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278 as his successor was not appointed till 1711, it is probable that his death occurred during the preceding year.

The next archbishop. Fray José Lanciego y Eguilaz, did not take possession until the beginning of 1713, and his consecration took place in November of the following year. He administered the affairs of the church until 1728, and was conspicuous for his piety and charity. Numerous institutions received his support, and the most remote districts of his diocese were visited. Lanciego was an especial friend of the Indians, and every month his palace was crowded with beggars to whom he distributed alms. He died on the 25th of January 1728, and was interred in the cathedral, a funeral oration being delivered by the canónigo magistral Doctor Bartolomé Felipe de Ita y Parra.

In October 1702, the duke of Alburquerque, the newly appointed viceroy, arrived at Vera Cruz. A few weeks later Montañez, having first despatched his nephew, the captain of the guard, to welcome the duke, set forth in person to meet him, accompanied by a splendid cortege. Alburquerque was a man of many titles, and somewhat given to display; nevertheless his career, which lasted for more than eight years, fully justified the enthusiasm with which all classes greeted his entrance into the capital. He was