THE KING'S OPINION OF CASA-FUERTE HIS ACTS. 231 



The year 1734 was a sad one for New Spain. The Marques de 

 Casa-Fuerte, who governed the country for twelve years most 

 successfully, and had served the crown for fifty- nine, departed this 

 life, at the age of seventy-seven. He was a native of Lima, and 

 like a true creole seems to have had the good of America con- 

 stantly at heart. Philip V. fully appreciated his meritorious ser- 

 vices, and, had the viceroy lived, would doubtless have continued 

 him longer in the government of Mexico. The counsellors of the 

 king often hinted to their sovereign that it was time to remove the 

 Mexican viceroy ; but the only reply they received from Philip was 

 " Long live Casa-Fuerte ! " The courtiers answered that they 

 hoped he might, indeed, live long, but, that oppressed with years 

 and toils, he was no longer able to endure the burdens of so 

 arduous a government. "As long as Casa-Fuerte lives," answer- 

 ed the king, " his talents and virtues, will give him all the vigor 

 required for a good minister. " 



Impartial posterity has confirmed the sensibility and judgment 

 of the king. During the reign of Casa-Fuerte the capital of New 

 Spain was adorned with many of its most sumptuous and elegant 

 edifices. The royal mint and custom house were built under his 

 orders. All the garrisons throughout the viceroyalty were visited, 

 examined, and reported. He was liberal with alms for the poor, 

 and even left a sum to be distributed twice a year for food among 

 the prisoners. He endowed an asylum for orphans ; expended a 

 large part of his fortune in charitable works, and is still known in 

 the traditionary history of the country as the " Great Governor of 

 New Spain." His cherished remains were interred with great 

 pomp, and are still preserved in the church of the Franciscans of 

 San Cosme and Damian. 



