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CHAPTER IV. 



Expeditions under various ojicers. 



A S the views of Cortes were always lofty and tending towards do- 

 mination, and as he was well fupported by the talents and bravery of 

 his captains and foldiers, after having eftabliflied his power in the great 

 city of Mexico, and in Guaxaca, Zacatula, Colima, Vera Cruz, Pa- 

 nuco, and Guacacualco, he learned that in the province of Guatimala, 

 there were populous nations, and rich mines. He therefore determined 

 to fend a force under Pedro de Alvarado, to conquer and colonize that 

 country, and having firft fent an embaffy thither, ineffedlually, Alva- 

 rado at the head of three hundred infantry, and one hundred and thirty 

 five cavalry, two hundred Tlafcalans and Cholulans, and one hundred 

 Mexican allies, with four pieces of cannon, was ordered to march to 

 that province. 



Cortes gave inftrudions to Alvarado, that he fliould if pofTible 

 bring thofe nations over to him by peaceable methods, and that Fra 

 Bartholome fhould preach to them upon the articles of our holy religion j 

 that all prifons and cages fhould be broken in pieces, and the prifoners 

 fet at liberty. 



V The expedition fet out from Mexico, on the thirteenth day of De- 

 cember, one thoufand five hundred and twenty three. On his march 

 Alvarado received the fubmifTion of the diflrid: named the rocks of Gu- 

 elamo, arid there obtained many rich prefents of Gold. When the ar- 

 mj, pafTing the provinces of the Zapotecas of Teguantepeque, and by 



Soconufco, 



