Turning therefore to them, he desired them to
+tell their master, that he must immediately order markets to be held, and
+provisions to be supplied for his troops, or to beware of the consequences.
+These lords understood the general import of the injurious expressions
+which Cortes had used against Montezuma, and made a faithful report to him
+of all that passed. Whether it may have proceeded from rage on account of
+these opprobrious expressions against their sovereign, or from a plan
+previously concerted to fall upon us, I know not, but within a quarter of
+an hour, a soldier dangerously wounded came running into our quarters, and
+reported that the whole people were in arms against us. This man had been
+sent by Cortes to bring over to our quarters the daughter of Montezuma and
+other Indian ladies, who had been left under the charge of the cacique of
+Tacuba, when we marched against Narvaez. He was returning with these
+ladies, when the people attacked him in great numbers on the causeway of
+Tacuba, where they had broken down one of the bridges, and had once seized
+him, and were forcing him into a canoe to carry him off to be sacrificed;
+but he extricated himself by a violent effort, and got away with two
+dangerous wounds.
+
+Cortes immediately ordered out a detachment of 400 men under Ordas, to see
+what was the matter, and to endeavour to pacify the people; but he had
+hardly proceeded the length of a street, when he was assailed by immense
+numbers of the natives, some in the street, and others from the terraced
+tops of the houses, who killed eight of his men on the first discharge of
+missiles, and wounded mostly the whole of his men, himself in three places.
+Finding it impossible to proceed, Ordas retreated slowly towards our
+quarters, and soon after lost another soldier, who did astonishing feats
+of valour with a two-handed sword. The streets were so crowded with
+enemies, and we were so incessantly attacked in front and rear, and from
+the roofs, that for a long while he was unable to force his way. Neither
+the effect of our fire-arms, nor the most efficacious use of our other
+arms could deter the natives from closing in upon us hand to hand, and
+foot to foot; but at length Ordas forced his way back, having lost in all
+twenty-three of his men. Our quarters were attacked by prodigious
+multitudes at the same moment that the attack on Ordas began, and they
+poured in such incessant discharges of missile weapons, that they soon
+wounded above forty-six of our men, of whom twelve afterwards died. Even
+after the retreat of Ordas, the enemy continued their attacks, and at
+length set fire to various parts of the buildings forming our quarters,
+thinking to burn us alive or to stifle us with smoke; and we were reduced
+to the necessity of tearing down some parts of the building, and to throw
+earth upon other parts, to extinguish the fire. All the courts and open
+places of our quarters were thickly strewed with arrows, stones, and darts,
+which had been thrown at us; and we were occupied the whole day and night,
+in repelling the incessant assaults, repairing the breaches in our
+defences, dressing our wounds, and preparing for future assaults. At dawn
+of the ensuing morning, we sallied out with our whole force, determined to
+conquer or to impress them with respect. The Mexicans met us with the
+utmost resolution, and though we fought almost in despair, their numbers
+were so immense, and they continually brought up such strong
+reinforcements of fresh troops, that even if we had all been Hectors or
+Orlandos, we could not have forced them to give ground. It is quite
+impossible to give any adequate idea of the obstinacy and violence of this
+battle. Though in every reiterated charge we brought down thirty or forty
+of the enemy, it had no effect, as they returned upon us with more
+violence and desperation than before; our musketry and cannon made no
+impression that was not instantly replaced; and if at any time they gave
+ground, it was only to draw us farther from our quarters, to make our
+destruction more sure. In the midst of all this, the stones and darts
+which were launched upon us from the terraces of the house tops did us
+astonishing injury. Some of our soldiers who had been in the wars of Italy
+declared, that neither among Christians or Turks, nor even in the French
+artillery, had they ever seen such desperate fighting as now among these
+Indians. We were at length forced to retreat to our quarters, which we
+reached with infinite difficulty, after losing ten or twelve of our men
+killed, and almost every one of us severely wounded.
+
+After our return, we were busily occupied in preparing for a general sally
+on the next day after but one, with four military engines of strong timber
+like towers, each of which was calculated to contain twenty-five men under
+cover, with portholes for the artillery, and for muskets and crossbows.
+During this interval we had likewise to repair the breaches which the
+Mexicans had made in our walls, and to resist their attempts to scale them,
+often in twenty places at once. The Mexicans constantly used the most
+injurious language against us; saying that the voracious animals in the
+great temple had been kept fasting for two days, that they might be ready
+to devour our bodies, when we were sacrificed to their gods. They assured
+us at the same time that our allies were to be put into cages to fatten,
+and that they would soon recover our ill got treasure. Sometimes they
+adjured us in the most plaintive terms to restore their king to liberty,
+and they annoyed us without ceasing by flights of arrows, constantly
+shouting and whistling. On the ensuing morning at day-break, having first
+recommended ourselves to GOD, we sallied out from our quarters with the
+turrets, such as I have seen in other places, and called _mantas_ or
+_burros_. Our column was headed by a party of musketeers and crossbow-men,
+and our cavalry on our flanks, occasionally charging the enemy. Our
+purpose was to assail the great temple, which by its elevation and strong
+enclosures, served as a citadel to the Mexicans, and we advanced therefore
+in that direction, accompanied by our turrets; but the enemy resisted all
+our efforts with the most determined obstinacy. I will not attempt to
+relate all the circumstances of this desperate battle, or the difficulty
+which we had to encounter in driving the enemy from a very strong house
+which they occupied. The arrows of the Mexicans wounded many of our horses,
+notwithstanding that they wore defensive armour; and when our cavalry
+attempted at any time to charge or to pursue the enemy, they threw
+themselves into the canals, while others sallied out from the houses on
+both sides with long lances, assailing our people in the rear and on both
+flanks. It was utterly impossible for us to burn the houses, or to pull
+them down, as they all stood singly in the water, communicating only by
+means of draw-bridges; and it was too dangerous for us to attempt reaching
+them by swimming, as they showered vollies of stones upon us by slings,
+and threw large stones upon our heads from the terraces of their house
+tops. Even when a house was set on fire, it was very long of taking effect;
+and even when we succeeded, the flames could not communicate to the other
+houses, as they were all separated by canals, and their roofs were
+terraced, not thatched.
+
+At length we reached the great temple, into which four thousand of the
+Mexicans immediately rushed, independent of other large bodies who were
+previously stationed there for its defence. They defended their temple
+with the most obstinate valour, and for some time prevented us from being
+able to ascend, our turrets, musketry, and cavalry, being of no avail to
+force them to give ground. The pavements of the temple courts were so
+smooth, that the horses fell when our cavalry attempted to charge. They
+opposed us in front from the steps of the great temple, and assailed us
+with such fury on both flanks and in the rear, that though our guns swept
+off a dozen or fifteen of them at every discharge, and though in each
+charge of our infantry we killed many of them with our swords and lances,
+they continually filled up the chasms we had made among them, and their
+numbers and resolution were so great that we could not make any permanent
+or effectual impression. We were even forced to abandon our _mantas_ or
+turrets, which the enemy had demolished. At length, by a desperate effort,
+we forced our way up the steps, and in this assault Cortes shewed himself
+a hero. Our battle in this place was most desperate, every man among us
+being covered with blood, and above forty of our number lay dead on the
+spot. We reached with infinite difficulty the place where we had formerly
+set up the image of the blessed Virgin, which was not to be found, as it
+had been removed by order of Montezuma, either through fear or from
+devotion to his idols. We set fire to the buildings, and burnt down a part
+of the temples of Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca; and while some of us
+were employed in setting fire to the buildings, and others fighting, in
+which our Tlascalan allies seconded us most gallantly, above three
+thousand Mexican nobles, headed by their priests, made a most severe
+attack, and drove us down eight or ten of the steps. Others of the enemy
+from the corridors, or within the railings and concavities of the temple,
+assailed us on every side with arrows and other missiles, so that we were
+unable even to maintain the ground we had gained. We were constrained
+therefore to retreat, every man of us being wounded, and forty-six of our
+number slain. We regained our quarters with the utmost difficulty, which
+the enemy had almost gained possession of, as they had been continually
+endeavouring to carry them by assault during our absence, or to set them
+on fire. But they desisted in a great measure from the assault on our
+arrival, yet continued to throw in perpetual showers of arrows, darts, and
+stones. In the course of this most terrible engagement, we made two of the
+chief priests prisoners, whom we carried along with us to our quarters. I
+have often seen representations of this battle in Mexican paintings, both
+at Mexico and Tlascala, in which the various incidents were represented in
+a very lively manner. Our ascent to the great temple; the setting the
+temple on fire; the numerous warriors defending it in the corridors, from
+behind the rails, and in the concavities, and others on the plain ground,
+in the courts of the temple, and on all sides of us; many of our men being
+represented as dead, and all of us covered with wounds. In these paintings,
+the destruction of our turrets is conspicuously represented as a most
+heroic achievement.
+
+The night which succeeded this unfortunate battle was passed by us in a
+most melancholy state; repairing the breaches which had been made in the
+walls of our quarters, dressing our wounds, burying our slain companions,
+and consulting upon measures for extricating us from our present almost
+hopeless situation. The followers of Narvaez heaped maledictions on Cortes
+for leading them to Mexico, and Velasquez came in for an ample share of
+their abuse, for having induced them to quit their peaceful habitations in
+Cuba. The enemy assembled around us again at day-break, and assailed our
+quarters with greater fury than ever, insomuch that our fire-arms were
+insufficient to repel them, though they mowed them down in great numbers.
+In this desperate situation, Cortes sent for Montezuma, whom he desired to
+address his subjects from a terrace, desiring them to desist from their
+attacks, assuring them that we would immediately evacuate the city. On
+receiving this message, Montezuma burst into tears, exclaiming, "What does
+he want with me now? I have been reduced to my present unhappy state on
+his account, and I neither wish to see him nor to live any longer?" He
+therefore dismissed the messengers with a refusal, and it is reported that
+he added, that he desired not to be any more troubled with the false words
+and specious promises of Cortes. Father Olmedo and Captain De Oli went to
+wait upon him, and used all possible expressions of respect and affection
+to induce him to comply with the request of Cortes. To this he replied,
+that he did not believe any thing he could now do would be of any avail,
+as the Mexicans had elected another sovereign, and were resolved not to
+allow a single Spaniard to quit the city alive. He made his appearance
+however at the railing of a terraced roof, attended by many of our
+soldiers, and made a very affectionate address to the people below,
+earnestly entreating a cessation of hostilities, that we might evacuate
+Mexico. As soon as Montezuma was perceived, the chiefs and nobles made
+their troops to desist from the attack, and commanded silence. Then four
+of the principal nobles came forwards, so near as to be able to hold
+conversation with Montezuma whom they addressed, lamenting the misfortunes
+which had befallen him and his family. They told him that they had raised
+_Cuitlahuatzin_[3] to the throne; that the war would soon be ended, as
+they had promised to their gods never to desist till they had utterly
+destroyed the Spaniards; that they offered up continual prayers for the
+safety of Montezuma their beloved sovereign, whom they would venerate and
+obey as formerly, as soon as they had rescued him from our hands, and
+hoped he would pardon all they had done for the defence of their religion
+and independence, and their present disobedience. Just as they concluded
+this address, a shower of arrows fell about the place where Montezuma
+stood; and though the Spaniards had hitherto protected him by interposing
+their shields, they did not expect any assault while he was speaking to
+his subjects, and had therefore uncovered him for an instant; in that
+unguarded state, three stones and an arrow hit him on the head, the arm,
+and the leg, wounding him severely. Montezuma refused every assistance,
+and all the endeavours of Father Olmedo could not prevail upon him to
+embrace the holy Catholic faith, neither could he be prevailed upon to
+have his wounds attended to. When informed of his death, Cortes and our
+captains lamented him exceedingly, and all of us soldiers who had been
+acquainted with his generosity and other amiable qualities, grieved as for
+the loss of a father. He was said to have reigned seventeen years, and to
+have been the best of all the sovereigns who had ruled over Mexico; having
+fought and conquered in three pitched battles, while subjugating other
+states to his dominions.
+
+After the death of Montezuma, Cortes sent two of our prisoners, a nobleman
+and a priest, with a message to the new sovereign Cuitlahuatzin, to inform
+him of the melancholy event, which had happened by the hands of his own
+subjects; to express our grief on the occasion; and our wish that
+Montezuma might be interred with that respect which was due to his exalted
+character. Cortes likewise informed these messengers, that he did not
+acknowledge the right of the sovereign whom the Mexicans had chosen, as
+the throne ought to belong to the son of the great Montezuma, or to his
+cousin, who was now a prisoner in our quarters. He desired them also to
+say, if they would desist from hostilities, we would immediately march out
+of their city. He then ordered the body of Montezuma to be carried out by
+six nobles, and attended by most of the priests whom we had taken
+prisoners, desiring them to deliver the body of their deceased monarch to
+the Mexican chiefs, according to his dying injunctions. We could hear the
+exclamations of sorrow which were expressed by the people, at the sight of
+the body of their late sovereign; but our message was unavailing, as they
+recommenced their attack on our quarters with the utmost violence,
+threatening that in two days we should all pay with our lives for the
+death of their king and the dishonour of their gods, as they had now a
+sovereign whom we could not deceive as we had done by the good Montezuma.
+
+Our situation was now exceedingly alarming, and on the day after the death
+of Montezuma, we made another sally towards that part of the city which
+contained many houses built on the firm ground, meaning to do all the
+injury we could, and, taking advantage of the causeway, to charge through
+the enemy with our cavalry, hoping to intimidate them by severe military
+execution, so as to induce them to grant us a free passage; we accordingly
+forced our way to that part of the city, where we burnt down about twenty
+houses, and very nearly reached the firm land[4]. But the injury we did
+the enemy was dearly purchased by the death of twenty of our soldiers, and
+we were unable to gain possession of any of the bridges, which were all
+partly broken down, and the enemy had constructed barricades or
+retrenchments in various places to obstruct the cavalry, wherever they
+could have done most essential service. Thus our troubles and perplexities
+continually increased, and we were forced again to fight our way back to
+our quarters. In this sally, which took place on a Thursday, Sandoval and
+others of our cavalry acted with great bravery; but those who came with
+Narvaez, not having been accustomed to such service, were timorous in
+comparison with our veterans. The number and fury of our enemies increased
+daily, while our force was diminished by each successive attack, and from
+our wounds we were become less able for resistance. Our powder was almost
+entirely expended; provisions and water became scarce; our friend
+Montezuma was no more; all our proposals for peace were rejected; the
+bridges by which we might have retreated were broken down; and in fine
+nothing but death in its direst form of immolation to their horrible idols
+appeared before us. In this state almost bordering on despair, it was
+resolved by Cortes in a consultation with all his confidential officers
+and soldiers, to make an attempt to quit the city during the night, as we
+were in expectation to find the enemy less upon their guard than in the
+day time. In order to deceive them, a message was sent by one of their
+chief priests who had been made prisoner, engaging to give up all the
+treasure in our possession, if they would give us permission within eight
+days to quit the city. Four days before this, one Botello, who pretended
+to be an astrologer, predicted that if we did not leave Mexico on this
+very night, that none of us would ever get out of it alive, adding many
+other foolish particulars to his prophecy.
+
+As it was determined to endeavour to force our way from the city, a
+portable bridge of very strong timber was prepared for enabling us to pass
+over the canals or passages in the causeway, where the enemy had broken
+down the bridges; and one hundred and fifty of our soldiers, with four
+hundred Tlascalan allies, were appointed for conveying, guarding, and
+placing this bridge. The advanced guard of an hundred of our youngest and
+most active men, was commanded by Sandoval, assisted by Azevedo, De Lugo,
+De Ordas, and De Tapia, with eight of the captains that came with Narvaez.
+The rear guard of an hundred men, mostly those of Narvaez, and the greater
+part of our cavalry, was confided to Alvarado and Velasquez de Leon. Donna
+Marina and Donna Luisa, with the Mexican chiefs who were prisoners, were
+placed under an escort of thirty Spanish soldiers and three hundred
+Tlascalans: Our general, with Avila, Oli, and other officers, and fifty
+soldiers, formed a body of reserve to act where they might be most needed.
+The rest of our soldiers and allies, with the baggage, formed a main body
+along with which the prisoners and their especial escort was to move,
+under protection of the van and rear guards. By the time that all these
+arrangements were completed, it drew towards night, and Cortes caused all
+the gold, which had hitherto been kept in his apartment, to be brought
+into the great hall of our quarters, when he desired Avila and Mexia, the
+kings officers, to take charge of what belonged to his majesty, assigning
+them eight wounded horses and above fourscore Mexicans for its conveyance.
+When these were loaded with all the gold they were able to carry, a great
+deal more remained heaped up in the saloon. Cortes then desired his
+secretary Hernandez and other notaries to bear witness that he could no
+longer be responsible for this gold; and desired the soldiers to take as
+much as they pleased, saying it were better for them to have it, than to
+leave it to their Mexican enemies. Upon this many of the soldiers of
+Narvaez, and some even of our veterans, loaded themselves with treasure. I
+was never avaricious, and was now more intent on saving my life than on
+the possession of riches: I took the opportunity, however, of carrying off
+four calchihuis from a casket, though Cortes had ordered his major-domo to
+take especial care of this casket and its contents, and these jewels were
+of infinite use to me afterwards, as a resource against famine, as they
+are highly prized by the Indians. The memorable night of our leaving
+Mexico, was dark, with much mist and some rain. Just before midnight, the
+detachment having charge of the portable bridge moved off from our
+quarters, followed in regular succession by the other divisions of our
+army. On coming to the first aperture in the causeway of Tacuba or
+Tlacopan, by which we retreated as being the shortest, the bridge was laid
+across, and was passed by the vanguard, the baggage, artillery, part of
+the cavalry, the Tlascalans with the gold. Just as Sandoval and his party
+had passed, and Cortes with his body of reserve, the trumpets of the enemy
+were heard, and the alarm was given on every side, the Mexicans shouting
+out, "_Tlaltelulco! Tlaltelulco_[5]! out with your canoes! the teules are
+marching off, assail them at the bridges!" In an instant the enemy
+assailed us on every side, some on the land and others in their canoes,
+which swarmed on the lake and the canals on both sides of our road, and so
+numerous were they and so determined that they entirely intercepted our
+line of march, especially at the broken bridges, and from this moment
+nothing but confusion and dismay prevailed among our troops. It rained so
+heavily that some of the horses became restive and plunged into the water
+with their riders; and to add to our distress our portable bridge was
+broken down at this first gap, and it was no longer serviceable. The enemy
+attacked us with redoubled fury, and as our soldiers made a brave
+resistance, the aperture became soon choked up with the dead and dying men
+and horses, intermixed with artillery, packs and bales of baggage, and
+those who carried them, all heaped up in the water. Many of our companions
+were drowned at this place, and many were forced into canoes and hurried
+away to be sacrificed. It was horrible to hear the cries of these
+unfortunate captives, calling upon us for aid which we were unable to give,
+and invoking the blessed Virgin and all the saints in vain for deliverance.
+Others of our companions escaped across those gaps in the causeway, by
+clambering over the confused mass of dead bodies and luggage by which they
+were filled, and were calling out for assistance to help them up on the
+other side; while many of them, thinking themselves in safety when they
+got to the firm ground, were there seized by the Mexicans, or killed with
+war clubs. All the regularity which had hitherto guided our march was now
+utterly lost and abandoned. Cortes and all the mounted officers and
+soldiers galloped off along the causeway, providing for their own
+immediate safety, and leaving all the rest to save ourselves as we best
+might: Nor can I blame them for this procedure, as the cavalry could do
+nothing against the enemy, who threw themselves into the water on both
+sides of the causeway when attacked, while others, by continual flights of
+arrows from the houses, or with long lances from the canoes on each side,
+killed and wounded the men and horses. Our powder was all expended, so
+that we were unable to do any injury to the Mexicans in the canoes. In
+this situation of utter confusion and derout, the only thing we could do
+was by uniting together in bands of thirty or forty, to endeavour to force
+our way to the land: When the Indians closed upon us, we exerted our
+utmost efforts to drive them off with our swords, and then hurried our
+march to get over the causeway as soon as possible. Had we waited for each
+other, or had our retreat been in the day, we had all been inevitably
+destroyed. The escape of such as made their way to land, was due to the
+mercy of God who gave us strength to force our way; for the multitudes
+that surrounded us, and the melancholy sight of our companions hurried
+away in the canoes to instant sacrifice, was horrible in the extreme.
+About fifty of us, mostly soldiers of Cortes, with a few of those who came
+with Narvaez, stuck together in a body, and made our way along the
+causeway through infinite difficulty and danger. Every now and then strong
+parties of Indians assailed us, calling us _luilones_, their severest term
+of reproach, and using their utmost endeavours to seize us. As soon as we
+thought them within reach, we faced about and repelled them with a few
+thrusts of our swords, and then resumed our march. We thus proceeded,
+until at last we reached the firm ground near Tacuba, where Cortes,
+Sandoval, De Oli, Salcedo, Dominguez, Lares, and others of the cavalry,
+and such of the infantry as had got across the bridge before it was broken
+down, had already arrived[6].
+
+On our approach, we heard the voices of Sandoval, De Oli, and Morla,
+calling on Cortes to return to the assistance of those who were still on
+the causeway, who loudly complained of being abandoned. Cortes replied,
+that it was a miracle any should have escaped, and that all who returned
+to the bridges would assuredly be slain: Yet he actually did return with
+ten or twelve of the cavalry and such of the infantry as had escaped
+unhurt, and proceeded along the causeway to attempt the succour of such as
+might be still engaged. He had not gone far when he met Alvarado badly
+wounded, accompanied by three of our soldiers, four of those belonging to
+Narvaez, and eight Tlascalans, all severely wounded and covered with blood.
+These Alvarado assured him were all that remained of the rear-guard,
+Velasquez de Leon and about twenty of the cavalry, and above an hundred of
+the infantry, who had belonged to his division, being all slain, or made
+prisoners and carried away to be sacrificed. He said farther, that after
+all the horses were slain, about eighty had assembled in a body and passed
+the first gap on the heaps of luggage and dead bodies; that at the other
+bridge the few who now accompanied him were saved by the mercy of God. I
+do not now perfectly recollect in what manner he passed that last aperture,
+as we were all more attentive to what he related of the death of Velasquez
+and above two hundred of our unhappy companions. As to that last fatal
+bridge, which is still called _Salto de Alvarado_, or the Leap of Alvarado,
+we were too much occupied in saving our own lives to examine whether he
+leaped much or little. He must, however, have got over on the baggage and
+dead bodies; for the water was too deep for him to have reached the bottom
+with his lance, and the aperture was too wide and the sides too high for
+him to have leaped over, had he been the most active man in the world. In
+about a year after, when we besieged Mexico, I was engaged with the enemy
+at that very bridge which was called Alvarados Leap, where the enemy had
+constructed breastworks and barricades, and we all agreed that the leap
+was impossible. One Ocampo, a soldier who came with Garay, who used to
+amuse himself with lampoons, made one on this supposed feat of Alvarado,
+saying, "That fear made him give that prodigious leap, leaving Velasquez
+and two hundred more to their fate as he leaped for his life." As Cortes
+found, by the information of Alvarado, that the causeway was entirely
+filled by the enemy, who must have intercepted all the rest of our
+companions, he returned to Tacuba, where all who had escaped were now
+collected. Messengers had been already sent from Mexico, ordering all the
+people of Tacuba, Ezcapuzalco, Tenajocan, and other neighbouring cities on
+that side of the lake, to collect and attack us; and they now began to
+surround us in the inclosed courts of Popotla where we had taken shelter,
+harassing us with stones and arrows, and even attacking us with lances,
+many of which were headed with the swords which we lost during our retreat.
+We defended ourselves against this attack as well as we could, and made
+several sallies to drive them off. But, as the enemy continually increased
+in number, it was determined to endeavour to reach Tlascala, for which
+purpose we set out under the direction of six or seven of our allies who
+were well acquainted with the country. After a fatiguing march by an
+indirect road, during which we were much harassed by the enemy, who plied
+us with stones and arrows, we reached some houses on a hill near a temple,
+where we defended ourselves, and took such care as we could of our wounds;
+but could get no provisions. After the conquest of Mexico, a church was
+built on the site of this temple, and dedicated to _Nuestra Senora de los
+Remedios_, our Lady of Succour, to which many ladies and other inhabitants
+of Mexico, now go in procession to pay nine days devotion[7].
+
+Our wounds had become extremely painful from cold, and want of proper
+dressings, and we now bound them up as well as we could. We had to deplore
+the loss of great numbers of our valiant companions, most of the soldiers
+of Narvaez having lost their lives by being overloaded with gold. Poor
+Botello the astrologer was killed among the rest. The sons of Montezuma,
+Cacamatzin who had been prince of Tezcuco, and all the other prisoners,
+among whom were some Mexican princes, lost their lives on this fatal night
+of our retreat from Mexico. All our artillery were lost. We had only
+twenty-three horses remaining, and very few crossbows; and our situation
+was melancholy and desperate in the extreme, having no other resource but
+to endeavour to reach Tlascala, and even there our reception was
+exceedingly uncertain[8]. After dressing our wounds, and making arrows for
+our crossbows, during which employment we were incessantly harassed in our
+present post, we proceeded at midnight on our march, under the direction
+of our faithful Tlascalans. Some of those who were badly wounded had to
+walk with the aid of crutches; others were assisted on each side by some
+of their companions; and those who were utterly unable to support
+themselves were placed upon lame horses. Thus, making head against the
+enemy with as many of the infantry as could bear arms, and having the
+cavalry who were able to act in front and on our flanks, with the wounded
+Spaniards and allies in the centre, we marched on continually harassed by
+the enemy, who reviled us, saying that we should soon meet our destruction;
+words that we did not then understand. I have forgot to mention the
+satisfaction we all enjoyed at finding Donna Marina and Donna Luisa had
+been saved in our retreat from Mexico. Having crossed among the first,
+they had been brought safe to Popotla by the exertions of two brothers of
+Donna Luisa, all the rest of the female Indians having been lost in the
+retreat.
+
+On this day we reached a large town named Gualtitlan[9]. From that place
+we continued our march, still harassed at every step by the enemy, whose
+numbers and boldness increased as we advanced, insomuch that they killed
+two of our lame soldiers and one of our horses at a difficult pass,
+wounding many both of our horses and ourselves. Having repulsed them, we
+reached some villages, where we halted for the night, making our supper of
+the slain horse[10]. We began our march very early next morning, and had
+only proceeded about a league, believing ourselves now almost in safety,
+when three of our videts came in with a report that the whole extent of a
+plain through which we must necessarily pass was covered over by an
+innumerable army. This intelligence was truly terrifying to our small
+numbers, worn out with fatigue and privations, and covered with wounds;
+yet we resolved to conquer or die, as we had indeed no other alternative.
+We were immediately halted and formed in order of battle, the infantry
+being directed to use their swords only in thrusts, by which we exposed
+ourselves less to the weapons of the enemy, and the cavalry were ordered
+to charge clear through at half speed, with their lances levelled at the
+faces of the enemy, never stopping to make thrusts. While recommending
+ourselves to God and his Holy Mother, and invoking the aid of St Jago, the
+enemy began to close around us, and we resolved to sell our lives dearly,
+or force our way through. The infantry being drawn up in a solid column,
+and our cavalry formed in bodies of five, we proceeded to the attack. It
+is impossible to describe the tremendous battle which ensued: How we
+closed hand to hand, and with what fury the enemy attacked us, wounding us
+with their clubs and lances and two-handed swords; while our cavalry,
+favoured by the even surface of the plain, rode through them at will with
+couched lances, bearing down the enemy wherever they came, and fighting
+most manfully though they and their horses were all wounded. We too of the
+infantry did our best, regardless of our former wounds and of those we now
+received, closing up with the enemy, and using every effort to bear them
+down with our swords. Cortes, Alvarado, and De Oli, though all wounded,
+continued to make lanes through the throng of the enemy, calling out to us
+to strike especially at the chiefs, who were easily distinguished by their
+plumes of feathers, golden ornaments, rich arms, and curious devices. The
+valiant Sandoval encouraged us by his example and exhortations, exclaiming,
+"Now is the day of victory! Trust in God, who will still preserve us to do
+him service." We were all resolute to conquer or die, and were assuredly
+assisted by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Virgin, and St Jago; as was
+afterwards certified by a chief belonging to Guatimotzin, who was present
+in this battle. Though some were killed and many wounded, we continued to
+maintain our ground, yet the enemy never relaxed in their efforts. At
+length it was the will of God, that Cortes, accompanied by Sandoval, De
+Oli, Alvarado, Avila, and other captains, came up to that part of the
+enemy in which their commander-in-chief was posted, who was distinguished
+from all the rest by his rich golden arms, and highly adorned plume of
+feathers, and the grand standard of the army[11]. Immediately on Cortes
+perceiving this chief, who was surrounded by many nobles wearing plumes of
+feathers, he exclaimed to his companions, "Now, gentlemen, let us charge
+these men, and if we succeed the day is our own." Then, recommending
+themselves to God, they charged upon them, and Cortes struck the Mexican
+chief and threw down his standard, he and the other cavaliers effectually
+breaking and dispersing this numerous body. The Mexican chief, however,
+was making his escape, but was pursued and slain by Juan de Salamanca, who
+seized his rich plume of feathers and presented it to Cortes, saying, that
+as he had first struck the Mexican general and overthrown the standard,
+the trophy of the conquest was his undoubted right.
+
+It pleased God, that the enemy should relax in their efforts immediately
+on learning the death of their general and of the numerous chiefs who
+surrounded him. On perceiving that they began to retreat, we forgot our
+hunger, thirst, fatigue, and wounds, and thought of nothing but victory
+and pursuit. Our scanty cavalry followed them up close, dealing
+destruction around them on every side; and our faithful allies fought like
+lions, mowing down all before them with the arms which the enemy threw
+away to facilitate their flight. On the return of our cavalry from the
+pursuit, we gave humble thanks to God for our unexpected victory and
+miraculous preservation. Never had the Mexican empire collected together
+so large a force as on this occasion; being composed of all the warriors
+of Mexico, Tezcuco, and Tlalcopan, headed by the whole nobility of these
+nations, magnificently armed and adorned, and all determined not to leave
+a single trace of us upon earth. This great and decisive battle was fought
+in the neighbourhood of a place called Obtumba, Otumba, or Otompan. I have
+frequently seen it, and all the other battles we fought against the
+Mexicans, antecedent to the final conquest, admirably represented in
+Mexican paintings. It is now proper to mention, that we entered Mexico to
+relieve Alvarado on the 24th of June 1520, with upwards of 1300 soldiers,
+including 97 cavalry, 80 musketeers, and 80 armed with crossbows; having
+with us a great train of artillery, and 2000 warriors of our allies the
+Tlascalans. Our flight from Mexico was on the 1st of the succeeding month
+of July, and the battle of Obtumba on the 4th of that month. In Mexico,
+during our passage of the causeway, on our march, and in the battle, we
+lost above 870 soldiers, including 72 of those belonging to Narvaez, and
+five Spanish women, who were put to death at a place called Tustepeque.
+Upwards of 1200 of our Tlascalan allies were also killed; as were Juan de
+Alcantara and two more who had been sent from Chempoalla for the share of
+the gold assigned to the garrison of Villa Rica, who were robbed and
+murdered. Upon the whole, all who were concerned in the treasure came to
+bad fortune; and thus a much greater proportion of the soldiers of Narvaez
+perished in the flight from Mexico than of our veterans, as they had
+avariciously loaded themselves with gold on that unhappy night[12].
+
+
+[1] We are not writing the history of the conquest of Mexico, yet may be
+    allowed to say that Cortes committed a gross military error, in
+    entering Mexico without establishing a strong communication of posts
+    between that insulated city and the land, along one of the causeways;
+    which he might easily have done along the shortest causeway of Tacuba
+    or Tlacopan, or by the aqueduct of Chapoltepec.--E.
+
+[2] It is to be noticed that the lake in which the city of Mexico was
+    built contained water so salt as to be unfit for drinking.--E.
+
+[3] This prince, whom Diaz names Coadlavaca, was brother to Montezuma,
+    prince of Iztapalapan, and Tlachcocoatl, or grand general of the
+    Mexican army.--E.
+
+[4] The expression in the text, of having nearly reached the firm land, is
+    rather obscure, and may possibly mean that they had nearly forced
+    their way along one of the causeways leading from the insular city to
+    the continental shore of the lake.--E.
+
+[5] Tlaltelulco was the name of that division of the city of Mexico
+    through which the Spaniards marched in their way towards the causeway
+    of Tacuba, and was probably used to summon the inhabitants of that
+    quarter to the attack.--E.
+
+[6] Clavigero, II. 116, says that the miserable remnant of the Spaniards
+    assembled in Popotla, a village near Tacuba or Tlacopan. Diaz is often
+    negligent of dates, but we learn in a subsequent passage, that this
+    disastrous retreat from Mexico was on the 1st of July 1520.--E.
+
+[7] This place is about nine miles W.N.W. from Mexico, and only about a
+    mile and a half from Tacuba. Its Mexican name, according to Clavigero,
+    was Otoncalpolco. It is almost in an opposite direction from the road
+    to Tlascala, but was probably chosen on purpose to avoid the populous
+    hostile vale of Mexico, and to get as soon as possible among the hills,
+    and among some of the conquered tribes who bore the Mexican yoke with
+    impatience. Clavigero says that the Spaniards procured at this place
+    some refreshments from a tribe of Otomies, who inhabited two
+    neighbouring hamlets.--E.
+
+[8] The distance from where they now were to Tlascala was between 80 and
+    90 miles in a straight line; but as they chose a very circuitous route,
+    by the west and north of the lakes in the vale of Mexico, before
+    turning south-eastwards to Tlascala, their march must have much
+    exceeded that distance.--E.
+
+[9] Named Quauhtitlan by Clavigero, and Guautitlan, Huauhtitlan or
+    Teutitlan, in Humboldts map of the Vale of Mexico.--E.
+
+[10] As related in the text, this march to the villages appears to have
+    been made on the same day with that to Guauhtitlan, and the battle of
+    Otumba or Otompan, to have been fought on the second day of the march
+    from Popotla or _Los Remedios_. But the distances and difficulty of
+    the march renders this almost impossible. The chronology and distances,
+    taking the names of some of the stages from Clavigero, II. 117, and
+    the distances from Humboldts map, may have been as follows; Retreat
+    from Mexico to Popotla, 1st July, 9 miles. March to Quauhtitlan, 2d
+    July, 10 miles. To Xoloc, 3d July, 13 miles. To Zacamolco, 4th July,
+    10 miles. To Otompan, 5th July, 3 miles:--and indeed these dates are
+    sufficiently confirmed by Diaz himself in the sequel.--E.
+
+[11] According to Clavigero, II. 118, this standard was a net of gold
+    fixed to a staff ten palms long, which was firmly tied to his back,
+    and was called by the Mexicans Tlahuizmatlaxopilli.--E.
+
+[12] Cortes entered Mexico with above 1300 men, and there were there under
+    Alvarado about 75. Of these above 870 were slain, down to the close of
+    the battle of Otumba; so that about 500 still remained under the
+    command of Cortes. Diaz reckons only 440; but these were probably
+    exclusive of such as were entirely disabled from service by their
+    wounds.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XI.
+
+_Occurrences from the Battle of Otumba till the march of Cortes to besiege
+Mexico_.
+
+
+Immediately after the victory, we resumed our march for Tlascala, cheered
+by our success, and subsisted on a kind of gourds, called _ayotes_, which
+we found in the country through which we passed. We halted for the night
+in a strong temple, being occasionally alarmed by detached parties of the
+Mexicans, who still kept hovering about us, as if determined to see us
+out of their country. From this place we were rejoiced at seeing the
+mountains of Tlascala, being anxious to ascertain the fidelity of these
+allies, and to hear news from our friends at Villa Rica. Cortes warned us
+to be exceedingly cautious of giving any offence to the Tlascalans, and
+particularly enforced this advice on the soldiers of Narvaez, who were
+less accustomed to discipline. He said that he hoped to find our allies
+steady in their attachment; but if they should have changed in consequence
+of our misfortunes, although we were now only 440 strong, all wounded and
+ill armed, we still possessed vigorous bodies and firm minds to carry us
+through, if necessary, to the coast. We now arrived at a fountain on the
+side of a hill, where we came to a rampart built in ancient times as a
+boundary between the state of Tlascala and the dominions of Mexico. We
+halted here, and then proceeded to a town called Gualiopar, or Huejotlipan,
+where we halted one day, and procured some food for which we were obliged
+to pay. Immediately on our arrival being announced at Tlascala, our
+friends Maxicatzin, Xicotencatl, Chichimecatl, the chief of Huexatcinco,
+and others, came to wait upon Cortes, whom they embraced, yet kindly
+blamed him for having neglected their advice to distrust the treachery of
+the Mexicans. They wept for the losses we had sustained, yet rejoiced at
+our escape, and praised our valiant actions; assuring us that they were
+assembling 30,000 of their warriors to have joined us at Obtumba. They
+were rejoiced to see Donna Marina and Donna Luisa, and lamented the loss
+of the other ladies. Maxicatzin in particular bewailed the fate which had
+befallen his daughter and Velasquez de Leon, to whom he had given her.
+They invited us to their city, where we were kindly received, and where we
+reposed in peace and safety after our many and severe hardships. Cortes
+lodged in the house of Maxicatzin, Alvarado in that of Xicotencatl, and
+the other officers were distributed among the houses of the nobles, all
+the soldiers being likewise supplied with comfortable quarters and
+abundant food. Here in the midst of our friends, we recovered from our
+wounds and fatigues, all except four who died.
+
+Soon after our arrival, Cortes made inquiry after certain gold to the
+value of 40,000 crowns, the share belonging to the garrison of Villa Rica,
+which had been sent here from Mexico; and was informed by the Tlascalan
+chiefs, and by a Spanish invalid left here when on our march to Mexico,
+that the persons who had been sent for it from Villa Rica had been robbed
+and murdered on the road, at the time we were engaged in hostilities with
+the Mexicans. Letters were sent to Villa Rica, giving an account of all
+the disastrous events which had befallen us, and desiring an immediate
+supply of all the arms and ammunition that could be spared, and to send us
+a strong reinforcement. By the return of the messengers, we were informed
+that all was well at Villa Rica and the neighbourhood, and that the
+reinforcement should be immediately sent. It accordingly arrived soon
+after, consisting in all of _seven_ men, three of whom were sailors, and
+all of them were invalids. They were commanded by a soldier named Lencero,
+who afterwards kept an inn still known by his name; and for a long while
+afterwards, _a Lencero reinforcement_ was a proverbial saying among us. We
+were involved in some trouble by the younger Xicotencatl, who had
+commanded the Tlascalan army against us on our first arrival in their
+country. This ambitious chieftain, anxious to be revenged upon us for the
+disgrace he had formerly sustained, on hearing of our misfortunes and our
+intended march to Tlascala, conceived a project for surprising us on our
+march and putting us all to death. For this purpose, he assembled many of
+his relations, friends, and adherents, to whom he shewed how easily we
+might all be destroyed, and was very active in forming a party and
+collecting an army for this purpose. Although severely reproached by his
+father for this treacherous design, he persevered in his plan; but the
+intrigue was discovered by Chichimecatl, his determined enemy, who
+immediately communicated the intelligence to the council of Tlascala,
+before whom Xicotencatl was brought prisoner to answer for his treacherous
+intentions. Maxicatzin made a long speech in our favour, representing the
+prosperity which their state had enjoyed ever since our arrival, by
+freeing them from the depredations of their Mexican enemies, and enabling
+them to procure salt from which they had been long debarred. He then
+reprobated the proposed treachery of the younger Xicotencatl, against men
+who certainly were those concerning whom the prophecy had been handed down
+by their ancestors. In reply to this, and to a discourse from his father
+to the same purpose, the young man used such violent and disrespectful
+language, that he was seized and thrown down the steps of the council-hall
+into the street, with such violence that he narrowly escaped with his life.
+Such was the faithful conduct of our Tlascalan allies, and Cortes did not
+think it prudent to push the matter any farther in our present ticklish
+situation.
+
+After remaining twenty two days in Tlascala, Cortes resolved upon
+attacking the adjoining provinces of Tepejacac and Zacatula, on account of
+some murders the inhabitant of these districts had committed on the
+Spaniards; but the soldiers of Narvaez were decidedly averse from entering
+into any new war, as the slaughter of Mexico and the battle of Obtumba
+made them anxious to renounce Cortes and his conquests, and to return as
+soon as possible to their houses and mines in Cuba. Beyond all the rest,
+Andres Duero was heartily sick of his junction with Cortes, regretting the
+gold he had been forced to leave in the ditches of Mexico. These men,
+finding that words were of no avail to persuade Cortes to relinquish his
+plans of conquest, made a formal remonstrance in writing, stating the
+insufficiency of our force, and demanding leave to return to Cuba. Cortes
+urged every reason he could think of to induce them to concur in his
+schemes; and we who were his own soldiers, requested him on no account to
+permit any one to depart, but that all should remain to serve the cause of
+God and the king. The malcontents were forced reluctantly to acquiesce,
+murmuring against Cortes and his expeditions, and us who supported him,
+who, they said, had nothing but our lives to lose[1]. We now, therefore,
+set out on an expedition to chastise these districts, without artillery or
+fire-arms of any kind, all of which had been left in the Mexican canals.
+Our force consisted of 16 cavalry, 424 of our own infantry, mostly armed
+with swords and targets, and about 4000 Tlascalans. We halted at about
+three leagues from Tepejacac, but the inhabitants had deserted their
+houses on our approach. Having got some prisoners during the march, Cortes
+sent them to the chiefs with a message, intimating that he came to demand
+justice for the murder of eighteen Spaniards in their territories, and for
+their admitting Mexican troops into their country; and threatening them
+with fire and sword if they did not immediately submit to his authority.
+By our messengers and two Mexicans, they sent back a message, ordering us
+to return immediately, or they would put us all to death, and feast upon
+our bodies. Upon this it was determined in a council of the officers, that
+a full statement of all that had passed, should be drawn up by a royal
+notary, denouncing slavery on the Mexicans or their allies who had killed
+any Spanish subjects, after having submitted to the authority of the king.
+When this was drawn up and authenticated, we sent once more to require
+their submission, giving notice of the inevitable consequences of their
+disobedience. But they returned an answer like the former. Both sides
+being prepared for battle, we came to action with them next day; and as
+the enemy were drawn up in open fields of maize, our cavalry soon put the
+enemy to flight with considerable loss, though they made an obstinate
+resistance. In this battle our Tlascalan allies fought bravely; and, in
+the pursuit, we took a good many prisoners, all of whom were made slaves
+of. After this victory, the natives sued for peace, and we marched to the
+town of Tepejacac to receive their submission; and finding it an eligible
+situation, being in a fertile district, and on the road to Villa Rica,
+Cortes founded a colony in the place, naming it _Segura de la Frontera._
+Municipal officers were appointed, and a branding-iron for marking those
+natives who were taken and reduced to slavery. We made excursions from
+this place through the surrounding district, and to the towns of Cachula,
+Tecamechalco, Guayavas, and some others, taking many prisoners, who were
+immediately branded for slaves; and in about six weeks we reduced the
+people to order and obedience.
+
+At this time Cortes was informed from Villa Rica, that a vessel had
+arrived there commanded by Pedro Barba, his intimate friend, who had been
+lieutenant to Velasquez at the Havanna, and had now brought over thirteen
+soldiers and two horses; as also letters from Velasquez to Narvaez,
+ordering to send Cortes, if alive, to Cuba, that he might be sent to
+Castile, such being the orders of the bishop of Burgos. On the arrival of
+Barba in the harbour, the admiral appointed by Cortes went on board in a
+boat well armed, but with the arms concealed. When on board, the admiral
+saluted Barba, inquiring after the health of Velasquez, and the others
+inquired for Narvaez, and what had become of Cortes. They were told that
+Narvaez was in possession of the country, and had acquired great riches,
+while Cortes was a fugitive, wandering about with only twenty followers.
+They then invited Barba and the rest on shore; but the moment they entered
+the boats, they were ordered to surrender themselves prisoners to Cortes.
+The ship was dismantled, and the captain and crew, together with Barba and
+his men, sent up to us at Tepejacac, to our great satisfaction; for though
+we did not now suffer much in the field, we were very unhealthy from
+continual fatigue, five of our men having died of pleurisies of late.
+Francisco Lopez, afterwards regidor of Guatimala, came along with this
+party. Barba was kindly received by Cortes, whom he informed that another
+small vessel might be expected with provisions in about a week. It came
+accordingly, having on board Roderigo de Lobera, with eight soldiers and a
+horse. These were circumvented like the others, and sent up to us, by
+which we were much pleased to procure an accession to our small force.
+
+About this period, Cuitlahuitzin, who had been elected sovereign of Mexico
+in place of his brother Montezuma, died of the small-pox, and
+Quauhtemotzin, or Gautimotzin, was chosen in his stead, a young man of
+twenty-five years of age, of fine appearance, exceedingly brave, and so
+terrible to his subjects that every one trembled at his sight. On
+receiving notice of the reduction of Tepejacac, he became apprehensive of
+losing his other provinces, yet neglected no precautions to preserve the
+chiefs in their obedience, and sent considerable bodies of troops to the
+provinces nearest to where we were, to watch our motions. But these
+Mexican troops injured the cause they were sent to support, becoming very
+disorderly, plundering and maltreating the people whom they were sent to
+defend, or to keep under subjection. Provoked by these injuries, the
+ruling people of these provinces deputed four chiefs to negociate with
+Cortes, offering to submit to him, provided he would expel the Mexicans.
+Cortes immediately acceded to this proposal, and detached all the cavalry
+and crossbow-men of our army under De Oli, with as many of our other
+infantry as made up a force of 300 men, to which a considerable number of
+Tlascalan allies were joined. While our people were on their march, they
+received such formidable accounts of the number and force of the enemy, as
+entirely deprived the soldiers of Narvaez of all inclination for military
+expeditions. They mutinied, and told De Oli that, if he were determined to
+persevere, he might go alone, for they were resolved to quit him. De Oli
+remonstrated with them in vain, though supported by all the old soldiers
+of Cortes, and was compelled to halt at Cholula, whence he sent word to
+Cortes of his situation. Cortes returned an angry answer, ordering him to
+advance at all events. De Oli was now in a violent rage at those who had
+occasioned this reprimand from the general, and ordered the whole to march
+immediately, declaring he would send back all who hesitated, to be treated
+by Cortes as their cowardice deserved. On his arrival within a league of
+Guacacualco, he was met by some of the native chiefs, who informed him how
+he might best come upon the enemy. He accordingly marched against the
+Mexican forces, whom he completely defeated and put to flight, after a
+sharp action, in which eight of our men were wounded, and two horses
+killed. Our allies made a great slaughter of the Mexicans during the
+pursuit. The Mexicans fell back to a large town called Ozucar, where they
+joined another great body of their countrymen, who fortified themselves in
+that post, and broke down the bridges. De Oli pursued with as many of his
+troops as could keep up with him; and having passed the river by the
+assistance of his friends of Guacacualco, he again attacked the Mexicans,
+whom he again defeated and dispersed, losing two more of his horses. He
+received two wounds himself on this occasion, and his horse was wounded in
+several places. He halted two days after his double victory, receiving the
+submission of all the neighbouring chiefs, after which he returned with
+his troops to Segura de la Frontera. De Oli was received with applause by
+Cortes and all of us; and when we laughed at him for the hesitation of his
+men, he joined with us heartily, saying he would take the poor soldiers of
+Cortes on the next expedition, and not the rich planters who came with
+Narvaez, who thought more of their houses and estates than of military
+glory, and were more ready to command than to obey.
+
+Cortes now got information from Villa Rica of the arrival of a ship
+commanded by one Comargo, having upwards of seventy soldiers on board, all
+very sickly. This vessel had belonged to an expedition sent from Jamaica
+by Garray to establish a colony at Panuco; the other captain, Pineda, and
+all his soldiers, having been put to death by the natives, and their ship
+burnt. On finding, therefore, the ill success of that adventure, and that
+his men were afflicted with diseases of the liver from the unhealthy
+nature of the country, Camargo had come to Villa Rica for assistance. He
+is said to have been perfectly acquainted with the state of affairs in New
+Spain; and, on his arrival at Villa Rica, he immediately disembarked his
+soldiers, and went to Segura de la Frontera by slow marches, where he and
+his men were received with the utmost kindness by Cortes, and every
+possible care was bestowed for his and their recovery; but he and several
+of his soldiers soon died. By reason of their swollen bodies and
+discoloured countenances, we used to call these men _the green paunches_.
+That I may not interrupt the thread of my narrative, I shall mention in
+this place, that all the rest of this armament which was destined for
+Panuco, arrived at our port of Villa Rica at different and irregular
+periods, Garray continually sending us reinforcements, which he meant for
+Panuco, as he believed his intended colony at that place was going on
+successfully. The first of these reinforcements after Camargo consisted of
+fifty soldiers with seven horses, under the command of Michael Diaz de Auz.
+These men were all plump and jolly, and we gave them the nickname of the
+_Sir-loins_. Shortly after him another vessel brought forty soldiers with
+ten horses, and a good supply of crossbows and other arms. These were
+commanded by an officer named Ramirez, and as all his soldiers wore very
+thick and clumsy cotton armour, quite impenetrable by arrows, we called
+them the _Pack-horses_.
+
+Being thus unexpectedly reinforced by upwards of an hundred and fifty men,
+and twenty horses, Cortes determined to chastise the Indians of Xalatcingo,
+Cacatame, and other towns near the road to Villa Rica, who had been
+concerned in the murder of those Spaniards who had been sent from Villa
+Rica for the treasure. For this purpose he sent a detachment of two
+hundred veterans, among whom were twenty horsemen, and twelve armed with
+crossbows, under the command of Sandoval, who had likewise along with him
+a strong detachment of Tlascalans. Being informed that the Indians of that
+district were in arms, and reinforced by Mexican troops, Sandoval sent a
+message, offering pardon for the murder of the Spaniards, if they would
+submit to our government, and return the treasure. Their answer was, that
+they would eat him and all his men, as they had done the others. Sandoval,
+therefore, immediately marched into their country, and attacked them in
+two places at once, and though both the natives and the Mexicans defended
+themselves with great bravery, they were soon defeated with considerable
+loss. On going into some of their temples after the victory, our people
+found Spanish cloths, arms, saddles, and bridles, hung up as offerings to
+their gods. The inhabitants of this district submitted themselves to his
+majesties government, but were unable to return the treasure, as it had
+been sent to Mexico. Sandoval remained three days in this district
+receiving the submission of the inhabitants, whom he referred to Cortes
+for their pardon, and then returned to head-quarters, carrying a number of
+women and boys along with him, who were all branded as slaves. I was not
+on this expedition, being ill of a fever, attended with a vomiting of
+blood; but, being bled plentifully, I recovered by the blessing of God. In
+pursuance of orders from Sandoval, the chiefs of these tribes and of many
+others in the neighbourhood, came to Cortes and submitted themselves to
+his authority. Sandoval was sent in the next place to chastise the
+inhabitants of a district called Xocotlan, who had murdered nine Spaniards,
+having with him an hundred infantry, thirty cavalry, and a strong body of
+Tlascalans. On entering the district, he summoned the people to submission
+under the usual threats; but, as they had a considerable body of Mexican
+forces to aid them, they returned for answer, that they would acknowledge
+no other government than that of Mexico. Sandoval, therefore, put his
+troops in motion, cautioning the allies not to advance to the attack till
+the enemy were broken by our troops, and then to fall upon the Mexicans
+especially. Two large bodies of the enemy were found posted in strong and
+rocky ground, very difficult for our cavalry, insomuch, that before
+Sandoval could drive them from this post, one of his horses was killed,
+and nine wounded, as likewise were four of his soldiers. They were at
+length driven from this post into the town of Xocotlan, where they took
+post in the temples and some large walled courts; but were dislodged from
+these and put to flight with great slaughter, our Tlascalan allies giving
+good assistance, as they were incited by the hopes of abundant plunder.
+Sandoval halted two days in this place, to receive the submission of the
+chiefs, who begged pardon for what had passed, promising future obedience,
+and to supply us plentifully with provisions. On being ordered to restore
+the effects of the Spaniards whom they had slain, they replied that every
+thing of that kind had been burnt. They said, likewise that most of the
+Spaniards whom they had slain were eaten by them, except five, whom they
+sent to Guatimotzin[2].
+
+These expeditions were productive of the best effects, as they extended
+the fame of Cortes and the Spaniards through the whole country for valour
+and clemency; and our general became more dreaded and respected than
+Guatimotzin, the new sovereign of Mexico, insomuch that his authority was
+resorted to on all occasions of importance. The small-pox at this time
+committed dreadful ravages in New Spain, cutting off vast numbers of the
+natives, and among the rest, many of the chiefs and princes of the country
+became victims to this dreadful calamity. On these occasions, the
+claimants for succession to the vacant chiefships resorted to Cortes, as
+sovereign of the country, for his decision, which they uniformly submitted
+to. Among the rest, the lordship of Guacacualco and Ozucar became vacant,
+and the various claimants submitted their claims to the decision of Cortes,
+who decided in favour of a nephew of the late Montezuma, whose sister had
+been married to the former cacique of the district.
+
+All the country around Tlascala and to the eastwards being now reduced to
+subjection, an order was issued to bring all the prisoners to a large
+house in the town of Segura, that the fifths belonging to the king and
+Cortes might be deducted, and the rest divided among the troops. The
+prisoners consisted of women, boys, and girls, as the men were found too
+difficult to keep, and our Tlascalan friends performed every service for
+us that we could desire, such as carrying our baggage, ammunition, and
+provisions, and all other drudgery. The prisoners were confined all night,
+and the repartition took place next morning. In the first place the king's
+fifth was set aside, and then that which belonged to Cortes; but when the
+shares of the soldiers came to be distributed, there remained only a
+parcel of old miserable jades, and it was found that some person had been
+in the depot during the night, who had taken away all the young and
+handsome women. This occasioned much clamour among the soldiers, who
+accused Cortes of injustice, and the soldiers of Narvaez swore no such
+thing had ever been heard of in the Spanish dominions as two kings and two
+fifths. One Juan de Quexo was very loud in his complaints on this occasion,
+declaring that he would make it known in Spain how we had been abused by
+Cortes, more especially in regard to the gold at Mexico, where only the
+value of 300,000 crowns appeared at the division, whereas 700,000 crowns
+worth were produced at the time of our flight. Many of the soldiers loudly
+complained of having their women taken from them, after they had given
+them clothes and ornaments, saying they had only expected to have paid the
+fifth of their values to the king, and then that each would have got back
+his own. Cortes protested that better regulations should he adopted in
+future, and got the affair hushed up with smooth words and fair promises;
+yet he soon attempted even worse than this. It may be remembered, that, on
+the fatal night of our retreat from Mexico, all the treasure was produced,
+and every soldier was allowed to take as much as he pleased. On this
+occasion, many of the soldiers of Narvaez, and some of our own, loaded
+themselves with gold. Cortes now learned that a quantity of gold in bars
+was in circulation among the troops at La Frontera, who were much engaged
+in deep play, and forgot the old adage, that riches and amours should be
+concealed. He now issued an order for all the gold to be delivered within
+a given time, under severe penalties for disobedience, and promised to
+return back a third part to all who delivered their gold, but that all
+should be forfeited in case of failure or evasion. Many of the soldiers
+refused obedience to this arbitrary order, and from some Cortes took their
+gold by way of loan, yet rather by force than with their consent. Many of
+our captains, and those who had civil offices in the colony, were
+possessed of gold, and at length Cortes was glad to quash the order and
+say no more about the matter.
+
+The officers who had come with Narvaez thought the present interval of
+tranquillity was a favourable opportunity to renew their solicitations for
+leave to return to Cuba, to which Cortes at length consented, and gave
+them one of the best ships in the harbour, which was victualled with
+salted dogs, fowls, maize, and other provisions of the country. By this
+ship, Cortes sent letters to his wife Donna Catalina and her brother Juan
+Suarez, giving them an account of all that had happened in New Spain, and
+sent them some bars of gold and Mexican curiosities. The following were
+among the persons who now returned to Cuba, having their pockets well
+lined after all our disasters. Andres de Duero, Augustin Bermudez, Juan
+Buono, Bernardino de Quesada, Francisco Velasquez, Gonsalo Carrasco, who
+afterwards returned to New Spain, and lives now in La Puebla, Melchior
+Velasquez, one Ximenes, who now lives in Guaxaca, and went over at this
+time for his sons, the commendator Leon de Cervantes, who went to bring
+over his daughters, who were very honourably married after the conquest of
+Mexico; one Maldonado of Medelin, an invalid, a person named Vargas, and
+Cardinas the pilot, he who talked about the two kings, to whom Cortes gave
+the three hundred crowns he had formerly promised for his wife and
+daughters. We remonstrated with Cortes for allowing so many persons to
+quit the army, considering how weak we were already, on which he observed,
+that he did it partly to get rid of their importunities, and partly
+because they were unfit for war, and it was better to have a few good
+soldiers than many bad ones. Alvarado was sent to see these men safely
+shipped off, and he sent at this time Diego de Ordas and Alonzo de Mendoza
+to Spain, with instructions of which we were ignorant, except that they
+were meant to counteract the malice of the bishop of Burgos, who had
+declared us all traitors. De Ordas executed his commission to good purpose,
+and got the order of St Jago for himself, and the volcano of Popocatepetl
+added to his arms. Cortes sent also Alonzo de Avila, contador of New Spain,
+and Francisco Alvarez, to Hispaniola, to make a report to the court of
+royal audience, and the brothers of the order of Jeronymites, of all that
+had taken place, particularly in regard to Narvaez, and supplicating them
+to represent our faithful services to the emperor, and to support our
+interests against the enmity and misrepresentations of Velasquez and the
+bishop of Burgos. He sent likewise De Solis to Jamaica to purchase horses.
+It may be asked how Cortes was able to send agents to Spain, Hispaniola,
+and Jamaica, without money. But, although many of our soldiers were slain
+in our flight from Mexico, and much treasure lost in the ditches and
+canals of Mexico, yet a considerable quantity of gold was saved, as the
+eighty loaded Tlascalans were among the first who passed the bridge, and
+afterwards delivered all their gold to Cortes[3]. But we poor soldiers had
+enough ado to preserve our lives, all badly wounded, and did not trouble
+ourselves to inquire what became of the gold, or how much was brought off.
+It was even rumoured among us, that the share belonging to the garrison of
+Villa Rica, the carriers of which had been robbed and murdered, went after
+all to Spain, Jamaica, and other places; but as Cortes lined the pockets
+of our captains with plenty of gold, all inquiry on this head was stopped.
+
+It may be wondered how Cortes should send away so valiant a captain as
+Alonzo de Avila on an affair of negociation, when he had several men of
+business in his army who could have been better spared, such as Alonzo de
+Grado, Juan Carceres _the rich_, and several others. The true reason was,
+that Avila was too ready to speak out on all occasions to obtain justice
+for the soldiers, and therefore Cortes sent him away that he might no
+longer be opposed and thwarted in his proceedings; and that he might give
+his company to Andres de Tapia, and his office of contador to Alonzo de
+Grado.
+
+Having now determined to undertake the siege of Mexico, Cortes left a
+garrison of twenty men, mostly sick and invalids in Frontera, under the
+command of Juan de Orozco, and marched with the rest of the army into the
+country of Tlascala, where he gave orders to cut down a quantity of timber,
+with which to construct a number of vessels to command the lake of Mexico.
+These ships were to be built under the direction of Martin Lopez, an
+excellent shipwright, and a valiant soldier, in which he was assisted by
+Andres Nunez, and old Ramirez, who was lame from a wound. Lopez conducted
+matters with great spirit, insomuch that in a very short time he had all
+the timber cut down, shaped, and marked out for the vessels, ready to be
+put together. The iron work, anchors, cables, sails, cordage, and all
+other necessaries for the vessels were procured from Villa Rica, whence
+all the smiths were sent up to the army to give their assistance. As pitch
+was unknown among the natives, four sailors were sent to the pine forests
+of Huetzotzinco, to obtain a supply of that article, in which they
+succeeded.
+
+On our arrival at Tlascala, we learnt that our good friend and faithful
+ally Maxicatzin had fallen a sacrifice to the small-pox. Cortes lamented
+the death of this good man as that of a father, and put on mourning out of
+respect to his memory, in which he was imitated by many of our officers
+and soldiers. As there was some difficulty in regard to the succession,
+Cortes conferred the vacant dignity on the legitimate son of the deceased
+chief, as he had desired a short time before his death, on which occasion
+he had strictly enjoined all his family and dependents to persevere in
+their alliance with us, as we were undoubtedly destined to rule their
+country according to their ancient traditions. The other chiefs of the
+Tlascalans offered their best services, in providing timber for our
+vessels, and engaged to aid us with all their military force in
+prosecuting the war against Mexico. Cortes accepted their offer with every
+mark of gratitude and respect; and even prevailed on the elder Xicotencatl,
+one of their principal caciques, to become a Christian, who was
+accordingly baptised with great ceremony, by the name of Don Lorenzo de
+Vargas.
+
+Just as we were about to begin our march, intelligence came from Villa
+Rica of the arrival of a vessel from Spain and the Canaries, loaded with
+military stores, horses, and merchandize, and having thirteen soldiers on
+board. The owner, who was likewise on board, was one Juan de Burgos, but
+the vessel was commanded by Francisco Medel. Cortes sent immediate orders
+to purchase the whole cargo, and all the people came up to join us to our
+great satisfaction. Among these were one Juan del Espinar, afterwards a
+very rich man, and two others named Sagredo, and Monjaraz a Biscayan, who
+had two nephews of the same name in our army. Monjaraz never went upon any
+expedition or engagement along with us, always feigning to be sick, though
+he omitted no opportunity to boast of his courage. Once, while we were
+besieging Mexico, he went up to the top of a high temple, as he said to
+see how the natives fought; and by some means which we could never find
+out, he was killed that day by some of the Indians. Those who had known
+him in Hispaniola, said it was a just judgment, for having procured the
+death of his wife, a beautiful and honourable woman, by means of false
+witnesses.
+
+All the timber for our vessels being in readiness, and every thing
+prepared for our expedition against Mexico, it was debated in our council
+of war in what place we should establish our head-quarters, in order to
+prepare our measures for investing that city. Some strongly recommended
+Ayotcingo as most convenient for that purpose, on account of its canals.
+Cortes and others preferred Tezcuco, as best adapted for making incursions
+into the Mexican territory, and that place was accordingly fixed upon. We
+accordingly began our march from Tlascala immediately after the junction
+of our last reinforcement from Villa Rica, consisting of the soldiers who
+came with Medel and De Burgos.
+
+
+[1] A long digression is here omitted, in which Diaz severely reprehends
+    the account given by Gomara of this and other transactions in his
+    history of the conquest of Mexico, altogether uninteresting to the
+    English reader.--E.
+
+[2] Clavigero, II. 132, mentions about this time an expedition against
+    Tochtepec, a considerable town on the river of Papaloapan, in which
+    Salcedo and a detachment of 80 Spaniards were entirely cut off.--E.
+
+[3] This must have been a very considerable treasure. On one occasion,
+    Clavigero reckons a load of gold at 800 ounces. The eighty Tlascalans
+    might therefore carry off 64,000 ounces, which at L4 the ounce, is
+    worth L256,000 Sterling, and of considerably more efficacious value in
+    those days than a million is now.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XII.
+
+_Transactions of Cortes and the Spaniards from their March against Mexico,
+to the Commencement of the Siege of that City_.
+
+
+We began our March from Tlascala on the 26th of December 1520, with the
+whole of our Spanish force, and accompanied by ten thousand of our
+Tlascalan allies[1], and halted that night within the territories of the
+state of Tezcuco, the inhabitants of which place supplied us with
+provisions. We marched about three leagues on the 27th, when we halted at
+the foot of a ridge of mountains, finding the weather extremely cold.
+Early next day we began to ascend the mountains, the bad roads having been
+made more difficult by the enemy, by means of ditches and felled trees,
+which were removed by the exertions of our allies. We proceeded with the
+utmost order and precaution, having an advanced guard of musketeers and
+crossbow-men, and our allies cleared the way to enable our cavalry to
+advance. After passing the summit of the mountain, we enjoyed the glorious
+prospect of the vale of Mexico below, with the lakes, the capital rising
+out of the waters, and all its numerous towns and cultivated fields; and
+gave thanks to GOD, who had enabled us again to behold this astonishing
+scene of riches and population, after passing through so many dangers. We
+could distinctly perceive numerous signals made by smoke in all the towns
+towards Mexico; and a little farther on, we were resisted by a body of the
+enemy, who endeavoured to defend a bad pass at a deep water-run, where the
+wooden bridge had been broken down; but we soon drove them away, and
+passed over, as the enemy contented themselves with shooting their arrows
+from a considerable distance. Our allies pillaged the country as we went
+along, which was contrary to the inclination of our general, but he was
+unable to restrain them. From some prisoners whom we had taken at the
+broken bridge, we were informed that a large body of the enemy was posted
+on our line of march, intending to give us battle; but it appeared
+afterwards that they had separated in consequence of dissentions among the
+chiefs, and we soon learnt that a civil war actually existed between the
+Mexicans and the state of Tezcuco. The small-pox also raged at this time in
+the country, which had a great effect in our favour, by preventing the
+enemy from being able to assemble their forces.
+
+Next morning we proceeded on our march for Tezcuco, which was about two
+leagues from the place where we had halted for the night; but we had not
+proceeded far, when one of our patroles brought intelligence that several
+Indians were coming towards us bearing signals of peace, and indeed we
+found the whole country through which we marched this day in perfect
+tranquillity. On the arrival of the Indians, we found them to consist of
+seven chiefs from Tezcuco, sent as ambassadors by Coanacotzin, the prince
+of Tezcuco or Acolhuacan. A golden banner was carried before them on a
+long lance, which was lowered on approaching Cortes, to whom the
+ambassadors bowed themselves in token of respect. They then addressed our
+general in the name of their prince, inviting us to his city, and
+requesting to be received under our protection. They denied having taken
+any part in the attacks which we had experienced, earnestly entreating
+that no injury might be done to their city by our allies, and presented
+their golden banner to Cortes, in token of peace and submission. Three of
+these ambassadors were known to most of us, as they were relations of
+Montezuma, and had been captains of his guards, when we were formerly at
+Mexico. The ambassadors were assured by Cortes that he would use his
+utmost efforts to protect the country, although they must well know that
+above forty Spaniards and two hundred of our allies had been put to death
+in passing through their territories when we retreated from Mexico. Cortes
+added, that certainly no reparation could now be made for the loss of our
+men, but he expected they would restore the gold and other property which
+had been taken on that occasion. They asserted that the whole blame of
+that transaction was owing to Cuitlahuatzin, the successor of Montezuma,
+who had received the spoil and sacrificed the prisoners. Cortes found that
+very little satisfaction could be got from them for the past, yet wishing
+if possible to make them now our friends, he earnestly entreated the
+Tlascalan chiefs to prohibit their warriors from pillaging the country,
+and his wishes were strictly complied with, except in regard to provisions.
+After this conference was ended, we proceeded to a village named
+Guatinchan or Huexotla, at a small distance from Tezcuco, where we halted
+for the night.
+
+Next morning, being the 31st December 1520, we marched into Tezcuco, where
+neither women or children were to be seen, and even the men had a
+suspicious appearance, indicating that some mischief was intended against
+us. We took up our quarters in some buildings which consisted of large
+halls and inclosed courts, and orders were issued that none of the
+soldiers were to go out of their quarters, and that all were to be on the
+alert to guard against surprize. On the soldiers being dismissed to their
+respective quarters, the Captains Alvarado and De Oli, with some soldiers,
+among whom I was, went up to the top of a lofty temple, from which we had
+a commanding view, to observe what was going on in the neighbourhood. We
+could see all the people everywhere in motion, carrying off their children
+and effects to the woods and the reedy borders of the lake, and to great
+numbers of canoes. Cortes wished to have secured Coanacotzin, who had sent
+us the friendly embassy, which now appeared to have been merely a pretext
+to gain time; but it was found that he and many of the principal persons
+of Tezcuco had fled to Mexico. We posted strong guards, therefore, in
+every direction, and kept ourselves in constant readiness for action.
+Cortes soon learnt that factions existed in Tezcuco, and that many of the
+chiefs were adverse to their present prince, and remained in their houses,
+while those of the opposite faction had withdrawn. Cortes sent for those
+chiefs next morning, from whom he learnt, that they considered their
+present prince, Coanacotzin, as an usurper, he having murdered his elder
+brother, Cuicutzcatzin, who had been placed on the throne by Montezuma and
+Cortes, and that Coanacotzin owed his elevation to the favour of
+Guatimotzin, the present sovereign of Mexico. They pointed out a youth
+named Ixtlilxochitl as the rightful heir of Acolhuacan, who was brought
+immediately to Cortes, and installed without delay in the government.
+Cortes prevailed upon him to become a Christian, and had him baptised with
+great solemnity, standing godfather on the occasion, and giving him his
+own name, Don Hernando Cortes Ixtlilxochitl; and to retain him in the
+Spanish interest and in our holy faith, he appointed three Spaniards to
+attend upon him, Escobar, who was made captain or governor of Tezcuco,
+Anthonio de Villa Real, and Pedro Sanches Farfan. In the next place,
+Cortes required the new prince of Tezcuco to supply him with a number of
+labourers to open up the canals leading to the lake, on purpose to admit
+our vessels which were to be put together at Tezcuco. He also informed him
+of our intentions to besiege Mexico, for which operation the young prince
+engaged to give all the assistance in his power. The work on the canals
+was conducted with all expedition, as we never had less than seven or
+eight thousand Indians employed[2]. As Guatimotzin, the reigning monarch
+of Mexico, frequently sent out large bodies of troops in canoes on the
+lake, apparently with the hope of attacking us unprepared, Cortes used
+every military precaution to guard against any sudden attack, by assigning
+proper posts to our several captains, with orders to be always on the
+alert. The people in Huexotla, a town and district only a few miles from
+Tezcuco, who had been guilty of murdering some of our countrymen on a
+former occasion, petitioned Cortes for pardon, and were taken into favour
+on promise of future fidelity.
+
+Before his elevation to the throne of Mexico, Guatimotzin had been prince
+or cacique of Iztapalapa, the people of which place were determined
+enemies to us and our allies[3]. We had been now twelve days in Tezcuco,
+where the presence of so large a force occasioned some scarcity of
+provisions, and even our allies began to grow somewhat impatient of our
+inactivity. From all these considerations, Cortes determined upon an
+expedition to Iztapalapa, against which place he marched at the head of 13
+cavalry 220 infantry, and the whole of our Tlascalan allies. The
+inhabitants had received a reinforcement of 8000 Mexican warriors, yet
+they fell back into the town on our approach, and even fled into their
+canoes and the houses which stood in the water, allowing us to occupy that
+part of the town which stood on the firm land. As it was now night, we
+took up our quarters for the night and posted our guards, unaware of a
+stratagem which had been planned for our destruction. On a sudden there
+came so great a body of water into the streets and houses, that we had
+been all infallibly drowned if our friends from Tezcuco had not given us
+instant notice of our danger. The enemy had cut the banks of the canals,
+and a causeway also, by which means the place was laid almost instantly
+under water. We escaped with some difficulty, two only of our allies being
+drowned; but all our powder was destroyed, and we passed a very
+uncomfortable night, without food, and all wet and very cold; and were
+very much provoked at the laughter and taunts of the Mexicans from the
+lake. At daybreak, large bodies of Indians crossed over from Mexico and
+attacked us with such violence, that they killed two of our soldiers and
+one horse, and wounded many of us, and were repelled with much difficulty.
+Our allies also suffered considerable loss on this occasion; but the enemy
+were at last repulsed, and we returned to Tezcuco very little satisfied
+with the fame or profit of this fruitless expedition. Two days after our
+retreat from Iztapalapa, the inhabitants of these neighbouring districts,
+Tepetezcuco, Obtumba or Otompan, and some others in that quarter, sent to
+solicit pardon for the hostilities they had formerly committed against us,
+alleging in excuse that they had acted by the orders of their sovereign
+Cuitlahuatzin, the immediate successor of Montezuma. Cortes, knowing that
+he was not in a situation to chastise them, granted them pardon on promise
+of future obedience. The inhabitants also of a place which we named
+Venezuela, or Little Venice, because built in the water, who had been
+always at variance with the Mexicans, now solicited our alliance, and
+engaged to bring over their neighbours to our party. This circumstance was
+of much importance to our views, from the situation of that place on the
+lake facilitating our future operations, especially those of our naval
+force.
+
+We soon afterwards received intelligence, that large bodies of Mexican
+troops had attacked the districts which were in alliance with us, by which
+the inhabitants were compelled to fly into the woods for shelter, or to
+take refuge in our quarters. Cortes went out with twenty of our cavalry
+and two hundred infantry, having Alvarado and De Oli along with him, to
+drive in the Mexicans. The real cause of contention on the present
+occasion was concerning the crop of maize growing on the borders of the
+lake, which was now fit to reap, and from which the natives had been in
+use to supply our wants, whereas it was claimed by the Mexicans, as
+belonging to the priests of their city. Cortes desired the natives to
+inform him when they proposed to cut down this corn, and sent upwards of a
+hundred of our men and a large body of our allies to protect the reapers.
+I was twice on that duty, and on one of these occasions, the Mexicans came
+over to attack us in above a thousand canoes, and endeavoured to drive us
+from the maize fields; but we and our allies drove them back to their
+boats, though they fought with great resolution, killed one of our
+soldiers and wounded a considerable number. In this skirmish, twenty of
+the enemy were left dead on the field, and we took live prisoners.
+
+Chalco and Tlalmanalco were two places of material importance to us at
+this time, as they lay in the direct road between Tlascala and our
+head-quarters at Tezcuco, but both of them were garrisoned by Mexican
+troops; and though Cortes was at this time solicited by several important
+districts to enable them to throw off the yoke of Mexico, he considered it
+as of the first necessity to dislodge the Mexicans from these two towns,
+on purpose to open a secure communication with our allies, and to cover
+the transport of our ship timber from Tlascala. He sent therefore a strong
+detachment of fifteen horse and two hundred infantry under Sandoval and De
+Lugo, with orders to drive the Mexicans from that part of the country, and
+to open a clear communication with Villa Rica. During the march, Sandoval
+placed ten of his men as a rear guard, to protect a considerable number of
+our allies who were returning home to Tlascala loaded with plunder. The
+Mexicans fell upon this weak rear-guard by surprise during the march,
+killing two of our men and wounding all the rest; and though Sandoval made
+all the haste he could to their rescue, the Mexicans escaped on board
+their canoes with very little loss. He now placed the Tlascalans in
+security, by escorting them beyond the Mexican garrisons, and sent forward
+the letter of our general to the commandant of Villa Rica, by which he was
+enjoined to send what reinforcements he could possibly spare to Tlascala,
+there to wait until they were quite certain that the road from thence to
+Tezcuco was clear. Sandoval, after seeing the Tlascalans safe upon their
+journey, returned towards Chalco, sending word secretly to the inhabitants,
+who were very impatient under the Mexican yoke, to be in readiness to join
+him. He was attacked on his march through a plain covered with maize and
+_maguey_, by a strong body of Mexican troops, who wounded several of his
+men; but they were soon repulsed and pursued to a considerable distance by
+the cavalry. Sandoval now prosecuted his march to Chalco, where he found
+the cacique of that place had recently died of the small-pox, having
+recommended his two sons on his deathbed to the protection of Cortes, as
+he was convinced we were the bearded men who, according to their ancient
+prophecy, were to come from the eastern countries to rule over this land,
+and had therefore commanded his sons to receive the investiture of their
+state from the hands of Cortes. Sandoval set out therefore for Tezcuco
+next day, talking along with him the two young lords of Chalco, and many
+of the nobles of that place, carrying a present of golden ornaments to our
+general worth about 200,000 crowns. Cortes accordingly received the young
+princes of Chalco with great distinction, and divided their fathers
+territories between them; giving the city of Chalco and the largest share
+of the district to the elder brother, and Tlalmanalco, Aytocinco, and
+Chimalhuacan to the younger.
+
+About this time, Cortes sent a message to Guatimotzin, the reigning
+sovereign of Mexico, by means of some prisoners whom he enlarged for this
+purpose, inviting him in the most conciliatory terms to enter into a
+treaty of peace and friendship; but Guatimotzin refused to listen to any
+terms of accommodation, and continued to carry on the most determined and
+unceasing hostility against us. Frequent and loud complaints were made by
+our allies of Huexotla and Coatlichan of the incursions made upon their
+territories in the neighbourhood of the lake by the enemy, on the old
+quarrel about the fields which had been appropriated for the priests who
+served in the temples of Mexico. In consequence of these hostilities so
+near our head-quarters, Cortes went with a strong detachment, with which
+he came up with the enemy about two leagues from Tezcuco, and gave them so
+complete a defeat, that they never ventured to shew themselves there any
+more. It was now resolved to bring the timber which had been prepared in
+Tlascala for constructing our naval force on the lake of Mexico; for which
+purpose Sandoval was sent with a force of 200 infantry, including 20
+musketeers and crossbow-men, and 15 cavalry, to serve as an escort. He was
+likewise ordered to conduct the chiefs of Chalco to their own district;
+and before they set out, Cortes effected a reconciliation between the
+Tlascalans and the inhabitants of Chalco, who had been long at variance.
+He gave orders likewise to Sandoval, after leaving the chiefs of Chalco in
+their own city, to inflict exemplary punishment on the inhabitants of a
+place which we call _Puebla Moresca_, who had robbed and murdered forty
+of our men who were marching from Vera Cruz to Mexico, at the time when we
+went to relieve Alvarado. These people had not been more guilty than those
+of Tezcuco, who indeed were the leaders in that affair, but they could be
+more conveniently chastised. The place was given up to military execution,
+though not more than three or four were put to death, as Sandoval had
+compassion upon them. Some of the principal inhabitants were made
+prisoners; who assured Sandoval that the Spaniards were fallen upon by the
+troops of Mexico and Tezcuco in a narrow pass, where they could only march
+in single file, and that it was done in revenge for the death of
+Cacamatzin.
+
+In the temples at this place, our men found the walls and idols smeared
+with the blood of our countrymen, and the skins of two of their faces with
+their beards on were found hung upon the altars, having been dressed like
+leather. The skins also of four of our horses were found hung up as
+trophies; and they saw written on a piece of marble in the wall of one of
+the houses: "Here the unfortunate Juan Yuste and many of his companions
+were made prisoners." Yuste was one of the gentlemen who came over with
+Narvaez and had served in the cavalry. These melancholy remains filled
+Sandoval and his men with grief and rage; but there were no objects on
+which to wreak their vengeance, as all the men were fled, and none
+remained but women and children, who deprecated their anger in the most
+moving terms. Sandoval therefore granted them pardon, and sent them to
+bring back their husbands and fathers, with a promise of forgiveness on
+condition of submission and future obedience. On questioning them about
+the gold they had taken from our people, they assured him it had all been
+claimed by the Mexicans[4].
+
+Sandoval continued his route towards Tlascala, near which he was met by a
+vast body of Indians commanded by Chichimecatl, accompanied by Martin
+Lopez, and employed in transporting the ship timber. Eight thousand men
+carried the timber all ready shaped for our thirteen vessels, with the
+sails, cordage, and all other materials. Eight thousand warriors attended
+in arms to protect the bearers of the timber; and two thousand carried
+provisions for the whole[5]. Several Spaniards joined us along with this
+escort, and two other principal chiefs of the Tlascalans, Ayotecatle and
+Teotlipil. During the march, only some small bodies of the enemy appeared,
+and these always at a distance; but it was deemed necessary to use the
+utmost vigilance, to avoid the danger of a surprise, considering the great
+length of the line of march[6]. Sandoval accordingly sent a strong
+detachment of Spanish troops as an advanced guard, and posted others on
+the flanks; while he remained with the rear guard which he assigned to the
+Tlascalans. This arrangement gave great offence to Chichimecatl; but he
+was reconciled to this post, on being told that the Mexicans would most
+probably attack the rear, which was therefore the post of honour, because
+of more danger. In two days more, the whole escort arrived in safety at
+Tezcuco; the allies being all dressed out in their gayest habits, with
+great plumes of feathers, and splendid banners, sounding their horns and
+trumpets, and beating their drums, as in triumph for the expected fall of
+Mexico. They continued marching into Tezcuco for half a day, amid
+continual shouts of "Castilla! Castilla! Tlascala! Tlascala! Long live the
+emperor Don Carlos!" Our timber was now laid down at the docks which had
+been prepared for this purpose; and, by the exertion of Martin Lopez, the
+hulls of our thirteen brigantines were very soon completed; but we were
+obliged to keep a very careful guard, as the Mexicans sent frequent
+parties to endeavour to set them on fire.
+
+The Tlascalan chiefs were very anxious to be employed on some enterprize
+against their ancient enemies the Mexicans, and Cortes resolved to indulge
+them by an expedition against Xaltocan, a town situated on an island of a
+lake to the northward of the great lake of Mexico or Tezcuco, which is now
+called the lake of St Christopher. Leaving therefore the charge of the
+important post of Tezcuco with Sandoval, who was enjoined to use the
+utmost vigilance, and giving orders to Martin Lopez to have the vessels
+all ready for launching in fifteen days, he set out on the expedition
+against Xaltocan with 250 Spanish infantry, 30 cavalry, the whole force of
+the Tlascalans, and a body of warriors belonging to Tezcuco[7]. On
+approaching Xaltocan, our army was met by some large bodies of Mexican
+troops, whom the cavalry soon dispersed and drove into the woods. The
+troops halted for the night in some villages in a very populous country,
+and were obliged to keep on the alert, as it was known that the enemy had
+a strong force in Xaltocan, to which place a strong body of Mexicans had
+been sent in large canoes, and were now concealed among the deep canals in
+that neighbourhood. Next morning, on resuming their march, our troops were
+exceedingly harassed by the enemy, and several of them wounded, as our
+cavalry had no opportunity to charge them, the ground being much
+intersected by canals. The only causeway which led from the land to the
+town had been laid under water, so that our troops could not approach, and
+our musquetry had little or no effect against the enemy in the canoes, as
+they were defended by strong screens of timber. Our people began to
+despair of success, when some of the natives of Tezcuco pointed out a
+ford with which they were acquainted, by which our people were enabled,
+under their guidance, to make their way to the causeway leading into the
+town leaving Cortes and the cavalry on the main land. Our infantry forced
+their way into the town, where they made a considerable slaughter of the
+Mexicans, driving the remainder of them and many of the inhabitants of the
+town to take shelter in their canoes. They then returned to Cortes,
+bringing with them a considerable booty in gold, slaves, and mantles,
+having only lost one soldier in this exploit. Next day, Cortes marched
+through a thickly peopled and well cultivated country against a large town
+named Quauhtitlan, which we found deserted, and in which we halted for the
+night. On the ensuing day, we marched to another large town called
+Tenayoecan, but which we named _Villa de Serpe_, or the Town of Serpents,
+on account of some enormous figures of these animals which were found in
+the temples, and which these people worshipped as gods. This place was
+likewise deserted by the inhabitants, who had withdrawn with their effects
+into places of safety. From thence we marched to Escapuzalco, or the town
+of the goldsmiths, which was also deserted, and thence to Tacuba or
+Tlacopan, to which our troops had to cut their way through considerable
+bodies of the enemy. Our troops halted here for the night, and were
+assailed next morning by several successive bodies of the enemy, who had
+formed a plan to draw us into an ambuscade, by pretending to take flight
+along the fatal causeway of Tacuba, where we had suffered so much on our
+retreat from Mexico. This partly succeeded, as Cortes and his troops
+pursued them along the causeway across one of the bridges, and were
+immediately surrounded by prodigious numbers of the enemy, some on the
+land and others in canoes on the water. Cortes soon perceived his mistake,
+and ordered a retreat, which was made with the utmost firmness and
+regularity, our men constantly keeping a-front to the enemy and giving
+ground inch by inch, continually fighting. In the confusion of this
+surprise, Juan Volante, who carried the colours, fell from the bridge into
+the lake, and the Mexicans were even dragging him away to their canoes;
+yet he escaped from them and brought away his colours. In this unfortunate
+affair, five of our soldiers were slain, and a great many wounded. Cortes
+halted for five days at Tacuba[8], during which there were many skirmishes
+with the enemy, and then marched back to Tezcuco, the Mexicans continuing
+to harass him by frequent attacks; but having drawn them on one occasion
+into an ambuscade, in which they were defeated with considerable slaughter,
+they desisted from any farther attack. On arriving at our head-quarters in
+Tezcuco, the Tlascalans, who had enriched themselves with plunder during
+the expedition, solicited permission to go home that they might secure
+their acquisitions in their own country, which Cortes readily consented to.
+
+During four days after our return from this expedition, the Indians of
+several neighbouring districts came in with presents and offers of
+submission. Although Cortes was well aware that they had been concerned in
+the murder of our men after the retreat from Mexico, he received them all
+very graciously, and dismissed them with promises of protection. About
+this time likewise, several nations who had joined with us in alliance
+made strong representations of the outrages which had been committed upon
+them by the Mexicans, of which they produced paintings in their manner,
+and earnestly entreated succour. But Cortes could not grant them the
+required assistance, as our army, besides having suffered loss by several
+being killed and many wounded during the late hostilities, was now grown
+very unhealthy. He gave them, however, fair promises, but advised them to
+rely more upon their own exertions and the assistance of our other allies,
+for which purpose he issued orders to all the districts in our alliance to
+assemble in arms against the common enemy. They accordingly collected
+their forces, and came to action in the field with the Mexicans, and
+exerted themselves with so much vigour that they gained the victory. The
+province of Chalco was however an object of principal importance to us, as
+the possession of that country was essentially necessary to preserve our
+communication with Tlascala and Villa Rica, and being likewise a fertile
+corn country, contributed largely to the subsistence of our army. As it
+was much harassed by the enemy, Cortes sent Sandoval with a detachment of
+about 250 of our troops, cavalry and infantry, to clear it of the Mexicans,
+and accompanied by a body of warriors from Tezcuco and such of our
+Tlascalan allies as still remained with our army. Sandoval set out from
+Tezcuco on the 12th of March 1521, and arrived next morning at Tlalmanalco,
+where he learnt that the Mexican forces were posted at a large town called
+Guaztepeque or Huaxtepec. Being now joined by the warriors of Chalco,
+Sandoval halted for the night at the town of Chimalcan; and next morning
+gave orders to his musketeers and crossbow-men to attack the enemy, who
+were posted in strong ground; the troops who were armed with swords and
+targets, were formed into a compact body of reserve; and the cavalry,
+being formed in small bodies of three each, were directed to charge as
+soon as the firing had made an impression on the enemy. While advancing in
+this order, Sandoval perceived the Mexican forces drawn up in three large
+columns or dense battalions, and thought proper to change his original
+plan, and to endeavour to break through them by a cavalry charge. Placing
+himself, therefore, at the head of the cavalry, he immediately proceeded
+to the charge, exclaiming, "St Jago! fall on, comrades!" The main body of
+the enemy was partly broken by this charge, but immediately closed again
+and stood firm; and the nature of the ground was so much in favour of the
+Mexicans, that Sandoval found it necessary to endeavour to drive them from
+their post in the manner first proposed, into the open ground in the rear.
+For this purpose he made the musketeers and crossbow-men attack the enemy
+in front, and those armed with swords and targets to turn their flanks,
+ordering also the allies to come forward to the attack, and directed the
+cavalry to be ready to charge at an appointed signal. Our troops at length
+forced them to retreat, but they immediately occupied another strong
+position in their rear, so that Sandoval and the cavalry were unable to
+make any considerable impression upon them. In one of the charges in this
+difficult broken ground, the horse of Gonzalo Dominguez fell with him, and
+he was so much injured that he died in a few days afterwards: His loss was
+much regretted by the army, as he was esteemed as brave as either Sandoval
+or De Oli. Our army broke the enemy a second time, and pursued them to the
+town, where they were suddenly opposed by not less than 15,000 fresh
+warriors, who endeavoured to surround our troops: But Sandoval caused them
+to be attacked on both flanks, when they fled towards the town,
+endeavouring however to make a stand behind some recently constructed
+works; but our troops followed them up so vigorously that they had no time
+to rally, and were constrained to take shelter in the town. As his troops
+were much fatigued, and had got hold of a good supply of provisions,
+Sandoval thought proper to allow them some repose, and they began to
+prepare their victuals, in which they were soon interrupted by an alarm of
+the enemy approaching. They were ready for action in a moment, and
+advanced to meet the enemy, fortunately in an open place; where, after a
+smart action, the enemy were constrained to retreat behind their works;
+but Sandoval pushed on the advantage with so much impetuosity, that he
+soon drove them from their works, and compelled them to evacuate the town
+with the utmost precipitation.
+
+Sandoval took up his quarters in a very extensive and magnificent garden,
+which contained a number of large handsome buildings, and many admirable
+conveniencies fit for the residence of a great prince; but our soldiers
+had not then time to examine all its beauties, as it was more than a
+quarter of a league in length. I was not in this expedition, being
+confined under cure of a bad wound in my throat, which I received by a
+lance in the affair at Iztapalapa, and of which I still carry the marks;
+but I saw this fine garden about twenty days afterwards, when I
+accompanied Cortes to this place. Not being on this expedition, I do not
+in my narrative say _we_ and _us_ on this occasion, but _they_ and _them_;
+yet every thing I relate is perfectly true, as all the transactions of
+every enterprize were regularly reported at headquarters. Sandoval now
+summoned all the neighbouring districts to submit, but to little purpose,
+as the people of Acapistlan or Jacapichtla answered by a defiance. This
+gave much uneasiness to our allies of Chalco, as they were assured the
+Mexicans would immediately attack them again on the Spaniards returning to
+Tezcuco. Sandoval was rather averse from engaging in any new enterprize,
+as a great number of his men were wounded, and the soldiers of Narvaez
+disliked risks of every kind; but our allies of Chalco were anxious to
+reduce that place, and were strongly supported in this opinion by Luis
+Marin, a wise and valiant officer; and as the distance was only two
+leagues, Sandoval acquiesced. On his advance, the enemy assailed him with
+their missile weapons, and then retired to their strong post in the town.
+Our allies were not very much disposed to attack the works, in which the
+Spaniards shewed them the way, some even of the cavalry dismounting to
+fight on foot, and leaving the rest in the plain to protect the rear. Our
+people at length carried the place, but had a good many wounded in the
+assault, even Sandoval himself. Though our allies were rather tardy in the
+assault, they made up for it after the place was carried, saving the
+Spaniards the trouble of putting the enemy to death; and indeed we often
+blamed the ferocious cruelty of our allies, from whom we saved many of our
+Indian enemies. At this time indeed, our countrymen thought themselves
+better employed in searching for gold and taking good female prisoners,
+than in butchering a parcel of poor wretches who no longer attempted any
+defence.
+
+Sandoval returned to Tezcuco with many slaves and considerable plunder,
+and just as he arrived at head-quarters, even before he had time to make a
+report to Cortes of the success of his late expedition, an express arrived
+from Chalco with information that they were in a more perilous situation
+than before. Guatimotzin was enraged at the defection of the inhabitants
+of Chalco, and determined to inflict upon them the most exemplary
+chastisement. For this purpose, he sent a force of 20,000 Mexican warriors
+across the lake in 2000 canoes, with orders to lay waste the whole
+district with fire and sword. On the communication of this intelligence to
+Cortes, he was exceedingly enraged at Sandoval, believing that this had
+been occasioned by his negligence, and he gave him orders to return
+instantly to the defence of Chalco, refusing even to hear his relation of
+what he had already done. Sandoval was much hurt at this treatment, yet
+went back to Chalco with all possible expedition; but found the business
+over before his arrival, as the inhabitants of that province, having
+summoned their neighbours to their aid, had already repelled the Mexican
+invasion, and Sandoval had only to return to head-quarters with the
+prisoners.
+
+At this period a proclamation was issued, by which all the soldiers were
+ordered to bring in the Indian prisoners to be branded, and to pay for
+them the royal dues. I have already mentioned the treatment we formerly
+met with at Tepeaca on a similar occasion, but we were worse used now at
+Tezcuco if possible. In the first place a fifth was taken away for the
+king; then another fifth for Cortes; and, what was still worse, most of
+the good female slaves were abstracted during the night. We had been
+promised that all the slaves should be rated according to their value; but
+the officers of the crown valued them as they thought proper, and at a
+most exorbitant rate. In consequence of this, the poor soldiers for the
+future passed their slaves as servants, denying that they were prisoners
+of war, to avoid the heavy duty; and such as were in favour with Cortes,
+often got their slaves marked privately, paying him the composition. Many
+of the slaves who happened to fall to bad masters, or such as had a bad
+reputation, used to run away; but their owners always remained debtors for
+their estimated value in the royal books, so that many were more in debt
+on this account than all the value of their share in the prize gold could
+pay for. About this time likewise, a ship arrived at Villa Rica from Spain
+with arms and gunpowder, in which came Julian de Alderete, who was sent
+out as royal treasurer. In the same vessel came the elder Orduna, who
+brought out five daughters after the conquest, all of whom were honourably
+married. Fra Melgarejo de Urrea, also, a Franciscan friar, came in this
+vessel, bringing a number of papal bulls, to quiet our consciences from
+any guilt we might have incurred during our warfare: He made a fortune of
+these in a few months, and returned to Spain. Several other persons came
+by this vessel, among whom were, Antonio Caravajal, who still lives in
+Mexico, though now very old; Geronimo Ruyz de la Mora; one Briones who was
+hanged about four years afterwards for sedition at Guatimala; and Alonzo
+Diaz, who now resides in Valladolid. We learned by this ship, with
+infinite satisfaction, that the bishop of Burgos had been deprived of all
+power over the affairs of the West Indies, as his majesty had been much
+displeased with his conduct in regard to our expedition, after having
+received a true account of our eminent services.
+
+Scarcely were we apprised of the success of the inhabitants of Chalco and
+their confederates, when a new urgent message arrived from Chalco for
+assistance against a fresh invasion of the Mexicans. The brigantines
+intended for securing the command of the lake were now ready to launch,
+and we were all anxious to commence the siege of Mexico, yet Cortes was
+sensible of the importance of Chalco to the success of our ultimate
+operations, and determined to march in person to its support. Leaving the
+command in Tezcuco to Sandoval, Cortes marched for Chalco on Friday the
+5th of April 1521, at the head of 300 infantry, including twenty
+crossbow-men, and fifteen musketeers, with thirty cavalry, and a large
+body of the auxiliaries of Tezcuco and Tlascala, meaning to clear the
+district of Chalco and the environs of the lake from the Mexicans. In this
+expedition, our general was accompanied by the treasurer Alderete,
+Melgarejo the Franciscan friar, with the captains Alvarado de Oli, and
+Tapia, and I also was on this expedition. We halted during the first night
+at Tlalmanalco, and reached Chalco next day, when Cortes convened all the
+chiefs of that state, to whom he communicated his intention of proceeding
+very soon to attack Mexico, in which they engaged to give him all the
+assistance in their power. We continued our march next day to Chimalhuecan
+or Chimalacoan, a town in the province of Chalco, where above twenty
+thousand warriors had assembled to join us, belonging to our allies of
+Chalco, Guaxocingo, Tlascala, Tezcuco, and other places, being the largest
+body of our allies that I had hitherto seen together. These were attracted
+by the hope of plunder, and by a voracious appetite for human flesh, just
+as the vultures and other birds of prey follow our armies in Italy, in
+order to feast on dead bodies after a battle.
+
+At this place we were informed that the Mexican forces, and their allies
+or subjects in that neighbourhood, were in the field to oppose us. Cortes
+therefore issued orders to the army to be always ready for action at a
+moments warning, and we proceeded on our march next morning early, after
+hearing mass, our route lying between two ridges of rocks, the summits of
+which were fortified and filled with large bodies of the enemy[9], who
+endeavoured by outcries and reproaches to incite us to attack them. But we
+pursued our march to Guaztepeque or Huaxtepec, a large town on the
+southern declivity of the mountains, which we found abandoned. Beyond this
+place we came to a plain in which water was very scarce, on one side of
+which was a lofty rock having a fortress on the summit which was filled
+with troops, who saluted us on our approach with showers of arrows and
+stones, by which three of our soldiers were wounded at the first discharge.
+Cortes ordered us to halt, and sent a party of cavalry to reconnoitre the
+rock, who reported on their return that the side where we then were seemed
+the most accessible. We were then ordered to the attack, Corral preceding
+us with the colours, and Cortes remained on the plain with our cavalry to
+protect the rear. On ascending the mountain, the Indians threw down great
+fragments of rock, which rolled among us and rebounded over our heads in a
+most frightful manner, so that it was wonderful how any of us escaped.
+This was a most injudicious attack, and very unlike the usual prudence of
+our general. One soldier, named Martin Valenciano, though defended by a
+helmet, was killed at my side. As we continued to ascend, three more
+soldiers, Gaspar Sanches, one named Bravo, and Alonzo Rodriguez, were
+slain, and two others knocked down, most of the rest being wounded, yet we
+continued to ascend. I was then young and active, and followed close
+behind our ensign, taking advantage of any hollows in the rock for shelter.
+Corral was wounded in the head, having his face all covered with blood,
+and the colours he bore were all torn to rags. "Senor Diaz," said he to me,
+"let us remain under cover, for it is impossible to advance, and it is all
+I can do to keep my hold." On looking down, I noticed Pedro Barba the
+captain of our crossbows climbing up with two soldiers, and taking
+advantage as we had done of the concavities of the rock. I called to him
+not to advance, as it was impossible to climb much farther, and utterly
+out of our power to gain the summit. He replied in lofty terms, to keep
+silence and proceed; on which I exerted myself and got a good way higher,
+saying we should see what he would do. At this moment a shower of large
+fragments of rocks came tumbling down, by which one of the soldiers along
+with Barba was crushed to death, after which he did not stir a step
+higher. Corral now called out to those below, desiring them to report to
+the general that it was utterly impossible to advance, and that even
+retreat was infinitely dangerous. On learning this, and being informed
+that most of us were wounded and many killed, as he could not see us on
+account of the inequalities of the rock, Cortes recalled us by signal, and
+we came back in a very bloody and bruised condition, eight of our party
+having been slain. Three even of the cavalry were killed on the plain and
+seven wounded, by the masses of rock, which rebounded to a great distance
+after their descent from so great a height.
+
+Numerous bodies of Mexicans were lying in wait for us, intending to have
+attacked us while engaged in the ascent, and now advanced towards us in
+the plain; but we soon drove them before us, on which they took shelter
+among some other rocky ridges. We pursued them through some narrow passes
+among the rocks, and found they had taken shelter in another very strong
+fortress, similar to that from which we had been repulsed. We desisted for
+the present, and returned to our former post in search of water, our men
+and horses having been unable to procure any during the whole of this day.
+We found some appearance of springs at the foot of the rock, but they had
+been drawn dry by the great numbers of the enemy, and nothing remained but
+mud. Being under the necessity of endeavouring to procure water, we
+returned again to the second fortress, which was about a league and a half
+from the first, where we found a small village with a grove of mulberry
+trees, in which we discovered a very scanty spring. The people above
+discharged their missile weapons on our approach, seeming to be much more
+numerous than in the former place, and they were so situated that no shot
+from us could reach them. For some way up the rock, there were evident
+paths, but it seemed to present insurmountable difficulties against any
+attack. Fortunately for us there was another rock which commanded that on
+which the enemy were posted, and within shot, to which all our fire-arms
+and crossbows were detached, and the rest of our infantry proceeded to
+climb up the garrisoned rock slowly and with infinite difficulty. The
+enemy might easily have destroyed us by rolling down fragments of rocks on
+our heads, but their attention was called off from their main defence by
+our missiles, though rather at too great distance to produce much effect;
+yet having killed several of the enemy, they lost heart and offered to
+submit. On this, Cortes ordered five of their chiefs to come down, and
+offered to pardon them for their hostile resistance, on condition that
+they should induce those in the other fortress to surrender, which they
+accordingly engaged for. Cortes then sent the captains Xaramillo and de
+Ircio, with the ensign Corral and a party of men, among whom I was, to
+ascend the rock which had surrendered, giving us orders not to touch a
+grain of maize. I considered this as full permission to do ourselves all
+the good in our power. We found this fortress to consist of an extensive
+plain on the summit of a perpendicular rock, the entrance to which did not
+exceed twice the size of the mouth of an oven. The whole plain was full of
+men, women, and children, but they had not a drop of water. Twenty of
+their warriors had been slain by our shot, and a great many wounded. All
+their property was packed up in bales, among which there was a
+considerable quantity of tribute, which had been collected on purpose to
+be sent to Mexico. I had brought four of my Indian servants along with me,
+whom I began to load, and four of the natives whom I engaged in my service;
+but Captain De Ircio ordered me to desist, or he would report me to the
+general, putting me in mind that Cortes had forbidden us to touch a grain
+of maize. I answered that I had distinctly heard the orders about the
+maize, and for that reason I took the bales. But he would not allow me to
+carry any thing away, and reported me on our return to Cortes, expecting I
+should receive a reprimand; Cortes, however, observed that he was sorry I
+had not got the plunder, as the dogs would laugh at us and keep their
+property, after all the evil they had done us. De Ircio then proposed to
+return; but Cortes said it was not now time. The chiefs now returned from
+the other fortress, having induced its garrison to submit; and we returned
+to Huaxtepec that we might procure water. Our whole force was lodged for
+the night in the buildings belonging to the noble garden which I formerly
+mentioned, and I certainly never saw one of such beauty and magnificence.
+Our general and others who walked over all its extent, declared that it
+was most admirably disposed, and equalled the most magnificent they had
+ever seen in Spain.
+
+We marched next day towards the city of Cuernabaca or Quauhnahuac. The
+Mexicans who occupied that place came out to fight us, but were soon
+defeated and pursued to Teputztlan or Tepatlan, which we took by storm,
+and made a considerable booty of Indian women and other spoils. Cortes
+summoned the chiefs of this place to come in and submit; and on their
+refusal, and on-purpose to impress the inhabitants of other places with
+terror, he ordered about the half of this town to be set on fire. At this
+time, the chiefs of a town called Yauhtepec came to Cortes and made their
+submission. Next day, we returned to Cuernabaca, which is a large town in
+a very strong situation, being defended by a deep ravine with a small
+rivulet, which precludes all access except by two bridges, which the
+inhabitants had broken down on our approach. Cortes was informed of a ford
+about half a league above the town which was practicable for the cavalry,
+to which he marched, by which the main strength of the enemy was drawn off
+to oppose him. We of the infantry searched for means to pass the ravine,
+and at length discovered a very dangerous pass by means of some trees
+which hung over from both sides, by the help of which about thirty of us
+and a considerable number of our Tlascalan allies got across. Three fell
+into the ravine, one of whom broke his leg. It was a most terrifying
+passage, and at one time I was quite blind with giddiness. Having got over
+and formed, we fell unexpectedly on the flank and rear of the enemy, and
+being now joined by a party of the cavalry, we soon drove the enemy from
+the field into the neighbouring woods and rocks. We found considerable
+property in the town, and we were here all lodged in the buildings of a
+large garden belonging to the cacique of the district. A deputation of
+twenty of the chiefs of the Tlahuican nation now waited on Cortes,
+offering to submit their whole country to his authority, and threw all the
+blame of their hostilities on the Mexicans.
+
+The object of our next march was against Xochimilco, a large city on the
+fresh water lake of Chalco, in which most of the houses are built. As it
+was late before we left Quauhnahuac, and the weather was exceedingly
+sultry, our troops suffered excessively for want of water, which was not
+to be procured on our route. Many of our allies fainted, and one of them,
+and also one of our soldiers died of thirst. Seeing the distress of the
+army, Cortes ordered a halt in a pine forest, and sent forwards a party in
+search of relief. As I saw my friend De Oli about to set off, I took three
+of my Indian servants and followed the party, who endeavoured to persuade
+me to return; but I was resolute, and De Oli at length consented, telling
+me I should have to fight my way. At the distance of about half a league
+our cavalry came to some villages on the side of a ridge of mountains,
+where they found water in the houses, and one of my servants brought me a
+large jar full of water. Having quenched my thirst, I now determined to
+return, as the natives had taken the alarm, and were gathering to attack
+us. I found Cortes just about to resume the march, and gave him and the
+officers, who were with him a hearty draught from my jar. The whole army
+now moved forward to the villages, where a scanty supply of water was
+procured. It was now near sunset, and the cavalry came in with a report
+that the whole country had risen against us, on which account we halted
+here for the night, which was very rainy with much wind, as I well
+remember, being on the night guard. Several of our soldiers were taken ill
+here with inflammation of their mouth and throat, owing to their having
+eaten a species of artichoke to quench their thirst.
+
+We resumed our march early next morning, and arrived about eight o'clock
+at Xochimilco[10]. I can give no idea of the prodigious force of the enemy
+which was collected at this place to oppose us. They had broken down the
+bridges, and fortified themselves with many parapets and pallisades, and
+many of their chiefs were armed with the swords which we lost during our
+flight from Mexico, which they had polished very nicely. The attack at the
+bridge lasted above half an hour, several of our people getting across by
+swimming, in which attempt some were drowned, and we were assailed at once
+in front and rear and on both flanks. At length our cavalry got on firm
+ground, after losing several men, and we drove the enemy before us; but
+just at this time a fresh reinforcement of at least 10,000 Mexicans
+arrived, and received the charge of the cavalry with great intrepidity,
+and wounded four of our men. At this moment the good chesnut horse on
+which Cortes rode fell under him among a crowd of the enemy, who knocked
+him down, and great numbers gathering around were carrying him off, when a
+body of our Tlascalan allies came up to his rescue, headed by the valiant
+De Oli, and remounted him, after he had been severely wounded in the head.
