Strange Battel.
Potanchanum, a City.
ColvacanBooks, of what fashion, as also their Temples.
HereCortezsent Articles of Peace toTaxmarusthe King of the Countrey, but he sleighting his proffer, came down upon him into the Field with forty thousand Men, drawn from the CityPotanchanum, which contain’d above twenty thousand Houses, all built of Stone: And indeed theSpaniardshad here seen their last day, had notCortezdrawn by a seeming advantage the Enemies under his Canon, and sent his small Party of Horse to attend the motion of the Rear; when so soon as they had fir’d their Canon, making great Execution, the Front routed, and the Rear terrifi’d with the noise and smoke of the Guns, they also broke, being at the same instant Charg’d with the Horse, which were so terrible to them that never saw Horses, nor such Service on Horseback before, that in a short time the whole Body of so great an Army was utterly dissipated, and the triumphing Conquerors took possession of the empty CityPotanchanum, where Solacing, they staid a whole Moneth. Then from hence they Sail’d toColvaca, where, upon the request of the Natives, they settled a Colony. Amongst the Presents which were there given to theSpaniards, were some of their own Volumes, Books, whose Leaves were made of the innermost Rind of a Tree, and a kind of Paste, made of their Meal, glew’d together; the Characters stood at some distance one after another, rang’d like ourChrist-Cross Row, orA,B,C.
HereCortezwas amaz’d to behold their stately Temples, the Floors whereof were cover’d with Embroyder’d Tapestry, beset with Precious Stones, to which great multitudes flock’d, being very zealous to perform their Devotions.
When their Seed is put into the Ground, or come to its full growth, they offer young Children to theirZemez, richly Cloth’d, having been fatten’d some Weeks before: When they want Children they kill their Slaves, and in default of them, they pacifie them with Dogs.
Strange Sacrifices.
TheVictimsthat go to be Sacrific’d, they Worship with all Adoration, Bowing and Congying before them.
Strange Idol-Worship.
Their Zeal in this their Idol-Worship may appear from a strange Custom, observ’d by them when they enter their Temple,viz.they either draw Blood out of their Tongues, Lips, Ears, Breast, Knees, or Palm of their Hands, which they throw into the Air, supposing thereby to be pardon’d by their indulgent Gods.
Zempoal, a City.
In the CityZempoal,Cortezfound five Slaves, who being kept close Prisoners, were to be Sacrific’d the next day; but he releasing them, did upon the importunate request of theQuines, or Priests, and promises of great ransoms, and their telling of him that theZemezwould spoil all their Seed and Plants that year, if they did not go on with these Offerings, restor’d the Prisoners again; who, though the enjoyments of all happinesses in the other World were promis’d them by their Priest, and great assurance given thereof; yet they were not forward, but return’d, unwilling to suffer, though by so gainful a Sacrifice.
Zemezwonderful Idols.
At theZemezFeet hung abundance of Mens Bones bundled up together, and under them were Written the Names of their Enemies, whose Flesh had been either Sacrific’d or eaten.
Cortezhis Exploits.
Twelve Leagues beyondZempoal,Cortezbuilt a new City near the RiverGrisalva, and call’d itVera Crux, whichDiego Velasquesresented so ill, it beingdone without his knowledge, that he petition’d the Council ofCubato give Sentence of Death against the Founder: But whilstCortezexpected an answer from the Embassadors (which were sent to theSpanishCourt to give account of the necessity of building a City there) he travell’d eighty Leagues Westerly. TheZempoalensersaccompanied him in great Troops, hoping by that means to shake off the yoke of the mighty KingMontezuma, against whom they were then design’d.Cortezcoming into the Territory ofSincuchimalar, was in the Name ofMontezuma, by one of his Princes, courteously entertain’d in a great Village, scituate on a steep Mountain, without any Path or Way leading to it, but by two high Ladders.Sincuchimalarlies surrounded with Hills, whose tops seem to touch the Clouds. Coming down from the Village, they travell’d through a barren and cold Valley, where they suffer’d such great Inconveniences by want of Provisions and Water, and exceeding coldness of the Weather, that many of them perish’d. After that, they ascended a pleasant Hill, on whose summit stood a Chappel, with a handsom Steeple, and hedg’d about with great heaps of Wood, brought thither by the Inhabitants for the use of their Sacrifices. At the foot of this Mountain was a fruitful Valley water’d by a pleasant River, on whose Banks a certain Prince nam’dCacataminushad a Palace, built of Stone, and containing many Rooms, and convenient Lodgings. Somewhat higher to the Land, appear’d more of the like Structures, which were all underMontezuma’s Jurisdiction; but the neighboring CountreyTlaxcalla, whose Inhabitants were famous for their Valor, would never receive any Laws fromMontezuma.
Remarkable War inTlaxcalla.
