Monterey. Late in December, we arrived at Monterey. At the base of a mountain whose towering summit reaches to the clouds, and upon whose top "the tall pines dwindle into shrubs in dizziness of distance," stands Monterey, the strong city of Mexico. On either side of it are mountains of equal magnitude, so that the city is situated in an strong natural fortress. The bishop's palace, where General Worth and his men fought so desperately, and won so single a victory, is upon a ridge upon the west side, and being strongly build of stone, ranged in front and rear of it, and in the face of galling fires the gallant Worth stormed its heights and virtually gained the battle at Monterey. The Black fort and Saucr[?] fort bore marks of the terrible charge made by Butler and his volunteers. It was at Monterey that the volunteers gained the applause of the regular army officers, who were forced to admit that they were equal to the regulars in a quick, desperate engagement. We encamped at the Walnut springs, near Monterey, several days, and had a good opportunity of seeing the city. The houses are built of stone and painted universally white; the streets paved with cobble stones, and concave, with water running through the center of them. Queen Isabella's bridge is a fine structure, thrown over a basin in the center of the city. A statue of the queen crowned stands on one side of it. The cathedral of Monterey is one of the finest in Mexico. It covers about an acre of ground, has a full chime of bells, a clock in its tower, and an immense organ, but no seats. The floors are mosaic, and there the devotee kneels or stands upon the hard stone for hours, while the solemn service of the Roman Catholic church is said or sung. to be continued . . . Posted by Sue P. Carpenter 2005, all rights reserved