+De Oli also received three desperate sword wounds from the enemy. As all
+the streets of the town were full of Mexican warriors, we had to divide
+into a number of separate bodies in order to fight them; but we who were
+nearest the place in which our general was in such danger, being alarmed
+by the uncommon noise and outcry, hurried there, where they found him and
+about fifteen of the cavalry in a very embarrassing situation, amid
+parapets and canals where the horse had no freedom to act. We immediately
+attacked the enemy, whom we forced to give ground, and brought off Cortes
+and De Oli. On first passing at the bridge, Cortes had ordered the cavalry
+to act in two divisions on purpose to clear our flanks: They returned at
+this time all wounded, and reported that the enemy were so numerous and
+desperate, that all their efforts wore unavailing to drive them away. At
+the time the cavalry came in, we were in an enclosed court, dressing our
+wounds with rags and burnt oil; and the enemy sent in such showers of
+arrows among us that hardly any escaped being wounded. We all now sallied
+out upon the enemy, both cavalry and infantry, and made considerable havoc
+among them with our swords, so that we drove them away and they gave over
+their attempt to storm our post. Having now some relaxation, Cortes
+brought our whole force to the large enclosures in which the temples were
+situated; and on some of us ascending to the top of one of the temples,
+where we had a commanding view of Mexico and the lake, we perceived about
+two thousand canoes full of troops coming to attack us. A body of ten
+thousand men were likewise seen in full march by land for the same purpose,
+and the enemy had already fully that number in and about the town. We
+learned from five chiefs whom we had made prisoners, that this immense
+force was destined to assault our quarters that night; for which reason
+strong guards were posted at all the places where the enemy were expected
+to disembark; the cavalry were held in readiness to charge upon them on
+the roads and firm ground; and constant patroles were kept going about
+during the night. I was posted along with ten other soldiers to keep guard
+at a stone and lime wall which commanded one of the landing-places, and
+while there we heard a noise occasioned by the approach of a party of the
+enemy, whom we beat off, sending a report to Cortes by one of our number.
+The enemy made a second attempt, in which they knocked down two of our men;
+but being again repulsed, they made an attempt to land at a different
+place, where there was a small gate communicating with a deep canal. The
+night was extremely dark, and as the natives were not accustomed to fight
+in the night time, their troops fell into confusion; and instead of making
+their attack in two opposite places at the same time, they formed in one
+body of at least 15,000 men.
+
+When our report reached Cortes, he came to us attended by nine or ten of
+the cavalry, and as he did not answer my challenge, I and my comrade
+Gonzalo Sanchez, a Portuguese from Algarve, fired three or four shots at
+them; on which knowing our voices, Cortes observed to his escort, that
+this post did not require to be inspected, as it was in charge of two of
+his veterans. He then observed that our post was a dangerous one, and
+continued his rounds without saying any more. I was afterwards told that
+one of the soldiers of Narvaez was whipped this very night for negligence
+on his post. As our powder was all expended, we were ordered to prepare a
+good supply of arrows for the crossbows, and were employed all the rest of
+the night in heading and feathering these, under the direction of Pedro
+Barba, who was captain of the crossbow-men. At break of day the enemy made
+a fresh attack and killed one Spaniard, but we drove them back, killing
+several of their chiefs, and took a great many prisoners. Our cavalry had
+been ordered out to charge the Mexicans, but finding them in great force,
+they sent back for assistance. The whole of our army now sallied forth and
+completely defeated the enemy, from whom we took several prisoners. From
+these men, we learned that the Mexicans intended to weary us out by
+reiterated attacks, on which account it was resolved to evacuate the place
+next day. In the mean time, having information that the town contained
+much wealth, we got some of the prisoners to point out the houses in which
+it was contained, which stood in the water of the fresh water lake, and
+could only be approached by small bridges over the canals, leading from a
+causeway. A considerable number both of our men and of the allies went to
+these houses, from which they brought away a great deal of booty in cotton
+cloth and other valuable articles, and this example was followed by others.
+While thus employed, a body of Mexicans came upon them unexpectedly in
+canoes, and besides wounding many of our men, they seized four soldiers
+alive, whom they carried off in triumph to Mexico; and from these men
+Guatimotzin learnt the smallness of our number, and the great loss we had
+sustained in killed and wounded. After questioning them as much as he
+thought proper, Guatimotzin commanded their hands and feet to be cut off,
+and sent them in this mutilated condition through many of the surrounding
+districts, as an example of the treatment he intended for us all, and then
+ordered them to be put to death.
+
+On the ensuing morning we had to sustain a fresh attack, as had regularly
+been the case during the four days we remained in Xochimilco, but which we
+now determined to quit. Before commencing our march, Cortes drew up the
+army in an open place a little way out of the town, in which the markets
+were held, where he made us a speech, in which he expatiated on the
+dangers we had to encounter in our march, and the strong bodies of the
+enemy we might expect to oppose our retreat, and then warmly urged us to
+leave all our plunder and luggage, that we might not be exposed to danger
+in its defence. We remonstrated, however, that it would be a cowardly act
+to abandon what we had so hardly won, declaring that we felt confident of
+being able to defend our persons and property against all assailants. He
+gave way, therefore, to our wishes, and arranged the order of our march,
+placing the baggage in the centre, and dividing the cavalry and crossbows
+between the van and rear guards, as our musketry was now useless for want
+of powder. The enemy harassed us by continual assaults all the way from
+Xochimilco to Cuyocan, or Cojohuacan, a city on the borders of the lake,
+near one of the causeways leading to Mexico, which we found abandoned, and
+where we took up our quarters for two days, taking care of our wounds, and
+making arrows for our crossbows. The enemy which had especially obstructed
+us on this march, consisted of the inhabitants of Xochimilco, Cuyocan,
+Huitzilopochco, Iztapalapa, Mizquic, and five other towns, all of
+considerable size, and built on the edge of the lake, near one another,
+and not far from Mexico. On the third morning we marched for Tlacopan or
+Tacuba, harassed as usual by the enemy, but our cavalry soon forced them
+to retire to their canals and ditches. During this march, Cortes attempted
+to lay an ambush for the enemy, for which purpose he set out with ten
+horsemen and four servants, but had nearly fallen into a snare himself.
+Having encountered a party a Mexicans who fled before him, he pursued them
+too far, and was suddenly surrounded by a large body of warriors, who
+started out from an ambuscade, and wounded all the horses in the first
+attack, carrying off two of the attendants of Cortes to be sacrificed at
+Mexico, the rest of the party escaping with considerable difficulty. Our
+main body reached Tacuba in safety, with all the baggage; but as Cortes
+and his party did not appear, we began to entertain suspicions of some
+misfortune having befallen him. On this account, Alvarado, De Oli, Tapia,
+and I, with some others, went to look for him in the direction in which we
+had last seen him. We soon met two of his servants, who informed us of
+what had happened, and were shortly afterwards joined by Cortes, who
+appeared extremely sad, and even shed tears.
+
+When we arrived at our quarters in Tacuba, which were in some large
+enclosed courts, it rained very heavily, and we were obliged to remain
+exposed for about two hours. On the weather clearing up, the general and
+his officers, with many of the men who were off duty, went up to the top
+of the great temple of Tacuba, whence we had a most delightful prospect of
+the lake, with all its numerous cities and towns, rising as it were out of
+the water. Innumerable canoes were seen in all directions, some employed
+in fishing, and others passing with provisions or merchandize of all kinds.
+We all gave praise to God, who had been pleased to render us the
+instruments for bringing the numerous inhabitants of so fine a country to
+the knowledge of his holy name; yet the bloody scenes which we had already
+experienced in Mexico, filled us with melancholy for the past, and even
+with some apprehension for the future. These recollections made Cortes
+exceedingly sad, regretting the many valiant soldiers he had already lost,
+and the brave men whom he might still expect to fall before he could be
+able to reduce the great, strong, and populous city of Mexico to
+submission[11]. Our reverend Father Olmedo, endeavoured to console him,
+and one of our soldiers observed, that such was the fortune of war, and
+that our general was in a very different situation from Nero, when he
+contemplated his capital on fire. Cortes replied, that he felt melancholy
+while reflecting on the fatigues and dangers we should still have to pass
+through; but that he should soon take effectual measures for bringing the
+great object in view to a speedy conclusion. Having no particular purpose
+to serve by remaining in Tacuba, some of our officers and soldiers
+proposed to take a view of the causeway where we had suffered so severely
+on the fatal night of our flight from Mexico; but this was considered
+dangerous and imprudent. We accordingly proceeded on our march by
+Escapozalco, which was abandoned by the enemy on our approach, to
+Terajoccan, which was also deserted, and thence to Coatitlan or Guatitlan,
+where we arrived excessively fatigued, as it never ceased raining during
+the whole of that day. We took up our quarters in that place for the night,
+which was excessively rainy; and, though the enemy gave us some alarms
+during the night, I can testify that no proper watch was kept, owing to
+the inclemency of the weather, as my post was not visited either by rounds
+or corporal. From Coatitlan, we continued our march by a deep miry road,
+through four or five other towns, all abandoned, and arrived in two days
+at Aculman or Oculman, in the territory of Tezcuco, where we received the
+pleasing intelligence that a reinforcement had arrived to us from Spain.
+Next day we proceeded to Tezcuco, where we arrived worn out with wounds
+and fatigue, and even diminished in our numbers.
+
+Soon after our return to Tezcuco, a conspiracy was formed for the
+assassination of our general, at the head of which was one Antonio de
+Villafana, an adherent of Velasquez, and some of the other soldiers who
+had come over with Narvaez, but whose names I do not choose to mention,
+and the conspirators had even communicated their plan to two principal
+officers, whom I will not name, one of whom was to have been appointed
+captain-general on the death of Cortes. They had even arranged matters for
+the appointment of alguazil-major, alcaldes, regidor, contador, treasurer,
+veedor, and others of that kind, and of captains and standard-bearer to
+the army, all from among the soldiers of Narvaez. All the principal
+adherents of Cortes were to have been put to death, and the conspirators
+were to have divided our properties, arms, and horses, among themselves.
+This business was revealed to Cortes, only two days after our return to
+Tezcuco, by the repentance of one of the conspirators, whom he amply
+rewarded. The general immediately communicated the intelligence to
+Alvarado, De Oli, Sandoval, Tapia, Luis Marin, and Pedro de Ircio, who
+were the two alcaldes for the time, also to me, and to all in whom he
+reposed confidence. We all accompanied Cortes, well armed, to the quarters
+of Villafana, where he found him and many others of the conspirators, and
+took him immediately into custody. The others endeavoured to escape, but
+were all detained and sent to prison. Cortes took a paper from the bosom
+of Villafana, having the signatures of all his accomplices; but which he
+afterwards pretended that Villafana had swallowed, to set the minds of the
+conspirators at rest, as they were too numerous to be all punished in the
+present weak state of our army. Villafana was immediately tried, and made
+a full confession; and his guilt being likewise clearly established by
+many witnesses, the judges, who were Cortes, the two alcaldes, and De Oli,
+condemned him to die. Having confessed himself to the reverend Juan Diaz,
+he was hanged from a window of the apartment. No more of the conspirators
+were proceeded against; but Cortes thought it prudent to appoint a body
+guard for his future security, selected from among those who had been with
+him from the first, of which Antonio de Quinones was made captain.
+
+At this period an order was issued for bringing in all our prisoners to
+be marked, being the third time since we came to the country. If that
+operation were unjustly conducted the first time, it was worse the second,
+and this time worse than ever; for besides the two fifths for the king and
+Cortes, no less than thirty draughts were made for the captains; besides
+which, all the handsome females we had given in to be marked, were stolen
+away, and concealed till it became convenient to produce them.
+
+As the brigantines were entirely finished, and the canal for their passage
+into the lake was now sufficiently wide and deep for that purpose, Cortes
+issued orders to all the districts in our alliance, near Tezcuco, to send
+him, in the course of ten days, 8000 arrow-shafts from each district, made
+of a particular wood, and as many copper heads. Within the appointed time,
+the whole number required was brought to head-quarters, all executed
+better than even the patterns. Captain Pedro Barba, who commanded the
+crossbows, ordered each of his soldiers to provide two cords and nuts, and
+to try the range of their bows. Cortes ordered all the cavalry to have
+their lances new-headed, and to exercise their horses daily. He sent
+likewise an express to the elder Xicotencatl at Tlascala, otherwise called
+Don Lorenzo de Vargas, to send 20,000 of the warriors of Tlascala,
+Huixotzinco and Cholula; and he sent similar orders to Chalco and
+Tlalmanalco; ordering all our allies to rendezvous at Tezcuco on the day
+after the festival of the Holy Ghost, 28th April 1521. And on that day,
+Don Hernandez Ixtlilxochitl of Tezcuco, was to join us with all his forces.
+Some considerable reinforcements of soldiers, horses, arms, and ammunition
+had arrived from Spain and other places, so that when mustered mustered on
+the before-mentioned day by Cortes, in the large enclosures of Tezcuco,
+our Spanish force amounted to the following number: 84 cavalry, 650
+infantry, armed with sword and buckler, or pikes, and 194 musketeers and
+crossbow-men, in all 928 Spaniards. From this number he selected 12
+musketeers or crossbow-men, and 12 of the other infantry, for rowers to
+each of the vessels, in all 312 men, appointing a captain to each vessel;
+and he distributed 20 cannoneers through the fleet, which he armed with
+such guns as we had that were fit for this service. Many of our men had
+been formerly sailors, yet all were extremely averse from acting as rowers
+on the present occasion; for which reason the general made inquiry as to
+those who were natives of sea-ports, or who had formerly been fishers or
+seafaring men, all of whom he ordered to the oars; and though some of them
+pled their gentility as an exemption, he would hear of no excuse. By these
+means he obtained 150 men for this service, who were in fact in a much
+better situation than we who bore the brunt and danger of the war on land,
+as will appear in the sequel. When all this was arranged, and the crews
+embarked along with their commanders, each brigantine hoisted a royal
+standard, and every one a distinguishing flag. Cortes likewise gave the
+captains written instructions for their guidance, dividing them into
+squadrons, each of which was to co-operate with a particular leader of the
+land forces.
+
+Cortes now issued the following general orders to the army: 1. No person
+to blaspheme the Lord Jesus, his Virgin Mother, the Holy Apostles, or any
+of the Saints, under heavy penalties. 2. No soldier to maltreat any of our
+allies in their persons or properties. 3. No soldier to be absent from
+quarters on any pretence. 4. Every soldier to keep his arms, both
+offensive and defensive, in the best order. 5. No soldier to stake his
+horse or arms in gaming. 6. No soldier to sleep out of his armour, or
+without his arms beside him, except when disabled by wounds or sickness.
+Lastly, the penalty of death was denounced for sleeping on guard, for a
+sentinel quitting his post, for absence from quarters without leave, for
+quitting the ranks in the field, or for flight in battle.
+
+At this time our allies of Tlascala arrived under the command of
+Xicotencatl the younger, who was accompanied by his two brothers. Some of
+the warriors of Huexotzinco and Cholula came along with the Tlascalans,
+but not in any great numbers[12], yet the alacrity of our allies was such
+that they joined us a day previous to that which was appointed by Cortes.
+They marched in with great military parade, each of the chiefs carrying a
+standard with their national device, a white spread eagle, and they were
+all in high spirits, shouting out, Castilla! Castilla! Tlascala! Tlascala!
+From the arrival of their van, till the rear came in, took up three hours.
+Cortes received them with great courtesy, promising to make them all rich
+on their return to their native country, and dismissed them with many
+compliments to their respective quarters.
+
+Cortes made the following arrangement of our land army for the investment
+of Mexico, distributing our forces in three separate divisions, under the
+respective commands of Alvarado, De Oli, and Sandoval, reserving to
+himself to act where his presence might be most necessary, and taking in
+the mean time the command of the fleet. Pedro de Alvarado, under whom I
+served, had 150 infantry, 30 cavalry, 18 musketeers and crossbow-men, and
+8000 Tlascalans, and was ordered to take post at Tacuba, having three
+captains under his command, his brother Jorge de Alvarado, Pedro
+Guttierrez, and Andres de Monjara, having each a company of 50 infantry,
+with a third of the musketeers and crossbow-men, the cavalry being
+commanded by Alvarado in person.--Christoval de Oli commanded the second
+division, having under him Andres de Tapia, Francisco Verdugo, and
+Francisco de Lugo, with 175 infantry, 30 cavalry, 20 musketeers and
+crossbows, and 8000 of our Indian allies. This division was ordered to
+take post at Cuyoacan or Cojohuacan.--The third division, under the
+command of Gonzalo de Sandoval, who had under him captains Luis Marin and
+Pedro de Ircio, consisted of 150 infantry, 24 cavalry, 14 musketeers and
+crossbows, and above 8000 Indian warriors, was to take post at Iztapalapa.
+The division of Alvarado and De Oli were ordered to march from Tezcuco by
+the right, going round the northern side of the lake, and the third, under
+Sandoval, by the left, to the south end of the lake; and his march being
+much shorter, he was ordered to remain in Tezcuco until Cortes should sail
+out with the fleet[13].
+
+Before setting out on their march, Alvarado and De Oli directed our Indian
+allies to go on a day before us, that we might not be interrupted by their
+numbers, and ordered them to wait for us when they reached the Mexican
+territory. While on their march, Chichimecatl remarked that Xicotencatl,
+the commander in chief of the Tlascalans was absent; and it was found that
+he had secretly gone off from Tezcuco for Tlascala on the preceding night,
+in order to take possession of the territory and property of Chichimecatl,
+thinking this a good opportunity during the absence of that chief and his
+warriors, and being in no apprehension of any opposition, now that
+Maxicatzin was dead. Chichimecatl returned immediately to Tezcuco, to
+inform Cortes of what had taken place; and our general sent five chiefs of
+Tezcuco and two Tlascalan chiefs, to request Xicotencatl to return. He
+answered, that if his old father and Maxicatzin had listened to him, they
+would not have been now domineered over by Cortes and the Spaniards, and
+absolutely refused to go back. On this haughty answer being reported to
+Cortes, he immediately sent off an alguazil with four horsemen and five
+Tezcucan chiefs, ordering them to seize and hang Xicotencatl wherever they
+could find him. Alvarado interceded strongly for his pardon, but
+ineffectually; for though Cortes seemed to relent, the party who arrested
+Xicotencatl in a town subject to Tezcuco, hung him up by private orders
+from Cortes, and some reported that this was done with the approbation of
+the elder Xicotencatl, father to the Tlascalan general. This affair
+detained us a whole day, and on the next the two divisions of Alvarado and
+De Oli marched by the same route, halting for the night at Aculma or
+Alcolman, a town belonging to the state of Tezcuco, where a very ruinous
+quarrel was near taking place between our two commanders and their
+divisions. De Oli had sent some persons before to take quarters for his
+troops, and had appropriated every house in the place for his men, marking
+them by setting up green boughs on the terraces; so that when Alvarado
+arrived with his division, we had not a single house for us to lodge in.
+Our soldiers were much irritated at this circumstance, and stood
+immediately to their arms to fight with those of De Oli, and the two
+commanders even challenged each other; but several of the more prudent of
+the officers on both sides interposed, and a reconciliation was effected,
+yet Alvarado and De Oli were never afterwards good friends. An express was
+sent off immediately to apprize Cortes of this misunderstanding, who wrote
+to all the people of any influence in the two divisions, greatly
+condemning the circumstances of this disagreement, which might have
+produced fatal consequences to our whole army, and earnestly recommended a
+reconcilement. We continued our march for two days more, by several
+Mexican cities, which were abandoned by their inhabitants; and passing
+through Coatitlan, Tenajoccan and Itzcapuzalco, where our allies waited
+for us, we proceeded for Tacuba, otherwise called Tlacopan.
+
+
+[1] According to Clavigero, II. 135, the Spanish force at this time
+    amounted to forty cavalry, divided into four troops, and 550 infantry,
+    in nine companies: But he swells the auxiliary force of the Tlascalans
+    to 110,000 men.--E.
+
+[2] In the very imperfect maps of Diaz and Clavigero, Tezcuco is placed
+    near the mouth of a rivulet which discharges itself into the lake of
+    Mexico: In the former, the buildings are represented as extending two
+    miles and a half along the rivulet, and coming close to the edge of
+    the lake; but the map of Clavigero has no scale. In the map given by
+    Humboldt, Tezcuco is placed on a rising ground, near two miles from
+    the edge of the lake. But the lake has since the time of Cortes been
+    much diminished in extent by a grand drain, insomuch that Mexico,
+    formerly insulated, is now a mile and a half from the lake.--E.
+
+[3] On this occasion Diaz mentions the inhabitants of Chalco, Tlalmalanco,
+    Mecameca, and Chimaloacan, as the allies of the Spaniards; but these
+    states do not appear to have submitted to the Spaniards till
+    afterwards. Cortes employed the interval, from his arrival at Tezcuco
+    in the end of December 1520, to the investment of Mexico, at the end
+    of May 1521, five months, in detaching a great number of the native
+    states from their dependence upon Mexico.--E.
+
+[4] From the circumstance of the gold, it is probable Yuste and his
+    companions had been slain on their retreat from Mexico, not on their
+    way there as stated in the text. From this and other similar incidents,
+    of parties of Spaniards having been slain in different places after
+    the retreat from Mexico, it is highly probable that several detached
+    parties made their escape, who missed forming a junction with Cortes.
+    He, it will be recollected, made a detour round the west and south
+    sides of the lake; and it is probable that they had turned to the east,
+    as the nearest and most direct way to Tlascala and Villa Rica.--E.
+
+[5] Clavigero, II. 146, exaggerates the armed escort to 30,000 Tlascalan
+    warriors, commanded by three chiefs, Chichimecatl, Ayotecatl, and
+    Teotlipil. Diaz calls the two last, Teuleticle and Teatical; but
+    though his facts are fully more to be depended upon, Clavigero may be
+    accounted better versant in Mexican orthography.--E.
+
+[6] Clavigero, II. 146, quotes Diaz as saying that it extended six miles
+    from front to rear. This may very likely have been the case, but Diaz
+    nowhere specifies the length of the line.--E.
+
+[7] Clavigero says, 350 Spanish infantry, 25 horsemen, and 30,000
+    Tlascalans, with six small cannon.--E.
+
+[8] Clavigero, II. 147, says that Cortes endeavoured at this time, but in
+    vain, to come to an amicable agreement with the court of Mexico.--E.
+
+[9] In this expedition Cortes appears, by the information of Clavigero,
+    II. 152, to have crossed the southern mountains of the Mexican vale,
+    and to have reduced Huastepec, Jautepec, Quauhnahuac, and other towns
+    belonging to the Tlahuicas, who were subject to the Mexican empire;
+    thus judiciously using his endeavours to strengthen his own party and
+    to weaken that of the Mexicans, before proceeding to assail the
+    capital of that powerful empire.--E.
+
+[10] This beautiful city was the largest in the vale of Mexico, after the
+    capital and the royal residences of Tezcuco and Tlacopan, and was
+    famous for its floating gardens, whence it derived its name,
+    signifying flower gardens in the Mexican language.--Clavig. II. 155.
+
+[11] Diaz mentions a poem circulated at the time, as beginning in
+    reference to the melancholy of Cortes on this occasion, somewhat in the
+    following strain:
+
+      In Tacuba was Cortes, with many a gallant chief;
+      He thought upon his losses, and bow'd his head with grief.
+
+[12] Clavigero, II. 159, carries the number of allies which joined Cortes
+    on this occasion, to more than 200,000 men. In his enumeration of the
+    several divisions of the army appointed for the investment of Mexico,
+    Diaz makes the Indian allies very little more than 24,000 warriors.--E.
+
+[13] Diaz mentions, that about this time intelligence came to Tezcuco,
+    that three of our soldiers who had been left by Pizarro to search for
+    mines in the country of the Zapotecas had been put to death by the
+    Mexicans, one only, named Barrientos, having escaped to Chinantla,
+    where he was protected by the natives.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII.
+
+_Narrative of Occurrences from the commencement of the Siege of Mexico to
+its Reduction, and the Capture of Guatimotzin_.
+
+
+Having thus, by the occupation of Tacuba, commenced the investment of the
+great and populous city of Mexico, we soon found the enemy around us in
+great numbers; and as the first operation, it was determined on the
+following day, that our divisions should march to Chapoltepec to destroy
+the aqueduct at that place, by which the city of Mexico was supplied with
+fresh water. We set out accordingly with our allies, and although the
+enemy attacked us on our march, we repelled them and succeeded in our
+object of cutting off the pipes, so that from that time the city of Mexico
+was deprived of fresh water. It was now determined to endeavour to
+penetrate to the city of Mexico by the causeway of Tacuba, or at least to
+attempt getting possession of the first bridge on that causeway; but on
+our arrival there, the prodigious number of boats which covered the water
+on both sides, and the multitude of Mexican troops which thronged the
+causeway to oppose us, was perfectly astonishing. By the first flight of
+arrows which they discharged against us, three of our men were slain and
+thirty wounded; yet we advanced to the bridge, the enemy retiring before
+us, as if by a concerted stratagem, so that we were exposed on both flanks,
+on a narrow road only twenty feet wide, as a butt for the innumerable
+arrows of the Mexicans in the canoes, and neither our musquetry nor
+crossbows were of any avail against the people in the canoes, as they were
+effectually protected by high wooden screens. The horses of our cavalry
+were all wounded, and when at any time they made a charge upon the enemy,
+they were almost immediately stopt by barriers and parapets which the
+enemy had drawn across the causeway for the purpose, and from whence they
+defended themselves with long lances. Likewise, when the infantry advanced
+along the causeway, instead of abiding our attack, the enemy threw
+themselves into the water and escaped by swimming or into their canoes,
+returning incessantly to the attack. We were thus engaged for more than an
+hour to no useful purpose, the enemy continually increasing in number, by
+reinforcements from every part of the lake; and our allies, instead of
+being serviceable, only encumbered the causeway and hindered our movements.
+Finding that we were unable any longer to resist the multitude of enemies
+who assailed us perpetually from the water, and almost with entire
+impunity, we determined to retreat to our quarters in Tacuba, having eight
+of our men slain and above fifty wounded, and were closely followed up and
+much harassed by the enemy during our retreat. De Oli laid the blame of
+the disaster of this day on the rashness of Alvarado.
+
+Next day[1], though we were all extremely solicitous for the two captains
+to remain together, De Oli proceeded with his division to take possession
+of Cojohuacan, according to the orders he had received from Cortes; but
+this separation was assuredly extremely ill judged; as, if the enemy had
+known the smallness of our numbers at the two stations, they might have
+fallen upon and destroyed us separately, during the four or five days that
+we remained divided before the arrival of Cortes with the brigantines. In
+all that time we never ventured to make any more attempts against the
+Mexican causeways, but the enemy frequently sent bodies of their troops to
+the main land to make attacks on our quarters, on which occasions we
+always drove them away.
+
+Sandoval with his division did not leave Tezcuco until the fourth day
+after the feast of Corpus Christi[2], when he marched through a friendly
+country by the south side of the lake, and arrived without interruption in
+front of Iztapalapa. Immediately on his arrival, he commenced an attack on
+the enemy, and burnt many of the houses in that part of the town which
+stood on the firm land; but fresh bodies of Mexican warriors came over in
+canoes and by the causeway of Iztapalapa to relieve their friends in the
+town, and made a determined resistance against Sandoval. While the
+engagement was going on, a smoke was observed to arise from a hill above
+the town, which was answered by similar signals at many other points
+around the lake, which were afterwards found to have been made to apprize
+the enemy of the appearance of our flotilla on the lake. On this, the
+efforts of the enemy against Sandoval were much relaxed, as their canoes
+and warriors were recalled to oppose our naval force; and Sandoval was
+thus enabled to take up his quarters in a part of the town of Iztapalapa;
+between which and Cojohuacan the only means of communication was by a
+causeway or mound dividing the lake of Chalco from that of Mexico or
+Tezcuco, which passage was at that time impracticable in the face of the
+enemy.
+
+"Before proceeding to the narrative of the siege of Mexico, it may be
+proper to give some account of the situation of the city of Mexico, and
+the mounds or causeways by which it communicated with the land at the
+several posts which were occupied by Cortes for its investment[3]. The
+city of Mexico was built partly on an island and partly in the water, at
+the west side of a considerable salt lake, named sometimes the lake of
+Tezcuco, and sometimes the lake of Mexico, and appears to have been about
+a mile from the firm land. It communicated with the land by three mounds
+or causeways; that of Tepejacac on the north, about three miles long,
+measuring from the great temple in centre of Mexico; that usually called
+of Iztapalapa on the south, nearly five miles in length; and that of
+Tacuba or Tlacopan on the west, about two miles long, likewise measuring
+from the temple; but at least a mile may be abstracted from each of these
+measurements, on account of the extent of the city from the great temple
+to the commencement of the causeways. About the middle of the southern
+causeway called that of Iztapalapa, another causeway branched off
+obliquely to the south-east, to the town of Cojohuacan; and at the place
+where these two causeways united stood the town of Xoloc, partly on the
+sides of the causeways, but chiefly in the water intersected by canals and
+ditches. Besides these three grand causeways for communicating with the
+land, there was a smaller mound about two miles south from the causeway of
+Tacuba, from a town named Chapoltepec, along which the aqueduct, or pipes,
+for supplying Mexico with fresh water was carried; but this appears to
+have been too narrow for allowing any passage, at least the Spaniards do
+not seem to have availed themselves of it, in their long and arduous
+endeavours to force their way into Mexico. Near the south-west angle of
+the salt lake of Mexico, it communicated by a narrow neck or strait with
+the fresh water lake of Chalco; and at their junction a mound or causeway
+had been constructed across, to prevent the admixture of the salt and
+fresh lakes, having a town called Mexicaltzinco at the eastern extremity
+of this mound. Iztapalapa stood in the western end of the peninsula,
+between the lakes of Mexico and Chalco, but on the borders and in the
+waters of the former. The whole fertile vale of Mexico or Anahuac, around
+these two lakes, and some others to the north of the great lake, was
+thickly planted with cities, towns, and villages, and highly cultivated,
+containing and giving subsistence to a prodigious population. The extent
+of this extraordinary valley, elevated nearly 8000 feet above the level of
+the sea, is about 50 miles from north to south, and forty miles from east
+to west; being surrounded on every side by ridges of lofty mountains, some
+of them perpetually covered with snow, and rising to about 10,000 feet in
+perpendicular elevation above the ocean."
+
+When Cortes brought out his fleet of brigantines upon the lake, he went in
+the first place to attack an insular rock close beside Mexico, on which a
+vast number of the inhabitants of that city and other places in the
+neighbourhood had taken shelter. Immediately on perceiving his intentions,
+their whole force collected from every part of the lake, and proceeded
+against him in not less than 4000 large canoes full of warriors. On
+perceiving this immense number of boats coming to attack him, Cortes
+withdrew with his brigantines into an open part of the lake, ordering his
+captains to wait patiently for a breeze of wind which then began to blow.
+As the enemy supposed that this movement proceeded from fear, they
+immediately closed up around the flotilla with shouts of triumph. The wind
+now sprung up, and the whole fleet made sail through the throng of canoes,
+plying their oars at the same time, and run down and overset great numbers
+of the Mexican canoes, compelling all the rest to fly for shelter to the
+recesses and shallows on the borders of the lake. After this, Cortes made
+sail to Cojohuacan[4], where he was again attacked by the Mexicans, both
+by means of their canoes on the water, and from their temples on the land:
+But Cortes brought four guns to bear upon them, by which he did
+considerable execution. During this action his powder magazine blew up,
+owing to some mismanagement of the gunners, by which many of his people
+were wounded. This unfortunate accident obliged him to detach his smallest
+brigantine to Sandoval for a supply of ammunition. He remained at
+Cojohuacan for two days with the flotilla, repairing the injury his ship
+had sustained from the explosion.
+
+When we were assured that the flotilla was out upon the lake, Alvarado
+marched out with our division to the causeway of Tacuba, as far as the
+bridge, in which we were constantly engaged with the enemy to very little
+purpose, except that we repaired the passes in our rear as we advanced,
+and did not now suffer the cavalry to come upon the causeway, as we had
+found by experience that they were of very little service, and besides
+that their horses were exposed to much danger. Finding that he could not
+sufficiently annoy the enemy in his present post at Iztapalapa, where the
+Mexicans had possession of the houses which were built in the water,
+Sandoval advanced by a causeway to a more commanding situation[5]. When
+this was noticed from Mexico, a large detachment of warriors came over in
+canoes, with orders to cut the causeway in the rear of our troops. Cortes
+observed this, and immediately made sail with his vessels to the relief of
+Sandoval, giving orders at the same time to De Oli to march a body of
+troops by the causeway for the same purpose. Having relieved Sandoval by
+these means, Cortes ordered him to remove with his division from
+Iztapalapa to Tepeaquilla or Tepejacac, where the church of our Lady of
+Guadalupe now stands, in which many wonderful miracles have been performed.
+
+As it was impossible for our troops to advance on the causeways, unless
+their flanks were secured from attacks by water, the flotilla was
+appointed to this service in three divisions, one of which was attached to
+each of the three detachments of our land force: Four brigantines being
+allotted to Alvarado, six to De Oli, and two to Sandoval[6]; twelve in all,
+the thirteenth having been found too small for service, and was therefore
+laid up, and her crew distributed to the rest, as twenty men had been
+already severely wounded in the several vessels. Alvarado now led our
+division to attack the causeway of Tacuba, placing two brigantines on each
+flank for our protection. We drove the enemy before us from several of
+their bridges and barricades; but after fighting the whole day, we were
+obliged to retreat to our quarters at night, almost all of us wounded by
+the incessant showers of stones and arrows of the enemy. We were
+continually assailed on the causeway, by fresh troops of warriors,
+carrying different banners or devices; and our brigantines were
+excessively annoyed from the terraces of the houses which stood in the
+water; and as we could not leave a party to keep possession of what we had
+acquired during the day, the enemy repossessed themselves of the bridges
+at night, and repaired and strengthened their parapets and other defences.
+In some places they deepened the water, digging pits in the shallow places,
+and placing the canoes in ambush, which they secured against the approach
+of our brigantines by means of pallisades under water. Every day we were
+employed in the same manner, driving the enemy before us, and every night
+we returned to our quarters to bind up our wounds. The cavalry were of no
+service, on account of the barricades defended by long lances; and the
+soldiers even did not choose to risk their horses, as their price at this
+time was from eight hundred to a thousand crowns. One Juan, a soldier from
+Catalonia, used to heal our wounds by charms and prayers, which by the
+mercy of God recovered us very fast; and this being observed by our allies,
+all their wounded men applied to Juan, who had more business on his hands
+than he was able for. But whether whole or wounded, we were obliged to go
+out daily against the enemy, as otherwise our companies would have been
+reduced to less than half their strength. Our ensign was disabled almost
+every day, as he could not at the same time carry his colours and defend
+himself from the enemy. We were abundantly supplied with corn, but were
+much in want of refreshments for the wounded men; our chief resource being
+_tunas_ or Indian figs, cherries while in season, and a plant called
+_quilities_ by the natives. The situation of the other two attacks was
+precisely similar to ours. Every day, when we marched to the attack, a
+signal was made from the great temple of Tlaltelolco, the great division
+of Mexico nearest Tacuba, on which the enemy rushed out against us, and
+were continually relieved by fresh troops, marching out in succession.
+Finding that we gained nothing by these daily attacks, we changed our plan
+of operations. On our causeway there was a small open space, on which
+stood some buildings for religious worship, where we formed a lodgment,
+and established a post, leaving our cavalry and allies to secure our rear
+in Tacuba, whence we were supplied with provisions. Though very badly
+lodged in this place, as every shower of rain came in upon us, we
+maintained this post and advanced a little towards the city every day,
+filling up the trenches which intersected the causeway, and pulling down
+the houses on each side, and using their materials to strengthen our
+defences. We found it extremely difficult to set the houses on fire, nor
+could the flames communicate from house to house, as all the houses were
+separated by canals and ditches. During this operation we were subjected
+to great danger, as the enemy destroyed us from their terraces when we
+endeavoured to swim over from the causeway to these detached houses.
+
+In this manner we gained some ground every day, which we secured by
+parapets and other defences, and preserved during the night. Every
+evening at sunset, the company which was first for duty, was entrusted
+with the advanced post, to which they sent forty men; the second company
+sent an equal number at midnight, and the relieved guard did not quit
+their post, but had to remain sleeping on the ground; the third company
+did the same the same two hours before day-break, and the second now lay
+down to sleep, so that we now had 120 men on guard. Sometimes our whole
+detachment had to remain under arms the whole night, especially on the
+following occasion: We learnt from some of our prisoners, that the
+Mexicans intended to force our post by a great effort, which would have
+frustrated the other two attacks. For this purpose, all the warriors of
+nine towns around the lake, including those of Tacuba, Izcapuzalco, and
+Tenajocan, were by a joint attack upon our rear to carry off our baggage
+and destroy our bakery in Tacuba, while the Mexicans were to assail us in
+front on the causeway. We immediately communicated this intelligence to
+our cavalry and allies at headquarters, warning them to keep on the alert.
+In pursuance of this plan, we were attacked both in front and rear for
+several successive nights, from midnight to day-break. Sometimes the enemy
+came on with a prodigious noise of shouting and military instruments, and
+at other times stole upon us in profound silence; but their night attacks
+were never made with so much resolution as those during the day. Yet we
+were harassed to death with continual watching, fatigue, and wounds, and
+constantly exposed to cold winds and almost incessant rain. Our post was
+reduced to a mere splash of mud and water, and our only food was maize and
+miserable herbs. When we complained, the only comfort given us by our
+officers, was that such is the fortune of war. Yet all our efforts,
+fatigues, and privations, were of little avail; as the parapets we
+destroyed and the ditches we filled up during the day, were uniformly
+replaced next night by the enemy.
+
+The destruction of the aqueduct of Chapoltepec, from which so much had
+been expected, by cutting off the water which supplied the city of Mexico,
+was unavailing, neither could we starve them into a surrender, as they
+were regularly supplied with every thing they wanted by means of their
+canoes from the towns around the lake. In order to prevent this, two of
+our brigantines were ordered to cruize every night on the lake, to
+intercept these supplies. This measure answered the purpose in some degree,
+but not effectually, as some of the canoes escaped into the city every
+night. At this time the Mexicans laid a plan to surprise our two cruizing
+brigantines. Having concealed thirty of their largest piraguas among some
+tall reeds on the borders of the lake, they sent several canoes, as if
+carrying provisions, to decoy our vessels into the snare, and even fixed a
+number of large wooden piles under water at the place to which our vessels
+were to be inveigled. On the appearance of the decoy-canoes, our two
+vessels made immediately towards them, the canoes rowing away towards the
+ambush followed by our brigantines. As soon as they arrived at the place,
+the thirty piraguas immediately surrounded them, and wounded every officer,
+soldier, and mariner on board, by their first flight of arrows. Our
+vessels could not move on account of the piles, and the enemy continued
+the assault with the utmost vigour. One of the captains, named Portilla,
+was slain, and Captain Pedro Barba, the commander of our crossbows, died
+of his wounds. This ambush completely succeeded, as the two brigantines
+fell into the hands of the enemy. They belonged to the principal division
+of our flotilla, which was commanded by Cortes in person, who was much
+exasperated by the loss; but he soon repayed the enemy in their own way.
+He constantly sent out some vessels every night to scour the lake, and on
+one occasion they brought in some prisoners of consequence, from whom he
+learnt that the enemy had formed another ambuscade of forty large piraguas
+and as many canoes. He now laid a plan to turn their schemes against
+themselves; for which purpose he sent six vessels one night with muffled
+oars, to conceal themselves in a water-cut at the edge of the lake,
+covered with bushes and tall reeds, about a quarter of a league from the
+ambushment of the enemy. A single brigantine was then sent out early in
+the morning, as if in search of the canoes which carried provisions to
+Mexico, and having the prisoners on board to point out the place where the
+enemies fleet lay concealed. The enemy sent as before some loaded canoes
+to decoy the brigantine towards the ambush, and our vessel pursued them
+until near the place, where it lay-to, as if fearful to approach. The
+Mexican fleet now sallied out upon them, and our brigantine rowed away
+towards the place where the six others were concealed, closely followed up
+by the enemy. When arrived near enough, the brigantine fired two shots as
+a signal, on which the other vessels pushed out against the enemy, running
+down many of their vessels, dispersing all the rest, and making a great
+number of prisoners. This sickened them at ambushments, and from
+henceforwards they did not attempt to cross the lake in their canoes so
+openly.
+
+Our three divisions of the land army continued to pursue their plan for
+gradually advancing along the causeways. Always as we gained ground, we
+pulled down the houses on each side, filling up the ditches or canals
+which intersected the causeways, and strengthening our posts; in which,
+and in all the operations of the war, we were excellently seconded by our
+brave Tlascalan allies. On our attack, the Mexicans broke down one of the
+bridges in the rear of their own barricades and parapets, leaving one
+narrow passage at a place where the water was very deep as a decoy, and
+even dug trenches and pitfalls where the water was more shallow, placing
+pallisades in the deep water to prevent the approach of our vessels, and
+constructing parapets on both sides of the breach. They had also a number
+of canoes in readiness to sally out upon us on a concerted signal. When
+all these preparations were in readiness, they made a combined attack upon
+us in three several directions. One body advanced towards our rear from
+the side of Tacuba, a second directly on our front along the causeway from
+the city, and the third by the ruins of the houses which we had destroyed.
+We repulsed the enemy on all sides; and one party of us, having forced
+them from the works at the broken bridge, crossed the water up to our
+necks at the place they had left open for us, and rashly pushed on to an
+open place where there were some large temples and towers. We were here
+assailed on all sides by fresh troops from the houses and terraces, and
+those whom we pursued faced about and fought us in front. We now found it
+necessary to retreat, which we did with the utmost order till we came to
+the pass at the broken bridge, which was occupied by the enemy in canoes;
+and as the others pressed upon our rear, we were forced to throw ourselves
+into the lake and to get over any way we could. Those who could not swim
+got entangled among the concealed ditches and pits in the shallow water,
+where the enemy closed in upon us, wounding the whole party, and even
+taking five of our soldiers alive. The vessels which came to our relief
+were unable to approach, on account of the pallisades, and they lost two
+of their soldiers on this occasion. It was wonderful we were not all
+destroyed at this dangerous pass. At one time I was laid hold of by a
+number of the enemy; but God gave me strength to disengage my arm, and
+with the assistance of my good sword, I extricated myself from their grasp.
+Though wounded, I escaped to the dry ground, where I fainted and remained
+for some time insensible, owing to my great exertions and the loss of
+blood. When the enemy had me in their clutches, I recommended myself to
+the aid of God and his blessed Mother, and they heard my prayer: Glory be
+to them for all their mercies! From the time that we had cleared the
+flanks of our post by the destruction of the houses, Alvarado had brought
+a part of his cavalry thither; and one of them, who had crossed along with
+us at the broken bridge, lost both his horse and his own life. Fortunately
+all the rest were then with Alvarado in Tacuba; for if they had been with
+us they must have all been destroyed from the tops of the houses and
+temples, as the action took place almost within the city of Mexico. The
+enemy was much elated by the success of this day, and continued to assail
+our posts day and night. Cortes was much displeased at the defeat we had
+sustained, which he attributed to our having neglected his orders; which
+were always to fill up the cuts in the causeway as we advanced, by means
+of timber and rubbish.
+
+In the space of four days, counting from our late defeat, we filled up the
+great aperture at the broken bridge, and established our advanced post at
+this place, but lost six of our soldiers in the course of this operation.
+The enemy established a post directly in front of us, which they secured
+by a ditch and parapet, so as to protect themselves from our shot. They
+made a large fire in front of their post, by which they were concealed
+from our view, except when they had occasion to renew the fire, which was
+sometimes extinguished by the frequent heavy rains which prevailed at this
+season. They kept profound silence on guard, except when interrupted by
+loud whistling, which they used as signals. Every morning we marched
+against the enemy, with whom we fought during the whole day, and retreated
+to our post towards evening, covered with wounds. Before retreating, we
+sent back our allies, whose numbers embarrassed us in the narrow causeway,
+and then fell back step by step, flanked by our armed brigantines, and
+firing on the enemy as they pressed upon us during the retreat.
+
+About this time, the inhabitants of the cities on the lake grew weary of
+the long protracted warfare, and sent deputations to our general, offering
+to submit themselves to his authority, and declaring that they had been
+constrained by the Mexicans to persist hitherto in their hostilities
+against us. Cortes received them very graciously, and assured them of his
+protection, providing that they should conduct themselves properly for the
+future, and give him their assistance by supplying canoes and provisions
+to our army, and in the construction of barracks for the troops. They
+readily promised all this, but performed very badly. Cortes had huts built
+for his detachment[7]; but the rest of us remained exposed to the weather,
+which was exceedingly severe and distressing, as it rained almost
+incessantly during June, July, and August.
+
+Our detachment on the causeway of Tacuba continued our approach towards
+Mexico, filling up every ditch and canal as we advanced by means of the
+materials of the houses which we destroyed; and we every day gained
+possession of temples or houses, which stood apart from each other, and of
+the bridges by which they communicated. To avoid jealousy, our three
+companies took the duties of working and fighting alternately, our allies
+giving most important assistance in pulling down the houses and filling up
+the ditches and cross-cuts of the causeway. Every evening the whole of our
+men stood to their arms, and we sent off our allies before us, before
+retreating to our post for the night. During all this time, Sandoval, who
+carried on his approach from Tepejacac, was obliged to sustain continual
+attacks from the enemy; as likewise was Cortes, who now commanded at the
+third attack.
+
+On his side there was an out-post of the Mexicans, at a place where one of
+the apertures in the causeway was too deep to be forded, and which had
+been strongly fortified by the enemy. He made a successful attack on this
+place, where he commanded in person, although the enemy made a brave
+resistance both by land and water; but he was obliged to retire at night
+without filling up the ditch, and he lost four Spaniards killed, and had
+above thirty wounded, the pass being commanded from the terraces of
+several houses in the water, and his brigantines were unable to get
+forward to protect his flanks, owing to the piles which the enemy had
+fixed under water. Guatimotzin and his Mexicans defended themselves with
+amazing bravery and resolution, trusting to wear us out and destroy us by
+continual assaults. On the 21st of June, the anniversary of the day of our
+first entry into Mexico, the enemy assailed us at every point of all our
+three attacks, both by land and water, in front, flanks, and rear, about
+two hours before day. The number fit for duty at our post on the causeway
+of Tacuba was 120 men, and all the allies attached to our detachment, were
+as usual off the causeway during the night. It was with the utmost
+difficulty that we were able to resist and repulse the enemy, of whom a
+great number were killed and wounded, losing two of our own soldiers. The
+enemy repeated their assaults on all the posts for two other nights
+successively; and on the third morning, just at day-break, they
+concentrated their whole force and made a desperate attack on our post. If
+our allies had been with us we should have been all lost. On this occasion
+our cavalry saved our rear, and our brigantines did signal service by
+clearing our flanks. After a most severe and long doubtful contest, we
+beat off the enemy and made four of their chiefs prisoners, eight of our
+soldiers being slain in this tough affair. I fear my readers may be tired
+of this constant repetition of battles, which my duty of historian
+compels me to relate: But if I were to give an account of every action
+which took place during the ninety-three days in which we were engaged in
+the siege of this great, strong, and populous city, every day and night of
+which time brought a perpetual succession of battles and assaults, my work
+would be without end, and would more resemble Amadis de Gaul and other
+romances of chivalry than a true history, which it really is.
+
+Cortes became impatient of delay, and proposed in a council of war to make
+a general assault on the city, marching at once by all the three causeways,
+and uniting our whole force in the great square, whence we could command
+all the streets leading to that centre of Mexico. Some of the members of
+the council objected greatly to this plan, giving the preference to our
+present system of advancing gradually, filling up the ditches as we
+proceeded, and destroying the houses to make roads and defences of their
+materials. They alleged that if we were to succeed in forcing our way into
+the great square, we should in our turn be besieged in the heart of the
+city, exactly as we had been before our flight from Mexico, and be
+involved in much greater difficulties than now; as the enemy would be
+enabled to environ us with their whole force by land and water, and would
+cut off all possibility of our retreat, by cutting through the causeways.
+But Cortes, after hearing all these well founded reasons, still adhered to
+his own plan, and issued orders for the whole army, including the allies,
+to attack the city next day, and to use our utmost efforts to get
+possession of the great square. On the next morning therefore, having
+recommended ourselves to God in the solemn service of the mass, all our
+three detachments marched to attack the posts of the enemy on their
+several fronts. In our attack commanded by Alvarado, most of the Spaniards
+were wounded at the first ditch and parapet of the enemy; one Spaniard was
+slain, and above a thousand of our allies were killed or wounded. In the
+attack commanded by Cortes in person, he carried every thing before him at
+first, and having driven the enemy from a post where the water was very
+deep and the causeway very narrow, he imprudently pushed on after the
+enemy followed by the Indian allies. The enemy induced him by frequent
+halts and feigned resistance to continue the pursuit, having even narrowed
+the causeway on purpose, and Cortes negligently omitted to fill up the
+deep ditch which he had passed. When the enemy perceived that our general
+had fallen into the snare which they had laid for him, they attacked him
+with fresh troops in front, while numerous canoes filled with warriors
+issued out at an appointed signal and assailed him both on the flanks and
+rear, his brigantines being unable to approach for his defence by the
+pallisades under water. Retreat became now indispensably necessary, which
+was at first conducted with perfect regularity; but when they came to the
+narrow part of the causeway, which was all covered with mud and water, the
+retreat changed to an absolute flight, our people flying from the enemy
+with their utmost speed, without even attempting to defend themselves.
+Cortes used every effort to rally his men, but all in vain, and was
+wounded in the leg at the narrow pass by some of the enemy from the canoes.
+At this pass, six of our horses were killed, and seventy-two Spaniards
+were carried off alive. At this moment six Mexican chiefs seized Cortes,
+but by the will of God, Christoval de Olea, that valiant soldier, and
+another brave man named Lerma flew to the rescue of our general. De Olea
+killed four of the chiefs with his own hand, and gallantly lost his life
+in defence of Cortes, while Lerma narrowly escaped. Other brave soldiers
+arrived at this moment to his aid, among whom was Quinones the captain of
+his guards. By these men he was lifted out of the water and hurried off
+from among a crowd of the enemy. At this critical moment, Guzman his
+majordomo, brought up a horse on which our wounded general was mounted.
+The enemy followed up their success with increasing ardour, Cortes and the
+shattered remains of his troops, retreating to their quarters with the
+utmost difficulty, pursued to the last by the Mexicans.
+
+After our first attack, in which we defeated the enemy and drove them from
+their post, we were met by fresh bodies of the enemy, marching in great
+parade, bearing rich plumes of feathers and ornamented standards. On
+coming near, they threw down before us five bleeding heads, saying these
+were the heads of Cortes and his officers, and that we should soon meet
+the same fate. They then marched up, and fought us hand to hand with the
+utmost valour, insomuch that we were at length compelled to retreat. As
+usual, we gave orders to our allies to clear the way, by retreating before
+us; but the sight of the bloody heads had done this effectually, and not a
+man of them remained on the causeway to impede our flight. Our cavalry
+made several charges this day, but our great safety depended upon two guns
+which raked the whole causeway, and were admirably managed by Pedro Morena,
+an excellent officer, whose services this day were singularly useful, as
+the whole causeway was crowded by the enemy. Before we arrived at our
+quarters, and while pursued by the enemy, we heard the shrill timbals and
+mournful sound of the great drum from the summit of the temple of the god
+of war. The priests were then sacrificing the hearts of ten of our
+companions to their accursed idols, and the sound of their dismal drum,
+which might be heard at almost three leagues off, might be imagined to be
+the music of the infernal deities. Soon after this, the horn of
+Guatimotzin was heard, giving notice to the Mexican officers either to
+make prisoners of their enemies, or to die in the attempt. It is utterly
+impossible to describe the fury with which they assailed us on hearing
+this dreadful signal, though the remembrance is still as lively as if now
+passing before me: I can only say, that it was the good pleasure of God
+that we got back in safety to our post; praised be his mercy now and for
+ever. Amen! We were ignorant of the fate of our other detachments.
+Sandoval was more than half a league from us, and Cortes still farther.
+The melancholy sight of the heads of our countrymen, and the loss of one
+of our brigantines in which three of our soldiers were slain, filled us
+with melancholy, and we almost thought that we had reached the last hour
+of our lives. Our captured vessel was afterwards recovered by Captain
+Xaramillo. In the action of this day, Captain Caravajal, a most gallant
+officer, had the honour of being the first who broke through the enemies
+pallisades with his vessel: He now lives in La Puebla, and has been ever
+since entirely deaf, having lost his hearing this day by excessive
+exertion.
+
+Most of the soldiers in the detachment of Cortes were wounded, a good many
+slain, and a great number taken prisoners, so that on his arrival in his
+quarters, where he was immediately attacked, his men were little able to
+defend themselves. To add to their distress, the enemy threw into their
+post four bleeding heads, saying they were those of Alvarado, Sandoval,
+and two other officers, in order to impress the soldiers of Cortes with
+the belief that the two other detachments had been as roughly handled as
+their own. On beholding this horrid spectacle, Cortes was severely
+agitated, and his heart sunk within him; yet he kept up appearances,
+encouraging his men to stand to their arms and defend their post against
+the enemy. He now sent Tapia with three others on horseback to our
+quarters, to ascertain our situation. They were attacked on their way by
+several bodies of the enemy, who had been sent out by Guatimotzin to
+obstruct our communications; but they forced their way through, and found
+us engaged with the Mexicans.
+
+On his side, Sandoval went on victoriously till the defeat of Cortes, when
+the enemy sent a powerful reinforcement against him, by whom he was very
+vigorously assailed; and in the first assault they killed two of his men
+and wounded all the rest, Sandoval himself receiving three wounds, one of
+which was on the head. As they had done at the other posts, they threw
+down six bleeding heads, pretending they were the heads of Cortes and his
+principal officers, and threatening Sandoval and his men with a similar
+fate. Sandoval was not to be intimidated, and encouraged his men to behave
+themselves bravely; yet, seeing no chance of ultimate success, he brought
+his people back to their quarters, many of them being wounded, but having
+only two slain. After this, though severely wounded himself, he left the
+command of his quarters with Captain Luis Marin, and set out on horseback
+to have an interview with Cortes. Like Tapia, he was frequently attacked
+by the enemy on the road, yet made his way to Cortes, whom he addressed
+with condolence and astonishment, asking the occasion of his severe
+misfortune. Cortes laid the blame on Alderate, for neglecting to fill up
+the bad pass where the enemy threw his men into confusion; but the
+treasurer denied the charge, saying that Cortes had not given any such
+orders, but hurried on his men after the feigned retreat of the enemy. In
+fact Cortes was much blamed for his rashness, and for not sending the
+allies soon enough out of his way. About this time, Cortes was agreeably
+surprised by the arrival of two of his brigantines, which he had given
+over for lost. Cortes requested Sandoval to visit our quarters at Tacuba,
+being unable to go there himself, as he was apprehensive the brunt of the
+attack might now fall upon our post. Sandoval arrived about the hour of
+vespers, when he found us occupied in repelling the enemy, some of them
+having attacked us by the causeway, and others from the ruined houses. I
+and several other soldiers were at this time up to our middles in the
+water, engaging the enemy in defence of a brigantine which had run aground,
+and of which the enemy were endeavouring to gain possession. Just as
+Sandoval arrived, we got her afloat by a great exertion, after the enemy
+had slain two of her crew and badly wounded all the rest. The enemy
+continued their attack with the utmost violence, and Sandoval received a
+blow on the face with a stone. He called out to us to retreat; and as we
+did not fall back as fast as he wished, he repeated his orders, asking us
+if we wished to have all the cavalry destroyed. We then retreated to our
+post, and though the two guns under Moreno frequently swept the causeway,
+the execution they made did not prevent the enemy from pursuing us to our
+works.
+
+We remained for some time at our quarters comparatively at rest,
+recounting the events which had occurred at our post, and listening to a
+relation of what had taken place at the two others. On a sudden, we were
+struck by the horrifying sound of the great drum, accompanied by the
+timbals, horns, and trumpets of the temple of the god of war: And,
+shocking to tell! we could distinctly see our unfortunate companions who
+had been made prisoners, driven by blows to the summit of the diabolical
+temple. On their arrival at the platform, we could see the miserable
+victims decorated for sacrifice, with plumes of feathers on their heads,
+and fans in their hands, when they were forced to dance to the infernal
+music before the accursed idols. After this, we saw them stretched on
+their backs on the stone of sacrifice, where their hearts were cut out
+alive, and presented yet palpitating to the damnable gods of the enemy,
+and their bodies drawn by the feet down the steps. "O merciful GOD of
+Heaven," said we among ourselves, "suffer not that we too may be
+sacrificed by these wretches!" My readers may conceive how poignant were
+our reflexions at this horrible scene, more especially as we were utterly
+unable to afford the smallest aid to our poor friends, whom we saw thus
+butchered before our eyes. At this moment the enemy assailed our post in
+great force; but we maintained it with determined resolution, and drove
+them back with much loss. During this assault, they reviled us, saying
+that their gods had promised to deliver the whole of us into their hands,
+and they threw over some of the mangled remains of the horrible repast
+they had made on our countrymen, sending round other portions among the
+neighbouring towns, as a bloody memorial of their victory over us.
+Sandoval and Tapia, on their return to Cortes, reported the valiant manner
+in which we defended our post; and Sandoval mentioned me in particular
+with approbation, saying many handsome things of me, which it would be
+improper for me to repeat, though the facts were perfectly well known to
+all the army.
+
+Our new allies on the lake had suffered considerably from the resentment
+of the enemy, who had taken from them above half their canoes: Yet some
+continued firm in their alliance with us, out of hatred to the Mexicans;
+and others satisfied themselves with looking on, without attempting to
+molest us. In consequence of our recent losses, having lost near eighty
+men, killed and prisoners, and seven horses, and almost all the rest of us
+being wounded, Cortes issued orders to cease from our attacks for four
+days. But the enemy continued their attacks daily, and even gained ground,
+making new ramparts and ditches. We had a deep ditch and very defensible
+ramparts in front of our post; and during this cessation from offensive
+operations, the whole of our infantry kept guard on the causeway every
+night, flanked by our brigantines, one half of our cavalry patroling in
+Tacuba, and the other half on the causeway to protect our rear. Every
+morning we prepared ourselves to resist the attacks of the enemy, who
+continued every day to sacrifice some of our miserable companions. During
+their daily and incessant attacks, they reviled us, saying, that their
+gods had promised to permit them to destroy us all within eight days; yet
+that our flesh was too bitter to be eaten: And truly I believe that this
+was miraculously the case. The threats of the Mexicans, and their
+declaration that their gods had promised to deliver us into their hands in
+eight days, had such an effect upon our allies, combined with the bad
+appearance of our affairs, that they almost entirely deserted from us
+about this time. The only one who remained with Cortes, was Suchel,
+otherwise called Don Carlos, brother to our ally the prince of Tezcuco,
+with about forty followers. The chief of Huexotzinco remained in the camp
+of Sandoval with about fifty of his warriors; and the brave Chichimecatl,
+with the two sons of Don Lorenzo de Vargas of Tlascala, and about eighty
+Tlascalans, continued with us in the quarters of Alvarado. When they were
+asked the reason of the desertion of their countrymen, they said, that the
+Mexican gods had predicted our destruction, and the younger Xicotencatl
+had foretold from the first we should all be put to death; they saw that
+many of us were killed and all wounded, and they had already had above
+twelve hundred of their own number slain; And, considering us all devoted
+to inevitable ruin, they had fled to avoid sharing our fate. Though Cortes
+secretly thought there was too much reason in what they alleged, he yet
+assumed a cheerful appearance of perfect security as to the ultimate
+result of the enterprize, and used his utmost endeavours to reassure our
+remaining friends, turning the hopes and predictions of the Mexicans and
+the promises of their false gods into ridicule, and had the good fortune
+to persuade our few remaining friends to abide with us. The Indian Don
+Carlos, or Suchel of Tezcuco, who was a brave warrior and a wise man,
+strongly represented to our general that he had hitherto acted on a most
+erroneous plan, especially considering the relative situations of us and
+the enemy. "If you cut off their means of procuring water and provisions,"
+he observed, "how is it possible that the many _xiquipils_[8] of warriors
+can subsist? Their provisions must be at last expended: The water of their
+wells is salt and unwholesome, and their only resource is from the present
+rainy season. Combat them, therefore, by means of hunger and thirst, and
+do not throw away your own force by unnecessary violence." Cortes embraced
+Suchel, thanking him for his salutary advice; which indeed had already
+more than once occurred to ourselves, but we were too impatient to act
+with so much prudence. Our general began therefore to act upon this new
+system, so judiciously recommended by our friend of Tezcuco, and sent
+orders to all the detachments to confine themselves entirely to the
+defensive for the next three days. As the canoes of the enemy were
+numerous, our brigantines never ventured singly on the lake; and as they
+had now found out the way to break through the pallisades of the enemy, by
+using both sails and oars when favoured by the wind, we became absolute
+masters of the lake, and were able to command all the insulated houses at
+any distance from the city; and as the brigantines could now break through
+the pallisades of the enemy, they could always secure our flanks, while we
+were engaged in filling up the ditches in our front, which we did
+effectually in a very few days, Cortes even assisting in person to carry
+beams and earth for that purpose.
+
+Every night of this period during which we remained on the defensive, the
+enemy continued their infernal ceremonies, sacrificing some of our
+unfortunate companions, which we could distinctly see as their temple was
+brightly illuminated; the accursed drum continually stunned our ears, and
+the shrieks and yells of the multitudes who surrounded the temple were at
+times perfectly diabolical. Christoval de Guzman was the last executed,
+who remained eighteen days in their hands. We learned every minute
+circumstance respecting these horrible sacrifices from our prisoners, who
+told us, that after each successive sacrifice, their war god renewed his
+promise of delivering us all into their power. Sometimes, even during this
+period, the enemy employed some of our own crossbows against us, obliging
+our unfortunate companions who were in their custody to shoot them off;
+but our post was protected by the excellent management of the two guns by
+Morena, and we every day advanced, gaining possession of a bridge or a
+parapet. Our brigantines also were of infinite service, as they were
+continually intercepting the canoes which carried water and provisions to
+the enemy, and those which were employed in procuring a certain nutritive
+substance from the bottom of the lake, which, when dry, resembles cheese.
+Twelve or thirteen days had now elapsed after the time when the Mexican
+priest had predicted we had only eight days to live. Our allies, therefore,
+recovered their courage when they saw the fallacy of the prediction, and
+at the requisition of our steady friend Suchel, two thousand warriors of
+Tezcuco returned to our quarters, with whom came Pedro Farfan and Antonio
+Villareal, who had been left by Cortes at that city. About the same time,
+many bodies of warriors returned to us from Tlascala and other places in
+our alliance. After their return, Cortes called the chiefs together, to
+whom he made a speech; partly reprimanding them for having abandoned us,
+and partly encouraging their future fidelity by confident hopes of victory,
+and promises of reward, and concluded by earnestly admonishing them not to
+put any of their Mexican prisoners to death, as he wished to negociate
+peace with Guatimotzin.
+
+Though the heavy rains which fell at this season were both incommodious
+and distressing to us, they operated in our favour, as the enemy always
+relaxed their efforts against us during their continuance. By slow but
+steady perseverance, we had now considerably advanced into the city at all
+the three attacks, and had even reached the wells of brackish water which
+the enemy had dug, and which we now destroyed. Our cavalry could now act
+freely through the whole space which we had gained, as we had carefully
+levelled the causeway behind us, destroying all the houses on each side
+from which we could be annoyed, and carefully fortified our several fronts.
+Cortes deemed the present conjuncture favourable for offering peace to the
+Mexicans, and proposed to three of our principal prisoners to carry a
+message to Guatimotzin to that effect; but they declined the commission,
+alleging that he would put them to death. They were at length prevailed
+upon to comply, and were instructed to represent to Guatimotzin in the
+name of Cortes: "That from respect to the family of the great Montezuma,
+and that he might prevent the destruction of the capital and the loss of
+so many lives, he was willing to enter into a treaty of peace and amity;
+desiring Guatimotzin to reflect that he and his people were now cut off
+from all supplies of water and provisions; and that all the nations who
+had formerly been the vassals of Mexico, were now in alliance with the
+Spaniards." A great deal more was added, to the same effect, all of which
+was perfectly understood by the messengers. Before they went into the city,
+they required a letter from Cortes, to serve them as a token of credence;
+with which they waited on their sovereign, weeping and lamenting
+themselves bitterly, as they knew the danger to which they were exposed.
+At first, Guatimotzin and his principal chiefs were filled with rage and
+indignation at the proposal; but he at last consented to call a council of
+all the princes, chiefs, and principal priests of the city, before whom he
+laid the message of Cortes, and even expressed his own inclination to come
+into terms of peace, considering the inefficacy of their resistance, the
+desertion of their allies, and the miseries to which the people were
+reduced. The priests obstinately opposed every idea of peace. They
+represented the hostile conduct of the Spaniards to their nation ever
+since they first came into the country; their profanation of the temples
+and idols of their gods; their injurious treatment of the great Montezuma,
+and of all the other princes who had fallen under their power; the death
+of the two sons of Montezuma, the seizure of the royal treasures, and the
+destruction of the city. They reminded Guatimotzin of his own martial fame,
+which would be sullied and disgraced by submission; insisting, that all
+the offers of Cortes were only insidiously meant to enslave and circumvent;
+and concluded by repeating the assurances of victory which they had
+received from their gods. Guatimotzin yielded to these arguments, and
+declared his resolution to fight to the last: He gave orders, therefore,
+to husband their provisions with the utmost frugality, to use their utmost
+endeavours to procure supplies under night, and to sink new wells in
+various parts of the city. Our army had remained two days quietly in their
+posts, waiting an answer to our pacific message. On the third, we were
+furiously assailed on all points by large bodies of the enemy, who rushed
+upon us like lions, closing up as if utterly regardless of their lives,
+and using their utmost efforts to make us prisoners; all the while, the
+horn of Guatimotzin being continually sounded, to inspire them with fury.
+For seven days we were thus continually assailed: After watching all night,
+we had to go into action every morning at day-break; and having fought the
+whole day, we retired in the evening to a miserable regale of maize calces,
+with _tunas_ or Indian figs, herbs, and _agi_ or pepper. Our recent
+pacific offer was employed as a subject of contempt, for which they
+reproached us as cowards; saying that peace belonged only to women, arms
+and war to brave men.
+
+It has been already mentioned, that the horrible fragments of our wretched
+companions had been sent round the provinces of the Mexican empire, to
+encourage them to rise in support of the sovereign and his capital. In
+consequence of this, a great force assembled from Matlatzinco, Malinalco,
+and other places about eight leagues from Mexico, which was intended for
+an attack on our rear, while the Mexicans should attack us in front. On
+the assemblage of this force, they committed horrible ravages on the
+country in our rear, seizing numbers of children in order to sacrifice
+them to their idols. To disperse this hostile assemblage, Andres de Tapia
+was detached with twenty cavalry and an hundred infantry, and effectually
+executed his commission, driving the enemy back to their own country with
+great loss. Soon after his return, Cortes sent Sandoval with a detachment
+to the assistance of the country around Quauhnahuac, or Cuernabaca. Much
+might be said of this expedition, were I to enter into a detail: but it
+may suffice, that it was more like a peaceable triumph than a warlike
+expedition, yet proved of most excellent service to us, as Sandoval
+returned accompanied by two chiefs of the nation against which he was
+sent[9]. Cortes, after these successes, sent a second message to
+Guatimotzin, reminding him of the distresses to which his people were
+reduced, and expressing great anxiety to save the city of Mexico from
+destruction, which could only be done by immediate submission; and to
+convince him that all hopes of assistance from his former allies were now
+at an end, he sent this message by the two chiefs who had accompanied
+Sandoval. Guatimotzin refused any answer, but sent back the chiefs unhurt.
+The enemy continued their daily assaults upon the advanced works of our
+several attacks, increasing even in their fury if possible, and exultingly
+exclaiming, _Tenitotz re de Castila?  Tenitotz axa a!_ "What says the
+king of Castile? What does he now?"
+
+We still continued to advance towards the centre of Mexico, regularly
+destroying the houses on both sides of us, and carefully fortifying our
+advanced post; and we now perceived a considerable relaxation in the
+efforts of the enemy, who were not so eager as formerly to open up the
+ditches; yet they continued to attack us with the utmost fury, as if
+courting death. But we too had now serious cause of alarm, as our
+gunpowder was almost entirely expended. At this critical moment, and most
+fortunately for us, a vessel arrived at Villa Rica with soldiers and
+ordnance stores, all of which, together with the men, were immediately
+sent to Cortes by Rangel, who commanded at Villa Rica. This vessel
+belonged to an armament which had been fitted out by Lucas Vasquez de
+Aillon, and which had been destroyed or dispersed near Florida. On the
+arrival of this reinforcement, Cortes and all the army determined to make
+a grand push for the great square in that part of the city called
+Tlaltelolco, as it would become an excellent place of arms, on account of
+some principal temples and other strong buildings which were there
+situated. For this purpose, each of our divisions continued their daily
+efforts to advance in our usual cautious manner. Cortes got possession of
+a small square in which were some temples, on the beams of which many of
+the heads of our sacrificed companions were placed, their hair and beards
+being much grown. I could not have believed this, if I had not myself seen
+them three days afterwards, when our party had worked their way to the
+same place, after having filled up three canals. In twelve days afterwards,
+they were all reverently buried by us in that place where the Church of
+the Martyrs is now built.
+
+Our detachment under Alvarado continued to advance, and at last forced the
+enemy from the barricades they had thrown up to defend the great square,
+which cost us two hours hard fighting. Our cavalry was now of most
+essential service in the large space which was now laid open, and drove
+the enemy before them into the temple of the god of war, which stood in
+the middle of the great square. Alvarado determined to gain possession of
+the temple; for which purpose he divided his forces into three bodies, one
+of which, commanded by Guttierrez de Badajoz, he ordered to gain
+possession of the temple, while with the other two he occupied the
+attention of the enemy below. A large force of the enemy, headed by the
+priests, occupied the platform of the temple, with all its idol
+sanctuaries and galleries, and repulsed the troops of Guttierrez, driving
+them down the steps. The body to which I belonged was now ordered by
+Alvarado to their support. We advanced boldly to the assault, and having
+ascended to the platform, we drove the enemy from the post, of which we
+took possession, setting fire to their abominable idols, and planting our
+standard in triumph on the summit of the temple. The view of this signal
+of victory greatly rejoiced Cortes, who would fain have joined us; but he
+was still a quarter of a league from the place, and had many ditches to
+fill as he advanced. In four days more, both he and Sandoval had worked
+their way up to the great square of Tlaltelolco, where they joined us, and
+thus communications from all our three attacks were opened up to the
+centre of Mexico.
+
+Our attack on the temple was truly perilous, considering the number of the
+enemy, the height and difficulty of the ascent, and the fury with which
+they continued to fight against us, even after we had attained the
+platform and set their idols on fire, and it was night before we could
+compel them to abandon the summit. The royal palaces were now levelled
+with the ground, and Guatimotzin had retired with his troops to a more
+distant quarter of the city towards the lake[10]. Still, however, the
+enemy attacked us every day, and at night pursued us into our quarters;
+and though apparently reduced to the last extremity, they made no offer
+towards peace. Cortes now laid a plan for drawing the enemy into an ambush:
+For this purpose, he one night placed 30 of our cavalry, with 100 of our
+best foot soldiers, and 1000 Tlascalans, in some large houses which had
+belonged to a principal nobleman of Mexico. Next morning he went in person
+with the rest of our army to attack a post at a bridge, which was defended
+by a large force of the Mexicans. After continuing the assault for some
+time, Cortes slowly retreated with his men, drawing the enemy after him by
+the buildings in which the ambush lay concealed. When he had led them to a
+sufficient distance, he gave the concerted signal, by firing two guns in
+quick succession. We immediately sallied out, and having thus enclosed the
+enemy between us, we made a terrible havoc among them, and from that time
+they never ventured to annoy us on our nightly retreat. Another trap was
+laid for the enemy by Alvarado, which had not the same success; but as I
+was now doing duty with the division which Cortes commanded in person, I
+was not present, and cannot, therefore recount the particulars. Hitherto
+we had continued to retreat every night to the posts we had established on
+the causeways, which were at least half a league from the great temple;
+but we now quitted these posts, and formed a lodgment for the whole army
+in the great square of Tlaltelolco, where we remained for three days
+without doing any thing worth notice, as Cortes wished to abstain from
+destroying any more of the city, in hopes of prevailing on Guatimotzin to
+accept of peace. He sent, therefore, a message, requesting him to
+surrender, giving him the strongest assurances that he should continue to
+enjoy the sovereignty, and should be treated with every honourable
+distinction; and he accompanied this message with a considerable present
+of provisions, such as fowls, game, bread, and fruit. Guatimotzin
+pretended to be inclined towards a pacification, and even sent four of his
+principal nobles to propose an interview between him and our general. But
+this, was a mere stratagem to gain time for strengthening his
+fortifications, and making preparations to attack us; as from the example
+of what had befallen his uncle Montezuma, and the suggestions of his
+advisers, he was afraid to trust himself in our hands. The mask was soon
+thrown off, and the enemy attacked us with such extreme violence, and
+having taken us in some measure by surprise, that they had some success at
+first, killing one of our soldiers and two horses; but in the end we drove
+them back with considerable loss.
+
+Cortes now ordered us to proceed on our former system, of advancing daily
+against that part of the city which was occupied by Guatimotzin, filling
+up the ditches and destroying the houses as we proceeded; and we
+accordingly gained ground as formerly. Guatimotzin, on seeing this, made
+another offer of an interview with our general, proposing the conference
+might take place across a large canal. To this Cortes readily assented,
+and went accordingly to the appointed place, but Guatimotzin never
+appeared; instead of which he sent some of his principal nobles, who said
+the king was apprehensive of being shot during the conference. Cortes
+engaged by the most solemn oaths that no injury should be offered, but all
+to no purpose. At this time two of these nobles played a most ridiculous
+farce: They took out from a sack a fowl, some bread, and a quantity of
+cherries, which they began to eat deliberately, as if to impress us with
+the belief that they had abundance of provisions. When Cortes found that
+the proposed conference was only a pretext to gain time, he sent a message
+of defiance to Guatimotzin and retired. For four days after this, we were
+not attacked by the enemy; but numbers of famished Mexicans used to
+surround our quarters every night. Cortes pitied their wretched situation,
+and ordered us to refrain from hostilities, always hoping that the enemy
+would offer terms of accommodation. One of our soldiers, named Sotela, who
+had served in Italy, was always boasting of the great battles he had seen,
+and of the wonderful military engines which he was able to construct, and
+particularly that he could make a machine for throwing stones, by which he
+would destroy the whole of that part of the city which Guatimotzin
+occupied, in a very few days. Cortes was at last induced to listen to him,
+and all kinds of materials were brought for him to construct his engine.
+Stone and lime was procured; the carpenters were set to work to prepare
+timber; two strong cables were made; and a number of large stones were
+brought, which the machine was to project. When all was ready, a stone was
+placed in the engine, and it was played off against the quarters of
+Guatimotzin. But instead of taking that direction, the stone flew up
+vertically into the air, and returned exactly to the place whence it was
+launched. Cortes was angry and ashamed at the result, and ordered the
+machine to be destroyed, reproaching the soldier for his ignorant
+presumption.
+
+Sandoval was now sent with the command of the flotilla, to act against
+that division of the city in which Guatimotzin still held out. He was
+ordered to spare the Mexicans as much as possible, but to destroy all the
+houses and advanced works which the enemy possessed in the lake. On this
+occasion, Cortes ascended to the high platform of the great temple,
+attended by many of his officers and soldiers, to observe the movements of
+the fleet. Guatimotzin, on observing the approach of Sandoval, became very
+apprehensive of being made prisoner, and determined to attempt making his
+escape. For this purpose he had already fifty large piraguas in readiness,
+on board of which he embarked with his family, principal officers and
+courtiers, and all their most valuable effects, and endeavoured to escape
+by the lake to the main land; all the piraguas taking different directions,
+in order to distract the pursuit of the brigantines. At this time Sandoval
+was occupied in tearing down some houses, that he might clear his way
+towards the quarters of Guatimotzin, of whose flight he got immediate
+notice. He set out therefore immediately in pursuit, giving strict orders
+to all the captains of his brigantines to offer no injury or insult to the
+royal fugitive; but to keep a watchful eye on that vessel in which
+Guatimotzin was supposed to have embarked, using every effort to take it,
+and paying no attention to the rest. In particular, he directed Garcia
+Holguin, who commanded the swiftest sailing vessel of the fleet, to make
+for that part of the shore to which it was supposed Guatimotzin was most
+likely to go. Holguin accordingly fell in with several piraguas, one of
+which, from the superior appearance of its structure and awning, he
+supposed to be that which carried the king. He called out to the people on
+board to bring to, but without effect, and then ordered his musketeers and
+cross-bows to present. On seeing this, Guatimotzin called out to them not
+to shoot, acknowledging who he was, and declared his readiness to submit,
+requesting to be taken immediately to the general, and entreating that his
+queen, children, and attendants might not be ill treated. Holguin received
+him and his queen with the utmost respect, placing them and twenty of the
+nobles who attended them on the poop of his vessel, setting such
+refreshments before them as he had in his power, and ordered the piraguas
+which carried the royal effects to follow untouched. At this time,
+perceiving that Holguin had made Guatimotzin prisoner, and was carrying
+him to Cortes, Sandoval made a signal for all the brigantines to close up
+with him, and ordered his rowers to exert every effort to bring him up
+with Holguin. On getting alongside, Sandoval demanded Guatimotzin to be
+delivered up to him, as commander of the naval force, but Holguin refused,
+and many high words passed between them. One of the vessels was sent to
+inform Cortes of the great event which had taken place, and by the same
+means he learnt the dispute which had occurred between Sandoval and
+Holguin. He immediately sent the Captains Marin and De Lugo with orders to
+bring the whole party to his quarters on the summit of the great temple,
+ordering them to treat Guatimotzin and his queen with the highest respect.
+In the meantime, he ordered a state canopy to be arranged as well as he
+could, with cloths and mantles, to receive his prisoners, and a table to
+be spread with such refreshments as could be procured.
+
+On the approach of the prisoners, Cortes went forward to meet the king,
+whom he embraced with much respect, and shewed all possible attention to
+his followers. The unfortunate monarch sinking under his affliction,
+addressed Cortes as follows, with his eyes full of tears: "_Malinatzin!_ I
+have done every thing in my power to defend my kingdom and people, but all
+my efforts have been in vain, and I am now your prisoner; I request of you,
+therefore, to draw your dagger and stab me to the heart." Cortes used his
+best endeavours to console him, assuring him of his high esteem for the
+valour and firmness he had exerted, that he should continue to reign as
+formerly, and that he had only required his submission when all reasonable
+hope of defence was gone, in order to avoid the utter destruction of his
+capital and people. Cortes then inquired after the queen, and was told
+that she and her female attendants remained in the piragua till their fate
+was decided. He then ordered them to be sent for, and treated them with
+all respect. As the evening drew on, and it threatened to rain, the whole
+royal family was sent to Cojohuacan, under the care of Sandoval, and a
+sufficient escort. Guatimotzin was about twenty-three or twenty-four years
+of age, of a noble appearance, both in person and countenance, having
+large and cheerful features, with lively eyes, and his complexion was very
+fair for an Indian. His queen, who was the niece[11] of Montezuma, was
+young and very handsome.
+
+The whole army was now ordered to withdraw from the great temple of
+Tlaltelolco, and to return to their original head-quarters. Cortes
+proceeded to Cojohuacan, where he took the command in person, sending
+Sandoval to resume his station at Tepejacac, and our division, under
+Alvarado, retired to Tacuba. Thus was the important seige of Mexico
+brought to a successful conclusion, by the capture of Guatimotzin and his
+family at the hour of vespers, on the day of St Hypolitus, 13th of August
+1521. Glorified be our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Holy Virgin Mother, Amen!
+
+In the night after the capture of Guatimotzin, about midnight, there was
+the greatest tempest of thunder, lightning, and rain I ever witnessed. But
+all the soldiers were as deaf as if they had been an hour in a belfrey,
+and all the bells ringing about their ears. This proceeded from the
+continual noise they had been accustomed to from the enemy during the
+_ninety-three days_[12] of this memorable siege: Some bringing on their
+troops to attack us on the causeways, with loud shouts, and shrill
+whistling; others in canoes assailing our flanks; some at work on the
+pallisades, water courses, and stone parapets, or preparing their
+magazines of arms, and the shrieks and yells of the women, who supplied
+the warriors with stones, darts, and arrows; the infernal noise of their
+timbals, horns, and trumpets, and the dismal drum, and other shocking
+noises, perpetually sounding in our ears: All of which immediately ceased
+on the capture of Guatimotzin. In consequence of the dispute between
+Sandoval and Holguin threatening unpleasant consequences, Cortes related
+to them from the Roman history the dispute between Marius and Sylla,
+about the capture of Iugurtha, which was ultimately productive of very
+fatal civil wars. He assured them that the whole affair should be
+represented to the emperor Don Carlos, by whose arbitration it should be
+decided. But in two years after, the emperor authorised Cortes to bear in
+his arms the seven kings whom he had subdued, Montezuma, Guatimotzin, and
+the princes of Tezcuco, Cojohuacan, Iztapalapa, Tacuba, and Matlatzinco.
+
+It is absolutely truth, to which I swear _amen_! that all the lake, the
+houses, and the courts were filled with dead bodies, so that I know not
+how to describe the miserable spectacle. All the streets, squares, courts,
+and houses of Tlaltelolco, were so covered by them, that we could not take
+a single step without treading on or between the bodies of dead Indians.
+The lake and the canals were full of them, and the stench was intolerable.
+It was for this reason that our troops retired from the city immediately
+after the capture of Guatimotzin: Cortes was himself ill for some time,
+owing to the dreadful effluvia arising from the putrifying bodies. I have
+read the history of the destruction of Jerusalem, but I cannot conceive
+that the mortality even there exceeded what I was witness to in Mexico; as
+all the warriors from the most distant provinces of that populous empire
+were concentrated there, and almost the whole garrison was cut off in
+their almost perpetual encounters with us, or perished of famine.
+
+Our vessels were now in the best situation for service; as those on board
+had ready access to the houses in the water, which were beyond our reach,
+whence they carried away all the best of the plunder. Their crews also
+discovered a great many valuable articles which the Mexicans had concealed
+among the tall reeds on the borders of the lake, and they intercepted a
+great deal that the inhabitants of the city endeavoured to carry away in
+their canoes; all of which was beyond our reach: Indeed the wealth which
+our mariners procured at this time was quite incalculable, as Guatimotzin
+and all his chiefs declared that far the greater part of the public
+treasure fell into their hands.
+
+Soon after the capture of Guatimotzin, it was ordered on his suggestion,
+that all the remaining inhabitants of Mexico should remove to the
+neighbouring towns, in order to have the the city cleared of the dead
+bodies, to restore its salubrity. In consequence of this order, all the
+causeways were full for three days and nights, of weak, sickly, and
+squalid wretches, men, women, and children, covered with filth, worn out
+by famine and disease, so that the sight was shocking in the extreme. When
+all were gone who had been able to get away, we went to examine the
+situation of the city, which was as I have already described, in a most
+miserable state. All the streets, courts, and houses were covered with
+dead bodies, among whom some miserable wretches were crawling about in the
+different stages of the most offensive diseases, occasioned by famine, the
+most unnatural food, and the pestilential smell of the corrupting carcases.
+Even the trees were stripped of their bark, and the ground had been
+everywhere dug up in search of any kind of roots it might be able to
+afford. Not a drop of water could be any where procured; and though it was
+the constant practice of all these nations to feast on the prisoners they
+took in war, not one instance occurred, in the midst of their extreme
+distress, of their having preyed on each other: and certainly there never
+existed in the history of this world any instance of a people who suffered
+so severely from hunger, thirst, and warfare. I must here observe, that in
+all our combats, the Mexicans seemed much more anxious to carry our
+soldiers away alive, that they might be sacrificed to their gods, than to
+kill them.
+
+After a solemn service of thanks to God for our victory, Cortes determined
+upon giving a feast in Cojohuacan to celebrate our triumph, as a vessel
+had arrived at Villa Rica with abundance of hogs, and a cargo of wine. He
+invited all his officers, and all the soldiers of particular estimation to
+this entertainment, and we all accordingly waited upon him at the time
+appointed. When we came to sit down to dinner, there were not tables and
+covers prepared for more than half of us, so that the company fell into
+sad confusion. The wine occasioned many to commit follies and other worse
+things. Some leapt over the tables, who were afterwards unable to get out
+at the doors, and many rolled down the steps, who could not walk home to
+their quarters. The private soldiers, in high expectations of immense
+plunder, declared they would buy horses with gold trappings, and the
+crossbow-men swore they would henceforth use only golden arrows. When the
+tables were removed, the soldiers danced in their armour, with the few
+ladies who were present; but the disproportion was very great, and the
+scene became truly ludicrous. Father Olmedo became quite scandalized at
+the conduct of the visitors at the feast, and was so disgusted at what was
+going on during the dances, that he complained to Sandoval, who reported
+to Cortes that the good Father was grumbling and scolding out of all
+measure. Our general, always prudent in his proceedings, came up to Olmedo,
+affecting to disapprove of the indecent conduct of his guests, and
+requested of him to order a solemn mass and thanksgiving, and to give the
+soldiers a sermon on their religious and moral duties. The good father was
+quite delighted at this proposal; and accordingly the crucifixes and the
+image of the blessed Virgin were carried in solemn procession, amid our
+drums and military ensigns; Olmedo chanted the litany and administered the
+sacrament, and we all gave thanks to God for our victory.
+
+Cortes now dismissed the Tlascalan chiefs and our other allies, who had
+rendered most important services during our long protracted warfare,
+making them many compliments and great promises, that he would make them
+all rich and great lords, with extensive territories and numerous vassals,
+so that they all departed in high spirits: But they had secured something
+more substantial than empty promises, as they were all well laden with the
+plunder of Mexico. Neither were they behind our enemies in their cannibal
+feasts, of which they had reserved some portions to give to their friends
+on their return.
+
+Now that I have concluded the narrative of so many furious and bloody
+engagements, through which the Almighty has been pleased to protect me, I
+must confess, that the sight of so many of my companions sacrificed alive
+to the war-god of the Mexicans, inspired me with fear. This may appear to
+some as an indication of want of courage, yet in that time I considered
+myself, and was looked upon by all as a valiant soldier, and was never
+exceeded by any in bold achievements. But when I saw the palpitating
+hearts of my companions taken out alive, and their legs and arms cut off
+to be served up in the barbarous feasts of our cannibal enemies, I feared
+it might one day be my own lot; and in fact the enemy had me twice in
+their hands, but by the blessing of God I escaped from their savage grasp.
+Yet I ever afterwards remembered the dreadful scene which I had witnessed,
+and on going to battle was much depressed and uneasy, fearing to be doomed
+to that cruel death. Yet I always recommended myself to God and his
+blessed Mother, and the moment I was engaged with the enemy all fear left
+me. Let those valiant cavaliers who have been in desperate battles and
+mortal dangers decide on the cause of my fears, for I declare I never knew
+what fear was till I saw the savage immolation of my seventy-two
+companions: In my own opinion it was from excessive courage, as I was
+fully aware of the extent of danger which I was voluntarily about to
+encounter. I have related many engagements in this history, at which I was
+not present; for even if my body had been of iron I could not have been
+present at all, and I was much oftener wounded than whole.
+
+
+[1] According to Clavigero, II. 162, the 30th of May 1521, on which day
+    Cortes dated the commencement of this memorable siege.--E.
+
+[2] Corpus Christi fell that year, according to Clavigero, on the 30th May,
+    so that the occupation of Iztapalapa, by which the investment of
+    Mexico was completed, was on the 3d of June.
+
+[3] The whole of this topographical account of Mexico and its approaches
+    is added by the editor, and has been placed in the text, distinguished
+    by inverted commas, as too long for a note. A plan is added,
+    constructed from a comparison of the maps in Diaz and Clavigero, both
+    evidently drawn without any actual survey, and corrected by means of
+    the excellent map of the vale of Mexico given by Humboldt. By means of
+    a great drain, made considerably posterior to the conquest, the lake
+    has been greatly diminished in magnitude, insomuch that the city is
+    now above three miles from the lake; so that the accurate map of
+    Humboldt does not now serve for the ancient topography of Mexico and
+    its near environs.--E.
+
+[4] It is hard to guess which way the brigantines could get there, as by
+    the maps both of Diaz and Clavigero, the great double causeway of
+    Xoloc or Iztapalapa, ought to have completely prevented his
+    penetrating to that part of the lake. It was probably Xoloc against
+    which this attack was made, and Diaz may have mistaken the name after
+    an interval of fifty-one years; for so long intervened between the
+    siege of Mexico in 1521, and 1572, when he informs us his history was
+    concluded.--E.
+
+[5] Perhaps along the mound or causeway of Mexicaltzinco; by which he
+    approached towards the great causeway of Xoloc, and the position of De
+    Oli at Cojohuacan.--E.
+
+[6] Though not mentioned by Diaz, this necessarily implies that one of the
+    bridges of each causeway must have been taken possession of by the
+    Spaniards, to allow the brigantines to get through into those parts of
+    the lake which were intersected by the causeways.--E.
+
+[7] Though not especially mentioned by Diaz, it appears that Cortes had
+    taken the immediate command of the detachment of De Oli, at Cojohuacan,
+    which formed the southern attack.--E.
+
+[8] On some former occasions the xiquipil has been already explained as
+    denoting eight thousand men.--E.
+
+[9] Clavigero, II. 180, supplies the brevity used by Diaz on this occasion.
+    He says that the chiefs of the districts of Matlatzinco, Malinalco,
+    and Cohuixco came to Cortes and entered into a confederacy with him
+    against Mexico; by which means, added to his former alliances, he was
+    now able to have employed "more warriors against Mexico than Xerxes
+    did against Greece." Clavigero everywhere deals in monstrous
+    exaggeration, while Diaz is uniformly modest, and within due bounds of
+    credibility. Even in the few _miracles_ of which Diaz makes mention,
+    his credulity is modestly guarded by devout fear of the holy
+    office.--E.
+
+[10] The whole western division of Mexico called Tlaltelolco was now in
+    possession of the Spaniards, and probably destroyed by them to secure
+    their communications; and the miserable remnant of the brave Mexicans
+    had retired into the eastern division, named Tenochtitlan.--E.
+
+[11] According to the genealogy of the Mexican kings in Clavigero, I. 240,
+    this princess, whose name was Tecuichpotzin, was queen successively to
+    her uncle Cuitlahuatzin, and her cousin Guatimotzin. After the
+    conquest, she became a Christian, by the name of Donna Elizabeta
+    Montezuma, marrying three noble Spaniards in succession; and from her
+    descended the two noble families of Cano Montezuma, and Andrea
+    Montezuma. Montezuma left likewise a son, Don Pedro Johualicahuatxin
+    Montezuma, whose male descendants failed in a great-grandson; but
+    there are several noble families both in Spain and Mexico descended
+    from that sovereign of Mexico in the female line.--E.
+
+[12] We have formerly said, on the authority of Clavigero, that the siege
+    of Mexico commenced on the 30th of May, and as it ended on the 13th of
+    August, the siege, by this mode of reckoning, could only have lasted
+    76 days. It is highly probable, therefore, that the commencement of
+    the siege must have been on the 13th of May, and the 30th of Clavigero
+    may only be an error of the press.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV.
+
+_Occurrences in New Spain immediately subsequent to the reduction of
+Mexico_.
+
+As soon as Cortes had leisure to think of objects of internal regulation,
+he gave orders to have the aqueduct restored by which the city of Mexico
+was supplied with water, and to have the city cleared of the dead bodies
+and repaired, so that it might be again habitable within two months. The
+palaces and houses were ordered to be rebuilt, and a certain portion of
+the city was allotted for the natives, while another part was reserved for
+the residence of the Spaniards. Guatimotzin made application to our
+general, in the name of many of his principal nobles, requesting that all
+their women of rank who had been taken by our soldiers, might be restored
+to their husbands and fathers. This was a matter of considerable
+difficulty; yet the general allowed a search to be made, with an assurance
+that all should be delivered up who were inclined to return. Every house
+was accordingly searched; and though many were found, three only of the
+whole number were inclined to return to their families; all the rest
+expressed their abhorrence at the idolatry of their countrymen, besides
+which, many of them declared that they were pregnant, and refused to quit
+the soldiers to whom they were attached.
+
+One of the first public works undertaken in Mexico was an arsenal for the
+reception of our flotilla which had been of such signal service during the
+siege. To the best of my remembrance, Alvarado was appointed alcalde, or
+chief magistrate, till the arrival of Salazar de la Pedrada. It was
+currently reported that Guatimotzin had thrown great quantities of gold,
+silver, and jewels, into the lake four days before his capture, and it was
+well known that our allies had got large plunder as well as our own men
+who served in the brigantines, and many of us suspected that Cortes was
+well pleased that Guatimotzin had concealed much treasure, as he expected
+to procure the whole for himself. It was then proposed in the army, that
+Guatimotzin and the prince of Tacuba, his most confidential counsellor,
+should be put to the torture, to extort confession of where the treasure
+was secreted; this horrid act was certainly greatly against the
+inclination of Cortes, yet he was forced to leave the unfortunate king and
+the lord of Tacuba at the disposal of those avaricious wretches, who
+alleged that our general objected to this infernal measure that he might
+secure the gold for himself. In answer to all interrogatories on the
+subject of the treasure, the royal Mexican officers uniformly protested
+that no more existed than what had been produced; which, when melted, did
+not exceed the value of 380,000 crowns; so that, when the royal fifth and
+that for Cortes were deducted, those of the conquerors who were not
+friends to Cortes were exceedingly dissatisfied. All that could be
+extorted by the inhuman procedure of torture from the king and prince was,
+that they had thrown some treasure into the lake, together with the
+muskets and other arms captured during our flight from Mexico in the
+preceding year, four days before the surrender. The place indicated was
+repeatedly searched to no purpose by our best divers; but a sun of solid
+gold, similar to one we got from Montezuma, with many ornaments of small
+value, were found in a deep pond near his residence. The prince of Tacuba
+declared under the torture that he had buried some gold at a place about
+four leagues from Tacuba; but when Alvarado and six soldiers accompanied
+him there, of whom I was one, he declared he had no gold, and had only
+said so in hope of dying on the road. In fact the treasury was reduced
+very low before the accession of Guatimotzin. I and several other good
+divers searched that part of the lake which had been indicated by
+Guatimotzin, but we found only some small pieces of gold, which were
+immediately claimed by Cortes and Alederete the treasurer; who likewise
+sent down other persons in their own presence, but all they got did not
+reach the value of ninety crowns. We were all miserably disappointed to
+find our shares so small; insomuch that Olmedo and all the captains
+proposed to Cortes to divide the whole which belonged to the army among
+the wounded, the lame, the blind, and the sick, all who were sound
+renouncing their claims. We were all curious to know what our shares
+amounted to, and it at length appeared that the share of a horseman was
+only an hundred crowns. I forget how much belonged to a foot soldier; but
+it was so small that none of us would accept the paltry sum, more
+especially the soldiers of Narvaez, who never liked Cortes.
+
+Many of our soldiers had incurred heavy debts. A crossbow cost fifty
+crowns, a musket a hundred, a horse eight hundred or a thousand, and every
+thing else in proportion. Our surgeon, master Juan, and Doctor Murcia our
+apothecary and barber, charged very high, and there were various other
+sources of debt, all to be satisfied from our miserable dividends. These
+required to be regulated; and accordingly Cortes appointed two respectable
+persons, Santa Clara and Lerena, to arbitrate all claims, which were
+ordered to be cleared off within two years according to their award. The
+value also of the gold was debased, to serve us in our dealings with the
+merchants from Spain and Cuba; but it had the opposite effect, as they
+charged more than double the difference on their goods. On these abuses
+being known at court, our emperor was pleased to prohibit the farther
+currency of this base metal, ordering it to be all received in payment of
+certain duties, and no more of it to be made; and as two goldsmiths were
+detected for putting off base metal with the legal mark of good, they were
+hanged for the fraud.
+
+As the best way to rid himself of troublesome demands, Cortes resolved to
+send off colonies to make settlements at convenient situations. Sandoval
+was sent for this purpose to occupy Coatzacualco and Tzapotecapan, the
+south-eastern provinces of the Mexican empire. Juan Velasquez to Colima,
+and Villa Fuerte to Zacatollan, the most westerly provinces on the south
+sea. Christoval de Oli to take possession of the kingdom of Michuacan, and
+Francisca de Orozco to Guaxaca or Oaxaco. The native chiefs of the distant
+provinces could hardly be brought to believe that Mexico was destroyed,
+and sent deputations to ascertain the truth of the report, bearing large
+presents of gold to Cortes, and submitting themselves as vassals to our
+emperor. Many came in person to Mexico, and even brought their children to
+see the fallen condition of that great power which they had once held in
+such awe and terror, expressing themselves in their own language, as who
+should say, _Here stood Troy_. My readers may be curious to know how we,
+the conquerors of Mexico, after encountering so many fatigues and dangers
+to gain possession of that city, should now so readily abandon it in
+search of new settlements. To this I answer: The books containing the
+record of the Mexican revenues were examined to find whence Montezmna had
+obtained the valuable articles of tribute, such as gold, cocoa, and cotton,
+and we all wished to remove to these productive districts. Some especially
+were led by the example of Sandoval, who was known to be the particular
+friend of Cortes, and who would not, as they thought, be sent upon an
+unprofitable errand. We all knew that the vicinity of Mexico had neither
+mines, plantations, nor manufactures, being entirely occupied in the
+cultivation of maize and _maguey_, which did not afford sufficient
+prospects of advantage, and we anxiously removed therefore to other places,
+where we were miserably disappointed. I among others, went to Cortes and
+asked permission to accompany Sandoval to his government: "Brother Diaz,"
+said he, "you had better stay with me: If you are resolved to accompany
+your friend Sandoval, you may certainly go; but on my conscience you will
+repent." All the gold got into the hands of the royal officers, as the
+slaves were purchased by the soldiers at a public sale. The various
+detachments were sent out at different periods to occupy the provinces,
+but all within two months after the reduction of Mexico.
+
+At this time, Christoval de Tapia, _veedor_ of Hispaniola, arrived at
+Villa Rica with a commission to assume the government of New Spain, by
+order of the emperor and under the direction of the bishop of Burgos. He
+likewise brought letters from the bishop to Cortes and many persons in the
+army, recommending him to be received with honour as governor, promising
+great rewards to all who should assist him in assuming the government,
+with severe threats of punishing all who opposed him: besides these sealed
+letters, he had many others which he was authorised to address as he saw
+occasion. Tapia in the first place presented his commission to Alvarado,
+who now commanded at Villa Rica, who received it with the highest respect,
+saying that it did not belong to him to decide on so important a subject,
+and it would be proper, therefore, to assemble the alcaldes and regidors
+of the settlement, that the commission might be verified in their presence,
+and that it might be certainly known it came regularly from his majesty.
+This did not exactly suit the views of Tapia, who was advised to proceed
+to Mexico, and to produce his commission to the general; he therefore
+forwarded to Cortes the letter of the bishop, and wrote to him on the
+subject of his mission to New Spain, using smooth and persuasive terms,
+and Cortes was by no means behind hand in the civility of his reply.
+Cortes, however, sent off expresses to some of his most confidential
+officers whom he had previously detached to settle colonies, ordering them
+to go to meet Tapia, who had already begun his journey to Mexico, and was
+met with on the road by Alvarado, Sandoval, Valdenegro, Andres de Tapia,
+and Father Olmedo, all persons in the confidence of Cortes, by whom
+Christoval de Tapia was persuaded to go back to Chempoalla, and to produce
+his commission to them. Having examined it and finding it genuine, they
+placed it on their heads in token of respect and submission to the will of
+the emperor, yet hesitated as to acknowledging Tapia for governor,
+alleging that it was necessary in the first place to be assured of his
+majestys pleasure in the present state of New Spain, which had been
+concealed from his knowledge by the bishop of Burgos, to serve his own
+private views and to favour Tapia and Velasquez, one of whom it was
+alleged was to marry his niece. Tapia saw evidently that it would be no
+easy matter to enter upon his office of governor, and fell sick with
+vexation. The before-mentioned deputies informed Cortes by letter of all
+that had passed, and advised him to try the all-powerful influence of gold
+on the would-be governor. Cortes complied with this advice, and
+transmitted a good quantity of golden ingots by return of the express, by
+means of which his friends gratified the avarice of Tapia, under pretence
+of purchasing one of his ships, with some horses and negroes; and Tapia
+set sail in his other vessel for Hispaniola, where he was very ill
+received by the royal audience and the Jeronymite brotherhood, as he had
+undertaken this business contrary to their express orders.
+
+I have formerly mentioned some particulars of an unsuccessful expedition
+set on foot by Garray, the governor of Jamaica, for the establishment of a
+colony on the river of Panuco; and as Cortes was informed that Garray
+intended to resume that project, he resolved to anticipate him,
+considering the country on that river as included in New Spain. Having
+likewise been informed that Narvaez, who still continued a prisoner at
+Villa Rica, had held some confidential intercourse with Tapia, in which he
+advised him to quit the country as soon as possible, and to lay a
+statement of the whole before his patron the bishop of Burgos; Cortes
+sent orders to Rangel, now commandant at Villa Rica, to send up Narvaez to
+Cojohuacan, where Cortes resided until the palace he meant to inhabit at
+Mexico was completed. On appearing before Cortes, Narvaez fell on his
+knees and endeavoured to kiss his hand; but Cortes raised and embraced him,
+and treated him with the utmost kindness. His residence in Mexico being
+ready for his reception, Cortes went to live there in great splendour,
+marking out a plan for the restoration of the city, in which ample
+allotments were made for churches, monasteries, and public buildings, with
+squares and markets, all the rest of the ground being set apart for the
+private inhabitants; and both so speedily and splendidly was this capital
+restored, that all who have seen it allow there is not in Christendom a
+larger, better built, or more populous city. While thus employed,
+intelligence was brought to Cortes that the province of Panuco was in arms,
+and had killed many of the soldiers whom he had sent to make a settlement
+at that place. He resolved, therefore, to proceed to Panuco in person, as
+all his most confidential officers were now absent on different duties.
+
+By this time our strength had been considerably augmented, both by means
+of those formerly mentioned who had been on the expedition to Florida
+under Aillon, and by several who had come over along with Tapia, and by
+the arrival of many adventurers from the islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, and
+Jamaica. De Oli, likewise, had now returned from Mechoacan, which he had
+reduced to submission, bringing with him the principal cacique of that
+country and several other chiefs, with a considerable quantity of gold.
+Cortes therefore left a respectable garrison in Mexico, under Diego de
+Soto, and set out on his march for Panuco[1] with 130 cavalry, 250
+infantry, and 10,000 Mexican warriors. As this expedition was very
+expensive, Cortes, wished the charge to be defrayed from the royal funds,
+but the officers of the treasury refused, under the pretext that it had
+been undertaken from motives of private interest, to prevent Garray from
+establishing a colony in that place, and not for the public service. The
+Panuchese, otherwise called the Guastecas and Naguaticas, were numerous
+and warlike, and had collected a force of above 70,000 warriors, with
+which they fought two battles against Cortes in the course of a few days,
+in which three Spaniards, four horses, and above a hundred Mexicans were
+slain; but we obtained the victory in both actions, with such slaughter
+of the rebels, as deprived them of all inclination to renew the war for
+the present. By means of Father Olmedo and some prisoners, the Panuchese
+were now induced to submit. Cortes in the next place proceeded with half
+his army across the river Chila, to reduce the natives who had murdered
+the messengers whom he sent to require their submission. On crossing the
+river, the enemy fell upon our troops with great fury, but were soon
+defeated, and our people advanced to a town in which they found abundance
+of provisions. Some of our soldiers, on going into a temple next morning,
+found the remains of some of our men, and even recognized their features,
+a melancholy sight to us all; but we carefully collected and buried their
+remains. From this place our detachment marched to another, where the
+enemy concealed some of their troops among houses, intending to fall upon
+our men when the cavalry had dismounted; but as their plan was discovered
+it failed of success, yet they fought valiantly for half an hour, even
+rallying three times, contrary to the usual custom of the Indians, and
+three of our soldiers were so badly wounded that they afterwards died. On
+the ensuing day, our soldiers scoured the country, and in some deserted
+towns they found a number of earthen vessels filled with a species of wine
+in underground cellars. After having marched for five days through the
+country in various directions, the detachment returned to the river Chila,
+and Cortes again summoned the the country to submission. They promised to
+send a deputation for that purpose in four days, for which Cortes waited,
+but to no purpose; he therefore sent a large body of Mexicans, during a
+dark rainy night, across a lake to attack one of their largest towns,
+which was entirely destroyed; after which most of the country submitted,
+and Cortes established a town of 130 houses about a league from the river
+of Chila, which he named Estevan del Puerto, leaving 63 Spanish soldiers
+to keep the country under subjection, and giving the command of all the
+neighbouring country to Pedro Valego. Before leaving this country, Cortes
+was informed of three districts, which had now submitted, the inhabitants
+of which had been very active in the murder of the Spaniards at Panuco on
+the former occasion, and who had entered into a resolution to fall upon
+the new settlement as soon as he quitted the country. He marched therefore
+against them, and destroyed their towns, which they re-established soon
+after his departure. In consequence of the loss of a vessel which Cortes
+had ordered to bring provisions from Villa Rica, this new settlement was
+reduced to much distress. The inhabitants of this province of Panuco were
+the most barbarous of all the tribes in New Spain, being cruel to excess,
+exceedingly addicted to human sacrifices, drunken, filthy, and wicked
+beyond belief. They frequently rebelled, and were as often punished in a
+most exemplary manner; but all would not reduce them under good government:
+But when Nunez de Guzman became governor of New Spain, he reduced the
+whole nation to slavery, and sold them among the different Islands of the
+West Indies.
+
+On his return towards Mexico, Cortes received complaints of various
+depredations having been committed by the inhabitants of the neighbouring
+mountains on the peaceable districts of New Spain[2], He determined
+therefore to chastise these lawless tribes while on his way; but they
+anticipated him, by assaulting his rear in a difficult pass of the
+mountains, where they got possession of a considerable portion of the
+baggage. But our Mexican allies severely revenged this insult, and made
+prisoners of two of the principal hostile chiefs who were both hanged.
