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THE SOLDIERY DEFEATED.
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assailed with the vilest language. Growing impatient at the non-appearance of the archbishop the constantly increasing mob proceeds across the plaza to the viceregal palace, the women taking up a position at the corners of the streets.[1] Then they begin to abuse the viceroy in set terms, and to throw stones at the balcony of the viceregal apartments, which are soon destroyed. After some delay a dozen or more of the guard appear, and joined by an equal number of volunteers charge the rioters, now mustering about two hundred. The latter fly for refuge to the stalls and the cathedral cemetery, but being reënforced rally and drive back their assailants. A few of the guard ascend to the roof and fire blank catridges. This of course only emboldens the rioters, who answer with shouts of derision and volleys of stones.

As the first party return from their charge, driven back by overwhelming numbers, a squad of soldiers come forward, and are joined by the count of Santiago and a few other gentlemen; but the rioters are now assembled in such force that the troops are compelled again to retire. It is then resolved to close the palace doors, which is done with such haste that two or three of the guard are shut out, and are seized and torn in pieces.[2] A shout of triumph arises from the

  1. Robles, Dlario, ii. 88, in his account of the events which led to the outbreak makes no mention of the disturbance of the 7th, and in regard to that of the 8th states that the attendants of the archbishop sent them to the viceregal palace, whence they were driven away by the guard. For the reasons already stated preference is given to the version of Sigüenza y Gbngora, which is, with few exceptions, followed for this and all subsequent events relating to these troubles. According to the Carta de un Religioso, the archbishop appeared and denied that they had any cause to complain against the viceroy, whose every effort was directed to maintain the supply of grain.
  2. Robles, Diario, ii. 88-9, states that by the advice of the attendants at the archiepiscopal palace the Indians proceeded to the viceregal palace whence, having been refused admittance by the guard, they went to their homes, with the exception of some twenty who persisted on entering, and the guard continuing to oppose them they began to storm the palace doors and balconies. The ensign with nine soldiers charged and drove back the rioters, now reënforced by over two hundred, but was compelled to retreat with the loss of two men. The doors were then closed. According to the Carta de un Religioso, the captain of the guard led three charges, being severely wounded in the third by a blow from a stone. It is there stated that the Indians had bows and arrows, blunderbusses, pistols, and knives, and that their intention was to set fire to the palace, and rob the royal treasury.