78

THE LAST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS.

the misfortunes of Columbus was his indiscreet stipulation for a joint authority in his new discoveries. His good sense might have told him, that it was impossible to be a partner with a king.

We shall conclude the history of Columbus' voyages, with his character, as delineated by a Spanish writer of veracity. 'Columbus,' says he, was tall of stature, had a long visage, and a majestic aspect. His nose was aquiline, his eyes grey, and his complexion clear and ruddy. When young, his hair and beard were fair; but hardships soon turned them grey. He was a man of wit and pleasantry, eloquent in discourse, yet moderately grave in his deportment. His affability to strangers, and his judicious conversation, gained him the affection of every ingenuous mind; while an air of authority and grandeur attracted respect. He was strict in his religious observances himself, and obliged those who were under his command to show at least a decent regard to this sacred institution. He had an earnest concern for the conversion of the Indians, and endeavoured as much as was in his power to allure them, by obliging the Spaniards to lead a life in some measure corresponding to the faith they professed. His courage was undaunted: he was fond of great enterprises, temperate in living, modest in dress, patient under injuries; and much more anxious to bring his enemies to a sense of their offences, than to retaliate injustice. He remained unmoved amidst the numerous dangers and adversities that attended him, ever placing a firm reliance on Divine Providence. In short, had he lived in earlier times, his conduct and his achievements would have procured him statues and temples in his honour. He would have been ranked with Hercules and Bacchus; and a constellation perhaps would have borne his name. However, he will be remembered as long as the world endures !'

AN

ACCOUNT

OF THE

CONQUEST OF MEXICO;

BY

HERNANDO CORTES.

THERE is something so stupendous in the conquests of Mexico and Peru, that mankind must ever feel an interest in the recital. The history of those events is as honourable to European courage and capacity, as it is disgraceful to the principles and conduct of the chief actors on the stage. In vain shall the nations of Europe plume themselves on superior refinement; in vain shall they boast of a pure religion and a correct system of morals, while they feel no compunction in enslaving the ignorant savage, in monopolizing his wealth, or in occupying his land.

It having been determined to fit out an expedition for the continent of America, to take advantage of circumstances, and to enrich the adventurers and their employers with gold, HERNANDO CORTES was appointed commander. This gentleman was born at Medellin, a town of Estremadura in Spain; and being bred to a military life, resolved to push his fortune in the West Indies, whither he sailed in 1504, with letters of recommendation to his kinsman Don Nicholas de Obando, then governor of Hispaniola His ambition, however, was not satisfied; and therefore, in 1511, he obtained permission to accompany Diego Velasquez in an expedition to Cuba. this service he distinguished himself so much, that he received an ample concession of lands and of Indians, the usual recompence bestowed upon adventurers in the New World.

In

Cortes, naturally ardent and active, displayed other qualities, which adapted him for difficult and hazardous enterprizes. With calm prudence in concerting schemes, and presevering vigour in executing them, he combined the art of gaining the confidence and governing the minds of those with whom he was concerned. To these superior accomplishments, he added others of an inferior kind, that are suited to strike the vulgar, and command their respect; a graceful person, an engaging aspect, singular address in martial exercises, and a robust constitution capable of enduring any fatigue.

Cortes, however, at the commencement of his adventure, found, that in the suspicious and jealous temper of Velasquez, he had difficulties with which to contend, that required a very high degree of prudence and resolution, and these difficulties were enhanced in the progress of his undertaking. On the 18th of November, 1518, he set sail from St. Jago de Cuba; but he had no sooner arrived at Trinidad, a small settlement on the same side of the island, before Velasquez made an attempt to deprive him of his commission. Cortes, however, had so far engaged the esteem and confidence of his troops, that, partly by soothing, and partly by intimidating Vergudo, a magistrate at Trinidad, to whom Velasquez had sent his instructions, he was allowed to depart without molestation from Trinidad. Cortes sailed for the Havannah in order to raise more soldiers, and to complete the victualling of his fleet.

During his unavoidable stay in this place, Valasquez sent orders for arresting him, and for delaying the departure of the armament. Cortes, forewarned of the danger, had time to take precautions for his own safety. He announced to his troops the hostile intentions of Valasquez, and found that both his officers and soldiers, who were intent on an expedition which flattered them with the hopes of glory and wealth, were determined to persevere; and accordingly they were unanimous in their intreaties that he would not abandon the important station to which he was so well intitled; offering, at the same time, to shed the last drop of their blood in supporting his authority. Cortes did not hesitate in complying with their wishes; swore that he would never desert them,