Division of the Spoils—Cortes Attempts to Introduce
Christianity—Narvaez is Sent by Velasquez to Depose Cortes—Cortes
Advances against Him
Now that mighty Mexico had become a Spanish Province, Cortes next
proceeded to allot the collected spoils. They were divided into five
parts. One was assigned to the King of Spain; the second to himself, as
commander; the third was set apart as indemnity for those who had paid
for their own equipment; and the remainder was given to the army. The
share for each soldier and sailor was not as large as had been expected,
which caused general dissatisfaction, but Cortes promptly quieted them
by presenting them with a part of the treasure which properly belonged
to him.
The unfortunate Montezuma, as we have seen, had conceded all the demands
made upon him, but to the great surprise of Cortes there was one which
he firmly and steadfastly declined to yield. This was the abandonment of
the religious belief of himself and his people. Neither flattery nor
threats moved him. Cortes, no longer able to endure its hideous
cruelties, went to Montezuma with some of his officers and demanded that
room should be made for the Christian service in the principal temple.
Montezuma was greatly surprised at the demand and replied that the
Mexicans would never permit such a desecration of their temple, that
resistance would be made, and much bloodshed would result, so great was
their fear of the wrath of their deities. But when Cortes announced he
would be satisfied if one tower were set apart for the Christian
service, Montezuma answered that he would consult the priests about the
matter. Their decision was favorable, and the use of one of the sacred
towers was granted. The news occasioned great joy in the Spanish
quarters. The sacred place was cleared of its revolting impurities, an
altar was erected with a cross and image of the Virgin upon it, and the
walls were newly decorated. The soldiers entered in festal procession,
the mass was heard, and the _Te Deum_ sung with tears of gratitude. Thus
the sweet tones of divine love and mercy mingled with the wild songs of
the Indian priests in honor of Anahuak, a war god.
This unnatural situation could not long continue. The Mexicans were
greatly outraged because their religion was trodden under foot. They
realized more clearly than ever the haughty insolence of these
strangers, and they began to consider plans for their removal. The
priests and leading men, who were present at private interviews with the
imprisoned Emperor more frequently than of late, implored revenge for
their insulted deities, and Montezuma’s condition thus grew more
dangerous and distressed. What should he do? Whither should he turn? At
last he aroused himself and decided to take a middle course which wisdom
pointed out as the safest. With this object in view, he summoned Cortes.
The latter, whose suspicions had already been aroused by these private
interviews of the priests and leading men with Montezuma, took the
precaution of having twelve of his bravest men accompany him. His
suspicions were confirmed when he entered Montezuma’s apartment and
observed a seriousness of expression on his face which he had never seen
before. He was still more surprised when Montezuma seized his hand, drew
him aside, and in an almost menacing tone said to him that, as the
object for which his master had sent him was now accomplished, he hoped
he would hasten his departure.
At this unexpected reply, and moved still more by the dark look and
decisive manner which accompanied it, Cortes turned to his men and
quietly ordered them to have the entire force under arms at once. Then
with the utmost composure and indifference of manner he turned to
Montezuma and replied that there was nothing he wished more heartily
than to return to his fatherland, but, as all his vessels were
destroyed, he must build others and would have to request the necessary
assistance. Montezuma could not conceal his delight. He embraced Cortes,
overwhelmed him with caresses, and assured him that his declaration
would satisfy his priests and his subjects, both of whom were desirous
the strangers should leave. Cortes now clearly ascertained the sentiment
of the priests and the people, and came to the conclusion that the only
way he could evade the danger threatening him and his plans was by
continual dissimulation. He accordingly publicly ordered the
construction of new vessels, secretly instructing the ship-carpenters,
however, to protract the work in every possible way, in hopes that the
reinforcements he was expecting from Spain would arrive in the meantime.
But truly, as if the punishment of heaven were following close upon his
dishonest conduct, an event shortly occurred which plunged all his plans
into desperate confusion. Montezuma hastily summoned him and showed him
a picture, painted in the Mexican style upon white calico, of eighteen
European vessels. The picture had been brought to the Emperor by swift
runners with the news that these vessels were lying at anchor on his
coasts.
