After recounting events leading to the Spaniards' flight from Tenochtitlán, Cortés reassured the King of Spain that he would stop at nothing until he returned to the city and recouped His Majesty's losses:

"I am bulding 12 brigantines with which to cross the lake, and already the decks and other parts are being constructed, so that they may be carried overland in pieces and swiftly assembled on arrival. Likewise nails, pitch, tow, oars and sails and other essential things are being made. I assure Your Majesty that until I have achieved this I shall not rest, nor leave untried any way or means open to me, ignoring all the hardships, danger and expense that this may cost me."