The New York Herald Newspaper, March 25, 1849, Page 1

oS NO. 5406. INTERESTING INTELLIGENCE FROM THE ISTHMUS and CALIFORNIA. Our Isthmus Correspondence. Panama, Republic ef New Granada, } February 22, 1848. The Trip to Chagres—Visit to the Opera—The Rowte—The Pleaswres of Gold Secking—The Journey to Panama— Arrival of the ilail Steamer Oregon—Her Speed—News from Calhfornia, &c. Comfortably seated in an old bamboo chair, in the house of M. Ferand, a French merchant, and Jate American Consul here, with the beautiful bay of Panama, dotted as it 1s with innumerable islands, in full view, and the glorious Pacific shin- ng 1n the distance, I write you—trusting that, sur- Tounded by your little ones and well tried friends, you have not forgotten the wayward wanderer, who, let his fortune be good or ill, can never forget you. As you are aware, I left New York in the steam- ship Falcon, Capt. Thompson, on the let of Feb., 1849. The ship had 315 passengers. ‘We touched at Charleston, S. C., Bar, and Savan- nah, Gea., river, {or mails, and on the morning of the ‘9th arrivedat Havana. Here the passengers all went on shore, and I can assure you the old (and unfor- tunately worn out) simile of the bird escaping {rom ita prison cage was most happily exemplified. ‘They danced, they sang, they drank, caroused, rode up and down the streets and all over the environs in volamtés, and at night many paid a visit to the Tacon Theatre, and listened to the bewitching Tedesco, who poured forth her purest notes in the magnificent opera ot Beatrice di Ten. di. It was indeed a glorious carnival. A Spanish town, like Havana, has always ite attractions for an untravelled American ; but for the carewora ship bound passengers of the Falcon, Havana proved a perfect Paradise. Vive la bugatelle was the order of the day. if the ship had remained any longer, I verily believe they would all have been sick, or, worse than all—flat broke. I never underetood before why suilors were so reckle:s avd esreless of their money when they arrived in port. The problem i now solved. Atabout 2 o’clock on the morning of the 10th, we lett this brilliant scene, with its unrivalled no- veity, and sailed for our port of destination; and on Tuesday morning, February 18th, the joyful news was announced that we were near Chagres ; and on Wednesday reoralng the 14th inst., upon getting out of my berth and looking through the port hole of my state room window, the famous town ef Chagres, with its strong fortifications, was plainly visible, at the distance of about a mile. How my heart bounded. Upon goisg on deck, 1 found that the ship was riding at anchor outside the bar, it being impossible for a vessel of her ton- nage, 80 heavenly laden, to go over it with safety— the ‘ae being very narrow and the water low. fs But here I must go back a little in my story, in order that you may understand exactly what has occurred since. Alter leaving Havana, it was pro- posed that, in consideration of the supposed diffi- culties of crossing the Isthmus, a committee of passengers be appointed, with authority to charter the steamboat Orus to transport us up the river, and to proceed, immediately upon arrival at Chagres, to Gorgona, and engage mules for the transit of pas- sengers and baggage to Panama. It was at firat proposed, moreover, that as 800 mules would be required, and as it was understood that only 300 could be obtained at once, that lots should be drawn to decide who should go first with their baggage, This arrangement I for one strongly opposed, and aided by two or three eensible men, succeeded in frowning it down. It it had been adopted, the conse- quences must have proved most disastrous. It was, in fact,a proposition togamble for the chances. Some few individuals would, of course, have gone first, others second, and many would have been obliged to remain at Chagres for weeks. I[t was a proposi- tion, vehemently urged by some, to set the freight and baggage sgainst the lives and comfort of the patsenge:s—dry goods, boxes and cust iron against immortal souls !~-for the proposition was thateach lucky person was to take all his **plunder” with him, (and some individuals had tons of freight, Tequiring @ great number ot mules, of course,) to the detriment of every human being on board who was obliged to remain behind. For my own part, I opposed the formation of any committee what- ever. Having travelled a great deal, 1 had seen the felly of men—selfish men--bunding together for apy such purposes. I always have believed, and this joumney has strengthened me in the opi- nion, that every individual traveller had much bet- ter go “on his own hook,” and trust to his own luck and expenence. This 1s selfishness, I admit ; but as the world goes—particularly in the unhealthy quarter where the town of Chagres lies—I know nothing which can be substituted for it with safety. There is no such thing as a travelling democracy. The good or bad sense of the majority on board the Falcon prevailed, however, and a committee was appointed. The idea seemed to prevail, that the majorrty had a perfect right to dictate to the minority on ship board—though, for the lite of me, I could not see the justice of even 314 engers swallowing up for the nonce my individuality. The committee appointed were empowered to charter the Orus, engage mules, and make all ne- ceesary arrangements for the transit of passengers and baggage ucross the Isthmus--it being under- stood that {every man wus to have one mule tor his own personal use, and then, if there were more to he obtained, they were to be distributed, per capita, tor transporting the baggage. This wasa tolerably tair arrangement, and met with general approval. And now we will return to the Tworning of the Falcon’s arrival at Chagres. The committee went on shore at 80’clock, A. M., and returned about 10. They announced that they had succeeded in chartering the Orus to take the Falcon’s passengers t0 Gorgona, a distance of 36 milee, for $10 each man, and $1 for every extra 100 Ibe. of bagguge atter one trunk and one bag. ‘This the meeting agreed to. A Dr. Hientzleman, an American resident, (of about three weeks” standing, as has since been ascertamed, but a pretty good honest man upon the whole,) was then introduced, and a vontract,which had been drawn up between him and the chairman of the commit- tee, read. By at Dr. Hientzleman agreed to trans- port,immediately upon their arrival,each passenger and 10@\bs. ot baggage from Gorgona to Panama, for the eum of $15, and for every extra hundred pounds of luggage he was to receive $5, he being aliowed ‘Sait or ten days from the time of its re- ceipt to fulfil this part of his contract. This was also agreed to; an office was immediately opened on board, and most of the passengers paid into the hande ot the chairman the eum of $15 each, he giving them a pass, which