Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/436

416 the isle of San Juan de Ulúa was the key of New Spain, and the object of special solicitude. Efforts were made and means supplied in order to put the defences in a condition to resist attacks. The formation of plans and the building of a new fortress were in charge of Captain Jaime Franck. Objection having been made to the work, the subject was laid before certain officials for their opinion.

When a portion of the fortress was constructed, a small garrison was placed there under an officer who bore the title of castellano, subordinate to the governor of the town. In the course of years the title was changed to teniente rey, and the officer succeeded the governor at his death or absence. Both officers had high military rank, the governor having charge of the garrisons of Ulúa and Vera Cruz.

The fortifications on San Juan de Ulúa were in 1767 strengthened with cannon brought from Spain.