The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-02-09

ON either side, the ladies were seated upon Il
low sofas, and looked like so many automat- J
ons, and the centre, from one extremity TO
the other, was occupied by those involved ID
the mazes of the waltz.
We were conducted to the head of the
room, where the Libcrtador received US with
great courtesy and even kindness: he sad
to me" wish, Sonora, l could express III
your own language, the qualification ! teei
in seeing ladies from the country OF WASH
ington,' &c. paid him some compliments
in return, which he received very gracious
ly.--Col. Santana was my interpreter, ana
nothing can be more ridiculous than 70 com
pliment by the aid of another. he ladies
Immediately enquired our christian names,
by which they addressed us with SO much
ease and grace, that we felt like oio acauain-
tances.
The wife Of the Marquis of -, was fol-
lowed by her two daughters, the eldest not
more than seven; both were dressed IN sat
in, lace and flowers, glttering with dla-
mcnds, earrings and breaches; and when
expressed my astonishment at the panto-
mime, another Senoritc, a Child OF eleven,
was pointed out to me. She was dressed IKE
an old lady, in the most costly materials-a
turban, with feathers, and in front OF 1t dia-
mond, valued at 0,o00 she is An orphan.
and the richest heiress in Peru, having an
yearly income of 100000 she is engaged
to Spanish Colonel. The lslies were all
splendidly dressed; and unite in one style as
to materials, but with some incongruities az
to making and arrangement.
Twas disappointed in the Spanish country
dance-it is exceedingly monotonous, but it
is better suited to their habits and climate
than our gay quadrlles would be; the waltz
appeared as beWildering to the imagination
as it would be to my head-but it was Charm
ing to see rhe case and velocity with which
the Sonora. performed this dizzyng but
interesting dance, with their gay and gal
liant knights, who appear to great advantage
in it.
Bolivar did not dance he treated us with
the most marked attention and respect; and
at 12 o'clock, he led me into an adjoining
room, where supper table was laid for 500
persons. which was covered with every sort
of confectionery ices, cakes, fruits, cham
paigne, and every kind of wine; candle
was placed by every plate, which, with the
three large chandeliers, threw such bril-
liAncy over the ladies' covered with dla-
Inonds, and the delightful fruits, the bcauti-
ful flowers, (yeidins the sweetest odour,,
that the scene was quite magical and en-
chanting.
This is called Rrfresco, and is usual at all
parties and supper is never served till OF
3 in the morning,
The 22d February, Washington's Birth
Day, Gen Bolivar, accompanied by Admiral
Banco and Capt. Foster, of the Chilian squad
ron, Capt. Mailing, with many officers OF the
r. N, Com. Wright, of the Colombian Ma
Wy, and many Peruvian and American gen.
tlemen, breakfasted on boara of the trigate
u. States. The Libertador was received
with salute OF twenty-one guns; the Re-
ruvian and Colombian f1gs were hosted, and
rhe yards manned the officers OF the shiI
were in full dress, and every man was ii
white frock and trowsers and red jacket
flowers and fruits were scattered in ever!
direction, and every thing presented the ap
pearance of festiyity and happiness 1T wa
one of those lovely and glorious days, whci
every heart seems to expand with JOY ant
gratitude, and when all nature appears T.
respond joyfully to those delightful emo
tions
1t was really dejuner a-la-fourchette
and many national and complimentary toast
were drank, much to the satisfaction of al
present,
The people Of the country seldom tax
any breakfast but cup of chocolate at ris
ing; about three the doors and window
are all closed. and they retire to the mos
remote room in the house, where they dine
they have great variety of courses {
meats and pastry-afterward enjoy siest;
and at five open the G ,ors, whcn the lade
are il full dress and ready to receive visits
they sup at eleven, when the same ceremt
nies are observed as at dinner.
TIE first shock of an earthquake that
experienced since our arrival, was Will
we were at Lima; it was about half past ]
at night, when we heard hollow rumbln
sound, and before we could say what is it
we felt the shock, which was almost mmt
diltely followed by another. invountar
ly exclai ned, God preserve u.s. for
seemed as if the Almighty, in anger, Wa
summcning his creatures before Him /;
was more awful and terrifying than an
thing which can be conceived, and no lar
gu tge can describe it! The beams ovs
our heads were moved, windows and doo
ratified ,and the bricks CT the floor seemed II
ceding from under our feet. Every membt
of the family rushed into the court, shriekir
and wringing their hands and all the doI
in Lima were barking and bowling most di
mally, but as soon as it was passed, all II
church bells were rung, and every one r
paired to the holy temples, to offer I
their thanks for their preservation and
am sure, | never before joined SO deyoutly
the beautiful sentiment of grateful adorat
as then.