the Doctor agreed ta receive in payment. Among others, [ went into this arrangement, While discussing these matters on board the Falcon, the bark Marietta, from New York, load- ed with passengers, came into the harbor, and we congratulated ourselves on having secured the steamer Orus in advance. The Orns, however, instead of coming alongside, us per agreement, seemed to be busy in towing one or two vessels over the bar; and it was about 3 o’clock P. M. betore she came to tuke off the passengers aad freight. In the meantime we hed removed toa “ more seeure anchorage at Navy Bay, tour mies distant from Chagres. At5 o'clock P. M., about half of the baggage had been gotten out of the hold and placed on board the Orua, when the hatches were closed, and it was announced that only hall of the passengers weuld be taken up the first trip. Other rumore flew about—some to the efiect that the Orus intended proceeding up the Chagres river towards Gorgona immediately, with what freight and Pasoengere were ready; others, that she only mtended hauling off a distance of forty or fitty yards, and remaining ali night, to re- turn and ake off the balance of passengers, &c in the morning. So faras I was individually con- cerned, it muttered little tome whas course wae adopted, as all my bagzage was on board of h and bad, in fact, been ready in my state room di ing the whole voyage out. | followed my bag- age—left my state room, to tleepon a trunk on Board the othercraft. The Orus shortly after drew off forty or fitty yards, and dropped her anchor tor the might, (At this moment, the Creseent City steamer hove m tight, her decks crowded wath passengers. She had just “arrived in time to be too late.” On board the Ora, [ found that one of the sra- mewn had died of “*Chugres tever,” while alongside the Faleon, and that his dead body was then on board, it being intended to bury it that evening. Avother of the eeamen was dying of the seme dis- enee; the persons on board were all talking about it, and many were prophesying calamities dire. It commenced raining furourly, and alwayether I » ought [had gota slight glimpse of the ifernal SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 25, 1849. regions! The “Slaughter of the Innocents” had already commenced. My heart beat audibly. A rity of the persons around me were of the lowest descrintion—passengers in the steerage, who had “left their country tor their country’s good,” fora piace where no law can reach them. Their oaths and language generally, their reckless- ness and remarks on the dead and dying, combined with the darknees, uncomfortableness, and filthi- ness of the place, made the scene unendurable. There we were, however, wrapt in the murky mantle of night, the angel of death, like a bird of il omen, flapping his wings o’er our heads. [ went on deck in gpite of all the advice [had re- ceived, to keep out of the night air. My brew was fevered, and I felt alone—alone! Home! thoughts ot home—of those I have left and love— the dear ones of my heart--their images crowded around me then. Ab! could I but embrace them once again, thought I, this lust for gold aad power ehould be crushed forever. But no! a spirit in me whisvered. “be a man.” These the teeliugs which teach us that we are human; that beneath our covering of selfishness lies a goul, affections, foonthe, hopes. Cherien them; but with a brave eart, go out. A friend approached me, aad, pointing to the Faleon, which rode at anchor a few yards from us, with her fires extinguished, propeaed that. we should get « boat and go on d, sleep in our state rooms, and return ia the morning. The captain of the Orus assured us that we could de so with perfect satety, as he should not leave ustil after 81x o’clock, A. M., and should ting a bellan hour before departure. With this assurance, three of us started for the Falcon ina little boat. Upon reaching the side of the vessel, we found that the steps which go down to the wa- ter, had been pulled up, and the officers on board refused to lower them. We then called tor a repe to be thrown; \but this was also retused. Upon asking how we should get on board, we were ccol- ly tola (I shiver when I think of it,) that we might crawl up through the wheel! As this seemed our only resource, we agreed to adopt it, sooner than return again to the Orus that might. My two friends went up first, and, asit was dark as Hades, suddenly disappeared, leaving me in the boat. [ stretched out my left hand, grasped one of the pad- dies, when thefooatman, presuming, | suppose, that I was sate, put off, leaving me dangling over the ocean, clinging only to a wet board in the dark. | never was so pertectly cool im my life. I thought for a moment thatif I sheuld tall, it would be my death warrant. The bay was full of sharks, and if that were not the case, in the darkness I must have disappeared before aid could reach me. But with gapace came courage ard self-possession. 1 extended my nght hand, grasped firmly the second paddle, and, by a violent effort, threw one leg over the first. Upon reaching the third paddle, [ look- edaround me. The water was beneath my feet, but at the distance of afew feet, a dark object was visible. This Itook tebe a beam. A friend- Wy voice called outto me to come on; 1 made one desperate spring, and landed sately on the floor of whatie called the “bath room.” From this the aseent to the deck was comparatively easy, al- though there was no ladder That night I slept comfortsbly in my berth, and in the morning went on board the Orus in a boat. The captain of the Felcon also came on board, and begged the cap- tain of the Orus to come alongside again, and take off the rest of the frieght and passengers. But the captain knew very well the capacities ot the Orus would not admit of taking any more passengers, and positively declined taking any more that trip. He had agreed, it appears, with the committee, to take ouly one-half at a time, and very wisely, I think. The paesengers, however, who had made up their minds to wait forthe second trip in prete- rence to going first, and who had theretore neglect- ed getting their baggage on board, as soon as they saw the Creseent City coming in with so many pessengers, became very desirous that the Orus should come alongside and tuke them up also. But they had elected to remain, and it was too late to repentthen. At about 7 o’clock, on Thursday morning, Feb. 15, the Orua started for Chagres, which place we reached in about an hour. After breakfast I went on shore, Chagres (the Chis pronounced as in chariot,) lies at the mouth of the river of that name, and consists cf thirty ortorty huts, built of boards rudely jointed, und with thatched roofs. The inhabitants are blackTand cbpper-colored, being a mixture of the negro, In- dian and Spanish races. They are mostly clean, strong, active'and honest. At the mouth