Cortes was delighted at this news, for it inspired the hope that these
vessels had brought the confirmation from Spain of his appointment as
governor of the newly discovered country. But to his great astonishment
he learned several days later from Sandoval, the governor at Vera Cruz,
that the fleet which had arrived was sent out by Velasquez for no other
purpose than to capture him and take him to Cuba for trial. As we know,
Cortes had sent one of his vessels to Spain with samples of the rich
products of Mexico, and at the same time to secure his appointment.
Montejo and Puertocarrero, the commanders of this vessel, had received
explicit orders not to touch at the island of Cuba. They were to leave
the island as far to their right as possible and sail around the point
of Florida through the Bahamian Straits. But Montejo, who had property
in Cuba, was so far forgetful of his duty to his superior as to attempt
a visit to his possessions before sailing to Spain. He hardly reached
the coast before Velasquez received news of his appearance. Velasquez’
wrath was kindled anew. He despatched two strong vessels for the purpose
of capturing Cortes’ vessel with all on board, but luckily they received
warning in time to effect their escape and sail for Spain without
interference.
Velasquez was now more furious than ever. He decided to fit out a
powerful squadron, hunt out Cortes, and make him feel his vengeance.
While preparing his expedition he received news from Spain that Cortes’
vessel had safely arrived, and also learned just where Cortes was and
the success of his operations up to that time. The equipment was pushed
forward with redoubled vigor. The fleet consisted of eighteen vessels,
carrying nine hundred foot-soldiers, eighteen troopers, and twelve
cannon. It was a formidable force for those days and outnumbered Cortes’
army two to one. Everything completed, Narvaez, a very bold, passionate,
implacable man, was made commander with the title of deputy-governor of
the countries discovered by Cortes. He sailed from Cuba in March, 1520.
It was toward the end of April when Cortes heard the news of the
arrival. He now found himself in a critical position which grew more
dangerous every day. Should he venture to oppose a European force twice
as strong as his own? Should he remain in Mexico? In that case he would
be exposed to attack from two formidable enemies at the same time, for
it was more than likely that as soon as the Mexicans found he was in
danger they would immediately rush to arms against him. In this state of
uncertainty he received reports every day, each more disquieting than
the other. He found that some of his soldiers were deserting to Narvaez
and acquainting him with everything he wished to know. He heard that
Narvaez was everywhere proclaiming that Cortes and all his men were
traitors, who had undertaken the subjection of the Mexicans without the
knowledge or consent of their sovereign; and that he had been sent to
capture them and take them back in chains for punishment. Montezuma and
the whole suffering nation were urged to make common cause with him and
aid in the capture of this robber band. It may easily be imagined that
this was delightful news to Montezuma and his oppressed subjects. Their
joy and their willingness to aid Narvaez were apparent everywhere.
Cortes meanwhile in the most positive manner denied the reports which
Narvaez had circulated, and assured the Mexicans these Europeans were
his good friends, subjects of one and the same master, and that he and
his men would soon depart with them. But indifferent as Cortes appeared,
he was in reality greatly troubled. Meanwhile he considered every plan
of escape from these dangers which his ingenuity suggested, and at last
reached a decision which seemed to him both reasonable and bold. He
would first discover whether he could make a friendly agreement with
Narvaez, and if he failed, then he would resist him.
He made the attempt but did not succeed. The impetuous Narvaez would not
hear of any agreement, for he esteemed it an easy matter to overpower
Cortes and his little force. Nothing now remained for Cortes but to
defend himself as well as he could, and he made his preparations to do
so. He appointed Alvarado, a brave officer who was highly esteemed by
the Mexicans, as commander at the capital and leader of one hundred and
fifty men whom he decided to leave behind. He explicitly urged them to
conduct themselves quietly and peaceably during his absence and to treat
Montezuma respectfully as he had promised to remain under Spanish
protection until Cortes returned.
The bold man was now ready with this little remnant of his divided force
to meet an enemy who not only greatly exceeded him in strength but was
greatly embittered against him.