Hernando Cortes

On the following day they reached the territory of the friendly Tlaxcalans. They dreaded lest they should find a change in their relations, but their fears were groundless. That noble and magnanimous people remained as faithful as if the Spanish power and fortunes had suffered no calamities. Among these people the Spaniards rested, recovering from their hardships and caring for their wounds. All devoted themselves to recreation save Cortes, notwithstanding he had striven and suffered more than any of them. He had no time to think of rest. He was engaged upon plans for the future and soon was delighted to find that good fortune had not yet abandoned him.

Velasquez, the governor of Cuba, had so little doubt that Narvaez would succeed with the strong force entrusted to him that, without waiting for news, he sent him two more vessels loaded with supplies and munitions. As they were sailing past Vera Cruz the commanding officer there induced them to enter the harbor. He easily took possession of the vessels and just as easily persuaded the men to enter Cortes’ service. This was not all that fate turned to his advantage. Not long after this, three other vessels of unusual size, belonging to a fleet which the governor of Jamaica had fitted out for discoveries, appeared on the same coast. Their commander unfortunately took a course toward the northern provinces of the Mexican Empire, whose people were both poor and warlike. He was very inhospitably received and after a long series of misfortunes at last succeeded in reaching the harbor of Vera Cruz. His men were also induced to enter Cortes’ service. In this way Cortes received such accessions of men and material that his past losses were nearly made good. He felt strong enough now to resume his great plans for the conquest of the Mexican Empire. With his faithful allies, the Tlaxcalans and other Indian tribes which had united with him, he was now at the head of an army of ten thousand men.

In the meantime the Emperor Cuitlahua had died suddenly of small-pox. After his death the electors were summoned to choose his successor. Their duty at this critical time was one of the most serious responsibility. The chief priests implored the blessing of their highest deity in the following appeal:

“O God! Thou knowest that the days of our Emperor are ended, for thou hast placed him under thy feet. He tarries in the place of rest. He has traversed the road we all must go. He has gone to the house where we must all follow—the home of eternal darkness which no light enters. He tarried but a few days in his Empire, for we had enjoyed his presence but a few days when thou summoned him to follow his predecessor. He is therefore grateful to thee for freeing him from such a hard burden and sending him peace and rest. Who shall now care for the welfare of thy people and the empire? Who shall be appointed the judge to administer justice to thy people? Who shall sound drum and pipe to call the old warriors and the mighty to battle? Our Lord and our Protector, willst thou in thy wisdom select one worthy to sit upon the imperial throne, to bear the heavy burden of sovereignty, to love and console thy poor people, as a mother loves and consoles her children? O merciful God, shed the light of thy countenance upon this, thy kingdom. Ordain that in all and through all, the honor shall be thine.”

The choice fell upon Guatemozin. He was a nephew of both the late Emperors and when he came to the throne was not over twenty-five years of age. Young as he was, he had had much military experience and had distinguished himself in many bloody campaigns. He hated the Spaniards as Hannibal hated Rome, and, as soon as he heard of the organization of his enemy’s army, he assembled an extraordinary force of fighting men from all the provinces at the capital, with whom he determined to fight to the last drop of blood. Cortes, who was aware of his preparations, realized that he must encounter great difficulties and dangers, but he faced them with his usual courage. Boldly and enthusiastically he began the march upon Mexico at the head of his greatly increased army.

Chapter XIV
Cortes Builds Vessels for a Land and Water Attack—A Conspiracy against his Life is Discovered—The Capital is Attacked

As Cortes approached the capital of the Province of Tezcuco, messengers met him with signals of peace and urgently invited him in the name of their cacique to make his night quarters in the city where everything possible would be furnished for the comfort of himself and his men. The invitation was accompanied with the request that Cortes might be pleased to have his Indian auxiliaries camp outside the city. There being some reason to doubt the sincerity of the cacique’s intentions, he decided to avail himself of the invitation at once but at the same time to take every possible precaution and make his entrance immediately, which was accomplished at noon of December 31, 1520. As soon as he had occupied the best and largest area of the city he deposed the cacique who had stood by the Mexicans and been false to the Spaniards. He put in his place the man who was declared by the people to be the most worthy. This man, Ixtlilxochitl, was young and amiable, and of such a noble and distinguished presence that Cortes could not refrain from embracing him and assuring him of his friendship. He also decided to make his headquarters in the city until all his arrangements for the conquest of Mexico were completed.

