Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/340

 

the reception in Spain of Bishop Zumárraga's raking denunciation of the audiencia, every ship that left Mexico carried scores of letters detailing the ceaseless abuses of which Spaniards as well as Indians were victims. The conduct of Guzman during his brief sway at Pánuco was known already at court, and now that to these charges were added others still more damnatory, as well as complaints against Matienzo and Delgadillo, it became evident to Charles that his ministers had erred in the selection of men to whom the destinies of the colony had been confided. He resolved on their removal, and as his presence abroad was necessary, he charged the empress to see justice dealt to these malefactors, and worthy persons sent to take their places. Isabel of Portugal was a princess of noble sentiments and of sterling sense. Having submitted the matter to the council, she resolved to make a viceroyalty of New Spain, and to send thither as ruler from among the nobles surrounding the throne a man whose birth and

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