Cortezno sooner set footing in this Countrey, but he was set upon by a thousand of the Inhabitants, who at the first Assault kill’d two of theSpanishHorse, yet after this bold Charge, the Assailants fled, and on the next day desir’d Peace; whereupon theSpaniardsmarch’d quietly into the Countrey, when a confus’d Company, or Forlorn-Hope, making a horrible Noise, set upon them; but after a slight Skirmish, they fled to their Main Body, which immediately drawing up, being at least a hundred thousand, hemm’d in the handful ofSpaniards, and so were ready to swallow them, leaving them no Angle to escape at. Thus invironed, they were assailed on every side, fighting till Sun-set, and had undoubtedly been utterly destroy’d, had notCortezply’d his six Pieces of Cannon, discharging continually Volley after Volley upon them; and though the Execution was very much, yet the Sound and report of their Ordinance was more terrible to them that were out of the reach of the Bullet, and made more to the gaining so great a Victory, Fear conquering more than Slaughter; so that by the Evening, despairing either of their Safety or better Fortune, the whole Army disbanding fled: But the pursuing Conquerors firing five of their Villages, remain’d Masters of the Field; yet they, though thus totally routed, taking fresh Courage (a wonderful thing!) reinforc’d them, and set upon theSpanishCamp, with no less than 150000 Fighting Men: Yet notwithstanding so vast an Army,Cortezso well order’d his small parcel of Men, and so valiantly led on upon all Advantages, that he in like manner defeated this, as they thought, Invincible Preparation. Thus flesh’d with so much Blood of the Natives, he raged every where, giving no Quarter where-ever he went.
Mean whileQuesitangal, a neighboring Prince, having also raised an Army with which he design’d, being assisted by darkness, craftily to fall into theSpanishQuarters by Night, subtilly dissembling, sent Embassadors the day before,with several Presents, and Overtures of Peace, which indeed were onely Spies, to take notice where they might best break in upon them; whichCortezmistrusting, and soon being inform’d of the whole Design, he cut off the Spies Hands, so sending them back toQuesitangalwith Defiance: Hereupon theIndiansimmediately setting forward, took advantage of the ensuing Night, and with great fury fell upon theSpaniards, who preacquainted with the Design, were in so good a posture to receive them, that not able to endure such hot Service, they quickly retreated, and utterly gave over the Enterprize: ButCortezas much encourag’d by these Victories, pursu’d them, and the same Night Storm’dTlaxcalla, a City containing above twenty thousand Houses, which in few Hours he carried. This City was curiously built, of bak’d Stones, and a place of great Trade; insomuch that the Market-places swarm’d with Buyers and Sellers, bartering one with another all manner of Provisions, as Fish, Flesh, and Bread, also Plumes of Feathers, Pearls, imbroyder’d Tapestry, Chalk, Stones, Timber, and Herbs.
Twenty daysCortezstaid here to refresh his Army, and then march’d to the neighboring CityChiurutical, with the Auxiliary Forces of theTlaxcallans, to the number of above a hundred thousand; they told him, That the People ofChiuruticalhad barricado’d up their Streets, laid upon the tops of their Houses great heaps of Stones, that their upper Rooms were cramm’d with Archers, and all things made ready both for Offence and Defence; which Advertisement he not much hearkned to, because he was conducted into the City with all their State-Formalities of Singing and Tabering upon theirTamboes, and every where courteously entertain’d.
A Plot strangely discover’d.
Strange Martial Affairs.
Mean whileMontezumahad rais’d a great Army, which were in their advance, not onely to the defence of his Border, but to surprize them while they staid in that City, the Townsmen having invited him thither to their rescue and his own defence, had not the Plot been accidentally discover’d by aChirutecanWoman, who giving advice to one of her Friends that follow’dCortez, that he should immediately make his escape, because that all the Strangers would be destroy’d within few Hours, who came and inform’dCortezthereof; whereupon he desir’d all the Magistrates of the City to come and speak with him, who no sooner entred the Hall where he was, but his Men by Command immediately shot them to death, which terrible Rumor spreading, and alarm’d with the report of the Executing Musquets, the City was suddenly in an Uproar, gathering thither Arm’d from all Places, and began a sharp Conflict, which lasted five Hours; but then wearied out, and despairing of Success, loosing their Courage, they desir’d a Cessation, and at last concluded Peace with theSpaniards.
NowMexico.
This News of his discover’d Intention, so startledMontezuma, that he suppos’d it better to desist, and procure the Favor ofCortezby Presents; wherefore he sent him 15000 Cotton Habits, trim’d up very richly, ten great Chargers of Gold, and some Vessels of Wine, desiring him for a while to forbear his Intentions of marching toTenustitanhis Chief City, and that he would in the mean while treat with him for an Accommodation. ButCortez, though he accepted of the Presents, yet nevertheless held his Resolution of marching on.
Wonderful MountainPopocatepeque.
Resolution of twoSpaniards.