The Mexicans at this time were in a very good state of defence. At the places where the causeways had been cut, strong bulwarks and breastworks were constructed to prevent the enemy from using floating bridges. The new Emperor, Guatemozin, had armed many of his warriors with bows and very long spears with which they could defend themselves at a considerable distance. Besides this they had a countless number of canoes, so that they could attack from every side. Cortes knew that he could not think of capturing this really strong city until he had a flotilla of small craft with which to dispose of these canoes. But how was he to get them? There were only three or four ship-carpenters in his entire army. All the building material would have to be procured in the Tlaxcalan forest, and his whole Spanish force would not be sufficient to convey it from there to Tezcuco. But the greater the difficulties which confronted this extraordinary man, the stronger was his determination to overcome them. A large number of Tlaxcalans were assigned to his carpenters for manual service. While the necessary material was being prepared, Cortes began to make himself master of the whole region surrounding Mexico in order to cut off the unfortunate capital from subsistence. He overpowered some of the towns by force and induced others by mild means to enter into an alliance with him. Guatemozin regarded the defection and loss of his faithful vassals with sorrow and indignation and sought—but in vain—to prevent it. But his great heart did not waver in the manly determination to defend his capital to the last drop of blood.

In the meantime a danger impended over the head of Cortes which threatened a tragic end to his undertaking and his life. The soldiers of Narvaez had willingly joined Cortes, but they did so with the expectation that in a short time and without much danger they would secure untold treasures. The destruction of their hopes and the prospect of all the dangers they must encounter in an attack upon Mexico created great dissatisfaction with Cortes and bitter regret that they had decided to follow him. Villafanga, a common soldier, but a smart, venturesome fellow, who was still loyal to Velasquez, took advantage of his comrades’ discontent to hatch a plot which contemplated nothing less than the murder of the general and his leading officers, the choice of a new leader, and return to Cuba. The plan was as follows: While Cortes and his leading officers were at table a large packet of letters from Vera Cruz should be brought in. The conspirators, under pretence of desiring to hear from their country, would crowd about the general while he was opening the packet, and suddenly slay him as well as all the others who had been selected as victims. All was now ready for the accomplishment of their black purpose. The following day was selected and the conspirators, of whom there were a large number, had made their plans so secretly that neither Cortes nor his friends had the slightest suspicion of them. At the last moment, however, a fellow conspirator, who had been one of Cortes’ men from the start, was suddenly seized with remorse. His conscience stung him so fiercely that at last he ran to Cortes’ quarters and made a clean breast of the whole matter.

Cortes was astonished but quickly decided what to do. In company with some of his officers he went at once to Villafanga’s quarters. His unexpected appearance at such a time and place so surprised the would-be assassin that he could neither deny his guilt nor think of a defence. He was instantly seized. Cortes snatched a paper from him, which he was attempting to conceal in his bosom, and, concluding that it related to the conspiracy, stepped aside a minute to examine it. It contained a list of the conspirators, which filled him with surprise. But he wisely concealed it and appeared as if he were not aware that any one else was implicated. He reserved punishment for the principal offender, and as his confession made any further investigation unnecessary, he was hanged the same night in front of the house where he had been arrested.

On the next morning Cortes summoned his entire force and informed them of Villafanga’s treachery and the penalty which had been inflicted, but added that, notwithstanding all his efforts, he had not discovered any of his accomplices, as Villafanga had been persistently silent even under torture. He assured them that as far as he was concerned he was pleased with this secrecy for it would have given him great pain to have delivered any more of his companions into the hands of justice. He closed his address by appealing to them to tell him in what way his operations had been a disappointment or how he had incurred the indignation of his comrades, so that he might correct his mistakes then and there. The hearts of the guilty ones were relieved by these words. They breathed freely again and in their joy at being undiscovered resolved at every opportunity to display to their leader still greater and more steadfast loyalty.

