March to Tlascala

The March To Tlascala. Occupation Of The City. Great Massacre At Cholulu. Entrance Into The City Of Mexico, And Interview With Montezuma. Description Op The Temple, Etc.

"What divine monsters, O ye gods, are these
That float in air, and fly upon the seas!
Came they alive or dead upon the shore?"
Dryden.

The bold and adventurous leader of the Spaniards now began to set in earnest about his work of conquest. He dispatched one ship direct for Spain, to obtain a confirmation from the sovereign of his authority in New Spain; and, with the consent of most of his companions, dismantled and sunk the rest of the fleet, that all might be nerved to the most desperate efforts by the alternative presented them of death or complete success.

Leaving a garrison at the coast settlement, he commenced his march into the interior, accompanied by a body of Zempoalans. The Indians of Jalapa, Socochima, and Texucla, offered them no molestation, and, after enduring great hardships in the passage of the rugged mountains, the army reached Zocothlan.

Near the religious temples of this town, Diaz affirms, with repeated asseverations, that he saw human skeletons, so orderly arranged, that their numbers could be computed with certainty, and that they could not have amounted to less than one hundred thousand. Beside these were huge piles of skulls and bones: other remnants of mortality were hung from beams. Three priests had charge of these relics.

Contrary to the advice of the cacique of this province, Cortex determined to pass through the country of Tlascala, whose inhabitants were inimical to Montezuma.

Four Zempoalan Indians, decked out in the style deemed^ suitable for ambassadors, and bearing arrows, feathered with white, and carried point downwards, in token of a peaceful mission, were sent to wait on the Tlascalan authorities. They were received with respect by the senate or chief council, whose members were ranged in order, in a great hall, seated upon low chairs, each made from a single block of some remarkable wood.

Great debate ensued as to whether the strangers should be permitted to pass through the country. On the one hand, ancient prophecies were cited of an invincible race that should come from the East. The remarkable fulfillment in the landing of these white men, of many attend ant circumstances foretold, touching the ships, arms, and valor of the invaders, was enlarged upon, and it was pronounced madness to cope with them. On the other hand, it was suggested that the Spaniards might be nothing better than " monsters flung up by the sea upon the coasts," and, if not, that their sacrilege and cruelties forbade the idea that they could be other than evil and avaricious barbarians, who should be crushed as noxious reptiles.

It was concluded to try the strength of the whites, and, if they could not be resisted, the assault should be attributed to the intractability of the Ottomies, a nation of rude and warlike mountaineers.

The result might readily be foreseen: no force, however overwhelming in numbers, could resist the firearms, the discipline, and more especially the horses of the Spaniards. These animals ("supernatural or monstrous in their imagination") so terrified the Indians, that they trod one another under foot in efforts to escape from the rush of the little corps of cavalry. In several engagements, although under advantageous circumstances, as in ambuscades and night attacks, the Tlasealans were routed, and vast numbers of their warriors were slaughtered. Cortez, to strike further terror, cut off the hands or thumbs of fourteen or fifteen captives, and sent them to their own people to report what manner of men he and his followers were.

Montezuma, hearing of these successes, sent more messengers to endeavor to persuade Cortez not to make further advance, and at the same time to obstruct the conclusion of a peace between him and the Tlasealans. These efforts failed signally: Xicotencal, the general of the opposing forces, in behalf of the town and nation, made an amicable settlement of difficulties with the Spaniards.

With great pomp and ceremony, Cortez marched his army into the town of Tlascala, on the 23d of September, (1519). The situation of the place was rugged and mountainous, giving the streets great irregularity; but the buildings were substantial, and the fortifications massive. Here the army tarried twenty days, and then marched for Cholula, a great city, entirely subject to the emperor. Before they set out, Montezuma had again sent heralds to announce his final consent to a meeting, and that quarters for the Spanish troops should be made ready at Cholula.

Several thousand Tlasealans, armed and equipped, voluntarily offered their services, and the whole army reached Cholula without molestation. Here the magnates of the town met them, objecting to the entrance of the Indian allies, as they had been enemies of the nation; and it was agreed that the Spaniards and Zempoalans alone should be quartered in the city, while the rest should encamp in the suburbs. Here were seen evidences of greater wealth, and higher attainments in architectural skill, than at any place before visited. The caciques appeared friendly, and furnished provisions for the troops for several days; but finally discontinued both their visits and supplies. This aroused the suspicions of Cortez, and he determined to maintain the utmost vigilance.

At this juncture an old woman of rank came to Marina, for whom she had contracted great friendship, and begged her to forsake the Spaniards, and come to live with her and her friends. Marina, ever on the watch to serve her lord and master, pretended compliance, and, by judicious questions, elicited from the old woman all the particulars of a formidable plot for the destruction of the Spaniards. Montezuma had sent twenty thousand men into the vicinity, part of whom were already secretly brought within the walls; pitfalls with sharp stakes at the bottom had been prepared in the principal highways for the destruction of the horses; and stones were piled on the roofs of the houses to hurl down upon the devoted army. Diaz says: "The recompense which they intended for our holy and friendly services was to kill us and eat us, for which purpose the pots were already boiling, and prepared with salt, pepper, and tomatas." Seven human victims had been sacrificed to propitiate the favor of the gods, and it was purposed to devote twenty of the Spaniards to the same fate, as soon as they could be secured.

