nity of bishop of Burgos, with still higher prospects before him.[1]
The conduct and measures of Cortés were generally approved, at least in all the main features,32 and the conquerors were confirmed in the possession of the encomiendas granted them, with the privilege of occupying prominent seats in churches and other public places.[2] In a special cédula of October 15, 1522, the emperor expressed to the leader his appreciation of the services rendered in the conquest of so great a territory, and of the steps he had taken immediately on returning to Spain to become acquainted therewith, through his reports and agents, and to prevent his enemies from creating further mischief. He commends to his loyal zeal and experience the good administration of the country and the care and conversion of the natives. The better to enable him to carry out this measure and in recognition of his services, he is granted the offices of governor and captain-general of New Spain, with full power to appoint deputies and sub-officials throughout its provinces,[3] and with permission to exclude any objectionable person from the country. Cortés was further gratified by
- ↑ He fell sick with disgust, and appears to have died during the following year. Herrera, dec. iii. lib. vi. cap. xiv.; though Irving says November 4, 1554. Columbus, iii. 550. Bernal Diaz states that his troubles were increased by differences with his nephew about the archbishopric of Santiago. Hist. Verdad., 187. Already archbishop of Rosano, and comisario-general de la Cruzada, he might readily have become archbishop of Toledo. Gomara, Hist. Mex., 238. Solis will not believe all the charges against 'un Varon tan vene rable y tan graduado.' Hist. Mex., ii. 273. See also Hist. Cent. Am., i. 168, this series.
- ↑ Umbría and Cárdenas, who had suffered amputation of the feet for aiding in a Velazquezan revolt, were given encomiendas 'que renten a cada uno mil pesos de oro.' Bernal Diaz, loc. cit. These and a few other indirect rebukes were the only exceptions.
- ↑ This commission, bearing the same date as the cédula, alludes to the new country as 'Aculuacan and San Xoan de Olua, llamada la Nueva España,' a name conferred in accordance with Cortés' request. He is to be 'royal judge, governor, justice, and captain-general, without prejudice to any privilege held or claimed by Adelantado Velazquez.' From which it appears that the latter still possessed the right to discover and settle lands, or more probably islands, adjoining New Spain, for instance Yucatan, which is not included in the above cédula. See Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xxvi. 59-70. Gomara wrongly adds the title of adelantado, which was proposed for him only in 1525. Bernal Diaz misleads several in giving a wrong date. The salary
