| CHAPTER I. VOYAGE OF HERNANDEZ DE CÓRDOBA TO YUCATAN. 1516-1517. | |
| PAGE. | |
| A Glance at the State of European Discovery and Government in Americaat the Opening of this Volume—Diego Velazquez in Cuba—Characterof the Man—A Band of Adventurers Arrives from Darien—The GovernorCounsels them to Embark in Slave-catching—Under Hernandezde Córdoba they Sail Westward and Discover Yucatan—And areFilled with Astonishment at the Large Towns and Stone Towers theySee there—They Fight the Natives at Cape Catoche—Skirt thePeninsula to Champoton—Sanguinary Battle—Return to Cuba—Deathof Córdoba | [1] |
| CHAPTER II. JUAN DE GRIJALVA EXPLORES THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE MEXICAN GULF. 1518. | |
| Velazquez Plans a New Expedition—Gives the Command to his Nephew,Juan de Grijalva—Who Embarks at Santiago and Strikes the Continentat Cozumel Island—Coasts Southward to Ascension Bay—ThenTurns and Doubles Cape Catoche—Naming of New Spain—Fight atChampoton—Arrival at Laguna de Términos—Alaminos, the Pilot,is Satisfied that Yucatan is an Island—They Coast Westward andDiscover the Rivers San Pedro y San Pablo and Tabasco—NotableInterview at this Place between the Europeans and the Americans—TheCulhua Country—They Pass La Rambla, Tonalá, the Rio Goazacoalco,the Mountain of San Martin, the Rivers of Alvarado andBanderas, and Come to the Islands of Sacrificios and San Juan deUlua | [15] |
| CHAPTER III. RETURN OF GRIJALVA. A NEW EXPEDITION ORGANIZED. 1518. | |
| Refusal of Grijalva to Settle—Alvarado Sent back to Cuba—GrijalvaContinues his Discovery—After Reaching the Province of Pánuco heTurns back—Touching at the Rio Goazacoalco, Tonalá, the Lagunade Términos, and Champoton, the Expedition Returns to Cuba—GrijalvaTraduced and Discharged—A New Expedition Planned—VelazquezSends to Santo Domingo and Spain—Characters ofVelazquez and Grijalva Contrasted—Candidates for the Captaincyof the New Expedition—The Alcalde of Santiago Successful—HisStanding at that Time | [28] |
| CHAPTER IV. THE HERO OF THE CONQUEST. | |
| Birthplace of Hernan Cortés—His Coming Compensatory for the Devil-sentLuther—Parentage—Hernan a Sickly Child—Saint Peter hisPatron—He is sent to Salamanca—Returns Home—Thinks of Córdobaand Italy—And of Ovando and the Indies—Chooses the Latter—NarrowEscape during a Love Intrigue—Ovando Sails withoutHim—Cortés Goes to Valencia—Is there Ill—Returns Home—FinallySails for the Indies—His Reception at Santo Domingo—He FightsIndians under Velazquez, and is Given an Encomienda—Goes toCuba with Velazquez—Makes Love to Catalina Suarez—But Declinesto Marry—Velazquez Insists—Cortés Rebels—Seizures, Imprisonments,Escapes, and Reconciliation | [41] |
| CHAPTER V. SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION. 1518-1519. | |
| The Quality of Leader Desired—Instructions Issued to Hernan Cortés,Commander-in-chief—The Character of Cortés Undergoes a Change—Costof the Expedition—By whom Borne—Places Established for Enlistment—TheBanner—Cortés Puts on the Great Man—More of hisCharacter—The Scene at Santiago Harbor—The Governor’s Jester—DarkSuspicions of Velazquez—Departure from Santiago—Cortés atTrinidad—Fresh Recruits—Verdugo Receives Orders to Depose Cortés—TheFleet Proceeds to San Cristóbal, or the Habana—Reviewat Guaguanico—Speech of Cortés—Organization into Companies—Departurefrom Cuba | [53] |
| CHAPTER VI. THE VOYAGE. 1519. | |
| Something of the Captains of Cortés—Alvarado—Montejo—Ávila—Olid—Sandoval—Leon—Ordaz—Morla—ThePassage—The Fleet Struckby a Squall—Arrival at Cozumel—Alvarado Censured—Search forthe Captive Christians—Arrival of Aguilar—His Chaste Adventures—TheyCome to Tabasco River—Battles there—Conquest of the Natives—PeaceMade—Twenty Female Slaves among the Presents—TheFleet Proceeds along the Shore—Puertocarrero’s Witticism—Arrivalat San Juan de Ulua | [73] |
