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momenf, we fhould have been all drowned ; for the enemy had cut the 

 banks of the canals, and alfo a caiifeway, whereby the place was laid 

 under water as it were inftantaneoufly. As it happened two of our al- 

 lies only, loft their lives, but all our powder was deftroyed, and we 

 were glad to efcape with a good wetting. We palled the night badly 

 enough, being fupperlefs, and very cold; but Vv^ hat provoked us moft 

 was the laughter and mockings of the Indians upon the lake. Worfe 

 than this however happened to us, for large bodies from the garrifon of 

 Mexico, who knew of the plan, croffed the water and fell on us at day 

 break with fuch violence that it was with difficulty we could fuftain 

 their attacks. They killed two foldiers and one of our horfes, and 

 wounded a great many. Our allies alfo fuffered a coriliderable lofs on 

 this occafion. The enemy being at length beaten off we returned to 

 Tezcuco, in very bad humour, having acquired little fame or advan- 

 tage by our expedition. 



Two days after our return from our lafi: expedition, the people of 

 riiree neighbouring diftridis, viz Tepetezcuco, Obtumba, and another 

 which I do not recoiled:, fent to follicit pardon for the offences they had 

 committed, excufing themfelves, by alledging the commands of Coad- 

 lavaca. Cortes making a merit of neceflity gave them a free pirdon, 

 knowing very well that he Was not in a lituation to do otherwife. The 

 people alfo of that place called Venezuela, or Little Venice, who had al- 

 ways been at enmity with the Mexicans, now follicited our alliance ; a cir- 

 cumftance highly ufeful, from the fituation of that tpwn within the lake ; 

 and they promifed alio to bring over their neighbours to us. 



Intelligence was foon received, that large bodies of Mexican troops 

 had fallen upon the diffridls in alliance with us, the inhabitants of which 

 being afraid to remain at home, were flying to the woods or to our 

 quarters for protection . Cortes ordered out twenty cavalry and two 

 hundred infantry, twenty three mufqueteers and crofsbow-men included, 

 and taking Alvarado and De Oli with him, proceeded to the towns of 

 Cuatinchan, and Huaxutlan. The reports appeared to have foundation, 



but 