of the river, on the Jeit bank is a hill on which there isa remark- abiy strong fort, built some two centuries ago, by the old Spaniards, for the purpose ot protection from the buccaneers, &c. At this peint the famous ‘alleons hi i and here Pizzaro and his rave men refreshed themselves, previous to their marches across the Isthmus. Over the road from Panuma to Cruces, and down this same Chagres river, the wealth of Peru was transported, and this will account (particularly to any one who knows the Spanish character,)forthe reason why the roads of this country are so very wretched. Spain was at war with the world. The wealth of Peru had not only to be collected, but safely placed on board her ships. The Spaniard, with that cunning which belongs to him, made it a rule to Jet ull natural obstacles remain, to protect him from the invader. Thus he never improved the channel at the mouth of the river, or the road, except so far as was ne- cessary for hie own benefit. Although we arrived at Chagres at eight o’clock A. M., we did not leave there until after two P. M. The Orus, we here ascertained, could only go about fifteen miles up the river, aud the captain had neglected engaging canoes to transport his pessengers and instr hegaage trom the terminus to Gorgona, unl morning. The Crescent City pas- seRgets, in the meantime, had been on shore, and chartered almost all the canoes. However, about 1wo o’clock, we started with fifteen canoes, which we towed up. I have not time to deseribe to you the exceeding beauty ot the scenery, or the river. It surpassed anything | ever witnexsed, and I doubt much if in Europe you witnessed any thing so wild, luxuriant, and romantic. At six o'dlock on Thure- dey, the 16th of February, we dropped anchor within four miles of the terminus of steamboat | navigation. Here the greatest scramble and con- fusion ensued. Most of the paseengers were de- sirovs of getting through, und there were net half cances enough to cairy them. What was to be done? With airiend (after eome considera- tion,) I eueceeded in getting a small boat, by pay- ng $15; and having our baggage placed in it, we | started ut dark, up the river, our boat being pro- pelled by two copper aoiered boys, who seemed to have a strong dislike to clothing, as they wore nothing but a palm leaf hat. Alter going two or thiee miles, our canoe stopped. Upon enquiry, L found that the beatmen had determined to wait for yf dicious scene enacted before them. the Lena, ano neither threats, persnasiens, or offers | of money, could tempt the young rascals to proceed. | So we wee cbliged to pase the night in the canoe, | which is nothing but the trunk of a tree bollewed out, with a covering of leaves over the stern? | Here myeelt and “ companero ” tried hard to sleep | --but in vain. The builtrogs, alligators, and mike lions of ecreech owls, of all sorts and sizes, yelled | until 1 thought their throats would become sore, and my ;oor head snlit with the deafening noise. | i#hgin the moon rose, and I, alter bestowing nearly # pint of brandy on my_“ peone,” they con- cluded to start. That day (Friday) we spent in the canoe, under a ong tun, living upon crack- ers, Bologna sausages, and brandy and water; and at 9 o’cleck atnight reached Gorgona. Here I slept in a hammock atthe Hotel Francais--high sounding bame for £0 poor & shanty—and the next morning | (Saturday), at 12 o’clock, { mounted a diminutive snimel Knewn a8 a “mustang,” and proceeded towards Panema. I found, however, that my bag- gage would be very uncate if lett at Feb particularly as the Crescent City passengers an those ot the bark Manetta were coming up the river with theirs; and £0, after a deal ot chaffering, Teucceeded in getung it carried over te Panama on the backs of three * peons,” by paying $15, the arrangement being that it should arrive at the ime I did. The road trom Gorgonatto Panama ie unquestionably the worst in the) world. It is abcut ene foot wide in moet places, and 18 up and down hill ail the way. How [ got over, { teally don’t know. My animal was a good one, aided by a pair of Mexican spurs and a dn I menaged to get along. At dusk we Lebar tenowed rome tents, erected by # party of engi- Deers, ten miles from Panama, where we slept. They treated us very well, and | hope one day to repey their kindness. If we had not met them, we must have slept in the woods, surrounded by tigers and reptil ot all dereriptions, On Sunday morming, «t_ 12 M., we reached Panama, in good henlh and fine epirits- and I have the satistaction of steting, in proof of my abilities ae a traveller, that out of £00 passengers (on board the Faleon, Creecent City, and Marietta), [ was the tenth man in Panema. Many of the persons who came up with me inthe @rus have not yet arived, and only five of thore who were leit on board the Faleou have yt come to hand, while almost all the b Dagikde City and Marrietia passengers ure at hagres. The price ot living here is trom $2 to $4 per day. Istopped ata hotel two days, but have now got a comtorteble room in this house at $175. Thope the steemer will be here soon. Tt ehe does not come by the let, t shall manoge to get upina rhiys, Panama, Saturday, February 24, 1349. The ‘steamship Oregon, one of the steamers be- longingto the “ Pacific Mail SteamshipCompany,” arrived here at eight o’clock last evening. Her arrival gladdened the hearts of all those who have tickets tor her. Herrunning time from New York to Panama was enly fifty-five daye and eight hours; @ very extraordinary passage. She sailed from New York on the 9th ef December, 1848; arrived at Rio Janeiro on the 3d_ of January—that ig to say, in twenty-five days. Left Rio on the 14th of January, aud arrived at Valparaiso, via the Straits ot Magellan, on the 2d of February—that 18 to say, in nineteen days. At Valparaiso she remaine five days, and made the run to Callao in five days eight hours. AtCallao she was detained five days, but made the rum to Payta in two days, where she remained « few hours. Onthe 19th of Februa- ty she left Payta, and armved at Panama at eight o’clock Jast night. RECAPITULATION. From New York to Rio Jaueiro. . .... Rio to Vaiparairo, via the Straits. «Valparaiso to Callao, 55 8 The Oregon brought three passengers from New York (one in the cabin and two in the steerage), one from Valparaiso, end three trom Callao— making eeven in all. She will fill up here, how- ever, very tast—as J presume there are at lea twelve hundred persons between Chagres and Pa- nama, destined for California. Of this number, only about three hundred have tickets tor the steamer Oregon ; and it is reported that there are no vessels at any of the porte on the Pacific, which intend visiting here to transport passengers to Cali- fornia. What will become of those new here, Heaven only knows, Steerage tickets in the Oregon, which cost in New Yerk one hundred dollars, have been sold for four huodred dollarse— and I heard five hundred dollars offered for one this morning. 