Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/641

Rh censured, and there would have been serious disturbance had not the streets been so thoroughly patrolled. Some of the encomenderos, pulling their beards, swore to revenge the innocent blood of Gil Gonzalez.

In a measure appeased by what it had thus far accomplished, the audiencia was proceeding more leisurely with the trial of the other prisoners, when on the 17th of September arrived at Vera Cruz the third viceroy, Don Gaston de Peralta, marqués de Falces. He was a lineal descendant of Alonso Carrillo de Peralta, first marques de Falces and second constable of Navarre, under appointment of the king, in 1455. The new viceroy was known as a man of generous sentiments, who had rendered valuable services in the field and council, and was also a good jurist. He was accompanied by his wife. Doña Leonor Vico, an estimable lady. The title of excellency was given him; his predecessors had been addressed only as señoría.

Before arriving at Vera Cruz the new viceroy learned from the master of a ship of the occurrences at the capital, the imprisonment of the marqués del Valle, and others, the beheading of the brothers Ávila, and the grounds on which the audiencia had based its course. On reaching port he ascertained that no revolutionary movements existed or were contemplated. He passed the first night on board, and landed at 10 A.M. the next day, there being no sign of disturbance. In the evening messengers arrived from Mexico to greet him and deliver letters. Some assured him that all was quiet, others thought he should have a strong guard during his journey to the capital. After