150 MILITARY COLONIZATION PHILIP II FLORIDA. 



permanently, sufficient numbers of troops to protect the adjacent 

 country roads, and to form the nucleus of towns, which, in the 

 course of time, would grow to importance. Such was the origin, 

 by military colonization, of San Felipe Yztlahuaca, and of San 

 Miguel el Grande, now known as Allende, from the hero of that 

 name to whom it gave birth. It was the constant policy of the 

 Emperor to extend the avenues of industry for his emigrant subjects 

 by such a system of security and protection ; and, accordingly, Don 

 Francisco Ibarra, was despatched to the interior with orders to 

 explore the northern and western regions, but, on no account, to 

 use arms against the natives except in case of the utmost urgency. 

 Ibarra traversed a wide and nearly unknown region, discovered 

 rich mines of gold and silver, and colonized many places of con- 

 siderable importance in the subsequent development of Mexico, 

 and among them, the city of Durango, which is now the capital of 

 the state of that name. 



The abdication of Charles V. was unofficially announced in 

 Mexico in 1556 ; but it was not until the 6th of June of the follow- 

 ing year that his successor Philip II. was proclaimed in the capital 

 of New Spain. The policy of the old Emperor was not changed 

 by the accession of the new king ; nor does the monarch appear to 

 have influenced in any particular manner the destiny of Mexico 

 during the continuance of Velasco's government, except by the 

 fitting out, at his special command, under the order of his viceroy, 

 of an expedition for the conquest of Florida, which proved disas- 

 trous to all concerned in it. Crowds nocked in the year 1558 to 

 the standard raised for this adventure, which it was supposed 

 would result in gratifying the Spanish thirst for gold. In the 

 following year the few who remained of the untoward enterprise, 

 returned with their commanders to Havana and thence to New 

 Spain. 



Thus far Velasco's administration had been successful in pre- 

 serving the peace in Mexico, — in opening the resources of the 

 country in mines, agriculture and pastoral affairs, — and in alle- 

 viating the condition of the Indians by gradual restraints on his 

 countrymen. His power was unlimited; but he had, in no 

 instance abused it, or countenanced its abuse in others. Anxious 

 not to rely exclusively upon his own resources, but to take council 

 from the best authorities in cases of difficulty or doubt, he invaria- 

 bly consulted the Audiencia in all emergencies. But, just and 

 loyal as had been his official conduct, it had not saved him from 



