History of the conquest of Mexico ... Sixth edition

Front matter

HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO. HERNANDO CORTES, CONQUEROR OF MEXICO. 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^^M AUTHUK OF THE "HISTORY OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA," "HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF PERU," ETC. 44 Victrices aquilas alium laturus in orbe: Lucan, Pharsalia, lib. v., v. 238. NEW AND REVISED EDITION, WITH 'THE AUTHOR'S LATEST CORRECTIONS AND EDITED BY JOHN FOSTER KIRK. IN THREE VOLUMES. — VOL. I. PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. iS74. I 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. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by WILLIAM G. PRESCOTT, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Preface

. As the Conquest of Mexico nas 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 in dustry of Spanish scholars. The scholar who led the way in these researches was Don Juan Baptista Mufioz, the celebrated historiographer of the Indies, who, by a royal edict, was allowed free access to the national archives, and to all libraries, public, private, and mo nastic, in the kingdom and its colonies. The result of his long labors was a vast body of materials, of which unhappily he did not 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. a* ( V I

PREFACE.

. VIII On my application to the Academy, in 1838, for permission to copy that part of this inestimable collec tion 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 Peninsula since the time of Dr. Robertson, who com plains that he was denied admission to the most im portant public repositories. The favor with which my own application was regarded, however, must chiefly be attributed to the kind offices of the venerable Pres ident of the Academy, Don Martin Fernandez de Navarrete ; a scholar whose personal character has secured to him the same high consideration 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 accumula tion, 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 result of half a century's careful researches, I have obtained a mass of unpublished documents, relating to the Con quest and Settlement of Mexico and of Peru, com prising 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,

PREFACE.

. IX 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 glean ing such materials from Mexico itself as had been overlooked by my illustrious predecessors in these re searches. For these I am indebted to the courtesy of Count Cortina, and, yet more, to that of Don Lucas Alaman, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mexico ; but, above all, to my excellent friend, Don Angel Cal deron de la Barca, late Minister Plenipotentiary to that country from the court of Madrid, — a gentleman whose high and estimable 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 Thomas Phillips, Bart., whose precious collection of manuscripts probably surpasses in extent that of any private gentleman in Great Britain, if not in Europe ; that of M. Ternaux-Compans, the proprietor 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-

PREFACE.

. X event, undisturbed, on their minds. To prolong 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 of a World, — a defect, in short, which it has required all the genius of Irving and the magical charm of his style perfectly to overcome. Notwithstanding these objections, I have been in duced to continue the narrative, partly from deference to the opinion of several Spanish scholars, who con sidered 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 en lightened spirit and of his comprehensive and versatile genius. To the eye of the critic there may seem some in congruity in a plan which combines objects so dissimilar as those embraced by the present history, where the Introduction, occupied with the antiquities and origin of a nation, has somewhat the character of a philosophic theme, while the conclusion is strictly biographical, and the two may be supposed to match indifferently with the main body, or historical portion, of the work. But

PREFACE.

. XI I may hope that such objections will be found to have less weight in practice than in theory ; and, if properly managed, that the general views of the Introduction will prepare the reader for the particulars of the Con quest, 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 ma,y 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 by the Ameri can and the English reader, acknowledging so different a moral standard from that of the sixteenth century, I may possibly be thought too indulgent to the errors of the Conquerors ; while by a Spaniard, accustomed to the undiluted panegyric 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 endeavored not only to 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 advantage. I have endeavored, 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 ex press myself, a contemporary of the sixteenth century.

PREFACE.

. XII Whether, and how far, I have succeeded in this, he must determine. For one thing, before I conclude, I may reasonably 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 disadvantages, 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 perspicacious critic to whom the proof-sheets have been subjected.

In the Preface to the " History of Ferdinand and Isabella," I lamented that, while occupied with that subject, two of its most attractive parts had engaged the attention of the most popular of American authors, Washington Irving. By a singular chance, something like the reverse of this has taken place in the compo sition of the present history, 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 de sign, 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 competition with Achilles himself. But no sooner was that distinguished writer

PREFACE.

