Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/500

480 Since that time a deep mystery has hung over the final resting-place of the conqueror's remains. Though it is generally believed that they were secretly shipped to the family, and are now deposited at Palermo in Italy, there is a possibility that they never left Mexico, but occupy some hidden spot known to few. Perhaps it was befitting that the great chieftain who had known no rest in life, should not find it in death.

The day after his death the will of Cortés was opened. It is a voluminous document and throws some additional light upon the character of its author, but most of the details are not now of interest to the reader. As guardians of the legitimate children, administrators of the estate, and executors of the will, in Spain, were appointed Juan Alonso de Guzman, duke of Medina Sidonia; Pedro Álvarez Osorio, marquis of Astorga, and Pedro Arellano, count of Aguilar; and for New Spain, the marchioness, wife of Cortés; Bishop Zumárraga; Friar Domingo de Betanzos, and Licenciate Juan de Altamirano. The principal heir, succeeding to the estate and title, was his legitimate son, Martin, who after his twentieth year