entered Matlaltzinco, a province lying north-west of the lakes. He was induced to go farther, however, and reached the border of Michoacan, where the natives gathered in crowds to gaze upon the pale-faced hero who had achieved such wonders in Mexico.[1] His stories, magnified by the interpreters, increased their astonishment, and on his return two Tarascans accompanied him to feast their eyes on Spanish greatness, and to substantiate the accounts of the wealth of Michoacan with specimens of precious metal. Cortés was delighted, and sought to impress them with parades and sham fights, wherein horse and cannon played an imposing role, and with other evidences of his irresistible power.
Cortés wished to know more about their country, and on going they were followed by Montaño, the volcano explorer, with three comrades, a number of Mexican and Tlascaltec nobles, and interpreters. He carried a number of gewgaws for presents, and was instructed to make his way to the presence of the king, and carefully observe the political and economical features. Impressed by the report of the two Tarascans, the governor of the frontier fortress of Tangimaroa came forth with a large retinue to welcome the embassy,[2] on its way to Tzintzuntzan, the capital. All along the route natives thronged to behold the strangers, who were everywhere treated with distinction. On approaching the capital they were met by an immense procession, headed by several hundred leading nobles, and by them conducted, after the usual tender of flowers and speeches, to large and
- ↑ Herrera relates that a soldier named Villadiego had already penetrated to this kingdom shortly before, by order of Cortés, but was never heard of again. His guides were supposed to have killed him for his trinkets, dec. iii. lib. iii. cap. iii. Mercator, 1569, Mechoacan; Laet, 1633, Mechoacan, province and city, with Guayangareo, Maltepeque, Taximaroa; West-Ind. Spieghel, 1624, Mechoacha; Jefferys, Mechoacan, state and city, with Zurzonza, etc. Goldschmidt's Cartog. Pac. Coast, MS., ii. 476.
- ↑ The governor even offered his submission, according to Herrera, 'y que crehia q aquel gran señor (his king) embiaria presto sus embaxadores a Cortés, ofreciendole su persona, casa y Reyno.' Id. He leaves the intimation that Montaño went after the Tarascans had left; others make him join their party.
