The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-28
Journal Of Gold Understandable
ners OF the Natives-scenery-Inte
lncl
PANAMA. New Granada. April % 1910

Incidents.
PANAMA, New Granada, April o. 1S49
We left New York in the brig Eudora, Captain VIM.
Mathews, Monday Jan. 20. 1840, for Chagres and
rived ut that place the 10th day of February making
the passage from port to port in seventeen days during
which time nothing occurred of unusual interest ex-
cept in passing the island of San Domingo, where
had for whole day fine view Of that beautiful island
loted around the old Spanish fort which commands
the mouth Of the river Cbagres and dropped anchor
opposite the town. close by the shore it being the only
place suitable for vessels on account OF the depth of
water
On entering the river, the most beautiful prospect
that ever beheld presented itself Never body
Of men agreeably surprised than those board
and never has place been more belied and scandal
lied than Chagres. The first thing you observe before
entering the river is old Spanish fort represented
in New York the Mud Fort, which is in great
state Of decay but at the timeit built which
some two or three hundred 1t must have been
impregnable, and could now, Mt few thousand dol
lars expense, be made to reflect great credit any
nation.
1t is said that this fort taken by pirates who
were in great numbers on the Chagres river, about
the time the spaniards were enriching themselves
their first discovery. 1t stands a solid rock about
one hundred feet high and is Of the best positions
In the world The town Of Cbagres consists of about
one hundred and fifty huts ranchas which present
to the stranger most singular appearance. They
built with reeds and matched roofs made Of the palm
tree, and very much of the STYLE differing
only in size am told that before the gold excite
ment. there was but one white man in the place. The
whole population, which suppose is about thou
sand are a mixture Of the African, Indian and Spa
niard, principally the former A large majority are
very black and woolly many Of various shades, aud
none very white. ! saw woman who spec killed.
like leopard with glack and white spots. Where is
Eainum!
ners, and clearly in their persons. Their favorte
dress is white, cut low in the neck with large lace
mantilla which appears to be the pervading fashion
have seen SEINE on Sunday have on lace stockings
and blue satin shoes, with their wool and hair deco
rated in the most fantastic style with Chatham street
jewelry. The men, ut present, are principally en-
mr. IN int wit
merchandise up the river Little confidence can be
placed in them, as the most of them will steal but
few II any. have the courage to do anything worse.
" hen at work they nearly in a state Of nudity,
having on what we would call freemasons apron,
TO- % tbs wmsn 1ns go to the
On my way to Gorgona, met several of the boatmen
who had on nothing but straw hat. The children
never wear any article OF clothing until they six
seven years old, as have seen more than hundred
willie at Chagres, and never one but in perfect
state Of nudity IT may be different in winter it being
s,Einer here at the present time
When couple wish to enter into the blissful state
ofmatrimopy they go before the acade who performs
time if either party wish to separate, they can and
Immediately marry again. ] think this custom would
find much favor with many in New York.
Chagres, at present is very healthy; in fact have
exposed myself more in my life than while here
There is no dew, but always fine strong trade wind
blowing, which the town. from its position does not
receive.
The only objection have to the place is the frequent
showers, at short notice, which not, however, of
long duration The country abounds with all kinds of
fruit such pineapples, pantains bananas cocoanuts
tocas, oranges, sweet and sour lemons, &c &c have
eaten of oil the above-bamed but with moderation.
Suearcane is also in abundance. | have eaten very
freely Of it, and prefer it, bananas excepted to any OF
the products of the country 1t being at the same time
very healthy. There having been great many locusts
last year, crops Of all kinds have been comparatively
small
The canoes here being small and the steamer Orus
being only able to proceed about sixteen miles up the
river not more than onc-third the distance we con-
cuded to build four boats suitable for the river far
for the same The second day after we arrived CON-
mittee appointed to superntend, and the boats
at commenced in good earnest
The 22d, being Washington's birthday the vessels in
port, some seven or eight in number, all american
were decorated in beautiful manner; those shore
firing sautes in honor of the man whom every Ameri
can, whether in foreign land or at home, delights ia
honor
The boats being now com plcted we're considered ia
be the best and handsomest of the kind made in
the place. both regards model and workmanship
They launched their native element with great
Washington after the father Of his counry the second
New York. after our native State; the third Nagdaena
after of her farest daughters and the fourth
Eudo1a after the brig which brought us here
Ihe I'D being the day appointed to sail for Gorgona
two Of the boats loaded the day before to
able us leave in the cool of the morning All hands
were UP next morning and breakasted before daylight
he large Immediately struck; boxes barrels
beegogc. camp equipments, &c. &c. were Tying IN
every direction. 1t soon found, however, that
our boats insufficient to carry us all In one trip
and having the evening previous heard OF the great
dl1bcuty ana expense OF transporting neaVy luggaBt
and goods across the mountains from Gorgona to "a
nnmawc concluded to send the boats with all they could
CARY and SCH the balance Dupignac two others anc
myself. remained for that purpose.
AT o clock A. NJ. the boats loaded and ready
to start Two had sails and two had only, and nj
supplied with long poles for polling in those parts OF the
river which were very shallow The signal being given
All bands aboard the boats towed in the middle
OF the river by the Of the Eudora each sailing
having with oars in tow The sails were her
unfurlcd to the breeze which is always fair for
distance up the river The stars and stripes thef
mn md nj cd hos
rom the Eudora and other vessels they passed Thu
| Meedalena being the flagship Of the squadron Tn,
vessels all of the same szc six feet wide by twent,
feet long inside measurement
We mmc diately set our tent in order and arranged
goods, which had been selected for sale, which
disposed Of in about three days to the inhabitants
of the town, at fair prices making average profit
fifteen or twenty per cent, after paying expenses
On the 25th at T. NJ, canoe arrived, loaded with