Intelligence having been received, that a
vessel might speedily be expected from New Spain, orders were sent
to the different ports of the kingdom, and even to Portugal, to
sequestrate the cargo, under the expectation that it contained
remittances to the general's family, which belonged to the crown;
while his letters, affording the most luminous account of all his
proceedings and discoveries, were forbidden to be printed.
Fortunately, three letters, forming the most important part of the
Conqueror's correspondence, had already been given to the world by the
indefatigable press of Seville.
The court, moreover, made aware of the incompetency of the
treasurer, Estrada, to the present delicate conjuncture, now intrusted
the whole affair of the inquiry to a commission dignified with the
title of the Royal Audience of New Spain. This body was clothed with
full powers to examine into the charges against Cortes, with
instructions to send him back, as a preliminary measure, to
Castile,- peacefully if they could, but forcibly if necessary. Still
afraid that its belligerent vassal might defy the authority of this
tribunal, the government resorted to artifice to effect his return.
The president of the Indian Council was commanded to write to him,
urging his presence in Spain to vindicate himself from the charges
of his enemies, and offering his personal co-operation in his defence.
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