806 



A VOYAGE TO 



In going to the office of the secretary of state, we 

 had to pass through several others, in which a num- 

 ber of clerks were engaged; the appearance of system 

 and regularity, which prevailed, would not lose by a 

 comparison with ours. We found the secretary emers- 

 ed in business, at his desk I stated to him the occa- 

 sion of my visit, and at the same time, presented a 

 newspaper containing the president's message, in 

 which the objects of the mission were succinctly set 

 forth. I stated to him, that the commissioners were 

 desirous of waiting on him, and wished to be inform- 

 ed at what time it would be convenient for him to re- 

 ceive them. He replied, in the style of Spanish po- 

 liteness, that he was always at their disposal, and in- 

 sisted upon my naming the time at which he might be 

 honored with their visit; the Wednesday following was 

 therefore named by me. He is a small well set man, 

 about forty years of age, of a dark complexion, with 

 a keen penetrating eye. He has the reputation of con- 

 siderable abilities; he is considered a very able and 

 eloquent lawyer, and has been a judge of the chamber 

 of appeals. Judging from his physiognomy, I should say 

 that he possesses great native sagacity, and quickness 

 of discernment. He came into office under Alvarez^ 

 and has continued in it ever since. His private cha- 

 racter is not free from imputation, with what justice, I 

 shall not take upon me to say. 



Our arrival produced a great sensation through the 

 city in all classes of people; it was every where the 

 subject of conversation, and gave rise to much sur- 

 mise; for some days, it in fact, engrossed all the pub- 

 lic attention. A small incident will sometimes speak 