| CHAPTER VII. WHAT MONTEZUMA THOUGHT OF IT. | |
| Home of Mexican Civilization—The Border Land of Savagism—Configurationof the Country—The Nahuas and the Mayas—Toltecs,Chichimecs, and Aztecs—The Valley of Mexico—Civil Polity of theAztecs—King Ahuitzotl—Montezuma Made Emperor—Character ofthe Man—His Career—The First Appearing of the Spaniards notUnknown to Montezuma—The Quetzalcoatl Myth—Departure of theFair God—Signs and Omens concerning his Return—The Coming ofthe Spaniards Mistaken for the Fulfilment of the Prophecy—TheDoor Opened to the Invader | [94] |
| CHAPTER VIII. THE COMBATANTS SALUTE. April-May, 1519. | |
| The Embassy from the Shore—The New Interpreter—Marina—Her Appearanceand Quality—Her Romantic History—She Cleaves to theSpaniards and to Cortés—And Becomes One of the most ImportantCharacters of the Conquest—The Spaniards Land and Form an Encampment—TheGovernor Comes with Presents—The SpaniardsAstonish the Natives—Who Report all to Montezuma—Cortés Sendsthe Monarch Presents—Council Called in Mexico—Montezuma Determinesnot to Receive the Strangers—Reciprocates in Presents aHundredfold—Cortés Persists—Montezuma Declines more Firmly—OlmedoAttempts Conversion—Teuhtlile, Offended, Withdraws hisPeople from the Camp of the Spaniards | [116] |
| CHAPTER IX. THE MIGHTY PROJECT IS CONCEIVED. May, 1519. | |
| Serious Dilemma of Cortés—Authority without Law—Montejo SentNorthward—Recommends another Anchorage—Dissensions at VeraCruz—Prompt and Shrewd Action of Cortés—A Municipality Organized—CortésResigns—And is Chosen Leader by the Municipality—Velazquez’Captains Intimate Rebellion—Cortés promptly ArrestsSeveral of Them—Then he Conciliates them All—Important Embassyfrom Cempoala—The Veil Lifted—The March to Cempoala—Whatwas Done there—Quiahuiztlan—The Coming of the TributeGatherers—How They were Treated—Grand Alliance | [131] |
| CHAPTER X. MULTIPLICATION OF PLOTS. June-July, 1519. | |
| Cortés, Diplomate and General—The Municipality of Villa Rica Located—Excitementthroughout Anáhuac—Montezuma Demoralized—Arrivalof the Released Collectors at the Mexican Capital—The Order forTroops Countermanded—Montezuma Sends an Embassy to Cortés—ChicomacatlAsks Aid against a Mexican Garrison—A Piece ofPleasantry—The Velazquez Men Refuse to Accompany the Expedition—OpportunityOffered them to Return to Cuba, which theyDecline through Shame—The Totonacs Rebuked—The CempoalaBrides—Destruction of the Idols—Arrival at Villa Rica of Salcedo—Effortsof Velazquez with the Emperor—Cortés Sends Messengersto Spain—Velazquez Orders them Pursued—The Letters of Cortés—Audienciaof the Emperor at Tordesillas | [152] |
| CHAPTER XI. THE SINKING OF THE FLEET. July-August, 1519. | |
| Diego Velazquez once More—His Supporters in the Camp of Cortés—TheyAttempt Escape—Are Discovered—The Leaders are Seized andExecuted—Cortés’ Ride to Cempoala, and what Came of it—He Determineson the Destruction of the Fleet—Preliminary Stratagems—Severalof the Ships Pronounced Unseaworthy—The Matter beforethe Soldiers—The Fleet Sunk—Indignation of the Velazquez Faction—OneVessel Remaining—It is Offered to any Wishing to Desert—Itis finally Sunk—Francisco de Garay’s Pretensions—Seizure ofSome of his Men | [174] |
| CHAPTER XII. MARCH TOWARD MEXICO. August-September, 1519. | |
| Enthusiasm of the Army—The Force—The Totonacs Advise the TlascalanRoute—Arrival at Jalapa—A Look Backward—The Anáhuac Plateau—Meetingwith Olintetl—Arrival in the Country of the Tlascaltecs—TheSenate Convenes and Receives the Envoys of Cortés—AnEncounter—A More Serious Battle—Xicotencatl Resolves to Try theProwess of the Invaders, and is Defeated | [191] |
