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LA PLATA,
THE
ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION,
AND
PARAGUAY.
being a narrative op the exploration of the tributaries op the
river la plata and adjacent countries during the years
1853, '54, '55, and '66,
under the orders of the united states government.
BY THOMAS J. PAGE, U. S. N.,
OOMMANDEK OF THE EXPEDITION.
tiJitl) Map anb Numerous (l^ngraoings.
NEW YORK:
HAEPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
FRANKLIN SQUARE.
\3
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred
and fifty-nine, by
HARPER & BROTHERS,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New York.
S*rcroH Llfcrtry
DnfvsMfy of ColrtcMOi*
Wl 'M DRAWN
^C 3 p t
CIUMPTON ACCE^SiOtt
MAHCRQFl UBSAfiY
5i^
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Urquiza's Decree, opening tlie Waters of La Plata. — The Expedition. — Its Ob-
jects.— The Water Witch. — Her Sea Quah'ties. — The Voyage. — Arrival at Rio
de Janeiro. — Correspondence with the Government. — Permission granted to as-
cend to Albuquerque. — Further Extension of this Privilege. — Pamperos. — The
Morgan Wheel. — French Charts. — Arrival at Montevideo. — Quarantine. — Yellow-
Fever. — Montevideo. — Its Trade and Population. — Colonel Paunero....Page 25
CHAPTER II.
Arrival at Buenos Ayres. — Its Site. — Winds. — Higueritas. — Trade. — Buildings. —
Fruits and Flowers. — Landing at Buenos Ayres. — Besiegers and Besieged. — Our
Ministers. — Treaty with President Lopez. — Urquiza's Army. — Visit at Head-
quarters.— Personal Appearance of the General. — He interests himself in the
Expedition. — Detention at Buenos Ayres. — Letter from Mr. Pendleton. — Treach-
ery in the Squadron. — Joint Treaty of Navigation. — Martin Garcia Channel. —
New Channel discovered. — Letter from Messrs. Schenck and Pendleton. — Break-
ing up of the Siege. — Senor Urquiza and Staff on board the Water Witch. — Pa-
lermo, the former Residence of Rosas. — The Dictator and his Daughter Manu-
elita. — Urquiza's Dog. — The Director's Demeanor. — The Voyage. — Ladies on
board. — Temperance of Urquiza. — He leaves the Water Witch. — Return to
Buenos Ayres. — Tribute to British Officers 35
CHAPTER III.
Letter from Mr. Schenck. — Visit to the Estancia of General Urquiza. — ^Framing
of the Treaty. — Marking Cattle. — Farm and Residence of the Director. — Os-
triches, Partridges, and Deer: Mode of hunting them. — Horses. — Return to
Buenos Ayres. — The Galera. — Reception at Concepcion. — The College. — The
Ball. — Native Grace of Spanish American Women. — Leave Concepcion. — The
Water Witch. — Coaling at Buenos Ayres. — Final Departure for the Ascent of
the River 51
CHAPTER IV.
Chronometers. — Determinations of Latitude and Longitude. — Construction of
Charts. — Delta of the Parana. — Diamante. — Fruits. — Oranges. — Peaches. —
Beautiful Scenery. — Mouths of the Parana. — The Parbon. — The Gualaguay. —
TheRepunte. — Periodical Risings of Water. — Islands. — The Seibo and Sause. —
San Pedro. — Obligardo. — Passage forced by the English and French.— Island
Formations. — Variations of Channel. — Pilots. — Estancieros. — San Nicholas. —
Rosario. — Its commercial Importance. — Advantages over Buenos Ayres. — Winds.
— Letter of R. B. Forbes, Esq. — Banks of the River. — Convent of San Lorenzo. —
The Tercero. — Mr. Campbell's Sui-vey. — The Chaco Hills. — Scenery. — Diaman-
te.— Ferries. — Trees. — The Algarroba and Espinilla 64
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
Left Bank of the Parana. — Survey made by Lieutenant Powell. — Climbing the
Tree. — Victoria. — Descending the Parana Cito. — Puerto de los Bues. — Guala-
guay. — El Puerto de Ybicui. — A Canal. — Paciencia. — Physical Changes. — The
Colastine. — Capella de San Jose. — Santa Fe. — The Chaco. — Its Inhabitants. —
Parana. — Bajada. — Progress. — Pine Lumber. — Commercial Prospects. — Cedar.
