The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register. (Wilmington, Del.) 1824-1825, 1825-01-27
CHIEF, PERU AND MEXICO.
From Capt. Hilps Ioyoge.
CONTINUED.


National pride forbade the expression of any
alarm. but knowledge of their inability to
resist such force filled them with very ma
tural anxiety. Nothing, however, as the
event proved, could be more unnecessary
than such fears; for the Frenchnan, after a
short and friendly visit, sailed away again,
carrying off the hearts of half the ladies OF
the Port
Previous to their departure the governor
gave grand ball to the French admiral aud
his officers; and, without considering the size
of his rooms invited the whole beauty and
fashion of the Port to meet them. Many
of the company, we'll known to be in ndi-
gent circumstances, and whose ordinary style
of living was Of the humblest description,
appeared in rich dresses, and wore Jewels of
considerable value. There isnothing, indeed,
upon which the women of this country espe-
cally those who are the least able to afford
it, so much pi9ue themselves, as being able,
upon great occasions, to dress splendidly
and it is alleged that they often submit to
many severe privations to attain this grand
object of their vanity.
In the course of the evening, the room be-
coming close, was glad to seek fresh air
on the platform surrounding the governors
house. Returning to the ball, | perceived
from the principal apartment by the hall
where the music was stationed. On enter
ing the room, was struck by the appear
ance of several remarkable lady-like young
women standing on chairs, and strdining
their eyes, as they looked over the heads of
the servants and musicians to catch glimpse
ofthe strangers in the ballroom, from which
they appeared to be excluded. Seated on a
sofa IN the corner near them were two state
ly old ladies, simply though elegantly dress
ed, who did not appear to sympathize with
their children in eagerness about the ball,
but sat apart quietly conversing together.
in their countenances, which retained traces
Of considerable beauty, there dwet amelan-
choly expression, while their demcanour in
dictated an indifference to all that was pas
sing. On inquiry, it appeared that they
were old Spanlards, who, under the former
administration of the country had been per-
sons of wealth and consequence, but whose
existence was now scarcely known The
recent revolution having stripped them of
their fortune and rank, they were now living
In such poverty and obscurlty, as not to be
thought worthy OF an invitation to the ball
1911 Jan.--l went in the evening to visit
family in the Almendral, or great suburb
of Valparaiso. The ladies' were RANGED. as
their shawls drawn over the head and across
the chin, so as nearly to conceal the face.
One young lady played the harp, another
the guitar, while some occasionally ioincd
with their sllrill voices, singing the patriotic
Songs Of the day. Others We're chatting, or
working, and the evening was passing away
pleasantly enough, when, without any APP
parent Cause, the party Jumped up, cast away
their music and work and flew in the most
frantic style ont of the house, ezclaining a.
loud, MiseflcoidiH i,iiscrcordiA shifting
their breasts At the same time, and looking
terrified beyond description. was aston
ished at all this, but followed the company
into the closet, calling out Miselicordia! as
loud as any Of them. 1t was bright moon
light evening, and the street, from end to
end, was filled with people; some, only half
dressed, having just leaped from then beds
children, snatched from their sleep, were
crying in all directions--many carried lights
in their hands-in short, such d scene of
wild confusion and alarm was never seen,
and all apparently occasoned by spontane-
Gus movement, without any visible motive.
After standing i'll the street for about a
minute, the whole crowd turned round again
and ran into their houses, so that, in the
course Of few seconds, the hubbub was
oltCd, diu ilol hOIldi Wis 10 De seen.
! now begged to know the cause OF this a.
making connection, having a vague idea Of
its forming some part Of a religious cercmo-
my, when, to my surprise, ! learned that il
had been produced by all earthquake SO Sc
we're, that the people had been afraid of the
houses tumbling about their ears, and had
run into the open street to avoid the dan
ger; for my part, twas totally unconscious
OF any motion, nor did ! hear the sound
which they described as unusually loud. On
mentioning this fact afterwards in company
was assured, that for a considerable peri.
cd after the arrival of foreigners, they are
in like manner insensible to shocks, which
anatlye can at once distinguish. It may be
mentioned also. as an unusual effect Of cX-
peIience, that the sensation Of alarm causet
BY feeling an earthquake, goes Oh augment
ing Instead Of diminishing, and that one wht
at first ridicules the terrors ofthe inhabitant.
comes eventually to be even more frightened
than they are.
lJM Jau,--An officer of the American
frigate Macedonian having died at Nalparai
so, AID there being no ship of war OF tina
nation in port to pay the accustomed honour.
TO his Remains, conceived it right to suppl,
the place OF his absent countrymcn, by goint
with the officers Of the Conway, and trca
part OF the crew, in procession to the grave
accompanied by all the Americans; English
and other Foreigners, without distinction
who happened to be on the spot. In place
remote from home, an incident Of this natur
.,.aSu utr,po-o, fao1 ~, own ,,,,,,.I,,