History of the Conquest of Mexico, with a preliminary view of the ancient American civilization, and the life of the conqueror, Hernando Cortés

Front matter

HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO VOL. I MHIEEfAl^lD)© (S@___15_?_1_BS ■ y^jsrwqnstBX &l ! KJB&erAPrinur HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO, WITH A PRELIMINARY VIEW OF THE ANCIENT MEXICAN CIVILIZATION, AND THE LIFE OF THE CONQUEROR, HERNANDO CORTES. BY WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT^ AUTHOR OF THE 4< HISTORY OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA. "Victrices aquilas alium lalurua in orbem." Ldcan, Pharsalia. lib. v., v. 238. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOLUME I. NEW YORK: HARPER AND BROTHERS, 82, CLIFF STREET. M DCCC Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by William H. Prescott, in the Clerk's office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Preface

. As the Conquest of Mexico has occupied the pens of Solis and of Robertson, two of the ablest historians of their respective nations, it might seem that little could remain at the present day to be gleaned by the historical inquirer. But Robertson's narrative is necessarily brief, forming only part of a more extended work ; and neither the British, nor the Castilian author, was provided with the important materials for relating this event, which have been since assembled by the industry of Spanish scholars. The scholar who led the way in these researches was Don Juan Baptista Mufioz, the celebrated historiographer of the In dies, who, by a royal edict, was allowed free access to the national archives, and to all libraries, public, private, and monastic, in the kingdom and its col onies. The result of his long labors was a vast body of materials, of which unhappily he did not

PREFACE.

. VI live to reap the benefit himself. His manuscripts were deposited, after his death, in the archives of the Royal Academy of History at Madrid ; and that collection was subsequently augmented by the manuscripts of Don Vargas Ponce, President of the Academy, obtained, like those of Mufioz, from different quarters, but especially from the archives of the Indies at Seville. On my application to the Academy, in 1838, for permission to copy that part of this inestimable collection relating to Mexico and Peru, it was freely acceded to, and an eminent German scholar, one of their own number, was appointed to superintend the collation and transcription of the manuscripts ; and this, it may be added, before I had any claim on the courtesy of that respectable body, as one of its associates. This conduct shows the advance of a liberal spirit in the Pen insula since the time of Dr. Robertson, who com plains that he was denied admission to the most important public repositories.

The favor with which my own application was regarded, however, must chiefly be attributed to the kind offices of the venerable President of the Academy, Don Martin Fer nandez de Navarrete ; a scholar whose personal character has secured to him the same high con-

PREFACE.

. VII sideration at home, which his literary labors have obtained abroad. To this eminent person I am under still further obligations, for the free use which he has allowed me to make of his own manuscripts, — the fruits of a life of accumulation, and the basis of those valuable publications, with which he has at different times illustrated the Spanish colonial history. From these three magnificent collections, the re sult of half a century's careful researches, I have obtained a mass of unpublished documents, relating to the Conquest and Settlement of Mexico and of Peru, comprising altogether about eight thousand folio pages. They consist of instructions of the Court, military and private journals, correspondence of the great actors in the scenes, legal instruments, contemporary chronicles, and the like, drawn from all the principal places in the extensive colonial empire of Spain, as well as from the public archives in the Peninsula.

I have still further fortified the collection, by gleaning such materials from Mexico itself as had been overlooked by my illustrious predecessors in these researches. For these I am indebted to the courtesy of Count Cortina, and, yet more, to that of Don Lucas Alaman, Minister of Foreign Affairs

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. VIII in Mexico; but, above all, to my excellent friend, Don Angel Calderon de la Barca, late Minister Plenipotentiary to that country from the Court of Madrid, — a gentleman whose high and estima ble qualities, even more than his station, secured him the public confidence, and gained him free access to every place of interest and importance in Mexico. I have also to acknowledge the very kind offices rendered to me by the Count Camaldoli at Naples ; by the Duke of Serradifalco in Sicily, a nobleman, whose science gives additional lustre to his rank ; and by the Duke of Monteleone, the present representative of Cortes, who has courteously opened the archives of his family to my inspection. To these names must also be added that of Sir Thom as Phillips, Bart., whose precious collection of man uscripts probably surpasses in extent that of any private gentleman in Great Britain, if not in Eu rope ; that of Mons. Ternaux-Compans, the pro prietor of the valuable literary collection of Don Antonio Uguina, including the papers of Mufioz, the fruits of which he is giving to the world in his excellent translations ; and, lastly, that of my friend and countryman, Arthur Middleton, Esq., late Charge d'Affaires from the United States at