1 would earnestly advise ali per- sons intending to visit Calitornia, not to come this route, unless they have tickets in the Pacific Mail Company’s steamers. There is no possibility of their getting up the coast for months—and perhaps notatall! F The news from Calitornia continues to be favora- ble. I saw a letter, this morning, from a highly Tespectable gentleman at Valoaraiso to a gentie- man ef high standing here, from which I have been allowed to make the following extract. The letter 1s dated Valparaiso, February 6, and was brought by the Oregon. The extract 13 as follows :— “Two vearels arrived here yesterday from California, one with $100,000 in gold; the ether, although supposed to havea large quantity on board, keeps the matter a te An American sloop of war with $400.060 on beard; and all left bere eix months ago, have realizedon their cargoes at immense profits, An American propeller arrived yesterday.” Panama, Feb. 15, 1849. Our Journey up the Chagres River—Pructicability of the Proposed Rawlroad--News from California —Storeship Lexington—Gold im Oregon—U. S. Consul, &c. &c. Ihave now been here in this castle city four daye, having left Chagres on the 7th, in company with the Panama Surveying Expedition, which 1s now encamped at the Indian town of Gorgona, about twenty-eight or thirty miles from this lace. The expedition, numbering thirty-eight persons, with their servants, were transferred from the Templeton to the steamer Orus, and carried up the river as far as Trinidad, which 1s reputed to lay eighteen mules from Chagres, being the point at which the navigation terminates—at least, 80 tar as itis practicable tor the Orustorun. In order to fucilitate the transit of the party and the stores, a flotilla composed ef about thirty ef the most fantastic boats, peculiar only to the Chagres river, Was made fast to the steamer, each having three or tour of the nude natives on board, who were engaged to carry the freight and pasyseagers to the rendezvous at Gorgona; but before the steamer reached her destination, there was not one to be seen. The rapidity with which the little Orus glided through the chryetal lake or river, and the commotion her wheels caused, were too much for the courage of the Indians ; tor ever and anon a poor fellow with his cance might be seen, at a short distance, just rising to the surface to catch his breath, ana make all haste for the shore. Al- though almost amphibious in their nature, they were averse to such treatment, and cared not to be diawn under the water at the rate of ten miles the hour. The starting of the expedition from Chagres, with thie unique flotilla, was the moet novel, and at the sume time the most amusing, spectacle ever beheld. The whole town of Chagres was in commotion—every man, woman, und child, to say nothing of the par- rots and monkeys—the dogs and porkere—min- gied weir musical voices, pitched to the highest note, in one harmonious concert. The clatter und medley of sounds which rent the little val- ley, would have made the contusion at Babel wppear msignificant. The old but noble walls of the castle of San Lorenzo, which have for ceutu- nes frowned with bitterness and contempt upon the puny town of Chagres, appeared to have smiled through their vetis of wild vegetation, upon the lu- The expedi- ton arnved, however, at Gorgona the tollowing day, with bot iittle difficulty, and each member in perfect health. The tents were pitched on a plain just outeide the town, from which point the respec- tive divisions will proceed upon tale duties ina day or two. As there happened to be a number of Americans at this place, it was proposed to Mr. Norris, the present chiet, to celebrate the event by tome little demonstration. The proposition was favornbly received, and on Saturday, the 10ta inst., the encempment was completed, a flag Blatt erect- ed, and the ensign that was carried by the Mary- land segiment, and waved victoricusly over Jalapa at the taking of that city in the war with Mexico, Was 1up up under @ salute from about forty-five guns and rifles collected for the occasion. Three cheers were given, und a few de jouw fired by the pelty n honor et the first Awerican flag that ever waved upon the eoil of New Granada. The litle town of Gorgona was in a state of efler vescence during the dey, and the good feelin, end lularity among our own people soon affecte the natives, who in a short time entered the field end the eports with heaity good will. The nat- mony of feeling, the sameness of purpose, and the identity of Interest whieh exist in the party upon the great enterprise on toct, strongiy indicates crger and peace amid the trying scenes and pri- vations which they certainly must encounter on the Jethinus. They are mostly young men, in the juil vigor of life, and the principals, although also young, are persone of great experience, and en- gineere of acknowledged ability, r ‘The practicability of constructing the railroad trom Panama to Limcn Bay, a beaunfal and healthy port a few miles from Chagres, is, accord- ing to the views Capt. Tilghman and other engi- beeipin the expedition, pertectly consistent, ard muy be accomplished, when ence started, in the epuce of a few years. Jt has been stated here, that three companies of government soldiers are now under orders to proceed to Crucee or Gorgona, to co-operate or aesist the expedition; but for my part 1 om inclined to believe this aid imtended for the repairs ot the muie path between this eity and Crvees, tor which an appropriation of @F000 was the directors of the thade seme ten months since by Lritish Royal West India msi! steamers A party of men landed at Chagree trom an tunglish steamer two weeks sinee, and are now in this town, no doubt for Mg urpoas alluded to. Our news from Calitorma ‘comes down to the llth of December, brought by the brig Beitast which arrived a tew days since ; Capt. Stout, of New York, an able and an experience vigator, who bas been appointed commander of the steam- chip Parama, came passenger in the Belfast. His eccounts cor’ espond in every particular with those ublished op the 22d of January, trom Mr, Larkin. Ceyt. Siout heaving much pressing business on hend connected with Mr. Aspinwail’s tine, could oflord no time in the collection of news; but what litle be does bring, confirms all that has been pre- viously reported, Many pei is Were coming down frem the mines with & view of starting a trade with the miners, all having done well. Every new arrival trom the gold on brought additonal evidence of the existence ef the ore m parts of niry it was least expeeted ; large pieces were picked bp upon the surface of the earth, pre- tumed to have been washed trom its bed by the reins. Cept. Stout put in my hands last evening, a