CHAPTER XIX.

CORTES IN HONDURAS.
1525-1526.

HE isMASTER OF ALL THE MISERIES THERE MIASMA AND DEEP DISTRESS

EXERTIONS OF CORTES IN BEHALF OF THE COLONISTS A VESSEL APPEARS
WITH PROVISIONS CORTES SENDS OUT FORAGERS HE SEEKS A BETTER
LOCALITY SANDOVAL AT NACO OTHERS SETTLE AT CABALLOS COR
TES AT TRUJILLO VESSELS SENT TO MEXICO, CUBA, AND JAMAICA
TROUBLES IN MEXICO CORTES IRRESOLUTE STARTS FOR MEXICO Is
DRIVEN BACK BY A STORM PACIFICATION OF ADJACENT PUEBLOS COR
TES SENDS PRESENTS TO CORDOBA SHALL CORTES MAKE HIMSELF MAS
TER OF NICARAGUA ? ARRIVAL OF ALTAMIRANO RETURN OF CORTES TO
MEXICO.

CICERO says that a man s best adviser is himself. A

wise man can find no better counsellor than his own
cool, impartial judgment. Cortes was a wise man,
and he could calmly judge. Had he counselled with
himself before settingO out on this adventure ? He
had led into Honduras, amidst great sufferings, an
army. The end of his perilous march brought to
him no great achievement, no great reward. There
was no Olid to punish; Casas was not a traitor.
Might not the proud conqueror with more advantage
have remained at home? The assurance of a ready
welcome, instead of a campaign against a formidable
rebel, was a relief to the way-worn soldiers; but
what thought the commander of it? It is not satis
fying to a sane man s pride to beat the air, or charge
on a windmill. A traitor to crush, or a fair city
to conquer, would have been refreshing pastime to
Cortes at this juncture.
In advance of the army, and almost alone, he set
(5CC)
 DESPERATE SITUATION OF THE COLONISTS. 567

out for Nito. If he entered not as a conqueror with

sword hand, he had at least the satisfaction of
in

being welcomed as a savior. Malaria was there, and

had so reduced the settlement that the frown of the
natives loomed over it like Erinnyan phantoms. There
1
Avere but three score Spaniards with a few women,
the greater number so reduced by fever and other
ailments as hardly to be able to move, and all suffer
ing from poor and insufficient food zapotes, vegeta
bles, and fish. Without arms and without
sufficient
horses, they did not venture abroad to forage, and
seeing that death would surely overtake all if they
remained, the able-bodied men under the leadership
of Diego Nieto were repairing a vessel in which to
depart.
2
The disappearance of the four men captured
by Sandoval created no small alarm. Were they after
all to be overwhelmed by avenging natives? Amidst
such troubles no wonder that the appearance of Cortes
was greeted as a descent from heaven, and that even
men wept as they thronged round to kiss his hand.
The army was not a little surprised at the desti
tution of the famed Honduras. While ministering
consolation, Cortes sent out bands of foragers. One
of the parties ascended the Rio Yasa, 3 and coming to
a deserted hamlet, six leagues from the mouth, took
refuge from the rain. But it was not long before a
band of Indians set upon them, and badly wounded
they were driven to the boats, glad to escape with
life. Another party found a path leading to a well-
provided pueblo called Lequela, but it was eighteen
leagues away, and too far for carriers. third divi A
sion met with better success. 4

Sixty men and twenty women left by Gonzalez. Cortes, Cartas, 440. Forty
1

Spaniards and four women, says Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad. 204.
,

a
Do todos ellos no habia ocho para poder quedar en la tierra. Cortes, Car
tas, loc. clt. Their captain, Armenta, having refused to return with them to
Cuba, they had hanged him a few days before, and had elected Nieto, who was
ready to execute their wishes. Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 204.
3
Montagua probably.
Captain Marin found eight leagues off, on the Naco road, a number of
4

well-supplied \dllages, from which provisions were forwarded. Bernal Diaz,

Hist. Verdad., 204.
568 CORTES IX HONDURAS.

Meanwhile a vessel appeared in the harbor, hav

ing on board thirty Spaniards, beside the crew, and
laden with a dozen horses, over seventy hogs, and
provisions. It seemed a miracle. And the whole
5
equipment Corte s bought for four thousand
pesos.
Welcome as this was to the starving settlement, the
sudden change in diet cost the lives of several per
sons. The site of Nito being so unhealthy and ill-
provided, it was resolved to abandon the place, and
Sandoval was sent with the greater number of sol
diers, settlers, and Indians, to the fertile valley of
Naco, Olid s abandoned headquarters, twenty leagues
off, on the road to which several well-supplied pueblos
offered O
Qfood halting-places.
O J.

