Veracruz

Veracruz is the port of arrival that turns Juan de Victoria’s commission into a voyage across the Atlantic and a first encounter with New Spain. The city is presented through the contrast between its vivid greenery and its small cluster of white buildings, while the landing brings Spaniards, Palingenesists, and local inhabitants together on the beach.

Setting and Arrival

The commission authorizing Juan’s service in the expeditionary force of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado allows him passage to Veracruz. After weeks at sea, the ship Maria rounds the point into what is described as an empty harbor. The port city’s two dozen white buildings stand out against the green grass, trees, vines, rocks, and water; a church bell rings as the ship approaches.

The Landing

Local boats come alongside the Maria, and their pilots ferry the arriving people toward the beach. Natives and Spaniards run from the buildings to meet them. Once ashore, crewmembers and other passengers wade through the surf, kiss the sand, cross themselves, and pray. Juan and Bando are the exceptions: Bando remains knee-deep in the ocean, looking out toward the open water, while Juan silently gives thanks for the commission that brought him there and wonders whom Bando is thanking.

A Port Between Voyage and Expedition

The landing gives way to an evening in the town. The crew has been ordered back to the ship by midnight, but an inn that opens whenever ships arrive receives Juan, Bando, and members of the crew. Later, after several hours of darkness, Juan finds Bando wandering in the square and returns with him to the room he had secured earlier. Its modest furnishings—a bed, washbasin, vanity, table, chairs, and lamp—mark a temporary pause before their journey continues.

Narrative Significance

Veracruz is more than a point on the expedition’s route: it is the threshold between the familiar sea passage and the new land Juan has been commissioned to enter. The shared landing initially makes arrival look like a common deliverance, but Juan and Bando’s differing gestures unsettle that unity. The others turn toward shore and heaven; Bando looks back to the water, leaving Juan’s question about his gratitude—and his still-unrevealed nature—open.