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140
DRAPEAUX.

ters stood in our house, and received a number of visiters in our deserted apartments. Just before we left Mexico for this place, three very magnificent aids-de-camp brought us an invitation from General Valencia, to attend a ball to be given by him and other officers, in the theatre, to the President, on the occasion of His Excellency's being declared "benemerito de la patria." We did not go, as we were setting off for the country, but C——n being requested, as were the other Ministers, to send the colors of his nation, did so, and to-day there is much talk in Mexico, besides a paragraph in the newspapers, connected with these matters. It appears that the drapeaux, whether by accident or design, were improperly placed, and these faults in etiquette are not uncommon here. The English Minister having observed that his drapeau was placed in a subordinate rank, and finding that his warnings beforehand on the subject, and his representations on seeing it were neglected, cut it down and left the ball-room, followed by all the English who were there.