Eight Leagues fromTenustitanhe saw the double-spired MountainPopocatepeque, so call’d from the Smoke which continually ascends from its top; forPopocasignifiesA Smoke, andTepeque, A Mountain. The Smoke rises upright, andwith so much strength, that by the greatest Wind it deviates not one jot from mounting upwards in a direct Line, to whose forked Head tenSpaniardsresolv’d to climb; but having got scarce half way up, they were forc’d to return, the Ashes lying knee-deep; yet at last two more resolute conquer’d all those Difficulties, and got to the top, where the mouth of the Cave, as they guessed, measur’d four Miles in Circumference: The shaking of the Mountain, and roaring of the Flames, frequently bursting forth, so much terrified them, that they staid not long there; for, as we said, the Ground not onely trembled under them, but the Fiery Gulph ejected great Stones, which falling down on all sides of the Mountain, rolled to the bottom; and without doubt they had there perish’d, had they not speedily run to a hollow neighboring Hill, from whence they came at length to the rest of their Company, where they were admir’d by theIndiansfor their undaunted Resolution, and presented with several rich Gifts. TheseIndianshad a Tradition, That for wicked Princes, and such as had not govern’d the People well, this was theTophetappointed for their Torments.
Strange Cities inAmerica.
A very strange Cawse-way.
Cortezbeing got through the poor Territory of theGuazazingers, and having suffer’d great Cold upon the Mountains, discover’dAmaquameca, the chief City of the ProvinceChialco, seated in a great Lake, to which he row’d in a kind of Boats, by the Inhabitants call’dAcales. Passing from thence, he was courteously receiv’d inIztapalapa, another City, which boasts above eight thousand Stone Buildings, besides admirable Palaces, with spacious Rooms, delightful Gardens, and Ponds full of Fish, and almost cover’d with Fowl; from whence a Wall or Cawse-way of a great breadth, that cross’d over both Land and Water, led fromIztapalapatoTenustitan. This Cawse-way hath many Bridges, which are drawn up in time of War, under which the Water runs out of a Salt Lake into a Fresh, that ebbs and flows, although lying between high Mountains, and seventy Leagues from the Sea.
On both sides this Wall, being ten Leagues in length, appears three greatTowns,viz.Mesiqualisingo,Colvacana, andVuichilabusco, all Populous, and well-built.
How they make Salt.
Colvacanais supplied by the Salt Lake, to its no small benefit and inriching; for the Water being by Pipes convey’d into the City, in all the Places and Cisterns for its reception makes a Scum, which being coagulated by the Sun, and after boyl’d, becomes Salt, with which they drive a great Trade; for no Salt being to be had in any place but here, all Foreign Merchants come thither for Supply.
Remarkable Passage of KingMontezuma.
Cortezbeing in his March within a League and a half ofTenustitan,Montezuma, preceded with a thousand of his Nobless, came to meet and salute him, all of them rather like Pilgrims, bare-footed, and congying, kissing their right Hands, with which they first kiss’d the Ground: After them appear’dMontezumahimself, who put a Chain of Gold, imboss’d with Pearls, aboutCortezhis Neck, and immediately conducted him to the City, where having entred, and being come into the Palace,Montezumaplac’dCortezon a Golden Throne, and surrendred up his Right to his Catholick Majesty ofSpain, in the presence of all his Peers, to their no small amazement.
But whilst all things had a good face, and went on thus fairly beyond their expectations,Cortezwas inform’d, That KingCoalcopocahad a Design on the new CityVera Crux, and had treacherously murder’d two of the Garrison, and wounded two more: WhereuponCortezhaving such fair beginnings, who had swallow’d already in his Hopes the whole Empire and Wealth belonging toMontezuma, laid hold of this Occasion, pretending Treason, and breach of Contract; wherefore he putMontezumaunder Custody, notwithstanding he had clear’d himself of the Conspiracy, by bringingCoalcopoca, with his Sons, and fifteen of his Peers, Prisoners toTenustitan, who by the command ofCortezsuffer’d a lingering death, being all burnt with Green Wood. But in vain didMontezumathink to reconcile himself withCortez, since all he did could render no manner of satisfaction; however he continu’d to oblige him by fresh Favors, whose Relation we will be more particular in, as meriting the same.
Vetus MEXICO
Description of the Royal CityTenustitan.
Cacaos, what manner of Fruit.
Stately Temple.
Horrible Images.
