Chapter I: Part 1

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE. See the TRANSCRIBER'S ENDNOTE for details of this transcription.

THE

Pleasant Historie of the Conquest of the VVeast India, _now called new Spayne_,

Atchieued by the vvorthy Prince _Hernando Cortes_ Marques of the valley of _Huaxacac_, most delectable to Reade:

Translated out of the Spanishe _tongue, by T. N._

Anno. 1578.

¶ Imprinted at London by _Henry Bynneman_.

1578.

¶ TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, Sir Francis VValsingham _Knight, principall Secretary to the_ _Queenes most excellent Maiestie,_ _and one of hir highnesse most_ _Honorable priuie Counsell_.

Whilest I abode (right Honorable) in the Isle of Palma, in affaires of merchandize for the vvorshipfull _Thomas Locke_ deceased, and his company, time then permitted me, to haue cöference vvith auncient gentlemen vvhiche had serued in the Conquest of the vveft India, novve called nevve Spaine, vnder the princely Captaine _Hernando Cortez_. By vvhom as present vvitnesses at many of the actes herein contayned, I vvas credibly informed, that this delectable and vvorthy Historie is a most true and iust reporte of matter paste in effect: vvherefore I did the more vvillingly turne ouer and peruse the same, vvhiche is a Mirrour and an excellent president, for all such as shall take in hande to gouerne nevve Discoueries: for here they shall behold, hovv Glorie, Renovvne, and perfite Felicitie, is not gotten but vvith greate paines, trauaile, perill and daunger of life: here shall they see the vvisedome, curtesie, valour and pollicie of vvorthy Captaynes, yea and the faithfull hartes vvhiche they ought to beare vnto their Princes seruice: here also is described, hovv to vse and correct the stubbern & mutinous persons, & in vvhat order to exalt the good, stoute and vertuous Souldiers, and chiefly, hovv to preserue and keepe that bevvtifull Dame _Lady Victorie_ vvhë she is obtayned. And vvhere it vvas supposed, that the golden mettall had his beginning and place in the East and VVeast _India_, neare vnto the hote Zoane, (as moste learned vvriters helde opinion) it is novve approued by the venterous trauellour and vvorthy captaine _Martin Frobisher_ Esquire, yea and also through the greate paynes, procurement, and firste inuention of the vvorshipfull _Mychaell Locke_ Merchaunt, that the same golden mettall dothe also lie incorporate in the bovvelles of the Norvveast parties, enuironned vvith admirable Tovvers, Pillers and Pynacles, of Rockes, Stone, and Ise, possessed of a people bothe straunge, & rare in shape, attire and lyuing, yea suche a Countrey and people, as all _Europe_ had forsaken and made no account of, excepte our moste gratious Queene and her subiectes, vvhome vndoubtedly God hath appoynted, not onely to be supreme Princesse ouer them, but also to be a meane that the name of Christ maybe knovven vnto this Heathenish and Sauage generation.

Not long since (right Honorable) I happened to trauayle from the famous Cittie of _Tolledo_ in _Spayne_, tovvarde highe _Castile_, and by fortune ouertooke an auncient Gentlemen, vvorshipfully accompanied, vnto vvhö I vvas so bold as to approch, beseching his vvorship to aduertise me of his iourney: vvho (after he had beheld my white head & beard) ansvvered ful gentlely, that his intët vvas to trauayle vnto the king of Spaynes Court, and vvelcomed me vnto his company. In shorte space that vve had iourneyed togither, and communed of each other his Countrey, it pleased him to say as follovveth: My good friende, if you knevv my sute vnto the Kings maiestie, you vvould iudge that I vvere a mad man, and therefore to shorten oure vvay, I vvill declare my attempted sute vnto you. You shall vnderstande, that I am a Gentleman of lxx. yeares of age, and sometimes I serued in the ciuill vvarres of _Pirru_, vvhere I vvas vvounded in diuers parts of my body, and am novv thereby lame in one of my legges and shoulder. I haue neyther VVife nor childe, and at this presente (God be praised) I haue in the Contractation house in the Citie of _Siuill_, in golde and plate, the summe of thirtie thousande Duckates: and I haue also in _Pirru_ in good lands and possessions, the yearely rente of tvvelue thousande Duckates, vvhiche rentes and readye money is sufficiente to mainteyne a poore Gentleman. But al this notvvithstanding, I do novv sue vnto the Kings Maiestie, to haue licence and authoritie to discouer and conquere a certayne parte of _India_, vvhyche adioyneth vvith _Brazile_, and is part of the Empire of _Pirru_, I pray you novve declare what you thinke of my sute. By my troth sir (quoth I) I trust your vvorship vvill pardon a rash and suddaine iudgemët, which you now demand at my häd: yea truly (quoth he) say vvhat you list. Then (quoth I) my opiniö is, that you are not wel in your wit, for vvhat vvould you haue? vvil not reason suffice you? or else would you now in your old days be an Emperour, considering that your Sepulchre attendeth for you. Novve truly I thanke you (quoth he) for of youre iudgement are most men: but I say vnto you, considering that all flesh must finish, I seeke for no quiet rest in this transitorie life: yea the vvise and Christian Doctors do teach and admonish, that euery true Christian is borne, not for his ovvne priuate vvealth and pleasure, but rather to help and succoure others his poore breethren. Likevvise doe I consider the greate number of Gentlemen, yonger brethren, and other valiät persons, vvho through vvant of liuing, do fall into many disorders. VVherefore to accomplish my dutie tovvard God and my Prince, and to releeue such poore Gentlemen, do I novv attempte this iourney, vvith the aduenture of my bodye and goodes, and for that purpose I haue in readinesse foure tall Shippes, vvell furnished in the porte of _Saint Lucar de Barrameda_, hoping assuredlye, that before the life depart from my body, to heare these valiante yong Gentlemen (vvhome novv I meane to haue in my company) say, oh happie day, vvhen olde _Zarate_ (for so is my name) broughte vs from penurie, yea and from a number of perils that vve vvere like to fall into. I hope also, that the royall estate of my Prince shall be by my paynes and poore seruice enlarged: beleeue you me, this is the onely sumptuous Tumbe that I pretende to builde for my poore carkas. But yet I knovv there are some, vnto vvhome I may compare the Bore that lyeth vvallovvyng in his Stye, vvho vvill not lette to saye, vvhat neede vve any other vvorld, honor, or Kingdomes? let vs be contented vvith that vve haue: vvho may easily be aunsvvered, Sir glutton, your paunch is full, and little care you for the glory of God, honor of youre Prince, neyther the neede and necessitie of youre poore neyboures. VVith this conclusion the Gentleman ended his tale, the iudgement vvhereof I leaue to noble Gentlemen his peeres to be determined.

