teemed with busy crowds.  Across the long causeways rolled the creaking waggons, laden with the produce of far-distant haciendas.  Trade was restored, and even the most patriotic merchants were not proof against the influence of the American dollar.  Between the soldiers and the people was much friendly intercourse.  Even the religious orders did not disdain to offer their hospitality to the heretics.  The uniforms of the victorious army were to be seen at every festive gathering, and the graceful Mexicanas were by no means insensible to the admiration of the stalwart Northerners.  Those blue-eyed and fair-haired invaders were not so very terrible after all; and the beauties of the capital, accustomed to be wooed in liquid accents and flowery phrases, listened without reluctance to harsher tones and less polished compliments.  Travellers of many races have borne willing witness to the charms and virtues of the women of Mexico.  “True daughters of Spain,” it has been said, “they unite the grace of Castile to the vivacity of Andalusia; and more sterling qualities are by no means wanting.  Gentle and refined, unaffectedly pleasing in manners and conversation, they evince a warmth of heart which wins for them the respect and esteem of all strangers.”  To the homes made bright by the presence of these fair specimens of womanhood Scott’s officers were always welcome; and Jackson, for the first time in his life, found himself within the sphere of feminine attractions.  The effect on the stripling soldier, who, stark fighter as he was, had seen no more of life than was to be found in a country village or within the precincts of West Point, may be easily imagined.  Who the magnet was he never confessed; but that he went near losing his heart to some charming senorita of sangre azul he more than once acknowledged, and he took much trouble to appear to advantage in her eyes.  The deficiencies in his education which prevented his full enjoyment of social pleasures were soon made up.  He not only learned to dance, an accomplishment which must have taxed his perseverance to the utmost, but he spent some months in learning Spanish; and it is significant that to the end of his life he retained a copious vocabulary of those tender diminutives which fall so gracefully from Spanish lips.

But during his stay in Mexico other and more lasting influences were at work.  Despite the delights of her delicious climate, where the roses bloom the whole year round, the charms of her romantic scenery, and the fascinations of her laughter-loving daughters, Jackson’s serious nature soon asserted itself.  The constant round of light amusements and simple duties grew distasteful.  The impress of his mother’s teachings and example was there to guide him; and his native reverence for all that was good and true received an unexpected impulse.  There were not wanting in the American army men who had a higher ideal of duty than mere devotion to the business of their profession.