Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-05
SOUTH AMERICA.

SUI n AME.NlSh.
We have frequently copied into the Gazette
from the Ne,c- York Commercial advertiser, ex-
tracts Of letters giving very beautiful descrip-
lions Of parts of South America, particularly
those in the Republics of Peru and Chill, writ
ten by young lady to her friend in this coun-
try. The following, says the Commercial are
made without regard to time, date or place,
and have no connection, and are published
without the appreciation or knowledge Of the
author.
"You asked me 10 decide the splendour OF
the moonlight in my "Hesperian residence"
and you ask if it beams more brightly over this
"city of flo xers" than it does over our native
vaes9 But it is impossible to describe it to you,
and if you could have witnessed it the night
We anchored in the harbor of Callao, you
would acknowledge it may be fell, but not de.
scribed; it is splendour known only in tropi-
cal climates, and it seems TO fill the heart with
lightness and Joy, and awakens there thousand
tender and delightful "reminiscences OF country
and of home!
There is nothing very interesting in the ap-
pearance of the harbor of Calao, the coast is
very bold, and immense mountains are seen
entirely barren, not even blade Of grass grow
ing upon them, and although the winds are al
ways light there, the waves are continually
Gashing high upon the rocks, the surf rolls
high upon the shore, and their music is forever
heard You cannot imagine more wretched
place than the town; it contains but few mise
rable houses, or huts as they look like, one sto-
nv high, and built of straw and mud; the Gus
tom house is almost deserted, for being but
eight miles from Lima, little or no business is
transacted there.
The fort is very strong and formidable
place, and covers an immense extent OF ground,
mounting 200 guns. Rodil, the governor, is
devoted 10 blood and war; he is cruel and ty-
ranncal, and makes no ceremony OF ordering
dozens of persons TO be shot at his pleasure,
without Judge or jury but himself You will
perhaps be surprised to hear that we paid him
a visit in his castle; we passed the draw-bridge
before the entrance Of the gate, were admitted
by black centinels, passed the parade ground
where the troops were exercising, and were re-
ceived in the court by his principal black Off
Ger, and conducted through several rooms into
an inner apartment, where the General received
US very courteouslv. He is small man, has
strikingly expressive face, his eyes are black
and piercing, and when he is animated, and is
conversing on subject with which he is not
very we'll pleased, his countenance is rdeient
with every diabolical passion.
His table was covered with papers; there
was kind Of sofa in the room, few old
chairs, and beds,ead without any thing upon
it but one small hard pillow; the floor was
made Of bricks, and the walls merely white-
washed, and his apartment contained no other
furniture. He treated us with great poiteness,
and his manners were gentlemanly and friend
". His mustachoes, which were long and
thick, gave him terrific look; and when we
saw him, he had but just had his beard cut,
which had grown 10 the length Of eighteen
inchcs-for, when he was driven away by the
Patriots. he made a vow not 10 shave until he
returned, and he did not
| made an excursion one day 10 San Lorenzo,
a large island at the entrance OF the harbor OF
Callao, barren and uninhabited, except by one
old sailor, who is called the Gobernador, and
whose subjects are ,urkies and chickens! i he
height to the top, is about one thousand feet,
the ascent is very steep and difficult, and the
sand is so heavy and deep, was told could
not pass it without boots, or bare footed, but
no, fancying either, mounted horse and as
cended the mountain; but began to repent my
undertaking; when approaching the summit,
felt repaid for the risque and fatigue, by the
magnificent view which burst suddenly upon
me; the calm blue ocean lay far below me, It's
surface Just curled by the gentle breeze whlc
kissed the waters; the bay was full OF ships, and
the little sail boats and canoes padded by the
Indians, looked like mere specs gliding over the
waters, and our gallant frigate with her star
spangled banner floating in the wind, rose
proudly and majestcaly above them all. he
town and forts of Callao looked almost at the
foot of the mountain, though the distance across
the BAY is seven miles; the numerous and high
snires of the churches of Lima, and the high
white walls and buildings were distinctly seen;
behind the Getty Of Kings "itll its silver gates,
rose the mountains, range towering above range,
and as the atmosphere was perfectly clear, on
the highest and most distant peaks, which
seemed to me 10 touch the very heavens, saw
snow, 10 which the sun gave the most sllvery
brightness. Every thing looked grand, and
calm, and beautiful, but l thought, as gazed
upon i, with feelings ofwonder and admiration,
the sun sheds its brilliant light over this unfor-
tunate and devoted country in vain, while cru
elty and despotism ensave "the children OF the
Sum" but consoed myself with the idea that
The roblc BOLIVAR would, ere long, redeem
them from their slavery, and restore them TO Ii
berty and happiness
found the summit Of San Lorenzo covered
with grass and flowers, for the clouds OF heavy
mist which rest on it during the three winter
months, protect it from the sun and keep 1t con-
tinually fresh and verdant; the flowers were
beautiful and in great variety. found one
which much resembles our ice plant, though