and couered with tile: they fought there egarly; and there appeered vnto them S. Iames on horsebacke, which increased their courage. They called that citie Victoria: and they were the first people which were subdued to the Spanyards obedience in all Newe Spaine.
S. Iohn de Vllhua.
From hence, they
went discouering the coast till they came to a place named S. Iohn de Vllhua, distant as they said from Mexico where the king Mutiçuma was, 60. or 70. leagues: and there was a seruant of his that gouerned that prouince, named Tendilli, which gaue them good entertainment, although they vnderstood not one another. But Cortes had 20. women, whereof one was called Marine borne in that countrey: They were the first that were baptized in New Spaine. And from that time forward Marine and Aguiler serued as interpreters. Tendilli presently gaue knowledge of this vnto Muteçuma, that a kinde of bearded people were arriued in his countrey: for so they called the Castillians. But he was troubled vpon that newes: for his Gods, (which are to be thought to be diuels) had told him, that such people as the Spanyards were should destroy his law and countrey, and be Lords thereof. And therefore he sent gifts vnto Cortes, in value 20. thousand ducats, but would not come to him.
Because S. Iohn de Vllhua was then no place for a nauie to ride in, Cortes sent Francis de Monteio, and the pilot Antonie Alaminos in two brigandines to discouer that coast; who came to a place where they might ride without danger. They came to Panuco standing in 23. degrees northward: from whence they came backe vpon an agreement to goe vnto Culuacan being an hauen of more safetie.[1] They set saile, but Cortes went by land westward with the most part of his men on horsebacke, and they came vnto a citie called Zempoallan, where they were well receiued. And from thence he went to another towne called Chiauitztlan; with the Lord of which towne as with all the countrey besides he made league to be against Muteçuma.
Villa rica de la vera Cruz. And when he knew that his ships were come, he went vnto them, and there builded a towne, and called it Villa rica de la vera cruz. From whence he sent vnto Charles the Emperour a present, and made report of all that he had done, and how he determined to goe to Mexico, and to visite
- ↑ Gomara historiæ general. lib. 2. cap. 21. 22. 23. 24.
