CHAPTER IX.
FIVE MORE VICEROYS.
1660-1680.
Count de Baños, THE Twenty-third Viceroy — A New order of things — Indian Revolt at Tehuantepec — An Arbitrary Ruler — Character of the Man — He is Replaced by Archbishop Osorio — The Prelate’s Brief but Beneficent Government — A Native of Mexico Made Archbishop — Arrival of Marquis Mancera — His Efficient Rule — California Explorations — The Cathedral of Mexico — Its Dedication — Mancera’s Wise Policy — Eruption of Popocatepetl and Other Calamities — Veraguas, Descendant of Columbus, as Viceroy — His Untimely Death — Archbishop Ribera Succeeds — His Character and Good Government — He Declines New Honors — His Retirement to Spain, and Death.
Late in July 1660 the twenty-third viceroy of New Spain, Juan de Leiva y de la Cerda, marqués de Leiva y de Ladrada, conde de Baños,[1] arrived at Vera Cruz. He entered Mexico on the 16th of September, and on the same day took charge of the government. One of his first acts was the imprisonment of the castellan of the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, without any apparent reason, and such arbitrary measures were several times repeated during his administration which was in strong contrast with that of his predecessor. During the last months of Alburquerque’s reign, news was received in Mexico that the Indians of the district of Tehuantepec were in revolt and had killed the alcalde mayor.[2] A small force sent against them was defeated, and preparations were made to assemble a larger expedition. But before this was ready it was
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