CHAPTER XXII.
NUEVA GALICIA AND MICHOACAN.
1536-1542.
Torre Appointed Juez de Residencia — An Unpleasant Meeting — The Vulture Encaged — Guzman's Release and Departure to Spain — Clipped Wings — Guzman's Death and Character — Torre's Official Investigations — His Wise Administration — Indian Revolt — A Catastrophe — Torre's Last Hours — His Character — Coronado Succeeds Him as Governor — His Incompetency — Delusive Hopes — A Profitless Expedition — Niza Revives Enthusiasm — Visions of Conquest and Wealth — Troubles Foreshadowed — Coronado's Expedition Northward — His Disappointment and Return — Contemporary Progress in Michoacan — A Useful Visitador — Reforms and Prosperity — Quiroga Made Bishop of Michoacan — His Beneficent Rule.
Every one raised to high estate must fall, and little pulling down was left for death to do while Charles ruled the Indies. We have seen the fall of Hernan Cortés and deem it dastardly even though not undeserved; we have seen the fall of Nuño de Guzman, and have shed no tears over it. There is yet even deeper abasement in store for him.
Aroused by tales of Guzman's atrocities, the king, by cédula dated the 17th of March, 1536, appointed the licentiate Diego Perez de la Torre his juez de residencia and successor of Guzman as governor of Nueva Galicia,[1] with instructions that his examination should be rigid.
Nor was Guzman the only one to be subjected to a
- ↑ Torre was a native of Almendralejo in the province of Estremadura, of noble parents, learned, virtuous, and upright in the administration of justice. He occupied the position of judge in his native province at the time of his appointment. Mota Padilla, Conq. N. Gal., 104, 109.
(457)