— Surface Soil. — Dr. Martin de Moussy's Report. — Plan of Parana. — Buildings
and Population. — River Banks. — Estancia of an Englishman. — Feliciana. — La
Paz. — The Jefe de Politica and the Curate. — Fuel. — Pass of San Juan. — Course
of the River. — Sullivan's Charts. — "Wild Fowl. — The Espinilla. — Capibaras or
Capinchas. — Locusts. — Catching a Deer. — Riacho Caraguatay. — Riacho San
Geronimo. — Goya. — Capincha Chase. — Bella Vista. — Productions. — Fishing. —
Tobacco Island. — Hunting for Specimens. — Taquari Chico. — An Orange Estan-
cia.— The Camilote. — Arrival at Corrientes. — Visit to the Governor. — Visit from
the Governor. — City of Corrientes. — Easy Navigation of the River. — Fine Woods
for Fuel. — Resources of the River Provinces. — Table of Distances Page 79
CHAPTER VI.
The Waters of the Paraguay and Parana. — Affluents of the Paraguay. — Enter
the Territory of Paraguay. — Salute to the Admiral of the Navy of the Republic
of Paraguay. — Visit from the Admiral. — Boundaries of the South American Re-
publics.— Banks of the Paraguay. — Palm-trees and beautiful Scenery. — Guardias
and Piquetes. — Tres Bocas. — Guardia Humaita. — President Lopez and the Bra-
zilian Squadron. — Vermejo River. — Pillar. — Caiia. — Caranday Palm. — The Ti-
biquari. — Salute of Musketry. — Villa Franca. — The Commandante. — The Las-
so and Bolas. — Oliva. — Villa Villeta. — A Cigar with the Commandante. — San
Antonio. — Mount Lambare. — Arrival at Asuncion. — Rise and Fall of the Para-
guay 105
CHAPTER VIL
Interviews with President Lopez. — Negotiations. — Residence at Asuncion. — The
City. — Buildings. — Francia's Tomb. — Francia's Cruelties. — Isolation of Para-
guay.— Francia's System. — Dahlgreen's Howitzer. — The American Company. —
Celebration of Lopez's Birth-day. — Reception at the Government House. — Grand
Ball at the Residence of the Chief Justice. — The Speech 116
CHAPTER VIII.
Departure from Asuncion. — The President's Quinta. — Salinas. — A Hill. — The Con-
fuso. — The Salado. — Estancia of Lopez. — Variety of Woods and Fruits. — Que-
bracho.— Capiepomo. — Guazu. — Cattle. — Hospitality. — River Scenery. — An
Accident to Engine. — Piquete Ytati. — Wood for Steamers. — Plants and Shrubs.
— River Jejui. — San Pedro. — Another Accident to Engine. — Guaycuru Rembiu.
— Government Estancia. — The Pacu Fish. — River Changes. — The Ypane. — Ar-
rival at Concepcion 128
CHAPTER IX.
Concepcion. — ^Yerba. — Government Monopolies and Restrictions placed upon Trade.
— Favorable Reception. — Guembe and Guembetaya. — The Water Witch. — A Ball
at the Comraandante's House. — A Quandary. — Danced down. — Senor Tachiera.
— Costumes. — Wood for Steamer. — Rio Saladillo. — Salinas. — Indians. — The
Caciques. — A Shaking of Hands and a Smoke. — Palm Forest, — Salvador. — Heat.
CONTENTS.
XI
— State of the Conntry. — The Abatiguaniba. — Caragtiatay Guazu. — Mannfactures
of its Thread. — Thorns converted into Needles. — The Datil. — Reptile Hunting.
— Supplies. — Value of Hide. — Piquete Arracife. — Heat. — Paso Melo. — Mount-
ed Indians from the Chaco. — Piquete Judiarte. — Guardia Apatuya. — Beautiful
Scenery. — The Morada and Ytapucu Guazu. — The Children of the Gran Chaco.
— Equestrian and Pedestrian. — Size, Strength, and Longevity. — An Octogenarian
in the Flower of his Age. — Nabidigua. — TheMbayas. — Their Slaves. — The Gua-
rani. — Spiritual Notions of the Aborigines. — No Word for God or Divinity. — Ahar-
aigichi. — Jupa. — Inferior Creatures or not? Page 136
CHAPTER X.