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. IX the Court of Madrid, for the efficient aid he has afforded me in prosecuting my inquiries in that capital. In addition to this stock of original documents obtained through these various sources, I have dili gently provided myself with such printed works as have reference to the subject, including the magnificent publications, which have appeared both in France and England, on the Antiquities of Mexi co, which, from their cost and colossal dimensions, would seem better suited to a public than to a private library. Having thus stated the nature of my materials, and the sources whence they are derived, it remains for me to add a few observations on the general plan and composition of the work. — Among the remarkable achievements of the Spaniards in the sixteenth century, there is no one more striking to the imagination than the conquest of Mexico.

The subversion of a great empire by a handful of ad venturers, taken with all its strange and picturesque accompaniments, has the air of romance rather than of sober history ; and it is not easy to treat such a theme according to the severe rules prescribed by historical criticism. But, notwithstanding the seductions of the subject, I have con- X

PREFACE.

. scientiously endeavoured to distinguish fact from fiction, and to establish the narrative on as broad a basis as possible of contemporary evidence ; and I have taken occasion to corroborate the text by ample citations from authorities, usually in the orig inal, since few of them can be very accessible to the reader. In these extracts I have scrupulously conformed to the ancient orthography, however ob solete and even barbarous, rather than impair in any degree the integrity of the original document. Although the subject of the work is, properly, only the Conquest of Mexico, I have prepared the way for it by such a view of the Civilization of the ancient Mexicans, as might acquaint the reader with the character of this extraordinary race, and enable him to understand the difficulties which the Spaniards had to encounter in their subjugation.

This Introductory part of the work, with the essay in the Appendix which properly belongs to the Introduction, although both together making only half a volume, has cost me as much labor, and nearly as much time, as the remainder of the his tory. If I shall have succeeded in giving the read er a just idea of the true nature and extent of the civilization to which the Mexicans had attained, it will not be labor lost.

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. XI The story of the Conquest terminates with the fall of the capital. Yet I have preferred to con tinue the narrative to the death of Cortes, relying on the interest which the development of his char acter in his military career may have excited in the reader. I am not insensible to the hazard I incur by such a course. The mind, previously occupied with one great idea, that of the subversion of the capital, may feel the prolongation of the story be yond that point superfluous, if not tedious ; and may find it difficult, after the excitement caused by wit nessing a great national catastrophe, to take an interest in the adventures of a private individual. Solis took the more politic course of concluding his narrative with the fall of Mexico, and thus leaves his readers with the full impression of that memo rable event, undisturbed, on their minds.

To pro long the narrative is to expose the historian to the error so much censured by the French critics in some of their most celebrated dramas, where the author by a premature denouement has impaired the interest of his piece. It is the defect that necessarily attaches, though in a greater degree, to the history of Columbus, in which petty adventures among a group of islands make up the sequel of a life that opened with the magnificent discovery VOL. I. B

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. XII of a World ; a defect, in short, which has required all the genius of Irving and the magical charm of his style perfectly to overcome. Notwithstanding these objections, I have been induced to continue the narrative, partly from deference to the opinion of several Spanish scholars, who considered that the biography of Cortes had not been fully exhibited, and partly from the circumstance of my having such a body of original materials for this biography at my command. And I cannot regret that I have adopted this course ; since, whatever lustre the Conquest may reflect on Cortes as a military achievement, it gives but an imperfect idea of his enlightened spirit, and of his comprehensive and versatile genius. To the eye of the critic there may seem some incongruity in a plan which combines objects so dissimilar as those embraced by the present history ; where the Introduction, occupied with the antiqui ties and origin of a nation, has somewhat the char acter of a philosophic theme, while the conclusion is strictly biographical, and the two may be sup posed to match indifferently with the main body, or historical portion of the work. But I may hope that such objections will be found to have less weight in practice than in theory ; and, if properly

PREFACE.

