Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/430

 

the arrival of the second audiencia Cortés hastened to lay before that body his commission as captain-general. Though it was duly recognized by them, the powers it conferred were greatly controlled by a royal order produced by the audiencia, requiring that Cortés, in all his operations, should consult the president and oidores and act only on their approval. This we may well imagine was not pleasing to the marquis, and soon he and the audiencia were engaged in hot disputes. Jealous of their position, and proud of the king's confidence, the oidores were uncompromising in the exhibition of their authority, and carried out their instructions to the letter; while Cortés,

(410)