Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/682

662 the evening seated in an open corridor, enjoying a temperature unknown in the central provinces even during the hottest months.

On the following morning, (January 8th,) we left the high road to La Barca, by which our carriage and baggage mules proceeded to Ŏcŏtlān, and struck across the mountains nearly due West, to the camp of Tlăchĭchīlcŏ, (four leagues from Ătĕqūīză,) upon the borders of the Lake of Chăpālă. This magnificent lake is laid down in Humboldt's map as little known, and the distance from Guădălajāră is likewise made to appear much greater than it really is. It is therefore easy to reach Tlăchĭchīlcŏ in one day, the distance not exceeding thirty, or at most thirty-five miles. A little above this place, which was a military station during the Civil War, the immense basin of Chăpālă opens upon the view. It is from thirty-six to forty leagues in length, and varies from five to eight leagues in breadth: the surrounding mountains are barren, but bold, and descend at once to the water's edge, while the Island of Mĕscālă, nearly opposite Tlachichilco, serves as a point of repose, upon which the eye rests with pleasure in traversing this vast expanse of deep blue water. This island, which is now used as a Presidio, or public prison, was occupied during the years 1811, 1812, and 1813, by the Indians from the surrounding villages, who, headed by their Curas, declared in favour of the Independent cause, and maintained themselves in this strong position against all the efforts of General