also informed us the same; and I have reason [222] to believe that such was the intention of the government, until Mr. Packenham visited us, and it was ascertained that much interest was manifested by the foreigners on our account. Then we were suddenly hurried off to a remote, and, as the government believed, an impregnable fortress. We had the precaution to send our original "articles of capitulation," signed by General Ampudia at Mier, to the American minister for safe keeping, with a request that he would furnish a copy to the minister at war. After the most unnecessarily wanton and savage treatment of us by Colonel Terris, of the fourth regiment of infantry, we represented it to the minister at war, and, from the continued favour which we learn has been extended to him, he seems to have received the thanks rather than the rebuke of his government therefor. What a commentary upon a government which in every breath speaks of its honour, integrity, and magnanimity! The days of that nation must be numbered whose "punica fides" enters into her most sacred obligations.

Having the privilege of going to the comûn, which is in the second story, we ascended to the azotéa18 of the palace, from which we had a splendid view of the city, Chapultepec, the snow-capped volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Istazihuatl, and the whole valley below, and a more charming landscape does not exist. [223]
 

Chapter Fourteen

 
MARCH FROM TACUBAYA TO THE CASTLE OF PEROTE

Marched on Foot. General Valencia, Wife, and Daughters. Our Reflections. Hire Asses. Pulque-drinking Officer. Pass the Volcanoes. Germans. National Character of the Germans and other Foreigners. Puebla. Bad Treatment. Lieutenant Velarde. New Officer. The Execution of General Mexier. Acahita. The Death of Mexier. Texian Talent for Drawing. The Honest Mexican. Arrival at Perote. Meeting our Countrymen Prisoners.

March 18th. At ten o'clock A.M., when we were in momentary expectation of orders to march to the city, a company of cavalry rode up, and the officer ordered us to bundle up our blankets to march to the Castle of Perote, one hundred and sixty miles east from the capital. We were told we would be furnished no horses, mules, or asses. We asked if we could have the privilege of hiring some to pack our blankets and sheepskins upon, and was bluntly answered "there were none to hire."