+After this victory, Cortes suspended hostilities, and having summoned the
+people to appear before him, they came in and submitted, on which Cortes
+appointed the brother of the cacique who had been put to death to the
+vacant government. About this time Alonza de Avila, who was formerly
+mentioned, returned with full powers from the royal audience and the
+Jeronymite brotherhood, to continue our conquests, to make settlements of
+land and colonies according to the established rules in Hispaniola and
+Cuba, and to brand slaves: And he brought notice that these tribunals had
+transmitted a report of the steps they had now taken to the government in
+Spain, whence it was transmitted to the emperor, then in Flanders. If
+Avila had been in New Spain at the arrival of Tapia, he might have proved
+troublesome, as he was entirely devoted to the Bishop of Burgos, having
+been bred up in his house. On this account, and by the advice of Olmedo,
+Cortes gave him the command of the district of Guatitlan, one of the most
+profitable in New Spain, and also made him a considerable present of gold,
+and many flattering words and promises by which he gained him over
+entirely to his interest, insomuch that he sent him soon afterwards into
+Spain as his agent, carrying a large quantity of gold, pearls, and jewels
+to the emperor, together with several gigantic human bones that were found
+in a temple at Cojohuacan, similar to those which had been formerly sent
+from Tlascala, as already mentioned[3]. Besides these things, he carried
+over three Mexican tigers, and many other curious things which I do not
+now remember. One part of the business of this agency, was to carry a
+memorial from the _cabildo_ of Mexico, and from us the conquerors of New
+Spain, soliciting to be supplied with bishops and clergy of holy life and
+exemplary manners, and requesting that all offices of honour and emolument
+might be conferred on us who had conquered this vast empire for our
+sovereign, and that the supreme government might be confided to our
+general Cortes. We requested that his majesty might be pleased to prohibit
+any lawyers from coming among us, who would throw us into confusion with
+their learned quibbles; and we farther represented the insufficient
+commission of Christoval de Tapia, who had been sent out by the Bishop of
+Burgos, merely for the purpose of effectuating a marriage between him and
+the bishops niece. We deprecated the interference of the bishop in the
+affairs of New Spain, which had already obstructed our efforts of conquest
+in the service of his majesty, and had manifested great enmity against us
+by prohibiting the Casa de Contratation of Seville from sending us any
+supplies. We concluded by declaring ourselves ready to receive his
+majesties commands with the most perfect submission and obedience, but that
+we had deemed it our bounden duty to lay all these particulars before his
+majesty, which had hitherto been artfully kept from his knowledge. On his
+part, Cortes sent a memorial to the king of twenty-one pages long, in
+which he left no argument unemployed to serve his own and our interest. He
+even requested permission to go over to the island of Cuba, and to send
+the governor Velasquez a prisoner to Spain, that he might be tried and
+punished for the injuries he had done to the public service, and
+especially for having sent an order to put Cortes to death.
+
+Our agents sailed from Vera Cruz on the 20th December 1522, and no
+particular occurrence happened on the voyage to the Terceras or Acores,
+except that one of the tigers broke loose and wounded some of the sailors,
+who were likewise obliged to kill the other on account of its ferocity. At
+the island of Tercera, Captain Quinones lost his life in a duel,
+occasioned by a quarrel about a lady, by which means our business was left
+in the hands of Alonzo de Avila. In continuing his voyage to Europe, he
+was taken by a French privateer, commanded by one Jean Florin, who took
+another ship from Hispaniola with a valuable cargo of sugar and hides, and
+20,000 crowns in gold, and many pearls; so that with this and our treasure
+he returned very rich to France, where he made magnificent presents to the
+king and admiral of France, astonishing every body at the magnificence of
+the presents which we had transmitted for our emperor. The king of France
+observed on this occasion, that the wealth which we supplied from New
+Spain was alone sufficient to enable our sovereign to wage war against him,
+although Peru was not then discovered. It was also reported that the king
+of France sent a message to our emperor, saying, That as he and the king
+of Portugal had divided the world between them, he desired to see the will
+of our father Adam, to know if he had made them exclusively his heirs. In
+his next expedition, Florin was made prisoner by a strong squadron
+belonging to Biscay, and was hanged in the island of Teneriffe.
+
+Avila was made a close prisoner in France, but by gaining the friendship
+of the officer to whose custody he had been confided, he was enabled to
+correspond with his friends in Spain, to whom he transmitted all the
+documents with which he had been entrusted, which were all laid before the
+emperor Don Carlos by Martin Cortes, our generals father, and Diego de
+Ordas, by means of the licentiate Nunez, _relator_ of the royal council,
+who was cousin to Cortes. The emperor was pleased, on due consideration of
+these documents, to order that all favour should be shewn to our general,
+and that the proceedings respecting the government of New Spain should be
+suspended until his majesty returned into Spain.
+
+We were much disappointed on receiving intelligence of the loss of our
+treasure, and the detention of our agent in France; yet Cortes honourably
+reserved the district of Guatitlan for Avila, notwithstanding his
+captivity, and gave it three years afterwards to a brother of Alonzo de
+Avila, who was then promoted to be _contador_ of Yucutan.
+
+
+[1] The province here named Panuco, is situated on the coast of the gulf
+    of Mexico, at the mouth of a considerable river which drains the
+    superfluous waters of the Mexican vale, named at first Rio del Desague,
+    then Rio de Tula, and Rio Tampico at its mouth, in about lat. 22 deg. 15'
+    N. The Modern town of Panuco is about 200 miles almost due north from
+    Mexico.--E.
+
+[2] These were probably the Chichimecas and Otomies, who inhabited to the
+    north-west of the Mexican empire.--E.
+
+[3] From these slight notices, nothing certain can be gathered respecting
+    these large bones: Yet there is every reason to believe they must have
+    been of the same kind with those now familiar to the learned world,
+    under the name of _Mammoth_. The vale of Mexico has every indication
+    of having once been an immense inland lake, and the other _big bones_
+    of North America have all been found in places of a similar
+    description. The greatest deposit of these hitherto known, is at a
+    place called _big-bone-swamp_, near the Mississippi, in the modern
+    state of Kentucky.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XV.
+
+_Expeditions of Gonzalo de Sandoval, Pedro de Alvarado, and others, for
+reducing the Mexican Provinces_.
+
+
+After the settlement with Christoval de Tapia, the Captains Sandoval and
+Alvarado resumed the expeditions with which they had been before entrusted,
+and on this occasion I went along with Sandoval. On our arrival at
+Tustepeque[1], I took my lodgings on the summit of a very high tower of a
+temple, for the sake of fresh air, and to avoid the musquitoes, which were
+very troublesome below. At this place, seventy-two of the soldiers who
+came with Narvaez and six Spanish women were put to death. The whole
+province submitted immediately to Sandoval, except the Mexican chief who
+had been the principal instrument of the destruction of our soldiers, who
+was soon afterwards made prisoner and burnt alive. Many others had been
+equally guilty, but this example of severity was deemed sufficient.
+
+Sandoval, in the next place, sent a message to the Tzapotecas, who inhabit
+a mountainous district about ten leagues from Tustepeque or Tututepec,
+ordering them to submit to his authority; and on their refusal, an
+expedition was sent against them under Captain Briones, who according to
+his own account had served with reputation in the wars of Italy. His
+detachment consisted of 100 Spanish infantry, and about an equal number of
+Indian allies; but the enemy were prepared for him, and so completely
+surprised him in a difficult pass of the mountains, that they drove him
+and his men over the rocks, rolling them down to the bottom, by which
+above a third of them were wounded, of whom one afterwards died. The
+district inhabited by the Tzapotecas is of very difficult access among
+rocky mountains, where the troops can only pass in single file, and the
+climate is very moist and rainy. The inhabitants are armed with long
+lances, having stone heads about an ell long, which have two edges as
+sharp as razors, and they are defended by pliable shields which cover
+their whole bodies. They are extremely nimble, and give signals to each
+other by loud whistlings, which echo among the rocks with inconceivable
+shrillness. Their province is named Tiltepeque[2]; which, after its
+submission, was confided to the charge of a soldier named Ojeda. On his
+return to quarters, Sandoval ridiculed Briones on the bad success of his
+expedition, asking him if he had ever seen the like in Italy; for Briones
+was always boasting of his exploits there, as how he had severed men in
+two, and the like. Briones was sore displeased with these sarcasms, and
+swore he would rather fight against the Turks or Moors than the Tzapotecas.
+There was another district of the Tzapotecas called Xaltepec, which was
+then at war with a neighbouring tribe, and who immediately, on being
+summoned by Sandoval, sent a deputation of their chiefs to wait upon him
+with handsome presents; among which was a considerable quantity of gold,
+partly made into toys, and partly in ten little tubes. Their chiefs were
+dressed in long cotton robes, richly embroidered, and reaching to their
+feet, like the upper garments worn by the Moors. They requested to be
+assisted by some of our soldiers against their enemies, whom they named
+the Minxes. The state of our force at this time did not permit him to
+comply with this request, but he promised to transmit their request to our
+general at Mexico, with an application for an auxiliary force to be sent
+them, and said he could only now send a small number of his men along with
+them, to observe the nature of the passes, but his real object was to
+examine their mines. With this answer he dismissed them all except three,
+sending eight of us along with them to explore the country and its mines.
+
+There was another soldier of the same name with myself in this party, for
+indeed there were three of us in the army named Castillo. At that time I
+prided myself on my dress, and was called _Castillo the beau_. My namesake
+who went on the present expedition was named _Castillo the thoughtful_, as
+he was of slow speech, never replying to a question for a long while, and
+then answering by some absurdity. The third was called _Castillo the
+prompt_, as he was always very ready and smart in all his words. On our
+arrival at the district of Xaltepec, the Indians turned over the soil in
+three different rivers, in each of which they found gold, and soon filled
+three tubes with it as large as a mans middle finger, with which we
+returned to Sandoval, who now thought that all our fortunes would be made.
+He took a district to himself, from which he very soon procured gold to
+the value of 15,000 crowns. He gave the district of Xaltepec, whence we
+had obtained the gold, to Captain Luis Marin, but it turned out very
+indifferently. He gave me a very profitable district, which I wish to God
+I had kept; it consisted of three places, named Matalan, Oztoequipa, and
+Oriaca, where the _ingenio_ of the viceroy is now situated; but I thought
+it more consistent with my character as a soldier to accompany Sandoval in
+his military expeditions. Sandoval called his town Medellin, after the
+birth-place of Cortes; and the Rio de las Vanderas, from which he procured
+the 15,000 crowns, was for some time the port where the merchandise from
+Spain was discharged, until Vera Cruz became the emporium.
+
+We now marched into the province of Coatzacualco, through the district of
+Citla[3], which is about twelve leagues in length and breadth, and is very
+populous, having a fine climate and abounding in provisions. The chiefs
+immediately submitted. On our arrival at the river of Coatzacualco, which
+is the governing district of all the neighbouring tribes, the chiefs did
+not make their appearance on being summoned, which we considered as an
+indication of hostility, which was in fact their first intention; but
+after five days, they came in and made their submissions, presenting some
+trinkets of fine gold to Sandoval. By his orders, they collected a hundred
+canoes, in which we crossed the river, sending four soldiers in advance to
+examine and report the state of the country. A town was founded in this
+place, which we named Villa del Espiritu Santo, because on that day we
+defeated Narvaez, using that expression as our watchword, and because we
+crossed this river on the same day. In this place the flower of our army
+was established, which at this time mustered eighty cavalry, a greater
+number in proportion than five hundred is now, horses being then very
+scarce and dear. Having examined the surrounding districts, Sandoval
+divided them among the different settlements. To the settlement of
+Coatzacualco, he allotted Cuetzpaltepec, Tepeca, Chinantla, the Tzapotecas,
+Copilco, Cimatan, Tabasco, Cachula, the Zoques, Techeapa, Cinacatan, the
+Quilenes, and Papanahausta. We had a long litigation afterwards with the
+district of Vera Cruz about three of these, Cuetzpaltepec, Chinantla, and
+Tepeca; with Tabasco about Cimatan and Copilco; with Chiapa or Guatimala,
+concerning the Quilenes and Zoques; and likewise with the town of St
+Ildefonso about the Tzapotecas. I regretted having fixed myself in this
+place, as the lands were very poor, and every thing turned out to my
+disadvantage. We might indeed have done well enough if we had been left in
+our original situation; but as new settlements were successively formed,
+ours were curtailed to accommodate them, so that our colony fell into
+decay; and from being the best, and containing the greatest number of the
+true conquerors of Mexico, it has now very few inhabitants.
+
+About this time Sandoval received intelligence of the arrival of Donna
+Catalina, the lady of our general, in the river of Aguayalco[4],
+accompanied by her brother. La Zembrana also with her family came along
+with her, and Donna Elvira Lopez _the tall_, who married Juan de Palma,
+who was afterwards hanged. We all went to pay our respects to the ladies,
+the roads being almost impassable owing to constant heavy rain. Having
+escorted Donna Catalina and the rest to our town of Coatzacualco, or
+Espiritu Santo, intelligence was sent to Cortes of their arrival, and they
+set out soon afterwards for Mexico. Cortes was sorry for their coming, but
+he received them with great pomp, and we heard about three months
+afterwards that Donna Catalina had died of an asthma.
+
+Villafuerte had been sent to Zacatula, and Juan Alvarez Chico to Colima,
+two provinces on the south sea to the west of Mexico, but were
+unsuccessful; on which Cortes sent Christoval de Oli to reduce these
+provinces to submission. The natives attacked him on his march, killing
+two of his soldiers; yet he reached the station of Villafuerte, who was
+afraid to stir out, and had four even of his soldiers killed by the enemy
+in the town where he resided. I do not know what became of Captain Juan
+Alvarez, but I believe he lost his life about this time in some action
+with the natives. De Oli reduced both provinces to submission and returned
+to Mexico, where he was hardly arrived when intelligence was brought that
+they had again rebelled; on which Cortes sent Sandoval with a small party
+of veterans to take the charge of them. He punished the ringleaders of the
+rebellion, and regulated them in so effectual a manner, that they
+continued ever afterwards submissive.
+
+On the departure of Sandoval with the ladies, several of the districts
+subjected to Coatzacualco rebelled, killing the soldiers who were
+appointed to collect the tribute; among which were the Tzapotecas of
+Xaltepec, Cimatan and Copilco, the first being difficult of access on
+account of its rugged mountains, and the two others because of lakes and
+marshes, so that they were not reduced to subjection without great
+difficulty. While Captain Luis Marin was engaged in reducing these
+districts, Juan Buono arrived at our settlement in a small vessel. He
+immediately called us all together, and endeavoured to persuade us to
+submit to Christoval de Tapia as governor of New Spain, being ignorant of
+the return of that person to Hispaniola. Buono had a number of unaddressed
+letters from the bishop of Burgos, making large offers to such as would
+further his views of superseding Cortes, and which Buono had a
+discretionary power of directing to any persons that he supposed might
+support the cause in which he was engaged, and which he accordingly
+transmitted to those who held offices in the settlement. Among the rest, I
+was offered the appointment of regidor. When Buono learnt that Tapia had
+left the country, he seemed much disappointed. We referred him to Cortes
+at Mexico, to which place he went. I know not what passed between him and
+Cortes, but I believe the general sent him back to Spain with some money
+in his pocket.
+
+Among the tribes that courted our alliance after the conquest of Mexico,
+was a people of the Tzapotecan nation, named the Tutepecs, who earnestly
+requested our assistance against a hostile tribe, who bore the same name
+with themselves, and whom they represented as possessing a very rich
+country. Accordingly, in the year 1522, Alvarado marched from Mexico with
+a detachment of 180 soldiers, cavalry and infantry, with orders to take
+twenty more on his march through the district of Oaxaco, and also to visit
+and reduce during his march certain mountainous districts which were said
+to be in rebellion. Alvarado was forty days on his march between Mexico
+and Tutepec, and was very hospitably received on his arrival, being lodged
+in the most populous part of the city, where the houses stood close
+together, and were thatched with straw, it not being the custom of that
+part of the country to have terraced roofs, on account of their climate
+being very sultry. By the advice of Father Olmedo, Alvarado removed his
+quarters to a more open part of the town; as in case of any treachery
+being intended, the natives might easily have set fire to the first
+quarters. In this place, Alvarado was plentifully supplied with provisions,
+and the principal chief made him every day some rich present of gold; and
+among other things gave him a pair of golden stirrups, made according to a
+pattern. Yet, only a few days after, the cacique was made a prisoner, on
+the information, as was said, of the Indians of Tecuantepec, that he meant
+to burn the Spaniards in the quarters which had been assigned them in the
+temples. Some of the Spaniards alleged that Alvarado made him a prisoner
+in order to extort gold for his ransom. However this may have been, he
+died in prison of vexation, after Alvarado had got from him to the value
+of 30,000 crowns. His son was permitted to succeed him in the government,
+from whom Alvarado obtained more gold than he had done from the father.
+Alvarado now established a colony, which was called _Segura_, because most
+of the colonists came from Tepeaca, named by us Segura de la Frontera.
+
+Alvarado set out soon afterwards on his return to Mexico with all his
+wealth, as Cortes had written to him to bring all the treasure he possibly
+could, which he intended to send into Spain. The soldiers were much
+dissatisfied at being thus excluded from any share, and several of them
+entered into a conspiracy to assassinate Alvarado and his brothers. One of
+the conspirators, named Tribejo, gave information of the plot to Father
+Olmedo, only a few hours before it was intended to have been executed; and
+the reverend Father informed Alvarado, just as he was riding out along
+with some of the conspirators. He continued his intended excursion for a
+short way; then turning suddenly, he complained of a pain in his side,
+saying he must go back for a surgeon to bleed him. On his arrival at
+quarters, he immediately sent for his two brothers, together with the
+alcaldes and alguazils of the settlement, whom he ordered to arrest the
+conspirators, two of whom were hanged. Alvarado returned to Mexico with
+his gold; but the colonists finding all the gold taken away, and that the
+place was hot and unhealthy, infested with musqutioes, bugs, and other
+vermin, and themselve and slaves fast dying, they abandoned the settlement,
+some going to Mexico, and others to different places. Cortes was much
+displeased at this abandonment, and finding on inquiry that it had been
+done by a resolution of the alcaldes and regidors in full cabildo, he
+condemned them to suffer death; but their punishment, at the intercession
+of Olmedo, was mitigated to banishment. Thus the settlement of Segura fell
+to the ground, which had been established in a very fertile country, but
+exceedingly unhealthy. By the cruelty and extortion of Alvarado, the minds
+of the natives were alienated, and they threw off their allegiance; but he
+reduced them again to submission, and they continued afterwards to behave
+themselves peaceably.
+
+
+[1] This expedition appears to have been for the reduction of certain
+    provinces to the south-east of the vale of Mexico, now forming the
+    intendency of Oaxaca, inhabited by the Mixtecas and Tzapotecas. The
+    Tustepeque of the text, was probably a town on the Boca de Chacahua on
+    the South Sea, now called Tututepec, in lat. 15º 50' N. and long. 100º
+    15' E. On the very imperfect map of Clavigero, it is named Tototepec,
+    and is placed in the country of the Mixtecas.--E.
+
+[2] Named, more appropriately, in the map of Clavigero, Tzapoteca-pan.--E.
+
+[3] I suspect this ought to be named Chinantla.--E.
+
+[4] This way probably be some corruption of the native name of the Rio
+    Coatzacualco, or Huaxacualco; by giving it the ordinary Spanish prefix
+    _agua_; which signifies water, or a river, with the native termination
+    _cualco_.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI.
+
+_Some Account of the Expedition of Francisco de Garay for the Colonization
+of Panuco_.
+
+
+Having formerly mentioned the expedition fitted out by Francisco de Garay,
+the governor of Jamaica, it seems proper to give a more particular account
+of that affair in this place. Hearing of the great riches which Diego
+Velasquez was likely to acquire from New Spain, and of the fertile
+countries which had been discovered on the continent of the West Indies,
+and encouraged by the means he now possessed of prosecuting discoveries
+and conquests, he determined to try his own fortune in that career. For
+this purpose he sent for and discoursed with Alaminos, who had been our
+chief pilot, from whom he received so favourable an account of these
+countries, that he sent Juan de Torralva, a person in whom he could
+confide, to solicit the bishop of Burgos to grant him a commission for
+settling the country on the river of Panuco; and having succeeded in this
+preliminary step, he fitted out an armament of three ships, with 240
+soldiers, under the command of Alonzo Alvarez Pineda, who was defeated by
+the Panuchese, one ship only escaping, which joined us at Villa Rica, as
+already related. Receiving no intelligence of the fate of his first
+armament, Garay sent a second, which also arrived at our port. Having now
+expended a great deal of money to no purpose, and having learnt the good
+fortune of Cortes, he became more than ever desirous to secure the
+advantages he expected to derive from his commission. With this view he
+fitted out thirteen ships, in which he embarked 136 cavalry, and 840 foot
+soldiers, mostly musqueteers and crossbow-men, of which he took the
+command in person. He sailed with this great armament from Jamaica, on the
+24th June 1523, and arrived safe at the port of Xagua in the island of
+Cuba, where he received information that Cortes had reduced the province
+of Panuco to subjection, and had sent a petition to the emperor to get a
+commission for governing his new acquisition. He was here informed of the
+heroic deeds of Cortes and his companions, and in particular of our having
+defeated the large force of Narvaez, while we had only 270 soldiers.
+
+Struck with awe at the power and abilities of our general, he solicited
+the licentiate Zuazco to mediate between him and Cortes, that he might be
+permitted to take possession of the government of Panuco, in pursuance of
+his commission from the bishop of Burgos.
+
+Garay shortly afterwards set out with his armament, and being driven by a
+storm into the river Palmas[1], he disembarked there, intending to march
+by land to Panuco, having first exacted an oath of fidelity from his
+troops; and he even nominated the various officers of his colony, which he
+intended to name Garayana. Having marched for two days along the sea-shore,
+through a marshy uninhabited country, he arrived at some villages, where
+the inhabitants entertained him hospitably, but many of his soldiers
+straggled about robbing and maltreating the people. Garay at length
+arrived at Panuco, where his soldiers expected all their difficulties
+would end, but it was almost a desert, as it had been much wasted in the
+war with Cortes, and the natives concealed what remained, so that they
+found nothing but bare walls, where they were tormented with mosquitos and
+every kind of vermin. Garay could get no intelligence of his fleet, and
+learnt from a Spaniard who had fled from punishment and lived among the
+Indians, that the province of Panuco was poor and unhealthy; and as this
+man gave a very favourable account of Mexico, many of Garays soldiers
+deserted from him, and went off for Mexico, plundering the natives on
+their way. Garay found himself in a bad plight, and sent one of his
+officers, named Diego de Ocampo, to sound the disposition of Vallejo, who
+was governor of St Estevan del Puerto for Cortes, and to notify the
+appointment of Garay to the government of this country. Vallejo gave a
+favourable answer, requesting the soldiers might be restrained from
+maltreating the inhabitants; but sent off an express to Cortes, soliciting
+a strong reinforcement or the immediate presence of the general. On
+receiving this intelligence, Cortes immediately sent off Alvarado,
+Sandoval, Father Olmedo, and Gonzalo de Ocampo, brother to Diego de Ocampo,
+who was with Garay, giving them a copy of the royal instructions, by which
+all his conquests were left under his command till the dispute between him
+and Velasquez were judicially settled.
+
+On the arrival of Garay in the neighbourhood of St Estevan, Vallejo learnt
+from five deserters that the troops were scattered negligently in a large
+town called Nacoplan, on which he concerted a plan for coming on them by
+surprise, and made forty of them prisoners, alleging that they had invaded
+the country without a commission, and had plundered the inhabitants who
+lived under his government. Garay threatened Vallejo with the vengeance of
+the court of Spain for this outrage, and demanded the immediate release of
+his soldiers; on which Vallejo requested to see his commission, which, if
+from his majesty, he would obey in all humility. Just at this time arrived
+the deputies from Cortes, and Diego de Ocampo, being then first alcalde of
+Mexico, made a formal remonstrance against the entrance of Garay with an
+armed force into the government of another person. Several days were spent
+in remonstrances and replies on both sides, during which time many of
+Garays troops deserted from him.
+
+Two of the ships belonging to Garay were lost in a tempest, and the
+remainder took shelter in the mouth of the river, when Vallejo secretly
+negotiated with their officers to join the party of Cortes. He at length
+contrived to inviegle the whole of the fleet up the river to the port of
+St Estevan, where he made all their officers and men prisoners in the name
+of Cortes; but Father Olmedo persuaded him to set them at liberty. The
+unfortunate Garay entreated the officers of Cortes to restore his ships
+and to compel his troops to return to their duty, promising to give up his
+intended settlement at Panuco, and to retire to the river Palmas. They
+agreed to this, and used every measure to induce the deserters to return,
+but with little effect; as they alleged they had already discharged their
+engagement in coming to Panuco, and they despised Garay. In this hopeless
+state, Garay was persuaded to write to Cortes, stating his situation, and
+requesting his protection and assistance, in consideration of their former
+friendship. Cortes engaged to do what he desired, and invited him to come
+to Mexico, where he was honourably received, and promised every redress,
+referring him to Olmedo, Sandoval, and Alvarado, to agree with him on the
+terms. At the suggestion of Olmedo, a marriage was proposed between Donna
+Catalina Cortes y Pizarro, the daughter of Cortes, and the eldest son of
+Garay, who had a command in the fleet. Cortes agreed to this, giving his
+daughter a liberal fortune, and agreed that Garay should establish a
+colony on the river Palmas, in which he engaged to give him every
+assistance in his power. Garay now interceded with Cortes to allow Narvaez
+to return to Cuba, for which favour Narvaez was extremely thankful, and
+took leave of Cortes with many professions of gratitude. Soon afterwards,
+Garay was seized with a pleurisy, of which he died in four days, leaving
+Cortes and Father Olmedo his executors. As his armament was left without a
+head, a competition arose among his officers for the vacant command; but
+young Garay was ultimately made general. This gave great offence to the
+soldiers, in consequence of which they dispersed about the country in
+small bodies of fifteen or twenty men, pillaging the natives as if they
+had been among Moors. This enraged the Indians, who laid a plot to cut off
+the Spaniards, which they executed so effectually that in a very short
+time they sacrificed and eat above five hundred of the soldiers of Garay,
+in some of the towns upwards of a hundred of them being destroyed at one
+time. In other places they fell upon the stragglers, whom they massacred
+almost without resistance; and, encouraged by this success, they even rose
+against the settlement of Estevan in such numbers, that they could hardly
+be resisted by Vallejo and seven or eight of the veterans of Cortes, who
+induced many of Garays soldiers to abide by them in the open field, where
+three battles were fought, in one of which Vallejo was slain, and a great
+number of Spaniards wounded. The Indians became at length so bold and
+desperate, that they one night killed and burned forty Spaniards, among
+whom were several belonging to Cortes, and destroyed fifteen horses. When
+Cortes heard of these proceedings he was much enraged, and would have gone
+in person to suppress the rebellion, but was then confined by a broken arm;
+wherefore he sent Gonzalo de Sandoval, with 100 infantry, 50 cavalry, 15
+musqueteers, and two field-pieces, accompanied by 8000 Mexican and
+Tlascalan warriors, giving orders to reduce the country so completely
+under subjection that they might not have power to give any farther
+disturbance.
+
+Sandoval was a person of much vigilance when he had any important business
+in hand, and made no delay in marching against the enemy, who had
+concentrated their forces in two narrow defiles. Sandoval divided his
+forces into two bodies, but was so obstinately resisted, that he drew off
+his forces, feigning to retreat to Mexico, followed by the Indians, whom
+he completely deceived, making an unexpected countermarch at midnight, by
+which he gained possession of the passes; yet not till he had lost three
+horses, and had a great many of his men wounded. On passing the defiles,
+he found himself opposed in front by an immense body of Indians, who had
+collected on receiving notice of his countermarch. He concentrated his
+whole force into one solid column; and as his cavalry were inexperienced
+in the service, he gave them full instructions never to halt making
+thrusts, as the Indians always seized the lances when wounded, and often
+wrested them from the hands of our men; but ordered them to clap spurs to
+their horses on such occasions, firmly grasping their lances, and thus
+force them from the enemy by the strength of their horses. Having placed
+guards and patroles, and ordered the horses of the cavalry to remain all
+night saddled and bridled, he made the troops repose under arms on the
+banks of a river, placing the Mexican and Tlascalan warriors at a short
+distance from the Spanish troops, knowing by experience that the allies
+were of more harm than benefit in a night attack. At day-break next
+morning, Sandoval put his troops in motion, and was soon fronted by three
+large bodies of the enemy, who endeavoured to surround him. Forming his
+cavalry in two squadrons, he attacked the enemy with such spirit that they
+were soon broken and dispersed, with the loss of two soldiers and three
+horses on his side. The allies made terrible havock after this victory,
+burning and plundering all before them, till the arrival of the army at St
+Estevan. The remains of this colony were found in a miserable condition,
+and the soldiers of Garay assured him that its preservation was entirely
+owing to the bravery and conduct of our few veterans who were there.
+Sandoval divided his army into several bodies, which he entrusted to the
+command of the veterans, and sent them to overrun the neighbouring
+districts, with orders to send in all the provisions they could collect,
+being unable to go out himself, as he was badly wounded. In the course of
+three days, his parties sent in many prisoners of the ordinary class, and
+five chiefs; but Sandoval released the common people, and ordered his
+troops to make no more prisoners, except of such chiefs as had been
+concerned in or present at the murder of the Spaniards. In a few days
+Sandoval was able to take the field, and by skilful measures he made
+prisoners of twenty caciques, who had commanded where no less than six
+hundred Spaniards were slain. He then summoned all the neighbouring towns
+to send their chiefs to him to treat of peace and submission: Some obeyed,
+but others neglected to attend, and he thought it best to dissimulate with
+the latter for the present, till he had informed Cortes what had been
+already done, and had received his orders as to the disposal of the
+prisoners and his future procedure. Cortes, who now conferred the vacant
+command of St Estevan on Sandoval, ordered all who had been any way
+concerned in the murder of the Spaniards to be punished with death, as an
+example to deter others from being guilty of the like offence, directing
+Diego de Ocampo, as alcalde-major, to take the necessary steps against
+them, with orders to execute all who should be found guilty. He gave
+orders likewise to conciliate the natives by all possible means, and to
+prevent the soldiers of Garay from committing any future outrages. Two
+days after the receipt of these orders, the accused caciques were brought
+to trial; and many of them being found guilty by evidence, or by their own
+confession, were publickly executed, some being burnt and others hanged.
+Many also were pardoned; and all the districts which had belonged to the
+caciques who suffered on this occasion, were restored to their children or
+other heirs. Ocampo now proceeded against all those Spaniards who had been
+guilty of outrages, going about the country in bands, plundering and
+murdering the natives, or who had invited other soldiers to desert to them;
+and having collected them together, he shipped them off for Cuba. To Juan
+de Grijalva, who had been commodore of the fleet under Garay, Cortes
+offered the alternative of a present of 2000 crowns, and a passage to Cuba,
+or an honourable reception at Mexico. But Grijalva and all the other
+officers belonging to Garay preferred going to Cuba. When Sandoval and
+Ocampo had thus reduced the settlement to order, and cleared it of these
+troublesome inmates, they returned to Mexico, leaving the command at St
+Estevan to an officer named Vallecillo; and on their arrival at the
+capital, they were received by Cortes and others with the distinction
+which their services richly merited[2].
+
+
+[1] This is probably the river of Nueva Santander, about 100 miles north
+    from the Rio Tampico or river of Panuco--E.
+
+[2] A very uninteresting episode, respecting the misfortunes of the
+    liceniate Zuazo, who has been formerly mentioned, is here omitted, as
+    having no reference whatever to the general history in hand: It is
+    sufficient to say that, after many perils by sea and land, Zuazo came
+    to Mexico, where Cortes gave him the office of alcalde-major, which
+    seems to have resembled our provost-marshal, or chief military
+    judge.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII.
+
+_Narrative of various Expeditions for the Reduction of different Provinces
+in New Spain_.
+
+
+As the views of Cortes were always lofty, so was he always well supported
+by the talents and bravery of his officers and soldiers. After his power
+was thoroughly established in the great city of Mexico and its more
+immediate dependencies, and in the districts or provinces of Guaxaca,
+Zacatula, Colima, Vera Cruz, Panuco, Coatzacualco, and others, as already
+related, he was informed that there were populous nations and rich mines
+in the province of Guatimala; and he resolved to send a military force
+under Alvarado, to conquer and colonize that country. Alvarado, therefore,
+was dispatched to that province, with 300 infantry, 135 cavalry, 200
+Tlascalans and Cholulans, and 100 Mexicans[1], and four field-pieces.
+Alvarado was instructed to bring those nations to submission by peaceful
+means, if possible; and Father Olmedo accompanied him, on purpose to
+preach the doctrines of our holy religion to the natives; and at all
+events, to insist upon all the prisons and cages that were used for human
+victims being destroyed, the prisoners set free, and the utter abolition
+of human sacrifices and cannibal feasts. This expedition left Mexico on
+the 13th of December 1523; and Alvarado during his march, received the
+submission of the district known by the name of the Rocks of Guelama,
+where he received many rich contributions in gold. Having passed the
+districts belonging to the Tzapotecas of Tecuantepec, and by Soconusco, a
+town containing above 15,000 houses, Alvarado came to the neighbourhood of
+a place named Zapotitlan, where, at a bridge over a river, he was opposed
+by a very numerous body of warriors who disputed the passage with so much
+bravery, that many of the soldiers were wounded and one horse killed; and
+it required three very hard fought battles before the Spaniards were able
+to break through and disperse the enemy.
+
+From this place, continuing his march, Alvarado was continually harassed
+by the Indians of Quetzaltenango, and came at length to a defile in a high
+mountain, where the ascent was about a league and a half. On arriving at
+the summit, a remarkably fat woman was found in the act of sacrificing a
+dog, which is an infallible token of intended hostilities; and immediately
+afterwards, great numbers of armed Indians were seen advancing on all
+sides, in a difficult broken ground, where the cavalry of Alvarado were
+unable to act. In this rough and impracticable place, above 6000 of the
+warriors of Utatlan, a district adjoining to Quetzaltenango, made an
+attack upon our troops; and being soon put to flight, they rallied shortly
+after, reinforced by great numbers of fresh troops, who waited the advance
+of our forces, and fought them bravely hand to hand. On this occasion,
+three or four of the enemy uniting their efforts, used to seize a horse
+before and behind, endeavouring to pull him to the ground, and it required
+the most strenuous exhortations both of Alvarado and Father Olmedo to
+animate the exertions of our troops, who at length succeeded in defeating
+and dispersing the Indians. Our army halted in the field of battle for
+three days, unmolested by the enemy, and then marched to Quetzaltenango,
+where Alvarado hoped to have given his troops some repose; but he found
+two xiquipils of warriors, or 16,000 men assembled to oppose him in a
+plain, where he gave them so complete a defeat, with so heavy a loss of
+warriors, that they remained for a long time under complete awe of the
+Spaniards. The chiefs of these Indians sent a deputation to Alvarado,
+offering peace and submission, under which they had concealed a plan for
+destroying his army in the following manner. At a short distance there was
+a place called Utatlan, in a very difficult rugged country, and surrounded
+by defiles, to which they invited him to march, intending to fall upon him
+there with all their forces, as in that place the cavalry could not act.
+
+Alvarado accordingly marched to Utatlan, a town of considerable strength,
+which had only two gates, the ascent to one of which was by a stair of
+about twenty-five steps, and the other opened to a very bad broken
+causeway, the streets likewise being very narrow, and the houses very
+close together. Observing the bad situation of this place, and that the
+women and children had disappeared, Alvarado began to suspect that some
+mischief was in contemplation; and he was informed by some Indians of the
+place he had last quitted, that a number of warriors were concealed all
+round the place, to which they meant to set fire in the night, and then
+assault him with all their forces. Alvarado immediately called his troops
+to arms, and marched out into the open country, telling the chiefs that he
+did so for the purpose of procuring grass for his horses. They did not
+seem pleased with this change; and as soon as Alvarado was completely
+clear of the town, he seized the principal cacique, whom he reproached for
+his treachery, and ordered to be burnt alive. Father Olmedo obtained a
+respite of this sentence, with permission to endeavour to convert the
+condemned cacique to the holy faith, in which he exerted himself a whole
+day, and at length succeeded: and, _as an indulgence_, his punishment was
+commuted to hanging, and his territory given to his son. After this,
+Alvarado attacked and dispersed the native warriors who were in the
+neighbourhood of the town. When this success became known in Guatimala,
+which was engaged in hostility with the people of Utatlan, they sent an
+embassy to treat with Alvarado before his arrival on their frontiers,
+bringing a present of gold, declaring their submission to the government
+of our emperor, and offering to serve as allies in all our wars. Alvarado
+accepted their submission and offer of service, and desired them to send
+him 2000 of their warriors, with which they immediately complied; and as
+the people of Utatlan had again rebelled, he remained eight days in their
+country, collecting considerable spoil and making many slaves; after which
+he marched to the city of Guatimala, where he was hospitably received.
+
+As the utmost harmony subsisted between Alvarado and the natives of
+Guatimala, the chiefs of that nation represented to him that a nation in
+their neighbourhood, called the Altitlans, who occupied several strong
+fortresses on the side of a lake, had refused to make submission to him,
+and that they were a barbarous and malicious people. Alvarado sent a
+message commanding these people to submit, but they abused his messengers;
+on which he marched against them with 140 Spanish soldiers and 2000
+warriors of the Guatimalans, and was resisted by a strong force of the
+Altitlans, whom he soon defeated with considerable loss, and pursued to
+their fortresses on the lake. Having driven them from these fortresses,
+they took shelter in an island of the lake, to which he sent several of
+their chiefs whom he had taken prisoners, to persuade them into peace and
+submission, in which he at length succeeded, partly by threats and partly
+by promises, and returned to Guatimala. Father Olmedo exerted himself so
+effectually in his mission, that he prevailed upon the people to imitate
+our example, in adoring the holy Virgin, for which purpose he erected an
+altar and image of our lady, and explained the mysteries of the Christian
+faith to the natives. A people named the Pipiles, who came from a
+considerable distance towards the south, to enter into submission to
+Alvarado, informed him that a nation in their way, called the Izcuintepecs,
+were of a malignant disposition, and maltreated all travellers through
+their country. He sent, therefore, a message to invite them to come in and
+submit, which they refused to comply with; for which reason he marched
+into their country with his whole force, united to a strong body of his
+allies of Guatimala, and made great havock among them. Not having been
+present in this expedition, as I did not go into the province of Guatimala
+until my return from Higueras, I have only given a short summary of the
+conquest of Guatimala and its dependencies, which may be found related at
+full length in a book written by Gonzalo de Alvarado.
+
+About this time Cortes was informed that the provinces of Higueras and
+Honduras contained rich mines, and some sailors reported that the native
+fishers of these countries used weights to their nets made of gold mixed
+with copper; they alleged also, that a strait or passage would probably be
+found in that direction into the Pacific Ocean. On these accounts he
+determined to send some troops to that country under Christoval de Oli, to
+inquire after the mines, and to search for this reported strait, by which
+a communication might be opened with the Spice Islands; and as the way by
+land was long and difficult, it was determined to send this expedition by
+sea. Accordingly, de Oli embarked in six ships, with a force of 370
+soldiers, 100 of whom were musqueteers and crossbow-men, and 22 cavalry.
+Five of the veteran conquerors of Mexico went along with this expedition;
+among whom was one Briones, a seditious fellow and a bitter enemy of
+Cortes; besides whom, many of the soldiers on this expedition were greatly
+dissatisfied at the unequal distribution of lands which had been made in
+New Spain. De Oli was ordered to go first to the Havanna, to procure a
+supply of provisions and necessaries, and then to pursue his voyage to the
+Higueras to make the necessary inquiries for the reported mines and
+straits; after which he was to build a town in some commodious situation.
+To advance the interests of our holy religion, he was provided with two
+friars, one of whom understood the Mexican language. At the Havanna, de
+Oli took on board five of the followers of Garay, who had been expelled
+from Panuco for seditious conduct, who ingratiated themselves into his
+confidence, and advised him to renounce his obedience to Cortes, in which
+they were aided by Briones; so that he at length went over to the party of
+Velasquez, who engaged to make such representations at court that the
+command of this intended settlement might be given to de Oli independent
+of Cortes. De Oli was a brave man, and endowed with many good qualities,
+yet unfit for his present employment, having been brought up in the house
+of Velasquez, so that he was the more readily influenced by bad advisers
+to desert the interest of Cortes to whom he lay under great obligations.
+On the third of May, de Oli arrived at his station, which he named _El
+Triumpho de la Cruz_, where he appointed to the civil administration of
+the new colony, such alcaldes and regidors as had been recommended by
+Cortes, and even took possession of the country for his majesty in the
+name of Cortes, as he wished to conceal his secession from our general
+till he saw whether the country was sufficiently rich to be worth while to
+set up an independent government; as, if it turned out otherwise, he could
+return to his possessions in Mexico, and gloss over his negociations with
+Velasquez, under pretence of having done so in order to procure the
+necessary supplies. In this manner was the new colony of El Triumpho
+established, from whence Cortes had no intelligence for more than eight
+months.
+
+There were a considerable number of veterans and Spaniards of rank,
+established in the town of Coatzacuaclo, otherwise called Del Espiritu
+Santo, who were entrusted with the government of that province, together
+with the districts of Citla, Tabasco, Cimatan, Choutalpa, Cachula, Zoque,
+the Quilenes, Cinacatan, Chamuela, Chiapa, Papanahausta, Pinula, Xaltepec,
+Huaxaltepec, Chinantla, Tepeque, and others; but through all New Spain,
+the demand for tribute was the signal of insurrection, and all who
+attempted to levy it were killed, as were all Spaniards who fell into the
+hands of the natives; so that we were continually obliged to go from one
+town to another with a company of soldiers to preserve peace. As the
+district of Cimatan was particularly refractory, and Captain Luis Marin
+could not conveniently send a body of troops to that place, I and three
+other Spaniards were sent there to endeavour to prevail on the people to
+submit. On approaching the principal town, we were attacked by a large
+body of Indians, who killed two of my companions, and wounded me
+desperately in the throat. My surviving companion made off to some canoes
+on the banks of the river Macapa, leaving me alone and in great jeopardy;
+but I crept under cover of some bushes where I lay some time almost
+exhausted, and recovering my strength after some time, I forced my way
+through the natives, and escaped to where my companion was in the canoes,
+with four Indians whom we had brought with us to carry our baggage, which
+they had thrown away, and for the sake of which the natives quitted us, so
+that we got across the river, which is broad and deep and full of
+alligators. To avoid the Indians, we concealed ourselves for eight days in
+the woods, so that we were concluded to be lost, and our property in lands
+and Indians was divided among the other Spaniards, such being then the
+custom in New Spain. We returned to the town, however, at the end of
+twenty-three days, to the great joy of our friends, and the disappointment
+of those who had succeeded to our property.
+
+Our captain, Luis Marin, thought proper to wait upon Cortes, to represent
+the necessity of a reinforcement; and accordingly got thirty soldiers,
+commanded by Alonzo de Grado, with orders for all the Spaniards at
+Coatzacualco to march for the province of Chiapa, which was then in a
+state of rebellion, and directions to build a town there to keep the
+natives in order. In the first place, we had to make roads through the
+woods, and the country being very marshy, we were under the necessity of
+constructing causeways in many places to enable the horses to pass. The
+first place we came to was Tezputzlan, and thence to Cachula, beyond which
+there had been no passage before our expedition, all the other natives
+being in great fear of the inhabitants of Chiapa, who were then the
+bravest warriors in all America, and had never been subdued by the
+Mexicans; but they were extremely barbarous, being in use to rob all
+passengers, and to carry away the natives of other districts to till their
+ground. The present expedition was during Lent, and as well as I can now
+remember, in the year 1524, our little army consisting of 27 cavalry, 23
+musqueteers, 72 foot soldiers armed with sword and target, and one
+field-piece under the direction of a cowardly fellow of a gunner, who
+pretended to have served in Italy. Besides these, we had 50 Mexican
+warriors, and the cacique of Cachula with some of his principal people,
+who were all terribly afraid. On approaching Chiapa, an advanced guard of
+four of our most active soldiers, of whom I was one, always preceded the
+army to reconnoitre, and as the ground was not fit for a horse, I left
+mine behind. We were usually about half a league in front of the army, but
+on our approach to Estapa, their first settlement, some of the hunters of
+Chiapa perceived us at a distance, and gave the alarm by means of smoke.
+The road was now wide and convenient, between well cultivated fields of
+corn and other vegetables; and on coming to Estapa we found it abandoned
+by the inhabitants, on which we posted our guards and patroles, and took
+up our quarters for the night. We were soon disturbed by information from
+our out-guards, that the natives were collecting on every side to attack
+us; and, going out of town to meet them we had a severe action, in which
+they killed two of our soldiers and four horses, wounding our reverend
+father Fra Juan, and thirteen soldiers, including our captain Luis Marin,
+who was wounded in two places; besides which many of our allies were slain.
+This action lasted till dark night, when the enemy were forced to retire,
+leaving fifteen slain and many wounded in the field. From two of the
+wounded, who seemed chiefs, we learnt that a general attack was intended
+against us next day. These people were clothed in good defensive armour of
+quilted cotton, using darts hardened in the fire, war clubs, and lances
+longer than ours, and they fought with unusual bravery; insomuch that,
+when one of our horsemen halted to make a thrust, the Indians seized the
+horse, and either wrested the lance from the horseman or pulled him to the
+ground.
+
+Next day we pursued our march to Chiapa, a place with very regular streets,
+and containing not less than four thousand families, besides the dependent
+towns and villages around. We had not proceeded above a quarter of a
+league from Estapa, where we had passed the night, when we found the whole
+warriors of the district drawn up to oppose us, well armed, dressed up in
+plumes of feathers, and making the hills resound with their warlike shouts.
+They attacked us with the utmost fury, and our black gunner was so
+stupified with fear, that he stood long trembling before he durst put the
+match to the gun, and when he fired the piece all the good he did was
+wounding three of our own men. After a severe conflict, we at length
+forced them to fly; but they rallied in some broken ground, reinforced by
+some fresh bodies of Indians, and attacked us again by surprize, while we
+were giving God thanks for our victory. In these new troops, many were
+provided with long thongs to twist round our horses, and some carried the
+nets they used in hunting for the same purpose. In this second battle the
+enemy were so desperate that they killed two of our soldiers and five
+horses, and scarce one of us escaped without a wound. They had along with
+them a very fat aged woman, whom they esteemed a wizard, who had promised
+them the victory. Her body was all covered over with paint mixed with
+cotton wool; and she advanced fearlessly amid our allies, who were
+regularly formed by companies, by whom she was cut to pieces. At length,
+by a violent effort, we forced the enemy to fly, some taking to the rocks
+and others to the river, and being excellent swimmers they made their
+escape. We then halted and sang the _Salve regina_: After which we took
+possession of a town on the river, where we halted for the night, taking
+care of our wounded, and carefully concealing our dead.
+
+About midnight, ten chiefs of neighbouring districts came down the river
+in five canoes, and were brought to our captain, whom they informed that
+they belonged to the nation of the Xaltepecs, who were at war with the
+people of Chiapa, and came to offer their assistance to us against them,
+on condition that we should afterwards support the independence of their
+nation against the people of Chiapa. This was very satisfactory to us, as
+we could not have passed the river, which was both broad and deep, without
+their assistance; the chiefs were therefore dismissed with a promise on
+our part of protection, and on theirs to bring us canoes and auxiliaries.
+During the remainder of the night we had to keep strict guard, as the
+drums and horns of the enemy were heard on the opposite banks of the river,
+where their warriors were collecting from all sides to attack us. As soon
+as it was light, our new friends joined us with the promised canoes, and
+shewed us a very dangerous ford, which they urged us to pass without delay,
+that we might endeavour to save the lives of some of their people who had
+been recently made prisoners by the enemy. We accordingly passed the river
+in a solid column at the ford, which reached our armpits, and where we
+lost one of our cavalry. On gaining the opposite bank, we were so hotly
+assailed by the enemy with darts and arrows, that every one of us had two
+or three wounds before we got out of the water. But as we were now joined
+by large bodies of those Indians who had offered their assistance, we soon
+compelled the enemy to fly for shelter to their city, against which we
+immediately advanced in good order, accompanied by our new allies. On
+arriving there, it seemed too closely built to be occupied with safety,
+and we encamped therefore in the open field, sending messengers to invite
+them to peace, with which they complied, by sending a deputation of their
+chiefs, who submitted to become subject to our sovereign, and requiring
+that the neighbouring tribes might be prevented from destroying their
+houses and plantations. All these things being settled to our mutual
+satisfaction, we went into the town, where we found many prisoners
+confined in wooden cages, who had been seized by the Chiapese while
+travelling from place to place, all of whom we set free. In the temples of
+this place we found several idols of horrible figures, and many remains of
+men and boys, who had been recently sacrificed. Our reverend father Fra
+Juan, broke all the idols to pieces, and preached so successfully that
+many were baptized. Many of the chiefs of the neighbouring tribes came in
+and made their submission: Among these were the chiefs of Cinacatan,
+Papanahaustla, Pinola, Guehuistlan, Chamula, the Quilenes, and others who
+spoke the Zoque language, and many other tribes, the names of which I do
+not now remember. These people were much surprised when they perceived the
+smallness of the force with which we had ventured to attack a nation so
+warlike as the Chiapese, whom the Mexicans were never able to subdue.
+
+While our captain was thus occupied in arranging matters with the chiefs
+of the surrounding districts, one of our soldiers went accompanied by
+eight Mexicans, to a town called Chamula, where he demanded a contribution
+of gold in the name of our captain, though entirely without authority. A
+quantity was accordingly offered him; but not being satisfied with the
+amount, he attempted to seize the cacique, by which violent proceeding he
+occasioned an insurrection of that town, and another in the neighbourhood
+called Quiahuitlan, or Guehuistlan. When this improper transaction came to
+the ears of our captain, he sent the soldier a prisoner to Mexico, and
+immediately marched to Chamula to quell the insurrection, being assisted
+on this occasion by the inhabitants of Cinacatan, a polished tribe which
+was addicted to merchandize. On our arrival at Chamula, we found the place
+strongly fortified by art and nature, and the people well armed, having a
+peculiar species of large shield which covered the whole body, and could
+be rolled up into a small compass when not in use. Our cavalry were
+ordered to keep guard in the plain in our rear, to watch the motions of
+the insurgents in the neighbouring districts; while the infantry
+endeavoured to force their way into the town; but our musketeers made very
+little impression, as the enemy were covered by their walls, while their
+missiles injured us materially, being exposed without any defence. We
+continued the attack during the whole day to very little purpose, being
+unable to force the ramparts, which were guarded by above 2000 men armed
+with lances. We therefore drew off for the time, and procured some timber
+from a depopulated town in the neighbourhood, with which we constructed
+certain machines named _mantas_ or _burros_, under cover of which twenty
+men or more could approach the walls in safety, to work a passage through
+them. On our first attempt to do this, the enemy threw down upon our
+machines, heavy stones, fire, and scalding water, so that we were
+constrained to remove our machines to repair the injury they had sustained.
+We again brought forward our machines to the walls, and at length
+succeeded in making several breaches. While employed in this manner, four
+of their principal chiefs and priests addressed us from the top of the
+ramparts, saying, since we wanted gold they had brought us some, and then
+threw over seven crowns of fine gold, with many gold trinkets, some of
+which were cast in the shape of various birds, shells, and the like;
+immediately after which they assailed us with repeated vollies of darts,
+arrows, and stones. By the time that it was dark, we had made two
+considerable breaches; but as a heavy rain came on, we drew off for the
+night, keeping a vigilant guard round our post, and having our cavalry on
+the alert in the plain, ready saddled and bridled. During the whole night,
+the enemy kept continually sounding their warlike instruments, making
+horrid yells, and threatening us with destruction next day, which they
+said was promised by their gods. We brought forward our machines again at
+day-break to enlarge the breaches we had made on the preceding day; but
+the enemy defended themselves with great obstinacy, wounding five of our
+people, and myself among the rest by the thrust of a lance, which had gone
+through me, had it not been for the strength of my quilted cotton armour.
+Towards evening it came on again to rain hard, and we were called off from
+the attack; but as the enemy ceased to shout and make their usual noises,
+I suspected they were about leaving the town, and perceived also that
+their lances were mostly rested against the walls and parapets, except
+about two hundred which still appeared in the hands of a part of the enemy.
+On this, I and one of my comrades crept in at a small breach in the wall,
+and were immediately attacked by above two hundred of these lancemen, who
+would soon have dispatched us, if some of our Indian allies had not
+noticed our perilous situation, and called the rest of our soldiers to our
+aid, who crowded in at the breach and soon enabled us to put the enemy to
+flight. These were only the rear guard of the garrison, all the rest of
+the inhabitants, men, women, and children, having evacuated the town by
+the opposite gate. We immediately pursued, and made many prisoners.
+
+Leaving this place, we marched for Cinacatan, and halted for the night at
+the place where _Chiapa de los Espanoles_ is now built; from whence our
+captain dismissed six of our prisoners, with a message to their countrymen,
+offering to restore all the rest of the prisoners, if they would submit.
+They immediately complied with this, and submitted themselves as subjects
+to the Spanish monarchy. In this neighbourhood dwelt a nation called the
+Guehuistlans[2], who possessed three fortified towns, and were in
+rebellion against us. Leaving our baggage and wounded men in Cinacatan, we
+proceeded to reduce these people to submission. They had barricaded all
+the approaches to their towns by means of felled trees, which were cleared
+away by the aid of our Indian allies, and we got up to one of their
+fortresses, which threatened to give us infinite trouble, as it was full
+of warriors, well armed both for offence and defence. But they all fled
+when we mounted to the assault, leaving the place to us without resistance.
+By means of two prisoners who were taken by our allies, offers of peace
+and good treatment were sent to them, on condition of submission; with
+which they complied, bringing with them some trifling presents of gold and
+_quetzal_ feathers.
+
+Having thus effected our business in this place, by reducing all the
+surrounding tribes to submission, we proceeded, according to the orders of
+Cortes, to establish a colony, though some who had already plantations and
+Indians in Coatzacualco objected to this place as unfit for cavalry, and
+that our force was too small for keeping so populous a district under
+subjection, especially as the natives had many strong fortresses in the
+fastnesses of their mountains. Even our captain, Luis Marin, and the royal
+notary Diego de Godoy, were adverse to the plan. Alonzo de Grado, also, a
+very troublesome fellow, was possessed of a patent from Cortes, by which
+he was entitled to an _encomienda_ in the province of Chiapa, when reduced
+to obedience; and in virtue of this, he demanded that all the gold which
+had been received from the Indians of Chiapa, and also, that which had
+been found in the temples, amounting to about 1500 crowns, should be
+delivered up to him. This was refused by Marin, who alleged that it ought
+to be applied for replacing the horses which were killed during the
+expedition. These disputes ran so high, that our captain ordered both
+Godoy and De Grado into irons, intending to send them to Mexico. Godoy
+obtained his liberty by concessions; and in return for this lenity entered
+into cabals with De Grado for misrepresenting the conduct of Marin to
+Cortes. On this occasion I was solicited to write to Cortes in exculpation
+of De Grado, as they said that Cortes would believe my statements. I wrote
+accordingly a true state of the case, but in no respect charging Marin
+with any thing amiss. De Grado was sent off to Mexico, under an oath to
+appear before Cortes in eighty days, as the distance he had to travel
+exceeded 190 leagues. On his arrival, Cortes was so much displeased by his
+conduct, that he ordered De Grado to take 3000 crowns and retire to Cuba,
+that he might give no farther trouble in his government; but De Grado made
+such ample apologies, that he was restored to favour. As it was finally
+resolved to establish a colony in this place, and as I had an order to
+that effect from Cortes, our captain, who was likewise my particular
+friend, appointed me to the command of the _encomienda_ at Cinacatan,
+which I enjoyed for eight years. As soon as possible after my appointment,
+I procured a reverend father to preach to the Indians, whom I was anxious
+to convert to our holy faith. He accordingly erected an altar and crucifix,
+and preached with so much success, that fifteen of the Indians offered
+themselves for baptism on the first day of his mission; which gave me
+infinite satisfaction, as I felt the warmest interest in the welfare of
+these people, whom I looked upon as my own children.
+
+When all things were properly settled at this place, we resolved to
+chastise the people of Cimatan who had slain two of the party with which I
+had been deputed to them, as formerly mentioned near the beginning of this
+section. In our way to that place, we had to march through a district
+named Tapelola, which was so very rugged that our horses were unable to
+proceed until the roads were cleared for them, which was immediately done
+on application to the caciques. We continued our march by the districts of
+Silo, Suchiapa, and Coyumelapa, to those of Tecomayatacal and Ateapan; the
+chief town of which was extensive, closely built, and very populous. This
+place belonged to my _encomienda_. Near this town there was a large and
+deep river which it was necessary for us to pass, where we were opposed by
+the people of the vicinity with so much vigour that we had six soldiers
+wounded and three of our horses killed; but we put them to flight, and
+they withdrew into the woods and mountains, after setting fire to their
+town. We remained here five days, taking care of our wounded men; and as
+we had taken many of the women of this district, some of them were sent
+out to invite the natives to return and submit, with which they complied.
+Godoy was averse from the lenity shewn on this occasion, and insisted that
+these people ought to be punished for their revolt, or at least made to
+pay for the horses which they had slain. I happened to be of a different
+opinion; and as I spoke freely, Godoy became enraged and used very angry
+words, which I retorted. At length we proceeded to blows and drew our
+swords; and if we had not been parted one or other of us must have been
+killed, we were both so much enraged. Even as it was, several cuts were
+given and received on both sides, before we were separated. Marin was a
+good man and of a mild disposition, so that he restored every thing to
+these deluded people and left them in peace.
+
+We continued our march through the other districts of Cimatlan and
+Talatiopan, where we were attacked by a numerous body of archers, by whom
+above twenty of our soldiers were wounded and two horses killed; but we
+very soon defeated them. These people were the most powerful archers I had
+yet seen, as they were able to drive their arrows through two suits of
+well quilted cotton armour; and their country is mostly composed of a
+marsh which quakes under foot. It was in vain therefore to think of
+pursuing the natives in such an impracticable country; and as they treated
+all our offers of peace with contempt, we judged it best to return to our
+colony of Coatzacualco; which we did through the districts of Guimango,
+Nacaxa, Xuica, Teotitlan, Copilco, and some others which I do not remember
+the names of, to Ulapa, and thence across the rivers Agaqualulco and
+Tonala to Coatzacualco, where the slain horses were paid for at the rate
+of a penny the pound.
+
+
+[1] Though without any warrant for this purpose, we believe that the
+    numbers of these allies ought to have been reckoned by thousands
+    instead of hundreds.--E.
+
+[2] Diaz is often variable in his orthography of Indian names; calling
+    this people in different places, Gueguestitlans, Guehuistlans, and
+    Quiahuistlans.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII.
+
+_Negotiations of Cortes at the Court of Spain, in respect to the Conquest
+and Government of Mexico_.
+
+
+In the year 1521, the holy father Adrian de Lobayana, succeeded to the
+papacy, he being then governor of Castille and resident in the city of
+Vittoria, where our agents waited upon him to kiss the foot of his
+holiness. About the same time a great nobleman, named M. de la Soa,
+arrived from Germany, who was chamberlain to our emperor, and was sent by
+him to congratulate the new pope on his election. When this nobleman was
+informed of the heroic deeds of the conquerors of Mexico, and the great
+things they had performed for the extension of the holy faith, by the
+conversion and baptism of such myriads of Indians, he became interested in
+our behalf, and made application to his holiness to expedite the business
+of our agents. This was readily acceded to, as besides the allegations of
+our agents, the pope had received other complaints against the bishop of
+Burgos from persons of quality and honour. Our chief agents on this
+occasion were Francisco de Montejo, Diego de Ordas, Francisco Nunez cousin
+to our general, and his father Martin Cortes; who were countenanced by
+many powerful noblemen, and chiefly by the Duke of Bejar. Thus supported,
+they brought forward their charges against the bishop to good purpose.
+These were, that Velasquez had bribed the bishop by the gift of a
+considerable district in Cuba, the natives of which were made to work in
+the gold mines for his emolument, to the manifest injury of the royal
+revenue. That when, in 1517, 110 of us had sailed at our own expence under
+the command of Hernandez de Cordova for the discovery of New Spain, the
+bishop had falsely informed his majesty that it was done by Velasquez.
+That Velasquez had transmitted 20,000 crowns in gold, which had been
+procured by his nephew Juan de Grijalva on our second voyage, all of which
+was given to the bishop, and no part of it to his majesty to whom it
+belonged. That when Cortes sent home a large contribution in gold to his
+majesty, the bishop had suppressed our letters, substituting others, and
+ascribed the present to Velasquez, retaining half of the treasure to his
+own use; and, when Puertocarrera applied to him for permission to wait
+upon his majesty, the bishop had thrown him into prison, where he died.
+That the bishop had forbidden the officers of the _Casa de contratation_
+of Seville to give any assistance to Cortes, by which the public service
+had suffered manifest injury. That he had appointed very unfit persons to
+the military command in New Spain, as was particularly the case with
+regard to Christoval de Tapia, to whom he had given a commission as
+governor of New Spain, in order to bring about a marriage between his
+niece and Tapia. That he had given authenticity to the false accounts
+transmitted by the agents of Velasquez, suppressing the true relations
+which came from Cortes. There were many other charges against the bishop
+which he could not gainsay, as they were all substantiated by good
+evidence.
+
+All these things being made clear to his holiness, he was pleased to order,
+that the bishop should have no longer any authority in regard to the
+affairs of New Spain, of which the government should be conferred on
+Cortes, and that Velasquez should be remunerated for all the expences he
+had incurred on account of the expedition, which he could duly
+substantiate. His holiness sent also to New Spain, a great number of
+indulgences for the hospitals and churches, and recommended to Cortes and
+the other conquerors to pay unremitting attention to the conversion of the
+Indians, and was pleased to send us his holy bulls of absolution. His
+majesty graciously confirmed all these orders of the pope, ordering
+Velasquez to be deprived of the government of Cuba, on account of having
+sent the expedition under Narvaez, in defiance of peremptory orders to the
+contrary from the royal audience of St Domingo, and the Jeronymite
+brethren. The bishop was so much affected by his disgrace on this occasion,
+that he fell dangerously ill.
+
+About this time, Panfilo de Narvaez and Christoval de Tapia arrived in
+Spain, together with the pilot Umbria and Cardenas, who by the instigation
+of the bishop of Burgos, preferred many severe accusations against Cortes
+to his majesty, in which they were gladly joined by the agents of
+Velasquez. They alleged, that Velasquez had fitted out three several
+expeditions for New Spain at vast expence, the last of which he had
+confided to Cortes, who broke his engagements and converted the armament
+to his own advantage. That when Velasquez sent Narvaez as governor of New
+Spain, with his majesties commission, Cortes made war upon him, defeated
+him and made him a prisoner. That when the bishop of Burgos sent Tapia to
+take the command of New Spain in the name of his majesty, Cortes refused
+obedience, and compelled him to re-embark. They also accused Cortes of
+having embezzled a great quantity of gold which he had obtained for his
+majesty; of taking a fifth of all the plunder to his own use; of having
+tortured Guatimotzin; of defrauding the soldiers of their shares; of
+making the natives of Mexico construct for his use magnificent palaces and
+castles as large as villages; of having poisoned Francisco de Garay, in
+order to get possession of his ships and troops, and many other charges of
+a similar nature. By command of his majesty, a court of inquiry was
+appointed from the privy council, to hear and determine upon these
+allegations, before which the following answers were given in. That
+Cordova was the real discoverer of New Spain, which had been done by him
+and his companions at their own cost. That although Velasquez had sent
+Juan de Grijalva on an expedition to New Spain, it was only for the
+purpose of trade, and not of colonization. That the principal charges had
+been expended by the different captains, and not by Velasquez, who had
+received the chief part of 20,000 crowns which these captains had
+collected. That Velasquez gave Indians in Cuba to the bishop of Burgos to
+collect gold for him, which ought to have belonged to his majesty. That
+although it was true Velasquez had sent Cortes to New Spain, his orders
+were only to barter; and the establishment he had made was entirely owing
+to the representations of his companions for the service of God and his
+majesty, and in no respect due to the instructions of Velasquez. That it
+was well known to all, that Cortes had reported the whole of his
+proceedings to his majesty, to whom he and his companions sent all the
+gold they could procure, waiting his majesties ultimate orders in the
+utmost humility; whereas the bishop of Burgos suppressed his letters, and
+appropriated the gold to his own use, concealing our meritorious services
+from his majesty, preventing our agents from gaining access to the emperor,
+and even throwing one of them into prison, where he died; and that he
+prevented the royal officers from supplying us with such things as we
+needed, by which our enterprize had been much retarded. That all these
+things had been done by the bishop from corrupt motives, that he might
+give the government of Mexico to Velasquez or Tapia, in order that one of
+them might marry his _niece_ Donna Petronilla de Fonseca, being anxious to
+make his _son-in-law_ governor of that splendid kingdom. As for the
+expedition of Narvaez, our agents contended that Velasquez ought to suffer
+death for having sent it in direct disobedience of his majesties orders as
+communicated by the royal audience; and that he had behaved with high
+disrespect to his majesty, in making his application to the bishop of
+Burgos on this occasion. In support of all these accusations they offered
+to bring substantial proofs, and prayed the court to award punishment for
+these multiplied offences.
+
+In reply to the accusations of Narvaez against Cortes, they represented,
+that Narvaez sent word to Montezuma on his arrival in Mexico, that he came
+to rescue him, by which he occasioned a dangerous war. That when Cortes
+desired to see his commission, and represented the necessity of an
+amicable junction of their forces for the good of the service, Narvaez
+would give no answer, but immediately declared war against Cortes and his
+companions, by which they were forced to defend themselves, and that
+Narvaez had even presumed to seize his majesties oydor, for which Cortes
+deemed it requisite to bring him to punishment. That when Cortes went to
+wait on Narvaez, that he might see his commission and remonstrate with him
+on his proceedings, Narvaez had attempted to make him prisoner by surprise,
+of which proof could be made by witnesses. As to the failure of Garay, and
+the ridiculous charge of having poisoned him; it was well known that the
+expedition under Garay had failed through his own misconduct and ignorance
+of the country; after which he had gladly accepted the friendly offers of
+Cortes, who had given him an hospitable reception in Mexico, where an
+alliance was agreed upon between their families, and Garay was to have
+been assisted in establishing a colony on the river Palmas; and finally,
+it was established beyond all doubt, by the oaths of the physicians who
+attended him, that Garay had died of a pleurisy. In regard to the charge
+of retaining his majesties fifth, it was proved that Cortes had fairly
+expended it in the public service, together with 6000 crowns of his own
+property. That the fifth which he had retained for himself, was according
+to compact with the soldiers; and as to the shares belonging to the
+soldiers, it was well known that very little gold was found in Mexico on
+its capture, as almost all the wealth of the place had fallen into the
+hands of our allies of Tlascala and Tezcuco. That the torture given to
+Guatimotzin had been done by his majesties officers, contrary to the
+inclination of Cortes, in order to force a discovery of where the
+treasures of Montezuma had been concealed. As for the buildings, though
+certainly sumptuous, they were intended for the use of his majesty and his
+successors, and that the work had been carried on by the Indians, under
+the order of Guatimotzin, as was always done in building houses for the
+great in that country. As to Alonzo de Avila having taken the commission
+from Narvaez by force; it appeared there was no commission among his
+papers, which consisted entirely of receipts for the purchase of horses
+and the like; and farther, that these papers had been taken without any
+order from Cortes, who never saw any of them. As for Tapia, it was urged,
+that if he had come to Mexico and produced his majesties orders, they
+should have been received and obeyed by Cortes with the utmost humility:
+But that his incapacity was so notorious to every one then in New Spain,
+that it was the universal advice and desire of all that Cortes should
+retain the command. As to the pilot Umbria, whose feet had been cut off,
+this had been done in the due course of justice, for having run away with
+his ship. That Cardenas had consented along with all the rest to give up
+his share of the gold, that the whole might be sent to his majesty; and
+that Cortes had given him 300 crowns from his own pocket, which was more
+than he deserved, being a person of no consideration and no soldier.
+
+The court having duly weighed all the charges and answers, the whole
+proceedings were reported to his majesty, together with their opinion and
+sentence, which were entirely in favour of Cortes, whose merit and valour,
+and that of all the veteran conquerors of Mexico, were highly praised.
+Velasquez was enjoined silence in respect to his complaints against Cortes,
+and was told that he might seek for the remuneration of his expences by a
+legal process. Cortes was declared governor-general of New Spain, pursuant
+to the orders of the pope, and the court approved of the arrangements
+which he had made in the country, authorizing him to distribute and
+appoint the districts or _repartimientos_ in the way he thought proper.
+Narvaez was referred for redress to France, where Avila was still a
+prisoner. The pilots Umbria and Cardenas obtained royal grants of property
+in New Spain, to the extent of a thousand crowns in annual rent. And it
+was ordained that all the veterans of Cortes should have immediate and
+ample gratifications in lands and Indians, with such precedency in rank as
+their valour and services had deserved. This sentence was confirmed by the
+emperor at Valladolid, who was then on his road to Flanders; and he gave
+orders likewise for the banishment of all relapsed converts in New Spain,
+and that no _Scholars_[1] should be admitted into that country for a
+certain term of years. His majesty, and his brother the king of Hungary,
+were graciously pleaded to write letters to Cortes, and to us the
+conquerors, thanking us for the good service we had performed.
+
+This affair being decided in our favour, the necessary documents were
+entrusted to two relations of Cortes, Roderigo de Paz and Francisco de las
+Casas, who carried them in the first place to St Jago in the island of
+Cuba, where Velasquez resided. On the sentence being made known to him,
+and proclaimed by sound of trumpet, he fell ill from vexation, and died
+soon afterwards poor and miserable. Francisco de Montejo had the
+government of Yucutan and Cozumel from his majesty, with the title of Don.
+Diego de Ordas was ennobled, getting for his coat of arms the volcano of
+Guaxocingo, and was confirmed in all his possessions in New Spain. He went
+back to Spain two years afterwards to solicit permission to conquer the
+province of Maranion, in which enterprize he lost his life and all his
+property. On the arrival of Las Casas and De Paz in Mexico with the
+appointment of Cortes to the government, there were great rejoicings
+everywhere. Las Casas was made a captain, and got the _encomienda_ of a
+good district called Anquitlan; and De Paz was appointed major-domo and
+secretary to Cortes, getting likewise valuable possessions. Cortes
+liberally rewarded the captain of the vessel which brought out this
+pleasing information, and provided handsomely for all who came out to New
+Spain from his native country of Medellin. All the proceedings of our
+agents in Spain were regularly conveyed to us the conquerors; but it
+seemed to me that they agented solely for Cortes and themselves, as we who
+had raised Cortes to his greatness, were continually encountering dangers
+and hardships, without any reward. May God protect us, and inspire our
+great emperor to cause his just intentions towards us to be carried into
+effect. To us, the ancient, wise, and brave conquerors of Mexico, it
+appeared that Cortes ought to have duly considered his true friends, who
+had supported him from the first through all his difficulties and dangers,
+and ought to have rewarded us according to our respective merits, and his
+majesties orders, by giving us good and profitable situations, instead of
+leaving us poor and miserable. By his majesties orders, and by his duty,
+Cortes was bound to have given to us and our children all the good offices
+in the kingdom of New Spain; but be thought only of himself and his
+favourites. In our opinion, who were the conquerors, the whole country
+ought to have been divided into five equal parts, allotting one to the
+crown, another for the holy church, and the remaining three parts to
+Cortes and the rest of us, who were the true original conquerors, giving
+each a share in perpetuity in proportion to our rank and merits,
+considering that we had not only served his majesty in gratuity, but
+without his knowledge, and, almost against his will. This arrangement
+would have placed us at our ease; instead of which, many of us are
+wandering about, almost without a morsel to eat, and God only knows what
+may become of our children.
+
+To the veedor Pedro Alonzo Chirinos, Gonzalo Salazar the factor, Rodrigo
+Albornos the contador, and many others who came now from Spain, and to the
+dependents of great men, who flattered him and told him fine tales, Cortes
+refused nothing; but he treated us the true conquerors like vassals,
+forgetting us entirely in the distribution of property, yet never failing
+to call upon us when he wanted our assistance, as if we had been fit only
+for expeditions and battles. I do not blame him for being generous, as
+there was enough for all; but he ought in the first place to have
+considered those who had served his majesty in the conquest of this noble
+kingdom, and to whose blood and valour he was indebted for his own
+elevation. Long afterwards, when Luis Ponce de Leon came out to supersede
+Cortes, we the veteran conquerors represented to our general that he ought
+to give us that property which he had been ordered by his majesty to
+resign. He expressed his sorrow for having so long neglected us, and
+promised even with an oath, that he would provide for us all, if he
+returned to his government, thinking to satisfy us with smooth words and
+empty promises.
+
+
+[1] This probably alludes to _lawyers_, as on a former occasion, Diaz
+    mentions a request from the Spaniards that none of that fraternity
+    might be sent over to New Spain, probably to avoid the introduction of
+    litigious law suits.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX.
+
+_Of an Expedition against the Zapotecas, and various other Occurrences_.
+
+
+Intelligence was brought to Mexico that the Zapotecas were in rebellion,
+on which Rodrigo Rangel, whom I have several times mentioned already,
+solicited Cortes to be appointed to the command of an expedition for their
+reduction, that he too might have an opportunity of acquiring fame,
+proposing likewise to take Pedro de Ircio along with him as his lieutenant
+and adviser. Cortes knew well that Rangel was very unfit for any service
+of danger or difficulty, being a miserably diseased object, the effect of
+his sins, and put him off therefore by various excuses; but as he was a
+very slanderous fellow, whom he wished to get rid of, he at length agreed
+to his proposal, and at the same time wrote for ten or twelve veterans,
+then residing in Coatzacualco, of whom I was one, desiring us to accompany
+Rangel on this expedition. The country of the Zapotecas is composed of
+high and rugged mountains, always enveloped in clouds and mists, with such
+narrow and bad roads as to be unfit for cavalry, so steep that they must
+be climbed up like ladders, each successive soldier of the file having his
+head at the heels of the man immediately before him. The natives of these
+mountains are light and active, and have a way of whistling and shouting,
+so as to make the hills resound again, insomuch that it is hardly possible
+to know on which side they are coming to attack. Against such enemies in
+so strong a country, and with such a leader, it was impossible for us to
+effect any thing. We advanced, however, under heavy rain, to a scattered
+village, part of the houses being situated on a rocky ridge, and the rest
+in a valley, and well it was for us that the Indians made no stand, as
+poor Rangel whined and moaned the whole way, complaining of pains in his
+limbs, and the severity of the weather. It was at last agreed, as he grew
+every day worse and worse, that we could be of no use here, and were
+exposing ourselves needlessly to danger, to abandon this fruitless
+expedition, and return to our homes. Pedro de Ircio was among the first
+who advised this, and soon set the example, by retiring to his own town of
+Villa Rica; but Rangel chose rather to go along with us to Coatzacualco,
+to our great dissatisfaction, as he expected benefit from that warm
+climate to relieve him of his pains.
+
+We were hardly returned to Coatzacualco, when Rangel took it into his head
+to go upon an expedition against the Indians of Cimatan and Tatupan, who
+continued in rebellion, confiding in the impracticability of their country,
+among large rivers and trembling marshes; being also very formidable
+warriors, who used very long bows of great strength. We were all very
+averse from this, but as Rangel produced his commission from Cortes, we
+were under the necessity to obey, and accordingly set out on the
+expedition, with about 100 horse and foot. We soon arrived at a pass among
+lakes and marshes, where the Indians had thrown up a strong circular
+entrenchment of large trees and pallisades, having loop-holes to shoot
+through, and where they gave us a very warm reception with a flight of
+darts and arrows, by which they killed seven horses, and wounded Rangel
+and eight of our men. We had often told him what stout warriors these
+Indians were, and he now declared that in future the old conquerors should
+command him, and not he us, for he would not have been now in such
+jeopardy if he had listened to our advice. When our wounded men and horses
+were dressed, he requested me to go forward to reconnoitre, on which I
+took two comrades, and a fierce dog belonging to Rangel, desiring the
+infantry to follow close behind, but that Rangel and the cavalry might
+keep at a good distance in the rear. In this order we pursued our march
+for Cimatan, and soon fell in with another post, fortified like the former,
+and as strongly defended, whence the Indians assailed us with a shower of
+arrows, which killed the dog, and wounded us all three. On this occasion I
+received a wound in my leg, and had seven arrows sticking in my cotton
+armour. I immediately called to some of our Indian auxiliaries, who were a
+little way behind, to desire all the infantry to come up immediately, but
+that all the cavalry must remain behind, as otherwise they would certainly
+lose their horses. We soon drove the Indians from their entrenchments; but
+they took refuge among the marshes, where we could not pursue them without
+running the risk of sinking at every step.
+
+Having passed the night at an Indian village, we proceeded forwards next
+day, when we were opposed by a body of Indians posted in a marsh on the
+border of an open plain. In spite of every thing we could say, Rangel made
+a charge upon them with his cavalry, and was the first to tumble head
+foremost into the marsh, where the Indians closed in upon him, in hope of
+taking him alive for sacrifice. By great exertions we rescued him from
+their hands, half drowned and badly wounded. The country being very
+populous, we very soon found a village which the natives had abandoned,
+where we went for the purpose of refreshment, and to dress our wounded men:
+But had hardly been there a quarter of an hour, when the enemy attacked us
+with such violence, that we had much ado to repel them, after they had
+killed one of our men and two horses. Poor Rangel complained grievously of
+his wounds and bruises, and was so infested by mosquitoes and other vermin,
+which abound greatly in that country, that he could not rest either day or
+night. He, and some of the soldiers who had belonged to Garay that
+accompanied him, grew very sick of their expedition, in which nothing had
+been got except three hard fought battles, in which eleven horses and two
+soldiers had been slain, and many others wounded, on which account they
+were very desirous to get home again; yet Rangel was averse from having it
+appear that a retreat was his choice, and got, therefore, a council of
+those who were of his own opinion to propose that measure. At this time, I
+and about twenty more had gone out to try if we could make any prisoners,
+and had taken five among some gardens and plantations near the village. On
+my return, Rangel called me aside, and informed me that his council had
+determined on a retreat, and desired me to persuade the rest of the
+detachment to come into that opinion. "How, Sir," said I, "can you think
+of a retreat? What will Cortes and the world say of you, when they hear of
+your retreating in two successive expeditions, without having done any
+thing? You cannot surely return without disgrace, till you have reached
+the head town of these Indians. I will go forward on foot with the
+infantry to reconnoitre: Give my horse to another soldier, and you may
+follow in the rear with the cavalry." "You give good advice, said Rangel,
+and we will march on." This was done accordingly, to the great regret of
+many of our companions, and we advanced in good order to Cimatan, the
+principal town of the district, where we were saluted as usual by a shower
+of arrows. We entered the town, however, which was abandoned by the enemy,
+yet took several prisoners, whom I dismissed, with an invitation to the
+chiefs to come in and make peace with us; but they never returned. Rangel
+was very angry at me on this account, and swore that he would make me
+procure Indians for him, in place of those whom I had liberated. To pacify
+him, I went among the neighbouring marshes with thirty soldiers, where we
+picked up several stragglers, whom we brought to him. But he dismissed
+these likewise, in hopes to induce the rest to submit, yet all to no
+purpose. Thus ended the two famous expeditions against the Zapotecans and
+Cimatanese, and such was all the fame acquired by Rangel in the wars of
+New Spain. Two years afterwards, we effected the conquest of both these
+countries, the natives of which were converted to our holy religion, by
+the grace of God, and through the exertions of Father Olmedo, now grown
+weak and infirm, to the great regret of all who knew him, as he was an
+excellent minister of the gospel.
+
+Cortes had now collected 80,000 crowns in gold, and had caused a superb
+golden culverin to be made as a present for the emperor, on which the
+following motto was engraved:
+
+  _Esta ave nacio sin par: Yo en servir os sin segundo;
+    Y vos sin iqual en el Mundo_[1].
+
+This sumptuous present was sent over to Spain under the care of Diego de
+Soto. I am uncertain whether Juan de Ribera, who had been secretary to
+Cortes went over at the same time with Soto; but I know that he carried
+over a sum of money for the generals father, which he appropriated to his
+own use; and, unmindful of the many obligations he had received, he
+reported much evil of Cortes, combining with the bishop of Burgos and
+others to injure him. I always thought him a bad man, from what I had
+observed of him when engaged in gaming, and many other circumstances: But,
+as he was of a fluent speech, and had been secretary to Cortes, he did him
+much harm, and would have injured him much more, if it had not been for
+the interest of the Duke of Bejar, who protected Cortes, who was then
+engaged in a treaty of marriage with the dukes niece, Donna Juana de
+Zuniga[2]. By this interest, and combined with the magnificent present
+brought over by Soto, the affairs of Cortes at the court of Spain took a
+favourable turn. The golden Phoenix with its motto, gave great offence to
+many, who thought it presumptuous in Cortes to insinuate that he had no
+equal in his services: But his friends justly defended him, observing that
+no one had so far extended the fame and power of his majesty, or had
+brought so many thousand souls under the dominion of the holy catholic
+church as he had done. Neither did they forget the merits of us his
+associates, truly declaring that we were entitled to honours and
+emoluments, which we had as justly earned as the original nobles of
+Castille, whose estates and honours were now enjoyed by their descendents.
+The culverin went no farther than Seville, as his majesty was graciously
+pleased to give it to Don Francisco de los Cobos, commendator-major of
+Leon, who melted it down. Its value was 20,000 ducats. Martin Cortes, our
+generals father, brought a suit against Ribera for the money of which he
+had defrauded him; and while that was pending, Ribera died suddenly while
+at dinner, and without confession. May God pardon his sins! _Amen_.
+
+Cortes continued to rebuild and embellish the city of Mexico, which was
+again as well peopled by natives as ever it had been before the conquest.
+All of these were exempted from paying tribute to his majesty, till their
+houses were built, and till the causeways, bridges, public edifices, and
+aqueducts, were all restored. In that quarter of the city appropriated to
+the Spaniards, churches and hospitals were erected under the
+superintendence of Father Olmedo, as vicar and superior; who likewise
+established an hospital for the natives, to whom he paid particular
+attention. In compliance with our petition, formerly mentioned, the
+general of the Franciscans sent over twelve of his order, under the
+vicarage of Father Martin de Valentia. Among these came Father Torribio de
+Motolinea, which name, signifying _poor brother_, he acquired from the
+Mexicans, because all that he received in charity he gave away in the same
+manner, going always barefooted in a tattered habit, preaching to the
+natives, and often in want of food. When Cortes learnt that these reverend
+fathers were arrived at Villa Rica, he ordered the road to Mexico to be
+repaired, and to have houses built at proper intervals for their
+accommodation; commanding the inhabitants of all the towns in the way to
+meet them with the utmost reverence, ringing their bells, bearing
+crucifixes and lighted wax-candles, and that all the Spaniards should
+kneel down and kiss their hands. On their approach to Mexico, Cortes went
+out to meet them, and dismounting from his horse, kneeled down to kiss the
+hands of the vicar. The natives were astonished to see so much honour
+conferred on these reverend fathers in tattered garments and bare feet,
+and considering them as gods, they all followed the example of the general,
+and have ever since behaved to them with the utmost reverence.
+
+About this time, Cortes informed his majesty of his proceedings with
+regard to the conversion of the natives, and rebuilding the city of Mexico;
+and also of the conduct of De Oli, whom he had sent to reduce the province
+of Higueras, but who had deserted and joined the party of Velasquez, on
+which account he had resolved to send a force to reduce him to obedience.
+He complained also of the proceedings of Velasquez, to the great injury of
+his majesties service, and of the partiality which had been shewn by the
+bishop of Burgos. At this time likewise, he remitted 30,000 crowns in gold
+to the royal treasury, lamenting the injurious effects of the proceedings
+of Velasquez and the bishop, which had prevented him from making a much
+larger contribution. He complained also against the contador, Rodrigo de
+Albornos, who had aspersed him from private pique, because he had refused
+to give him in marriage the daughter of the prince of Tezcuco; and that he
+understood Albornos corresponded in cyphers with the bishop of Burgos.
+Cortes had not yet learnt that the bishop was removed from the management
+of the affairs of the Indies. By the same ship, Albornos sent home
+accusations against Cortes; charging him with the levy of exorbitant
+contributions in gold for his own use; fortifying castles to defend
+himself, and marrying his private soldiers to the daughters of the native
+lords: insinuating that Cortes was endeavouring to set himself up as an
+independent king, and that it was highly necessary to send out an able
+officer with a great force to supersede him. The bishop of Burgos laid
+these letters before the whole junto of the enemies of Cortes, who
+immediately produced this new accusation to the emperor, complaining of
+the partial favour which had been shewn him on former occasions. Deceived
+by these misrepresentations, which were enforced by Narvaez, his majesty
+issued an order to the admiral of Hispaniola, to go with six hundred
+soldiers to arrest Cortes, and to make him answer with his head if found
+guilty; as also to punish all of us who had been concerned in attacking
+Narvaez. As an encouragement, this officer was promised the admiralty of
+New Spain, the right to which was then under litigation. Either from want
+of money, or because he was afraid of committing himself against so able
+and successful a commander, the admiral delayed his expedition so long,
+that the friends and agents of Cortes had time to make a full explanation
+of all the circumstances to the Duke of Bejar, who immediately represented
+a true statement of the case to the emperor, and offered to pledge his own
+life in security for the loyalty of Cortes. Being on due consideration
+quite satisfied of the justice of our cause, his majesty determined to
+send out a person of high quality and good character to hold a supreme
+court of justice in New Spain. The person chosen for this purpose was Luis
+Ponce de Leon, cousin to Don Martin, Count of Cordova; whom his majesty
+entrusted to inquire into the conduct of Cortes, with full power to
+inflict capital punishment if guilty. But it was two years and a half
+before this gentleman arrived in New Spain.
+
+I now go beyond the date of my narrative to inform my readers of a
+circumstance which happened during the viceroyalty of that illustrious
+nobleman, Don Antonio de Mendoza, worthy of eternal memory and heavenly
+glory for his wise and just government. Albornos wrote malignant and
+slanderous letters against him, as he had before done of Cortes, which
+letters were all sent back from Spain to Don Antonio. When he had read all
+the gross abuse which they contained, he sent for Albornos, to whom he
+shewed his own letters; saying mildly, in his usual slow manner, "When you
+are pleased to make me the subject of your letters to his majesty,
+remember always in future to tell the truth."
+
+
+[1] Like the solitary Phoenix, I, without a peer, serve you, who have no
+    equal in the world.
+
+
+[2] In Clavigero, at the close of Vol. I. this lady is named Donna Jeroma
+    Ramirez de Arrellano y Zuniga, daughter of Don Carlos Ramiro de
+    Arellano, Count of Auguiller, by Donna Jeroma de Zuniga, a daughter of
+    the Count of Benares, eldest son of Don Alvaro de Zuniga, duke of
+    Bejar. After two male descents from this marriage, the Marquisate of
+    the Valley of Oaxaca, and the great estates of Cortes in New Spain,
+    fell, by various collateral female descents, to the Neapolitan family
+    of Pignatelli, duke of Montelione and Terranova, marquis of the Valley
+    of Oaxaca, Grandee of Spain, and prince of the Roman empire.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XX.
+
+_Narrative of the Expedition of Cortes to Higueras_.
+
+
+I have formerly mentioned the revolt of De Oli. Cortes was much distressed
+on receiving this intelligence, and immediately sent off his relation,
+Francisco de las Casas, with five ships and a hundred well appointed
+soldiers, among whom were some of the veteran conquerors of Mexico, with
+orders to reduce De Oli. Las Casas soon arrived at the bay of Triumpho de
+la Cruz, where De Oli had established his head-quarters; and though Las
+Casas hoisted a signal of peace, De Oli determined on resistance, and sent
+a number of soldiers in two armed vessels to oppose Las Casas, who ordered
+out his boats armed with swivels and musquetry to attack those belonging
+to De Oli. In this affair Las Casas was successful, as he sunk one of the
+vessels belonging to De Oli, killed four of his soldiers, and wounded a
+great number. On this misfortune, and because a considerable number of his
+soldiers were on a detached service in the inland country, for the purpose
+of reducing a party of Spaniards under Gil Gonzalez de Avila, who was
+employed in making conquests on the river Pechin, De Oli thought it
+advisable to propose terms of peace to Las Casas, in hopes that his
+detachment might return to his assistance. Las Casas unfortunately agreed
+to treat, and remained at sea; partly for the purpose of finding some
+better place of disembarkation, and partly induced by letters from the
+friends of Cortes who were along with De Oli. That same night a heavy
+storm arose, by which the vessels of Las Casas were driven on shore and
+utterly lost, and above thirty of the soldiers perished. All the rest were
+made prisoners two days afterwards, having been all that time on shore
+without food, and almost perished with cold, as it was the season of
+almost incessant rain. De Oli obliged all his prisoners to swear fidelity
+to him against Cortes, and then released them all except Las Casas.
+
+The party which he sent against De Avila returned about this time, having
+been successful in their errand. Avila had gone with a party to reduce the
+country about the _Golfe Dolce_, and had founded a settlement to which he
+gave the name of _St Gil de buena vista_; and the troops sent against him,
+after killing his nephew and eight of his soldiers, made himself and all
+the rest prisoners. De Oli was now much elated by his success, in having
+made two captains belonging to Cortes prisoners, and sent off a full
+account of his exploits to his friend Velasquez. He afterwards marched up
+the country to a place called Naco in a very populous district, which is
+all now laid waste. While here, he sent off various detachments in
+different directions, among which one was commanded by Briones, who had
+first instigated him to revolt; bat Briones now revolted from him in his
+turn, and marched off with all his men for New Spain. He was a seditious
+fellow, who had on some former occasion had the lower part of his ears cut
+off, which he used to say had been done for refusing to surrender in some
+fortress or other. He was afterwards hanged at Guatimala for mutiny.
+
+De Oli was personally brave but imprudent, and permitted Las Casas and
+Avila to be at large, disdaining to be under any apprehensions from them;
+but they concerted a plan with some of the soldiers for putting him to
+death. Las Casas one day asked him, as if half in jest, for liberty to
+return to Cortes; but De Oli said he was too happy to have the company of
+so brave a man, and could not part with him. "Then" said Las Casas, "I
+advise you to take care of me, for I shall kill you one of these days". De
+Oli considered this as a joke, but measures were actually concerted for
+the purpose; and one night after supper, when the servants and pages had
+withdrawn to their own apartment, Las Casas, Avila, Juan de Mercado, and
+some other soldiers attached to Cortes, suddenly drew out their penknives
+and fell upon De Oli. Las Casas seized him by the beard, and made a cut at
+his throat, and the rest gave him several wounds; but being strong and
+active, he escaped from their hands, calling loudly to his people for
+assistance, but they were all too busy at their suppers to hear him. He
+then fled and concealed himself among some bushes, calling out for
+assistance, and many of his people turned out for that purpose; but Las
+Casas called upon them to rally on the side of the king and his general
+Cortes, which after some hesitation they consented to. De Oli was made
+prisoner by the two captains, who shortly afterwards sentenced him to be
+beheaded, which was carried into execution in the town of Naco. He was a
+brave man, but of no foresight, and thus paid with his life for following
+evil counsels. He had received many favours from Cortes, having valuable
+estates, and the commission of _Maestre de Campo_. His lady, Donna
+Philippa de Aranja, was a Portuguese, by whom he had one daughter. Las
+Casas and Avila now joined their troops together, and acted in concert as
+captains under Cortes. Las Casas colonized Truzilo in New Estremadura.
+Avila sent orders to his lieutenant in Buena Vista to remain in charge of
+that establishment, promising to send him a reinforcement as soon as
+possible, for which purpose he meant to go to Mexico.
+
+Some months after the departure of Las Casas, Cortes became afraid of some
+disaster, and repented that he had not gone himself on the expedition, and
+now resolved to go himself, that he might examine the state of the country
+and the mines it was said to contain. He left a good garrison in Mexico,
+and appointed Alonzo de Estrada and Albornos, the treasurer and contador,
+to carry on the government in his absence, with strict injunctions to pay
+every attention to the interest of his majesty, and recommended to
+Motolinca and Olmedo to labour incessantly in converting the natives. On
+purpose to deprive the Mexicans of chiefs during his absence, he took
+along with him Guatimotzin the late king of Mexico, the prince of Tacuba,
+an Indian now named Velasquez, who had been a captain under Guatimotzin,
+and several other caciques of consequence. We had along with us Fra Juan
+de las Varillas, and several other good theologians to preach to the
+Indians, as also the captains Sandoval and Marin and many other cavaliers.
+On this occasion, Cortes, was attended by a splendid personal suit; such
+as a steward, paymaster, keeper of the plate, a major-domo, two stewards
+of the household, a butler, confectioner, physician, surgeon a number of
+pages, among whom was Francisco de Montejo, who was afterwards captain in
+Yutucan, two armour-bearers, eight grooms, two falconers, five musicians,
+a stage-dancer, a juggler and puppet-master, a master of the horse, and
+three Spanish muleteers. A great service of gold and silver plate
+accompanied the march, and a large drove of swine for the use of the table.
+Three thousand Mexican warriors attended their own chiefs, and a numerous
+train of domestic servants.
+
+When about to set out, the factor Salazar and veedor Chirinos,
+remonstrated with Cortes on the danger of leaving the seat of government;
+but finding him determined, they asked permission to accompany him to
+Coatzacualco, which he agreed to. Cortes was received in all the places on
+his way with much pomp and many rejoicings; and above fifty soldiers and
+straggling travellers newly arrived from Spain, joined us on the road.
+During the march to Coatzacualco, Cortes divided his troops into two
+detachments, for the convenience of quarters and provisions. While on the
+march, a marriage took place at the town of Ojeda near Orizava, between
+our linguist Donna Marina and Juan Xaramillo. As soon as the advance of
+Cortes to Guazpaltepec in the district of Sandoval was known at
+Coatzacualco, all the Spaniards of that settlement went above thirty
+leagues to meet him; in so much respect and awe was he held by us all. In
+proceeding beyond Guazpaltepec fortune began to frown upon us, as in
+passing a large river three of our canoes overset, by which some plate and
+other valuables were lost, and nothing could be recovered as the river
+swarmed with alligators. At Coatzacualco three hundred canoes were
+prepared for crossing the river, fastened two and two together to prevent
+oversetting, and we were here received under triumphal arches, with
+various festivities, such as mock skirmishes between Christian's and Moors,
+fireworks, and the like. Cortes remained six days at Coatzacualco, where
+the factor and veedor prevailed on Cortes to give them a commission to
+assume the government of Mexico in case they should judge that the present
+deputies failed in their duty. This measure occasioned much trouble
+afterwards in Mexico, as I shall explain hereafter; but these two
+associates took their leaves at this place, with much pretended tenderness
+and affection for the general, even affecting to sob and cry at parting.
+
+From Coatzacualco, Cortes sent orders to Simon de Cucena, one of his
+major-domos, to freight two light vessels at Villa Rica with biscuit made
+of maize flour, as there was then no wheat in Mexico, wine, oil, vinegar,
+pork, iron, and other necessaries, and to proceed with them along the
+coast till he had farther directions. Cortes now gave orders for all the
+settlers of Coatzacualco who were fit for duty, to join the expedition.
+This was a severe disappointment to us, as our colony was composed of most
+of the respectable hildagos, the veteran conquerors, who expected to have
+been allowed to enjoy our hard earned houses and lands in peace, instead
+of which we were obliged to undertake an arduous expedition of five
+hundred leagues, which took us up above two years and a half of infinite
+fatigues. We had nothing for it but compliance, so that we armed ourselves
+and mounted our horses; being in all above 250 veterans, 130 of whom were
+cavalry, besides many soldiers newly arrived from Old Spain. I was
+immediately dispatched at the head of 30 Spaniards and 3000 Mexicans, to
+reduce the district of Cimatan, which was then in rebellion. My orders
+were, if I found the natives submissive, I was merely to quarter my troops
+on the natives, and do them no farther injury. But, if refractory, they
+were to be summoned three times in presence of a royal notary and proper
+witnesses, after which, if they still persisted in rebellion, I was to
+make war on them and compel them to submit. The people received me in a
+peaceable manner, for which reason I marched on with my detachment to
+rejoin Cortes at Iquinapa. In consequence of the veterans being withdrawn
+from Coatzacualco, these people revolted again in a few months after.
+After I left him, the general proceeded with the rest of his troops to
+Tonala, crossing the river Aquacualco, and another river seven leagues
+from an arm of the sea, by a bridge a quarter of a league in length, which
+was constructed by the natives under the direction of two Spanish settlers
+of Coatzacualco. The army then proceeded to the large river Mazapa, called
+by seamen _Rio de dos bocas_, or Two-mouth river, which flows past Chiapa.
+Crossing this by means of double canoes, they proceeded through several
+villages to Iquinapa, where my detachment rejoined the army. Crossing
+another river and an arm of the sea, on wooden bridges, we came to a large
+town named Copilco, where the province of Chontalpa begins; a populous
+district, full of plantations of cacoa, which we found perfectly peaceable.
+From thence we marched by Nicaxuxica and Zagutan, passing another river,
+in which the general lost some part of his baggage. We found Zagutan in
+peace, yet the inhabitants fled during the night; on which Cortes ordered
+parties out into the woods to make prisoners. Seven chiefs and some others
+were taken, but they all escaped from us again in the night, and left us
+without guides. At this place fifty canoes arrived at our quarters from
+Tabasco, loaded with provisions, and some also from Teapan, a place in my
+encomienda.
+
+From Zagutan, we continued our march to Tepetitan, crossing a large river
+called Chilapa, where we were detained four days making barks. I here
+proposed sending five of our Indian guides to a town of the same name,
+which I understood was on the banks of this river, in order to desire the
+inhabitants to send their canoes to our assistance; which was accordingly
+done, and they sent us six large canoes and some provisions: Yet with all
+the aid we could procure, it took us four days to pass this river. From
+thence we went to Tepetitan, which was depopulated and burnt in
+consequence of a civil war. For three days of our march from the river
+Chilapa, our horses were almost constantly up to their bellies in the
+marshy grounds, and when we reached a place called Iztapa, it was found
+abandoned by the inhabitants; but several chiefs and others were brought
+in, who were treated kindly, and made the general some trifling presents
+of gold. As this place abounded in corn and grass, we halted three days to
+refresh the men and horses, and it was considered by Cortes as a good
+situation for a colony, being surrounded by a number of towns, which might
+serve as dependencies. Cortes received information from some travelling
+merchants at this place concerning the country he had to pass through,
+produced to them a map painted on cloth, representing the road to
+_Huy-Acala_, which signifies _great_ Acala, there being another place of
+the same name. According to them, the way was much intersected by rivers,
+as, to reach a place named Tamaztepec, three days journey from Iztapa,
+there were three rivers and an arm of the sea to cross. In consequence of
+this intelligence, the general sent orders to the chiefs to provide canoes
+and construct bridges at the proper places, but neither of these things
+were done. Instead of three days, our march occupied us for a whole week;
+but the natives succeeded in getting quit of us, and we set out with only
+provisions of roasted maize and roots for three days, so that we were
+reduced to great straits, having nothing to eat but a wild plant called
+_quexquexque_, which inflamed our mouths. We were obliged to construct
+bridges of timber, at which every one had to labour from the general
+downwards; which detained us for three days. When we had crossed the last
+inlet, we were obliged to open a way through the woods with infinite
+labour, and after toiling in this manner for two days we were almost in
+despair. The trees were so thick that we could not see the sun; and on
+climbing to the top of one of the trees, we could not discover any thing
+but a continuation of the same impervious forest. Two of our guides had
+fled, and the only one who remained was utterly ignorant of the country.
+The resources of Cortes were quite inexhaustible, as he guided our way by
+a mariners compass, assisted by his Indian map, according to which the
+town of _Huy-acala_ of which we were in search, lay to the east; but even
+he acknowledged that he knew not what might become of us, if we were one
+day longer of finding it out.
+
+We who were of the advanced guard fortunately at this time fell in with
+the remains of some trees which had been formerly cut, and a small lane or
+path, which seemed to lead towards a town or village. The pilot Lopez and
+I returned to the main body with intelligence of this happy discovery,
+which revived the spirits of our whole army. We accordingly made all
+possible haste in that direction, and soon came to a river, on the
+opposite side of which we found a village named Tamaztepec, where, though
+abandoned by the inhabitants, we found plenty of provisions for ourselves
+and horses. Parties were immediately sent out in search of the natives,
+who soon brought back many chiefs and priests who were well treated, and
+both supplied us plentifully with provisions, and pointed out our road to
+Izguantepec, which was three days journey, or sixteen leagues from the
+town where we now were. During our journey to this place, our stage-dancer
+and three of the new come Spaniards died of fatigue, and many of the
+Mexicans had been left behind to perish. We discovered likewise that some
+of the Mexican chiefs who accompanied us, had seized some of the natives
+of the places through which we passed, and had eaten them to appease their
+hunger. Cortes very severely reprimanded all who had been concerned in
+this barbarous deed, and one of our friars preached a holy sermon on the
+occasion; after which, as an example to deter our allies from this
+practice in future, the general caused one against whom this crime had
+been most clearly proved, to be burnt. All had been equally guilty, but
+one example was deemed sufficient on the present occasion. Our poor
+musicians felt severely the want of the feasts they had been used to in
+Spain, and their harmony was now stopt, except one fellow; but the
+soldiers used to curse him, saying they wanted maize not music. It may be
+asked, how we did not lay our hands on the herd of swine belonging to
+Cortes in our present state of starvation? But these were out of sight,
+and the steward alleged they had been devoured by the alligators on
+passing one of the rivers: In reality, they were artfully kept four days
+march behind the army. During our route, we used to carve crosses on the
+bark of trees, with inscriptions bearing, that Cortes and his army had
+passed this way at such and such a time.
+
+The Indians of Tamaztepec sent a message to Izguantepec, our next station,
+to inform the inhabitants, and that they might not be alarmed at our
+approach: They also deputed twenty of their number to attend us to that
+place as guides. After our arrival at Izguantepec, Cortes was curious to
+know the course of a large river which flowed past that place, and was
+informed that it discharged itself into the sea near two towns named
+Guegatasta and Xicolanga; from which he judged that this might be a
+convenient way in which to send for information concerning his ships under
+Cuenca whom he had ordered to wait his orders on that part of the coast.
+He accordingly sent off two Spaniards on that errand, to one of whom,
+Francisco de Medina, he gave an order to act as joint commander along with
+Simon Cuenca. Medina was a man of dilligence and abilities, and well
+acquainted with the country; but the commission he carried proved most
+unfortunate in its consequences. He found the ships waiting at Xicolanga,
+and on presenting his authority as joint captain, a dispute arose between
+him and Cuenca as to which of them should have the chief command. Each was
+supported by a party, and had recourse to arms, in which all the Spaniards
+were slain except eight. The neighbouring Indians fell upon the survivors,
+and put them all to death; after which they plundered the ships and then
+destroyed them. It was two years and a half after this, before we knew
+what had become of the ships.
+
+We now learnt that the town of Huy-acala was three days march distant from
+our present quarters, and that the way lay across some deep rivers and
+trembling marshes. Two soldiers were sent on by Cortes to examine the
+route, who reported on their return that the rivers were passable by means
+of timber bridges, but as for the marshes, which were more material to
+know, they were beyond the rivers and had not been examined. Cortes sent
+me in the next place, along with one Gonzalo de Mexia and some Indian
+guides, with orders to go forward to Huy-acala to procure provisions, with
+which we were to meet him on the road. But our guides deserted us the
+first night, on account of the two nations being at war, and we were
+forced to rely entirely on ourselves for the remainder of the journey. On
+our arrival at the first town belonging to the district of Huy-acala,
+which has the supreme command over twenty other towns, the inhabitants
+seemed very jealous of us at first, but were soon reconciled. This
+district is much intersected by rivers, lakes, and marshes, and some of
+the dependent towns are situated in islands, the general communication
+being by means of canoes. We invited the chiefs to accompany us back to
+Cortes; but they declined this, because their nation was at war with the
+people of Izguantepec. It would appear that at our arrival they had no
+idea of the force of our army under Cortes; but, having received more
+accurate intelligence concerning it next day, they treated us with much
+deference, and promised that they would provide every accommodation for
+our army on its arrival. While still conversing, two other Spaniards came
+up to me with letters from Cortes, in which he ordered me to meet him
+within three days with all the provisions I could possibly collect; as the
+Indians of Izguantepec had all deserted him, and he was now on his march
+for Huy-acala entirely destitute of necessaries. These Spaniards also
+informed me, that four soldiers who had been detached farther up the river
+had not returned, and were supposed to have been murdered, which we learnt
+afterwards was the case. In pursuing his march, Cortes had been four days
+occupied in constructing a bridge over the great river, during which time
+the army suffered excessive famine, as they had come from their last
+quarters without provisions, owing to the desertion of the natives. Some
+of the old soldiers cut down certain trees resembling palms, by which
+means they procured nuts which they roasted and eat; but this proved a
+miserable recourse for so great a number. On the night that the bridge
+was completed, I arrived with 130 loads of provisions, consisting of corn,
+honey, fruit, salt, and fowls. It was then dark, and Cortes had mentioned
+his expectation of my arrival with provisions, in consequence of which,
+the soldiers waited for me and seized every thing I had, not leaving any
+thing for Cortes and the other officers. It was all in vain that the
+major-domo cried out, "this is for the general;" for the soldiers said the
+general and his officers had been eating their hogs, while they were
+starving, and neither threats nor entreaties could prevail on them to
+leave him a single load of corn. Cortes lost all patience, and swore he
+would punish those who had seized the provisions and spoken about the hogs;
+but he soon saw that it was better to be quiet. He then blamed me; but I
+told him he ought to have placed a guard to receive the provisions, as
+hunger knows no law. Seeing there was no remedy, Cortes, who was
+accompanied by Sandoval, addressed me as follows: "My dear friend, I am
+sure you must have something in reserve for yourself and your friend
+Sandoval, pray take us along with you that we may partake." Sandoval also
+assured me that he had not a single handful of maize. "Well," said I,
+"gentlemen, come to me when the soldiers are asleep, and you shall partake
+of what I had provided for myself and my companions." They both thanked
+and embraced me, and so we escaped famine for this bout, as I had with me
+twelve loads of maize, twenty fowls, three jars of honey, and some fruit
+and salt. Cortes made inquiry as to how the reverend fathers had fared;
+but they were well off, as every soldier gave them a share of what they
+had procured. Such are the hardships of military expeditions in unexplored
+countries. Feared as he was by the soldiers, our general was pillaged of
+his provisions, and in danger of starving, and both he and captain
+Sandoval were indebted to me for their rations.
