the good sense to see that the war must injure his adopted country, (being a Frenchman,) and he was anxious to return to his family, which he had left at his estate in Chiriqui.
The cessation of hostilities, however, appeared agreeable to all classes; although it is an undoubted fact, that but a few weeks before, the people of this part of the State of New Grenada were most virulent against Great Britain, as being more immediately connected with, and under the control of, the governor of Panama. Much bravado and boasting had been exhibited, but the pseudo warriors vanished with the calumet of peace.
We were very cordially received by La Barriere, who is a person superior to such an insignificant command. Our baggage was landed, and before dark restowed in a bongo[1] calculated to carry seventy bales, (of one hundred and twenty pounds each,) fitted with arched thatch abaft, and capable of accommodating six passengers.
As previous travellers have not sufficiently dwelt on the details of the conveniences which may be obtained for transit of despatches, passengers, baggage, cargoes, &c., from Chagres across the isthmus, by land as well as by water, I trust I shall not be deemed tedious by detailing all that may positively be ensured.
- ↑ A canoe hollowed out from a single tree, generally a species of cedar; frequently from eighty to ninety feet in length, by eight feet width at the stern.
