Spain, García Sarmiento de Sotomayor, conde de Salvatierra and marqués de Sabroso,[1] arrived at Vera Cruz, and in the following month took charge of the government.[2] During his administration an expedition was despatched to the coast of Lower California, in charge of Pedro Porter y Casanate. Troops were enlisted, and a large number of persons made ready to embark on board the fleet; for it was said that the pearl fisheries of that region were second only to those discovered by Vasco Nuñez de Balboa. When all was in readiness the vessels were destroyed by fire. A second expedition was fitted out and set sail a few years later, but resulted in failure. In 1648 Casanate returned to report to the viceroy that he had failed even to discover any spot suitable for a settlement.
During this year Salvatierra was appointed to the viceroyalty of Peru.[3] His conduct meets with the approval of the chroniclers of his period, although the condition of affairs during his regime was far from prosperous.[4] Spain was engaged in external wars and the suppression of internal revolts; the attention of her sovereign was concentrated almost exclusively on European affairs, and though cédula followed cédula in quick succession they contained little save demands for money. Throughout the provinces commerce and
- ↑ Some authors say Sobroso; Zamacois styles him marqués de Sonora. Hist. Méj., v. 334.
- ↑ Vetancurt, Trat. Mex., 14, and Cavo, Tres Siglos, ii. 16, say it was on the 23d of November. Lorenzana, Hist. N. Exp., 23, and Guijo, Diario, in Doc. Hist. Mex., série i. 6, respectively place it on the 13th and 15th.
- ↑ Cogolludo, Hist. Yuc., 701-2, says Salvatierra was somewhat reluctant to deliver up the government; but this is not probable, as the viceroyalty of Peru was generally held in higher esteem than that of New Spain. On the 12th of June, 1648, his residencia was begun, and though later discontinued by order of the king, was resumed in July 1652. Guijo, Diario, in Doc. Hist. Mex., 1st series, i. 10, 15, 223. In June 1660 news arrived at Mexico that Salvatierra, after serving his term as viceroy of Peru, became temporarily insane, and died shortly after his recovery. Guijo, in Id., 443. Vetancurt says he died at Cartagena when on his way to Spain.
- ↑ The only serious charge brought against him was that he caused the Indians to serve as slaves to the friars and to pay their tribute in kind. The king disapproved of the measure, and in 1644 forbade it. Indians were to be exempted from all imposts, and from servitude, unless they were paid and volunteered to do the work. Strict compliance with previous cédulas bearing on the subject was enjoined. Maltratamiento de Indios, MS., no. 5, 1-2.
