When the Viceroy Pezuela took command of the government, he found an empty treasury and general disorder in the various departments of colonial affairs. The king was disposed to establish rigorous absolutism in the monarchy, and ordered the severest punishment for the patriots who had given evidence of liberal intentions; their refusal to swear loyalty to the usurping Bonapartes was not regarded as entitling them to any consideration, unless they immediately declared their allegiance to the Crown, unreservedly. He counted on the support of the Holy Alliance, and felt sure that the encyclical sent out by Pope Pius VII. on January 30, 1816, to the archbishops, bishops, and clergy of America, obliging them to promote, by all means, the obedience and fidelity of the colonists to His Catholic Majesty, would have a speedy effect; the news of the victories won by his armies against the patriots was especially favorable to the triumph of absolute authority. But, without funds in the exchequer and with insufficient means of defence at his command, the Viceroy Pezuela found himself confronted by a sudden resurrection of the enemy, stronger and more determined than ever, better organized and disciplined, and advancing in two powerful hosts, the one from the north, the other from the south, under the command of experienced and accomplished generals, whose fame rang throughout all Spanish-America. The glory of the viceroyalty, which had dazzled Peru for three centuries, dwindled before the splendor of their deeds of valor and patriotism.