to defend them. This belief was confirmed by the magnified treasures which Cortés had obtained on the adjoining coast, and despatched to the emperor. Garay had therefore hastened to ask for fresh cédulas, whereby he should be empowered to approach more closely to Anáhuac, the evident centre of wealth. With the aid of his patron, the admiral, and other friends, these were readily obtained from the regent Adrian, permitting him to colonize the province of Amichel, which embraced the much coveted Pánuco.[1] The fate of Narvaez and Tapia had not failed to impress the adelantado with the danger of treading on the corns of the formidable Cortés,[2] but if he entertained any serious fears, they were dissipated by the arguments of Colon and Velazquez, who were deeply interested in the success of an expedition which might pave the way for their own plans; sufficiently so to prompt even assistance.
Preparations were actively pursued, and about June 24, 1523,[3] Garay set sail from his island domain of Jamaica with a fleet of eleven vessels, well provided with artillery and carrying nearly six hundred soldiers, one hundred and fifty of them mounted, and the rest largely composed of arquebusiers and archers. Stores appear to have been provided in a careless manner, or left to the discretion of different captains.[4] Touching
- ↑ The cédula is dated at Búrgos, 1521, and signed by the cardinal and admiral. Navarrete, Col. de Viages, ii. 147-53. It contains the usual instructions for good government and extension of the faith, and stipulates that 'repartimientos of Indians shall under no consideration be made,' as this has been the cause of all the evil in Española and other parts. Should his reports prevail on the crown to extend the privilege to him, after the condition of the country is known, he must strictly conform to regulations for such repartimientos. Instructions like these amounted to nothing, for they were always evaded with more or less assurance, and by this time the Panuco people had been enslaved.
- ↑ In reply to a letter announcing the projected expedition to the gulf coast, Cortés had congratulated him and tendered his services, but this was not supposed to be sincere. Indeed, it was intimated that the wily conqueror rather sought to induce Garay to come, so that he might win over his men, and seize, or buy for a trifle, the outfit. Lucas, in Cortés, Residencia,. 275-6. This was an idle rumor, no doubt, but it illustrates the opinion entertained of Cortés and his wiles.
- ↑ 'Dia de San Johan,' writes Oviedo. June 26th, says Herrera.
- ↑ Garay declares 11 vessels 'navios,' though the phrase is peculiar, and may