+
+On continuing our march from the river for about a league, we came to the
+trembling marshes, where our horses had all been nearly destroyed; but the
+distance across did not exceed half a bowshot, between the firm ground on
+either side, and we got them through by main force. When we were all safe
+over, and had given thanks to God for our safety, Cortes sent on to
+Huy-acala for a fresh supply of provisions, and took care not to have
+these plundered like the former; and on the ensuing day, our whole army
+arrived early at Huy-acala, where the chiefs had made ample preparation
+for our reception. Having used every proper means to conciliate the chiefs
+of this nation, Cortes inquired from them as to the country we had still
+to march through, and whether they had heard of any ships being on the
+coast, or of any Europeans being settled in the country. He was informed,
+that at the distance of eight days journey, there were many men having
+beards like ourselves, who had horses and three ships. They also gave the
+general a map of the route, and offered every assistance in their power;
+but when asked to clear the road, they represented that some of their
+dependent districts had revolted, and requested our assistance to reduce
+them to obedience. This duty was committed to Diego de Mazariegos, a
+relation of the treasurer de Estrada, as a compliment to him, and Cortes
+desired me in private to accompany him as his counsellor, being
+experienced in the affairs of this country. I do not mention this
+circumstance, which is known to the whole army, by way of boast, but as my
+duty of historian requires it of me, and indeed his majesty was informed
+of it, in the letters which were written to him by Cortes. About eighty of
+us went on this occasion along with Mazariegos, and had the good fortune
+to find the district in the best disposition. The chiefs returned with us
+to Cortes, and brought a most abundant supply of provisions along with
+them. In about four days, however, all the chiefs deserted us, and we were
+left with only three guides to pursue our march, as well as we could.
+After crossing two rivers, we came to another town in the district of
+Huy-acala, which was abandoned by the inhabitants, but in which we took up
+our quarters.
+
+In this place, Guatimotzin, the last king of the Mexicans, closed his
+unhappy career. It appeared that a plot had been concerted by this
+unfortunate monarch with many of the Mexican nobles who accompanied him,
+to endeavour to cut off the Spaniards; after which they proposed to make
+the best of their way back to Mexico, where, collecting all the forces of
+the natives, they hoped to be able to overpower the Spanish garrison. This
+conspiracy was revealed to Cortes by two Mexican nobles who had commanded
+under Guatimotzin during the siege, and who had been baptized by the names
+of Tapia and Velasquez. On receiving this intelligence, Cortes immediately
+took the judicial informations of these two and of several others who were
+concerned in the plot; from which it was learnt, that the Mexicans,
+observing that we marched in a careless manner, that discontent prevailed
+among our troops, many of whom were sick, that ten of our Spanish soldiers
+had died of hunger, and several had returned towards Mexico, and
+considering also the uncertainty of the fate of the expedition and the
+miseries they endured from scarcity of provisions, they had come to the
+resolution of falling upon us at the passage of some river or marsh, being
+encouraged by their numbers, which exceeded 3000 well armed men, and
+thinking it preferable to die at once than to encounter the perpetual
+miseries they now endured by accompanying us in this wilderness.
+Guatimotzin acknowledged that he had heard of this proposal, which he
+never approved of, declaring that he did not believe it would ever have
+been attempted, and anxiously denied that the whole of the Mexican force
+had concurred in the plot. His cousin, the prince of Tacuba, declared that
+all which had ever passed on the subject, between him and Guatimotzin, was,
+that they had often expressed their opinion, that it would be better to
+lose their lives at once like brave men, than to suffer in the manner they
+did by hunger and fatigue, and to witness the intolerable distresses of
+their friends and subjects who accompanied them. On those scanty proofs,
+Cortes sentenced Guatimotzin and the prince of Tacuba to be immediately
+hanged; and when the preparations were made for the execution, they were
+led forth to the place attended by the reverend fathers, who did their
+utmost to console them in their last moments. Before his execution,
+Guatimotzin addressed Cortes to the following effect: "_Malintzin_! I now
+see that your false words and flattering promises have ended in my death.
+It had been better to have fallen by my own hands, than to have trusted
+myself to your power. You take away my life unjustly, and may God demand
+of you my innocent blood." The prince of Tacuba only said, that he was
+happy to die along with his beloved sovereign. Thus did these two great
+men end their lives, and, for Indians, most piously and like good
+Christians. I lamented them both sincerely, having seen them in their
+greatness. They always treated me kindly on this march, giving me Indians
+to procure grass for my horse, and doing me many services. To me and all
+of us, their sentence appeared cruel and unjust, and their deaths most
+undeserved.
+
+After this, we continued our march with much circumspection, being
+apprehensive of a mutiny among the Mexican troops in revenge for the
+execution of their chiefs; but these poor creatures were so exhausted by
+famine, sickness, and fatigue, that they did not seem even to have
+bestowed a thought on the matter. At night we came to a deserted village;
+but on searching we found eight priests, whom we brought to Cortes. He
+desired them to recal the inhabitants, which they readily promised,
+requesting him not to injure their idols in a temple close to some
+buildings in which Cortes was quartered, which he agreed to, yet
+expostulated with them on the absurdity of worshipping compositions of
+clay and wood. They seemed as if it would have been easy to induce them to
+embrace the doctrines of our holy faith; and soon brought us twenty loads
+of fowls and maize. On being examined by Cortes about the bearded men with
+horses, they said that these people dwelt at a place called _Nito_, at the
+distance of seven suns, or days journey from their village, and offered to
+guide us to that place. At this time Cortes was exceedingly sad and
+ill-humoured, being fretted by the difficulties and misfortunes of his
+march, and his conscience upbraided him for the cruelty he had committed
+upon the unfortunate king of Mexico. He was so distracted by these
+reflections, that he could not sleep, and used to walk about at night, as
+a relief for his anxious thoughts. Going in the dark to walk in a large
+apartment which contained some of the Indian idols, he missed his way and
+fell from a height of twelve feet, by which he received a severe contused
+wound in his head. He endeavoured to conceal this circumstance from
+general knowledge, and got his wounds cured as well as he could, keeping
+his sufferings to himself.
+
+After leaving this place, we came in two days to a district inhabited by a
+nation called the _Mazotecas_, where we found a newly built town,
+fortified by two circular enclosures of pallisades, one of which was like
+a barbican, having loop-holes to shoot through, and was strengthened by
+ditches. Another part of the town was inaccessible, being on the summit of
+a perpendicular rock, on the top of which the natives had collected great
+quantities of stones for their defence. And a third quarter of the town
+was defended by an impassable morass. Yet after all these defensive
+preparations, we were astonished to find the town entirely abandoned,
+though every house was full of the different kinds of provisions which the
+country afforded, besides which it had a magazine stocked with arms of all
+sorts. While we were expressing our astonishment at these circumstances,
+fifteen Indians came out of the morass in the most submissive manner, and
+told us that they had been forced to the construction of this fortress as
+their last resort, in an unsuccessful war with a neighbouring nation,
+called the _Lazandones_ as far as I can now remember. They brought back
+the inhabitants, whom we treated with kindness, and from whom we received
+farther information, respecting, the Spanish settlement, to which two of
+the natives of this place undertook to shew us the way. From this place we
+entered upon vast open plains, in which not a tree was to be seen, and in
+which innumerable herds of deer were feeding, which were so tame as almost
+to come up to us. Our horsemen, therefore, easily took as many as they
+pleased, and we found that the Indians never disturbed them, considering
+them as a kind of divinities, and had even been commanded by their idols,
+or priests rather in their name, neither to kill or frighten these animals.
+The heat of the weather was now so excessive that Palacios Rubios, a
+relation of Cortes, lost his horse by pursuing the deer. We continued our
+march along this open campaign country, passing several villages where the
+destructive ravages of war were distinctly perceivable. On one occasion we
+met some Indians on their return from hunting, who had along with them a
+huge _lion_[1] just killed, and several _iguanas_[2], a species of small
+serpent very good to eat. These people shewed us the way to their town, to
+which we had to wade up to our middles through a lake of fresh water by
+which it was surrounded. This lake was quite full of fish, resembling
+shads, but enormously large, with prickles on their backs; and having
+procured some nets, we took above a thousand of them, which gave us a
+plentiful supply. On inquiry, five of the natives of this place engaged to
+guide us to the settlement of our countrymen; and they were glad to get so
+easily rid of us, as they were apprehensive we had come to put them all to
+death.
+
+Leaving this place, we proceeded to a town named _Tayasal_, situated on an
+island in a river, the white temples, towers, and houses, of which place,
+glistened from a distance. As the road now became very narrow, we thought
+proper to halt here for the night, having in the first place detached some
+soldiers to the river to look out for a passage. They were so fortunate as
+to take two canoes, containing ten men and two women, who were conveying a
+cargo of maize and salt. Being brought to Cortes, they informed him that
+they belonged to a town about four leagues farther on. Our general
+detained one of the canoes and some of the people, and sent two Spaniards
+along with the rest in the other canoe, to desire the cacique of that town
+to send him canoes to enable us to cross the river. Next morning, we all
+marched down to the river, where we found the cacique waiting for us, who
+invited the general to his place of residence. Cortes accordingly embarked
+with an escort of thirty crossbows, and was presented on his arrival at
+the town with a few toys of gold very much alloyed, and a small number of
+mantles. They informed him that they knew of Spaniards being at three
+different places, which were Nito, Buena Vista, and Naco, the last being
+ten days journey inland from Nito, and where the greater number of the
+Spaniards resided, Nito being on the coast. On hearing this, Cortes
+observed to us that De Oli had probably divided his forces, as we knew
+nothing as yet respecting Gil Gonzalo de Avila, or Las Casas.
+
+Our whole army now crossed the river, and halted about two leagues from it,
+waiting the return of Cortes. At this place, three Spanish soldiers, two
+Indians, and a Negro deserted; preferring to take their chance among the
+unknown natives of the country, to a continuance of the fatigues and
+dangers they had experienced. This day likewise, I had a stroke of the sun,
+which occasioned a burning fever or calenture. At this period the weather
+changed, and for three days and nights it rained incessantly; yet we had
+to continue our march, lest our provisions might fail. After two days
+march we came to a ridge of rocky hills, which we named the _Sierra de los
+Pedernales_, the stones of which were as sharp as knives. Several soldiers
+were sent a league on each side of this bad pass in search of a better
+road, but to no purpose, so that we were forced to proceed. Our horses
+fell at every step, and the farther we advanced it grew the worse,
+insomuch that we lost eight horses, and all the rest were so lamed that
+they could not keep up with us. After getting over this shocking pass, we
+advanced towards a town called _Taica_, where we expected to procure
+provisions in abundance; but to our great mortification were unexpectedly
+stopped by a prodigious torrent, so swelled by the late heavy rains that
+it was quite impassable, and made such a noise in tumbling over its rocky
+bed that it might have been heard at the distance of two leagues. We had
+to stop here for three complete days to construct a bridge between the
+precipitous banks of this river; in consequence of which delay the people
+of Taica had abandoned their town, removing all their provisions out of
+our reach. We were all miserably disappointed at this event, finding that
+hunger was to be our portion after all our fatigues. After sending out his
+servants in every direction, Cortes was only able to procure about a
+bushel of maize. He then called together the colonists of Coatzacualco,
+and earnestly solicited us to use our utmost endeavours to procure
+supplies. Pedro de Ircio requested to have the command on this occasion,
+to which Cortes assented: But as I knew Ircio to be a better prater than
+marcher, I whispered to Cortes and Sandoval to prevent him from going, as
+he was a duck-legged fellow, who could not get through the miry ground,
+and would only interrupt us in our search. Cortes accordingly ordered him
+to remain, and five of us set out with two Indian guides across rivers and
+marshes, and came at length to some Indian houses where we found
+provisions in abundance. We here made some prisoners, and with their fruit,
+fowls, and corn, we celebrated the feast of the Resurrection to our great
+contentment. That same night we were joined by a thousand Mexicans, who
+had been sent after us, whom we loaded with all the corn we could procure,
+and twenty fowls for Cortes and Sandoval, after which there still remained
+some corn in the town, which we remained to guard. We advanced next day to
+some other villages, where we found corn in abundance, and wrote a billet
+to Cortes desiring him to send all the Indians he could spare to carry it
+to the army. Thirty soldiers and about five hundred Indians arrived in a
+short time, and we amply provided for the wants of the army during the
+five days it remained at Taica. I may observe here, that the bridges which
+we constructed on this march continued good for many years; and the
+Spaniards, when they travelled this way, used to say, "These are the
+bridges of Cortes."
+
+After resting five days at Taica, we continued our march for two days to a
+place called Tania, through a country everywhere intersected by marshes,
+rivers, and rivulets, all the towns being abandoned and the provisions
+carried away; and, to add to our misfortunes, our guides made their escape
+during the night, being entrusted, as I suppose, to some of the newly
+arrived Spaniards, who used to sleep on their posts. We were thus left in
+a difficult country, and did not know which way to go; besides which heavy
+rains fell without ceasing. Cortes was very much out of humour, and
+observed among his officers, that he wished some others besides the
+Coatzacualco settlers would bestir themselves in search of guides. Pedro
+de Ircio, a man of quality named Marmolejo, and Burgales, who was
+afterwards regidor of Mexico, offered their services, and taking each of
+them six soldiers, were out three days in search of Indians, but all
+returned without success, having met with nothing but rivers, marshes, and
+obstructions. Cortes was quite in despair, and desired Sandoval to ask me
+as a favour to undertake the business. Though ill, I could not refuse when
+applied to in this manner; wherefore, taking two friends along with me who
+could endure fatigue, we set out following the course of a stream, and
+soon found a way to some houses, by observing marks of boughs having been
+cut. Following these marks, we came in sight of a village surrounded by
+fields of corn; but we remained concealed till we thought the people were
+asleep, and taking the inhabitants by surprise, we secured three men, two
+very handsome Indian girls, and an old woman, with a few fowls and a small
+quantity of maize. On bringing our prize to head-quarters, Sandoval was
+quite overjoyed. "Now," said he to Pedro de Ircio in the presence of
+Cortes, "was not Castillo in the right, when he refused to take hobbling
+people along with him, who tell old stories of the adventures of the Conde
+de Urena and his son Don Pedro Giron?" All who were present laughed
+heartily at this sally, as Ircio used to pester us with these stories
+continually, and Sandoval knew that Ircio and I were not on friendly terms.
+Cortes paid me many compliments on this occasion, and thanked me for my
+good service. But what is praise more than emptiness, and what does it
+profit me that Cortes said he relied on me, next to God, for procuring
+guides? We learnt from the prisoners that it was necessary to descend the
+river for two days march, when we would come to a town of two hundred
+houses, called _Oculiztli_; which he did accordingly, passing some large
+buildings where the travelling Indian merchants used to stop on their
+journeys. At the close of the second day we came to Oculiztli, where we
+got plenty of provisions, and in one of the temples we found an old red
+cap and a sandal, which had been placed there as offerings to the idols.
+Some of our soldiers brought two old men and four women to Cortes, who
+told him that the Spanish settlement was on the seaside two days journey
+from this place, with no intervening towns. Cortes therefore gave orders
+to Sandoval to set out immediately with six soldiers for the coast, to
+ascertain what number of men De Oli had with him, as he meant to fall upon
+him by surprise, being quite ignorant of the revolution which had happened
+in this quarter.
+
+Sandoval set out accordingly with three guides, and on reaching the sea
+shore, he soon perceived a canoe; and concealing himself where he expected
+it might anchor for the night, was fortunate enough to get possession of
+the canoe; which belonged to some Indian merchants who were carrying salt
+to _Golfo dolce_. Sandoval embarked in this canoe with a part of his men,
+sending the rest along the shore, and made for the great river. During the
+voyage, he fell in with four Spaniards belonging to the settlement, who
+were searching for fruit near the mouth of the river, being in great
+distress from sickness and the hostilities of the Indians. Two of these
+men were up in a tree, when they saw Sandoval to their great astonishment,
+and soon joined him. They informed him of the great distress of the
+settlement, and of all the events which had occurred, and how they had
+hanged the officer whom Avila had left in the command, and a turbulent
+priest, for opposing their determination to return to Cuba, and had
+elected one Antonio Niote in his stead. Sandoval resolved to carry these
+people to Cortes, whom he wished to inform as soon as possible of the news,
+and sent a soldier named Alonzo Ortiz, who soon reached us with the
+agreeable intelligence, for which Cortes gave him an excellent horse, and
+all of us gave him something in proportion to our abilities. Sandoval
+arrived soon afterwards, and Cortes issued immediate orders to march to
+the coast, which was about six leagues distant. Cortes pushed forwards
+with his attendants, and crossed the river by means of the two canoes,
+swimming the horses. The Spanish settlement was about two leagues from the
+place where Cortes landed, and the colonists were astonished on seeing the
+Europeans coming towards them, and still more so when they found it was
+the renowned conqueror of Mexico. Cortes received their congratulations
+very graciously, and desired them to bring all the canoes they could
+collect, and the boats belonging to their ships to assist his army in
+crossing. He likewise ordered them to provide bread for the army; but of
+this only fifty pounds weight could be got, as they lived almost entirely
+on _sapotes_ and other vegetables, and fish.
+
+We had an arm of the sea to cross, and had therefore to wait for low water,
+but Cortes had found the passage so dangerous that he sent us word not to
+follow till farther orders. The care of passing this dangerous place was
+entrusted to Sandoval, who took as effectual measures as possible, but it
+took us four days to get over, partly wading and partly swimming. One
+soldier and his horse went to the bottom, and was never seen more, and two
+other horses were lost. A person named Saavedra, presuming on his
+relationship to Cortes, refused obedience to the orders of Sandoval, and
+endeavoured to force his passage, even laying his hand on his poinard, and
+using disrespectful expressions to Sandoval; who seized him instantly and
+threw him into the water, where he was nearly drowned. Our sufferings at
+this time were excessive, as during all these four days we had literally
+nothing to eat, except by gathering a few nuts and some wild fruits, and
+on getting across our condition was not improved. We found this colony to
+contain forty men and six women, all yellow and sickly, and utterly
+destitute of provisions; so that we were under the necessity of setting
+out immediately in search of food both for ourselves and them. For this
+purpose, about eighty of us marched, under the command of Luis Marin, to a
+town about eight leagues distant, where we found abundance of maize and
+vegetables, and great quantities of cacao; and as this place was in the
+direct road for Naco, to which Cortes intended to go, he immediately sent
+Sandoval and the greatest part of the troops to join us, on receiving the
+agreeable intelligence of our good fortune. We sent a plentiful supply of
+maize to the miserable colonist who had been so long in a starving
+condition, of which they eat to such excess that seven of them died. About
+this time likewise a vessel arrived with seven horses, forty hogs, eight
+pipes of salted meat, a considerable quantity of biscuit, and fifteen
+adventurers from Cuba. Cortes immediately purchased all the provisions,
+which he distributed among the colonists, who eat the salted meat so
+voraciously that it occasioned diarrhoeas, by which, in a very few days,
+fourteen of them were carried off.
+
+As Cortes wished to examine this great river, he caused one of the
+brigantines belonging to Avila which had been stranded to be fitted out;
+and embarking with thirty soldiers and eight mariners belonging to the
+vessel lately arrived, having likewise a boat and four double canoes, he
+proceeded up the river to a spacious lake with good anchorage. This lake
+was navigable for six leagues, all the adjacent country being subject to
+be inundated; but on endeavouring to proceed higher, the current became
+stronger, and he came to certain shallows, which prevented the vessels
+from proceeding any farther. Cortes now landed with his soldiers, and
+advanced into the country by a narrow road which led to several villages
+of the natives. In the first of these he procured some guides, and in the
+second he found abundance of corn, and many domesticated birds, among
+which were pheasants, pigeons, and partridges, which last are often
+domesticated by the Indians of America. In prosecuting his route, he
+approached a large town called _Cinacan Tencintle_, in the midst of fine
+plantations of cacao, where he heard the sound of music and merry-making,
+the inhabitants being engaged in a drunken feast. Cortes waited a
+favourable opportunity, concealed in a wood close by the town, when
+suddenly rushing out, he made prisoners of ten men and fifteen women. The
+rest of the inhabitants attacked him with their darts and arrows, but our
+people closed with them and killed eight of their chiefs, on which the
+rest submitted, sending four old men, two of whom were priests, with a
+trifling present of gold, and to petition for the liberation of the
+prisoners, which he accordingly engaged to give up on receiving a good
+supply of provisions, which they promised to deliver at the ships. A
+misunderstanding took place afterwards between Cortes and these Indians,
+as he wished to retain three of their women to make bread, and hostilities
+were renewed, in which Cortes was himself wounded in the face, twelve of
+his soldiers wounded, and one of his boats destroyed. He then returned
+after an absence of twenty-six days, during which he had suffered
+excessive torment from the mosquitoes. He wrote to Sandoval, giving him an
+account of all that had occurred in his expedition to Cinacan, which is
+seventy leagues from Guatimala, and ordered him to proceed to Naco; as he
+proposed to remain himself on purpose to establish a colony at _Puerto de
+Cavallos_[3], for which he desired Sandoval to send back ten of the
+Coatzacualco veterans, without whose assistance nothing could be done
+properly. Taking with him all the Spaniards who remained at St Gil de
+Buena Vista, Cortes embarked in two ships, and arrived in eight days sail
+at Puerto de Cavallos, which had a good harbour, and seemed every way well
+calculated for a colony, which he established there under the command of
+Diego de Godoy, naming the town Natividad. Expecting by this time that
+Sandoval might have arrived at Naco, which is not far distant from Puerto
+Cavallos, Cortes sent a letter for him to that place, requiring a
+reinforcement of ten of the veteran soldiers of Coatzacualco, as he
+intended to proceed for the bay of Honduras; but this letter reached us in
+our last-mentioned quarters as we had not yet reached Naco. Leaving Cortes
+for the present, I shall only say that he was so tormented by the
+mosquitoes, which prevented him from procuring rest either by night or day,
+that he had almost lost his life or his senses.
+
+On receiving this last letter from the general, Sandoval pressed on for
+Naco, but was obliged to halt at a place called _Cuyocan_, in order to
+collect the stragglers who had gone in quest of provisions. We were also
+impeded by a river, and the natives on every side were hostile. Our line
+of march was now extremely long, by the great number of invalids,
+especially of the Mexicans, who were unable to keep up with the main body;
+on which account Sandoval left me at this place, with the command of eight
+men at the ferry, to protect and bring up the stragglers. One night the
+natives attacked my post, setting fire to the house in which we were
+lodged, and endeavoured to carry away our canoe; but, with the assistance
+of some of our Mexicans who had come up, we beat them off; and, having
+collected all the invalids who had loitered behind, we crossed the river
+next day, and set but to rejoin Sandoval. A Genoese, who had been sometime
+ill, sunk at length through weakness, occasioned by poverty of diet, and
+died on the road, and I was obliged to leave his body behind. When I made
+my report to Sandoval, he was ill pleased at me for not having brought on
+the dead body; but I told him we had already two invalids on every horse,
+and one of my companions said rather haughtily, that we had enough of
+difficulty to bring on ourselves, without carrying dead men. Sandoval
+immediately ordered me and that soldier, whose name was Villanueva, to go
+back and bury the Genoese, which we did accordingly, and placed a cross
+over his grave. We found a purse in his pocket, containing some dice, and
+a memorandum of his family and effects in Teneriffe. God rest his soul!
+_Amen_. In about two days we arrived at Naco, passing a town named
+_Quinistlan_, and a place where mines have been since discovered. We found
+Naco to be a very good town, but it was abandoned by its inhabitants, yet
+we procured plenty of provisions and salt, of which we were in very great
+need. We took up our quarters in some large quadrangular buildings, where
+De Oli was executed, and established ourselves there as if we had been to
+have remained permanently. There is the finest water at this place that is
+to be found in all New Spain; as likewise a species of tree which is most
+admirable for the _siesta_; as, however great may be the heat of the sun,
+there is always a most delightful and refreshing coolness under its shade,
+and it seems to give out a delicate kind of dew, which is good for the
+head. Naco is admirably situated, in a fertile neighbourhood, which
+produces different kinds of _sapotes_ in great abundance, and it was then
+very populous. Sandoval obtained possession of three chiefs of the
+district, whom he treated kindly, by which means the people of the
+district remained in peace, but all his endeavours to induce the
+inhabitants to return to the town were ineffectual. It was now necessary
+to send the reinforcement of ten Coatzacualco veterans which Cortes had
+required. At that time I was ill, and besides Sandoval wished to retain me
+along with him: Eight valiant soldiers were sent off, however, who
+heartily cursed Cortes and his expedition at every step of their march;
+for which indeed they had good reason, as they were entirely ignorant of
+the state of the country through which they had to go. Sandoval took the
+precaution of sending five principal people of the natives along with them,
+making known at the same time that he would punish the country most
+severely if any injury was done them on their journey. They arrived in
+safety at Natividad, where Cortes then was; who immediately embarked for
+Truxillo, leaving Godoy in the command of the settlement at Puerto de
+Cavallos, with forty Spaniards, who were all that remained of the settlers
+who had accompanied de Avila, and of those who had come recently from Cuba.
+Godoy maintained himself for some time; but his men were continually
+dropping off by disease, and the Indians began at last to despise and
+neglect him, refusing to supply the settlement with provisions, so that in
+a short time he lost above half his number by sickness and famine, and
+three of his men deserted to join Sandoval. By various expeditions and
+judicious measures, Sandoval reduced all the country round Naco to peace
+and submission, namely the districts of Cirimongo, Acalao, Quinistlan, and
+four others, of which I forget the names, and even extended his authority
+over the natives as far as Puerto Cavallos, where Godoy commanded.
+
+After six days sail, Cortes arrived at the port of Truxillo, where he
+found a colony which had been established by Francisco de las Casas, among
+whom were many of the mutineers who had served under De Oli, and who had
+been banished from Panuco. Conscious of their guilt, all these men waited
+on Cortes, and supplicated for pardon, which he granted them, even
+confirming all who had been appointed to offices in the colony; but he
+placed his relation Saavedra as commandant of the colony and surrounding
+province. Cortes summoned all the chiefs and priests of the Indians, to
+whom he made a long harangue, giving them to understand that he had come
+among them to induce them to abandon the cruel and abominable practices of
+their false religion, and to embrace the only true faith. He also enlarged
+upon the power and dignity of our great emperor, to whose government he
+required their submission. He was followed by the reverend fathers, who
+exhorted them to become proselytes to the holy catholic religion, the
+principles of which they explained. After all this, the people readily
+agreed to obey our general, and to become vassals to Don Carlos; and
+Cortes enjoined them to provide the settlement with provisions, especially
+fish, which are caught in great abundance in the sea about the islands of
+_Guanojes_[4]; he likewise ordered them to send a number of labourers to
+clear the woods in front of the town of Truxillo, so as to open a view of
+the sea. Cortes likewise ordered a number of sows with young to be turned
+loose in these islands, by which, in a few years, they were amply stocked.
+The natives cleared the woods between Truxillo and the sea in two days,
+and built fifteen houses for the colonists, one of which for Cortes, was
+sufficiently commodious. Cortes became feared and renowned over all the
+districts, as far as _Olancho_, where rich mines have been since
+discovered; the natives giving him the name of _Captain Hue-hue de Marina_,
+or the old captain of Donna Marina. He reduced the whole country to
+submission, excepting two or three districts in the mountains, against
+which he sent a party of soldiers under Captain Saavedra, who brought most
+of them under subjection, one tribe only named the _Acaltecans_ holding
+out.
+
+As a great many of the people along with Cortes became sick through the
+unhealthiness of the climate, he sent them by a vessel to Hispaniola or
+Cuba for the recovery of their healths. By this opportunity, he sent
+letters to the royal audience of St Domingo and the reverend brothers of
+the order of St Jerome, giving an account of all the events that had
+recently happened, and in particular of his having left the government of
+Mexico in the hands of deputies, while he proceded to reduce de Oli who
+had rebelled. He apprised them of his future intentions, and requested a
+reinforcement of soldiers, to enable him to reduce the country where he
+now was to subjection; and that they might attach the greater credit to
+his report of its value, he sent a valuable present of gold, taken in
+reality from his own side-board, but which he endeavoured to make them
+believe was the produce of this new settlement. He entrusted the
+management of this business to a relation of his own, named Avalos, whom
+he directed to take up in his way twenty-five soldiers who, he was
+informed, had been left in the island of Cozumel to kidnap Indians to be
+sent for slaves to the West Indian islands. This vessel was wrecked about
+seventy leagues from the Havanna, on which occasion Avalos and many of the
+passengers perished. Those who escaped, among whom was the licentiate
+Pedro Lopez, brought the first intelligence to the islands of the
+existence of Cortes and his army; as it had been universally believed in
+Cuba and Hispaniola that we had all perished. As soon as it was known
+where Cortes was, two old ships were sent over to Truxillo with horses and
+colts, and one pipe of wine; all the rest of their cargoes consisting of
+shirts, caps, and useless trumpery of various kinds. Some of the Indian
+inhabitants of the Guanajas islands, which are about eight leagues from
+Truxillo, came at this time to Cortes, complaining that the Spaniards had
+been accustomed to carry away the natives and their _macegualos_ or slaves,
+and that a vessel was now there which was supposed to have come for that
+purpose. Cortes immediately sent over one of his vessels to the islands;
+but the ship against which the natives complained made sail immediately on
+seeing her, and escaped. It was afterwards known, that this vessel was
+commanded by the bachelor Moreno, who had been sent on business by the
+royal audience of St Domingo to Nombre de Dios.
+
+While Sandoval remained at Naco, the chiefs of two neighbouring districts,
+named Quecuspan and Tanchinalchapa, complained to him of a party of
+Spaniards, at the distance of a days march from Naco, who robbed their
+people and made slaves of them. Sandoval set out against these people
+immediately with a party of seventy men, and on coming to the place these
+Spaniards were exceedingly surprised at seeing us and took to their arms;
+but we soon seized their captain and several others, and made them all
+prisoners without any bloodshed. Sandoval reprehended them severely for
+their misconduct, and ordered all the Indians whom they had made prisoners
+to be immediately released. One Pedro de Garro was the commander of these
+men, among whom were several gentlemen, and in comparison of us dirty and
+worn down wretches, they were all mounted and attended like lords. They
+were all marched to our head-quarters as prisoners; but in a day or two
+they became quite reconciled to their lot. The occasion of their coming
+into the country was as follows: Pedro Arias de Avila, the governor of
+Tierra Firma, had sent a captain named Francisco Hernandez to reduce the
+provinces of Nicaragua and New Leon, and to establish a colony in that
+place, which he accomplished. After the atrocious murder of Balboa, who
+had married Donna Isabella the daughter of Aries, Moreno had been sent
+over by the court of royal audience, and persuaded Hernandez, who was now
+comfortably settled, to throw off his dependence upon Pedro Aries, and to
+establish a distinct government immediately under the royal authority.
+Hernandez had done so, and had sent this party under de Garro on purpose
+to open a communication from Nicaragua with the north coast, by which to
+receive supplies from old Spain. When all this was explained to Sandoval,
+he sent Captain Luis Marin to communicate the intelligence to Cortes, in
+expectation that he would support the views of Hernandez. I was sent along
+with Marin on this occasion, our whole force consisting of ten men. Our
+journey was exceedingly laborious, having to cross many rivers which were
+much swollen by the rains, and we had at times to make our way through
+hostile Indians armed with large heavy lances, by which two of our
+soldiers were wounded. We had sometimes three difficult rivers to cross in
+one day; and one river, named Xagua, ten leagues from Triumpho de la Cruz,
+detained us for two days. By the side of that river we found the skeletons
+of seven horses, which had belonged to the troops of de Oli, and had died
+from eating poisonous herbs. Several of the rivers and inlets on our
+journey were much infested by alligators.
+
+Passing Triumpho de la Cruz and a place called Quemara, we arrived one
+evening near Truxillo, where we saw five horsemen riding along the sea
+shore, who happened to be our general and four of his friends taking the
+air. After the first surprize at this unexpected meeting, Cortes
+dismounted and embraced us all with tears in his eyes, quite overjoyed to
+see us. It made me quite melancholy to see him, as he was so worn down by
+distress and disease, that he appeared much reduced and extremely weak,
+insomuch that he had even expected death, and had procured a Franciscan
+habit to be buried in. He walked along with us into the town of Truxillo,
+and invited us all to sup with him; where we fared so wretchedly that I
+had not even my fill of bread or biscuit. After reading over the letters
+we had brought him relative to Hernandez, he promised to do every thing in
+his power to support him. The two vessels which I formerly mentioned as
+having brought horses from Hispaniola, only arrived three days before us,
+and we were fools enough to run ourselves in debt by purchasing their
+useless frippery. Hitherto Cortes had not received any intelligence
+whatever from Mexico since he left it on this disastrous expedition; but,
+while we were giving him an account of the hardships of our late journey
+from Naco, a vessel was descried at a distance making for our port. This
+vessel was from the Havanna, and brought letters from the licentiate Zuazo,
+who had been alcalde-major of Mexico, the contents of which overwhelmed
+Cortes with such sorrow and distress, that he retired to his private
+apartment, whence he did not stir out for a whole day, and we could
+distinctly hear that he suffered great agitation. After hearing mass next
+morning, he called us together and communicated to us the intelligence
+which these letters conveyed, which was to the following effect.
+
+In consequence of the power which Cortes had inconsiderately granted to
+Salazar and Chirinos, to supersede Estrada and Albornos in the
+administration of government in Mexico, in case of misconduct in these
+deputies, they had formed a strong party on their return to Mexico, among
+whom were Zuazo the alcalde-major, Rodrigo de Paz, alguazil-major, Alonzo
+de Tapis, Jorge de Alvarado, and many of the veteran conquerors, and had
+attempted to seize the government by force, and much disturbance and some
+bloodshed had ensued. Salazar and Chirinos had carried their point, and
+had taken the two former deputies and many of their friends prisoners; and
+as discontents and opposition still prevailed, they had confiscated the
+property of their opponents, which they distributed among their own
+partizans. They had superseded Zuazo in his office of alcalde-major, and
+had imprisoned Rodrigo de Paz; yet Zuazo had brought about a temporary
+reconciliation. During these disturbances, the Zapotecans and Mixtecans,
+and the inhabitants of a strong rocky district named Coatlan had rebelled,
+against whom the veedor Chirinos had marched with an armed force; but his
+troops thought of nothing but card-playing, so that the enemy had
+surprised their camp and done them much mischief. The factor Salazar had
+sent a veteran captain, Andres de Monjaraz, to assist and advise Chirinos;
+but Monjaraz being an invalid was unable to exert himself properly; and to
+add to their distractions, an insurrection was every hour expected in
+Mexico. The factor Salazar, constantly remitted gold to his majesties
+treasurer, Don Francisco de los Cobos, to make interest for himself at
+court, reporting that we had all died at Xicalonga. This report originated
+with Diego de Ordas, who, on purpose to escape from the factious troubles
+in Mexico, had gone with two vessels in search of us to Xicalongo, where
+Cuenca and Medina had been slain as formerly mentioned, on learning which
+misfortune he concluded it had been Cortes and his whole party, which he
+so reported in letters to Mexico, and had sailed himself to Cuba. Salazar
+shewed these letters to our several relations in Mexico, who all put on
+mourning, and so universally were we all believed to be dead, that out
+properties had been sold by public auction. The factor Salazar even
+assumed to himself the office of governor and captain-general of New Spain;
+a monument was erected to the honour of Cortes, and funeral service was
+performed for him in the great church of Mexico. The self-assumed governor
+even issued an order, that all the women whose husbands had gone with
+Cortes, and who had any regard for their souls, should consider themselves
+as widows and should immediately marry again; and because a woman named
+Juana de Mansilla, the wife of Alonzo Valiente, refused to obey this order,
+alleging we were not people who would be so easily destroyed as Salazar
+and his party, she was ordered to be publickly whipped through Mexico as a
+witch. One person from whom we expected better behaviour, and whose name I
+will not mention, by way of flattering Salazar, solemnly assured him
+before many witnesses, that one night, as he was passing the church of St
+Jago, which is built on the site of the great temple of Mexico, he saw the
+souls of Cortes, Donna Marina, and Sandoval burning in flames of fire:
+Another person, also, of good reputation, pretended that the quadrangles
+of Tescuco were haunted by evil spirits, which the natives said were the
+souls of Donna Marina and Cortes.
+
+At this time the captains Las Casas and De Avila, who had beheaded
+Christoval de Oli, arrived in Mexico, and publickly asserted the existence
+of Cortes, reprobating the conduct of Salazar, and declaring if Cortes
+were actually dead, that Alvarado was the only fit person to have been
+raised to the government, till his majesties pleasure could be known.
+Alvarado was written to on the subject, and even set out for Mexico; but
+becoming apprehensive for his life, he returned to his district. Finding
+that he could not bring over Las Casas, De Avila, and Zuazo to his party,
+Salazar caused the two former to be arrested and prosecuted for the murder
+of De Oli, and even procured their condemnation; and it was with the
+utmost difficulty their execution could be prevented by an appeal to his
+majesty; but he was obliged to content himself with sending them prisoners
+to Spain. He next sent off the licentiate Zuazo in irons to Cuba, under
+pretence of making him answer for his conduct while acting as a judge in
+that island. Salazar collected all the gold he could lay his hands upon,
+and seized Rodrigo de Paz, alguazil-major of Mexico, who had been major
+domo to Cortes, demanding of him an account and surrender of all the
+treasure belonging to the general; and as he either could not or would not
+discover where it was, he caused him to be tortured by burning his feet
+and legs, and even caused him to be hanged that he might not carry his
+complaints to his majesty. His object in collecting gold was to support
+his negociations at court; but in this he was counteracted by almost all
+the other officers of government in New Spain, who determined to send
+their own statements of the affairs of the colony to court by the same
+conveyance with his. He arrested most of the friends of Cortes, several of
+whom joined his party as he gave them Indians, and because they wished to
+be of the strongest side; but Tapia and Jorge Alvarado took sanctuary with
+the Franciscans. To deprive the malcontents of arms, he brought the whole
+contents of the arsenal to his palace, in front of which he planted all
+the artillery for his defence, under the command of Captain Luis de Guzman,
+son-in-law to the duke of Medina Sidonia. He formed likewise a body guard
+for his own individual protection, partly composed of soldiers who had
+belonged to Cortes, to the command of which he appointed one Arriaga. This
+letter likewise mentioned the death of Father Bartholomew de Olmedo, who
+was so much revered by the native Mexicans, that they fasted from the time
+of his death till after his burial. Zuazo, in the conclusion of his letter,
+expressed his apprehensions that the colony of Mexico would be utterly
+ruined by these confusions. Along with this long and melancholy letter
+from Zuazo, Cortes received letters from his father, informing him of the
+death of the bishop of Burgos, and of the intrigues of Albornos at court,
+already mentioned on a former occasion, and the interference of the Duke
+of Bejar in his behalf. He also told him that Narvaez had been appointed
+to the government of the country on the river Palmas, and one Nuno de
+Guzman to the province of Panuco.
+
+The intelligence from Zuazo made us all very melancholy, and it is
+difficult to say which of the two we cursed most heartily in secret for
+our misfortunes, Cortes or Salazar, for we gave them ten thousand
+maledictions, and our hearts sunk within us to think of our miserable
+plight after all our fatigues and dangers. Cortes retired to his chamber,
+and did not appear again till the evening, when we unanimously entreated
+him to hasten to Mexico, that he might recover the government from the
+usurper. He replied kindly: "My dear friends, this villainous factor is
+very powerful. If I go along with you to Mexico, he may waylay us by the
+road and murder us all. I think it better for me to go privately to Mexico
+with only three or four of you, that I may come upon him at unawares, and
+that all the rest of you rejoin Sandoval and go along with him to Mexico."
+When I saw that Cortes was resolved on going privately to Mexico, I
+anxiously requested to attend him, as I had hitherto accompanied him in
+all his difficulties and dangers. He complimented me on my fidelity, but
+insisted on my continuing with Sandoval. Several of the colonists of
+Truxillo began to grow mutinous, because Cortes had neglected promoting
+them to offices; but he pacified them by promises of providing for them
+when he should be replaced in his government of Mexico. Previous to his
+intended departure, he wrote to Diego de Godoy, to quit Puerto Cavallos
+with his settlers, where they were unable to remain on account of
+mosquitos and other vermin, ordering them to relieve us in the good
+settlement of Naco. He also ordered that we should take the province of
+Nicaragua in our way to Mexico, as it was a country in his opinion worth
+taking care of. We took our leave of Cortes, who embarked on his intended
+voyage, and we set out cheerfully for Naco to join Sandoval, as Mexico was
+now the object of our march. The route to Naco was as usual attended with
+much difficulty and distress, yet we got safe there, and found that
+Captain De Garro had set off for Nicaragua, to inform his commander
+Hernandez that Cortes was setting out for Mexico, and had promised to give
+him all the assistance in his power.
+
+Two confidential friends of Pedro Aries had come to the knowledge of the
+private correspondence between Hernandez and Cortes, and suspected that
+Hernandez meant to detach himself from the command of Aries, and to
+surrender his province to Cortes. The names of these men were Garruito and
+Zamorrano, the former of whom was urged by an ancient enmity to Cortes, on
+account of a rivalship between them in Hispaniola when both young men,
+about a lady, which ended in a duel. These persons communicated
+intelligence of all they knew to Aries, who immediately hastened to
+Nicaragua, to seize all the parties concerned. Garro took the alarm in
+time, and made his escape to us; but Hernandez, relying on his former
+intimacy with Aries, expected that he would not proceed to extremities
+against him, and waited his arrival. He was miserably disappointed in
+these hopes, as Aries, after a summary process, ordered him to execution
+as a traitor to his superior officer.
+
+On his first attempt to sail from Truxillo to Vera Cruz, Cortes was put
+back by contrary winds, and a second time by an accident happening to his
+ship. Dispirited by sickness, the accidents which had delayed his voyage
+prayed on his spirits, he became apprehensive of the power of Salazar
+being too great for him, and his lofty mind sunk under superstitious fears.
+On his second return to Truxillo, he ordered the celebration of a solemn
+mass, and prayed fervently to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit as to his
+future proceedings. On this occasion it appears that he became inclined to
+remain in Truxillo to colonize that part of the country; and in three
+several expresses which he sent in quick succession to recall us to that
+place, he attributed his determination on that subject to the inspiration
+of his guardian angel. On receiving these messages, we cursed Cortes and
+his bad fortune, and declared to Sandoval that he must remain by himself,
+if he chose that measure, as we were resolved on returning to Mexico.
+Sandoval was of the same opinion with us, and we sent a letter to Cortes
+to that effect signed by all of us; to which we had an answer in a few
+days, making great offers to such of us as would remain, and saying, if we
+refused, that there still were good soldiers to be had in Castile and
+elsewhere. On receiving this letter we were more determined than ever to
+proceed; but Sandoval persuaded us to wait a few days till he could see
+and speak with Cortes; to whom we wrote in reply, that if he could find
+soldiers in Castile, so could we find governors and generals in Mexico,
+who would give us plantations for our services, and that we had already
+suffered sufficient misfortunes by following him. With this reply Sandoval
+set off, attended by a soldier named Sauzedo and a farrier, swearing by
+his beard that he would not return till he had seen Cortes embarked for
+Mexico. On this occasion Sandoval applied to me for my horse, an excellent
+animal for speed, exercise, and travel, which cost me six hundred crowns,
+my former horse having been killed in action at a place called Zulaco.
+Sandoval gave me one of his in exchange, which was killed under me in less
+than two months; after which I was reduced to a vicious colt which I
+bought from the two vessels at Truxillo. On parting from us, Sandoval
+desired us to wait his return at a large Indian town called Acalteca.
+
+When Sandoval came to Truxillo, Cortes received him very joyfully; but
+neither his pressing instances nor our letter could prevail on him to
+proceed to Mexico. He prevailed on him, therefore, to send Martin de
+Orantes, a confidential servant, with a commission to Pedro de Alvarado
+and Francisco de las Casas, in case these officers were in Mexico, to
+assume the government till he should return; or, in the event of their
+absence, to authorise the treasurer, Estrada, and the contador, Albornos,
+to resume the power granted by the former deputation, revoking that which
+he had so inadvertently given to the factor Salazar and the veedor
+Chirinos, which they had so grossly abused. Cortes agreed to this, and
+having given Orantes his instructions and commissions, directed him to
+land in a bay between Vera Cruz and Panuco, suffering no person but
+himself to go on shore, after which the vessel was immediately to proceed
+to Panuco, that his arrival might be kept as secret as possible. Orantes
+was likewise furnished with letters from Cortes to all his friends in New
+Spain, and to the treasurer and contador, although he knew they were not
+of that description, desiring them all to use their utmost diligence in
+displacing the present tyrannical usurpers. Having favourable weather,
+Orantes soon arrived at his destination; and disguising himself as a
+labourer, set forward on his journey, always avoiding the Spaniards, and
+lodging only among the natives. When questioned by any one, he called
+himself Juan de Flechilla; and indeed he was so altered during his absence
+of two years and three months, that his most intimate acquaintances could
+not have recognised him. Being a very active man, he arrived in four days
+in Mexico, which he entered in the dark, and proceeded immediately to the
+convent of the Franciscans, where he found the Alvarados and several other
+friends of Cortes, who were there concealed. On explaining his errand and
+producing the letters of Cortes, every one was exceedingly rejoiced, and
+even the reverend fathers danced for gladness. The gates of the monastery
+were immediately locked, to preclude all notice being conveyed to the
+adverse party; and about midnight, the treasurer and contador, and many of
+the friends of Cortes were brought secretly to the convent, where the
+intelligence was communicated to them. In a grand consultation, it was
+resolved to seize the factor Salazar next morning, the contador Chirinos
+being still occupied at the rock of Coatlan.
+
+The rest of the night was employed in providing arms and collecting all
+their friends, and at day-break next morning the whole party marched for
+the palace which Salazar inhabited, calling out as they went along, "Long
+live the king, and the governor Hernando Cortes." When this was heard by
+the citizens, they all took up arms; and under an idea that their
+assistance was required by the government, many of them joined Estrada on
+the march. The contador Albornos played a double game on the occasion, as
+he sent intelligence to put Salazar on his guard, for which Estrada
+reproached him afterwards with much severity. On approaching the palace,
+the friends of Cortes found Salazar already well prepared for resistance,
+in consequence of the information he had received; the artillery under
+Guzman being drawn out ready for action in front of the palace, and a
+strong garrison inside for its defence. But the adherents of Cortes pushed
+on, forcing their way by the different doors, and others by the terraces
+or wherever they could get access, continually shouting, for the king and
+Cortes. The adherents of Salazar were dismayed; the artillery-men
+abandoned the guns, and the other soldiers run away and hid themselves,
+leaving the poor factor with only Pedro Gonzalez Sabiote and four servants.
+Salazar being thus abandoned, became desperate, and endeavoured to fire
+off one of the guns, in which attempt he was made prisoner, and confined
+in a wooden cage. Circular notice of this revolution was immediately
+conveyed to all the provinces of New Spain; and the veedor Chirinos,
+leaving the command of his troops with Monjaraz, took refuge in the
+Franciscan monastery at Tescuco; but was shortly afterwards made prisoner
+and secured in another cage. Immediate intelligence of this revolution was
+transmitted to Pedro de Alvarado, with directions to go immediately to
+Truxillo to wait upon Cortes. The next thing done by the new deputies was
+to wait upon Juanna de Mansilla, who had been whipped as a witch, who was
+placed on horseback behind the treasurer Estrada, in which situation she
+was escorted in grand procession through all the streets of Mexico, like a
+Roman matron, and was ever afterwards stiled _Donna Juanna_, in honour of
+her constancy, for refusing to marry again while she believed her husband
+was still living.
+
+As the situation of Mexico evidently required the presence of Cortes, Fra
+Diego de Altamirano was sent by his friends to represent to him the
+necessity of setting out immediately for the capital. This reverend father
+had been in the army before he entered the church, and was a man of
+considerable abilities, and experienced in business. On his arrival at
+Truxillo, and giving Cortes an account of the recent events in Mexico, the
+general gave thanks to God for the restoration of peace; but declared his
+intention of going to Mexico by land, being afraid of encountering the
+adverse currents, and because of the bad state of his health. The pilots,
+however, represented that the season was quite favourable for the voyage,
+it being then the month of April, and prevailed on him to give up his
+first resolution. But he would on no account leave Truxillo till the
+return of Sandoval, who had been detached with seventy soldiers against a
+Captain Roxas, who served under Pedro Arias de Avila, against whom
+complaints had been made by the inhabitants of Olancho, a district about
+fifty-five leagues from Truxillo. When the parties first met they were on
+the brink of proceeding to hostilities; but they were reconciled and
+parted amicably, Roxas and his men agreeing to evacuate the country.
+Sandoval was recalled in consequence of the arrival of Altamirano, and
+Cortes took measures to leave the country in good order, of which Saavedra
+was left lieutenant-governor. Captain Luis Marin was directed to march our
+whole party to Mexico by way of Guatimala, and Captain Godoy was ordered
+to take the command at Naco. All things being now settled for the
+departure of Cortes, he confessed to Fra Juan and received the Sacrament,
+previous to his embarkation, as he was so exceedingly ill that he thought
+himself on the point of death. The wind was favourable, and he soon
+arrived at the Havanna, where he was honourably received by his former
+friends and acquaintances, and where he had the pleasure, by a vessel just
+arrived from Vera Cruz, to receive intelligence that New Spain was
+entirely restored to peace; as all the refractory Indians, on hearing that
+Cortes and we their former conquerors were alive and returning, had come
+in and made their submissions.
+
+The conduct of Salazar and Chirinos during their usurped authority had
+gained them many adherents; as, by means of their confiscations and the
+distribution of property among their greedy supporters, many were
+interested in the maintenance of their authority. These were mostly of the
+lower order, and persons of a seditious disposition; though some men of
+quality, especially influenced by the contador Albornos, who dreaded the
+arrival of Cortes, had formed a plot to kill the treasurer Estrada, and to
+reinstate Salazar and Chirinos in the government. For the purpose of
+releasing them from prison, they employed one Guzman, a white-smith, a
+fellow of low character who affected to be a wit, to make keys for opening
+their cages, giving him a piece of gold of the form which they required,
+and enjoining the strictest secrecy. He undertook all that they asked with
+the utmost apparent zeal, pretending to be very anxious for the liberation
+of the prisoners; and by his affected humour and zeal for the cause,
+contrived to become acquainted with their whole plan of procedure: But
+when the keys were finished and the plot ripe for execution, he
+communicated intelligence of the whole affair to Estrada; who instantly
+assembled the friends of Cortes, and went to the place of meeting, where
+he found twenty of the conspirators already armed and waiting for the
+signal. These were seized, but many others made their escape. Among the
+prisoners there were several very notorious characters, one of whom had
+lately committed violence on a Spanish woman. They were immediately
+brought to trial before Ortega, the alcalde-major of Mexico; and, being
+convicted, three of them were hanged, and several of the rest whipped.
+
+I must here digress, to mention an affair not exactly accordant in point
+of time with my narrative, but relevant in regard to its subject. By the
+same vessel in which Salazar had transmitted letters to his majesty
+tending to criminate Cortes, other letters were conveyed and so artfully
+concealed that he had no suspicion of their existence, in which a full and
+true account of all his oppresions and unlawful proceedings was sent to
+his majesty. All these facts had also been reported by the royal court of
+audience at St Domingo; by which the reported death of Cortes was
+contradicted, and his majesty was truly informed in what manner the
+general was employed for his service. In consequence of these
+representations, the emperor is said to have expressed his high
+indignation at the unworthy treatment which Cortes had experienced, and
+his determination to support him in the government of New Spain.
+
+
+[1] The true lion, Felis leo, is only found in the old world, chiefly in
+    Africa and the south of Persia. The American lion, or _puma_, the
+    Felis concolor of naturalists, is considerably less than the true lion,
+    being about the size of a large wolf, of a lively red colour tinged
+    with black, but without spots. It climbs trees, whence it drops down
+    by surprise on animals passing below; and though fierce and cunning,
+    hardly ever ventures to attack mankind.--E.
+
+[2] The iguana, instead of being a _serpent_, is a large species of
+    _lizard_, the Lacerta iguana of naturalists. It abounds in all the
+    warm and marshy parts of America, and is reckoned excellent eating.--E.
+
+[3] Diaz is very lax in his topographical notices of this famous
+    expedition. The settlement of St Gil de Buena Vista, where Cortes now
+    was, appears to have been at the bottom of the gulf of Amatique in the
+    bay of Honduras, on the east side of the inlet which communicates with
+    the _golfo dolce_. His exploration of that inland gulf, was probably
+    in the hope of finding a navigable passage to the Pacific Ocean. The
+    settlement which Cortes projected in Puerto Cavallos, must have been
+    near that now called Fort Omoa.--E.
+
+[4] These islands of Guanajes appear to be those called by the English
+    settlers of Honduras, Ratan and Bonaeo, off cape Honduras.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI.
+
+_Return of Cortes to Mexico, and occurrences there previous to his
+departure for Europe; together with an account of the return of the Author
+to Mexico_.
+
+
+Cortes remained five days at the Havanna for refreshment, after which he
+reimbarked, and in twelve days arrived at the port of Medelin, opposite
+the _Isla de los Sacrificios_, where he disembarked with twenty soldiers;
+and while proceeding to the town of San Juan de Ulua, about half a league
+from Medelin, he had the good fortune to fall in with a string of horses
+and mules which had been employed in conveying travellers to the coast,
+which he immediately engaged to carry him and his suit to Vera Cruz[1]. He
+gave strict orders to all who accompanied him to give no hint to any
+person of his name and quality; and on his arrival at the town before
+day-break, he went directly to the church, the doors of which were just
+opened. The sacristan was alarmed at seeing so great a number of strangers
+going into the church, and immediately ran into the streets to call the
+civil power to his assistance. The alcaldes, with the alguazils, and some
+of the inhabitants repaired immediately to the church with their arms; and
+Cortes was so squalid from long illness, that no one knew him till he
+began to speak. The moment he was known, they all fell on their knees and
+kissed his hands, welcoming him back to New Spain; and his old
+fellow-soldiers escorted him after mass to the quarters of Pedro Moreno,
+where he remained eight days, during which he was feasted by the
+inhabitants. Intelligence was immediately conveyed of the joyful news to
+Mexico and all the surrounding country, and Cortes wrote to all his
+friends giving them notice of his arrival. The neighbouring Indians
+flocked to wait upon him with presents and congratulations; and when he
+set out on his journey to Mexico, every preparation was made for his
+accommodation and honourable entertainment. The inhabitants of Mexico, and
+all the places round the lake, and those of Tlascala and all the other
+Indian towns, celebrated his return with festivals. On his arrival at
+Tescuco, the contador came to wait upon him, and on entering the capital,
+he was received in great state by all the civil and military officers, and
+all the inhabitants. The natives in their gayest attire, and armed as
+warriors, filled the lake in their canoes; dancing and festivity prevailed
+in every corner of the city during the whole day; and at night every house
+was illuminated. Immediately on his arrival, he went to the monastery of
+St Francis, to give thanks to God for his preservation and safe return;
+and from thence went to his magnificent palace, where he was esteemed,
+served, and feared like a sovereign prince, all the provinces sending
+messages of congratulation on his happy return, with considerable presents.
+This return of Cortes to Mexico was in June[2], and he immediately ordered
+the arrest of all who had been most eminent for sedition during his
+absence, causing a judicial inquiry to be made into the conduct of the two
+principal culprits, Salazar and Chirinos, whom he intended to have brought
+immediately to justice for their crimes; and, if he had done so, no one
+would have found fault, but in this instance he certainly acted with too
+much lenity, or rather want of firmness. I remember to have heard from
+some of the members of the royal council of the Indies in 1540, that the
+capital punishment of these men would have been approved by his majesty.
+One Ocampo, who had been guilty of defamatory libels, and an old scrivener
+named Ocana, who used to be called the soul of Chirinos, was arrested on
+this occasion.
+
+Shortly after the arrival of Cortes in Mexico, the licentiate Luis Ponce
+de Leon arrived unexpectedly at Medelin, and Cortes was surprised with
+this intelligence while performing his devotions in the church of St
+Francis. He prayed earnestly for direction from God, that he might so
+conduct himself on this critical emergency, as seemed best fitting to his
+holy will, and the good service of his sovereign; and immediately sent a
+confidential person to bring him information of the particular object and
+tendency of the coming of De Leon. In two days after, he received a copy
+of the royal orders to receive the licentiate as resident judge of Mexico:
+In consequence of which, he dispatched a person with a complimentary
+message, desiring to know which of the two roads to the city De Leon
+intended to take, that he might give orders for every proper accommodation
+to be prepared suitable to his rank. De Leon sent back an answer, thanking
+him for his polite attention, but that he proposed to repose for some time
+where he then was, to recover from the fatigues of his voyage. This
+interval was busily employed by the enemies of Cortes, in misrepresenting
+all the transactions in which Cortes had been concerned. They asserted
+that Cortes intended to put the factor and veedor to death before the
+arrival of De Leon at Mexico, and even warned him to take great care of
+his own personal safety, alleging that the civility of Cortes in desiring
+to know the road he meant to take, were to enable him to prepare for his
+assassination, under pretence of doing him honour. The persons with whom
+the licentiate principally consulted were, Proano, the alcalde-major, and
+his brother, who was alcalde of the citadel, named Salazar de la Pedrada,
+who soon afterwards died of a pleurisy; Marcos de Aguilar, a licentiate or
+bachelor; a soldier named Bocanegra de Cordova, and certain friars of the
+Dominican order, of whom Fra Thomas Ortiz was provincial. This man had
+been a prior somewhere, and was said to be much better fitted for worldly
+affairs, than for the concerns of his holy office. By these men De Leon
+was advised to proceed to Mexico without delay, and accordingly the last
+messengers sent to him by Cortes met him on the road at Iztapalapa. A
+sumptuous banquet was prepared at this place for De Leon and his suit, in
+which, after several abundant and magnificent courses, some cheese-cakes
+and custards were served up as great delicacies, which were much relished,
+and some of the company eat of them so heartily that they became sick.
+Ortiz asserted that they had been mixed up with arsenic, and that he had
+refrained from eating them from suspicion; but some who were present
+declared that he partook of them heartily, and declared they were the best
+he had ever tasted. This ridiculous story was eagerly circulated by the
+enemies of Cortes. While De Leon was at Iztapalapa, Cortes remained in
+Mexico; and report said that he sent at this time a good sum in gold as a
+present to the licentiate. When De Leon set out from Iztapalapa, Cortes
+having notice of his approach, went immediately to meet him, with a grand
+and numerous retinue of all the officers and gentlemen of the city. At
+meeting, many civilities passed between the two great men, and Cortes
+prevailed with some difficulty on De Leon to take the right hand. De Leon
+proceeded immediately to the monastery of St Francis, to offer up his
+thanks to the Almighty for his safe arrival, whence he was conducted by
+Cortes to a palace prepared for him, where he was most sumptuously
+entertained, all business being deferred for that day. On this occasion
+the grandeur and politeness of Cortes were so conspicuous, that De Leon is
+said to have observed privately among his friends, that Cortes must have
+been long practising the manners of a great man.
+
+Next day, the _cabildo_ or council of Mexico, all the civil and military
+officers, and all the veterans who were present in the capital, were
+ordered to assemble; and in the presence of all these, the licentiate
+Ponce de Leon produced his commission from his majesty. Cortes kissed it,
+and placed it on his head as a mark of respectful submission, and all
+present declared their ready obedience. The licentiate then received from
+Cortes the rod of justice, in token of surrendering the government into
+his hands, saying: "General, I receive this government from you by the
+orders of his majesty; although it is by no means implied that you are not
+most worthy both of this and of a higher trust." The general answered,
+"That he was always happy in obeying the commands of his majesty, and was
+the more satisfied on the present occasion, because he would have an
+opportunity to prove the malice and falsehood of his enemies." De Leon
+replied, "That in all societies there were good and bad men, for such was
+the way of the world; and he trusted that both would be repaid in kind."
+This was all the material business of the first day. On the next, the new
+governor sent a respectful summons to Cortes, who accordingly waited upon
+him, and they had a long private conference, at which no one was present
+except the prior Ortiz: Yet it was believed that the conversation was to
+the following effect. De Leon observed, that it was the wish of his
+majesty that those who had most merit in the conquest of the country
+should be well provided for in the distribution of plantations, those
+soldiers who had first come from Cuba being more especially considered:
+Whereas it was understood that they had been neglected, while others who
+had newly arrived had been gratified with unmerited wealth. To this Cortes
+answered, that all had got shares in the division of the country; and that
+it could not be imputed to him that some of these had turned out of less
+value than others: But it was now in the power of the new governor to
+remedy this inequality. The governor then asked why Luis de Godoy had been
+left to perish in a distant settlement, when the veterans ought to have
+been allowed to enjoy the comforts of established possessions in Mexico,
+and the new settlements assigned to new colonists: And why Captain Luis
+Marin, Bernal Diaz, and other approved veterans had been neglected. Cortes
+answered, That for business of difficulty and danger, none but the
+veterans could be depended on: But that all these were soon expected to
+return to Mexico, when the new governor would have it in his power to
+provide for them. De Leon next questioned him rather sharply about his
+imprudent march against Christoval de Oli, which he had undertaken without
+permission from his majesty. Cortes said, That he looked upon that measure
+as necessary for his majestys service, as such an example might have
+dangerous effects on officers entrusted with subordinate commands; and
+that he had reported his intentions to his majesty before he set out on
+this expedition. De Leon questioned him likewise on the affairs of Narvaez,
+Garay, and Tapia; on all of which subjects Cortes gave such answers that
+the governor seemed perfectly satisfied.
+
+Soon after this conference, Ortiz called on three very intimate friends of
+the general, and pretending to be actuated only by the most friendly
+desire to serve him, assured them that the governor had secret orders from
+the emperor to behead Cortes immediately; and that he, from private regard,
+and in conformity with the duties of his holy functions, had considered it
+to be his duty to give him this intelligence. He even desired an interview
+with Cortes next morning, and communicated the same information to him,
+accompanied with many protestations of regard and friendship. This
+assuredly gave Cortes a very serious subject of meditation: But he had
+already been informed of the intriguing character of the prior, and
+suspected all this proceeded from a wish to be bribed for his good offices
+with the governor; though some alleged that Ortiz acted by the secret
+directions of De Leon on this occasion. Cortes received this pretended
+friendly information with many thanks; but declared his belief that his
+majesty had a better opinion of his services, than to proceed against him
+in this clandestine manner; and that he had too high an opinion of the
+governor, than to believe he could proceed to such extremities without the
+royal warrant. When the prior found that his sly conduct did not produce
+the effect which he had expected, he remained so confused that he knew not
+what farther to say on the occasion. The new governor gave public notice,
+for all who had complaints to make against the former administration, to
+bring their charges, whether against Cortes, or any others of the civil or
+military officers. In consequence of this, a vast number of accusers,
+litigants, and claimants started up; among whom many private enemies of
+the general preferred unjust accusations against him, while others made
+just claims for what was really due to them. Some alleged that they had
+not received their just shares of the gold; others that they had not been
+sufficiently rewarded in the distribution of settlements; some demanded
+remuneration for their horses which had been killed in the wars, though
+they had already been paid ten times their value; and others demanded
+satisfaction for personal injuries. Just as the governor had opened his
+court to give a hearing to all parties, it pleased God, for our sins, and
+to our great misfortune, that he was suddenly taken ill of a fever. He
+remained four days in a lethargic state; after which, by the advice of his
+physicians, he confessed and received the sacrament with great devotion,
+and appointed Marcos de Aguilar, who had come with him from Spain, to
+succeed him in the government. On the ninth day from the commencement of
+his illness, he departed from this life, to the great grief of all the
+colonists, particularly the military, as he certainly intended to have
+redressed all abuses, and to have rewarded us according to our merits. He
+was of a gay disposition, and fond of music; and it is said that his
+attendants, while his illness was at the height, brought a lute player
+into his apartment, in hopes of soothing his distress. While a favourite
+air was playing, he was said to have beat time with perfect accuracy, and
+expired just when the tune was finished.
+
+Immediately on his death, the enemies of Cortes in Mexico circulated the
+most malignant slanders against him, even going the length of asserting
+that he said Sandoval had poisoned the governor as he had before done with
+Garay. The most busy in propagating this malicious report was the Prior
+Ortiz. But the truth was, that the vessel which brought the governor and
+his suite from Spain was infected with the disease of which he died; above
+a hundred of the crew and passengers having died at sea or soon after
+landing; among whom, almost all the friars who came out at that time were
+carried off, and the contagion spread through the city of Mexico. Some of
+the principal people in Mexico objected against the appointment which the
+late governor had made of a successor; alleging that Marcos de Aguilar was
+only a bachelor and not a licentiate, and therefore incapable of acting in
+that capacity. The cabildo of Mexico insisted that Aguilar was incapable
+of executing the high office to which De Leon had appointed him, on
+account of his age and infirmities; as he was a diseased hectic old man,
+who was obliged to drink goats milk, and to be suckled by a woman to keep
+him alive; they recommended therefore that Cortes should be associated
+with him in the government: But Aguilar insisted on adhering strictly to
+the testament of his predecessor; and Cortes, for substantial private
+reasons, was entirely averse from taking any share in the authority. The
+enemies of Cortes insisted on the inquiry proceeding in the manner
+intended by the late governor; and Cortes readily assented to this,
+providing the new governor would take the responsibility on himself for
+acting contrary to the testament of his predecessor, who had left orders
+for him not to proceed with the business before the court, but that the
+whole should be laid before his majesty.
+
+It is now proper to revert to our situation who had been left at Naco,
+when Cortes set sail from Truxillo for the Havanna and Mexico. We remained
+for some time at Naco, waiting intelligence for the sailing of Cortes,
+which Sandoval was to have sent us; but Saavedra maliciously suppressed
+the letters. Becoming impatient after a considerable delay, our captain,
+Luis Marin, sent ten of the cavalry, among whom I was, to Truxillo to
+learn the truth. On our arrival at a place named Olancho, we learned from
+some Spaniards that Cortes was sailed; which information was soon
+afterwards confirmed by a message from Saavedra. We returned therefore
+joyfully to Marin, and set out for Mexico, throwing stones at the country
+we were quitting, as a mark of our dislike. At a place called Maniani,
+we met five soldiers commanded by Diego de Villaneuva, one of our brave
+veterans, who were sent in search of us by Alvarado, who was at a place
+not far distant, named _Chohilteca Malalaca_, where we joined him in two
+days, and where we were likewise joined by a party belonging to Pedro
+Arias de Avilla, who had sent some of his captains to adjust some disputed
+boundaries with Alvarado. From this place, where we remained three days,
+Alvarado sent one Gaspar Arias de Avilla to treat on some confidential
+business with Pedro Arias, I believe relative to a marriage; for Pedro
+Arias seemed much devoted henceforwards to Alvarado. Continuing our march
+through a hostile country, the natives killed one of our soldiers, and
+wounded three; but we were too much in haste to punish them as they
+deserved. Farther on in Guatimala, the natives manned the passes against
+us, and we were detained three days in forcing our way through, on which
+occasion I received a slight wound. While in the valley where the city of
+Guatimala has been since built, and all the people of which were hostile,
+we had a number of shocks of an earthquake, all of which continued a long
+while, and were so violent that several of our soldiers were thrown down.
+On passing old Guatimala, the natives assembled against us in hostile
+array, but we drove them before us, and took possession of their
+magnificent dwellings and quadrangles for the night, and hutted ourselves
+next day on the plain, where we remained ten days. During this time
+Alvarado summoned the neighbouring Indians to submit, but they neglected
+to appear. We then proceeded by long marches to Olintepec, where Alvarados
+main force was stationed, whence we proceeded by Soconuzco and Teguantepec
+towards Mexico, losing two soldiers on our march, and the Mexican lord
+named Juan Velasquez, who had been a chief under Guatimotzin.
+
+On our arrival at Oaxaca, we learned the news of the death of Ponce de
+Leon the governor. We pressed forward to Mexico, and on our arrival at
+Chalco sent messengers to inform Cortes of our approach, and to request he
+would provide us with good quarters, having been two years and three
+months absent on our expedition. Cortes, attended by many gentlemen on
+horseback, met us on the causeway and accompanied us into the city, where
+we immediately went to the great church to return thanks to God for our
+arrival, after which we went to the generals palace, where a sumptuous
+entertainment was provided for us. Alvarado went to reside at the fortress,
+of which he had been appointed alcalde. Luis Marin went to lodge with
+Sandoval; and Captain Luis Sanchez and I, were taken by Andres de Tapia to
+his house. Cortes and Sandoval and all our other friends sent us presents
+of gold and cacao to bear our expences[3]. Next day, my friend Sanchez and
+I went to wait upon the new governor Aguilar, accompanied by Sandoval and
+De Tapia. We were received with much politeness, saying he would have done
+every thing in his power for us, if so authorised, but every thing having
+been referred by De Leon to his majesty, he was unable to make any new
+arrangements.
+
+At this time Diego de Ordas arrived from Cuba, who was said to have
+circulated the report of our deaths; but he declared that he had only sent
+an account of the unfortunate catastrophe of Xicalonga as it really
+happened, and that the misrepresentation proceeded entirely from the
+factor Salazar. Cortes had so much business on his hands that he thought
+proper to drop this affair, and endeavoured to recover his property which
+had been disposed of under the supposition of his death. A great part of
+it had been expended in celebrating his funeral obsequies, and in the
+purchase of perpetual masses for his soul; but, on his being discovered to
+be alive, had been repurchased by one Juan Caceres for his own benefit
+when he might happen to die, so that Cortes could not recover his property.
+Ordas, who was a man of much experience, seeing that Cortes was fallen
+much into neglect since he was superseded from the government, advised him
+to assume more state and consequence to maintain the respect due to him:
+But such was his native plainness of manners, that he never wished to be
+called otherwise than simply _Cortes_; a truly noble name, as glorious as
+those of Cesar, Pompey, or Hanibal among the ancients. Ordas likewise
+informed Cortes of a current report in Mexico, that he intended to put
+Salazar privately to death in prison, and warned him that he was
+powerfully patronized. About this time, the treasurer Estrada married one
+of his daughters to Jorge de Alvarado, and another to Don Luis de Guzman,
+son to the Conde de Castellar. Pedro de Alvarado went over to Spain to
+solicit the government of Guatimala, sending in the meantime his brother
+Jorge to reduce that province, with a force chiefly composed of the
+warriors of the different nations that were in our alliance. The governor
+also sent a force against the province of Chiapa, under the command of Don
+Juan Enriquez de Guzman, a near relation to the Duke of Medina Sidonia:
+And an expedition was sent against the Zapotecan mountaineers, under
+Alonzo de Herrera, one of our veteran soldiers.
+
+Having lingered about eight months, Marcos de Aguilar died, and appointed
+by his testament Alonzo de Estrada the treasurer to succeed him in the
+government: But the Cabildo of Mexico and many of the principal Spaniards
+were very solicitous that Cortes should be associated in the government;
+and on his peremptory refusal, they recommended that Sandoval, who was
+then alguazil-major, should act in conjunction with Estrada, which
+accordingly was the case. The incompetence of Estrada for conducting the
+government in the present conjuncture, particularly appeared from the
+following circumstance. Nuno de Guzman, who had held the government of
+Panuco for two years, conducted himself in a furious and tyrannical manner,
+arbitrarily extending the bounds of his jurisdiction on the most frivolous
+pretences, and putting to death all who dared to oppose his commands.
+Among these, Pedro Gonzalez de Truxillo, having asserted truly that his
+district was dependent on Mexico, Guzman immediately ordered him to be
+hanged. He put many other Spaniards to death, merely to make himself
+feared; and set the authority of the governor of Mexico at defiance. Some
+of the enemies of Cortes persuaded Estrada to represent to the court of
+Spain, that he had been compelled by the influence of Cortes to associate
+Sandoval with himself in the government, contrary to his inclination, and
+to the detriment of his majesties service. By the same conveyance, a
+string of malevolent falsehoods were transmitted against the general; as
+that he had poisoned Garay, De Leon, and Aguilar; that he had endeavoured
+to administer arsenic in cheese-cakes to a great number of people at a
+feast; that he was plotting the deaths of the veedor and factor Chirinos
+and Salazar, then in jail; and that he had procured the death of his wife,
+Donna Catalina. All these lies were supported by the industry of the
+contador Albornos, then in Spain: And, in consequence of these gross
+falsehoods, Cortes was partly judged unheard; as orders were sent to
+release Salazar and Chirinos; and Pedro de la Cueva, commendator-major of
+Alcantara, was ordered to go out to Mexico with an escort of three hundred
+soldiers at the expence of Cortes, with authority to put Cortes to death
+if his guilt were proved, and to distribute his property among the veteran
+conquerors of Mexico. This was to have been done, however, under the
+authority of a court of royal audience, which was to be sent out to Mexico;
+but all ended in nothing; as neither De la Cueva nor the court of royal
+audience made their appearance.
+
+Estrada was greatly elated by the countenance he received at court, which
+he attributed to his being considered as a natural son of the Catholic
+king. He disposed of governments at his pleasure, and carried every thing
+with a high hand. At this time he sent his relation Mazoriejos to inquire
+into the conduct of Don Juan Enriquez de Guzman in Chiapa, who is said to
+have made more plunder there than was proper. He sent also a force against
+the Zapotecas and Mixtecas, under the command of one De Barrios, said to
+be a brave soldier who had served in Italy. I do not mean De Barrios of
+Seville, the brother-in-law of Cortes. This officer marched with a hundred
+men against the Zapotecas; but they surprised him, one night, and slew
+himself and seven of his soldiers. Such was the difference between these
+raw half formed soldiers, who were ignorant of the stratagems of the enemy,
+and us the veteran conquerors. One Figuero, a particular friend of Estrada,
+was sent with a hundred new soldiers to the province of Oaxaca. On passing
+through the country of the Zapotecas, Figuero fell into a dispute with one
+Alonzo de Herrera, who had been sent to command there by the late governor
+Aguilar, in which Figuero and three soldiers were wounded. Finding himself
+unable for the field, and that his soldiers were unfit for expeditions
+among the mountains, Figuero thought proper to search for the sepulchres
+of the ancient chiefs, on purpose to appropriate the gold which used to be
+buried along with them; by which means he collected above an hundred
+thousand crowns, and returned with this wealth to Mexico, leaving the
+province in a worse state than before. From Mexico he went to Vera Cruz,
+where he embarked for Spain; but he and all his wealth went to the bottom,
+as the vessel in which he sailed was lost in a storm. The business of
+subjecting these Indians was finally left for us, the veterans of
+Coatzacualco, who at length reduced them to submission. They used to
+submit during the summer, and to rebel when the torrents rendered their
+country inaccessible. I was on three expeditions against them; and at last
+the town of St Alfonso was built to keep them under subjection.
+
+When the governor heard how his friend Figuero had been maltreated by
+Herrera, he sent the officers of justice to apprehend him, but he made his
+escape to the rocks and woods. They took a soldier named Cortejo who used
+to accompany him, whom they brought prisoner to Mexico, where the governor
+ordered his right hand to be cut off, without hearing him in his defence,
+although he was a gentleman. About this time also, a servant belonging to
+Sandoval wounded one of Estradas servants in a quarrel. The governor had
+him arrested, and sentenced him to have his right hand cut off, Cortes and
+Sandoval resided at this time in Quernavaca, partly on prudential
+considerations; and immediately posted off to Mexico, where he is said to
+have used such severe expressions to the governor as to put him in fear of
+his life. He called his friends about him to form a guard for his person,
+and immediately released Salazar and Chirinos from prison, by whose advice
+he issued an order for the expulsion of Cortes from Mexico. When this was
+represented to Cortes, he declared his readiness to obey; and since it was
+the will of God, that he who had gained that city at the expence of his
+best blood, should be banished from it by base and unworthy men, he was
+resolved to go immediately to Spain and demand justice from his majesty.
+He quitted the city instantly, and went to one of his country residences
+at Cojohuacan, from whence in a few days he proceeded towards the coast.
+Estradas lady, a person worthy of memory for her many virtues, seeing the
+dangerous consequences which were likely to result from this absurd and
+arbitrary conduct, remonstrated with her husband on the subject, reminding
+him of the many favours he had received from Cortes, the ingratitude with
+which he now repaid him, and the many powerful friends of the general.
+These representations are said to have induced the treasurer to repent
+sincerely of the violent steps he had taken. Just at this time, Fra Julian
+Garrios, the first bishop of Tlascala arrived in New Spain, who was much
+displeased on hearing the proceedings of the governor; and two days after
+his arrival in Mexico, where he was received with great pomp, he undertook
+to mediate a reconciliation between the governor and Cortes. Many
+seditious persons, knowing the dissatisfaction of Cortes, offered him
+their services if he would set himself up as an independant monarch in New
+Spain, and he even received similar offers from many persons in Mexico. He
+immediately arrested all of these men who were in his reach, threatening
+to put them to death, and wrote to inform the bishop of Tlascala of their
+treasonable offers. The bishop waited on Cortes, and found his conduct in
+every respect satisfactory, of which he sent word to Mexico; and finding
+that Cortes was positively determined upon going to Spain, the prelate
+added to his letter a severe censure from himself upon the misconduct of
+those who had driven him from thence.
+
+
+[1] The harbour of Medelin is fifteen or twenty miles south from Vera Cruz;
+    but I suspect the place named St Juan de Ulua in the text is the
+    modern town of Vera Cruz, the harbour of which is protected by the
+    island and castle of St Juan de Ulua. The ancient town of Villa Rica
+    de la Vera Cruz, now called Antigua, is about twenty-five miles north
+    from modern Vera Cruz.--E.
+
+[2] Diaz is frequently inattentive to dates, and does not on this occasion
+    inform us of the year: By reference to Robertsons History of America,
+    II. 266, 12mo. ed Lond. 1800, it certainly apoears to have been in the
+    year 1524.--E.
+
+[3] It may be proper to remark in this place, that the cacao nuts were
+    used by the Mexicans before the conquest as a medium for purchases of
+    small value instead of money, and the practice was continued under the
+    Spanish dominion, as the markets were supplied by the original natives.
+    Clavigero, I. 366. says that the Mexicans used five substitutes for
+    money. 1. Cacao, which they counted by _xiquipils_, or in sacks
+    containing each three xiquipils, or 24,000 nuts. 2. Small cotton
+    cloths, called _patolquachtli_. 3. Gold dust in goose quills. 4.
+    Pieces of copper in the form of the letter T. 5. Thin pieces of
+    tin.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII.
+
+_Narrative of Occurrences, from the Departure of Cortes to Europe till his
+Death_.
+
+
+About this time likewise, Cortes received letters from the president of
+the council of the Indies, the Duke of Bejar, and several others of his
+friends in Spain; strongly urging the necessity of his appearance at court
+to counteract the malignant accusations of his numerous enemies[1]. By the
+same conveyance, he received notice of the death of his father. Having
+performed funeral obsequies in memory of his father, he ordered two ships
+to be purchased, which he stored so abundantly with provisions of all
+kinds, that after his arrival in Spain the overplus might have served for
+a voyage of two years. I am uncertain whether Cortes returned to Mexico in
+order to arrange his private affairs; but he appointed several agents for
+that purpose, the principal of whom was the licentiate Altamirano. His
+major-domo, Esquival, was employed in making preparations for the voyage;
+who, in crossing the lake to Ajotzinco in a large canoe with six Indians
+and a negro, having some ingots of gold in his possession, was waylaid and
+murdered; but the manner of his death could never be ascertained, as
+neither canoe, Indians, nor negro could ever be traced. The body of
+Esquival was found four days afterwards on a small island, half eaten by
+the birds of prey. There were many suspicions about this affair, some of
+such a nature as I cannot relate; but no great inquiry was made as to his
+death. Cortes appointed other persons to complete the preparations for his
+voyage; and offered by proclamation a free passage for all Spaniards who
+had license from the government to go to Spain, with a supply of
+provisions during the voyage. He took home with him from Mexico a great
+number of the curiosities of the country to present to his majesty, among
+which were various unknown birds, two tigers[2], many barrels of ambergris
+and indurated balsam, and of a kind resembling oil[3]: Four Indians who
+were remarkably expert in playing the stick with their feet: Some of those
+Indian jugglers who had a manner of appearing to fly in the air: Three
+hunchbacked dwarfs of extraordinary deformity: Some male and female
+Indians whose skins were remarkable for an extraordinary whiteness, and
+who had a natural defect of vision[4]. Cortes was likewise attended by
+several young chiefs of the Mexican and Tlascalan nations, who went over
+along with him into Spain at their own request[5].
+
+Every thing being in readiness for the voyage, Cortes confessed and
+received the sacrament, after which he embarked along with Sandoval, de
+Tapia, and other gentlemen; and in forty-one days arrived in Spain, where
+he disembarked near the town of Palos, in the month of December 1527. As
+soon as he set his foot on shore, he knelt down and returned thanks to God
+for the safety of his voyage. This fortunate voyage was soon succeeded by
+severe grief, in consequence of the death of the valiant Sandoval, who
+expired after a lingering illness in the house of a rope-maker in Palos,
+who robbed him in his presence of thirteen bars of gold, in the following
+manner: Perceiving the extreme weakness of Sandoval, he sent away all his
+servants on a pretended message to Cortes; and then went into Sandovals
+room, where he broke open his chest and took out the gold, our poor friend
+being too ill in bed to hinder him, and even apprehensive if he made any
+outcry, that the robber might take his life. As soon as he got the gold,
+he made his escape into Portugal, where he could not be pursued. Sandoval
+grew worse hourly, and as the physicians pronounced his end approaching,
+he prepared himself for death like a good Christian, and made his will, by
+which he left all his property to a sister, who afterwards married a
+natural son of the Conde de Medelin. Sandoval died universally regretted,
+and was followed to the grave by Cortes and a great train of mourners. May
+God pardon his sins! _Amen_.
+
+Cortes transmitted by express, an account of his arrival and of the death
+of his friend Sandoval to his majesty and to his patrons at court; and
+when the Duke of Bejar and the Conde de Aguilar waited on his majesty on
+the occasion, they found him already acquainted by means of letters from
+Cortes, and that he had been pleased to issue orders for his being
+received in the most honourable manner in all the towns and cities where
+he might have occasion to pass. On his arrival at Seville, Cortes was
+entertained by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who presented him with several
+beautiful horses. He proceeded from thence to attend the _nine days
+devotion_ at the shrine of our lady of Guadaloupe, where Donna Maria, the
+lady of the commendador Don Francisco de los Cobos, and many other ladies
+of high rank arrived at the same time. After Cortes had performed his
+devotions, and given charity to the poor, he went in grand style to pay
+his respects to Donna Maria, her beautiful sister, and the many other
+ladies of distinguished rank who were along with her, where he exhibited
+that politeness, gallantry, and generosity, in which he surpassed all men.
+He presented various golden ornaments of great value to all the ladies,
+giving a plume of green feathers richly ornamented with gold to every one
+of the ladies, but his presents to Donna Maria and her sister were
+particularly rich and valuable. He then produced his Indian dancers and
+players with the stick, who astonished all the spectators. And learning
+that one of the mules belonging to Donna Marias sister had fallen lame, he
+presented her with two of the finest which could be procured. Waiting the
+departure of these ladies, he attended them during their journey to the
+court, entertaining them magnificently on all occasions, doing the honours
+with a grace peculiar to himself, insomuch that Donna Maria de Mendoza
+began to have thoughts of a marriage between her sister and Cortes, and
+wrote in such strains of the politeness and generosity of Cortes, that she
+brought over the commendador her husband entirely to his interest.
+
+On his arrival at court, his majesty was pleased to order apartments for
+him, and all his friends came out to meet him on the road. Next day he
+went by permission to throw himself at his majestys feet, accompanied by
+the Duke of Bejar, the Admiral of the Indies, and the commendador of Leon.
+His majesty commanded him to rise, on which Cortes, after a short
+enumeration of his services and vindication of his conduct from the
+aspersions of his enemies, presented a memorial in which the whole was
+fully detailed. His majesty then honoured him with the title of Marquis
+della Valle de Oaxaca and the order of St Jago, giving him an estate for
+the support of his new dignity, and appointed him Captain-general of New
+Spain and of the South Seas. Thus loaded with honours, Cortes retired from
+the royal presence; and shortly afterwards falling dangerously ill, the
+emperor did him the honour of paying him a visit in person. One Sunday
+after his recovery, when the emperor was at mass in the cathedral of
+Toledo, seated according to custom with all the nobility in their proper
+stations, Cortes came there rather late, designedly as it was said, after
+all were seated; and, passing before all the others, took his place next
+the Conde de Nasao, who sat nearest the emperor. This gave great offence
+to many, though some said it was done by desire of the emperor. Indeed
+Cortes felt his elevation so much, that he ceased to hold some of his
+patrons in the estimation they deserved, bestowing his whole attentions on
+the Duke of Bejar, the Admiral, and the Conde de Nasao. He applied
+likewise to the emperor to be reappointed to the government of New Spain;
+but, though supported in this request by his noble patrons, his majesty
+refused compliance, and from this time he did not seem so much in favour
+as before.
+
+The emperor now proceeded on a journey to Flanders; and shortly after his
+departure, Cortes was married to Donna Juanna de Zuniga, on which occasion
+he presented his lady with the most magnificent jewels that had ever been
+seen in Spain. Queen Isabella, from the report of the lapidaries,
+expressed a wish for some similar jewels, which Cortes accordingly
+presented to her; but it was reported that these were not so fine or so
+valuable as those he had given to his lady. At this time Cortes obtained
+permission from the council of the Indies to fit out two ships on a voyage
+of discovery to the south seas, with the condition of enjoying certain
+privileges and revenues from all lands that were acquired through his
+means to the crown of Spain. Don Pedro de la Cueva, who was to have gone
+to Mexico with a commission to try Cortes and to put him to death if found
+guilty, was now upon the most intimate footing with him, and told him that
+even his innocence would have been sufficiently expensive, as the cost of
+the expedition, which he was to have paid, would have exceeded 300,000
+crowns.
+
+Cortes sent Juan de Herrada, a brave soldier who had attended him in his
+expedition to Honduras, to carry a rich present of gold, silver, and
+jewels, to his holiness Pope Clement, with an ample memorial of all the
+circumstances respecting the newly discovered countries; and on this
+occasion solicited some abatement of the tithes of New Spain. Herrada was
+accompanied to Rome by several of the Indians who shewed feats of agility,
+and with whose performances the pope and cardinals were highly diverted.
+His holiness, on the receipt of the letters and memorial, gave thanks to
+God for the opportunity of making so many thousands converts to the holy
+catholic faith, praising the services which Cortes and we had rendered to
+the church and our sovereign, and sent us bulls of indulgence, freeing us
+from the penalties of our sins, and others for the erection of churches
+and hospitals; but I know not what was done in regard to the tithes. When
+Herrada had concluded his business at Rome, he returned to Spain with a
+liberal reward from the pope, who gave him the rank of Count Palatine, and
+strongly recommended that he should have the grant of a considerable
+plantation in New Spain, which he never got. After his return to America,
+he went to Peru, where Diego de Almagro left him in the office of governor
+to his son. He was high in the favour and confidence of the family and
+party of Almagro, with whom he served as _maestre de campo_ under young
+Almagro, and headed the party which put to death the elder Don Francisco
+Pizarro.
+
+While Cortes remained in Spain, the members of the court of royal audience
+arrived in Mexico. Of this court, Nuno de Guzman, who had been governor of
+Panuco, was president; the four _oydors_ or judges being the licentiates,
+Matienzo, Delgadillo, Parada, and Maldonado; not the good Alonzo Maldonado
+who was afterwards governor of Guatimala. These magistrates had greater
+powers than had hitherto been confided to any officers in New Spain, being
+entrusted with the final distribution of landed property, in which his
+majesty had particularly charged them to take care of the interests of the
+conquerors, and they evinced from the very first a determination to do
+justice. Immediately after their arrival, they issued a proclamation,
+requiring the attendance of an agent from each settlement, and to be
+furnished with memorials and returns of the several districts; and the
+agents accordingly arrived as soon as possible. Being then in Mexico in
+the execution of my office of procurator-syndic of the town of
+Coatzacualco, I posted to that place in order to be present at the
+election of agents, and after a violent contest, Captain Marin and I were
+elected by the majority. On our arrival in Mexico, we found that two of
+the oydors had died of pleurisies, and that the factor Salazar had
+acquired so complete an ascendancy over the others that they followed his
+advice in every thing. The agents pressed a final distribution of lands;
+but Salazar persuaded the president and the two remaining oydors not
+hastily to part with that source of patronage, which would necessarily
+diminish their influence. Salazar even set out for Spain, to solicit the
+government for the president, Nuno de Guzman; but was shipwrecked on the
+coast near Coatzacualco, and had to return to Mexico. Estrada died soon
+after being superseded, which he owed more to his own tameness than to any
+right the members of the court could found on his majestys orders, which
+left the government entirely with him, without saying any thing of the
+association of Guzman; who yet usurped the sole government to himself as
+president. Estrada was universally regretted, as he conducted himself with
+perfect impartiality, and would assuredly have been supported, if he had
+insisted on retaining his office of governor.
+
+A commission was appointed at Guatimala, where Jorge de Alvarado commanded,
+of which I never learnt the result. In Mexico the most severe proceedings
+were adopted against the Marquis della Valle, during which the factor
+Salazar reviled and slandered him in the grossest manner. The licentiate
+Altamirano, his friend and manager of his affairs, remonstrated with the
+court against these indecent proceedings, but to no purpose, as Guzman and
+the surviving judges gave their countenance to Salazar, who became more
+abusive than ever; insomuch that on one of these occasions Altamirano drew
+his poniard, and would have stabbed the factor, throwing the court into
+confusion and uproar, if he had not been prevented. Altamirano was sent
+prisoner to the citadel, and Salazar was ordered into arrest in his own
+house, and the city was thrown into an universal ferment. At the end of
+three days, the licentiate was liberated from confinement at our earnest
+desire, and the dispute was quieted for the present; but a more serious
+disscution succeeded. One Zavalos, a relation of Narvaez, had been sent by
+his wife in quest of him, as he had gone as governor to the Rio Palmas,
+and had not been heard of for a long while. On coming to Mexico, Zavalos,
+as is supposed by instigation of the members of the royal court of
+audience, lodged criminal information against all the soldiers of Cortes
+who had been concerned in the attack upon Narvaez; so that about two
+hundred and fifty of us, then in the city, myself among the rest, were
+apprehended, brought to trial, convicted, and sentenced to a fine of a
+certain quantity of gold, and banishment to the distance of five leagues
+from Mexico: But the banishment was remitted and very few paid the fine.
+
+The enemies of the marquis took a new ground of attack, alleging that he
+had embezzled the treasure of Montezuma and Guatimotzin, and was
+answerable to the soldiers both for what he had appropriated to his own
+use, and for that which had been sent to Spain as a present to his majesty
+and had been captured by Florin the French corsair. A long list of other
+demands followed, on every one of which he was found liable, and his
+property was sold under executions for the payment. At this time likewise,
+Juan Suarez the brother of Donna Catalina, the first wife of Cortes,
+charged him with her murder, offering to produce witnesses of the manner
+of her death. Many of us the veteran conquerors, who were the friends of
+Cortes, seeing the harsh manner in which he was treated, met by
+appointment at the house of Garcia Holguin, under the license of an
+alcalde or judge of police, where we entered into a resolution to renounce
+all our claims to the treasure: But when the judges of the royal tribunal
+heard of our proceedings, they ordered us all to be arrested for an
+illegal meeting; and though we produced the license under which our
+meeting was held, they again banished us five leagues from Mexico; but we
+were allowed to return. A proclamation was issued about this time, that
+all persons of Moorish descent, or from those who had been burned or
+_sanbenited_[6] by the holy tribunal, as far as the fourth generation,
+should quit New Spain within four months, under the penalty of losing half
+their property. Vast numbers of informers and accusers started up on this
+occasion, by which an infinite number of most infamous slanders were
+propagated; and yet after all only two individuals were expelled.
+
+The court was generous in fulfilling the royal commands respecting the
+veteran conquerors, who were all amply provided for; but they granted an
+excessive license in regard to the branding of slaves, in consequence of
+which so many were made in the province of Panuco that it became almost
+depopulated. Guzman made a new-years-gift to Albornos, who was newly
+returned to Spain, of the whole district of Guazpaltepec. Albornos brought
+with him a royal patent for erecting some sugar-works at Chempoalla, which
+soon went to ruin. The oydor Delgadillo was much censured for his _free
+gifts_, as it was observed he always reserved some rents to himself, and
+the consequent extortions and oppressions of those he patronized were
+excessive. The other oydor Matienzo was superannuated. The abuses of the
+members of this supreme court became at length so notorious, that other
+members of more discretion were sent out to supersede them. Old Matienzo,
+who was the least exceptionable, was sent to Panuco to inquire into and
+remedy the abuses committed in that province; where he revoked the grants
+made by the president and Delgadillo to their friends and clients,
+bestowing the plantations on those who were pointed out by the royal
+instructions; but all those who were desired to deliver up their
+plantations endeavoured to bring proof that they had been granted in
+reward of former services, disclaiming all favour or patronage from Guzman
+or Delgadillo, and most of them succeeded in keeping what they had got,
+the only persons deprived being Albornos of his new-years-gift, Villareal,
+and Villegas.
+
+When the members of the royal tribunal understood that they were to be
+superseded, they resolved to send agents to Spain, provided with witnesses
+and documents to vouch for the propriety of their conduct; and for this
+purpose all the veteran conquerors and other persons of distinction were
+convened in the great church, to choose an agent for our interest. The
+president and judges of the royal tribunal recommended Salazar the factor;
+and though they had committed some improprieties, as they had in the main
+done us justice in the _repartimientos_, or distribution of property and
+vassals, we were all disposed to vote for the person they recommended; but
+when we had assembled in the church, so many persons had crowded in who
+had no right, making a prodigious noise and confusion, that we could not
+proceed to business; and though all who had not been summoned were ordered
+to withdraw, they refused and insisted to vote as well as the others. We
+therefore adjourned to the next day, at the house of the president; and
+none being admitted but those summoned, the business was soon amicably
+adjusted by agreement with the members of the royal audience, and two
+agents were chosen. One, named Antonio de Carvajal, for the court; and
+Bernardino Vasquez de Tapia, for Cortes and the conquerors. In my opinion,
+both of these were equally devoted to the views of the president; but this
+was natural on our part, as Guzman had done much more for us during his
+short administration, than Cortes during all the period of his power. Yet
+we were always more attached to Cortes, who had been our commander, than
+he was to our interest, notwithstanding that he had his majestys orders to
+provide for us; of which the following is a striking proof. The president
+and judges used their influence with us to petition his majesty that
+Cortes might never be permitted to return to New Spain, under pretence
+that his presence might occasion factions and disturbances, tending to the
+loss of the country. We opposed this to the utmost of our power; and as
+Alvarado arrived at this time from Spain with the commission of governor
+and lieutenant-general of Guatimala, and decorated with a commandery of St
+Jago, he and the friends of Cortes agreed to lay a statement of every
+thing before his majesty, giving a clear developement of the views and
+conduct of the members of the royal audience. From this it appeared to the
+royal council of the Indies, that all the measures they had taken against
+Cortes were dictated by passion and interest, and the determination of
+recalling the present members of the audience was thereby confirmed. The
+presence of Cortes in Spain at this time was also highly favourable to his
+interests, and he was now rapidly advancing to the pinnacle of his fortune.
+
+As Guzman was now quite certain of being superseded, he determined upon an
+expedition into the province of Xalisco, now called New Gallicia[7]. For
+this purpose he collected a large military force, partly of volunteers,
+and partly by the influence of his supreme authority, obliging those who
+did not serve personally to find substitutes, and those who had horses to
+sell them for half value. He took with him likewise a considerable number
+of Mexicans, partly as soldiers, and others to carry the baggage. In this
+expedition, he cruelly oppressed the provinces through which he passed,
+that he might amass riches. From Mechoacan[8] he obtained a large quantity
+of gold much alloyed with silver, which the inhabitants had been
+collecting for ages; and as the unfortunate prince or cacique of that
+country was unable to gratify his avarice sufficiently, he had him
+tortured in the first place, and afterwards hanged on some false or
+trifling allegations, to the great displeasure of all the Spaniards in his
+army, who considered it as the cruellest and most unjust action ever
+committed in New Spain. All the booty which he had made in this expedition
+was collected at the town of Compostello, which he founded at a heavy
+expence to the crown and to the inhabitants of Mexico, and he remained in
+this place until his arrest.
+
+In consequence of the injustice of the former court of audience, his
+majesty was pleased to suppress it, and to cancel all its grants, and to
+appoint a new one consisting of wise and upright men. Of this new tribunal,
+Don Sebastian Ramirez, bishop of St Domingo was president, and the oydors
+or judges were the licentiates Maldonado de Salamanca, Vaco de Quiroga y
+Madrigal, afterwards bishop of Mechoacan, Zaynos de Toro, and Solomon de
+Madrid. On commencing their sittings, such crowds of complainants of all
+descriptions, settlers, agents, and native chiefs from every city, town,
+and district of New Spain made application for redress against the
+partiality and oppression of the former court, that the members were quite
+astonished. The demands made by the agents of Cortes for what had been
+unjustly taken from him, amounted to above 200,000 crowns. As Nuno de
+Guzman was absent, the whole blame was laid upon him by the other members
+of the former tribunal, who alleged that they were compelled to act
+according to his orders. He was accordingly summoned to appear, which he
+did not think proper to do, and it was judged proper to refer the whole
+affair for the present to the supreme court in Spain. Accordingly, one
+Torre, a licentiate, was sent with full powers from Spain to Xalisco,
+having orders to transmit Guzman to Mexico, and to commit him to prison.
+Torre was also commissioned to indemnify us for the fines which had been
+imposed on us respecting the affair of Narvaez.
+
+The properties of Delgadillo and Martienzo, were sold to pay the damages
+of those who had gained causes against them, and their persons imprisoned
+for the deficiency. A brother of Delgadillo, who was alcalde-major in
+Oaxaca, and another who was alcalde among the Zapotecas, were fined and
+imprisoned for the same reason, and died in jail. Delgadillo and Martienzo
+returned afterwards to Spain in poverty, where they soon died. The new
+judges were wise and just, regulating their conduct entirely according to
+the will of God and the king, and shewing a laudable zeal for the
+protection and conversion of the Indians. They prohibited all branding of
+the natives for slaves, and made many other excellent regulations. In
+about four years, Solomon and Zaynos, two of the judges, being old and
+wealthy, petitioned for leave to retire. The president also was ordered to
+repair to Europe, to give an account of the affairs of New Spain. He was
+then bishop of St Domingo, having been formerly inquisitor in Seville.
+After his return to Spain, he was advanced successively to the bishopricks
+of Toro, Leon, and Cuenca, with astonishing rapidity, and was also made
+president of the royal chancery in Valladolid. The good conduct of the
+_oydor_ Maldonado was rewarded by the government of Guatimala, Honduras,
+and Veragua, and the title of _adelantado_ or lieutenant governor of
+Yucutan. The other judge, Quiroga de Madrigal, obtained the bishoprick of
+Mechoacan. Such were the rewards of these just judges!
+
+His majesty was pleased to appoint Don Antonio de Mendoza viceroy of New
+Spain. This most illustrious nobleman, worthy of all praise, was brother
+to the Marquis of Montejar. Along with him there came out as oydors or
+judges of the court of audience, the doctor Quesada, and the licentiates
+Tejada de Logrono and Loaysa. The latter was an old man who staid only
+three or four years in Mexico, where he collected a good deal of money,
+and then returned home to Spain. Santilana, another licentiate came out at
+the same time, appointed to succeed Maldonado as oydor when he might
+vacate his office. All were excellent magistrates. On opening their court,
+they gave leave to every one to make objections against the conduct of
+their predecessors; but which was found on inquiry to have been perfectly
+right. When the viceroy Mendoza arrived, as he knew that the licentiate
+Torre had orders to arrest Nuno de Guzman, he invited him to Mexico,
+meaning to save him from insult, and gave him apartments in the palace,
+where he was treated with all respect. But Torre, who had orders to
+communicate his commission to the viceroy, not finding himself
+countenanced in the strong measures he was inclined to pursue, and being
+naturally violent, arrested Guzman in the palace and carried him to the
+common prison, saying that he acted by royal authority. Guzman remained
+several days in custody, but was at length released at the intercession of
+the viceroy. The licentiate was much addicted to cards, particularly at
+the games of _triumpho_ and primero, on which circumstance one of Guzmans
+friends played him the following trick to hold him up to ridicule. The
+civilians at that time wore gowns with loose hanging sleeves, into one of
+which some wag contrived to convey a pack of cards, so that when Torre was
+walking across the great square of Mexico in company with several persons
+of quality, the cards began to drop from his sleeve, leaving a long trail
+behind him as he walked along. On discovering the trick, which was
+heartily laughed at, he became very much enraged; and either from vexation
+or the influence of the climate, he died soon after of a _calenture_ or
+burning fever, by which the affair of Guzman was respited.
+
+Cortes having now been long in Spain, advanced to the dignity of marquis,
+captain-general of New Spain, and admiral of the south sea, being anxious
+to revisit his estates in New Spain, embarked with his family and twelve
+fathers of the order of mercy. On his arrival at Vera Cruz, he was by no
+means so honourably received as formerly, and went from thence to Mexico,
+to present his patents to the viceroy and to take possession of his
+offices. Considerable difficulty occurred in regard to the interpretation
+of the royal grant of towns and lands to the marquis, which I do not
+pretend to understand. The grant, in mentioning the districts which were
+granted to him, enumerated the _vicinos_ or neighbours who were considered
+as belonging to it and as constituting his vassals. Cortes insisted that
+the head person only of each family was to be considered as the _vicino_
+or vassal; but the Doctor Quesada, who was deputed to allot his districts,
+contended that every adult male in a family, master, son, servant, or
+slave, was to be reckoned in the number of the _vicinos_. The marquis was
+much disappointed by this interpretation, as there were often twelve or
+fifteen of these in one household or family, which would have prodigiously
+reduced his revenue, and several law-suits ensued in consequence. This
+matter was reported for his majesties determination, and continued for
+several years in suspence, during which the marquis received his full
+rents without hindrance: But finding the great diminution of his
+importance in the country which he had subdued, by the appointment of a
+viceroy, he retired to Quernavaca, where he established his residence,
+being on his own estate, never returning to Mexico. While Marcos de
+Aguilar held the government of New Spain, Cortes caused four ships to be
+fitted out at Zacatula on the south sea, under the command of Alvarado de
+Saavedra, and provided with various articles of merchandize, for a voyage
+to China and the Molucca or spice islands. He was likewise directed to
+look out for a squadron which had sailed from Spain for China, commanded
+by Don Garcia de Loaysa, a commander of the order of St John at Rhodes[9].
+While Saavedra was preparing for his expedition, a vessel belonging to the
+squadron of Loaysa arrived at Zacatula, from the pilot and crew of which
+he acquired all the information he wished. Taking with him the pilot and
+two sailors of this ship, Saavedra proceeded on his voyage in December
+1527 or 1528, and sustained many misfortunes and hardships on the way to
+the Moluccas. I do not know the particulars of this voyage: But, about
+three years afterwards, I met a sailor who had sailed in this expedition,
+who told me many strange things respecting the cities and nations he had
+seen. I also heard that the Portugueze had captured Saavedra and several
+of his people, whom they had sent prisoners to Europe. After his return to
+New Spain the marquis sent two ships, in May 1532, from Acapulco,
+commanded by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, to make discoveries in the south
+sea. One of his ships mutinied and returned to New Spain, to the great
+mortification of Cortes, and Hurtado was never heard of afterwards. After
+this, Cortes sent out two other vessels, one commanded by Diego Bezerra de
+Mendoza, and the other by Hernando de Grijalva. The first night after
+their departure from Tehuantepec, they were separated in a gale of wind
+and never joined again, Grijalva being well pleased to escape from under
+the command of Bezerra, who was of a haughty temper; and besides, Grijalva
+was desirous to take the merit of any discoveries he might make to himself.
+After sailing 200 leagues, he came to an uninhabited island, which he
+named St Thomas. Bezerra made himself so odious by his domineering
+disposition, that his pilot Ximenes entered into a plot for his
+assassination, which he carried into effect, and took the command of the
+vessel. Continuing the voyage, he discovered an island which he named
+Santa Cruz, which was inhabited by savages, and where he set on shore two
+Franciscan friars and several persons who had refused to join in the
+mutiny. Being in want of water, he went at the same time on shore for that
+purpose; but he and all who landed were put to death by the savages within
+view of the ship. After this misfortune the survivors returned to New
+Spain.
+
+The Marquis del Valle was so much vexed by these disappointments that he
+resolved to go in person upon discovery, with three ships which he had
+ready for launching at Teguantepec. When the Spaniards learnt that he
+meant to embark on a voyage of discovery, they thought that success was
+quite certain, and great numbers resolved to accompany him. Above 320
+persons, including women, offered their services, as there were above 130
+of them married men, who brought their wives along with them. Leaving
+Teguantepec in May 1536 or 1537, accompanied by Andres de Tapia and
+several other officers, with some ecclesiastics, physicians and surgeons,
+and as many colonists as the vessels could contain, he sailed for the
+island of Santa Cruz, where he arrived after a prosperous voyage, and sent
+back the ships to bring over the remainder of the people[10]. The second
+voyage was not so fortunate, as they separated in a gale of wind near the
+river of St Peter and St Paul, one only of the ships arriving at the
+island of Santa Cruz, where the marquis anxiously expected them, as
+provisions were growing scarce. One of the other vessels, which contained
+the provisions, was stranded on the coast of Xalisco, whence most of the
+people returned to New Spain. The other vessel came to a bay which the
+people named Guayaval, from the quantity of _guayavas_ which they found
+there. During this time, the marquis and his people were experiencing
+extreme distress on the uncultivated island of Santa Cruz, twenty-three of
+the soldiers dying of famine, and the rest sinking daily, and cursing his
+expeditions and discoveries. Taking fifty soldiers with him in the ship
+which had arrived, he went in search of the other two; and after some
+considerable search he found one stranded, as already mentioned, on the
+coast of Xalisco, and abandoned by the people, and met the other among
+some rocks. Having repaired these vessels, he brought them with a quantity
+of provisions to Santa Cruz, where his famished colonists eat so
+voraciously that half of them died. Anxious to quit this scene of misery,
+the marquis embarked from Santa Cruz, and, continuing his project of
+discoveries, fell in with the land of California, heartily tired of his
+fruitless pursuit, yet unwilling to return to New Spain without effecting
+some important discovery. When the Marchioness del Valle had notice of the
+loss of one of the vessels, she became very apprehensive of her husbands
+safety, and fitted out two ships to go in search of the marquis and his
+unfortunate colonists. These sailed under the command of Francisco de
+Ulloa, who carried letters from the marchioness and the viceroy,
+requesting the return of Cortes to New Spain. Ulloa had the good fortune
+to fall in with Cortes, who suffered himself to be prevailed on, and
+returned to New Spain by way of Acapulco, leaving Ulloa to command the
+squadron. His return rejoiced the Spaniards, who were always afraid the
+natives chiefs might revolt, when not awed by his presence. The people
+whom he left in California returned soon afterwards; but whether they were
+so ordered by the government I know not.
