Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/380

360 by Agustin de Ahumada y Villalon, marqués de las Amarillas, who took charge of the government on the 10th of November in that year. The character of the marquis was in strong contrast with that of his predecessor in almost every respect. Indeed, they seemed to have only one trait in common, and that was loyalty to their sovereign. Amarillas was a soldier who had won fame in the Italian wars, and at once devoted himself to correcting the abuses that had crept in under the former administration. But soon after his arrival his health began to fail, and by the advice of physicians he resided for some time at Cuautitlan, and thence removed to the city of Cuernavaca. Not finding relief he returned to Mexico where he died February 5, 1760. While his predecessor was known as the wealthiest vassal of the king, it may be said of Amarillas that he was one of the poorest. Though his administration lasted more than four years, his honesty and generosity had been such that his widow was left in poverty, and became dependent on the archbishop Rubio y Salinas, who provided funds for her return to Spain.

Francisco de Echávarri, president of the audiencia, took charge on the death of the viceroy, and ruled for several months pending the arrival of his successor. In the carta de mortaja, the governor of Habana, Francisco Cagigal de la Vega, was designated to fill the vacancy ad interim. He was notified of his