Montezuma’s Grandees seem’d to be much discontented, because he had without the least resistance or consideration setled a handful of Strangers to domineer over his whole Dominions, by which his weakness and pusillanimity, he was now a Prisoner, like a common Malefactor, who had formerly govern’d so mighty Territories. Amongst several Princes which seem’d thus to be concern’d, wasCatumazinGovernor of the ProvinceHacolvacanwho had he not been surpriz’d and attaqu’d the Night before by the information and discovery ofMontezumahimself, he would have hazarded the ruine of allCortezhis Successes: But now Fortune still daily more smil’d, giving wonderful Advantages to theSpaniards; Silver and Gold continually flowing like Rivers from all Quarters, that their onely trouble and puzzle was where and how to dispose it: but yet for all this, they were not free from jealousie, thatMontezuma’s Forces might swallow theirs, though he was secur’d; of which you may judge by the vastness of his Imperial CityTenustitan, seated in the Province ofMexico, where a Salt Lake mixes its Waters with a fresh River, both which in circumference contain, as we said, seventy Leagues, and distant from the Main Land five or six Miles; the Water about it continually cover’d with small Boats rowing up and down. It hath four Stone, besides DrawBridges in several Places, and strengthned with Gates no less artificial than costly, which lead from the City to the Main Land. The Fresh Water is convey’d through the Salt in a Wall’d Channel, out of which none may take up Water, except they pay Excise to the Kings Farmers. This City boasts above sixty thousand Houses, all divided into Islands, but joyn’d with great Wooden Bridges: The Market-place surrounded with Galleries, drives a quick and constant Trade, being always full of Buyers and Sellers. In every Street they have a publick Inn, in each of which they keep Ordinaries, wherein the Tables are stor’d with well-dress’d Flesh and Fish, not wanting plenty of Wine. Their Trades are divided into several Companies, and they have their peculiar Places to dwell in. They deal very much inCacaos, a Fruit not unlike an Almond, which beaten to Powder, and prepar’d with several other Ingredients, gives name to that excellent Drink now in use with us, call’dChocolate: They grow onely on moist and warm Grounds, and are us’d so currently in Trade, that they go in stead of Money. Amongst many beautiful Edifices, their Guild is very magnificent, wherein twelve Judges, attended by a considerable number of Officers and Servants, sit daily, hearing and determining all manner of Causes. The next is their Chief Temple or Minster, built quadrangular, all of Free-Stone, having four Portals, opening into the four principal Streets or Triumphs, that end at the four Stone Bridges. On the Walls, being of an exceeding height, stand several Turrets, so high, that they seem to hide their Spires in the Clouds; and have Apartments, wherein the Priests Diet, Lodge, and Study, which are ascended by Marble Steps. These Religious Persons are generally of Noble Extract, which at seven years old are carried thither, where leading a very strict Life, they never come forth to see the World, till they enter the State of Matrimony. The famousColossus, that stood over theRhodianHaven, between whose Legs all Ships did Sail, that came in or went out of the Harbor, cannot stand in competition with the stupendious IdolVuichilabuchichi, whose Head touches the Arch’d Ceiling of the high Temple. Near his stand several lesser Images, made of Meal and all sorts of Herbs bak’d together, and kneaded with Mens Blood. Along the Walls are exceeding dark Vaults, in which the Priests onely walk; over them are large Halls, full of Presentations of their Gods, which serve for the Burying-places of their Kings.
WhilstCortezandMontezumawere viewing the Temple, twoSpaniardsrush’d suddenly into one of the Cells, where they found abundance of Lamps and Torches burning, and the Walls bedaub’d two Inches thick with Humane Gore: Over-head hung vast numbers of their Sacrificing Knives; and the stench of the place was intollerable.
Grandeur of the Kings inTenustitan.
Strange Garden-houses.
ButCortezgoing on,Montezumaand his Attendants resented it very hainously, that he pull’d down some of their Idols, and durst presume to look in the Kings Face; for those People bear so great Reverence to their Kings, that none dares so much as once look up in their presence: His Council stand bare-footed, stooping with their Faces bow’d almost to the Ground before him: Four times a day they change their Apparel; and a Suit which they have once worn, is put to no other use, but presented to such Soldiers as have done some eminent Service. Whatever manner of Chargers, Dishes, Pots, Cups, and other Vessels the Emperor is serv’d in at his Table, are every Meal new. The King hath inTenustitanthree great Structures, whose Magnificence, for Cost and rare Architecture, can hardly be parallell’d. The first is the Residence for all deform’d People: The second, anAviaryfor all manner of Birds and Fowl,being a spacious open place, Roof’d with Nets, and surrounded with Marble Galleries. The third, being a Den for Wild Beasts, was divided into several Rooms, wherein were kept Lions, Tygers, Wolves, Foxes, and all manner of Four-footed Animals.
Spaniardsbeaten afresh.
Remarkable Exploits ofCortez.
Tenustitan, orMexico, taken.
