Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/84

68 could have been placed at the head of affairs than Pedro Garibay, field marshal of the royal armies. Infirm of body and weak of will; of meagre resources, lacking ability, and wanting in authority even in his own household; a victim, moreover, to the anxiety attending poverty—he was undergoing the penalties which those must pay who by reason of great strength arrive at the age of fourscore years. Nevertheless, he eagerly accepted the high position offered him. In the early part of his life he had served in the wars in Italy and Portugal, and in 1764 went to Mexico with General Villalva. By slow promotion he attained the grade of brigadier in 1789, and at a later date was allowed to retire on account of his infirmities, with the rank of mariscal de campo de los reales ejercitos. His poverty was such that he was frequently compelled to borrow small sums from his acquaintances. He was honorable, and well liked by high and low. Such as he was, however, his insufficiency was the reason of his election. The oidores, whom he regarded as his protectors, were not desirous that a strong man should be at the head of affairs; and during Garibay's short administration, in all acts of government he was but the mouth-piece of the audiencia.

As soon as the coup d'état in the case of Iturrigaray was accomplished, the new government, without formally recognizing either of the Spanish juntas, proceeded to rule in the name of Fernando VII.; and