l to no purpose; yet all that was now
uttered under the semblance of folly, turned out true in the end.

Immediately on receiving his commission, Cortes used the utmost activity
in preparing for the expedition; and though already much embarrassed with
debts, through his own extravagance and the expensive dress and
establishment of his wife, he procured the advance of 4000 crowns in money
and as much in goods, on the security of his estate, from Jeronymo Tria
and Pedro de Xeres, two merchants, who considered him as rising in the
world, and a favourite of fortune. He now dressed and appeared in greater
state than formerly, wearing a plume of feathers and a gold medal in his
cap, and erected a standard of velvet embroidered with gold before his
house, embellished with the royal arms and a cross, and with a Latin motto
to this effect: "_Brothers, follow the cross in faith; for under its
guidance we shall conquer_."

Though Benito Martinez had not yet returned from Castile with the royal
commission, it was proclaimed by sound of trumpet and beat of drum, that
all who entered for the present expedition should have their share in what
gold might be procured, and should have ample grants of land as soon as
the intended conquest was effected. In consequence of these promises, and
by the influence of Cortes, volunteers quickly offered themselves from
every quarter. So great was the enthusiasm to engage in the expedition,
that people were everywhere eager to sell their lands to enable them to
purchase horses and arms. In every quarter people were seen busy in
preparing quilted-cotton armour, making bread, and salting pork for sea
stores. Above 300 volunteers assembled at St Jago, among whom I was, and
several of the principal persons belonging to the family of the governor
entered into our fraternity; among these were Diego de Ordas, his first
major domo, who was employed as a spy on the actions of Cortes, of whom
Velasquez already entertained jealousy. The other companions of our
expedition from the household of the governor were F. de Morla, Escobar,
Heredia, Ruano, Escudero, and Ramos de Lares, besides many other adherents
of the governor.

Knowing that Cortes was much dissatisfied with Velasquez on account of
certain circumstances respecting his marriage, and greatly envying his
good fortune in being chosen to command the expedition, the relations of
Velasquez continued to exert their utmost efforts to get the commission
rev