EXPEDITION OF MONTEJO. 57 



every captain, officer, or subject who had license to 

 discover and people islands or terra firma within the 

 limits of the King of Spain, was bound to carry with 

 him. 



The fleet stopped at the island of Cozumel, where 

 the adelantado had great difficulty in communicating 

 with the Indians from want of an interpreter. Ta- 

 king on board one of them as a guide, the fleet cross- 

 ed over to the continent, and came to anchor off the 

 coast. All the Spaniards went on shore, and, as the 

 first act, with the solemnities usual in the new con- 

 quests, took formal possession of the country in the 

 name of the king. Gonzalo Nieto planted the roy- 

 al standard, and cried out, in a loud voice, " Espana ! 

 Espana ! viva Espana !" 



Leaving the sailors on board to take care of the 

 vessel, the Spaniards landed their arms, ammunition, 

 horses, and provisions, and, remaining here a few 

 days to rest, from the excessive heat some became 

 sick. The Indians knew that the Spaniards had 

 established themselves in New Spain, and were de- 

 termined to resist this invasion with all their strength ; 

 but, for the moment, they avoided any hostile demon- 

 strations. 



As yet the adelantado had only touched along 

 the coast, and knew nothing of the interior. Expe- 

 riencing great difficulty from the want of an inter- 

 preter, he commenced his march along the coast un- 

 der the guidance of the Indian from Cozumel. The 

 country was well peopled, and, without committing 



Vol. I.— H 



