3i 



INTRODUCTION. 



who possess immense landed estates, with Indian 

 vassals subject to them, whose condition formerly, was 

 similar to that of the Russian boors or English vil- 

 lains; but which has been gradually improving since 

 the time of the first conquerors. In Mexico, there 

 never was any other kind of slavery, and to the en- 

 deavors of the Spanish monarchy to alleviate the con- 

 dition of this unfortunate race, are to be attributed those ^ 

 mild and salutary laws, in favor of the slave, which 

 have justly placed the Spanish character in this respect 

 above other European nations. Through the animat- 

 ed representation of Las Casas, the oppression prac- 

 tised on the Indians was attempted to be remedied by 

 various decrees, which had well nigh produced a re- 

 volt on the part of tlie conquerors, who were support- 

 ed by powerful iniluence at court. On account of 

 this resistance of the great landholders, the decrees 

 were repealed, and the minister Gasca, w ho was sent 

 to conciliate, received for instruction, that provided the 

 country remained to the king the devil might have the 

 government, xllthough the emperor could not abol- 

 ish the repartimientosos and eficomiendas, many of the 

 largest of these estates were gradually incorporated 

 with the crow n, having been granted only for limited 

 terms. 



Throughout all America, with the single exception 

 of La Plata, there was an established nobility. In 

 Mexico, Pern, Caraccas and Chili, there was an 

 abundance of counts and marquisses; but the Spanish 

 traveller Azara, expresses great doubts, whether they 

 derived much consideration from these titles; and 

 seems to think they owe their distinction, whatever it 

 may be, not to this circumstance, but to their wealth and 



