The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1879-01-29
0UR WHEENNG MEXCANQs.
Their Trip from New Orleans to
the City Ofths MOntezumas.
Thermometer 81. .ln, the Shade IA
Special Train Carries the Boys
to the Cityof Mexico.
ClrY o. MExlco, IAN. h, ls70.

.. VIII W MEAAeVl vtht' IL AotV'
ElItOu IutelllGeheer.
Upon our arrival In this tropical city
l learn that but one mail departs for tn
United States every twenty days, and tha
Ihaye but few hours at my disposal I,
write you brief letter before the mail
close too short time TO do justice eithe
to my subject or myself; for since our de
parture from our "native land" so variet
and SO pleasant, SO delightful and so move
has been OUT journey, that Il scarcel,
know where 10 begin, or where TO leave
of, Had | the time, ] might enter into |
full description, and give you many
an interesting and several amusing
details Of our ride from Chicago
to New Orleans, but these must b
reserved for some future occasion. Up.
on our arrival at New Orleans much 70
oursurprise and disappotntmentwe found
the atmosphere as cold and disagreeable
as we had left at home, and all our bright
expectations and exalted ideas Of the
famed beauty and serenity OF the "Cresent
City OF the South" were considerably
dimmed, and we would have willingly
continued our journey, had not the noted
hospitality for which the southern people
are so famed made up in full for the other
Deficiencies. After a stay Of two days we
boarded the steamship Getty Of Mexico, "
charteredsfor our expedition, and steamed
down the Mississippi amidst a hearty fare.
we'll hurrah from the assembled friends on
thelevee, responded to by all on board.
The tripl rs far as the ietties at
the mouth OF the Mississippi (l9O
miles south OF New 0rleans) was
a most enjoyable and delightful one.
The atmosphere became much milder
and more bracing, imparting an additional
yigor to our already keen appetites,
aud all on board did ample Justice TO the
bounteous meals spread before us during
that day. Bat alasl how great was the
change the following day when We left the
placid waters Of the Mississippi for the
more turbulent waves OF the Gulf Of
Mexico. But few could be seen on deck,
and although the same kind OF viands were
on the table that seemed so tempting the
day before, yet few appeared 70 appreciate
them anymore. Our trip across the gulf
was q very rough one, and very similar in
Its effect upon the passengers, to the ex-
perience Of all who cross the mighty deep
Tor the first time, The morning OF the
third day. out, we found ourselves landed
very unbecomtngly and unceremoniously
on the hoorof the cabin, and upon Inquiry
learned that the cause of our rough treat
ment was due to "norther" that we had
encountered, and which are SO much
dreaded on the Gulf. The following
morning, however, We anchored safely in
the harbor OF the ancient city Of Vera
Cruz Free Cross and what mighty met
amorphosis it was; what fairy like
change from the Crescent 10 the "Cross. "
We could scarcely realize that in so short
a time so great a transformation could
take place, and we felt as II we had been
transported into fairyland. From fields
OF ice to luxuriant vegetation; from leaf
less trees to verdant shrubbery; from snow
to flowers; from the cold whistling winds
OF our northern cline to the sweet notes
oftropical birds. Wewere entranced, we
were delighted, and as yet, have not re-
covered, nor shall we Us long as it is our
good fortune to remain in this 4''
"ltlly OF the UCcluentt
Glorious, CORY Mexico"
The city OF Vera Cruz with its fortified
walls and mosaic domes as seen from the
gulf presents a very ancient and oriental
appearance, resembling very much the
Moorish style OF architecture. In front
and little to the right Of the city in the
waters OF the gulf stands the dingy castle
and famous fortress OF San Juan D'Ulloa;
on the left sandy plateau covered with
palm trees meets the eye, when imme.
diateIy back Of the city, at a distance oi
eighty miles may be seen the snowy
peaks Of 0rixaba extending his hoary
head far above the clouds, aud
looking grand beyond all description
in his majestic sublimity. Before landing
we were met and welcomed by commit.
tee OF gentlemen from the City OF Mexico,
andupon disembarking we were taken OF
once to the Mercantile Club aud enter
tanned there during our brief stay. The
thermometer marked 94' in tho shade Ia
difference OF l1So between Chicago and
Vera CRUZ, and on that account 1t was
deemed advisable to leave this malarial
city at once for the higher plateau. Ac
cordingly we borled q special train, and
passing through the fortified walls OF the
city, found ourselves ascending gradually
at the rate Of thirty miles an hour, on one
Of the finest railroads II has ever been my
pleasure 10 travel over. But OF this road
| desire to say more In the future. On we
,whirl through this tropical land, which ap'
pears to the eye rs an immense' luxurious
garden, Past coCoanut, banana and
orange trees, through fields Of coffee, ripe
with their small rcd berries, innumera'
BILE and gigantic caotIl, are everywhere
seen growing wild, and we never tire gaz.
ing out Of our car windows at this novel
panorama oftropical splenlor as II passes
rapidly by, The curtain Of night at last
falls over all, and we withdraw from the
window not without regret, We finally
roach the Village of 0rizaba, situated o.
the foot OF 0riEaba Mountain, whose peal
stands II ,375 feet above the sea.
Here we Brest for the night, and by
o'clock the next morning We arc of again
on our ascent up the mountain, The
scenery as we pass along is beyond all des
pription in It's grandeur and picturesque
ness, and cannot fad language sutti
ciently strong TO do 1t justice. The poe
may here find inspiration, but he canne
sing his praises loud enough. Tho artist
may make tho dull canvas stand forth as l
lmbpod with lIie, but he can4o
paint In coloFS glowing enough, WI
only become more and more oltrenr
cd, as one scene more beauulul thar
the last appears to view, and hnall!
after rushing over deep ravines, pas
saSutiful cascades, and on the edges o
precipises hundil4s Of feet high, our ter
riblG, grand and fascinating ride Is over
and Y6 reach Boca del Monte ,a9g foe
above Yara Cruz, From here the scene
~ Is novel, but loss lmpqsiEg, and The d!q!
aids nothing TO the enjoymGnt. AT Api
1a6o (R $40 teet) We are "dined and Vlned'
BY the MeTIHgp Goyernmept.s Again VI
are on our way to Alyigai and just as th
sun Is sinking behind tho Nesterp bill
ana streaks Of light like bars ot gold az
closing fast the gates Of day, We eomeil
sight Of AIeEipo nestled among her silver
lakes, Of which will write you more tull
aHon, II you love travel, and enjoy povl
and picturesque scenery, come 70 Mexico
land - don't forget YOUR dustsr,