Contra Morcillo: Peralta Barnuevo y la defensa del virrey

Abstract

In 1720, Don Diego Morcillo Rubio de Auñón, then archbishop of La Plata, was named viceroy of Perú for the second time, at the end of Prince Caracciolo’s term. During his last term as viceroy, Morcillo was elevated to the Metropolitan Archbishopric, thus holding both powers, religious and political. Several pamphlets were published accusing the Viceroy of severe irregularities, such as embezzlement, nepotism, greed, corruption, bribery, etc. Pedro de Peralta Barnuevo, a criollo intelectualclose to the viceregal power, wrote two texts defending him from his enemies: Templo de la Fama Vindicado ([1720] 1996), y Diálogo político. La Verdad y la Justicia ([1724] 1996). In this article, I analyze both of these texts and examine the rhetorical devices used in their double function: as defense of the viceregal authority, and as part of the rhetorical and performative position of the criollo intelectual under Bourbon power.

Keywords

• peralta barnuevo
• viceroy morcillo
• viceroy’s defense
• viceregal rhetoric