The administration of Casafuerte was not marked by any internal disturbances; nor were the provinces harassed by the depredations of pirates which wrought so much mischief during the rule of his predecessors. Commerce still suffered to some extent on the North Sea, but corsairs had been driven from the waters of the Pacific, and trading vessels passed to and fro between New Spain and the East Indies without fear of being molested.
The marquis was beloved by the people, and the only enemies he had were dissatisfied office-seekers. These prevailed upon the king's council to recommend his removal on account of his great age, and his long tenure of office, which was inconsistent with general usage. When this was done Felipe signified his confidence in his representative by merely replying: "As long as Casafuerte lives his talents and virtues give him all the strength necessary for a good governor." Soon afterward, however, in 1734, the marquis died, at the age of seventy-seven. His funeral ceremonies were described in detail in the Gazette then published by Sahagun. Since that time they have served as a model on similar occasions, and resemble those which at the present day are observed on the demise of a president of the Mexican republic.[1]
When the carta de mortaja, was opened by the audiencia it was found that the archbishop of Mexico, Juan Antonio de Vizarron y Eguiarreta, was designated to fill the vacancy.[2] Vizarron was appointed to the primacy January 13, 1730, and arrived in
- ↑ In 1724 Felipe V. abdicated the crown of Spain in favor of his son Luis I., who ascended the throne on January 10th. While preparations were being made to celebrate the event, news arrived of the death of the latter, which had occurred August 13th the same year, and Felipe, reluctant to place his minor son Fernando upon the throne, had reassumed the crown.
- ↑ On the death of archbishop Lanciego in 1728, Manuel José de Endaya y Haro was elected to the see, but died before taking possession, October 5, 1729. The bishop of Puebla, Juan Antonio de Lardizábal, was elected the same year to fill the vacancy, but the prelate refused the appointment. Concilios Prov., 1555-65, 224-5; Doc, Ecles. Méx., MS., ii. pt. i.; Dicc. Univ., ix. 271.