eolid piece weighing five ounces, and one among other specimens in his possession, in the form of a heart, weighing en ovnce, . ‘The store ehip Lexington ewled from San Pran- ciecoen the 8d of December for Valparaiso, She had cn Loard twelve partengers for the United States, whe weuld come here in the English tteamer end crose the Isthmrs. She had also on Cord trem G5C0.000 te ES00,010 mn gold. The ehip Isaack Walton had sailed on a cruise; and a bark from the United States had arrived at San Fran- ciseo- Capt. Stout had left hin oe City on the 3ist of November. At that ume, the discovery ofgold mines at Fort Vancouver, and at another point about 300 miles from the city, was attracting much atten- tion. Some of the dust that had been brought trom the tormer place, was shown to Capt. S., and pro- nounced by him equal to that he had seen from the California mines. A party of sixty persons chartered a schooner, in the early part of Novem- ber, provisioned her for six monthg, and left Ore- gon Gity tor the point alluded te. The: were ab- sentsome thirty days when Captain Stout sailed; and it was naturally inferred that they had met with luck, or had tallen into a train that would lead them tothe deposites. They had bui three yun ied miles to go, which could be performed in two days. The brig Belfast sails in with pasgengers for San Fransisco. She ed bee in the employ ot Meeers. Howland & Aspinwall, and [ believe will be retained in the same service tor the purpose facilitating the trangit of passengers. The steam- ers cannot carry all who come here—hundreds come from all parts ot the world, expecting to get berths and to be accommodated before these who have regularly purchased tickets, and because they are not supplied with their illiberal requests, or rather demands, reports are circulated and letters written detami' e character of Mr. Nelson, our consul, and the agent of the steamers. He 18 most unjustly abused, simply because he attends to his duty without partiality or favor, yet civil and cour- teoue to all who do not act the bruce. His position, at thismoment, 18 not the most enviable. He is not allowed a moment’s peace; hordes of excited beings, rough trom the wilds of the West, assail him in his private apartments and in presence ot his family. His position as consul offers him nei- ther pretection or remuneration, but has subjected him to heavy outiays to maintain the dignity of the pesition he holds, to say nothing of the cost in en- tertainments which necessarily follow the office of consulehip, i The Brinsh bark John Ritson sailed on the 14th for San Francisco, with 120 patsctuets, all she could accommodate. Tne bark was for- warded by Mr. Lewis, the British consul, who, by the way, has proved himeelf one of the best triends the American has in Panama. His exertions in their behalf, and LET advice given in a kindly manner, and hie readiness to aid them, have given him a great name with people from the United States. Mr. J. B. Ferraud, a long time U.S. con- sul at this place, and at p-esent Senator to the Gra- nadian chamber, has also been conspicuous in hi good works to our people. He is ever r serve the American, at almost any sacrifi happy to be enabled to show every court tention within his power. He speaks English fluently, has been in the United States and in Eng- land, and 18 possessed of a fund of valuable intor- mation, which, with hiskindly offers o fhospitality are always at the service of any respectable Ame- rican. ‘There are but two ships now in port—the Bremen ship Humboldt, from Bremen, with coal, waiting the arrival of the Oregon. Sne leaves for the islands to toad guane ferhome. The Belfast isthe other, and wiil leave in a few days. Capt Stout, of the mail line mentioned above, is doing much good here in assisting and advising emigrants. At present, there are but about one hundred and filty persons here waiting tor an opportunity. The greater part of these take the steamer. The arri- val of the Falcon and Crescent City are looked for every hour. ‘i We have beautiful weather; no diseases, except those arising from excesses, and they are tew, if any. ‘x gentleman, connected with the eustom house informs me_ that 900 persons only left this port tor San Francieeo since the excite- ment broke out, all of whom, with but few exceptions, behaved themeelves worthy ot Ame- rican citizens. I have a number of incidents con- nected with the route from Chagres to this place, with a few of enution and advice to those purposipg coming, which I will reserve for the next. In the meantime [ beg to offer the enclosed hist of the persone engaged on the Panama survey. They are ali from the United States, and many of them have figured conspicuously in the war with Mexico:— Col, W. Hughes, Gen. William Norris, Captain Lloyd Tilghman, kdward W. Serrell, James Baldwin, John May, J. J. Williams, A. H. Mandeville, George Stoddard, George Waleott, John J. Mapes, engineers; H. T. Stowe, G. W. Brown, W. G Norris, William J. Garey, H. M, Milnor, Clarkeon P. Hall, Benjamin Burns. James O’Brien, E. H. Burr, John Wright, Wm. S. Ogden, Charles H. Ehrman. John 11 Baliman, John ‘W. Stump, H. H. O'Callaghan, Robert B. Jervis, Wm. J. Corcoran; J. Dunglison, Wash. Hoppe Armstrong, Francis H. Cole, William Hin R. Petherbridge, James W. O’Brien, David Faisi, chain, and flag men. Ww. rod, PANAMA, February 6, 1849. American Character—Influence of the Discovery of Gold om the United States— Gen. Smith—Steam- er Calformua, §¢c.—Howland § Aspinwall— Americans Deceived— Information as to Chagres Route—Hon. J. G. Ferraud and Jas. G. Bennett. I left New York, accompanied by my lady, on the 5th January last, for California. I propose a voluntary letter, touching on general subjects in- teresting and to the interest of Americans. Ame- Ticans are noted throughout the world for nuble- ness of character alone belonging to them— discernable in the high and low. I am happy in saying this has been acknowledged by mauy d's- | tinguiehed gentleman here, of diflereat countries, notwithstanding the mixture of characters neces- sarily belonging toa general emigrauon. Never has 4 circumstance in the history of any country tended to draw so much from the intefligence of its people as hus the discovery of gold in Catifor- pia trom the United States. [t would seem Pro- vidence has, by the diecovery,given the only means possible for the extended power and wealth of Americs, making California and Oregon at oace the most prominent portions of the world. This atier idea you would have readily conceived had | you been here at the departure of the steamer Califorma, or, L may say, the “ May Flower,” | with passengers ready to plant the standard of free ard equal rights. General Smith feele happy in his responsible situation, having no doubtof re- ceiving the aid of Americans in maintaining laws he will