Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/373

Rh, and the neighboring towns were called out, and a formal campaign opened. A force of six hundred Spaniards attacked the insurgents, who were routed after a stubborn resistance. The ringleaders were executed, and others who were captured were subjected to cruel tortures. Those who escaped fled to the mountains; but hunger caused most of them to return, while a few preferred death from starvation to the fate of their companions.

During the greater part of the following year violent storms prevailed, and in the month of August the epidemic called matlazahuatl made its appearance in Tacuba, and spread with rapidity over the whole country. This terrible disease was similar to that of 1576, which carried off some two millions of natives.

After being relieved from office as viceroy, Vizarron remained in charge of the primacy until the day of his death, and was succeeded in 1749 by archbishop Dr Manuel Joseph Rubio y Salinas, who presided over the affairs of the church no less ably than had his predecessor. He died, after a successful