Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/260

240 crowd, now numbering ten thousand. "Death to the viceroy and corregidor," they cry, "death to those who have all the corn and are killing us with hunger!" It is half past six; and though thirty minutes have scarcely elapsed since the beginning of hostilities, the plaza is filled with the populace. Eager for plunder they join in the cries against the government, shouting, "Death to the viceroy and all who defend him!" while the echo from hundreds swells the uproar, "Death to the Spaniards and gachupines who are eating our corn!".

At this juncture the archbishop approaches on foot with uplifted cross, and surrounded by his attendants. Little regard is shown him, however, for his coachman, who was sent on before, is knocked from his seat by a stone, and missiles begin to fall so thickly that the primate and his companions are glad to make good their escape. The guards in the palace make no further attempt to disperse the rioters. After some thirty shots from the roof, firing ceases; for not only are many of the soldiers disabled, but their ammunition is exhausted.

The rioters continue to storm the palace, but finding that little harm is done they resolve to burn it down, no longer fearing those within. The booths in the plaza afford an abundance of combustible material, and dry rushes and reeds are soon heaped against the wooden doors and set ablaze. The city hall is also fired; and while some are thus engaged, others seize the coach of the corregidor, whose residence forms a portion of that building, set fire to it, and with the mules attached drive it in triumph around the plaza, finally killing the wildly affrighted animals. The corregidor and his wife are fortunately absent; else their