Rio Appa. — A Tapir. — Differences between Brazil and Paraguay as to the Boixnda-
ries. — Letter from Mr. Hudson. — Point Rock. — Sierra Siete Punta. — Pan de
Azucar. — Ascent of the Mountain. — The View. — Speculations on the Future of
this Country. — Round Top. — Fort Bourbon. — Claims of Bolivia and Paraguay.
— Bahia Blanca. — Vuelta Pariquito. — Capon Chico. — A Boa. — Dorado, Pacu,
and Palometa.— Ascent of the Bahia Blanca. — Camelotas. — Suspending of the
Bottle to a Tree. — Proposition of Don Manuel Louis de Oliden. — Grant by the
Congress of Bolivia. — Decree of the Supreme Government. — Importance at-
tached to the Navigation of the Otuquis. — Extract from a Pamphlet by Mauri-
cio Back. — Fort Coimbra. — Flattering Expressions of the Commandante. — The
Guaycurus. — Policy of Brazil toward the Chaco Indians.^ — The Canoe 160
CHAPTER XI. *
The Moro Dorito. — Curalo Todo. — Tea, Coffee, and Milk. — Position of Anchorage
off Albuquerque. — The Miranda. — The Tacuary. — Azara's Maps. — The Cam-
barasa. — The Paraguay Mini. — Corumba. — The Guatambu. — Hunting the Ja-
guar.— Fruits. — Return to Albuquerque. — Village of Mbayas. — An Indian Mis-
sion.— Rice and Cotton. — Schools. — The Padre. — A Dance. — Missionary Effort.
— The Jesuits. — The Dinner on board the Water Witch. — Trade of Cuyaba. —
Bolivian Refugees. — The Grotto Inferno. — Capture of a Sentinel. — Fate of the
Refugees. — Birds. — The Jaguar. — Its Ferocity. — Lenguas Indians. — The Com-
mandante wears a long Face. — The Yellow Parrot. — Anchored off Asuncion. —
A Storm brewing 182
CHAPTER XII.
The Captain of the Port. — Momentous Question. — A Call at the Government
House. — The Secretary of State. — Visit to the President. — The Anniversary of
Paraguayan Independence. — Minor Explorations. — Congress of 1812. — The
Consuls. — Francia. — Provisional Junta. — Another Congress. — President Lo-
pez.— The Constitution. — Ignorance of the People. — Society. — Sefioritas and
Flowers. — Paraguay Tobacco and Smokers. — The Siesta. — Another Call upon
the President. — The Vaquerano. — A Tour into Paraguay. — Sefior Don Jaimi Cor-
vallan. — Perijii. — Sefiora Dalmacia. — Villa Rica. — Don Louis Homan. — The
Tebiquari. — The Recado. — Puesta del Estado de Jesus Maria. — The Dinner. —
The Peripo. — Mr. Francis Wisner. — Sefior Sergente Lopez, — Sefiora Clara. —
Manufacture of Cigars. — The Taquari. — Fertility of the Country. — Medical Men.
— Healthful Climate. — Puebla Carmen.— ^Don Mariana. — The Yiin. — El Secre-
tario. — Ytapua 198
xii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Francia. — Religion and the Churches. — Ytapua. — The Commandante and Soldiers.
— Navigability of the Parana. — Carmen. — Equipments of Horses. — Mission of San
Cosmi. — Estancia San Rafael. — Mate. — Frescoes. — D. Ignacio's Horse. — CapiUa
San Martin. — The Supper. — Missions Santa Maria and Santa Rosa. — Estancia
of Sefiora Casara. — The Merchant President. — Seiior Cabenas. — Capilla Caa-
pucu. — Senor Vasconcellos. — The Diezmo. — Public Lands. — Seiior Bergarran.
— Iron Works. — The Waiter. — The Superintendent. — Ibicui. — Mineral Districts.
— Products and Exports of Paraguay. — The Surgeon of the Water Witch. —
Beauty and Fertility of the Country. — Presidential Election. — No Admittance.
— A Motion to make the President Emperor. — The Constitution. — Individual
Wealth. — Cotton. — Lists of Exports from Asuncion Page 224
CHAPTER XIV.
Expedition under Geronimo Metorras. — Colonel Arrias. — Murillo and Lapa. —
Colonel Ariadne Cornejo. — Don Pablo Soria. — Steamer Pilcomayo. — Lieutenant
Powell instnicted to enter the Interior of Paraguay. — Want of Game and Fish.
