The frontiers had not been extended; no Indians were being converted, nor were those provinces pacified. For these reasons it was considered advantageous that they should again be under the direct control of the viceroy.
The preparations made by the viceroy were a timely precaution. In 1799 war was declared with Russia. During the summer of this year several English privateers had molested the Mexican coast on the southern sea. They captured some valuable Spanish vessels, and cruised along the gulf of California to the north of the Colorado, touching at the southern part of the Peninsula, and at the María Islands, to procure fresh stores. The Spanish vessels at San Bias were powerless against them, and the English squadron even prevented the departure of the expedition which the captain-general of the provincias internas had prepared against the Indians on Tiburon Island.[1]
Foreign wars and expected invasion were not all that the authorities dreaded. The political horizon of New Spain became overcast, and germs of rebellion already began to appear. Ideas and opinions disrespectful to the authority of the king were here and there diffused among the people, and were no secret to those in command. This was particularly noticeable when some occurrence called forth the ancient rivalry between creole and Spaniard. Prosecutions for high treason became more frequent,[2] the first important case of the kind being that against Juan
- ↑ The brig Activo, schooner Sutil, and sloop Horcasitas, which were to go on the expedition, had to take refuge in Puerto Escondido. Azanza, Instruc., MS., 184-6. Azanza feared that the Russians might in conjunction with the English invade Alta California, where they had always been anxious to form settlements. The viceroy therefore asked the king to establish a naval force at Acapulco. It was thought impossible to establish forts and garrisons in California. Azanza, Instruc., MS., 184-6. At this time the coast of Tabasco and the Cármen presidio were harassed by corsairs, who did little damage, however, thanks to the activity of the governors.
- ↑ See the case against the agitator Rojas, who escaped from the clutches of the inquisition to New Orleans. Alaman, Hist. Mej., i. 128.
