Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/403

Rh measures adopted by him also contributed to this increase of prosperity. Besides steps taken to cast pieces of artillery from metal produced in the country, he proposed to erect on one of the causeways a fortress, which he considered would greatly contribute to the security of the city. Though this project does not seem to have been carried out, at Vera Cruz he began the erection of fortifications, as a defence against corsairs and for the purpose of providing facilities for the repair and security of vessels, which were frequently exposed on that coast to violent storms.

Protective measures against internal revolt were indeed of vital importance to his Majesty's domain, and instructions were from time to time issued, designed to keep the colonists on their guard. Owing to the scarcity of arms the position of the Spaniards at this juncture was by no means secure. The recognition of this want had not only impelled Mendoza to apply to