And vvhere oure Captayne _Hernando Cortez_, of vvhose valiant actes this historie treateth, hathe deserued immortal fame, euë so doubtlesse I hope, that vvithin this happie Realme is novv liuing a Gentleman, vvose zeale of trauayle and valiant beginnings dothe prognosticate greate, maruellous, and happie successe: for perfection of honor and profite is not gotten in one daye, nor in one or tvvo voyages, as the true histories of the East and VVest Conquests by Spanyardes and Portingalles do testifye. And calling to remembrance the greate zeale and good vvill vvhich your honor hath alvvayes extended to good and profitable attemptes, and especially in the proceedings of the nevv discouery, youre honor hath not only vsed liberalitie in your aduëtures, but also taken greate paynes in Courte, to aduance and further the voyage, a number I saye of Gentlemen, Marriners, and other artificers, shal haue great cause to pray for your honor. And vvhere I for my parte haue tasted of your honors goodnesse sundrye vvayes, I am novve most humbly to beseech youre honor to accept this poore gifte, the vvhiche I haue translated out of the Spanish tong, not decked vvith gallant couloures, nor yet fyled vvith pleasant phrase of Rhetorike, for these things are not for poore Marchant trauellers, but are reserued to learned VVriters: yet I trust the Author vvill pardon mee, bycause I haue gone as neere the sense of this Historie, as my cunning vvoulde reach vnto. I also craue, that it may please youre honor, vvhen your greate and vvaightie businesse vvill permitte, to beholde this vvorke, and that shall be for me an encouragemente to take in hande the translation of the East _India_, vvhiche is novve enioyed by the King of Portingall. Thus I ende, beseeching the Almighty to preserue your honorable estate.

(?)

_Your honors most ready at commaundement Thomas Nicholas._

The Conquest of the _Weast India_.

The Byrth and lynage of _Hernando Cortez_.

In the yeare of our Sauiour, 1485. being kings of _Castill_ and _Aragon_, the Catholike princes _Fernando_ and _Isabell_ his wyfe, was borne _Hernando Cortez_ in a towne called _Medellin_, situated in the prouince of _Andulozia_: his Father was named _Martyn Cortez de Monroy_, & his mother was called Lady _Katherin Pisarro Altamirano_, they were bothe of good byrth, and procéeded from foure principall houses, that is to say, the house of _Cortez_, the house of _Monroy_, the house of _Pisarro_, and the house of _Altamirano_, which foure houses are auncient, noble and honorable: yet these parents but poore in goods, but riche in vertue & good life, for whiche cause they were muche estéemed and beloued among theyr neighbours. His mother was of inclination deuoute, but somewhat harde: his father was charitable and mercyfull, who in his youth applied himselfe to the warres, and was Liuetenant to a company of horsemen. _Hernando Cortez_ in his childehood was very sickely, so that many tymes he was at the poynt of death: And when he came to .xiiii. yéeres of age, his parents sent him to the Vniuersitie of _Salamanca_, where he remayned twoo yeares, learnyng Grammar, and then returned to _Medellin_ werie of his studie, yea possible for want of money: yet his parëts were much offended with him for leauing his studie, for theyr onely desire was to haue had him a student at lawe, whiche is a facultie both riche and worshipfull, consideryng their sonne to be of a good witte and abilitie: Yet he caused muche strife in his Fathers house, for he was a very vnhappy ladde, high minded, and a louer of chiualrie, for which cause he determined with himselfe to wander abroad to séeke aduentures. And at that instant happened two iorneys fit for his purpose & inclination. The one of them was to _Naples_ wyth _Gonsalo Hernandez_ of the Citie of _Cordoua_, who was a worthy man, & named the great captaine. And the other iourney was to the Weast India, with the Lorde _Nicholas de Ouando_, a knight of the order of _Larez_, who was then appointed for gouernour of those parties. And musing with himselfe which waye to take, determined to passe into _India_, chiefly bycause the gouernour was of his acquaintance, and such a one as would haue care of him. And likewise the great desire of gold made him to couet that voyage more than the Iorney vnto _Naples_. Now in the meane while that y^e fleet was preparing for _India_, it chaunced, _Hernando Cartez_ pretended to go vnto a certaine house in the night season to talke with a woman, and clyming ouer a Wall whyche was of weake foundation, both he and the Wal fell togither: So that with the noyse of hys fall, and ratling of his armoure which he ware, came out a man newly married, and findyng him fallen at hys dore would haue slayne hym, suspecting somewhat of his newe married wife, but that a certaine olde woman (being his mother in lawe) wyth great perswasions stayed him from that fact. Yet with the fall he fell into a grieuous Ague, and continued sicke for a long season, so that he could not procéede vppon his voyage with the gouernour _Ouando_. And when he had obtained and fullye recouered his health, he mynded to passe into _Italy_, And so toke hys way towarde _Valentia_, wandering here and there almoste a whole yeare wyth much necessitye and penurie, and then returned home againe to _Medellyn_, with determination to procéed vppon his pretended voyage of _India_: Wherevppon hys father and mother waying their sonnes estate, desired God to blesse hym, and gaue him money in his purse for his iorney.

The age of Cortez vvhen he passed _into India_.

_Hernando Cortez_ was of the age of nintéene yeares, in the yeare of Christ 1504. and then he went toward _India_, and agréed for his passage and victual with _Alonso Quintezo_ who went in companie of other four shippes laden with merchandise, whiche nauie departed from saint _Lucas de Barramedo_, with prosperous nauigation, vntyll they arriued at the Iland of _Gomera_ one of the _Canarie_ Ilands, where they did prouide themselues of all things necessarie for so long a voyage as they then had in hand.

