( m ) 



CHAPTER VII. 



Expedition oj Cortes to Higueras, 



£ OLI I have already mentioned as having revoked. When Cor- 

 tes received intelligence of this, it made him very penfivej but as he 

 was one not to be trifled with in fuch cafes, be determined to fend a 

 gentleman who was his relation, by name Francifco de las Cafas, 

 with five (hips, and one hundred xvell provided foldiers, having with 

 them fome of the original veteran conquerors of Mexico. 



Las Cafas fet out from the port of Vera Cruz, with his good (hips, 

 and his pennants flying, and with fair winds arrived at the bay named 

 El Triumpho de la Cruz, where De Oli had ellablifhed his poft. Al- 

 though Las Cafas hoifted the fignal of peace, De Oli determined upon 

 making refiftance, and embarking a number of foldiers in two armed 

 velTels, he fent them to oppofe Las Cafas, who being a brave man was 

 determined to land at all events ; he therefore ordered out his boats and 

 arming them with fwivels and mufquetry, attacked the other party, and 

 funk one of their vefTels, killing four foldiers and wounding many. 

 When De Oli faw this he thought it advifable to propofe terms of peace, 

 for a confiderable part of his foldiers were detached up the country, in 

 fearch of another body of troops which was making conquefts there, 

 about the river Pechin. This laft mentioned party was commanded by 

 a Captain Gil Gonzalez de Avila. 



De Oli as I have already related being in expe<5tation of the return 

 of his detachment, wiQied for a truce with Las Cafas, which the latter 

 for his misfortune agreed to, and remained at fea, partly in the inten- 

 tion 



