Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/88

68 for his departure. It was thereupon agreed that a few assistants would be given to prepare despatches, and certain means for expenses, but no officials could be allowed to act for him as messengers to Spain. The notaries, however, and other officials necessary for giving formality to the viceregal documents were either withheld or delayed, so that negotiations broke off for some days, and more than one opportunity was thus purposely lost to Gelves for sending reports to the court.

On February 7th the viceroy sent a formal protest to the audiencia. He had learned of their many proclamations and acts tending to rouse the people, and bring into contempt the royal authority vested in him. They had usurped the government, risked its subversion, and prevented him from fulfilling the obligations of his office. There could be only one head of government, and he, as that royally appointed head, now required the oidores to obey him as viceregent, governor, captain-general, and president, restore him to office, and protect his person with the force enrolled, under penalty of being declared rebels, together with their supporters, a penalty involving death and confiscation.

In the expectation of such notices it is not to be wondered at that visitors to the convent were searched. The audiencia did not fail to express disapproval of the extreme language used, and regret that the inquisitor should have undertaken to carry it. This official was henceforth forbidden entrance into the convent. After two days of deliberation the oidores replied in equally formal manner, in the king's name, addressing Gelves as marquis and ex-viceroy. They recapitulated the different acts of despotism