With the newly arrived vessel, a repaired caravel

and a brigantine, built from some wrecks, Cortes pre
pared to take the remainder of the party by sea to a
better locality. But first he would ascend the wide
outlet lately crossed for food, for in this direction
some captives assured him he would find rich settle
ments. 6 Exploration also impelled him to this quar
ter, for it was reported that when Gil Gonzalez first
arrived here he had detached a vessel for the exam
ination of this entrance; which had traversed two
fresh -water gulfs; but the ascent of a tributary
beyond had been prevented by strong currents and
warlike natives. 7
Manning the new brigantine with forty chosen Span
iards and a number of Indians, and attended by boats,
Cortes ascended the Rio Dulce, and speedily entered
a sheet of water some twelve leagues in circumference,
without settlements. Continuing south-west, he went
through a long passage into another larger sheet of
water lying amidst lofty ranges and most bewitching
5
Bought on credit from the owner, Anton de Carmona or Camargo, says
Bernal Diaz, who reduces the stock to seven horses and forty hogs.
6
A party had already been sent in this direction, but they returned within
ten days disheartened, throwing discredit on the informants, who on their
side accused the men of being faint-hearted. Cortes, Ccirtas, 441-2.
Eighty Spaniards had attacked a pueblo, but the Indians returned in
7

greater force and drove them olT with some wounded. Cortes, Ccirtas, 444.
 CAPTURE OF PUEBLOS. 569

scenery. Inspired by the wild grandeur around him,

he already fancied himself the laurel-crowned discov
erer of the long-sought strait. But the dream was
brief, for the water proved to be a gulf, some thirty
leagues in circumference, and called Apolochic in the
vernacular. Leaving the vessel at its western end,
near the mouth of a stream, he proceeded with most
of the men, under a local guide, over a rough route
intersected by innumerable creeks. After a march of
twelve leagues, during which only one village of any
importance was seen, he came to a pueblo in which
loud singing with instrumental accompaniment indi
cated a festival. Waiting till a late hour, when all
was quiet, he fell upon the sleeping natives, and but
for the excited exclamation of a soldier the place
would have been taken without a blow. As it
was, the cacique had time to rally, and in the melee
which followed he with several others lost his life.
Forty captives were here secured. Cortes was now
guided to a larger pueblo, called Chacujal, eight
leagues further, and again resorted to a night attack,
but did not gain the place without considerable
resistance. By morning the Indians had fled. The
buildings, particularly the temples, resembled very
much those of Mexico, but the language differed as
well from the Mexican as from that of the pueblos
hitherto met with. Among the captives was an Indian
from the Pacific slope, who reported that only three
score leagues intervened between Nito and his coun
try, where Alvarado was conquering.
The place was abundantly provided with cotton
goods, maize, the much-needed salt, and other articles,
and since it lay near the Polochic River, which en
tered the gulf twenty leagues from where the vessel
lay, messengers were sent to bring it as far up the
stream as possible to receive supplies. Meanwhile four
rafts were made, and loaded each with forty fanegas
of maize, besides beans, cocoa, and other provisions.
These operations occupied nearly three weeks, during
570 CORTES IN HONDURAS.

which time none of the natives could be induced to

return and aid in the work. 8 Cortes now embarked
with ten men on the rafts, sending the rest down
by
land. The current carried them rapidly past the
winding banks, with their alternate forest and prairie
land, relieved here and there by hamlets and planta
tions, half hidden amidst cocoa groves and fruit-trees.
Nothing unusual occurred till night, when Cortes, who
occupied the last raft, was startled by cries of alarm
from the one before him, followed by Indian yells.
It was too dark to distinguish anything, but the men
prepared for what might come. The next moment
the raft struck violently against a projecting rock,
and a shower of arrows fell. Several warriors now
attempted to board, but they either miscalculated the
distance, or were pushed overboard by the crew.
The Indians had foreseen the opportunity which
the rock would afford for an attack, but the rafts
escaped them, although most of the Spaniards were
wounded, including the general, and half a cargo
was damaged. So rapid was the current that the
twenty leagues were made by morning. More supplies
were obtained from other settlements, and on return
ing to Nito after an absence of five weeks, sufficient
food was brought to fairly supply the fleet.
The whole colony, including Gonzalez men, now
embarked in the three vessels and proceeded to San
Andres Bay, or Caballos, where a number of San-
doval s soldiers had just arrived. The site seemed to
be all that could be desired, "with the best port on the
entire coast from the Pearl Islands to Florida," with
fine indications of gold in the tributary rivers, and with
a beautiful and well-settled neighborhood. colony A
8
It was sought to allure the natives back to aid in carrying supplies, but
none came. Cortes, Carlas, 450. Bernal Diaz relates that the warriors re
turned to the attack after the flight, only to lose eight men. They now came
to sue, and Cortt -s offered to release the captives if they sent down provisions
to the vessel. This they did, but Cortes nevertheless insisted on retaining
three families, whereupon the Indians attacked and wounded twelve Spaniards,
including the general. JRxL Verdad., 205. This writer was not with the ex
pedition, however, but at Naco, so that his account is doubly doubtful.
 AT TRUJILLO. 571