. XIII managed, that the general views of the Introduc tion will prepare the reader for the particulars of the Conquest, and that the great public events narrated in this will, without violence, open the way to the remaining personal history of the hero who is the soul of it. Whatever incongruity may exist in other respects, I may hope that the unity of interest, the only unity held of much importance by modern critics, will be found still to be preserved. The distance of the present age from the period of the narrative might be presumed to secure the historian from undue prejudice or partiality. Yet to American and English readers, acknowledging so different a moral standard from that of the sixteenth century, I may possibly be thought too in dulgent to the tr:ors of the Conquerors ; while to a Spaniard, accustomed to the undiluted pane gyric of Solis, I may be deemed to have dealt too hardly with them.

To such I can only say, that, while, on the one hand, I have not hesitated to expose in their strongest colors the excesses of the Conquerors ; on the other, I have given them the benefit of such mitigating reflections as might be suggested by the circumstances and the period in which they lived. I have endeavoured not only to

PREFACE.

. present a picture true in itself, but to place it in its proper light, and to put the spectator in a proper point of view for seeing it to the best ad vantage. I have endeavoured, at the expense of some repetition, to surround him with the spirit of the times, and, in a word, to make him, if I may so express myself, a contemporary of the six teenth century. Whether, and how far, I have suc ceeded in this, he must determine. For one thing, before I conclude, I may reason ably ask the reader's indulgence. Owing to the state of my eyes, I have been obliged to use a writing-case made for the blind, which does not permit the writer to see his own manuscript. Nor have I ever corrected, or even read, my own original draft. As the chirography, under these disad vantages, has been too often careless and obscure, occasional errors, even with the utmost care of my secretary, must have necessarily occurred in the transcription, somewhat increased by the barbarous phraseology imported from my Mexican authorities.

I cannot expect that these errors have always been detected even by the vigilant eye of the perspica cious critic to whom the proof-sheets have been subjected. In the Preface to the " History of Ferdinand and

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. XV Isabella," I lamented, that, while occupied with that subject, two of its most attractive parts had engaged the attention of the most popular of Amer ican authors, Washington Irving. By a singular chance, something like the reverse of this has ta ken place in the composition of the present his tory, and I have found myself unconsciously taking up ground which he was preparing to occupy. It was not till I had become master of my rich collection of materials, that I was acquainted with this circumstance ; and, had he persevered in his design, I should unhesitatingly have abandoned my own, if not from courtesy, at least from policy ; for, though armed with the weapons of Achilles, this could give me no hope of success in a com petition with Achilles himself. But no sooner was that distinguished writer informed of the prepara tions I had made, than, with the gentlemanly spirit which will surprise no one who has the pleasure of his acquaintance, he instantly announced to me his intention of leaving the subject open to me.

While I do but justice to Mr. Irving by this state ment, I feel the prejudice it does to myself in the unavailing regret I am exciting in the bosom of the reader. I must not conclude this Preface, too long pro-

PREFACE.

. tracted as it is already, without a word of ac knowledgment to my friend George Ticknor, Esq., — the friend of many years, — for his patient re vision of my manuscript ; a labor of love, the worth of which those only can estimate, who are acquainted with his extraordinary erudition and his nice critical taste. If I have reserved his name for the last in the list of those to whose good offices I am indebted, it is most assuredly not because I value his services least. WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT. Boston, October 1, 1843. GENERAL CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Page Ancient Mexico. — Climate and Products. — Primitive Races. — Aztec Empire ...... 3 Extent of the Aztec Territory 4 The Hot Region 5 Volcanic Scenery ........ 7 Cordillera of the Andes 8 Table-land in the Days of the Aztecs .... 9 Valley of Mexico 10 The Tokecs 11 Their mysterious Disappearance ...... 13 Races from the North-west ...... 14 Their Hostilities 15 Foundation of Mexico 16 Domestic Feuds . . . . . . . . .17 League of the kindred Tribes 18 Rapid Rise of Mexico 20 Prosperity of the Empire ...... 21 Criticism on Veytia's History 22

