All The Wealth Which Alvarado Brought From Peru[13], Together With What He Had Got From The Mines In Guatimala, With The Rents Of His Estates, And Rich Presents From His Friends And Relations, Were Insufficient For His Preparations On This Occasion, Although All The Merchandize Was Procured On Credit.

Great as was the expence of the ships, it was far exceeded by that of his army, consisting of 650 soldiers with their officers, and a number of horses, as a good horse at that time cost 300 crowns.

Alvarado sailed some time in the year 1538 for the harbour of _Navidad_ near the city of _Purification_, in the province of Xalisco, or New Galicia, where he meant to take in water, and to embark more soldiers. When the viceroy heard of this great armament, he became desirous to have a share in it, and went to Navidad to view the fleet, whence he and Alvarado returned to Mexico. Alvarado wished to have a relation of his own named Juan appointed to have the command of this expedition, while the viceroy was desirous to have another officer, named Villalobos, joined in command with Juan Alvarado. On his return to the port of Navidad, and when just ready to sail, Alvarado received a letter from Onate, who had been left in the command of the province of Xalisco, earnestly entreating his immediate assistance, as he and the settlement were threatened with destruction by the Indians of Cochitlan. Alvarado, who was always zealous in his majestys service, marched immediately with his troops to their relief, and found them in a most desperate situation.

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