Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/486

466 which the viceregal functions had been very much curtailed, in fact, reduced to but little else than presiding over the audiencia, and directing military matters. Without complaint, however, he devoted his attention to this latter branch of the royal service, introducing many improvements, and employing the forces to the best advantage.

After the death of the once powerful José de Galvez, marqués de Sonora, the policy of the king's government underwent a change. The superintendency of the exchequer was again given to the viceroy, and Mangino was called to the royal council. The crown, heeding the clamor from the frontier provinces and the viceroy's urgent advice, empowered him to wage a relentless war upon the wild tribes. Florez, accordingly, in 1788 and 1789 made constant warfare against the Apaches, Lipans, and Mescaleros until they were subdued, the peace lasting for many years. The viceroy promoted the officers who had rendered efficient service in the campaign, not forgetting the rank and file, to whom deserved rewards were given. He was now compelled to look after the expeditions sent to the Pacific by the English and Americans, and to watch the Russians in California. He gave strict orders to the governor of this province, the commandants at San Bias and Acapulco, and the other local authorities on the Pacific, and requested the president of Guatemala to arrest, if possible, all such exploring ships and their crews as came within their respective jurisdictions. During this rule two exploring expeditions were despatched from San Bias to the Northwest Coast. Full details on these matters are given in other parts of this history. Florez did not confine himself to war; he favored letters, and was a friend to the scientific and literary men of Mexico. He endeavored to carry out the