were forwarded to Mexico. Cortés immediately ordered a vessel to be sent to their rescue, and after nearly four months of island life Zuazo and his companions, numbering a dozen survivors,[1] were released from their sufferings. The reception of the licentiate in New Spain was worthy of his rank and character, and of the high personal regard of Cortés, who lodged him in his own palace, and tendered him rich presents, though the worthy judge would accept but little.[2] We shall meet him soon under trying circumstances, as a ruler, where he came as visitor.
The Pánuco conquest ended, Cortés resumed the southern expeditions for which he had already prepared. Alvarado set out December 6, 1523, with over four hundred Spaniards, of whom one hundred and twenty were horsemen, and an equal number archers and arquebusiers, supported by fully twenty thousand picked warriors, and well provided with field-pieces and war stores. The force embraced the flower of New Spain chivalry, all eager to participate in the opening of the new Dorado, and to share in the enter prises of the dashing Tonatiuh, for whom even the natives seemed nothing loath to abandon their home and country, to judge from their enthusiasm. The whole city, with Cortés at the head, turned out to bid them God-speed in the undertaking, which had grown even more attractive with the delay interposed. The first step therein was the resubjugation of Soconusco, the rapidity of which served not a little to infuse awe among the peoples to the south. Nevertheless a long
- ↑ Thirteen, says Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 173, though he leaves the impression that this was the total number escaping to the islands. Oviedo states that those who escaped from the wreck numbered 47, and that only 17 reached. New Spain; Friar Gonzalo died on the rescue vessel. iv. 484-510. His account is very full, and may have been obtained from Zuazo's lips, at Santo Domingo; yet it does not appear very reliable. Gomara, Hist. Mex., 228, gives a briefer version than Bernal Diaz, and Herrera follows. dec. ui. lib. v. cap. v. The important character assumed by Zuazo in Mexico lends an interest to this adventure.
- ↑ Of the 10,000 in gold offered, he would accept but 1,300 worth in absolute necessaries, such as clothes and horses for himself and party. Gomara makes these effects worth 10.000.
