Fernandez de Cordoba first landed in the area called Vera Cruz in the Yucatan and established trade with local tribes. When they returned to Cuba, they told governor Velazquez about the gold they encountered. Velazquez sent an expedition led by Cortes to establish trade outposts but not settle permanently. However, upon encountering hostilities from tribes, Bernal Diaz convinced Cortes and the men to found a settlement called Vera Cruz for safety in trading. Cortes was nominated as captain but told Velazquez they would not settle, lying about his true intentions to establish a colony at Vera Cruz.

1. Founding of Vera Cruz

2. Before Founding Fernandez de Cordoba sailed to the Yucatan from Fernandina (Cuba). They called the area that they landed in Rica Villa de la Vera Cruz. Traveled down the coast and traded with the Campoche tribe, they got what they asked for (gold) , and were welcomed graciously.

3. Continued When they got back, they told Velazquez about the abundant gold Velazquez wants to set up trade with the natives but not settle there and send the money back to the king and queen They got into battle with the Mochocobon tribe and 26 men were killed, they then retreated to Fernandina. Cortés, p. 4-6

4. Cortes at Vera Cruz http://hrklan.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/576px-cortes_in_Veracruz.jpg

5. The Founding Bernal Diaz wants to settle Vera Cruz because of the dangers of trading with the natives. Example: bad weather for ships, hostile tribes, etc. Diaz and his men stay at Vera Cruz because it would be unwise for them to go back and have Velazquez find out about their plan.

6. Continued They nominate Cortes to captain and chief justice. Cortes told Velazquez that he wasn’t going to settle Vera Cruz. Diaz and his men were not happy to hear this. Cortes was lying to Velazquez. Cortes then went down to Vera Cruz to agree to be captain, the other men claimed positions for themselves

7. Continued Cortes then wrote letters to the king and queen saying that they should revoke Velazquez’s power because he is of no use to them, and he should be investigated Cortes says “Diego Velazquez, rather to order him to submit to residencia and deprive him of the governorship of the island of Fernandina. Díaz p. 81- 83

8. Vera Cruz http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/The_arrival_of_Cort%C3%A9s_in_Veracruz_and_ the_reception_by_Montezuma%27s_Ambassodars.jpg