meke agreeable to government instruc- tions, General Smish is the ablest and best man that could have been appointed. The appointment will honor the administration of President Polk, | ¢ end be ever atsectated with the early history of the eetlement of San Francigeo, vicinity, and the gold regions, 4& most promicent and indispensable to the well-beang of Americans and the American government. He has now with him a strong body guard of true Americans, the strongest consistin, f the most intelligent aud respectable dies. leaving New York, have | i been deceived and disappointed. I was an | innocent victim, with thirty-five others. A vessel was chartered at New York ; arrangements made for conveyance to San Francisco, and pas sage paid to Panama. On arrival at Chagres, the | egent ot the New York house politely intormed the | party he hed no money—they must take care of themseives. The non-fulfilment. of contract to me, 18 am additional expense of five hundred dol- lars. J therefore, with reason, advise payment tor promises only to end of route, by the conveyance token. IJtis@ bad policy w anticipate others, to co what youand chance can alone; so with re- preeentations regarding the Chagres route; { was convinced betore leaving New York they were un- ue. Ifind Chegres, Gorgona, Cruces and Pana- ma, as healthy as any of the Weet Indi T may vay more eo. Panama, in particular, is delightful, The only inconvenience experienced is the heat ; { without hesitation advise the Chagres route, es- peevelly for ladies. On arrival at Chagres, they wil find the bespitelity and kindness of Captain ‘Tucker, on board the steemer Orus, cheering. Lxposure to night air, fruite and hquoi puid be avoided; emall quantities of Prva uld be taken, ard buts on the way to Panam orted to. ‘The natives will be found kind and hospitable, but extiemely extravagant in charges under the new Americane, 8) TWO CENTS. most distingwehed and influential merchauts. and ho ble gentleman. He hasbeen established eight years—during that time Consul tries, Senator, President, Wec., nul nine years. He desires to give advice and information to all Teepectable Americans calling on him. [t was pleasing to hear Mr. Ferraud allude to his acquain- tance with you when in America, mauy years since, and to commend your astonishing rise power, and independence, in the conducting of your journal. He believéo—what your enemies must acknowledge—you deserve the thanks and general honor of Americans, for the aid you have extended to them in the great, commendable, and successful part taken in the progress of America. God speed you! ie Desiring, here, to inform my friends of my pur- owe to depart from this place, in a few days, tor jan Francisco, with in view the opening of a com- mercial houge, I remain ee friend, &c. &c., m. Cornet Jewett. P.S. The Philadelphia and John Ritson—only vessels up—full. 250 paesengers here, on the way trom Chagres, unprovided for. One vessel here, caly, tae will be put up. Arnivals hourly ex- pected. Cuacres, Feb. 28, 1849—Midnight. The Oregon-- Travel over the Isthmus, §c., &c. This place 1s at present very healthy; I have only heard of one case of sickness since we have been here. We have news from Panama this day; the steamer Oregon is now there, having come in on Friday or Saturday; the other steamer has been there and goneup. There are about one thousand Persons now at Panama-the inhabitants throwing open their nouges to them. There was no other vessel there but the steamer. There are about 150 mules between Gorgona and Panama ; the natives assist in carrying the bag- gage over, One veseel ut this port has been de- serted by her crew, and the captain cannot obtain any hands. There are five brigs, beside ours, now in here ; three of them proceed to sea to-morrow, ii it is possible for them to get out with the assis- tance of the Orus, x The maul steamer Clyde is still at anchor off the harbor. She has taken, it 18 supposed, on board this day, about two millions of gold. Some of our party saw them take some out of the vault into their boat. ‘The steamer that left New Orleans on the 13th, with some 800 passengers in her, has not arrived at this place, although a schooner that left tw days after, has arrived. E. H.R. The American Proclamations Against In fringement on California Mines. In the Panameno of the lth ultimo, we find the following remarks regarding these proclama- tions :— ‘Before seeing the proclamation which Gen. Smith iseued here we had read a somewhat eimi- Jar one of the American Charge d’ Affaires in Peru, Mr. J. R. Clay, published in the Peruano. We are certainly surprised that ulmost simultane- ously two United States employees, of high rank, should have been so much urbed because a handful of Chilians and Peruvians have gone to panies to scratch the banks of the Sacramento jor gold. i “Although this proclamation does not at all af- fect us, because as New Granadians we are as much entitled to go there and dig as much gold ae the first North American, we cannot pass over the occurrence without alluding te it, and hoping to bring it to the attention of Mr. Bennett, of the celebrated New York Herald, in order that he may comment on the false step made in this matter by Meesrs. Clay and Smith. Mines of all kinde of metals abound in Peru, Bolivia and Chili, and it in California there 1s not gold enough for the North Americans, we invite them, in the name of those governments, to go to the rich cerros of Pas- co, Hualgayoc, Potosi, and lastly to those im- mense deposits of almost crude silver lately dis- covered in Chili. Let them go to Copiapo, where they will meet. Romero Gavin, Tres uentes, Bolnes, &c., who will receive them with open arms. ney may not Cle go themselves, but they may take with them Musselmen, Hebrews, Greeks, and uny one they please. They may dig as much gold, silver and copper as they Fea, without paying one cent of tax. If, however, at- ter digging it, they wish to remove it from the county, thea they will be charged a small tax. But to save them the trouble of such a Jong jour- neve here, right in sight of our city, we have the hills of San Burtolome and Mariprieta ; they con- tain gold, and they may go and cs it without any one molesting them; if they wish, we wiil show them the road. For the benefit of those who are coming hereafter, we would advise them to take the Portobello route, and they may there see the minesot Pequeni and Santa Rita, where, also, there is gold, and it they please they may di down the hills and carry them off altogether, an en}l we shail not get in such a state of excitement #8 Messrs. Clay and Smith.” Grverat, Tayior AND THE BurraLo DELEGATION. — A sew days since, a delegation of the citizens of Buffalo city, N. Y., called upon General Taylor, end afterone of their aumber having addresse him, larly on the subject of the navigation