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Montezuma Edition

THE WORKS OF WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT

TWENTY-TWO VOLUMES

Vol. III

The Montezuma Edition of William H. Prescott’s Works is limited to one thousand copies, of which this is

No. 345

MONTEZUMA SWEARS ALLEGIANCE TO SPAIN

Page 4

Montezuma Edition

HISTORY OF THE

Conquest of Mexico

BY
WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT

EDITED BY

WILFRED HAROLD MUNRO
PROFESSOR OF EUROPEAN HISTORY IN BROWN UNIVERSITY

AND COMPRISING THE NOTES OF THE EDITION BY
JOHN FOSTER KIRK

“Victrices aquilas alium laturus in orbem”
Lucan, Pharsalia, lib. v., v. 238

VOL. III

PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

Copyright, 1843, by William H. Prescott
Copyright, 1871, by William G. Prescott
Copyright, 1873, by J. B. Lippincott & Co.
Copyright, 1904, by J. B. Lippincott Company

Electrotyped and Printed by
J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia U. S. A.

CONTENTS OF VOL. III

BOOK IV RESIDENCE IN MEXICO (CONTINUED)
CHAPTER V
Montezuma swears Allegiance to Spain—Royal Treasures—Their Division—Christian Worship in the Teocalli—Discontent of the Aztecs
	PAGE
Montezuma convenes his Nobles	3
Swears Allegiance to Spain	4
His Distress	4
Its Effect on the Spaniards	5
Imperial Treasures	7
Splendid Ornaments	7
The RoSal Fifth	9
Amount of the Treasure	9
Division of Spoil	11
Murmurs of the Soldiery	11
Cortés calms the Storm	12
Progress in Conversion	14
Cortés demands the Teocalli	15
Christian Worship in the Sanctuary	17
National Attachment to Religion	18
Discontent of the Aztecs	19
Montezuma’s Warning	20
Reply of Cortés	20
Insecurity of the Castilian Quarters	22
CHAPTER VI
Fate of Cortés’ Emissaries—Proceedings in the Castilian Court—Preparations of Velasquez—Narvaez Lands in Mexico—Politic Conduct of Cortés—He leaves the Capital
Cortés’ Emissaries arrive in Spain	24
Their Fate	25
Proceedings at Court	26
The Bishop of Burgos	27
Emperor postpones his Decision	28
Velasquez meditates Revenge	29
Sends Narvaez against Cortés	30
The Audience interferes	31
Narvaez sails for Mexico	33
He anchors off San Juan de Ulua	33
Vaunts of Narvaez	34
Sandoval prepares for Defence	36
His Treatment of the Invaders	36
Cortés hears of Narvaez	37
He bribes his Emissaries	38
Sends an Envoy to his Camp	40
The Friar’s Intrigues	41
Embarrassment of Cortés	43
He prepares for Departure	43
He leaves the Capital	46
CHAPTER VII
Cortés descends from the Table-land—Negotiates with Narvaez—Prepares to assault him—Quarters of Narvaez—Attack by Night—Narvaez defeated
Cortés crosses the Valley	48
Reinforced at Cholula	49
Falls in with his Envoy	49
Unites with Sandoval	51
He reviews his Troops	52
Embassy from Narvaez	53
His Letter to the General	54
Cortés Tenure of Authority	54
Negotiates with Narvaez	56
Spaniards resume their March	57
Prepares for the Assault	58
Cortés harangues the Soldiers	58
Their Enthusiasm in his Cause	59
He divides his Forces	60
Quarters of Narvaez at Cempoalla	60
Cortés crosses the Rio de Canoas	62
Surprises Narvaez by Night	63
Tumult in his Camp	65
Narvaez wounded and taken	66
The Sanctuary in Flames	66
The Garrisons surrender	67
Cortés gives Audience to his Captives	69
Reflections on the Enterprise	70
CHAPTER VIII
Discontent of the Troops—Insurrection in the Capital—Return of Cortés—General signs of Hospitality—Massacre by Alvarado—Rising of the Aztecs
Discontent of the Troops of Narvaez	74
Policy of Cortés	75
He displeases his Veterans	76
He divides his Forces	77
News of an Insurrection in the Capital	78
Cortés prepares to return	79
Arrives at Tlascala	80
Beautiful Landscape	81
Disposition of the Natives	82
News from the Spaniards in Mexico	83
Cortés marches to the Capital	84
Signs of Alienation in the Aztecs	84
Spaniards re-enter the Capital	84
Cause of the Insurrection	85
Massacre by Alvarado	87
His Apology for the Deed	88
His probable Motives	90
Rising of the Aztecs	92
Assault the Garrison	92
Cortés reprimands his Officer	94
His Coldness to Montezuma	95
Cortés releases Montezuma’s Brother	96
He heads the Aztecs	97
The City in Arms	98
Notice of Oveido	98
His Life and Writings	100
Camargo’s History	102
BOOK V EXPULSION FROM MEXICO
CHAPTER I
Desperate Assault on the Quarters—Fury of the Mexicans—Sally of the Spaniards—Montezuma addresses the People—Dangerously wounded
Quarters of the Spaniards	107
Desperate Assault of the Aztecs	108