. XIII informed of the preparations 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 attention of leaving the subject open to me. While I do but justice to Mr. Irving by this statement, 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 protracted as it is already, without a word of acknowledgment to my friend George Ticknor, Esq., — the friend of many years, — for his patient revision 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 I, 1843. NOTE. — The author's emendations of this history include many additional notes, which, being often contradictory to the text, have been printed between brackets. They were chiefly derived from the copious annotations of Don Jose F. Ramirez and Don Lucas Alaman to the two Spanish translations published in Mexico. There could be no stronger guarantee of the value and general accuracy of the work than the minute labor bestowed upon it by these distinguished scholars. — ED. VOL. I. p. GENERAL CONTENTS.

Chapter I. Page

Ancient Mexico.— Climate and Products. — Primitive Races. — Aztec Empire i Extent of the Aztec Territory ...... 2 The Hot Region 3 Volcanic Scenery ......... 5 Cordillera of the Andes 6 Table-land in the Days of the Aztecs 7 Valley of Mexico 8 The Toltecs 10 Their mysterious Disappearance 14 Races from the Northwest ....... IS Their Hostilities 17 Foundation of Mexico 19 Domestic Feuds ......... 20 League of the kindred Tribes 21 Rapid Rise of Mexico 22 Prosperity of the Empire ....... 23 Criticism on Veytia's History 24

Chapter II

Succession to the Crown.— Aztec Nobility.— Judicial System.— Laws and Revenues.— Military Institutions 2(-' Election of the Sovereign 26 His Coronation 27 Aztec Nobles 28 B* 2 ( xvii ) CONTENTS. XVIII PACK Their barbaric Pomp 29 Tenure of their Estates ....... 29 Legislative Power 31 Judicial System 32 Independent Judges . -34 Their Mode of Procedure -35 Showy Tribunal . 36 Hieroglyphical Paintings ....... 37 Marriage Rites 38 Slavery in Mexico ........ 38 Royal Revenues ......... 40 Burdensome Imposts 42 Public Couriers -43 Military Enthusiasm . .45 Aztec Ambassadors 45 Orders of Knighthood . 46 Gorgeous Armor ......... 47 National Standard 47 Military Code .......... 49 Hospitals for the Wounded ....... 49 Influence of Conquest on a Nation . . . . . . 51 Criticism on Torquemada's History .52 Abbe Clavigero . 53

Chapter III

Mexican Mythology.— The Sacerdotal Order. — The Temples. — Human Sacrifices 55 Systems of Mythology 55 Mythology of the Aztecs 57 Ideas of a God 58 Sanguinary War-god 59 God of the Air 60 Mystic Legends 61 Division of Time . 64 Future State 65 Funeral Ceremonies .66 Baptismal Rites 67 Monastic Orders CONTENTS. XIX Feasts and Flagellation 71 Aztec Confessional ........ 71 Education of the Youth 72 Revenue of the Priests . . . . . . . . 74 Mexican Temples 75 Religious Festivals 76 Human Sacrifices 77 The Captive's Doom . 73 Ceremonies of Sacrifice 79 Torturing of the Victim 80 Sacrifice of Infants ......... 81 Cannibal Banquets ........ 81 Number of Victims ......... 82 Houses of Skulls ......... 83 Cannibalism of the Aztecs ....... 87 Criticism on Sahagun's History ...... 89

Chapter IV

Mexican Hieroglyphics. — Manuscripts. — Arithmetic. — Chronology. — Astronomy 93 Dawning of Science ........ 93 Picture-writing ......... 94 Aztec Hieroglyphics ........ 96 Manuscripts of the Mexicans ....... 97 Emblematic Symbols ........ 98 Phonetic Signs ......... 99 Materials of the Aztec Manuscripts 102 Form of their Volumes 103 Destruction of most of them 104 Remaining Manuscripts ....... 105 Difficulty of' deciphering them ...... 108 Minstrelsy of the Aztecs ....... in Theatrical Entertainments ....... 112 System of Notation 112 Their Chronology ........ 113 The Aztec Era ......... 117 Calendar of the Priests CONTENTS. XX PAGE Science of Astrology 123 Astrology of the Aztecs 124 Their Astronomy 125 Wonderful Attainments in this Science .... 126 Remarkable Festival ........ 128 Carnival of the Aztecs 130 Lord Kingsborough's Work 131 Criticism on Gama ........ 132

