[15] This extended account of the descendants of Cortes, is adopted from
    Clavigero, I. 442.  The first paragraph, which enumerates the younger
    children of the marquis, and his natural children, are from Diaz. 
    There is a difference between these authors in the name of the
    marchioness, whom Diaz names Donna Juanna, and Clavigero Jeroma: 
    The former likewise names the eldest son of Cortes Martin, and the
    latter Martinez.—­E.

[16] This refers to the period when Clavigero composed his History of
    Mexico, about the year 1780; according to Humboldt, the dukes of
    Montelione retained the vast estates of Cortes in Mexico within the
    present century.—­E.

[17] This genealogical deduction has been somewhat abridged, as to the
    multiplicity of high sounding titles, and minute particulars of
    marriages and noble connections, altogether uninteresting to the
    English reader.—­E.

SECTION XXIV.

Concluding Observations by the Author[1].

Having enumerated the soldiers who passed from Cuba along with Cortes, to the conquest of New Spain, I have to observe that we were for the most part hidalgos, or gentlemen, though some were not of such clear lineage as others; but, whatever may have been the dignity of our birth, we made ourselves much more illustrious by our heroic actions in the conquest of this country, at our own sole cost, without any aid or support, save that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  In the ancient history of our own country, many cavaliers rose to dignity and honours by valiant and faithful services to their kings; and though they did not go into the field as we did, without pay, they were rewarded with lands, houses, castles, dignities, and privileges, to them and their heirs in perpetuity.  Also, when his majesty Don Jayme, won certain parts of his kingdom from the Moors, he made grants of these to the cavaliers who assisted him in the conquest, from which period their descendants derive their estates, honours, and blazons.  Those also who served under the Great Captain and the Prince of Orange were rewarded in like manner.  I have recalled the recollection of these things, that the world may consider and determine whether we, who gained this great country by our valour, even without the knowledge of his majesty, are not as worthy of such rewards and honours as those cavaliers above-mentioned, by our good, notable, and loyal services to God, the king, and all Christendom.