SALMAGUNDI. 215 them that heaven would be satisfied, and that human nature could not endure beyond a certain point. No answer, but the loud sound of the scourges, which are many of them of iron, with sharp points that enter the flesh. At length, as if they were perfectly exhausted, the sound grew fainter, and little by little ceased altogether. We then got up in the dark, and, with great difficulty, groped our way in the pitch darkness through the galleries and down the stairs, till we reached the door, and had the pleasure of feeling the fresh air again. They say that the church-floor is frequently covered with blood after one of these penances, and that a man died the other day in consequence of his wounds. Minister, where there was I then went to the house of the a reunion, and where I found the company comfortably engaged in eating a very famous kind of German salad, composed of herrings, smoked salmon, cold potatoes, and apples; (salmagundi ?) and drinking hot punch. After the cold, darkness, and horrors of the church, this formed rather a contrast; and it was some time before I could shake off the disagreeable impression left by the desagravios, and join in the conversation. Along with this you will receive some Mexican airs, which I have written by ear from hearing them played, and of some of which I gave you the words in a former letter. LETTER THE TWENTY-SEVENTH. Fête-day-Friendly Hint-Precautions-General Tranquillity-President in San Agustin-Revisit Museum-Ancient Manuscripts-Sculpture-Bronze Bust, &c.-Freshness after Rain-Ball at the French Minister's-Pamphlet -Gutierrez Estrada-His Character-Concealment-Mexicalsingo-Minister of the Treasury-Archbishop's Permission-Paintings-Mexican PaintersSanta Teresa-Description_of_the_Interior-The Penitences-TorturesDisciplines, &c.-Supper-Profane Ballads-Monasteries-San FranciscoPadre Prior-Soldiers and Friars. October 3d. YESTERDAY being C-n's fête-day, we had a dinner and small soirée, and according to custom, visits the whole day. A very agreeable guest from Havana, Don J- A arrived to spend a few weeks with us. We had rather a pleasant party, and some good singing; but just as dancing had begun, C- -n took me aside, and showed me a little friendly note which he had received while at dinner, from General ———, in which he informs him that the robbers would in all probability attack our respective houses that night; that he had taken his precautions, and advises Cn to do the same, in the understanding that, if necessary, they should mutually assist each other. A pleasant piece of intelligence! The thing got whispered about, and some of the ladies looked a little blank at the information; but there could be no risk while so many persons were collected. About one they went away, and C-n sent for some soldiers to keep watch all night. Nothing happened; as no doubt the robbers found out what precautions had been taken. The intended attack had been discovered by a servant of the general's, who heard them discussing the matter in the back-room of a pulque-shop. We have been obliged to procure two old soldiers as porters, in lieu of the two who were shot in the revolution; for though not killed, they are entirely disabled for the present. Mexico appears particularly quiet just now; and whatever storms may be preparing, no symptoms are visible to the uninitiated eye. The palace has got in its glass eyes again, and externally is almost entirely repaired; but it is not yet fit for the residence of the president, who still holds his court in the convent of San Agustin. I have been driving about with our Havana friend, like an old resident, showing the beauties of Mexico to a stranger. We have been in the Mineria, Museum, Botanical Garden, Biscay College, &c., all of which can bear revision. The Museum especially, which, owing to the want of arrangement and classification in the antiquities, and the manner in which they are crowded together in the different rooms of the university, appears at first undeserving of much attention, improves upon ac |