( 4+1 ) 



had been taken Cc^re of. Cortes replied, that for bufinefs of danger it 

 was ufelefs to employ any but his veterans ; but that they would foqu 

 he expected return to Mexico, being then upon their road thither. The 

 governor next alked him, rather fharply, about his imprudent march 

 againft Chriftoyal de Oli, undertaken without his Majefty*s orders or 

 permiffion. To which Cortes anfwered, that he confidered it to be 

 neceffary for his Majefty's fervice, as the dangerous cffedls of fuch ex- 

 ample among officers intrufted with feparate commands might be very 

 extenfive, and that he had, previous to fetting out, reported to his Ma- 

 jefty his intention fo to do. He then queftioned Cortes as to the affairs 

 ofNarvaez, Garay, and Tapia, to all which Cortes gave fuch fatis- 

 factory anfwers that the governor feemed to be well contented there- 

 with. 



After Cortes had retired. Fray Thomas Ortiz called on three per- 

 fons intimate friends of the general, and with great earneftnefs told them 

 the fame which he on the enfuing morning told to Cortes himfelf j for 

 coming to him at that time, and defiring to fpeak to him in private, he 

 then affured him, with many proteftations of friendfhip, and willies to 

 ferve him, that the governor had fecret orders from his Majefty, imme- 

 diately to behead him, and that he had thought it proper, in conform- 

 ity with the duty of his facred fundlion, as well as from his private 

 regard, to give him early intelligence. This friendly communication 

 it may be fuppofed gave Cortes a good deal to reflecSt upon ; he had been 

 informed of the intriguing and Emulating chara6ler of the friar, and 

 was induced to think that this might be done to induce him 

 to give a bribe for his interceffion. Others faid afterwards that Ortiz 

 adted by the diredtions of the governor. Cortes, however, received his 

 pretended friendly information with many thanks, declaring his hopes 

 that his Majefty had a different opinion of his fervices, than to proceed 

 againft him in that manner, and that he had too high an opinion of the 

 governor, to fuppofe he would do any thing without warrant. 

 When the friar found that his tricks were not attended by the effedt 



Lll that 



