Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/665

Rh his strict orders against the arbitrary execution of captives, combined with the most liberal offers of pardon to those who submitted. Such efforts by so pious a man were eagerly assisted by the clergy, headed by Archbishop Fonte, the obsequious Bishop Perez of Puebla, and other prelates, and by the restored Jesuits. Others were encouraged in loyalty and cooperation by bestowal of the Isabel order, and an increased liberality was shown toward the army in promotions and badges of honor, the latter granted also to widows. On the other hand, Apodaca issued certain ridiculous decrees, one against kite-flying, which drew upon him ineffaceable ridicule from the banter-loving population.

The new ruler gave impulse to the campaign plans of his predecessor, and as the officers could not