great and united
power, against which success with so small a force was impossible;
but now that he saw it was composed of subjugated peoples, many of
whom would gladly ally themselves with him against their
conquerors, the enterprise wore a far more hopeful aspect. He
dismissed the Indians with presents, and a promise to visit their
country, shortly.

He talked the matter over with his principal friends, who were as
reluctant as he was, himself, to abandon the enterprise and return
to Cuba, where the governor would appropriate the largest share of
the spoils they had taken. They accordingly went about among the
soldiery, urging them to persuade the general to establish a
permanent colony in the country. It was true that he had no
authority from Velasquez to do so, but the interests of the emperor
and of Spain--to say nothing of their own--were of more importance
than those of the Governor of Cuba.

This talk reached the ears of the special friends and adherents of
Velasquez; who, going to Cortez, remonstrated with him against such
proceedings. He said that nothing was farther from his desires than
to exceed his instructions, and on the following morning issued a
proclamation to the troops, ordering them to prepare for
embarkation. The sensation caused among the troops was great, and
his partisans thronged round his tent, calling upon him to
countermand his orders and form a settlement. Cortez, after due
hesitation, gave in to their wishes, nominated magistrates, and
proclaimed the territory a colony of Spain. As soon as the new
magistrates and officers came together, Cortez came before them and
tendered his resignation of his office as captain general, but was
re-nominated not only captain general, but Chief Justice of the
colony.

The partisans of Velasquez were most indignant at the whole
proceedings, and so violent were some of the leaders that Cortez
put them in irons, and sent them on board ship. Then he set to work
with the soldiers, and soon brought them round; and the prisoners
on board being also won over, the whole army, re-embarking, sailed
up the coast until they reached the port before discovered and,
landing, set out for Cempoalla.

They were delighted with the country, which was rich and fertile;
and as they neared the town, the natives poured out with lively
demonstrations of welcome, the women throwing garlands of flowers
round the necks of the soldiers. They were greatly struck with the
town,