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272 We had been detained too long in crossing the mountains, to attempt to reach Mexico on the evening of the 24th, and we accordingly took up our quarters for the night at the Hacienda de la Buena Vista, which, unlike many other Haciendas with names of equal promise, we found fully deserving of its appellation, from the beauty of its situation. It is just far enough within the range of mountains to render their outline distinctly visible, while it is sufficiently elevated above the valley to give the eye a very extensive range. All the best rooms of the house were, as usual, placed at our disposal; so that up to the last moment of our journey there was no diminution of those attentions, of which we had been the object from its commencement. In recording them I cannot be suspected of vanity, for they were not shown to me as an individual, but were intended to mark the feelings which the Mexicans, in general, entertain towards the country which I had the honour of representing; and most sincerely do I hope that those feelings may long remain unchanged.

On the morning of the 25th of March, we reached the Capital. We were met about two leagues from the gates by a number of English residents, not one of whom, with the exception of Mr. Ruperti, was established in the country at the time of my first visit, and their presence was alone sufficient to indicate the improvements which I was called upon, at almost every step, to remark. Not a house