Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/392

372 General Bucareli on the 23d produced to the audiencia his three commissions as viceroy and governor, captain-general, and president of that body, and took the oath to faithfully discharge his duties; among the pledges was that of maintaining peace in the interior, and defending the kingdom against all foes.

Viceroy Bucareli during nearly eight years' rule attended carefully to the organization of the military forces and coast defences; to the well-being of the new settlements in California; an honest and economical management of the royal treasury, the revenue of which he augmented without burdening the king's subjects with extra taxation; the police and administration of justice; the development of public instruction and the arts of peace. Indeed, whatever could contribute to the honor of his sovereign and the welfare of the people was matter of interest to him. He cared for the poor in hospitals and asylums, and was zealous in assisting the prelates of the religious orders to preserve good morals. The term of his rule was the happiest that New Spain experienced. Peace and prosperity reigned; and the country took long strides in advance.

Whilst the viceroy was thus engaged disease seized him, a violent attack of pleurisy, to which he succumbed on the 9th of April, 1779. His death spread sorrow throughout the land, for he had won the title of "virey amado por la paz de su gobierno." As an evidence of the high standing of his character, I shall mention one instance. Being in need of funds for the