The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-02
FROM SOUTH AMERICA.

FROM SOUTH AMERICA.
We have seen letter from Mr. Albert q. Jewett
charge ofthe United States dated at Panama, June
9th He LEFT Norfolk the 9Th day Of May, with his
family, in the 0n-ka-hy-e, under the command of
of Lieutenant Sinclair, and arrived in Chagres on
LIST of June, having had passage of twenty-five
days. The evening of the same day, he took
boats for Cruises, a village at the head Of boat
navigation on that river, expecting to take pas
sage from Cruises to Panama. But, ON his way, he
ascerained that il would be better TO stop at Cor
gona, small village about Ave miles below Cruises,
and take passage from that place TO Panama. The
river was very high and the current strong The lar
gest boats only could be used. He employed one to
carry his family, and for his baggage; and they
were fory-eight hours The river from Chagres to
Gorgona. 1t would have required one more day
to reach Cruises, as that part Of the river is
much the most rapid in the present state Of the
water. II was impossible for him to ascertain pre-
cisely what the distance is from Chagres to Cor
gona but he thinks it is about forty miles, and about
twenty-five miles from the latter place to Panama
making the whole distance by water and land, as
nolo travelled across the isthmus, sixty-ive miles
On direct line, it is little more than forty-fve as
appears by the English charts Of the coast surveys
The next morning after his arrival at Gorgona, he
left at about eight o'clock, a. m, on the backs Of
small horses about the size Of jacks, and arrived in
Panama at about six o'clock on the evening Of the
same day 1t required twelve horses TO transport
his family and trunks. The road is mere track
for horse through the forest A guide is furnished
for passengers and drive each package horse
Mr. Jewett describes the forest as one continued
and most magnificent green-house--more beautiful
than any he had cultivated by the hand Of
man in the United States. He regrets that he
could not have been week, instead ola day, in ma
king the passage Many of the trees were bearing
fruit, growing in the most luxuriant manner. The
forest bordering Chagres river is very beautiful
He never had travelled distance of sixy-fve miles
which afforded so much to interest and excite
stranger, as the route from Chagres to Panama.
At Chagres it is very unhealthy; and no person
should attempt to remain there for one night,
although many do stop there for days But at
Gorgona it is high and healthy, and persons
main there with entire safety. Their accommoda-
tons will not equal those at the fremont House,
Boston, to be sure; but persons, by taking mat
ping-places, and by exercising proper care can
the isthmus in three days, with perfect securi
ty to their persons and property, and without en-
dangering their health, or meeting with any very
extraordinary fatigue or Inconvenience, and may
thereby a voyage of at least eight thousand
miles,
At Panama there is very good pubc-house,
kept by MIR Johnson Mr.. Jewett says it is very i'm
portan that vessels should be in regular communi-
cation between the United States and the Pacific by
this route, and that the vessels sent by the govern
ment to Chagres should communicate sih Panama be-
fore leaving that place There is no obstacle to pre-
vent a vessel waiting at Chagres. The anchorage
is good and there is very little danger of any ships
dragging their anchors. The officers and men are
not exposed to any danger from disease, unless
they nnnetessarily remain on shore. The Onka-
hy-e only remained about three hours.
When MIR. ]. arrived at Panama, he found Colonel
Pickett late charge to Peru and three four other
officers and gentlemen, waiting there the arrival Of
the on-ka.hy-e, or SOME other American vessel, to
take them to the United States, having dispatches,
&C., for the government at Washington. These
gentlemen must now wait till the Goth instant GER
ainly, and then probably take passage in an Eng
fish packet via Carthagena and Santa Martha, to
Jamaica, and from thence obtain a passage as they
can. A messenger can go from Chagres to Panama
and return in four days. but vessel should remain
sir days at Chagres, to give passengers on The Pa
cifc fair notice and time to arrive thereafter at Cha
gres
Mr.. Jewett thinks it important for the govern
ment to assist in establishing line Of commun-
cation between the Pacific and the United States,
which may be available and answer the purposes
intended,