But whilstCortezhaving staid waiting eight Months inTenustitan, for the return of the Messengers sent to theSpanishCourt, receiv’d Tidings, ThatPamphilo Narvaecy, by order ofVelasques, was come with eighteen Sail, Mann’d with eight hundred Foot, and eighty Horse, fromCuba, and now riding before theMexicanCoast; from whence soon after he receiv’d unexpected Command, to come presently aboard unarm’d, and resign up his Authority: But he in stead of submission, compell’dNarvaecyin a short time to relinquish his Title, and own him for Superior. Mean while theSpaniardswhich remain’d in possession ofTenustitan, ran the hazard of a general Massacre; for the Citizens much stomacking the Oppressions of theSpaniards, who grew very insolent, inslaving their King, bringing their inveterate Enemies theTlaxcallansandGuazuzingansinto their City, exacting them to pay Tributes, pulling down their Gods, and demolishing their ancient Idols, they brake out from all Parts in a tumultuous manner, ran to Arms, and besieg’d them Day and Night in their Fort, althoughMontezumaendeavor’d to perswade the contrary.Cortez, hearing of it, came to their relief with the New Forces Landed fromCuba; but he fighting his way ere he could get in, was so roughly entertain’d by theMexicans, that they kill’d him forty Men, wounding as many more; and notwithstanding fifteen Field-pieces with continual Shot made foul Breaches, lessening the number of the Assailants, yet they suddenly fill’d up their Vacancies again with fresh Men, which clamber’d over the Heaps of those that lay slain. Three Days the Battel had continu’d very fierce, whenMontezumabeing with theSpaniardsin the Castle, went to a low Window, to see if he could command his Subjects to retreat; but a continual Cry so deafned their Ears, and showres of Arrows and Stones so took away their sight, that he did nothing:ThenMontezuma, thinking to be more easily either heard or seen, went to a higher Window, where looking out, he was unfortunately hit with a Stone, of which he died three days after. Besides their Enemies, theSpaniardssuffer’d extremely by Famine; and though they had beaten down a Tower, which had done the Castle great mischief, and set five hundred Houses on fire, yet they could discern no likely issue thereof, but judg’d it best to make their escape by Night over the nearest Bridge:Corteztherefore dividing his gotten Treasures, which amounted to above seven hundred thousand Duckets, amongst his Soldiers, carriedMontezuma’s Son, and two Daughters, Prisoners with him, though not without infinite danger and loss; for theTenustitansassail’d him on both sides, and falling in also upon his Rear, spar’d not to killMontezuma’s own Children. In this last Fight the Service was so hot, thatCortezlost forty two Horse, a hundred and fiftySpaniards, and two thousand Auxiliaries; and although gotten over the Lake, they were still pursu’d by theMexicans, who would then undoubtedly have made a general Slaughter, had notCortezamused the Enemies, by leaving in the Night great Fires in several Places, his suppos’d Camps, whilst he silently stole away: Yet theTenustitanswould have pursu’d theSpaniards, had they not wanted Provisions: ButCortezsending his Treasure before him, through the CountreyColva, toVera Crux, with a Convoy of five Horse, and forty four Foot, were all cut off by theColvaans, and feasted upon in a Thanksgiving Sacrifice. The same misfortune befel twelveSpaniardsinTepeacu, which great City surrendred it self up toCortez, being assisted by a mighty Army ofTlaxcallansand others. But after all these Losses, he tookGuaccachiulla, andIzzuca, both fortified with strong Walls and Gates; in which last he burnt above a hundred Temples, built for Humane Sacrifices. All the Countrey through which he thus ransack’d, he call’dNew-Spain. From the CityTazuco, which he had newly taken, intending to besiegeTenustitan, he digg’d through the Lakes a broad Trench, of above three Leagues in length, to bring up thirteen new Ships toTenustitan; and the neighboring People envying, that that City should not be conquer’d, as well as theirs, rais’d an Army of above a hundred and fifty thousand Men, makingCorteztheir General: Himself incamped on one corner of the City, appointing the other two sides to be invested byGonsales Sandovalo, andPedro Avarado; but the Besieg’d resolutely broke out, and made a fierce Sally with five thousand Boats, setting upon the thirteen Ships; but the great Guns made such execution and havock amongst them, that they retreated with great damage. Whoever were taken Prisoners in this Fight by theSpaniards, theTlaxcallans, being Commission’d byCortez, feasted upon. On the seventh day the City was taken, but not without great Slaughter, and the new King imprison’d.
Sad accident occasion’d by aTyger.
After this mighty Conquest,Cortezresolv’d to discover those Territories that lay Southward; and whilst he was making all things ready for the Voyage, he sent two Ships with an invaluable Treasure toSpain, who fearing to be taken by theFrenchPyrats, ran in atTercera, where a miserable Accident hapned to the Seamen of the biggest Ship, wherein were carried two Tygers, which though taken young, and bred up amongst men, yet had not so quite forgotten their natural ferocity, but that one breaking loose in the Night, tore seven of them in pieces, hurting a far greater number, of which some had the Brawns of their Arms, the Calves of their Legs, and fleshy parts of their Thighs bit out.
Strange Battel with Baboons.
