Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-06-26

| W pom mo MT, could undertake the en-
'erprse, with any hope of success, without how.
erlng for one or two years on the borders Of tbe
country, studying the language and character
OF the adjoining Indians, and making acquaint-
ance with some of the natives.
Five handred men could probably march di.
rectly to the city, and the invasion would be
more justifiable thanany ever made by the SDap-
lards ; but the government is too much occupied
win Its own wars, and the knowledge could not
Dc procured except at the price of blood Two
young men OF good constitution, and who could
afford to spare five years, might possibly suc-
ceed."
Upon this hint las we learn from an adver-
tlsement IN the Boston newspapers) two young
men-one Mr., Huertis, of Baltimore. in the
United States, man of fortune, who had tray
elled in Egypt, Persia, and Syria for the inspec-
ton Of ancient monuments the other a civil en-.
glneer, from Canada named Hammond sailed
from New-Orleans, in 1913, on this perilous and
romantic enterprise. They reached Conan on
Chriatmas day, where Iney met Spanish mer-
chant, Pedro Welasquez, of San Salvador. He
was we'll acquainted with the country and knew
several of the dialects of the Indians through
whose territories they had to pass. lie agreed
to accompany them. Providing themselves with
mules, provender, and an escort Of Indians, they
commenced their journey to the unknown city.
After many perils, they arrived at the top of the
high mountain, from which Stephens priest saw
this City of the Sun. They also beheld its domes,
turrets, and walls. They descended, and travel
led on till they came near the amphitheatre of
hills which they thought enclosed the object Of
their search. They met small groups of Indi-
ans, whose dialect they could not understand,
and seemed amazed at seeing them. One of
these, however, made them understand that
" about thirty moons ago." man of the same
race as Hammond (who had a ford complexion
and red whiskersl had been sacrificed and eat
en- by the Maebenachs, or Priests Of lXimaya,
the great city among the hills.
Presently troop of horsemen passed them,
in red and yellow tunics, armed with spears, and
each holding in leash brace Of Spanish blood
hounds, of the purest breed. Their informer
told them this was detachment of rural guards
which had been appointed since the Spanish in
vasion to hunt down and capture all strangers
that should be found within circle Of twelve
leagues of the city. An engagement ensued
in which the travellers were vctors, thanks to
their rifles, which created as great panic as
the fire. arms of Cortez. Huertls explained tc
the chief that they were friendly stangers who
desired their hospitality, and to see their mag
nifcent city The chief said his countrymer
showed no hospitality to strangers 1T was pun
ishuble with death by their laws. The peace
and independence of his nation depended upol
these restrictions but if they would enter
with the intention of never leaving, he woul
promise them dwellings,, wives, and honors'-
Huertis informed him by signs and other expe
dents, that he would enter the city on his ow
terms.
Accordingly they all marched towards it, cal
rying Hammond, who had been desperateI
wounded. They found that it was surrounde
by wall sixty feet high, enclosing an area
twelve miles a moat one hundred feet wide er
compassed the wall, which was crossed by
drawbridge, raised over the gate. At slgnt
from the Chief the bridge descended, and III
cayalcade passed over. At another signal tn
ponderous gates unfoded, and vista of soem
e al ;+-oIF of p
lossa statues and trees, extending to the oPp(
site side, or western gate similar avenu
crossed the city from north to south. Arrive
at the point where the avenues lntersect eac
other, they were led into a large and lofty hal
surrounded by columns, and displaying thre
raised seats. These were covered with canC
pies of rich drapery, on one Of which sat tn
monarch, person of grave and benignant as
pect, OF about sixty years old, who was arraye
} in scarlet and gold, having golden image
the rising sun On the back of his throne.
The interview resulted in giving the stanger
their freedom within the limits of the city; an
permission for them, under Indispensable obll
cations. to become citizens. In the meantim
tbey were to be maintained as prisoners Of state
With this they were satisfied. The rcsidenc
assigned them was the wing of spacious struc
turo which had been appropriated to the survl
wing remnant of an ancient order of priesthoo
called Kaanas. Forbidden by involuntary sa
cred laws from intermarrying with any person
but those of their own CASTE these Kaanas ha
dwindled down to few individuals, diminutiv
f in stature, and imbecile in intellect. The
were nevertheless held in high veneration an
, affection by the lxmayan COMMUNICATING
} as specimens of an antique race nearly eXtinc
Their ancient residence was chiefly occupied b
t a higher order of priests, called Wabuqoon
who were their legal and sacredotal guardian
With one Of these. Vaalpeor, Velasquez becam
| very intimate, and while Huertis was devotn
8 himself to the antiquities, hieroglyphics, al
) pantheism of this unknown city, the young pc
: gan was eagerly imbiblng knowledge of til
1 world at large from VeIasquez, which proved
9 him equally enchanting so that when the Spa
f lard proposed the escape of the expedition, wi
4 Vaalpeor as their companion he agreed to it.
q At this time Hammond died of his wounds, al
: after the funeral they made preparations for e
t cape.
When they were ready, Huertis could not
r found two days and nights elapsed still
4 did not appear On searching his rooms, nett
l. er his papers nor drawing instruments were
be seen. II was afterwards discovered that
had takon into his confidence one whom he no
ed would accompany HIM, and she had betray'
a, him, Ills offence, after his voluntary vow
- and his initiation into the sacred mysteries, WI
! uupardonable; his fate could not be doubted
n vaalpeor afterwards admitted that Huertis hi
= been sacrificed m due form on the high altar