Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/721

Rh too late for the fleet, which sailed the 10th of August, and were obliged to await the next opportunity. During their detention in Spain they were engaged at their ministry, and in making further arrangements to secure the success of their undertaking. An increase of their number was finally decided upon, making the company in all eight priests and seven lay brothers. Before embarking the provincial ordered Father Sedeño to Mexico with instructions to pay in his name visits to the viceroy and other personages, and notify them that the mission would be ready to embark on the first fleet, which it did early in June 1572, arriving at Vera Cruz September 9th, and being received by the viceroy and other government authorities, the religious orders, and the people in general with every mark of respect and kindness. After resting a while they started for the city of Mexico, journeying on foot, and with great apparent humility and poverty, though surrounded by a people anxious to extend them aid and comfort. They embarked at Ayotzinco, and to avoid public demonstrations entered the city of Mexico at 9 o'clock at night on the 25th of September, going to the hospital where Sedeño had prepared lodgings for them. The next morning every man in authority and an immense concourse of people tendered them a cordial welcome, and supplied them with every thing needful to their purposes. Most of them were presently prostrated by fever, contracted during their fatiguing journey; and so great was the supply of poultry and preserves sent them that little more was required for the entire hospital