The Aztecs were but a small portion, even of the people of the Valley of Mexico; and the greater portion of these were glad to take advantage of the distress of the capital to break up the union that had so long existed.

Cortez, by promises and presents, assisted the work.
After some weeks' stay at Tezcuco, the news came that the ships were all completed, and ready to be carried down; and two hundred foot and fifteen horse, under the command of Sandoval, were sent to escort them.

But scarcely had he reached the frontier of Tlascala than he saw a vast procession advancing.

The ships had already been put together, and tried on a lake among the hills; and were now being brought down in pieces by an immense number of porters, with a great military escort.

Sandoval sent the larger portion of the Indian escort home, but kept twenty thousand of the best warriors.
After four days of painful labor, the host of porters and fighting men reached Tezcuco.