Cortes knew, however, that idleness may ruin the best of men. He bestirred himself, therefore, to provide new occupation for these turbulent ones so that they might have no opportunity for indulging evil fancies. His good luck attended him again. He was informed that the building material for thirteen vessels was ready to be brought from the Tlaxcalan forests to Tezcuco. As the transporting had to be made by Indian carriers and a strong guard was needed to protect them from the Mexicans, the repentant conspirators were selected and the watchful, brave, and true Sandoval was placed in command of them. The journey was one of the most difficult they had ever undertaken. Eight thousand tamanes, loaded with beams, planks, masts, ropes, sails, and iron-work, went in the middle. A force of fifteen thousand Tlaxcalan warriors escorted them in the advance, rear, and on both flanks, among whom the Spanish soldiers were distributed to keep them in order and accustom them to regular marching. The entire line was more than a mile long. Sandoval placed himself at the head of the force and assigned the command of the leading column to Chichimekatl, a young Tlaxcalan leader, for the proud and fierce Xikotenkatl was no more. He could not endure the thought of submission to the foreigners and incited a revolt. But his purpose failed, his own people arrested him, and his own father, a second Brutus, pronounced the death penalty and turned him over to the Spanish general, that the penalty might be inflicted. But Cortes, reluctant to consent to the death of the young, fiery patriot, pardoned him, set him at liberty, and took him with him on the march to Mexico. But even this magnanimous treatment did not move his proud heart. He improved every opportunity to denounce the plans of the Spaniards with republican outspokenness, and to prejudice his people against them. His companions informed the Tlaxcalan High Council of his conduct, which in turn notified Cortes that he was striving to raise a revolt in the army and that by the law of their land he deserved the death penalty. It was now incumbent upon Cortes to deal with him severely for if he returned to Tlaxcala he would not be mercifully treated. Cortes, however, once more told the obstinate young man that if he came to him and performed his duties he should suffer no injustice. But the Tlaxcalan would not consent, and when Cortes sent the guard to bring him by force he resisted and defended himself until at last he fell dead from many wounds. Such was the tragic end of a man who under other circumstances might have been, perhaps, a Hannibal or a Cæsar.

The expedition had a march of fifteen miles before it, and the way led mostly through a rough and mountainous region. Large bands of Mexican soldiers frequently appeared but when they saw that the Spaniards were always ready for attack, they withdrew. At last Sandoval, after a march of extreme difficulty, had the good fortune to arrive safely at Tezcuco, where he was received with open arms by Cortes. While they were engaged in constructing the vessels, another fortunate event occurred. Some time previously Cortes had sent some of his officers to Hispaniola to bring him reinforcements if possible. He had long been anxious for their return, and had long been disappointed, but at last the glad news came that four vessels with large reinforcements had arrived at Vera Cruz from Hispaniola. They brought two hundred soldiers, eighty horses, two cannon, and a great quantity of powder and ammunition. The building of the vessels was now pushed forward with the utmost zeal. Although the Mexicans from time to time attempted to hinder the work and to burn them on the stocks, their efforts were frustrated by Cortes’ watchfulness and the bravery of his soldiers. At last the vessels were finished and launched and as the wind filled their sails a joyous shout was raised, announcing the important event to the whole surrounding region.

Cortes now decided to attack the city from three sides and divided his army into as many columns. Sandoval was given command of the first, Alvarado of the second, and Olid of the third. The first was to advance from Tezcuco, the second from Tacuba, and the third from Kajahuakan, while Cortes himself, commanding the vessels, was to support them. The three took the positions assigned them and began the advance. Alvarado and Olid on their march destroyed the fine aqueducts which brought the sweet mountain water from many miles away into the island city. The water famine which followed was only the beginning of the many hardships with which the unfortunate people had to contend. From this time on, not a day passed without some fierce encounter. The vessels had to attack a vast swarm of small canoes and the land troops an equally vast swarm of the enemy at the causeways. The frail canoes were soon destroyed or driven ashore, however, but in the encounters at the causeways little was achieved. The Spaniards attacked with the utmost vigor the bulwarks erected to protect the openings, but every night they were forced to retire to the mainland, while the besieged every night restored what they had lost during the day. Notwithstanding all this bloodshed, they made no progress from day to day, and the fatigue of the Spaniards and their allies each day was so great that they began to fear they would gradually succumb.

