at Jagua in Cuba, he learned of Cortés' entry into Pánuco and his appointment of governor in New Spain. While notifying the men of prospective resistance, he pointed out their irresistible strength, and his own rights, and encouraged them with prospective rewards, whereof he gave a foretaste by appointing alcaldes and regidores of the Villa Garayana to be founded in the new region.[1] The adelantado was a well-meaning man, but too pliable for the scheming adventurers who swarmed to the Indies. Of a good family, he sought to maintain his name and position by initiating some of the many enterprises which flitted through the brains of his companions, but he lacked both ability and character to direct them, and possessed no military experience with which to impose upon the swaggering horde. The more he heard of the wiles and exploits of Cortés, from the mouths of victims who hardly cared to mention their defeat, the less confident he grew in his project, though Velazquez did all he could to encourage him. He resolved to seek a compromise with his great rival, and directed himself to Licentiate Zuazo, an upright and highly respected judge, who had been sent to Cuba by the audiencia of Santo Domingo to take the residencia of the governor. Though unable to leave Cuba just then,
- ↑ Where, is not said. It was probably left for events to determine. Provision, in Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xxvi. 115-16. Gomara places this incident already at Jamaica, saying derisively, 'Hizo un pueblo en ayre que llamo Garay.' The alcaldes were Alonso de Mendosa and Fernando de Figueroa, and the regidores Gonzalo de Ovaile, Diego de Cifuentes, and one Villagran. Hist. Mex., 224.
be interpreted as 12. The word navíos may exclude smaller craft. His officers declare 'about 600 men.' Provision, in Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xxvi. 97-103. Lucas, who shared in the expedition, mentions 11 vessels, 150 horse, and 400 foot. Cortés, Residencia, i. 275. Cortés writes 120 horse and 400 foot and several cannon. Cartas, 290. This is supposed to be the number which arrived in Pánuco, reduced by losses. Gomara specifies 9 larger vessels and 2 brigantines, 850 Spaniards, with 144 horses, 200 arquebuses, 300 crossbows, a few Jamaican natives, and an abundance of stores and merchandise. Hist. Mex., 224. An exaggeration, no doubt, though the men are increased by the crews. Not to be outdone, Bernal Diaz enumerates 11 larger vessels, 2 brigantines, 136 cavalry, 840 infantry, chiefly arquebusiers and archers. Hist. Verdad., 168. A royal cédula based on a report from the audiencia of Española mentions 16 large and small vessels, 600 men and 150 horses. Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col, Doc., xiii. 497-8.
