426 CHIHUAHUA 
rated by the American Consul, who was familiar with 
the facts; and I learned from them that the matter 
would be laid before the United States government. 
General Trias called, and very politely tendered 
me a furnished house while I remained in Chihuahua; 
which, however, I declined. Experience had shown 
us that after once going into camp life, it is better to 
remain there steadily. One soon becomes accustomed 
to a tent; and even in cold weather, it is preferable to 
quarters, unless one is to remain permanently in them. 
The change from one to the other, invariably produces 
colds. 
General Trias, who was for several years Governor 
of the State of Chihuahua, is a gentleman of large 
wealth aud fine accomplishments. After receiving his 
education he went to Europe, where he spent eight 
years travelling in various parts, although he remained 
most of the time in England and France. He is well 
versed in several of the Huropean languages, and speaks 
English with great correctness. Of English lterature 
he told me he was very fond; and he considered that 
no native appreciated the beauties of Shakspeare and 
Milton better than he. With Addison and the belles-let- 
tres writers of England he was also familiar. With large 
-estates, a cultivated mind, and elegant manners, Gene- 
ral Trias cannot but exercise a great influence in the 
State. I have before mentioned the sacrifices he made 
when his country was invaded by the Americans, 
which greatly impoverished him. There are not many 
such patriots in Mexico; if there were, she would not 
be in the position she now 1s. There is no doubt that 
‘General Trias detests the Americans as a people; yet 
