CHAPTER XXVIII.
VICEROY VELASCO'S RULE.
1551-1564.
Arrival of Martin Cortés, Second Marqués del Valle — Visitador Valderrama and His Relations With Cortés — New Policy Regarding Encomiendas — Cortés' Troubles — Threatened Revolt and Velasco's Wise Course — Royal Orders Affecting the Audiencia — The Visitador's Exactions of the Indians — His Efforts to Check Abuses, and Proposed Reforms — His Disagreements with the Viceroy — Condition and Character of Velasco — His Death, Burial, and General Regret — Public Education — Floods in the Mexican Valley — Disastrous Expedition to Florida — Settlements in Zacatecas and Guanajuato — Conquest of the North-western Region — Kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya — Expedition to the Philippines and its Results.
I have stated that Martin Cortés, the lawful heir of Mexico's conqueror, was taken to Spain in 1540, being then eight years of age. After his father's death he came into possession of his title and of its vast estates. He had received a liberal education and had been trained, as became his rank, for the profession of arms; he accompanied Philip to Flanders, where he served with distinction, and also in the famous battle of Saint Quentin, being the first native of Mexico to render service to the Spanish crown in Europe. He likewise was one of Philip's suite when that prince went to England to wed Queen Mary. After the Flanders campaign he married Doña Ana Ramirez de Arellano, his niece,[1] for which it is presumed he first obtained a special dispensation of the pope.
He now determined to return to his native land.
- ↑ Clavigero, Storia Mess., iii. 236.