| CHAPTER XIII. ENTRY INTO TLASCALA. September, 1519. | |
| Native Chiefs Sent as Envoys to the Tlascalan Capital—Their FavorableReception—Xicotencatl Plans Resistance to Cortés—Sends out Spies—CortésSends them back Mutilated—The Spaniards Attack andDefeat Xicotencatl—Night Encounters—General Dissatisfaction anda Desire to Return to Villa Rica—Envoys Arrive from Montezuma—CortésReceives Xicotencatl and the Tlascalan Lords—Peace Concluded—Tlascala—Festivitiesand Rejoicings—Mass Celebrated—CortésInclined to Extreme Religious Zeal—Brides Presented to theSpaniards—Appropriate Ceremonies—Preparing to Leave Tlascalafor Cholula—Communications with the Cholultecs | [211] |
| CHAPTER XIV. SUBJUGATION OF CHOLULA. October, 1519. | |
| Departure from Tlascala—Description of Cholula—The Welcome—ArmyQuarters in the City—Intimations of a Conspiracy between the Mexicansand Cholultecs—Cortés Asks for Provisions and Warriors—HeHolds a Council—Preparations for an Attack—The Lords Enter theCourt with the Required Supplies—Cortés Reprimands them in anAddress—The Slaughter Begins—Destruction of the City—Butcheryand Pillage—Amnesty finally Proclaimed—Xicotencatl Returns toTlascala—Reconciliation of the Cholultecs and Tlascaltecs—Dedicationof a Temple to the Virgin—Reflections on the Massacre ofCholula | [235] |
| CHAPTER XV. FROM CHOLULA TO IZTAPALAPAN. October-November, 1519. | |
| Montezuma Consults the Gods—He again Begs the Strangers not to Cometo him—Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl—News from Villa Rica—Deathof Escalante—Return of the Cempoalan Allies—Again enroute for Mexico—Reception at Huexotzinco—First View of theMexican Valley—Exultations and Misgivings—Resting at Quauhtechcatl—TheCounterfeit Montezuma—Munificent Presents—TheEmperor Attempts to Annihilate the Army by Means of Sorcerers—ThroughQuauhtechcatl, Amaquemecan, and Tlalmanalco—A BrilliantProcession Heralds the Coming of Cacama, King of Tezcuco—AtCuitlahuac—Met by Ixtlilxochitl—The Hospitality of Iztapalapan | [252] |
| CHAPTER XVI. MEETING WITH MONTEZUMA. November, 1519. | |
| Something of the City—The Spaniards Start from Iztapalapan—Reach theGreat Causeway—They are Met by many Nobles—And Presently byMontezuma—Entry into Mexico—They are Quartered in the AxayacatlPalace—Interchange of Visits | [275] |
| CHAPTER XVII. CAPTURE OF THE EMPEROR. November, 1519. | |
| Cortés Inspects the City—Visits the Temple with Montezuma—Discoveryof Buried Treasure—Pretended Evidences of Treachery—CortésPlans a Dark Deed—Preparations for the Seizure of Montezuma—Witha Few Men Cortés Enters the Audience-chamber of the King—PersuasiveDiscourse—With Gentle Force Montezuma is Induced toEnter the Lion’s Den | [294] |
| CHAPTER XVIII. DOUBLY REFINED DEALINGS. 1519-1520. | |
| Hollow Homage to the Captive King—Montezuma has his Wives andNobles—He Rules his Kingdom through the Spaniards—The PlayfulPage—Liberality of the Monarch—The Sacred Treasures—CortésResents the Insults of the Guard—Diversions—Quauhpopoca, hisSon and Officers, Burned Alive—Plantations Formed—Villa RicaAffairs—Vessels Built—Pleasure Excursions | [309] |
| CHAPTER XIX. POLITICS AND RELIGION. 1520. | |
| Growing Discontent among the Mexicans—Cacama’s Conspiracy—HeOpenly Defies both Montezuma and Cortés—The Council of Tepetzinco—Seizureof Cacama—The Tezcucan Ruler Deposed—CuicuitzcatlElevated—Montezuma and his People Swear Fealty to the SpanishKing—Gathering in the Tribute—Division of Spoils—The SpaniardsQuarrel over their Gold—Uncontrollable Religious Zeal—Taking ofthe Temple—Wrath of the Mexicans | [328] |
| CHAPTER XX. THE CUBAN GOVERNOR IN PURSUIT. 1519-1520. | |