Chapter V

Aztec Agriculture. — Mechanical Arts. — Merchants. — Domestic Manners 134 Mechanical Genius 134 Agriculture 136 Mexican Husbandry 136 Vegetable Products 138 Mineral Treasures 141 Skill of the Aztec Jewellers ....... 143 Sculpture !^4 Huge Calendar-stone 145 Aztec Dyes 146 Beautiful Feather-work ........ 147 Fairs of Mexico 148 National Currency . . , . . , . . .148 Trades I49 Aztec Merchants T ,g Militant Traders , , , jco Domestic Life j„ Kindness to Children jeo Polygamy I54 Condition of the Sex . TC. Social Entertainments lF-i Use of Tobacco lc-c CulinaryArt It._ Agreeable Drinks lr-8 Dancing I5g Intoxication Ic.q Criticism on Boturini's Work !60 CONTENTS. XXI

Chapter VI. Page

Tezcucans.— Their Golden Age. — Accomplished Princes. — Decline of their Monarchy 163 The Acolhuans or Tezcucans 163 Prince Nezahualcoyotl 164 His Persecution 165 His Hair-breadth Escapes 166 His wandering Life . 167 Fidelity of his Subjects 168 Triumphs over his Enemies 169 Remarkable League 169 General Amnesty ........ 170 The Tezcucan Code . 170 Departments of Government ...... 171 Council of Music ......... 172 Its Censorial Office 172 Literary Taste ......... 173 Tezcucan Bards 174 Royal Ode 175 Resources of Nezahualcoyotl 177 His magnificent Palace 178 His Gardens and Villas ....... 179 Address of the Priest 182 His Baths 184 Luxurious Residence 185 Existing Remains of it 185 Royal Amours 186 Marriage of the King 188 Forest Laws . 189 Strolling Adventures . 190 Munificence of the Monarch 192 His Religion 192 Temple to the Unknown God . 193 Philosophic Retirement 194 His plaintive Verses 19S Last Hours of Nezahualcoyotl 197 His Character 199 Succeeded by Nezahualpilli CONTENTS.

PAGE The Lady of Tula 201 Executes his Son 202 Effeminacy of the FCing 202 His consequent Misfortunes ...... 203 Death of Nezahualpilli 203 Tezcucan Civilization ........ 204 Criticism on Ixtlilxochill's Writings ..... 206

Chapter I

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 212 Swarm of Flemings ........ 213 Opposition of the Cortes 214 Colonial Administration ....... 215 Spirit of Chivalry 216 Progress of Discovery 217 Advancement of Colonization 218 System of Repartimienlos 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 Grijnlva's Expedition 224 Civilization in Yucatan CONTENTS. XXIII PAGE Traffic with the Indians 226 His Return to Cuba 22? His cool Reception ........ 227 Ambitious Schemes of the Governor 228 Preparations for an Expedition 229 229

Chapter II

Hernando Cortes.— His Early Life.— Visits the New World.— His Resi dence in Cub a.— Difficulties with Velasquez.— Armada intrusted to Cortes . . 230 Hemando Cortes 2,0 His Education 2~x Choice of a Profession 2,2 Departure for America ™ Arrival at Hispaniola 2, . His Mode of Life 2,r Enlists under Velasquez 236 Habits of Gallantry 2,^ Disaffected towards Velasquez 237 Cortes in Confinement 238 Flies into a Sanctuary ........ 239 Again put in Irons 2^o His perilous Escape 2^o His Marriage 240 Reconciled with the Governor 241 Retires to his Plantation 242 Armada intrusted to Cortes 244 Preparations for the Voyage 245 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 . 250 Jealousy of Velasquez ....... 230 Intrigues against Cortes CONTENTS. XXIV PAGE His clandestine Embarkation ...... 252 Arrives at Macaca • 253 Accession of Volunteers . 254 Stores and Ammunition 255 Orders from Velasquez to arrest Cortes .... 255 He raises the Standard at Havana 256 Person of Cortes . 257 His Character 258 Strength of the Armament 259 Stirring Address to his Troops ...... 261 Fleet weighs Anchor 262 Remarks on Estrella's Manuscript ...... 262