was accordingly founded there under the name of Na-

tividad de Nuestra Seilora, from the day of founding,
and fifty settlers were left, chiefly Gonzalez men
and late arrivals from Spain, Diego de Godoy being
appointed commander, with the necessary officials.
A church was also built and placed in charge of a
clergyman. Soon, however, the unhealthiness of the
sitebecame apparent, and half the settlers died.
The Indians grew insolent and refused supplies, and
threatened the destruction of the settlement. Cortes
thereupon permitted the colonists to join the pros
perous establishment at Naco. Here the Indians
had been gradually reassured and conciliated by San-
doval, whose armed incursions had already reduced a
number of pueblos of considerable size and wealth. 9
Cortes had meanwhile sailed to Trujillo, where the
delighted colonists rushed into the water to carry the
renowned chief ashore. His first and characteristic
act was to enter the church and give thanks for safe
10
arrival. Then came the exercise of clemency for
which he was humbly besought by the late adherents
of Olid. Matters had been going smoothly since
Huano was exiled, and the general was too prudent to
stir up animosity. With some slight reconstruction,
therefore, the orders and arrangements of Casas were
confirmed. An
impulse was given to the town, and
with the enforced aid of native laborers lots were
cleared and buildings
O erected.
The four vessels now in port were not allowed to
lie idle. One was despatched to Mexico with the
invalids, and with letters for the officials, wherein
Cortes commended their zeal for the government, and
promised soon to return. Juan de Avalos, his cousin,
was placed in command, and ordered to pick up at
Cozumel Island the party of Spaniards left there
9
Quimistlan y Zula y Cholome, que el que menos destos tiene por mas
de dos mil casas. Cortes, Cartas, 456. Bernal Diaz also names some places.
Hist. Verdad., 207.
10
He had been buffeted off the coast for nine days, while the land party
arrived long before him, over a good road.
572 CORTES IN HONDURAS.

by Valenzuela. This was done, but on approaching

Cuba the vessel was wrecked at Cape San Antonio,
with the loss of the captain, two friars, and over
thirty others. Of the rest only fifteen survived to
reach Guaniguanico. 11 Of the other vessels, the new
brigantine was sent to Espanola to report to the
oidores concerning the overland expedition and the
state of affairs in Honduras, and to represent that the
kidnapping raid by Moreno was creating trouble among
the natives. The authorities ordered the captives to
be returned. 12 The two remaining vessels were de
spatched to Cuba and Jamaica with the plate and
jewels of Cortes to purchase provisions, live stock,
and plants wherewith to improve the colony.
One of these ships, in touching at Cuba, found there
a vessel from Santo Domingo, destined by the oidores
for Mexico to gain positive information about the
rumored death of Cortes, and to report on measures
against the disorders that might follow. Learning
that the conqueror was alive and in Honduras, the
messenger of the oidores resolved at once to change
the route to Honduras, where his cargo of horses and
stores would also find a readier market.

Licenciado Zuazo, the most honorable and trusted

of the administrators appointed by Cortes over Mexico,
had been arrested by his colleagues for opposing their
nefarious plans, and sent out of the way to Cuba.
These men had not only seized on the administrative
power for their own advancement, to the neglect of
public welfare, but, believing the mighty conqueror
and his companions in arms to be dead, they had laid
hands on their estates, and were persecuting their
11
Murieron ochenta Espafioles sin algunos Indies en cste viajc. Gomo,ra,
Hist. Mex., 209. Licenciado Lopez escaped to spread the news of Cortes be
ing alive. Be.rnal Diaz, Hint. Verdad., 208.
12
Together with Moreno in chains. Although I fear that he acted by
order of the oidores, and that no justice will be given. Cortes, Cartas, 465-6.
He praised the wealth of Honduras, and asked for soldiers. Y para dar f
credito que auia oro, embio muchas joyas, y piecas # de lo que truxo de
. .

Mexico, says Bernal Diaz, Ilixt. Verdad., 208. But he is by no means to be

velied on.
 BAD NEWS FROM MEXICO. 573

friends and whosoever ventured to protest. The

country was in a most critical condition. Anarchy
and spoliation were the order of the day. The colo
nists were arrayed in opposition to each other, and
the Indians found every encouragement for rising
against their white oppressors and blotting them out
of existence.
All this was reported by Zuazo in a letter to
Cortes, with the most earnest pleading for his imme
13
diate return, ere it was too late. Cortes was at first
furious; then he melted into tears at the thought of
the desolation wrought by his enemies and at the
inhuman persecution of It serves me
"

his followers.
moment.
"

right
O he said, in a calmer to be thus
"

treated for placing trust in strangers and ignoring

tried comrades."
14
The news reached him at an un
favorable time. The iron will and nerve which had
carried the leader through the hardships of the march,
had begun to yield to the insidious influence of the
fever-infected bottom-lands of the Amatique Bay,
assisted perhaps at finding the
by disappointment
first aspect of Honduras so far below
his hopes. The
letter served to rouse his bodily as well as mental

energies, though not to that point of clear and prompt

determination which had hitherto characterized his
acts. He
was irresolute. Honduras had been little
explored, and the indication of gold near Caballos,
though
o small, led him still to dwell on the stories
of richer districts to the south. He feared to aban-