Cannonade of the Besieged	109
Indians fire the Outworks	111
Fury of the Mexicans	113
Appearance of their Forces	114
Sally of the Spaniards	115
Aztecs shower Missiles from the Azoteas	116
Their Dwellings in Flames	117
Spaniards sound the Retreat	118
Gallantry of Cortés	118
Resolute Bearing of the Aztecs	119
Cortés requests Montezuma to interpose	121
He ascends the Turret	123
Addresses his Subjects	123
Is dangerously wounded	124
His Grief and Humiliation	125
CHAPTER II
Storming of the Great Temple—Spirit of the Aztecs—Distresses of the Garrison—Sharp Combats in the City—Death of Montezuma
The Aztecs hold the Great Temple	127
It is stormed by the Spaniards	128
Spirited Resistance	129
Bloody Combat on the Area	130
Heroism of Cortés	131
Spaniards victorious	132
Conflagration of the Temple	133
Cortés invites a Parley	134
He addresses the Aztecs	135
Spirit of the Aztecs	135
The Spaniards dismayed	136
Distresses of the Garrison	137
Military Machine of Cortés	140
Impeded by the Canals	141
Sharp Combats in the City	142
Bold Bearing of Cortés	143
Apparition of St. James	145
Attempt to convert Montezuma	147
Its Failure	148
Last Hours of Montezuma	149
His Character	151
His Posterity	155
Effect of his Death on the Spaniards	156
Interment of Montezuma	157
CHAPTER III
Council of War—Spaniards evacuate the City—Noche Triste, or the “Melancholy Night”—Terrible Slaughter—Halt for the Night—Amount of Losses
Council of War	158
Predictions of the Astrologer	159
Their Effect on Cortés	160
He decides to abandon the Capital	160
Arranges his Order of March	162
Spaniards leave the City	163
Noche Triste, or the “Melancholy Night”	164
The Capital is roused	165
Spaniards assailed on the Causeway	166
The Bridge wedged in the Stones	166
Despair of the Spaniards	167
Fearful Carnage	167
Wreck of Bodies and Treasure	169
Spaniards arrive at the Third Breach	169
The Cavaliers return to the Rescue	170
Condition of the Rear	171
Alvarado’s Leap	172
Sad Spectacle of the Survivors	174
Feelings of Cortés	174
Spaniards defile through Tacuba	176
Storm the Temple	176
Halt for the Night	177
Reflections of the General	178
The Loss of the Spaniards	179
CHAPTER IV
Retreat of the Spaniards—Distresses of the Army—Pyramids of Teotihuacan—Great Battle of Otumba
Quiet of the Mexicans	183
The Spaniards resume their Retreat	184
Distresses of the Army	186
Their heroic Fortitude	188
Pyramids of Teotihuacan	189
Account of them	189
Their probable Destination	191
The Micoatl, or Path of the Dead	193
The Races who reared them	193
Indian Host in the Valley of Otumba	194
Sensations of the Spaniards	195
Instructions of Cortés	196
He leads the Attack	197
Great Battle of Otumba	198
Gallantry of the Spaniards	198
Their Forces in Disorder	199
Desperate Effort of Cortés	200
The Aztec Chief is slain	201
The Barbarians put to Flight	201
Rich Spoil for the Victors	202
Reflections on the Battle	203
CHAPTER V
Arrival in Tlascala—Friendly Reception—Discontent of the Army—Jealousy of the Tlascalans—Embassy from Mexico
Spaniards arrive at Tlascala	206
Family Reception	207
Feelings of the Tlascalans	208
Spaniards recruit their Strength	210
Their further Misfortunes	210
Tidings from Villa Rica	211
Indomitable Spirit of Cortés	211
Discontent of the Army	212
Their Remonstrance	212
The General’s resolute Reply	214
Jealousy of the Tlascalans	216
Cortés strives to allay it	217
Events in Mexico	217
Preparations for Defence	218
Aztec Embassy to Tlascala	219
Stormy Debate in the Senate	220
Mexican Alliance rejected	222
CHAPTER VI
War with the surrounding Tribes—Successes of the Spaniards—Death of Maxixca—Arrival of Reinforcements—Return in Triumph to Tlascala
War with the surrounding Tribes	223
Battle with the Tepeacans	225
They are branded as Slaves	225
Hostilities with the Aztecs renewed	227
Suspicions of the Allies	228
Cortés heads his Forces	229
Capture of Quauhquechollan	229
Mexicans routed	230
Spaniards follow up the Blow	231
Cortés’ Treatment of his Allies	232
State of his Resources	233
Building of the Brigantines	233
Death of Maxixca	234
The Smallpox in Mexico	234
The disaffected Soldiers leave the Army	236
Arrival of Reinforcements	237
Further Good Fortune of Cortés	238
His Letter to the Emperor	239
Memorial of the Army	241
The Policy of Cortés	242
Returns in Triumph to Tlascala	243
Prepares for the final Campaign	245
CHAPTER VII
Guatemozin, Emperor of the Aztecs—Preparations for the March—Military Code—Spaniards cross the Sierra—Enter Tezcuco—Prince Ixtlilxochitl
