Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/389

Rh for his master, as he called the sovereign, whose orders were to be obeyed without cavil, and on the same principle he allowed no contradiction to his own authority as the king's lieutenant.

The marquis took charge of his offices on the 25th of August 1766, which was the date of his entering the capital. From that time he paid strict attention to his duties, doing all in his power for the improvement and defence of the country, the increase of its revenues, the development of knowledge, and all that might be expected from a conscientious ruler. With the visitador general, José de Galvez, he maintained the closest relations, supporting all his measures, as he had the fullest confidence in his ability and character. The marqués de Croix won for himself the name of an able viceroy, as well as of a pure, upright man. When he arrived he refused to accept the customary gifts, and called for higher pay from the crown, which was granted him. He was somewhat addicted to drink, and evil tongues called him a drunkard. If this was so he was a better man drunk than was many another sober; at all events his measures showed that he was a very sensible man, and that they were planned by no clouded or besotted intellect.