746 Concerning two Divisions of Indians. — [ December, 
ural in an Indian, however great he may be, having so great a 
number of followers about him. Indian, men especially are so 
adverse to servitude that it is doubtful if so large a number could 
be held for that purpose ; they would revolt, and who could pre- 
vent it? These volunteer servants would belong to almost as 
many different families, and it is nearly a universal fact that if 
one of a family is offended with any one the whole family take 
sides with him. An Indian’s family comprises all his relations ; 
so all the relations and servants of the supposed Montezuma would 
form a powerful army to withstand. ; 
To give a more truthful version would be simply to state that 
a large number of Aztec Indians lived in the city of Mexico at 
the time Cortez made his appearance. They were governed by 
a chief who had a few hangers-on, as all chiefs have ; generally 
his relations lived around him. Chiefs of both these divisions 
under consideration are required to procure their own provision, 
that is, his wives and children do. A chief is estimated by his 
wealth. I have never observed anything like tribute or taxes 
being collected by a chief. Presents are not only given but re- 
ceived by the chiefs. 
One thing is certain: both the divisions of Indians when one 
dies let him be either burnt or buried; everything that the dead 
possessed or his friends had, even to his clothing, is thrown upon 
him to be either consumed with him or be put with him in the 
grave. ‘This is a great barrier to the accumulation of property, 
for not even money or ornaments, however valuable, are with- 
held from the dead. The living relatives march from the last 
resting-place of the dead or from their ashes with nothing. The 
dead have it all, and the living will not go near the spot again 
or mention the name of the dead; it is so with both divisions. 
This would warrant the conclusion that they care not to convey 
events to history. A great deal is said about historical repre- 
sentations on rocks. I have seen the present Indians make rep- 
resentations on rocks like the so-called hieroglyphics, and I have : 
invariably been told by them that they were made only for fun, 
_ and had no meaning. oe 
It is very difficult to reconcile the accounts given of the people 
living in the city of Mexico at the time of Cortez’s appearance 
with any of the present Indians. One of two conclusions may — 
be adopted : if the people of the city of Mexico belonged to either 
of the two divisions of Indians, then there has been wonderful 
degeneration among them ; or possibly those found were a special 