Chapter II

Succession to the Crown. — Aztec Nobility. — Judicial System. — Laws and Revenues. — Military Institutions 23 Election of the Sovereign 23 His Coronation 24 VOL. I. C CONTENTS. XX Pago Aztec Nobles 25 Their barbaric Pomp Tenure of their Estates .... 27 Legislative Power ......■• *" Judicial System .....••• .29 Independent Judges ....... Their Mode of Procedure .... . . 32 Showy Tribunal ........ Hieroglyphical Paintings . . ..... 35 Marriage Rites 36 Slavery in Mexico ........ 36 Royal Revenues ........ 38 Burdensome Imposts ........ 41 Public Couriers 42 Military Enthusiasm ........ 43 Aztec Ambassadors ........ 44 Orders of Knighthood ........ 45 Gorgeous Armor ........ 45 National Standards ........ 46 Military Code 47 Hospitals for the Wounded 48 Influence of Conquest on a Nation ..... 50 Criticism on Torquemada's History . . . . .51 Abbci Clavigero 52

Chapter III

Mexican Mythology. — The Sacerdotal Order. — The Temples. — Human Sacrifices ...... 54 Systems of Mythology ....... 54 Mythology of the Aztecs ....... 56 Ideas of a God ........ 57 Sanguinary War-god ........ 58 God of the Air 59 Mystic Legends 60 Division of Time ........ 61 Future State •■••..... 62 Funeral Ceremonies ....... 63 Baptismal Rites ......... 64 Monastic Orders ........ 66 Fasts and Flagellation ........ 67 Aztec Confessional ........ CONTENTS. xxi Page Education of the Youth 69 Revenue of the Priests 71 Mexican Temples 72 Religious Festivals 73 Human Sacrifices ........ 74 The Captive's Doom ....... 75 Ceremonies of Sacrifice , 76 Torturing of the Victim 77 Sacrifice of Infants 78 Cannibal Banquets ........ 79 Number of Victims ........ 79 Houses of Skulls ........ 83 Cannibalism of the Aztecs ....... 84 Criticism on Sahagun's History ..... 86

Chapter IV

Mexican Hieroglyphics. — Manuscripts. — Arithmetic. — Chronology. — Astronomy 90 Dawning of Science ....... 90 Picture-writing 91 Aztec Hieroglyphics ....... 93 Manuscripts of the Mexicans 94 Emblematic Symbols 95 Phonetic Signs 96 Materials of the Aztec Manuscripts 99 Form of their Volumes 100 Destruction of most of them ...... 101 Remaining Manuscripts 103 Difficulty of decyphering them 106 Minstrelsy of the Aztecs 108 Theatrical Entertainments 109 System of Notation 109 Their Chronology 110 The Aztec Era 114 Calendar of the Priests 117 Science of Astrology 120 Astrology of the Aztecs 121 Their Astronomy 122 Wonderful Attainments in this Science .... 123 Remarkable Festival 125 Carnival of the Aztecs CONTENTS. Page Lord Kingsborough's Work m Criticism on Gama

Chapter V

Aztec Agriculture. — Mechanical Arts. — Merchants. TO » Domestic Manners 131 Mechanical Genius Agriculture 13 Mexican Husbandry Vegetable Products 135 Mineral Treasures .....••• *'" Skill of the Aztec Jewellers I39 Sculpture ....••••• "I Huge Calendar-stone ......•• 142 Aztec Dyes I43 Beautiful Feather-work 144 Fairs of Mexico 145 National Currency 145 Trades 146 Aztec Merchants ......... 147 Militant Traders 148 Domestic Life ......... 150 Kindness to Children 151 Polygamy . . . . . . . • • .151 Condition of the Sex 152 Social Entertainments 152 Use of Tobacco ........ 153 Culinary Art 155 Agreeable Drinks ........ 156 Dancing .......... 156 Intoxication ......... 157 Criticism on Boturini's Work ...... 158