Chapter IV

Voyage to Cozumel. — Conversion of the Natives. — jeronimo de aguilar. — army arrives at tabasco. — Great Battle with the Indians. — Christianity introduced 264 Disastrous Voyage to Cozumel 264 Humane Policy of Cortes ....... 265 Cross found in the Island ....... 266 Religious Zeal of the Spaniards 267 Attempts at Conversion 269 Overthrow of the Idols 269 Jeronimo de Aguilar ........ 271 . His Adventures 271 Employed as an Interpreter 273 Fleet arrives at Tabasco ........ 274 Hostile Reception 274 Fierce Defiance of the Natives 275 Desperate Conflict 276 Effect of the Fire-arms . . . - . . . . . 277 Cortes takes Tabasco 277 Ambush of the Indians . 278 The Country in Arms 279 Preparations for Battle 280 March on the Enemy ........ 28i Joins Battle with the Indians t CONTENTS. XXV PAGH Doubtful Struggle 283 Terror at the War-horse 283 Victory of the Spaniards 1284 Number of Slain 285 Treaty with the Natives 286 Conversion of the Heathen 287 Catholic Communion 288 Spaniards embark for Mexico 289

Chapter V

Voyage along the Coast.— Dona Marina.— Spaniards land in Mexico. — Interview with the Aztecs . 290 Voyage along the Coast 290 Natives come on Board ....... 291 Dona Marina ......... 292 Her History 292 Her Beauty and Character 293 First Tidings of Montezuma 295 Spaniards land in Mexico 295 First Interview with the Aztecs 297 Their magnificent Presents . ...... 299 Cupidity of the Spaniards ....... 299 Cortes displays his Cavalry ....... 300 Aztec Paintings 301

Chapter VI

Account of Montezuma.— State of his Empire. — Strange Prognostics. — Embassy and Presents. — Spanish Encampment 302 Montezuma then upon the Throne ..... 302 Inaugural Address 303 The Wars of Montezuma 304 His civil Policy 304 Oppression of his Subjects 306 Foes of his Empire 306 Superstition of Montezuma 308 Vol. I. — 2 c CONTENTS. XXVI PAGE Mysterious Prophecy 304* Portentous Omens 3°9 Dismay of the Emperor 311 Embassy and Presents to the Spaniards .... 312 Life in the Spanish Camp 313 Rich Present from Montezuma 314 Large gold Wheels 315 Message from Montezuma 317 Eifects of the Treasure on the Spaniards .... 318 Return of the Aztec Envoys ...... 319 Prohibition of Montezuma 320 Preaching of Father Olmedo 320 Desertion of the Natives 321

Chapter VII

Troubles in the Camp. — Plan of a Colony. — Management of CoRTis. — March to Cempoalla. — Proceedings with the Natives. — Foundation of Vera Cruz . 322 Discontent of the Soldiery 322 Envoys from the Totonacs ....... 323 Dissensions in the Aztec Empire 324 Proceedings in the Camp . 324 Cortes prepares to return to Cuba 325 Army remonstrate 326 Cortes yields 326 Foundation of Villa Rica 327 Resignation and Reappointment of Cort6s .... 328 Divisions in the Camp 329 General Reconciliation 330 March to Cempoalla 332 Picturesque Scenery oq2 Remains of Victims 330 Terrestrial Paradise 334 Love of Flowers by the Natives 335 Their splendid Edifices 336 Hospitable Entertainment at Cempoalla 037 Conference with the Cacique CONTENTS. XXVII PAGB Proposals of Alliance 339 Advance of the Spaniards 341 Arrival of Aztec Nobles 341 Artful Policy of Cortes 342 Allegiance of the Natives ....... 344 City of Villa Rica built 344 Infatuation of the Indians 345