| The Mexicans Threaten Revolt—The Clergy in Arms—They Denouncethe Conduct of Montezuma—The Emperor Declares he can no longerRestrain his People—Tidings of Velazquez’ Fleet—Sailing fromCuba of an Expedition under Narvaez—Arrival in Mexico—Conflictwith Cortés—Interchange of Threats and Courtesies—AttemptedUnion of Forces—Narvaez Remains Loyal to Velazquez—Desertionof Some of his Men to Cortés | [353] |
| CHAPTER XXI. THE COUP DE MAÎTRE OF CORTÉS. May, 1520. | |
| Dismal Prospects—Empire to Hold, Invasion to Repel—The Army Divides—AlvaradoGuards Montezuma, while Cortés Looks after Narvaez—TheMarch Seaward—The Rendezvous—The Chinantecsand their Pikes—Cortés Sows Alluring Words in the Camp of theEnemy—Proposals of Peace—Defiance—Night Attack—Cortés CapturesNarvaez and his Army | [374] |
| CHAPTER XXII. ALVARADO’S MERCILESS MASSACRE. May, 1520. | |
| After the Battle—Victory Made Secure—Conduct of the Conquered—AGeneral Amnesty—Disposition of the Forces—Affairs at the Capital—InsurrectionThreatened—The Spaniards Hold a Council—Alvarado’sResolve—The Great Day of the Feast—The Spaniards Proceed to theTemple—The Grand Display there Witnessed—The Attack of theSpaniards—Horrors upon Horrors | [399] |
| CHAPTER XXIII. UPRISING OF THE AZTECS. May-June, 1520. | |
| Character of the Aztecs—Spanish Quarters—The City in Arms—GrowingHatred toward the Invaders—Perilous Position of Alvarado—MontezumaCalled to Interfere—Failing Provisions—Miraculous Water—Cortésto the Rescue—Rendezvous at Tlascala—The City and itsPeople—The Army Joins Alvarado—Desperate Encounters | [419] |
| CHAPTER XXIV. FIGHT UPON THE TEMPLE SUMMIT. June, 1520. | |
| The Natives Continue the Assault—Their Fierce Bravery—The SpaniardsBuild Turrets—Still the Mexicans Prove too Strong for Them—MontezumaCalled to Intercede—He is Insulted and Stoned by hisSubjects—Cortés Attempts Egress by the Tlacopan Causeway—Failureof Escobar to Take the Pyramid—Cortés Gains the SlipperyHeight—The Gladiatorial Combat There | [436] |
| CHAPTER XXV. DEATH OF MONTEZUMA. June, 1520. | |
| A Living Death—The Old Imperial Party and the New Power—AztecDefiance—Perilous Position of the Spaniards—Disappointment toCortés—Another Sally—The Dying Monarch—He has No Desire toLive—His Rejection of a New Faith—He will None of the Heavenof the Spaniards—Commends his Children to Cortés—The Characterof Montezuma and of his Reign | [449] |
| CHAPTER XXVI. LA NOCHE TRISTE. June 30, 1520. | |
| The Captive-King Drama Carried too Far—Better had the SpaniardsTaken Montezuma’s Advice, and have Departed while OpportunityOffered—Diplomatic Value of a Dead Body—Necessity for an ImmediateEvacuation of the City—Departure from the Fort—MidnightSilence—The City Roused by a Woman’s Cry—The FugitivesFiercely Attacked on All Sides—More Horrors | [463] |
| CHAPTER XXVII. RETREAT TO TLASCALA. July, 1520. | |
| Fatal Mistake of the Mexicans—A Brief Respite Allowed the Spaniards—TheRemnant of the Army at Tlacopan—They Set out for Tlascala—Anever increasing Force at their Heels—Rest at the TepzolacTemple—Cortés Reviews his Disasters—The March Continued amidstGreat Tribulation—Encounter of the Grand Army—Important Battleand Remarkable Victory—Arrival at Tlascala—The Friendly ReceptionAccorded them There | [482] |
| CHAPTER XXVIII. INVALUABLE FRIENDSHIP. July-September, 1520. | |
| Divers Disasters to the Spaniards—Mexico Makes Overtures to Tlascala—ACouncil Held—Tlascala Remains True to the Spaniards—Disaffectionin the Spanish Army—Cortés again Wins the Soldiers to hisViews—Renewal of Active Operations against the Aztecs—Successof the Spanish Arms—Large Reinforcements of Native Allies—OneAztec Stronghold after another Succumbs | [509] |
| CHAPTER XXIX. KING-MAKING AND CONVERTING. October-December, 1520. | |