Chapter VI

Tezcucans. — Their Golden Age. — Accomplished Princes. — Decline of their Monarchy ..... 161 The Acolhuans or Tezcucans 161 Prince Nezahualcoyotl 162 His Persecution ........ 163 His Hair-breadth Escapes ....... CONTENTS. Page His wandering Life 165 Fidelity of his Subjects 166 Triumphs over his Enemies ...... 167 Remarkable League ........ 168 General Amnesty ........ 168 The Tezcucan Code 169 Departments of Government 170 Council of Music 170 Its Censorial Office 171 Literary Taste ......... 172 Tezcucan Bards ........ 173 Royal Ode 174 Resources of Nezahualcoyotl ...... 176 His magnificent Palace . 177 His Gardens and Villas ....... 178 Address of the Priest 181 His Baths 183 Luxurious Residence ........ 184 Existing Remains of it . . . . . . 185 Royal Amours ......... 186 Marriage of the King 188 Forest Laws 189 Strolling Adventures ....... 190 Munificence of the Monarch ....... 191 His Religion 192 Temple to the Unknown God . . . . . .193 Philosophic Retirement ....... 194 His plaintive Verses 195 Last Hours of Nezahualcoyotl 197 His Character 200 Succeeded by Nezahualpilli 201 The Lady of Tula 201 Executes his Son . 202 Effeminacy of the King 203 His consequent Misfortunes 203 Death of Nezahualpilli 204 Tezcucan Civilization 205 Criticism on Ixtlilxochitl's Writings CONTENTS. XXIV

Chapter I

Page Spain under Charles V. — Progress of Discovery. — Colonial Policy. — Conquest of Cuba. — Expeditions to Yucatan 211 Condition of Spain 211 Increase of Empire . . . . • • • .212 Cardinal Ximenes ........ 212 Arrival of Charles the Fifth 213 Swarm of Flemings ........ 213 Opposition of the Cdrtes 214 Colonial Administration 215 Spirit of Chivalry 216 Progress of Discovery 217 Advancement of Colonization ...... 218 System of Reparlimientos . . . . . . . 218 Colonial Policy 219 Discovery of Cuba ........ 220 Its Conquest by Velasquez . . . . . . .221 Cordova's Expedition to Yucatan ..... 222 His Reception by the Natives 223 Grijalva's Expedition ....... 224 Civilization in Yucatan ........ 225 Traffic with the Indians 226 His Return to Cuba 228 His cool Reception ........ 228 Ambitious Schemes of the Governor ..... 228 Preparations for an Expedition 229

Chapter II

Hernando Cortes. — His Early Life. — Visits the New World. — His Residence in Cuba. — Difficulties with Velasquez. — Armada intrusted to Cortes . . 230 Hernando Cort.s 230 His Education 23 1 Choice of a Profession ....... CONTENTS. XXV Page Departure for America 233 Arrival at Hispaniola 234 His Mode of Life 235 Enlists under Velasquez ....... 236 Habits of Gallantry 237 Disaffected towards Velasquez 237 Cortes in Confinement 238 Flies into a Sanctuary ....... 239 Again put in Irons ........ 240 His perilous Escape ........ 240 His Marriage 241 Reconciled with the Governor ...... 242 Retires to his Plantation ....... 243 Armada intrusted to Cortes 245 Preparations for the Voyage 246 Instructions to Cortes ....... 247

Chapter III

Jealousy of Velasquez. — Cortes embarks. — Equipment of his Fleet. — His Person and Character. — Rendezvous at Havana. — Strength of his Armament . . . 251 Jealousy of Velasquez . . . . . . . 251 Intrigues against Cortes 252 His clandestine Embarkation 253 Arrives at Macaca 254 Accession of Volunteers ....... 255 Stores and Ammunition ....... 256 Orders from Velasquez to arrest Cortes .... 257 He raises the Standard at Havana 257 Person of Cortes 258 His Character 259 Strength of the Armament ...... 261 Stirring Address to his Troops 263 Fleet weighs Anchor 264 Remarks on Estrella's Manuscript 265

