The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-08-16

"A
steamer, Sir Heury L. Bulwer, cast loose from
tho Prometheus. and W. commenced our trial
trim no the river San Juan, which is at the upper
extremity of the town. Our pilot, native,
struck on false channel, and snagged US OH
bar some few minutes after starting. Here we
were. without any knowledge Of the channel, ana
we were perplexed as TO the course we should
pursue ia regard to getting atioat. The evening
oror. the captain of the port said that we should
ask permission TO ascend the river. Joserh L.
White. esq returned answer, that on The NOR
row we should enter the river; that IN io49
treaty was entered into, that this company shouiu
not be molested in any way; that neutrality was
To be observed; and that, instead OF asking per
mission, he demanded free passage SNORT
period elapsed one messenger returned, sayi"g
that permission should not be denied thai we
should have asked, as matter OF courtesy we
replied that the boat was bound for Granada,
that on the morning she should go up stream
and the only way 10 prevent Us was To DO" us
out of water. Thus we entered upon our route !;
the crew of the Bermuda, with Lieut.. Armstrong,
came to our relief; all our passengers 'eapea
into the river, and with the crew OF the Engiisn
schooner, after two hours hard labor, succeeded
in clearing the bar, and entered the beaten chah'
mel Of the San Juan Three cheers were gwen
from our gallant little boat for the English which
were handsomely returned.
At ten minutes past 10, we were afoat on the
most beautiful river ever saw. The engine,
although new and stiff, worked well; we made
the first 8 miles in 80 minutes; anchored at IT ;
up anchor at $40 on Friday noon. The sun,
just peeping through a cloud, gives promise of a
fine day before u.s. The rapids in this river have
heretofore been considerable scarecrow to the
natives, and we found ourselves soon at the foot
of the Machesca's trimmed the boat; all hands
down run close in shore struck limbs OF trees
overhead carried away our awning posts; some
little Consideration among US; struck on rocks !;
rounded to- at it again. The O.us, In 1900,
was wrecked here, and lies in the middle OF the
stream. Here was a drawback--the swift cur
rent. roaring over the loose rocks, impeded our
advance; and, with wreck before US, assure
Won the experiment of ascending these rapids
was ANYTHING but pleasant Back we were
swept, vet Yankee energy was not thus to be
damped-at it again; the boats nose was
brought out Of the current and all our steam
appled-"now she moves" cried one--now she
nears the rocks--puff-pu tf'-up-up--not,
word--all siIent--how we gazed silently as the
shrubbery ringing the waters edge, making our
Roadway. At length we passed the peril ana
gave three hearty cheers. Reached WOOD sta
ton on our lefe at % min Of nine; ride hut
here; half-past six, AT the San Carlos river, 81
miles from the Lake Nicaragua, according. to
survey Of a party under Col ChiIds; III, left
wood station, reached Mico Rapids; 1920. eur
rent very strong; 20 of l. over these 5 h. 80 IN.
RUNNING time from the mouth of the San Juan
to the foot of the Castillo Rapids, the grand OBJ
stacle to steam navigation. Our wood being moist,
and being short ofcoal, we will attempt to moun4
here, though we anticipate failure; rugged our
hauser and chain 4 o'clock, 10 p. NJ, point
makes out here, nd az we hauled her round the
current struck her. and in spite of our efforts
she swept away, leaving her in the midst OF the
boiling waters thump--rump-ban
moment of suspence--not workbench man
felt that much was at stake. She strikes a rock,
and settles as though in cradle formed OF stones.
How will they get off! is the query OF one to
another A few moments more, and we see her
move slowly down. lIurrah she's of Down
she swept, and, after rounding the point below,
hanled tn on friendly shore. A strong, hearty
shake of hands, clear brows, and firm determi-
nation on all parts that We can overcome the
difficulty.
The banks Of the river are high, and covered
with beautiful trees, mostly yelled, as it were,
with wild vines and flowers of fragrance. The
old castle frowns upon the crest OF the hill, and,
although dilapdated, yet presents picture TO
the curious and the lovers Of antiquities Thus
far, we have found everything much more pleas
ant than we had anticipated, and that sure and
speedy communication will be opened through,
from the Atlantic to the Pacific we do not for a
moment doubt. With good. swift boats, gen
tlemanlv commanders, and with scenery to at
tract the eye, studded with banana, orange,
lemon, palm, and thousand varieties of other
trees, what shall deter the traveller from the
United States in making a choice of this sure
ard practicable route
San Carlos is small village, containing
twenty or twenty-five houses, or huts, made of
poles, covered with palm, situated on the Lake
di Nicaragua, and at one time, n, doubt, was a
considerable place. The only noticeable points
here, are the remains of the once famous Castle
Of San Carlos, and the present Custom HOUSE.
The latter is built of poles, board floor, palm
roof cows sleeping under il, and were fortified
by filth and stencil against all civilized invaders
Truly, had the English wished to dispossess
Nicaragua Of her rights and privileges here. this
one spot would have remained intact for no
civilized nation would hold the place as gift
The fort on the hill opposite, is hut of no
strength or beauty---twenty- soldiers, seven
pieces of cannon, one mounted, the others ly.
Carlos, where tigers and deer prow about in
he day time. The lake is truly beautiful and
with the islands Of Zapoie, Chichicaste, Soen.
tinmame and Ba'seas reposing within its sweep,
and bordering, or rather fringed, by the blue,
coffee bearing hills of Costa Rica, we enjoy a
lovely scene.
The government are de,irous of being added
to our already envied Union, and would hail the
stars and stripes with Joy. The English are
but tolerated; for had Nicaragua the power to
return the uncivil treatment received from Al
bon, assure you her guns would flash, and her
sons, to a man, would drive the invader from her
soil. Americans are here hailed gladly, and those
who may be called "knownq ones" look for
ward TO time when the colors of Nicaragua
and America viii be blended in unison, or when
the eagle of Columbia will bring yet one more
daring eaget under her wing.
Yours truly
p. +. STOUT.
TaE TABLES TURNED Twelve months ago