Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/674

654 the natives, and could not be eradicated. The Indians called them castellanzob, accusing the Spaniards of having imported them. According to a report of the Franciscan comisario, there was in 1588, at Maní, a hospital at which sufferers from scrofula and other diseases were attended by a brotherhood.

After having given orders for the better protection of Vera Cruz, Viceroy Enriquez de Almansa proceeded to the city of Mexico on the 5th of November, 1568, and at once took formal possession of his office with the usual pomp and royal display. He had entered the capital with some suspicion caused by certain reports sent to Spain, but soon became aware that there was no ground for apprehension, and he now took steps to afford consolation to the numerous families that had suffered so severely at the hands of Muñoz.

Owing to the attacks on the coasts by pirates, which were likely to be repeated, and the raids of the hostile Chichimecs, the need of a regularly organized army became apparent. New Spain up to this time had maintained no permanent force under arms, relying on the encomenderos and other Spaniards, and on the friendly Indian auxiliaries, called into active service as emergencies required. In 1568 a company of halberdiers was organized, which proved no more than able to support the viceroy's authority. A little later were formed two compañías de palacio, to uphold his dignity. There were also detached companies in