| Conquest in Detail—Barba Caught—Other Arrivals and Reinforcements—TheSmall-pox Comes to the Assistance of the Spaniards—Letters tothe Emperor—Establishing of Segura de la Frontera—Certain of theDisaffected Withdraw from the Army and Return to Cuba—Divisionof Spoils—Head-quarters Established at Tlascala | [536] |
| CHAPTER XXX. CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLEET. December, 1520-February, 1521. | |
| The Objective Point—Vessels Needed—Martin Lopez Sent to Tlascalafor Timber—Thirteen Brigantines Ordered—Cortés at Tlascala—Drilland Discipline—Address of the General—Parade of the Tlascaltecs—Marchto Tezcuco—New Ruler Appointed—Sacking of Iztapalapan—TheChalcans—Arrival at Tezcuco of the Brigantine Brigade | [561] |
| CHAPTER XXXI. PRELIMINARY CAMPAIGNS. March-May, 1521. | |
| Plan for the Investment of Mexico—Reconnoitring Tour round theLake—Cortés in Command—Alvarado and Olid Accompany—TheyProceed Northward from Tezcuco—Capture of Cities and Strongholds—Xaltocan,Quauhtitlan, Tenayocan, Azcapuzalco, Tlacopan,and back to Tezcuco—Chalco Disturbed—Peace Proposals Sent toMexico—Further Reconnoissance of the Lake Region—Many Battlesand Victories—Quauhnahuac Captured—Burning of Xochimilco—SecondReturn to Tezcuco—Conspiracy | [582] |
| CHAPTER XXXII. INVESTMENT OF MEXICO. May-June, 1521. | |
| Phases of Heroism—The Brigantines upon the Lake—Division of Forcesbetween Alvarado, Sandoval, and Olid—Desertion, Capture, andExecution of Xicotencatl—Departure of the Troops from Tezcuco—NavalBattle—Possession Taken of the Causeways—At One PointCortés Unexpectedly Gains Entrance to the City—But is Driven Out | [613] |
| CHAPTER XXXIII. CONTINUATION OF THE SIEGE. June-July, 1521. | |
| Something about Quauhtemotzin—Infamous Pretensions of EuropeanCivilization and Christianity—Prompt Action of the Mexican Emperor—Repetitionsof the Entry Assault—Submission of the SurroundingNations—Dire Condition of the Mexicans—Spanish Defeatand Disaffection—Resolution to Raze the City | [636] |
| CHAPTER XXXIV. THE CONQUEST ACHIEVED. July-August, 1521. | |
| The Destroyers Advance—Fierce Fighting in the Plaza—Dismal Situationof the Mexicans—The Work of Demolition—Movements of Alvarado—TheEmperor Refuses to Parley—Misery of the Aztecs Unbearable—HorribleMassacre of Women and Children—The Tender-heartedCortés Mourns over his own Work—Capture of the Emperor—TheConquest Completed—Banquets and Thanksgivings—Dispersionof the Allies to their Homes—Reflections | [669] |
AUTHORITIES QUOTED
IN
THE HISTORY OF MEXICO.
[It is my custom to prefix to each work of the series the name of every authority cited in its pages. In this instance, however, it is impracticable. So immense is my material for the History of Mexico that a full list of the authorities would fill a third of a volume, obviously more space than can properly be allowed even for so important a feature. I therefore reduce the list by omitting, for the most part, three large classes: first, those already given for Central America; second, those to be given in the North Mexican States; and third, many works, mostly pamphlets, which, though consulted and often important, have only an indirect bearing on history, or which have been cited perhaps but once, and on some special topic. These, and all bibliographic notes, are accessible through the index.]
Abbot (Gorham D.), Mexico and the United States. New York, 1869.
Abert (S. T.), Is a ship canal practicable. Cincinnati, 1870.
Abispa de Chilpancingo (La). Mexico, 1821-2.
Abreu (Antonio Joseph Alvarez de), Víctima Real Legal. Madrid, 1769. folio.
Abreu (Francisco), Verdad Manifiesta que declara ser la jurisdiccion ordinaria. n.pl., n.d.
Abusos del poder judicial en la Suprema Corte. Guadalajara, 1844.