of the lakes, presented him with several choice cute of beef, raised and fatted in that city, to which Gen. T. replied as follows :— Geatixmen i—1am ceeply impresred by thi ments which the people of Buffelo entertai and the flattering la: "° in which they expreseed, Forty years of my life have been Pp. ® portion of which was in the country of .ekes. The aggregate value of their produce for exportation can only be compared with that of the atest valley of the Mississippi | am fully aware of tbe difficulties in the navigation of these Lakes, and ebali at all times most cordially oo-oprrate with Con- grere in any measures for the relief of their rapidly growing commeree. Gentlemen, much of the som- iendation bestowed upon me is really due to others, and | beve entered pon the duties of the high station to which I have been called with diffidence, trusting that the intricacies of government will yield to verance in faithfulness to the people, I am every where encoursged by the kind greetings of my fellow- citizenr, nene of which afford me more pleasure then thore of the city of Bu I estimate thelr present and their motives far above gh peraaiary considera. tions. and unite with them in the fervent hope thet sbundance, preeperity aod happiness may exist throughout the Jaud, I beg that yeu will convay to them my most rincere thanks for their kindoess, and suy tbat | not only wis! jepri 1V. did for his coun- thet they may have a fowl in the pot on Sun- day. feces of beef like these on their tables every day in the week. A Lrrtie Mou Grape, Captain Braga !—The Boston Zyamacript of the 22d instant gives the tol- lowing, relative tothe Bragg and grape affair, from Colonel Bliss, trom one who was present at the time. The oceurrence was on the occasion of the reception of General Taylor at New Orleans :— The hotel was illuminated, with the huge transpa- rercies in front, containing the words “ A little more grape, Captain Bragg!” and “ Never mind. Major Blies and [ will reinforce you!”——*Neither o| which phrases,” said the gallant Colonel, ‘did ever General Taylor utter.” On our inquiry more particularly, he gave us a graphic account o Bragg’s exploit, and showed that General Taylor was not and ought not to have been within speak ing distance of Bragg during the fire. « Besides,” the Colonel politely added, “ Bragg knew how much to putin his guns—and, moreover, there was no grape used atall!” He said the General looked at the traneparencies with amazement, but was too he Oth tosay anything about them to the people. —soeageenemepncnemgineee Ovrragrovs.—The New York Heraid, an ex- chenge paper which we most highly prize, seldom comes to hand oftener than once a week, and not unirequently they are three weeks old. Ii the To- ledo Postmaster would send packages destined for points on the Central road, to Detroit, these delays, we have no doubt, would be avoided.—Nies (Mich.) Republican, March 10, atate of things Old rates will soon rule. The mostin- ‘ivential people at this place have taken boarders, tor the eecommodation of reepectable Americans, There are two hotels eseblished, one American and one French. It may be well to mention that as small packages as possible should be brought, ai din tivpke, as boggege. In that case no daty is charged. By a law passed by the Congress of Rogota, all articles of merchandite are subject to 62he. per 100 ibs. duty. emigrants bringing 10 cent, 5 cent, and trone pieces, will realize 26 per cent profit. Fer the consideration ot enterpising men deriove of meking money nearer home than 1 would tuggest the sending of very mers forthe Chagres river, and the e® toblichment of general forwarding houses at Char gies, Go ja, and Cruces. {have i¢ pleasure of the acqnaiotance of P Ferrend, Beq., of thie place. He 19 ove of the | sum of $10,060 Lake Frie wae still oes at biden LBL tive 4 Inet, t direppeerix nat, but the ice wan far ey Sect oh Tuesday Affrenb ralmon, yi ag Ford rn terved in ene of the joatom, Mass., om day lant, It wan the first of the season. Wee Jone H, Stevens int at Boston, charged with producing bort! woman nemed Ann Gallegher Thi reverel of the notes, found upon R. N. Berry, ton, snd whieh were suppered forgeries, ba: be gc buine. Foreign Miscetlany, General Flores, at the last accounts, was at Pa- numa. His former aide-de-camp and envoy to England 1s in London. Li in a frightful state of confusion. Three rival chi » Viz., Ballivian, Velasco, and the actual President, were in the field, contending tor the government, exclusive of other petty rebel- Hone pretenders to authority in various separate ocalities. Hanover.—The resignation of ministers was officially announced, on the 19th inst., in the se- cond chamber. The ground for this step is, the vote of the above chamber respecting the recogni- tion of the bill of tundamental rights (as drawa up: by the Frankiort Assembly), ministers not being prepared to make that bill unconditionally binding in Hanover. In the sitting of the Second Chamber, on the 16th ult., every seat in the house was oceupied, in the galleries, the diplomatic bench, and the report- ers’ seats, the matter under debate being the dis- cussion of the munieterial letter relative to the in- troduction of the fundamentsl law. Mr. Stner, | the Ministerial President, spoke above an hour ; in the course ot his speech, he said :-— I fear that Austria, which is depicted as being weak and torn by internel discords, does not possess a force capable of preserving the wi duty inew: it upon every and to m It te important to seeure the unity of d no is more sensible of thie than] 8 be forced to have recourse to ures ; let them mot be com- pelled to mi power which they still Austxia.—It is asserted in one of the Viem journals that the town of Arad has been taken by. the Imperialists, who found fifteen cannon in it. The ‘Austrian Parliamentary committee on con- stitutional matters has finished its labors and sent 1n 118 report, with a draft of the plan of the cone stitution of the empire. That plan is very liberal, and almost democratic, and has a tendancy to fe- deral principles, The emptre 18 to consist of ten “*crown-lands,” with a Governor, an administra- tion, and a Diet to each of them. The Diets are proposed to sit for two months in the year ; and@ General Diet is to assemble at Vienna. That Ge- neral Dietis to consist ot two Houses or Chambers; the parliamentary duration of the Lower Chamber 18 fixed ter a period of two years, and that of the Upper tor six. The dratt gives the Emperor the usual Ererogative ot executive power. Each province 18 to have a separate financial adminis- tration. Macaesar AND CxLEeBes.