add more frequent about the first of November and the first of May, these being the entrance and the close of the wet and dry seasons-probably more severe at the former date. As many as sixty shocks in twenty-four hours, continuing too for several days, have occurred, during which the lightning flashed with remarkable brilliancy; these shocks are said to be strongest during the night.

I received a card from General Muñoz, and having determined to call upon him ere leaving Leon, strolled forth one morning for the purpose. I found his house a complete barrack; at least three hundred soldiers were in his garden and about the corridors, and I received a challenge from every sentry, even though within the casa proper. I found him in his drawing-room, seated, studying a chart of the country. As I approached, he rose, and warmly welcomed me. I had ample opportunity—as he was reading a note just handed to him upon my entrance to study his features. I found them decidedly Mexican. His brow was indicative of deep, rapid thought. There was a certain decision in the thin lip, but a vacillating energy in his nervous glance, which failed to impress me with the greatness of the General, whose prowess seemed to be universally admitted. In person, he was spare, well-formed; in demeanor, gentle, and apparently confiding; but it seemed to me that where his interests were vested, there would he mould himself; there was a strata of cunning in his nature, a want of

GEN. MUNOZ-HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND SISTER. 145

will, a seeking after, a courting of applause, no matter from what source. It was the title, not the public good he sought; and in his conversation there was a world of leaven. Yet he was beloved by the masses; and the natives of Subtiaba, who had fought and conquered the enemies of the State, followed him, nor murmured at the decisions of fortune. Had he survived the revolution, Nicaragua would, without doubt, have sought admission into our Union ere this, for the General at least listened to some purpose, and could easily see the waning apathy which pervaded all classes of his countrymen.

His lady and her sister were the most beautiful ladies I saw in the country, and yet I could not trace much similarity of feature to the many I had heretofore met. There was more intellectuality in their chiseled features, more decision in the eye, a subdued though accustomed tone of questioning, a suavity and not the gravity of expression of the general class, a rare appreciation of foreign elements, and finally a positive knowledge of the true position of their country, which rendered. them to me the most pleasant trio I had met. His house was furnished with a variety of elegancies, and many luxuries, all of which were foreign. The walls were hung with pictures, his book-case filled with rare volumes, his memory stored with valuable information, and there was the cordiality and hospitality of the most polished Southerner. Couriers arriving and departing were ushered into our presence, either to deliver

special news, or to receive privately final orders, which in nowise discomposed either of the ladies.

The

His señora at times partook of his love of excitement, and wished she were a man to aid her husband in furthering his plans for emancipation, and although slender, and apparently fragile, still her deep-hued eye, gleaming with intense fervor, would belie the apparent feebleness of her constitution. Bishop Don Jorge Viteri Y Ungo, who was appointed in 1849, aided, and openly countenanced Munoz; and naught relating to church privileges throughout the entire State was transacted without the especial permission of his Excellency. An American, whose wife died after a short sojourn in Granada, desired to remove her remains to the United States. He was told by the city authorities that, ere they could grant him permission, he must have the sanction of the bishop. Although the latter was known to favor the enemy, yet his influence was unimpaired in church matters, and the American was compelled to seek Leon, where, with the aid of General Muñoz, he obtained the consent desired. Had he failed, he could not have removed her corpse.

CHAPTER XV.

CITY OF LEON-HISTORY-DECREE OF ANNEXATION TO THE UNITED STATESCONSTITUTION ADOPTED-ABOLISHMENT OF PAPAL BULLS, MONASTERIES— ABRIDGMENT OF CERTAIN ECCLESIASTICAL PRIVILEGES-THE NATIONAL FLAG -THE BISHOP, ARCHBISHOP, AND HIS HOLINESS THE POPE-VARIOUS WARS -GENERAL MORAZAN-CARRERA-MALESPIN-CAPTURE OF SAN JUAN BY THE ENGLISH-SAMOZA-A KNIGHT-HIS REVOLUTION-CAPTURE AND DEATHDEATH OF MUNOZ-PRESIDENT PINEDA'S SUMMARY REMOVAL-WALKER-A CHANGE COMES OVER NICARAGUA-THOUGHTS AND SPECULATIONS.

LEON has been the scene of many severe and sanguinary struggles, especially in the wars between the Servile and Liberal factions. The Serviles of the States adjoining Nicaragua determined upon placing the entire country under the Sovereignty of Mexico, with Iturbide as emperor. Step by step the battle was fought. Hopes long sustained in secret by the Monarchists, found full vent. The Republicans were aroused first at San Salvador, Guatemala; they adopted measures for

defense and resistance, and defeated the army sent by Mexico. Granada was second in the field; San Jose in Costa Rica, third; while in Leon, the bishop who favored the monarchy, opposed republican principles, and advocated, by threats of excommunication, the Mexican scheme. Battle succeeded battle; the imperial forces were soon arrayed; and the Liberals of San Salvador, after a remarkable contest, were forced to submit.

In 1822 the Mexican government was proclaimed in Guatemala, and by an Imperial decree the country was divided into three Captain-Generalcies: the Serviles of course filling every post of emolument, profit, or honor. Though the Liberals were defeated, they remained true to their principles, and the Provisional Congress still remained unbroken. It was during this period of distrust and anarchy, that the country having become truly and purely nationalized, this Congress resolved upon annexation to the United States of America; and by an act dated December 2d, 1822, decreed its incorporation with the American Confederacy; and yet true as this is, how singular that our Government took no action in the matter. The dream of monarchy was soon dispelled. The Serviles were beaten by the recoil of their own magnificently adjusted plans. Iturbide was dead, and without foreign aid, they could not sustain themselves, while the Republicans assumed their prior position. Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, San Salvador, and Honduras, determined upon an union of States, declaring themselves