Several Places inAmericabreed Tygers, that far exceed Lyons in fierceness;so that where any considerable number of them frequents, though the Soil be never so fruitful, yet it is left desolate and forsaken. But the Baboons that frequent the Woods are more pleasant, and less dangerous.Peter Ariasrelates, That his whole Army incountred with these Beasts, which climb’d from one Tree to the other, shrieking, and making very strange Gesticulations to those that were gone before, and gathering their Mouths and Hands full of Stones, which they threw as exact and strongly as a Man. When one of these Baboons, shot by a Musquet, fell to the Ground, the rest gave such a horrible shriek, that the Woods resounding with the noise, strook a terror into theSpaniards. Amongst several things that hapned in this Counter-scuffle, take this one: ASpaniardtaking aim with his Musquet at an old Baboon, which sate pearch’d up in a Tree, and being now just ready to give Fire, the Baboon Soldier, at the very instant, to break the Shot, taking a Stone out of his Mouth, threw it exactly into the Mans Mouth, with such force as beat out some of his Teeth; with which sudden blow surpris’d, he lost his Mark; and the proud Foe, shewing signs of Triumph, went his way.
Great destruction.
The unfortunate Expedition ofGarajus.
Spaniardsrosted.
Cortezhis Ambition.
But whilstCortezstaid in the Countrey ofTenustitan(now call’dMexico)Franciscus Garajussail’d out of the Haven ofJamaica, with eleven Ships, to the RiverPanucus, there, according to the Command of the EmperorCharles, to plant a Colony: Whereupon he went ashore, ordering his Fleet to sail along in sight of Land: So wading through the RiverMontaltus, which glides between high Mountains, he came to a Morassy Ground, in which he and they often sunk almost up to the Middle, and lost his way in a Thicket of young Trees; yet at last being come to the RiverPanucus, he found several high Walls, being the Ruines of Fortresses, Temples, and Towers, destroy’d byCortez; so that the City lay quite desolate. Twenty Leagues further, upon the Banks of the same River,Cortezhad in like manner sack’d and destroy’dChiglia, a Town which before its burning reckon’d above twenty thousand Houses, besides many fair Palaces, Walls, Towers, and Temples: Which Cruelties and Spoil had bred so great anOdiumin the Inhabitants against theSpaniards, that they immediately sent an Army againstGarajus, who had only a few half-starv’d Men with him; yet he receiv’d the Enemy twice in his Retreat to the new ColonySt. Steven, rais’d out ofChiglia’s Ruines; but finding no Provisions where-ever he came, he judg’d it fittest to send his Horse into the Countrey to Forage; whichCortezmeeting, took Prisoners, under pretence thatGarajuscame to take Possession, where he had neither Authority nor Right.Cortezalso made himself Master ofGarajusShip and Fleet, commanding him withal to appear inTenustitan, which not knowing how to avoid, he obey’d: His People mean time ranging up and down without a Head or Commander, either died by Famine, or were murther’d and eaten by the Natives; for at one time theAmericansmade a general Feast with two hundred and fifty rostedSpaniards: But their days of Triumph lasted not long; forSandovalus, one ofCortezhis Prime Officers, set with so much fury upon thoseCannibals, that he kill’d several thousands of them, and burnt sixty Persons of Prime Quality, all Commanders, in the sight of their Friends and Relations. ButGarajus, whose Son was married toCortezhis Daughter, liv’d not long after the Wedding, which occasion’d a murmur as ifCortezhad poyson’d him, to rid himself of a Partner in his Government; for it had been generally observ’d, that his Ambition suffer’d no Equal. TheAmericansfell all down before him; all were Servants alike: The Court which he kept swarm’d with Attendance, on which he spentvast Sums of Money; yet his Incomes were able to bear such excessive Disbursements. He kept in constant Pay five thousand Soldiers, and several Ships ready rigg’d and prepar’d on all occasions, to hold in awe the enslav’d People, or else for the Discovery of New Countreys: Yet after all these extraordinary Charges defray’d, to shew his Wealth and Greatness, he caus’d a Piece of Cannon to be cast all of massie Gold: for the Kings which formerly acknowledg’dMontezumafor their Sovereign, gave him a yearly Revenue, most of which were valu’d to be worth twenty three Tun of Gold; for so much the King ofTescuscus, a stately City, paid, whose Houses Plaister’d with White-Lime, seem’d afar off to be rather a Chalky Hill or Mountain, cover’d with Snow: Full as much did the King pay which reigned inOtumba, notwithstanding he had receiv’d with hisChristianitythe Name ofFerdinand Cortez; yet others gave less: The KingGuacinalgo, with his Mother, and some Slaves, bringing Gold, came to present it toCortez; and entring the Palace, through a Guard of five hundred Horse and four Hundred Foot, which were always ready Arm’d for fear of Insurrections, he fell down prostrate on the Ground. Thus all things even out-went whatever he could desire, hope for, or imagine. AndAlvaredo, one of his Commanders, being sent Eastwardly, brought great Treasures back with him, which the conquer’d Kings were forc’d to raise.
His Misfortunes.
But Fortune, who seldom continues her Favors long, at last began to frown; forCortezhaving sent an unvaluable Treasure of Gold and Pearls to the EmperorCharlesthe Fifth,FloryntheFrenchPyrate met with and took it, which went so much to his Heart, that for a considerable time he sent no Advice to theSpanishCourt, which made them grow jealous of him, doubting that he intended to make himself King overNew-Spain; and this Suspicion was not a little augmented by his Enemies.
