The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo Vol. 2

1/25/22, 8:50 PM The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo written by himself, containing a true an…
Astorgos was an old man when he came to New Spain, and he diedpeaceably at Guaxaca.
The courageous soldier Valdovinos and Tostado both died among theIndians; a brother of
the latter died more fortunately.
Guillen de la Loa, Andreas Nuñez, and the harper Pedro, with threeother soldiers who came
to us from one of Garay's vessels, are alsodeserving of notice. The first was killed by a
cannon ball, one died anatural death, and the other in Indian captivity. The same misfortune
befel Porras the red head, who was a beautiful singer.
[Pg 382]
Ortiz performed charmingly on the guitar, and gave lessons indancing. He had been a miner
at Cuba, and joined us with his friendBartolomé Garcia, who possessed the finest horse of
our whole troop. Both died in Indian captivity. The brave and excellent crossbow-man
Serrano shared a similar fate.
Pedro Valencia, of Placencia, died a natural death.
Quintero the navigator, and Alonso Rodriguez, who possessed lucrativegold mines in Cuba,
were both killed by the Indians. Gaspar Sanchez, who pretended to be a nephew of the
treasurer of Cuba, and six other soldiers of Narvaez's corps were killed in storming the
Marquis mountain.
Pedro Palma, the first husband of Elvira Lopez the tall, with thepriest Misa and the soldier
Trebejo were hung, either by Francisco delas Casas or by Gil Gonsalez de Avila, for having
attempted to raise aninsurrection among the troops on their return from Naco. When we
returned from the Honduras with Luis Marin we saw the large tree onwhich they were all
three hung.
Father Juan de las Varillas was an excellent theologian and a man ofgreat piety; he died a
natural death.
Andreas de Mola and the brave soldier Alberza died in Indian captivity.
Besides these were a number of sailors who proved themselves excellentsoldiers. Even the
boys, who served on board the vessels we ranon shore, fought with wonderful courage. Of
all these I only remember the names of Pennates and Pinzones. Some died among the
Indians, some returned to Spain to bring accusations against Cortes.
Lastly, I mention myself; for I made the two voyages of discoveryto New Spain previous to
going out with Cortes, as has been seen inthe proper place. I cannot sufficiently thank and
praise God and theblessed Virgin for having shielded me in all the battles, and saved me
from falling into the hands of the Indians, who at that time sacrificedall prisoners to their
abominable idols. To heaven I must also offer upmy thanks for giving me power to describe
our heroic deeds, and topublish to the world the names of all the brave officers and soldiers
who conquered New Spain; and not that all the honour, glory, andour merit in the conquest
might be given to one officer alone.
[Pg 383]
CHAPTER CCVI.
Of the stature and outward person of several brave officers and soldiers,and
of their age when they first joined Cortes.
Of the marquis Don Hernando Cortes and of Christobal de Oli, I have spoken in former
chapters. I will therefore now commence withDon Pedro de Alvarado.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/32475/32475-h/32475-h.htm 253/282