Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/385

Rh III. he complied, and then and there the caciques of Tlatelulco, Tezcuco, Tlacopan, and Cuyoacan reiterated their allegiance on behalf of the Mexican nation. The procession being again organized, the several other platforms were visited, and the ceremonies repeated. That night, and the two following, the city was brilliantly illuminated, and the people surrendered themselves for three days to festivities, in the midst of which poetical effusions were not wanting.

While the viceroy was studying the general affairs of the country, and discharging his multifarious duties, news reached Mexico early in 1762 that war had been declared by Spain against Great Britain. There were good reasons to apprehend an attack on Vera Cruz, for early in June a combined land and naval force had captured Habana. Cruíllas hastened to Vera Cruz to provide for its defence, taking with him the two companies of his guard, and reënforcing the few bodies of regular troops at his command. The militia, both infantry and cavalry, from all parts of the country was mustered into active service, and quartered at a convenient distance from Vera Cruz. Among them was one battalion of Puebla, and one of Michoacan. Most of the men were Spanish creoles; to render them efficient the viceroy summoned to his aid such governors, corregidores, and alcaldes mayores as had formerly followed the profession of arms.

The real consulado of Mexico raised and equipped at its own expense a regiment of dragoons. The