Chapter IV

Voyage to Cozumel. — Conversion of the Natives. — Jeronimo de Aguilar. — Army arrives at Tabasco. — Great Battle with the Indians. — Christianity introduced 266 Disastrous Voyage to Cozumel ...... CONTENTS. Page Humane Policy of Cortes 267 Cross found in the Island 268 Religious Zeal of the Spaniards 269 Attempts at Conversion . . . . • • • 271 Overthrow of the Idols 272 Jeronimo de Aguilar .....•• 273 His Adventures 2 ; 4 Employed as an Interpreter 275 Fleet arrives at Tabasco 276 Hostile Reception ........ 277 Fierce Defiance of the Natives ...... 278 Desperate Conflict 279 Effect of the Fire-arms 279 Cortes takes Tabasco ....... 280 Ambush of the Indians . . . . . . .281 The Country in Arms 282 Preparations for Battle ........ 283 March on the Enemy ....... 284 Joins Battle with the Indians 285 Doubtful Struggle 286 Terror at the War-horse 287 Victory of the Spaniards ....... 287 Number of Slain 288 Treaty with the Natives 289 Conversion of the Heathen . ..... 290 Catholic Communion ....... 291 Spaniards embark for Mexico ...... 292

Chapter V

Voyage along the Coast. — Dona Marina. — Spaniards land in Mexico. — Interview with the Aztecs . . . 293 Voyage along the Coast 293 Natives come on Board ....... 294 Doila Marina ......... 295 Her History ......... 296 Her Beauty and Character 297 First Tidings of Montezuma ...... 298 Spaniards land in Mexico ....... 299 First Interview with the Aztecs 301 Their magnificent Presents ...... 302 Cupidity of the Spaniards CONTENTS. XXVII Page Cone's displays his Cavalry 304 Aztec Paintings 304

Chapter VI

Account of Montezuma. — State of his Empire. — Strange Prognostics. — Embassy and Presents. — Spanish Encampment ......... 306 Montezuma then upon the Throne 306 Inaugural Address 307 The Wars of Montezuma 308 His civil Policy 309 Oppression of his Subjects 310 Foes of his Empire 311 Superstition of Montezuma 312 Mysterious Prophecy . .313 Portentous Omens 314 Dismay of the Emperor 316 Embassy and Presents to the Spaniards .... 317 Life in the Spanish Camp 318 Rich Present from Montezuma . . . . . . 319 Large gold Wheels 320 Message from Montezuma 322 Effects of the Treasure on the Spaniards .... 323 Return of the Aztec Envoys 324 Prohibition of Montezuma ....... 325 Preaching 'of Father Olmedo 326 Desertion of the Natives 326

Chapter VII

Troubles in the Camp. — Plan of a Colony. — Management of Cortes. — March to Cempoalla. — Proceedings with the Natives. — Foundation of Vera Cruz . . 328 Discontent of the Soldiery ...... 328 Envoys from the Totonacs ....... 329 Dissensions in the Aztec Empke ..... 330 Proceedings in the Camp . . . . . . .331 Cortes prepares to return to Cuba ..... 332 Army remonstrate ........ 332 Cortes yields 333 Foundation of Villa Rica 334 VOL. I. D CONTENTS. Page Resignation and Reappointment of Cort_s . • • 335 Divisions in the Camp • 336 General Reconciliation ....... 337 March to Cempoalla 338 Picturesque Scenery ....... 339 Remains of Victims 341 Terrestrial Paradise 341 Love of Flowers by the Natives ...... 342 Their splendid Edifices ....... 343 Hospitable Entertainment at Cempoalla .... 344 Conference with the Cacique ...... 345 Proposals of Alliance ........ 346 Advance of the Spaniards ...... 348 Arrival of Aztec Nobles ....... 349 Artful Policy of Cort.s 350 Allegiance of the Natives . . . . . . .351 City of Villa Rica built 352 Infatuation of the Indians 353

Chapter VIII

Another Aztec Embassy. — Destruction of the Idols. — Despatches sent to Spain. — Conspiracy in the Camp. — The Fleet sunk ....... 354 Embassy from Montezuma 354 Its Results 355 Severe Discipline in the Army 356 Gratitude of the Cempoallan Cacique ..... 357 Attempt at Conversion ....... 358 Sensation among the Natives ...... 359 The Idols burned ........ 360 Consecration of the Sanctuary . . . . . ,361 News from Cuba ........ 362 Presents for Charles the Fifth 363 First Letter of Cone's ....... 364 Despatches to Spain ........ 366 Agents for the Mission ....... 367 Departure of the Ship ....... 368 It touches at Cuba ....... 369 Rage of Velasquez ...... 369 Ship arrives in Spain ..... 370 Conspiracy in the Camp CONTENTS. Page Destruction of the Fleet 373 Oration of Cortes 374 Enthusiasm of the Army 375 Notice of Las Casas 377 His Life and Character 379 Criticism on his Works 384

