Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/206

186 the more urgent duties of his position, he by no means neglected internal affairs. The pavements of the city were repaired, improvements were made in the viceregal palace, and the drainage labors were concluded in 1675. In 1676 it had also been decreed that gold be coined in Mexico, but it was not till 1679 that the first pieces were stamped. On that occasion the viceroy and the audiencia repaired to the mint, to witness the first coinage. Rivera's pastoral labors, however, did not suffer from the multitude of worldly affairs which claimed his attention, as was proved by the numerous consecrations of bishops, churches, altars, and temples, held by him. There was no great religious festival at which he failed to attend, and occasionally he would ascend the pulpit and preach. During the thirteen years that he wore the mitre, he visited twice all the different parts of his diocese.

On several occasions the archbishop-viceroy had requested of the crown and the holy see that he might be removed from office, but both were unwilling to dispense with the services of so faithful a servant. At last the king granted his petition, on account of his impaired health, but desirous of retaining him in his service, offered him the bishopric of Cuenca, and the presidency of the India Council. In September 1680 the new viceroy arrived at Vera Cruz, and in the following month Rivera formally delivered over the government. He remained, however, in Mexico, where his residencia was being taken by the oidor Frutos Delgado. On the 27 th of February 1681, the latter published the sentence,