Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/200

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FIVE MORE VICEROYS.

The fleet, then at anchor, suffered also to a great extent; one of the larger vessels broke her chains and was driven on a reef, where she was lost with all her cargo,[1] while two smaller ones foundered. Two years later, in the middle of 1667, earthquakes began to alarm the population, but although the first on July 30th is said to have somewhat injured the tower of the church of Santa Clara at Mexico, and the cathedral of Puebla, subsequent shocks, which occurred at smaller or greater intervals till May 1668, seem to have caused little damage.

A more serious affliction, however, was threatened by a failure of the crops of maize and cacao in the year 1673, producing a famine which caused great hardship to the natives.[2] The viceroy in unison with the city council strove to alleviate the evil, introducing into Mexico grain from other parts. While thus engaged he learned that his successor, the duke of Veraguas, had arrived; and in consequence laid down the government on the 9th of November 1673. A few days later he left the city for Otumba, where he had an interview with the new ruler. He also gave him, by order of the king, a full report upon the condition of the country, together with suggestions for its government.[3]

About the beginning of April 1674 the marquis set

  1. It was on a reef called 'Bajo de la Lavandera,' according to Bustamante in Alegre, Hist. Comp. Jesus, ii. 439. Robles, Diario, i. 12, gives the name of the vessel as 'El Buen Suceso,' differing from Alegre, loc. cit., who names it San Javier and relates in a long story, how a few planks of the ship, with the image of that saint, floated against tide and wind to the city, and remained at the doors of the Jesuit college till they were recovered by two pious fathers. Since that time the image has been highly venerated, and is said to have miraculously maintained the original freshness of its colors.
  2. The Indian population increased under the rule of Mancera, as was ascertained by a census taken by his order, to vindicate the charge alleged against the Spanish government of fostering the systematic extermination of the natives. Mancera, in Instruct. Vireyes, 266.
  3. The full text of these instructions, dated October 22, 1673, may be found in Instrucc. Vireyes, 257-301. In this document Mancera gives a minute description of the condition of the country, of important events which occurred under his rule, and of all noteworthy affairs. It is of very interesting character, free from all ostentation; it reveals the superior administrative talent of the retiring viceroy, and contains much valuable information, and many suggestions to guide his successor.