circular, are inscribed the names of the heroes of independence, and that of the Emperor Agustin Yturbide is placed on the right of the presidential chair, with his sword hanging on the wall; while on the left of the chief magistrate's seat there is a vacant space; perhaps destined for the name of another emperor. The multitude of priests with their large shovel-hats, and the entrance of the president in full uniform announced by music and a flourish of trumpets, and attended by his staff, rendered it as anti-republican looking an assembly as one could wish to see. The utmost decorum and tranquillity prevailed. The president made a speech in a low and rather monotonous tone, which in the diplomates seat, where we were, was scarcely audible. No ladies were in the house, myself excepted; which I am glad I was not aware of, before going, or I should perhaps have staid away.
Yesterday, I received visits from the gentlemen of the diplomatic corps, who are not in great numbers here. England, Belgium, Prussia, and the United States, are the only countries at present represented, Spain excepted. The French minister has not arrived yet, but is expected in a few days. I was not sorry to hear English spoken once more, and to meet with so gentlemanly a person as the minister who for the last fourteen years has represented our island in the Republic. His visit, and a large packet of letters just received from Paris and from the United States, have made me feel as if the distance from home were diminished by one half.
This morning a very handsome dress was for-
