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418 in a few years its residents were reduced to actual distress.

Other matters during this period became grounds of contention between him and the ruling powers, such as the payment of tithes, forest, pasture, and water rights, to which he laid exclusive claim in the district of Cuernavaca, and complaints made by his vassals of the excessive tribute imposed upon them. Moreover, the much vexed question of the number of his vassals was again brought forward, the proceedings in the matter being marked by want of liberality in the actions of the audiencia, and by petulant complaints on the part of Cortés. Yet no adjustment could be arrived at. The marquis, though deprived of