The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-02-15
New York to Panama, sailing time. -.

New York to Panama, sailing time. -. Sc 1s
The thoughtfulness Of Capt. Forbes enables US
to give the latest ship news from the PacIfc:-
VESSELS SAILED FROM VALPARAIso ron CALIFORNIA
SINCE Nov. 1, 184S.
Chile ship Mercedes. Chile sob. Chile.
Do bark Dolores. American ship Minerva
-Pseihco. McKim.
VESSELS LOADING IN VALPARAISO FOR CALIFORNIA, D.
GENDER g. 1S48.
Chile brig Eleodon. French bark Haruls.
| Do. do. Progreso. American do. Tasso.
| Do. do. Taleo. Danish sch. Maria via
| Do. chip Julio Mszatlen.
| Do. do. Confederation. American bark Hortensis
| Peruv' n sch. Sambazecuna
The steamer California brought to Panama
from Callao and Payta, $llS,6OO IN specie, fol
California, II cabin passengers, and 52steerage do
The public will not fail to read the following
letters, from our Chagres and Panama cores
pondents -
Our Isthmus Correspondence.
CHAoREs, Jan. "a, lS49.
Important to Nav,gators-Wreck of Sir Auer,can
Vesseis-- Their Names The Dangers of the
Voyage to Chdgres--Hotc to Aroid Shipwreck-
Intsrtsting Intelligence relative to Chagres-- The
Steamer Orns--Himts to Em,grants, &C., &c.
Much has been said about Chagres-some truth,
no doubt, but many lies; so that few, If any, put
confidence in what Is said now about 1t. If you
will publish few lines from the pen of sailor, I
will vouch for the truth of all write, although It
may not be so polished as many pieces that have
been written, and have done SO much HARM None,
probably, have been injured by them more than
myself. For instance, the report of 5000 men
waiting at Panama when there were but 400 caused
many that had paid their passage to Chagres to
forfeit the whole, and withdraw from an enter
PRISE IN which they saw nothing before them but
trouble.
But will begin with the navigation.
When approaching Chagres, which is essential
IN the winter season, and useful to those bound
there now speak as a seaman, and to seamen
In particuar-a navigator that takes the Coast Pr
lot tor his guide from May until November or
December, may be all right for what know, as I
never was there durlpg those months; but the
Coast Pilot speaks OF no other months, and says
vessel must tall IN with the land 30 40 miles to
the westward of Chagres, and he will find south
and westwardly winds and eastwardly currents,
so that he can easily gain his port But it Is quite
different affair In the winter months, can assure
him; and he must fall in with the land during the
winter when the northeast trades blow in the
neighborhood OF Porto Beo, and run to the west.
ward ward; about here the land ls high and easily
The current eff Porto Bello found, 10 two in
stances, setting strong to the eastward until half
way down to Chagres, when it runs as hard to the
westward. As soon as the castle is seen, come to
anchor northeast OF the bar, one or one and half
miles distant; you will have five fathoms water
soft bottom; as soon as the sails are furled, down
boat, and with four hands, II possible to spare
them, pull tor the town-fCr you may wait until
your vessel rots before one OF the cowardIv set
would come near you.
In pulling In keep close TO the rocks at the foot
OF the castle and between the bre akers or you NAV
caps:ze your boat and lose all hands. The L7rrent
out five knots. Pull up to the harbor, and find
Capt Tucker, OF the steamer Orus, or Capt. Wood,
who lately went ont in the Isthmus; il they are
there, you can get all the information requisite
about entering the port, or any other information
wanted; Ter If you inquire on shore you may be
vessel over the bar do at once; If she is up the
rIver, wait outside until she comes down; il his
boat cannot be obtained, you can get from the
town ragged negro Tor pilot, who knows where
me water Is, but Knows no more of a vessel than
me pc ople OF New York know OF Chagres. He
VIII let you know when IT is high water on the
bar, so that you can get under wsy accordingly
ne cannot speak much English ali he can say is
"lufl," and "keep away"
10 no, be triehtened on approaching the bar. al
though 1t Is the ugliest place sailor ever looked
a ar 10 can scarce see any open;r Tor his vessel
10 enter, II II blows strong breeze; and If It does
moi BOW su'pg, avessel cannot get IN at all. If
gu succeed IN getting over the bar without knock-
ing the bottom out, you Have not got over the
worst OF II, although you may think your vessel
secure, tor the current runs cut so strong and the
WIND, asa general thing, striking the vessel which
requires the anchor to be let 60 and all sail cewed
up as soon over the bar. As soon as possible.
then, put hawser or strong line In the boat send
il on shore, and, after making II FAST bring the end
on board 10 hold The vessel with; be sure to make
a grip from the shore to the vessel, as you cannot
get from the vessel TO the shore with the line fast