13
Bernal Diaz assumes, contrary to Cortes clear statement, that Zuazo sent
a vessel from Habana with the letter, and that two days before her arrival at
Trujillo came two vessels laden with merchandise from the oidores and mer
chants of Santo Domingo, who had^learned of Cort6s whereabouts through a
letter from one of the survivors of Avalos wrecked ship. Hist. Verdad., 208.
Gomara states that the vessel from the oidores, laden with thirty-two horses,
saddlery, and other useful mateiial, was turned back from Cuba by the siir-
vivors of Avalos expedition. She touched at Santo Domingo on her way to
Honduras. Hist. Mex., 270. Cortes shows that the news of Avalos ship
wreck did not reach him till some time later. Cartas, 468-471.
14
The staff did all they could to cheer him, and among other efforts to dis
pel his gloom, Mafiueco, the macstresala, made a wager that he would ascend
in full annor the steep hill to the new gubernatorial building. Before he
could reach the top he fell dead. Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 211.
574 COETES IN HONDURAS.

don a yet promising field, after the efforts lavished on

it, and in view of the eager advance of his southern

rival, him of Panama.

The fortunate predictions of a soldier-astrologer in
Mexico would not have made him disinclined, in his
present frame of mind, to encourage similar counsel
lors but no Sabean was at hand to interpret the scin
;

tillating oracles. The friars were directed to appeal

to the supreme throne, and for three days services
were held, with processions, and masses, and prayers
for divine direction. Already during the progress of
these appeals, Cortes felt a dawning inspiration in
a renewed courage to face the treacherous sea, and
stronger inclination to trust the development of the
province to another. He would return to Mexico.
Hernando Saavedra, his cousin, was appointed captain-
15
general of Honduras, and Sandoval was directed to
proceed with his company from Naco to Mexico,
by the Guatemala route already opened by Casas.
He himself embarked on the government vessel, but
at the moment of departure the wind failed, and hear
ing of a tumult among the colonists he landed to
restore order. The unruly spirits appear to hove been
disappointed office-seekers, to whom the obscurity of
official existence in a border province seemed 8, most

ungracious return for their long toil. The general

calmed the leading rioters by taking them on board
to receive their reward in Mexico. Two days later
he set sail, only to meet another check in the break
age of the main lateen yard just outside the harbor.
After three days spent in repairs he again departed,
with a good wind, but this soon increased to a gale,
and fifty leagues from port the mast went overboard
and obliged
O him to return for a third time.
Surely, this was a warning from providence not to
proceed. He must have misunderstood the inspira
tion, and would seek more correct advice. Upon one
10
Dejd en aquella villa hasta treinta y cinco de caballo y cincue"ta

peones. Cortes, Cartas, 470.

 TIRED OF THE SEA. 575

thing lie was determined, not again to trust himself

to the billows. The last tossins had cured him
of nautical aspirations, and threatened indeed to cure
him of others, for his already weakened body was
all
left in so racked a condition as to bring him near to
death. Bernal Diaz describes him as a mere shadow
of his former self, and states that a Franciscan robe
had been prepared to shroud his body, and by its sav
16
ing virtues to assist the soul through purgatory.
But, although the conqueror of Mexico had filled the
measure of his great achievements, the cup of honors
and of disappointments was not yet full. Masses had
again been said to sanctify as inspiration his changing
resolve. The vessel proceeded, however, bearing a
trusted servant 17 with letters for a number of friends
in Mexico, and with orders revoking the powder
granted to the usurping governors in favor of more
reliable men. A
number of Mexican chiefs accompa
nied the messenger to testify that Cortes still lived.
They were to proceed to Panuco after landing the
servant in some obscure haven above Vera Cruz,
whence he was to proceed alone and in disguise to
Mexico, so as to elude any watching enemies. San-
doval was recalled, greatly to the disappointment of
his party, who rose almost in open mutiny at being
kept away from their estates in Mexico, which were
by this time exposed to ruin in hands of strangers and
18
usurpers.
An additional excuse for the determination to
remain may have been found in the hostile attitude

