428 
SANTA CRUZ 
a native Castilian, which we soon perceived by the 
purity of his language. He at once recognized us as 
Americans ; and after answering our inquiries, invited 
us into an inner apartment, furnished very handsomely, 
and in good taste. One of the first things I noticed 
here was an American rocking chair — an article of 
luxury better adapted, one would suppose, to the quiet 
habits of the Mexicans, with their fondness for a siesta 
during the heat of the day, than to those of rest- 
less Yankees. Wine and other refreshments were 
offered us ; and an hour was agreeably spent in con- 
versation with our new acquaintance. He gave us 
much information about the country, and the ceremo- 
nies we had just witnessed. While there, several 
strangers, also gentlemen of education and respecta- 
bility, came in ; and finding who we were, and of what 
we were in pursuit, they gave us such information a,s 
we required, and tendered us their services. I regret- 
ted to learn that we could nc^ procure the provisions 
we needed ; but it was expected that the fair would 
bring many mules into market, so that in a^ few days 
we could obtain all that we wanted. 
In the evening we walked about the town, and 
among the booths, which were arranged on every side 
of the plaza, and along the principal streets. They 
seemed much like those which it was customary to 
erect in New-York on the Fourth of July. Cakes of 
various kinds, tortillas, fruits, and aguardiente, were 
the staple articles ; but while there were booths 
entirely appropriated to the sale of this intoxicating 
liquor, I do not remember to have seen a single 
drunken man. In the midst of these booths was a large 
