Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/482

462 At Tonolá he was received by the provisional governor, Cristóal de Oñate, who recognized his authority and delivered the administration into his hands.

Torre proceeded at once to make his official investigations. A general residencia was proclaimed in the towns of Guadalajara, Compostela, Culiacan, and Purificacion, and the proceedings conducted with energy and prudence. Such cases as he was unable to decide himself were remitted to the India Council. By the close of the year the investigations were so far concluded that the governor was permitted to turn his attention to affairs of state.

The condition in which Guzman had left Nueva Galicia was indeed a deplorable one. His system of enslavement had driven most of the natives to the mountains, thus bringing distress on all who remained, whether Spaniards or Indians. Numbers of settlers were preparing to go to Peru, while others made raids upon the Indians and reduced all they could catch to slavery.

The prudent measures of Torre restored confidence. He was well supported by the viceroy, and the colonists after their long and ineffectual complaints settled down with some degree of content.