Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1849-06-16
The JUniaia Company,

friend has favored us with a letter written
by member of the Juniata Company, dated
City of Mexico. May 80, from which we make
the following extracts:
We left Vera Cruz with two mule-teams to
carry our baggage-and such journey as 1t
was We had eight mules in each wagon, and
| suppose we walked about two-thlrds OF the
way. We have all improved in health since
we left. If you could have taken peep at US
on the road, it would have been an amusing
sight. For instance there was myself, with
straw hat red shirt and pants, with whip IN
hand, and driving a mule-team occasionally.
Again. all hands would be at the wheels, acting
he pert Of muies. This was something of a
change for the most of US, and yet 1t has been
beneficial one Our journey from Vera Cruz
to Jalapa was unintereSting, with the exception
of the battle fields on the way and these, as
matter of course, excited much curiosity. We
made no stay at Jalapa. was half day at
Puebla. The principal point of attraction was
the Cathedral, which far surpassed any thing in
the church way that had ever seen. There is
splendor and display about lis decorations
that strongly contrasts with the appearance of
those who worship in it. was there during
the morning service, and saw the elegantly
dressed lady side by side with the Indian, with
nothing under heaven to cover him but bIan-
ket around his shoulders.
We feel about ten feet higher since the war
with this nation. In viewing the battle fields
we feel proud Of our country and the victorious
army that marched to this city. 1t seems al
most incredible how Gen. Scott ever reached
Mexico with SO small force; and yet, when
we look at the mass of the people, and the man
ner in which they are governed, it Is not so
much matter of surprise. On cur journey
from Puebla TO this city, nothing of interest oc-
CURED. Our first view of the Valley Of Mexi-
CO disappointed the most of US. had imagined
1t TO be perfect paradise. When we arrived
at the gates of the City our appearance attract
ed considerable attention, and as we rode thro
the streets we were gaZed at on all sides and
have no doubt they thought of times not long
gone by. The appearance Of the city is totally
different from anything we have at home All
the houses are built in the Spanish STYLE and
their appearance at first does not please. Wealth
and poverty are exhibited in their greatest per-
fection; and such porerty | have never beheld
any where else. The poorest mans lot in the
United States is that of Prince in comparison
with the poor Of this country. The city seems
TO be filled with churches, and many that have
visited are of great splendor. ! have seen sew
eral fragments OF the great Temple of Monte
yuma.
We yesterday heard from California, and the
news received far surpasses any thing we had
heard before we left home. The steamers that
arrived at San Francisco were deserted upon
their arrival there, and are unable to perform
their return trips 10 Panama. Several large
mails for the United States have passed through
this city. All the news we have heard here,
(and il is of late date is Of the most exciting
character. The "yellow boys" are already be-
ginning TO dance before our enchanted eyes
Immense numbers Of foreigners are flocking TO
that country. However, by fall their business
VIII be all settled. Sonora, bordering Califor-
MIA, is quite as rich in minerals as the latter,
and yet II is said here that something like six
teen thousand have gone over to California.
The Indian tribes in that region are very hostile
70 the MexicaHs, and | suppose they have left
for greater security. We had designed TO STAY
a few days here, in order TO look around and
see everything to be seen; but the late news has
put an end to all sightseeing. ! had intended
TO devote an entire day in writing home, but
the order is to march at 8 O'Clock, tomorrow
morning. We go on horseback 10 Mazatlan,
which viii take about thirty days, and if we
have good luck, VIC viii be in San Francisco by
the lst of July. There are thirty-fivc in the
party, and all armed to the teeth. We have
regular guard duty to perform, and that is not
so pleasant at times however, We soon be-
came accustomed to it.''