+
+After a few months, the Marquis fitted out other two ships, which he sent
+upon discovery under the command of Ulloa, who sailed from the port of
+Navidad in the month of June, but I forget the year. Ulloa had orders to
+explore the coast of California, and to search for Hurtado, who had never
+been heard of. After an absence of seven months, Ulloa returned to Xalisco,
+without having effected any discovery of importance; and was assassinated
+a few days afterwards on shore by a soldier who bore him a grudge. Thus
+ended the projected discoveries of the Marquis del Valle, in which I have
+heard him say that he expended above 300,000 crowns. He never prospered
+after his first conquest of New Spain; and his bad fortune was ascribed to
+the curses of his companions, for having treated them so ill in the
+distribution of the property acquired by their bravery. He now determined
+on going to Spain, in order to solicit an allowance from his majesty for
+the expences he had been at in these voyages, as also to endeavour to end
+the dispute concerning the vassals of his estates in New Spain, and to
+procure restitution of the property which had been seized from him by Nuno
+de Guzman, who was now a prisoner in Castille.
+
+After the departure of the Marquis, the viceroy and court of audience sent
+a military force from Xalisco by land to the north west, under the command
+of Francisco Vasquez Coronado, who married the beautiful and virtuous
+daughter of the treasurer Estrada. Coronado left his government of Xalisco,
+under the charge of an officer named Onate, and marched into the country
+named _Celibola_[11] or the Seven Cities; whence he sent a Franciscan
+friar, named Marcos de Nica, to Mexico, to give the viceroy an account of
+the country. He described it as consisting of fine plains, with great
+herds of cattle quite different from those of Europe; having populous
+towns, in which the houses were of two stories with stairs. He also
+represented that it lay on the coast of the south sea, by means of which
+necessaries and reinforcements could be easily sent to the Spanish force.
+Accordingly, three ships were sent for that purpose, under the command of
+Hernando de Alarco, an officer belonging to the household of the viceroy.
+
+In the year 1537, Don Pedro de Alvarado fitted out a great armament of
+thirteen vessels from the port of _Acaxatla_[12] on the south sea, in
+consequence of a license from his majesty, in which he had a grant of
+certain rents and advantages in such countries as he might discover; that
+is to say, in China and the Moluccas or Spice Islands. As the port where
+this armament was fitted out was above 200 leagues from Vera Cruz, whence
+all the iron and most other articles had to be carried by land, its cost
+might easily have fitted out eighty such vessels from Old Spain. All the
+wealth which Alvarado brought from Peru[13], together with what he had got
+from the mines in Guatimala, with the rents of his estates, and rich
+presents from his friends and relations, were insufficient for his
+preparations on this occasion, although all the merchandize was procured
+on credit. Great as was the expence of the ships, it was far exceeded by
+that of his army, consisting of 650 soldiers with their officers, and a
+number of horses, as a good horse at that time cost 300 crowns. Alvarado
+sailed some time in the year 1538 for the harbour of _Navidad_ near the
+city of _Purification_, in the province of Xalisco, or New Galicia, where
+he meant to take in water, and to embark more soldiers. When the viceroy
+heard of this great armament, he became desirous to have a share in it,
+and went to Navidad to view the fleet, whence he and Alvarado returned to
+Mexico. Alvarado wished to have a relation of his own named Juan appointed
+to have the command of this expedition, while the viceroy was desirous to
+have another officer, named Villalobos, joined in command with Juan
+Alvarado. On his return to the port of Navidad, and when just ready to
+sail, Alvarado received a letter from Onate, who had been left in the
+command of the province of Xalisco, earnestly entreating his immediate
+assistance, as he and the settlement were threatened with destruction by
+the Indians of Cochitlan. Alvarado, who was always zealous in his majestys
+service, marched immediately with his troops to their relief, and found
+them in a most desperate situation. The insurgents rather diminished in
+the violence of their attacks on the arrival of Alvarado, but hostilities
+were still continued; and one day, as Alvarado was following the enemy
+among some rocky mountains, a soldier on horseback, who was at a
+considerable height above him on the steep side of a mountain, came
+rolling down above him, horse and all, by which he was so much bruised,
+that soon after his removal to the town of the Purification, he was seized
+with fainting-fits, and expired in a few days. On the news of Alvarados
+death being known to his fleet and army, many of the people returned to
+their homes with what they had received. The viceroy sent off the
+licentiate Maldonado to prevent confusion as much as possible, whom he
+followed soon after to take the charge of the remaining soldiers, with
+whom he marched against the insurgents, and after a tedious and difficult
+warfare of some continuance, reduced them to submission.
+
+The loss of Alvarado was severely felt in his family, and his memory was
+long held in high esteem through all New Spain. On receiving the fatal
+intelligence in Guatimala, the worthy bishop Maroguin and all his clergy
+celebrated his obsequies with much honour, and his major-domo caused the
+walls of his house to be painted black, which colour has remained ever
+since. Many gentlemen waited on Donna Beatrix de la Cueva, his lady, to
+console her for her loss. They advised her to give God thanks, since it
+was his will to take her husband to himself. Like a good Christian, she
+assented to this sentiment, yet said that she now wished to leave this
+melancholy world and all its misfortunes. The historian Gomara has falsely
+said that she spoke blasphemously on this occasion, saying that God could
+now do her no more injury; and injuriously ascribes the subsequent
+misfortune which befel her to these words which she did not utter. A
+deluge of mud and water burst forth from the volcano near Guatimala, which
+overwhelmed the house in which she was praying along with her women.
+Although Alvarado and his four brothers had served his majesty with much
+zeal, no part of his property descended to his children, and the whole
+family was peculiarly unfortunate. Don Pedro died, as I have already
+related, by an uncommon accident in Cochitlan, or Culiacan. His brother
+Jorge died in Madrid in 1540, while soliciting his majesty for a
+recompence of his services. Gomes de Alvarado died in Peru. Gonzalo in
+Mexico or Oaxaca, I am uncertain which. Juan on his voyage to Cuba. The
+eldest son of Don Pedro, while on a voyage along with his relation the
+younger Juan, to solicit a recompence for his fathers services, was lost
+at sea. Don Diego, the younger son, seeing the fortunes of the family
+desperate, returned to Peru, where he died in battle. Donna Beatrix[14],
+the lady of Don Pedro, with the female part of the family, were destroyed,
+as before related, by a torrent from a volcano, one of his daughters only
+excepted, Donna Leonora, who was saved from the torrent, and has caused
+two sepulchres to be built in the great church of Guatimala, to receive
+the bones of her relations. May our Lord Jesus take them all with him into
+glory! _Amen_.
+
+About a year after the death of Don Pedro Alvarado, the viceroy sent the
+best of his ships under Villalobos to make discoveries to the westwards of
+the Pacific Ocean; but with what success I never learnt. No part of the
+expences of this armament were ever recovered by any of the descendants of
+Alvarado.
+
+As the Marquis del Valle was in Spain at the time of the expedition
+against Algiers, he attended his majesty on that occasion, along with his
+legitimate son Don Martinez, and Don Martin the son he had by Donna Marina.
+The fleet was dispersed in a storm, and the ship on board of which the
+marquis had embarked was stranded, on which occasion he, his sons, and his
+suite, got on shore with much difficulty. On this occasion he tied a
+quantity of rich jewels, which he used to wear like other great lords _for
+no use_, in a handkerchief round his arm, but they were all lost. On
+account of this disaster to the fleet, the council of war was of opinion
+that the siege ought to be immediately raised. The marquis was not called
+to this council; but it has been said that, if present, he would have
+declared for continuing the siege, and if he had been so fortunate as to
+command there such brave soldiers as those who accompanied him to Mexico,
+he would have entertained no doubt of success.
+
+The marquis was now grown old and worn out by long and severe fatigue, and
+was anxious to have returned to New Spain, to settle his affairs: But he
+waited the celebration of a marriage, between his eldest daughter Donna
+Maria and Don Alvaro Pinez Osorio, son and heir to the Marquis of Astorga,
+and had agreed to give his daughter a fortune of 100,000 ducats. He had
+sent to bring over his daughter from Mexico, and had even gone himself to
+Seville to meet her; but the match was broke off, as is said by the fault
+of Don Alvaro. Cortes was much disappointed at this, and as his health was
+already in a bad state, he declined so rapidly, that he retired to
+Castileja de la Cuesta, to attend to the concerns of his soul, and to make
+his testament. Having arranged all his affairs, both for this and the next
+world, he departed this life on the 2d of December 1547. He was buried
+with great pomp in the chapel of the dukes of Medina Sidonia; but,
+according to his will, his remains were afterwards, removed to Cojohuacan
+or Tezcuco in New Spain, I am uncertain which. By his latter will, he left
+funds for the endowment of an hospital in Mexico, and a nunnery in his own
+town of Cojohuacan. In 1519, when we went along with him from Cuba against
+Mexico, he used to tell us that he was then thirty-four years old; and as
+he died 28 years afterwards, he must have been exactly 62 at his death.
+The arms granted to him by his majesty, when he was created a marquis,
+were the heads of seven kings surrounded by a chain, implying Montezuma,
+Cacamatzin, Guatimotzin, Tulapa, Coadlavaca, and the princes of Tacuba and
+Cojohuacan. The motto, as I have been told, was well adapted to a valiant
+warrior; but being in Latin, which I do not understand, I say nothing on
+that subject.
+
+The Marquis del Valle de Oaxaca, was strong built, and of a good stature,
+with a rather pale complexion and serious countenance. His features were
+rather small, with mild and grave eyes. His hair and beard were black and
+thin. His breast and shoulders were broad, and his body thin. He was
+well-limbed, his legs being somewhat bent. He was an excellent horseman,
+and very dexterous in the use of arms; and he also had the heart and mind
+of valour, which is the principal part of that business. I have heard that,
+when young, he was very wild about women, and had several duels in
+Hispaniola on that account with able swordsmen, in all of which he came
+off victorious: But he received a wound near his under lip on one of these
+occasions, the scar of which could be seen through his beard when closely
+examined. In his appearance, manners, behaviour, conversation, table, and
+dress, every thing corresponded to a man of high rank; and, although his
+clothes always corresponded to the fashion of the times, he was not fond
+of silks, damasks, or velvets; but wore every thing plain and handsome.
+Instead of large chains of gold in which some delighted, he was satisfied
+with a small chain of exquisite workmanship, to which was appended a gold
+medal of the Virgin and child Jesus, with a Latin motto, and on the
+reverse St John the Baptist and another motto. On his finger he wore a
+very fine diamond ring; and in his cap, which was of velvet, he bore a
+gold medal, the head and motto of which I have forgot: But, in his latter
+days, he wore a plain cloth cap without ornament.
+
+His table was always magnificently served and attended, having four
+major-domos or principal officers, with many pages, and a great quantity
+of massy plate both of gold and silver. He dined heartily about mid-day,
+drinking only about half a pint of wine mixed with water. He was not nice
+or expensive in his food, except on particular occasions, where he saw it
+to be proper. He was exceedingly affable with all his captains and
+soldiers, especially those who accompanied him at first from Cuba; yet
+practised the strictest attention to military discipline, constantly going
+the rounds himself in the night, and visiting the quarters of the soldiers,
+severely reprehending all whom he found without their armour or
+appointments, and not ready to turn out at a moments warning, saying, "It
+is a bad sheep that cannot carry its own wool." He was a Latin scholar,
+and as I have been told, a bachelor of laws, a good rhetorician, and
+something even of a poet. He was very devote to the Holy Virgin, and to St
+Peter, St James, and St John the Baptist. His oath was, "By my conscience."
+When angry with any of his friends, he used to say, "may you repent it;"
+and when in great warmth, the veins of his throat and forehead used to
+swell much, but he then never spoke. He was very patient under insults or
+injuries, as the soldiers were sometimes very rude and abusive; yet he
+never resented their conduct, only saying, "Be silent," or, "Go in Gods
+name, and do not repeat this or I shall have you punished." In all matters
+of war, he was exceedingly headstrong and determined, never attending to
+remonstrances on account of danger; one instance of which was in the
+attack of the fortresses called the _Rocks of the Marquis_, which he
+forced us to climb, contrary to all our opinions, where courage, counsel,
+or wisdom, could give no rational hope of success. Another instance was in
+his obstinacy respecting the expedition against De Oli; in which I
+repeatedly urged him to go by way of the mountains, whereas he obstinately
+persisted in going by the coast. Had he taken my advice, he would have
+found towns the whole way. Where we had to erect any fortress or
+entrenchment, he was always the hardest labourer; when we advanced to
+battle, he was always in the front.
+
+Cortes was fond of play, both at cards and dice, at which he was always
+good-humoured and affable, often using the cant terms customary on these
+occasions. During our expedition to Higueras, I observed that he had
+acquired a habit of taking a short sleep or _siesta_ after eating; and if
+he could not get this he was apt to become sick. On this account, let the
+rain be ever so heavy, or the sun ever so hot, he always reposed a short
+while on a cloak or carpet under a tree; and after a short sleep, mounted
+his horse and proceeded on his march. When engaged in the conquest of New
+Spain, he was very thin and slender; but after his return from Higueras,
+he became fat and corpulent. His beard began at that time to grow grey,
+after which he trimmed it in the short fashion. In his early life, he was
+very liberal, but grew close afterwards, insomuch that some of his
+servants complained that he did not pay them properly. I have already
+observed that he never succeeded in his latter undertakings: Perhaps such
+was the will of Heaven, which reserved his reward for a better world; for
+he was a good gentleman and very devout. God pardon him his sins, and me
+mine, and give me a good end, which is better than all conquests or
+victories over Indians! Amen.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Descendants of Hernando Cortes[15]_.
+
+The legitimate children of Cortes were, Don Martin, who succeeded him as
+marquis; Donna Maria, who married the Conde de Luna of Leon; Donna Juanna,
+who married Don Hernando Enriquez, heir to the Marquis of Tarriffa; Donna
+Catalina, who died in Seville; and Donna Leonora, who married, in Mexico,
+Juanez de Tolosa, a rich Biscayan, which alliance gave great offence to
+the young marquis. He left also two natural sons: Don Martin by Donna
+Marina; and Don Luis by a lady named De Hermosilla; both of whom were
+commanders of the order of St Jago. Besides these, he had three natural
+daughters; one by an Indian woman of Cuba, and two others by a Mexican
+woman: He left great fortunes to all these ladies.
+
+Don Hernando Cortes, conqueror, governor, and captain-general of New Spain,
+admiral of the South Seas, _first_ Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, had in
+second marriage, Donna Jeroma Ramirez de Arellano y Zuniga, daughter of
+Don Carlos Ramirez de Arellano, _second_ Conde de Aguilar, and of Donna
+Jeroma de Zuniga, daughter of the _first_ Duke of Bejar. Their son was,
+
+I. Don Martinez Cortes de Ramirez y Arellano, _second_ Marquis of the
+Valley, married his cousin, Donna Anna Ramirez de Arellano. Their issue
+was,
+
+II. Don Hernando Cortes de Ramirez ye Arellano, _third_ Marquis of the
+Valley; married Donna Murcia Hernandez de Cabrera y Mendoza, daughter of
+Don Pedro Hernandez de Cabrera y Bovadilla, _second_ Conde de Chinchon,
+and Donna Maria de Mendoza y Cerda, sister to the Prince of Melito. Don
+Hernando had but one son, who died in childhood, and was therefore
+succeeded by his brother,
+
+2. Don Pedro Cortes, &c. _fourth_ Marquis of the Valley, who married Donna
+Anna Pacheco de la Cerda, sister of the second Conde de Montalban: But
+leaving no issue was succeeded by his sister,
+
+3. Donna Jeroma Cortes, &c. _fifth_ Marchioness of the Valley, who married
+Don Pedro Carillo de Mendoza, _ninth_ Conde de Priego, captain-general of
+Seville, and grand major-domo to Queen Margaret of Austria. Their only
+daughter, who carried on the line of the family, was,
+
+III. Donna Stephania Carillo de Mendoza y Cortes, _sixth_ Marchioness of
+the Valley, who married Don Diego de Arragon, _fourth_ Duke of Terra Nova,
+prince of Castel Vetrano, and of the holy Roman empire, Marquis of Avola
+and Favora, constable and admiral of Sicily, commander of Villa Franca,
+viceroy of Sardinia, knight of the golden fleece. Their only daughter was,
+
+IV. Donna Juana de Arragon, &c. _fifth_ Duchess of Terra Nova, _seventh_
+Marchioness of the Valley, &c. who married Don Hector Pignatelli, Duke of
+Montelione, prince of Noja, &c. Their only son was,
+
+V. Don Andrea Fabrizio Pignatelli, &c. duke of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+&c. _eighth_ Marquis of the Valley; who married Donna Teresa Pimentel y
+Benavides, &c. Their daughter was,
+
+VI. Donna J. Pignatelli, &c. Duchess of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+_ninth_ Marchioness of the Valley, &c. who married Don Nicolas Pignatelli,
+viceroy of Sardinia and Sicily, &c. Their son was,
+
+VII. Don Diego Pignatelli, &c. duke of Montelione and Terra Nova, _tenth_
+Marquis of the Valley, &c. His son was,
+
+VIII. Don Fabrizio Pignatelli, &c. Duke of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+_eleventh_ Marquis of the Valley, &c. His son was,
+
+IX. Don Hector Pignatelli, &c. Duke of Montelione and Terra Nova,
+_twelfth_ Marquis of the Valley, grandee of Spain, prince of the holy
+Roman empire, _at present living in Naples_[16], and married to Donna N.
+Piccolomini, of the family of the Dukes of Amalfi.
+
+From the noble couple mentioned in the VI. step of the foregoing deduction,
+besides Don Diego, who carried on their line, there were three other sons
+and three daughters: 1. Don Diego, as above. 2. Don Ferdinand. 3. Don
+Antonio. 4. Don Fabrizio. 5. Donna Rosa. 6. Donna Maria Teresa. 7. Donna
+Stephania[17].
+
+
+[1] According to Robertson, II. 266. Cortes took the resolution of
+    returning into Spain to avoid exposing himself to the ignominy of a
+    trial in Mexico, the scene of his triumphs, on hearing that a
+    commission of inquiry into his conduct was on the point of coming out
+    to New Spain for that purpose. Diaz almost perpetually neglects dates,
+    in the latter part of his work especially: but we learn from Robertson
+    that it was now the year 1528.--E.
+
+[2] The Mexican Tiger, or Jaguar, called Tlatlauhqui ocelotl by the
+    Mexicans, the _felis onca_ of naturalists, is of a yellowish colour
+    with cornered annular spots, which are yellow in the middle. It grows
+    to the size of a wolf or large dog, and resembles the Bengal tiger,
+    _felis tigris_, in craft and cruelty, but not in size or courage.--E.
+
+[3] Perhaps the Balsam of Capivi, which is of that consistence. The
+    indurated balsam may be that of Tolu.--E.
+
+[4] These were _albinos_, an accidental or diseased rariety of the human
+    species, having chalky white skins, pure white hair, and a want of the
+    pigmentum nigrum of the eye. The white rabbit is a plentiful example
+    of animal albinos, which variety continues to propagate its kind.--E.
+
+[5] According to Herrera, Dec. iv. lib. iij. c. 8. and lib. iv. c. 1. as
+    quoted by Robertson, _note_ cxxiv. the treasure which Cortes took over
+    with him consisted of 1500 marks of wrought plate, 200,000 pesos of
+    fine gold, and 10,000 of inferior standard; besides many rich jewels,
+    one in particular being worth 40,000 pesos. The value of this
+    enumerated treasure amounts to L.104,250 Sterling numerical value;
+    but estimating its efficient value in those days, with Robertson, as
+    equal to six times the present amount, it exceeds L.600,000.--E.
+
+[6] Those who had worn the _san benito_, or penal dress, in _an auto de
+    fe_. In the original translation the _descendants of Indians_ are
+    included in this proscription, which certainly must be an error.--E.
+
+[7] New Gallicia, to the north-west of Mexico and upon the Pacific Ocean,
+    is now included in the _Intendencia_ of Guadalaxara, and appears to
+    have been named Colima by the Mexicans.--E.
+
+[8] Mechoacan, to the west of Mexico and reaching to the south sea forms
+    now the Intendency of Valladolid.--E.
+
+[9] For the information of some readers, it may be proper to observe, that
+    the order of St John of Jerusalem, lately known by the name of the
+    order of Malta, then resided at Rhodes.--E.
+
+[10] Santa Cruz is a small island in the Vermilion sea, on the eastern
+    coast of California, in lat. 25º 23' N. lon. 110º 47' W. from
+    Greenwich.--.E
+
+[11] This appears to be the country now called Cinaloa, or Culiacan. The
+    strange appellation of the _seven cities_ seems to have reference to
+    that fancied ancient Spanish colony which has been formerly spoken of
+    in the introduction to the discovery of Columbus.--E.
+
+[12] This name, which is not to be found in any map, is probably a mistake
+    for Zacatula, in lat. 18º N. on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, W.S.W.
+    from Mexico.--E.
+
+[13] The expedition of Alvarado to Peru will be related in the subsequent
+    chapter. Diaz merely gives this slight hint on the subject.--E.
+
+[14] In the _sixth_ section of this chapter, it has been already mentioned
+    that Don Pedro Alvarado was married to _Donna Luisa_ the daughter of
+    Xicotencatl, one of the princes or chiefs of Tlascala, through whom he
+    acquired a great inheritance, and by whom he had a son Don Pedro, and
+    a daughter Donna Leonora, married to Don Francisco de la Cueva, cousin
+    to the Duke of Albuquerque, by whom she had four or five sons. The
+    widow of Don Pedro destroyed in Guatimala, seems to have been a second
+    wife--E.
+
+[15] This extended account of the descendants of Cortes, is adopted from
+    Clavigero, I. 442. The first paragraph, which enumerates the younger
+    children of the marquis, and his natural children, are from Diaz.
+    There is a difference between these authors in the name of the
+    marchioness, whom Diaz names Donna _Juanna_, and Clavigero _Jeroma_:
+    The former likewise names the eldest son of Cortes _Martin_, and the
+    latter _Martinez_.--E.
+
+[16] This refers to the period when Clavigero composed his History of
+    Mexico, about the year 1780; according to Humboldt, the dukes of
+    Montelione retained the vast estates of Cortes in Mexico within the
+    present century.--E.
+
+[17] This genealogical deduction has been somewhat abridged, as to the
+    multiplicity of high sounding titles, and minute particulars of
+    marriages and noble connections, altogether uninteresting to the
+    English reader.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV.
+
+_Concluding Observations by the Author_[1].
+
+
+Having enumerated the soldiers who passed from Cuba along with Cortes, to
+the conquest of New Spain, I have to observe that we were for the most
+part _hidalgos_, or gentlemen, though some were not of such clear lineage
+as others; but, whatever may have been the dignity of our birth, we made
+ourselves much more illustrious by our heroic actions in the conquest of
+this country, at our own sole cost, without any aid or support, save that
+of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the ancient history of our own
+country, many cavaliers rose to dignity and honours by valiant and
+faithful services to their kings; and though they did not go into the
+field as we did, without pay, they were rewarded with lands, houses,
+castles, dignities, and privileges, to them and their heirs in perpetuity.
+Also, when his majesty Don Jayme, won certain parts of his kingdom from
+the Moors, he made grants of these to the cavaliers who assisted him in
+the conquest, from which period their descendants derive their estates,
+honours, and blazons. Those also who served under the Great Captain and
+the Prince of Orange were rewarded in like manner. I have recalled the
+recollection of these things, that the world may consider and determine
+whether we, who gained this great country by our valour, even without the
+knowledge of his majesty, are not as worthy of such rewards and honours as
+those cavaliers above-mentioned, by our good, notable, and loyal services
+to God, the king, and all Christendom.
+
+I have placed myself last in the list, having been twice in this country
+before the coming of Cortes, and the third time along with him; and, as
+among those whom I have enumerated, there were many valiant captains, so I
+was held in no inconsiderable estimation in my day as a soldier. Besides
+the many battles and dangers in which I participated since I came into
+this country, and the distresses, by hunger, thirst, fatigue and wounds,
+incident to all who undertake discoveries and wars in unknown countries, I
+was twice in the hands of the enemy, who were carrying me off for
+sacrifice: But thanks and praise to God and his holy Virgin Mother, who
+gave me force to escape from their grasp, that I might now relate and make
+manifest our heroic deeds in the conquest of this _new world_, and thereby
+to prevent all the honour and merit from being unjustly ascribed to our
+general alone. It is now proper that I should make some observations on
+the good effects produced by our exertions and illustrious conquests, to
+the service of God and our king, in which many of our companions lost
+their lives, being sacrificed to the gods or idols of the Mexicans,
+Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca.
+
+In the first place, we purged the land of many wicked customs, and in
+particular from human sacrifices. By estimates made by the reverend
+Franciscan friars, who succeeded Fra Bartholomew de Olmedo, it appears
+that above 2500 human victims were sacrificed yearly in Mexico and some
+adjacent towns on the lake; so that the number annually put to death in
+the whole country must have been very great. Their various other horrible
+practices exceed my powers of description. Their cursed adoratories were
+exceedingly numerous, like our holy churches, hermitages, and chapels, in
+Spain, as they had everywhere houses dedicated to idols, devils, and
+infernal figures. Besides which, every individual native had two altars,
+one beside the place where he or she slept, and another at the door of the
+house, with chests containing large or small idols and stone knives, and
+books made of the bark of trees containing the record of past times.
+Especially on the coast and other sultry parts of the country, they were
+addicted to the most abominable vices, where they had boys in female
+attire. They fed on human flesh, as we do on beef, having wooden cages in
+every town, in which men, women, and children, were kept and fed for that
+purpose, to which all the prisoners taken in war were destined. Incest was
+common among them, and they were extremely addicted to drunkenness. They
+had as many wives as they pleased. From these and many other abominations,
+it was the will of God that we should be the humble instruments to clear
+the land; substituting a good policy and the holy doctrine of Jesus Christ
+in their place. It is true that, two years afterwards, when the country
+was subjugated and civilized, certain worthy Franciscans of good example
+and holy doctrine came here, who were followed in three or four years by
+fathers of the order of St Dominic, who completed what others had begun.
+But the honour of having destroyed the abominations of the land, assuredly
+belongs to us the true conquerors, who opened the way for these holy
+fathers.
+
+By the will of God, and the sacred Christianity of the emperor Don Carlos
+of glorious memory, and our present most fortunate sovereign the
+invincible Don Philip, all the natives of this great country have been
+baptised to the salvation of their souls, formerly sunk and lost in the
+bottomless pit. We have many fathers of the different orders, who go about
+preaching and baptizing, by which means the knowledge of the holy Evangile
+is firmly planted in the hearts of the natives, who confess yearly, and
+those who have sufficient knowledge in the faith, participate in the holy
+eucharist. The churches and their altars are richly adorned with all
+requisites for holy worship; as crosses, candlesticks, wax-candles,
+chalices, cups, plates, and vessels for incense, all of silver. The
+ornaments of the altars and crosses are of velvet, and damask, and other
+rich materials, of various colours and splendid workmanship, adorned with
+embroidery of gold, silk and pearls. Each town has its bells according to
+its ability. The chapels have choirs of good voices which sing in concert,
+tenors, trebles, and counter-tenors. In some places there are organs; but
+most have lutes, sackbuts, dulcimers, and bass and treble trumpets. This
+one province of Guatimala has more than my native county, old Castille. It
+is edifying and wonderful to see the devotion of the natives at the holy
+mass, especially when performed by the fathers of the orders of St Francis
+and of Mercy, who have the cures of the parishes. All the natives, men,
+women, and children, are taught the holy prayers in their own tongue; and
+always on passing a cross, crucifix, or altar, they fall on their knees
+repeating a _pater noster_ or an _ave Maria_. We, the conquerors, taught
+them to burn wax candles before the holy altars and crosses, and to behave
+respectfully to the reverend fathers, going out to meet them when they
+came to the towns, with lighted candles, ringing of bells, and providing
+them abundantly with provisions. On Lady Day and Corpus Christi, and other
+solemn fasts of the church, when we make processions, most of the natives
+of this city of Guatimala go likewise in procession, with crosses and
+lighted candles, bearing the images of their patron saints as richly
+dressed as they can afford, and singing litanies and other holy prayers to
+the sound of flutes and trumpets.
+
+The natives also of these countries have learnt all the trades used among
+us in Spain, having their shops, manufactories, and work-people. Their
+goldsmiths and silversmiths, both those who make cast work or who use the
+hammer, are excellent. Their lapidaries or engravers on precious stones,
+especially emeralds, execute the nicest representations of the holy acts
+and passion of our blessed Saviour, in such a manner as could not be
+believed from Indians. Three of our native Mexican artists, named Andres
+de Aquino, Juan de la Cruz, and El Crispillo, have in my humble judgment
+executed paintings which may vie with those of Apelles, Michael Angelo,
+and Berruguete. The sons of the chiefs used to be educated in grammar, and
+were learning very well, till this was prohibited by the holy synod, under
+an order of the most reverend the archbishop of Mexico. Many of the
+natives are manufacturers of silks and various other stuffs, and hatters,
+and soap-boilers. Two trades only could never be acquired by them, which
+is the art of glass blowing, and that of the apothecary; but this is not
+owing to any defect of natural genius, as there are among them surgeons,
+herbalists, jugglers, makers of puppets, and of violins. They cultivated
+the ground before our arrival; and now they rear stock, break in bullocks
+to the plough, sow, reap, manure, and make bread and biscuit. They have
+planted their lands with the various fruits of old Spain, such as quince,
+apple, and pear trees, which they hold in high estimation; but cut down
+the unwholesome peach trees and the overshading plantains. From us they
+have learnt laws and justice; and they every year elect their own alcaldes,
+regidors, notaries, alguazils, fiscals, and major-domos[2]. They have
+their _cabildos_, or common councils, and bailiffs, which meet twice
+a-week, judging, sentencing, and punishing for smaller offences; but for
+murder and higher crimes, they must have recourse to the Spanish governors
+in places where there are no courts of royal audience. In Tlascala,
+Tezcuco, Cholula, Guaxocinco, Tepeaca, and other large cities, gilt maces
+are borne before the native magistrates when they go to hold their
+cabildos, as is done before our viceroys; and they distribute justice with
+much zeal and impartiality, being anxious to acquire a thorough knowledge
+of our laws. All the caciques are rich, and ride on horses handsomely
+caparisoned, attended by pages. In some townships likewise, they exercise
+with the lance on horseback, running at the ring; and they have bull
+feasts, especially on the days of Corpus Christi, St John, St James, the
+Assumption, or the patron or patroness saint of the town. Many of them are
+excellent horsemen, and the natives especially of Chiapa de los Indios,
+will face the fiercest bull. The caciques breed horses, and use them and
+mules for conveying their various commodities for sale, such as maize,
+wood or lime; and many of the natives gain their living by following the
+occupation of carriers.
+
+By means of our illustrious services, our mother-country obtains gold,
+silver, precious stones, cochineal, wool, salsaparilla, hides, and various
+other commodities, to the great advantage of the royal revenue. Since the
+time of the great and wise Solomon, neither ancient nor modern history
+record the acquisition of such riches by any country, as have been derived
+from New Spain. I do not now include the millions in gold and silver
+derived from Peru, as that country was unknown when we conquered New Spain,
+and was not conquered till ten years afterwards: Besides all which, Peru
+has been involved in cruel civil wars, whereas we have ever remained
+submissive in our allegiance to his majesty, and ready to devote our lives
+and fortunes to his service. The numerous cities in New Spain are worthy
+of consideration, but would be too tedious to enumerate. Besides the
+archbishoprick of Mexico, we have ten bishopricks, with many cathedrals,
+and monastaries belonging to the Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustines, and
+the order of Mercy. Many hospitals, with extensive remissions and pardons
+attached to them; besides the _Santa casa_ of our Lady of Guadeloupe,
+where many holy miracles are performed daily. In Mexico there is an
+university in which are taught grammar, theology, rhetoric, logic,
+philosophy, and other sciences; and in which the students take the several
+degrees of bachelor, licentiate, and doctor; having also a printing press
+for books in the Spanish and Latin languages. If all I have now said be
+insufficient, let the wise and learned read over this my true history with
+impartial care, and they must confess that there never were men who have
+gained more by their valorous achievements for their king than we the
+brave conquerors, among the most valiant of whom I was considered. And I
+say again, I myself, who am a true conqueror, am the most ancient of all.
+Of the 550 soldiers who left Cuba along with Cortes, _five_ only are now
+living in the year 1568, while I am writing this history; all the rest
+having been slain in the wars, or sacrificed to the accursed idols, or
+have died in the course of nature. Of 1300 soldiers who came with Narvaez,
+exclusive of mariners, not more than ten or eleven now survive. Of those
+who came with Garay, including the three companies which landed at St Juan
+de Ulua previous to his own arrival, amounting to 1200 soldiers, most were
+sacrificed and devoured in the province of Panuco. We five companions of
+Cortes who yet survive, are all very old and bowed down with infirmities,
+and extremely poor; having heavy charges of sons to establish, daughters
+to marry off, and grand-children to maintain, with very small means to do
+all this. Whereas we ought to have had the best properties in the country
+allotted to us, in reward of our high prowess and transcendent services in
+that country which we conquered; not indeed to the same extent with the
+rewards granted to Cortes, but in just moderation in proportion to our
+merits. This indeed was ordered by his majesty, but interest and
+partiality gave away what we ought to have received to others, leaving
+little for the royal patrimony or to be bestowed on us. Immediately after
+the conquest, Cortes ought to have divided the whole country into five
+shares, assigning the richest and best to his majesty, out of which to
+reward those cavaliers who served him in his European wars; taking a share
+and a half to himself, and for the establishment of churches, monasteries,
+and municipalities; and dividing the remaining half in perpetual grants to
+us the true conquerors, by which we should have all been amply provided
+for.
+
+Our emperor was so truly a Christian monarch, that he would willingly have
+granted us these favours, more especially as the conquest cost him nothing.
+But we knew not then where to apply for justice, except to Cortes himself,
+who did in all things as he thought fit, taking care of himself, and of
+his friends and relations newly come from old Spain. We remained therefore
+with the little which had been assigned to us, till we saw Don Francisco
+de Montejo, who had waited on his majesty in Europe, return with the
+appointment of adelantado and governor of Yucutan, estates in Mexico, and
+other rewards. Diego de Ordas also, who went to court, obtained a
+commandery of St Jago, and districts in New Spain. Don Pedro de Alvarado,
+who likewise went to represent his services, was made adelantado and
+governor of Guatimala and Chiapa, commander of the order of St Jago, and
+obtained extensive grants of land. When therefore, we the conquerors saw
+that those who did not reach his majesty, or had no one to speak for them,
+were neglected, we transmitted a petition, by which we prayed that such
+lands as fell vacant might be distributed among us in perpetuities, as had
+been done by the first court of royal audience, of which Nuno de Guzman
+was president; who had been directed to make the divisions more equal,
+deducting in due proportions from the immoderate grants of Cortes, and
+that the best districts and rents should be divided among us the true
+conquerors, leaving the cities and great towns for his majesty. His
+majesty likewise ordered the vassals of Cortes to be counted, leaving no
+more than were specified in his patents; but I do not remember what was to
+have been done with the surplus. Nuno de Guzman and the judges of his
+tribunal were misled by advisers from making their grants perpetual, under
+pretence that the conquerors would cease to depend upon and respect them
+if independent, and that it was better to keep them under the necessity of
+supplicating for subsistence, and likewise to preserve to themselves the
+power of dividing the conquered lands to the advantage of their own
+interest. Guzman and his oydors indeed, constantly assigned such districts
+as fell vacant among the conquerors and colonists to universal
+satisfaction; but were superseded in consequence of their disputes with
+Cortes.
+
+In 1550, when I was in Old Spain, a council was formed, consisting of
+Bartholomew de las Casas, bishop of Chiapa, Vasco de Quiroga, bishop of
+Mechoacan, and other cavaliers who had come as agents from New Spain and
+Peru, with some gentlemen who had come on business to court; to which
+council I also was called, as being the most ancient of the conquerors of
+New Spain. At this time certain of the Peruvian gentlemen petitioned his
+majesty to cause perpetual allotments of lands to be made in that kingdom,
+and a similar petition was presented by Gonzalo Lopez and Alonzo de
+Villanueva, who had come over as agents from Mexico. His majesty was
+pleased to order the _rapartimiento_ or distribution of lands to be
+referred to the council of the Indies, consisting of the Marquis de
+Mondejar president, with the licentiates Gutierre Velasquez, Tello de
+Sandoval, Gregorio Lopes de Briviesca, and the Doctor Hernan Perez de la
+Fuente, oydors or judges of that court, together with the members of other
+royal councils. At this meeting, it was proposed to make a perpetual
+distribution of the lands of New Spain and Peru; I am uncertain if New
+Granada and Popayan were to have been included. Many excellent reasons
+were given for this measure being adopted, but it was strenuously opposed
+by the members of the royal council of the Indies, together with Bishop de
+las Casas, Fra Rodrigo his coadjutor, and the Bishop of las Charcas, who
+insisted that the matter should be postponed till the return of the
+emperor from Vienna, when every thing should be arranged to the
+satisfaction of the conquerors: And thus the affair was dropped for the
+present.
+
+After my return to New Spain, the conquerors then proposed to send agents
+to solicit his majesty for our interest exclusively, in consequence of
+which I was written to here in Guatimala, by Captain Andres de Tapia,
+Pedro Morena de Medrana, and Juan Limpias Caravajal, on the subject. I
+accordingly went round among the other conquerors who were settled in this
+city, to raise a sum by subscription for the purpose, but this project
+failed for want of money. At a subsequent period, our present invincible
+king Don Philip, was pleased to command that the conquerors and their
+posterity should be provided for, attending in the first instance to those
+who were married. But all has been of no avail.
+
+Two learned licentiates, to whom I communicated the MS. of this history,
+observed that I had praised myself greatly in the battles of which I have
+given an account, whereas I ought to have left that to be done by others.
+But how is any one who was not in the wars with us to praise us as we
+deserve? To compare myself, a poor soldier, with the great emperor and
+warrior Julius Cesar, we are told by historians, that he used to write
+down with his own hand an account of his own heroic deeds, not chusing to
+entrust that office to others, although he had many historians in his
+empire. It is not therefore extraordinary if I relate the battles in which
+I fought, that it may be known in future ages, _thus did Bernal Diaz del
+Castillo_; that my sons and grandsons may enjoy the fame of their ancestor,
+as many cavaliers and lords of vassals do the deeds and blazons of their
+predecessors. I shall therefore enumerate the various battles and other
+warlike affairs in which I have been present. At Cape Cotoche, under
+Cordova; at Pontonchan in a battle where half our number was slain; and in
+Florida where we landed to procure water. Under Juan de Grijalva, I was
+present in the second battle of Pontonchan. During my third voyage, under
+Cortes, two pitched battles at Tabasco. On our arrival in New Spain, the
+battle of Cingapacinga or Teoatzinco. Shortly afterwards three pitched
+battles with the Tlascalans. The affair of Cholula. On our entry into
+Mexico, I was at the seizure of Montezuma, which I do not enumerate as a
+warlike exploit, but on account of its great boldness. Four months
+afterwards, when with 276 men, Cortes defeated Narvaez who had 1300. The
+relief of Alvarado, when the Mexicans made incessant attacks upon us
+during eight days and nights, during which I reckon eight several battles,
+at all of which I was present, and in the course of which we lost 870 men.
+The battle of Obtumba or Otompan. A battle at Tepeaca. A battle at Tezcuco.
+Two battles, in one of which I was wounded in the throat by a lance. Two
+actions about the maize fields near Chalco. The rash attack on the
+fortresses called the Rocks of the Marquis in our expedition round the
+lake. The battle of Cuernavaca. Three battles at Xochimilco. During the
+siege of Mexico, which lasted _ninety-three_ days, I find by my account
+that I was engaged in upwards of eighty battles and skirmishes. After the
+conquest, I was sent out on various expeditions to reduce Coatzacualco,
+Chiapa, and the Zapotecans, in which we had several engagements. In
+Chamula and Cuitlan, two engagements. In Teapa and Chematlan two others,
+in one of which I was badly wounded in the throat. I forgot to mention,
+that we were pursued for nine days in our flight from Mexico, and had to
+fight four battles before the great one at Otompan. Several actions in our
+expedition to Higueras and Honduras, during which in a battle at Culacotu
+I had a horse killed under me which cost 600 crowns. After my return to
+Mexico, I went upon an expedition into the mountains against the Zapotecas
+and Mixtecas. I have on the whole been present in _one hundred and
+nineteen_ battles, engagements, and skirmishes; so that it is not
+wonderful if I praise myself for the many and notable services which I
+have rendered to God, his majesty and all Christendom: And I give thanks
+and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ, who hath preserved me in so many
+dangers.
+
+THE END OF BERNAL DIAZ.
+
+
+[1] In this section Diaz gives a minute enumeration _of the valiant
+    companions who passed over to the conquest of Mexico with the most
+    adventurous and most magnanimous Don Hernando Cortes, Marquis of the
+    Valley_. This must assuredly be a most valuable document to vast
+    numbers of the present inhabitants of New Spain, by enabling them to
+    trace their honourable descent from the conquerors; but, as totally
+    uninteresting to the English reader, is here omitted.--E.
+
+[2] These are the ordinary municipal officers of Spanish townships,
+    answerable to our mayors, aldermen, bailiffs, constables, &c.--E.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF PERU, BY FRANCISCO PIZARRO,
+WRITTEN BY AUGUSTINO ZARATE, TREASURER OF THAT KINGDOM, A FEW YEARS AFTER
+THE CONQUEST.
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The present chapter, like that immediately preceding from the pen of
+Bernal Diaz, although in strict language neither a journey nor a voyage,
+records in every step of the conquerors a new _discovery_ of coasts,
+islands, rivers, districts, and tribes, that had never been visited before.
+In conformity with our uniform desire to have recourse upon all occasions
+to the most authentic original authorities for every article admitted into
+this collection, so far as in our power, the work of Zarate has been
+chosen as the record of the discovery and conquest of Peru, in preference
+to any modern compilation on the same subject. As we learn from himself,
+Zarate was a person of rank and education, who went into Peru in 1543,
+only _eighteen_ years after the first movements of Pizarro and Almagro
+towards the discovery of that extensive country, and only _eleven_ years
+after its actual invasion by Pizarro in 1532. From the illustrious
+historian of America, Dr William Robertson, the work which we now offer to
+the public for the first time in the English language, has the following
+high character: "The history of Zarate, whether we attend to its matter or
+composition, is a book of considerable merit, and great credit is due to
+his testimony." Besides this general eulogy; in his enumeration of six
+original authors whom he had consulted in the composition of that portion
+of his History of America which refers to Peru, he clearly shews that
+Zarate alone can be considered as at the same time perfectly authentic and
+sufficiently copious for the purpose we have at present in view. The
+substance of his account of all the six is as follows.
+
+"_Two_ of the more early writers on the subject of the discovery and
+conquest of Peru, Francisco de Xeres, the secretary of Pizarro, and Pedro
+Sanchez, an officer who served under the conqueror, break off almost in
+the introduction to the narrative, going no farther into the history of
+the conquest than the death of Atahualpa in 1533, only one year after the
+invasion of Peru. The _third_ in point of time, Pedro Cioca de Leon, only
+two years earlier in his publication than Zarate, gives nothing more than
+a description of the country, and an account of the institutions and
+customs of the natives. Zarate is the _fourth_. The _fifth_, Don Diego
+Fernandez, solely relates to the dissentions and civil wars among the
+Spanish conquerors. The _sixth_ and last of these original authors,
+Garcilasso de la Vega _Inca_, the son of a Spanish officer of distinction
+by a _Coya_, or Peruvian female of the royal race, gives little more than
+a commentary on the before mentioned writers, and was not published till
+1609, seventy five years after the invasion of Peru by Pizarro[1]."
+
+In the Bibliotheque des Voyages, VI. 319. mention is made of a Description
+of Peru as published in French in 1480, and said to be a very rare work:
+_Rare_, indeed, if the imprint be not an error, _fifty-two_ years before
+the actual invasion and discovery. In the same useful work, the
+performance of Zarate is thus characterized. "The author has not confined
+his views to the history and conquest of Peru, but has given us a
+statement of the natural features of the country, an account of the
+manners of the inhabitants, and a curious picture of the religious
+opinions and institutions of the Peruvians."
+
+Four of the six original authors respecting Peru which are noticed by
+Robertson, we have not seen; having confined our views to that of Zarate,
+which is not only the best according to the opinion of that excellent
+judge, but the only one which could answer the purpose of our present
+collection. In preparing this original work for publication, it is proper
+to acknowledge that we have been satisfied with translating from the
+French edition of Paris, 1742; but, besides every attention to fidelity of
+translation, it has been carefully collated throughout with the _Royal
+Commentary_ of the Inca Garcilasso de la Vega, as published in English by
+Sir Paul Rycaut, knight, in 1688; and with the excellent work of Dr
+Robertson. It may be proper to mention, however, that the following
+translation, though faithful, has been made with some freedom of
+retrenching a superfluity of useless language; though nothing has been
+omitted in point of fact, and nothing altered.
+
+Having mentioned the work of Garcilasso de la Vega, which we have employed
+as an auxiliary on the present occasion, it may be worth while to give a
+short account of it in this place: For there never was, perhaps, a
+literary composition so strangely mixed up of unconnected and discordant
+sense and nonsense, and so totally devoid of any thing like order or
+arrangement, in the whole chronology of authorship, or rather of
+book-making, as has been produced by this scion of the Incas. No
+consideration short of our duty to the public, could have induced us to
+wade through such a labyrinth of absurdity in quest of information. It is
+astonishing how the honest knight could have patience to translate 1019
+closely printed folio pages of such a farrago; and on closing the work of
+the Inca for ever, we heartily joined in the concluding pious thanksgiving
+of the translator, _Praised be God_. This enormous literary production of
+the _Inca_ Garcilasso, is most regularly divided and subdivided into parts,
+books, and chapters; which contain here a little history, then digressions
+on manners, customs, opinions, ceremonies, laws, policy, arts, animals,
+vegetables, agriculture, buildings, &c. &c. &c. intermixed with bits and
+scraps of history, in an endless jumble; so that for every individual
+circumstance on any one of these topics, the pains-taking reader must turn
+over the whole work with the most anxious attention. We quote an example,
+taken absolutely at random, the titles of the Chapters of Part I. Book ix.
+
+Chap. I. Huayna Capac makes a gold chain as big as a cable, and why. II.
+Reduces ten vallies of the coast. III. Punishes some murderers. IV.-VII.
+Incidents of his reign, confusedly related. VIII. Gods and customs of the
+Mantas. IX. Of giants formerly in Peru. X. Philosophical sentiments of the
+Inca concerning the sun. XI. and XII. Some incidents of his reign. XIII.
+Construction of two extensive roads. XIV. Intelligence of the Spaniards
+being on the coast. XV. Testament and death of Huayna Capac. XVI. How
+horses and mares were first bred in Peru. XVII. Of cows and oxen.
+XVIII.-XXIII. Of various animals, all introduced after the conquest.
+XXIV.-XXXI. Of various productions, some indigenous, and others introduced
+by the Spaniards. XXXII. Huascar claims homage from Atahualpa. XXXIII.-XL.
+Historical incidents, confusedly arranged, all without dates.
+
+The whole work is equally confused at best, and often much more so; often
+consisting of extracts from other writers, with commentaries,
+argumentations, ridiculous speeches, miracles, and tales recited by old
+_Incas_ and _Coyas_, uncles aunts and cousins of the author. To add to the
+difficulty of consultation, Sir Paul, having exhausted his industry in the
+translation, gives no table of contents whatever, and a most miserable
+Index which hardly contains an hundredth part of the substance of the work.
+Yet the author of the Bibliotheque des Voyages, says "that this work is
+_very precious_, as it contains the only remaining notices of the
+government, laws, manners, and customs of the Peruvians."--Ed.
+
+
+[1] History of America, _note_ cxxv.
+
+
+PREFACE OF THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+After having enjoyed the office of secretary to the royal council of
+Castille for fifteen years, the king was graciously pleased to order me to
+Peru in 1543, as treasurer-general of that province and of the Tierra
+Firma; in which employment I was entrusted with the entire receipt of the
+royal revenues and rights, and the payment of all his majesties officers
+in those countries. I sailed thither in the fleet which conveyed Blasco
+Nugnez Vela the viceroy of Peru; and immediately on my arrival in the New
+World, I observed so many insurrections, disputes, and novelties, that I
+felt much inclined to transmit their memory to posterity. I accordingly
+wrote down every transaction as it occurred; but soon discovered that
+these could not be understood unless the previous events were explained
+from which they originated. I found it necessary, therefore, to go back to
+the epoch of the discovery of the country, to give a detail of the
+occurrences in their just order and connection. My work might perhaps have
+been somewhat more perfect, if I had been able to compose it in regular
+order while in Peru; but a brutal major-general, who had served under
+Gonzalo Pizarro[1], threatened to put any one to death who should presume
+to write a history of his transactions, so that I was obliged to satisfy
+myself with collecting all the documents I could procure for enabling me
+to compose my history after returning into Spain. He was perhaps right in
+wishing these transactions might fall into oblivion, instead of being
+transmitted to posterity.
+
+Should my style of writing be found not to possess all the polish that my
+readers may desire, it will at least record the true state of events; and
+I shall not be disappointed if it only serve to enable another to present
+a history of the same period in more elegant language and more orderly
+arrangement. I have principally directed my attention to a strict regard
+for truth, the soul of history, using neither art nor disguise in my
+description of things and events which I have seen and known; and in
+relating those matters which happened before my arrival, I have trusted to
+the information of dispassionate persons, worthy of credit. These were not
+easy to find in Peru, most persons having received either benefits or
+injuries from the party of Pizarro or that of Almagro; which were as
+violent in their mutual resentments as the adherents of Marius and Sylla,
+or of Caesar and Pompey of old.
+
+In all histories there are three chief requisites: the designs, the
+actions, and the consequences. In the two latter particulars I have used
+all possible care to be accurate. If I may not always agree with other
+authors in regard to the first of these circumstances, I can only say that
+such is often the case with the most accurate and faithful historians.
+After I had finished this work, it was my intention to have kept it long
+unpublished, lest I might offend the families of those persons whose
+improper conduct is therein pourtrayed. But some persons to whom I had
+communicated my manuscript, shewed it to the king during his voyage to
+England, who had it read to him as an amusement from the tiresomeness of
+the voyage. My work had the good fortune to please his majesty, who
+honoured it with his approbation, and graciously commanded me to have it
+printed; and which I have the more readily complied with, as his royal
+commands may protect my book from the cavils of the censorious readers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Much difficulty occurs respecting the origin of the people who inhabited
+Peru and the other provinces of America, and by what means their ancestors
+could have crossed the vast extent of sea which separates that country
+from the old world. In my opinion this may be explained from what is said
+by Plato in his _Timaeus_, and the subsequent dialogue entitled _Atlantis_.
+He says: "That the Egyptians report, to the honour of the Athenians, that
+they contributed to defeat certain kings who came with a numerous army by
+sea from the great island of Atlantis, which, beginning beyond the Pillars
+of Hercules, is larger than all Asia and Africa together, and is divided
+into ten kingdoms which Neptune gave among his ten sons, Atlas, the eldest,
+having the largest and most valuable share." Plato adds several remarkable
+particulars concerning the customs and riches of that island; especially
+concerning a magnificent temple in the chief city, the walls of which were
+entirely covered over with gold and silver, having a roof of copper, and
+many other circumstances which are here omitted for the sake of brevity;
+though it is certain that several customs and ceremonies mentioned by
+Plato are still practised in the provinces of Peru. Beyond the great
+island of Atlantis, there were other large islands not far distant from
+the _Firm Land_, beyond which again was the _True Sea_. The following are
+the words which Plato attributes, in his Timaeus, to Socrates, as spoken
+to the Athenians. "It is held certain, that in ancient times your city
+resisted an immense number of enemies from the Atlantic Ocean, who had
+conquered almost all Europe and Asia. In those days the _Straits_ were
+navigable, and immediately beyond them there was an island, commencing
+almost at the _Pillars of Hercules_, which was said to be larger than Asia
+and Africa united; from whence the passage was easy to other islands near
+and opposite to the continent of the _True Sea_." A little after this
+passage, it is added. "That nine thousand years before his days, a great
+change took place, as the sea adjoining that island was so increased by
+the accession of a prodigious quantity of water, that in the course of one
+day it swallowed up the whole island; since when that sea has remained so
+full of shallows and sand banks as to be no longer navigable, neither has
+any one been able to reach the other islands and the _Firm Land_."
+
+Some authors hare believed this recital to be merely allegorical, while
+most of the commentators on Plato considered it as a real historical
+narrative. The _nine thousand years_, mentioned by Plato, must not be
+considered as an indication of this discourse being fabulous; since,
+according to Eudoxus, we must understand them as lunar years or _moons_,
+after the Egyptian mode of computation, _or nine thousand months_, which
+are _seven hundred and fifty years_. All historians and cosmographers,
+ancient as well as modern, have concurred to name the sea by which that
+great island was swallowed up, the _Atlantic Ocean_, in which the name of
+that ancient island is retained, giving a strong evidence of its former
+existence. Adopting, therefore the truth of this historical fact, it must
+be granted that this island of Atlantis, beginning from the Straits of
+Gibraltar near Cadiz, must have stretched a vast way from north to south,
+and from east to west, since it was larger than all Asia and Africa. The
+_other_ islands in the neighbourhood must have been those now named
+Hispaniola, Cuba, Porto Rico, Jamaica, and others of the West Indies; and
+the _Firm Land_, that part of the Continent to which we still give the
+name of _Tierra Firma_, together with the other countries and provinces of
+America, from the Straits of Magellan in the south to the extreme north;
+as Peru, Popayan, Golden Castille, Veragua, Nicaragua, Guatimala, New
+Spain, _the Seven Cities_, Florida, _Baccalaos_, and so on along the north
+to Norway. The authority of Plato is conclusive that the _New World_ which
+has been discovered in our time, is the same Continent or Firm Land
+mentioned by that philosopher; and his _True Sea_ must be that which we
+name the _South Sea_, or Pacific Ocean; for the whole Mediterranean, and
+all that was before known of the Ocean, which we call the _North Sea_, can
+only be considered as rivers or lakes in comparison with the vast extent
+of that other sea. After these explanations, it is not difficult to
+conceive how mankind in ancient times may have passed from the great
+island of _Atlantis_ and the _other_ neighbouring isles, to what we now
+call the Tierra Firma, or _Firm Land_, and thence by land, or by the South
+Sea, into Peru: As we must believe that the inhabitants of these islands
+practised navigation, which they must have learned by intercourse with the
+great island, in which Plato expressly says there were many ships, and
+carefully constructed harbours. These, in my opinion, are the most
+probable conjectures which can be formed on this obscure subject of
+antiquity; more especially as we can derive no lights from the Peruvians,
+who have no writing by which to preserve the memory of ancient times. In
+New Spain, indeed, they had certain pictures, which answered in some
+measure instead of books and writings; but in Peru, they only used certain
+strings of different colours with several knots, by means of which and the
+distances between them, they were able to express some things in a very
+confused and uncertain manner, as shall be explained in the course of this
+history.
+
+So much of the following history as relates to the discovery of the
+country, has been derived from the information of Rodrigo Lozan, an
+inhabitant of Truxillo in Peru, and from others who were witnesses of and
+actors in the transactions which I have detailed.
+
+
+[1] Even the orthography of the name of Pizarro is handed down to us with
+    some variety. In the work of Garcilasso de la Vega it is always spelt
+    Picarro: Besides which, the Inca Garcilasso, in his almost perpetual
+    quotations of our author Zarate, always gives the name Carate; the _c_,
+    or cerilla _c_, being equivalent in Spanish to the _z_ in the other
+    languages of Europe.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_Of the discovery of Peru, with some account of the country and its
+inhabitants_.
+
+
+The city of Panama is a port on the South Sea, in that province of the
+continent of America which is called Golden Castille. In the year 1524,
+three inhabitants of that city entered into an association for the purpose
+of discovering the western coast of the continent by the South Sea, in
+that direction which has been since named Peru. These were Don Francisco
+Pizarro of Truxillo, Don Diego de Almagro of Malagon, and Hernando de
+Luque, an ecclesiastic. No one knew the family or origin of Almagro,
+though some said that he had been found at a church door[1]. These men,
+being among the richest of the colonists of Panama, proposed to themselves
+to enrich and aggrandize themselves by means of discovering new countries,
+and to do important service to the emperor, Don Carlos V. by extending his
+dominions. Having received permission from Pedro Arias de Avila[2], who
+then governed that country, Francisco Pizarro fitted out a vessel with
+considerable difficulty, in which he embarked with 114 men. About fifty
+leagues from Panama, he discovered a small and poor district, named _Peru_,
+from which that name has been since improperly extended to all the country
+afterwards discovered along that coast to the south for more than 1200
+leagues. Beyond that Peru, he discovered another district, to which the
+Spaniards gave the name of _El Pueblo quemado_, or the _Burnt People_. The
+Indians of that country made war upon him with so much obstinacy, and
+killed so many of his men, that he was constrained to retreat to
+_Chinchama_ or Chuchama, not far from Panama.
+
+In the mean time, Almagro fitted out another vessel at Panama, in which he
+embarked with 70 men, and went along the coast in search of Pizarro as far
+as the river San Juan, a hundred leagues from Panama. Not finding him
+there, Almagro returned along the coast to the _Pueblo quemado_, where,
+from certain indications of Pizarro having been there, he landed with his
+men. The Indians, puffed up with the remembrance of the victory they had
+gained over Pizarro, attacked Almagro with great courage, and did him
+considerable injury; and one day they even penetrated the entrenchment he
+had thrown up for defence, through some negligence in the guards, and put
+the Spaniards to flight, who were forced to retreat with loss to their
+vessel and put to sea, on which occasion Almagro lost an eye. Following
+the shore on the way back towards Panama, Almagro found Pizarro at
+Chinchama[3]. Pizarro was much pleased by the junction of Almagro, as by
+means of his men, and some additional soldiers they procured in Chinchama,
+they had now a force of two hundred Spaniards. They accordingly
+recommenced the expedition, endeavouring to sail down the coast to the
+southwards in two vessels and three large canoes. In this navigation they
+suffered great fatigue from contrary winds and currents, and were much
+incommoded when they attempted to land in any of the numerous small rivers
+which fall into the South Sea, as they all swarmed at their mouths with
+large lizards, or alligators, called caymans by the natives. These animals,
+are ordinarily from twenty to twenty-five feet long, and kill either men
+or beasts when in the water. They come out of the water to lay their eggs,
+which they bury in great numbers in the sand, leaving them to be hatched
+by the heat of the sun. These caymans have a strong resemblance to the
+crocodiles of the river Nile. The Spaniards suffered much from hunger in
+this voyage, as they could find nothing fit to eat along this coast except
+the fruit of a tree called mangles, which grew in great abundance
+everywhere along the shore. These trees are tall and straight, and have a
+very hard wood; but as they grow on the shore, their roots being drenched
+in sea water, their fruit is salt and bitter; yet necessity obliged the
+Spaniards to subsist on them, along with such fish as they could find,
+particularly crabs; as on the whole of that coast no maize was grown by
+the natives. From the currents along this coast, which always set strongly
+to the north, they were obliged to make their way by dint of constant
+rowing; always harassed by the Indians, who assailed them with loud cries,
+calling them banished men, and _hairy faces_, who were formed from the
+spray of the sea, and wandered about without cultivating the earth, like
+outcasts and vagabonds.
+
+Having lost several of his men through famine and by the incessant attacks
+of the Indians, it was agreed that Almagro should return to Panama for
+recruits and provisions. Having procured twenty-four, they advanced with
+these and the remains of their original force to a country named
+_Catamez_[4], considerably beyond the river of St Juan, a tolerably
+peopled country, in which they found plenty of provisions. The Indians of
+this part of the coast, who were still hostile, were observed to have
+certain ornaments of gold, resembling nails, inserted into holes made for
+that purpose in different parts of their faces. Almagro was sent back a
+second time to Panama, to endeavour to procure a larger force, and Pizarro
+retired in the mean time to the small island of _Gallo_ somewhat farther
+to the north, near the shore of the _Barbacoas_, and not far from Cape
+_Mangles_, where he and his people suffered extreme hardships from
+scarcity of provisions, amounting almost to absolute famine.
+
+On the return of Almagro to Panama for reinforcements, he found the
+government in the hands of Pedro de los Rios, who opposed the design of
+Almagro to raise recruits, because those with Pizarro had secretly
+conveyed a petition to the governor, not to permit any more people to be
+sent upon an enterprize of so much danger, and requesting their own recal.
+The governor, therefore, sent an officer to the Isle of Gallo, with an
+order for such as were so inclined to return to Panama, which was eagerly
+embraced by the greatest part of the soldiers of Pizarro, twelve only
+remaining along with him. Not daring to remain with so small a force in an
+island so near the main land, Pizarro retired to an uninhabited island
+named Gorgona, about 70 miles farther north, and considerably more distant
+from the coast than Gallo, in which island, which had abundance of springs
+and rivulets, he and his small band of faithful associates, lived on crabs
+in expectation of relief and reinforcement from Panama. At last a vessel
+arrived with provisions, but no soldiers, in which Pizarro embarked with
+his twelve men, to whose courage and constancy the discovery of Peru was
+owing. Their names deserve to be handed down to posterity: Nicolas de
+Ribera, Pedro de Candia a native of the Greek island of that name, Juan de
+Torre, Alfonso Briseno, Christoval de Peraulte, Alfonso de Truxillo,
+Francisco de Cuellar, and Alfonso de Molina[5]. The pilot of the vessel in
+which they embarked was named Bartholomew Bruyz, a native of Moguer. Under
+the guidance of this man, but with infinite difficulty from contrary winds
+and adverse currents, Pizarro reached a district named _Mostripe_[6],
+about equally distant from the two places since built by the Christians,
+named Truxillo and San Miguel. With the very small number of men who
+accompanied him, Pizarro dared not to advance any farther along the coast,
+and contented himself with going a small way up the river _Puechos_ or de
+la Chira[7]; where he procured some of the sheep[8] of the country, and
+some of the natives on purpose to serve him as interpreters in the sequel.
+Returning from thence, Pizarro went northwards to the port of Tumbez on
+the south-side of the bay of Guayaquil, where he was informed that the king
+of Peru had a fine palace, and where the Indians were said to be very rich.
+This place was one of the most extraordinary in the country, until it was
+ruined by the inhabitants of the island of Puna, as will be related
+hereafter. At this place, three of his men deserted, who were afterwards
+put to death by the Indians.
+
+After these discoveries, Pizarro returned to Panama, having spent three
+years in this voyage, counting from his first leaving Panama, in which
+time he was exposed to many dangers fatigues and privations, by the
+opposition and hostilities of the Indians, and through famine, and more
+than all distressed by the discontents and mutinies of his people, most of
+whom lost all hope of success, or of deriving any advantage from the
+expedition. Pizarro soothed their fears and encouraged their perseverance
+by every means in his power, providing for their necessities with much
+prudent care, and bearing up against every difficulty with astonishing
+firmness and perseverance: leaving to Almagro to provide men arms and
+horses, and necessaries of all kinds for the enterprize. These two
+officers, from being the richest of the settlers in Panama at the
+commencement of their enterprize, were now entirely ruined and overwhelmed
+in debt; yet did they not despair of ultimate success, and resolved to
+prosecute the discovery of which a very promising commencement had now
+been made[9].
+
+In concert with his associates Almagro and Luque, Pizarro went to Spain,
+to lay an account before the king of the discovery which he had made, and
+to solicit the appointment of governor of that country, of which he
+proposed to prosecute the discovery, and to reduce it under the dominion
+of the crown of Spain. His majesty granted his demand, under those
+conditions which used to be stipulated with other officers who engaged in
+similar enterprizes. With this authority, he returned to Panama,
+accompanied by Ferdinand, Juan, and Gonzalo Pizarro, and Francisco Martin
+de Alcantara, his brothers. Ferdinand and Juan Pizarro were his brothers
+both by father and mother, and the only lawful sons of Gonzalo Pizarro, an
+inhabitant of Truxillo in Old Spain, a captain in the infantry regiment of
+Navarre: Don Francisco Pizarro himself and Gonzalo Pizarro were natural
+sons of the elder Gonzalo Pizarro by different mothers: Francisco de
+Alcantara was likewise the brother of Don Francisco Pizarro, by his mother
+only, but by a different father[10]. Besides these, Pizarro brought as
+many men from Spain to assist in his enterprize as he could procure, being
+mostly inhabitants of Truxillo and other places in Estremadura[11].
+
+On his arrival at Panama in 1530, Pizarro and his associates used every
+effort to complete the preparations for the enterprize; but at first a
+dispute arose between him and Almagro. The latter complained that Pizarro
+had only attended to his own interests when at the court of Spain, having
+procured the appointments of governor and president of Peru for himself,
+without making any mention of Almagro, or at least without having procured
+any office for him, who had borne the far greater proportion of the
+expences hitherto incurred. Pizarro alleged that the king had refused to
+give any office to Almagro, though solicited by him for that purpose: But
+engaged his word to renounce the office of president in his behalf, and to
+supplicate the king to bestow that appointment upon him. Almagro was
+appeased by this concession; and they proceeded to make every preparation
+in concert that might be conducive to the success of the undertaking. But,
+before entering upon the narrative of their actions, it seems proper to
+give some account of the situation of Peru, of the most remarkable things
+which it contains, and of the manners and customs of the inhabitants.
+
+The country of Peru, of which this history is intended to treat, commences
+at the equator, and extends south towards the antarctic pole[12]. The
+people who inhabit in the neighbourhood of the equator have swarthy
+complexions; their language is extremely guttural; and they are addicted
+to unnatural vices, for which reason they care little for their women and
+use them ill[13], The women wear their hair very short, and their whole
+clothing consists of a short petticoat, covering only from the waist to
+about the knees. By the women only is the grain cultivated, and by them it
+is bruised or ground to meal, and baked. This grain, called maize in the
+West-Indian Islands, is called _Zara_ in the language of Peru[14]. The men
+wear a kind of shirts or jackets without sleeves, which only reach to the
+navel, and do not cover the parts of shame. They wear their hair short,
+having a kind of tonsure on their crowns, almost like monks. They have no
+other dress or covering, yet pride themselves on certain ornaments of gold
+hanging from their ears and nostrils, and are particularly fond of
+pendants made of emeralds, which are chiefly found in those parts of the
+country bordering on the equator. The natives have always concealed the
+places where these precious stones are procured, but the Spaniards have
+been in use to find some emeralds in that part of the country, mixed among
+pebbles and gravel, on which account it is supposed that the natives
+procured them from thence. The men also are fond of wearing a kind of
+bracelets, or strings of beads, of gold and silver, mixed with small
+turquoise stones and white shells, or of various colours; and the women
+are not permitted to wear any of those ornaments.
+
+The country is exceedingly hot and unwholesome, and the inhabitants are
+particularly subject to certain malignant warts or carbuncles of a
+dangerous nature on the face and other parts of the body, having very deep
+roots, which are more dangerous than the small-pox, and almost equally
+destructive as the carbuncles of the plague. The natives have many temples,
+of which the doors always front the east, and are closed only by cotton
+curtains. In each temple there are two idols or figures in relief
+resembling black goats, before which they continually burn certain
+sweet-smelling woods. From this wood a certain liquor exudes, when the
+bark is stripped off, which has a strong and disagreeable flavour, by
+means of which dead bodies are preserved free from corruption. In their
+temples, they have also representations of large serpents, to which they
+give adoration; besides which every nation, district, tribe or house, had
+its particular god or idol. In some temples, particularly in those of
+certain villages which were called _Pafao_, the walls and pillars were
+hung round with dried bodies of men women and children, _in the form of
+crosses_, which were all so thoroughly embalmed by means of the liquor
+already mentioned, that they were entirely devoid of bad smell. In these
+places also they had many human heads hung up; which by means of certain
+drugs with which they were anointed, were so much shrunk or dried up as to
+be no bigger than a mans fist[15].
+
+This country is extremely dry, as it very seldom has any rain, and its
+rivulets are few and scanty; so that the people are reduced to the
+necessity of digging pit-wells, or of procuring water from certain pools
+or reservoirs. Their houses are built of large canes or reeds. It
+possesses gold, but of a very low quantity; and has very few fruits. The
+inhabitants use small canoes hollowed out of the trunks of trees, and a
+sort of rafts which are very flat. The whole coast abounds in fish, and
+whales are sometimes seen in these seas. On the doors of the temples in
+that district which is called _Caraque_, the figures of men are sometimes
+seen, which have dresses somewhat resembling those of our deacons.
+
+Near the last mentioned province, at Cape St Helena in the province of
+Guayaquil, there are certain springs or mineral veins which give out a
+species of bitumen resembling pitch or tar, and which is applied to the
+same purposes. The Indians of that country pretend that in ancient times
+it was inhabited by giants, who were four times the height of ordinary
+men[16]. The Spaniards saw two representations of these giants at _Puerto
+viejo_, one of a man and the other of a woman, and the inhabitants related
+a traditionary tale of the descent of a young man from heaven, whose
+countenance and body shone like the sun, who fought against the giants and
+destroyed them with flames of fire. In the year 1543, Captain Juan de
+Holmos, lieutenant-governor of Puerto viejo, caused a certain valley to be
+carefully examined, in which these giants were were said to have been
+destroyed, and in which ribs and other bones of prodigious size were dug
+up, which fully confirmed the traditions of the Indians[17]. The natives
+of this country have no knowledge whatever of writing, nor had they even
+any use of that method of painting employed by the Mexicans for preserving
+the memory of ancient events, which were handed down from father to son
+merely by traditionary stories. In some places indeed they used an
+extraordinary means for preserving the remembrance of important events, by
+certain cords or strings of cotton called _Quippos_, on which they
+represented _numbers_ by knots of different kinds, and at regulated
+intervals, from _units_ up to _dozens_, and so forth; the cords being of
+the same colours with those things which they were intended to represent.
+In every province, there are persons who are entrusted with the care of
+these _quippos_, who are named _Quippo camayos_, who register public
+matters by means of these coloured strings and knots artificially disposed;
+and it is wonderful with what readiness these men understand and explain
+to others events that have happened several ages ago. There are public
+buildings throughout the country which are used as magazines of these
+quippos.
+
+To the south of the equator, and near the coast, is the island of Puna[18],
+about twelve leagues in circumference, containing abundance of game, and
+having great quantities of fish on its shores. It has plenty of fresh
+water, and was formerly very populous, its inhabitants being almost
+continually engaged in war, especially with the people of Tumbez, which is
+twelve leagues distant to the south. These people wore shirts, above which
+they had a kind of woollen garments. They went to sea in a peculiar kind
+of flats or rafts, made of long planks of a light wood fixed to two other
+cross planks below them to hold them together. The upper planks are always
+an uneven number, usually five, but sometimes seven or nine; that in the
+middle, on which the conductor of the float sits and rows, being longer
+than the others, which are shorter and shorter toward the sides, and they
+are covered by a species of awning to keep those who sit upon them from
+the weather. Some of these floats are large enough to carry fifty men and
+three horses, and are navigated both by oars and sails, in the use of
+which the Indians are very expert. Sometimes, when the Spaniards have
+trusted themselves on these floats, the Indian rowers have contrived to
+loosen the planks, leaving the christians to perish, and saving themselves
+by swimming. The Indians of that island were armed with bows and slings,
+and with maces and axes of silver and copper. They had likewise spears or
+lances, having heads made of gold very much alloyed; and both men and
+women wore rings and other ornaments of gold, and their most ordinary
+utensils were made of gold and silver. The lord of this island was much
+feared and respected by his subjects, and so extremely jealous of his
+women, that those who had the care of them were not only eunuchs, but had
+their noses cut off. In a small island near Puna, there was found in a
+house the representation of a garden, having the figures of various trees
+and plants artificially made of gold and silver.
+
+Opposite to the island of Puna on the main land, there dwelt a nation or
+tribe which had given so much offence to the king of Peru, that they were
+obliged as a punishment to extirpate all their upper teeth; in consequence
+of which, even now, the people of that district have no teeth in their
+upper jaws. From Tumbez for five hundred leagues to the south along the
+coast of the south sea, and for ten leagues in breadth, more or less
+according to the distance between the sea and the mountains, it never
+rains or thunders. But on the mountains which bound that maritime plain,
+there are both rain and thunder, and the climate has the vicissitudes of
+summer and winter nearly as in Spain. While it is winter in the mountain,
+it is summer all along the coast; and on the contrary, during the summer
+on the mountain the coast has what may be termed winter. The length of
+Peru, from the city of _St Juan de Parto_ to the province of Chili lately
+discovered, is above 1800[19] leagues of Castille. Along the whole of that
+length, a vast chain of exceedingly high and desert mountains extends from
+north to south, in some places fifteen or twenty leagues distant from the
+sea, and less in others. The whole country is thus divided into two
+portions, all the space between the mountains and the sea being
+denominated _the plain_, and all beyond is called the mountain.
+
+The whole plain of Peru is sandy and extremely arid, as it never has any
+rain, and there are no springs or wells, nor any rivulets, except in four
+or five places near the sea, where the water is brackish. The only water
+used by the inhabitants is from torrents which come down from the mountain,
+and which are there formed by rain and the melting of snow, as there are
+even very few springs in the mountainous part of the country. In some
+places, these torrents or mountain-streams are twelve fifteen or twenty
+leagues distance from each other, but generally only seven or eight
+leagues; and travellers for the most part are under the necessity of
+regulating their days journies by these streams or rivers, that they may
+have water for themselves and cattle. Along these rivers, for the breadth
+of a league, more or less according to the nature of the soil, there are
+some groves and fruit-trees, and maize fields cultivated by the Indians,
+to which wheat has been added since the establishment of the Spaniards.
+For the purpose of irrigating or watering these cultivated fields, small
+canals are dug from the rivers, to conduct the water wherever it is
+necessary and where that can be done; and in the construction of these the
+natives are exceedingly ingenious and careful, having often to draw these
+canals seven or eight leagues by various circuits to avoid intermediate
+hollows, although perhaps the whole breadth of the vale may not exceed
+half a league. In all these smaller vales along the streams and torrents,
+from the mountain to the sea, the country is exceedingly fertile and
+agreeable. Several of these torrents are so large and deep, such as those
+of Santa, Baranca, and others, that without the assistance of the Indians,
+who break and diminish for a short time the force of the current, by means
+of piles and branches forming a temporary wear or dike, the Spaniards
+would be unable to pass. In these hazardous passages, it was necessary to
+get over with all possible expedition, to avoid the violence of the stream,
+which often rolled down very large stones. Travellers in the plain of Peru,
+when going north or south, almost always keep within sight of the sea,
+where the torrents are less violent, owing to the greater flatness of the
+plain as it recedes from the mountain. Yet in winter the passage of these
+torrents is extremely dangerous, as they cannot be then forded, and must
+be crossed in barks or floats like those formerly mentioned, or on a kind
+of rafts made of gourds inclosed in a net, on which the passenger reclines,
+while one Indian swims before pulling the raft after him with a rope, and
+another Indian swims behind and pushes the raft before him.
+
+On the borders of these rivers there are various kinds of fruit-trees,
+cotton-trees, willows, and many kinds of canes, reeds, and sedges. The
+watered land is extremely fertile, and is kept under continual cultivation;
+wheat and maize being sown and reaped all the year through. The Indians in
+the plain seldom have any houses, or at best a kind of rude huts or cabins
+made of branches of trees, often dwelling under the shade of trees,
+without any habitation whatever. The women are habited in long dresses of
+cotton which descend to their feet; while the men wear breeches and vests
+which come down to their knees, and have a kind of cloak or mantle thrown
+over their shoulders. They are all dressed in a similar manner, having no
+distinctions except in their head-dresses, according to rank or the
+different districts of the country; some wearing a tuft of wool, others a
+single cord, and others several cords of different colours. All the
+Indians of the plain are distributed into three orders; the first named
+_Yungas_, the second _Tallanes_, and the third _Mochicas_. Every province
+has its own peculiar language or dialect, different from all the rest. But
+all the caciques or principal people and nobles of the country, besides
+the language peculiar to their respective countries or districts, were
+obliged to understand and speak the language of Cuzco. One of the Peruvian
+kings, named Huana Capac, the father of Atahualpa or Atabalipa, was much
+displeased that the caciques and principal people of his empire should be
+under the necessity of employing interpreters when they had occasion to
+speak to him; and gave orders that all the caciques and their relatives
+should send their children to reside at court, to be instructed in the
+language of Cuzco which was spoken by the Incas. This was the ostensible
+reason of the measure; but in reality he wished to have these children in
+his power, to serve as hostages for the loyalty of their parents. By this
+means, all the nobles of the land came to understand the peculiar language
+of Cuzco which was spoken at court; just as in Flanders all the nobles and
+persons of any rank speak French. Owing to this circumstance, as the
+Spaniards have learnt the language of the Incas, or of Cuzco, they are
+able to converse with all the principal natives of Peru, both those of the
+mountain and of the plain.
+
+It may appear difficult to some of my readers to comprehend why no rain
+should fall in the plain of Peru, considering that the country is bounded
+along the whole of one side by the sea, where many vapours are constantly
+ascending, and on the other side by a vast range of mountain which is
+always enveloped in rain or snow. Those who have carefully considered this
+singular phenomenon, allege that it is occasioned by the continual
+prevalence of a strong south-west wind all along the coast and over the
+whole plain of Peru, which carries off all the vapours which rise from the
+sea and the land, without allowing them to rise sufficiently high in the
+air to gather and fall down again in rain. From the tops of the high
+mountains, these vapours are often seen far beneath on the plain in thick
+clouds, while all is quite clear and serene on the mountain. By the
+perpetual blowing of the same wind, the waters of the South-sea have a
+constant current along the coast to the northward. Others allege a
+different reason for this current; saying, that the water of the
+South-sea having only a narrow outlet at the straits of Magellan, which
+are only two leagues broad, and being there opposed by the Atlantic Ocean,
+they are forced to return to the northward along the coast of Chili and
+Peru. This constant wind and current render the navigation exceedingly
+difficult, from Panama to Peru for the greater part of the year; so that
+vessels are obliged always to tack to windward against wind and current.
+
+The whole coast of Peru abounds in fish of various kinds, among which are
+great quantities of sea-calves or seals, of several species. Beyond the
+river of Tumbez there are no caymans or alligators, which is supposed to
+be owing to the too great coolness of the sea and rivers, as these animals
+delight in heat; but it is more probable that their absence from the
+rivers of Peru is occasioned by their great rapidity, as they usually
+frequent rivers that are very still. In the whole extent of the plain
+there are only five cities inhabited by the Christians[20]. The first of
+these, Puerto Viejo, about one degree south of the line, has very few
+inhabitants, as it stands in a poor and unwholesome country, in which the
+principal production of value is a few emeralds. Fifty leagues to the
+southward, and about fifteen leagues from the coast, is the city of San
+Miguel, named _Piuru_ by the Indians, in a pleasant and fruitful country,
+but which has no mines of gold or silver. Most people who have occasion to
+go there are liable to be afflicted with diseases of the eyes. Sixty
+leagues farther along the coast, is the city of Truxillo, two leagues from
+the sea, in the valley of Chimo, having a dangerous harbour of difficult
+approach. This city stands on the banks of a river in a fine plain, which
+is fertile in wheat and maize, and breeds great abundance of cattle,
+having plenty of excellent water. Truxillo is very regularly built, and is
+inhabited by about three hundred Spanish families. About eighty leagues
+from Truxillo to the south, and in the valley of _Rimac_, stands the city
+of _Los Reys_, or Lima, because it was founded at Epiphany, vulgarly
+called the day of the kings. This city is about two leagues from the
+harbour of _Callao_, an excellent and secure harbour, and is situated on a
+large river in a fine plain, abounding in grain, and in all kinds of fruit
+and cattle. All the streets are perfectly straight, and all of them lead
+towards the country, which may be seen from all parts of the city. This is
+a most agreeable residence, as the air is always temperate, being never
+either too hot or too cold at any season of the year. During the four
+months which constitute the summer in Spain, the air here is somewhat
+cooler than for the rest of the year; and every day from sun-rise to noon
+there falls a light dew, somewhat like the mists at Valladolid in Old
+Spain. Far from being injurious to health, this slight moisture is
+reckoned an infallible cure for headaches. This part of the country
+produces the same kinds of fruit as are found in Spain, particularly
+oranges, citrons, and lemons of all kinds, both sweet and sour, with figs
+and pomegranates. It might assuredly have produced grapes in great
+abundance, if the discords which have prevailed in this country had
+allowed the colonists to plant and cultivate the vine; as it already has
+several thriving vine plants which have grown from the pips of dried
+raisins. The neighbouring country produces all kinds of pot herbs and
+garden vegetables usually cultivated in Spain, in great perfection and
+abundance. Indeed every thing conspires to assist cultivation at this
+place, as every plantation has a canal from the river sufficiently large
+for a mill-stream; and on the main river, the Spaniards have several
+corn-mills. This city is universally reckoned the most salubrious and most
+agreeable residence in all Peru; and its harbour is so convenient for
+trade, that people come here from all parts of Peru to provide themselves
+with necessaries of all kinds, bringing with them the gold and silver
+which is so abundantly procured from the mines of the other provinces. For
+these reasons, and because it is nearly central to Peru, it has been
+chosen by his majesty for the residence of the royal court of audience, to
+which the inhabitants of all Peru have to carry their law-suits, by which
+means it is to be presumed that this place will in time become more
+considerable and very populous. Lima at present, 1550, contains five
+hundred houses; yet is larger than any city in Spain of fifteen hundred
+houses, as the square in the centre of the town is very large, and all the
+streets very wide, and because each house has a plot of eighty feet in
+front by twice that in depth. The houses likewise are all of one storey,
+as the country has no wood fit for joists or flooring-deals, every kind
+which it produces becoming worm-eaten in three years. The houses, however,
+are large and magnificent, and have many chambers and very convenient
+apartments. The walls are built on both sides of brick, leaving a hollow
+between of five feet, which is filled up with hard-rammed earth; in which
+manner the apartments are carried up to a convenient height, and the
+windows towards the street are raised considerably above the ground. The
+stairs leading up are towards the interior court, and in the open air,
+leading to galleries or corridors, which serve as passages to the several
+apartments. The roofs are formed of some rough timbers, not even hewn
+square, which are covered underneath by coloured matts like those of
+Almeria, or painted canvas, serving as ceilings, to conceal these clumsy
+joists: and the whole is covered over by way of roofing with branches of
+trees with their leaves, which keep the rooms cool and effectually exclude
+the rays of the sun. In this climate there is no call for any defence from
+rain, which never falls in the plain of Peru.
+
+One hundred and thirty leagues still farther south, is the city of
+Villahermosa de Arequipa, containing about three hundred houses, in a very
+healthy situation, abounding in provisions. Though at twelve leagues
+distance from the sea, this place is very conveniently situated for trade,
+as vessels can easily import thither by the river Quilca all sorts of
+European commodities for the supply of the city of Cuzco and the province
+of Charcas, which are much frequented on account of the mines of Potosi
+and Porco; and from whence large quantities of silver are carried to
+Arequipa, to be transported by sea to Lima and Panama, which saves a vast
+expence and risk of land-carriage; now become more difficult since his
+majesty has forbidden those heavy burdens upon the Indians by which they
+were formerly oppressed. From this city we travel four hundred leagues by
+land along the coast of the South Sea to the province of Chili, which was
+discovered and in part colonized by the governor Pedro de Valdibia, or
+Baldivia. In the language of the Indians the word _Chili_ signifies cold;
+and it was so named by the Peruvians because of the terribly cold
+mountains which were necessary to be passed on the way thither from Peru,
+as will be particularly mentioned when we come to detail the perilous
+enterprize undertaken by Don Diego de Almagro when he marched to discover
+that distant country. Such is a rapid view of that portion of Peru which
+is called _the plain_; to which must be added that the sea along its
+entire coast is always smooth and tranquil, from which it has been called
+the _Pacific Ocean_, being never vexed with storms, or disturbed by high
+and low tides; so that vessels can everywhere ride in perfect security at
+single anchor.
+
+Those Indians who inhabit the mountainous regions of Peru are entirely
+different from the inhabitants of the plain, whom they vastly exceed in
+strength, courage, and mental abilities. They live in a much less savage
+manner, having houses covered with earth, and being clothed in shirts and
+mantles made from the wool of their sheep[21]; but their only head-dress
+consists in a species of bands or fillets. The women wear a species of
+vestments like shifts without sleeves, and gird their waists with several
+turns of a woollen girdle, which give them a neat and handsome shape;
+covering their shoulders with a mantle or plaid of woollen cloth like a
+large napkin, which they fix round the neck with a large skewer or pin of
+silver or gold called _topos_ in their language, with large broad heads,
+the edges of which are sharpened so as to serve in some measure the
+purposes of a knife. These women give great assistance to their husbands
+in all the labours belonging to husbandry and household affairs, or rather
+these things fall entirely to their lot. Their complexions are much fairer,
+and their countenances, manners, and whole appearance, are greatly
+superior in all respects to the natives of the plain. Their countries
+likewise differ entirely; as instead of the sterile sands which are
+everywhere interspersed over the plain, the mountain is covered through
+its whole extent with verdure, and is everywhere furnished with rivulets
+and springs of fine water, which unite to form the torrents and rivers
+which descend so impetuously into the plain country. The fields are
+everywhere full of flowers and plants of infinite varieties, among which
+are many species like the plants which grow in Spain; such as cresses,
+lettuce, succory, sorrel, vervain, and others; and vast quantities of wild
+mulberries, and other fruit-bearing shrubs are found everywhere. There is
+one particular plant with yellow flowers, having leaves like those of
+celery, of most admirable virtues. If applied to the most putrid sore, it
+makes it quite clean and sweet in a short time; but if laid upon a sound
+place it soon eats to the very bone. There are many fruit-trees in this
+country of various kinds, carrying abundant crops of fruit as good as
+those of Spain without having the smallest care taken of them.
+
+There are great numbers of sheep in the mountainous region, part of which
+are domesticated by the Indians, but vast numbers of them are wild;
+likewise abundance of deer and roes, many foxes and other smaller animals.
+The natives often have public hunts of these animals, which they call
+_chaco_, in which they take great delight. Four or five thousand natives,
+more or less according to the population of the district, assemble
+together, and enclose two or three leagues of country by forming a circle,
+in which at first they are at considerable distances from each other, and
+by gradually contracting their circle, beating the bushes, and singing
+certain songs appropriated to the occasion, they drive all the animals of
+every kind before them to an appointed place in the centre. The whole
+company at length join in a small circle, holding each other by the hands,
+and hallooing loudly, by which the beasts are terrified from endeavouring
+to break through, and are easily taken in nets or even by the hand. Even
+partridges, hawks, and other birds, are often so astonished by the loud
+cries of the hunters as to fall down in the circle and allow themselves to
+be taken. In these mountains there are lions or _pumas_, black bears, wild
+cats of several kinds, and many species of apes and monkeys. The principal
+birds, both of the plain and the mountain, are eagles, pigeons,
+turtle-doves, plovers, quails, parroquets, falcons, owls, geese, white and
+grey herons, and other water fowl; nightingales and other birds of sweet
+song, many kinds of which have very beautiful plumage. There is one kind
+of bird very remarkable for its astonishing smallness, not being larger
+than a grasshopper or large beetle, which however has several very long
+feathers in its tail. Along the coast there is a species of very large
+vulture, the wings of which, when extended, measure fifteen or sixteen
+palms from tip to tip. These birds often make prey of large seals, which
+they attack when out of the water: On these occasions, some of the birds
+attack the animal behind; others tear out his eyes; and the rest of the
+flock tear him on all sides with their beaks, till at length they kill him,
+and tear him to pieces. Upon the coast of the South Sea there are great
+numbers of birds named _alcatraz_, somewhat like our ordinary poultry in
+shape, but so large that each individual may contain three pecks of grain
+in its crop. These birds feed mostly on fish which they catch in the sea,
+yet are fond of carrion, which they go in search of thirty or forty
+leagues inland. The flesh of these birds stinks most abominably, insomuch
+that some persons who have been driven to the necessity of eating it have
+died, as if poisoned.
+
+It has been already said, that rain, hail, and snow, fall on the
+mountainous region of Peru, where in many places it is intensely cold: But
+in many parts of that region there are deep valleys in which the air is so
+hot, that the inhabitants have to use various contrivances to defend
+themselves from the excessive heat. In these vallies there is an herb
+called _coca_, which is held in very high estimation by the natives: Its
+leaf resembles that of the _sumach_, and the Indians have learnt from
+experience that, by keeping a leaf of that plant in their mouth they can
+prevent themselves for a long time from feeling either hunger or thirst.
+In many parts of the mountain there is no wood, so that travellers in
+those parts are obliged to use a species of earth which is found there for
+the purpose of fuel, and which burns very much like turf or peats. In the
+mountains there are veins of earth of various colours, and mines both of
+gold and silver, in which the natives are exceedingly conversant, and are
+even able to melt and purify these metals with less labour and expence
+than the Christians. For this purpose they construct furnaces in the
+mountains, placing always the door of the furnace towards the south, as
+the wind blows always from that point. The ores are put into these
+furnaces alternately with dried sheeps dung, which serves as fuel, and by
+means of the wind the fire is raised to a sufficient power to melt and
+purify the metal. In melting the vast quantities of silver which has been
+dug from the mines of Potosi, the furnaces constructed with bellows were
+found quite inefficient, while these furnaces, named _guayras_ by the
+Indians, which signifies wind-furnaces, answered the purpose effectually.
+
+The soil is everywhere extremely fertile, and gives abundant returns of
+all the kinds of grain which are there sown; insomuch that from one bushel
+of seed for the most part at hundred bushels are reaped, sometimes an
+hundred and fifty, and even as high as two hundred. The natives employ no
+ploughs, but labour the earth with a kind of hoes; and set their seed into
+the ground in holes made with a dibble, or pointed stick, just as beans
+are sown in Spain. All kinds of pot and garden herbs grow so luxuriantly
+that radishes have been seen at Truxillo as thick as a mans body, yet
+neither hard nor stringy. Lettuces, cabbages, and all other vegetables
+grow with similar luxuriance: But the seeds of these must all be brought
+from Spain; as when raised in the country the produce is by no means so
+large and fine. The principal food of the Indians is maize, either roasted
+or boiled, which serves them for bread, and venison of various kinds,
+which they salt up for use. They likewise use dried fish, and several
+kinds of roots, one of which named _yuca_ resembles skirret; likewise
+lupines and many other leguminous vegetables. Instead of wine, they make a
+fermented liquor from maize, which they bury in the earth along with water
+in tubs or large jars, where it ferments. In this process, besides the
+maize in its natural state, a certain quantity of maize which has been
+steeped in a particular manner is used as a ferment; and there are men and
+women who are versant in the manner of steeping maize, and are hired for
+this purpose. When this kind of drink is made by means of stagnant water,
+it is reckoned stronger and better than when running water is used. In the
+West Indian islands this drink is called _chica_, but the Peruvian name is
+_azua_. It is either white or red, according to the kind of maize used for
+its preparation, and inebriates even more readily than Spanish wine; yet
+the Indians prefer the latter when it can be procured. They make another
+kind of liquor from the fruit of certain trees, which they call _molles_;
+but it is by no means so well liked as _azua_ from maize.
+
+The first city of the Christians in the mountain of Peru is _Quito_, which
+is about four degrees to the south of the equator[22]. This city is
+situated in an agreeable and fertile district; and particularly since 1544
+and 1545, when rich mines of gold were discovered in its neighbourhood, it
+has become populous, and continued to increase fast in the number of its
+inhabitants; till in the destructive civil wars its people were almost
+entirely cut off by Gonzalo Pizarro and his adherents, as they favoured
+the party of the viceroy Blasco Nugnez Vela, who made this place his
+ordinary residence. The Spaniards had no other establishment in the
+mountain till the discovery of the province of _Bracamoras_[23], by the
+captains, Juan Porcel and Vergara, who established some small colonies in
+these parts, on purpose to continue the discovery and conquest of the
+interior country; but these establishments have been since entirely ruined,
+as Gonzalo Pizarro recalled these two captains and their men to assist him
+in his war. This discovery was made under the orders of the licentiate
+Vaca de Castro, who was then governor of Peru. The Captain Porcel was sent
+by him from S. Miguel de Piura, and Vergara into the province of
+_Chachapoyas_ farther to the south; but they unexpectedly met each other
+in the course of their exploration of the country, and quarrelled about
+the boundaries of their discoveries, in consequence of which they were
+recalled by Vaco de Castro, and were at Lima at the commencement of the
+civil war in the service of the viceroy; and when he was made prisoner
+they entered into the party of Gonzalo Pizarro. The place which they
+discovered, called Bracamoras, is a hundred and sixty leagues from Quito
+by way of the mountain; and eighty leagues farther south they discovered a
+province named Chacaapoyas, where there is a small Christian town named
+_Levanto_[24]. This province abounds in provisions, and has mines of some
+value. Its situation is peculiarly strong against an enemy, as it is
+surrounded on all sides by a deep valley, in which runs a considerable
+river; so that by breaking down the bridges, it may be made very difficult
+of access. The Maestre de Campo Alfonzo de Alvarado, who held the command
+of this province, established a colony of Christians at this place.
+
+Sixty leagues farther to the south, in the district of _Guanuco_, Vaco de
+Castro established a colony which he ordered to be called _Leon_, as he
+came from the city of that name in Spain. The country of Guanuco is
+fertile and abounds in provisions; and valuable mines are believed to
+exist on that side which is occupied by a warlike and powerful inca in a
+province of the Andes, as shall be mentioned hereafter[25]. There is no
+other place in the mountains farther south which has been as yet settled
+by the Christians, till we come to the province of _Guamanga_, in which is
+a small town named San Juan de la Vittoria[26], which is sixty leagues
+from Leon. In San Juan there are very few Spaniards, but their number is
+expected to increase, if the neighbouring inca can be induced to submit to
+peace; as he at present occupies the best lands belonging to that city, in
+which there are many mines, and which produces the herb called _coca_ in
+great abundance, formerly mentioned as of great value. The town of
+Guamanga is about eighty leagues from the city of Cuzco; the road between
+being exceedingly difficult, as it goes over high and precipitous
+mountains, and through very dangerous passes.
+
+Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the kings of Peru resided in the city
+of Cuzco, whence they governed the whole of this great country of which I
+have endeavoured to give some account, and which will be more particularly
+treated of in the sequel of this history. This city served as the common
+centre for all the chiefs or caciques of this vast kingdom, to which they
+resorted from all quarters, to pay their tributes to the king, and to
+obtain justice in case of disputes among each other. At that time Cuzco
+was the only place in all Peru that had the least resemblance to a city.
+It had even a strong fortress, built of such enormous dressed stones, that
+it was very wonderful to conceive in what manner the Indians had been able
+to transport such vast masses of stone without the aid of any animals of
+draught. In fact some of these are so large that they would have required
+ten yokes of oxen to have dragged them along on a fit carriage. The houses
+which are now inhabited by the Spaniards are the same which were formerly
+occupied by the Indians; some of which houses have been merely repaired
+and others enlarged by their present possessors. This city was formerly
+divided into four quarters, corresponding to the four cardinal points; and
+by orders of the _Incas_, or sovereigns of Peru, all those natives who
+came to the capital were obliged to lodge in the particular quarter which
+was towards the direction of the province from whence they came, under
+severe penalties. The south quarter of the city was named _Colla-sugo_,
+from the province of _Collao_ which lay to the south. The northern quarter
+was named _Chinca-sugo_, from the large and renowned province of
+_Chinca_[27] in that direction. The eastern and western quarters were
+respectively named _Ande-sugo_ and _Conde-sugo_. The country about Cuzco
+is extremely fertile, and abounds in all kinds of provisions, and the
+climate is so healthy that the inhabitants are seldom if ever sick.
+Around the city there are many rich mines, whence all the gold which has
+been hitherto sent into Spain was procured. These indeed have been nearly
+abandoned since the discovery of the rich silver mines of Potosi; both
+because much greater profit may be made from these other mines of silver,
+and because the working of these are far less dangerous both to the
+Indians and Spaniards who are there employed.
+
+From the city of Cuzco to that of La Plata in the province of Charcas, the
+distance is more than a hundred and fifty leagues, between which two
+places there is a large flat province named _Collao_, above fifty leagues
+long; the principal part of which, named _Chiquito_, belongs to his
+majesty. Seeing so large an extent of country unoccupied by the Spaniards,
+the licentiate De la Gasca sent some people there in 1545 to commence an
+establishment. The city of La Plata is situated in the coldest part of all
+the mountainous region of Peru, and has very few inhabitants, but these
+are extremely rich, and spend the greatest part of the year in the mines
+of _Porco_, and in those of _Potosi_ since their discovery. Towards the
+left hand or the east from La Plata, a new province was explored by Diego
+de Rojas and Philip Gutierez, by the order of Vaca de Castro, which was
+named _Rojas_[28] from one of these captains. It is said to be fertile and
+abounding in provisions, but they have not found so much riches there as
+was expected. Captain Domingo de Ytala and his companions came by that way
+into Peru in 1549, having remounted the Rio Plata from the Atlantic Ocean.
+
+Such is the state and situation of all that has been hitherto discovered
+of this vast country of Peru, which is chiefly known along the coast of
+the South Sea, and has not been much explored in its inland parts, on
+account of the vast quantity of lofty and rude mountains, by which it is
+everywhere pervaded, and which are extremely difficult to pass; because of
+their height and precipitous nature, the excessive cold which prevails
+among them, and the scarcity of food. Yet the industry and courage of the
+Spaniards would have overcome all these obstacles, if there were any hope
+of finding a rich country beyond.
+
+As the Peruvians were ignorant of writing they knew nothing respecting the
+history of the creation and deluge or of their own origin. They had
+however some tradition among them, which had been altered from age to age
+according to the fancies of the reciters. They said that there came
+anciently from the north, a man who had no bones or joints, and who was
+able to shorten or lengthen the way before him as he thought fit, and to
+elevate or depress the mountains at his pleasure. By this man the ancient
+Indians were created; and as those of the plain had given him some cause
+of displeasure, he rendered their country sterile and sandy as it now is,
+and commanded that it should never rain in that district; yet sent them
+the rivers and torrents which run through it, that they might have
+wherewithal to quench their thirst. This person, named _Con_, who they
+allege was son of the sun and moon, they esteemed and adored as a god,
+pretending that he had given the herbs and wild fruits as food for the
+people whom he had created. After him came another man from the south,
+named _Pachacamac_, or the creator, who was likewise the son of the sun
+and moon, but more powerful than _Con_, who disappeared on his arrival,
+leaving the men whom he had created without chiefs or laws, and Pachacamac
+transformed them all into various animals, as birds, cats, bears, lions,
+and the like, giving origin in this manner to all the beasts and birds
+which are now found in the country. After this Pachacamac created the
+present race of Indians, teaching them the art of labouring the ground for
+the cultivation of plants of various kinds for food. Pachacamac is
+considered as a god, and all the principal persons among the Peruvians are
+desirous of being buried in the province named from him Pachacamac, as he
+resided there, which is about four leagues from the city of Lima[29].
+They pretended that their god Pachacamac continued several ages among them,
+even to the time of the arrival of the Spaniards, since when he has
+disappeared. Hence we may presume that he was some demon by whom they were
+miserably abused and misled, and who filled their minds with so many
+extravagant absurd fables.
+
+The Indians believe likewise, that even before Con and Pachacamac, there
+was a great deluge, during which mankind saved themselves in great caves
+in the high mountains, into which they carried a store of food, shutting
+up the entries, and carefully filling up all the crevices, to keep out the
+water. After a long while, they sent out some dogs, who returned to them
+all wet but not dirtied with mud, from which circumstance they concluded
+that the waters still remained very high, and they did not venture to
+leave their caverns till the dogs came back a second time all covered with
+mud. They allege that great numbers of serpents were engendered by the
+moisture left in the earth by this deluge, by which their ancestors were
+much distressed for a long time, till they at length succeeded to
+extirpate them. From this tradition they appear to have retained some
+confused notion of the deluge, although they were ignorant of the way in
+which Noah and seven other persons were saved in the ark to repeople the
+whole earth. Perhaps their tradition may refer to some partial deluge,
+like that of Deucalion.
+
+The have a notion that the world is to come to an end; before which there
+is to be a great drought, when no rain is to fall for several years. On
+this account, in former times, the caciques used to lay up large magazines
+of maize to serve them during the long drought. Even yet, the more timid
+among the Peruvians make a great lamentation when the sun or moon are
+eclipsed, believing the end of the world to be at hand; as they allege
+that these luminaries are to be extinguished at the destruction of the
+world.
+
+The Peruvians worship the Sun and Moon as deities, and swear by these
+luminaries and by the earth, which they consider as their mother. In their
+temples they adore certain stones, as representatives of the sun, which
+they name _guacas_, a word signifying to weep, which they do on entering
+into their temples. No person is permitted to approach these guacas except
+the priests who sacrifice to these idols, who are all clothed in white.
+When they go up to their idols, they carry certain white cloths in their
+hands, prostrating themselves and crawling on the earth, and addressing
+their idols in a language which is not understood by any of the natives.
+By these priests all the offerings for the idols are received and buried
+in the temples, as the Indian votaries make gifts of figures in gold or
+silver of those things for which they address their prayers to the guaca.
+These priests likewise offer sacrifices of animals and even of men to
+their gods, searching the hearts and intrails of the victims for certain
+signs which they wish to find, and repeating their abominable sacrifices
+until they meet with those signs which they desire; pretending that the
+idols are not satisfied by the sacrifices till these appear. During all
+the time that the priests are engaged in sacrificing, they never appear in
+public, neither have they any intercourse with women, and employ
+themselves all night in loud cries, invoking the demons near to the places
+in which the guacas are kept, which are extremely numerous, as most houses
+have each their own guaca. The priests prepare themselves for having
+intercourse with the demons by long fasts, after which they tie up their
+eyes and some even carry their superstition to such excess as to put out
+their own eyes. The caciques and other great men among the Peruvians never
+undertake any affair of importance without having first consulted the
+idols, or demons rather, by means of the priests.
+
+In the temples of the sun the Spaniards found several large earthen jars
+containing the dried bodies of children which had been sacrificed. Among
+the figures of gold and silver which were used as ornaments to the guacas,
+there were several which had a strong resemblance to the mitres and
+crosiers of our bishops, and some of these idols were found having mitres
+on their heads. When Thomas de Verlanga, bishop of Tierra Firma travelled
+through Peru, with his mitre, in which he was seen by the Indians
+celebrating the mass, they asked if he was the guaca of the Christians.
+When asked the reason of these mitres, they could only say that they had
+been handed down from their ancestors. In every part of Peru there were
+certain houses or monasteries, which were inhabited by women who were
+consecrated to the sun. These women never went out, but were perpetually
+employed in spinning cotton and wool, which they wove into cloth, and then
+burned along with the bones of white sheep, throwing the ashes into the
+air in honour of the sun. These women were consecrated to perpetual
+celibacy, and were put to death if found to be with child, unless they
+could swear that their child was begotten by the sun.
+
+Every year, at the season of the maize harvest, the mountaineer Peruvians
+had a solemn festival; on which occasion they set up two tall straight
+trees like masts, on the top of which was placed the figure of a man
+surrounded by other figures and adorned with flowers. The inhabitants went
+in procession armed with bows and arrows and regularly marshalled into
+companies, beating their drums and with great outcries and rejoicings,
+each company in succession discharging their arrows at the dressed up
+figure. After which the priests set up an idol at the bottom of the masts,
+before which they sacrificed a man or a sheep, sprinkling the idol with
+the blood of the victim; and having inspected the heart and entrails of
+the sacrifice, they reported the signs they had discovered to the people,
+who were sad or rejoiced according as these were good or bad. The whole of
+this festival was usually spent in dancing and drinking, and in various
+games and sports, some of which were warlike exercises, with maces, clubs,
+axes and other arms.
+
+All the caciques and other principal inhabitants of Peru are reposited
+after their death in a kind of vaults, clothed in all their richest
+dresses, and seated in a kind of chairs which they name _duos_. It was
+customary also to bury along with them one or two of their best beloved
+wives, and on this occasion the honour was frequently contested among the
+wives of the deceased, unless when the husband had previously settled who
+were to be chosen to accompany him in the tomb. Two or three youths of
+their train, and all their gold and silver-plate used also to be buried
+along with them; all of which was done in the hope of one day rising again
+from the dead, and that they might then appear in proper style,
+accompanied by their wives and servants. When the Spaniards broke up these
+sepulchres on purpose to take possession of their buried treasures, the
+Peruvians requested of them not to disturb the bones of the dead, that
+they might not be hindered in their resurrection. In the burial ceremony,
+the relations of the deceased used to pour some of the liquor formerly
+mentioned, named _Chica_, into the grave, of which a portion was conveyed
+by some hollow canes into the mouth of the dead person. On the top of the
+tomb or sepulchre, wooden images were placed, representing the appearance
+of the deceased; but on the graves of the lower orders, they satisfied
+themselves by some painted emblems of their profession or employment, more
+especially if they happened to be warriors.
+
+In all the provinces of Peru there were certain nobles or principal
+persons, of whom the chiefs or rulers were named _curacas_, similar in
+every respect to the caciques of the islands. As the Spaniards who
+conquered Peru had been accustomed to name many things according to the
+language of Hispaniola and Cuba, and were at first ignorant of the
+Peruvian language, they continued to employ the terms to which they had
+been accustomed; and the Peruvians have so far accommodated themselves to
+this language, especially in speaking to the Spaniards, that they mostly
+use these terms. Thus they call those chiefs _caciques_, who in their own
+language are named _curacas_, their bread corn and drink, which in the
+Peruvian are _zara_ and _azua_, they denominate _maize_ and _chica_, which
+names were brought from the islands by the Spaniards. These curacas or
+caciques were the judges and protectors of their subjects in peace, and
+their leaders in war against the neighbouring tribes. The whole people of
+Peru lived in that manner for many years under a multiplicity of
+independent chiefs, having no king or supreme chief; until at length a
+warlike nation came from the environs of the great lake Titicaca named the
+Incas in the language of Peru. These men had their heads close shaven, and
+their ears pierced, in which they wore large round pendents of gold, by
+which their ears were dragged down upon their shoulders, in consequence of
+which they were called _ringrim_, or the large ears. Their chief was
+called _Zapalla Inca_[30], or the only king; though others say that he was
+named _Inca Vira cocha_, or the king from the scum of the lake, because
+the astonished natives, not knowing the origin of their invaders, believed
+that they had started into existence from the scum or mud of the great
+lake. This great lake of Titicaca is about eighty leagues in circumference,
+from which a large river runs to the southwards, which in some places is
+half a league in breadth, and which discharges its waters into a small
+lake about forty leagues from the great lake, which has no outlet. This
+circumstance gives great astonishment to many, who are unable to
+comprehend how so vast a body of water should disappear in so small a
+reservoir. As this smaller lake appears to have no bottom, some conceive
+that it discharges itself into the sea by some subterranean communication,
+like the river Alphaeus in Greece.
