Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-08-18
EDITORS CORRESPONDENCE.
SALrILLo, Mexico, July 10, IS47.


Dear -: You see still date from this place,
but how long shall continue to do 80 is uncertain.
Coi. tiamtranck has manifested stronr desire TO
nave our company out at camp with hun ever since
MS arrival, and now learn that he has obtained
PERMISSION OF Gen. Wool to substitute another i'm lis
stead. 80 suppose We will have to 90. though
'ne change Will he rather an unwelcome one 20 most
o' the company. Our quarters arc spacious and
eo"loi'aoie' and Saltillo witllal not unpleasant
P'ace !" I'VE In. The city has been quite orderly
since we have been here, and the Mexicans Give rs
out little trouble. am incned to think therefore.
,"a' the murders committed heretofore NAV have
oee" PROVOKED oy our own people.-We allow no
interference with the inhabitants in any WAY. and
thus we get along peaceaby
oaitiio, hnd, Is much more considerable plare
man at first took it to be-Compactly built and
suated upon plain its size and exen, does not so
readily strike one. | have already mentioned its
five magnificent churches, but these are not the on
~ evidences OF elegance, refinement and comfort
'hat II mas to boast Salullo is well waiered, its
principal streets substantially paved, and is liphted
al night to an extent which would put to shame the
Puniic spirit OF some Of our own cities There are
Playing fountains, with capacous basins in all the
razas, and hydrants with large tanks at convenient
points all through the city Its public garden too the
hiamadra, IS one Of the most extensive and elegant
which have met with any wheJe.--A plot OF it
here enclosed-l is difficult 10 imagine any thing
more delightful in hot climate than its cool. re-,
iIeshing shades. No doubt Saltillo is or has been
the seat OF great weath--whence it has been de-
rived, however, Is mystery TO me. 1t may have
been from mining but nothing of the kind, SO far as
can learn, Is now carried on.-The Churches
were doubtless built under the regime of Spain and
may DC from means collected over great extent
| oil country. They are all Of the most costly and
maj md 4
Tor ages. The dwellings in Satllo are built of sun
dried brick, succeed plasteed inside and out the
| walls between two and three feet thick. with no
WOOD about them except the DOORS windows and
| roonng. The ground floor is either paved with
Stone, or formed out of very hard cement. Some
Ioors OF this latter description which have seen.
are really beautiful, being Of an amber color and 90
ninety CLOSED as to seem transparent. The upper
1oors are OF large square burnt brick, and the stems
OF stone, which run up in the hollow of the squares
in which the houses Of that size are built and are
covered over with piazas. The roofing is of earth,
worked into shapes TO carry the water off most rap
idly, and sustained by strong ;imbers The stories
are usually of elevated pitch-some eighteen or
twenty feet-and the walls of the rooms often hand
someiy painted, in sanitation of our papering.
There is one great want, however, about Saltillo.
mere are very few private gardens.-In most OF
the courts or squares of the more elegant houses
little shrubbery, and a few flowers, and perhaps
large tree, are cultivated but this is the extent in
most cases. Here and there though there is a
wealthy proprietor who enjoys his ampler grounds.
adorned with fruits and flowers, and shade. and
perhaps refreshing bath. Anumber Of the wealth
Ter and more respectable inhabitants, understand.
still remain in Saltillo but not much is seen of
'nem: None ofour officers Tosufficently acquant-
cd win their language to visit their families and
converse with them, and their own self respect will
not allow them 10 be guilty of what nigh. seem to
DC mere Idle OF imPudent intrusipns upon them
There IS manifestly difference in the color of the
better classes of the Mexicans. They are many
shades lighter than the masses who give character
to the nation
Inc mountain scenery around Saltillo, although
mas nothing OF the holiness and sub!mty OF that
ABOUT monterey, ls still exceedingly grand and beau
u'ui. The mountains encircle Saltillo in success
Sion oil ridges, which seem to chase each other like
the waves OF the ocean, and being destitute of trees
and indeed of nearly all vegetation nothing can ex
ceed the softness, decacy and variety of their hues
under morning or evening sun. The valley to
appearance is somewhat eipical and at SaltiIlo is
several miles wlde--Eastward the view is quite
extensve-to the crowning ridge say from fifteen to
twenty miles.
The health of the company, am glad to say. is
better this morning. We report two commissioned
officers, SIX commissioned officers, and for,y
two privates for duty. There are only two cases of
sickness among us that | regard as at all serious.
Within aday or two, we have had rumors that Her
reTa was at the head of Mexican affairs, and in com
muncatlon with Gen. Scott on the subject of
peace. We do not know, however, that any faith
Is to be placed in them. In respect to transactions
at the capital of Mexico, though you are no doubt
better informed than we are. Still there is reported
to be considerable Mexican force in our front.
Yours, truly.
LATEST FROM MEXICO.
Gen Scott " 40 o,;U -. Dali. -. Il oo.,