Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/460

440 From that moment the Jesuits were kept confined in their colleges in Mexico, and troops were stationed in the crossings of the streets leading to them. That same day the viceroy published an edict to all the inhabitants "de este imperio," notifying them of the king's peremptory order for the expulsion of the Jesuits, which he had put into execution. He warned all the king's vassals, without exception, of their duty to respect and obey his ever just decisions, which they were bound to venerate and aid to carry out with the utmost fidelity, or incur his Majesty's displeasure, and the severest punishment, should they by word of mouth or writing manifest any disapproval or hostility to the measure. The people were told once for all that they were born to obey and hold their peace.

On the 28th the Jesuits were conveyed in coaches strongly guarded by troops to Vera Cruz. At Guadalupe they were allowed by José de Galvez, the visitador, who superintended the proceedings, to enter the santuario, where they sent up prayers to heaven for the happiness of a people who had ever idolized them. Large crowds of sorrowful friends surrounded the carriages. The entry into Jalapa resembled a triumphal march, though it was attended by so much bitterness. The throng in the streets was so large that the troops in some places had to open a way with the but-ends of their muskets. The exiles from the capital and neighboring parts finally arrived in Vera Cruz, where they were gradually joined by their brethren from other provinces, who had been arrested and treated in the same manner as themselves.