10
He places this just before the arrival of Zuazo s letter, Hist. Verdad.,
209, but Cortes now for the first time complains of feeling very ill, from the
tossing at sea. Cartas, 471.
17
Martin Dorantes su lacayo. Gomara, H tst. Mex., 271.
. On October 23,
1525, it seems from a letter of Cortes, Cartax, 395. Bernal Diaz intimates
that a fear of being seized by his enemies had to do with Cortes disinclina
tion to go in person. Hist. Verdad., 212.
18
In concluding the reply to their expostulations, Cortes had observed that
he could find plenty of soldiers in Spain and elsewhere to do his bidding. The
men commissioned Sandoval to plead their cause in person; to urge the leader
to depart, and to hint that they could find governors in Mexico to right them.
Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 212.
576 CORTES IN HONDURAS.

of two provinces, Papayeca and Chapagua, some

seven leagues from Trujillo. 19 Some time before this
Saavedra had been sent to explore the valley above,
and following it for some thirty leagues found a fer
tile district with a series of flourishing pueblos. A
score of caciques appeared to offer their allegiance
to Cortes, and into Trujillo iiowed provisions and
presents. The above-named provinces alone held
aloof,pleading not without reason former maltreat
ment and the kidnapping of tribal members by Fiscal
Moreno. No excuses could, however, be regarded as
valid in refusing allegiance, and Saavedra marched
against them. The people retired to the hills; but
three of the Chapagua caciques being captured and
peremptorily given a fixed term in which to repeople
their towns, the submission of this province was
speedily effected. Papaj^eca was now entered, and
Pizacura, one of the two principal caciques, was cap
tured. He threw the blame of resistance on his
more powerful colleague, Mazatl, offering if released
to secure and hang him, and thus bring the people
over. Once free, the cacique cast the promise to the
winds as readily as any Spaniard. Mazatl was cap
tured, nevertheless, and given the alternative of re-
peopling the towns or dying. The chief disdainfully
an offer to life with what he regarded
rejected purchase
as the enslavement of his people, and calmly accepted,
death.
This severity was thought to be prudent, and it
certainly had the effect of bringing the
inhabitants
back to all the pueblos save the capital. Here Piza
cura held forth, supposing, no doubt, that since his
escapade no pardon was to be expected. He was soon
captured, however, together with over a hundred fol

lowers. The latter were enslaved for their obstinacy,

while he, with two other caciques, and a youth who

19
E dos Icguas el uno del otro ... el de Papayeca tiene diez y ocho pue
blos subjectos, y el de Cliampagua diez. Cortes, Cartas, 465. The names are
also given as Chapaxina, Papaica, etc.
 PACIFICATION OF THE COUNTRY. 577

appears to have been the true chief of the province,

were kept as prisoners. 20
This success, as well as the comparatively kind
treatment of the natives, tended greatly to promote
the pacification of the country, and the name of Cor
tes became feared and respected far and wide. 21 One
instance of this was the arrival of a deputation from
the Gulf Islands, appealing to his power and clem
ency for protection against a slaving party which was
raiding Guanaja. Cortes at once despatched a cara
vel which brought in the vessel with its slaves, des
tined for the mines of Cuba and Jamaica. The
commander, Rodrigo de Merlo, exhibited a license for
his expedition, so that severemeasures could not well
be taken, but means were found to persuade the cap
tain to settle at Trujillo with his crew. The kid
napped islanders were restored to their grateful
friends. They sent in their allegiance and received
letters of protection, together with a number of
swine which soon multiplied on the islands. 22
Another instance of the influence of Cortes name
was afforded by the entry, from Nicaragua into Olan-
cho 23 province, of an expedition under Gabriel de
Rojas, consisting of sixty men with twenty horses.
The natives resisted, no doubt, whereupon Rojas
began to enslave and pillage. A
deputation arriving
at Trujillo to implore protection, Sandoval was in
structed to interfere on behalf of the natives, as
24
subjects of Cortes. His force was insufficient, it
20
The two colleagues had been usurping guardians. They were to be taken
to Mexico to be impressed with the extent of Spanish power, and to learn sub
mission from its natives. Pizacura died before leaving Honduras. Cortes, Car-
tas, 473; Gomara, Hist. Mcx., 272.
21
Era temido. y acatado, y llamauanle en todas aquellas Provincias: El
Capitan Hue, Hue de Marina, q quiere dezir el Capitan viejo quo trae a dona
Marina. Earned Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 207.
22
They asked
for a Spaniard to settle 011 each island, as a guardian, but
this could not be granted. Gomara, Hist. Mex., 273. Bernal Diaz says that
the vessel escaped, and that she was commanded by Moreno.
23
Huilancho, Huilacho, Huyetlato, etc.
2i
Cortes claims that the province had submitted to him some time before,
but he probably received the proffer only now, though pleading a previous
allegiance to excuse the interference.
HIST. CEX. Ail., VOL. I. 37
 573 CORTES IN HONDURAS.

