442 SPANISH AMERICA. 



fidence of the Viceroy. The opportunity, 

 however, it seems had arrived, which Itur- 

 bide had been looking for; and he, without 

 delay, after taking possession of his com- 

 mand in February 1821, and also of five 

 hundred thousand dollars, which he was 

 directed to escort to Acapulco for embark- 

 ation, published a sort of manifesto on the 

 24th of February, proposing the establish- 

 ment of a government independent of the 

 mother-country. He was speedily joined 

 by several of the most distinguished officers 

 in the King's service ; found himself at the 

 head of a considerable army ; and was in 

 possession of the principal cities. 



Apodaca, driven to extremity, abdicated 

 his authority, or rather, was deposed by his 

 remaining officers, and was succeeded by 

 Field-marshal Noella; the latter, however, 

 could do nothing, whilst Iturbid6 enclosed, 

 as it were, the capital with his forces. A new 

 Viceroy now arrived from Spain, in the per- 



