Page "Fall of Tenochtitlan" Paragraph 24

Heavy rains and a moonless night provided some cover for the escaping Spanish.

On that " Sad Night ," July 1, 1520, the Spanish forces exited the palace first with their indigenous allies close behind, bringing as much treasure as possible.

Cortés had hoped to go undetected by muffling the horses ’ hooves and carrying wooden boards to cross the canals.