seems, to drive out the intruders, but Rojas never

25
theless retiredby order of Cordoba,
One reason for this withdrawal was that Cordoba
could not afford to place himself in hostile attitude
to any neighbor. One of the acts of Moreno during
his arbitrary proceeding in Honduras had been to
urge upon him to transfer his allegiance and province
to the audiencia. This prompting found a willing
r
ear. Blind to the accumulative evidence of failure,
and untaught by disappointment, Cordoba allowed
the few instances of successful revolt to overshadow
every failure. He looked upon the force around
him, and measuring the distance between himself and
the grim Pedrarias, his dread grew fainter as the
leagues increased; meanwhile hope kept whispering,
might he not also become another Cortes, borne aloft
by fame, or at least a Velazquez safe upon his usurped
island? He
wavered, and yielded. In maturing his
plans for a step so full of risk, he resolved to learn
further from Moreno what authority he
possessed, and
perfect arrangements with him. Pedro de Garro 26
was accordingly sent with a party of forty men to
Honduras, bearing also petitions to the emperor and
audiencia, and with instructions to explore the best
route to a port in that province through which sup
plies and war material might be procured. Sandoval,
on hearing of their approach, captured them, together
with their retinue of beautiful women and numerous
servants, but allowed a few under escort to proceed to
Trujillo. Cortes received them with good- will, and
as a proof thereof ordered four pack animals to be
sent laden with horseshoes, mining tools, and other
^ To assist him
against two officers who opposed his attempt to become in
dependent of Pedrarias. Cortc*, arfftx, 470. According to Herrera, Sandoval
(.

returned without achieving anything, pleading that lie h;id not enough men,
dec. iii. lib. viii. cap. vii. Bernal l)ia/., who was present, states, on the other
hand, that .Sandoval appeared against Rojas with sixty men, but made friends
with him. Just then came letters from Cortes ordering him to join in return
ing to Mexico, and he hastened back, Rojas departing at the same time. I lt*L
Verdad., 208. Gomara, following Cortes, assumes that Rojas obeyed a mere
message from Trujillo to leave Olancho. ll/t. Mc.r., 1272.
2tj
(Jereceda writes Gaoua. Cart a, in Squier s lUtiS., xx. 01.
 TEMPTATION. 579

articles, as a present to Cordoba. But he could not

countenance the overthrowal of a chief by a subordi
nate officer; for had not his present expedition been
made to punish a similar attempt? He wrote him
accordingly, advising fidelity to Pedrarias, and promis
ing his aid in procuring supplies through 27Honduras,
since Panama was regarded as too distant.
This intercourse had served to enlighten Cortes in
regard to the condition and resources of the country
to the south and south-west. He had learned that it
was fertile and populous, filled with flourishing towns,
and giving great promise of mineral wealth facts con ;

firmed by the splendid retinue of Garro and the de

mand for mining implements. Perhaps in this very
country lay the rich provinces which had stirred his
imagination, even before the fall of Mexico, and
for
which he had come in search this long way. Should
he allow an interloper to deprive him of what his
fancy had claimed all these years, and what had en
ticed him to superhuman efforts? But a valid excuse
was needed for seizing a province already held by an
other, a king s lieutenant like himself. Cortes was too
astute, however, not to find a way to prevent so rich
a prize from eluding him. Was it out of friendship
for a stranger that he had sent valuable presents to
Cordoba, and offered to forward supplies through Hon
duras? No, he knew where to sow in order to reap.
He had he admits, to some officers in
also written, as

Nicaragua whomhe knew, and what subtle poison

may not have been diffused by craftily worded advice.
Cordoba understood the hint for himself, and was con
firmed in his resolve. But his fellow-soldiers had also
a word to say. The idea of risking life and fortune
for the ambitious plans of a captain who was little,

27
Escribi al dicho Francisco Hernandez y a toda la geiite qne con 61
estaba en general, y particnlarmente a, algunos de los capitanes de su com-
pania que yo conoscia, reprendiendolos la fealdad que en aquello hacian, etc.
Cortex, Cartas, 474. Bernal Diaz states, on the other hand, that he promised
to do his best for him, Hist. Verdad., 211, and in this was probably a little
truth, as will be seen.
580 CORTES IN HONDURAS.

