abuse; nor do I believe that the matter would have rested there, had we not drawn our pistols, and assured the leaders of the mob that the very first stone thrown should be instantly followed by a volley. They gave us credit for some sincerity in our intentions, and confined themselves to a wordy war, which continued until we had quitted the Plaza, beyond which no one attempted to follow, or to incommode us. We did not, however, feel quite at our ease until we had got clear both of the town, and the "Palmares," (woods of dwarf palms extending for some miles around, and noted as the scene of many a robbery,) where we almost expected an attack, and were fully prepared to meet it.
In justice to the inhabitants of Zacatecas, I must add, that the inhospitable treatment of which we had so much cause to complain, is confined exclusively to the Capital, and, even there, does not extend beyond the working-classes; an ignorant and brutal race, sunk in low debauchery, and guilty of excesses amongst themselves, which the Government has too little energy to repress. The agricultural population is kind and hospitable; and from the landed proprietors, the authorities, and the more respectable citizens, we received every proof of the most friendly disposition.
We quitted Zacatecas on the 26th of December, and slept at San Jacinto, (twelve leagues from the town;) a fine Hacienda belonging to the Marquesa
