Polynesian., 1853-01-15
From the Pacific.
Crossing the Isthmus.
EXPENsES---HEALTH---
FooT's ExPERIENCE-BAGGAG sc.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ---TEMPERANCE--LIEUT
| FooT's NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., sc.
Mr.. EDIToR:-The route from New York
to San Francisco by the Isthmus of Panama,
has been so often traversed that it would
seem that nothing could remain for the pub
lie to learn, and yet strange as it may seem,
very many of the passengers who recently
came from New York by the steamer Illinois,
were SD imperfectly informed as to the ex-
penses upon the Isthmus, as to be very in
sufficiently provided with funds, even after
having sought information from what was
deemed most reliable sources in New York.
For the benefit of those who may hereafter
have occasion to travel this route, beg
leave to submit schedule of expenses as
they were when recently passed over, and
which l presume are at about the highest
rate
Say five days fare by the single meal,
and lodging by the night, $40 90
Railroad fare, from Aspinwall to Bar
bacoas, 8 90
Average boat fare from Barbacoas to
Cruces. 5 90
Riding mule from Cruces to Panama, 25 90
Boat fare from shore to steamer, 90
Common travelling trunks and bags,
say l25 pounds, from Cruces to
Panama, at 20 cents per pound, 25 90
Porter's fees for same al, different
points, -r- fa -.taa 3 UO
Total amount Of transit expense, SS7 90
This sum ,s much higher than the expense
is generally supposed to be, and it is certainly
higher than the average expense, yet one
travelling this route should go prepared to
meet it, and also the contingency of sickness
which is liable to occur. The average price
of mules may be stated at about SIS each,
and tolerably good baggage mule will car
ry two trunks of about 100 pounds each with
but little risk Of breaking down. If more
heavily laden they are liable to give out, to
the serious Inconvenience of the traveller.
The surest way is for the traveller if he
can do so, TO hire good baggage mule, and
keep his effects before him under his own
eye for his own safety and convenience 1t
will thus generally come much cheaper than
if committed to transportation company,
and relieve him from the risk of destitution
by the non arrival of his baggage or its ulti-
mate entire loss. These companies undoubt-
edIy intend to deliver as per agreement in
good time, but it is continual fact that they
do not, and it is presumed they cannot.
Very many have heretofore lost their bag
gage, and many on board the Oregon, in
cluding myself, were left destitute of even
single change by the non arrival of baggage
entrusted to transportation companies, in
season for the sailing Of the vessel, and
many more would have suffered but for de-
lay of sixteen hours in the sailing Of the
steamer, by request Of a large number of
passengers, during which, much baggage
came TO hand. Some have received the
whole, some part, and some none at all.
Some of the missing will probably be receiv-
ed by the Expresses hereafter at much ad-
ditional expense, and some will never come
to hand, to the serious loss Of the owner.
In respect to health, / would remark that
medical men and others residing upon the
Isthmus, attribute most of the sickness to want
of care in eating and drinking, and over ex-
ertion under tropical sun. Most OF the
travellers crossing are natives OF colder
cIimes and unused to tropical fruits, and the
temptation to indulgence after q sea voyage
is strong, and too 5unfrequently resisted.
The walk over the Isthmus should not
generally be attempted by those unused to
physical labor The road is excessively
bad, the weather hot, and consequently the
fatigue great. 1t is thought by many that
the use Of spirituous liquors becomes neces-
sary in such circumstances 10 prevent fevers
and bowel complaints. Possibly in some
cases they may be useful, but their use sP-
pears to me 10 be too general and indiscrim-
s..t. .n1 n res,,l in more evil than Qood.