ABSTRACT
The first object of Hernando Cortes was to gather tidings of the unfortunate Christians who were reported to be still lingering in captivity on the neighbouring continent. Cortes, who had lingered behind to convoy a disabled vessel, reached the island of Cozumel last. Some Indians went as messengers in the vessels, who consented to bear a letter to the captives informing them of the arrival of their countrymen in Cozumel, with a liberal ransom for their release. The next object of Cortes was to reclaim the natives from their gross idolatry and to substitute a purer form of worship. The repairs of the vessels being at length completed, the Spanish commander once more took leave of the friendly natives of Cozumel, and set sail on the 4th of March. Cortes, highly incensed at these rash proceedings, so contrary to the policy he had proposed, could not refrain from severely reprimanding his officer in the presence of the army.