— Force of the Current. — Tobas Indians. — Nacurutu. — Palms. — Rio Saco. — De
loi Carui. — Visit to the Toldo — Paso da Lurbi. — River ascended one hundred
and twenty Miles. — Channel. — Descending a Cascade. — A Hunt with Dr. Car-
ter.— Lost. — Signals. — The Howitzer replies. — Safe Return. — Descending the
River. — Mr. -Hickman. — Letter from Mr. Dana 243
CHAPTER XV.
Visit to the President. — Boat-cruise up the Riachuelo. — Victoria Regia or Mais
del Agua. — Orange Groves. — The Plow. — Posta Contaro. — San Cosmi. — Ytati.
— Hacienda Yrisbugua. — Race with an Ostrich. — Breaking a Horse. — Troubles
at Asuncion. — Visit to the President. — Consultation with Mr. Hopkins. — Return
to the Government-house. — Last Interview with his Excellency. — The Permit.
— Correspondence with Mr. Falcon. — Council at Head-quarters. — Americans on
board, descending the River. — The Navy heaves in Sight. — Passing the Admi-
ral.— The President's Indignation and the Seminario. — The Treaty. — Mr. Fal-
con's extraordinary Letter. — False Charges in the President's Message. — The
French Colony. — The Brazilian Squadron. — Outrage committed upon the Water
Witch. — What our Policy with South American States should be 263
CHAPTER XVI.
Lieutenant Powell dispatched to Montevideo. — Mr. Murdaugh ordered to explore
the southern and western parts of the Province. — Extract from Journal of Lieu-
tenant Murdaugh. — Cotton. — Saladas. — Sugar. — San Roque. — Return to Bella
Vista. — Goya. — Rincon de Soto. — A Tour in the Governor's Galera. — A Bivou-
ac.— Curuzu Quatia. — Return. — River Mirinay. — Estancia Bonpland. — Res-
tauracion. — Uruguayana. — Note from M. Bonpland. — Imprisonment of the Nat-
uralist.— Tobacco. — Coffee. — Lagoon of Ybera 288
CHAPTER XVII.
The Dinner at Corrientes. — The Address. — Toasts and Wine. — A Cargo of Lum-
ber.— The Saladero. — The Water Witch dispatched ivp the Parana. — Sudden
Return of Lieutenant Jeffers. — The Steamer run aground by the Pilot. — Fired
into from the Fort, killing the Helmsman. — False Claims of President Lopez to
the Channel. — Erroneous Statements and Fancy Sketches of the President of
CONTENTS. xiii
Paraguay. — Affection for the Salto Grande. — Dispatch to our Government. — Its
Contents refuted. — Return to Buenos Ayres. — Lieutenant Powell dispatched to
Rio. — Arrival of the Savannah. — Indecision of the Commodore. — Refusal to
grant the Guns. — United Stales Legation versus United States Squadron. — What
should have been done. — Dispatch from Sefior Vasquez. — The Commodore im-
pressed with the Fact of the Parana containing sufficient Depth of Water to ad-
mit a Sloop of War Page 301
CHAPTER XVIIL
Island of Martin Garcia. — Pass of San Juan. — Town of Higueritas. — The Brasso
Bravo. — Rio Negro. — The Gualaguaychu. — Concepcion. — Frey Bentos. — Fine
Pasturage. — Herds of Cattle. — Arrival at Concepcion. — College. — Saladeros. —
Town of Paisandu. — An Englishman's Estancia. — Current of the River. — Palm
Forests of Eutre Rios. — The Arroyo Grande. — Paso Heredera. — Town of Con-
cordia.— Trade. — Salto. — The Salto Grande. — Killing a Partridge. — Rise of Wa-
ter.— Tide. — Track Sur^'ey of the Rio Negro. — Town of Soriana. — Mercedes. —
Sarsaparilla. — Fossil Remains. — Megatherium and Glyptodon. — Health of this
Region of Country. — Cattle and Estancias 318
CHAPTER XIX.
