The banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1844-1847, 1846-08-12

'oi 9@ yihS Will exams VINO nave
travelled through this forest, that {" its so
ID thick you can't shove It bowie
knife into it," And what NAV appear
somewhat singular, every bush and
shrub is armed with thorns, curved in
the shape of fish hooks, and the hold
they take upon the clothes and skin of
travellers is not easily shaken of, as the
packets of the soldiery will testify to be-
fore they reach Monterey.
The whole distance is we'll watered
from August until March, plenty of
wood, reasonable pasture, many herds of
cattle, numerous hocks of sheep and
goats, now and then small village
which all have the appearance Of decay.
Scattered along the road miserable huts,
slngularly picturesque from their origi-
nal construct ion, not quite equal to rail
pen stables, puilt in the backwoods of
Arkansas and Texas for scrab ponies.
Yet, nature in her mighty formations,
has formed some positions on this road,
a second Thermopyle to those who
might have the temerity to tread these
formidable passes. The American ar
my will no doubt look ahead before en-
tering these dangerous and shady pavi-
lions. The mazes Of the labyrinth are
beautifully pictured out by meandering
paths and conflicting cross roads, lea
ding to some farmers hut, some water
ing place, or the willy lure of some Mex
lean bandit.
When in fifteen leagues of Monterey
the village Of Caiderete presents itself,
enjoying the mostly lovely situation,
standing upon perfectly level plain,
surrounded with green groves, presen-
ting everlasting summer; the fields
blessed with natural fertility. The be-
holder involuntarily exclaims: why
should Mexican toll or labor2
1t is not indispensable that the army
should pass through Caiderete, as there
arc other roads by which Monterey can
be approached, but we mention this
route as supplies can be obtained in Ca
iderete, and the direction is nearest a
straight line. Immediately upon leaving
this place you enter again those shady,
winding pavilions, and continue in them
until within sight of Monterey. Many
little streams and rivulets intersect the
road, and some muddy lanes, which at
times become impossible. so that the
army will be fortunate if able TO proceed
in files OF six deep; but, as the near vi
cinity of Monterey is somewhat opened,
owing to the many fields, a small digres-
sion might be made to the right, and in
tersect the road that comes from the
mouth of eI Canon d. Satinas, it being
the most open road of the two. The
creek that washes the south east side of
Monterey runs between those two roads,
the fields forming border OH either side.
The road that leads from Caidcrete,
when within mile of Monterey, has
the appearance Of a village, the the hou-
ses being SO numerous. Passing
through this seeming village, and arri-
ing upon the bank of the creek, you have
Monterey in view on the opposite side,
presenting very handsome appearance.
The city is regularly laid out, the streets,
avenues and squares are shaded with
numerous fruit and other trees, and the
houses generally exhibiting much taste
and regularity to their construction.
The city is well watered, and every
thing about it strikes the beholder as
grand and beautiful A passing view
Of the city would convey the idea of a
large population, but close inspection
will show its large, castle like edi6ces,
sometimes occupying whole square.
sheltering but the members and servants
ofa single family; therefore from obser-
vation, we should not give the city po-
puiation Of more than 5000 souls, and
tits doubtful whether it is even so great
Cast the eye beyond Monterey, and
the sublime presents itself in lofty, up
reared pyramids Of adamantine stone,
tinged with crimson red, where the
creeping vine cannot be found, and
where the cedar and pine,-children of
the Alpine heights,-have never dared
to rear their heads-the sides and sum.