[Sidenote: Comfort of God.]

_Alounso Quintezo_, being greedie of his voyage, and desirous to come to the Ilande of _Sainto Domingo_ before his fellowes, hoping to sel his commoditie the better, departed from _Gomera_ in the night season without knowledge giuing vnto his company. But incontinent after he had hoysed vp his sayles, arose vp so great a winde and tempest, that his maine mast brake, whereby hee was forced to retourne backe againe to the Ilande of _Gomera_. And he made earnest requeste to them of the other shyppes to staye for him, vntyl hee hadde mended his Mast, who friendlye and neyghbourlye graunted hys desire, and departed altogither, sayling in sight the one of the other certayne dayes: yet the sayde _Quintero_, seyng the weather stedfast, and harpyng vpon gaynes, flewe from his fellowes agayne. And where as _Frances Ninio de Guelua_ his pilote was not experte in that Nauigation, they knew not where they were at length: the Mariners did giue sundry Iudgements: the Pilote was in great perplexitie and sadnesse, their passengers lamented, and bewayled their unfortunate successe: the Master of the shippe layde the faulte to the Pilote, and the Pilote likewise charged the Master, for it did appeare that they were fallen out before. In this meane time their victuall waxed skant, and their freshe water wanted, so that they prepared themselues to die. Some cursed theyr fortune, others asked mercie at Gods hande, lookyng for death and to be eaten of the _Cariues_. And in this tyme of tribulation came a Doue flying to the shippe, beyng on good Friday at Sunne sette, and satte him on the shippe toppe: whereat they were all comforted, and tooke it for a myracle and good token and some wept with ioy, some sayd y^t God had sente the Doue to comforte them, others sayde that lande was neare, and all gaue hartie thankes vnto God, directing their course that way that the Doue flew: and when the Doue was out of sighte, they sorrowed againe, but yet remayned with hope to sée shortlye lande and on Easterday they discouered the Ilande of _Santo Domingo_, whiche was firste discried by _Christopher Zorso_, who cryed, lande, lande, a chéerefull voyce to the saylers. The Pilote looked out, and knewe that it was the poynt, or cape of _Semana_, and within foure dayes after they arriued in the porte of _Santo Domingo_, whiche was long wished for, and there they founde the other shippes of their company arriued many dayes before.

The time that Cortez abode _in Santo Domingo_.

Soone after that the Gouernoure _Ouando_ was in his regimente and office, _Cortez_ arriued at _Santo Domingo_, and the Gouernoures Secretarie, called _Medina_, receyued and lodged him, and also enformed him of the estate of the Iland, and aduised hym what was néedefull to doe, wishing that hée would be a dweller there, and that he should haue a plot to build vpon, with certaine ground for husbandry. But _Cortez_ his thought was cleane contrary, for hée iudged, that as soone as he came thither, he should lade with gold, whereby hée did little estéeme his friend _Medina_ his coüsell, saying, that he had rather goe to gather gold, than to trauell in husbandrie. _Medina_ yet perswaded him, that he shoulde take better aduisement, for to finde golde, was doubtfull, and very troubesome. This talke ended, _Cortez_ went to kisse the Gouernours handes, and to declare the cause of his comming, with other newes from _Estremadure_ the Gouernours Coütrey. The Gouernour friendly welcommed him, and also perswaded him to abide there, the which councell he accepted, and shortlye after wente to the warres, whereof was Captayne _Iaymes Velasques_, in the prouince of _Anigua Iaqua_, and _Guaca Iarima_, and other Lordships whiche were not as yet pacifyed wyth the late rebellion of _Anacoana_ widdowe, who was a gentlewoman of great liuing. _Ouando_ gaue vnto _Cortez_ certayne Indyans in the Countrey of _Daiguao_, and also the office of publike notarie in _Azua_, a towne whyche the Gouernour had builded, and there dwelt _Cortez_ fyue or syxe yeares, and began to play the good husband. Now in this meane season he woulde haue gone to _Veragua_, which was reported to bee maruellous riche, with the Captayn _Iaymes de Nicuesa_: but bycause of an empostume that he had vnder his righte knée, he went not, and as it happened, he was therein fortunate, for that thereby hée escaped great perils and troubles, whiche happened to them that went on that voyage and iourney.

Things that happened to Cortez in _the Ilande of Cuba_.

[Sidenote: Cortez escapeth.]

[Sidenote: The Gouernoure vvas sore afrayde.]

