HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



11 



cuco, the capital of the kingdom of Acolhuacan, and a 

 city of great extent, abounded with every fort of provi- 

 fion for the fupport of an army. It had good houfes for 

 their habitations, excellent fortifications for their de- 

 fence, and plenty of artificers for every kind of labour 

 they required. The dominions of Tezcuco alfo, from 

 bordering on thofe of Tlafcala, rendered the neceffary 

 communication with that republic more eafy; the neigh- 

 bourhood of the lake was of great importance for the 

 conftru&ion of the brigantines, and the advantageous 

 fituation of that court gave the Spaniards a knowledge 

 of all the movements of their enemies, without expofing 

 them to their attacks. 



After having arranged matters in Tezcuco, Cortes 

 refolved to make an aflault on the city of Iztapalapan, 

 to revenge himfelf upon it and its citizens, for the of- 

 fences received from their ancient lord Cuitiahuatzin, 

 whom he knew to be the author of the memorable de- 

 feat of the firft of July. He left a garrifon of more than 

 three hundred Spaniards, and many allies, under the 

 command of Sandoval, in Tezcuco, and marched himfelf 

 with upwards of two hundred Spaniards, and more than 

 three thoufand Tlafcalans, and a great many of the Tez- 

 cucan nobility. Before they arrived at Iztapalapan, 

 they were met by fome troops of the enemy, who feign- 

 ed to oppofe their entry, fighting partly on land, and 

 partly by water, but retiring as they fought, with a 

 {hew of not being able to withftand the attack. The 

 Spaniards and Tlafcalans thus employed in driving the 

 enemy before them, entered the city, the houfes of which 

 they found in a great meafure unpeopled, the citizens 

 having withdrawn with their wives and children, and 

 the greater part of their goods, to the houfes which 



they 



