We Were Here Joined Also By Alonzo Hernandez De Portocarrero,
Cousin To The Conde De Medelin, Juan Velasquez De Leon, A Relation To The
Governor, Rodrigo Rangel, Gonzalo Lopez De Ximena, And His Brother Juan
Lopez.
These gentlemen joined us in a body, and were received by a
discharge of artillery, and every mark of joy and respect, as due to their
rank and respectability.
We procured a supply of provisions from the
estates of these volunteers, and the number of our companions increased
daily, but horses were scarce and dear. Cortes sold some of his golden
ornaments to enable him to buy a horse for his friend Portocarrero, who
had not the means of procuring one for himself. About this time likewise
Juan Sedeno arrived from Santi Spiritus with a cargo of provisions, and
Cortes bought both ship and cargo upon credit, the owner enrolling himself
for the expedition.
The relations of Velasquez still continued to use their influence to make
him jealous of Cortes, and to supersede him in the command, even employing
one Juan Millan, an astrologer who was reputed mad, to represent that
Cortes would assuredly endeavour to be revenged for having been imprisoned
by the governor. They represented his sudden departure from St Jago, as an
indication of evil designs, and even began to suspect the secret
association with the secretary and contador. Velasquez was at last won
over by these repeated importunities, and sent two confidential persons to
his brother-in-law, Francisco Verdugo, who was alcalde major of Trinidad,
directing him to deprive Cortes of the command of the fleet and army, as
Vasco Porcallo was appointed in his place; and he sent orders to the same
purpose to Diego de Ordas, Francisco de Morla, and his other relations and
confidents.
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