Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/205

Rh openings of the streets. The inhabitants, however, began to leave the town, taking with them their valuables. Fortunately the alarm proved to be false, for on the 19th of June 1675 letters from Habana were received stating that no enemy had appeared as yet, and the panic subsided. At about the same time rumors spread of other projected invasions on the South Sea coast, and preparations had also to be made in that direction. At greater or less intervals similar news was received during the following years.

In 1678 the pirates operated successfully against Campeche, and during the same year exaggerated reports announced the presence of eleven sail in sight of Vera Cruz. A meeting was hastily summoned, the treasure ready for remittance to Spain was sent to Jalapa, and the despatch of the fleet delayed. It was soon learnt that the hostile force consisted of but one vessel, which, defying the Spaniards, had been so daring as to enter the port of Vera Cruz and reconnoitre. This feat was afterward repeated by another ship, but as the garrison had been reënforced by the viceroy no attack was made.

Much difficulty was found in raising the required force for the Philippine Islands. Many of the soldiers dreading the climate would desert before reaching Acapulco, and new schemes had to be devised to obtain recruits. Thus in 1677 all criminals willing to enlist were pardoned, and one hundred and twenty-five pesos a year given them as pay. Still, only a small number could be induced to accept this offer.

While Rivera was actively engaged in discharging