Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/392

372 Shortly after Castilla's return, the audiencia, doubtless at the petition of Cortés, had ordered Guzman to confine the exercise of his authority to the region north of Jalisco, and in no case to interfere in the government of Colima, Michoacan, or Tonalá. This was confirmed by a peremptory order from Spain of April 20, 1533, bidding Guzman not to interfere in the southern encomiendas, and not to call himself hereafter governor of Pánuco. A month later he was required to report in future directly to the audiencia of Mexico in all matters affecting Nueva Galicia. Of his later transactions we know little save in connection with the seizure of Cortés' vessels, and in allusions to petty campaigns against natives whom oppression had driven into revolt, and to visits to his possessions at Pánuco. The succession of disappointments and humiliations encountered in the desertion of comrades, in signs of disfavor at court, in pending residencias, and in subordinating him to the government at Mexico — all this, in connection with dwindling credit and resources, could not fail to bend his haughty spirit. "I am driven to despair," he writes, "without a crust to eat."

Better boldly face the storm, he concluded, than endure this torture. He would throw himself at the feet of the emperor and seek mercy. He accordingly placed Cristóbal de Oñate in charge of the government, and set out for Pánuco, to collect additional funds and seek means of conveyance to Spain. His star willed it, however, that he should turn aside to Mexico, there to meet a portion of his just deserts.