With these words he kissed his staff of command, handed it reverently to the Chief Justice, placed his letter of resignation on the table, and left. The judges thereupon played out the farce. For appearances’ sake they accepted the resignation, pretended the proper consideration, at last made a new choice, and Cortes was unanimously elected commander. Thereupon the army was summoned, and the choice was announced and enthusiastically welcomed.
Chapter V
Founding of the City of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz—Disaffected Caciques Join Cortes—Destruction of a Heathen Temple because of Human Sacrifices—Introduction of Christianity—Cortes Sinks his Fleet after Sending a Vessel to Spain
Cortes was now the authorized commander at the head of six hundred greedy wolves, before whom the countless hordes of naked Mexicans were as so many defenceless sheep. The High Court appointed by Cortes gave to the settlement, which was established before his departure, the name of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, “the rich city of the true Cross.”[4] The budding settlement was called “rich” because it was there they had a chance to judge of the wealth of the Mexican Empire by the gifts which had been sent, and because they expected that the treasures of that rich people, unfortunately for them, would soon be flowing in there. The addition, “true Cross,” was made because they landed there on the anniversary of the Crucifixion. This remarkable appellation of the first European colony in Mexico indicates the two leading passions which animated the Spanish adventurers, namely, avarice and religious enthusiasm. They were animated alike by the longings to fill their purses with gold and Heaven with souls. It was a mixture of the earthly and heavenly, cruelty and apparent humanity, shameless cupidity and pretended piety.
The discontented Velasquez faction in Cortes’ camp soon discovered that they had been deceived and began to murmur afresh. Cortes at once seized those who were the most intemperate in speech and placed them on board the vessels in chains. Those who had been misled into sympathy with the mutineers were sent, under a reliable leader and in the company of several of the loyal ones, into the neighboring region to procure subsistence. After they had returned with abundant supplies, and hunger was appeased, a reconciliation was soon effected. Every one of them acknowledged his authority, and they soon became his most trusty and devoted followers. Their destiny and his were now joined, for they had mutually taken the decisive step and must follow him wherever he led. When peace was fully restored, the Spaniards made all their preparations for departure, and a fortunate event cleared the way of all obstacles. They encountered five Indians, messengers from a cacique, whose possessions were not far distant, who asked to be conducted to the Spanish commander. Their request was granted, and Cortes, with the aid of his interpreter, learned the agreeable news that the cacique of Zempoala had heard of the great deeds accomplished by the Spaniards at Tabasco and was anxious to make a friendly treaty with them. After much questioning Cortes discovered that Montezuma, of whom the cacique of Zempoala was a vassal, was a proud, overbearing, and cruel master, both hated and feared by all his subjects, who were only waiting for an opportunity to free themselves from his yoke.
Cortes was careful to conceal his satisfaction over this intelligence. He knew how easy it is to overthrow the mightiest empire as soon as dissatisfaction and misunderstandings arise between the ruler and his people, and he now had not the slightest doubt of the success of his undertaking, which but for this fortunate event might have proved foolhardy in the extreme. The Indians were dismissed with friendly assurances for themselves and their master, and with the promise that Cortes would shortly pay them a visit. To fulfil his promise and at the same time to investigate a spot which they recommended as a convenient place for a colony, he departed with his whole army after giving orders to his fleet to coast along in that vicinity. At the close of the first day’s march they reached an Indian village which was completely deserted. They found empty houses and temples with images of deities, remnants of human beings who had been sacrificed, and some books, the first which had been discovered in America. They were made of parchment or hide which was smeared over with gum and arranged in leaves. In place of letters they contained pictures of all kinds and symbols connected with the abhorrent Mexican religion.[5] On the following day Cortes continued his march. They came to broad luxurious plains and wooded regions rich with the vegetation of the tropics. The branches of the stately trees were hung with dark red, gracefully curving vines and other parasitic plants of brilliant color. The undergrowth of prickly aloes, interlaced with wild roses and honeysuckles, in several places made almost impenetrable thickets. In the midst of this profusion of fragrant blossoms, countless birds and swarms of butterflies fluttered about, while exquisite singing birds filled the air with their melody. Although the invaders were not very susceptible to the beauties of nature, they could not help expressions of delight, and, as they traversed this earthly paradise, it reminded them of the beautiful regions in their own fatherland.
Cortes was greatly surprised to find the whole country deserted, although it was the territory of the cacique of Zempoala. It looked suspicious to him. But toward evening twelve Indians, carrying provisions, who had been sent by the cacique, met them. They besought the Spanish leader in the name of their master to go to his residence, which was only a sun’s (one day) distance from there. He would find everything there that he and his men needed. Upon being asked why the cacique himself had not come to meet him in person, they replied that he was prevented by physical infirmity. Cortes sent six of the Indians back with thanks, retaining the rest to act as guides. On the following day the cacique’s city came in sight, lying in a fruitful, smiling region, and very handsome in appearance. Some of the soldiers in the advance rushed back, excitedly shouting that the walls of the city were made of solid silver. To their great regret they found they were mistaken, for the walls were only covered with a cement so white and glistening in the sunshine that it easily deceived those who dreamed day and night of nothing but gold and silver. Upon entering the city they found all the streets and public squares filled with curious natives who were unarmed and conducted themselves more quietly than might have been expected of such a multitude of uncivilized beings.
As they approached the house of the cacique, his Indian highness himself appeared. His figure revealed the nature of the infirmity which had prevented him from going out to meet his guests. He was so monstrously fat that he could scarcely walk, his servants having to support and move him along. His shapeless bulk and clumsy manner were so ludicrous that Cortes had some difficulty in restraining his men from loud laughter and in preserving his own seriousness. The attire of the cacique was gorgeous. He was dressed in a cloak profusely set with precious stones, and his ears and lips were perforated and richly adorned. His address of welcome did not in the least correspond with his laughable appearance. It was very clever, and well put together, and closed with the request that Cortes would condescend to be his guest and abide with him, so that they might have an opportunity to talk together at leisure. The rest of the day was spent in partaking of refreshment and enjoying the fruits which grew there in great profusion.
In his interview with the cacique Cortes designedly impressed him with the idea that he had been sent there by the great eastern monarch for the purpose of putting an end to tyranny in that part of the world. This encouraged the cacique to make bitter complaint of the haughtiness and injustice of Montezuma, whom he did not hesitate to characterize as a cruel tyrant, whose yoke was intolerable not only to himself but to others of his vassals. His indignation was so great, as he spoke of it, that tears sprang from his eyes. Cortes endeavored to quiet him and assured him of his protection. He also informed him that the power of the tyrant did not disturb him in the least, for he knew that his own power, which was supported by Heaven, was irresistible. After taking a cordial leave of the hospitable Indian, Cortes set out upon his march to Chiahuitzlan, the place selected for a settlement. Their way led over fruitful plains and through pleasant woodlands, and after a moderate day’s journey they saw the city upon a rocky eminence. The people had fled. As they reached the market-place fifteen Indians emerged from a temple, greeted the strangers, and assured them that their governor and all his people would come back without delay if their safety were guaranteed. Cortes solemnly assured them no one should be hurt and in a short time the cacique and his people overcame their fears and returned. Cortes was pleased to discover that the cacique of Zempoala was there also. Scarcely had the interview begun when bitter complaints were made of Montezuma’s persecutions. Cortes, who heard these complaints now for the second time, consoled them and renewed his promises of protection.
MEXICAN CACIQUES BEFORE CORTES