Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/199

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THE MINT.
179

and reaching the old church of San Angel within the given time; these I think are the most remarkable circumstances that have taken place. We are now in treaty for the furnished apartments of the director of the Casa de Moneda, (the mint) a great building next the palace, from which upwards of one thousand three hundred millions of coined gold and silver have issued since the beginning of the sixteenth century. The house is a palace in extent and solidity; and the residence of the director is very spacious and handsome, besides having the great advantage of being furnished. We expect to return to Mexico in a few days.

Casa de Moveda, 6th. July.

Here we are, reëstablished in Mexico, for a short time at least, and not without difficulty has it been accomplished. We left the country with some regret, as this is the pleasantest time of the year for being there, and everything was looking green and beautiful. We came in, ourselves, in a loaded carriage, and in advance, fourteen asses loaded with boxes, four Indians with ditto, and two enormous loaded carts, one drawn by four, and another by eight mules. We were a regular caravan, as our friend the Alcalde called us. Imagine the days of packing and unpacking consequent thereupon!. . .

On the 1st of July, the victory gained by the government over the federalist party, was celebrated with great eclat. The President was presented with a diamond cross, valued at six thousand dollars, and General Valencia with a splendid jewel-hilted sword