Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/265

Rh further disturbance occurred. The sun rose upon a mass of smouldering ruins in the plaza, while the bodies of the dead lay scattered here and there among the various articles of plunder dropped by the rioters in their hasty flight. The greater portion of the viceregal palace was destroyed, as were the halls of the audiencia, the jail, and several government offices, containing many valuable documents. The city hall was almost in ruins, and with it perished the greater part of its archives. The public granary and the adjoining buildings also suffered; and but for the timely efforts of the cathedral treasurer the fire would have extended not only to the residence of the marqués del Valle, but also to the archiepiscopal palace and cathedral. The loss of property caused by this outbreak was estimated at three million pesos. The number of lives lost did not exceed fifty, and was possibly not so great; nor is there any evidence to show that excepting the two or three victims among the palace guard, a single Spaniard was seriously injured.

On Monday morning the viceroy and countess, accompanied by the chief authorities, over two hundred mounted gentlemen, and an immense number of the populace, set forth from the Franciscan convent for the plaza, being joined on the way by the archbishop. Having reached the spot the procession marched around it in order that the viceroy and countess might view the ruins, and then proceeded to the palace of the marqués del Valle where Galve temporarily took up his residence.

There was still much apprehension lest the Indians should return, and this was increased by the discovery