Chapter I

Proceedings at Cempoalla. — The Spaniards climb the Table-land. — Picturesque Scenery. — Transactions with the Natives. — Embassy to Tlascala . . 389 Squadron off the Coast ....... 389 Stratagem of Cortes 391 Arrangement at Villa Rica 392 Spaniards begin their March . . . . . . 393 Climb the Cordilleras 395 Wild Mountain Scenery 397 Immense Heaps of human Skulls ..... 399 Transactions with the Natives 400 Accounts of Montezuma's Power 401 Moderation of Father Olmedo 403 Indian Dwellings 405 Cortes determines his Route ...... 406 Embassy to Tlascala ....... 407 Remarkable Fortification 408 Arrival in Tlascala 409

Chapter II

Republic of Tlascala. — Its Institutions. — Early History. — Discussions in the Senate. — Desperate Battles 410 The Tlascalans 410 Their Migrations . . . " 411 Their Government ........ CONTENTS. XXX Page Public Games 413 Order of Knighthood *14 Internal Resources 41* Their Civilization 415 Struggles with the Aztecs 416 Means of Defence 417 Sufferings of the Tlascalans 418 Their hardy Character 419 Debates in the Senate 420 Spaniards advance ........ 421 Desperate Onslaught ........ 422 Retreat of the Indians . . . . . i • 423 Bivouac of the Spaniards ....... 424 The Army resumes its March ...... 425 Immense Host of Barbarians ...... 427 Bloody Conflict in the Pass 428 Enemy give Ground ........ 429 Spaniards clear the Pass ....... 430 Cessation of Hostilities . . . . . . .431 Results of the Conflict 432 Troops encamp for the Night ...... 433

Chapter III

Decisive Victory. — Indian Council. — Night Attack. — Negotiations with the Enemy. — Tlascalan Hero . 434 Envoys to Tlascala 434 Foraging Party 435 Bold Defiance by the Tlascalans 436 Preparations for Battle ....... 437 Appearance of the Tlascalans ...... 438 Showy Costume of the Warriors 440 Their Weapons ........ 441 Desperate Engagement ....... 443 The Combat thickens . 444 Divisions among the Enemy ...... 445 Decisive Victory ........ 446 Triumph of Science over Numbers ..... 447 Dread of the Cavalry 448 Indian Council ......... 449 Night Attack ......... 450 Spaniards victorious ........ CONTENTS. xxxi Page Embassy to Tlascala 452 Peace with the Enemy 453 Patriotic Spirit of their Chief 453

Chapter IV

Discontents in the Army. — Tlascalan Spies. — Peace with the Republic. — Embassy from Montezuma . . . 455 Spaniards scour the Country ...... 455 Success of the Foray 456 Discontents in the Camp 457 Representations of the Malecontents 458 Reply of Cone's 459 Difficulties of the Enterprise . . . . . .461 Mutilation of the Spies ....... 462 Interview with the Tlascalan Chief 464 Peace with the Republic 466 Embassy from Montezuma 467 Declines to receive the Spaniards 468 They advance towards the City 470

Chapter V

Spaniards enter Tlascala. — Description of the Capital. — Attempted Conversion. — Aztec Embassy. — Invited to Cholula 471 Spaniards enter Tlascala . . ... . . . 472 Rejoicings on their Arrival 472 Description of Tlascala 473 Its Houses and Streets ........ 474 Its Fairs and Police 475 Divisions of the City ........ 475 Wild Scenery round Tlascala 476 Character of the Tlascalans 477 Vigilance of Corte"s . . . . . . . . 477 Attempted Conversion 478 Resistance of the Natives 479 Zeal of Cortes .479 Prudence of the Friar 480 Character of Olmedo 481 Mass celebrated in Tlascala 482 The Indian Maidens CONTENTS. Paga Aztec Embassy . . 48^ Power of Montezuma 4°^ Embassy from Ixtlilxochitl 485 Deputies from Cholula . 486 Invitation to Cholula 487 Prepare to leave Tlascala MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. MAPS.