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miffion. Of this Cortes was vciy well advifed, and for that realon 

 took care always to be in his company, and to appear entirely devoted 

 to him. Andres de Duero alfo warned -Cortes to ufe all poffible expe- 

 dition, as he perceived that Velafquez was already wavering, from the 

 importunities of his relations. Leaving therefore to his Lady Donna 

 Catalina the care of fupplying him with what was neceffary for his 

 voyage, Cortes warned all his captains, mailers, pilots, and foldiers, 

 to be on board at the given time, which having feen fully complied 

 with, he went, accompanied by his friends the Secretary and Contador, 

 to take his leave of Velafquez, whom he .parted from with great polite- 

 nefs, and many affurances of fervice on both fides. On the enfuing 

 morning he embarked, being accompanied by the governor to his fliip, 

 and fetting fail immediately, our fleet arrived in a few days at the town 

 of Trinidad. 



There were in the town of Trinidad at this period very refpcdable 

 and opulent Hidalgos, from whom all of vis, but Cortes in particular, 

 experienced a moit hofpitable reception. Cortes here planted the royal 

 ftandard in front of his quarters, and caufed a proclamation to be made, 

 inviting volunters, a number of whom. Hidalgos of moft refpedtable 

 families, and perfons of wealth, immediately joined us j amongft thefe 

 were the Alvarados and Alonzo de Avila. 



At the call of Cortes, Alonzo Hernandez Puertocarrero, coufin of 

 the Count de Medeliin, Gonzalo de Sandoval, Juan Velafquez de Leon 

 a relation of the governor, Rodrigo Rangel, Gonzalo Lopez de Ximena, 

 his brother Juan Lopez, and Juan Sedeno alfo came from the town of 

 Santi Spiritus. They joined us in a body, and were received with re- 

 joicings, difcharge of artillery, and all the marks of refpe<5l and courtefy, 

 due to fuch honorable perfons. Provifions were procured from the 

 eftates of thefe Cavaliers, and the number of our companions was hourly 

 increafing, but it was very difficult to obtain horfes. Cortes ftripped 

 himfelf of fome of his golden ornaments, and therewith purchafed a 

 .grey mare for his friend Puertocarrero, whofe means did not permit him 



to 



