Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/273

Rh Aguilar was the approach of Pedro de Alvarado, with a large force of Cortés' soldiers, who had taken the land route in returning from Honduras. It was feared that their presence would render the power of Cortés too imposing, and so the measure was precipitated. It would have little availed the opposite faction, however, had Cortés chosen to lay aside for a moment his prudence, and give the signal to his adherents.

Aguilar was hardly the man to hold the reins of government during times so troublesome, and it was owing chiefly to the forbearance of his opponent that affairs progressed as they dId. He was not only aged, but so enfeebled by diseases resulting from bad habits that his flickering life could be sustained only by suckling. The task and worry of office had its effect, and a fever came on which induced him to appoint a deputy in the person of Gerdónimo de Medina. On his sick-bed, however, February 23d, he appointed Estrada as successor. Again the right of transferring power was disputed, and Cortés was called upon to assume the control; but he adhered to his former decision. The council and delegates thereupon insisted that he should at least manage the Indian and war department, while Sandoval, his sworn friend, should be associated with Estrada as governor.