The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-04-24
Intelligence from Panama.

II very frequently occurs that letters sent us by
sailing vessels from Chagres, fail TO reach us In
due season. IL sailing direct for New YORK, our
chances of receiving them in shorter order would
be much enhanced A large package OF papers
and letters from the Pacific came to hand yester-
day, and although not OF a recent date, the con-
tents of the annexed letter, and the desire TO see
the opinions OF all from that quarter, usties the
publication even at this late period. We cannot
forbear 10 say, that the general tenor of this letter
corresponds with the accounts given to verbally,
by those who have crossed and recrossed the
lsthmus.
PANAMA, Feb %, 1919
In the wet season, the Orus might be useful, but
now she is an injury. | cannot forbear to add,
however, that all unite In saying that the captain
has conducted most noby, and is peculiarly fitted
for so trying post small boat, with very slight
draught, and wheel in the stern, would answer;
but in the absence of such, fifty or more whale
boats OF iron or wood, might render the naviga-
ton of the Chagres not only tolerabe, but comfort
able. and in most cases agreeable. joined par
ty Of thirteen, and In large canoe, carrying all
our baggage propelled by SIX rowers, we ascend
ed TO GOrgona in good time, and without any great
inconvenience Travellers crossing the Isthmus,
should have nothing to do with committees, or
general arrangements, but rather depend wholly
upon themselves. We have all lost money by en-
deavoring to serve each other. | had been led to
suppose the transit of the lsthmus was most for
III not dangerous, undertaking. IL mas
proved, on the contrary, not only teerable, but
quite agreeable, from Its novelty: have been, as
have all others, happily undeceived. / have ira
yelled more than 1000 miles, in Mexico and Eu-
rope, over worse roads, and encountered more for
midable difficulties Never We're there so many
scarecrows raised to brighten the timid and
ing. The scenery of the Chagres Is beautiful, and
repays the trouble manifold, for the nconvenien-
ces he may have TO submit to In seeing II. The
coast, too, on either ocean, is noble, dlvershed
and charming.
And here ! cannot forget to. acknowledge my
many obligations to the Pacific Mail Steamship
Company, for the liberallty almost prodlgaD be-
slowed on all their arrangements IN regard to lncrea
sing the facilities OF getting 10 California NO pains
have been spared All their agents | have found
most obliging and efficient; nor am alone In this
expression-no dissenting voice has reached me.
! can but hope, then, as do most sincerely, that
they will be rewarded as they deserves and of this
no one can Judge better than those who have been
the participants of their noble undertaking and la
wish expenditures.
On board the Crescent City, | formed the ac-
ouaintance of Mr.. Slidell, chief of the Panama
division of the railroad survey. | found him an
agreeable and intelligent man, and from his COM
mencement at Gorgona, on his arrival at his sta
ton cannot doubt but that the company have
made an excellent choice for this arduous post
The survey seems to be gong on timely, although
the natives seem 10 entertain much the same pre-
judce against the work as the boatmen do against
the steam navigation of the Chagres 1t seems to
me that but few of our countrymen and fewer
still of foreigners, have yet formed any adequate
idea of the vast importance of this enterprise-a
railroad across the Isthnaus. But rejecting OBJ
serving man has only to look at the map of the
world, and then make this trip, to have the full
importance of such work impressed upon his
mind. Would that | might influence Congress to
look at the undertaking. free from prejudice, and
as enlightened statesmen should do. 1t would
render any Congress memorable, and almost pre-
eminent TO have essentially forwarded such an
enterprise.
Panama is healthy, pleasant. town to live in,
and is beautifully situated The. scenery, both Of
mountain and coast, is grand and delightful.
One may live handsomely here for one dollar per
day. have five rooms, and can live for less, and
am at the same time as comfortable as at home.
There is always fine air stirring the sky at this
season, perfectly clear, the heavens blue and Sc
rene, like Italy; while the nights cool and COM
Portable. l require a blanket. | am, therefore,
most agreeaby surprised with the place, particu-
ary as, out OF 600 to 800 strangers here not one,
TO my knowledge, is indisposed. We are all in
good health and spirits, have good appetes, are
on the best terms possible with the Governor and
the citizens, and are therefore happy, await
ing patiently the means of getting to the golden
land,