The Lorde _Iames Colori_ being Admirall and chiefe Gouernour of the new _India_, sent one _Iaymes Velasques_ to conquer the Ilande of _Cuba_, in the yeare .1511. And gaue vnto him men, Armour, and other thinges necessarie. And then _Hernando Cortez_ wente to that conquest as a Clearke to the Treasorer called _Michaell de Passamontes_, for to kéepe the accompts of the Kings fiftes and reuenewes, being so intreated and required by the same _Iaymes Velasques_, bycause he was holden for a man both able and diligente. And it followed, that in the repartition of the lands conquered, _Iaymes Velasques_ gaue vnto _Cortez_ the Indians of _Manicorao_, in coniunct company with his brother in lawe called _Iuan Xuarez_, wherevpon _Cortez_ did inhabite in _Saint Iames de Barucoa_, whiche was the first place of habitation in that Ilande, whereas he bredde and broughte vp Kine, Shéepe, and Mares, and was the first that hadde there any heard or flocke, and with his _Indians_ he gathered great quantitie of golde, so that in short time he waxed riche, and ioyned in company with one _Andres de Duero_ a Merchaunt, and put in two thousande Castlins for his stocke. He was also highly estéemed with _Iaymes Velasques_, and put in authoritie to dispatch businesse, and to giue order for edifices. In his tyme he caused a money house to be built, & also an Hospital. At that time one _Iuan Xuarez_ naturall of the Citie of _Granada_, carried to the Ile of _Cuba_ his mother and thrée sisters, whiche came to the Iland of _Santo Domingo_, with that vicequéene the Lady _Mary_ of _Toledo_, in Anno .1509. hoping to marrie them there with rich men, for they were very poore. And the one of them named _Cathelina_ was wont to say, That she shoulde be a greate Gentlewoman: it was eyther hyr dreames and fantasies, or else some Astronomer hadde made hir beléeue so, but hir mother was reported to bée very cunning. The maydens were beautifull, for which cause, and also being there but fewe Spanishe women, they were muche made of, and often feasted. But _Cortez_ was woer to the saide _Cathelina_, and at the ende married with hir: Although at the first there was some strife about the matter, and _Cortez_ put in prison, bycause he refused hir for his wife, but she demaunded him as hir husband by faith and troth of hand: wherein _Iaymes Velasques_ did stande hir friende, by reason of an other sister of hyrs which he had, but of an euil name. It so fell out that one _Baltazar Bermudez_, _Iuan Xuares_, and the two _Anthony Velasques_, with one _Villegas_ accused _Cortez_, that he ought to marrie with _Cathelina_, yet those witnesses spake of euill will many things, as touching y^e affaires cömitted to his charge, alleadging y^t he vsed secret dealing with certaine persons. The which causes although they were not true, yet they carried great colour thereof. For why? many wët secretly to _Cortez_ his house, complayning of _Iaymes Velasques_. Some bycause they had not iust repertitiö of the cöquered Indiäs, and other some not according to deserte. Contrariwyse _Iames Velasques_ gaue credit to his talebearers, bicause _Cortez_ refused to marrie w^t _Cathelina Xuarez_, & vsed vncourteous words vnto him in y^e presëce of many that stoode by, and also commaunded him to warde. And when _Cortez_ sawe himselfe in the stockes, he feared some proces of false witnesse, as many times dothe happen in those parties. At time conueniente he brake the locke off the stockes, and layde hand vpon the Sword and Target of the kéeper, and brake vp a windowe, escaping thereby into the stréete, and tooke the Church for Sanctuary. But when _Iaymes Velasques_ had notice thereof, he was greatlye offended with _Christopher Lagos_ the Iayler, saying, that for money he had losed him: wherefore he procured by al meanes to plucke him out of the Sanctuary. But _Cortez_ hauing intelligence of his dealing, did resiste and withstand his force. Yet notwithstanding one daye _Cortez_ walking before the Churche dore, and being carelesse of his businesse, was caught by the backe with a Serieant called _Iohn Esquier_ and others, and then was put aboorde a Shyppe vnder hatches. _Cortez_ was welbeloued among his neighboures, who did well consider the euill will that the Gouernour bare vnto him. But nowe _Cortez_ séeing himselfe vnder hatches, despaired of his libertie, and did verily thinke, that he shoulde be sent prisoner to the Chancerie of _Santo Domingo_, or else to _Spayne_, who being in this extremitie, soughte all meanes to get hys foote out of the chayne, and at length he gote it out, and the same nighte he changed his apparell with a ladde that serued him, and by the Pump of the Shippe he gote out, not heard of any his kéepers, climbing softly along the Shippe syde, he entred the Skiffe and went hys way therewith, and bycause they shoulde not pursue after him, he losed the Boate of another Shippe that roade by them. The Currant of _Macaguanigua_ a riuer of _Barucoa_, was so fierce, that he could not gette in with his Skiffe, bicause he had no help to row, & was also very werie, fearing to be drowned if he should put himselfe to the land, wherefore he stripped himselfe naked, and tyed a nyghtkerchiefe aboute hys head, with certayne wrytings apperteyning to his office of Notarie and Clearkshippe to the Treasourer, and other things that were agaynst the Gouernoure _Iames Velasques_, and in this sorte swamme to lande, and wente home to hys owne house, and spake with _Iohn Xuarez_ hys brother in law, and tooke Sanctuarie agayne with Armour. Then the Gouernoure _Iames Velasques_ sente hym worde, that all matters shoulde bée forgotten, and that they shoulde remayne friendes, as in tyme past they hadde bin, and to goe with hym to the Warres agaynste certayne Indians that hadde rebelled. _Cortez_ made hym no aunswere, but incontinent married with mistresse _Catalina Xuarez_ according to his promise, and to lyue in peace. _Iames Velasques_ procéeded on hys iourney wyth a greate companye agaynste the Rebelles. Then sayde _Cortez_ to hys brother in lawe _Iohn Xuares_, bryng me (quoth he) my Launce and my Crosbowe to the Townes ende. And so in that euening hée wente out of Sanctuarie, and taking hys Crossebowe in hande, hée wente with his brother in lawe to a certayne Farme, where _Iames Velasques_ was alone, with his householde seruauntes, for hys armye was lodged in a Village thereby, and came thither somewhat late, and at suche tyme as the Gouernoure was perusing hys Booke of charges, and knocked at his dore which stoode open, saying: Héere is _Cortez_ that woulde speake with the Gouernoure, and so wente in. When _Iames Velasques_ sawe hym armed, and at such an houre, he was maruellously afrayde, desiring hym to rest hymselfe, and also to accepte hys Supper: No Sir (quoth he) my onely comming is, but to knowe the complayntes you haue of me, and to satisfye you therein, and also to bée youre friende and seruitor. They then embraced eache other in token of friendship. And after long talke, they lay both in one bedde, where _Iames de Orrelano_ founde them, who went to carrie newes to the Gouernoure, how _Cortez_ had fledde. After this sort came _Cortez_ agayne to his former friendshyppe with _Iames Velasques_, and procéeded with him to the Warres, but afterwarde at his returne, he was lyke to haue bin drowned in the sea: For as he came from the Caues of _Bani_ to visite certayne of hys Shepheardes and _Indians_ that wrought in the Pines of _Barrucoa_ where his dwelling was, his _Canoa_ or little boate ouerthrew, being night, and halfe a league from land, with tempeste, wherby he was put to his shiftes, and forced to swimme, and happened to espye lyght that certayne Shepheardes had which were at supper néere the Sea side. By suche like perils and daungers, runne the excellente menne their race, vntill that they arriue at the Hauen where their good lotte is preserued.

The discouerie of nevv Spayne.

[Sidenote: Men tangled in foolish loue.]