—Accounts, via Singa- pore, have been received from Celebes to the 18th of November, which repregent matters as quiet in that quarter, if we except the frequent attacks of pirates on defenceless prows in the Straits ot Ma- cassar, and the carrying off of the inhabitants of villages on the eea coust, for the purpose of selling them into slavery. From these accounts it woul appear that notwithstanding the very severe chas+ lisement the pirates received from the Nemesio steamer and Columbine sloop off Borneo Proper, and from the Spaniards at Balangigni, they have this year been as determined as ever, although it is probable their number 18 somewhat less. The Dutch have a great many guu-boata in Celebes, but these are no match for the large fleets of piratical prows that infest the Indian Archipelago. What 18 wanted isa few steamers ot ‘mall draught of water and of great speed. Since August last more than thurty trading prows left Macassar for Singe- pore, mostly with valuable Bugis cargoes, but which have never reached erknare owing, it is believed, to their falling into the hands of pirates. Of these a few instances may be cited, and may explain the reason for others being no more hear of, On October 15, a prow was lost on the island of Areatus, on her way to Singapore; her eargo consisted of 81x piculs of tortoise shell, a quantily of rice, and from 4,000 to 6,000 dollars in specie. While on the island teey were employed in con- strocting a small veesel trom the wreek, when they were suddenly attaeked by Menado pirates; several were wounded, but all succeeded in getti to Macasear with the silver and tortowe shell. Again, on Nov. 7, another prow sailed for Singa- pore with goods, valued at 30,000 guilders, whieh was attacked and taken by pirates, when between Kangeelan and the Paternosters. Not lese than seven pirate prows attacked the vessel, firing imo her all day, without attempting to board; the erew defended themselves until their ammunition was expended, and two of their number killed, with six wounded, when, finding no hope of holdin out, they escaped in the darkness of the Right an returned to Macassar. These pirates threaten te injure our trade in the Archipelago to a greater extent than anything that ean possibly be attempted by the Dutch in throwing open their ports to in- duce native traders to resort to them in prefereace to going to Singapore. Some of our couatrymen are uttempting to settle at Mucaesar as merchaats, but meet with so many annoyances as soon to take disgust, The Scuttery, or militia, is a very heavy drawback which English merchants have to suffer, although foreigners; whilst Chinese tra- ders, also foreigners, are freed trom service, not- withstanding the latter’s property receives aa much protection from the Sutter) ag other merchante’; and, whilst the latter are being drilled, undera tropical sun, the wily Chinese pursues trade without hindrance. The markets at Macassar were well stocked with gwods imported by the Batavisn maatschapp'j, and these monopolist with the viw of preventing English traders from domg any business, continued to retail their mer- chandive at wholesule prices. To counterbalance these evils, Great Britain must establish a tradi depot on one of the islands to the south or east of Mecuesar. By the way, it is reported that the Snghieh government is in tre with the Portu- guese to purchase the latter’s half share of the island oi Timor (the Dutch have the other part), for the purpose of making it a coal depot for the steamers on the Sydney line. Should this report turn out to be well founded, Timor would form aa admirable place for trade, and defy the Dutch porte Macassar and Menado to offer competition. _ Russta.--A Vienna letter, in the Reform of Bere lin, states that the Cabinet at St. Petersburg had been invited to send an ambi lor tothe fe~ Tences at Bruseels, but that it has declined givi an onewer until it shall have learned the result o} the mission to London of M. Coloredo, the Aus- trien plenipotentiary. Axgcpotr or Gen. Twicas.—Much has been said of the peculiar manner and characteristic daring of this gallant officer; but we have been told an anec.ote 1m regard to his fearless spirit which equals anything ef the kind we ever heard of. Af- ter the city of Mexico had been taken, or at least surrendered by the authorities to Gen. Scott, a severe fight ensued in the streets of the city, in conrequence of Santa Anna having tamed foose ieveral thougand convicts, and armed them, on condition that they thould keep the Americans at bay, and thus preventa pursuit of him. They tul- filled their agreement, and a severe fight took place, in which many individual acts of bravery took place on both sides. It was on the morning of the firet day’s fight that a portion of the cavalry were cent out trom the main plazza on the street leading to the garita de San Antomo de Abad, to ascertain whether the Mexicans were hanging in force around that entrance. They had not pro- ceeded over two or three blocks, before, from the tops of the houses and the corners of the streets, a henvy fire was opened on them by the enemy, and beisg mounted, they were unable to return it with any effect. Several horees had fallen, and the renks were considerably thrown into confusion, when a rumbling noise was heatd towards the plaza, and looking in that direction, they beheld’ Gen. Twiggs thundering on wit -pound can non at his heels. The Mexican me position behind an old gateway, whieh completely roked the cross street next the cavalry, and down which they kept an incessant fire, filling it with whistling Bullet The old General came rapidly forward, and motioned for the horsemen to pon and one after another, both officers eel dashed acrose the street, bending bag are ead- dled bow to escape the flying missiles. jae e mean time Twiggs advanced into the mu of the street, ab his cap thrown. back, his white haw streaming in the wied, his form towering upright, and his eagle eye flaching with excitement at the reene around bim. His commanding form aad bright epaulettes made hima covepicuous mara, and the enemy turned their whole fire upon him, while the bullets flew lke hail in the direetioa he was standing—killing two or three artillerymen, and rattling feartully upon the pavement behin: him. After gazing for a moment steadily at the gateway, he rove up in his stirraps and exclaimed * Lbebeve the yailer devi's are shooting at me— bring forward that exonon ’ The piece was lum bered forward ‘eside him, and a few effectual stots drove the Mexicans trom their position. — Philadephia Sun, March 21, Orening asp Coosin@ or 148 Hopson Riven = The Hudson River closed Feb. 3, 17 Jan. 12, 1795; Jon. 23, 1796: Jan. 6, 1800; Jun. 3, 180b5 Jew. 12, 1804; Ja 1806; Jan, *, 1808; Jan, 19, 110; Jan. 5,1 Jan. 8, 1s80 he earliest ume of closing the river was Nov. 30h, 1820. The earliest opening, in being entirely tree from ice, was Feb. 8 1825 This year the steamboat Co vaibia arrived wt Albavy from New York ou the wereing of the Ich ot Mach. — Albany aw ker~ chery Mar Bi