Chapter XV
The Spaniards Lose Heavily in Battle—The Prisoners are Sacrificed—Some of Cortes’ Allies Desert but Soon Return—The City of Mexico Captured—Guatemozin Attempts Flight but is Taken

Cortes, realizing that the battle could not be continued in this wise, decided to end the long and wearisome struggle with one bold venture. He arranged for a general attack at a designated time (this was about the end of May, 1521) and ordered each of his commanders to advance into the city with his division, in spite of all obstacles, and post himself there. He himself took command of the force which was to attack the causeway of Cojohuacan, determined to let nothing stop him from reaching the city. The eventful day came. The leaders placed themselves at the head of their troops and the tragedy began. It was a thrilling spectacle, the irresistible advance of the Spaniards and the stubborn resistance of the Mexicans. Nothing could withstand the onset of Cortes. He carried one defence after the other in desperate charges, cut down or shot down everything before him, and pursued the flying enemy into the city.

Guatemozin, who had been informed of all that was transpiring, rejoiced at the imprudence of the enemy as he realized the advantage it placed in his hands. He immediately ordered several strong detachments to march by different roundabout ways to the abandoned causeways, enlarge the openings as much as possible, and hold their positions there. The rest of his warriors, who were engaged in a hand to hand struggle with the enemy, gradually fell back in order to lure the excited Spaniards farther into the city. His cunning scheme was successful. Assuming that his orders had been executed, Cortes without hesitation drove the enemy from one street to another and at last reached the very place where Guatemozin was awaiting him with the flower of his warriors.

Suddenly, at a signal from the Emperor, the hollow boom of the war god’s sacred drum was heard from the adjacent temple—a sound which always filled the Mexican with indescribable rage and utter contempt of death. In an instant the Spaniards, to their astonishment, found themselves attacked on all sides so furiously that with all their courage and skill they were unable to withstand it. They began falling back slowly in close ranks and maintaining the defensive, but as the numbers of the enemy increased every moment and their attack grew more furious, they gradually began to seek safety in flight. At last their ranks broke. All, Spaniards and Tlaxcalans, foot-soldiers and horsemen, fled in disorder to the nearest causeway where their terror was still further increased by finding the enemy in possession.

Cortes vainly sought by commands and entreaties to check the disorderly flight and restore order. They neither saw nor heard anything. Their only impulse was to save themselves in any way they could. They jumped into the openings in squads. Many of them were drowned and others were captured or killed by the enemy in their canoes, for unfortunately this part of the lake was too shallow to allow the Spanish vessels to come to their assistance. Cortes was greatly alarmed at the danger of his troops but gave not a thought to his own. While striving to rescue some from the water and others from the hands of the enemy, he was suddenly seized by six stout Mexican chiefs and dragged away in triumph. Two of his officers, seeing what had happened, determined to save their commander by sacrificing themselves. They dashed into the midst of the enemy, struggled and fell, but not until they had killed those who were holding Cortes. He was freed and made his escape, although pitifully disfigured and at the cost of his officers’ lives, which pained him more than his wounds. A thousand Tlaxcalans and over sixty Spaniards were lost, many were captured, while among those who escaped there was hardly one who was not injured in some way.