+
+These Incas established themselves in the first place at Cuzco, from
+whence they gradually extended their sway over the whole of Peru, which
+became tributary to them. The empire of the Incas descended in successive
+order, but not by immediate hereditary rules. On the death of a king, he
+was succeeded by his immediately younger brother; and on his demise the
+eldest son of the preceding king was called to the throne; so as always to
+have on the throne a prince of full age. The royal ornament worn by the
+supreme Inca in place of a crown or diadem, consisted in a fringe of
+coloured worsted from one temple to the other, reaching almost to the eyes.
+He governed their extensive empire with much grandeur and absolute power;
+and perhaps there never was a country in the world where the subjects were
+so submissive and obedient. They had only to place a single thread drawn
+from their diadem in the hands of one of the _ringrim_ or great ears, by
+which he communicated to this deputy the most absolute delegation of power,
+which was respected and obeyed over the whole empire. Alone, and without
+troops or attendants, the message or order which he carried was instantly
+obeyed, were it even to lay waste a whole province, and to exterminate
+every one of its inhabitants; as on the sight of this thread from the
+royal fillet, every one offered themselves voluntarily to death, without a
+single murmur or the slightest resistance.
+
+In the before mentioned order of succession, the empire of the Incas fell
+in process of time to a sovereign named _Huana Capac_[31], which signifies
+the young rich man. This prince made great conquests, and augmented the
+empire more considerably than had been done by any one of his predecessors,
+and ruled over the whole more reasonably and with greater justice and
+equity than had ever been done by the former sovereigns. He established
+everywhere the most perfect police, and exact rules for cultivating the
+earth; ruling and governing among a barbarous and ignorant nation with the
+most surprising order and justice; and the love and obedience of his
+subjects was equally wonderful and perfect. They gave him a signal proof
+of this, worthy of being mentioned, in the construction of two roads
+through the whole extent of Peru for his more convenient travelling; of
+which the difficulty labour and expence equal or even surpass all that the
+ancients have written of the seven wonders of the world. Huana Capac, in
+marching from Cuzco to conquer the kingdom of Quito, had to march five
+hundred leagues by the mountains, where he had everywhere to encounter
+excessive difficulties, from bad roads, rocks, precipices and ravines,
+almost impracticable in many places. After he had successfully executed
+this great enterprize, by the conquest and submission of Quito and its
+dependencies, his subjects conceived that it was incumbent on them to do
+honour to his victorious career, by preparing a commodious road for his
+triumphant return to Cuzco. They accordingly undertook, and executed by
+prodigious labour, a broad and easy road through the mountains of five
+hundred leagues in length, in the course of which they had often to dig
+away vast rocks, and to fill up valleys and precipices of thirty to forty
+yards in depth. It is said that this road, when first made, was so smooth
+and level that it would have admitted a coach with the utmost ease through
+its whole length; but since that time it has suffered great injuries,
+especially during the wars between the Spaniards and the Peruvians, having
+been broken up in many places, on purpose to obstruct the invasion of the
+enemy. The grandeur and difficulty of this vast undertaking may be readily
+conceived, by considering the labour and cost which has been expended in
+Spain to level only two leagues of a mountain road between Segovia and
+Guadarrama, and which after all has never been brought to any degree of
+perfection, although the usual passage of the king and court on travelling
+to or from Andalusia or the kingdom of Toledo. Not satisfied with this
+first astonishing labour, the Peruvians soon afterwards undertook another
+of a similar and no less grand and difficult kind. Huana Capac was fond of
+visiting the kingdom of Quito which he had conquered, and proposed to
+travel thither from Cuzco by way of the plain, so as to visit the whole
+of his extensive dominions. For his accommodation likewise, his subjects
+undertook to make a road also in the plain; and for this purpose they
+constructed high mounds of earth across all the small vallies formed by
+the various rivers and torrents which descend from the mountain, that the
+road might be everywhere smooth and level This road was near forty feet
+wide, and where it crossed the sandy heights which intervene betwixt the
+verdant vallies of the torrents, it was marked on each side by stakes,
+forming palings in straight lines to prevent any one losing the way. This
+road was five hundred leagues in length like that of the mountain; but the
+palings are now wanting in many places, the wood of which they were
+constructed having been used by the Spaniards for fuel during the war; but
+the mounds still exist across the vallies, and most of them are yet
+tolerably entire, by which the grandeur of the entire work may be judged
+of. In his journeys to and from Quito, Huana Capac used to go by one of
+these roads and return by the other; and during his whole journey his
+subjects used to strew the way with branches and flowers of the richest
+perfume.
+
+Besides the two great roads already mentioned, Huana Capac ordered to be
+built on the mountain road a number of large palaces, at the distance of a
+days journey from each other, having a prodigious number of apartments,
+sufficient to lodge his own personal suite and all his army. Such were
+likewise built along the road in the plain, but not so numerous or so near
+each other as on the mountain road, as these palaces of the plain had all
+to be placed on the sides of the rivers for convenience and the
+procurement of provisions and other necessaries; so that they were in some
+places eight or ten leagues distant from each other, and in other places
+fifteen or twenty leagues. These buildings were named _tambos_, and the
+neighbouring Indians were bound to furnish each of these with provisions
+and every thing else that might be wanted for the royal armies; insomuch
+that in each of these _tambos_, in case of necessity, clothing and arms
+could be had for twenty or thirty thousand men. Huana Capac was always
+escorted by a considerable body of soldiers, armed with lances, halberts,
+maces, and battle axes, made of silver or copper, and some of them even of
+gold.
+
+In their armies, besides these arms, the Peruvians used slings, and
+javelins having their points hardened in the fire. On such parts of their
+rivers as furnished materials for the purpose, they built wooden bridges;
+and where timber could not be had, they stretched across the stream two
+large cables made of a plant named _maguey_, forming a kind of net work
+between these of smaller ropes and masts, strong enough to answer the
+purpose of a bridge. In this manner they constructed bridges of a
+surprizing magnitude; some of them being thirty yards broad and four
+hundred yards long[32]. In such places as did not admit of the
+construction of bridges, they passed over rivers by means of a cable or
+thick rope extended from side to side, on which they hung a large basket,
+which was drawn over by means of a smaller rope. All these bridges were
+kept in repair by the inhabitants of the districts in which they stood.
+
+The king of Peru was always carried in a species of litter covered over
+with plates of gold, and was attended by more than a thousand of the
+principal native nobles, who relieved each other in carrying the royal
+litter on their shoulders. All these men were counsellors, principal
+officers of the household, or favourites of the prince. The caciques or
+curacas of the different provinces were likewise carried in litters on the
+shoulders of their vassals. The Peruvians were exceedingly submissive to
+their sovereigns, insomuch that even the most powerful lord always entered
+the presence barefooted, and carrying some present wrapped up in a cloth,
+as a mark of homage; and even if one person had occasion to go an hundred
+times in one day to speak to the king, the present had to be repeated
+every time he went. To look the king in the face was considered as a
+criminal disrespect; and if any one should happen to stumble while
+carrying the royal litter, so as to make it fall, his head was immediately
+cut off. At every half league on the public roads throughout the whole
+empire, there were Indians in constant attendance to relieve each other in
+carrying dispatches, which they did swifter than our post horses. When any
+province or district was subdued, the natives of the place, or at least
+all their chiefs and principal people, were immediately removed to other
+parts of the empire, and natives from other places which had been long
+subjected were sent to occupy the new conquest, by which means the
+fidelity and submission of the whole were secured. From every province of
+the empire, yearly tributes of the several productions of their respective
+countries were sent to the king; and even some sterile districts above
+three hundred leagues distant from Cuzco, had to send yearly a number of
+lizards as a mark of their submission, having nothing of any value to send.
+Huana Capac rebuilt the temple of the sun at Cuzco, and covered over all
+the walls and the roof of that structure with plates of gold and silver.
+During his reign, one Chimocappa, who was curaca or prince of a large
+district in the plain, above a hundred leagues in length, chose to erect
+the standard of rebellion; but Huana Capac marched against him in person,
+defeated him in battle, and put him to death; after which he commanded
+that the Indians of the plain should not be permitted to carry arms. Yet
+he allowed the son and successor of Chimocappa to remain in the province
+of _Chimo_, in which the city of Truzillo has been since built.
+
+Peru was astonishingly full of those animals called sheep; as Huana Capac
+and his predecessors had established laws for their multiplication and
+preservation. Every year a certain proportion of these animals belonging
+to individuals were set apart as a kind of tythe or offering to the sun,
+and these consecrated animals multiplied greatly, no person being allowed
+to injure them under pain of sacrilege, except the prince only for his own
+use or that of his army. On such occasions, he gave orders for one of
+these hunts called _chacos_, formerly mentioned, at some of which twenty
+or thirty thousand sheep have been taken at one time. Gold was in great
+request among the Peruvians, as the king and all the principal persons of
+the empire used it for the construction of vessels for all uses, as
+ornaments for their persons, and as offerings to their gods. The king had
+everywhere carried along with him a kind of couch or table of gold, of
+sixteen carats fine, on which he used to sit, and which was worth 25,000
+ducats of standard gold. This was chosen by Don Francisco Pizarro, at the
+time of the conquest, in consequence of an agreement, by which he was
+authorized to appropriate some single jewel or valuable article to his own
+use, besides his regular share of the plunder. When the eldest son of
+Huana Capac was born, he ordered a prodigious chain or cable of gold to be
+made, so large and heavy that two hundred men were hardly able to lift it.
+In remembrance of this circumstance, the infant was named _Huascar_, which
+signifies a cable or large rope, as the Peruvians have no word in their
+language signifying a chain. To this name of Huascar was added the surname
+Inca, belonging to all their kings, just as Augustus was given to all the
+Roman emperors. Huana Capac had several large magazines full of gold in
+various shapes, such as the figures of men and women, of sheep and animals
+of all kinds, and of all the kinds of plants which are found in the
+country, all accurately represented. He had also great quantities of
+vestments of various kinds, and many slings, in which the fabric was mixed
+with gold threads; and many bars of gold and silver made like billets of
+fire wood.
+
+Although the main object of this history is to relate the Spanish
+Discovery and Conquest of Peru, it seems proper to explain the
+circumstances under which they found the affairs of that empire at their
+arrival; by which we shall have occasion to admire the wisdom of
+Providence, in permitting that enterprize to take place at a time when
+that vast country was divided into two hostile parties, which greatly
+facilitated the conquest. After Huana Capac had reduced many provinces to
+submission, to the extent of five hundred leagues from Cuzco, he undertook
+in person to make the conquest of the kingdom of Quito, which bounded with
+his empire in the north-west. Having successfully accomplished that great
+enterprise, finding the country exceedingly pleasant, he continued to
+reside there for a long while, leaving at Cuzco several of his children,
+both sons and daughters, among whom were his eldest son Huascar Inca,
+Manco Inca, Paul Inca, and several others. While at Quito, he took to wife
+the daughter of the former lord of that country, by whom he had a son
+named Atahualpa or Atabalipa, of whom he was very fond, and whom he left
+to be educated in Quito when he returned to Cuzco. After residing for some
+years in Cuzco, he made a journey back to Quito, partly because he
+delighted in that country which he had subdued, and partly from affection
+for his son Atahualpa, whom he loved more than all the rest of his
+children. He continued to reside in Quito all the rest of his life; and at
+his death, he bequeathed the kingdom of Quito to Atahualpa[33], which had
+belonged to his maternal ancestors. On his death, Atahualpa secured the
+affection of the army, and got possession of all the treasure which his
+father had in Quito, but the far greater proportion of the treasure
+remained in Cuzco, as too heavy for transportation, and accordingly fell
+to Huascar, the eldest son.
+
+Atahualpa sent ambassadors to his eldest brother Huascar, informing him of
+the death of their father, and assuring him of his loyalty and obedience;
+yet requesting that he might be permitted to retain the command of the
+kingdom of Quito, the conquest of his father; which he alleged was beyond
+the limits of the Peruvian empire, and ought not therefore to follow the
+ordinary rules of primogeniture, more especially as Atahualpa was the
+legitimate heir of that country in right of his mother and grandfather.
+Huascar sent back for answer, that if Atahualpa would come to Cuzco and
+give up the army, he should receive lands and possessions sufficient to
+enable him to live according to his rank; but that he would on no account
+give up Quito, a frontier province of the empire, where of course he must
+keep up a body of troops for the defence of the whole. Huascar added, that
+if Atahualpa refused submission to these conditions, he would march in
+person against him as a declared enemy. On receiving this message,
+Atahualpa consulted two of his fathers principal officers, Quiz-quiz and
+Cilicuchima, brave and experienced warriors, who advised him not to wait
+the invasion of his brother, but to take the field without delay and march
+against him; as the army which was under his orders was sufficient to
+enable him to acquire the whole provinces of the empire, and would
+increase on the march by means of the provinces which intervened between
+Quito and Cusco. Atahualpa followed this advice and gradually made himself
+master of the country through which he marched. Huascar, on hearing of the
+hostile proceedings of his brother, sent some light-armed troops against
+him. The commander of these troops advanced to the province of Tumibamba
+about a hundred leagues from Quito; and learning that Atahualpa had taken
+the field, he sent a courier to Cuzco with notice of the state of the
+affairs, and to request that he might be furnished with two thousand
+officers of experience; by means of whom he could arm thirty thousand men
+of the warlike province called _Cagnares_ which remained in allegiance to
+Huascar. These two thousand experienced warriors were immediately sent, by
+whose means, and with assistance of the curacas of Tumibamba, Chaparras,
+Paltas, and Cagnares[34], in that neighbourhood, Huascars general was
+enabled to collect a formidable army. Atahualpa marched against this army,
+with whom he fought a battle which lasted three days, in which he was at
+last defeated and made prisoner, in attempting to escape by the bridge of
+Tumibamba.
+
+While the army of Huascar was celebrating their victory with great feasts
+and rejoicings, Atahualpa contrived to escape from the _tambos_ or palace
+of Tumibamba in which he was confined, by digging through a very thick
+wall with a bar of copper, which he procured from a woman. He returned
+immediately to Quito, where he collected the remains of his defeated army,
+to whom he represented that his father had changed him into a serpent, by
+which means he had been enabled to escape from his prison through a small
+hole; and that his father had assured him of certain victory, if they
+would return along with him against the enemy. His troops were so much
+encouraged by this stratagem, that they followed him with great courage,
+believing themselves invincible under the protection of Huana Capac. He
+again attacked the army of Huascar, which in this second battle was
+entirely defeated. Such numbers were slain on both sides in these two
+battles, that even to this day large quantities of human bones remain in
+the places where they were fought. In pursuit of his victory, Atahualpa
+marched into the provinces which adhered to his brother, which he
+destroyed with fire and sword. He entirely destroyed the great city of
+Tumibamba, which stood on a plain watered by three great rivers. In his
+pursuing his conquests, he gave no quarter wherever he met with resistance
+but granted mercy and peace to all such districts as submitted quietly to
+his authority, obliging all the warriors to join his army, which by these
+means, increased continually as he advanced. On arriving at Tumbez he was
+desirous to take possession of the island of Puna, but as the _curaca_ of
+that island defended himself courageously, Atahualpa did not think it
+prudent to waste much time in the attempt, more especially as he had
+intelligence of the approach of Huascar with a numerous army; for which
+reason he continued his march towards Cuzco, and arrived at Caxamarca,
+where he established his head-quarters. From this place he detached two of
+his principal officers at the head of two or three thousand light armed
+troops, with orders to reconnoitre the army of the enemy, and to bring him
+word of their numbers and situation. When this party had arrived at no
+great distance from the camp of the enemy, they quitted the direct road
+and made a circuit among the woods and mountains, to prevent the enemy
+from discovering them. Procuring intelligence that Huascar had retired to
+a place at some distance from his camp, attended by seven hundred of his
+principal officers and nobles, on purpose to avoid the noise and confusion
+of his great army, they attacked his quarters by surprise, easily defeated
+his small escort, and made him prisoner. While endeavouring to make good
+their retreat to the camp of Atahualpa with their great prize, they were
+surrounded on every side by the vast army of the enemy, which could easily
+have exterminated them, being at least thirty to one. But the commanders
+of this fortunate detachment, immediately told Huascar that they would put
+him to death, if he did not instantly give orders to his army to retire:
+and at the same time assured him that his brother Atahualpa had no farther
+desire than to be permitted to enjoy the kingdom of Quito in peace, for
+which he would do homage to him as his king and lord. Huascar, terrified
+by the prospect of death, and believing their promise of restoration to
+liberty and dominion, issued peremptory orders to his army to desist from
+their intended attack and to return to Cuzco, which they did accordingly;
+and the Atahualpan officers carried Huascar a prisoner to Caxamarca, where
+they delivered him up to their master. Thus were the affairs of Peru
+situated when Don Francisco Pizarro arrived in that country with the
+Spaniards; which conjuncture was exceedingly favourable to his views of
+conquest, of which we shall give an account in the next section, as the
+great army of Huascar was entirely dispersed, and Atahualpa had dismissed
+a great proportion of his troops, after this fortunate event, which had
+placed his enemy in his hands.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Of the Peruvian History before the arrival of the Spaniards_[35].
+
+"Peru, like the rest of the New World, was originally possessed by small
+independent tribes, differing from each other in manners, and in their
+forms of rude policy. All, however, were so little civilized, that, if the
+traditions concerning their mode of life, preserved among their
+descendants, deserve credit, they must be classed among the most
+unimproved savages of America. Strangers to every species of cultivation
+or regular industry, without any fixed residence, and unacquainted with
+those sentiments and obligations which form the first bonds of social
+union, they are said to have roamed naked about the forests with which
+their country was then covered, more like wild beasts than like men. After
+they had struggled for ages with the hardships and calamities which are
+inevitable in such a state, and when no circumstance seemed to indicate
+the approach of any uncommon effort towards improvement, we are told that
+there appeared on the banks of the lake Titicaca, a man and woman of
+majestic form, and clothed in decent garments. They declared themselves to
+be children of the sun, sent by their beneficent parent, who beheld with
+pity the miseries of the human race, and who had commanded them to
+instruct and reclaim them. At their persuasion, enforced by reverence for
+the divinity in whose name they were supposed to speak, several of the
+dispersed savages united together, and receiving their commands as
+heavenly instructions, followed them to Cuzco where they settled, and
+where they begun to lay the foundations of a city, afterwards the capital
+of Peru."
+
+"Manco Capac and Mama Ocollo, for such were the names of these
+extraordinary personages, having thus collected some wandering tribes,
+formed that social union which, by multiplying the desires, and uniting
+the efforts of the human species, excites industry and leads to
+improvement. Manco Capac instructed the men in agriculture and other
+useful arts; Mama Ocollo taught the women to spin and weave. By the labour
+of the one sex subsistence became less precarious; by that of the other
+life was rendered more comfortable. After securing the object of first
+necessity in an infant state, by providing food, raiment, and habitations
+for the rude people of whom he took charge, Manco Capac turned his
+attention towards introducing such laws and policy as might perpetuate
+their happiness. By his institutions, the various relations in private
+life were established, and the duties resulting from them prescribed with
+such propriety, as gradually formed a barbarous people to decency of
+manners. In public administration, the functions of persons in authority
+were so precisely defined, and the subordination of those under
+jurisdiction maintained with such a steady hand, that the society in which
+he presided soon assumed the aspect of a regular and well-governed state."
+
+"Thus, according to the Indian traditions, was founded the empire of the
+_Incas_, or Lords of Peru. At first its extent was small; as the territory
+of Manco Capac did not reach above eight leagues from Cuzco: But within
+these narrow limits he exercised an uncontrolled authority. His successors,
+as their dominions extended, arrogated a similar jurisdiction over the new
+subjects which they acquired; the despotism of Asia was not more complete.
+The Incas were not only obeyed as monarchs, but revered as divinities.
+Their blood was held to be sacred, and by prohibiting intermarriages with
+the people, was never contaminated by mixing with that of any other race.
+The family thus separated from the rest of the nation, was distinguished
+by peculiarities in dress and ornaments, which it was unlawful for others
+to assume. The monarch himself appeared with ensigns of royalty reserved
+for him alone; and received from his subjects marks of obsequious homage
+and respect, which approached almost to adoration. But among the Peruvians,
+this unbounded power of their monarchs seems to have been uniformly
+accompanied with attention to the good of their subjects. It was not the
+rage of conquests, if we may believe the accounts of their countrymen,
+that prompted the Incas to extend their dominion, but the desire of
+diffusing the blessings of civilization, and the knowledge of the arts
+which they possessed, among the barbarous people whom they reduced.
+During a succession of twelve monarchs, it is said that not one deviated
+from this beneficent character."
+
+"When the Spaniards first visited the coast of Peru in 1526, Huana Capac,
+the twelfth monarch from the founder of the state, was seated on the
+throne. He is represented as a prince distinguished not only for the
+pacific virtues peculiar to the race, but eminent for his martial talents.
+By his victorious arms the kingdom of Quito was subjected, a conquest of
+such extent and importance as almost doubled the power of the Peruvian
+empire. He was fond of residing in the capital of that valuable province
+which he had added to his dominions; and notwithstanding the ancient and
+fundamental law of the monarchy against polluting the royal blood by any
+foreign alliance, he married the daughter of the vanquished monarch of
+Quito. She bore him a son named Atahualpa, whom, on his death at Quito,
+which seems to have happened about the year 1529, he appointed his
+successor in that kingdom, leaving the rest of his dominions to Huascar,
+his eldest son, by a mother of the royal race. Greatly as the Peruvians
+revered the memory of a monarch who had reigned with greater reputation
+and splendour than any of his predecessors, the destination of Huana Capac
+concerning the succession appeared so repugnant to a maxim coeval with the
+empire, and founded on authority deemed sacred, that it was no sooner
+known at Cuzco than it excited general disgust. Encouraged by those
+sentiments of his subjects, Huascar required his brother to renounce the
+government of Quito, and to acknowledge him as his lawful superior. But it
+had been the first care of Atahualpa to gain a large body of troops which
+had accompanied his father to Quito. These were the flower of the Peruvian
+warriors, to whose valour Huana Capac had been indebted for all his
+victories. Atahuaipa first eluded the demand of his brother, and then
+marched against him in hostile array."
+
+"Thus the ambition of two young princes, the title of the one founded on
+ancient usage, and of the other asserted by the veteran troops, involved
+Peru in civil war, a calamity to which it had been hitherto a stranger,
+under a succession of virtuous monarchs. In such a contest the issue was
+obvious. The force of arms triumphed over the authority of laws. Atahualpa
+remained victorious, and made a cruel use of his victory. Conscious of the
+defect in his own title to the throne, he attempted to exterminate the
+royal race, by putting to death all the children of the sun descended from
+Manco Capac, whom he could seize either by force or stratagem. From a
+political motive, the life of the unfortunate Huascar, who had been taken
+prisoner in a battle which decided the fate of the empire, was prolonged
+for some time; that, by issuing orders in his name, the usurper might more
+easily establish his own authority."
+
+"When Pizarro landed in the bay of St Matthew, in 1531, this civil war
+raged between the two brothers in its greatest fury; and though the two
+competitors received early accounts of the arrival of the Spaniards, they
+were so intent upon the operations of a war which they deemed more
+interesting, that they gave no attention to the motions of an enemy too
+inconsiderable in number to excite any great alarm, and to whom it would
+be easy, as they imagined, to give a check when more at leisure. By this
+fortunate coincidence of events, of which he could have no foresight, and
+of which he remained long ignorant from its defective mode of intercourse
+with the people of the country, Pizarro was permitted to advance
+unmolested into the centre of a great empire, before any effort of its
+power was exerted to stop his career. During their progress, the Spaniards
+acquired some imperfect knowledge of the struggle between the two
+contending factions; and the first complete information respecting it was
+received from messengers sent by Huascar to Pizarro, to solicit his aid
+against Atahualpa, whom he represented as a rebel and an usurper."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Manco Capac, the first Inca of the Peruvians, is said to have reigned
+about the middle of the twelfth century, as the traditionary accounts
+attribute a period of about 400 years between the commencement of his
+reign and the decease of Huana Capac in 1529, which would place the origin
+of the monarchy about the year 1129, allowing an average of 30 years to
+each of 13 successive reigns. The traditions of such ancient matters among
+an ignorant people are little to be depended on; and even admitting the
+series of kings to be right as to number, the ordinary average of _twenty_
+years to each of the _thirteen_ successive reigns would only give 260
+years for the duration of the monarchy, and would carry back the
+commencement of the reign of Manco Capac only to the year 1269. The series
+of these kings, as given by various Spanish writers, according to the
+traditions of the Peruvians, is as follows:
+
+1. Manco Capac. 2. Sinchi Roca. 3. Lloque Yupanqui. 4. Mayta Capac. 5.
+Capac Yupanqui. 6. Inca Roca. 7. Yahuar Huacac. 8. Inca Roca, likewise
+named Viracocha. 9. Pachacutec[36]. 10. Yupanqui. 11. Tupac Yupanqui. 12.
+Huana Capac. 13. Huascar, or Inti-cusi-Hualpa. 14. Atahualpa. 15. Manco
+Capac the Second, crowned at Cuzco by permission of Pizarro; afterwards
+revolted and retired to the mountains. 16. Sayri Tupac; who resigned the
+nominal sovereignty of Peru to Philip II. He died a Christian, and left
+one daughter who married a Spaniard named Onez de Loyola, and from whom
+are descended the marquisses of Orepesa and Alcanises.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As the empire of Peru was made up of many barbarous tribes, its native
+inhabitants spoke many languages or dialects, which were only understood
+in their own particular districts. The language of the ruling people or
+tribe to which the royal family belonged, called the _Quichua_, was solely
+used at court, and we have already seen that the sons of all the chiefs or
+curacas of the empire were ordered to be educated at Cuzco, that they
+might be all able to converse with the sovereign. In this language the
+sounds of _b, d, f, g_, and _r_, are said to have been wanting; and yet
+that of the _r_ occurs in the names of several of their kings. Garcilasso
+says that this letter had a guttural sound, perhaps resembling the burr,
+or _parler gras_ of the French: And it is alleged that this language of a
+comparatively barbarous people was nearly as copious and as artificial as
+the Greek. The following specimens are given in the Modern Geography, III.
+585, to which are added two examples of what are called Peruvian poetry,
+from Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 50. The nouns in this language are declined
+by altering the terminations thus; _Runa_, a man; _Runap_, of a man;
+_Runapac_, to a man, &c. The verbs have also moods and tenses, the
+terminations often extending to a great length.
+
+  1. Huc              5. Chumpi, picheca.         9. Yscon.
+  2. Yscay            6. Zocta.                  10. Chunca.
+  3. Quimza           7. Canchis.               100. Pachac.
+  4. Tahua            8. Puzac.                1000. Huaranca.
+
+  The Andes....Anti                A Hog.........Cuchi
+  The Arm......Ricra               A House.......Huaci
+  Bad..........Mana alli[A]        A Husband.....Coza
+  The Beard....Zunca               Iron..........Quellay
+  Beauty.......Zumay               A King........Capac, Inca
+  The Belly....Vicza               A Lake........Cocha
+  A Brother....Huauquey            A Lance.......Chuqui
+  A Canoe......Huampu              Land..........Allpa
+  To Die.......Huauny, pitini      Little........Huchuy
+  A Dog........Alles               Love..........Cuyay, munay
+  To Drink.....Upiana              A man.........Runa
+  The Ears.....Rinri               The Moon......Quilla
+  Eared, or having                 Mother........Mama
+     great ears...Ringrim          A Mountain....Puna, acha
+  To Eat.......Micuni              The Mouth.....Simi
+  An Emerald...Umina               No............Maria
+  The Eye......Naui                The Nose......Cenca
+  A Family.....Ayllu               A Queen, or
+  Father.......Mayu                   Princess...Coya
+  Fire.........Nina                A Sacrifice...Arpay
+  Many fires...Ninanina            Sand..........Aco
+  A Fish.......Challhua            The Sea.......Atun cocha[B]
+  Flesh........Aycha                      .......Mama cocha[C]
+  A Foot.......Chaqui              A Ship........Huampu[D]
+  A Friend.....Cocho               Silver........Collqui
+  Good.........Alli                A Sister......Panay
+  Gold.........Cori                Snow..........Riti
+  Gold dust....Chichi cori         A Son.........Churi
+  Great........Hatun               A Stone.......Rumi
+  A Hatchet....Avri, champi        The Sun.......Inti
+  The Hair.....Caspa               Water.........Unu, yaco
+  The Hand.....Maqui               Woman.........Huami
+  The Head.....Uma                 Yes...........Y
+
+  _Specimen of Peruvian poetry_.
+
+  _Caylla Llapi_    To the Song
+  _Pununqui_        I will Sleep,
+  _Chaupitua_       At Midnight
+  _Samusac_         I will come.
+
+
+  [A] Not good.
+
+  [B] Great Lake.
+
+  [C] Mother Lake.
+
+  [D] Huampu likewise signifies a canoe, and probably a ship might be named
+      Atun huampu, a great canoe.--E.
+
+
+[1] In a note of the French edition of 1742, it is said that, in the folio
+    edition of Zarate printed at Seville in 1677, Luque was called the
+    father of Almagro, and that no mention is made of that ecclesiastic
+    having taken any part in the expedition. Robertson, in his History of
+    America, II. 273, says that Pizarro was the natural son of a gentleman
+    of honourable family by a low woman, and that his education was so
+    entirely neglected that he could neither read nor write. He adds that,
+    after serving some years in Italy, he embarked for America, where he
+    greatly distinguished himself. In our last chapter, Diaz makes
+    frequent mention of Pizarro as serving with reputation under Cortes,
+    in the early part of the expedition to Mexico; but gives no account of
+    his quitting the service of Cortes; to whom he was probably somehow
+    related, as the mother of Cortes was named Catalina Pizarro Altamirano.
+    Almagro, according to Robertson, was a foundling, and bred like
+    Pizarro in the army. Luque acted as priest and schoolmaster at Panama,
+    and had amassed considerable riches.--E.
+
+[2] Named Pedrarias by Robertson.--E.
+
+[3] Chinchama, by the map in Zarate is that part of the western coast of
+    Tierra Firma or Darien, opposite the Isla del Rey. The poor province
+    of Peru, beyond or to the southwards of Cinchama, is that now called
+    Biruquete; and the Pueblo quemada, or Burnt People, must be looked for
+    in the province of Novita, perhaps Nounamas, immediately to the south
+    of which is the river of St Juan.--E.
+
+[4] Tacamez, otherwise called the district of _Esmeraldas_, or of emeralds,
+    is in the kingdom of Quito near the equinoctial line.--E.
+
+[5] Instead of _twelve_, the text only names _eight_ of the brave
+    associates of Pizarro.--E.
+
+[6] Morope, in lat. 6 deg. 35', in the district of Sana, is in the situation
+    of the place mentioned in the text.--E.
+
+[7] This river, otherwise called Amatape, runs into the bay of Payta, in
+    lat. 5 deg. 10' south.--E.
+
+[8] Under the name of Peruvian sheep, five species of the Camel genus are
+    known to naturalists, the Glama or Llama, Guanaco, Chillihueque,
+    Vicugna, and Pacos. The three former were used as animals of burthen
+    by the native Peruvians, and domesticated, the two latter, especially
+    the Vicugna, are valuable for the firmness of their fleeces. The three
+    larger species carry loads of about a hundred pounds weight, the other
+    two, when domesticated, may be made to carry smaller burdens of from
+    fifty to seventy-five pounds.--E.
+
+[9] It was now towards the close of 1527, the third year from the first
+    departure of Pizarro from Panama.--Robertsons America, II. 281.
+
+[10] Robertson, II. 284. gives a different account of these four relations
+    of Francisco Pizarro from Zarate. According to him, Ferdinand was the
+    only lawful son of old Gonzalo Pizarro; Francisco, Juan, and the
+    younger Gonzalo being all natural sons; and Francisco de Alcantara was
+    the uncle of Don Francisco, being the brother of his mother. In the
+    sequel, the conqueror of Peru shall be always mentioned by the single
+    name of Pizarro, distinguishing his brothers by the addition of their
+    Christian names. While in Spain, Pizarro received a supply of money
+    from Cortes, under whom he had served in the early part of the
+    conquest of Mexico.--E.
+
+[11] His commission from the crown of Spain, imposed the condition of
+    raising 250 men, and to supply the ships and warlike stores necessary
+    for the expedition; but his funds and credit were so low that he could
+    hardly complete half the number, and had to steal away from the port
+    of Seville to elude the examination of the officers as to the
+    fulfilment of his contract.--Robertsons America, II. 284.
+
+[12] It is impossible to give any competent geographical account of this
+    extensive country in the compass of a note. Proper Peru begins at the
+    river Tumbez in the gulf of Guayaquil, in about lat. 3 deg. 20' S. and
+    extends S.S.E. along the Pacific Ocean to the desert of Atacama, which
+    divides it from Chili, in lat. 21 deg. 28 S. an extent of about 1200 miles;
+    consisting of two remarkably different tracts of country. A narrow
+    valley along the Pacific Ocean, seldom so much as 70 miles in breadth,
+    bounded on the east by the enormous main ridge of the Andes; beyond
+    which are many elevated vallies or table lands of various extent,
+    divided by collateral ridges and branches of the Andes, from each
+    other and from the prodigiously extensive plains of the vast Orinoco
+    Maranon and La Plata rivers. Quito, which had been annexed to the
+    kingdom of Peru, only a short time before the Spanish conquest, is
+    similarly situated, both as to maritime vale, and elevated table land,
+    immediately to the north of Peru proper, and seems to have reached
+    from lat. 3 deg. 20' S. to about lat, 1 deg. N. but is now included in the
+    viceroyalty of New Granada which reaches to the Carribbean sea, with
+    which it is connected by the river Magdalena.--E.
+
+[13] The substance of this description appears to refer entirely to that
+    province of the kingdom of Quito which is named Esmeraldas or Tacamez,
+    on both sides of the equator.--E.
+
+[14] Various reasons have been assigned for the origin of the word Peru,
+    as the name of the empire of the Incas, unknown to themselves, at
+    least in that sense. The most probable derivation is from the river
+    _Piura_, near its northern frontier, where it was first visited by
+    Pizarro.--E.
+
+[15] This circumstance is unintelligible, as the bones could not shrink,
+    unless by supposing these _human heads_ to have been the heads of
+    small apes, resembling human faces. The expression of the text,
+    immediately before, of human carcasses hung up _in the form of
+    crosses_, ought perhaps to have been rendered _instead of_ crosses.--E.
+
+[16] A good deal more is said of these giants, both by Zarate and
+    Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 363, but so vague and absurd as not to be
+    worth insertion. The whole story seems to have arisen out of the
+    colossal representation of a man and woman at Puerto viejo.--E.
+
+[17] This is merely a repetition of the _big bones_ of Mexico and the Ohio,
+    already referred to the Mammoth, or animal ignotum.--E.
+
+[18] Puna is in the bay of Guayaquil, in lat. 3 deg. S. and is near _thirty_
+    leagues in circumference, being about _ten_ leagues long by five in
+    breadth.--E.
+
+[19] The estimate in the text is exceedingly erroneous. The city of Parto
+    is in lat. 1 deg. 12' N. and the Rio de Loa, or commencement of the desert
+    of Atacama, in lat. 21 deg. 26' S. which give only a difference of nearly
+    25 degrees of latitude, which at 17-1/2 Spanish leagues to the degree
+    are only 438 leagues. Even supposing the text to include Chili, which
+    extends to 39 deg. 21' S. the whole extent of Peru and Chili is only 753
+    Spanish leagues.--E.
+
+[20] This is only to be understood of the period when Zarate wrote, about
+    the middle of the sixteenth century, or two hundred and fifty years
+    ago. The first town he enumerates, Puerto Viejo, is now in the
+    viceroyalty of New Granada.--E.
+
+[21] The wool-bearing animals of Peru, improperly named sheep, are one or
+    other of the species of camel already mentioned in a former note.--E.
+
+[22] Instead of _four_ degrees, Quito is only the _fourth_ part of a
+    degree beyond the line.--E.
+
+[23] Bracamoras, or Jaen de Bracamoras, in lat. 5 deg. 30' S. is in the
+    district or province of Jaen in the kingdom of New Granada, on one of
+    the branches of the Lauricocha or Tanguragua, which is one of the
+    great rivers which contribute to form the vast Maranon, or river of
+    the Amazons.--E.
+
+[24] No place of that name is now found in our best maps. The principal
+    town of the district of Chachapoyas has the same name, otherwise
+    called St Juan de la Frontera.--E.
+
+[25] Not far to the south of San Leon de Guanuco, in the mountains of
+    Lauricocha, there are considerable silver mines.--E.
+
+[26] No such place is now found on our maps in the province of Guamanga;
+    but the ruins of a town named Vittoria are marked in the district of
+    Calca, about fifty miles north-west from the city of Cuzco. Perhaps
+    the Vittoria of the text is the town now called Guamanga.--E.
+
+[27] Probably the country of the people now called _Chunchos_, who are
+    implacable enemies to the Spaniards.--E.
+
+[28] Probably the province now called _Chicas_ on the eastern side of the
+    Andes, occupying the head of the river Chirivionas which joins the
+    Paraguay or Rio Plata.--E.
+
+[29] Off the mouth of the river Lurin, in lat. 12 deg. 26' S. is the island of
+    Pachacamac, probably indicating the situation of the ancient province
+    of that name.--E.
+
+[30] The first of the Incas is named by Robertson, II. 290. and III. 47.
+    Manco Capac.--E.
+
+[31] By Zarate this Inca is named Guaynacava, but the more general name
+    used by Garcilasso de la Vega and other Spanish writers, and from them
+    by the illustrious Robertson, is adopted in this translation.--E.
+
+[32] Garcilasso de la Vega, p. 65, describes the bridge over the Apurimac
+    not far from Cuzco, as about two hundred paces in length. He says that
+    its floor consisted of three great cables as thick as the body of a
+    man; having another cable on each side, a little raised, to serve as
+    rails. The two hundred toises or four hundred yards of the text seem
+    an exaggeration; perhaps a mistake of the French translator.--E.
+
+[33] This prince is called Atabaliba by Zarate, and Atabalipa by some
+    other writers, but we have chosen to follow the illustrious historian
+    of America in naming him Atahualpa.--E.
+
+[34] These names are not to be found in our best modern maps of Peru: but
+    some other names not unlike, as Mayobamba, Chachapoyas, Partas, and
+    Caxamarca, are in the present bishopric of Truxillo, the most northern
+    in Peru proper, and therefore likely to have been the seat of war
+    against the revolters in Quito.--E.
+
+[35] The whole of this appendix to the first section is an addition to
+    Zarate, extracted from Garcilasso de la Vega and Robertson; which,
+    being too long for a note, has been placed in the text. The
+    introductory part of this deduction is from the History of America,
+    Vol. II p. 289. The list of kings is from Garcilasso, whose
+    disarranged work is too confused for quotation.--E.
+
+[36] By some authors an Inca Roca is here interposed, who was deposed
+    after a reign of eleven days.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_Transactions of Pizarro and the Spaniards in Peru, from the commencement
+of the Conquest, till the departure of Almagro for the Discovery of Chili_.
+
+
+After the return of Don Francisco Pizarro from Spain to Panama, he made
+every preparation in his power for the conquest of Peru, in which he was
+not seconded with the same spirit as formerly by his companion Almagro, by
+which their affairs were considerably retarded, as Almagro was the richer
+man and had greater credit among the settlers. Diego Almagro, as formerly
+mentioned, was much dissatisfied with Pizarro for having neglected his
+interest in his applications to his majesty; but at length became pacified
+by his apologies and promises, and their friendship was renewed; yet
+Almagro could never be thoroughly reconciled to the brothers of Pizarro,
+more especially Ferdinand, against whom he had a rooted dislike. Owing to
+these disputes a considerable time elapsed; but at length Ferdinand Ponce
+de Leon[1] fitted out a ship which belonged to him, in which Don Francisco
+Pizarro embarked with all the soldiers he could procure, which were very
+few in number, as the people in Panama were much discouraged by the great
+difficulties and hardships which had been suffered in the former attempt,
+and the poor success which had then been met with[2]. Pizarro set sail
+about the commencement of the year 1531; and in consequence of contrary
+winds was obliged to land on the coast of Peru a hundred leagues more to
+the north than he intended[3]; by which means he was reduced to the
+necessity of making a long and painful march down the coast, where he and
+his troops suffered great hardships from scarcity of provisions, and by
+the extreme difficulty of crossing the different rivers which intersected
+their line of march, all of which they had to pass near their mouths,
+where they are wide and deep, insomuch that both men and horses had often
+to pass them by swimming. The courage and address of Pizarro was
+conspicuous amidst these difficulties, by encouraging the soldiers, and
+frequently exposing himself to danger for their relief, even assisting
+those who were unable to swim. They arrived at length at a place named
+_Coaque_[4] on the sea side, which was well peopled, and where they
+procured abundance of provisions to refresh and restore them after the
+hardships and privations they had undergone. From that place, Pizarro sent
+back one of his vessels to Panama, and the other to Nicaragua, sending by
+them above 30,000 _castillanas_[5] of gold, which he had seized at Coaque,
+to encourage fresh adventurers to join him, by giving a specimen of the
+riches of the country. At Coaque the Spaniards found some excellent
+emeralds, as this country being under the line, is the only place where
+such precious stones are to be had. Several of these were destroyed by the
+Spaniards, who broke them in order to examine their nature; as they were
+so ignorant as to believe that good emeralds ought to bear the hammer
+without breaking, like diamonds. Believing therefore that the Indians
+might impose false stones upon them, they broke many of great value
+through their ignorance. The Spaniards were here afflicted by a singular
+disease, formerly mentioned, which produced a dangerous kind of warts or
+wens on their heads faces and other parts of their body, extremely sore
+and loathsome, of which some of the soldiers died, but most of them
+recovered, though almost every one was less or more affected.
+
+Leaving Coaque on account of this strange disease, which Pizarro
+attributed to the malignity of the air, he marched on to that province or
+district in which _Puerto Viejo_ now stands, and easily reduced all the
+surrounding country to subjection. The captains Sebastian Benalcazar and
+Juan Fernandez joined him at this place, with a small reinforcement of
+horse and foot, which they brought from Nicaragua[6].
+
+Having reduced the province of Puerto Viejo to subjection, Pizarro
+proceeded with all his troops to the harbour of _Tumbez_, whence he
+determined to pass over into the island of Puna, which is opposite to that
+port. For this purpose he caused a number of flats or rafts to be
+constructed after the manner of the Peruvians, formerly mentioned, to
+transport his men and horses to the island, which is above twenty miles
+from the river of Tumbez. The Spaniards were in imminent danger in this
+passage, as the Indians who guided their floats had resolved to cut the
+cords by which their planks were held together, on purpose to drown the
+men and horses; but as Pizarro had some suspicion or intimation of their
+secret intentions, he ordered all his people to be on their guard,
+constantly sword in hand, and to keep a watchful eye on the Indians. On
+arriving in the island, the inhabitants received them courteously and
+requested that there might be peace between them; yet it was soon known
+that they had concealed their warriors in ambush, with the intention of
+massacring the Spaniards during the night. When Pizarro was informed of
+this treachery, he attacked and defeated the Indians, and took the
+principal cacique of the island; and next morning made himself master of
+the enemies camp, which was defended by a considerable body of warriors.
+Learning that another body of the islanders had attacked the flat vessels
+or rafts in which they had come over, Pizarro and his brothers went in all
+haste to assist the Spanish guard which had the care of them, and drove
+away the enemy with considerable slaughter. In these engagements two or
+three of the Spaniards were killed, and several wounded, among whom was
+Gonzalo Pizarro, who received a dangerous hurt on the knee.
+
+Soon after this action, Hernando de Soto arrived from Nicaragua with a
+considerable reinforcement of foot and horse. But finding it difficult to
+subdue the islanders effectually, as they kept their canoes concealed
+among the mangrove trees which grow in the water, Pizarro resolved to
+return to Tumbez; more especially as the air of Puna is unwholesome from
+its extreme heat, and the marshy nature of its shores. For this reason he
+divided all the gold which had been collected in the island, and abandoned
+the place. In this island of Puna, the Spaniards found above six hundred
+prisoners, men and women, belonging to the district of Tumbez, among whom
+was one of the principal nobles of that place. On the 16th May 1532,
+Pizarro set all these people at liberty, and supplied them with barks or
+floats to carry them home to Tumbez; sending likewise in one of these
+barks along with the liberated Indians, three Spaniards to announce his
+own speedy arrival. The Indians of Tumbez repaid this great favour with
+the blackest ingratitude, as immediately on their arrival, they sacrificed
+these three Spaniards to their abominable idols. Hernando de Soto made a
+narrow escape from meeting with the same fate: He was embarked on one of
+these floats, with a single servant, along with some of the Indians, and
+had already entered the river of Tumbez, when he was seen by Diego de
+Aguero and Roderick Lozan, who had already landed, and who made him stop
+the float and land beside them; otherwise, if he had been carried up to
+Tumbez, he would certainly have been put to death.
+
+From the foregoing treachery of the inhabitants of Tumbez, it may readily
+be supposed that they were by no means disposed to furnish barks for the
+disembarkation of the Spanish troops and horses; so that on the first
+evening, only the Governor Don Francisco Pizarro, with his brothers
+Ferdinand and Juan, the bishop Don Vincente de Valverde, captain de Soto,
+and the other two Spaniards already mentioned, Aguero and Lozan, were able
+to land. These gentlemen had to pass the whole night on horseback entirely
+wet, as the sea was very rough, and they had no Indians to guide their
+bark, which the Spaniards did not know how to manage, so that it overset
+while they were endeavouring to land. In the morning, Ferdinand Pizarro
+remained on the shore to direct the landing of the troops, while the
+governor and the others who had landed rode more than two leagues into the
+country without being able to find a single Indian, as all the natives had
+armed themselves and retired to the small hills in the neighbourhood. On
+returning towards the coast, he met the captains Mina and Salcedo, who had
+rode to meet him with several of the cavalry which had disembarked. He
+returned with them to Tumbez, where he encamped with all the troops he was
+able to collect.
+
+Soon afterwards, Captain Benalcazar arrived with the rest of the troops
+from the island of Puna, where he had been obliged to remain till the
+return of the vessels, as there was not enough of shipping to contain the
+whole at once. While he waited for the vessels, he had to defend himself
+from continual attacks of the islanders; but now rejoined the governor
+with very little loss. Pizarro remained above twenty days at Tumbez,
+during which time he used every endeavour to persuade the cacique to enter
+into terms of peace, by sending him repeated messages to that effect, but
+all to no purpose. On the contrary, the natives did every injury in their
+power to our people, and especially to the servants and others who went
+out into the country in search of provisions; while the Spaniards were
+unable to retaliate, as the Indians kept always on the opposite side of
+the river. The governor caused three barks or floats to be brought up
+secretly from the coast, in which he crossed the river during the night,
+with his brothers Juan and Gonzalo, and the Captains Benalcazar and Soto,
+with above fifty horsemen. With these he made a very fatiguing march
+before day, as the road was very difficult and uneven, and full of knolls
+overgrown with brambles and bushes. About day break he came unexpectedly
+to the Indian camp, which he immediately attacked and carried, putting
+many of the natives to the sword; and for fifteen days he pursued them
+into all their haunts, making a cruel war upon them with fire and sword,
+in revenge for the three Spaniards whom they had sacrificed. At length,
+the principal cacique of Tumbez sued for peace, and made some presents of
+gold and silver in token of submission.
+
+Having thus reduced the province of Tumbez, Pizarro left a part of his
+troops there under the charge of Antonio de Navarre and Alonso Requelme,
+the former of whom was Contador or comptroller of accounts, and the latter
+treasurer, both in the service of his majesty. Taking along with himself
+the greater part of his troops, he went forwards to the river _Poechos_[7],
+thirty leagues to the southward of Tumbez, in which march, as the caciques
+and inhabitants received him peaceably, he conducted himself in a friendly
+manner to the natives. Passing beyond the before mentioned river, he came
+to the bay of Payta, which is the best on all that coast; whence he
+detached de Soto to reduce the caciques inhabiting the banks of the river
+Amatape or Chira, in which he succeeded after a slight resistance, all the
+caciques and natives submitting and demanding peace.
+
+While at this place, Pizarro received a message from Cuzco by certain
+envoys sent by Huascar, informing him of the revolt of his brother
+Atahualpa, and requesting his assistance to establish him, as the lawful
+sovereign, in his just rights[8]. On the receipt of this message, Pizarro
+determined to take advantage of the divisions in Peru. He sent therefore
+his brother Ferdinand to Tumbez to bring the troops from thence; and
+established a colony at San Miguel in the district of Tangarara, near the
+sea on the river Chira[9], as a port in which to receive vessels coming
+with reinforcements from Panama. Having placed a garrison in St Miguel,
+and made a division of all the gold and silver which had been procured
+since leaving Puna, the governor marched with the rest of his army for the
+province of Caxamarca, in which he was informed that Atahualpa then
+was[10].
+
+On this march towards Caxamarca, the Spaniards suffered intolerably, while
+passing through the dry and burning sandy desert of Sechura, where for
+above fifty miles they could not find any water to drink, or a single tree
+to shelter them from the sun. This desert reaches from San Miguel or the
+river Piura to the province of Motupe, in which latter they found some
+well peopled vallies full of verdure, and were supplied with abundance of
+provisions and refreshments to restore them after the fatigues and
+privations they had suffered in the desert. Marching from thence by way of
+the mountain towards Caxamarca, Pizarro was met by an envoy from Atahualpa,
+bringing presents from that prince, among which were painted slippers and
+golden bracelets. This messenger informed the governor, that, when he
+appeared before Atahualpa, he must wear these slippers and bracelets, that
+the prince might know who he was[11]. Pizarro received this envoy with
+much kindness, and promised to do every thing that had been required on
+the part of Atahualpa; desiring the envoy to inform his sovereign that he
+might be assured of receiving no injury from him or the Spaniards, on
+condition that the Peruvians treated them with peace and friendship; as he
+had it in orders from the king his master, who had sent him to this
+country, to do no harm to any one without just cause.
+
+On the departure of the Peruvian envoy, Pizarro continued his march with
+great precaution, being uncertain whither the Indians might not attack him
+during the passage of the mountains, in one part of which he had to pass
+through an almost inaccessible narrow defile, where a few resolute men
+might have destroyed his whole party. On his arrival at Caxamarca, he
+found another messenger from Atahualpa, who desired that he would not
+presume to take up his quarters in that place until he received permission
+for the purpose. Pizarro made no answer to this message, but immediately
+took up his quarters in a large court, on one side of which there was a
+house or palace of the Inca, and on the other side a temple of the sun,
+the whole being surrounded, by a strong wall or rampart of earth. When he
+had posted his troops in this advantageous situation, he sent captain Soto
+at the head of twenty horsemen to the camp of Atahualpa, which was at the
+distance of a league from Caxamarca, with orders to announce his arrival.
+On coming towards the presence of Atahualpa, Soto pushed his horse into a
+full career, making him prance and curvet to the great terror of many of
+the Peruvians, who ran away in a prodigious fright. Atahualpa was so much
+displeased at his subjects for their cowardice, that he ordered all who
+had run away from the horse to be immediately put to death.
+
+After Soto had delivered his message, Atahualpa declined giving any direct
+answer, not choosing to address his discourse immediately to Soto: He
+spoke first to one of his attendant chiefs, who communicated what the king
+had said to the interpreter, after which the interpreter explained what
+had been said to Soto. While this circuitous conversation was going on,
+Ferdinand Pizarro arrived with some more horsemen, and addressed Atahualpa
+in the name of his brother, to the following effect. "That his brother the
+general had been sent to wait upon Atahualpa by his sovereign Don Carlos
+with an offer of friendship and alliance, and wished therefore to have an
+audience of his majesty, that he might communicate what had been given to
+him in charge by the king of Spain." To this Atahualpa replied; "That he
+accepted with pleasure the offer of friendship from the general, provided
+he would restore to his subjects all the gold and silver he had taken from
+them, and would immediately quit the country; and that on purpose to
+settle an amicable arrangement, he meant next day to visit the Spanish
+general in the palace of Caxamarca."
+
+After visiting the Peruvian camp, which had the appearance of an immense
+city, from the prodigious multitude of tents and the vast numbers of men
+which it contained, Ferdinand Pizarro returned to his brother, to whom he
+gave a faithful account of every thing he had seen, and of the words of
+Atahualpa. The answer of that prince gave some considerable uneasiness to
+Pizarro, as having rather a menacing appearance, more especially
+considering that the army of the Peruvians outnumbered his own small force
+in the proportion of one or two hundred to one. Yet as the general and
+most of those who were with him were men of bold and determined resolution,
+they encouraged each other during the night to act like men of courage and
+honour, trusting to the assistance of God in the discharge of their duty.
+They passed the whole night under arms, keeping strict watch round their
+quarters, and in complete readiness for whatever might befal.
+
+Early in the morning of the 16th November 1532, Pizarro drew up his small
+body of men in regular order. Dividing his cavalry into three bodies,
+under the command of his three brothers, Ferdinand, Juan, and Gonzalo,
+assisted by the Captains Soto and Benalcazar, he ordered to keep
+themselves concealed within their quarters till they should receive orders
+to attack. He remained himself at the head of the infantry, in another
+part of the inclosed court, having issued the strictest commands that no
+one should make the smallest motion without his orders, which were to be
+conveyed by the discharge of the artillery.
+
+Atahualpa employed a great part of the day in arranging his troops in
+order of battle, pointing out to each of the commanders where and in what
+manner their divisions were to attack the Spaniards. He likewise sent a
+detachment of 5000 Peruvian warriors under one of his principal officers
+named Ruminagui, with orders to take possession of the defile by which the
+Spaniards had penetrated the mountain, and to kill every one of them who
+might endeavour to escape in that way[12]. Atahualpa having given all
+these orders, began his march and advanced so slowly that in four hours
+his army hardly proceeded a short league. He was carried in his litter in
+the usual state, on the shoulders of some of the principal lords of his
+court, having three hundred Indians marching before him in rich uniforms,
+who removed every stone or other substance which might obstruct the way,
+even carefully picking up the smallest straws. He was followed by a
+numerous train of curacas or caciques, and principal officers of his court,
+all carried in litters. The Peruvians held the Spaniards in small
+estimation, they were so few in number, and imagined they could easily
+make them all prisoners without presuming to make the smallest resistance.
+One of the caciques had sent to inform Atahualpa not to stand in any awe
+of the Spaniards, as they were not only few in number, but so effeminate
+and lazy that they were unable to march on foot without being tired by a
+very short distance, for which reason they travelled on the backs of
+_large sheep_, by which name they distinguished our horses.
+
+In the order already described, Atahualpa entered with all his army and
+attendants into a large square or enclosure in front of the _tambos_ or
+palace of Caxamarca; and seeing the Spaniards so few in number and all on
+foot, as the cavalry remained in concealment, he conceived that they would
+not certainly dare to stand before him or to resist his commands. Rising
+up therefore in his litter, be said to his attendants, "These people are
+all in our power, and will assuredly surrender." To which they all
+answered that this was certainly the case. At this time, the bishop Don
+Vincente Valverde advanced towards Atahualpa, holding a crucifix in one
+hand and his breviary in the other, and addressed him to the following
+effect.
+
+"There is but one God in three persons who has created the heavens and the
+earth and all that are therein. He formed Adam the first man out of the
+dust of the earth, and afterwards made Eve his wife from a rib taken out
+of his side. All the generations of men are descended from these our first
+parents, by whose disobedience we have all become sinners, unworthy
+therefore of the grace and mercy of God, and beyond the hope of heaven,
+until Jesus Christ our Redeemer was born of the Virgin and suffered death
+to purchase for us life and immortality. After our Lord had suffered a
+shameful death upon the cross, he rose again in a glorious manner; and,
+having remained a short time on earth, he ascended into Heaven, leaving St
+Peter his vicar on earth, and after him his successors who dwell in Rome,
+and are named popes by the Christians. These holy successors of St Peter
+have divided all the countries of the world among the Christian kings and
+princes, giving in charge to each to subdue that portion which has been
+alotted to him. This country of Peru having fallen to the share of his
+imperial and royal majesty, the emperor Don Carlos king of Spain, that
+great monarch hath sent in his place the governor Don Francisco Pizarro,
+now present, to make known to you on the part of God and the king of Spain,
+all that I have now said. If you are disposed to believe all this, to
+receive baptism, and to obey the emperor, as is done by the greatest
+portion of the Christian world, that great prince will protect and defend
+you and your country in peace, causing justice to be administered to all.
+He will likewise confirm all your rights and liberties, as he is
+accustomed to do to all the kings and princes who have voluntarily
+submitted to his authority. But if you refuse this and choose to run the
+hazard of war, the governor will attack you with fire and sword, and is
+ready at this moment to do so with arms in his hand[13]."
+
+When Atahualpa had listened to this discourse, very imperfectly rendered
+by an ignorant interpreter, he answered, "That the whole of this country
+had been conquered by his father and his ancestors, who had left it in
+rightful succession to his elder brother the inca Huascar. That he having
+been conquered and taken prisoner, Atahualpa held himself as legitimate
+sovereign, and could not conceive how St Peter could pretend to give it
+away to any one, without the knowledge and consent of him to whom it
+belonged. As for Jesus Christ, who he said had created heaven and earth
+and man and all other things, he knew nothing of all this, believing that
+the sun his father was the creator of all, whom he and his nation
+venerated as a god, worshipping likewise the earth as the mother of all
+things, and the _guacas_ as subordinate divinities, and that Pachacama was
+the supreme ruler and creator of all things. As for what he had said of
+the king of Spain, he knew nothing at all about the matter, never having
+seen him." At the last, he asked the bishop where he had learnt all those
+things which he had been telling him. Valverde answered him that all these
+things were contained in the book which he held in his hand, which was the
+word of God. Atahualpa asked it from him, opened the book turning over its
+leaves, saying that it said nothing to him, and threw it on the ground.
+The bishop then turning to the Spaniards, called out, "To arms! to arms!
+Christians: The word of God is insulted."
+
+Pizarro being of opinion that he would be easily destroyed if he waited
+for the attack of the Peruvians, immediately ordered his soldiers to
+advance to the charge, sending word to his brothers and the other officers
+who commanded the cavalry to execute the orders which they had already
+received. He likewise ordered the artillery and the crossbows to commence
+firing upon the Indians, on which the cavalry, as had been concerted,
+sallied forth and charged through among the Indians in three separate
+bodies; while he moved forwards at the head of the infantry, pushing
+directly for the litter in which Atahualpa was carried, the bearers of
+which they began to slay, while others pressed on to supply their places.
+As Pizarro was convinced that he and his people would be infallibly
+destroyed if the battle remained for any length of time undecided, the
+loss of one soldier being of infinitely worse consequence to him than the
+destruction of hundreds was to the enemy, and that he gained nothing by
+the death of thousands of the Peruvians, determined to make every effort
+to gain possession of Atahualpa, for which purpose he cut his way up to
+the litter in which he was carried; and seizing him by his long hair
+dragged him from his seat to the ground. In doing this, as several of his
+soldiers were making cuts with their swords against the golden litter, one
+of their swords glancing off wounded Pizarro in the hand. Paying no
+attention to this wound, he held fast his rich prize, in spite of the
+endeavours of multitudes of Indians to rescue their sovereign, who were
+all either killed or driven away, and at length secured Atahualpa as his
+prisoner.
+
+When the Peruvians saw their sovereign in the hands of the Spaniards, and
+found themselves assailed in so many places at once by the enemy,
+especially by the horse, the fury of whose charge they were unable to
+resist, they threw down their arms and dispersed in every direction,
+endeavouring to preserve their lives by flight. A prodigious multitude of
+them being stopped by a corner of the great court or square, pressed with
+such violence against the wall that a part of it gave way, forming a large
+breach by which many of them escaped. The cavalry pursued the fugitives in
+every direction till night, when they returned to quarters[14].
+
+When Ruminagui heard the noise of the artillery, and saw a centinel who
+had been placed on the top of a rock thrown down by a Spaniard, he
+concluded that the Spaniards had gained the victory; and was so much
+alarmed that he marched away with all his men to Quito, never stopping for
+any time till he got to that city, which is two hundred and fifty leagues
+from Caxamarca.
+
+Atahualpa being thus made prisoner, and his whole army having taken to
+flight, the Spaniards went next morning to pillage his camp, where they
+found a prodigious quantity of gold and silver vessels, excessively rich
+tents, stuffs, vestments, and many other articles of immense value. The
+gold plate alone which was carried along with the army for the use of
+Atahualpa exceeded the value of 60,000 pistoles[15]. Above 5000 women who
+were found in the camp of the enemy voluntarily surrendered themselves to
+the Spaniards.
+
+The captive Atahualpa now made submissive application to Pizarro,
+earnestly intreating to be well used, and made offer for his ransom to
+deliver a quantity of gold that should fill a large chamber, besides so
+large a mass of silver that the Spaniards would be unable to carry the
+whole away. Pizarro was astonished at this magnificent offer, which he
+could hardly credit, yet promised the fallen monarch that he should be
+well used, and even engaged to restore his freedom if he made good his
+offer. Atahualpa was so much pleased with this promise, that he
+immediately sent numerous messengers through the whole empire,
+particularly to Cuzco, ordering all the gold and silver that could be
+procured to be brought to Caxamarca to pay his ransom. He had promised an
+immense quantity, as he had engaged to fill a long hall in the _tambos_ or
+palace of Cazamarca as high as he could reach with his hand[16], for which
+purpose the height was marked by a coloured line drawn round the whole
+room. Although large quantities of gold and silver arrived every day after
+this agreement, the Spaniards could not be satisfied that the promise of
+Atahualpa would ever be fulfilled. They began even to murmur at the delay,
+alleging that the time which had been fixed by Atahualpa for the
+accomplishment of his promise was already past; and they alleged that he
+had fallen upon this scheme on purpose to gain time for the assemblage of
+a new army, with which to attack them at unawares. As Atahualpa had
+considerable sagacity, he soon noticed the discontent of the Spaniards,
+and asked Pizarro the reason. On being informed, he made answer that they
+were in the wrong to complain of the delay, which was not such as to give
+any reasonable cause for suspicion. They ought to consider that Cuzco,
+from whence the far greater part of the gold had to be brought, was above
+200 _large_ leagues distant from Caxamarca by an extremely difficult road,
+by which all the gold had to be carried on the shoulders of the Peruvians,
+and that very little time had elapsed for the accomplishment of so
+laborious a work. Having thus endeavoured to explain the cause of delay in
+payment of the ransom, he requested that they would satisfy themselves on
+the subject by inspection that he was actually able to perform his
+engagement; after which they would not think much of its being delayed a
+month more or less. For this purpose, he proposed that he should depute
+two or three of the Spaniards, who might go to Cuzco, having orders from
+him to be shewn the royal treasures in that city, of which they would then
+be able to bring back certain information to satisfy the rest.
+
+Opinions were much divided among the Spaniards, as to the adoption or
+rejection of this proposal. Several considered it is a most dangerous
+measure for any person to trust himself in the hand of the Peruvians,
+especially to so great a distance. Atahualpa considered this doubt of
+safety as very strange, especially as they had him in their hands as an
+hostage, together with his wives, children, and brothers. On this,
+Hernando de Soto and Pedro de Barco resolved to undertake the journey; and
+accordingly by the directions of Atahualpa, they set out in litters, each
+of which was carried on the shoulders of two men, with a number of other
+Peruvians accompanying them, to serve as reliefs when the others were
+tired. They were carried in this manner almost as fast as if they had rode
+post; as the litter carriers went along with great swiftness, frequently
+relieved by the others, of whom there were fifty or sixty in all.
+
+Several days journey from Caxamarca, Soto and Barco met a party of the
+troops of Atahualpa, who were escorting the Inca Huascar as a prisoner.
+This unfortunate prince, on learning who they were, requested to have a
+conference with them, to which they consented, and in which he was
+distinctly informed of all the recent events. On being informed of the
+intentions of his imperial majesty Don Carlos, and of Pizarro, who
+commanded the Spaniards in his name, to cause impartial justice to be
+executed both to the Peruvians and Spaniards, he laid before them a
+distinct account of the injustice which he had suffered from his brother
+Atahualpa, who not only wished to deprive him of the kingdom, which
+belonged to him of right, as the eldest son of the late monarch Huana
+Capac, but now kept him a prisoner, with the design of putting him to
+death. He urged them to return to their general, and to lay his complaints
+before him, requesting that he, who now had both competitors in his power,
+and was consequently entire master of the country, would judge between
+them, and decree the possession of the empire to him who held the lawful
+right of succession. He farther promised, if Pizarro would do this, that
+he would not only fulfil all that Atahualpa had promised, which was to
+fill the apartment at Caxamarca to a certain height, but he would fill it
+with gold to the roof, which would be three times more than Atahualpa had
+promised. He assured them that he was better able to do all this, than was
+Atahualpa to perform what he had promised; because Atahualpa, to implement
+his engagement, would be under the necessity of stripping the temple of
+the Sun at Cuzco of all the plates of gold and silver with which it was
+lined; whereas he, Huascar, was in possession of all the treasures which
+belonged to his father Huana Capac, and the former Incas, by which he was
+able to perform what he had now offered, and a great deal more.
+
+All that he alleged was certainly true, as Huascar was in possession of
+immense treasures, which he had hidden under ground in some secret place,
+unknown to all the world. On this occasion, he had employed many Indians
+to transport his wealth into the place of concealment, after which he had
+ordered them all to be put to death, that they might not inform any one of
+the place. After the Spaniards were entire masters of the country, they
+made every possible search after these treasures, and even continue their
+search to the present day, digging in every place where they suspect they
+may be concealed, but hitherto without being able to find them.
+
+Soto and Barco told Huascar, that it was out of their power to turn back,
+being under the necessity of continuing the journey on which they had been
+sent by order of their general; but that on their return they would make a
+faithful report of all he had said. They accordingly went on their way
+towards Cuzco. But this meeting and conference occasioned the death of
+Huascar, and the loss to the Spaniards of the vast treasure he had
+promised for his liberty and restoration. The captains who had the custody
+of Huascar made a report to Atahualpa of all that had passed in the
+interview between their prisoner and the Spanish messengers; and Atahualpa
+had sufficient sagacity to see, if these matters came to the knowledge of
+Pizarro, that he would feel inclined to take part with Huascar, especially
+in consideration of the prodigious quantity of gold which had been offered
+for his interference. He had remarked the extreme eagerness of the
+Spaniards for the possession of gold, and feared that they would deprive
+him of the kingdom, and give it his brother, and might put himself to
+death, as an unjust usurper of the clear rights of another. Being disposed,
+from these motives, to order his brother Huascar to be put to death, he
+was only restrained from doing this immediately by one circumstance. He
+had frequently heard from the Christians, that one of their principal laws,
+which was most religiously observed, was, that all who were guilty of
+murder were punished with death, whether the murder were committed by
+themselves personally, or by others at their instigation. He resolved,
+therefore, to sound Pizarro, and to discover his sentiments on this
+subject, which he did with wonderful artifice and dissimulation. One day
+he pretended to be overcome with extreme grief, weeping and sobbing, and
+refusing to eat or drink, or to speak with any one. When Pizarro inquired
+the cause of this distress, he allowed himself to be long intreated before
+he would give any reason of his sorrow. At length, as if overcome by
+solicitation, he said, "That he had just received intelligence that one of
+his officers had put his brother Huascar to death, by which news he was
+entirely overcome with grief, as he had always entertained the warmest and
+most respectful affection for him, not only as his eldest brother, but in
+a great measure as his father and sovereign. That although he had taken
+Huascar prisoner, he not only had no intention of using him ill in his
+person, but did not even mean to deprive him of the kingdom: his sole
+object being to oblige him to give up the possession of the kingdom of
+Quito, according to the last will of their father, Huana Capac; who had
+made a conquest of that country, which was beyond the boundary of the
+hereditary empire of the incas, and which consequently their father had an
+undoubted right to dispose of in his favour." Pizarro endeavoured to
+console the pretended affliction of Atahualpa, by assuring him, when peace
+and good order re-established in the empire, that he would make a strict
+inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Huascar, and would severely
+punish all who had participated in the crime.
+
+When Atahualpa found that Pizarro took up this affair with so much
+coolness and moderation, he resolved to execute his design, and sent
+immediate orders to his officers who had the custody of Huascar to put him
+to death. So promptly were these orders obeyed, that it was difficult to
+ascertain in the sequel whether the excessive grief of Atahualpa was
+feigned, and whether it preceded or followed the death of his brother
+Huascar. Most of the soldiers blamed Soto and Barco for this unhappy event:
+not considering the necessity of every one to obey the orders of their
+superiors with exactness, according to their instructions, especially in
+time of war, without assuming the liberty of making any alteration or
+modification according to circumstances in their own opinion, unless they
+have express and formal discretionary power.
+
+It was currently reported among the Peruvians, that when Huascar learnt he
+was to be put to death by order of his brother, he made the following
+observation: "I have been only a short while sovereign of this country,
+but my faithless brother, by whose orders I am to die, will not be longer
+a king than I have been." When the Peruvians soon afterwards saw Atahualpa
+put to death, conformable to this prediction, they believed Huascar to
+have been a true son of the sun. It is reported also, that Huascar should
+have said, when his father Huana Capac took his last leave of him, he
+foretold "That white men with long beards would soon come into Peru, and
+advised him to treat them as friends, as they would become masters of the
+kingdom." Huana Capac may have received some intimation of this future
+circumstance from the demons; and that the more readily, that Pizarro had
+been on the coast of Peru before his death, and had even begun to make
+some conquests.
+
+While Pizarro continued to reside in Caxamarca, he sent out his brother
+Ferdinand with a party of cavalry to discover the country, who went as far
+as Pachacamac, about a hundred leagues from Caxamarca. In the district of
+Huamachucos, Ferdinand met with Hlescas, one of the brothers of Atahualpa,
+who was escorting a prodigious quantity of gold to Caxamarca, part of the
+ransom of the captive inca, to the value of two or three millions at the
+least, without counting an immense quantity of silver[17]. He continued
+his journey from Huamachucos to Pachacamac, not far to the south of where
+Lima now stands, through several difficult and dangerous passes; when he
+learnt that one of the generals of Atahualpa, named Cilicuchima was
+stationed with a large army at a place about forty leagues from thence.
+Ferdinand Pizarro sent a message to the Peruvian general to request that
+he would come to speak with him; and as Cilicuchima refused, Ferdinand
+took the resolution to wait upon him in person. This was considered by
+many as extremely rash and imprudent, to trust himself in the hands of a
+barbarous and powerful enemy. He was successful however in the attempt, as
+by various representations and promises, he prevailed on the Peruvian
+general to dismiss his army, and to go along with him to Caxamarca to
+wait upon his sovereign Atahualpa. To shorten their journey, they took a
+very difficult route through mountains covered with snow, where they were
+in danger of perishing with cold.
+
+On arriving at Caxamarca, before entering into the presence of Atahualpa,
+Cilicuchima bared his feet and carried a present to his sovereign after
+the custom of the country, and said to him weeping, that if he had been
+along with him, the Spaniards should not have been allowed to make him a
+prisoner. Atahualpa answered, that his captivity was a punishment from the
+gods, whom he had not honoured and respected as he ought to have done; but
+that his defeat and capture were chiefly owing to the cowardice and flight
+of Ruminagui with his 5000 men, who ought to have succoured him when
+attacked by the Spaniards.
+
+While Don Francisco Pizarro was in the province of Poecho between Tumbez
+and Payta, before he marched to Caxamarca, he received a letter without
+any signature, which it was afterwards learnt had been sent to him by the
+secretary of Don Diego de Almagro. He was informed by this letter, that
+Almagro had fitted out a large ship and several smaller vessels with a
+considerable number of soldiers, in which he proposed to sail beyond the
+country of which Pizarro had taken possession, and to reduce the best
+portion of Peru under his own authority, as beyond the government which
+had been granted to Pizarro by his majesty, which only extended 200
+leagues to the south of the equator[18]. The governor had never shewn his
+patents to any person[19]; yet it was currently reported that Almagro
+actually left Panama with the intention of carrying that design into
+execution; but on arriving at Puertoviejo, and learning the amazing
+successes of Pizarro, and the prodigious quantities of gold and silver he
+had already acquired, the half of which he considered as belonging to him,
+he changed his purpose, and marched with all his people to Caxamarca to
+join Pizarro. On his arrival there, the greater part of the ransom of
+Atahualpa was already brought, and Almagro and his followers were filled
+with astonishment and admiration at the sight of the prodigious masses of
+gold and silver which were there collected, more than they thought could
+have been in any part of the world.
+
+When all this gold and silver was melted down, weighed and essayed, it was
+found to amount to the amazing sum of six hundred millions of _maravedies_,
+or more than 4,500,000 livres. It is true that the proof or essay of this
+gold was made hurriedly, and only by means of the touchstone, as they had
+no _aqua fortis_ to conduct the process in a more exact manner. It
+afterwards appeared that this gold had been estimated two or three
+_carats_ below its real value; so that the whole amount ought to have been
+reckoned at _seven_ millions of maravedies, or 5,250,000 livres. The
+quantity of silver was so large, that the royal fifth amounted to 30,000
+marks of fine silver, most of which was afterwards found to contain two or
+three carats of gold. The royal fifth of the gold amounted to 120 millions
+of maravedies, or 900,000 livres. Each horseman received for his share in
+gold, without counting the silver 240 marks or 12,000 pesos, equal to
+80,000 francs. The shares of the horsemen were a quarter part larger than
+those of the foot soldiers. Yet all these sums did not amount to a fifth
+part of what Atahualpa had engaged to pay for his ransom. Those who had
+come along with Almagro, though considerable both from their rank and
+number, certainly had no just title to demand any share in the treasure
+which Atahualpa paid for his ransom, as they had no share in his capture;
+yet the general assigned each of them 20 marks, or 1000 pesos, as a
+donative to keep them in good humour.
+
+Pizarro thought it now incumbent upon him to send intelligence to his
+majesty of the success of his enterprize, for which purpose he sent over
+his brother Ferdinand to Spain; and as when he departed, the precious
+metals had not been melted or proved, so that it was impossible to
+ascertain what was the exact share belonging to the king, two thousand
+marks of gold and twenty thousand marks of silver, were set apart for this
+purpose[20]. In making the selection of articles to be sent to Spain, the
+largest and finest pieces were chosen, that they might have a grander
+appearance: Among these were several large vessels of various kinds and
+for different uses, together with figures of men and women and various
+animals. When Atahualpa learnt that Ferdinand Pizarro was to embark for
+Spain he was much afflicted, having a great affection for that gentleman,
+in whom he reposed implicit confidence; and when Ferdinand came to take
+leave, he said to him, "I am sore afflicted at your departure, for I am
+much afraid the big-belly and the blinkard will put me to death in your
+absence." By the former he meant Requelme the treasurer, who was very fat,
+and by the latter Almagro, who had lost an eye, whom he had observed
+frequently to mutter against him, for certain reasons, which will appear
+in the sequel.
+
+As Atahualpa suspected, Ferdinand Pizarro had not been long gone, when the
+death of the unfortunate prince began to be talked of among the Spaniards.
+This was brought about by the suggestions of an Indian named Philippillo,
+who had accompanied the general into Spain, and now served him as an
+interpreter with the Peruvians. He pretended that Atahualpa had secretly
+laid a plan for destroying all the Spaniards; for which purpose he had a
+great number of armed men concealed in various places, meaning to employ
+them when a favourable opportunity occurred. The proofs and examination of
+facts and circumstances respecting this alleged plot, had all to come
+through Philippillo, as the only one who knew both languages; and he gave
+such a turn to every thing as best suited his own views and purposes.
+Accordingly the Spaniards were never able perfectly to discover the truth,
+or to penetrate entirely into his motives for this procedure. It has been
+alleged by some persons, that Philippillo had become amorous of one of the
+wives of Atahualpa, with whom he even had a criminal intercourse, and
+expected to secure the quiet possession of his mistress by the death of
+that unfortunate prince. It was even reported that Atahualpa had come to
+the knowledge of that amour, and had complained to Pizarro of the criminal
+and even treasonable conduct of the paramours; which, by the laws of Peru,
+could only be expiated by burning the guilty persons, putting to death all
+their near relations, destroying all their cattle and substance, laying
+waste the place of their birth, and sowing salt on the place, so as to
+render the memory of the crime infamous for ever.
+
+It has been alleged by others that the death of Atahualpa was occasioned
+by the solicitations and intrigues of those newly arrived Spaniards who
+accompanied Almagro, who considered his continuing to live as prejudicial
+to their interests. The soldiers of Pizarro who were with him when
+Atahualpa was taken prisoner, insisted that those who came with Almagro
+had no right to participate in any part of the treasure given or to be
+given on account of his ransom, and could not justly pretend to any share
+of what might be collected until all that Atahualpa had promised was
+entirely paid up. The soldiers of Almagro, on the other hand, believed it
+to be for their interest that Atahualpa should be removed out of the way;
+since as long as he might live, the soldiers of Pizarro would always
+pretend that all the treasure which might be procured formed part of his
+ransom, so that they would never come in for any share. However this might
+be, the death of that unfortunate prince was resolved on, and even this
+determination was communicated to him. Astonished at this fatal
+intelligence, of which he had never entertained the slightest suspicion,
+Atahualpa urged his merciless conquerors to confine him rather in a
+stricter captivity, or even to put him on board their ships. "I know not,"
+said he, "how you can possibly suppose me so stupid as to think of any
+treachery against you in my present situation. How can you believe those
+troops which you say are assembled, have been called together by my orders
+or by my consent? Am I not a prisoner, in chains, and in your hands? And
+is it not easy for you to put me to death whenever these pretended troops
+make their appearance? If you believe that my subjects will undertake any
+thing against you without my consent, you are ill informed of the absolute
+authority I possess over all my subjects, and the perfect obedience which
+it is their glory to render me on all occasions. So to speak, the birds do
+not dare to fly, nor the leaves to move upon the trees without my orders;
+and how then shall my subjects presume to go to war against you without my
+consent."
+
+All that he could urge was of no avail, as his death was absolutely
+resolved upon, although he offered to place hostages of the highest
+consideration in the hands of the Spaniards, whose lives should be
+answerable for any of the Christians who might be slain or ill treated by
+his subjects. Besides the suspicions already mentioned, which were alleged
+against Atahualpa, it is said that he was accused of the death of his
+brother Huascar. He was condemned to die, and his sentence was executed
+without delay. In his distress, he was continually repeating the name of
+Ferdinand Pizarro; saying, if he had been present, he would not have
+allowed him to be thus unjustly put to death. Shortly before his death, he
+was persuaded by Pizarro and Valverde to submit to the ceremony of
+baptism[21].
+
+"While Almagro and his followers openly demanded the life of Atahualpa,
+and Philippillo laboured to ruin him by private machinations, that unhappy
+prince inadvertently contributed to hasten his own fate. During his
+confinement he had attached himself with peculiar affection to Ferdinand
+Pizarro and Hernando Soto; who, as they were persons of birth and
+education superior to the rough adventurers with whom they served, were
+accustomed to behave with more decency and attention to the captive
+monarch. Soothed with this respect from persons of such high rank, he
+delighted in their society. But in the presence of the governor he was
+always uneasy and overawed. This dread soon came to be mingled with
+contempt. Among all the European arts, that which he most admired, was
+reading and writing; and he long deliberated with himself, whether he
+should regard it as a natural or acquired talent. In order to determine
+this, he desired one of the soldiers who guarded him, to write the name of
+God on the nail of his thumb. This he shewed successively to several
+Spaniards, asking its meaning; and, to his amazement, they all, without
+hesitation, gave the same answer. At length Pizarro entered; and on
+presenting it to him, he blushed, and with some confusion was obliged to
+acknowledge his ignorance. From that moment, Atahualpa considered him as a
+mean person, less instructed than his own soldiers; and he had not address
+enough to conceal the sentiments with which this discovery inspired him.
+To be the object of scorn to a barbarian, not only mortified the pride of
+Pizarro; but excited such resentment in his breast, as added force to all
+the other considerations which prompted him to put the Inca to death."
+
+"But in order to give some colour of justice to this violent action, and
+that he himself might be exempted from standing singly responsible for the
+commission of it, Pizarro resolved to try the Inca with all the
+formalities observed in the criminal courts of Spain. Pizarro himself and
+Almagro, with two assistants, were appointed judges, with full power to
+acquit or condemn; an attorney-general was named to carry on the
+prosecution in the king's name; counsellors were chosen to assist the
+prisoner in his defence; and clerks were ordained to record the
+proceedings of court. Before this strange tribunal, a charge was exhibited
+still more amazing. It consisted of various articles: That Atahualpa,
+though a bastard, had dispossessed the rightful owner of the throne, and
+usurped the regal power; that he had put his brother and lawful sovereign
+to death; that he was an idolater, and had not only permitted, but
+commanded the offering of human sacrifices; that he had a great number of
+concubines; that since his imprisonment he had wasted and embezzled the
+royal treasures, which now belonged of right to the conquerors; that he
+had incited his subjects to take arms against the Spaniards. On these
+heads of accusation, some of which are so ludicrous, and others so absurd,
+that the effrontery of Pizarro, in making them the subject of a serious
+procedure, is not less surprizing than his injustice, did this strange
+court go on to try the sovereign of a great empire, over whom it had no
+jurisdiction. With respect to each of the articles, witnesses were
+examined; but as they delivered their evidence in their native tongue,
+Philippillo had it in his power to give their words whatever turn best
+suited his malevolent intentions. To judges pre-determined in their
+opinion, this evidence appeared sufficient. They pronounced Atahualpa
+guilty, and condemned him to be burnt alive. Friar Valverde prostituted
+the authority of his sacred function to confirm this sentence, and by his
+signature warranted it to be just. Astonished at his fate, Atahualpa
+endeavoured to avert it by tears, by promises, and by entreaties that he
+might be sent to Spain, where a monarch would be the arbiter of his lot.
+But pity never touched the unfeeling heart of Pizarro. He ordered him to
+be led instantly to execution; and, what added to the bitterness of his
+last moments, the same monk who had just ratified his doom, offered to
+console, and attempted to convert him. The most powerful argument Valverde
+employed to prevail with him to embrace the Christian faith, was a promise
+of mitigation in his punishment. The dread of a cruel death extorted from
+the trembling victim a desire of receiving baptism. The ceremony was
+performed; and Atahualpa, instead of being burnt alive, was strangled at
+the stake."
+
+Ruminagui, one of the captains under Atahualpa, who had fled with five
+thousand men from Caxamarca, as already related, having arrived in the
+kingdom of Quito, seized the children of Atahualpa, and made himself
+master of that country as if he had been the lawful sovereign. A short
+time before his death, Atahualpa had sent his brother Illescas into the
+kingdom of Quito, with orders to bring his children from thence; but
+Ruminagui not only refused to deliver them up, but even put them all to
+death. After the death of Atahualpa, some of his principal officers,
+according to his dying commands, carried his body to Quito that it might
+be interred beside the remains of his father Huana capac. Ruminagui
+received them in the most honourable manner, with every outward mark of
+affection and respect, and caused the body of Atahualpa to be buried with
+much pomp and solemnity, according to the custom of the country. After the
+ceremony, he gave a grand entertainment to the officers of the late
+unfortunate monarch, at which, when they were intoxicated, he caused them
+all to be put to death, together with Illescas the brother of Atahualpa.
+He caused this person to be flead alive, and had a drum covered with his
+skin, inclosing his head in the inside of the drum.
+
+After the governor Pizarro had made a repartition of all the gold and
+silver which was found in Caxamarca, he learned that one of the officers
+of Atahualpa, named Quizquiz, had assembled some troops in the province of
+_Xauxa_[22], and endeavoured to excite an insurrection in the country.
+Pizarro therefore marched against him, but Quizquiz durst not wait for him
+in Xauxa, and retreated to a greater distance. Pizarro pursued, causing
+Hernando de Soto to lead the van with a party of horse, while he led the
+rear or main body himself. While advancing in this order into the province
+of _Vilcacinga_[23], Soto was unexpectedly attacked by a vast body of
+Peruvians, and in great danger of being totally defeated, five or six of
+his men being slain; but on the approach of night, the Peruvians retreated
+to a mountain, and the governor sent on Almagro with a reinforcement of
+cavalry to Soto. Early next morning the fight was resumed, and the
+Spaniards endeavoured to draw the Peruvians into the plain, by pretending
+to retreat, that they might not be exposed to the prodigious quantity of
+stones which the Indians hurled down upon them from the mountain. The
+Peruvians seemed aware of this stratagem, as they continued to defend
+their position on the mountain; though they were not apprized of the
+reinforcement which Soto had received, as the morning was thick and misty.
+Being unable to induce their enemies to descend from their advantageous
+situation, the Spaniards assailed the Peruvians with so much resolution,
+that they drove them from their position with considerable slaughter, and
+forced them to take to flight.
+
+At this place, a brother of the late Incas, Huascar and Atahualpa, named
+_Paul_ Inca_[24], came to Pizarro under pretence of entering into terms of
+peace and submission. After the death of his brothers, this prince had
+been recognised as king of Peru, and had been invested with the fringed
+fillet, which answered among the Peruvians as the crown or emblem of
+supreme rule. The Inca told the governor that he had a very considerable
+force of warriors in Cuzco, all of whom only waited his arrival to submit
+to his orders. Pizarro accordingly marched towards that city, and arrived
+within sight of it after several days march. So thick a smoke was seen to
+arise from the city, that Pizarro suspected the Peruvians had set it on
+fire, and immediately sent on a detachment of cavalry to endeavour if
+possible to prevent the destruction of the city. On their arrival near
+Cuzco, a vast body of Peruvians issued from the city and attacked them
+with great violence, with stones, darts, and other arms; insomuch that the
+Spaniards were forced to retreat above a league to rejoin the main body of
+the army which was commanded by Pizarro in person. He immediately detached
+the greater part of his cavalry under the command of his brothers Juan and
+Gonzalo, who attacked the enemy with so much courage and impetuosity, that
+they were soon defeated and many Peruvians were slain in the pursuit. On
+the approach of night, Pizarro reassembled all his army, which he ordered
+to lie on their arms; and marched next morning with every precaution to
+Cuzco, which he entered without opposition.
+
+After remaining twenty days in Cuzco, Pizarro was informed that the
+Peruvian General Quizquiz had drawn together a considerable body of
+warriors, with whom he pillaged and raised contributions in a province
+named _Condefugo_[25]. The governor detached Hernando Soto with fifty
+horsemen against Quizquiz, who did not think proper to await his arrival;
+but he took the resolution of marching to Xauxa or Jauja, on purpose to
+attack the baggage and royal treasure belonging to the Spaniards, which
+had been left there with a guard, under the care of Requelme the treasurer.
+Although the Spanish troops in Xauxa were few in number, they posted
+themselves in a strong position, waiting the attack of Quizquiz, and
+defended themselves so courageously that he was unable to make any
+impression upon them, and accordingly drew off his troops, taking the road
+to Quito. The governor sent Soto after him with his detachment of cavalry,
+and soon afterwards sent off his two brothers, Juan and Gonzalo, to
+reinforce Soto. These three Spanish captains pursued Quizquiz above a
+hundred leagues, but were unable to come up with him, and returned
+therefore to Cuzco.
+
+In that ancient capital of the Peruvian empire, Pizarro and the Spaniards
+found a prodigious booty in gold and silver, not less in value than all
+they had collected at Caxamarca for the ransom of Atahualpa. He made a
+division of this among his soldiers, and settled a colony in Cuzco, which
+had long been the capital of the Peruvian empire, and continued to be so
+for a considerable time under the Spaniards. He likewise made a
+repartition of Indians among such Spaniards as chose to settle in the
+place as colonists: Only a few, however, chose to avail themselves of
+their advantage; as a considerable proportion of the Spaniards were better
+pleased to return into Spain, that they might enjoy in repose the treasure
+which they had acquired at Caxamarca and Cuzco, than to remain in Peru.
+
+"The riches displayed by the early conquerors of Peru on their return
+among their astonished countrymen, had so great an effect to induce others
+to try their fortunes in that golden region, that the governors of
+Guatimala, Panama, and Nicaragua could hardly restrain the people under
+their jurisdiction from abandoning their possessions, and crowding to that
+inexhaustible source of wealth which seemed to be opened in Peru. In spite
+of every check or regulation, such numbers resorted to the standard of
+Pizarro, that he was soon enabled to take the field at the head of five
+hundred men, besides leaving sufficient garrisons in San Miguel and other
+places necessary for the defence of his conquests[26]".
+
+It has been already said that Pizarro, soon after his arrival in Peru,
+established a settlement at the town of San Miguel in the province of
+Tangarara, not far from the harbour of Tumbez[27], as a secure place of
+disembarkation for those who came to join him from Spain. While he still
+remained at Caxamarca after the death of Atahualpa, on recollection that
+he had left a weak garrison in San Miguel, the governor thought proper to
+send a reinforcement of ten horsemen to that place under the command of
+Benalcazar. Soon after his arrival, a considerable number of Spanish
+soldiers came there from Panama and Nicaragua, and as the Cagnares made
+loud complaints to him that they were oppressed by Ruminagui and the
+Peruvians of Quito, Benalcazar chose two hundred of the new recruits,
+eighty of whom were cavalry, with whom he marched for Quito, because he
+was informed that Atahualpa had left a large quantity of gold in that city,
+and that he might likewise protect the Cagnares, who had declared
+themselves the friends of the Spaniards. Ruminagui advanced with an army
+of more than twelve thousand Peruvians to defend the defiles of the
+mountains leading towards the kingdom of Quito, which he endeavoured to do
+with considerable judgment, taking advantage of the nature of the ground,
+and fighting only in places of difficult approach. Benalcazar, on his side
+likewise, joined stratagem and military conduct to courage and prudence;
+for, while he occupied the attention of the enemy by frequent skirmishes,
+and demonstrations of attacking them in front, he detached one of his
+officers with fifty or sixty horsemen, who gained possession of a
+commanding post during the night on the rear of the Peruvians, so that he
+was able next morning to render himself easily master of the pass they had
+endeavoured to defend. In this way, Benalcazar gradually drove the enemy
+from their strong ground into the plain of Quito, where they were unable
+to withstand the charge of the cavalry and suffered considerably.
+Ruminagui still endeavoured to make head in several different posts, which
+he carefully forfeited with concealed pit-falls, digging for this purpose
+broad and deep ditches, in the bottom of which a number of pointed stakes
+were set up, the whole covered over with green turf held up by slender
+twigs, somewhat like those described by Caesar as contrived by the
+inhabitants of Alesia. But all the contrivances of the Peruvians for
+surprizing Benalcazar, or for drawing him into their snares were quite
+unavailing. He avoided them all, and never attacked on the side they
+expected; often making a circuit of several leagues so as to attack them
+unexpectedly on the flank and rear, and always carefully avoiding every
+piece of ground that had not a natural appearance. The Peruvians tried
+another stratagem, on seeing the former miscarry: They dug a great number
+of small pits close to each other, about the size of a horses foot, in
+every place around their camp where they thought the cavalry might come to
+attack them. But all their arts and labour were useless, as Benalcazar was
+never off his guard, and was not to be deceived by any of their
+contrivances, so that they were at last driven all the way to the city of
+Quito. It is reported of Ruminagui, that one day after his arrival in
+Quito, where he had a great number of wives, that he told them they might
+soon expect to have the pleasure of seeing the Christians, with whom they
+would have the opportunity of diverting themselves; and that, believing
+him in jest, they laughed heartily at the news, on which he caused most of
+them to be put to death. After this cruel deed, he set fire to a large
+apartment filled with rich dresses and valuable moveables belonging to the
+late Inca Huana Capac, and retired from Quito, having first made another
+unsuccessful attempt to surprise the Spaniards by a night attack, after
+which Benalcazar made himself master of Quito with very little opposition.
+
+While these things were going on in the kingdom of Quito, the governor
+Pizarro received information that Don Pedro de Alvarado, who was governor
+of Guatimala, had embarked with a considerable force for Peru, on which
+account he deemed it proper to detach some troops under Almagro to San
+Miguel, to inquire into the truth of that report and to prevent the
+invasion of his government. As Almagro on his arrival at San Miguel could
+get no distinct accounts of the motions of Alvarado, and was informed of
+the resistance made to Benalcazar in the kingdom of Quito by Ruminagui, he
+accordingly marched there with his troops and formed a junction with
+Benalcazar, assuming the command of the combined forces, after which he
+reduced several districts and fortified stations of the natives. But, as
+he did not find any gold in that country, which was by no means so rich as
+he thought he had reason to expect from report, he soon afterwards
+returned towards Cuzco, leaving the command in Quito to Benalcazar.
+
+After the conquest of New Spain by the Marquis del Valle, he detached one
+of his captains named Don Pedro de Alvarado to a neighbouring country
+called Guatimala; which that officer accordingly reduced to subjection
+after much trouble and many dangers, and, as a reward of his services, was
+appointed to the government of that province by the king of Spain. On
+receiving intelligence of the riches of the newly discovered empire of
+Peru, Alvarado solicited permission from the emperor Don Carlos to be
+permitted to undertake the conquest of some part of that country, beyond
+the bounds that had been granted to Pizarro, and received a patent to that
+effect. Having received authority for this purpose, while he was making
+preparations for the expedition, he sent one of his officers, named
+Garcias Holguin, with two ships to examine the coast of Peru, and to gain
+some precise intelligence respecting its actual state. From the report of
+Holgum respecting the immense quantities of gold which the governor Don
+Francisco Pizarro had found in that country, Alvarado was encouraged to
+proceed in his enterprize; flattering himself, that while Pizarro and his
+troops were occupied at Caxamarca, he might be able to acquire possession
+of Cuzco[28], which he considered as beyond the two hundred and fifty
+leagues which had been assigned as the extent of the government conferred
+upon Pizarro. For the better execution of his design, and lest
+reinforcements might be sent from Nicaragua to Pizarro, he came by sea to
+that place one night, where he made himself master of two large ships
+which had been fitted out there expressly for the purpose of carrying a
+large reinforcement of men and horses to Peru. In these two ships, and in
+those which he brought with him from Guatimala, Alvarado set sail with
+five hundred men, cavalry and infantry, and landed on the coast of South
+America at the harbour of Puerto Viejo.
+
+From Puerto Viejo, Alvarado marched almost due east with his army,
+crossing those mountains which separate the plain country of Guayaquil
+from the table land of Quito, which the Spaniards call the _Arcabucos_,
+being thickly covered with brushwood, but over which the road is tolerably
+easy and only moderately steep, being almost under the equator. In this
+march his men suffered extremely from hunger and thirst, as the country
+through which they went was very barren, and had neither springs nor
+rivulets. The only relief they could procure was from certain large canes
+as thick as a mans leg, in each of the joints of which they usually found
+rather more than a quart of excellent water. They were so much distressed
+by famine on this march as to be under the necessity of eating several of
+their horses, the flesh of which sold so high that a dead horse brought
+more money on this occasion than he had cost when living. Besides thirst
+and famine, they were very much distressed during a considerable part of
+the way by quantities of hot ashes falling upon them, which they
+afterwards learnt were thrown up by a volcano in the neighbourhood of
+Quito, which burns with such violence that its ashes are often carried by
+the wind to the distance of eighty leagues, and its noise like prodigious
+thunder is sometimes heard at a hundred leagues from Quito. In the whole
+march, which was nearly under the equinoctial line, the troops of Alvarado
+found everywhere abundance of emeralds. After a long and difficult march
+through these _arcabucos_, where they were for the most part obliged to
+cut their way through the thick brushwood by means of axes and their
+swords, they came at length to a high chain of mountains covered with snow,
+over which it was necessary to pass. In this difficult and dangerous
+passage by an extremely narrow road, it snowed almost continually, and the
+cold was so extremely severe, that although every one put on all the
+clothes they had along with them, more than sixty men perished from the
+extreme severity of the weather. One of the soldiers happened to be
+accompanied by his wife and two young children, and seeing them entirely
+worn out with fatigue, while he was unable to assist them, he preferred to
+remain with them and perish, although he might have saved himself. At
+length, after infinite toil and danger, they found that they had reached
+the top of the mountain, and began joyfully to descend into the lower
+grounds of the kingdom of Quito. It is true that in this country they
+found other high mountains covered likewise with snow, as the province is
+entirely surrounded and interspersed with mountains; but then there are
+many temperate vallies among these mountains, which are well peopled and
+cultivated. About this time, so great a quantity of snow melted suddenly
+on one of these mountains, producing such prodigious torrents of water,
+that the valley and village of _Contiega_ were entirely overwhelmed and
+inundated. These torrents bring down immense quantities of stones, and
+even vast fragments of rock, with as much ease as if they were only pieces
+of cork.
+
+It has been already said that Almagro had left Benalcazar in the
+government of Quito, meaning to return to Cuzco, because no intelligence
+had reached him of the motions of Alvarado; and mention has been made of
+his having reduced certain rocks and fortresses into which the Indians of
+Quito had retired to defend themselves. This had occupied him so long,
+that Alvarado had penetrated into the province of Quito before Almagro had
+returned into the south of Peru, being still employed in reducing the
+southern districts of Quito. He received the first intelligence of the
+arrival of Alvarado while reducing the province of _Liribamba_[29], for
+which purpose he had to pass a considerable river with much difficulty and
+danger, as the Indians had destroyed the bridges, and waited on the other
+side of the river to attack him while passing. He defeated them, though
+with much difficulty, as the Indians were very numerous, and their wives
+fought as bravely as the men, being very expert in slinging stones. In
+this engagement the head cacique of the Indians was made prisoner, and
+from him Almagro got the first intelligence of the arrival of Alvarado,
+who was then only at the distance of about sixty miles, employed in
+reducing an Indian fortress into which one of the captains of the Indians
+had retired, whose name was Zopazopaqui. On receiving this news, Almagro
+sent seven horsemen to inquire into its truth, and to bring him exact
+information of the strength and intentions of Alvarado. These were all
+made prisoners by the troops of Alvarado, who liberated them some time
+afterwards. Alvarado advanced with his troops within less than twenty
+miles of the camp of Almagro, who, considering the great superiority in
+number possessed by Alvarado, formed the resolution of returning to Cuzco
+with an escort of twenty-five horse, and to leave the remainder of his
+troops under Benalcazar for the defence of the country.
+
+At this time, Philipillo, the Indian interpreter who has been already
+mentioned as the cause of the death of Atahualpa, fearing to incur the
+punishment of his treachery, fled from the camp of Almagro to that of
+Alvarado, taking along with him a principal Peruvian cacique. These men
+had concerted with most of the Peruvian _curacas_ or chiefs who
+accompanied Almagro, to hold themselves and their people in readiness to
+abandon him and to join Alvarado at the earliest notice sent them for that
+purpose. Immediately on his arriving in the presence of Alvarado,
+Philipillo offered to make him master of the whole country, informing him
+at the same time of the design of Almagro to retire to Cuzco, and that if
+he chose to attack him without delay he might easily make him prisoner, as
+he had only about eighty horsemen and a hundred and fifty infantry. On
+this advice, Alvarado marched immediately to attack Almagro, whom he found
+at Liribamba, resolved to defend himself bravely, and to die fighting
+rather than fly. Almagro had thrown up intrenchments for his defence,
+having divided his small party into two bands, one of which he commanded
+in person, and placed the other under the command of Benalcazar. Alvarado
+marched up with his troops in order of battle; but when just on the point
+of commencing the attack, certain propositions of peace were made, and a
+truce was agreed upon for the rest of the day and the following night, on
+purpose to agree upon conditions[30]. In a conferrence for this purpose,
+an agreement was entered into, which was greatly forwarded by a licentiate
+named Caldera. It was agreed that Almagro should pay to Alvarado 100,000
+pesos, or 2000 marks of gold[31], as an equivalent for the expences he had
+incurred in fitting out his expedition, and that the two commanders should
+go together to Pizarro, for the purpose of procuring the necessary funds
+for payment of this agreement. The conditions were kept secret, lest the
+companions of Alvarado might prevent their execution, as their interest
+had been entirely overlooked in this agreement. It was therefore given out
+that Alvarado was to embark with his people to make farther discovery of
+the country, leaving that part which was already occupied and conquered by
+the Spaniards, and permission was given to all who thought proper that
+they might remain at Quito with Benalcazar. A considerable number of the
+followers of Alvarado availed themselves of this permission, and others
+accompanied him and Almagro to Pachacamac, where they were informed
+Pizarro had gone from Xauxa expressly to receive them. Before leaving the
+province of Quito, Almagro ordered the _curaca_ who deserted from him
+along with Philipillo to be burnt alive, and would have treated the
+interpreter in the same manner, but Alvarado interceded for him, and
+obtained his pardon.
+
+While Almagro and Alvarado were on their march from the province of Quito
+for Pachacamac, the _curaca_ or chief of the Cagnares, informed them that
+the Peruvian general Quizquiz had assembled an army of above 12,000 men,
+with which he had collected all the people and cattle of the country
+between and Xauxa, and intended attacking them on their march. This chief
+added, that if they would delay their march for some time, he would
+contrive a plan for delivering Quizquiz into their hands. Almagro was not
+disposed to put too much confidence in this proposal, and continued his
+journey. On arriving in the province of _Chaparra_[32], they unexpectedly
+fell in with above two thousand Peruvian warriors commanded by a curaca
+named Sotaurco. This was the advanced guard of Quizquiz, whose main body
+was two or three days march in the rear. Quizquiz had a similar detachment
+at a considerable distance on his left flank, on purpose to raise
+contributions of provisions from the inhabitants of the country for the
+subsistence of his army; and had besides a rear guard of three or four
+thousand warriors, two days march behind. The main body under his own
+immediate command escorted all the cattle which had been collected on the
+march, and great numbers of prisoners, so that his whole army occupied a
+space of above sixty miles of country.
+
+Sotaurco, the commander of the Peruvian vanguard, endeavoured to gain
+possession of a defile or pass in the mountains, by which he supposed the
+Spaniards intended to march; but Almagro not only prevented the execution
+of that project by seizing the pass, but even made Sotaurco prisoner. From
+him Almagro was informed of the order of march observed by Quizquiz, and
+determined to make a forced march with all his cavalry to attack him. In
+this march, at a steep stoney pass near a river which it was necessary to
+pass, most of the horses lost their shoes; and as it was in the night, the
+Spaniards had to replace them as well as they could by the light of fires
+and candles. Being afraid lest Quizquiz might be informed of their
+approach by some of the natives of the country, Almagro continued his
+march with all possible expedition, and towards the evening of the second
+day of his march he came in sight of the Peruvian camp.
+
+Immediately on seeing the Spaniards, Quizquiz withdrew to some distance
+with all the women and people who were unfit for battle, and placed his
+troops in a post of very difficult access under the command of _Huaypalca_,
+a brother of the late inca Atahualpa. Almagro advanced without hesitation
+to attack them, although the horses were so weary that they were hardly
+able to move though led mostly by the soldiers; besides which the
+Peruvians rolled down upon them from the mountain great quantities of
+large stones and fragments of rock. In spite of every obstacle, the
+Spaniards made their way to the post occupied by Huaypalca, which they
+attacked both in front and flank, and forced him to retire among the steep
+rocks, where he defended himself till night, and then drew off under cover
+of the darkness to rejoin Quizquiz. Sometime afterwards, it was learnt
+that the detached party of Peruvians which marched on the left of Quizquiz,
+had made prisoners of fourteen Spaniards, all of whom they put to death.
+Almagro, in continuing his march, was opposed by the Peruvian rear-guard
+at the passage of a river, so that he was unable to get over for a whole
+day. Besides occupying the opposite bank of the river, the Peruvians had
+taken possession of a very high mountain immediately above the place
+occupied by the Spaniards, so that they were unable to attack the enemy
+without exposing themselves to great danger; and indeed a good many of the
+Spaniards were wounded, among whom Alfonso de Alvarado was pierced quite
+through the thigh by a javelin, and another officer of rank was severely
+wounded. The Peruvians kept firm all night, but in the morning they
+abandoned their post on the banks of the river, leaving the passage free
+for the Spaniards. The Indians had burnt all the baggage which they could
+not carry off, but above 15,000 Peruvian sheep were found in their camp,
+and more than four thousand Indian men and women, of those whom Quizquiz
+had made prisoners, who now voluntarily surrendered themselves to the
+Spaniards. The Peruvian warriors had retired to a strong post on the top
+of a mountain, where Almagro did not think fit to attack them, as he was
+desirous to continue his march to the south.
+
+On their arrival at San Miguel, Almagro sent the Captain Diego de Mora to
+Puerto Viejo, to take the charge of the vessels belonging to Alvarado, who
+likewise sent Garcias de Holguin on his part, that this measure might be
+executed amicably according to agreement. After giving all the necessary
+orders at San Miguel, and having provided his own men and those of
+Alvarado with arms, money, and clothes, he and Alvarado continued their
+journey towards Pachacamac. In the course of this march, he left Captain
+Martin Astete to build and settle a town now called Truxillo, in a
+convenient situation on the coast, in pursuance of orders to that effect
+from the governor Don Francisco Pizarro.
+
+About this time Quizquiz, having continued his march towards Quito, had
+his advanced guard attacked and defeated by one of the officers belonging
+to Benalcazar. Quizquiz was much afflicted by this loss, and knew not well
+what to do or how to conduct himself. The curacas or native chiefs in his
+army advised him to make his peace with Benalcazar; but he would not
+listen to this proposal, even threatening to put them to death if they
+ever mentioned such a thing again, and ordered them to prepare for
+returning into Peru. But, as they were in want of provisions, and had no
+hopes of procuring any in the retreat which Quizquiz meditated, several of
+the _curacas_, at the head of whom was Huaypalca, remonstrated with him
+that it was better to die like brave men in battle against the Spaniards,
+than to retreat as he desired and to die of famine in a desert country. As
+Quizquiz gave a very unsatisfactory answer to this remonstrance, Huaypalca
+gave him a thrust in the breast with his lance, and all the other curacas
+fell upon him with their clubs and axes, cutting him to pieces. After this
+they dismissed the troops, allowing every one to go where he pleased.
+
+On the arrival of Almagro and Alvarado at Pachacamac, they were joyfully
+received by the governor, who had come there from Xauxa to meet them.
