Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/389

Rh through all the troops into the citadel; had the satisfaction of finding her son in perfect health, and returned home, just as her husband and family had become aware of her absence.

General Valencia is said to have a large party amongst the soldiers, who are in favor of his being named President. It is said that he was yesterday riding up and down in the lines in a most spirited manner, and rather unsteady in his saddle. Some rumors there are that Santa Anna has arrived at Perote, but as he travels in a litter, he cannot be here for some days, even should this be true. There seems no particular reason to believe that this will end soon, and we must remain shut up here as patiently as we can. In the intervals of firing, the gentlemen go out, but they will not hear of our doing so, except sometimes for a few minutes in the evening, and then either thunder or firing sends us back. Various people, and especially the Countess Ca, have invited us to their country places; but besides that we are in the safest part of the city, and have several guests, Cn does not think it right for him to leave Mexico. They say that house-rents will rise hereabouts, on account of the advantages of the locale in cases of this sort.

Amongst other announcements, the government have published, that the rebels have demanded that the jewels, together with the service of gold and silver belonging to the Holy Cathedral Church shall be given up to them, and threaten to seize the whole by force, should their demand not be acceded to within two hours. "It is very probable that they will do