_Fraunces Hernandes de Cordoua_ did first discouer _Xucatan_, going with thrée Shyps for _Indians_, or else to barter. These Shippes were sette forthe by _Christopher Morante_, and _Lope Ochoa de Saizedo_, in Anno .1517. And although he broughte home nothing at that time but stripes, yet he broughte perfect relation, how the Countrey was rich of gold and siluer, and the people of the countrey clothed. Then _Iames Velasques_ Gouernoure of the Iland of _Cuba_, sent the next yeare following his kinsman, called _Iohn de Grijalua_, with two hundred _Spanyardes_ in foure Shippes, thinking to obtayne much gold and siluer for his Merchandise at those places, which _Fraunces Hernandez_ had enformed him: So that _Iohn de Grijalua_ wente to _Xucatan_, and there foughte with the _Indians_ of _Champoton_, and was hurt. From thëce he entred the riuer of _Tauasco_, which _Grijalua_ hadde so named, in the whiche place he bartered for things of small value. He had in exchaunge golde, cloth of cotten wooll, and other curious things wrought of feathers. He was also at Saint _Iohn de Vlhua_, and tooke possession for the King, in the name of _Iames Velasques_, and there also exchanged his Haberdashe wares, for Golde, and Couerlets of cotten, and feathers: and if he hadde considered his good fortune, he would haue planted habitation in so rich a land, as his company did earnestly request him, and if he had so done, then had he bin as _Cortez_ was. But suche wealth was not for him which knew it not, although he excused himselfe, saying, he went not to inhabite, but to barter onely in traffike of his Marchandise, and to discouer whether that land of _Xucatan_ were an Ilande, or no. And finding it a mayne land, and populous, he left off for very feare. Likewise, some of his company were desirous to returne to _Cuba_, among whome, was one _Pedro de Aluado_, who was farre in loue with a woman of that countrey. So they determined to returne, with relation to the Gouernoure of suche things as hadde happened till that day, and sayled homewardes along the coast to _Panuco_, and so came to _Cuba_, to the greate griefe of many of hys company. Yea some of them wept, with sorrowe that hée would not abide in that rich countrey. He was fiue monethes vpon his voyage homewarde from land to lande, and eyght monethes till his returne to the Citie. But when he came home, the Gouernoure hauing hearde of his procéedings, would not looke vppon him, whiche was hys iust reward.

The Inuentorie of the treasure that _Grijalua brought for his wares_.

_Iohn de Grijalua_ bought of the Indians of _Potonchan_, _Saint Iohn de Vlhua_, and other places of that coast, suche thynges as made his fellowes farre in loue with the Countrey, and loth to depart from thëce. The workmäship of many of the things that they bought, was more worth than the thing it selfe, as this Inuentory perticularly doth shew.

The Inuentory.

A little Idoll of golde hollowe.

A greater of golde, with hornes and heare, with a string of beadestones aboute his necke, and a Flyeflappe in his hand, and a little stone for his nauell.

A péece of golde, like the patent of a Challice, garnished with stones.

A Skull of golde, with two hornes, and blacke heare.

Two and twenty earerings of golde.

Two and twenty péeces of an other fashion.

Foure bracelettes of golde very broade.

A payre of beades of golde, the stones hollowe, wyth a Frogge of golde hanging at the same.

Another paire, with a Lyon of golde.

A great paire of earerings of golde.

Two little Eagles of golde hollowe.

A little Saltseller of golde.

Two earerings of golde with Turkie stones.

A coller to hang aboute a womans necke, of twelue péeces, with four and twenty stones hanging thereat.

A great coller of golde.

Sixe little collers of golde thinne.

Seauen other collers of gold with stones.

Foure earerings of golden leafe.

Twentie fishinghookes of golde.

Twelue graines of gold, waying fiftie Duckets.

A headlace of gold.

Certaine thinne planches of gold.

A Potedge pot of gold.

An Idoll of golde hollowe.

Certaine thinne brouches of gold.

Nine beade stones of gold.

Two payre of gilt beades.

One payre of wodden beades guilt.

A little cuppe of golde, with eighte purple stones, and twentie thrée stones of an other collour.

Foure belles of gold.

A little sauser of gold.

A little boxe of gold.

Certaine smal collers of gold of smal value.

A hollow apple of gold.

Fourtie hatchets of gold mixed with copper, valued in two thousand fiue hundred Duckets.

A whole harneis or furniture for an armed man of gold thinne beaten.

An other whole armour of wood with leaues of golde, garnished with little blacke stones.

A certaine piece made like vnto a feather, of an hyde and gold ioyntly wrought.

Foure pieces of armour of wood made for the knées, and couered with golden leafe.

Two targets couered with feathers of many and fyne colours.

Diuerse other targets of gold and feathers.

A tuffe of feathers of sundry colours, with a little byrd in the middest, very liuely.

A wing of gold and feathers.

Two flyflappes of feathers.

Two little chamberpottes of Allabaster, beset with many trimme stones, and some fyne, & among them there was one esteemed at two thousand Duckets.

Certaine beades of tinne.

Fiue paire of woodden beades rounde and couered wyth a leafe of gold very thinne.

A hundred and thirty hollow bead stones of gold.

Many beades of woodde gilt.

A paire of Sissers of wood gilt.

Two gilt vissors.

A vissor of strange gesture of gold.

Foure vissors of wood guilt.

Foure dishes of wood couered with golden leafe.

A dogges head of gold beset with stones.

An other beastes head garnished with gold.

Fiue paire of rush shooes.

Thrée red hides.

Seuen rasors of flint stone, for to cut vp men that were sacrifised.

Two painted dishes of wood with an Ewer.

A garmët with halfe sléeues of feathers of excéeding fine colours.

A couerlet of feathers.

Many couerlets of cotten very fine.

Many other couerlets of cotten course.

Two kerchiefs of good cotten.

Many perfumes of sweete odor, much of that countrey fruite.

They also brought a gentlewoman that was giuen thë, and other prisoner _Indians_. And for one of them was offered hys weight in golde, but _Grijalua_ woulde not take it.