+Pizarro honourably fulfilled the entire agreement which Almagro had made
+with Alvarado, by the payment of the stipulated sum of 100,000 gold pesos;
+though several persons remonstrated against paying so large a sum, and
+alleged that Almagro had been constrained to enter into the agreement by
+necessity, and that Alvarado, instead of receiving so much money, deserved
+to be sent prisoner into Spain, for having invaded the government
+belonging to another person. After receiving the money, Alvarado returned
+quietly to his government of Guatimala[33].
+
+After the departure of Alvarado, the governor Pizarro began the
+establishment of a colony or settlement in the district of Pachacamac,
+which he named _Ciudad de los Reyes_, or the City of the Kings, otherwise
+called Lima, to which place he removed the colonists whom he had formerly
+established at Xauxa or Jauja; as the situation of Lima appeared to him
+exceedingly well calculated for trade, being near the sea[34]. From that
+place, Almagro went with a considerable force to Cuzco, and Pizarro
+visited Truxillo on purpose to place that colony on a proper footing, by
+making an equitable repartition of the lands and Indians among the
+colonists.
+
+While at Truxillo, Pizarro received information that Almagro was inclined
+to take possession of the city of Cuzco, having been apprized by Ferdinand
+Pizarro, who was sent to Spain, that his majesty had appointed him a
+separate government extending a hundred leagues beyond the boundaries
+which had been assigned to Pizarro, and which Almagro alleged were
+considerably to the north of Cuzco. Juan and Gonzalo Pizarro, brothers of
+the governor, who were then in Cuzco, and several other persons of
+consideration, vigorously opposed Almagro and Hernando Soto, who took the
+part of Almagro, and a civil war seemed on the point of breaking out: But
+Almagro was unable to succeed in his design, as the great majority of the
+senators or members of the Cabildo took the part of the governor and his
+brothers. Immediately on receiving intelligence of these disputes, Pizarro
+posted with all expedition to Cuzco, where he soon re-established
+tranquillity by his presence. He pardoned Almagro, who was much ashamed of
+having occasioned so much confusion by attempting a matter of such high
+importance on such slight grounds as a mere hearsay or report. The ancient
+friendship and association between Pizarro and Almagro was renewed, and it
+was agreed that Almagro should go with a military force on discovery to
+the south, and if he found any country worth taking possession of, that
+the associates were to use their joint interest at the court of Spain to
+procure the government of it for him; but, if no good country were to be
+found, the government of Peru was then to be divided between Pizarro and
+Almagro. This agreement was solemnly ratified by oath upon the consecrated
+host, pledging themselves never to attempt in future to do any thing
+contrary to the interests of each other. Some have said that Almagro, on
+this occasion, swore that he would never make any future attempt upon
+Cuzco, or any part of the country to the distance of a hundred and thirty
+leagues to the south of that city, even in the event of being named by the
+king to to its government; and they add, that in addressing himself on
+this occasion to the holy body of Christ, he used these words, "If I
+should violate the oath which I now make, I pray, O Lord! that thou mayest
+punish and confound me in body and soul."
+
+After this solemn agreement; Almagro prepared everything for his departure,
+and accordingly set out with above five hundred men, as shall be related
+in the next section. Pizarro returned to Lima, whence he sent Alfonso de
+Alvarado to conquer the country of the Chachapoyas, which is in the
+mountainous region of Peru about sixty leagues from Truxillo. This officer
+and his followers encountered much difficulty and labour in this
+enterprize, in which they at length succeeded, by forming establishments
+and reducing the inhabitants to submission; after which, the government of
+the province was conferred upon Alvarado, by whom the conquest had been
+effected.
+
+
+[1] With regard to this person, the original French translator makes the
+    following observation: "Perhaps this is the person named Hernando de
+    Luque at the beginning of the first section, who is said to have been
+    one of the original adventurers in the enterprize. If so, the name of
+    de Luque on the former occasion may be an error of the press."--It
+    must be observed however, that Garcilasso de la Vega names the third
+    person of the original fraternity Hernando de Luque, and makes no
+    mention whatever of Ponce de Leon.--E.
+
+[2] Neither Zarate nor Garcilasso mention the number of troops embarked on
+    this expedition, but we learn from Robertson, II. 206, that the whole
+    armament consisted of 180 soldiers, 36 of whom were horsemen.--E.
+
+[3] According to Robertson, II. 293, Pizarro landed in the bay of St
+    Matthew. The distance of 100 Spanish leagues from Tumbez, mentioned by
+    Garcilasso as the intended place of landing, would lead us to the Rio
+    de Santjago in lat. 1 deg. S. on the coast of Tacames or Esmeraldas.
+    Garcilasso says that Pizarro had two vessels, which he immediately
+    sent back to Panama. But these seem to have accompanied the march of
+    Pizarro to Coaque.--E.
+
+[4] From the sequel, this place appears to have been in the province of
+    Tacames.--E.
+
+[5] A species of gold coin worth 14 reals 18 maravedies. Garcilasso says
+    that Pizarro sent 24000 or 25000 ducats of gold to Almagro, part of
+    which was plunder, and part received in ransom for prisoners.--E.
+
+[6] In making this small progress the whole of the year 1531 had been
+    employed, and the year 1532 was already begun before Pizarro left
+    Coaque.--Roberts. H. of Amer. II. 288.
+
+[7] Perhaps that now called Mancora, intermediate between the river of
+    Tumbez and that of Piura. In this route Pizarro had to cross a
+    mountainous district, not mentioned by Zarate, called the hills of
+    Castro, Aguarro, and Pachini--E.
+
+[8] Garcillasso suspects that this message must have come from some
+    _curaca_ in the interest of Huascar, who was then a prisoner to
+    Atahualpa.--E.
+
+[9] San Miguel stands on the river Piuru, which runs into the sea upwards
+    of forty miles farther south than the Chira. This colony being
+    intended for a harbour to receive reinforcements, was probably first
+    established at the mouth of the river, where Sechura now stands. The
+    present town of San Miguel is near thirty miles from the sea--E.
+
+[10] In this adventurous march into the interior of an extensive empire,
+    the forces commanded by Pizarro, who had now received several
+    reinforcements, consisted of 62 horsemen and 102 foot soldiers, twenty
+    of whom were armed with cross-bows, and only three carried muskets or
+    rather matchlocks.--Robertson, H. of Amer. II. 295. He appears also to
+    have had two small field-pieces.--E.
+
+[11] This envoy would assuredly bring some other message; and accordingly
+    Robertson, II. 296, says that he offered an alliance, and a friendly
+    reception at Caxamarca. Garcilasso gives a long and vague account of
+    the object of this message, and enumerates many articles of provisions
+    and curiosities, and some rich presents of gold and silver dishes and
+    vases which were sent on this occasion by Atahualpa to Pizarro.--E.
+
+[12] Robertson, II. 299, suppresses all mention of any hostile intentions
+    on the part of Atahualpa.--E.
+
+[13] Robertson, note cxxx, justly observes, that the extravagant and
+    absurd discourse of Valverde, of which that given by Zarate in the
+    text is an epitome, is merely a translation or paraphrase of a form,
+    concerted in 1509 by a junto of Spanish lawyers and divines, for
+    directing the office employed in the New World how to take possession
+    of any new country.--E.
+
+[14] In this engagement, or massacre rather, according to one Spanish
+    writer 2000 Peruvians were slain, while another author swells the
+    number to six or seven thousand, and a third says five thousand. Of
+    the Spaniards not one was even hurt except the general Pizarro, who
+    was wounded in the hand by one of his own soldiers.--Roberts. Hist. of
+    America. II. 302. and note cxxxi.
+
+[15] Considerable even as this sum appears, it seems too small for the
+    sovereign of so vast an empire which abounded so much in gold; yet we
+    have no means of correcting the amount. Garcilasso however mentions
+    one piece of goid plate found in the baths of Atahualpa after the
+    battle worth 100,000 ducats; but his work is so strange a farrago of
+    confusion and absurdity as to bear very little authority.--E.
+
+[16] The omission of the length and breadth of this room by Zarate, is
+    supplied by Robertson, ii. 503, from the other original Spanish
+    authors, who say the room was 22 feet long by 16 feet broad. The reach
+    of Atahualpa could not be less than. 7-1/2 feet, 2640 cubic feet of
+    gold, even heaped up of hollow vessels, must have produced a most
+    astonishing value of that precious metal; but there are no data on
+    which to calculate the numerical value of this imperial ransom, which
+    the Spaniards certainly meant to accept, but would never have
+    fulfilled the alternative.--E.
+
+[17] The sum in the text is quite vaguely expressed; perhaps pieces of
+    eight reals, or dollars.--E.
+
+[18] At 17-1/2 leagues to the degree, this government accorded to Pizarro,
+    would have reached from about Tacames to the lat. of 11 deg. 25' S.
+    whereas the kingdom of Peru extends to lat. 21 deg. 35' S. and its most
+    valuable and richest provinces would have fallen to the share of
+    Almagro.--E.
+
+[19] This expression is entirely vague, and does not even say which
+    governor is meant. We shall see afterwards that this project of
+    Almagro to appropriate the southern part of Peru took place at a
+    subsequent period, and involved the recent conquest in long and
+    destructive civil wars.--E.
+
+[20] Reckoning the mark at _eight_ ounces, the gold at L.4, and the silver
+    at 5s 6d. per oz. this royal fifth would come to L.108,000, and the
+    whole treasure to five times that sum, or L.540,000. But as the
+    precious metals were then worth at least _six_ times as much as now,
+    or would purchase _six_ times the amount of labour or necessaries,
+    this first fruit of the conquest of Peru exceeded the value of three
+    millions sterling.--E.
+
+[21] Of this tragical event, the illustrious Historian of America, gives a
+    somewhat different account, II. 310, from Herrera and Garcilasso de la
+    Vega; which, as much too long for a note, is subjoined in the text to
+    the narrative of Zarate, and distinguished by inverted commas.--E.
+
+[22] Probably the district now called Jauja: as the x and j have nearly
+    the same sound in Spanish with the aspirated Greek xi.--E.
+
+[23] Apparently Guancavelica, in which is the town of Vilca-bamba.--E.
+
+[24] This name of _Paul_ could hardly be Peruvian. Manco Capac, a full
+    brother of Huascar, had been recognized as Inca at Cuzco; perhaps the
+    person named Paul by Zarate, is the same prince who is called Paullu
+    by Gardilasso, and may have received that name in baptism at an after
+    period.--E.
+
+[25] This it probably an error of the press for _Condesugo_. To the south
+    of Cusco, and in the plain of Peru, there are two contiguous districts
+    named the Condesuyos of Arequipa and Cusco, which are probably the
+    province alluded to in the text. The term seems Spanish; but it is not
+    unusual with Zarate to substitute posterior names to those of the
+    period concerning which he writes.--E.
+
+[26] This paragraph is added from the history of America, II. 313, to the
+    text of Zarate, as necessary to account for the subsequent operations
+    of Pizarro, after the secession of a considerable part of his original
+    followers.--E.
+
+[27] Tumbez seems here substituted by mistake for Payta. San Miguel is not
+    less than 130 miles from Tumbez, and only about 30 from Payta--E.
+
+[28] From the subsequent operations of Alvarado, this seems an error of
+    the press for Quito.--E.
+
+[29] Probably that now called Riobamba by the Spaniards, about 100 miles
+    south from Quito.--E.
+
+[30] Garcilasso says that the soldiers of both armies, being mostly
+    natives of Estremedura, mixed together without permission of their
+    officers, and made propositions of peace and amity, by which the
+    generals were in a great measure forced to an agreement.
+
+[31] Two thousand marks of gold of eight ounces each, and the ounce at
+    four pound Sterling are worth L.64,000, perhaps equivalent to near
+    L.460,000 of modern money.--E.
+
+[32] Perhaps that now called Xibarros, in the south of the kingdom of
+    Quito.--E.
+
+[33] According to Garcilosso, Pizarro made an additional free gift to
+    Alvarado of 20,000 gold pesos to defray the expence of his voyage back
+    to his government, with emeralds and turquoises to a considerable
+    value, and several articles of gold plate for the use of his table.--E.
+
+[34] Lima or Los Reyes is built on the banks of a river named Rimac or
+    Limac by the Peruvians, whence its ordinary name of Lima. It is about
+    ten miles from the sea, having a port named Callao at the mouth of the
+    river. This city got the name of _the City of the Kings_; either from
+    its foundation being laid on the 18th of January 1535, on the festival
+    of the _three kings_; or in honour of Juana and Carlos, joint
+    sovereigns of Castile.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION III.
+
+_Occurrences from the departure of Almagro for Chili, to his capture by
+Pizarro, being the first part of the civil wars in Peru_.
+
+
+Inconsequence of the agreement between Pizarro and Almagro, which was
+ratified on the 12th of June 1535, Almagro soon afterwards set out upon
+the proposed discovery and conquest at the head of five hundred and
+seventy men, partly cavalry and part infantry; for so great were the hopes
+of acquiring riches in this expedition, that several who had already
+acquired establishments in Peru, abandoned their houses, lands, and
+Indians, to follow the fortunes of Almagro[1]. Juan, de Saavedra was sent
+on before the main body of the army with a detachment of a hundred men;
+and, in the course of his march through that province which has since been
+called _Los Charcas_, he met with some Indians on their road from Chili to
+Peru, who were going to pay their homage to the Inca. Almagro having along
+with him a body of two hundred men, both horse and foot, made a march of
+two hundred and fifty leagues, reducing the whole country in his way, till
+he arrived in the district of the _Chichas_, where he learnt that he was
+followed by a body of fifty Spaniards commanded by Niguerol de Ulloa.
+Almagro commanded that party to join him, and continued his march towards
+Chili, which is 350 leagues beyond the province, of Chichas, reducing all
+the tribes on his route to submission. Almagro halted at this place with
+half his troops, and sent on the rest under Gomez de Aivarado, who
+proceeded sixty leagues farther; but was forced to return to Almagro, in
+consequence of the severity of the weather.
+
+After the departure of Almagro from Cuzco, the Inca Manco Capac and his,
+brother Villaoma entered into a plot for massacring all the Spaniards in
+Peru on a certain day. Manco Capac had engaged execute to that part of the
+conspiracy which had for its object the destruction of Almagro and his
+troops, but which he was unable to accomplish. What was done by his
+brother will be related afterwards. Philipillo, the Peruvian interpreter
+who has been formerly mentioned, was acquainted with this conspiracy, on
+which account he made his escape from Almagro, and being pursued and taken
+was condemned to be quartered. Before his execution, he confessed that he
+had unjustly procured the death of Atahualpa, that he might thereby secure
+to himself one of the wives of that unhappy prince, of whom he was
+enamoured.
+
+About two months after the arrival of Almagro in Chili, one of his
+captains named Ruy Dias came to him with a reinforcement of a hundred men,
+and informed him that all the natives of Peru had revolted and had
+massacred most of the Spaniards in that country. Almagro was much grieved
+at this intelligence, and resolved immediately to return, that he might
+chastise the revolters and restore the country to obedience; meaning
+afterwards to send one of his captains with a sufficient force to reduce
+Chili. He accordingly set out on his return, and was met on his way by
+Rodrigo Orgognez, who brought him a reinforcement of twenty-five men, and
+was soon afterwards joined by Juan de Herrada with a farther reinforcement
+of a hundred. Herrada brought him likewise the letters patent of the king,
+by which he was appointed governor of two hundred leagues of country
+beyond the boundaries assigned to Pizarro. This new government which was
+granted to Almagro was directed to be named the New Kingdom of Toledo, and
+that of Pizarro, the New Kingdom of Castille. Having said at the
+commencement of this section, that Almagro carried with him from Cuzco on
+this expedition a force of 570 Spanish troops; it must be remarked that
+such was his intention, but that in reality he had only 200 men along with
+him, after which his army was made up nearly to the intended number by the
+different reinforcements of which we have made mention.
+
+In the march of Almagro into Chili, his army suffered excessive hardships
+from hunger and thirst. Besides their other fatigues, they had often to
+encounter Indians of great stature, clothed in the skins of sea-wolves and
+seals, who used the bow and arrow with great strength and address. But the
+most severe circumstance during this march was the intense cold which they
+encountered in passing over some mountains covered with snow. In
+particular, several of the soldiers belonging to Ruy Dias and a good many
+horses were frozen to death; and so excessive was the cold, that when
+Almagro returned towards Cuzco five months afterwards, several of the
+bodies of those who had been frozen to death were found upright and
+leaning against the rocks, still holding the bridles of their horses,
+which were likewise frozen, and their flesh still remained as sweet and
+uncorrupted as if they had only just expired, insomuch that the troops
+used the flesh of these horses as food on their return to Peru. In some
+parts of these deserts where there was no snow, the Spaniards were reduced
+to great straits from want of water; on which account they had to make
+bags or leather bottles of the skins of sheep, in which to carry water for
+their supply.
+
+It is proper to remark, that the Peruvian sheep are much larger animals
+than those of Europe, and are used as beasts of burden. They resemble in
+some measure the camel in their shape, except that they have no hunches on
+their backs, and are able to carry a load of a hundred pounds or more,
+with which they are able to travel four or five leagues a-day. The
+Spaniards even sometimes rode on their backs. When fatigued, they
+immediately lie down, and it is impossible to make them rise again by any
+means whatever, neither blows nor kindness are of any avail, and it
+becomes necessary to unload them. When a person rides on one of these
+animals, and endeavours to urge it on when weary, it turns round its head
+towards the man, blowing upon him a most offensive breath mixed with a
+kind of stinking dew, which seems to proceed from the contents of its
+stomach. This is a most useful and profitable animal, as besides serving
+as a beast of burden, its wool is excellent and very fine; more especially
+that species which is called _pacas_, which has very long wool. These
+animals are supported at very little expence while on a journey, requiring
+only a very small allowance of maize, and they can subsist four or five
+days without drinking. Their flesh is well tasted and wholesome, and equal
+to the best fat mutton of Spain; and it is accordingly sold in all the
+butcher-markets of Peru. At the first settlement of the Spaniards in this
+country, before the establishment of regular markets, when any person
+killed one of these sheep, his neighbours used to participate, and they in
+their turns killed others, and divided them among the neighbours.
+
+In some of the level plains of Peru there is a species of ostrich, which
+is taken in the following manner. Several horsemen place themselves in
+ambush, while others likewise on horseback pursue the ostriches and
+endeavour to drive them towards their companions who are concealed. These
+birds, although they are unable to rise in flight into the air, go with
+astonishing swiftness, partly by running, and partly by means of short
+flights close to the ground, insomuch that a man on horseback is
+altogether unable to get up with them, so that it requires stratagem to
+kill or take them alive.
+
+In Chili there are some rivers which have water only during the day, and
+are entirely dry during the night. This is owing to the heat of the sun
+melting the snow on the mountains by day, by which temporary rivers, or
+torrents rather, are formed by day, which cease again at night when the
+cold puts a stop to the melting of the snow. When we have got about 500
+leagues along the coast from Peru towards the south, or in the lat. of
+about 30 deg. S. rain is often met with, and the winds are no longer so
+regular as nearer the line, but blow sometimes one way and sometimes
+another, as in Spain and other countries of Europe. Chili is a tolerably
+well peopled country, and resembles Peru in being divisible into two
+districts, the plain and the mountain, and its coast is considerably more
+indented by gulfs and bays than that of Peru[2]. It enjoys the
+vicissitudes of summer and winter nearly as in Spain, but at opposite
+times of the year, the winter of Chili being at the same time with the
+Spanish summer, and vice versa. The pole seen from that country, which is
+directly opposite our _Arctic_ or north pole, is only marked by a kind of
+small white cloud or nebula, which is seen after sunset in that direction
+in which astronomers have placed the antartic or south pole. There is
+likewise seen a constellation of seven stars, four of them being in form
+of a cross, followed by three others, resembling the lesser bear of the
+astronomers which turns round the north polar star. These seven stars near
+the south pole are situated somewhat like those of the _ursa minor_,
+except that the four which form the cross are nearer each other than those
+of the north pole which are seen in our hemisphere. Our north pole is lost
+sight of somewhat less than 200 leagues to the south of Panama, under the
+equator; from whence, or a little beyond, on either side of the line,
+these two constellations may be seen when they rise a little above the
+poles of the horizon. On the south side of the equinoctial line,
+navigators are only able to see the four stars near the antarctic pole
+which form the cross, until they reach the _thirtieth_ degree of south
+latitude, after which they get sight of the other three stars which form
+this constellation.
+
+The change in the length of the days and nights in Chili is nearly the
+same as in Spain, only the longest day in Chili is at that time of the
+year when Spain has the day shortest. In Peru and Tierra firma and
+generally in all places near the equinoctial line, the days and nights are
+always equal or nearly so during the whole year. Even at Lima and other
+places the difference is so small as hardly to be noticed. The natives of
+Chili are clothed nearly in the same manner with the Peruvians, and use
+the same kind of food. The inhabitants, both men and women, are tolerably
+well looked. They are governed by great lords, who make war against each
+other, and some of whom are able to bring 200,000 men into the field. One
+of these lords at this time was named _Leuchengorma_, who possessed an
+island about two leagues from the coast which was consecrated to his idols,
+in which was a temple ministered to by two thousand priests. The subjects
+of Leuchengorma informed the Spaniards, that there was a great province
+about fifty leagues farther on, situated between two rivers, which was
+entirely inhabited by women, who did not admit any men among them but at
+certain times, for the purpose of having children, and who sent all their
+sons to their fathers, reserving their daughters only to be brought up
+among themselves. They said farther, that these women were subjects of
+Leuchengorma, and were ruled over by a queen named _Guaboymilla_, which
+signifies _golden heaven_ in their language, and so named because her
+country produces a great quantity of gold. These women manufactured rich
+stuffs, in which, and in the gold produced in their country, they paid
+tribute to Leuchengorma. Although these things have often been spoken of,
+their truth has not as yet been ascertained by the discovery of the
+country, Almagro having made no establishment there. Of late, indeed,
+Pedro de Valdivia has been sent thither to establish some colonies, but he
+has never yet had a sufficient force for making discoveries, or for
+colonization, and has settled one colony only, which is placed about
+thirty-three degrees to the south of the equator[3].
+
+The whole coast of Chili is well peopled, as far as to the latitude of 40 deg.
+south and still farther; which is known by one of the ships belonging to
+the fleet sent out by Don Gabriel de Carvajal bishop of Placentia, which
+passed through the straits of Magellan, and sailed along the whole western
+coast of South America from south to north, and at length reached the port
+belonging to Lima. This ship brought over the first rats ever seen in Peru,
+which have so multiplied since that there are plenty in every town of the
+whole country.
+
+These animals are named _ococha_ by the Peruvians, which word signifies
+having come from the sea.
+
+Soon after the departure of Almagro from Cuzco on his expedition to Chili,
+Ferdinand Pizarro returned from Spain, where his majesty made him a knight
+of the order of St Jago, with other advantages[4]. He had likewise
+obtained an enlargement of the government of his brother to a certain
+extent, and brought out with him a commission for Almagro to a new
+government.
+
+At this time Manco Capac, whom Pizarro had permitted to assume the nominal
+title of Inca of Peru, was detained a prisoner in the citadel of Cuzco, in
+consequence of the discovery of a conspiracy he had entered into with his
+brothers Paul and Villaoma to exterminate the Spaniards. Manco Capac wrote
+to Juan Pizarro, intreating to be set at liberty before the arrival of
+Ferdinand Pizarro at Cuzco; and Juan, who was then in the _Collao_
+endeavouring to reduce certain Indians who had retired into a strong place
+among rocks, sent orders to liberate the Inca. On the arrival of Ferdinand
+Pizarro at Cuzco, he treated Manco Capac with much respect, yet kept a
+constant guard over him, and it is believed that Ferdinand shewed great
+friendship for the Inca, in the hope of procuring gold from him, to send
+to the king of Spain or for his own use. Two months after the return of
+Ferdinand to Cuzco, Manco Capac solicited permission from Ferdinand to go
+into the district of _Jucaya_[5] on purpose to celebrate a solemn festival,
+promising on his return to present him with a statue of the late Huana
+Capac of solid gold as large as life. Ferdinand allowed him to attend this
+festival, which turned out merely the unravelment of the plot which had
+been formed at the time when Almagro began his march for Chili. Manco
+Capac gave immediate orders to put to death some Spaniards who
+superintended the working of the mines, and others who were travelling
+through the country on various affairs. He sent likewise one of his
+captains with a considerable body of troops against Cuzco, who by a sudden
+and unexpected attack got possession of the castle of that city. The
+Spaniards indeed retook it after six or seven days, yet not without hard
+fighting, in which they lost Juan Pizarro; who was killed by a stone which
+struck him on the head, at a time when he was unable to wear his helmet in
+consequence of a former wound. His death was much regretted by the
+Spaniards, being a brave man and much experienced in the manner of
+carrying on war with the Indians, and besides because his manners had made
+him beloved by every one.
+
+Notwithstanding the recapture of the castle of Cuzco by the Spaniards, the
+Inca brought a large army against the city, which he besieged for more
+than eight months, making frequent assaults on various parts of the works,
+chiefly during moon-light nights when the moon was full. Ferdinand Pizarro
+and his brothers, assisted by Gabriel de Roias, Hernand Ponce de Leon, Don
+Alfonso Enriquez, the treasurer Requelme, and other brave officers, made a
+resolute defence, and were almost perpetually under arms day and night, as
+the number of the garrison was exceedingly inadequate to the extent of the
+place and the multitude of assailants. As the Spaniards in Cuzco were
+aware that the insurrection was general over all Peru, they hardly doubted
+but the governor and all their other countrymen were cut off, so that they
+defended themselves as men who had no earthly hope of succour, depending
+only on the mercy of God and their own courage. Their small number was
+daily diminished, as hardly a day passed in which the Indians did not kill
+or wound some of their people. One time during the siege, Gonzalo Pizarro
+made a sally with twenty horsemen, and proceeded to the lake or marsh of
+Chinchero which is five leagues from Cuzco, where he was surrounded by so
+vast a force of Indians that he must inevitably have been made prisoner,
+had not Ferdinand Pizarro and Alfonso de Toro come up to his rescue with a
+body of horse. Gonzalo was much blamed on this occasion for having
+advanced so far among the enemy with so few men.
+
+We have already mentioned that Almagro had resolved to return into Peru
+and to make himself master of Cuzco, from the time that Juan de Herrada
+had brought him the commission by which he was appointed to a government
+beyond that assigned to Don Francisco Pizarro. The principal officers who
+were along with him, strongly urged him to this measure, particularly
+Gomez Alvarado and Diego Alvarado, brother and uncle of Don Pedro Alvarado
+the governor of Guatimala, and Rodrigo Orgognez; some of whom were eager
+to procure settlements in Peru, and others were desirous of gaining
+establishments in Chili. To succeed in their design, as reports of the
+insurrection in Peru had reached Chili, they instructed some Indian
+interpreters to inform Almagro that the governor Francisco Pizarro and
+most of the Spaniards in Peru had been slain by the Peruvians. Urged by
+all these considerations, Almagro marched back into Peru, and even arrived
+within six leagues of Cuzco without giving notice to Ferdinand Pizarro of
+his motions or intentions[6]. Almagro made overtures to the Inca Manco
+Capac for an accommodation, offering to forgive him all the injury he had
+already done to the Spaniards, in consideration of joining his party and
+assisting him to become master of Cuzco, of which he pretended that he had
+been appointed governor by the king of Spain. The Inca proposed an
+interview between them under pretence of settling the terms of an
+agreement, to which Almagro consented without suspecting any treachery,
+and went accordingly with a part only of his troops to the place appointed
+for the conference, leaving the rest of his force under the command of
+Juan de Saavedra. Taking advantage of this confidence, the Inca attacked
+Almagro by surprize with extreme fury, and even killed and wounded several
+of his men.
+
+In the mean time, Ferdinand Pizarro received notice of the arrival of
+Almagro, and that Juan de Saavedra was left at the village of Hurcos in
+command of the troops in the absence of Almagro. He went therefore from
+Cuzco at the head of an hundred and seventy of his best troops, in hope of
+being able to prevail on Saavedra and the rest to abandon the party of
+Almagro, or to fall upon them by surprize and make them prisoners. But
+Saavedra got timely notice of his approach, and drew up his forces,
+amounting to three hundred Spaniards, in an advantageous situation for his
+reception. When the two parties were just about to engage, Ferdinand
+Pizarro sent a message to Saavedra proposing a private interview, that
+they might endeavour to agree upon an accommodation, to which the other
+consented. As this conference was entirely between themselves, it is
+difficult to know with any certainty what passed; but it was reported that
+Ferdinand endeavoured to persuade Saavedra to join him with the troops
+under his command, for which he offered a large recompense in gold; but
+that Saavedra, like a man of honour, peremptorily refused to betray his
+general.
+
+On the return of Almagro from his affair with the Inca, he rejoined the
+troops under Saavedra, and marched for Cuzco with his whole force. While
+on the march, he made prisoners of four horsemen who had been sent out by
+Ferdinand Pizarro to reconnoitre, from whom he learnt all the particulars
+of the insurrection of the Peruvians, who had killed more than six hundred
+Spaniards, and had burnt down a great part of the city of Cuzco, on which
+news Almagro was very sensibly afflicted. He sent however, his patents as
+governor to the senators of the royal council or Cabildo of Cuzco, whom he
+urged to receive him as their governor; since, as he insisted, the bounds
+of the government assigned to Francisco Pizarro certainly did not include
+their city, and even fell considerably short of it to the north. In answer
+to this demand, the council made answer, that whenever the extent of the
+government belonging to Pizarro was accurately measured and determined,
+they would be ready to accede to his desires, provided their city was
+found to be beyond his limits. This subject was endeavoured to be settled
+at that time, and has been since tried to be ascertained by several
+experienced persons; but the manner in which this affair ought to be
+regulated has never been agreed upon between the two interested parties.
+The adherents of Almagro have always insisted, that the extent assigned by
+his majesty as the government of Pizarro, ought to be measured either
+along the sea coast or by the grand road of the Incas, taking into the
+account all the turnings and windings in either of these routes; by which
+means, in either of these ways not only the city of Cuzco, but even Lima
+according to the opinions of several persons, would be left out of the
+province of Pizarro. He on the other hand, insisted that the extent of
+country granted to him, ought to be measured in a straight line directly
+from north to south, without any angles or turnings, or by means of
+settling the degrees of latitude at the two extremities, allowing so many
+leagues to each degree.
+
+Ferdinand Pizarro offered to admit Almagro and his troops into Cuzco, and
+to assign them a particular quarter of the city for their residence, if he
+would agree to defer the dispute about the boundaries, till intelligence
+were sent to the governor Don Francisco Pizarro, then at Lima, that he
+might have it in his power to endeavour to fall upon some means of
+settling the difference between them in an amicable manner. It has been
+said by some, that a truce was agreed upon between them on these
+principles; and that on the faith of this truce, Ferdinand Pizarro allowed
+all the soldiers and inhabitants to retire to their quarters for rest and
+refreshment, after their long fatigues, having spent several days and
+nights continually under arms, without time to sleep or even to take
+proper food. It is farther said, that Almagro, being informed of this
+circumstance, made a night attack on Cuzco, in which he was aided by a
+thick mist, so that he got possession of the defences without being
+observed. Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro, awakened by the noise, flew to
+arms and defended their house, which was the first attacked, with the
+assistance of their servants; but as the enemy set it on fire in several
+places, they were forced to surrender. Next day, Almagro obliged the
+Cabildo to receive him as governor, and committed Ferdinand and Gonzalo
+Pizarro to prison. Several of his confidents even urged him to secure his
+conquest by putting the Pizarros to death; but he was chiefly dissuaded
+from this by the influence of Diego de Alvarado, who became responsible
+for them.
+
+It has been said that Almagro violated the truce which he had agreed to
+with Ferdinand Pizarro, in consequence of the false representations of
+several Indians and Spaniards, who told him that Ferdinand had ordered all
+the bridges to be broken down, and was employed in fortifying Cuzco
+against him. In proof of this, it is alleged that when Almagro was
+advancing to attack the city, and saw the bridges remained uninjured, he
+said aloud that he had been imposed on. The governor Don Francisco Pizarro
+did not receive any account of these events at Cuzco for a good many days
+afterwards. As the Inca Manco Capac had fled with a large body of Peruvian
+warriors to the high mountains of the Andes, Almagro invested his brother
+the _Inca Paul_[7] with the royal fringed fillet, appointing him nominal
+king of Peru.
+
+Among those things which Don Francisco Pizarro had solicited from his
+majesty in reward for his services in the discovery and conquest of Peru,
+he particularly requested the grant in perpetuity to him and his
+descendants of twenty thousand Indians in a province named _Atabillos_[8],
+with all the revenues, imposts, rights, and jurisdictions appertaining to
+them, together with the title of Marquis of that province. The king gave
+him the title of Marquis according to his desire; but in regard to the
+grant of Indians which he solicited, answered, that he must in the first
+place be better informed of the nature and circumstances of the country
+and its native institutions, before he could determine on that measure,
+but that Pizarro might rest assured of having every reasonable concession
+in his favour.
+
+On receiving information of the insurrection of the Peruvians around Cuzco
+under Manco Capac, Francisco Pizarro, now Marquis, sent several
+detachments of troops to the assistance of his brother Ferdinand at Cuzco,
+sometimes ten or fifteen only together, according as circumstances or
+convenience occurred, not believing the state of affairs to be so
+hazardous as it was in reality[9]. The Peruvians having accurate
+information of the march of these detachments, occupied the difficult
+passes of the mountains with parties of warriors, and succeeded on several
+occasions to defeat these small bodies, most of whom were slain. One
+considerable reinforcement of seventy horsemen, was sent by the Marquis
+from Truxillo and San Miguel under the command of Diego Pizarro, who was
+waylaid by the Peruvians at a difficult pass called the mountain of Parios,
+about fifty leagues from Cuzco, where he and his men were all slain. One
+Gonzalo de Tapia, who was brother-in-law to the Marquis, who went with a
+body of eighty horsemen, was likewise defeated and slain; and two other
+captains, named Morgoveio and Gaete, while endeavouring to pass the
+mountains to the relief of Cuzco, were treated in the same manner. Of all
+these different detachments, scarcely one man escaped, so that those who
+followed knew nothing of what happened to those who went before them. The
+enemy always attacked the Spaniards while engaged in marching through some
+deep and narrow valley among the mountains, occupying both ends of the
+valley by strong bodies of warriors, and rolling down great stones and
+masses of rock from the steep and high mountains on both sides of the
+valley, destroyed our men and horses in a miserable manner, often without
+fighting. In this way they at different times destroyed more than three
+hundred soldiers, and made themselves masters of their arms, besides
+acquiring considerable and valuable plunder in gold and jewels and silk
+dresses. Not knowing the fate of the former detachments, Francisco de
+Godoy was sent with a reinforcement of eighty men; but falling in with two
+of those who had belonged to the detachment under Gaete, who had escaped,
+he learnt from them what had happened, on which he immediately endeavoured
+to retreat from the mountain passes, in which he had considerable
+difficulty, as the Indians had already occupied the defiles in his rear.
+He made good his retreat however, followed and harassed by the Indians for
+more than twenty leagues, sometimes attacking him in the rear and at other
+times in the van, and at length got safe to Lima with much difficulty.
+About the same time the captain Diego de Aguero arrived at that place with
+some other Spaniards, who had saved themselves from the Indians, who had
+endeavoured to massacre them at their country residences.
+
+The marquis sent Pedro de Lerma at the head of eighty cavalry to drive
+away a numerous army of Peruvian warriors who had invaded the lower
+country in pursuit of Aguero. Lerma fought against these troops of the
+Inca a whole day, and at last forced them to take refuge in a strong place
+among steep rocks, where the Spaniards surrounded them. In this battle,
+Lerma lost several of his teeth, and several of his men were wounded, but
+none killed. The Indians were so exceedingly crowded together among the
+rocks to which they had retired, that they were unable to use their arms,
+insomuch that the Spaniards might probably have put an end to the war on
+this occasion, if the marquis had not sent them an order to retire. On
+seeing the retreat of their enemies, the Indians returned thanks to their
+gods for their escape from so great danger, and took post on a high
+mountain near the city of Lima on the other side of the river, whence they
+harassed the Spaniards by frequent skirmishes and attacks. The commander
+of these Indians was named Tyzogopangui, who had along with him one of the
+brothers of the Inca, whom the marquis had sent along with Gaete[10].
+While the Peruvians remained in the neighbourhood of Lima, skirmishing
+every day with the Spaniards, it often happened that the natives who were
+in the service of the Spaniards, who were called _Yanacones_, went during
+the day to their friends in the mountains, who gave them provisions, and
+returned at night to their masters.
+
+As he was in a manner besieged by so large a force of the enemy in Lima,
+the marquis concluded that his brothers and all the other Spaniards in
+Cuzco had certainly been slain, and that the insurrection was so general
+that the inhabitants of Chili had likewise destroyed Almagro and his army.
+In this emergency, both that his Spaniards might not expect to save
+themselves by sea, and to convince the Peruvians that he had no intention
+to leave the country, he sent off all his ships to Panama. At the same
+time he sent notice to the Viceroy of New Spain and all the other
+governors in America and the West Indies of the perilous state of affairs
+in Peru, intreating them to send him assistance. In these letters, he is
+said not to have shewn his usual firmness, and it is reported that this
+was occasioned by the earnest solicitations of many of those around him.
+He sent orders at the same time to the commandant of Truxillo to abandon
+that place, and to come to his assistance with all the armed men and
+horses he could collect, sending off the women and children and all their
+valuable effects to the province of Tierra firma. But before the execution
+of these orders, the captain Alfonso de Alvarado arrived at Truxillo with
+the troops he had taken along with him for the conquest of the province of
+the Chachapoyas, whence he had been recalled by orders from the marquis.
+Leaving a part of his troops for the defence of Truxillo, Alvarado marched
+with the rest to Lima, where the marquis appointed him lieutenant-general
+of his army, in place of Don Pedro de Lerma, who had hitherto enjoyed that
+office. This gave great offence to Lerma, and was the occasion of his
+revolt, as shall be mentioned in the sequel.
+
+As the marquis was now reinforced by a considerable number of troops, he
+thought himself in condition to send assistance to those parts which were
+in greatest danger, and detached therefore Alfonso Alvarado with three
+hundred horse and foot, who pillaged several districts with very little
+resistance from the Indians. But about four leagues from the city of
+Pachacamac, he was violently attacked by the Indians, whom he defeated
+with considerable slaughter; after which he continued his march towards
+Cuzco. On this march the army of Alvarado suffered great hardships in
+passing across a large extent of desert country, five hundred Indians who
+attended as servants perishing of thirst; and it is said that all the
+Spanish infantry must have died of thirst and fatigue, if they had not
+been relieved by the activity of the cavalry in bringing them water from a
+distance. After reaching the province of Jauja, Alvarado was joined by
+Gomez de Tordoya with two hundred horse and foot, who had been sent after
+him. His force being augmented to five hundred men by this reinforcement,
+Alvarado proceeded to the bridge of _Lumichaca_, where he was surrounded
+by a numerous army of hostile Indians. Having defeated these in battle, he
+continued his march to the bridge of Abancay[11], continually harassed by
+the Indians. At that place he learned that Ferdinand and Gonzalo Pizarro
+had been imprisoned by Almagro, who had taken possession of Cuzco; on
+which he resolved to halt where he then was till he might receive precise
+orders from the marquis for his farther proceedings.
+
+When Almagro was informed of the arrival of Alfonso Alvarado at Abancay,
+he sent Diego Alvarado to wait upon him, attended by seven or eight
+horsemen, with orders to notify his commission as governor in these parts.
+Alfonso, after examining the commission, declared that he did not consider
+himself competent to decide upon an affair of such high importance, and
+that the documents ought to be communicated to the marquis. Almagro had
+come part of the way from Cuzco towards the camp of Alvarado, where he
+waited the return of his messenger; and not seeing him at the time he
+expected, he became afraid that Alvarado had detained him and might
+advance to Cuzco by another road. He returned therefore to Cuzco in all
+haste to provide for his defence. Learning the discontent of Lerma, on
+account of having been superseded in the command of the army by the
+marquis, and that he was disposed to come over to his side with eighty men,
+Almagro marched out from Cuzco with his troops a fortnight afterwards, and
+advanced towards the army of Alfonso Alvarado. While on the march, the
+advanced guard belonging to Almagro, by means of an ambush, made Pedro
+Alvarez Holguin prisoner, who had been sent out on discovery by Alvarado.
+On learning this circumstance, Alvarado meant to have arrested Pedro de
+Lerma, as he entertained suspicions that he was in correspondence with
+Almagro; but Lerma had previously escaped to the enemy, carrying along
+with him the signatures of all those who had joined him in the plot for
+deserting to Almagro.
+
+After the junction of Lerma, Almagro approached during the night to the
+bridge of Abancay with one part of his army, where he knew that Gomez de
+Tordoya and a son of Colonel Vilalva waited for him; and he detached at
+the same time a large body of his troops to a ford of the river, where
+those who had conspired in his favour along with Lerma had the guard. By
+these men the troops of Almagro were received as friends, so that they
+passed the river without opposition. Some of these conspirators contrived
+during the night to throw above fifty lances belonging to the cavalry of
+Alvarado into the river. Owing to all these circumstances, when Alvarado
+proposed next morning to have attacked the enemy, he found himself
+abandoned by the conspirators; and a considerable number of his own troops,
+not being able to find their arms, did not come up in time for the attack.
+By these means Almagro got an easy and bloodless victory, not a single
+Spaniard being killed on either side, Rodrigo Orgognez only losing several
+of his teeth by a stone thrown from a sling[12]. After the capture of
+Alfonso Alvarado, the Almagrians pillaged his camp, and carried all the
+adherents of Pizarro as prisoners to Cuzco, where they were harshly
+treated. In consequence of this victory the partizans of Almagro were so
+much elated, that they used to say the Pizarros might now retire from Peru
+to govern the Mangroves under the equator.
+
+In consequence of the victories which Alvarado had gained over the Indians
+at Pachacamac and Lumichaca, as already mentioned, the Inca and Titu
+Yupanqui were obliged to retire from before Lima, which they had in a
+manner blockaded. By this circumstance the marquis found himself at
+liberty to act in support of his interest at Cuzco; and having received
+considerable reinforcements from various parts, he began his march for
+Cuzco at the head of more than seven hundred men, horse and foot. In this
+expedition, his only purpose was to succour his brothers against the
+Peruvians, as he had not hitherto received information of the return of
+Almagro from Chili, or any of those other events which had taken place, as
+before related. Most of the troops by which the marquis was lately joined,
+were sent by Don Alonso de Fuenmayor, archbishop and president of
+Hispaniola, under the command of his brother Don Diego de Fuenmayor.
+Besides these, Gaspar de Espinosa had brought some troops from Panama, and
+Diego de Avala had brought others from Nicaragua. With this army the
+marquis set out from Lima for Cuzco, taking the way of the plain, and
+arrived in the province of Nasca, about twenty-five leagues from Lima[13].
+At this place he received intelligence of the return of Almagro, the death
+of one of his brothers and imprisonment of the other two, the defection of
+Lerma, and the capture of Alvarado. He was sensibly affected by this
+afflicting news; and considering that his troops were only prepared for
+contending against Indians, he thought proper to return immediately to
+Lima to take proper measures under the present emergency of his affairs.
+
+Soon after his return to Lima, the marquis sent the licentiate Espinosa to
+endeavour to bring about an accommodation with Almagro. Espinosa was
+directed to represent to Almagro, that if his majesty were informed of the
+disputes between them, and the evil consequences of these upon the
+condition of the colony, he would assuredly recal both, and send some
+other person to assume the government of Peru, who would reap the rich
+fruit of their joint labours. If Almagro refused to listen to these
+remonstrances, and to enter into a friendly accommodation, Espinosa was
+instructed to request that he would set the brothers of Pizarro at liberty,
+and would remain at Cuzco without attempting any farther hostilities,
+untill they had laid a statement of their differences before his majesty,
+and had received his final orders respecting the boundaries between their
+governments. Espinosa was unable to persuade Almagro to agree to any
+accommodation, and soon afterwards died. Leaving Gabriel de Roias as his
+lieutenant in Cuzco, with the charge of Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso de
+Alvarado, Almagro descended into the plain with a considerable force,
+carrying Ferdinand Pizarro along with him. He penetrated into the province
+of Chancay, which is only twenty leagues from Lima, where he even
+established a colony or garrison, in a place which was without any manner
+of doubt within the province of the marquis.
+
+On the return of the marquis to Lima, he made additional levies of troops;
+giving out openly that he was reduced to take up arms against Almagro, who
+had invaded his government. In a few days he assembled an army of seven
+hundred men, among whom was a considerable body of musqueteers, which had
+been brought from Flanders with the necessary arms and ammunition by Pedro
+de Vergera, along with the troops of Diego de Fuenmayor. Hitherto there
+had not been a sufficient number of musquets in Peru to form entire
+companies of that species of troops; but on the present occasion the
+marquis was enabled to arm two companies with that powerful weapon, one of
+which was commanded by the before named Pedro de Vergera, who had been
+formerly sent to discover the province of Bracamoras. Nugno de Castro was
+appointed captain of the other company of musqueteers. Diego de Urbina,
+nephew of the maestre de campo Juan de Urhina, was made captain of the
+pikemen. Diego de Roias, Peranzures, and Alfonso de Mercadillo, were
+appointed captains of horse: Pedro de Valdivia maestre de campo, and
+Antonio de Vilalva sergeant-major, who was son of Colonel Vilalva.
+
+About this time, Alonso de Alvarado and Gonzalo Pizarro, who remained
+prisoners in Cuzco[14], made their escape from prison, and joined the
+marquis with above seventy men whom they had persuaded to accompany them,
+bringing likewise along with them as prisoner Gabriel de Roias the
+lieutenant of Almagro. The arrival of these officers gave much
+satisfaction to the marquis, both on account of their escape from danger,
+and because the reinforcement they brought along with them gave great
+encouragement to his troops. He appointed his brother Gonzalo
+lieutenant-general of his army, and Alonso Alvarado maestre de campo, or
+major-general of the cavalry. When Almagro learnt that his prisoners had
+escaped, and the numerous forces which the marquis had procured, he became
+desirous of an accommodation, for which purpose he sent Alfonso Enriquez,
+Diego Nugnez de Mercadura the factor, and Juan de Guzman treasurer, to the
+marquis to desire an interview, at which they might regulate every thing
+that was in dispute between them. After several messages and proposals,
+the marquis proposed to refer the whole matter to the umpirage of
+Francisco de Bovadilla, provincial of the order of Mercy, to which Almagro
+consented.
+
+In virtue of the powers given to him by both parties, Bovadilla ordained
+that Ferdinand Pizarro should be set at liberty; that Cuzco should be
+restored to the marquis; that both armies should be disbanded, and the
+different companies sent in various directions to discover and conquer the
+country; and that finally the whole dispute about the boundaries of the
+two governments should be referred to the decision of his majesty.
+Bovadilla likewise persuaded Almagro and Pizarro to have an interview in
+the village of Mala[15], mid-way between the two armies, at which they
+might discuss the terms of an entire reconcilement, each to be attended by
+twelve horsemen. They accordingly set out for that place from their
+respective camps; but as Gonzalo Pizarro did not give implicit confidence
+to the promise of Almagro, he followed his brother with the whole army,
+which he secretly posted in the neighbourhood of Mala, placing Castro with
+forty musketeers in ambush among some reeds near the road by which Almagro
+had to pass, and directing him, in case Almagro was accompanied by a
+larger force than was agreed on, to give notice by a discharge of musketry,
+that Gonzalo might hasten to the defence of the marquis.
+
+Before leaving Chincha on his way to the interview with Pizarro, Almagro
+left orders with his lieutenant-general, Rodrigo Orgognez, to keep
+vigilant guard againt the machinations of the enemy, in case the marquis
+should bring a greater escort than was agreed upon, that he might send him
+prompt assistance; and if any treason were practised against him, that
+Ferdinand Pizarro should be considered as an hostage for his safety. On
+their meeting, the marquis and Almagro embraced each other with much
+apparent cordiality; but after a short discourse, in which no part of
+their difference was alluded to, one of the horsemen who accompanied the
+marquis, whispered to Almagro that he was in danger, and advised him to
+retire without delay, as Gonzalo Pizarro had placed an ambush to intercept
+him. Almagro immediately called for his horse; and several of the
+attendants on Pizarro, seeing Almagro about to retire, endeavoured to
+persuade the marquis to have him arrested, which could easily have been
+done by means of the musqueteers under De Castro. To this the marquis
+would by no means consent, being resolved to keep his promise inviolate,
+and would not believe that Almagro meant to go away without coming to some
+conclusion on the subject of their meeting. Almagro however went away; and
+as he saw the ambush on his way back, he was convinced that treachery was
+intended against him, and made loud complaints of the conduct of the
+marquis after his return to Chincha. Yet, by the intercession of Diego de
+Alvarado, Almagro set Ferdinand Pizarro at liberty, on condition that the
+marquis should provide him with a ship and a free port, by which he might
+send dispatches to Spain and receive answers, and that they should
+continue in peace until they received the final determination of the
+sovereign respecting the boundaries of their governments. Rodrigo Orgognez
+was exceedingly averse from this measure of liberating Ferdinand Pizarro,
+who had been harshly treated while a prisoner, and who he believed would
+be eager for revenge if set free, and strongly urged Almagro to put him to
+death. But Almagro would not listen to his advice, and sent Ferdinand
+Pizarro to the marquis, accompanied by his own son the younger Almagro and
+several gentlemen. Ferdinand Pizarro was hardly set off on his return,
+when Almagro began to repent that he had set him at liberty; and it is
+believed he would have been remanded to prison if he had not made haste on
+his journey, during which he was met by several of his brothers principal
+officers.
+
+Soon after the liberation of his brother Ferdinand, the marquis received
+provisional orders from his majesty, by the hands of Pedro Anzures; by
+which the two governors were commanded to retain the countries which each
+of them had discovered and conquered, and in which they had formed
+establishments at the time when this provisional order should be notified
+to them; neither of them making any attempt to disturb the other until his
+majesty should give definitive orders on the subject. Having now his
+brother at liberty, the marquis sent a notification to Almagro of this
+imperial order, requiring him to retire according to his majestys orders
+from the country which he, Pizarro, had discovered, and in which he had
+established colonies. Almagro answered, that he was ready to obey the
+orders of his majesty, in keeping possession of the country and
+establishments he occupied when the imperial order was notified, for which
+reason he required the marquis to leave him in the peaceable enjoyment of
+what he how possessed, declaring that on his part he would carefully and
+entirely perform whatever should be finally commanded by his majesty. The
+marquis replied, that the city of Cuzco and the adjoining territory had
+been first discovered, colonized, and occupied by him, of which he had
+been violently dispossessed by Almagro, that in conformity with the orders
+of his majesty, therefore, it behoved Almagro to evacuate that city and
+territory, or he would drive him from it by force, as all the compacts and
+conventions which had been entered into between them were abrogated by
+this new regulation of his majesty.
+
+As Almagro refused to accede to these demands, the marquis marched against
+him with his whole force, on which Almagro retired towards Cuzco, and
+fortified himself on a high mountain named Guavtara, breaking up all the
+roads to render the approach to his camp as difficult as possible.
+Ferdinand Pizarro found means to ascend the mountain during the night by a
+secret path, and forced the passages with his musqueteers, so that Almagro
+was forced to abandon this position, seeking his safety in flight. Being
+sick at the time, he went with the advanced guard, leaving Orgognez to
+bring up and protect the rear. One night, Orgognez learnt by two of
+Pizarros horsemen who were taken prisoners, that the enemy were close up
+with his rear, on which he hastened the retreat as much as possible,
+although several of his officers were anxious for him to turn back upon
+the pursuers, knowing by experience that those who usually inhabited the
+plain were liable, on their first coming into the mountainous region, to
+sickness and vomiting, very much resembling sea-sickness. Orgognez refused
+to listen to this advice, because contrary to the orders of Almagro; yet
+it was believed he might have been successful, as the troops belonging to
+the marquis were in reality affected by that ordinary malady, and were
+besides so much distressed by the snow that Pizarro retired back with his
+army into the maritime plain of Peru. Almagro continued his march to Cuzco,
+where he employed himself for two months in raising recruits, procuring
+ammunition, preparing arms of silver and copper, founding cannon, and
+making every preparation to defend himself against Pizarro.
+
+After the return of the marquis into the plain, various consultations were
+held as to the best plan of procedure, and it was at last determined that
+Ferdinand Pizarro, now lieutenant-general under the marquis, with his
+brother Gonzalo Pizarro as major-general, should march with the army
+against Cuzco[16]. On this occasion, a manifesto was circulated as the
+reason of this measure, that several of the inhabitants of Cuzco had made
+complaints to the marquis against the tyranny of Almagro, who had
+violently seized their goods and houses, and dispossessed them of their
+Indians and every thing that belonged to them. The marquis returned to
+Lima, and his brother Ferdinand marched at the head of the army towards
+Cuzco. Having arrived on the mountainous ridge near Cuzco in the evening,
+all his officers urged Ferdinand Pizarro to descend immediately into the
+plain that the army might encamp there for the night; but Ferdinand
+positively rejected this advice, and ordered the army to encamp on the
+mountain. Early next morning, the whole army of Almagro was seen drawn up
+in order of battle on the plain, under the supreme command of Orgognez;
+Francisco de Chaves, Juan Tello, and Vasco de Guevara, having the command
+of the cavalry under his orders. On the side of the mountain there was a
+great body of Indians in charge of a small number of Spaniards, intended
+to be employed as circumstances might admit in the expected battle. In the
+meantime, all the friends and partizans of the marquis who were in Cuzco
+were committed prisoners to the citadel, which was so extremely crowded on
+this occasion, and the places appropriated for their confinement so small,
+that several of them were stifled.
+
+On the following day, after the solemnization of the mass, Ferdinand
+Pizarro marched his army into the plain of Cuzco in order of battle, and
+advanced towards the city, intending to gain possession of some high
+ground which overlooked the citadel. Ferdinand and his troops flattered
+themselves, from their great superiority in numbers, that Almagro would
+not risk a battle, and were even anxious to spare the effusion of
+Christian blood on the present occasion, in which the natives of the same
+country and subjects of the same sovereign were preparing to destroy each
+other, instead of uniting in a common cause for the general good of all.
+Orgognez was actuated by a different principle, and had occupied the only
+passage by which the troops of Pizarro could approach towards Cuzco, in
+which he had drawn up his troops and artillery with much judgment, under
+cover of a marsh, across which it was necessary for the troops of Pizarro
+to pass before they could attack his position. Immediately on
+reconnoitring the order of the enemy, Ferdinand Pizarro ordered captain
+Mercadillo to advance with his cavalry to a proper place for keeping the
+Indians in check in case they should attempt to attack his army while
+engaged in battle with Orgognez, and whence likewise he might be able to
+give succour where necessary during the approaching engagement. Before the
+Spaniards began to engage, the Indians on both sides skirmished with each
+other. The cavalry of Pizarro endeavoured to pass the morass, and being
+opposed by a squadron of Almagro's horse, the musketeers belonging to
+Pizarro advanced in front of their own horse and soon compelled the
+adverse cavalry to give ground. On seeing this successful commencement of
+the battle, Pedro de Valdivia, a maestre de campo of the marquis, assured
+his friends that the victory was their own. While the troops of Pizarro
+were passing the marsh, the Almagrians plied their artillery, and by one
+discharge five men belonging to Pizarro were brought down. But Pizarro
+pressed on under cover of a close fire from his musketeers, and passed
+both the marsh and a rivulet beyond, and drew up in good order on the firm
+ground, every one of the captains having been previously instructed how to
+proceed with their divisions before the engagement commenced. As Pizarro
+noticed that the pikemen in the army of Orgognez carried their pikes high,
+he gave orders to his musketeers to fire a little high, by which means in
+two vollies they broke above fifty of the enemies pikes[17]. At this time
+Orgognez ordered his army to advance to the charge, and observing that
+several of his divisions hesitated, being held in check by the fire of the
+musqueteers, he moved on himself at the head of his main body, directing
+his attack to that part of the enemy where Ferdinand Pizarro was seen at
+the head of his squadrons. Orgognez apparently despairing of the battle,
+called out while advancing, "Follow me who will! I go in the name of God
+to do my duty, and to seek an honourable death!" While Orgognez was
+advancing, Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso Alvarado observed that his flank was
+uncovered, and accordingly made an immediate charge, by which above fifty
+of the Almagrians were overthrown. Orgognez was wounded by a musket-ball
+in the head, which broke through his beaver; notwithstanding which he
+killed two men with his lance, and wounded one of Pizarros servants in the
+mouth whom he mistook for the general, as he was finely dressed. For some
+time the engagement was extremely severe and the combatants were mingled
+together; but at length the troops of Pizarro forced the Almagrians to
+take to flight after they had a considerable number killed and wounded.
+
+Almagro being sick, took no part in the battle, which he observed from a
+height at some distance, and on seeing his troops take to flight,
+exclaimed, "I thought we had come out to fight like valiant soldiers, not
+to run away like cowards." He immediately withdrew to the citadel of Cuzco,
+to which place he was pursued by Gonzalo Pizarro and Alonso Alvarado, and
+made prisoner. Orgognez was taken prisoner by two of Pizarros horsemen,
+who were leading him away when a third came up who bore him a grudge for
+some injurious treatment, and cut off his head. Several others who had
+surrendered were slain in this manner by personal enemies, in spite of
+every endeavour by Ferdinand Pizarro and his officers to protect them. The
+soldiers of Alvarado especially, ashamed and irritated by the defeat they
+had formerly sustained at the bridge of Abancay, were eager for revenge,
+and put many of the Almagrians to death in cold blood. Captain Ruy Dias
+had taken up a prisoner behind him on horseback, on purpose to protect him,
+when one of his own troopers run him through with his lance.
+
+When the Indian servants of the two armies saw that the battle among the
+Christians was ended, they too gave over fighting, and fell to plundering
+the dead, whom they stripped of their clothes and valuables, even
+pillaging several who were yet alive, but unable to defend themselves
+because of their wounds; and as the conquerors were entirely taken up in
+pursuing their victory, the Indians had it in their power to do as they
+pleased, so that they entirely stripped everyone whom they found on the
+field of battle. The Spaniards, both victors and vanquished, were so worn
+out and fatigued by their exertions in this battle, that they might have
+been easily destroyed by the Indians who were present, if they had dared
+to attack them according to their original intention; but they were so
+busied in plundering the killed and wounded, that they neglected the
+opportunity of avenging themselves on their oppressors. This decisive
+battle was fought on the 6th of April 1538, in a plain called _Cachipampa_
+or the field of salt by the Indians, about a league to the south of the
+citadel of Cuzco, near a salt spring from which the inhabitants make great
+quantities of salt; and as these salt works are in the neighbourhood of
+the field, this engagement has been always known by the name of the battle
+of _Salinas_, or of the salt works[18].
+
+After this decisive victory, Ferdinand Pizarro used every means to
+conciliate the officers of Almagros army who had survived the battle, that
+he might engage them in the party of the marquis, and being unsuccessful,
+he banished several of them from Cuzco. Being unable to satisfy the
+demands of all those who had served him on the late occasion, as many of
+them thought so highly of their own merits that the government of Peru
+would hardly have been a sufficient reward in their own estimation,
+Ferdinand Pizarro resolved to separate the army, sending it away in
+various detachments to discover and conquer those parts of the country
+which had not been hitherto explored and reduced. By this measure, he at
+the same time rewarded his friends by giving them opportunities to
+distinguish and enrich themselves, and got rid of his enemies by sending
+them to a distance. On this occasion Pedro de Candia was sent with three
+hundred men, part of whom had belonged to Almagro, to conquer the country
+of Collao, a mountainous district which was said to be extremely rich. Not
+being able to make any progress in this country on account of the
+difficulty of the roads, he had to return; besides which his troops became
+mutinous, chiefly at the instigation of one Mesa, who had been commissary
+of artillery under Almagro, and was encouraged by the other soldiers of
+Almagro who served on this expedition. On this, Candia arrested Mesa and
+sent him to Ferdinand Pizarro with the evidences of his guilt. This
+circumstance, combined with information of conspiracies in several other
+places, which had for their object to free Almagro from prison and to give
+him possession of Cuzco, satisfied Ferdinand Pizarro that the country
+would never be in quiet while Almagro lived.
+
+Ferdinand accordingly brought Almagro to trial, in which he was convicted
+of giving occasion to all the preceding disorders, of which he was the
+first and chief cause; having begun the war by several acts of hostilities;
+having taken forcible possession of the city of Cuzco by his own private
+authority, where he put several persons to death merely for opposing his
+unlawful usurpation; and having marched in hostile array into the province
+of Chincha, which incontestibly belonged to the province assigned to the
+marquis. When sentence of death was pronounced, Almagro said every thing
+he could think of to excite the compassion of Ferdinand Pizarro that he
+might spare his life. He represented that the marquis in a great measure
+owed his present greatness to him; as he had advanced the greatest
+proportion of the original funds for the discovery of Peru. He desired
+Ferdinand to recollect, that when he was a prisoner in his hands, he had
+set him at liberty contrary to the representations of his officers, who
+advised that he should be put to death: And that though he, Pizarro, might
+have been ill treated while a prisoner, that had been done without his
+orders or knowledge. He intreated him to consider his very advanced age,
+which would soon bring him to the grave, without the disgrace of a public
+punishment. Ferdinand expressed his astonishment that one of such great
+courage should shew so much fear of death, which was now inevitable, and
+desired him to submit to the will of God like a good Christian, and to
+meet death with the courage of a gentleman and a man of honour. Almagro
+replied, that be ought not to be surprised at seeing him afraid of death,
+being a man and a sinner, since even Jesus Christ had evinced a fear to
+die. All this however was of no avail, as Ferdinand caused him to be
+beheaded.
+
+After the execution of Almagro, Ferdinand Pizarro went to Collao, where he
+punished Mesa for having excited mutiny among the troops of Candia; after
+which he sent the three hundred men under the command of Peranzures to
+reduce the country which had been assigned to Pedro de Candia. These
+troops had to march by a most difficult and dangerous route among morasses
+and uncultivated places, where they thought to have perished of famine.
+Ferdinand remained in Collao, which he reduced. This is a level country
+containing several gold mines, but so cold that it produces no maize, the
+natives living principally on a root named _papas_, which resembles
+truffles. This country likewise abounds in those Peruvian sheep which have
+been formerly described[19]. About this time the marquis came to Cuzco, to
+which place Ferdinand went to confer with him, leaving his brother Gonzalo
+Pizarro to continue his conquest. Gonzalo advanced into the province of
+the Charcas[20], where he was attacked by a great body of Indians and
+reduced to great straits, insomuch that Ferdinand set out from Cuzco to
+his assistance with a body of horse. On this occasion, on purpose to
+encourage these succours to use every possible expedition, the marquis
+gave out that he meant to go in person to relieve his brother Gonzalo, and
+actually went two or three days journey from Cuzco. When Ferdinand arrived
+at Charcas, he found that Gonzalo had already extricated himself from his
+difficulties, having defeated and dispersed the enemy. They continued
+together for some time reducing the country, having frequently to fight
+with the Indians, till at last they took their chief prisoner, named
+_Tixo_[21], on which the natives universally submitted. Ferdinand and
+Gonzalo now returned to Cuzco, where the marquis distributed settlements
+to every one sufficient to maintain them in ease and comfort.
+
+About this time likewise various other parties were sent out in different
+directions to discover and reduce the provinces of Peru and the
+neighbouring districts; among the commanders of these detachments were the
+captains Vergara, Porcel, Mercadillo, and Guevera. Pedro de Valdivia
+likewise was sent to Chili, where Almagro had formerly been, and Gonzalo
+Pizarro to Quito, of whose adventures we shall speak hereafter. When all
+these matters were arranged, by which the Spaniards were dispersed in
+various parts, and tranquillity was restored to the country, Ferdinand
+Pizarro set out for Spain to give an account to the emperor of all the
+transactions which had taken place in Peru, though many advised him not to
+run the risk of that measure until it was known what judgment might be
+formed at court respecting the death of Almagro. Before his departure,
+Ferdinand strongly advised his brother the marquis to put no trust in
+those who had adhered to the service of Almagro in the late troubles, who
+were usually denominated the _Chilese_, and particularly that he ought to
+keep them at a distance from each other, being well assured that if even
+eight or ten of them were permitted to dwell in one neighbourhood, that
+they would form conspiracies against his life.
+
+
+[1] Though not mentioned directly in the text, it appears that Almagro
+    knew of and intended to conquer the country of Chili, and that he
+    chose to march by the high country of Peru, through the great
+    elevated valley of the lake Titicaca, probably the highest inhabited
+    land of South America. His object was in all probability to avoid
+    the extensive desert of Atacama, which divides the plain of Peru
+    from Chili.--E.
+
+[2] From the desert of Atacama in lat 25 deg. S. to the island of Chiloe in
+    about lat. 42 deg. S. Chili Proper, between the Pacific ocean and the
+    western ridge of the Andes, stretches about 1100 English miles nearly
+    north and south by an average breadth of about 140 miles.--E.
+
+[3] Valparayso stands nearly in the latitude indicated by the text.
+    Valdivia, taking its name from that commander, is in
+    lat. 30 deg.40' S.--E.
+
+[4] Zarate is extremely remiss in regard to dates, and not a little
+    confused in the arrangement of his narrative. We learn from Robertson,
+    II. 325, that Ferdinand Pizarro returned to Peru in 1536.--E.
+
+[5] According to Robertson, II. 326, the place where the festival was to
+    be celebrated was only at a few leagues distance from Cuzco.
+    Garcilasso says that it was a garden belonging to the Incas only a
+    league from the city.--E.
+
+[6] The return of Almagro to Cuzco was in the year 1537.--E.
+
+[7] Garcilasso names this prince Paullu Inca.--E.
+
+[8] Named _Atavillos_ by Garcilasso de la Vega.--E.
+
+[9] The arrangement of Zarate is extremely faulty and confused, as he here
+    recounts circumstances which preceeded the return of Almagro to Cuzco.
+    We are here giving a translation of a original document; not
+    endeavouring to write a history of the Conquest of Peru, and have not
+    therefore authority to alter the arrangement of our author.--E.
+
+[10] Garcilasso names the Peruvian general Titu Yupanqui. The remainder of
+    the sentence, respecting the brother of the Inca and Gaete, is quite
+    unintelligible. I suspect it has been misunderstood by the French
+    translator and ought to stand thus: "The commander of these Peruvians
+    was Titu Yupanqui, a brother of the Inca, and the same person who had
+    driven Gaete and others to take refuge in Lima."--E.
+
+[11] Abancay is a town on one of the branches of the Apurimac about 60
+    miles west from Cuzco.--E.
+
+[12] We learn from the History of America, II. 331, that this bloodless
+    victory over Alvarado took place on the 12th July 1537. Garcilasso
+    calls it the battle of the river Amancay, and names Alvarado
+    Alonso.--E.
+
+[13] Nasca is about 240 miles S.S.E. from Lima, or about sixty Spanish
+    leagues.--E.
+
+[14] Zarate forgets that only a few lines before, he had mentioned that
+    Almagro carried these officers along with his army:--E.
+
+[15] Mala, or San Pedro de Mala, is a town and sea-port on a river of the
+    same name, about 50 miles south from Lima.
+
+[16] According to Robertson, II. 334, after an unsuccessful attempt to
+    cross the mountains by the direct road from Lima to Cuzco, Ferdinand
+    marched southwards in the maritime plain to Nasca, whence he
+    penetrated by the defiles of the mountains in that quarter.--E.
+
+[17] Garcilasso informs us that the musketeers of Pizarro used a kind of
+    chain shot on this occasion; their leaden bullets being cast in two
+    hemispheres connected together by several links of a small iron
+    chain.--E.
+
+[18] In Zarate the date of this battle is given as the 26th of April, in
+    which he is followed by Robertson; but Garcilasso carefully notices
+    the mistake, and assures us that it was fought on the 6th of the
+    month.--E.
+
+[19] Collao in the text is probably Cailloma of modern maps, a very
+    elevated valley at the head of one of the branches of the Apurimac.
+    The marshy country beyond, to which Candia and Peranzures were sent on
+    discovery, is called Musu by Garcilasso, and was probably the Pampas
+    or marshy plains of the Mojos or Muju, to the east of the Andes,
+    nearly in the latitude of Cailloma--E.
+
+[20] We learn from Garcilasso that in this province the city of La Plata
+    was afterwards built, not far distant from the famous mines of Potosi
+    and Porco--E.
+
+[21] Perhaps the Inca Titu Yupanqui is here meant, who was named
+    Tizogopangui by Zarate on a former occasion.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION IV.
+
+_Expeditions of Pedro de Valdivia into Chili, and of Gonzalo Pizarro to
+Los Canelos_.
+
+
+On the arrival of Pedro de Valdivia in Chili, he was peaceably received by
+the Indians, who wished to gather in their crops, as it was then the
+season of harvest. When this important business was accomplished, the
+whole country rose upon the Spaniards, who were unprepared for this event
+and somewhat dispersed, and killed forty of them before they could draw
+their forces together. On this occasion, when Valdivia was about to take
+the field to chastise the Chilese, part of his troops threatened to mutiny
+against his authority, and he was under the necessity of hanging several
+of the ringleaders, among whom was captain Pedro Sancho de Hosz, who was
+almost equal to himself in the command of this expedition. After the
+suppression of this mutiny, Valdivia took the field against the Indians,
+and during his absence an army of the enemy exceeding seven thousand men
+came to attack the newly established city, in which only a small number of
+Spaniards remained for its defence, under the command of the captains
+Francisco de Villagran, and Alfonso de Monroy. These officers went boldly
+out against the Chilese, at the head only of thirty horsemen, with whom
+they fought bravely against the immense number of Chilese archers from
+morning till night, after which they retired into the city, extremely
+fatigued and several of them wounded, but none of them slain. As the
+Chilese suffered a great loss in killed and wounded during this engagement,
+they retired during the night.
+
+For eight years afterwards, Valdivia and his troops defended themselves
+bravely against every effort of the Chilese, who continued the war
+incessantly. In all that time, Valdivia obliged his soldiers to cultivate
+a sufficient quantity of land for their sustenance, not being able to
+procure Indians for that purpose, yet resolved not to abandon the country
+which had been commited to his government. At the end of that period he
+returned into Peru, at the time when the licentiate Pedro de la Gasca was
+employed in levying an army against Gonzalo Pizarro, as shall be related
+in the sequel[1].
+
+Soon after the overthrow of the Almagrians, it was reported in Peru that a
+very rich country had been discovered to the eastwards of Quito, which in
+particular contained great quantities of cinnamon trees, on which account
+it got the name of Los Canelos, or the cinnamon country. The marquis
+accordingly resolved to send his brother Gonzalo Pizarro to discover that
+country; and as it was necessary to march thither by way of Quito, where
+likewise every requisite for the expedition was to be procured, the
+marquis conferred the government of the kingdom of Quito on his brother,
+till his majestys pleasure might be made known. Gonzalo Pizarro
+accordingly set out from Cuzco with a considerable force, taking his route
+for Quito by way of the elevated mountain vallies[2]. In this march he was
+opposed by the Indians of the province of Guanuco with so much
+perseverance and bravery, that the marquis was under the necessity of
+sending him a reinforcement under Francisco de Chaves. After having
+overcome this obstacle, he arrived in safety at Quito, where he proceeded
+to make preparations for his expedition to Los Canelos.
+
+On account of the hostile conduct of the Guanucos towards Gonzalo, and
+because the curacas or caciques of that province, in conjunction with
+those of the Conchucos had made frequent attacks on the city and province
+of Truxillo, in which they killed all the Spaniards they could meet with
+and pillaged the country, not even sparing their Indian neighbours, the
+marquis sent a detachment of troops under Gomez de Alvarado to make a
+conquest of Guanuco, with orders to establish a settlement in that country
+to keep the natives under subjection. In their military expeditions, the
+Peruvians of Guanuco carried an idol along with them, named Cataquilla, to
+which they made offerings of all whom they massacred or made prisoners,
+and of the spoil which fell into their hands. They persisted for a long
+time in their barbarous hostilities, till at length, Miguel de la Cerna
+raised a considerable force in Truxillo, with which he joined Francisco de
+Chaves. With these forces conjoined, they fought successfully against the
+Indians of Guanuco and reduced them to subjection.
+
+When Gonzalo Pizarro had completed the preparations for his expedition, he
+set out from Quito in the year 1540 at the head of 200 Spaniards well
+equipped, of whom the half was cavalry[3]. He was attended by 4000
+friendly Indians[4], and by a flock of 4000 animals, consisting of swine
+and Peruvian sheep, to serve as provisions, and to carry the baggage and
+ammunition of the army. After passing a place called Inca, the boundary of
+the conquests of Huana Capac towards the north and east, Gonzalo arrived
+in the country of the Quixos, where he was opposed by the natives, but
+they all disappeared one night, without the Spaniards being able to make a
+single prisoner. On the retreat of the Indians, Gonzalo and his troops
+took possession of their deserted habitations in which they rested for
+some days. While here, the country was visited by a dreadful earthquake,
+accompanied by prodigious thunder and lightning and an immense fall of
+rain. The earth opened in many places and swallowed up above five hundred
+houses. By the excessive rains, which continued forty or fifty days, a
+river in the neighbourhood of the Spanish quarters became so swollen that
+it was quite impassable, in consequence of which the troops suffered much
+from famine, as they were unable to get across the river in search of
+provisions. On the cessation of the tempest, Gonzalo had to cross a
+prodigious ridge of mountains, on the top of which they suffered such
+extreme cold that many of their attendant Indians were frozen to death.
+And as no provisions or shelter could be had in that elevated region, he
+made haste to arrive in the province of Zumaco[5] which is situated at the
+foot of a volcano. As provisions were found here in abundance, the army
+halted in this place for refreshments. In the mean time Gonzalo went with
+a small party of troops to endeavour to find out a passage through the
+forest. He at length reached the banks of a river named Coca, whence he
+sent for the remainder of his people to join him from Zumaco. During two
+months that the army remained in this country, it never ceased raining day
+or night, so that they never had a sufficient interval in which to dry
+their clothes.
+
+In this province of Zumaco the trees are found which afford cinnamon.
+These trees are very large and have leaves resembling the laurel. Their
+fruit grows in clusters, consisting of a nut resembling the acorn of the
+cork tree, but larger, and containing a number of small seeds. The fruit,
+leaves, bark, and roots have all the taste and flavour of cinnamon; but
+the best consists of the shell or nut which contains the seeds. In the
+whole of that country vast numbers of these trees are found wild in the
+woods, growing and producing fruit without care; but the Indians cultivate
+them with much attention in their plantations; and these cultivated trees
+produce a much better cinnamon than those trees which grow wild. This
+cinnamon is in great request among the natives, and is exchanged by the
+inhabitants of Zumaco with the neighbouring tribes, receiving in return
+provisions and other things of which they are in want.
+
+Leaving the greater part of his people in the country of Zumaco, as has
+been already said, Gonzalo penetrated into the country with much
+difficulty, accompanied by the most vigorous of his men, and guided by the
+Indians, who frequently gave him false accounts of the country in advance,
+on purpose to get him away from their own district. Thus the people of
+Zumaco informed him that the country beyond theirs was well peopled and
+had abundance of provisions; but he found it extremely barren and very
+thinly inhabited. Having penetrated to the province of Coca upon a large
+river of that name, he remained there about six weeks, waiting the arrival
+of the rest of his people from Zumaco, all the while treated in a friendly
+manner by the cacique of the district.
+
+After his troops were all assembled at Coca, Gonzalo marched along the
+course of the river, till at last he arrived at a place where it fell over
+a cataract of above 200 fathoms making a noise that could be easily heard
+at six leagues distance. A few days march below that place, the whole
+waters of the river became confined in a rocky channel not exceeding
+twenty feet wide, while the rocks were at least 200 fathoms in height
+above the water, and perfectly perpendicular. After a march of fifty
+leagues along the banks of this river, the Spaniards could find no place
+where they might possibly cross over, except at that narrow rocky channel,
+where a considerable number of Indians opposed their passage. Having
+driven away these Indians by means of their firearms, the Spaniards
+constructed a wooden bridge across between the steep rocks, over which
+they all passed in safety.
+
+After crossing the river, the Spaniards penetrated through the woods to a
+country named Guema, which was extremely flat and intersected with rivers
+and marshes, and in which they could get no provisions except wild fruits;
+but after this they came to a country tolerably peopled, in which there
+were some provisions. In this place the natives wore cotton vestments, but
+in the whole country through which they had hitherto passed, the few
+natives they had seen were entirely naked, either on account of the
+continual and excessive heat of the climate, or because they had no means
+of procuring clothes: The men had only a kind of girdles round their waist,
+with some strings tied to their prepuce, which passed between their thighs
+and were drawn up to the girdle; and the women wore some slight clouts. At
+this place Gonzalo built a bark to serve for crossing the rivers in search
+of provisions, and to transport the baggage and the sick by water. Besides
+in some places the country was so covered with wood, that they were unable
+to clear the way by means of their swords and hatchets, and in other
+places so inundated, that they were often obliged to transport the whole
+party by water. The building of this vessel occasioned infinite difficulty
+and labour, as besides cutting down wood for the purpose, they had to
+construct a forge in which to make the necessary iron work, which they
+made from the shoes of their dead horses. On this occasion, Gonzalo not
+only obliged every one to labour without regard to rank, but gave the
+example himself in using both the hatchet and the hammer as occasion
+required. Instead of pitch and tar, the gum which exuded from some trees
+of the forest was collected; and instead of flax and hemp, the old clothes
+of the Indians and the wore-out shirts of the Spaniards were employed for
+caulking the scams. They at length succeeded in making their bark capable
+of swimming, so as to transport all their baggage very commodiously;
+besides which they hollowed out several canoes to accompany the bark
+instead of boats.
+
+Gonzalo flattered himself that all his difficulties would be surmounted by
+means of this bark, and that he would now be able to pursue his
+discoveries to any extent he pleased. He continued his march therefore,
+accompanied by the bark which carried the baggage, while the main body had
+to travel along the banks of the river, often greatly incommoded in
+passing marshes, thick woods, and close brushwood. In some of these places
+they had to cut their way through canes and reeds with great toil, by
+means of their swords and hatchets; often changing from one side of the
+river to the other in search of an easier road. In this march they were
+always accompanied by the bark; and at night the whole party united
+together, that they might be able to give mutual assistance in case of
+need. After having penetrated above two hundred leagues, always following
+the course of the river, during which space they got only wild fruits and
+roots to support them, Gonzalo gave orders to Francisco de Orellana, one
+of his captains, to go forwards in the bark with fifty men in search of
+provisions; with orders to load his bark with these if he found any,
+leaving all the baggage at a place where two great rivers joined,
+according to information received from the Indians; and likewise to leave
+two canoes in a river which crossed the road to that place by land, to
+serve for ferrying over the troops.
+
+Orellana set out accordingly in the bark, and was very soon carried by the
+current to the appointed place where the two rivers met; but finding no
+provisions, and considering the immense difficulty of going up the river
+against a rapid current, he resolved to trust himself to the stream to try
+his fortune in that way. He even neglected to leave the two canoes at this
+place according to the orders of Gonzalo; and although several of those
+who were along with him in the bark urged him to remain according to the
+orders of his general, he insisted upon going forwards, even maltreating
+Friar Gaspard de Carvajal, who opposed this act of mutiny and desertion
+more forcibly than any of the rest. In his progress down the river,
+Orellana and his people frequently landed in search of provisions, and had
+often to fight with the Indians, who sometimes even attacked him in the
+bark by means of canoes, on which occasion the Spaniards could hardly
+defend themselves they were so crowded. On this last account he built a
+second bark, at a place where the Indians received him in a friendly
+manner and supplied him with provisions. From these Indians he was
+informed of a district a few days journey farther on, which was entirely
+inhabited by women, who made war and defended themselves agaist their
+neighbours[6].
+
+Following continually the stream of the river, but without finding any
+gold or silver, or the least indication of these metals, Orellana arrived
+at the mouth of this river on the Atlantic Ocean, about 350 leagues from
+the island of Cubagua. This great river is called the Maragnon or Marannon,
+from a person of that name who first discovered its mouth. It takes its
+rise in Peru on the eastern slopes of the Andes of Quito, and its entire
+course measured in a straight line extends to 700 leagues; but following
+all its flexures from the Andes to the ocean, it measures at least 1800
+leagues. At its mouth it measures 15 leagues in breadth, and in many parts
+of its course is three or four leagues broad. Orellana went afterwards
+into Spain[7], where he gave an account to his majesty of his discovery,
+which he pretended to have made at his own charges. He alleged that he had
+discovered a very rich country inhabited by a nation of warlike females,
+on which account the country and river came to be called _of the Amazons_.
+Having procured a commission of governor of this new country from his
+majesty, he levied a force of five hundred men for its conquest, with
+which he embarked from Seville: But having a most unprosperous voyage, in
+which his people suffered much from scarcity of provisions, most of his
+followers deserted from him at the Canaries, leaving him almost alone. He
+died during the subsequent part of the voyage, and all his remaining
+companions dispersed themselves among the islands.
+
+Gonzalo Pizarro was reduced to prodigious straits in consequence of the
+desertion of Orellana, both by the want of provisions and the difficulty
+of passing the rivers in his course; besides which Orellana had carried
+away with him a great quantity of gold, silver, and emeralds, which he
+converted to his own use in making his solicitations at the court of Spain,
+and in fitting out his expedition for the conquest and settlement of
+Amazonia. On his arrival at the place where Orellana had been ordered to
+leave the canoes, for the purpose of facilitating the passage of certain
+rivers which fall into the great Maranon, Gonzalo and his people were
+exceedingly embarrassed, and had to make other canoes with much difficulty
+to enable them to cross over, that they might continue their journey. When
+they came afterwards to where the two large rivers joined[8], and where
+Orellana ought to have waited for them, they found a Spaniard who had been
+left at this place by Orellana, because he had opposed the continuation of
+the voyage, and preferred to wait in that place for his general[9]. By his
+account, Orellana had renounced his dependence on Gonzalo Pizarro, meaning
+to proceed to discover the river in his own name and authority, and had
+prevailed on the people who accompanied him to elect him of new for their
+captain.
+
+By the loss of their vessel Gonzalo and his men were deprived of every
+means of procuring provisions from the Indians, as all the mirrors, bells,
+and other baubles for trading with the natives of the country had been put
+on board the bark. In this hopeless and discouraging situation, above four
+hundred leagues distant from Quito, they came to the immediate resolution
+of returning to that city; although, from the length and difficulty of the
+way, through forests and marshes, they had very little hope of ever
+getting back, and could hardly expect to escape dying of famine in the
+mountains and deserts over which they had to pass. In fact above forty
+actually died of famine during the march. After recommending themselves to
+the mercy of God, they began their march in great dejection; and as the
+way in which they came from Peru was full of difficulties and destitute of
+provisions, they took another road in their return, altogether at hazard,
+which they did not find in any degree better than the former[10]. Before
+reaching Peru, they were under the necessity of killing all their
+remaining horses to keep themselves from starving, and even to eat all
+their dogs. In the course of this journey likewise, they were reduced to
+the necessity of feeding on certain strings, or twining plants, a good
+deal like the tendrils of vines, which they found in the woods, and which
+had the taste of garlic. During this march a wild cat or a turkey sold for
+four dollars, and one of the sea-birds named Alcatraz, formerly mentioned
+as being very bad eating, brought a dollar or more, although reckoned very
+unwholesome.
+
+Some short time before Gonzalo got to Peru intelligence of his return had
+reached Quito, on which the inhabitants collected a considerable number of
+swine and Peruvian sheep which they sent off to meet him. They sent off at
+the same time a good many horses, and a supply of clothes for Gonzalo and
+his officers. This seasonable supply met them above fifty leagues from
+Quito, and one may easily judge that it was received with much joy,
+especially the provisions. The whole party, from the general to the
+private soldier, was almost entirely naked; as, from the almost continual
+rains to which they had been exposed, and the other hardships of their
+journey, their clothes were all rotten and torn to rags, and they were
+reduced to the necessity of covering themselves with the skins of beasts.
+Their swords were all without scabbards, and almost destroyed with rust.
+Their legs and arms were torn and scratched by the brushwood, thorns, and
+brakes, through which they had travelled; and the whole party were so pale,
+lean, and worn out with fatigue and famine, that their most intimate
+acquaintances were hardly able to recognize them. Among all their
+privations, what they felt the most unsufferable, was the want of salt, of
+which they had not been able to procure the smallest supply for above two
+hundred leagues.
+
+On arriving in the kingdom of Quito, where every thing they stood in need
+of was brought them, they knelt down and kissed the ground as a mark of
+gratitude and satisfaction, and returned thanks to God for their
+preservation from so many dangers. Such was their eagerness for food after
+so long famine, that it became necessary to regulate their supply, and
+only to allow them to eat by little and little at a time, till their
+stomachs became accustomed to digest their food. As there had only been
+sent from Quito a sufficiency of horses and clothes for Gonzalo and his
+officers, they refused to avail themselves of either, not choosing to
+enjoy any advantages which they could not share with their soldiers, by
+which they rendered themselves extremely popular and gained their
+affection greatly. They arrived at Quito in the morning, and went
+immediately to church to hear mass, and to give thanks to God for their
+delivery from so many and severe evils; after which every one retired to
+his quarters, to refresh and clothe themselves according to their means.
+This country of Los Canelos, whence the cinnamon is procured, is
+immediately under the equinoctial line, similar in that respect to the
+Molucca islands, whence cinnamon is brought into Spain and other parts of
+Europe[11].
+
+
+[1] We shall have a future opportunity of giving a better account of the
+    discovery and conquest of Chili than this extremely meagre notice by
+    Zarate from Molina, Ovalle and other early authors. The nameless city
+    mentioned by Zarate was probably St Jago de Chili, which was founded
+    by Valdivia. The commencement of the Valdivian expedition was in the
+    year 1530.--E.
+
+[2] This force, according to Garcilasso, amounted to 100 horse, and an
+    equal number of foot.--E.
+
+[3] According to Garcilasso de la Vega, his force consisted of 340
+    Spaniards, of whom 150 were horsemen.--E.
+
+[4] These Indians, according to Garcilasso, were laden with arms,
+    provisions, and ammunition, besides large quantities of hatchets,
+    ropes, nails, and wooden pins, to use upon occasion.--E.
+
+[5] Perhaps the elevated valley of Macas on the river Morona which runs
+    into the Tunguragua.--E.
+
+[6] Even Garcilasso, who is sufficiently fond of the marvellous and ever
+    ready to adopt absurdities, honestly relates of these _Amazons_, that
+    they were a fierce and wild nation of men, whose wives went forth to
+    war along with their husbands; and that Orellana invented the tale of
+    a nation of Amazons to raise the honour of his atchievement, and to
+    induce the emperor to bestow upon him the government of the country he
+    had discovered.--E.
+
+[7] According to Garcilasso, he contrived with great difficulty and danger
+    to navigate in his rude bark from the mouth of the Marannon or Amazons
+    to the island of Trinidada, where he purchased a ship for his voyage
+    to Spain.--E.
+
+[8] The river Napo joins the Maranon in lat. 3 deg. 20' S. and long. 70 deg. W.
+    But we are uncertain whether this were the place where Orellana
+    deserted, as there are many junctions of large rivers in the course of
+    the vast Maranon. The two greatest of its tributary streams are the
+    Negro which joins in long. 60 deg. W. from the north, and the Madeira in
+    long. 58 deg. W. from the south.--E.
+
+[9] Garcilasso preserves the name of that faithful Spaniard, Hernando
+    Sanchez de Vargas, a young gentleman of Badajoz.--E.
+
+[10] We learn from Garcilasso that this new road was on the north side of
+    the river, Napo probably, and consequently that they had kept the
+    south side in their way eastwards.--E.
+
+[11] It is hardly necessary to say that cinnamon comes only from Ceylon,
+    not from the Moluccas; and that so entirely different was the
+    substance sought for in this disastrous expedition from cinnamon, that
+    it is now entirely unknown in Europe; unless it be the Canella alba,
+    now only used as a light aromatic of small value by druggists.
+
+    Zarate is generally loose and confused in his accounts, and almost
+    entirely neglectful of dates. We learn from the History of America
+    that this unfortunate expedition lasted near two years, and that two
+    hundred and ten Spaniards and four thousand Indians perished during
+    its continuance, only eighty Spaniards returning to Quito. Garcilasso
+    says that two thousand of the Indians returned along with the
+    Spaniards, and served them during the hardships of the journey with
+    the most affectionate fidelity, supplying their extreme necessities
+    with herbs, roots, and wild fruit, and with toads, snakes, and other
+    reptiles, which the Spaniards greedily devoured, or they must have
+    died for want of food.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION V.
+
+_Conspiracy of the Almagrians and Assassination of Pizarro_.
+
+
+On his return to Quito in 1541, Gonzalo Pizarro received accounts of the
+most afflicting nature. When, as formerly related, Don Diego Almagro was
+put to death at Cuzco by Ferdinand Pizarro, a son whom Almagro had by an
+Indian woman was sent to reside in Lima. This young man, who was named
+after his father Diego Almagro, was of a graceful appearance, handsome,
+generous, and excelling in all the martial exercises, being particularly
+graceful and dexterous in riding the manage horse. His literary education
+likewise had been so carefully attended to, that he was considered as more
+versant in these things than his situation required. Juan de Herrada,
+formerly mentioned, to whose care he had been especially confided by his
+father, undertook the care of educating young Almagro in the capacity of
+his governor, and had been particularly watchful and successful in the
+charge. Their house in Lima was the rendezvous of such friends and
+partizans of the late Almagro as remained unemployed in Peru, and had been
+excepted from the division of lands and Indians after the defeat of their
+party, as the adherents of the Pizarros would not, and their dependents
+dared not to have any intercourse with them.
+
+After the voyage of Ferdinand Pizarro to Spain, and the setting out of
+Gonzalo Pizarro upon his disastrous discovery of Los Canelos, Herrada and
+the younger Almagro, being now left at entire liberty by the Marquis, who
+before had held them in a species of imprisonment, began to take measures
+for the execution of an enterprize they had long contemplated. For this
+purpose they secretly provided arms and every thing that appeared
+necessary for their project of revenging the death of the elder Almagro.
+Their partizans were farther animated to the accomplishment of this design
+from resentment for the death of several of their friends and companions,
+who had been cut off during the late civil war. The marquis had often used
+his endeavours to reconcile Almagro and Herrada to his authority by gentle
+means, and by the offer of his friendship and patronage to them and their
+adherents; but finding all his advances ineffectual, he deprived Almagro
+of the moderate repartition of Indians which had been assigned to him, on
+purpose to prevent him from continuing to form a party by the application
+of his fortune to the support of the malcontents. All these precautions
+were ultimately ineffectual, as the Almagrians were so closely united
+among themselves, that all their property was in a great measure held
+common among the members of their party, even every thing that the
+individuals acquired by play or otherwise being thrown into a common stock
+in the hands of Herrada to serve their general expence. Their numbers
+increased daily, by the accession of all who were dissatisfied by the
+administration of the marquis, or who thought their merits overlooked in
+the distribution of property and employments. They secretly increased
+their store of arms, and took measures for securing the success of their
+plot.
+
+Their conduct, however secretly pursued, being known among many, came at
+length to the knowledge of some friends of the marquis, who endeavoured to
+put him on his guard against the machinations of his enemies. But he,
+confiding in his honour and good faith, judged of others by himself, and
+refused to listen to this advice; saying that it was proper to leave these
+unfortunate men in peace, who were already sufficiently punished by the
+shame of their defeat, the public hatred, and the poverty to which they
+were reduced. So much were the Almagrians encouraged by the patient
+indulgence of the marquis, that their chiefs used even to pass him in
+public without saluting him or giving him any token of respect; and one
+night some of them had the audacity to affix three ropes to the gibbet,
+one of which was stretched towards the palace of the marquis, another
+towards the house of his lieutenant, and the third to that of his
+secretary. Even this insolence was forgiven by the marquis, in
+consideration of their misery and the unhappy situation of their affairs.
+Profiting by this indulgence, the Almagrians assembled together almost
+openly, several of their party who were wandering about the country
+without property or employment, coming to Lima from the distance even of
+two hundred leagues. They resolved upon putting the marquis to death; yet
+waited to hear from Spain what judgment might be given in the case of
+Ferdinand Pizarro, who was there thrown into prison as accused, of the
+murder of Don Diego Almagro; and to prosecute whom Captain Diego Alvarado
+had gone home and was actively engaged in soliciting his trial and
+punishment. When the conspirators learnt that his majesty had appointed
+the licentiate Vaca de Castro to proceed to Peru, on purpose to examine
+into all the past disorders, but without orders to prosecute the death of
+Almagro with that rigorous severity which they wished and expected, they
+resolved upon the execution of their long concerted enterprize. They were
+anxious, however, to learn exactly the intentions of Vaca de Castro, as
+the intended assassination of the marquis was by no means universally
+approved among the Almagrians. Several of the gentlemen belonging to the
+party, although much incensed at the death of Almagro, were anxious only
+for redress by legal means, and in a manner that might be conformable with
+the pleasure and service of the sovereign. The chiefs of this conspiracy
+who were now assembled in Lima, were Juan de Saavedra, Alfonso de
+Montemayor, Juan de Gusman controller, Manuel de Espinar treasurer, Nugnez
+de Mercado agent, Christoval Ponce de Leon, Juan de Herrada, Pero Lopez de
+Ayala, and some others. In this assemblage, Don Alfonso de Montemayor was
+deputed to wait upon Vaca de Castro; and accordingly set out with letters
+of credence and dispatches to meet Vaca de Castro at the beginning of
+April 1541. After his arrival at the place where Vaca de Castro then was,
+and before he proposed to return to his employers, news was brought of the
+assassination of the marquis. On this occasion, Montemayor and some others
+of the Almagrian party, who were not concerned in the murder, remained
+with Vaca de Castro till after the defeat of the younger Almagro in the
+battle of Chupas, preferring the service of their sovereign, in whose name
+and authority de Castro acted, to their individual resentments.
+
+So public had the measures of the conspirators become in the city of Lima,
+that several persons gave notice of their intentions to the marquis, and
+advised him to employ a guard for the protection of his person: But he
+always said that the lives of others would guard him from violence, and
+that he was resolved to give no cause for suspecting that he used
+precautions of defence against the judge whom his majesty was sending to
+Peru. On one occasion, Juan de Herrada complained to the marquis of a
+report that he meant to put all the friends of Almagro to death. The
+marquis assured him that the report was entirely groundless; and when
+Herrada mentioned that the marquis was collecting a great number of lances
+and other arms, as a confirmation of the report that these were intended
+against the Almagrians, the marquis replied in the gentlest terms, that
+these arms were by no means intended to be used against him or his friends.
+He even presented Herrada with several oranges which he pluckt for him,
+which were then esteemed a high delicacy, as they were the first that were
+grown in Peru; and told him privately, that if he were in want of anything,
+he had only to give him notice, and he might depend on being provided for.
+Herrada kissed his hands, and thanked him for his kindness, going away
+delighted with the assurance that the marquis seemed to have no suspicion
+whatever of the conspiracy.
+
+On arriving at his house, where the principal conspirators waited for him,
+it was determined to kill the marquis on the following Sunday, as they had
+not been able to put their design into execution on the festival of St
+John[1] as they at first intended. On the Saturday immediately preceding,
+one of the conspirators revealed the circumstances of the plot in
+confession to the curate of the great church of Lima. The curate went that
+same evening to communicate the intelligence to Antonio Picado, secretary
+to the marquis, who immediately carried the curate to Francisco Martinez
+de Alcantara, the marquises brother[2], where the marquis then was at
+supper together with his children[3]. On being informed of the urgent
+business on which they came, the marquis rose from table and retired to
+another room, where the curate informed him of every thing he had learnt
+respecting the conspiracy. The marquis was at first considerably agitated
+by his intelligence: but after a moments reflection, he said that he could
+not credit the story, as Herrada had been with him only a few days before,
+and had conversed with him with much humility; for which reason he was
+convinced that the man who now brought this intelligence had some secret
+end to serve, and had invented this story to assume merit. He sent however,
+for his lieutenant, the doctor Juan Velasquez[4] meaning to consult with
+him; but as Velasquez was ill in bed, the marquis went to his house, and
+told him all that he had heard. Velaquez used every argument to convince
+him that the story was false, and that he had nothing to fear. Taking up
+his rod of office, he declared that no one dared to revolt so long as he
+held that badge in his hand, and that the marquis might rest in security.
+He may be said in some measure to have kept his word; for when the
+Almagrians came next day to kill the marquis, Velasquez made his escape
+over a window, and took his rod of office in his teeth, that he might use
+both his hands to assist himself in his descent.
+
+In spite of all these assurances the marquis was somewhat alarmed,
+insomuch that next day, being Sunday the 26th June 1541, he determined not
+to go to church, and had the mass said in his own house. After church, the
+doctor Velasquez and captain Francisco de Chaves, who were the principal
+persons in the colony, went along with several other persons to visit the
+marquis. Having paid their visit, they all retired to their houses, except
+Velasquez and de Chaves who remained to dine with him. After dinner,
+between twelve and one o'clock, when all the attendants of the marquis had
+retired to their dinner, and the whole city was quiet, Juan de Herrada and
+ten or twelve of his associates all armed sallied forth from the house of
+Almagro, which was not more than three hundred paces from the palace of
+the marquis, between which were part of a street and the whole breadth of
+the great square. On coming out into the street with their drawn swords,
+they exclaimed, "death to the tyrant who hath slain the judge sent by the
+emperor to execute judgment upon him." They used these words, and went
+thus openly, to induce the inhabitants to believe that their party was
+numerous, so that no one might take measures to oppose them. Besides this,
+the conspirators believed that there was no time for any one to interpose
+to prevent the execution of their purpose, and that it would either be
+accomplished, or themselves slain in the attempt, before any effectual
+succour would arrive. On their arrival at the palace of the marquis, one
+of the party remained at the gate with a bloody sword in his hand, who
+cried out repeatedly, "_The tyrant is dead! the tyrant is dead!_" This had
+the desired effect, as several of the inhabitants who hastened to the
+palace on the alarm, being convinced that the marquis was already slain,
+retired again to their houses.
+
+In the mean time Juan de Herrada and the rest of the conspirators rushed
+up the stair towards the apartment of the marquis, who, being alarmed by
+some of the Indian servants, desired de Chaves to shut the doors of the
+saloon and the hall, while he retired to put on his armour. De Chaves was
+so much confused, that instead of fastening the doors he went out to the
+staircase demanding the reason of the noise; on which one of the
+conspirators wounded him. "This, said he, is not the usage of a friend,"
+and immediately drew his sword, but was soon overpowered and slain. The
+conspirators immediately rushed into the hall, whence ten or twelve
+Spaniards who were there made their escape by the windows: Among these was
+Velasquez, who, as has been already mentioned, took his rod of office in
+his mouth, that he might use his hands the more readily in making his
+escape by the window. The marquis was at this time in his chamber,
+employed in arming himself, attended by his brother de Alcantara, two
+other gentlemen, and two pages. Seeing his enemies so near, the marquis
+was unable to fasten the clasps of his cuirass, but advanced courageously
+with his sword and buckler to defend the entry to the chamber, in which he
+was bravely assisted by those who were along with him. He defended himself
+for a considerable time successfully, encouraging his brother and the rest
+by his voice and example. At length the Almagrians slew de Alcantara, on
+which one of the pages took his place beside the marquis. The Almagrians,
+being afraid lest succour might arrive, resolved to make a desperate
+effort, for which purpose one of the best armed among them forced in at
+the door and made room for the rest to enter, who now attacked the marquis
+and his faithful companions with such fury that he was soon exhausted with
+fatigue and hardly able to handle his arms. At length the marquis received
+a mortal thrust in his throat, and falling to the ground called out in a
+loud voice for a confessor. Soon losing all power of speech, he made the
+sign of the cross on the floor with his finger, which he kissed and
+expired. Besides his brother, the two pages were likewise slain. Of the
+Almagrians, four were killed, and several of the rest wounded.
+
+When the marquises death was made known, above two hundred men who waited
+the event, declared themselves loudly in favour of Don Diego, and went
+about the city arresting and disarming all who seemed to favour the party
+of the marquis. The conspirators went out into the street waving their
+bloody swords, and Herrada made Don Diego ride on horseback through the
+city of Lima, proclaiming him as governor of Peru. The palace of the
+marquis, and the houses of Alcantara and Picado the secretary were
+pillaged, Herrada assembled the cabildo of the city, and obliged them to
+acknowledge Don Diego as governor, under pretence that the elder Almagro
+had been appointed by his majesty to the government of New Toledo, with
+succession to his son or to any person he might appoint as his successor.
+The conspirators likewise put to death several persons who were
+particularly attached to the late marquis, and gave up their houses to be
+plundered by their own partizans. It was melancholy to behold the misery
+and desolation of the wives and children of those who were thus massacred,
+and whose houses were pillaged of every thing valuable, as they went about
+the streets bewailing their forlorn condition.
+
+Some obscure persons[5] carried or dragged the dead body of the marquis to
+the church, where no one dared to give it burial, till one Juan Barbaran
+and his wife, who had been servants to the marquis, obtained permission
+from Don Diego, and buried the marquis and his brother as well as they
+could. They were obliged to hurry over the ceremony as quickly as possible,
+having hardly time to clothe the body in the habit of St Jago, of which
+order he was a member, and to put on his spurs according to the usual
+manner of burying the knights of that order; as they were informed that
+some of the Almagrians were hastening to the church to cut off the head of
+the marquis to affix it to the gallows. Barbaran himself performed the
+ceremonies of the funeral, at which he was sole mourner, and defrayed all
+the expences from his own funds. He next endeavoured to provide for the
+security of the children of the marquis, who were concealed in different
+parts of the city of Lima, now under the absolute controul of the
+Almagrians.
+
+In this melancholy catastrophe, we have a forcible example of the
+uncertainty and changeableness of fortune. In a very short space of time,
+a private individual who held no important office, had discovered a vast
+extent of country containing powerful kingdoms, of which he made himself
+master and governor with almost uncontrolled authority, bestowing on
+several persons such ample fortunes and extensive revenues as none of the
+richest and most powerful monarchs whom we read of in history had ever
+given away in so short a time. Yet was this man assassinated by only
+twelve men at noonday, in the midst of a city the whole inhabitants of
+which were his creatures, servants, kinsmen, friends, and soldiers, who
+had all eaten of his bread and subsisted on his bounty, even his own
+domestic servants and those who were in his house, flying away and
+abandoning him to his fate. He was interred in the most obscure manner,
+all his richness and greatness having disappeared, not enough being left
+to defray the consecrated tapers and other expences of his funeral. The
+unsearchable ways of Providence are surprisingly illustrated by these
+events; and particularly, that after all the warnings and just causes of
+suspicion which had been given him, he refused to take any precautions for
+his safety which he could have done so easily.
+
+As the discovery and conquest of Peru, the subject of this work,
+originated from the two captains of whom I have hitherto dicoursed, the
+Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro, and the President Don Diego de Almagro; it
+seems proper to attempt giving their portraitures, with some account of
+their manners and qualifications, imitating in this the example of
+Plutarch; who, after giving the lives and heroic actions of two great
+commanders, institutes a comparison between them, shewing how far they
+resembled and differed from each other. We have already said all that
+could be learnt respecting their parentage. They were both personally
+brave and daring, patient of labour, of hale and robust constitutions, and
+exceedingly friendly, being always ready to do good offices to every one
+without consideration of expence. In their inclinations and manner of life
+they very much resembled each other, as neither of them were married,
+though Almagro attained to seventy-five years of age and the marquis to
+sixty-five. Both loved war; but Almagro, when not thus employed, willingly
+devoted himself to the management of his private affairs. They were both
+advanced in life when they undertook the discovery and conquest of Peru,
+in which they both encountered great fatigues, as has been formerly
+mentioned; but the marquis more especially was exposed to great dangers,
+far beyond those of the president, who remained long at Panama providing
+all necessaries for the success of the enterprize, while the marquis was
+actually engaged in the discovery and conquest of the greater part of the
+country. Both had great souls, continually occupied in vast designs and
+splendid enterprizes; yet both were of gentle and conciliatory manners,
+and of easy access to their followers. They were both liberal and generous
+in their gifts; yet the president loved to have his liberalities known and
+published to the world; while the marquis carefully concealed his gifts,
+and expressed uneasiness when they were known or blazed abroad; being more
+anxious to serve the necessities of those to whom he made them, than to
+make an ostentatious display of his munificence. One example of this is
+worthy of being mentioned. He learnt that one of his soldiers had lost a
+horse, on which occasion he went to a tennis-court belonging to his house,
+expecting to meet the soldier in that place, carrying with him an ingot of
+gold of ten pounds weight, which he meant to present him with. Not finding
+the soldier there, he engaged in a match at tennis without taking off his
+coat, as he did not wish the ingot should be noticed, which was concealed
+below his waistcoat. He remained there above three hours, when at length
+the soldier made his appearance. The marquis then took him aside and gave
+him the gold, saying that he would rather have given him thrice as much
+than have been obliged to carry that heavy weight so long.
+
+Many other examples might be given of the secret liberalities of the
+marquis, who gave all his presents with his own hand that they might not
+be known. On this account, Almagro was always considered as more liberal,
+as his gifts were made in an ostentatious manner. They may be considered,
+however, as perfectly equal in their liberality and munificence; for, as
+the marquis used to acknowledge that all came from their common funds,
+being partners and associates in every thing derived from their joint
+discovery and conquest, the half of all that was given by one belonged to
+the other, so that he who consented to or participated in the present, was
+equally generous with the actual donor. Besides, in proof that they both
+deserved the praise of liberality, they were both during their lives
+prodigiously rich in ready money and vast revenues, beyond any person or
+prince not sovereign who had been known for many ages; yet both died so
+poor that no mention is made of the treasures or estates left by them; so
+that hardly at their deaths was there sufficient to defray the expences of
+their funerals; resembling in that respect Cato and Sylla and some other
+famous Romans, who were buried at the public charge.
+
+Both were exceedingly kind to their servants and dependents, whom on all
+occasions they delighted to enrich and advance, and to rescue from dangers.
