History of the Conquest of Mexico; vol. 3/4

by William Hickling Prescott

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]