The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-13
The Course OF the River San Juan de



Nicaragua.
From the Gaccta tic Nicaragua.
The river san Juan is the outlet OF the lakes
Managua and Granada which are united by
streams, IN the province OF SAN Carlos. Where
the San Juan first commences, It Is two hundred
and fifty yards IN breadth; and, after running some
four hundred yards, II Is joined by another rver
called the Rio FRO. one hundred and eighty yards
in breadth. This last named river arises in the
mountains Of Costa Hlca, towards the southern por-
tcn of them, IN part OF the country inhabited by
u tribe ot savage Indians, white IN color. with red
har. They ale called the Guatusos, and hold 10
communication with any other nation nor, in spite
Of The many efforts made 10 approach them, have
they allowed .hc sl'anirds 10 come near them. At
II ,hor distance from the junction OF the Rio Fro
10 the san Juan. they both pass before q large
mound called The Mound Of the English, the
enemy attempted 10 form a battery there. and the
font is situated almost parallel 10 the mound The
currents run from The origin OF the rivers to the
Atlantic Ocean, IN an easterly directions and the
OF the river Is through woods, hills, and
mountains lis banks are frlnged with trees, flow
crs, and much sarsnparila. From the above men
toned mound. The river forms a beautiful and wide
sheet OF more than four hundred wards In breadth,
and nineteen hundred and eighty yards IN length,
which terminates where the river makes its first
Turn to the night; and thee is situated, just in this
tuln, an island covered with called lsla
,irandc. Ihis island is on the left hand side.
Here there small fishing station where occa-
sicnally The Indians FROM Mclchora (who are semi
ciyiIizcd) so ,otsh. Thl: place scaled Aeuacate
the right OF this latter station there is the first of
ten stations, when were established the river so
as 10 iolm a cham ii contamination between the
font and The mouth OF the river. They were called
the "Iavalos." and IN each one there u ccr-
tain number of troops, sailor. and boat capable
Of holding cleht PERSONS INTO which they might
retire IN 81 beng attacked by superior force.
All these stations stu exist bat they III ruins,
and unnha bitcd. From the above mentioned sta
ton the river proceeds IN wider sheet. and,
iatcr making three turns. the first rapids are
met with. They are termed the Rapids del
Toro, and alc dangerous on account OF the rocks
in lhcm, more csiceiply two The pirogucs
can 20 Down these rapids easily, but their ascent
must be by fore Of polling and hauling. After
passing these rapds snort distance, there comes
from The mountains on the lcil a considerable sized
river. called the "Pcco >ol, name derived from
the fact that Ii j. so shaded IN its course After
gong on TWO or three leagues, through a spacious
plain. where lis banks are covered with lnpene
rabc bushes, there met with station. or tort
" here ihrrc was stationed troop of militia, and
where the ancient Castle Of San Juan, OF which
vestigcs roman 20 ihc present day, was taken;
and in front ot this fort to the southwark, IL The
mound which The enemy fortified on that OCCASION
Al shou disiarcc from the fort is the establish
mcnl called the Plata Forma Battery, which be-
louaod 10 tho old cas;ic whicipalso stands TO the
right; and III front Of this are the grand rapids OF
the castle the most dangerous in the river, both on
account ct their great descent and rapid current,
and The many rocks IN them, which make II I'M
possible Tor loaded pro9ues 10 ascend, and they
can only get ny with hall load, by force of polling
ana making ias "a cable 10 the Plata Ferna, TO haul
on ne luther impeachment L. met with until the
islahu 81 Baio.a y arrived az, some two leagues
below thc castle. hccw his island there is very
siion2 current called thc Guasino, which does
NOT extend, however, beyond the turn of the river
Whc!c mere ls aAothrr island, smaller than the
previois one, called la lila de IN Juana covered
WIN whilc canes la iAc channel near this island,
large launch, loaded with provisions. owned hv
The English, pes lost. Alter passing down some
distance. until We aITye q; the station called the
pgmanic, and following grand and wide turn of
the river. we ctInc 70 q very precimtaic current
flied with rocks, called the Rapids Of Machuca'
where there j. another station on the same side Of
he liver lie IfeInan'c, and road through the
forest con mln.caies between them: In The Wei
ni'y oI this there is high mountain, called the
Al6ro. on which there Is said TO reside tribe of
savage Indians. From This point there are no more
rapids 10 be met with in the river. The account
liom which we have taken the above description,
states that IL pursues a winding course through a
beaWiiul county, until ii enters the bay Of the
port oi san Juan, where It's current IL so rapid
10 beat back the waters of the Atlantic Ocean
aeaily lhses-qasrtcrs VI league.