AMERICANS ALL IT CHAPTER I A FESTAL NIGHT IN THE MEXIC CAPITOL T was a perfect September night. Winds, soft and aromatic, blew gently; and the floral and arboreal world seemed to be en fete. For two days it had been raining constantly, with occasional electrical storms, but now the skies were radiant, crystalline. Plazas, parks, and gardens were riotous with color, the air vibrant and a-rippic with laughter, while music-perfume of the flowers of speech, incense rising from the fires of glowing passionadded lilt and gaiety to the pleasure-loving throng. "The Mexican Capitol is in chains"-so read Santa Anna's Proclamation-yet never was freer, or more blithe and insouciance. What though plain and mountain-pass were crimson with Aztec, Mexic, and Spanish blood; what though every strategic town and city-Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Jalapa, Perota, Pueblo, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and the Capitol itself—was in the hands of the Invader; what though Washington was plotting to rob them of their sovereignty and make them vassals; what though the Conqueror's uniform was everywhere in evidence, and the Palace of the Montezumas had become El Palacio del Americano; what though troops were to leave at dawn to garrison every principal city, and to extort tribute from every luckless citizen-by the fires of persecution to extract golden oil from every fin and scale of the giant Mexic "fish?" Ah, the To-day Race! What matter for To-morrow? Vivamos mientras que vivimos; mañana será otro dia.* The Montezuman city was captive—yet free. It was the policy of Polk, though opposed by Webster and Calhoun, to take their territory by force, and their hearts by stealth. To this end the iron hand was sheathed in perfumed velvet; the stern command metred and set to music; the blast of the cornet, and the shriek of the trumpet mellowed to the coo of the thrush-like piccolo and clarionet-and the policy was working like a charm. The ball-unique, spectacular, brilliant, given at the palace of the illustrious Fernando y Roxas-was over. There are few such cases on record-conquerors garlanded and accorded festal hospitality by the conquered. But, personally, the conquerors had been kind and considerate; and War, usually devastating, in this instance had been enriching-had brought a multitude of opulent purchasers, at hitherto undreamed of prices, of all they had to sell. Indeed the conquered were less serious than the conquerors, for the Northern skies were ominous with the dark clouds and angry rumblings of an impending conflict between the "States," a conflict upon which this "invasion" might have a fateful bearing-but for the hour apprehension was flung to the wind, and merry jest and good-natured badinage reigned supreme. Among the American guests at the ball was General Scott, who called early, arrayed in all the military trappings of which he was inordinately fond, accompanied by a brilliant retinue of officers. Among them were some destined to great renown-both eulogy and obloquy: Captain Robert E. Lee-tall, graceful, low-voiced, easily the handsomest, *Let us live while we live; tomorrow there will be another day. and most eagerly-sought by men and women alike; Col. Jefferson Davis-tall, stately, a profound scholar, singularly eloquent, a trifle haughty, with a culture equal to that of the proudest grandee of Spain; Major Beauregard-of Latin descent, of warrior training and prowess, keen of wit and repartee, a Beau Brummel in social intercourse, an unsurpassed raconteur, and destined to fire the first gun in the Rebellion of the States. Also four generals were present: Pillow, Quitman, Buckner, and Crittenden-in character and bravery worthy of the epaulettes they wore; also Captains Hardee and Holmes, and Lieutenants Gardner and Ewell. No less conspicuous were certain others: Captain John A. Logan-stocky, swarthy, fearless, boisterous, long, straight black hair, eagle-eyed, suggestive of the Incas; Captain Kearney-favorite of General Scott, first to enter Mexico City, hero of the Algerine War, feted in Paris, destined to die at Chantilly; Lieut. George G. Meade heir to laudit and censure at Gettysburg, losing by lack of generalship what he had won by preponderance of numbers; Lieutenant McClellan-marching on to immeasurable praise and dispraise, but now at his best, easily the equal of Lee and Davis and Beauregard in culture, gentility, and all the charms of social grace; also-U. S. GRANT. After paying his respects to Senor and Senora Roxas Captain Grant spoke to no one; nor did any of the gay revelers speak to him. In a retired alcove he smoked cigar after cigar, mused in silence, and took note of things andmen. No one, not even the gracious host and hostess, paid any attention to him. There was no halo about his head. There was no lilting, vaulting, dazzling epigram or dithyramb on his lips. There was no psychic intuition on their part, or intimation on his, of his future. Not even Davis' |