Chapter VIII

Another Aztec Embassy. — Destruction of the Idols.— Despatches sent to Spain. — Conspiracy in the Camp. — The Fleet sunk 347 Embassy from Montezuma ....... 347 Its Results 348 Severe Discipline in the Army 349 Gratitude of the Cempoallan Cacique 350 Attempt at Conversion 35° Sensation among the Natives . 351 The Idols burned 352 Consecration of the Sanctuary 353 News from Cuba . . 354 Presents for Charles the Fifth . . . . . . -355 First Letter of Cortes 357 Despatches to Spain 359 Agents for the Mission 360 Departure of the Ship 362 It touches at Cuba 362 Rage of Velasquez . 3s-"2 Ship arrives in Spain 3^3 Conspiracy in the Camp 3*-*3 Destruction of the Fleet 365 Oration of Cortes 367 Enthusiasm of the Army 368 Notice of Las Casas 371 His Life and Character 37 r Criticism on his Works CONTENTS.

Chapter I. Pack

Proceedings at Cempoalla. — The Spaniards climb the Table-land.—Picturesque Scenery.—Transactions with the Natives. — Embassy to Tlascala . . 383 Squadron off the Coast ....... 383 Stratagem of Cortes ........ 385 Arrangement at Villa Rica 386 Spaniards begin their March ....... 387 Climb the Cordilleras 388 Wild Mountain Scenery ........ 391 Immense Heaps of human Skulls 393 Transactions with the Natives . 393 Accounts of Montezuma's Power 394 Moderation of Father Olmedo 396 Indian Dwellings 398 Cortes determines his Route . . . ... . . 399 Embassy to Tlascala ........ 400 Remarkable Fortification ....... 401 Arrival in Tlascala 402

Chapter II

Republic of Tlascala. — Its Institutions. — Early His tory. — Discussions in the Senate. — Desperate Bat tles 403 The Tlascalans .__ --_,.,,.. 4°3 Their Migrations 4Q . Their Government .... ,rt. . 4°4 Public Games 4Q^ Order of Knighthood 4Qg Internal Resources .__ .,., ._..,.. 4°7 Their Civilization . . . . , „ .__ CONTENTS. XXIX PAGE Struggles with the Aztecs 4o8 Means of Defence ,OQ Sufferings of the Tlascalans 411 Their hardy Character 4I2 Debates in the Senate 4I2 Spaniards advance .1 4 Desperate Onslaught AI4 Retreat of the Indians 415 Bivouac of the Spaniards 416 The Army resumes its March 417 Immense Host of Barbarians 419 Bloody Conflict in the Pass 420 Enemy give Ground 421 Spaniards clear the Pass . 422 Cessation of Hostilities . 422 Results of the Conflict 423 Troops encamp for the Night 424

Chapter III

Decisive Victory. — Indian Council.— Night Attack. — Negotiations with the Enemy. — Tlascalan Hero . 426 Envoys to Tlascala 426 Foraging Party 427 Bold Defiance by the Tlascalans 427 Preparations for Battle . 429 Appearance of the Tlascalans ...... 430 Showy Costume of the Warriors 432 Their Weapons . 433 Desperate Engagement 435 The Combat thickens ........ 436 Divisions among the Enemy 437 Decisive Victory 437 Triumph of Science over Numbers 439 Dread of the Cavalry . 440 Indian Council 440 Night Attack 441 Spaniards victorious 442 Embassy to Tlascala 442 c* CONTENTS. PAGE Peace with the Enemy ........ 443 Patriotic Spirit of their Chief " . 444

Chapter IV

Discontents in the Army. — Tlascalan Spies.— Peace with the Republic— Embassy from Montezuma . 446 Spaniards scour the Country 446 Success of the Foray ........ 447 Discontents in the Camp . 448 Representations of the Malecontents 449 Reply of Cortes 450 Difficulties of the Enterprise 452 Mutilation of the Spies ....... 453 Interview with the Tlascalan Chief 455 Peace with the Republic 456 Embassy from Montezuma , 457 Declines to receive the Spaniards ..... 458 They advance towards the City 460

