Visitador

The visitador was an official sent by the King of Spain to New Spain to carry out inspections: he reviewed the conduct of viceroys, judges and officials, the handling of the Crown’s money and compliance with the law, and could propose punishments and reforms.

The most famous was José de Gálvez, visitador general from 1765 to 1771, whose inspections prepared the Bourbon reforms, such as the creation of the intendancies.