All these things were confirmed by a searching examination of some of the caciques, who, surprised at the super natural penetration of the Spaniards, confessed the whole, but attributed it entirely to Montezuma. With his usual duplicity, Cortez spoke of this conspiracy in confidence to the ambassadors from the court, pretending that he had no suspicion of the part Montezuma had taken. He then gave public orders for marching on the ensuing day, in order to precipitate the hostile movement, but, at the same time, had all his plans arranged for battle, and intelligence conveyed to his Tlascalan troops to be ready to assist him at the dawning of day.

With the first light all was in motion; the Cholulans appointed to carry the baggage, and those who came armed on pretence of acting as a guard, but, in reality, to fall upon the rear of the army, poured into the great square. At a given signal from Cortez, a horrible massacre was commenced, which continued for two days. The Tlascalans of the party, reinforced by multitudes from their own town, who came at the first news of the attack, ravaged and plundered the city with unrestrained barbarity. Cortez at last checked these outrages, and compelling such of the plunder and prisoners as he could discover to be delivered up, proclaimed peace and general amnesty. He set free the unfortunate prisoners, who were confined in cages to be fattened for sacrifice, and vainly endeavored to convince the priests and people of the enormity of their religious rites and the truth of his own doctrines.

Cholula was one of the most noted cities of Mexico, both for its beauty of situation and structure, and its position as the headquarters of the religion of the country. The immense hill or temple of sacrifice has ever been the subject of admiration and astonishment to all beholders.

Montezuma dared no longer openly oppose the advance of the Spaniards. The terror of their arms and the gloomy prognostications of the priests cowed and subdued his spirit, and he sent messengers with gifts and invitations to Cortez to visit his court. The general impression constantly gained ground among the Mexicans that these white men must be "Teules," or supernatural beings, against whom it were hopeless openly to contend.

Fourteen days after the arrival at Cholula, the army was again put in motion. The Zempoalans were dismissed at their own request, and their places were supplied by Tlascalans, who were ready by thousands to share the danger and profit of the expedition. On the march over the rough mountainous district through which lay their path, strong bodies of Mexicans had been placed in ambush by the order of the king, but their hearts failed them on the approach of the invaders. Cortez reached Chalco, near the imperial city; not only without serious opposition, but with his forces increased by as many natives of the provinces through which he passed, as he chose to enlist under his banners. Enchantments and conjurations, to which Montezuma applied himself, with his whole corps of magicians, proved as ineffectual as his armies to arrest the enemy. It was still his purpose and hope, as the invaders well knew, to overwhelm and destroy them at a disadvantage, when they should enter his city.

The Spaniards reached Iztapalapa, on the great lake in which the city of Mexico was built, without further blood shed, except the destruction of a few poor Indians who approached "too near" the encampment at Amemeca, probably from motives of curiosity. The lord of Tezcuco, upon the north-eastern border of the lake, a nephew of the emperor, visited them on their route with solemn ceremony.

Iztapalapa was built partly in the lake, although the receding waters have left the site mostly dry. The appearance of the place was truly Venetian. Over the broad expanse of water were seen the towers and buildings of numerous towns, at beholding which, together with the great causey which led to the island city, the Europeans, in the words of Diaz, "could compare it to nothing but the enchanted scenes read of in Amadis of Gaul, from the great towers and temples and other edifices of lime and stone which seemed to rise out of the water." "Never yet," he adds, "did man see, hear, or dream of any thing equal to the spectacle which appeared to our eyes on this day."

The lords of the city assigned splendid buildings of stone for the troops to quarter in; and such was their astonishment -at the perfection of the architectural skill displayed in the palaces; the beauty of the gardens; the alleys of fruit and aromatic trees; the fountains, aqueducts, and artificial pools; and the vast concourse of curious natives, crowding the street and causey to gaze on the novel sight, or skimming the water in their light canoes, that "to many it appeared doubtful whether they were asleep or awake."

On the morning of the 8th of November 1519, Cortez led his followers over the main causey into the imperial city. A great deputation of nobles and officers came out to meet him, and escorted the army into the city. The streets were empty, that the ceremony of the royal audience might not be impeded; but windows and balconies were thronged with eager spectators.

Montezuma now appeared, borne in a glittering palanquin, and accompanied by his chief officers, magnificently adorned, and displaying in their downcast looks and silent obsequiousness the reverence in which they held their monarch. As he dismounted and walked to meet Cortez, leaning on his relatives, the lords of Tezcuco and Iztapalapa, attendants spread carpets before him.

