over the left shoulder, was of enormous size. His whiskers were of the same cut and shape as those of the myrmidons of the acordada, desperadoes, and bull fighters; and his impetuous gait was similar to that of an ill-tempered corporal."[1] Venegas was, however, honest and disinterested, an indefatigable worker, and energetic and quick in the despatch of business. Distrustful when in security, he was calm and self-possessed in danger, but displayed a sanguinary and cruel disposition.[2]
On the 18th of September the new viceroy convoked an assembly composed of the audiencia, all the principal civil and military authorities, the dignitaries of the church, prelates of the regular orders, the nobility, and prominent land owners and members of the commercial class. To this numerous attendance a proclamation addressed by the regency to the Americans on the 5th of May was read. In it the condition of Spain was set forth, and an appeal made for still further contributions in order to continue the war. A list also of patriotic individuals on whom had been conferred titles of nobility and honors was also read. A plan for the collection of donations suggested
- ↑ His dress and personal appearance were the subject of numerous pasquinades which were posted on the corners of the principal streets. One quoted by Bustamante was as follows: 'De patilla, botas y pantalon, hechura de Napoleon.' Cavo, Tres Siglos, iii. 277. Another which was posted on the palace gate aggravated the viceroy to make reply. It ran thus:
Ni tu trage de virey,
Dios ponga tiento en tus manos
No destruyas nuestra ley.'Venegas caused the following lines to be posted in the same place:
'Mi cara no es de excelencia,
Ni mi trage de virey,
Pero represento al rey,
Y obtengo su real potencia.
Esta sencilla advertencia
Os hago, por lo que importe:
La ley ha de ser el norte
Que dirija mis acciones.
¡Cuidado con las traiciones
Que se han hecho en esta Corte!Rivera, Gob. de Mex., i. 564.
- ↑ Opinions with regard to the abilities of Venegas are diametrically opposite according as they are regarded by his friends or opponents. Abad y Queipo describes him as a talented, learned, and upright man, Informe, in Zamacois, Hist. Mej., ix. 867-8; while Zavala states that he possessed neither political nor military talent. Rev. Mex., i. 43. Consult Adalid, Causa, MS., i. 134-6.