Cortes’ position was now most critical. His people were completely discouraged and the enemy was correspondingly encouraged. They grew so bold indeed that on the next morning they ventured an attack upon the headquarters, which the Spaniards and their allies had great difficulty in resisting. Guatemozin at this junction conceived of another cunning project for the discomfiture of his enemy. He sent the heads of the slaughtered Spaniards through the provinces and everywhere proclaimed that the blood of these enemies had appeased the wrath of the war god and that he had declared that in eight days all the hated foreigners would be destroyed. The news created general consternation among Cortes’ Indian allies. Their superstition was so great that they did not doubt for an instant the threat of their war god would be executed. They determined to abandon all association with people whom the Heavens had doomed to destruction. Some of the Tlaxcalans themselves were recreant and began to desert. But Cortes discovered a plan for preventing this withdrawal, which met with success. He suspended hostilities for eight days, meanwhile covering his well intrenched army with his vessels, and quietly awaited the expiration of the time set for his destruction. When it passed and the Spaniards had not suffered the least injury, the allies began to open their eyes. They realized they had been deceived, grew ashamed of their credulity, and came back more determined than ever to assist the Spaniards in the complete overthrow of the hated Mexican Empire. Others, who had not really believed the deceitful announcement came from their war god, were all the more grateful that the deception now made the downfall of the Mexicans inevitable. The accessions of old and new allies were so great that in a few days Cortes had an army of one hundred and fifty thousand natives. Instead, however, of being misled by this astonishing increase of his strength, he proceeded more cautiously than ever. He made several tenders of peace to the Mexicans, but Guatemozin, who was thoroughly convinced that any alliance with the Spaniards would result in the servitude of himself and his people, rejected the offers with scorn, being still determined either to rescue the fatherland or die in the attempt.

Hostilities were resumed. The city was now so closely shut in that supplies were entirely cut off. This produced a dire famine, followed as usual by a pestilence, which swept away the poor natives in great numbers. Meanwhile the Spaniards daily approached nearer the city by the three causeways. In pursuance of Cortes’ new plans every advance was accompanied by preparations for a safe retreat to the mainland in case of necessity. By continuing this policy the city was reached on all three sides and the noble, brave Guatemozin at last fought the Spaniards upon a hand-breadth of land. The latter continued advancing, setting on fire the section of the city already captured, and maintaining their strongly intrenched position. The great marketplace was the objective point for all three divisions. Alvarado was the first to reach it. Cortes quickly followed at the head of the division led by Olid, driving the Mexicans before him at the point of the sword. Sandoval also joined them and the slaughter was terrible. Three-fourths of the city was now captured and almost reduced to ashes. Guatemozin had intrenched himself in the remaining part with the flower of his soldiers. The Spaniards were about to attack him, but Cortes, who was anxious to save further bloodshed, and flattered himself that Guatemozin could hold out no longer, stayed further hostilities and again made offers of peace. Seemingly the Emperor was ready to accept them and a short cessation of fighting followed without any expressed agreement. Meanwhile the two parties confronted each other, separated only by a trench. Absolute quiet prevailed on both sides. Guatemozin meanwhile put off the Spaniards from day to day with the assurance that he would personally appear and conduct negotiations. This was only a pretext to lull the Spaniards into security, and conceal his own purpose. Acting upon the entreaties of his nobles, he had decided to save himself from death or capture by flight to distant provinces of his Empire, there to raise a new army and make head against his enemies. The necessary preparations were all made. The Mexican nobles were ready to give up their lives for their loved Emperor. They had a great number of canoes in readiness and a bold attack was made upon the vessels while Guatemozin, the object of their tender solicitude, was being conveyed across the lake. Sandoval, who was in command of the vessels, vainly attempted to drive them back by firing his heavy cannon. They despised death and wounds and rowed about unterrified, seeking to come to a hand to hand struggle.

Suddenly Sandoval observed a strongly manned canoe being rowed with great speed directly across the lake. He also observed what the canoe contained and at once gave chase. Holquin, whose vessel was the fastest, reached it first, but as soon as the rowers found that he was about to open fire, they dropped their oars and begged him to spare the life of the Emperor. Overjoyed at the honor his good fortune had brought him, Holquin sprang with drawn sword into the canoe. Guatemozin met him nobly and fearlessly, and said he was his prisoner and ready to follow him, praying only that his wife and her attendant should meet with honorable treatment. He turned to the latter, spoke a few words of encouragement, and then extended his hand to conduct them to the vessel. That moment—it was the thirteenth of August, 1521—decided the fate of the whole Mexican Empire which in the person of its Emperor was delivered into the hands of the Spaniards.