if anything, more than themselves, was by no means

to the liking of all the officers. Several objected, and
since it was now too late to retreat Cordoba must even
persuade them by arms. Civil war threatened, and
the news was not long in reaching Trujillo. Indeed, it
scorns that the rebel leader, on finding what a tempest
ho had invoked, sent to tender allegiance to Cortes. 28
And then the latter reasoned with himself. Could
he, an imperial officer, stand calmly by and see his
Majesty s interests sacrificed and his subjects, his
countrymen, slaughtered? No, certainly not; and he
congratulated himself upon the success of his plans.
Here was the longed-for pretence, cast in his way by
fortune. He must pounce upon the prize while the
claimants were absorbed in contention. 29 The first
step was to direct a large force of natives to open a
road to Nicaragua, and Sandoval received orders to
30
prepare for the expedition.
Again it seemed as if the great leader had misin
terpreted the signs of providence.
His messenger to Mexico had safely arrived, and
with prudent management a reaction had been started
in favor of Cortes; the evidence that he was alive
was half the battle; but his enemies, though checked,
were not overthrown, and believing that everything
depended upon his presence it was decided to recall
him. The commission was intrusted to his cousin,
Fray Diego Altamirano, an ex-soldier who had doffed
the helmet for a Franciscan cowl, and a man of honor
and business talent. 31 Pie fell like a bomb-shell on
the manifold projects of Cortes for conquest and
28
Hernandez . sent to invite the Marquis to come and receive the
. .

province from him. AndayoycCs Narrative, 37; J/crrera, dec. iii. lib. viii. cap.
vii. Cortes became a marquis a few years later.
9
"

Quise hi ego ir d Nicaragua, creyeiido poner en olio algun rernedio.

Corff -H, Carta*, 470.
3U
Bernal Diaz assumes that when Sandoval was setting out for Mexico,
shortly before this, as stated, he received orders to pass through Nicaragua,
para demandalla a su Magestad en Gouernacion. Hint. Vertlad., 212.
31
Tic/., 215. Para este efeto fleto un navio en la Villa do Mcdellin.
Oviedo, iii. 523. He came in the vessel which had carried the messenger.
Cortes, Cartas, 470.
 ASSUMES GREATER POMP. 581

aggrandizement, which, if encouraged by one success,

might have borne the victor triumphantly southward,
perhaps to the realms of the Incas. Altamirano was
not a man to let the stern present be obscured by the
glowing fancies of enthusiasm. His visions turned
alone toward Mexico, and his coloring was reserved
for painting the sad condition of its affairs. This he
did, boldly, yet with loving discreetness, and con
vinced his kinsman that return to Mexico was abso
lutely necessary to save himself, his friends, and the
country from ruin. He also insisted that in order
to succeed in controlling followers he must assert his
dignity, and impose on the vulgar by an intimidating
and awe-inspiring pomp. The familiarity grown out
of the fellowship of the camp and the toil of the
march might answer in a border province, but not
in the well-settled districts of New Spain, or at the
court of Mexico. More dignity should be assumed
at once; here and now must he teach his followers
the distance between the governor and the subject,
and demand reverence as his due. There was not
much need for exhortation in this respect, for pomp
canie naturally to Cortes. Readily, therefore, did he
mount the gubernatorial seat with its imposing dais,
and receive with a complacent smile the seTioria^ from
the lips of the deeply bowing suite. In church, even,
he occupied the higher level of the raised sitial
while abroad the cannon belched forth in his honor. 34
His distrust of the sea remained, and he deter
mined to return through Guatemala. The laborers,
therefore, were taken from the Nicaragua road to
35
prepare the way for him; but finally the pilots con-
32
Lordship, a title which pertained only to the higher nobility and to the
highest offices, and which Corte"s, even as governor and captain-general, had
not the slightest right to assume.
33
Seat of honor for princes and prelates and for the ruling men in a
province.
3i
Gomara,Hist. Mex., 273; Herrera, dec. iii. lib. viii. cap. vii.
35
Messengers were sent to the pueblos en route ordering them to p\it the
road in order and prepare for his reception. Some of the Mexican auxiliaries
were also appointed for the work, says Ixtlilxochitl, but their remaining
prince stayed with Cortes. Horribles Crueidades, 110.
 582 CORTES IX HONDURAS.

vincod him that at this season of the year the winds

and currents were favorable, while the land route
must be lono* O and full of obstacles. He accordingly
O J
embarked in three vessels with twenty Spanish fol
lowers and their horses, and some two hundred In
dians under Prince Ixtlilxochitl, setting sail April 25,
36
15i2G. Sandoval joined him, but his company went
overland. Saavedra remained as his lieutenant, with
instructions to maintain native loyalty by good treat
ment, and to promote settlement. The general s yet
wavering confidence in the sea received another shock
off the very coast of New Spain, whence a gale drove
him back and compelled him to seek refuge in Cuba.
On the IGth of May he again set sail, and landed a
week later near the present Vera Cruz. The news
of his arrival spread rapidly, and soldiers, colonists,
and natives hastened forward in throngs to bear the
beloved leader, the mighty Malinche, in triumph to
the island city which he had won and refounded.
Doubts were dissipated and past disappointments
forgotten as he gazed once more on the scenes of his
brilliant achievements, and drank the plaudits of the
multitude. 37
so
Recibio el cnei^po de Christo vna maiiana porque como estauatanmalo,
temiamorir.se. Bcrnal Diaz, J/it. Verdad., 215. Prescott ignores the friar,
and assumes that Sandoval persuaded him to leave. But this is only one of
the many errors into which he has fallen concerning this expedition. Mex.,
iii. SO:. .

