Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/518

498, two are recorded as of note. In July 1799 a destructive hurricane swept over the port and city of Acapulco, causing much damage to life and property. On the day of Saint John, March 8, 1800, one of the severest earthquakes on record was felt in the city of Mexico, extending with more or less force over many of the provinces. It commenced with an oscillation from east to west, thence changing its direction from north to south, and terminating with the circular motion observed at times in other earthquakes. The greatest consternation prevailed for a time, but fortunately no lives were lost, and the damage to buildings was not so great as had been feared. The transit of coaches and wagons was prohibited, until it was ascertained by a board of engineers that the walls of the buildings throughout the city remained secure. Of an earthquake which occurred at Oajaca the next year, Carriedo says: "It happened at midnight, during a heavy rain; the people took to praying, the dogs to howling, and the priests to hearing confessions.

While Azanza was beginning to enjoy the confidence of the people, it seems that his good qualities as a ruler were not appreciated by the home government, for without any apparent cause he suddenly lost favor at court, and his successor was appointed. He was,