Frostburg mining journal., 1883-12-22

the breeze, are hung on them. The
old Campos is nearly full. All around
its high wall vaults are built, some
very handsome, and which contain the
remains of the wealthy Mexican fam
lilies. noticed some French, German,
Bohemian, Jew, and one Irish name.
The American burial ground is in
another part of the city.
On my way to the Bishops Palace,
which is seen from any point in the
surrounding country, saw a grove of
orange trees laden with golden fruit.
"They look so pretty" as lady friend
observed, ''it's shame we can't raise
them up North"
There cawamba (good gracious)
that was hard climb, but | am up
here at last, seated on the parapet of
the old Bishops Palace, wondering
how in the name of common sense
General Taylor ever managed to night
his way up; and as | sit here the
martial strains of a bugle, sounding
through the fortress the morning call,
reminds me of Longfellow's "Victor
Galbraith," and as have seen no one,
it may be, as the poet says, his spirit
wandering among the ruins, calling to
his fallen comrades to rise and face the
enemy. The Palace is the grandest
ruin | have ever visited. The walls
which support the massive dome are
strong and substantial looking as
though they had never withstood an
assault either of time or war. The
charred easements, the partly fallen
walls of the wings and the heavy stone
living about bear evidence of the con-
hict which for short time was waged
so desperately at this point. Situated
as this place is in such commanding
position, its high. tower-like dome so
far above the city and plain, it looks
like q stern sentinel set as q watch
ovor the landscape. From here can
be had splendid view the city
partly concealed by its trees and
shrubbery, laid out in squares; the
tall spires Of the churches. tho city
hall glittering white in contrast with
the green foliage; then tho mountains
encircling all, always partly shrouded
in a light blue haze, which softens
their ruggedness and takes the place
of the trees that cover my own old
Alleganies, than which to me none are
more sublimely, grandly beautiful.
Walking around the building | find it
to be gairisoned by a troop of soldiers
who lounge around and take the
world as easy as possible. Ten brass
cannons are in position to sweep the
valley below, and in the cellars of the
Palace there are many more dismount-
ed. The interior, although showing
evidences of having been handsome in
its time, is now very much decayed,
and overrun with all species of reptiles
lizards, centipedes, tarantulas--ugh!
it is not, assure you, q desirable place
to live in.
A street car line is in operation in
the city and is well equipped the cars
were made in Philadelphia, and every
thing is first-class. The conductors
are no exception to all the Mexicans |
have met thus far. In politeness they
excel all other nations and ! believe
that, what friend who has been living
in Mexico long time told me, "if they
intended taking your life they'd do it
with stab in the back while holding
you in close, friendly embrace" is
strictly true.
The city has an opera house whore
there is nearly always play or some
celebration going on. Tho ladies
crowd the galleries without escort, the
gentlemen occupying seats in the par
quet. OF course we Americans would
not stand such regulations very long,
but the Mexicans are used to it and
seem very well satisfied.
There are some excellent hot springs
here, the water after running to the
bath-house being so hot we have to
get into it gradually. It is said to be
good for several diseases.
There are very few Americans at
Monterey and these contemplate
leaving. Business is extremely dull,
many houses not paying running ex-
penSes.
| believe | have said all of Monterey
that can for the short time | was
there, and will go on next to the trip
from here to Saltillo and Bueno Vista.
Adios. KARS.