Proceeding on their way, they passed through several deserted villages devoid even of food, though wine was found in the cellars and declared to be delicious. After three days, without seeing either natives or booty, they turned back to Chila, half starved.[1] Instructed by certain natives, Cortés now sent a strong force by night in another direction, both by land and water, and surprised a large village, inflicting a terrific lesson. The wholly unexpected attack, the strength of the place, and the severity of the punishment, all combined to convince the natives that resistance was useless, and with almost one accord they came to submit, the whole province tendering allegiance within three weeks. In order to assure possession, Cortés founded the town of San Estévan del Puerto, a little below Chila, on a lagoon connected with Rio Pánuco, and established a municipality, with Pedro de Vallejo as his lieutenant. The force volunteering to remain consisted of one hundred and thirty men, with twenty-seven horses, and a number of allies,[2] among whom the province was divided in repartimientos.[3] Their comfort and security were further insured by the arrival of a small craft from Villa Rica with stores.
When the expedition set out from Mexico a larger vessel had been sent in advance with supplies; but she foundered at sea during a storm, and only three men managed to reach the shore, clinging to some spars. They found their place of refuge a sandy island, containing nothing but brackish water and a kind of fig. Fortunately it was frequented by manatees, which came to sleep on the sand, and were thus
- ↑ 'En todo este tiempo entre todos no hubo cincuenta libras de pan.' Cortés, Cartas, 285. Messengers were again sent forth to summon the caciques, who replied that they were collecting gold and other presents and would bring them within a few days; but none came. Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 162.
- ↑ Including a part of the Acolhua warriors. Ixtlilxochitl, Hor. Crueldudes, 64
- ↑ Some of these ae are dated at San Estévan May 1, 1523. Casas, Carta, in Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., vii. 308.
