ABSTRACT
Hernando Cortes was born at Medellin, a town in the south-east corner of Estremadura, in 1485. In his infancy Cortes is said to have had a feeble constitution, which strengthened as he grew older. The vessel in which Cortés sailed was commanded by one Alonso Quintero. Cortes had now attained the object of his wishes, —the object for which his soul had panted ever since he had set foot in the New World. The youthful cavalier hesitated whether to seek his fortunes under that victorious chief, or in the New World, where gold as well as glory was to be won, and where the very dangers had a mystery and romance in them inexpressibly fascinating to a youthful fancy. After the reduction of the island, Cortes seems to have been held in great favour by Velasquez, appointed its governor. The governor of Cuba although irascible and suspicious in his nature, does not seem to have been vindictive, nor particularly cruel.
