Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/370

350 9 o'clock, P.M.—Continuation of firing without interruption. I have spent the day standing on the balcony, looking at the smoke, and listening to the different rumors, Gomez Farias has been proclaimed President by his party. The streets near the Square are said to be strewed with dead and wounded. There was a terrible thunder storm this afternoon. Mingled with the roaring of the cannon, it sounded like a strife between heavenly and earthly artillery. We shall not pass a very easy night, especially without our soldiers. Unfortunately, there is a bright moon, so night brings no interruption to the firing and slaughter.

16th.—Our first news was brought very early this morning by the wife of one of our soldiers, who came in great despair, to tell us that both her husband and his comrade are shot, though not killed—that they were amongst the first who fell; and she came to entreat Cn to prevent their being sent to the hospital. It is reported that Bustamante has escaped, and that he fought his way sword-in-hand through the soldiers who guarded him in his apartment. Almonte at all events is at the head of his troops. The balls have entered many houses in the Square, It must be terribly dangerous for those who live there, and amongst others, for our friend Señor Tagle, Director of the Monte Pio, and his family.

They have just brought the Government Bulletin, which gives the following statement of the circumstances: "Yesterday, at midnight, Urrea, with a handful of troops belonging to the garrison and its neighborhood, took possession of the National Palace,