They also brought newes that there were _Amazons_ women of warre, in certaine Ilandes, and manye gaue credit, being amazed at the things that they had brought bartered for things of a vile price: as here-vnder appeareth the Merchandise that they gaue for al the aforesaid Iewels.

The Inuentorie of the Spanish Merchandise.

Sixe course shirts.

Thrée paire of Maryners breeches of lynnen.

Fiue paire of womens shoes.

Fiue broad leatherne girdels wrought with coloured thréed, with their purses.

Manye purses of shéepes skinne.

Sixe glasses a little gilt.

Foure brouches of glasse.

Two thousand beadstones of glasse greene.

A hundred paire of beades of diuerse colours.

Twenty wooddencombes.

Sixe paire of Sissers.

Fiftéene kniues great and small.

A thousand taylers nedels.

Two thousand pinnes of sorts.

Eight paire of corded shoes.

A paire of pinsers and a hammer.

Seauen red night cappes.

Thrée coates of colours.

A freese coate with a cap of the same.

An old gréene veluet coate.

An olde veluet cappe.

The determination of Cortez to prepare a _Nauie for discouerie_.

Bycause _Iohn de Grijalua_ was absent a löger season than was _Francisco Hernandez de Cordoua_, before his returne, or giuing aduise of his procéedings, the gouernoure _Valasques_ prepared a Caruel, and therein sent one _Christofer de Olid_, for to séeke _Grijalua_ with succor if néed wer, and gaue _Olid_ great charge, that he should returne with newes from _Grijalua_ with all spéede. But this messenger taried but a small while vpon his voyage, and saw but little of _Yucatan_, and not fynding _Grijalua_, he returned backe againe to _Cuba_, which returne happed not wel for the gouernour nor yet for _Grijalua_. For if he had procéeded forthe on his way to Saint _Iohn de Vlhua_, hee had then mette with whom he sought for, and likewise caused him to haue inhabited there. But he excused him self, alleaging that he had lost his ankers, and was therfore forced of necessitie to returne.

And as soone as _Olid_ was departed on that voyage, _Pedro de Aluarado_ returned to _Cuba_, wyth full relation of the discouerie, & brought many things w^t hym, wrought in gold, with strange coloured feathers, and cotton wool. The gouernour _Iames Valasques_ reioyced much to behold those principles: And all the Spaniardes of _Cuba_ wondered therat, and likewise to heare the whole relatiö of the iourney. Yet the gouernour feared the returne of his kinsman, bycause some of his companye that came sicke and diseased from those parties, saide that _Grijalua_ meaned not to inhabite there, and that the people and land was great, and also how the same people were warlike: likewise the gouernour feared the wisedome and courage of his kinsman. Wherevppon he determined to send thyther certaine shippes, with souldiers and armor and other trifling things, thinking chiefly to enrich himself by barter, and also to inhabite by force. He requested one _Baltazer Vermudez_ to take that voyage in hand, who accepted the offer, but he demaunded thrée thousand duckets for his furniture and prouision. Their gouernour hearing this demaund, answered, that in such sorte the charges would be more than the profite: And so for that tyme lefte off the matter, bycause he was couetous, and loth to spend, thinking to prouide an army at other mës cost, as he had done before, when _Grijalua_ went firste on that voyage, for at that time one _Francisco de Montezo_ did furnish one shippe. And also certaine gentlemen called _Alaunso Fernädez_, _Porto Carero_, _Alaunso de Auila_ & _Iames de Ordas_ with manye others, wente with _Grijalua_ at theyr proper costes and charges. It followed that the gouernour brake the matter to _Cortez_, & required that the voyage shoulde be set forth betwixte them, knowing that _Cortez_ had two thousand Castlyns of gold in the power of one _Andres de Duero_, a merchaunt, and also that _Cortez_ was a man diligent, wise, and of stoute courage. _Cortez_ being of haughtye stomacke, accepted both the voyage and the charges, thinking the cost would not be much .&c. So that the voyage and agréemente was concluded, whervpon they sent one _Iohn de Sanzedo_ to the kings coüsel and chauncery, resident in the Iland of _Santo Domingo_, who were then religyous persons to haue and obtain of them licence, fréelye to goe and traffike into those parties of newe discouerie, and also to séeke for _Iohn de Grijalua_, for they imagyned that wythout hym small trafficke woulde bee hadde, whyche was, to exchaunge trifles of Haberdashe for golde and syluer. The chiefe rulers of gouernemente at that tyme in y^e kings counsell there, were these following, _Segniour Aloüso de Säto Domingo_, _Segniour Luys de Figueroa_, & _Segniour Barnardo de Munsanedo_, who graunted the licence, and appointed _Hernando Cortez_ for captaine Generall of the voyage, and setter forth in company of _Iames Velasques_. They also appointed a Treasurer, and Surueyour to procure for the kings portion or parte, whych was according to custome one fifte parte. In thys meane season _Cortez_ prepared hymselfe for the Iourney, and communed wyth hys especiall friendes to sée who woulde beare hym companye: And hee founde thrée hundred men that agréed to his request. He then bought a Caruell and Vergantine, and another Caruell that _Pedro de Aluarado_ brought home. An other Vergantine he had of _Iames Valesques_: he prouided for them armour, artillery, and other Munition: hee brought also wyne Oyle, Beanes, Pease, and other victuals necessarye: he toke vp also vppon hys credite, of one _Iames Sauzedo_ muche Haberdashe, to the value of seauen hundred Castlyns in golde. The gouernour _Velasques_ deliuered vnto hym a thousande Castlyns whyche he possessed of the goods of one _Pamfilo de Naruaiz_ in hys absence, alleaging that he had no other money of hys owne proper. And beeyng in thys manner agréed, the Articles and Couenauntes were drawen and set downe in wryting, before a Notary, called _Alounso de Escalantes_, the thrée and twenty day of October _Anno_ .1518.

[Sidenote: The cöming home of _Grijalua_.]

[Sidenote: The gouernour an old enemy.]

[Sidenote: Courage of _Cortez_.]

