Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/21

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HISTORY OF MEXICO.


CHAPTER I.

OPENING OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

1601-1620.

Character of Viceroy Monterey — Vizcaino’s Exploration — Attempted Intercourse with Japan — Montesclaros' Firm Rule — Velasco Again Made Viceroy — Mexico under Water — The Drainage Work OF Huehuetoca is Begun — A Great Engineering Feat, yet Inefficient — Negro Revolt — Progress of Settlement in Nueva Vizcaya, Sinaloa, and Sonora — A New Policy for Conquest — Uprising of the Acaxées and Xiximes — The Tepehuane War — Protective Measures for Indians — Archbishop Guerra's Brief Rule as Viceroy — Pompous Funeral Ceremonies — The Timid Audiencia and the Pigs — Spilbergen at Acapulco — Increase of Corruption under Viceroy Guadalcázar.

We have learned something of the count of Monterey, of his character and abilities as a governor and representative of royalty; we have noted his policy with regard to the Indians and other affairs, and have seen how his name has been retained for the capitals of two provinces, namely, those of Nuevo Leon and of California, to both of which countries he despatched expeditions.

Little remains to be said in taking leave of him. We have found him on the whole a well-meaning man, and rather inclined to caution. He was deeply enough impressed with the duties of a ruler, and quite ready to carry out reforms. He fell into few serious errors, and these he was prepared to acknowledge and remedy so that even the Indians, the

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