152 DEATH OF VELASCO MARQUES DE FALCES. 



colonize. But whilst he was engaged in organizing his forces and 

 preparing for the voyage, his health suddenly gave way, and on 

 the 31st of July, 1564, he expired amid the general grief of all the 

 worthier classes of Mexico, and, especially, of the Indians, whom 

 he had befriended. Death silenced the murmurs of the intriguers. 

 When the beneficent viceroy could no longer interfere with the 

 selfish interests of the multitude, crowds flocked around his bier to 

 honor his harmless remains. 



Don GastOn de Peralta, Marques de Falces, 

 III. Viceroy of New Spain. 

 1564—1568. 



On the death of Don Luis de Velasco the First, the reins of gov- 

 ernment remained in the hands of the Royal Audiencia, in con- 

 formity with the order of Philip II. Francisco de Zeinos, Pedro 

 de Villalobos, and Geronimo de Orozoco were then the oidores ; 

 while Valderrama, whose visit occurred during the government of 

 Don Luis de Velasco, as we have already narrated, had departed 

 for Spain. In 1564, the expedition which was planned and pre- 

 pared under the last viceroy, sailed for the Philipine islands, and 

 founded the celebrated city of Manilla, which has since played so 

 distinguished a part in the history of oriental commerce. 



The year 1566 was an important one, at least in the social his- 

 tory of Mexico, for it was fraught with danger to the son and 

 representative of the illustrious conqueror. The Marques del Valle, 

 heir of Hernando Cortez, had been for sometime established in the 

 capital, where he formed the nucleus of a noble circle, and was ad- 

 mired by all classes for the splendor with w T hich he maintained the 

 honor of his house. His palace was constantly filled with the 

 flower of Mexican aristocracy, and among the knightly train of 

 gallant men, few were more distinguished for gentle bearing and 

 personal accomplishment than Alonso de Avila Alvarado, and his 

 brother Gil Gonzalez. The Marques del Valle, distinguished the 

 former by his special attentions, and this, together with the impru- 

 dent conduct or expressions of Alonso, made him suspected by 

 persons who simulated an extraordinary zeal for the Spanish mon- 

 archy, whilst, in fact, their chief object was to ingratiate them- 

 selves with men of power or influence in order to further their 

 private interests. 



On the 30th of June, 1566, the Dean of the Cathedral, Don 

 Juan Chico de Molina, baptized in that sacred edifice, the twin 



