attention to the Orient; he had frequently to send arms and other aid to the Antilles; and while the government of Florida was subject to no audiencia, the authority of the viceroy could be exercised there, and so with Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Galicia, and Yucatan.
In the despatch of government affairs he was assisted by a secretarial department of royal appointment,[1] and his dignity was sustained by prescribed court pomp and ceremonies, many of them being otherwise of exclusively regal character, such as the formal reception by the chapter and bishop on his first visit to the cathedral church.[2] On certain feast days the audiencia had to accompany him to mass, but not even an oidor could take a seat beside him within the coach.[3] Indeed the viceregal court was modelled on that of Spain, and the king in many ways encouraged the manifestation of respect toward his representatives.
The formalities connected with his arrival in the country were particularly impressive.[4] Processions of brilliantly attired citizens with banners and other regalia, headed by official bodies, came forth to receive him at every town along the route, which usually passed from Vera Cruz through Jalapa, Tlascala, and
- ↑ By cédula of 1778 the assistants of the department were increased to eight, called officiales, with a porter. The pay of the youngest was 450 pesos. Ordenes de la Corona, MS., i. 151; Disposiciones Varias, i. 33. The audiencia secretaries could also be called upon. In secret affairs a private secretary might be employed. The annual appropriation for stationery was in 1758 fixed at 400 pesos. Certif. Mercedes, MS., 92. In less important matters the viceroy could abbreviate his signature to media firma.
- ↑ The details of observances are given in Recop. de Ind., i. 632-4. Prelates could use train-bearers, but not on appearing before the viceroy. At Mexico he must dine only with his family, and observe other exclusiveness; but out of the capital greater freedom was enjoyed. Humboldt, Essai Pol., ii. 802.
- ↑ Rules are laid down for the deference to be observed by different officials, an alcalde for instance being allowed to sit only on the carriage step. Montemayor, Svmarios, 117-18 et seq. The coach was drawn by six mules, and other coaches stopped as it passed, their male occupants rising to salute. Estalla, XXV. 295.
- ↑ In order to swell his importance he was made general of the fleet conveying him to New Spain, free passage being provided for all his retinue within reasonable limits. Only his unmarried daughters or very young sons could accompany him, lest he should be induced to provide near relatives with positions.
