PREFACE. 



V 



our general, Cortes, and the brave conquerors by whofe hands this 

 holy and great undertaking fucceededj for this is no hiftory of diftant 

 nations, nor vain reveries; I relate that of which I was an eye witnefs, 

 and not idle reports and hearfay : for truth is facred. Gomara received 

 and wrote fuch accounts as were intended to enhance the fame and merit 

 of Cortes ; no mention being made by him of our valiant captains and 

 foldiers; and the whole tenor of the work (hews how much he was 

 influenced by his attachment to that family by whom he and his are 

 patronifed. He has alfo mifled the Doctor Illefcas, aud Bifliop Paulus 

 Jovius. 



The following hiftory I have brought to its conclufion, in the 

 loyal city of Guatimala, the refidence of the royal court of audience, on 

 this twenty fixth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thou- 

 fand five hundicd and fcvcnty two. 



