496 PARRAS 
gun-locks, cap trimmings, etc., also a few fragments of 
human bones. I took two sketches of the battle field, 
one looking south, the other towards Saltillo. About 
two miles distant is the small village of Buena Vista. 
The Mexicans call the place where the battle was 
fought Angostura, which means a narrow pass. 
Leaving this ever-memorable spot, we pushed for- 
ward, and at two o'clock reached Saltillo. The town 
is completely hidden from view until one reaches the 
brink of the hill in front of it. We drove at once to a 
court-yard on one of the main streets, where we 
found accommodations for the whole party. The ani- 
mals were placed in a corral near by. 
We had been in town but a short time when our 
arrival became known; for our train of six large wag- 
ons, five ambulances and carriages, and about forty 
long-bearded men, armed to the teeth, always pro- 
duced a sensation when we entered these quiet towns 
and villages. Several Americans residing in the place 
made their appearance before we had got stowed away 
in our quarters, and brought us the news of the result 
of the Presidental election. 
December 8th. Waving some repairs to make on a 
wagon, we applied to a blacksmith, but be declined 
working, as it was “El dia de la Purissima Concep- 
cion,” when a great celebration was to take place in 
the church. Before this man could work or allow his 
shop to be used, we were obliged to ask permission 
from the gefe politico—a privilege that was readily 
granted. This being done, we spent the remainder 
of the day in looking at the town and its fine churches. 
The principal church, which occupies one side of the 
