measures adopted by him also contributed to this increase of prosperity. Besides steps taken to cast pieces of artillery from metal produced in the country,[1] he proposed to erect on one of the causeways a fortress, which he considered would greatly contribute to the security of the city.[2] Though this project does not seem to have been carried out, at Vera Cruz he began the erection of fortifications, as a defence against corsairs[3] and for the purpose of providing facilities for the repair and security of vessels, which were frequently exposed on that coast to violent storms.[4]
Protective measures against internal revolt were indeed of vital importance to his Majesty's domain, and instructions were from time to time issued, designed to keep the colonists on their guard.[5] Owing to the scarcity of arms the position of the Spaniards at this juncture was by no means secure. The recognition of this want had not only impelled Mendoza to apply to
- ↑ Mendoza reports to the king December 10, 1537, that there is abundance of metal in the country for the manufacture of artillery, but that skilled workmen are wanted to extract and smelt it. He therefore requests that such be sent from Spain. Id., ii. 183; Florida, Col. Doc., 121.
- ↑ He moreover recommended the building of a strong fortification on the Calzada de Tacuba, containing apartments for the audiencia, a foundery, mint, and arsenal. Such a fortress he believed could be constructed for 9,000 pesos, the sum which had been paid Cortés for houses for the audiencia. Id. This work, however, had not been commenced in 1540, and Mendoza that year describes the old fortress as in a ruinous condition and of no further use for the purpose it was intended, namely, as an arsenal and dock-yard, since the lake was quite dry. Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., ii. 357. He had in 1537 stated that, from the same cause, it could be removed to no place that would enable the brigantines to be of any service. Id., 182-3.
- ↑ The India Council had, as early as 1526, deemed it advisable to order the building of forts in America as a protection against pirates. Herrera, dec. iii. lib, x. cap. ix.
- ↑ To defray the expenses of these works he laid an impost upon the merchandise imported from Spain, and borrowed 2,000 pesos with which to begin operations. The viceroy, however, met with difficulties and delays: some Basque workmen whom he had employed died; and Sancho de Piniga, master of a vessel bound for Spain, attempted to steal 2,000 pesos de minas which Mendoza intrusted to his care for the purchase of tools. He was detected and imprisoned, but managed to escape. These mishaps retarded the work, and in December 1537 Mendoza requested the king to send out competent men, Florida, Col. Doc., 123-5.
- ↑ The queen in November 1535 ordered arms to be distributed among the settlers in the city of Mexico, Puga, Cedulario, 109-10.
