Notes of a Pianist, Ed. by C. Gottschalk, Tr. by R.E. Peterson (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1881. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ASPINWALL. 349 CHAPTER XXII. April 12.' Eleven o'clock in the morning. Land in sight. We see the mountains of New Grenada rising up on the horizon. At two o'clock we distinguish Aspinwall; somewhite houses, in the midst of which the American flag floats in the breeze; a little further on a Protestant church of cut stone and Gothic architecture presents a singular effect in the midst of the palm-trees and bamboos which surround it. Aspinwall is still only a village; its population does not exceed one thousand souls, two-thirds of which is composed of negroes; but, thanks to the flux and reflux of travellers, who every five or six days cross the isthmus from one ocean to the other, it has a certain commercial importance and extraordinary animation. It wakes up immediately on the arrival of a steamer. Hardly at the wharf, the steamer is invaded by negro porters with large pointed bonnets on their heads, which recall those of the astrologers, made from the stringy bark of a tree, and are of the colour of tow. We have great trouble to keep off this turbulent officious swarm, who seize by force every package that is in sight, and without disquieting themselves about the proprietor, and whether you are willing or unwilling, carry it on land. At a hundred yards from the wharf we find ourselves in a street, about five hundred yards long, in which every house is a hotel. There are twelve or fifteen, one after another, all American. They are one-story frame-houses with a porch. The roof extends above the porch, which is sustained by beams, and forms a veranda on the ground floor. The negress fruit-sellers abound. They are clad in white muslin gowns, low in the neck, with short sleeves. The colour of the dress is sullied by the dust, scorched by the sun, and rumpled by the ...