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318 amusing, and then paid a visit to the family of General Moran, who has a beautiful house, and gardens in the neighborhood. We found a large party assembled, and amongst them the President. Afterwards, accompanied by the minister and the ladies of our party, we went to take a view of the gambling tables, and opened our eyes at the heaps of gold, which changed owners every minute. I saw Ca, a millionaire, win and lose a thousand ounces, apparently with equal indifference. A little advocate, having won two thousand five hundred ounces, wisely ordered his carriage and set off for Mexico, with the best fee he had ever received in his life. Ladies do not generally look on at the tables, but may if they please, and especially if they be strangers. Each gambling-room was well fitted up, and looked like a private apartment.

We then returned home and dressed for the ball, which is given in the evening in the plaza de gallos. We first went up stairs to a box, but I afterwards took the advice of M. de and came down to see the dancers. There were ladies in full dress, and gentlemen in white jackets—rather inconsistent. The company, though perfectly quiet and well-behaved, were not very select, and were, on that account, particularly amusing. Madame de and I walked about, and certainly laughed much more than we should have done in a more distinguished society.

About two in the morning we returned to Mexico and as I this moment receive a note from the American Minister, informing me that the packet from Vera