Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/484

478 informs us that there has been no treaty concluded; but he adds, the whole subject rests with the United States Government. The Government of Mexico is willing to make a treaty on a fair scale, and are prepared to go to work, and they think that they are strong enough to sustain it.

I find many of the most influential men in the republic of Mexico, who have heretofore been violently opposed to the making of peace, are now advocating a treaty strongly. The persons who formerly belonged to the government are perfectly prostrate. Their influence is actually nothing on either side of the scale.

The Mexican Congress has not yet met at Queretaro City, at the latest date from there, but it was expected there would be a full meeting by the 20th of March next. Then, and not until then will we hear what will be done. The Mexicans must make peace or else our troops will invade this whole country and drive the Mexican Congress into the Pacific Ocean. But then, when will this war cease, is a question often asked, but no definite answer can fairly be given; but my humble and no account opinion is, that many more men must be sacrificed and many more widows and orphans made before this war is ended.

Now, as regards to business which is carried on here, and of which you made particular inquiry in regard to its appearances and prospects. In the first place there is no such bright and cheering prospects of continuance of business as there is in Philadelphia or New Orleans cities. There are no bales, boxes, crates, casks, cases, packages, large or small, of every variety, crowding the pavements along the whole business through fares. There is no such harsh sound of the packer's hammer, and the bustle and confusion attending a delivery of numberless packages of goods. There is no such calling off and charging of articles purchased; no hurrying of clerks and assistants of every kind, in the getting out and bundling up of goods to have them ready to send away. There is no such loud cries of the employers to the employed, to make all haste,