Holquin hastened to conduct his prisoner to Cortes who received him upon the shore of the lake with the respect due to his position and his virtues. The unfortunate Guatemozin seemed to accept the courtesy of his conqueror with a certain pleasure and accompanied him with great self-command to his quarters. He seated himself for a moment, then rose and said to Cortes, with the interpreter’s help: “I have done what my duty demanded. I am of no more importance, and a prisoner like me must be a burden to his captor. Rise! take this dagger (placing it in Cortes’ hand) and plunge it into my heart and put an end to my useless life.” His wife wept aloud at these words and Cortes was much agitated. He besought the unfortunate man to calm himself and thereupon left him so as not to increase their trouble by his presence.

As soon as it was known that Guatemozin had been captured, the Mexicans laid down their arms and the Spaniards were masters of the city. The first few days were spent in rejoicing over the fortunate outcome of their undertaking, but before long rejoicing changed to discontent at the sight of the small compensation they were likely to receive after so many dangers and hardships. The larger part of the houses were consumed with all their treasures, and when Guatemozin had found that the safety of his capital was doubtful, everything of value in the royal treasury had been thrown into the lake. The booty which was collected was so inconsiderable that many of the Spaniards threw away with contempt the portion assigned to them. They soon began loudly to denounce Guatemozin and next their general, whom they were bold enough to declare had taken the largest part of the treasures.

Cortes vainly tried to quiet them. Aldereto, who had been appointed royal treasurer, espoused the cause of the malcontents and demanded by virtue of his office that the Emperor and his premier should be delivered over to him to reveal in what part of the lake the treasures were sunk. Cortes, who had faced so many storms, was this time weak and inhuman enough to yield to this monster. Guatemozin and his loyal premier were stretched upon the rack. The Emperor bore all the torments which the brute could devise with wonderful firmness. His premier imitated his example, but when they proceeded to put him to still more inhuman torture, he uttered a loud cry and turned his eyes to his master as if asking permission to confess what he knew. Guatemozin understood the look and said with the utmost composure, “Am I lying upon a bed of roses?” His words went to the heart of his faithful servant. Not a loud sound escaped his lips again as he expired before the eyes of his tortured master with the sublime steadfastness of a hero and the tranquillity of a saint.

Cortes, who had heard from a distance the outcry of the poor man, overcome by remorse and shame, rushed to the apartment and saved the life of the tortured Emperor.

Chapter XVI
Tapia, Commissioned to Depose Cortes, is Induced to Return to Cuba—Cortes is Confirmed as Governor of New Spain—He Goes to Spain and is Ennobled—A Second Visit to Spain Discloses the Fickleness of the Court—He Vainly Begs the Emperor’s Favor—His Death

The conquest of imperial provinces shortly followed the capture of the city. One after another surrendered and their people suffered the same hard fate which the American islanders had endured for twenty years. They were enslaved and cruelly treated. Cortes in the meantime received no reply from Spain and was uncertain how his operations were regarded there. At last a vessel arrived at Vera Cruz, having on board a certain Tapia, who had been sent to depose Cortes, bring him to trial, and fill his position. Fortunately for Cortes, this man was both weak and cowardly. He cunningly interposed so many obstacles and intimidated him in so many ways that Tapia thought the safest course for him was to return home without making any attempt to carry out the object of his mission. Cortes also knew that he was a very covetous man and offered to purchase his horses, slaves, and entire outfit indeed, at a handsome price. Tapia was willing to sell and returned to Cuba with a goodly amount of gold.

