The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1858-01-07
Honduras.


esting letter, dated "City Of Comaya aqua, eapi-
tai of Honduras, Central America, October /,
1857, from which we make the following cx-
tracts:
"Siuce my last, the progress Of the Survey
has been as rapid as could BE- expected, since
our movements are greatly affected BY the lazy
habits and procrsstnation of the natives, on
whom we are Obliged TO depend in great de-
gree for the accomplishment Of our surveys
through the forests, as well as the transporta-
tion of our baggage from camp to camp.
"Comayagua, the Capital, contains about g.,
600 inhabitants II is situated upon the plain
OF Comayagua, and surrounded on oil sidos BY
high mountains. A. beautiful little river winds
along the east end of town, which, together with
the foliage on the mountain sides, and the con-
slant refreshing breczes make its location quite
attractive. There are several fine churches,
among which is the Cathedral, a very large and
imposing edifice, exhibiting, however, much
greater attempt at show, than genuine good
taste or architectural beauty. IL the centar of
the town is Plaza, containing fountain built
by the King of Spain over b century ago. which
Is now considerably diiupiGated by age, and
want Of enterprise to rebuild il. The market
house and several Government buildings front
upon the Plaza. The Public Buildings are OF a
very ordinary character, and the dwellings, low,
but neat and substantially built. The streets
are regularly laid out, and all are paved. The
few crumblsd monuments that yet stand, and
other time worn structures, plainly indicate that
the former inhabitants We're more civilized
and intelligent people, and at the same time
proves concusively the rapid degeneracy and
want of energy in its present population.
The city was founded in the year 1920, and
burned down in 1927. Previous to its being
burned it contained $4,000 inhabitants, and was
embellished with fountains, monuments, and
other adornments, all of which is clearly de-
monstrated by the toitaring edifces and ruined
churches, that are still standing full half mile
from the present suburbs Of the city.
The Canine Real, or king highway between
the two oceans, passes through here BY the
way, will give you a short description OF the
Kings Highway 1t is the best road in the
! country. aud about as good as none at that. Il
was built anciently by the Spaniards,as a.mean'
of defence, in great measure, since it passes
over the most rugged and preepitous places
that could be found, and crosses the mountains
at their greatest height, thus rendering the pas.
sage of foreign armies, with their baggage, into
the interior, next TO an impoSsiblity. No an
imal but the trained mule, raised among tht
rocks can be used for travelling and the convey
ance ofgoods over this crooked path. Small vii
lagos, containing from 800 to 1000 inhabitants
are scattered every few miles along the route
where the traveller can generally find quarters t.
Swing his hammock" but seldom receivin.
any more refreshment than pIantain or slice o
jerked beef "
About the only thing that reminds tn
American of home, is the vast herds of cattl
that may bn seen at all times grazing upon tn
broad savannas and hill Sides | am told thu
:, there are many single individuals who own tel
thousand head Of csttle--many of which ar
slaughtered for their hides only.
/" The city of Tegucigapa which is abou
two days ride, or forty miles from here, is tn
} largest and most beautiful city in the State.
is the center OF the gold region of Yoro an
Olancho, and quite an extensive trade is carrie
on. Many of the State officials reside there am
; quite number of Americans and Enslishmel
are engaged in a tra liic there. 1t now contain
about 10000 inha abtants but in former day
is said to have numbered from 80, 00S to dc, ,0OO
Each town, however small, has an Alcalde, o
Magistrate, before whom offenders against tn
laws are taken and tried and if found guilty
either fined or put in the stocks. Many are pl,
in chains and compelled to serve the govern
: ment as soldiers for length of time, accordin
! to the enormity OF the crime. But little is Sal
of Gen. Walker hlre, though believe there is
general satisfaction felt throughout the State q
the failure Of his expedition.
Great joy was manifested here on Monda
: last, at the arrival OF Don Leon Alvarado, fora
erly chargre de atfaircs to the United Stotes, Ii
has been absent for the past four or Ave year
in the Ueited States and England and since OF
arrival in the country, has shared the prvatior
. of our camp life, declining to leave us until W
: reached Comayagua, his home. A large nun
4 Der Of the best citizens came out to meet hin
e as he approached the city cannon were draw
on! on the Plaza and discharged, the bel S wei
r rung, and upon riding through tie city, he w;
=. loudly cheered and flowers were thrown oy,
A him as he rode into the gateway of his residenc
grand dinner was prepared, and dancing an
1 music were the order of the evening. He h,
! been constant favorite with all the member
of corps, and upon this occasion we all one
in the festivities, Such popular demonstr,
tion have never before seen, taking into col
= sideration, that nine tenths Of the whole popl
X lation turned out.