Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/612

596 encouraged by the reinstallation of the Bourbon dynasty in France, and the warm reception accorded him throughout his journey from the northern border to Valencia, he marched boldly to the capital, dissolved the córtes, arrested the regents, hostile deputies, and other dangerous persons, and issued a decree dated May 4th restoring affairs to the footing held in March 1808. and declaring all intermediate acts annulled. On the 13th he made his formal entry into Madrid, there to affirm his position by a sweeping series of reforms and appointments, with a distribution of offices and honors to his supporters, among whom Americans were prominently remembered, and even courted. The country submitted to the new order, yet not without deep indignation in certain quarters, from which developed a number of plots that served only to bring forth severe measures, involving a number of prominent and patriotic men.

Fernando's liberation and entry into Spain were welcomed in Mexico on June 10th and following days with solemn and imposing celebrations, especially at the feast-loving capital, but even there the news itself