History of Mexico, Volume 1, 1516-1521Bancroft, Hubert Howe
History
History of Mexico, Volume 1, 1516-1521
Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Mexico -- History
After beating back the canoes the Spaniards proceeded, but found
their course impeded by the currents off Cabo Rojo; from which
circumstance, together with the hostility of the natives, the rapidity
with which the season was advancing, and the condition of the ships,
they determined to return. Turning toward the southward, therefore,
they were carried past the River Goazacoalco by boisterous winds, and
entered Tonalá to careen and repair a leaky vessel.[43] Again the
men blasphemed and held the commander in derision because he would
not settle. After several failures in starting they continued the
voyage, encountered bad weather, touched at Deseado for water, engaged
in a parting fight with the natives of Champoton, sailed again, and
the fifth reached San Lázaro, where they were led into ambush while
searching for water, and attacked. After helping themselves to maize
they embarked, followed the shore past Rio de Lagartos, the Comi of
the natives, whence they sailed for Cuba, and arrived at Matanzas
about the first of November.[44]
When Grijalva cast anchor in the bay of Matanzas his heart beat high
with promise. He had returned successful from a brilliant discovery,
in which had begun that pronounced mastery of life which is the
dream of every chivalrous mind. There had been nothing in the least
irrational in his policy, or fickle or factious in his conduct. He
had used diligence and discretion, had been true to his companions,
and faithful to his king and to his chief. Surely his uncle would
praise him, his governor would reward him, and his king would intrust
him with new commissions. So he deserved; so he had every reason to
expect, and hence it was with pride and pleasure that he once more
set foot on Isla Fernandina.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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