The storm impending over Cortes’ head, however, soon began to gather again. In hopes of escaping it, he sent other messengers to Spain to lay before the Emperor, Charles the Fifth, a complete report of his operations and present him with his share of the booty. The brilliancy of his deeds and the greatness and importance of his conquest both rejoiced and amazed the young monarch. He not only approved of all that Cortes had done but invested him with the dignity of Governor of New Spain, and appointed a commission to investigate the pretensions of Velasquez. As might have been expected, this commission made a report in accordance with their master’s wishes. Velasquez’ complaint of Cortes’ disloyalty and his claims of governorship over the newly conquered territory were pronounced null and void, and he was declared entitled to no further compensation than the legitimate cost of the expedition. This twofold disgrace was more than the proud and passionate Velasquez could endure. It cost him his life and Cortes now found himself at the very summit of fortune’s pinnacle.

He began to raise Mexico from its ruins and to consolidate the Spanish power in the Empire. In carrying out his plans he resorted to the most cruel and arbitrary measures, which invited the Mexicans to revolt again. This revolt was speedily crushed, however, and inhuman penalties were inflicted upon caciques and nobles. Upon the mere rumor that Guatemozin had encouraged the Mexicans, that brave, magnanimous prince and also the caciques of Tezcuco and Tacuba were hanged. Some Spanish officials who had been sent to Mexico to administer the royal revenues attempted to exercise authority without recognizing Cortes. But Cortes was not in the habit of allowing his inferiors to treat him contemptuously. He laughed at their efforts to weaken his authority. The officials, however, sent to the Spanish Court a description of Cortes’ character and his administration. Their statements made such an impression that it was decided to send a commissioner to Mexico to investigate Cortes’ transactions, and if his findings warranted it, to send him to Spain. When the commissioner arrived, however, he was taken ill and died.

Cortes’ danger was not yet over. The officials continued sending unfavorable reports to Spain and a new commission was appointed with absolute power to investigate and punish him. Cortes was informed of its purposes. He was furiously indignant to find the arduous and important service he had rendered the fatherland thus requited, and his friends counselled him, in view of such shameful treatment, to meet force with force. He hesitated, however, to take a step which would conflict with the loyalty and obedience he owed his sovereign, and at last decided to suffer ungrateful and shameful treatment rather than resist the legal authority of his country. He resolved to go to Spain and entrust his fate to the mercy and justice of the King.

As he appeared before his sovereign, all eyes were turned with admiration and respect upon the man whose achievements seemed to eclipse those of the great heroes. The modesty with which he plead his cause before the high judges removed the suspicions they had entertained. The King received him with expressions of the highest respect and gratitude and showered favors upon him. He decorated him with the order of St. Iago, elevated him to the rank of count, and conferred upon him a broad stretch of territory in Mexico which would yield him a large revenue. But when they came to the confirmation of his governorship, it was clearly apparent they considered it dangerous to invest him anew with the power he might misuse. All that he received was his recognition as general and permission to make new discoveries. The entire administration of civil affairs was entrusted to a viceroy.

Cortes went back to Mexico, but from that time forward his career was marked by an unbroken series of troubles. He was so hampered by the viceroy’s strictness and so humiliated by his loss of authority that his only relief was found in the discovery and conquest of new regions. He fitted out an expedition on the west coast of Mexico for making discoveries in the great South Sea and succeeded in finding the peninsula of Lower California. Upon his return his life became so embittered that he decided to go to Spain again, appeal to the justice and former favor of the King, and lay his grievances before him in person. He little anticipated the still greater troubles he must endure. During his restless and martial life he had had little chance to know the fickleness of a court and the unreliability of the favor of the great. He was now to discover it.

He was coldly received, indifferently listened to, and his complaints and appeals dismissed as of no consequence. He had grown old. What further important service could he promise? What he had accomplished for his King and country was forgotten or it was considered as already fully recompensed. He found himself at the close of his career, like Columbus, ignominiously treated by a thankless King and his malicious ministers, and obliged to beg for justice. Six long wretched years passed in solitude and neglect but at last grief and indignation at such treatment brought his life to an end. He died October 11, 1547,[15] in the sixty-third year of his age. His body at his express desire was taken to New Spain, perhaps because he considered his ungrateful fatherland unworthy to be its burial-place.[16]

Footnotes

Appendix

The following is a chronological statement of important events in Cortes’ career:

Transcriber’s Notes

• Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.
• In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)
• Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.