The natives were to be punished for persevering in idolatry; although

J;

Indians must not be enslaved, yet slaves held lawfully by them might be
purchased as such by the colonists. The instructions contain a number of
minor rules for the good government of province and towns. ( ortr, E^ r dos
Suclfo-f,75-95. Saavedra did not perhaps relish the idea of being left with a
comparatively .small force, for Bernal Diaz complains that he purposely with
held for some time the order permitting the Xaco company to leave for Mex
ico. //i*t. e/v/ 215, 219. The leading authorities for Cortes different
I "/.,

expeditions to Honduras are: Corfe*, Car lax, 338, 351, 309, etseq.; Id., Escrl-
to-1 S trlto*, 70-05. 3 IS; ///., Curia al 11- ij, in I -azhalcctn^ Doc., i. 4S1-2; C<>1.

Cart t. in / /., i. 484-(i; /Y/v/- Martyr, dec. viii. cap. x. Ouicd", iii.
All>r>fH<>~, ;

188-0, 44S, 458-9. 517 -IS: f. nmitra, Jlit. Mex., 233-4, 243-0, 250-74; tienml
Diaz, Vefdad., 159, 17G-7, 193-210; Letters and Reports by Cortes and
J/l<f.

other officers to the Kniperor and Council, in Iitrd., i. 521-4, iv. 220-7, et
J}a<-.

seq., and in Parheco and Ct.irdc.Ha.*, Col. Jjoc., xii. 208-77, 302-7, 380-403; xiii.
40-7,108-9, 203-4, 397; xiv. 25-43, et seq. Cercz?da, Cctrfa, iuSt/nicr s MSS..^
;

xx. 01; Ixffifxo -lutl, //crrihff.a C rm ldfidet, 78-110; Chinudpiln, Couq. J/^.,ii.
100-53; Ilerrera, dec. iii. lib. v. cap. vii. -viii. xii. -xiii. lib. vi. cap. x. xii. lib.
; ;

vii. cap. viii. ; lib. viii. cap. iii.-vi. lib. x. cap. xi. Less important books, which
;
 RETURN TO MEXICO. 583

add or nothing to the preceding, are: Torqucmada, i. 574-6; Rcmcsal,

little
Hist. Chyapa, 164; Cogolludo, Hit. Yuratho.n, 44-58; Villagutierre, Hkit. Conq.
Itza, 39-50; Duran. Hist. Ind., MS., ii. 521-2; Pinelo, Delation, 2; Vazquez,
Chronica de Gvat., 18-20; Corf (-8, Hist. N. E*}>ana, 351-2, 367-9; Pizarro y
Oreli ina, Varonesllvstres, 108-16; Galvano s Discov., 160-4; Twee Onderschey-
dene Togten, 52-80, 95-107, in Aa Naauwkeurige Versamellny, xi. Twee Ver-
t ;

scheyde Togten, 19-76, 94, in Id. ;Gottfried, Reysen, iv.; Ogilby s Am., 91-2;
Snlazar, Conq. Mex., 154-8, 211-311; /?m7/a, in Soils, Hist. Mex. (ed. Mad.,
1843), 463-9; Beaumont, Cron. Mich., iii. 189-92; Juarros, Gnat., 55, 123,
324-7; Cavo, Trcs Xiglos, i. 29-30, 46-8; Veytia, Hi*t. Ant. Mej., iii. 420;
Luet, Xov. Orb., 318; Voyages, Few Col., i. 347; World Displayed, ii. 251;
Lardner aHitt. Discou., ii. 62; Gordon s Hist. Ant. Mex., ii. 203, 209-15,240-1;
Fcincourt s Hist. Yuc., 39; Squires States Cent. Am., 66; Rivera, Hist.Jalapa,
i. 44; Buatamante, Cuad. IIi*t.,i. 42; Alaman, Divert., i. 196-7, 203-23, 234-5;

append., 129-37; ii. 17-18; Rivera, Gob. Mex., i. 17; Zamacoi*, Hi*t. J/r/.,iv.
178-9, 236-326, 349-53, 369, 739-56; Corte*, Awn. y Conq., 285-9; Prescotfa
J/fi\, iii. 276-302; Helps Corte*, ii. 183-228; Id. Span. Conq., iii. 30-61 ;Bra8-

seitr de Bourboura, Hist. Xat. Civ., iv. 573-617; Busslerre, Mex., 339-49, 380;

Larcitaudiere, Mex. etGuat., 136-7; Along lave, Resume, 138; Arrnin, AlteMex.,
351-61; Mayer s Mex. Aztec., i. 86; Abbott s Cortes, 305-29; Wells Honduras,
449-57; Pelaez, Mem. Guat., i. 53-4.