Page:Don Coronado through Kansas.djvu/72

PXJLL, OF HOPE AND COUEAGB. 61 So it ■win be seen that the expedition when it marched out of Compostella on Monday, February 23, 1540, consisted of orer 1,600 people and 1,000 horses, not including mules, oxen, cows, etc. There were also two ships, which were loaded with supplies, with orders to keep within sight of land and sail north in the Gulf of California; which they did until stopped at the mouth of the Colorado River, they not knowing of the Peninsula of Lower Califorma. It was not only by their bravery that the army expected to conquer the new found countries, but by the display of modern things, which they knew would awe the natives and frequently cause the invaders to be worshipped as gods, as was done in Mexico when Cortes took that country with his handful of men; yes, and they fuUy expected to find the seven cities OP CIBOLA rich, and it was the purpose of the 300 Spaniards to take possession of these cities and install themselves in the best structures and take from the natives their lands, stock, in fact, whatever was worth while; therefore, it was with hopes sublime that our party started on its journey, which now is known to be one of the most extraordinary feats ever preformed by any company of soldiers.