Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-27
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS,
Written by Lady IN South .4neriea to her friend
m, Tinted States

NV last letter TO you was written from Lth@
and we are now on our voyage 10 Chm; THESE
frequent changes and rapid succession oteven's
speed on the weeks and months with such az
ewing rapidity, that we scarcely take ANY no'e
Of time" but they pass away so dellghtiuiy
and we enjoy so much that is new and interest
ing, that our happiness even appears 10 me al
most an illusion.
We lived seven weeks in Lima, most agree
ably. Our mornings were devoted to recelV-
ing visitors, and we found the habit OF taking
a siesta very iusidious, particularly as there
were two or three Of those delightful low sofas
in each Of our rooms.
About five O'Clock it was sufficiently cool TO
exercise, and we then went out q cheDn: We
nv aereeably attended, or walked on the Alma
Sa. There are three of these public walks as
wide as Broadway, planted on each side with d
double low of trees, between which constantly
runs stream Of pure water, keeping them IN
continual verdure; in the centre OF the prlncl-
nal one. there are several fountains OF stone
with bronze figures Although they have such
beauii and refreshing retreats from the bus
tie and heat Of The city, yet the inhabitants are
too INDECENT to enjoy them; but the ladies some
times go in their calesias just before sunset,
and sit an hour or two to let the cool air blow
over them. On Sunday the custom is univer-
sal. they are then in full dress, and occasionally
step out Of their carriages and take seat upon
the stone benches, which are placed at short
distances; and upon these occasions they per-
form The fan exercise with great dexterl'y and
grace, and showing their beautiful formed hands
and arms to great advantage.
There are more agreeable and intelligent
foreigners in Lima at this time, than al any
former period Many Of Bolivar's officers are
accomplished and pleasing foreigners who
speak English, and we are never without socl-
ety: and the American character is held in such
respect that every one appears anxious to show
US the most catering and polite attentions.
- There were two grand public balls curing
the period of our stay. one given by the pub
lie authorities off city, the other by the Pc
ruvian merchants, TO the Libertador, and both
in style Of splendor and magniGcence which
had not been equalled since the Spanish gran
dees were undispu,cd masters of Peru.
The morning alter our arrival General Boil
ivar sent all his aids to welcome us TO "the city
OF the Kings" and present us his best respects
The oldest Of them the Marquis Of, boasts
of having sacrificed an immense fortune with
titles and estates entailed upon his family, IN
the cause OF the Patria: he said he came in the
name Of his Excellency, the Libertador, to well
come us to Lima, and on his own part, TO lay
himself his family and his house at our feet -
He then embraced US most aHectionately, to
our great amazement: but we were told we must
consider it as the greatest honor paid to u.s.
His dress was bright red, and covered over
with gold embroidery ahd lace.
The first Congress uetthe tenth OF January,
and the occasion was so interesting that we &C
cepted the invitation of La Sonora p, TO
accompany her She was very much disturb
ed at the thought Of our going away without
a saya-y-manto, and insisted upon our borrow
ing them for the occasion; but when told her
we had long black wells, her prejadices were IN
some degree nattered and after arranging them
first one way and then another, she concluded
,bev we-s "bueno" s'muy -bonite'! One fact,
which mos, strikingly illustrates the change
which has taken place in this country, Is, that
the building of the Inqnisition is now the place
where all the public assemblies are he'd' 'he
balls given, and the Lancasterian schools Kept.
The principal hall was appropriated 'or the
meeting cfthe Congress. The building Is I'M
mensely large, fronting one oil the nuolc
squares
As these people are so fond OF pageants,
great efforts had been made 10 emoe!iish .''e
square; temple was erected in the centre, with
an equestrian statue of Bolivar, and many EN-
blema,ic paintings were placed upon the foun-
tains
Six hundred of the Colombian cavalry and
several companies Of infantry, all in their SPLEEN
did caparisons aud rich uniforms, and an I'M
mense number of persons and carriages titled
the square, and presented grand and ANNA
ting scene. *
< carriage had been prepared to consSH Bo-
Iyar from the palace to the hall, clumsy gau-
DIV thing, covered with gliding and carved
work, drawn by six mules, borne down by gilt
harnesses, two Positions, two coachmen, and
two footmen, all in red coats with white and
green facing, and large cooked hats with gold
lace.
We went at nine O'Clock with Sonora -
IN her callacia, and il was delightful to observe
The excitement and JOY which every one ap-
reared 10 feel. All the balconies were hung
with f]aps and various colored tapestries, and
crowds were Fastening 10 the square. we
drove to pri, ate door which led to gallery
where the ladies were to stand who SO to such
places in their masquerade dresses, and the