Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-03-23
Correspondence of the Ereniag Posi-.
PANAMA, Jan. 18th 1sAe

ANAhA, Jan. I4tn, 1O49.
This is the first day since my arrival in this
place, or indeed since left the ship, that / have
ound myself enabled to write a word to any one.
in consequence Of the great fatigue occasioned by
walking across the lsihmus from Cruces TO this
place performed the journey on foot and alone ;
time, from half past eight in the morning, 10 about
nine in the evening; which has not been beaten as
vet believe. However, paid we'll for so great
an exertiou in this facilitating climate. The dis
Fnnce is said to be twenty-lour miles; think it
gather more
Our passage from New York to Chagres was
made IL ussnine days eighteen hours. The sea
was very rough, bat the Crescent City behaved ex-
ceedingiy we'll; aui the kindness of Captain Stod-
DART AMI his ye!y efficient subordlnates, greatly
sessened the fatjgues of the voyage Indeed so far
as Captain StOJdart was concerned, nothing was
left undone that could be done to assist US through
an the difficulties we encountered, both before and
after we lagded at Ckagres.
The passage of the river Chagres is performed
in canoes of all sizes, and occupies from to 3
days, depending altogether on the size of the canoe
and the amount OF the loads, rapidty of the stream,
&c. The distance by the river course 10 Cruces is
about forty miles, but think the head OF steam.
boat navigation must be at least fifteen miles below
CFVres Below that the Orus may navigate with
out difficulty
stream Of water of its size known.
The harbOr OF Chagres will admit, inside the bar
vessels OF considerable size. The bark John Ben
son sailed over the bar without difficulty Captain
Stoddart would not attempt to enter the harbor on
account Of the extreme length of the Crescent City.
The village of Chagres consists OF about four
hundred and forty miserable Indian luts one Of
them used a church, and very respectable di
hpidatcl fort, containing some old guns, &c. well
c,,araJ With mass and .iDtp,y ,,,a
thousand five hundred inhabitants such as they are
the most miserable | ever saw in any country ex-
cept this.
forgot to mention in the proper place, that the
river Chagres IS very quick, running always in one
direction, FULLY equal ia that respect to the Missis-
sipp However, there no difficulties between
Chlgres and Panama that may not be easily over
cone, and at very comparative small amount Of
money. | say the route is very practicable Yes
indeed easy would venture my reputation on
this point, that with the amount OF capital invested
ia the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad the distance
from Chagres to Panama can be accomplished in
the short space Of six hours by steamboats,
and railrod-the whole to be in successful and
perfect operation within six months after the arri.
ysl Of the first vessel wit. materials and men at
Chasres However the natives perhaps would
I've the best laborers to employ as general thing,
vet all kinds of mechanics and machinery would
be necessary. as we'll as iron &c. Wood and water,
bala are abundant aud durable | mean to say that
on the spot there is an abundance OF water, and
large timber.
The city Of Panama resembles somewhat Vera
Cruz, although the streets are more narrow (the
best OF them moi more than twenty feet from house
10 nouse) the buildings not originally good,
more wool being used in their construction, &c,
arI the whole place presents a greater degree OF
decay and d'opd1ton than any town or place
ever saw in Mexico. The people generally, al.
hopgh net Individuality, are more beautiful than in
the former place.
The inhabitants (natves) are divided into three
c.csses FIST the whites or Spanish, and then comes
the Indians and Negroes. The two last named
races are thclaboring class of the country as well
the house servants, for no person here, with the
least approach TO white skin, can be found or in
cucei 10 perform any kind of servitude whatever
Yet believe, from what can see, that none are
possessed Of much OF this worlds goods. They
remind me OF a fallen race, and indeed they are -
The place abounds in churches as does Mexico, but
rome OF them even approach the spIendor OF the
former country The mules are few and probably
the most miserable creatures on the earh. have
not vet seen one carriage, or even two.wheeled
vehicle OF any description whatever; there no
sldJe,hor,es here either. No pdsslo no alameda;
no fountains; no baths, finally, no nothing. The
ladies' never venture out oil door, except when they
20 10 mass, and very seldom Tor that purpose
Finally, nothing can be named that even approach
Is Mexico in grandeur or excellence except the
priests who are in dress and appearance equal
Every thing besides falls far short OF that benIght
Ell country. Our arrival here has caused perfect
deArth IN the land. No bread to be bought at any
price and crcyy thing IN proportion.