Hernan Cortess Cartas de Relacion written over a seven-year period to Charles V of Spain provide an extraordinary narrative account of the conquest of Mexico from the founding of the coastal town of Veracruz until Cortess journey to Honduras in 1525. Pagdens English translation has been prepared from a close examination of the earliest surviving manuscript & of the first printed editions & he also provides a new introduction offering a bold & innovative interpretation of the nature of the conquest & Cortess involvement in it. J. H. Elliots introductory essay explains Cortess conflicts with the Crown & with Diego Velazquez the governor of Cuba.