With unheard-of condescension and expression of respect, the king saluted the Spanish commander in Mexican style, stooping and touching the ground with his hand, and then raising it to his lips. He wore a robe of fine cotton, adorned with gems, golden sandals, and a light crown of gold supporting the ornamental circle of plumes, esteemed the most graceful headdress. He was about forty years of age, of light complexion, and of majestic aspect and demeanor.

Cortez advanced, and placing a showy necklace round the monarch s neck, would have embraced him, but was gently restrained by the attendant lords such familiarity being deemed unsuitable to their sovereign s greatness.

After mutual friendly speeches, the whole throng proceeded to the palaces set apart for the Spaniards use, and Montezuma, leading Cortez by the hand, conducted him to his apartment, and placed about his neck a golden collar.

During the week succeeding the entry into Mexico, ceremonious visits were interchanged by Cortez and the emperor. The Mexican prince conducted his guests through the royal palaces and gardens, and, in their company, visited the great temple of sacrifice. The historians of that day can find no language strong enough to express the wonder and admiration, which the magnificent spectacle excited in the minds of the Spanish beholders. The pomp and state of the monarch; his crowd of obsequious attendants; his pleasure houses, aqueducts, fountains, and gardens of odoriferous shrubs; the extent of his wealth in jewels and the precious metals; his store of arms, and the number of his skilful artisans, are described and enlarged upon at great length.

It remains to this day a matter of astonishment that such huge buildings of hewn stone, as every where met the eye in the ancient city, could have been erected with out the use of iron. Copper, hardened by an alloy of tin, was the only metal of which the tools were made by which the hard rock was laboriously shaped.

The indignation and horror excited by the bloody religious rites of the country, led Cortez to strive continually to impress upon the mind of his host the folly and absurdity of his religion. The only good effect that is said to have resulted from these arguments was the abandonment, on the part of the king, of the custom of having human flesh set upon his own table.

The principal temple is minutely described, and must, indeed, have presented a singular scene of horror and magnificence. It was surrounded by a wall, faced with wreathed serpents, carved in stone, the gateways to which were surmounted with statues. The roof of the main building was flat, and paved with beautifully polished stones; and thereon appeared two hideous idols, seated upon thrones of state, in all the splendor of barbaric ornament; while before them stood the terrible stone of sacrifice. This was a green mass of rock, five spans high, presenting a sharp angle at the top, over which the miser able victims were stretched, while the priest gashed open the living body with a rude knife of flint, and tore out the palpitating heart. " I devoted them and all their wickedness," says Diaz, "to God s vengeance, and thought that the time would never arrive that I should escape from this scene of human butchery, horrible smells, and more detestable sights." He tells of an apartment filled with wild animals and venomous reptiles, who were fed with the sacrificial flesh. Of these, the most dangerous serpents had "in their tails somewhat that sounds like castanets." "These beasts and horrid reptiles were retained to keep company with their infernal gods, and when these animals yelled and hissed, the palace seemed like hell itself." From this elevation, a beautiful view was obtained of the whole of the great salt lake in which the city stood, the towns of the vicinity, the long and well-built causeys connecting them, and the magnificent mountains beyond.

It would be tedious to relate the ceremonies of the royal court, although many of them are singular, and well worth the examination of those who would obtain a complete knowledge of a time and people varying so widely from any thing now known on earth. Among Montezuma s means of luxury or relaxation, were the habits of smoking tobacco, drinking a fermented liquor of no little potency, and listening to the remarks of a set of buffoons whom he kept about him, in the same capacity as that of the court-fools of a past age in Europe.

An analogy to rites and customs of the Old World, no less striking, was noticed in many of the popular religious observances. "It should seem that the Devil," as De Solis has it, "the inventor of these rites, was ambitious to imitate baptism and circumcision, with the same pride with which he endeavored to counterfeit the other ceremonies, and even the sacraments of the Catholic church; since he introduced among these barbarians the confession of sins, giving them to understand that thereby they obtained the favor of their gods. He instituted likewise a ridiculous sort of communion, which the priests administered upon certain days in the year, dividing into small bits an idol made of flour, mixed up into a paste with honey, which they called the God of Penitence" "Nay, they even gave their chief priests the title of Papas in their language; by which we find that this imitation cost Satan a very particular study and application."

Marriages were performed by the priest s tying the veil of the woman to a portion of the man's dress, after certain prescribed preliminaries. In this guise the pair walked home together, and concluded the ceremony by pacing seven times round the domestic hearth. Divorces were at the discretion of the parties, and when they took place, the sons belonged to the man, the daughters to the woman. Hasty separations were guarded against by a provision that, should they again cohabit after having once broken the bond of union, both should be put to death. In some in stances, on the death of the husband, his wife would immolate herself, according to the custom until recently so prevalent in India.

Indian Races of North and South America

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Indian Races of North and South America, By Charles De Wolf Brownell, 1865