The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-04-16

additional confidence 10 the friends Of the
administration"
The DINNER OF Native MEXICAN EN-
PERoR Tho cooks had upwards Of thirty
different ways Of dressing meats, and they
had earthern vessels so cenrived as 10 keep
them constantly hot. Far table of Mont
ezuma himself, above three hundred dishes
were dressed, and for his guards abevo a
thousand, Before dinner Montezuma would
sometimes 60 out and inspect the prepara-
,iions, and his officers would point out to him
which wore the best, and explain of what
birds and fishes they were composed; and of
those he would eat; but this was more for
amusement than anything else. 1t Is said,
that at times the flesh Of children was Dress
ed for him; but the ordinary meats we're
domestic fowls, geese, Pheasants, partridges,
qaails, senison, lndian hogs, pigeons, hares
and rabbits, with many other animals and
birds peculiar to the country. This is GER
tain---that after Cortsz had spoken to him
relative TO the dressing OF human flesh, it
was not praclissd in bis palaces. At his
meals, in cold weather, a number Of torches
of tho bark Of wood which makes no smoke,
and has an aromatic smell, were lighted, aud,
that they should not throw too much heat,
screens, ernamented with gold and painted
with figures of idols, were placed before
them. Montezuma was seated on low
throne or chair, at table preSort;ened 10
the height Of his seat. The table was cover
cd with white cloths and napkins, and four
5eautifsi women presented him water for
his hands, in vessels which they call ricales,
with other vessels under them, like plates, to
catch the water. They also presented him
with towels. Then two other women brought
small cakes Of bread, and when the king be-
gan to eat large screen Of gilded wood
was placed before him, SO tha, during that
period people should not behold him. The
womeR having retired TO little distance,
four ancient lords stood by the throne. to
whom Montezuma, from tiins to time, spoke
or addressed questions, and as mark Of par.
ticular favor, gave to each Of them plate
of that which lie was eating. was told
that these old lords, were his near relations,
we're also counseilors and judges. The
plates which Mon,ezuma presented to them
they received with high respect, eating what
was on them without taking their eyes of
the ground. He was served in earlhen ware
Of Cholala, red and black.
While the king was at the table, no one
Of his ghurds in the vicinity Of his apartment
dared, for their lives, rake any nos1e Fruit
of all kinds produced in the country, was
laid before him; he ate very little; but, from
time 10 time Aqun prepared fsm coco,
and Of siihulrtive quality, as We are told,
was presented 10 him in golden cups. We
could no, at that time, see whether he drank
it or not; bu, observed number Of jars,
above fifty, brought in, filled with foaming
chocola, e, Of which he took some that The
women presented him. At different inter
vals daring the time Of dinner, there entered
certain Indians, hump-backed, and deformed,
and ugly, who played tricks Of bafoonery
and others, who, they said, were jestors.--
There was also company Of singers and
dancers, who afforded Montszama much
entertainment. To thoss he ordered tho
vases Of chocolate to bs distributed. Tha
four female attendants then took away the
cloths, and again with much respect, present
ed him with water TO wash his hands, during
which time Montezuma conferred with the
four old noblemen formerly mentioned, after
which they took their leave with many core.
monies. One thing forget (and no wonder,
to mention in its place, and that is, that dur
ing tho time that Montezuma was at dinner
two very beautiful women were busily en-
ployed making small cakes with eggs an,
other things mixed therein. They were de
licate1y white, and when made they present
ed them 10 him on plates covered with nap
kins. Also aaother kind of bread wa
brough, 10 him in long leaves, and plates o
cakes resembling waters. After he hat
diaed, they presented 80 him three littI,
canes, aehIy ornafaented, containing liqui,
amber, mixed with an herb they cali tobacco
and when he had Sufficiently viewed ans
4 heard the singers, dancers; and buttons, h
took lifile smoke Of oac Of these canes
and then laid himself down 10 sleep. Th,
meal of the monarch ended, all his guard
and domesiics sa, down to dinner; and a
near as could Judge, above a thousant