The Aztec Monarch dies	246
The Electors appoint another	246
Prayer of the High-priest	247
Guatemozin elected Emperor	249
Prepares for War	249
Amount of the Spanish Force	250
Cortés reviews his Troops	251
His animated Address	251
Number of the Indian Allies	252
Their brilliant Array	253
Military Code of Cortés	254
Its Purpose	255
Its salutary Provisions	255
The Troops begin their March	258
Designs of Cortés	258
He selects his Route	259
Crosses the Sierra	260
Magnificent View of the Valley	261
Energy of Cortés	263
Affairs in Tezcuco	264
Spaniards arrive there	265
Overtures of the Tezcucans	266
Spanish Quarters in Tezcuco	267
The Inhabitants leave the Town	268
Prince Ixtlilxochitl	269
His youthful Excesses	270
Disputes the Succession	272
Becomes the fast Friend of the Spaniards	272
Life and Writings of Gomara	272
Of Bernal Diaz	274
BOOK VI SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF MEXICO
CHAPTER I
Arrangement at Tezcuco—Sack of Iztapalapan—Advantages of the Spaniards—Wise Policy of Cortés—Transportation of the Brigantines
Headquarters at Tezcuco	281
Cortés distrusts the Natives	282
Negotiates with the Aztecs	283
City of Iztapalapan	284
Spaniards march upon it	285
Sack the Town	286
Natives break down the Dikes	287
Spaniards struggle in the Flood	288
Regain their Quarters in Tezcuco	288
Indian Cities tender Allegiance	289
Some ask for Protection	289
Cortés detaches Sandoval to their Aid	290
Difficult Situation of Cortés	291
His sagacious Policy	293
Makes Overtures to Guatemozin	295
Spirit of the Indian Emperor	295
The Brigantines are completed	297
Sandoval detached to transport them	297
Signs of the Massacre at Zoltepec	298
Reaches Tlascala	299
Transportation of the Brigantines	299
Joy at their Arrival	301
Reflections	301
CHAPTER II
Cortés reconnoitres the Capital—Occupies Tacuba—Skirmishes with the Enemy—Expedition of Sandoval—Arrival of Reinforcements
Cortés reconnoitres the Capital	304
Action of Xaltocan	305
Spaniards ford the Lake	306
Towns deserted as they advance	307
Beautiful Environs of Mexico	308
Cortés occupies Tacuba	308
The Allies fire the Town	310
Ambuscade of the Aztecs	311
Parley with the Enemy	312
Single Combats	313
Position of the Parties	314
Spaniards return to Tezcuco	314
Embassy from Chalco	316
Sandoval is detached to defend it	317
Takes Huaxtepec	318
Storms Jacapichtla	319
Puts the Garrison to the Sword	320
Countermarch on Chalco	321
Cortés’ Coolness with Sandoval	322
His Reconciliation	322
Arrival of Reinforcements	323
The Dominican Friar	324
CHAPTER III
Second reconnoitring Expedition—Engagements on the Sierra—Capture of Cuernavaca—Battles at Xochimilco—Narrow Escape of Cortés—He enters Tacuba
Second reconnoitring Expedition	325
Preparations for the March	326
Spaniards enter the Sierra	326
Engagements in the Passes	327
Rocks rolled down by the Aztecs	327
Enemy routed	328
Spaniards bivouac in the Mulberry Grove	329
Storm the Cliffs	329
March through the Mountains	331
Arrive at Cuernavaca	332
Scenery in its Environs	332
Bold Passage of the Ravine	334
Capture of the City	335
Cortés recrosses the Sierra	336
Exquisite View of the Valley	336
Marches against Xochimilco	337
Narrow Escape of Cortés	339
Chivalric Spirit of the Age	340
Cortés surveys the Country	342
Vigilance in his Quarters	342
Battles at Xochimilco	343
Spaniards Masters of the Town	344
Conflagration of Xochimilco	346
Army arrives at Cojohuacan	347
Ambuscade of the Indians	349
Spaniards enter Tacuba	350
View from its Teocalli	350
Strong Emotion of Cortés	351
Return of Tezcuco	352
CHAPTER IV
Conspiracy in the Army—Brigantines launched—Muster of Forces—Execution of Xicotencatl—March of the Army—Beginning of the Siege
Affairs in Spain	354
Conspiracy in the Camp	356
Its Design	357
Disclosed to Cortez	358
The Ringleader Executed	359
Policy of Cortés	360
The General’s Body-guard	362
Brigantines launched	363
Impression on the Spectators	364
Muster of Forces	364
Instructions to the Allies	366
Cortés distributes his Troops	367
His Spirited Harangue	368
Regulations read to the Army	369
Desertion of Xicotencatl	369
His Execution	371
His Character	372
March of the Army	373
Quarrels of Olid and Alvarado	373
Spaniards destroy the Aqueduct	374
Commencement of the Siege	376

The Project Gutenberg eBook of History of the Conquest of Mexico; vol. 3/4

HISTORY OF THE Conquest of Mexico

CONTENTS OF VOL. III

HISTORY OF THE

Conquest of Mexico