Extracts from a Journal; Written on the Coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico, in ... 1820, 1821, and 1822 Volume 1-2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824 edition. Excerpt: ... SAN BLAS. 171 SAN BLAS. Hesiuehce At San Blas, And Return Bound Cape Horn To ma BE JANEIRO. On the 5th of May, I left Tepic for San Blas, in order to be present when the treasure for England should be put on board the Conway The officers as well as myself took leave of the interior without much regret, for, notwithstanding the many kind attentions which we had met with, it was impossible to disguise from ourselves, that we were all more or less objects of suspicion to the inhabitants, roused, by circumstances, into a high degree of political excitement. In such times, party-spirit is a feeling which must belong to every individual forming the society; an impartial stranger, therefore, who does not, and cannot enter fully into the enthusiasm of either side, is a sort of intruder; his indifference is always mistaken for ill-will, and because he does not take part with both sides, both look upon him as unworthy of confidence. At first it was not uninteresting to see a whole community so much in earnest on one topic: but this became rather irksome, when we could no longer maintain a correspondent degree of animation on the subject. As soon as the novelty had gone by, we were looked upon as sober men in an intoxicated company; spies, as it were, upon the extravagance of those in whose dissipation we do not choose to participate. On the 6th of May, more than half a million of dollars were embarked in the Conway, and on different days during the month, other large sums; all destined for London. Some of the treasure was sent by Spanish merchants, a small quantity by Mexicans, but the whole intended for the purchase of British goods. When money is shipped, a set of bills of lading are signed for the amount. These bills, which are immediately sent...