28 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



examine my letters or papers, and immediately 

 gave me an assurance of his protection and 

 passports for Xalapa, where he advised 

 me to remain till circumstances justified my 

 proceeding, observing at the same time that 

 he had no doubt but that either party, on 

 being assured of the objects of my travels, 

 would do all in their power to forward them ; 

 as, contrary to the policy of Old Spain, 

 they now wished Europe, and particularly 

 England, to become better acquainted with 

 Mexico. On leaving the town-house I was 

 accosted by Colonel Barbabossa, a distin- 

 guished officer in the cause of liberty; he 

 had already learnt the nature of my business, 

 and offered me his protection as far as Pu- 

 ebla, to which city he was proceeding next 

 morning with an escort. After expressing my 

 thanks for his kindness, I acquainted him that 

 our setting out so early would be impracti- 

 cable, as my companion had not yet com- 



