Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/488

468 The death of Cárlos III., which occurred the 14th of December, 1788, was officially announced in Mexico the 23d of March in the following year. The viceroy, as well as the ayuntamiento, calling itself "cabildo, justicia y regimiento de esta imperial corte, cabeza de todos los Reinos y Provincias de la Nueva España," on the same day directed solemn obsequies, and public prayers for the soul of the deceased monarch; all citizens and dwellers in the country excepting dependants, servants, and Indians, were to wear mourning, provided at their own expense, during six months. The Indians were exempted on account of poverty, and left to use such signs of sorrow as they wished, or their small means allowed. The preliminary ceremonies took place at 9.30 in the morning of the same day and of the next at the cathedral, followed by others at the parish and conventual churches, till 9 o'clock in the night of the 24th. Immediately after the announcement of the death, five guns were fired, followed by one every fifteen minutes. The balconies of the government and other principal buildings were dressed with damask, its bright color being relieved by black crape. The 26th and 27th of May were fixed by the viceroy, audiencia, and archbishop for the obsequies. These were held with the greatest possible magnificence, the archbishop officiating, and the viceroy and other authorities of all ranks attending them, the military also taking a prominent part. The ceremonies were repeated with much solemnity at the Santo Domingo convent in Mexico, and at all the chief cities and towns in the country.