The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 2 (of 2) / Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

32475

Title

The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 2 (of 2) / Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Written by a veteran conquistador, this volume chronicles Hernán Cortés's final campaigns in New Spain. It details the grueling march to Mexico City, the siege of the Aztec capital, internal conspiracies, and the subsequent colonization efforts that transformed the region.

Summary up to 500 words

In the concluding volume of his memoirs, Bernal Díaz del Castillo recounts the dramatic aftermath of the fall of Tenochtitlan. The narrative details the arduous return march to Tezcuco amidst torrential rains and disease, where Díaz describes the terrifying sight of the ruined Aztec temples. He chronicles Cortés's subsequent expedition to Honduras to suppress rebellion and his eventual return to Mexico City, culminating in the execution of the Aztec leader Quauhtémoc after a final siege. Throughout the text, Díaz defends the honor of the conquistadors against accusations of greed and cruelty, emphasizing their loyalty to the Crown and their role in converting indigenous peoples to Christianity while documenting the harsh realities of war, famine, and disease. A significant portion of the volume addresses the political turmoil following the fall of Tenochtitlan. Licentiate Luis Ponce de León arrives to investigate Cortés's conduct, but his sudden death from a malignant fever creates a power vacuum filled by the frail Marcos de Aguilar. The town council objects to Aguilar's governance due to his age and infirmity, yet he insists on ruling alone per Ponce de León's will until news reaches Spain. This period is marked by internal disputes, lawsuits among soldiers regarding gold distribution and injuries, and whispers of conspiracy against Cortés. Díaz also describes the founding of new colonies in Guatemala and Honduras under commanders like Alvarado and describes the establishment of trade routes. The text highlights the immense challenges faced by the troops, including crossing swollen rivers in makeshift canoes and enduring extreme thirst at Xochimilco. Despite these hardships, the conquistadors maintain their resolve. Díaz concludes by reflecting on the vast expenses Cortés incurred for expeditions to the South Sea, which ultimately ended in failure, and notes the great festivities in Mexico upon the conclusion of peace between the Emperor Charles V and the King of France. The memoirs serve as a testament to the bravery of the soldiers who introduced Christianity to New Spain, while offering a candid account of the brutal realities they endured.

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Categories

• Adventure
• History