+In this last particular the marquis carried his attentions even to excess,
+as appears by the following instance. In passing a river called the
+Baranca, one of his Indian servants, of the Yanaconas tribe, was carried
+away by the strength of the current, on which the marquis plunged into the
+stream and swam after him, catching him by the hair, and saved him at the
+imminent hazard of his own life, in so rapid a current that the bravest
+and most vigorous man in his army durst hardly have made the attempt. When
+his officers blamed him for his rashness in thus exposing his life, he
+answered that none of them knew how to value a faithful servant. The
+marquis enjoyed the authority of governor much longer in tranquillity than
+Almagro; who, though he hardly enjoyed that authority at all, was more
+ambitious, and evinced a more ardent desire of exercising command. Both
+affected simplicity in dress, keeping to the same fashion in their old age
+which they had been accustomed to in their youth. In particular, the
+marquis used ordinarily to wear a close coat of black cloth, the wide
+skirts of which came down almost to his ankles, while the body had a very
+short waist and was closely fitted to his shape. His shoes were of white
+leather, with a white or grey hat, and a plain sword and dagger in the old
+fashion. Sometimes on festivals, by the entreaty of his servants, he wore
+a robe of fine fur which had been sent him by the Marquis del Valle; but
+immediately on his return from church he put it off, remaining in his
+shirt or a plain jacket, with a napkin hanging from his neck to wipe away
+sweat, as he usually passed most of the day when in peace in playing at
+bowls or tennis.
+
+Both Pizarro and Almagro were exceedingly patient of labour and fatigue,
+and could submit better than most men to hunger and thirst and other
+privations; but especially the marquis, who was so vigorous that few young
+men were able to compete with him in his old days at athletic sports. The
+marquis in general was more addicted to play than Almagro, insomuch that
+he often spent whole days in playing at bowls, with any one that offered,
+whether mariner or miller was all one; and he never allowed any man to
+lift his bowl for him, or to use any ceremony whatever in respect to his
+rank. He was so fond of play, that few affairs were of sufficient
+importance to induce him to give over, especially when losing. But when
+informed of any insurrection among the Indians, he would instantly lay
+every thing aside, immediately bracing on his armour and seizing his lance
+and target, would hasten to the place where the mutiny had risen, without
+waiting for his people, who followed him with all expedition.
+
+Both the marquis and the president were so brave and so experienced in the
+manner of making war with the Indians, that either of them alone would
+never hesitate when on horseback and armed to charge through a hundred
+Indians. Both were extremely intelligent, sensible, and judicious, and
+could take their measures both in civil and military affairs with great
+promptitude and propriety; yet both were so extremely illiterate that
+neither of them could read or write, or even sign their names; which
+assuredly was a great defect, and exceedingly inconvenient in carrying on
+the important affairs in which they were concerned; and although they in
+every other respect appeared like persons of high birth, and deported
+themselves like noblemen with much dignity and propriety, yet their entire
+ignorance of letters was an evident demonstration of the meanness of their
+birth. The marquis placed implicit confidence in his servants and friends,
+insomuch that in all his dispatches and orders relative to the government,
+and in the assignments of lands and Indians, he only made two lines with
+the pen, between which Antonio Picado his secretary wrote his name,
+Francisco Pizarro. As Ovid said of Romulus, respecting astronomy, we may
+say of Pizarro that he was more learned in the art of war than in the
+sciences, and applied himself more to know how to atchieve glorious
+conquests than to acquire literature. Both were exceedingly affable and
+familiar with the colonists, making them frequent visits, and they readily
+accepted invitations to dinner from any one; yet both were extremely
+moderate in eating and drinking; and both refrained from amorous
+connection with Spanish women, on the principle that to intrigue with the
+wives or daughters of their countrymen was both prejudicial and
+dishonourable to their neighbours. Almagro was the most continent in
+regard to the Peruvian women, as we know of no affairs of his gallantry in
+that country, his only son being born of an Indian woman of Panama. But
+the marquis had more than one attachment in Peru, having lived publickly
+with a sister of Atahualpa, by whom he had a son named Don Gonzalo who
+died at fourteen years of age, and a daughter named Donna Francisca. By
+another Indian woman of Cuzco he had a son named Don Francisco[6].
+
+Both Pizarro and Almagro received high rewards from his majesty for their
+signal services; the former being created a marquis, with the authority of
+governor of New Castille, and the order of St Jago. Almagro was rewarded
+with the government of New Toledo, with the title of President or Lord
+Lieutenant of that country. The marquis always evinced the highest respect
+for his majesty, the utmost zeal for his service, and the most perfect
+obedience for his orders; insomuch that he would often refrain from doing
+many things which were evidently within the scope of his authority, lest
+he should appear to overstep the bounds of his commission. Frequently,
+when sitting in the meeting-houses where the gold and silver was assessed
+for the royal fifth, he would rise from his chair to pick up the small
+pieces which started from the scissars; observing that if the hands failed
+on such occasions, a loyal subject ought to use his mouth to serve the
+king. As these two great men resembled each other in many things during
+their lives, so in their deaths they were alike unfortunate: the president
+being put to death by the brother of the marquis, and the marquis slain by
+the son of the president.
+
+The marquis was exceedingly anxious for the improvement of the country,
+giving every encouragement to the cultivation of the soil, and the
+establishment of colonies of Spaniards in different places. He built for
+himself a fine house or palace in the city of Lima, and had two sluices
+constructed on the river to drive mills for its supply; employing much of
+his leisure in superintending the workmen, and instructing the overseers
+how he wished the works to be carried on. He was particularly diligent in
+procuring the erection of a great and handsome church in Lima, and
+monasteries for the Dominicans and the order of Mercy; both of whom he
+endowed with ample estates in lands and Indians.
+
+
+[1] The festival of St John the Evangelist is on the 5th May but the
+    assasination of the Marquis did not take place till the 26th June
+    1541.--E.
+
+[2] In a former note, it has been mentioned, on the authority of Robertson,
+    that Francisco de Alcantara was the uncle of Pizarro by his mother;
+    yet Garcilasso calls him his brother, and perhaps he was so by a
+    different father.--E.
+
+[3] The language of the French translator is here rather equivocal, but
+    distinctly bears the construction here given of the marquis being at
+    supper in the house of de Alcantara.--E.
+
+[4] By Garcilasso, Velasquez is called the Chief Justice.--E.
+
+[5] Garcilasso, quoting Zarate, says that the body was dragged to church
+    by some negroes; the French translator says _quelques miserables_.--E.
+
+[6] According to Garcilasso, the marquis had only one son and one daughter,
+    Don Francisco being the son of his brother Gonzalo. Don Gonzalo, the
+    only son of the marquis, was born of a daughter of Atahualpa, not a
+    sister, named Angelina. Donna Francisca was the marquises daughter by
+    Ynes Huayllas Nusta, a daughter of the Inca Huana Capac, whose
+    Christian name was Donna Beatrix.--E.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+CONTINUATION OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF PERU, AFTER THE DEATH OF FRANCISCO
+PIZARRO, TO THE DEFEAT OF GONZALO PIZARRO, AND THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF
+TRANQUILITY IN THE COUNTRY; WRITTEN BY AUGUSTINO ZARATE[1].
+
+
+
+
+SECTION I.
+
+_From the revival of the civil wars in Peru, to the close of the
+administration of Vaca de Castro, the first governor appointed from Spain_.
+
+
+After Don Diego had made himself master of the city of Lima, he deprived
+the magistrates of all their insignia of command, but which he immediately
+returned to them, with orders to execute their official duties in his name
+and authority. He then ordered the Doctor Velasquez, who had been chief
+justice or adelantado under the marquis, and Antonio Picado who had been
+his secretary, to be taken into custody[2]. In the next place he appointed
+Juan Tello, Francisco de Chaves[3], and one Sotelo to be captains of his
+troops. On the news of this revolution, all the idle vagabonds and
+debauched blackguards of the country hastened to enrol themselves under
+the banners of Don Diego, in hopes of participating in the plunder of the
+partizans of Pizarro, and of being enabled to live licentiously without
+labour. To enable him to pay his troops, Don Diego seized the fifth of the
+precious metals belonging to the crown, and took possession of the
+properties of those who had been massacred, and the revenues of all the
+absentees. In a very short time disputes and divisions arose among those
+who had taken part with Don Diego, as the leaders of the malcontent party
+among them were anxious to assassinate Juan de Herrada, because every
+thing was done and directed by him, Don Diego having only the name of
+captain general, while he in fact exercised the whole authority. The
+intention of these malcontents being discovered, several of them were put
+to death as seditious people; among whom was Francisco de Chaves, who was
+put to the rack and afterwards hanged as a ringleader of this new
+conspiracy. One Antonio de Orihuela likewise, who had only arrived of late
+from Spain, was beheaded, having imprudently asserted that the Almagrians
+were tyrants and usurpers.
+
+Deputies or messengers were sent to all the cities and provinces of Peru,
+to induce the commandants and magistrates to recognize Don Diego as
+governor, which was done in many places out of fear: But Alonso de
+Alvarado, who was lieutenant governor in the province of Chachapoyas,
+ordered the deputies who were sent into his government to be arrested,
+declaring for his majesty in opposition to Don Diego, whom he denounced a
+rebel. He was encouraged in this bold procedure, because he was confident
+of being able to defend himself with a hundred men whom he commanded in a
+strong fortress of his province, which he fortified with much care. Don
+Diego used every effort to gain Alvarado to his party, by flattering
+promises and menaces of condign punishment; but he uniformly replied, that
+he would never acknowledge his authority without an express command from
+his majesty to that effect, and that he hoped, by the blessing of God and
+the assistance of the brave men whom he commanded, to revenge the death of
+the marquis, and to punish the Almagrians for their injurious and
+outrageous conduct, and the contempt of the royal authority which they had
+evinced in their whole procedure. Garcias de Alvarado was therefore sent
+with a force of cavalry and infantry, having orders to go in the first
+place to the cities of San Miguel and Truxillo, to deprive the inhabitants
+of these two colonies of their arms and horses, and then to march with all
+his troops against Alonso de Alvarado. Garcias went accordingly by sea to
+the port of Jauta, about fifteen leagues from Truxillo, where he found
+Captain Alonso de Cabrera, who had fled thither with all the inhabitants
+of Guanuco to join the people of Truxillo against the usurpation of Don
+Diego. Garcias made Cabrera and some other of his companions prisoners;
+and on his arrival at San Miguel he cut off his head, and likewise put to
+death Francisco de Vozmudiana, and Hernando de Villegas.
+
+When the deputies or messengers of Don Diego arrived at Cuzco with orders
+to recognize him as governor general of Peru, Diego de Silva and Francisco
+de Carvajal were the chief magistrates of that city. These officers,
+together with the other magistrates and counsellors forming the Cabildo,
+were unwilling to submit to his authority, yet durst not declare
+themselves openly till they had maturely considered whether they were
+possessed of a sufficient force, and had enough of provisions and warlike
+stores to defend themselves in case of being attacked. On purpose
+therefore to gain time, they desired the messengers of Don Diego to return
+to their master, and to desire him to send them other deputies with more
+ample and more regular powers or instructions, after which they would
+recognize his authority. Gomez de Tordoya, who was one of the principal
+members of the royal council of Cuzco, happened not to be in the city when
+the deputies arrived, as he had gone out that day to take the diversion of
+hawking. The other members sent therefore a message to inform him of what
+was going on, and to desire his presence and advice. On his return to the
+city, he met the messengers of Don Diego, and having learnt the state of
+affairs, he twisted off the head of an excellent falcon which he carried
+on his fist, saying that fighting must now be followed, not the sports of
+the field. After a secret consultation with the rest of the Cabildo on the
+proper measures to be pursued on the present emergency, he left the city
+the same night, and went to the residence of Captain de Castro. They sent
+immediately a message to Pedro Anzurez, the lieutenant of the province of
+Charcas, giving him an account of the state of affairs, and he declared
+himself at once for the party of his majesty.
+
+Immediately afterwards Gomez de Tordoya set off in pursuit of Pedro
+Alvarez Holguin, who had lately marched with above a hundred men to reduce
+some revolted Indians: On coming up with Holguin, Tordoya immediately told
+him all that had taken place, earnestly intreating him to assist the loyal
+inhabitants of Cuzco in their just and honourable intentions, and to
+assume the command of such troops as might be collected for the defence of
+that city against the usurpation of Don Diego. To induce him to comply,
+Tordoya declared himself ready to become one of his soldiers, and to give
+an example of implicit obedience to his commands. Holguin immediately
+declared for his majesty, and agreed to assume the command. He and Tordoya
+assembled the inhabitants of the city of Arequipa, whom they confirmed in
+their loyalty, and immediately set out for Cuzco with all the force they
+could collect. On the arrival of Holguin and Tordoya near Cuzco, above
+fifty men who had declared themselves for Don Diego left the city, meaning
+to join him at Lima; but the royalists sent de Castro and Ferdinand
+Bachicao after them with a party of musqueteers, who came up with and
+attacked them during the night, and brought them all back prisoners to
+Cuzco.
+
+All the magistrates and councillors of Cuzco concurred not only in the
+appointment of Pedro Alvarez Holguin as military commandant, but they
+named him captain general and governor of all Peru, coming under an oath
+of obedience to him in that high capacity till the pleasure of his majesty
+should be made manifest on the subject: And in testimony of their zealous
+loyalty, the whole inhabitants of Cuzco came under obligations to replace
+all the sums that Holguin might be under the necessity of taking from the
+effects and revenues belonging to the crown for the payment and equipment
+of his troops, in case his majesty might not approve and allow that
+expence. Besides this, all the inhabitants of Cuzco, Charcas, and Arequipa
+engaged voluntarily to serve in the war, and to contribute towards its
+expences. Immediately on his appointment to the supreme power, Holguin
+made a proclamation of war against Don Diego as a rebel, and in a short
+time assembled a force of 150 cavalry, 100 musqueteers and 100 pikemen.
+But learning that Don Diego had more than 800 men under arms, he did not
+consider himself powerful enough to wait for him in Cuzco, deeming it more
+prudent to march from thence by way of the mountain road, on purpose to
+join forces with Alonso de Alvarado, who had declared for his majesty.
+Holguin likewise expected to be joined upon the march by several of the
+friends and servants of the late marquis, who had concealed themselves
+from the rage of the Almagrians in different parts of the mountain region
+of Peru. In pursuance of this plan, Holguin set out on his march from
+Cuzco, having appointed Gomez de Tordoya his maestre de campo or major
+general, Garcilasso de la Vega[4] and Pedro Anzurez, captains of horse,
+Nunno de Castro and Hernando de Bachicao captains of foot, and Martin de
+Robles as ensign to carry the royal standard. On leaving Cuzco, all who
+were unfit for active service in the field were left behind, and proper
+officers were appointed for maintaining the government and to distribute
+justice.
+
+On receiving notice of all these events which had taken place in Cuzco,
+and that Holguin had marched from thence with his troops, Don Diego judged
+that Holguin would endeavour to form a junction with Alonzo de Alvarado
+who commanded in Chachapoyas, and would therefore proceed by the mountain
+road towards the north; he resolved therefore to march in such a direction
+as might enable him to intercept Holguin before his junction with Alonzo
+de Alvarado, but did not think it prudent to attempt this before the
+arrival of the force under Garcias de Alvarado, whom he had recalled from
+the originally concerted expedition against Alonzo de Alvarado[5]. While
+passing through Truxillo, levying men and providing arms and horses,
+Garcias proposed to have attacked Alonzo de Alvarado, but was resisted by
+the inhabitants of a town in the province of Chachapoyas named Levanto,
+and receiving his orders of recal from Don Diego he relinquished his
+design, and marched in all haste for Lima. Immediately after the return of
+Garcias, Don Diego began his march against Holguin, with a force of 300
+horse, 100 musqueteers, and 150 pikemen; but before his departure, he
+banished the children of the late marquis and of Gonzalo Pizarro from the
+country, and executed Antonio Picado, having previously put him to the
+torture to endeavour to extort confession from him as to any hidden
+treasure belonging to the marquis.
+
+"As during the civil dissentions in Peru, all intercourse with Spain was
+suspended, the detail of the extraordinary transactions there between the
+marquis and the elder Almagro, already recounted, did not soon reach the
+court[6]. Unfortunately for the victorious faction, the first intelligence
+was brought thither by some of Almagro's officers, who left the country on
+the ruin of their cause; and they related what had happened with every
+circumstance unfavourable to Pizarro and his brothers. Their ambition,
+their breach of the most solemn engagements, their violence and cruelty,
+were painted with all the malignity and exaggeration of party hatred.
+Ferdinand Pizarro, who arrived soon after, and appeared at court with
+great splendour, endeavoured to efface the impression which their
+accusations had made, and to justify his brother and himself by
+representing Almagro as the aggressor. The emperor and his ministers,
+though they could not pronounce which of the contending factions was most
+criminal, clearly discerned the fatal tendency of their dissentions. It
+was obvious, that while the leaders entrusted with the conduct of two
+infant colonies, employed the arms which should have been turned against
+the common enemy in destroying one another, all attention to the public
+good must cease, and there was reason to dread that the Indians might
+improve the advantage which the disunion of the Spaniards presented to
+them, and extirpate both the victors and the vanquished. But the evil was
+more apparent than the remedy. Where the information which had been
+received was so defective and suspicious, and the scene of action so
+remote, it was almost impossible to chalk out the line of conduct that
+ought to be followed; and before any plan that should be approved of in
+Spain could be carried into execution, the situation of the parties, and
+the circumstances of affairs, might alter so entirely as to render its
+effects extremely pernicious."
+
+"Nothing therefore remained but to send a person to Peru, vested with
+extensive and discretionary powers; who, after viewing deliberately the
+posture of affairs with his own eyes, and inquiring on the spot into the
+conduct of the different leaders, should be authorised to establish the
+government in that form which he deemed most conducive to the interest of
+the parent state and the welfare of the colony. The man selected in 1539
+for this important charge was Christoval Vaca de Castro, a judge in the
+court of royal audience at Valladolid; and his abilities, integrity, and
+firmness, justified the choice. His instructions, though ample, were not
+such as to fetter him in his operations. According to the different aspect
+of affairs, he had power to take upon him different characters. If he
+found the governor still alive, he was only to assume the title of judge,
+to maintain the appearance of acting in concert with him, and to guard
+against giving any just cause of offence to a man who had merited so
+highly of his country. But, if Pizarro were dead, he was entrusted with a
+commission that he might then produce, by which he was appointed his
+successor in the government of Peru. This attention to Pizarro, however,
+seems to have flowed rather from dread of his power, than from any
+approbation of his measures; for at the very time that the court seemed so
+solicitous not to irritate him, his brother Ferdinand was arrested at
+Madrid, and confined to a prison where he remained above twenty years[7]."
+
+"Vaca de Castro, who left Spain in 1540, was driven by stress of weather
+in 1541, after a long and disastrous voyage, into a small harbour in the
+province of Popayan; and proceeding from thence by land, after a journey
+no less difficult than tedious, he reached Quito. In his way he received
+accounts of Pizarro's death, and of the events which followed upon it, as
+already mentioned. He immediately produced his commission appointing him
+governor of Peru, with the same privileges and authority which had been
+enjoyed by Pizarro; and his jurisdiction was acknowledged without
+hesitation by Benalcazar, adelantado or lieutenant general for the emperor
+in Popayan, and by Pedro de Puelles, who had the command of the troops
+left in Quito in the absence of Gonzalo Pizarro. Vaca de Castro not only
+assumed the supreme authority, but shewed that he possessed the talents
+which the exercise of it at that juncture required. By his influence and
+address, he soon assembled such a body of troops as not only set him above
+all fear of being exposed to any insult from the adverse party, but
+enabled him to advance from Quito with the dignity that became his
+character. By dispatching persons of confidence to the different
+settlements in Peru, with a formal notification of his arrival and of his
+commission, he communicated to his countrymen the royal pleasure with
+respect to the government of the country. By private emissaries, he
+excited such officers as had discovered their disapprobation of Almagro's
+proceedings, to manifest their duty to their sovereign by supporting the
+person honoured with his commission. Those measures were productive of
+great effects. Encouraged by the approach of the new governor, or prepared
+by his machinations, the loyal were confirmed in their principles, and
+avowed them with greater boldness; the timid ventured to declare their
+sentiments; the neutral and wavering, finding it necessary to choose a
+side, began to lean to that which now appeared to be the safest, as well
+as the most just[8]."
+
+Don Diego had hardly got two leagues from Lima, in 1542, when secret
+orders arrived there from Vaca de Castro, addressed to F. Thomas de San
+Martin, provincial of the Dominicans, and Francisco de Barrionuevo, to
+whom he committed the direction of public affairs till his own arrival. By
+these persons, the cabildo of the city was secretly assembled in the
+Dominican convent, to whom these orders were communicated, and who
+immediately recognized Vaca de Castro as governor, and Geronimo de Aliaga,
+his principal secretary, as adelantado or lieutenant governor of Peru.
+Immediately upon this formal act of recognition, the members of the
+cabildo and several of the principal citizens fled to Truxillo, fearing
+the resentment of the Almagrians. Although all this had passed in secret,
+it was communicated on the same night to Don Diego, who was disposed in
+consequence to have returned with the intention of giving up the city to
+plunder; but he was afraid lest by delay Holguin might escape into the
+north of Peru, and lest by returning, the arrival of the new governor
+might come to the knowledge of his troops. He determined therefore to
+continue his march against Holguin with all expedition. In spite of all
+his precautions, intelligence of the arrival of the new governor reached
+his camp, on which several persons abandoned him secretly, particularly
+the provincial of the Dominicans, Diego de Aguero, Juan de Saavedra, Yllen
+Suarez de Carvajal the commissary, and Gomez de Alvarado.
+
+Although every consideration prompted Don Diego to use the utmost
+diligence in the present posture of affairs, he was under the absolute
+necessity of marching slowly, as Juan de Herrada his great friend and
+adviser fell sick of a mortal distemper. Owing to this delay, Holguin was
+enabled to get beyond the valley of Jauja in his march towards the
+province of Chachapoyas. Yet Don Diego followed after him with so much
+diligence that he very nearly got up with him. In this emergency, as
+Holguin was by no means in sufficient force to venture a battle with Don
+Diego, he put the following stratagem in practice to enable him to escape,
+which effectually succeeded. During the night he detached twenty horsemen
+to make an attack on the advanced guard of the enemy, with orders to take
+some prisoners if possible, and then to retire. They executed their orders
+successfully and made three prisoners, two of whom Holguin ordered to be
+immediately hanged, and offered life and liberty with a considerable
+reward in money to the third, if he would carry information to certain
+persons in the army of Don Diego, who he pretended were disposed to join
+him, that he intended to attack the right wing of the camp in the ensuing
+night, that they might be ready to assist him. He even administered an
+oath to this soldier that he would religiously keep the secret from every
+one but those to whom he was directed to carry the message. Being a young
+man and desirous of procuring the promised large reward, he readily
+undertook the commission, and returned to the camp of Don Diego. When Don
+Diego understood that this man had come back, and that his two companions
+were hanged by Holguin, he suspected that mercy had been shewn him on some
+private conditions; for which reason he ordered the soldier to be put to
+the torture, who immediately avowed all that had been confided to him. By
+this means, Don Diego was led to believe that Holguin actually intended to
+surprise him by night, and took effectual measures to receive him, placing
+the greatest part of his troops under arms all night on that side which
+the soldier mentioned as the part where Holguin was to attack. The
+intentions of Holguin were diametrically opposite to this story which he
+had put in the mouth of the soldier, meaning only to gain time for a
+secure retreat; so that immediately after dispatching the soldier, he
+decamped in the middle of the night, marching with all possible celerity
+to get his army into a place of safety, while Don Diego uselessly kept his
+army under arms in expectation of being attacked.
+
+When Don Diego discovered the trick which had been imposed on him, he
+resumed the pursuit of Holguin with as much celerity as he could: But
+Holguin had sent a quick messenger to Alonso de Alvarado, requesting him
+to hasten to his assistance, which Alvarado did without delay with all his
+own troops and several of the inhabitants of Truxillo. On the junction of
+these officers a few davs afterwards, Don Diego discontinued the pursuit,
+and returned towards Cuzco. Holguin and Alvarado sent off immediately to
+inform Vaca de Castro by letter of all the preceding events, and
+counselled him to advance without delay to join them, as they were in
+sufficient force to make him master of the country when strengthened by
+his authority. At this time Juan de Herrada expired at Jauja, and Don
+Diego detached a part of his army to the low country of Peru to collect
+those of his party who were at Arequipa and other places. His officers
+plundered the city of Arequipa, and dug up every where about the monastery
+of the Dominicans in search of treasure, as they were informed that the
+inhabitants of that city had concealed their valuable effects in that
+convent.
+
+Vaca de Castro had reached Peru with much difficulty and fatigue. The
+voyage from Panama was exceedingly tedious and tempestuous, and the vessel
+in which he sailed lost all its anchors. Having at last reached the
+harbour of Buenaventura at the bottom of the bay of Choco on the coast of
+Raposo, he went from thence by land to the frontiers of the government of
+Benalcazar, who commanded in Popayan, and thence to Peru. He suffered much
+hardship and fatigue in that journey, both from the length and difficulty
+of the way and the scarcity of provisions, so that he fell sick as being
+quite unused to such fatigues. Yet as the death of the marquis and the
+subsequent events were already known in Popayan, de Castro continued his
+journey with as little delay as possible, that he might endeavour by his
+presence to remedy the disorders of the country. Although Vaca de Castro
+had been sent to Peru ostensibly to investigate into and take cognizance
+of the death of Almagro, and of the subsequent transactions, without any
+order to deprive the marquis of the government, or even to suspend his
+authority; yet he had been furnished with a secret commission, by which he
+was authorized to assume the government, in case the marquis should die
+during his voyage, or after his arrival, and to exercise all the functions
+of that high office, till the emperor might give orders to the contrary.
+By the authority of this commission, he was received in the camp of
+Holguin and Alvarado as governor. He was accompanied thither by several
+persons who had joined him on his first arrival in Peru, particularly by
+Captain Lorenzo de Aldana, who had been lieutenant governor of Quito under
+the marquis. He sent before him Captain Pedro de Puelles, to make
+preparations for carrying on the war. He sent likewise Gomez de Royas to
+Cuzco, with orders to the magistrates and inhabitants of that city to
+receive him as lieutenant. Royas used so much diligence and address that
+he arrived at Cuzco and was received and acknowledged in the command of
+that place before Don Diego could reach it with his army.
+
+When Vaca de Castro passed through the province of Bracamoras on his way
+from Quito to Truxillo, Captain Pedro de Vergara, who was then occupied in
+reducing that province, and had even fortified himself in a strong post on
+purpose to defend himself against Don Diego, joined him with all his men.
+At Truxillo the new governor was joined by Gomez de Tordoya, who had
+quitted the camp in consequence of a dispute with Holguin. He was joined
+likewise at Truxillo by Garcilasso de la Vega and some other gentlemen. By
+all these means, when Vaca de Castro left Truxillo to repair to the camp
+of Holguin and Alvarado, he had already collected a well armed force of
+more than two hundred men, all ready to obey his orders. Immediately on
+his arrival at the camp, Holguin and Alvarado received him with every
+demonstration of joy, giving up to him their standards and all other marks
+of authority; all of which he restored, except the royal standard, which
+he retained for himself. Having appointed Holguin to the command of the
+army, as maestre de campo general, he ordered him to march forwards to
+Jauja, and to wait there till he himself might return from Lima, where he
+proposed going that he might establish its government in proper order, and
+on purpose to collect men, arms and ammunition. He gave orders to Holguin,
+that Captain Diego de Royas should always precede the army about twenty
+leagues, with a detachment of thirty horsemen, to gain intelligence of the
+motions of the enemy. At the same time he sent back Diego de Mora to
+Truxillo, to take the command in that city. De Castro thus took every
+proper precaution for the successful issue of his expedition, with as much
+prudent foresight as if he had been all his life enured to warlike affairs.
+
+When Don Diego found that Holguin had escaped from his pursuit, as
+formerly related, he went to Cuzco with his army, where Christoval de
+Sotelo, whom he had detached there before him, had already taken
+possession of the city, and had displaced the magistrates who had been
+established there under the authority of the new governor. Immediately on
+the arrival of Don Diego at Cuzco, he made every exertion to provide
+artillery and gunpowder for the farther prosecution of the war. Both of
+these warlike articles are easily made in Peru. As to artillery, there is
+abundance of metal for that purpose, and there were also several persons
+in Cuzco who were perfectly well acquainted with the manner of founding
+cannon: These were _Levantines_ or Greeks, several of whom had come to
+Peru out of respect for Pedro de Candia, who was master of the ordnance to
+Don Diego. Powder was likewise easily made in great abundance, as
+saltpetre is to be had in every part of that country of excellent quality.
+At the same time he had defensive armour made for those of his people who
+were in want, forming corslets and helmets of silver mixed with copper,
+which answered amazingly well, and, were made by the native artists, who
+fabricated every kind of arms in imitation of, and as good as those of
+Milan. By these means, and by collecting all the arms throughout the whole
+country, every one of his men was at least provided with a coat of mail, a
+cuirass or corselet, and a helmet[9]. In this manner Don Diego was enabled
+to equip two hundred musqueteers, and to establish several companies of
+men at arms, as hitherto in Peru, hardly any thing had been seen of that
+kind, the cavalry being all light horse except a very few.
+
+While these preparations were going on, an unfortunate quarrel arose
+between the captains Garcias de Alvarado and Christoval de Sotelo, in
+which they drew their swords and Sotelo was slain. As both of these
+captains were principal leaders in the Almagrian party, and had many
+friends and partizans in the army, this unfortunate affair occasioned much
+strife, and had nearly occasioned a battle between the friends of the two
+combatants; but Don Diego appeased them with some difficulty, and by using
+a great deal of address. But as Garcias de Alvarado plainly perceived that
+Don Diego took the death of Sotelo much to heart, whom he dearly loved,
+and feared lest he might take measures afterwards of revenge, he
+endeavoured to take precautions in the meantime for his own safety, and
+for this purpose proposed to have assassinated Don Diego. With this view
+he one day invited Don Diego to dinner, intending to have put him to death
+during the entertainment. Don Diego accepted the invitation, but when the
+appointed day came, having some suspicion of what was intended, he sent an
+excuse for his absence, on pretence of being indisposed. As Garcias had
+provided every thing for the execution of his design, he went with several
+of his friends to endeavour to prevail on Don Diego to come to the
+entertainment. While on his way, he met a soldier named Martin Carillo who
+advised him to stay away from the house of Don Diego, who he was fully
+persuaded intended to put him to death. He continued his purpose however,
+and received a similar advice from another soldier a little farther on.
+Yet he persisted in going to the house of Don Diego, and even went up to
+his chamber, where he found him on a day-bed under pretence of being
+unwell. This visit seemed to be expected, as Don Diego had several armed
+men concealed in a neighbouring room.
+
+Garcias de Alvarado and his followers went into the chamber of Don Diego,
+to whom Alvarado said; "I hope, my lord, that your indisposition is of
+little importance. You must rise and shake it off, and you will be the
+better of some exercise and amusement. Come along with us, and though you
+eat little, your presence will give pleasure to the company who expect
+you." Don Diego agreed to go, and called for his cloak, being already
+armed with his sword and dagger. While the company in the room made way by
+going out, and Garcias de Alvarado went immediately before Don Diego,
+Pedro de Onnate and several others who were instructed, shut the door, and
+seizing on Garcias told him he was their prisoner. Don Diego drew his
+sword, with which he wounded Garcias, saying that he must be slain, not
+taken prisoner; and immediately Juan Balsa, Alfonso de Saavedra, Diego
+Mendez the brother of Rodrigo Orgognez, and several others who were
+concealed in the next room, rushed out and put Alvarado to death with many
+wounds.
+
+On the news of this event spreading through the city, it occasioned much
+dissatisfaction and some appearances of an insurrection which might have
+had very fatal consequences; but Don Diego went immediately out into the
+great square, where he succeeded in appeasing the people, and the friends
+of Alvarado were forced to be quiet. Immediately after this, on purpose to
+give employment to his troops, and because he heard that Vaca de Castro
+had joined Holguin and Alonso Alvarado, he marched out from Cuzco, meaning
+to seek out and give battle to the royalists. His army on this occasion
+was the most numerous and best appointed that had hitherto been seen in
+Peru, consisting of 250 horse, 200 musqueteers, and 250 pikemen, many of
+these being armed with halberts, and all remarkably well provided with
+defensive armour, especially all his cavalry, who, besides coats of mail,
+had back and breast-pieces of iron. Besides these, he had a great train of
+artillery, and was accompanied by Paul, the brother of the Inca who had
+been raised to the Peruvian throne by the elder Almagro. The assistance of
+this chief was of great importance to Don Diego on the present occasion,
+as his Indians always went a considerable way before the army, and obliged
+the natives of all the districts through which they passed to supply
+provisions for the troops, and to furnish people for carrying the baggage
+and other necessary services. In this manner Don Diego proceeded for about
+fifty leagues to the province of Vilcas, where he learnt that the royal
+army was only thirty leagues distant from him.
+
+While Vaca de Castro was in Lima, he procured a number of musquets to be
+made by the workmen of that city, and made every other preparation in his
+power to strengthen his army. Among other things, as Don Diego had carried
+off the whole royal treasure, he borrowed a large sum from the inhabitants
+of Lima, for the pay of his troops and other expences of the war; and all
+things being regulated, he set out to join the army with as many men as he
+could collect, leaving Francisco de Barrionuevo as his lieutenant in Lima,
+and Juan Perez de Guevara as commandant of his marine. He directed his
+march for Jauja, leaving orders with the inhabitants of Lima to retire on
+board the ships, in case Don Diego, as he threatened, should make an
+attack upon the city. On his arrival at Jauja, where Holguin and the army
+waited for him, he found that the general had provided good store of arms
+both offensive and defensive, and particularly a large supply of gunpowder
+which had been made at that place. The governor incorporated the horsemen
+whom he brought along with him from Lima among the troops or companies of
+cavalry already in the army, which were commanded by the Captains Pedro
+Alvarez Holguin, Pedro Anzurez, and Garcilasso de la Vega, and formed an
+additional troop of horse of which he gave the command to Gomez de
+Alvarado. Those foot soldiers which he brought with him were distributed
+into the companies of Pedro de Vergara and Nunno de Castro, and he formed
+a new company of musqueteers, of which he appointed the bachelor Juan
+Velez de Guevara captain. Although a man of letters and educated in the
+study of the law, Guevara was an excellent soldier, and particularly
+attentive to discipline, and had even greatly assisted in the construction
+of the musquets with which his company was armed. Being likewise very
+learned in the law, he executed a judicial charge at the same time with
+his military command, both on the present occasion under Vaca de Castro,
+and during the subsequent troubles produced by Gonzalo Pizarro, as will be
+afterwards related. Every day till noon, he held his judicial sittings and
+dispatched such affairs of that kind as occurred, in the ordinary sober
+dress of a lawyer. After that, he dressed in richly embroidered uniforms,
+with a buff jerkin, a feather in his hat, and his musquet on his shoulder,
+exercising his company with much attention, and practised himself in
+firing.
+
+Having drawn together a well armed force of seven hundred men, 370 of whom
+were cavalry, 170 musqueteers, and 160 armed with pikes, Vaca de Castro
+appointed captain Francisco de Carvajal serjeant major[10] of his army;
+the same person who was afterwards maestre de campo general under Gonzalo
+Pizarro. Carvajal was an officer of great experience, having served above
+forty years in the army, and was bred in the wars of Italy under _the
+great captain_, having risen in that service from the ranks to a
+lieutenancy. By him all the movements of the army were directed.
+
+About this time a message was received by Vaca de Castro from Gonzalo
+Pizarro, who had just returned to Quito from his disastrous expedition to
+Los Canelos, formerly related. Gonzalo made offer to the governor to march
+to his assistance with all the troops he could raise; but de Castro, in
+answer, after thanking him for his good will, desired him to remain at
+Quito and on no account to come to the army, as he had hope of bringing
+Don Diego to terms of accommodation, being only desirous of restoring the
+country to peace. In this procedure, the governor meant in some measure to
+mortify the pride of Gonzalo Pizarro; and besides, he feared lest his
+natural desire of taking revenge for the murder of his brother might prove
+an invincible obstacle against Don Diego agreeing to any accommodation,
+who would never venture to submit to any one who was accompanied by
+Gonzalo Pizarro, whose friends in the royal army were very numerous. Some
+persons allege that Vaca de Castro was afraid of permitting Gonzalo to
+join the army, lest they might elect him as their general, as he was
+greatly beloved by the soldiers. At this time likewise, Vaca de Castro
+sent orders to those persons who had the charge of the children of the
+late marquis in San Miguel and Truxillo, to remain with them there till
+farther orders, and on no account to carry them to Lima; alleging, as a
+specious pretext, that they were safer there than at Lima.
+
+All his military preparations being completed, Vaca de Castro left Jauja
+with his army in excellent order, taking the route for Guamanga, as he was
+informed that Don Diego was in full march to take possession of that city,
+or to take post at a very important passage of a river in that
+neighbourhood, which would give great advantage in the future operations
+of the war to either party which might obtain possession of that post, as
+Guamanga was surrounded by precipitous rocks and deep vallies, serving as
+natural fortifications of extremely difficult access. Captain Diego de
+Royas, who has been formerly mentioned as commanding the advanced guard of
+the royal army, had already occupied the city of Guamanga; and on
+receiving intelligence of the rapid march of Don Diego to that place, had
+fortified himself there as strongly as possible, that he might be able to
+defend it till the arrival of the army under Vaca de Castro. The governor,
+therefore, marched with as much celerity as possible, sending on Captain
+de Castro with his company of musqueteers to take post on a craggy hill of
+difficult ascent near Guamanga, called _Farcu_ by the Peruvians and Parcos
+by the Spaniards. Vaca de Castro, on his arrival one evening within two
+leagues of Guamanga, received information that Don Diego was already in
+possession of that city, which disappointed him greatly, more especially
+as the whole of his own troops were not yet come up. Alonso de Alvarado
+was sent back therefore, to expedite their march, and to bring them on in
+good order, as the enemy was so near. Some of the rear-guard of the army
+marched that day above five long leagues, which was a most fatiguing
+exertion, as the road was full of rocks and steep passes, and they were
+under the necessity of carrying their arms and accoutrements. Having
+passed the city, the whole army stood to their arms all night, not having
+any accurate intelligence of the enemy, who was believed to be nigh. Next
+day, however, learning by their scouts, who had been above six leagues in
+advance, that the enemy was still at a considerable distance, the
+royalists encamped to take some rest.
+
+Receiving more certain information of the situation of the enemy, who were
+still at the distance of nine leagues from his camp, Vaca de Castro sent a
+letter to Don Diego by Francisco Ydiaquez, commanding him in his majesty's
+name to dismiss his army, and to repair to the royal standard, on doing
+which he should be pardoned for all that was past: But, if he refused, he
+might expect to be proceeded against with the utmost severity, as a rebel
+against the king. The governor sent likewise a private soldier who was
+well acquainted with the country, diguised as an Indian, carrying letters
+for several gentlemen in the rebel army, offering them an amnesty and
+large rewards if they would abandon Don Diego. Though this man took every
+precaution to prevent discovery, his track was noticed in some places in
+the snow, and he was followed and carried prisoner to Don Diego, who
+ordered him to be hanged. Don Diego complained loudly of Vaca de Castro
+for sending spies to corrupt his followers while making offers of
+accommodation; and drawing out his army in complete order before the
+governors messengers, he ordered all his officers to prepare for battle,
+promising that whoever killed any of the hostile inhabitants of the
+country, should be rewarded with the wife, lands, Indians, and wealth of
+the slain. He then gave an answer to the governors message, that he would
+never acknowledge or obey him so long as he was associated with his
+enemies, Pedro Alvarez Holguin, Alonso de Alvarado, Gomez de Tordoya, Juan
+de Saavedra, Garcilasso de la Vega, Yllen Suarez de Carvajal, Gomez de
+Alvarado, and others of that party. That he would never disband his army,
+unless he received a formal amnesty under the royal sign manual; as he
+could not give faith to one signed by the Cardinal de Loaysa. That de
+Castro was much mistaken in supposing any of his army would abandon him,
+and might therefore prepare for battle, as he was determined to defend the
+country to his last breath.
+
+On receiving this resolute answer, Vaca de Castro marched his army to a
+small distance from Guamanga, where the ground was too rough and uneven
+for his cavalry, and took up a position in a smooth plain named _Chupaz_,
+where he remained three days, during all which time it never ceased
+raining, as it was then the middle of winter, yet the troops were forced
+to be always under arms and ready for action, as the enemy was very near.
+He had resolved to give battle, us the enemy obstinately refused all
+accommodation; yet finding that several persons in his army seemed to
+hesitate on account of the disapprobation which his majesty had evinced
+respecting the former battle of _Salinas_, on which account Ferdinand
+Pizarro was detained in prison, he judged it proper to take some formal
+judicial steps, both for his own justification, and to satisfy the
+scruples of his troops. He pronounced therefore a formal sentence against
+Don Diego, whom he declared a traitor and rebel, condemning him and all
+his adherents to death and the confiscation of all their goods. After
+signing this judicial sentence in the presence of the whole army, he
+commanded the officers to give him asistance for carrying it into
+execution.
+
+Next morning, being Saturday, the scouts brought intelligence after mass
+that the enemy, who had encamped for the night at two short leagues
+distance, was very near, and in full march towards the left of the
+royalist camp, advancing by some low hills to avoid a marsh which covered
+the front of the royalists. Don Diego wished to gain possession of
+Guamanga before giving battle, and entertained no doubt of being
+victorious, trusting to his great superiority in artillery over the
+royalist army. When the two armies were so near that the advanced guards
+were within musket shot, the governor detached Captain Castro with fifty
+musqueteers to skirmish with the enemy, while the rest of his troops
+marched up the slope of a hill on purpose to intercept the march of the
+rebels. This movement was liable to considerable danger, as Don Diego
+might have done the royalists much damage by means of his artillery if he
+had taken advantage of the nature of the ground in proper time; for during
+this conversion, the royalist infantry were often obliged to halt to
+recover their order, which was much deranged by the difficulty of the
+ground. When Carvajal the serjeant-major observed this circumstance, he
+ordered all the troops to gain the height as quickly as possible without
+preserving any precise order of march, and to form again when they were
+arrived at the summit. They accordingly got all up, while Captain Castro
+and his musqueteers were skirmishing with the troops of Don Diego; who
+likewise continued his march, and drew up in order of battle.
+
+After the royal army had been marshalled in good order by the
+serjeant-major, the governor made them a speech, in which he exhorted them
+to recollect that they were loyal Spaniards who were fighting in the just
+cause of their sovereign. He told them that the fate of Peru was now in
+their hands and depended on their courage. If defeated he and they could
+only expect to be put to death; but if victorious, besides the important
+service to the king, which they were bound as good and loyal subjects to
+perform, they would thereby secure the possession of their estates and
+effects, and to such as had none he would provide amply in the name and by
+the authority of his majesty, who only desired to preserve the sovereignty
+of Peru, that he might divide it among those who served him faithfully. In
+conclusion, he said there needed not a long harangue to encourage
+gentlemen of honour and brave soldiers to do their duty, whose example he
+proposed to himself to follow, not pretending to give them one; yet, as a
+proof that he meant to imitate their bravery, he intended to march at
+their head and should be among the first to break a lance. They all
+declared that they would do their duty manfully, and would rather be cut
+to pieces than allow themselves to be defeated, as they all considered
+themselves interested in the success of the war on their own accounts, as
+well as from duty to the king. All the officers earnestly intreated Vaca
+de Castro not to hazard himself in the front of battle, insisting that he
+should take post in the rear with thirty horsemen, whence he might send
+succour to wherever it might be needed. He consented to this, and as the
+day drew towards a close, being within an hour and a half of sunset, he
+proposed to postpone the battle till next morning. But Alonso de Alvarado
+assured him that he would be defeated if he delayed, as the whole army
+seemed then animated by the best resolution, and it was impossible to say
+whether some might not change their sentiments during the night. The
+governor assented to this advice, only saying that he wished to have the
+power which had been given to Joshua, that he might stop the going down of
+the sun.
+
+At this time the artillery belonging to Don Diego opened its fire upon the
+royalists; and as it was dangerous to descend the hill in front towards
+the enemy, on account of being too much exposed in that direction to their
+guns, the serjeant-major and Alonso Alvarado directed the army to move by
+the left, where there was a hollow which led towards the enemy, by which
+they were protected from the balls which all flew over their heads. The
+troops marched in the following order. Alonzo de Alvarado was on the right
+with his troops of horse, having the royal standard carried by Christoval
+de Barientos; on the left were the other four captains of horse, Pedro
+Holguin, Gomes Alvarado, Garcilasso de la Vega, and Pedro Anzurez, all at
+the head of their respective troops in excellent order. Between the two
+wings of cavalry, the Captains Pedro de Vergara and Juan Velez de Guevara
+marched with the infantry; and Nunno de Castro marched in front with his
+musqueteers to begin the battle, with orders to retire when pressed by the
+enemy under the protection of the main body. The governor, at the earnest
+entreaty of his officers, remained in the rear guard at the head of thirty
+horse, at some short distance from the main body, where he could see all
+that occurred, so as to send assistance where it was wanted, which he did
+with much judgment.
+
+During the advance of the royalists, the enemy kept up a constant fire of
+their artillery, but altogether ineffectually, as all their balls flew too
+high. Don Diego observing this circumstance, suspected that Pedro de
+Candia the captain of his artillery was gained by the enemy and did this
+on purpose; for which reason he went to him in great rage and killed him
+with his own hand. After this he pointed and fired off one of the cannon
+against a squadron of the royalists, by which shot several of the troopers
+were killed. Seeing this, and considering that the artillery of the royal
+army was too insignificant to do much service, Carvajal determined to
+leave it behind that the army might advance more quickly. At this time Don
+Diego and his officers had arranged their army in order, the cavalry
+divided on the two wings, and the infantry in the centre, having their
+cannon in front, directly over against the only ground by which the
+royalists could advance to the attack. The rebels believed it would argue
+timidity in them thus to wait for the enemy, and that it was proper for
+them to advance and meet them half way. This movement was much against the
+opinion and advice of Pedro Suarez, serjeant-major to Don Diego, a brave
+and experienced officer; who remonstrated that, as the enemy had to
+advance over a plain of considerable extent, they would be greatly injured
+by the artillery before they could come to the charge, whereas by
+advancing the troops of Don Diego would shorten this dangerous way for
+their enemies, and would lose an excellent advantage now in their power.
+Nothwithstanding this judicious remonstrance the Almagrian army continued
+to advance, and took post near a rising ground over which the royalists
+had to march, and after which the rebel artillery could do them very
+little harm, and was unable to prevent them from charging, as the way
+between was very short. Suarez was so much dissatisfied at his advice
+being thus despised, that he set spurs to his horse and galloped over to
+the royalist army.
+
+About this time the Indians under the command of Paullu the brother of
+Inca Manco Capac, attacked the left wing of the royalists with repeated
+vollies of stones and arrows, but were soon put to flight by a few
+discharges from the musqueteers. Martin Cote who commanded a company of
+musqueteers on the side of Almagro, advanced to that side and began to
+skirmish with the adverse musqueteers of Nunno de Castro. At this time the
+royalists, advancing slowly and in good order to the music of their drums
+and trumpets, made their appearance on the height, where they halted as
+waiting an opportunity to charge, in hopes that the incessant discharge
+from the artillery of the enemy might relax. Although now so near, the
+rebel artillery did them very little harm, as having to point upwards,
+most of their balls flew too high, whereas if the royalists had advanced
+only twenty paces farther, they would have been exposed to point blank
+shot. The infantry indeed of the royalists suffered materially at this
+time, as they were more directly exposed to the shot, insomuch that by one
+ball a whole file of seventeen men was brought down. This made a wide gap
+in the battalion, which the officers took care immediately to fill up. The
+serjeant-major, Francisco de Carvajal, still held back the royalist
+cavalry from the charge, waiting for some relaxation in the fury of the
+adverse artillery, by which the captains Pedro Alvarez Holguin and Gomez
+de Tordoya were both slain, and several others were killed and wounded by
+every discharge. Captain Pedro de Vergara being wounded by a musket shot,
+exclaimed loudly against the conduct of the cavalry, saying that all the
+infantry would be speedily destroyed if the cavalry did not charge the
+enemy. The trumpets immediately sounded a charge, and the royalist
+squadrons advanced, on which those of Don Diego moved forward to meet them
+courageously. The shock was so violent that almost all the lances on both
+sides were broken, and many horsemen of both armies were borne to the
+ground, some killed and others wounded. A bloody engagement succeeded this
+charge, in which they fought man to man with swords, maces and battle axes;
+some even of the cavalry being armed with large woodmens axes which they
+wielded in both hands, gave such heavy blows as no armour could withstand.
+After continuing the battle with great fury till both sides were out of
+breath, they drew off for a little.
+
+In the meantime the royalist infantry advanced against those of Don Diego,
+encouraged by the exhortations and example of Carvajal who marched at
+their head. "Be not afraid, said he, of the artillery: I, who am as large
+as any two of you, do not fear it, and you all see how many bullets pass
+by without hurting me." That his soldiers might not conceive that he
+confided in the goodness of his armour, he threw away his coat of mail and
+helmet, and advanced in this manner to the rebel cannon; and being bravely
+seconded by his men, he soon got possession of them all, killing several
+of those who guarded them, after which he turned them against the enemy.
+By this vigorous, and successful exploit, the event of the battle was in a
+great measure decided. The day was now ended, and the evening became so
+dark that the opponents could hardly distinguish each other except by the
+voice. After a short rest, the cavalry renewed the fight, and victory
+began to lean to the side of the royalists, when Vaca de Castro made a
+furious assault on the left of the enemy, where two troops belonging to
+Don Diego still kept their ground, while all the rest began to fall back.
+On charging the enemy, the governor exclaimed, _Vittoria! Vittoria!_ Yet
+the battle continued undecided for some time, and several of the horsemen
+who followed Vaca de Castro were wounded and unhorsed, two gentlemen and
+several others being slain. The rebels were at last thrown into disorder
+and fled from the field, being pursued for some distance. Two of their
+officers, named Bilboa and de Sosa, were so enraged on seeing the defeat
+and flight of their companions, that they rushed like madmen into the
+thickest of the enemy, crying out _I am he who killed the marquis_, till
+both were slain. Many of the Almagrians saved themselves by favour of the
+darkness; and some of them, for greater security, threw away their _white_
+scarfs, by which the rebels were distinguished, and put on the _red_
+scarfs of the royalists who lay dead on the field. Thus Vaca de Castro
+obtained a complete victory, although before the charge was given his army
+lost many more men than the enemy, insomuch that Don Diego thought himself
+till then secure of conquering. Such of the fugitives as endeavoured to
+save themselves by way of the plain were all killed by the Indians; and a
+hundred and fifty horse, who made their escape to Guamanga, about two
+leagues from the field of battle, were disarmed and made prisoners by the
+small number of inhabitants who remained in that city. Don Diego fled to
+Cuzco, where Rodrigo de Salazar, his own lieutenant, and Antonio Ruyz de
+Guevara, one of the magistrates made him prisoner. Thus ended the
+authority of Don Diego Almagro, who one day was lord and master of the
+great kingdom of Peru, and the next day was thrown into prison by officers
+of his own appointment. This decisive battle of Chupaz was fought on the
+16th September 1542.
+
+A great part of the night was over before their officers could reassemble
+the victorious army, as the soldiers were busied in pillaging the tents of
+the rebels, where they got a rich plunder in silver and gold, and killed
+several of the wounded fugitives who were unable to continue their flight
+any farther. When all were reassembled, Vaca de Castro made the army
+remain all the rest of the night under arms and in order of battle, lest
+the enemy might rally and renew the fight. Vaca de Castro employed himself
+likewise during most part of the night in going about among the troops,
+praising the whole in general, and thanking the individual soldiers for
+having so bravely done their duty. In this battle several officers and
+soldiers on both sides signalized themselves remarkably. Don Diego
+distinguished himself particularly, shewing much courage, and more conduct
+than could have been expected from a young man only twenty-two years of
+age[11]. He was animated by what he considered a just vengeance for the
+death of his father; and was well seconded by many of his followers. Many
+of those on the side of Vaca de Castro, were on the contrary incited by
+the desire of avenging the death of the marquis, for whose memory they
+preserved an inviolable attachment, insomuch that no danger could prevent
+them from using their utmost efforts to punish his murderers. On the two
+sides, about 300 men were slain[12], among whom were several officers and
+men of note. Pedro Alvarez Holguin and Gomez de Tordoya eminently
+distinguished themselves on the side of the royalists, having mantles of
+white velvet richly embroidered over their armour, owing to which they
+were particularly marked out by the musqueteers of the enemy, and both
+lost their lives in consequence. Alonso de Alvarado and Carvajal likewise
+distinguished themselves signally, particularly the latter, as already
+mentioned, in a manner that it seemed almost impossible he should have
+escaped. But by despising death, he appeared to have made it flee from him;
+as indeed it often happens during great dangers, that those who meet them
+bravely are preserved, while those who shrink are lost. A signal instance
+of this happened in the present battle, as a young man who was afraid of
+the balls concealed himself behind a projecting rock; where his head was
+shattered to pieces by a splinter driven off by a cannon ball[13]. Many
+others signalized themselves in the battle, to most of whom the governor
+gave competent estates in lands and Indians, when he made the re-partition
+of the country, adding his warm acknowledgements for having resigned their
+individual interests and resentments in the service of the crown.
+
+The night after the battle was extremely frosty, and as the baggage was
+considerably in the rear, only two of the wounded officers had their
+wounds dressed, so that a good many of the wounded died of cold during the
+night. Next morning, the governor caused every attention to be given to
+the wounded, who exceeded four hundred in number[14], and had the dead
+buried, ordering the bodies of Holguin and Tordoya to be carried to the
+city of Guamanga, where they were magnificently interred. On the day
+succeeding the battle, the governor ordered the heads of several prisoners
+to be cut off, who had been concerned in the murder of the marquis. Next
+day he went to Guamanga, where Captain Diego de Royas had already beheaded
+Juan Tello and some other captains of the rebels. The governor now gave
+orders to the licentiate de la Gama to try the rest of the prisoners, and
+to punish them according to their deserts. De la Gama accordingly hanged
+several and beheaded others, to the number of forty of the most culpable,
+insomuch that in all about sixty were executed. Some others were banished,
+and the rest were pardoned, such of them as had settlements being allowed
+to return to their houses.
+
+The governor went afterwards to Cuzco, where he brought Don Diego to trial,
+and ordered him to be beheaded. Diego de Mendez, Gomez Perez, and another,
+made their escape from prison into the mountains of the Andes, where they
+were kindly received by Manco Capac the fugitive Inca, who had taken
+refuge in an inaccessible country. The Inca was much grieved on learning
+the death of Don Diego, whom he was greatly attached to, and to whom he
+had sent several coats of mail, corselets, cuirasses, and other arms,
+which he had taken from the Spaniards whom he defeated and slew, at the
+time when he went by order of the marquis to relieve Gonzalo and Juan
+Pizarro, then besieged in Cuzco.
+
+After the death of Don Diego and the entire dispersion of his adherents,
+by which peace was restored through the whole country, the governor did
+not consider it proper to disband his army, as he had not sufficient funds
+to reward them according to their services; for which reason he resolved
+to send them in different detachments to make discoveries and conquests.
+Captain Vergara and his troops were accordingly sent back to complete the
+conquest of the Bracamoras. The Captains Diego de Royas and Philip
+Gutierez were sent with above three hundred men to the eastwards, where
+they afterwards made some establishments on the Rio de la Plata. Captain
+Monroy was sent to Chili with reinforcements to Pedro de Valdivia, who was
+engaged in reducing that country. Captain Juan Perez de Guevara was sent
+to reduce the country of Mullobamba which he had discovered. This is an
+exceedingly mountainous country, in which the two great rivers Marannon
+and La Plata have their sources, both of which run into the Atlantic. Its
+inhabitants are Caribs, or canibals, and their country so hot that they go
+entirely naked, or at least have only a few rags round their loins. While
+in this country, Juan Perez got notice of an extensive province beyond the
+mountains towards the north, in which there are rich gold mines, and which
+has camels and fowls like those of New Spain, and a species of sheep
+considerably smaller than those of Peru. In that country it is necessary
+to water all kinds of seeds regularly, as it seldom rains. In it there is
+a lake, the environs of which are exceedingly populous. In all its rivers
+there are certain _fishes_ as large as dogs, which they likewise very much
+resemble, which kill and eat the Indians when they go into the water or
+even pass near it, as they often come out of the water and walk on the dry
+land[15]. This great country is bounded on the north by the Marannon, on
+the east by Brasil, and on the south by the Rio de la Plata; and it is
+said that the Amazons dwell in this country, of whom Orellana received
+intelligence while descending the Marannon.
+
+Vaca de Castro remained above eighteen months in Cuzco after the departure
+of these various expeditions, employing himself in making a distribution
+of the unoccupied lands and Indians, and settling the whole country in
+good order, issuing likewise many useful regulations for the protection
+and preservation of the Indians. In that period the richest gold mine ever
+heard of in our days was discovered near Cuzco in a river named _Carabaya_,
+where a single Indian is able to gather to the extent of a mark in one
+day[16]. The whole country being now perfectly tranquil, and the Indians
+protected from those excessive toils to which they had been subjected
+during the civil war, Gonzalo Pizarro was permitted to come to Cuzco, and
+after a few days went thence to Las Charcas, where he employed himself in
+taking care of the extensive estate which he possessed in that country. He
+there remained in quiet, till the arrival of the viceroy, Blasco Nunnez
+Vela in Peru, as shall be related in the sequel.
+
+
+[1] This chapter is merely a continuation of the history of the discovery
+    and conquest of Peru, by Zarate: but we have thought proper to divide
+    it in this manner, separating the transactions which took place during
+    the life of Francisco Pizarro, from those which occurred after his
+    death.--E.
+
+[2] _Il les fit prenare_, are the words of the French translator:
+    _prendre_ may possibly be an error of the press on this occasion for
+    _pendre_; in which case those officers of the late marquis were
+    ordered to be _hanged_; and indeed they do not appear in the
+    sequel.--E.
+
+[3] There must have been two persons in Peru of this name and surname, as
+    we have already seen _one_ Francisco de Chaves killed on the same day
+    with the marquis.--E.
+
+[4] This officer was father to the historian of the same name.--E.
+
+[5] It was now the year 1542.--E.
+
+[6] As Zarate introduces Vaca de Castro into the history of Peru without
+    any previous notice of his appointment, it has been deemed proper to
+    give a short account of his commission from Robertsons History of
+    America, II. 339, which, being too long for a note, is distinguished
+    in the text by inverted commas--E.
+
+[7] The remainder of the circumstances relative to de Castro, here quoted,
+    are to be found in Robertson II. 353.; the other events in the history
+    of Peru having been already given from Zarate.--E.
+
+[8] We now return to the narrative of Zarate.--E.
+
+[9] Garcilasso says, that on this occasion, the Inca Manca Capac, who had
+    retired to the mountains, in remembrance of the friendship which had
+    subsisted between him and the elder Almagro, provided Don Diego with
+    large quantities of armour, swords and saddles, which had been
+    formerly taken from the Spaniards, sufficient to arm two hundred
+    men.--E.
+
+[10] The rank of serjeant major in the Spanish service appears to answer
+    to our adjutant, as applied to a battalion: On the present occasion
+    Carvajal may be considered as adjutant general under Vaca de Castro.
+    Maestre de Campo seems equivalent to Major-General.--E.
+
+[11] Garcilasso, himself a mestee, says that Don Diego was the bravest
+    Mestizo, or son of a Spaniard by an Indian woman, that ever the New
+    World produced.--E.
+
+[12] According to Garcilasso, of 1500 combatants, including both sides,
+    500 men were slain, and about an equal number wounded; the royalists
+    having 500 killed and 400 wounded, while the rebels had only 200 slain
+    and 100 wounded. In this estimate he has surely made a material error,
+    as he makes the killed and wounded of the royalists equal to the whole
+    number thay had in the field.--E.
+
+[13] At this place, a naked list of a great number of names of those who
+    signalized themselves in the battle, are enumerated by Zarate, but
+    omitted here as altogether uninteresting.--E.
+
+[14] This appears to countenance the account of Garcilasso in a former
+    note, who probably quoted from Zarate; but the latter does not limit
+    this number to the royal troops.--E.
+
+[15] Obviously a misunderstood description of alligators. Indeed the whole
+    account of this country, now called Colona, seems to have been derived
+    from the reports of Indians, and is in many circumstances entirely
+    fabulous, as is well known from the more recent accounts of the Jesuit
+    missions.--E.
+
+[16] Carabaya is an elevated valley of considerable extent, to the south
+    east of Cuzco. A mark of gold or eight ounces is worth about L.32;
+    hence we may readily believe so rich a days work was seldom made.--E.
+
+
+
+
+SECTION II.
+
+_Commencement of the Viceroyalty of Blasco Nunnez Vela, and renewal of the
+civil war in Peru by the usurpation of Gonzalo Pizarro_.
+
+
+At this period, some of the clergy who had been in the New World,
+represented to the Emperor Don Carlos and the lords of his council, that
+the Spaniards treated the natives in the conquered provinces of America
+with extreme cruelty, depriving them of all their property by excessive
+exactions, forcing them to labour in the mines and to dive for pearls
+beyond their strength, obliging them to carry heavy burdens in long
+journeys, and frequently subjecting them to arbitrary punishments, and
+even wantonly putting them to death; insomuch that their numbers were fast
+diminishing, and that in a short time they would be entirely extirpated
+from Mexico and Peru and the other continental dominions of Spain in
+America, as was already the case in the islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Porto
+Rico, Jamaica, and others, where hardly any trace remained of the original
+inhabitants. To confirm these representations, they particularly recited
+many instances of cruelty exercised by the Spaniards upon the Indians,
+among which were numerous circumstances that were by no means well
+authenticated. They alleged as one of the greatest of these evils, and a
+principal cause of the destruction of the Indians, that they were forced
+to carry heavy burdens on long journeys, far beyond their strength,
+without any consideration of justice or humanity. They added that these
+tyrannical practices had been carried to the greatest excess by the
+governors, lieutenants, and other officers of the crown, and by the
+bishops, monks, and other favoured and privileged persons, trusting to
+their authority and immunities to be exempted from punishment for their
+improper conduct, by which they were encouraged to the commission of every
+excess. He who insisted in these remonstrances with the greatest zeal and
+perseverance was Fra Bartholomew de las Casas, a Dominican monk, whom his
+majesty had raised to the bishopric of Chiapa.
+
+After maturely considering these representations, his majesty was anxious
+to devise proper means to relieve the Indians from oppression; and for
+this purpose he assembled a council of all those persons to whom the
+administration of affairs in the Indies was confided, with several other
+persons of probity learned in the laws. By this assembly the whole affair
+was deliberately examined, and a code of regulations drawn up by which it
+was expected to remedy the abuses complained of. By these regulations it
+was enacted that no Indian should be forced to labour in the mines, or to
+dive for pearls; that no excessive labours should be imposed on them, and
+even that they should not be obliged to carry burdens except in places
+where no other means could be employed; that all Indians should be paid
+for their labour, and that the tribute which they were to pay to their
+masters should be fixed; that upon the death of any person to whom lands
+and Indians now belonged, they were to revert to the crown. Besides, that
+all lands and Indians belonging to bishops, monasteries, and hospitals, or
+to governors, lieutenant-governors, or other officers of the crown, should
+be taken from them and annexed to the crown, even although the possessor
+should incline to demit their offices for the purpose of enabling them to
+retain their repartitions. It was particularly ordered in regard to Peru,
+that all who had taken any share in the civil wars between the marquis and
+Almagro should forfeit their lands and Indians. And finally, all Indians
+set at liberty by this regulation were to belong in perpetuity to the
+crown, to whom their tributes were to be paid in all time coming.
+
+It is perfectly obvious, in consequence of the concluding clause but one
+of these regulations, by which all who had taken any share in the late
+civil wars were to be deprived of their lands and Indians, that every
+individual then in Peru would have been reduced to poverty, as it may be
+seen by every circumstance related in the foregoing part of this history,
+that every Spaniard in the country had embraced one or other of these
+parties with extreme violence. Even the native Peruvians had taken a part
+in the civil discords, and had frequent quarrels and engagements on the
+subject, some of them taking part with the _Chilese_, and others with the
+_Pachacamacs_, by which titles they distinguished respectively the
+adherents of Almagro and of the marquis. Hitherto the only court of
+justice or royal audience was held at Panama, at a most inconvenient
+distance from Peru. By the new regulations this court of Panama was
+abolished, and besides the establishment of a new court on the frontiers
+of Gauatimala and Nicaragua for all the provinces from Tierra Firma
+northwards, of which the licentiate Maldonado was made president, another
+court of royal audience was ordered to be established in Lima, consisting
+of four oydors or judges, and a president who was to have the title of
+Viceroy and captain general. This measure was deemed indispensibly
+necessary for the well being of this distant country, the richest and most
+valuable dominion which belonged to the crown in all America. All these
+regulations were enacted and published at Madrid in 1542, and copies of
+them were immediately sent to different parts of the New World. These new
+reglations gave extreme dissatisfaction to the conquerors of the American
+provinces, and particularly to those of Peru; as every Spanish settler in
+that country must have been deprived by them of almost every thing they
+possessed, and reduced to the necessity of looking out for new means of
+subsistence. Every one loudly declared that his majesty must have received
+erroneous information respecting the late events, as the partizans and
+adherents both of the marquis and of Almagro, had conducted themselves to
+the best of their judgment as faithful subjects of his majesty, believing
+that they acted in obedience to his orders in what respected the two rival
+governors, who acted in his name and by his authority, and were besides
+under the necessity of obeying their officers, either by force or good
+will, so that they were in fact guilty of no crime in what they had done;
+or, even if their conduct were in some measure faulty, they certainly did
+not deserve to be stript entirely of their property. They alleged farther,
+that when they discovered and conquered the country, which had been done
+at their own proper cost, it had been expressly covenanted that they were
+to enjoy the division of the lands and Indians among them for their lives,
+with remainder to their eldest sons, or to their widows in case of having
+no children; and that, in confirmation of all this, an order had been
+issued by his majesty, by which all who had participated in making the
+conquest of Peru were to marry within a certain specified time, under the
+penalty of losing their lands and Indians, with which regulation most of
+them had complied; and that it were now unjust, when they had become old
+and worn out, and were encumbered with wives and families, to deprive them
+of their substance, when they looked to enjoy repose after all their
+fatigues and dangers; being unable from age and infirmity to go in search
+of new countries and new establishments.
+
+Great numbers of persons repaired to Cuzco, where Vaca de Castro then
+resided, to lay their complaints before him. He told them, that he was
+persuaded his majesty would remedy their grievances when informed of the
+true state of affairs, and recommended therefore that the procurators or
+syndics of the different cities should assemble, and elect a deputation to
+carry a true statement of matters to the king and royal council of the
+Indies, with a humble supplication that his majesty might apply a proper
+remedy, by the revocation or modification of those regulations, which, as
+they stood, would produce such ruinous consequences to the colony. On
+purpose to facilitate this assembly, the governor promised to repair in
+person to Lima, as the most convenient and most central situation for the
+deputies of all the other cities. He accordingly set out from Cuzco for
+Lima, accompanied by the syndics of all the neighbouring cities, and by
+several gentlemen and other persons of consequence.
+
+In the year 1542, while these things were going on in Peru, his majesty
+appointed Blasco Nunnez Vela, who had been commissary general of the
+revenue in Castille, as Viceroy of Peru, and president of the court of
+royal audience, to carry those regulations into effect which we have
+already given an accoun of. Vela was chosen to this high and important
+office as a person of capacity and experience, who would dispense strict
+justice without respect of persons, and would punctually fulfil the royal
+orders. The four oydors or judges nominated to the royal audience of Lima
+were the licentiate Cepeda, doctor Lison de Texada, and the licentiates
+Alvarez and Pedro Ortiz. Augustin de Zarate[1], secretary of the royal
+council of Castille, was appointed at the same time auditor general of
+accounts both for Peru and the Tierra Firma, as since the discovery and
+settlement of these provinces, no accounts of the royal revenues had ever
+been rendered to the treasurers. All these persons embarked at San Lucar
+de Barrameda on the 1st November 1543, and arrived safe at the harbour of
+Nombre de Dios, where they made some stay, on purpose to prepare for their
+voyage to Peru. As the viceroy was eager to proceed, he embarked at Panama
+in the middle of February 1543, without waiting for the judges of the
+royal audience, who anxiously requested to accompany him, and who were
+accordingly much chagrined by this procedure. Even before this, some
+slight disputes had occurred between them and Vela, which though of small
+importance in themselves, had left some impression of mutual
+dissatisfaction, and evinced that they were not likely to agree in the
+government of the country.
+
+Befere leaving the Tierra Firma, the viceroy began to carry one of the new
+regulations into effect, by which all Indians were enjoined to be at
+liberty to return to their native countries, whatever might have been the
+cause of their transportation to other places. He accordingly collected
+all the natives of Peru who happened to be in the province of Tierra Firma;
+and as there was a great and constant intercourse between that province
+and Peru, the number of Peruvians in Tierra Firma was considerable, and he
+ordered all of these to embark in the same ship with himself at the
+expence of their masters. The new viceroy had a quick passage from Panama
+to the port of Tumbez at the northern extremity of proper Peru, where he
+disembarked on the 4th of March, being resolved to go from thence by land
+to Lima, and immediately proceeded to enforce the new regulations in every
+one of the places by which he travelled. In regard to some of the
+colonists, he fixed the services and tributes which they were in future to
+exact from the Indians; and others he deprived entirely of their lands and
+Indians, annexing them to the crown. Many of those who found themselves
+aggrieved by these regulations, particularly all the inhabitants of San
+Miguel and Truxillo, waited on the viceroy, respectfully yet earnestly
+entreating that he would at least postpone the execution of those rigorous
+decrees till the arrival of the judges, when they would make their humble
+application for justice at Lima in the royal court of audience. In
+corroboration of this request, they pointed out one of the articles of the
+regulations, which directed that they were to be put in force by the
+viceroy and oydors conjunctly, and that therefore he was not authorised to
+execute them by his single authority. All their remonstrances and
+reasonings were unavailing, as he refused to listen to them, saying, that
+the orders with which he was entrusted were general laws, which could not
+be suspended or even postponed in compliance with any requests or
+supplications whatever. He persisted, therefore, to put the regulations
+strictly in force, through the whole extent of his journey from Tumbez
+till his arrival in the province of Guavara[2], which is eighteen leagues
+from Lima.
+
+Immediately on his arrival at Tumbez, the viceroy sent an express to
+notify his arrival and the extent of his powers and authority to the
+governor Vaca de Castro, whom he directed to discontinue all exercise of
+authority as governor. By this messenger, and by other persons who
+followed him, the inhabitants of Lima were informed of the rigorous manner
+in which the viceroy had proceeded to enforce the new regulations, and of
+his refusal to listen to any supplications or remonstrances on the subject.
+On purpose still more to irritate every one against the viceroy, reports
+were spread of several other rigorous proceedings as having been exercised
+by him, of which he never even conceived the idea. These news caused much
+emotion and discontent among the persons who accompanied Vaca de Castro,
+insomuch that several of them urged him to refuse recognizing the viceroy,
+and to protest both against the regulations and his commission, as he had
+rendered himself unworthy of the government by executing his commission
+with extreme rigour, refusing justice to his majestys faithful subjects,
+and turning a deaf ear to their respectful remonstrances. Vaca de Castro
+soothed them as much as possible, by assuring them that when the oydors
+were arrived and had begun to act as the royal court of audience, they
+would certainly listen to their remonstrances on being instructed in the
+true state of the country; but that for himself, he could in no degree
+consent to disobey the orders of his majesty. At this time, Vaca de Castro
+had arrived at Guarachiri, about twenty leagues from Lima, and on
+receiving the orders which had been transmitted to him by the viceroy, he
+immediately divested himself of his office, and discontinued from
+exercising any of the functions of government; except that he granted some
+vacant repartitions of lands and Indians to different people, some of
+which grants were in his own name.
+
+Finding all their representations to Vaca de Castro ineffectual, the
+principal persons who attended him set out in their return to Cuzco, under
+pretence that they dared not to await the arrival of the viceroy so long
+as he was alone; but that they would return to Lima on the arrival of the
+judges: Yet, in spite of these specious pretexts, it was easy to see that
+they were much discontented and had evil intentions. Indeed they clearly
+evinced this soon afterwards on their arrival at the city of Guamanga,
+where they excited a great tumult, and took possession of all the
+artillery which Vaca de Castro had disposed in that place after his
+victory over Don Diego. They then collected a great number of Indians, and
+caused the whole of this train or artillery to be removed to Cuzco.
+
+Vaca de Castro continued his journey from Guarachiri to Lima, which he
+found all involved in confusion and discontent, the inhabitants being much
+divided in opinion as to the expediency of receiving the viceroy or
+refusing to recognize him in that capacity. Some alleged that the orders
+of his majesty did not command his recognition till his actual arrival.
+Others said that he ought not to be recognized even on his arrival,
+considering the unjust regulations which he brought along with him, and
+the rigour with which he put them in force, in spite of every remonstrance
+and supplication to the contrary. But by the earnest exhortations of Yllan
+Suarez, _alcalde_ or judge of police and royal commissary of Lima, they
+came at length to the resolution of receiving the viceroy, and even to
+admit the regulations, which were published with much solemnity. Upon this
+all the magistrates principal inhabitants of the city, went to Huaura to
+welcome the viceroy and to pay him their respectful compliments. From
+Huaura he was accompanied by the whole cavalcade to Lima, where he was
+received with great pomp and magnificence, making his entry under a canopy
+of cloth of gold. All the magistrates walked in procession, carrying the
+ensigns of their office, and dressed in long robes of crimson satin turned
+up with white damask. In this grand stile the viceroy was conducted in the
+first place to church, and thence to his palace.
+
+Next day as the viceroy had received information of the discontents and
+seditious conduct of the persons who had retired to Cuzco, he ordered Vaca
+de Castro to be arrested and thrown into the common prison, as he
+suspected that he had fomented these seditious practices, and that he had
+even been their secret adviser to that step. Although the inhabitants of
+Lima were by no means perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Vaca de
+Castro, they yet humbly petitioned the viceroy, not to allow a person of
+such high rank, who was a member of the royal council and had been
+governor of the country, to be thrown into the common prison; as, even if
+he merited the punishment of death, and were to be beheaded next day, he
+ought to be more honourably dealt with. The viceroy was softened by these
+remonstrances, and ordered Vaca de Castro to be placed under arrest in the
+palace, taking a bail bond from the burgesses for his safe custody under a
+heavy penalty; and besides, he placed all the effects of the late governor
+under sequestration. The inhabitants of Lima were extremely discontented
+by the harsh conduct of the viceroy, holding frequent secret conferences
+among themselves, and a considerable number of them withdrew gradually
+from the city, repairing to Cuzco, at which place toe viceroy was not
+acknowledged.
+
+At this time Gonzalo Pizarro dwelt at Chuquisaca de la Plata, in the
+province of las Charcas, employed in the arrangement of the estate which
+had been conferred upon him by his brother the marquis, where ten or
+twelve of his most intimate friends resided along with him. On learning
+the arrival of the viceroy, the causes of his mission, and the regulations
+which he had brought out for the government of the colony, and which he
+rigorously enforced, Gonzalo took the resolution of going to Cuzco, under
+pretence of inquiring after news from Spain, and to regulate the affairs
+belonging to his brother Ferdinand, according to the instructions he had
+received on that subject. While employed in collecting money for his
+journey, he received letters from all parts of Peru, written both by
+private persons and the magistrates of the cities and towns, endeavouring
+to persuade him to stand forwards in defence of the common interests on
+the present emergency, by protesting against the execution of the royal
+ordinances, and demanding either that their execution should be delayed,
+or that some other remedy should be interposed to prevent universal ruin
+among the colonists. Gonzalo was even urged to this interference, as a
+person to whom the government of the country belonged of right, as heir to
+the marquis his brother. In some of these letters the writers offered to
+devote themselves and their fortunes to his service: Others informed him
+that the viceroy had publickly declared he would put Gonzalo to death. In
+this way every means was used to irritate Gonzalo, that he might come to
+Cuzco to prevent the entry of the viceroy into that city. As every thing
+seemed to conspire towards the accomplishment of the desire which he had
+always cherished, of acquiring the government of Peru, he gathered a large
+sum of money, both from his own funds and those belonging to his brother
+Ferdinand, and repaired to Cuzco accompanied by a retinue of twenty
+Spaniards[3].
+
+The whole Spanish population of the city went out to meet him, and
+received him with every demonstration of joy. Every day additional persons
+flocked to Cuzco, withdrawing from Lima in consequence of the rigorous
+conduct of the viceroy, who continually irritated the inhabitants by his
+tyranny. Numerous meetings were held in the town-house of Cuzco, both of
+the magistrates and the citizens in general, to consult as to what ought
+to be their conduct in the event of the viceroy arriving at their city.
+Some proposed that he ought to be received, and that a deputation should
+be sent to his majesty, praying him to give relief in respect to the
+regulations, which would ruin the colony unless changed or considerably
+modified. Others alleged, if the viceroy were received, that he was so
+determined on the establishment of the regulations in their entire rigour,
+that he would instantly deprive them of all their Indians; and that,
+whatever alteration might be afterwards made, it would be exceedingly
+difficult to recover them. It was at length resolved to elect Gonzalo
+Pizarro procurator-general, and Diego Centeno, who had been sent to
+represent the city of la Plata, was appointed his deputy. Gonzalo was
+authorised, in the exercise of this new office, to lay the remonstrances
+of the Spanish inhabitants of Peru, in regard to the new regulations,
+before the royal Court of Audience; and at first considerable difference
+of sentiment took place in the councils of the remonstrants, as to the
+mode in which he should proceed to Lima: whether he should be accompanied
+by a body of troops for his defence in case of need, or should go there
+merely as a peaceful messenger. At last the former alternative was
+resolved on, and for the following reasons, in excuse for taking up arms
+against the viceroy. First, that the viceroy had beat up for volunteers at
+Lima, under pretence of chastising those who had taken possession of the
+artillery. Secondly, that the viceroy conducted himself with the most
+inflexible rigour in carrying the regulations into effect, without
+listening to the supplications and remonstrances which had been presented
+to him, and without waiting for the arrival of the judges of the royal
+audience, to whom, not less than to himself, the authority had been
+confided for enforcing or suspending the execution of the regulations.
+Lastly, because the viceroy had been several times heard to declare that
+he would put Gonzalo to death, on account of his participation in the late
+civil war, and in the death of Don Diego. Some of the remonstrants were
+disposed to place this measure, of escorting the procurator general by an
+armed force, upon a more moderate pretext, alleging that it was necessary
+for him to travel through a part of the country, in his way to Lima, where
+the Inca was in arms, and that it was proper in consequence that Gonzalo
+should be enabled to defend himself from the hostility of the natives.
+Others talked more openly, saying that the viceroy was a person of an
+obstinate and inflexible disposition, who did not confine himself within
+the bounds of justice and equity, and against whom it was necessary to
+have some other protection than that of the law. Some able persons among
+them endeavoured to place their present conduct in a favourable light, by
+drawing up a kind of manifesto, in which they endeavoured to demonstrate,
+that there was nothing in their present conduct which could be considered
+as derogatory to the respect which was due to the royal authority, as
+justice allowed every one to repel force by force, and to defend
+themselves against unjust oppression, even resisting by violence a judge
+who acts unlawfully, and against the essential forms of law and justice.
+
+It was flnally determined therefore, that Gonzalo should raise a body of
+troops, and for this purpose many of the inhabitants of Cuzco offered
+their persons and properties, declaring themselves ready to hazard their
+lives in defence of the common cause. Besides the title of
+Procurator-general of Peru, for the purpose of presenting the
+supplications and remonstrances of the colonists, Gonzalo was appointed
+general of the army which was to defend him against the Inca. As is usual
+in such matters, these resolutions were all extended with much formality,
+to give a colour of regularity to their proceedings. The remonstrants then
+proceeded to levy an army, for the payment of which they took possession
+of the royal treasure, and availed themselves of the property belonging to
+deceased colonists and some other funds, under pretence of a loan. After
+this captain Francisco de Almendras was detached with some troops to take
+possession of the defiles of the mountains, on purpose to prevent any
+intelligence of their proceedings being conveyed to Lima. In this measure,
+they were aided by Paullu, brother to the Inca, who guarded all the
+passes on his side by means of his Peruvians, to prevent any one from
+carrying intelligence to the low country.
+
+The Cabildo or council of Cuzco sent letters to the Cabildo of la Plata,
+representing the prodigous injuries which would accrue to all the
+colonists from the execution of the obnoxious regulations, informing them
+of the measures which they had resolved upon for averting the ruin of the
+colony, and requiring them to approve of and concur in these measures, to
+which in fact they were already parties, since captain Diego Centeno,
+their deputy, had already consented to them in their name and behalf. They
+therefore required their concurrence and assistance, and requested them to
+repair immediately to Cuzco with their arms and horses. Gonzalo wrote by
+the same conveyance to all the inhabitants of La Plata, soliciting their
+individual concurrence and aid. At this time, Luis de Ribera acted in the
+city of La Plata as lieutenant to Vaca de Castro, the former governor, and
+Antonio Alvarez, another inhabitant of the same place, held the office of
+judge ordinary. These men, on hearing of the transactions which had taken
+place at Cuzco immediately revoked the commission which had been given to
+Centeno as deputy from their city, and sent an answer to the regency of
+Cuzco in the name of the whole cabildo of La Plata declaring that they
+were resolved to obey the orders of his majesty, although it should cost
+them their lives and properties: That their city had always preserved its
+loyalty against all who had acted against the royal authority, and they
+were resolved to persist in the same line of conduct: That Centeno had
+only been authorised to concur in their name to such measures as might
+appear conducive to the service of his majesty, the advantage of his
+dominions, and the preservation of the natives of the country; and since,
+in the election of Gonzalo, and the other measures which had been resolved
+upon at Cuzco, they saw no tendency towards those things which had been
+confided to Centeno, they could not be implicated in the consent which
+Centeno had given beyond his legitimate powers, nor were they to be
+considered as bound to ratify what he had done in their name, as every
+thing which had been done was contrary to the orders and instructions
+which they had given him.
+
+This letter did not contain the universal sentiments of the citizens of La
+Plata, in which Gonzalo had several friends, who used their endeavours to
+gain over the inhabitants to his side, and to engage them to join his army.
+They even endeavoured more than once to kill Ribera and Alvarez, but these
+officers used such precautions as to baffle all their attempts. Ribera and
+Alvarez waited patiently for receiving the regulations from the viceroy;
+but owing to the great distance of their city from Lima, these had not yet
+reached them. In the mean time, they commanded all the inhabitants, under
+severe penalties, to remain in La Plata; yet several of them left the city
+and joined the remonstrants at Cuzco.
+
+The viceroy made his entry with great pomp, in the month of May 1544, into
+Lima, where no one dared to speak to him on the subject of suspending the
+obnoxious regulations. The magistrates, indeed, had already made their
+respectful remonstrances and supplications, alleging substantial reasons
+why they ought to be suspended, but all in vain. He engaged indeed, after
+the regulations should have been carried into effect, that he would write
+to his majesty, representing that it was for the interest of the crown, as
+well as for the advantage of the natives of the country, that they should
+be revoked; and that those who had drawn them up were certainly ignorant
+of the true state of the country, or they could never have advised the
+king to establish them. He acknowledged that the regulations were
+prejudicial to the royal interest and the good of the country; and he
+recommended that deputies should be sent to him from all parts of Peru, in
+conjunction with whom he would write to the king what might be proper on
+the subject; and that doubtless he would then receive orders calculated to
+remedy the apprehended evils: But that he could not of his own authority
+suspend the execution of the ordinances, and must continue to act as he
+had already done, as his orders left him no choice but absolute obedience
+to the royal instructions.
+
+At this time three of the judges of the court of audience, Cepeda Alvarez
+and Texada, arrived at Lima, leaving Ortiz, the other judge, sick at
+Truxillo. The viceroy issued immediate orders for the inauguration of the
+royal Court of Audience; for which purpose all the necessary preparations
+were made for the solemn reception of the royal seal, as usual on the
+first establishment of this high tribunal. The seal was placed in a rich
+casket, carried by a horse superbly caparisoned and covered by housings of
+cloth of gold, and led under a canopy of the same splendid materials, held
+up by the magistrates of the city dressed in flowing robes of crimson
+velvet, in the same ceremony as is used in Spain on the entry of the king
+in person into any of the cities. On this occasion, Juan de Leon led the
+horse, being appointed to officiate as chancellor, in the place of the
+Marquis de Camarasa, president of Cazorla, who then held the seals in
+Spain. After this procession, the court of audience was installed, and
+proceeded immediately to business; but a subject of dispute soon arose
+between the viceroy and the judges, which renewed the dissentions which
+had arisen between them even before their arrival in Peru, the explanation
+of which requires some detail.
+
+When the viceroy arrived at the _Tambo_ or palace of Guavra[4], where he
+waited till he was sure of being received at Lima, he found written on one
+of the walls of the _tambo_ to the following effect: "Whoever may
+endeavour to deprive me of my house and property, I shall endeavour to
+deprive of life." He dissimulated his displeasure at these words for some
+time; but being afterwards persuaded that these words had been written by
+Antonio de Solar, to whom the district of Guavra belonged, and who he
+believed was not well inclined towards him, because he had found the tambo
+entirely deserted on his arrival, he sent for Solar a few days after his
+reception at Lima. In a private conference, he spoke to Solar concerning
+these words which he had seen on the walls of the tambo, and reproached
+him likewise for having spoken to him personally with much insolence: Then,
+ordering the gates of the palace to be shut, the viceroy sent for one of
+his chaplains to confess Solar, declaring his resolution to have him
+immediately hanged from one of the pillars of a gallery fronting the great
+square of Lima. Solar refused to confess himself, and the dispute
+continued so long that news of what was going forwards spread over the
+city, on which the archbishop and some other persons of quality came to
+the palace and humbly requested the viceroy to defer the execution. At
+first he obstinately persisted in his intention; but at last consented to
+postpone the execution till next day, and sent Solar to prison loaded with
+fetters. On the morrow, the anger of the viceroy was somewhat appeased, so
+that he did not renew his orders for hanging Solar, but detained him for
+two months in prison and in irons, without any information or process
+respecting his crime.
+
+After the installation of the court of audience, the judges went on a
+Saturday to visit the prison; and having been informed of the foregoing
+circumstances by a judicial note or request presented to them on the
+subject, they demanded to see Solar, whom they asked the cause of his
+imprisonment; to which he answered that he knew nothing about the matter.
+On examination, they found no process against Solar, and the jailor and
+registrars were only able to say that the viceroy had given orders for his
+imprisonment. On the ensuing Monday, the judges represented to the viceroy
+that they had found no process or informations against Solar, and could
+only learn as the reason of his imprisonment that it was by his orders;
+and consequently, having no documents to instruct the lawfulness of his
+detention, they could not in law or equity do otherwise than order him to
+be set at liberty. The viceroy said that Solar had been arrested by his
+orders, and that he had even been inclined to have hanged him, on account
+of the writing on the wall of the tambo, and because of his personal
+insolence when there was no witnesses present; believing, by his sole
+authority as viceroy, that he had the power of arrest, and even of
+ordering him to be hanged, without being under the necessity of giving
+them any reasons for his conduct. To this the judges made answer, that his
+authority as viceroy could only extend so far as justice and the laws of
+the kingdom allowed. As the viceroy and they could not agree on this point,
+when they visited the prison on the following Saturday, they ordered Solar
+to be liberated, desiring him however to remain under arrest in his own
+house; and on a subsequent visitation, they set him entirely at liberty.
+
+The viceroy was much chagrined by this affront, and sought anxiously for
+an opportunity of being revenged, for which he thought the following
+circumstance gave him a favourable opening. The three judges lodged
+separately with some of the richest inhabitants of Lima, who likewise
+provided their tables, and furnished every thing that was necessary for
+themselves and their servants. At first this was done with the consent of
+the viceroy, till such time as they might be able to procure and to
+furnish houses for themselves. After the dispute concerning Solar, the
+viceroy caused them to be informed, that it did not seem to him consistent
+with decorum that they should live at the expence of the citizens, which
+would be assuredly displeasing to his majesty, and therefore that they
+ought to look out for houses for their accommodation: And that, besides,
+he did not approve of their walking about the streets in company with the
+merchants and other inhabitants of the city. The judges made answer, that
+they had not been able to find any houses for hire, and that they were
+under the necessity of waiting till some then building were finished: That
+in future they would live at their own charges: but as to walking in the
+streets with the inhabitants, it was neither a criminal nor a forbidden
+conduct, nor in any way improper; as even in Spain the members of the
+royal council, or of any other tribunal, were in use to do the same, which
+was even useful, as in that way the merchants had an opportunity of
+informing or reminding them of their affairs. The viceroy and the judges
+were always upon bad terms, and their misunderstanding broke out into
+disputes on every occasion. It is said that at one time the licentiate
+Alvarez, one of the judges, preferred an oath to a procurator or attorney,
+respecting a bribe which he had given to Alvarez de Cueto, brother-in-law
+to the viceroy, for his interest to obtain the appointment. By this
+procedure of Alvarez, the viceroy is said to have been greatly offended.
+
+During all this time, the passes of the mountains leading towards Cuzco
+had been so well guarded by the Spaniards and Peruvians appointed for that
+purpose, that no intelligence could be had at Lima of what was going on
+among the remonstrants. It was only known that Gonzalo Pizarro had gone to
+Cuzco, and that all those who had withdrawn from Lima and other places in
+the plain had repaired to the same place in expectation of a civil war.
+The viceroy and judges of the royal audience issued their joint
+proclamation, ordering, in the name of the king, all the inhabitants of
+Cuzco, and the other cities of Peru, to recognize and submit to Blasco
+Nunnez as viceroy, and to repair with their arms and horses to Lima to
+offer their services. Most of these proclamations were lost by the way;
+but that which was sent to La Plata was more fortunate, and, by virtue of
+its authority, Luis de Ribera, Antonio Alvarez, and the other magistrates
+and officers of that city, proclaimed Blasco Nunnez with much ceremony and
+great rejoicings: And, in testimony of their submission to his authority,
+they equipped twenty-five horsemen, being all the city could spare, who
+were sent to join the viceroy under the command of Captain Luis de Ribera.
+Lest Gonzalo might cut off their passage and arrest them on their march,
+Ribera made his way towards Lima by a desert and unfrequented road.
+
+Some even of the inhabitants of Cuzco got copies of the proclamation, in
+consequence of which several of them repaired secretly to Lima to offer
+their services to the viceroy, as will be more particularly specified in
+the sequel. By their means the viceroy became acquainted with the
+transactions at Cuzco, on which account he found himself under the
+necessity of using every effort to increase his forces by means of
+additional levies; for which purpose he fortunately possessed ample funds,
+as Vaca de Castro had embarked upwards of 100,000 crowns which he had
+drawn from Cuzco to transmit to the king, which the viceroy took
+possession of and employed for the equipment and pay of his troops. He
+appointed Don Alfonso de Montemayor and Diego Alvarez de Cuero, who was
+his own brother-in-law, captains of horse; Martin de Robles and Paul de
+Menezes captains of foot; and Gonzalo Diaz de Pignera captain of
+musqueteers. Vela Nunnez, his own brother, was made captain-general of the
+troops. Diego de Urbina maestre de campo, or major general, and Juan de
+Aguire serjeant-major, or adjutant general. Without including the citizens,
+his army amounted to 600 men; of whom 100 were cavalry, 200 musqueteers,
+and the remaining 300 armed with pikes. On purpose to arm these soldiers,
+he caused a considerable number of musquets to be made, some of which were
+of iron, and others of cast metal, which he procured by melting down some
+of the bells belonging to the great church.
+
+Besides frequently exercising his troops to perfect them in their
+discipline, he occasionally caused false alarms to be given that he might
+ascertain their disposition towards him, as it was much suspected that the
+majority were by no means hearty in the cause. Having some suspicion of
+Vaca de Castro, the former governor, whom he had lately allowed to be a
+prisoner at large on parole not to leave the city, and believing that he
+had some secret intelligence with his former friends and dependents, the
+viceroy ordered a false alarm one day about noon, reporting that Gonzalo
+was near at hand; and when the troops were all assembled in the great
+square, he sent his brother-in-law, Diego Alvarez de Cueto to arrest Vaca
+de Castro. At the same time he arrested Don Pedro de Cabrera, Hernan Mexia
+de Gusman, Lorenco de Aldana, Melchior Ramirez, and Baltazar Ramirez his
+brother-in-law, all of whom he sent prisoners on board a ship comanded by
+Jeronimo de Zurbano. A few days afterwards, he set Lorenco de Aldana at
+liberty, and sent off Cabrera and Mexia to Panama, and the two Ramirez to
+Nicaragua. Vaca de Castro remained prisoner in the ship, neither he nor
+any of the rest being informed of what they were accused, nor were any
+informations or law-processes made respecting them. While these civil
+discords were going on, two ships loaded with merchandise arrived at the
+port belonging to Arequipa[5], both of which were purchased by Gonzalo
+Pizarro, with the intention of employing them to transport his artillery,
+and for getting possession of the harbour of Lima, and seizing the ships
+belonging to the viceroy, believing that whoever was master of the sea
+along the coast of Peru must command the country, by having it in his
+power to land in any unguarded place and to do all the mischief he pleased,
+on account of the prodigious extent of coast. By commanding at sea, he
+would likewise have been enabled to procure arms and horses from the
+vessels which are in use to bring these to Peru, and would have it in his
+power to stop all vessels coming there from Spain with merchandise or
+other supplies. On learning that Gonzalo had purchased these two vessels,
+and the purpose for which he destined them, the viceroy was a good deal
+distressed, fearing they might occasion considerable detriment to his
+affairs, as he had no means of opposing two ships so well provided with
+artillery; yet he took the best measures in his power to prepare for his
+defence. He equipped, therefore, one of the vessels in the port of Lima,
+which he armed with eight brass cannon and some others of iron, with
+several musquets and cross-bows, appointing Jeronimo de Zurbano to the
+command, with orders to make the best resistance he could against the
+ships of Gonzalo. Fortunately these preparations became unnecessary; for
+the captains Alfonso de la Cacares and Jeronimo de la Cerna, who dwelt in
+Arequipa, went secretly by night on board the two ships which Gonzalo had
+purchased, and which remained waiting for their artillery, and by large
+bribes to the masters and mariners got possession of them for the viceroy;
+then, abandoning their houses lands and Indians, they immediately set sail
+for Lima. On their arrival off the harbour of Callao, the viceroy got
+notice of their approach from some centinels who were stationed in a
+neighbouring island, and having no doubt that they were enemies, he
+immediately set out from Lima at the head of a body of cavalry. In the
+meantime, Zerbana discharged his artillery against the two ships, which
+immediately lowered their sails in token of peace, and sent some of their
+people on shore in a boat to surrender the ships to the viceroy. This
+circumstance gave much satisfaction to the viceroy and all the inhabitants
+of Lima, as it relieved them from a danger of which they were in great
+fear.
+
+While these things were going on, Gonzalo Pizarro levied troops at Cuzco,
+which he carefully armed and disciplined, and made every necessary
+preparation for war. He assembled a body of 500 men, of which he appointed
+Alfonso de Toro major-general, retaining the chief command in person. He
+divided his cavalry into two troops, one of which he gave the command of
+to Don Pedro de Porto-Carrero, placing himself at the head of the other.
+Gumiel, and the bachelor Juan Belez de Guevera, were appointed captains of
+two companies of pikemen; and Captain Pedro Cermeno had the command of the
+musqueteers. He had three standards, one having the royal arms, which was
+given to Porto Carrero; a second having the arms of Cuzco was confided to
+Antonio de Altamirano, alcalde of Cuzco, whom he afterwards beheaded as
+inclined to the royal interests: the third, bearing his own arms, was
+carried by his ensign; but was afterwards given to Captain Pedro de
+Puelles. Ferdinand Bachicao was made commander of the artillery,
+consisting of twenty excellent field-pieces, with a plentiful supply of
+powder, balls, and every other necessary for their service.
+
+Gonzalo endeavoured to secure the troops in his interest, covering his
+designs and endeavouring to justify his criminal enterprize by the most
+specious pretexts. Having assembled his army he made a long harangue to
+the soldiers, in which he represented, "That he and his brothers, as was
+well known to to them all, had discovered the kingdom of Peru, which they
+had reduced under the dominion of the king at their own proper charges,
+and had already remitted very large sums in gold and silver to his majesty;
+yet, after the death of the marquis, the king had not conferred the
+government of the country, either on the son of the marquis, or on him who
+now addressed them, as ought to have been done in conformity with the
+promises and agreements which had been made at the first discovery, but
+had even sent a cruel and inflexible person at this time to strip all of
+them of their property, as it was quite obvious that every person in Peru
+came under the scope of the obnoxious regulations. Blasco Nunnez Vaca, to
+whom the execution of these fatal regulations was confided, caused them to
+be put in force with the utmost rigour, not only refusing to listen to
+remonstrances and petitions the most respectful, but treating every one
+harshly who presumed to offer the most humble representations against
+their execution; of all which, and many other things of a like nature,
+every one who heard him were able to testify. Besides which, it was
+publickly given out, that the viceroy had orders to cut off his head;
+although it was well known to them all that he had not only never done any
+thing contrary to the service of the king, but had always conducted
+himself with the most zealous loyalty. For all these reasons, and by the
+consent and appointment of the city of Cuzco, he had resolved to go to
+Lima, to make a representation of their grievances to the royal audience,
+and humbly to supplicate a suspension of the ruinous regulations, that
+time might be given for sending deputies to the king in the name and on
+behalf of the whole kingdom of Peru, to inform his majesty of the true
+state of affairs, and of what seemed necessary to be done in the present
+conjuncture; having no doubt, when his majesty was truly informed, that he
+would devise a suitable remedy. If however, after using their utmost
+efforts, his majesty should still think proper to enforce the regulations,
+he and all with whom he acted would then obey the royal orders with the
+most entire and unreserved submission. His own journey and compearance
+before the viceroy, considering the menaces of that officer and the troops
+which he had levied, were obviously attended with the utmost danger to
+himself and all who should accompany him, unless he and they should be in
+a situation to defend themselves from lawless violence. For this reason it
+had been deemed indispensably necessary that he and the other deputies
+should be accompanied by a body of troops, which they had not the most
+distant intentions of employing to injure any person, unless they were
+attacked. He entreated them, therefore, to accompany him in his journey to
+Lima, and to observe during their march the strictest and most vigilant
+discipline, and that they might be assured, he, and those other gentleman
+who acted along with him, would reward them liberally for their toil and
+bravery, in enabling them to act with effect for preserving the properties
+of all from ruin."
+
+By this specious discourse, in which Gonzalo endeavoured to persuade his
+troops that his cause was just and his intentions pure, a considerable
+effect was produced, and his soldiers unanimously declared their
+determination to follow and defend him at the risk of their lives. He then
+marched out from Cuzco, accompanied by all the inhabitants of that city;
+and having put his troops in proper order, he gave permission that same
+evening to several of the citizens, as had been previously concerted
+between them, to return on purpose to prepare for the journey. Next
+morning early, twenty-five of the most eminent citizens, who had first
+given their assent to the supplications against the obnoxious regulations,
+considering that the steps which were now taking were criminal and
+rebellious, and dreading the injurious consequences which they would
+necessarily produce in Peru, came to the resolution of abandoning the
+party of Gonzalo and offering their services to the viceroy. They
+immediately set about executing this design, and went by long journeys
+through unfrequented ways in the deserts and mountains, lest Gonzalo might
+order them to be pursued, which he actually did. The principal persons in
+this defection were Gabriel de Roias, and Gomez de Roias his nephew,
+Garcilasso de la Vega, Pedro del Barco, Martin de Florencia, Jeronimo de
+Soria, Juan de Saavedra, Jeronimo Costilla, Gomez de Leon, Luis de Leon,
+and Pedro Manjares[6]. On setting out from Cuzco, they carried with them
+the orders they had received from the royal audience, by which they were
+enjoined to compear at Lima to submit to the authority of the viceroy.
+
+When Gonzalo was informed of this notable defection from his cause, by
+which all his troops seemed very considerably disconcerted, he was almost
+in the mind to have abandoned his enterprize, and to withdraw into the
+district of Charcas with about fifty horsemen of his most attached friends,
+to fortify himself there as well as he could; but after mature reflection,
+he considered it as less dangerous to follow his first intentions, and to
+continue the march for Lima. Having taken this resolution, he endeavoured
+to encourage his troops, by telling them that the deserters were assuredly
+ill-informed of the true state of affairs at Lima, as he had letters from
+the principal inhabitants of that city, assuring him that, with fifty
+horsemen only, he might easily bring his enterprize to a happy conclusion,
+and without incurring the smallest danger, as all the colonists
+entertained the same sentiments with him, and only needed his countenance
+and direction to declare themselves. He continued his march accordingly,
+but very slowly and with infinite difficulty, on account of the extreme
+labour which was requisite for bringing forward his artillery. All the
+cannon and warlike stores had to be carried on the shoulders of Indians,
+by means of levers or long spars, for which purpose the guns were taken
+off from their carriages, and it required twelve Indians to each gun, who
+were hardly able to go above a hundred paces under their load, when they
+were relieved by an equal number. On this account, 300 Indians were
+assigned to each gun, so that the artillery alone, with its ammunition and
+stores, required above 6000 Indians to conduct it over the mountains.
+
+Several gentlemen and other persons of consideration who accompanied
+Gonzalo, began to repent of being engaged in the enterprize. They had
+concurred with the rest at the beginning, in the propriety of
+remonstrating against the execution of the obnoxious regulations, and had
+even offered to risk their lives and fortunes in that measure; but on
+seeing the turn which affairs had taken, and that Gonzalo gradually
+assumed an authority to which he had no pretensions, they wished sincerely
+to get away from the engagements into which they had entered. Before
+leaving Cuzco, Gonzalo had seized the treasure belonging to the crown, not
+only without the consent and authority of the magistrates, but contrary to
+their advice and desire. They were anxiously desirous, therefore, of
+retracing the dangerous and criminal steps which they had taken, and the
+rather because they already believed that it would be unsuccessful.
+Gaspard Rodriguez De Campo-rondo, the brother of the deceased Captain
+Pedro Anzurez, and who had succeeded to the management of his estate and
+Indians, was the leader of these persons who wished to return to their
+duty. He and the rest concerted with each other how they might best
+abandon Gonzalo and join the viceroy; but they were somewhat afraid of
+trusting implicitly to Blasco Nunnez, in consideration of the extreme
+severity of his character, fearing that he might punish them for the share
+they had taken hitherto in the insurrection, notwithstanding of this their
+intended tardy abandonment of Gonzalo. For this reason they resolved to
+take effectual measures for securing an indemnity, and sent off, by a
+secret and unfrequented road, letters for the viceroy and the audience, in
+charge of a priest named Baltasar de Loaysa, by which they craved pardon
+for the past and a safe conduct for their compearance at Lima; adding,
+that, as they held some rank in the insurgent army, being captains under
+Gonzalo, all their friends and dependents might be expected to follow
+their example, by which in all probability the army of Gonzalo would fall
+to pieces of itself. Besides Rodriguez, Philip Gutierez, Arias Maldonado,
+Pedro de Vila-Castin, and others to the number of twenty-five, concurred
+in this plan of abandoning Gonzalo.
+
+Loaysa went in all haste to Lima, and, for the better concealment, he
+avoided uniting himself with Gabriel de Roias and the others who had
+formerly set out from Cuzco to join the viceroy. On his arrival at Lima,
+he immediately delivered his dispatches to the viceroy and the audience,
+and received without delay the safe conduct which his employers required.
+The news of this affair was soon spread over Lima, in which many of the
+inhabitants and others secretly wished well to the party of Gonzalo, as
+conformable to their own interest; and they were therefore a good deal
+mortified at the defection among the insurgents, which they supposed would
+soon occasion the army of Gonzalo to disperse; after which, the viceroy
+would assuredly carry the regulations into execution with the utmost
+rigour, when there was no one to oppose him.
+
+At the time when the viceroy was received at Lima, Pedro de Puelles, who
+was lieutenant of Guanuco under Vaca de Castro, came among the first to
+pay his compliments and to tender submission to his authority. As he had
+resided long in Peru, and had great experience in the affairs of that
+country, the viceroy gave him a new commission, by which he was confirmed
+in the lieutenancy of Guanuco, to which city he was sent back, with orders
+to hold the inhabitants in readiness to take the field with their horses
+and arms in case of need. Puelles not only prepared the people of his
+government for taking the field, but even retained in his pay some
+soldiers who had come from the province of Chachapoyas along with Gomez de
+Soliz and Bonefaz. Thinking it necessary to strengthen his army as much as
+possible to oppose Gonzalo, who was now marching towards Lima, the viceroy
+sent Jeronimo de Villegas with a letter commanding Puelles to join him
+without delay with all his force. On the arrival of Villegas at Guanuco,
+he and Puelles consulted together on the state of affairs, and concluded
+that if they should join the viceroy they would give a decided superiority
+to his side; and after the defeat of Gonzalo, having no one to oppose him,
+the viceroy would then cause the regulations to be enforced in their
+utmost rigour, by which the whole colonists of Peru would suffer extreme
+injury; as by depriving them of their Indians, not only the burgesses to
+whom they belonged would be reduced to poverty, but even the soldiers
+would be materially injured, as the burgesses would be no longer in
+condition to furnish subsistence to the troops as now. They came to the
+resolution therefore to join the party of Gonzalo, and set out immediately
+in search of his army for that purpose.
+
+
+[1] The author of this history.--E.
+
+[2] About that distance to the north of Lima is the town of _Huaura_,
+    which is probably the place indicated in the text, as in many names of
+    places in Peru the initial syllable _Gua_ or _Hua_, are
+    interchangeably used by different authors.--E.
+
+[3] Zarate is exceedingly negligent in regard to dates. We learn from the
+    history of America, II. 370, that the present occurrences took place
+    in 1544.--E.
+
+[4] It has been already mentioned in a former note, that this is probably
+    a different orthography for Huaura, a place about 70 miles to the N.N.
+    W. of Lima.--E.
+
+[5] Arequipa is a considerable way from the coast, on which there are
+    several harbours, thirty or forty miles distant.--E.
+
+[6] Garcilasso de la Vega differs somewhat in the names of one or two of
+    these leading men who deserted from Gonzalo, and enumerates a
+    considerable number more, among whom he names one Pedro Pizarro,
+    saying they were in all about forty, with many of whom he was
+    personally acquainted.--E.
+
+
+END OF VOLUME FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A General History and Collection of
+Voyages and Travels, Vol. IV., by Robert Kerr
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