A Plot of twoSpanishOfficers.
In the Neck of these, follow’d another Misfortune; forChristopher Olitus, sent out byCortezto discover new Countreys, rebelling, took up Arms against him, being then in the HavenFigueras, five hundred Leagues beyond. Notwithstanding theSpaniards, although amongst a new-conquer’d People, which without doubt long’d for Revenge, were not to take notice of their danger, but to go on with undaunted Resolution; whereuponCortezdrawing out a strong Party, march’d a long and troublesom way to meetOlitus, making great Slaughters where-ever he came.Francisco de las Casaswas commanded to go upon the same Account by Sea, and arriving first, found him setling his new Colony, which he nam’dTriumph de Sancta Crux; and notwithstanding the Water with a Northerly Wind was very rough and boysterous in the HavenFigueras(which theSpaniardscall’d so, because they found Trees there, which growing at the Foot of the Mountains, bore a Fruit not unlike a Fig) yet they came to a present Engagement, whereinCasasworstingOlitus, having sunk one of his Ships, stood out again to Sea; but surpriz’d by a violent Storm, and driven on the Shore, fell intoOlitus’s Hands, who had a little before also takenEgidíusorGiles Gonsales. These two Prisoners consulted together how they might poyson or murderOlitus, which fell out according to their desires, because the Servants of the House where they lodg’d sided with them; so taking hold of the first opportunity, as they were at Supper together, they stabb’d him with their Knives in several places; yet the Wounds were not so great or mortal, but that he retain’d strength to escape in the dark to a neighboring Hut; but the Assassinates immediately sent out Messengers, publishing, That he who did not, knowing whereOlituswas immediately bring him to them, shouldreceive condign punishment; which terrifyingOlitus, he discover’d himself, and was immediately beheaded.
MexicansApparel.
During the time that theSpanishOfficers had these Civil Broyls one against another,Lodowick Pontæus, a Man well experienc’d in the Law, came fromSpaintoAmerica, there in the Emperors Name to settle all things in good order; having also particular Instructions, to shew great kindness toCortez, and to make him a Knight of the Order ofSt. James, that by that means the Emperor might be the more esteem’d for his Noble Subjects and Servants, amongst theMexicans, who are themselves of a proud and ambitious spirit, and chiefly the Nobility, which doth manifestly appear by their Apparel, more gorgeous than the meaner sort ofAmericans; and though the Slaves go stark naked (having onely a Cloth tied about their Privities) and with a Bowe and Arrows walk before their Lords, yet the Better Sort go very costly Habited; for about their Necks they wear Strings of Pearl; on their Heads, a Cap, from whence hang down two Scarfs, one longer than the other; then a party-colour’d Cotton Coat covers their whole Bodies to their Knees, under which they wear a Vest girt about their Middle.
But at last, after all these Services,Cortezdisagreeing with the Vice-RoyDon Antonio Mendoza, being about that time sent over, went male-contented intoSpain.
Gottierezcontests withContreras.
Anno 1540.Gottierezbeing chosen Governor ofNew Carthage, weigh’d AnchorIs forsaken of all.fromCadiz, and sailing toNombre de Dios, upon his Landing clash’d withGreat Tempest.Roderick Contreras, in whose Place he was sent to succeed. Two Years he spentVillageFrancisco.without effecting any thing; but at last coming to Agreement withContreras,Strange manner of eating.he took the Governorship upon him, having first forewarn’d him not to dependUnsatisfied Covetousness ofGottierez.too much upon his Authority; for the Countrey being full of Woods and Mountains, might hide many of his Enemies: But he not regarding the Advice, went a Journey fromNew Granada, and having march’d fifty Leagues Easterly, he cross’d into the RiverSuere, with sixtySpaniards, and was presented by the Princes of the Countrey with as much Gold as amounted to seven thousand Duckets. Here he spent some Weeks, effecting little; but now all things growing scarce, though he was very earnest with the Natives for Provisions, yet he could get little; which kind of Life the Soldiers disliking, and growing weary of, went away in the Night toNicaragua.Gottierezthus left alone, got into a Boat, with intent to follow them; and being just put off from the Shore, was met by CaptainBarjanto, who brought new Forces and fresh Provisions with him: This wrought upon him to stay there. Not long afterAlphonso de Pisawent with twenty seven Men fromNombre de Diosto the same RiverSuere; but it being then very rough at the Entrance, he was necessitated to pass on to a small uninhabited Isle, where whilst he lay at an Anchor, the Weather began to grow worse and worse; the Gusts of Wind, mix’d with Showres of Rain, Thunder, and Lightning, seem’d to threaten a general Destruction; for in the Ship twoSpaniardsand oneMoorwere kill’d by the Lightning: In seventy two Days, the Sun did not shine four Hours: At last weighing Anchor, he sail’d over to the Main Land, where he saw nothing but vast Mountains and Wildernesses. Here for a time they liv’d upon Cockles found on the Shore, and wild Fruits in the Woods: At length coming toGottierez, he sent him with his People in five