( '88 ) 



with his abfurdities, when he found the trick that had been played up- 

 on him. After that time they kept a better watch. 



It was determined now by us, to fend the reverend father of the 

 order of mercy, with a letter to Narvaez, the contents of which were 

 to this purpofe. That we had rejoiced on hearing of fo noble a perfon's 

 arrival in this country, as expeding material advantage therefrom, both 

 to our holy religion, and his Majefty's fervice ; but that contrary to our 

 expedations he had reviled us, and caufed the whole country to revolt. 

 That our general had fent, offering to refign to him whatever territories 

 or provinces he chofe to occupy, and to engage in new expeditions. 

 That if he came by virtue of a commiffion from his Majefty, we de- 

 manded a fight of the original, within the fpace of three days, for which 

 purpofe, and to obey it proftrate on the earth, we had now advanced 

 hither j but if no fuch authority was in his ppfTeflion, he fliould return 

 to the Ifland of Cuba, and not do any thing here that would throw the 

 country into a^ifturbance, which if he attempted, we would as in du- 

 ty bound make him prifoner, and fend him to be dealt with according 

 to his Majejfty's pleafure. That he was anfwerable for all the lamenta- 

 i)le confequences that would enfue, and that this letter was thus fent, 

 becaufe no royal notary dare undertake to deliver one, as according to 

 due form ought to be done, after the violence committed againjft his Ma- 

 jefty's officer, the oydor, a crime Lsefae Majeftatis, the perpetrator of 

 which Cortes was in duty bound to apprehend and bring to juftice, and 

 for which he thereby cited him to appear and anfwer, calling God to 

 witnefs the juftnefs of his condud:. This letter concluding with ex- 

 preffions of great refped, was figned by Cortes, the captains, and fe- 

 veral foldiers, and fent by the Reverend Father Olmedo, and by afoldicr 

 of the name of Ulagre, whofe brother came over with Narvaez as the 

 commander of his artillery. 



Olmedo on his arrival waited in Narvaez with great refpe<fl, and 

 alfo proceeded to execute the reft of his miflion, in bringing together 

 certain officers of that army, amongd whom were Rodorigo Mira and 



Ulagre 



