Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-02-21
comnle,ion Of the Nicaragua Route.

We cow the following graphic description of the
new California Route from the New York Sun:
Passengers from California land on the Pacific
side, at the Port of Realejo in Nicaragua. Here a
Great many Americans have settled, and several fine
American hotels are opened where the best fare and
accommodations are had at moderate prices. From
here passengers go by horses stage. tor STU, to
Granada, which is a small town at the northern end
of the Great Lake. The road from Realejo to Gran
ada passes through one of the richest and most fer
tile territories on the continent Midway is the city
of Leon, the capital of Nicaragua where passengers
will also find first rate American hotels oeveraI
hours can be spent here to advantage in examining
the curiosities of the city.
Arrived in sight of Granada, the heart OF every
American traveller thrills with delight as he beholdS
the flag of his country flying from the stern OF d
trim little steam boat anchored not far from the
shore and almost under the shadow OF the great vol
cano of Mombacha. The steamer proves W We 'iie
Director, and prepares for a voyage down the lake
TO San Carlos through scenery the most grand ma
iestic and sublime, which the eye of man has ever
gazed upon The distance from Granada to San
Carlos is about ninety miles.
Leaving Granada, the steamer dashes tar out INTO
the lake, in order to pass the point Of Mombacha
rounds up for the city of Nicaragua and steers to
pass midway between the two great volcanic islands
The scene which now bursts upon the traveller is
unutterably sublime. On the ght, and close on
board the mountain island of FL Zapatero towers up
from the clear deep, and just beyond, the mountains
of Granada and old Mombacha likewise loom,
On the left seemingly bnt few rods distant, the
majestic volcano of Omecepe rises to the height OF
several thousand feet Just beyond this is seen the
volcano of Madeira five thousand feet high Right
ahead is seen the city of Nicaragua behind which
tower up another chain of noble mountains.
The United States abound in beautiful scenery, it
is true but of all the deep soul moving sights which
mortal man saw, compares with that from
the Yankee steamer Director, she poWs IN between
Napatero and Omectepe, towards the anchorage OF
Nicaragua.
As the boat draws near to Nicaragua the steam
ers bell is rung the small boat lowered the engine
stopped, and the landing made in real North River
style.
1t is strangely pleasing to American to observe
with what wonder and awe the NiCaraguans look
upon steam beat. The Director is the first steam
propelled vessel which has broke the silence Of
their great Lake, and while think their noun
tains rather tall" they believe steam boat is
an actual miracle. The Nicaraguans will do any
thing for the Americans, but they hate, and with
good reason, the English.
From here the boat makes straight course for San
Carlos. The lake is studded with many islands.
very high and clad with perpetual covering of lux
uriant trees and tropical plants.
At San Carlos the outlet of the lake to the Gulf of
Mexico commences being called the river San Juan
Here the passengers leave the steamer and proceed
in boats down the river to the town of San Juan,
which is the Atlantic terminus Of the route. The
influx of americans has infused life into the
country. As an instance, may mention that a
company has been organized at Leon. for opening a
and shorter road from that city to the harbor of
Realeo. In granting them a charter, the Secretary
of State says witness with much satisfaction,
this advance in the improvement and civilization of
the country by company of Nicaraguan citizens
1t is the first industrial association which has vet
been organized. and marks line between the de-
preston and desoaton of the past and the prosper
ity and hope which providence extends U.S.