The present work is the result of observations made during a two years' residence in Mexico, by a lady, whose position there made her intimately acquainted with its society, and opened to her the best sources of information in regard to whatever could interest an enlightened foreigner. It consists of letters written to the members of her own family, and, really, not intended originally—however incredible the assertion—for publication. Feeling a regret that such rich stores of instruction and amusement, from which I have so much profited, myself, should be reserved for the eyes of a few friends only, I strongly recommended that they should be given to the world. This is now done, with a few such alterations and omissions as were necessary in a private correspondence; and although the work would derive more credit from the author's own name, than from anything which I can say, yet as she declines prefixing it, I feel much pleasure in making this statement by way of introduction to the public.
WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT.
Boston, December 20, 1842.
GLOSSARY
OF
SPANISH OR MEXICAN WORDS WHICH OCCUR IN THE COURSE OF THE WORK, WHICH ARE GENERALLY EXPLAINED WHEN FIRST USED, BUT WHICH BEING REPEATED, THE READER MIGHT FORGET AND WISH TO REFER TO.
Administrador-Agent. Alameda-Public walk with trees. Aquador-Water-carrier. Alacran-Scorpion. Anquera-Coating of stamped gilt leather, edged with little bells, which covers the back of the horses. Arriero-Muleteer. Arroba-Spanish weight of twenty-five pounds. Azotea-The flat roof of a house. Barranca-Ravine. Botica-Apothecary's shop. Calle-Street. Cargadores-Men who carry loads. Chinguirito-Spirit made from sugar-cane. Chile-Hot peppers. Compadre and Comadre-Godfather and Godmother; names by which two persons address each other, who have held the same child at the baptismal font, or have been sponsors together at a marriage, etc. Canonigo-Canon or prebendary. Comicos-Actors. Camarista-Lady of honour. día de Anos-Birthday. Dulces-Sweetmeats. Díario-Daily newspapers. Frisones-Large horses from the north. Función-Solemnity-festival. Frijoles-Brown beans. Galopina-Kitchen-girl. Garbanzos-Chick-peas Cicer Arietinum. Gachupin-Name given to the Spaniards in Mejico. Garita-City-gate. Goleta-Schooner. Gentuza-Rabble. Honras-Funeral honours. Hacienda-Country-place. Ingenio de Azucar-Sugar plantation. _Invalidos—Disabled soldiers. Jarro—Earthen jar. Ladrones—Robbers. Léperos—Beggars, low persons. Litera—Litter. Monte Pio—Office where money is lent on security. Mezcal—Brandy distilled from pulque. Manga—Cloak made of cloth, with a hole in the middle for putting the head through. Novios—Betrothed persons. Nuestro Amo—Our Master, used in speaking of the Host. Ojo de Agua—Spring of water. Portales—Covered portico supported by columns. Pulqueria—Shop where pulque is sold. Paseo—Public walk. Paso—Pace, pacing. Padrino—Godfather. Plaza—Square. Patio—Courtyard. Petate—Matting. Poblana—Woman of Puebla. Pronunciamiento—A revolution in Mexico. Pronunciados—Those who revolt. Rancho—A farm. Ranchero—Farmer. Rebozo—A scarf that goes over the head. Reja—Iron grate. Sopilote—Species of carrion vulture. Sarape—A woollen blanket more or less fine, with a hole for the head to go through. Traspaso—Conveyance, transfer. Tilma—Indian cloak. Tierra caliente—The hot land. Tertulia—An evening party. Toreador—Bull-fighter. Tortilla—Species of thin cake. Tortillera—Woman who bakes tortillas. Vaca—Joint stock in gambling. Vomito—Name given to the yellow fever. Venta—Inn.
LIFE IN MEXICO
LETTER THE FIRST
Departure of the Norma—Last look of New York Bay—Fellow-passengers
—Contrary Winds—Deceitful Appearances—Sunset in Southern Latitudes
—Seas passed over by Columbus—Varied Occupations on Shipboard—Berry
Islands—Bahama Banks—Evening in a Tropical Sea—L. E. L.—Pan of
Matanzas—Morro Castle—Bay of Havana—Arrival—Handsome House in
Havana—Sights and Sounds.