Page:Letters of Cortes to Emperor Charles V - Vol 2.djvu/378

 Gulf of Hibueras, most Powerful Lord, I despatched a captain to the town of Coliman, which is on the South Sea, one hundred and four leagues from here, ordering him to follow that coast, for a hundred and fifty or two hundred leagues, for the sole purpose of learning all about it, and of discovering if there were any ports. He executed my orders, penetrating one hundred and thirty leagues inland, and bringing me an account of many ports he had found on the coast. This was of no small advantage, on account of the general dearth of them up to the present time; he had visited many and very considerable towns, and several numerous and warlike tribes, with whom he had encounters, and many of whom he pacified; his small force and the want of pasturage for his horses prevented his going further. His account also described a very large river, which the natives told him was ten days' march from its source, and about which, and the people inhabiting its banks, they told me many strange things. I am about to send him again with a larger force and better equipment, so that he may explore the secrets of that river, which, judging from the size and importance the natives attribute to it, I would not be surprised if it turned out to be a strait; as soon as he returns I shall relate to Your Majesty what I have learned.

All these captains are on the point of starting on their expeditions: may God be pleased to guide them according to His Will. For my own part, even should Your Majesty visit Your displeasure on me, I shall not cease to devote myself to Your service, holding it impossible that Your Majesty should fail, for any length of time, to recognise my services; but, even if this should happen, I shall remain satisfied with having done my duty, and knowing that all the world is aware of the loyalty with which I have performed it, nor do I wish for any other inheritance for my children.