Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/62

42 appointment, issued at his own request, under the alluring influence of the mines, was obtained at Mexico, whither he hastened with all the treasures so far extorted, leaving to the clamoring soldiers the flimsy excuse that Cortés had written for the gold to send as a present to the emperor. This was the more exasperating since the repartimientos proved far from equal to the expectations formed, while the climate was hot and most unhealthy. So strong became the feeling that even before Alvarado's departure to Mexico a conspiracy was formed to kill him. Olmedo learned the particulars, and the plotters were arrested, two of them being hanged. After Alvarado had gone, the settlers elected alcaldes and other officers of their own, and thereupon removed the town to Oajaca, regardless of the protestations of the captain in charge. Informed of the proceeding, Cortés sent Alcalde Mayor Diego de Ocampo to arraign the offenders, who thereupon took to flight. The principal men were arrested, however, notably Badajoz and Juan Nuñez de Sedeño, and sentenced to death, a penalty commuted by Cortés to banishment.

In addition to this trouble, the natives took advantage of the removal of the town to revolt against their extortionate masters, and Alvarado had to lead another expedition against them. They were readily subdued, however, and severely chastised for the murders committed, whereupon the son of the deceased lord was installed as ruler. Although the repartimientos were confirmed, Segura was not reëstablished; nor did it prove necessary, for the natives never attempted another uprising.