coming as it did from one who had governed so long and so wisely.
Great, indeed, had been the progress of New Spain during the fifteen years of Mendoza's rule. The tumultuous events of the last decade had given place to peace and order, and conspiracies, revolts, and rebellion had been suppressed. Even the storm raised by the new laws, which had threatened social and political disruption, under mid management had wrought but insignificant evils. The conquest of provinces in the north and south had been achieved; mines had been discovered and developed; numerous towns and churches, covents, hospitals, and schools, had been founded; roads, bridges, and other public works had been constructed, and agriculture, industry, and commerce had greatly increased. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the character and deeds of Mendoza. His acts are before the reader. He was not wholly faultless; he was not altogether without enemies; but in the main he was a just man, and his conduct met the approval of both the crown and the colonists.
The king could not well afford to dispense with such a servant. The commotion in Peru had become chronic, and Charles desired Mendoza to establish there a stable government. He was permitted, however, to retain the viceroyalty of Mexico should he so prefer, in which case Velasco would proceed to Peru; but, desiring a change of climate, in the hope of restoring his failing health, he concluded to make the transfer.[1]
- ↑ Some say that Mendoza made the trip from Mexico to Panamá by land. This, however, is improbable. There was no highway through Central America to the Isthmus, and the viceroy was in delicate health; furthermore, the trip would have been hazardous even with a large escort. Mendoza took charge of the government of Peru in Sept. 1551, and died July 21, 1552.
The authorities consulted for the preceding three chapters are: Herrera, dec. vii. lib. ii. cap. x. — xii.; lib. v. cap. v.; lib. vi. cap. vii. xi.; lib. vii. cap. xiv.; dec. viii. lib. iv. cap. xii.; lib. vi. cap. xi.; Torguemada, i. 608-616; iii, 106-8, 258, 340-7, 468-76, 589, 610-11, 623; Gomara, Hist. Ind., 135; Ordenes de la Corona, MS., ii. 712; Squier's MSS., xix. 39-42; Puga, Cedulario, 100-91, passim; Remesal, Hist. Chyapa, 160-2, 203, 257-62, 404-58, 525 6, 714; Grijalva, Crón., 51-77; Recop. de Indias, i, 212; ii. 17, 108, 197;
