Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/375

Rh down with a severe illness, causing his immediate return to Mexico, where he died, August 22, 1741. His successor, Pedro Cebrian y Agustin, condede Fuenclara, the fortieth viceroy, and the last who in those days enjoyed the dignity of grandee of New Spain, assumed office November 3, 1742.

At this time the Spanish provinces were kept in a state of constant alarm by the operations of Anson and Vernon, which have already been briefly related. After scouring the Pacific coast of South America, Anson arrived off Acapulco in February 1742, with forces greatly reduced by sickness, and failing to receive the coöperation of Vernon, resolved not to make any attempt on the mainland. Hearing that he had narrowly missed intercepting a treasure-ship named the Covadonga, which had sailed safely into Acapulco a short time before, he cruised off that port for three months in the hope of capturing this prize. In the ordinary course of things the Covadonga should have left Acapulco in March, but on account of Anson's presence the authorities thought it best to detain her until the following year. Thereupon the British admiral set sail in disgust for China; and, having burned one of his two vessels and refitted the other near Macao, put off to await the arrival of the two galleons which he expected would reach the Philippines in May 1743. On the 20th of this month he arrived in his remaining vessel, the Centurion, a frigate of sixty guns, and with a very slender ship's company, at cape