CHAPTER III

SECOND RECONNOITRING EXPEDITION--ENGAGEMENTS ON THE SIERRA--CAPTURE OF CUERNAVACA--BATTLES AT XOCHIMILCO--NARROW ESCAPE OF CORTÉS--HE ENTERS TACUBA

Second reconnoitring Expedition 325

Preparations for the March 326

Spaniards enter the Sierra 326

Engagements in the Passes 327

Rocks rolled down by the Aztecs 327

Enemy routed 328

Spaniards bivouac in the Mulberry Grove 329

Storm the Cliffs 329

March through the Mountains 331

Arrive at Cuernavaca 332

Scenery in its Environs 332

Bold Passage of the Ravine 334

Capture of the City 335

Cortés recrosses the Sierra 336

Exquisite View of the Valley 336

Marches against Xochimilco 337

Narrow Escape of Cortés 339

Chivalric Spirit of the Age 340

Cortés surveys the Country 342

Vigilance in his Quarters 342

Battles at Xochimilco 343

Spaniards Masters of the Town 344

Conflagration of Xochimilco 346

Army arrives at Cojohuacan 347

Ambuscade of the Indians 349

Spaniards enter Tacuba 350

View from its Teocalli 350

Strong Emotion of Cortés 351

Return of Tezcuco 352

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