22 



NARRATIVE OF A 



stern impartiality in the dispensation of justice, his disinte- 

 restedness, his integrity, and the protection extended by 

 him to foreigners, especially Americans. He was accessi- 

 ble at proper times to the lowest as well as the highest. 

 An application to him for redress on just grounds, was 

 never made in vain. He was as ready to reward as to 

 punish ; but in all cases he exacted an implicit obedience 

 to his will. To do anything a la Tacon, became a com- 

 mon saying, and meant a fearless and summary mode of 

 proceeding. 



Although he had a number of friends, General Tacon — 

 as must be the case with any man in a similar situation — 

 had a host of enemies, many of whom were men of note 

 and standing in society. By these, every exertion was 

 made, both in the Island and elsewhere, to misrepresent his 

 measures, and to effect his downfall. It was about four 

 years after the assumption of the command, that he was 

 succeeded by General Erpeleta. Whether this appoint- 

 ment was made in compliance with the wishes of his oppo- 

 nents, or in consequence of a voluntary resignation, it has 

 not been in my power to ascertain. It has been insinuated, 

 that on the occasion of a call on the Island by the Spanish 

 Government for a subsidy of two millions and a half of dol- 

 lars, the Intendent, who was inimical to the General, repre- 

 sented to the Court that the money would be forthcoming if 

 a new Governor were appointed. On the other hand, it is 

 asserted that Gen. Tacon was anxious to return to Spain 

 on account of the delicate state of his health, and, on that 

 plea, had more than once solicited permission to send in 

 his resignation. 



One more remark before disposing of the subject. It is 

 possible that in the exercise of his authority, the General 

 may in some few instances have exceeded the bounds of 

 moderation ; but it is also certain, that he conferred on the 

 Island great and lasting benefits. His name will be memo- 

 rable there for years to come, and will be cherished by the 

 majority of the inhabitants with gratitude and respect. 