Chapter V

Spaniards enter Tlascala. — Description of the Capital. — Attempted Conversion. — Aztec Embassy. — Invited to Cholula 461 Spaniards enter Tlascala 46! Rejoicings on their Arrival 462 Description of Tlascala 463 Its Houses and Streets 464 Its Fairs and Police 464 Divisions of the City 46- Wild Scenery round Tlascala 465 Character of the Tlascalans 466 Vigilance of Cortes 467 Attempted Conversion 453 Resistance of the Natives 468 Zeal of Cortes , 460 Prudence of the Friar 46Q CONTENTS. XXXI Character of Olmedo . . PAGE Mass celebrated in TIascala . 47° The Indian Maidens . • • ■ . 47i Aztec Embassy ..." 471 Power of Montezuma . • • . 472 Embassy from Ixtlilxochitl . . •"..•• 473 Deputies from Cholula ..." • • • 474 Invitation to Cholula ..." • • • • 475 Prepare to leave TIascala • • ■ 47 MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

MAPS. THE maps for this work are the result of a laborious investigation by a skilful and competent hand. Humboldt's are the only maps of New Spain which can lay claim to the credit even of tolerable accuracy. They have been adopted as the basis of those for the present history ; and an occasional deviation from them has been founded on a careful comparison with the verbal accounts of Gomara, Bernal Diaz, Clavigero, and, above all, of Cortes, illustrated by his meagre commentator, Lorenzana. Of these, Cortes is generally the most full and exact in his statement of distances, though it is to be regretted that he does not more frequently afford a hint as to the bearings of the places. As it is desirable to present the reader with a complete and unembarrassed view of the route of Cortes, the names of all other places than those which occur in this work have been discarded, while a considerable number have been now introduced which are not to be found on any previous chart.

The position of these must necessarily be, in some degree, hypothetical ; but, as it has been determined by a study of the narratives of contemporary historians and by the measurement of distances, the result, probably, cannot in any instance be much out of the way. The ancient names have been retained, so as to present a map of the country as it was at the time of the Conques; PORTRAIT PREFIXED TO VOLUME FIRST. This engraving of Cortes was taken from a full-length portrait, presented to me by my friend Don Angel Calderon de la Barca, during his residence as minister to Mexico, It is a copy, and, as I am assured, a very faithful one, from the painting in the Hospital of Jesus. This painting is itself a copy from one taken, probably, a few years before the death of Cortes, on his last visit to Spain.

What has be- MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. XXXIII come of the original is not known. That in Mexico was sent there by one of the family of Monteleone, descendants of the Conqueror, as appears from his arms, which the painter has introduced in a corner of the picture. This seems to be regarded by the family as the best portrait of the Conqueror, and a copy, like that in my possession, has been recently made for the present Duke of Monteleone in Italy. It has never before been engraved. PORTRAIT PREFIXED TO VOLUME SECOND. The original portrait was said to have been painted by an artist named Maldonado, who came over to Mexico at the time of the Con quest. It belonged to the Counts of Miravalle, and, not many years since, came into the possession of Mr. Smith Wilcox, consul from the United States to Mexico.

Of the authenticity of this portrait I have received opposite opinions, and these, too, from the most respectable sources in Mexico; the one representing it as undoubtedly genuine, the other regarding it as an ideal portrait, painted after the Conquest, to adorn the halls of the Counts of Miravalle, and to flatter their pride by the image of their royal progenitor. The countenance must be admitted to wear a tinge of soft and not unpleasing melancholy, quite in harmony with the fortunes of the unhappy monarch. PORTRAIT PREFIXED TO VOLUME THIRD. This likeness of Cortes was originally engraved for that inquisitive scholar and industrious collector, Don Antonio Uguina, of Madrid, from what he considered the best portrait of Cortes. The original is, I am informed, the same portrait which now hangs in the Museo, among the series of Viceroys, at Mexico.