He was immensely popular both among his soldiers and officers, but all felt that he was entitled to their respect as well as their liking, and that he was not only commander, but thoroughly master, of the expedition.
Although extremely careless himself as to food, comfort, or appearance, he now assumed the state befitting his appointment and authority.

He dressed handsomely but quietly, appointed officers and domestics for his household, and placed it on the footing of a man of high station.

Before sailing he dispatched a letter to Velasquez, begging him to rely on his devotion to his interests.
On February 10th, 1519, the expedition started.

It consisted of eleven vessels, only one of which was as large as a hundred tons; of a hundred and ten sailors, five hundred and fifty-three soldiers, and two hundred Indians of the islands.

There were ten heavy guns and four light ones, and sixteen horses.
Before sailing, Cortez gave an address to his soldiers, and aroused their enthusiasm to the utmost.