RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. 125 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Reception at the Government House.— The Captain in Trouble.— A Change of 

 Character— Arrangements for Journey to Palenque.— Arrest of the Captain.— 

 His Release.— Visit from a Countryman.— Dangers in Prospect.— Last Stroll 

 through the Suburbs. — Hospital and Cemetery of San Juan de Dios. — Fearful 

 State of the Country.— Last Interview with Carrera. — Departure from Guati- 

 mala. — A Don Quixote. — Ciudad Vieja. — Plain of El Vieja. — Volcanoes, 

 Plains, and Villages. — San Andres Isapa. — Dangerous Road. — A Molina. 



The next day I called upon the chief of the state. 

 At this time there was no question of presenting creden- 

 tials, and I was received by him and all gentlemen 

 connected with him without any distrust or suspicion, 

 and more as one identified with them in feelings and in- 

 terests than as a foreign agent. I had seen more of 

 their country than any one present, and spoke of its ex- 

 traordinary beauty and fertility, its volcanoes and mount- 

 ains, the great canal which might make it known to all 

 the civilized world, and its immense resources, if they 

 would let the sword rest and be at peace among them- 

 selves. Some of the remarks in these pages will per- 

 haps be considered harsh, and a poor return for the 

 kindness shown to me. My predilections were in fa- 

 vour of the Liberal party, as well because they sustain- 

 ed the Federation as because they gave me a chance 

 for a government ; but I have a warm feeling toward 

 many of the leading members of the Central party. If 

 I speak harshly, it is of their public and political char- 

 acter only ; and if I have given offence, I regret it. 



As I was leaving the Government House a gentleman 

 followed me, and asked me who that captain was that 

 had accompanied me, adding, what surprised me not a 

 little, that the government had advices of his travelling 



