Al the newe officers toke possession and charge of their offices, and entred into the towne house to counsel according to the vse and custome of Castill. In the which congregation or counsel then holden, many matters were had in question as touching the good gouernemente of the common weale. And among many other things, they al agréed to electe _Hernando Cortez_ for captaine generall and chiefe Iustice, and to giue vnto him full power and authority for all matters appertayning to the wars and conquest, vntill such time as the Emperour should otherwise prouide: with this determination the next day following al the Aldermen, Iudges, and Counsellers, went vnto _Cortez_, and sayde vnto him: Sir we haue greate neede of a guide and captaine for the warres to procéede vppon the conquest of this countrey, wherfore vntil such time as y^e Emperour shall prouide therein, they all besought hym to accepte that office and charge, approuing him a man most fit for the same, both to rule and gouerne, for y^e great experience that they had séene of his courage, wisdome, and pollicie, and by Vertue of their offices, did cömaund him to accept the same, saying, that in so doing, God and the king shoulde bee faithfully serued. And they woulde thankfully gratify the same, knowing that at his hands they should be ruled with iustice, vsed with humility, & be preserued with diligence and strength. And for that purpose, they had chosen him for that office, giuing vnto him their ful & whole authority, submitting thëselues vnder his hands, iurisdiction & defence. _Cortez_ accepted y^e charge at smal entreating, for he desired nothing so much. [Sidenote: Liberality.]