Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/264

224 for him as corregidor in Toledo. Though comparatively young he enjoyed quite a reputation as a well read man of admirable judgment. Both to sustain him in case of resistance, and in pursuance of the new policy to limit the power and domains of governors, the Pánuco region was granted to Nuño de Guzman, who nevertheless failed to present himself at his post for a long time. Further aids were provided in Comendador Diego Hernandez de Proaño, as alguacil mayor, and Pedro de Salazar de la Pedrada, as commandant at Mexico, with Lope de Samaniego, as lieutenant. He was also empowered to call upon the audiencia at Santo Domingo and authorities for assistance, and letters were given him, addressed to the leading colonists and native chiefs, ordering them to support him.

In his instructions, dated November 4, 1525, Ponce was directed to forward the letters to Cortés and the royal officials immediately on landing at Vera Cruz, and to follow without delay, evidently with a view to give no time for placing obstacles in the way. He must communicate with the officials, select confidants, and while assuming the governorship and taking the residencia of Cortés, he must ask his opinion in all matters, so as to render less irritating the necessary measures for reducing any dangerous or undue control over vassals, soldiers, officers, and military machinery. The charges to be investigated embraced those already enumerated in the letters of the royal officials, notably the disregard of orders from Spain, the assumption of regal privileges, the proposal to withdraw the country from the crown, the possession