del Rio similar attentions were shown; and at Jălāpă, where we were most luxuriously lodged in the house of Madame Santa Ana, we were welcomed by General Bărrăgān himself, and his very pleasing wife, with a kindness and hospitality such as I have seldom seen equalled.
We remained one day at Jălāpă, in order to be present at a dinner given by General Bărrăgān, at which we met all the Authorities, both civil and military, and almost every person of respectability, in or near the town. Most of those present had already called upon us in the course of the morning, during the whole of which the house in which we lodged had been literally crowded with visitors. Nothing could be more pleasing to an Englishman than the feelings evinced upon this occasion. Toasts were given, and verses recited in commemoration of the connexion about to be established between the two countries; and although many of the golden visions which were then entertained, have not yet been realised, enough has been gained by Mexico, and by England, to demonstrate the advantages which both may derive from this connexion, in proportion as each becomes better acquainted with the wants and capabilities of the other.
The scene altogether was one of general—of national excitement; and I shall always look back to it with pleasure, as one most gratifying to me, because most honourable to my country.
On the 18th we left Jalapa, still the guests of
