side of the square, adjoining the church. In this room was seated at a table the cunning Canales, drawing up the "Articles of Capitulation," which were soon after imposed on us for what they did not contain. On the floor, writhing in death-agonies, was the unfortunate Colonel Arsinal, adjutant-general of the enemy's forces. "There," said General Ampudia, with tears in his eyes, "is my son, the hope of the army, the [105] pride of the service. He has a death-shot through the kidneys, and must soon die." We replied that "it was the fate of war, and the brave in all ranks share our sympathy." This accomplished and unfortunate young officer was only twenty-six years of age, highly favoured by nature in his personal appearance, and had attained his elevated rank through wonderful proficiency in his profession.16

While Canales was basely engaged in writing the articles of capitulation, General Ampudia had Colonel Fisher and myself served with coffee and chocolate, which were the more grateful, as we had been since the previous morning without refreshment. In the mean time the articles of capitulation were signed by General Ampudia, and his interpreter, by the name of Alderette, formerly a citizen of Victoria county, was called in to read them. The following is a literal translation from the original:

When the interpreter read the first article, the words "with the consideration which is in accordance with the magnanimous Mexican nation" were studiously rendered "with all the honour and consideration of prisoners of war." These latter words comprehended everything we had a right to claim; but, always doubting Mexican treachery, I suggested to Colonel Fisher if it would not be better for us to have our interpreter. He replied that, though he did not speak the language, he could read and translate it; and, after looking over the paper, he made no objection to it. At the door we found several of our captains waiting to hear the articles read. The interpreter then read them as he had done to us, which also satisfied them.