The use of the native militia of the coast, who were good lancers and inured to the climate, was strongly recommended, it being added that the regular troops might be stationed in cool localities, and the officers make themselves familiar with the country.[1] Finally, in 1800, the government was still engaged in providing for the security of Vera Cruz, largely supplying the fortress with provisions and war material,[2] and building an extensive hospital. The two cavalry regiments were reënforced, and barracks erected at Buenavista; but experience soon proved the place sickly, and the troops were removed after sustaining some loss of life.[3] A considerable number of armed launches and gunboats were also provided. In 1806, at the suggestion of the Spanish generalissimo, the principe de la Paz, viceroys and captain-generals in America were ordered by the king to ask for means of defence only in moderation, and they were to remind him at the end of each year, avoiding repetitions.[4] They were to employ the means at their disposal, bringing into moderate requisition whatever the country afforded. If they failed so to do, and reverses occurred, they would be held accountable, and the fact of not having been allowed what they had called for from the crown would not serve as an excuse. The half-witted Cárlos IV. was in this as
- ↑ Costansó, Reconocim., MS., 594-614, in Id.
- ↑ In 1794 the armament of the fortress, town, and batteries of Alvarado and Mocambo consisted of 132 brass pieces of various calibres, 173 iron pieces, 17 brass and four iron mortars. Many of them were old-fashioned and should have been excluded. Revilla Gigedo, Instruc., MS., i. 524-7; Flores, Instruc., MS., 29-30. In 1799 the fortress had 120 cannons and three mortars, besides a handsome lower battery, built in the latest style, to defend the two channels to the north and south-east. Estalla, xxvii. 59.
- ↑ The climate of Vera Cruz was deadly for troops; and the force stationed in the nearest healthy towns, owing to distances and difficult roads, could not be counted on to meet a sudden attack. Azanza, Instruc., MS., 159-63, 166-71.
- ↑ 'Con una moderacion prudente lo q haga falta en su distrito. . .estas repeticiones hacen vulgares las cosas.' Cédulario, MS., iv. 24; Zamora, Bib. Leg. Ult., v. 503.
called for large supplies in and out of San Juan de Ulúa; and a garrison of 1670 men, including the governor and his staff, attachés of the government, and the military force, hospital, etc. Alonso, Plan de Defensa, MS., 508-48, in Id.
