The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-12-13
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Literary World.

i observation-disclosures
| From the Literary World.
/ mr.. squers Discoveries in Central America.
An extract from letter read at the recent meeting
Squier minister OF the United States in Central America
giving brief account of antiquarian researches il
which he has been engaged W. n 1T
although have been much occupied in official bu,i
ness, says Mr.. Squer, 81 have in the intervals which
offered during the progress Of my negotiations and since
tneir termination been able to pay attention the
nent degree in obtaining the confidence of the Indians
ana nave secured some Of their vocabulaes In fact
he Indian Pueblo OF Subtiaya has presented me orma
IN arms tomorrow at my call In presenting H. the
spokesman exclaimed, with startling emphasis .stbe
cpanards have had their feet necks very long
them as they have us; we hate Them II sound
ed strange to hear the Indian talk Of Washing
ton; out his name is familiar in every rancho, and
from barefooted the road The Indians Of Sub
taya have dug up Tor number OF their buried IDOLS
ana 4, are now exhuming more. They impose but one
see them and shall keep the localities secret These
IDOLS though much smaller, closely resemble those Of
topaz IN workmanship and were doubt dedicated to
possession ranging from five feet and half 10 eight ii
height and from four to five in circumference The fa-
ces OF most are mutaiedan evidence of the fanatcal
zeal OF the early Spaniards who waged of exte-
mnaton on the superstitions of the aborgines They
did not however, succeed in eradicating them for thew
are blended in singular manner, and in inconsdera
conquerors. H @e Sl# II 17
Many an Indian, within the sound of the bells Of the
cathedral offers his lbaton Of (ground parched
corn, and sugar mixed with waer) to the gods OF the
heds for the success OF the crops and secretly burns
gums from the forest before eafthen idol or carved
stone carefully hidden from the scrutiny of the priests in
some obscure corner of his hut Upon these matters
they however maintain all the reserve OF the Indians OF
the NORTH strengthened by fear of exposure to the rgors
OF the priesthood Some OF the statues to which have
M n lob hanl
Diners OF Copan one bears shield upon his arm an
other has girdle to which is suspended head and
still another has rising above it's head the sculptured
Jaws OF an alligator All are very ancient, and the
places OF their deposte have been handed down from
one generation to another. The fragments of many
are to be found within few miles Of Leon, and
over the country. Perhaps the most remarkable To-
cality with the exception Of the island of Omeepe in
lake Nicaragua, is the island Of Momotomba in the
lake OF Mongaa paid visit to this island early in
July beautiful volcanic cone, rising with all the
symmetry Of sugar-oaf from the midst of the lake
before It towers the giant volcano of Momoombo, from
the bare and blackened summit of which still rises the
smoke OF internal fires. Momotombita is indeed re.
markable island and the traveller who gazes on from
the shores OF the lake not surprised to learn that under
the shadows and amidst the gloom of its dense forests
nged by the stems OF ages stand the rude and frown
ing statues Of the gods of aboriginal superstition.
Many OF these have been removed and scattered
The country and some believe, have been sent abroad
number still remain, but the largest brought away with
me at the cost OF days hard labor and at great risk in
passing 10 miles upon the lake In gusty night and the
boat scarce able to sustain the great weight This had
resisted the exertons of l2 on one occasion after
moving il few rods, they abandoned il in despair The
ooatmen thought me mad and crossed themselves deyout
y, when / proposed to carry il away. They offered
prayers on the lake, and made vows. After breaking
Town one or two carts, naygot il to this city in safe
y, and shipped il with ten dozen more via Raleo
md Cape Horn, for Washington But to return.
IL seems that there were originally thirty or forty
II these statues of various Sizes and more or less eabo
ately carved, arranged in place, in the form of
quare, all looking nwards The dimensions of the |
quare cannot now be ascertaned but the few remaining
lgures or fragments show that the statement correct
It's singular fact, and another evidence OF the preva
ence in America OF the doctrines OF the two reciprocal
principles OF nature, the active and passive, male and
emae,) that these figures were represented, some as
male and some female. "The Indians OF Honduras"
ays Herrera, worshpped two images, male and female
which they call the great father and the great mother
md OF which, he says little further on, the and
he moon were the representatives | have heard of
her localities, similar TO this, which propose to visit
md shall therefore, not repeat what was told con-
ernng them i
must not, however forget to mention that there has
aey been discovered in the province of Vera Paz $50
niles NE Of Guatemala, buried in dense forest and far
rom any settlements ruined city surprising Copan and
'alenque in extent and magnifcence and displaying
egee OF art TO which Of the structures OF Yucatan
an lay claim The government Of Guatemala sent
ommssion to examine Il but their investigations were
DON interrupted by the civil connections of the country,
nd they were only able TO bring away rude plans
nd imperfect drawings shall 90 there as SOON as my
uties will permit learn also Of other interesting mon
ments near by in Honduras and San Salvador OF which
o public mention has yet been made shall pay all the
ttention can TO these although there is too much for
ne man 10 hope 10 do well But :" here goes" nowiih.
landing.