Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/97

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ARCHBISHOP SERNA.
77

the people contributed a hundred thousand pesos for his journey.[1] A prelate whose obstinacy had been the chief cause for bringing into contempt a royal representative, and into peril the authority of the crown, so as to require costly and radical measures, such a man could not expect a welcome. He was certainly treated coldly; but the pope felt pleased with so firm a champion of the church, and recommended his cause to the king. Other influences were brought to bear; so that Serna was partially restored to favor and granted the important see of Zamora. He died in 1631, with the reputation of an able bishop and a benevolent man.[2] His successor at Mexico, appointed in 1628, was Francisco Manzo y Zúñiga, one who as member of the India Council, and in other political positions, had been trained not to imperil royal interests for ecclesiastic prerogatives. So at least it was supposed.

Gelves came off with honor from the residencia, as a righteous judge, zealous for the administration of justice, for the public good, and the service of the king.[3] After the conclusion of the trial he left for Spain,[4] and was well received. His delay in coming had allowed time to soften the remembrance of his unfortunate mishaps, for success is above all expected from the agent; and now his family influence[5] could be wielded to greater advantage.

  1. Mex., Rel. Sum., 1.3. In their letter the cabildo pray the king to send him back with greater power. Doc. Hist. Mex., série ii. tom. iii. 169-70. Cavo says that he was recalled to suffer humiliation for some time. Tres Siglos, i. 277.
  2. Gonzalez Dávila attributes to him Carrillo's appointment as visitador. Teatro Ecles., i. 45. Lorenzana assumes continual favor for him with the king. Concilios Mex., 1555-65, 217. But this Sosa does not admit, although he does not agree with Cavo. Episc. Mex., 66. The representations of the pope in 1625, in his behalf, indicate that he did remain awhile under a cloud. Cartas, in Tumultos de Mex., MS., 139-40. But Lacunza's allusion to deep disgrace is not borne out. Disc. Hist., 491.
  3. 'Sentencia, la dio el Visitador. . .en 14 de Abril de 1627.' Mex., Rel. Estado, 31.
  4. Several writers, followed by Zamacois, state that he left in 1624, but he himself declares that he remained in the convent fully a year after Cerralvo's inauguration. He appears to have sent a letter from Mexico on January 29, 1626. Id., 30.
  5. He was related to the powerful conde duque de Olivares.