Boats to fetch new Forces fromNombre de Dios. In his way thither he saw a House built of Canes, cover’d with Palm-leaves, forty five Paces long, and built after an Oval fashion: Round about it stood several lesser Hovels, all which making up a Village, theSpaniardsnam’dFrancisco, because they came thither onSt. FrancisDay. About half way they met with the Lords ofSuereandChiuppa, going to attendGottierez, to whom being admitted, and sitting with him at Table, he gave them, as a Dainty, rosted Chickens and fresh Pork; but they gave it to their Servants, not delighting in the taste of such Victuals.Gottierez, by means of an Interpreter, told them concerning theChristian Religion, at which they bow’d their Heads, without making any Answer: But how little mind they had to embrace it, quickly appear’d; for not long after, they set their Villages on fire, and all the Provisions which they could not carry with them, they spoil’d, and so retiring, hid themselves upon inaccessible Mountains. Another Incentive leading them to this Fight, was, because the GovernorCamachiren, and his Deputy (notwithstanding he had givenGottierezas much Gold, when he came first into the Countrey, as amounted to seven thousand Duckets, as we mention’d before) yet was put in Prison by his Order, contrary to all Promises: Nay,Gottierezthreatned to burn him not regarding, that he had besides receiv’d of him several Pieces of Gold, resembling all manner of Beasts, as Tygers, and others; and also Fishes and Fowls curiously wrought, which were valu’d at two Tun of Gold; yet this Present seemed too little for him, whereupon bringing the Prisoner to a Chest, he swore that he would rost him by degrees, if in four days time he did not furnish him with four times as much more Gold as that Chest would hold: WhereuponChamachiren’s Servants went away to get the requir’d Gold; but he, through carelesness of the Watch, made his escape in the Night, so thatGottierezlost his Booty. But the other Prisoners, though threatned to be torn asunder with Dogs, remain’d firm,disowning that they had any Gold; and among the rest, one speaking boldly to theSpanishOfficer said,That he stood amaz’d at his treacherous dealings, why did he keep him Chain’d against Law and Promise, and often threaten’d him with death, but yet would not kill him, for he, said he, had rather choose to die, than live so miserable a life.
Gottierez’s Conscience troubling him, he would willingly have releas’d theIndian, and the rather, because he promis’d to procure a great ransome of Gold; but the inferior Commanders would not consent to it. After this they march’d six days through great Wildernesses, and over high Mountains, finding no Footsteps of any People. Lastly, They came down a very dangerous and steep Mountain, where had not the Shrubs and jutting Stones serv’d them to hold by, they had all broken their Necks.
Dangerous Mountains.
Strange Huts.
Fifteen Leagues, the hanging of this Mountain spread it self along a sweet River, on whose opposite Shore stood strange Huts full of dead Tygers, Deers Heads, and Legs; here they staid two days to rest themselves, where the TreesMameiand theCazabiPlants yielded them good Food.
Valiant fight.
Travelling forward,Gottierezask’d anIndianwhich was the nearest way to a Village, but he pretending not to know any near hand, had his Head immediately cut off. In like manner, and for the same reason theIndianPrince should also have been Executed, had notGottierezgiven order to the contrary; seeing his resolution, that with no less Patience than undaunted Courage, stretch’d forth his Neck to the Executioners. Mean while, their Provisions decreasing, they suffer’d extreme hunger; insomuch, that some fainted quite away. The Souldiers also rebelling againstGottierezfor Food, he commanded them to kill their Dogs, and stamp the Barks of Trees; two days they travelled much discontented in this manner, and at last came to the entrance of a Wood, where they espy’d anIndianstanding behind a Tree, which on a sudden ran away with incredible swiftness: early the next morning, above four thousandIndianscame Marching against the faintSpaniards, making a terrible noise with Horns and Drums; they were all except their Princes Painted black and red; some wore Plumes of Feathers on their Heads, and Collars of the same about their Necks; the fight began very fiercely, by casting abundance of Stones, and shooting of Arrows, wherein, thoughGottierezwas at first Wounded, yet after half an hour the Assailants fled, but recruited with fresh Forces renew’d the fight, breaking into their Ranks, and making so great slaughter amongst them with Woodden Swords, and Palm-Tree Clubs, knocking down, and dealing such deadly Wounds, that of theSpaniards, three onely escap’d, saving themselves by flight, who two hours after, much amaz’d and terrify’d, came to their reserve, consisting onely of twenty four Men, whichAlphonso de RisaCommanded; the insulting Enemy at their Heels, waving over their Heads the Swords, Shields, and Cross-Bows which they had gotten from the slainSpaniards; and some withal crying in theSpanishTongue,Come Christians, come, and take Gold. Butde Risa, for all their pride, set them going with some Volleys of Shot; after this, escaping innumerable other dangers, he came toNombre de Dios, without having effected any thing of Note.