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but the real caufe of contention was, the crop of Indian corn on the bor- 

 ders of the lake, which was now fit to reap, and from which the peo- 

 ple of Tezcuco and the others fupplied our provifions; but the Mexicans 

 alfo laid claim to it, and it appeared that the produce of thefe fields went 

 to the priefts of Mexico. Cortes told them to inform him when they 

 thought it necefiTary to cut the corn, and accordingly, at that time, a 

 body of one hundred or upwards of our foldiers, attended by the allies 

 went out to cover the reapers. I was twice on that duty, and had one 

 fmart Ikirmifli. The Mexicans croffed over in upwards of a thoufand 

 canoes, and attacked us in the maize fields, but we and our allies, drove 

 them back to their boats, with the lofs of one foldier of our & killed^ 

 and many wounded. They fought like men, and left behind them 

 twenty dead, and we alfo took five prifoners. At this time other neigh- 

 bouring diflridis folicited our alliance.. 



There were two places, named Chaico and Talmalanco, of fome 

 confequence, as being between our army and Tlafcala. They were now 

 poffeffed by the Mexican troops, and though Cortes had feveral peti- 

 tions for proted:ion, he thought it neceffary above all things, immedi- 

 ately to diflodge thefe Mexicans, that fuch of his allies aa wifhed it 

 might return home, and alfo in order to obtain his (hip timber from 

 Tlafcala. He therefore fent a force for this purpofe under Sandoval and 

 De Lugo, confifting of fifteen cavalry and two hundred infantry, and 

 he gave thefe officers orders to break completely the Mexican force, where- 

 by we fhould obtain a clear communication with Villa Rica. Our allies 

 of Chaico were fecretly informed of our intention, in order that they 

 fhould be ready to fupport us. Sandoval had put ten of his party in the 

 rear as a guard, and to protect the allies who were returning home w^ith 

 his detachment, and who were loaded with plunder. The Mexicans 

 fell upon them on their march with confiderable impreffion, owing to 

 the weaknefs of the rear guard, of which they killed two, and wound- 

 ed the reft ; and although Sandoval inftantly flew to their relief, the 

 Mexicans contrived to reach the lake. Sandoval cenfured the people in 

 the rear for this, throwing the whole blame on them; he then put the 



Tlafcalans- 



