The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-20

E !, e. ., even Tor months AFTER the start
- :. Wy once the explorers this side surveyed
hitAhaaa few mics OF PIiogana tnat tne conclusion
less caflIei o6d at The operations were neyerthe.
and perseverance WY the FOODS IN" he same energy
mencement OF the Work characterized the COM
adverted 10 the almost unlimited saye frequently
the MFR Ge y III to winch
on which the line was begun there has been n0,av
sation In the savage attacks or these winged lon
sters. Whether in the shape OF ravenou3 mcsuiloes
congo dies or huge ants, they have been the cause
OF more suffering than all the other incidental hard-
ships put together. Often at nlghtia have the men
been Na.sat .g's;'' - s - :, - ~ -
OBLIGED TO FLY PROM THEIR CAMPS
IN despair, and seeking some adjacent elevation,
have underworld to gam few hours sinmber. And
not unIrequently have the macheteros, stung and
harassed beyond description, rushed out INTO the
water and passed the night upon some rocks rising
up in the river. The most perfect protection IN inc
way OF netting failed to keep the pests at bay Work.
Ing their way through the smallest aperture, the
mosquitoes would commence their nightly a'sasllt.
those VINO heard It. The return OF the party was
marked by fresh source OF torment, whlch caused
not only aa oIs er reger 10 tSe
SINCE the BEGINNING Of THIS month the
camps OF the explorers have been nightly invaded
by these unsighuy objects, which never failed to
leave bloody and unmistakable traces OF their visit
They lt noiseessly about, and. when making an In
clsion In the fesh are said to keep their wings IN
motion In order 10 fan that part OF the victim
whence they suck the blood Be this as II may, the
men found themselves bitten, and, as many OF the
vampires were caught In the act, all doubt as to
Their mncl-talked-of propenses were set aside
turn pretty evident and that they prosecuted their
labors under great difficulties their thin, pale and
OF the officers was not little taxed when drawing
the line from the mouth OF the Oue The entire DIS.
lance to be surveyed on the h0meWaru trip was NOS
more than 1lteen miles, but through such dense
mass or
IMPENETRABLE JUNGLE
that but little Roadway was maze. Besides, the
river was rising, and fears were Justly entertained
that the floods would arrest the progress Of tne
work. AT this Juncture which occurred during the
middle OF the month, the nine macheterOs unah-
mousy declared that lnasnuch as the term OF their
engagement mad expired they would cease 10 work,
ana notilei the officer IN charge OF their determl.
nation TO leave. by great persuasion, however,
they were induced to remain in order to assist In
the removal OF the camp. But circumstance
arose which compelled Gil hands to lily for safety
A NIGHT OF AGONY.
Rain fell in torrents both day and night, and soon
the swollen river began to inundate the banks. At
noon the 18th inst the water had risen over ten
feet and although the camp Oh tae Surveyors Was
stream came rapidly moving III, threatening all
the while TO wash 1t away. Ia TINS desperate
OF striking higher ground, wading waist deep while
pursuing the search. 10 their surprise they found
the surrounding country submerged and 1t is need.
less to add that they returned to the camp with all
feet under water and there being no prospect OF the
river falling, all hands took to the trees LAST
resort. The scanty provisions remaining, together
with the instruments had been already placed out
Shortly meet the same fate as the other movables in
the camp Down poured the torrents w rdS n
it concealed the lowest branches OF the
trees, ascending all the while. t9 tne alarW
was now midnight. Long since the camp,
with all its appurtenance' had disappeared, aud a
dcathly gloom settled over the spot where il once
had afforded shelter up up, gradually stealing up,
the water, which, should 1t continue It's ascent
much longer must soon separate rate all hands, per.
the trees some OF the men, terrified at the prospect,
had come IN contact with nests OF hornets, which,
was now impossible TO escape and some poor fel'
GRAINED 10 woFUL FATE,
endured the most indescribaole torture. Stl the
water rose, ana the hopes OF many, drencned and
soaking with the rain, began to iade But few
events with GREATNESS anxiety. An hour after mid
night the rain ceased. Three hours later the water
began TO fall and rush In streams toward the
river. A feeling of JOY and thankfuness
prevailed. There was on hand but one DAY g
ratons, now rendered almost UNIT for use. A nlgnt
OF terrible suspense was drawing to close, and as
the long wlsnedior daylight dawned hope cneered
all hands TO action. 1t was found alter sounaing
that there were seven feet OF water beneath. and
that 1t was yet impossible to descend Alter some
conversation determined that the best, and in
fact the only thing TO be done was TO construct RATS
and proceed to Pinogana, all ideas OF continuing
the line that settlement being temporarily aoan-
found themselves waist deep ,' in water. Without
much ado the RATS were hastily constructed, and
TOWARDS ten O'CLOCK the enllre party went sweeping
down the river TO Pinogana where they encamped
on the common.
UNDAUNrED BY PREVIOUS DISASTERS,
the explorers commenced to draw the line to the
bench mark from which they had been driven by the
Mood the distance being about eight mites. On
Tuesday last Commander Sel1rldge left the Resaca
and proceeded to Pinogana In the steam launch, in
order to expedite the operations He has not since
returned but Is hourly expected. The steam launch
came back on Thursday last having on board Ensign
Wiley and some Of the sailors. They hsd been over
ninety days in the woods, and were heartily wei.
coined on board. Mr.. Wiley reported that there
remained only three miles OF the line to complete
the survey. should have been finished before this
but the work has been undoubtedly retarded by the
| recent foods. Commander Sellridge may arrive to-
morrow with the remainder OF the party, in which
| case the Resaca Will start immediately for Panama.
| There being doubt about II, however, avail my
self Of the Oppo tunty OF sending my despatch with
| the ships mall by little schooner winch leave:
here IN hall an hour. The storesnlp Guard. now
early in the ensuing month as was generally antici
| pated. Although fever has prevailed to some extern
among those taking part In the expedition no fata
cases have yet occurred.