In this meane time arriued at _Cuba_, _Iohn de Grijalua_, vpon whose arriuall, the gouernour chaunged his purpose and pretence, for hee refused to disburse any more money, nor yet would consent that _Cortez_ should furnish his Nauie. For the onely cause was, that he ment to dispatch backe againe his kinseman and his army. But to behold the stoute courage of _Cortez_, his charges, and liberalitie in expences, it was straunge, and to sée how hee was deceiued. And also to cösider, the flatterie and deceite of his aduersarie, yea what complaints were made to the Lord Admiral, saying that _Cortez_ was subtil, high minded, and a louer of honor, which were tokës that he wold rebel, being in place conuenient, and that he woulde reuenge olde griefes. Also it grieued _Vermudez_ that he had not accepted y^t voyage, vnto whö it was once offered, seing the great treasure that _Grijalua_ had brought, & what a rich land the countrey newely discouered was. Also he pretended that y^e gouernor would be chieftain of y^e fléet, although his kinesman were not fit for y^e roome. The gouernor also thought y^t he being slacke, _Cortez_ would also be slacke. But yet he séeing _Cortez_ earnestly procéed, he sent one _Amador de Larez_ a principal mä, to intreate him to leaue off y^e voyage (cösidering y^t _Grijalua_ was returned) and y^t he would pay him al y^e costs & charges y^t he had layd out. _Cortez_ vnderstäding the gouernors minde, made answere vnto _Larez_, y^t he wold not leaue of the Iorney, for very shame, nor yet breake the agréement made. And also if _Valasques_ would send a Nauy for his owne account, he woulde be contente, for (quoth he) I haue alreadie my licence and dispatch of the fathers & gouernours. And thë he conferred with his friendes, to knowe their mindes if that they would fauour and beare him cöpany, at whose handes he found both ready helpe and friendshippe. Hee sought then for money, and toke vp vpon his credit foure M. Castlyns in gold, of his friend _Andreas de Duero_, & of _Pedro de Xerez_ & others. With y^e which money he bought two ships, 6. horses, & much apparel, & began to furnish a house & kepe a good table for cömers & goers: he went also armed like a captaine, & many wayting & attëding vpon him, whereat diuerse murmured, saying that hee was a Lord without rente. In thys meane whyle came _Grijalua_ to the Cittie of Sainte _Iames de Cuba_: but hys kinseman the gouernour woulde not loke vppon hym bycause he had lefte and forsaken so riche a lande. Also it grieued him inwardlye that _Cortez_ procéeded thitherward so strong and mightye, and coulde by no meanes disturbe or lette hym, and to sée the greate traine that wayted vppon hym wyth manye of them that had byn the other voyage with _Grijalua_: yea if that he should disturbe him, bloud shedde would follow in the Citie. So that he was forced to dissemble his sorow. Yet (as many affyrme) hee commaunded that hee shoulde haue no victuals solde vnto hym. Nowe _Cortez_ departed from thence, proclayming himselfe for General, and that the gouernour _Valasques_ had nothing to doe wyth hys Nauie, requesting his soldiers to enbarke themselues wyth such victuals as they had. He also bargayned wyth one _Fernando Alfonso_ for certaine Hogges and Shéepe that were prepared for the shambles, and gaue vnto hym a chayne of golde and brouches for payment, and also moneye, to pay the penaltie that the butcher fel into for not prouiding the Cittie. And so he departed frö Saint _Iames de Baracoa_ the eightéenth of Nouember, with about thrée hundred Spaniardes in sixe shippes.

The nauie and men that Cortez caried _with him to the Conquest_.

_Cortez_ departed from Saint _Iames de Barocoa_ with small prouision of victuals for suche a number of men, and also for the nauigation whyche as yet was vncertaine. And beeyng out of that parte, he sent _Pedro Xuarez Gallinato_ with a Caruell to _Iaymaica_ for vittailes, commaunding him, that those things which he should there buy, to goe therwith to _Cape de Corrientes_, or to _S. Anthonies_ point, which is the farthest part of that Iland Westward. And he himselfe wente with his companye to _Macaca_, and boughte there greate quantitie of bread, and some Hogges, of one _Taymaio_. Then he procéeded to the Trinitie Ilande, and there boughte an other Shippe of one _Alonso Guillen_. And of perticulare persons he bought thrée Horses, and fiue hundred bushels of Corne. And being there at roade, he had aduice, that _Iohn Nonez Sedenio_ passed that way with a Shippe laden with victuals, for to make sale thereof at the Mynes. Wherevppon he sente _Iames de Ordas_, with a Caruel well armed, for to take him, and to bring him vnto _S. Anthonies_ point. _Ordas_ went and tooke him at the Channell _de Iardines_, and brought him to the place appointed. _Sedenio_ broughte the register of his marchandise, whiche was greate store of bread, Bacon, and Hennes: _Cortez_ gaue him chaynes of golde, and other pieces for payment, and a bil for the rest. In consideration whereof, _Sedenio_ wente with him to the Conquest. In the Trinitie Ilande _Cortez_ gathered togyther two hundred men more, who had bin in _Grijalua_ hys company, and were dwellers in that Iland, and in _Matancas_, _Carenias_, and other Villages, and sending his ships forward, he went with his men by land to _Hauana_, which was then inhabited on the South side in the mouth of the riuer called _Onicaxinall_, but there they would sell him no prouision, for feare of the Gouernour _Velasques_. But yet one _Christopher Galsada_ rentgatherer to the Byshoppe, and receyuer for the Popes Bulles, solde to him great store of Bacon and bread of that Countrey called _Maiz_, and other prouision, whereby his fléete was reasonably prouided .&c. And then he beganne to distribute his men and vittayles aboorde eache vessell in good order. Then came _Aluarado_ with his caruell, with his other friendes _Christopher de Olid_, _Alonso de Auila_, _Francisco de Monteio_, & manye others of _Grijalua_ hys company, who had bin to talke with the Gouernoure _Velasques_. And among them came one _Garnica_ so called, with letters for _Cortez_ from _Velasques_, wherein he wrote, desiring him to abide there, for that he meant to come himselfe, or else to send vnto hym, to treate of matters profitable for them both.

[Sidenote: A snare layde for Cortez.]

