Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/382

362 become rebellious, and at least one of their number was hanged as an example.

What concerned Guzman most was the decrease of his force. He was determined on this adventure. In fact, he must go on; he could not well turn back. It was sad for him to see his men perish, not because of the men, but because of himself. Even now if he would continue his expedition he must have reënforcements. The maestre de campo, Gonzalo de Lopez, was therefore sent to Michoacan and the Avalos provinces for Tarascan warriors and carriers, together with hogs and other supplies.

At length Guzman became convinced that he must remove from that spot if he would not see the whole army perish, for disease was daily thinning his number. A division under Lope de Samaniego was sent northward to Chametla, where they met with a friendly reception, and brought back fowl and fish. As they gave a good account of the place Guzman resolved to remove thither, sending first Verdugo and Proaño with a small force to prepare quarters, a task which they easily accomplished, aided by the friendly natives. At the same time, that is, at the end of November or beginning of December, Garcia del Pilar was sent southward to hasten the return of Lopez, who had been absent about forty-five days. He found the worthy maestre at Ahuacatlan faithfully engaged in branding slaves, for the northern market. On