The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-27
Tehuantepec Expedition.
Special Corresponding ofthe Picayins.

A colony of 1000 French-men, women and
children-were landed, ut this spot in 1880
The voyage had been unusually long and weari-
some They were unused to tropical climate,
and unprcp;red for the settlement in a new and
wild country. A malignant fever broke out
among them, and great many persisted before
single house was raised to shelter them They
scattered in an unreasonng panic. Numbers
destroyed themselves in their desperation The
few that had means fled from the country
rather than stay to fulfil the hard condition
which their contracts imposed upon them. The
Mexican government gave them no aid, as pro
missed; the French revolution of 1880 inter-
vened, and the company abandoned them en-
tirely. The Mexcans and French quarreled;
Vera Cruz was bvmbarded, and thus ended the
French attem t on Tehuantepec. There are
several French families yet here, and they are
the only people who appear to have any enter
prise. The whole population of the village is
about 500-the surrounding country is Inhabited
by Indians About nine miles northwest from
the town is al Indian village called Cosoleacaque,
containing about 5000 inhabitants. The Catho-
lies have a missionary station and church there,
but without having done much for civilization,
las thetlndians GO about nearly naked There
AS not one pure white among them. The padre
visited the Alabama, and appeared to be much
astonshed at what he saw.
Dogs are innumn cradle. We are enca ped
in the middle of the town, but find it necessary
before sitting down to breakfast to have pile
Of stones at hand with which TO beat them ,H
There is here plenty Of hogs, horses, cows,
sheep, goats and beef cattle, and the country
abounds in game. The ladies are remarkably
handsome.
The village has lively appearance just now.
We have here Majo' Barnard and his party, Capt.
Chas. r. Webster, U. S. Consul at rehnante-
pee. DR.. Peasants and several New Orleans
tie senors and senoritas Promenade the streets
from morning till bed time.
The navigation OF the river can be made good
to this place for the largest size of snps, and
forty miles further for ordinary shipping. 1t is
entirely free from bars and snags, and has ad-
vantages not inferior to those Of any river of lis
size iu the United States. But will give you
more details in my next and in the course OF
few weeks will be able TO forward you some
account of the progress Of the survey.
T.c head of navigation will be sought for
with great care. The minds Of al, who are here
are impressed with full belief of the entire
practicabity of the route II there could only
be Il mule post established now, and steamers
put on the Pa fife side, tue travel would imme-
diately be very great.
have no desire to invite emigration now to
this part Of the country, but am sure the time
will not be long before americans will occupy
the finest parts of this beautiful region. lac
people are very friendly, and want us among
them for their improvement and protection.
conclude this letter with the following in
teresiing inscription which Major Barnnrd copied
from a marble slab on the floor OF tie church Of
San Francisco, at Vera Cruz. The church was
built in 1891.
Aqvi ace Ia mvi noble
Sonora Dona Angela,
Cortes AreIIano,
Bisnieta del Gran
Captain Famoso
Conqvs,ador Deste,
Reyno.
Don Fernando Cortes,
Eve Sv FaIlecimIento,
piez..y Ocho de ivnio,
| Ano de 1868.