Also, the sayd Gouernour sente other secret letters to _Iames de Ordas_ and others, requiring them to apprehende and take prisoner _Cortez_. Nowe _Ordas_ did inuite _Cortez_ to a banket aboorde his Caruel, thinking by that meanes to catche _Cortez_ in a snare, and so to carrie him prisoner to the Citie of _Saint Iames de Barocoa_, but _Cortez_ vnderstood the matter, and fayned hymselfe to be very sicke, and also fearing some vprore, he went aboorde his Shippe Admirall, and shot off a péece of Ordinance, giuing warning to his Nauie to be in a readinesse to make sayle, and to follow him to _Saint Anthonies_ poynte, whiche was done with expedition, and there in the Towne of _Guani Guaniga_ he mustered his men, and found fiue hundred and fiftie Spanyardes, whereof fiftie were Marriners. He deuided them into eleuen companies, and appointed these persons following for Captaynes, that is to say, _Alonso de Auila_, _Alonso Fernandez Porto Carrero_, _Iaimes de Ordas_, _Francisco de Monteio_, _Francisco de Morla_, _Francisco de Salzeda_, _Iohn de Escalante_, _Iohn Velasques de Leon_, _Christopher de Olid_, and one _Escouar_, and he himselfe as Generall tooke one Company. He made these many Captaynes, bycause his whole fléete was eleuen sayle, and that eache of them shoulde seuerally be Captayne, both of Shippe and men. He also appoynted for chiefe Pilote _Antonio de Alamines_, who had taken charge before with _Francisco de Hernandez de Cordoua_, and _Grijalua_, &c. He carried also 200 _Indians_, borne in y^e Ile of _Cuba_, to serue and to carrie baggage, & also certayne _Negros_ with some _Indian_ womë, and sixtéene Horses & Mares, with great prouision of Bacon, corne, bisket, hennes, wine, oyle, pease, and other fruites, w^t great store of Haberdash, as Belles, necklaces, beades of glasse, collers, points, pinnes, purses, nedels, girdels, thredde, kniues, sissers, pinsars, hämers, hatchets, Shirts, Coyfes, headkerchiefes, handkerchiefs, bréeches, coates, clokes, cappes, Marriners bréeches, all y^e which Merchädise be deuided amög his nauie. The Ship Admiral was of the burthen of a hüdred Tunnes. Other thrée Shippes of the burthen of eightie Tunnes the péece. All the residue were small withoute ouerloppe, and vergantines. The deuice of his ensigne or aunciente, was flames of fire in white and blewe, with a redde crosse in the middest, and bordred round with letters, in the Lattine and Spanishe tongs, which signified this in effect: friends, let vs follow the Crosse, and with liuely faith with this standerde we shall obteyne victorie. The premisses (as ye haue hearde) was the furniture that _Cortez_ prouided for his iourney, and with so small a thing he conquered so greate and mightie an Empire, & strange Countreys, vnknowen at that time. There was neuer Captayne that did with like army ouercome so infinite a people, & bring both thë and their coütrey vnder subiectiö. He caried no money to pay his souldiers, but was rather much indebted to others at his departure. And to say the truth, there néeded any money to make pay to those souldiers that went to the Cöquest, for if they shuld haue serued for wages, they would haue gone to other places néere hand. But in _India_, euery one pretëdeth y^e state of a noble man, or else great riches. Now all y^e fléete being in readinesse (as ye haue hearde,) _Cortez_ began an exhortation to his cöpany as followeth.

The Oration that Cortez made _to his Souldiers_.

My louing fellowes and déere friendes, it is certayne that euery valiant manne of stoute courage, doth procure by déedes to make him selfe equall with the excellente men of his time, yea and with those that were before his time. So it is, that I do now take in häd such an enterprise, as godwilling shall be héereafter of greate fame, for myne heart doth pronosticate vnto mée, that we shall winne greate and rich Countreys, and manye people, as yet neuer séene to anye of oure nation, yea and (I beléeue) greater Kingdomes than those of oure Kinges. And I assure you, that the desire of glory dothe further extend, than treasure, the whiche in sorte, mortall life doth obtayne. I haue now prepared Shippes, Armor, Horses, and other furniture for the warres, with victuall sufficient, and all things that are vsed as necessary in Conquestes. I haue bin at greate costes and charges, wherein I haue not onely employed myne owne goodes, but also the goodes of my friendes, yet me thinketh that the employmente thereof dothe encrease my treasure and honor. We ought (louing fellowes) to leaue off small things, when great matters doe offer themselues. And euen as my trust is in God, euen so greater profite shall come to our kings, and a nation of this oure enterprise, than hath héeretofore of any other. I doe not speake how acceptable it will be to God our sauiour, for whose loue I do chiefly and willingly hazard my goods and trauel. I will not nowe treat of the perils and danger of life that I haue passed since I began this voyage. This I say, that good men doe rather expect renoune, than treasure. We doe now attempt and begin warre that is both good and iust, and the almighty God in whose name and holy faith this voyage is begonne, will assuredly graunte vnto vs victory, and the time will shew the end of things well begonne. Therefore we will now haue an other manner in our procéedings, than eyther _Cordoua_ or _Grijalua_ hadde, whereof I meane not nowe to dispute, for the presente time doth hasten vs away, but at our arriuall, we will do what shall séeme vnto vs conuenient. Héere déere friends do I lay before you great gaynes, but wrapped in greate trauell, yet _Vertue_ is an enimie to idlenesse .&c. Therefore if you will accept hope for _Vertue_, or _Vertue_ for hope, and also if ye forsake me not, as I will not forsake you, I will with Gods help make you in shorte time the richest men that euer passed this way. I doe sée you are but fewe in number, but yet such men of haughtie courage, that no force or strength of _Indians_ can offende. Likewise wée haue experience, that Christ our sauiour hathe alwayes fauoured our nation in these parties. Therfore my déere friendes, let vs now in Gods name depart ioyfull, exspecting good successe, according to our beginning .&c.

The entrance of Cortez into the _Iland of Acusamill_.

[Sidenote: The feare of the Indians of Acusamil.]

[Sidenote: Hovv the people vver found]

[Sidenote: A facte vvorthy of prayse.]