Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/376

356 Santo, off the island of Samal. Here were erected signal stations for the purpose of warning Spanish galleons to beware of enemies who might be cruising about in neighboring waters. The Covadonga soon made her appearance, and when Anson's ship was sighted, bore down upon her to give battle.

Though not a war vessel, the Covadonga was well armed and manned, having thirty-six large guns, twenty-eight howitzers, and five hundred and fifty men, a number greatly in excess of the Centurion’s crew. But these advantages were counterbalanced by the lightness of the British frigate, and the greater efficiency of her men. For two hours the conflict lasted. Though outmatched in seamanship the Spaniards showed no lack of courage. The galleon's rigging caught fire; her pennant was shot away; her commander was wounded, sixty-seven of her crew were killed, and a greater number wounded, before her colors were struck, while the loss of the British was but one man killed and seventeen wounded. Taking possession of his prize, Anson found on board treasure amounting to nearly a million and a half in coin, and about forty thousand five hundred marks in silver bullion.

When the news of this disaster reached Mexico, it created much dissatisfaction among the parties interested, who laid the blame on the authorities. Moreover, the war which was then raging in Europe caused great scarcity of merchandise and high prices throughout New Spain.

A remarkable instance of Spanish jealousy toward foreigners, and of the strictness with which the laws in that respect were enforced, occurred at the beginning of Fuenclara's rule. Before the arrival of the viceroy, an Italian gentleman, Lorenzo Boturini, appeared in Mexico provided with a papal bull