CHAPTER XV.
NEW SPAIN AT THE OPENING OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
1700-1722.
Montañez Viceroy for a Second Term — His Formal Entry into the Capital — Loss of Treasure Ships — The Hermandad and Acordada — Montañez Appointed Archbishop of Mexico — Alburquerque's Reign — His Character Illustrated — Captain Dampier Once More in the South Sea — A Privateering Expedition Fitted Out by Bristol Merchants — A Motley Crowd on Board the Ships — Their Voyage round the World — Enormous Profits of the Enterprise — Linares' Administration — Earthquake, Famine, and Flood — Contraband Trading — Valero's Rule — Attempted Assassination — Corsairs in Yucatan.
On the 4th of November 1701 Montañez for the second time took office as viceroy,[1] though his formal entry into the city was delayed until the 29th of January in the following year. On that day the dignitaries of the church were ordered to assist at the ceremony, arrayed in their surplices, and the religious orders to appear in fitting garb, carrying uplifted crosses.[2] The cathedral was handsomely decorated; the pillars were hung with tapestry; and on the grand altar innumerable tapers stood ready to light up the building, should the viceroy make his entry by night. Stages were erected in suitable places, and arches of
- ↑ On the day of his assuming office he received the papal bulls and the pallium. Robles, Diario, in Doc. Hist. Mex., 332.
- ↑ All obeyed except the Cármen and San Hipólito orders. The former refused under the plea that, according to their constitution, and the privileges granted them by the apostolic see, they were not required to appear in processions except at public prayers. Nevertheless, out of compliment to his Excellency, they allowed six of their number to attend. The latter declined on the ground that they were not allowed to take precedence over the Bethlehemites. Id., 365-6.
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