Chartering of the little Steamer. — Arrival at Santa Fe. — Province of Santa Fe. —
Civil Wars and Independence. — Wood. — Ascent of the River. — Animal Life. —
Ducks, Jaguars, Capibaras, and Armadillos. — The Diver, Podiceps leucopterus. —
Planting of sweet Potatoes. — The Crucito. — The Saladito. — La Cruz. — The Bed
of a Lagoon. — Monte Aguara. — The Return. — Current and Width of the River. —
The Jaguar. — Density of the Salado Water. — Journey by Land to the upper Wa-
ters.— A Tatu. — Quebracho. — The Mirage. — The surly Officer. — The Tongue of
the taciturn Argentino loosened. — The Segundo. — Tio or Concepcion. — Algor-
roba and Soil. — Arrival at Cordova. — List of Distances 332
CHAPTER XX.
Cordova. — De Garay. — Population of the Province. — The City of Cordova. — Trade.
— Rail-road surveyed by Mr. Campbell. — Madam . — Cathedral and Public
Buildings. — The Colegio Maximo. — Paintings. — Dr. Hawling's Tannery. — The
Market. — Copper in the Sierras of Cordova. — Sefior Zuverir. — Mineral Districts.
— A Journey to Santiago. — Appearance of the Horses : their Powers of Endur-
ance.— Valley of Jesus Maria. — Shepherds' Dogs. — Divisidero. — Posta San Pe-
dro.— Rosario. — Hard Riding. — Posta del Monte. — Bed of the Rio Dulce. —
Quichua Language. — Perqui. — The Harpist. — The Tropero. — A Dance and no
Supper. — Cana. — Another Tropa. — Arrival at Santiago 348
CHAPTER XXI.
Santiago. — Government House. — Trade and Population. — No Hotels. — Pair of
Gloves. — Visit to the Governor. — Don Taboado. — The Boat. — Quintas and
Fruits.— Chills at Santiago.— The Pic-nic— The Dulce.— Bed of the Salado. —
The Saladillo.— The Fjor del aria.— The Ulna.— Luxuriant Foliage.— The Slevre.
— Bees. — The Toisini. — Yana. — Moso Moso. — Mestiso Quilaya. — Cani. — Quella
and Alframisqui. — The Eyrobana. — Wax. — The Cochineal. — Lassoing a Mule. —
Price of Mules. — Launching the Boat. — A Bivouac. — Arrival at Salvador. —
Banks of the Salado. — Birds. — Estancia Figarra. — "Que Animal." — Arrival at
Matara. — The Dance and the little Child. — The Priests. — Incursions of the
Chaco Indians. — List of Trees. — Quebracho. — Algorroba. — Vinal. — Quilin. —
Chaiia.-Mistal.— Vinay.— Tola.— Puna.— Gumi.—Quimel.—Cardon 361
Xiv CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXII.
Bajada Sause. — Women pursued by Indians. — Laguna Toma Caphuyan. — Estancia
Gramilla Bracho. — A Night's Sleep interrupted by the Governor's Troop in pur-
suit of Indians. — Fording the Lagoon. — The Scouts on the Trail. — Indians in
Sight. — The White Men defied. — A Charge. — Another Pursuit. — Disappearance
in the Forest. — Hunger, Thirst, and a sound Sleep in the Eain. — The old Es-
tancieros. — Hostility of the Indians. — Navicha. — Paso Sandia. — Pastures. —
Monte Aquara. — Monte Tigre. — Arrival of an additional Force. — Musquitoes
and Eain. — Farther Advance of the Party. — On another Trail. — Swimming the
River. — The Volleys. — Indians. — The would-be Captive. — The dying Soldier. —
The Bullet and a Cigar. — Mente del Muerta. — The Current running up. — The
Return Page 374
CHAPTER XXIII.
Crossing at Paso Mistol. — A Cordon of Posts. — Paso la Torre. — A Wild-goat
Chase. — Navigation of the Salado. — Seiiora Mendez. — Sleep in the Open Air. —
Reservoirs of Water. — Drought. — Arrival at Santiago. — A Ball. — Toasts. —
Fine Dancing. — JRiver Dulce. — Road to Tucuman. — Approach the Andes. —
Woodland. — Rio Tala. — Mountains. — Scenery. — Arrival at Tucuman. — Hotels
in La Plata. — Dr. Priestly. — Sugar-Plantation. — Molasses, Sugar, and Rum Es-
tablishment.— Cultivation of the Sugar-cane. — A Dinner at Sefior Zavalier's. —
Seiiora and her Daughters. — A Ride into the Country. — Scenery. — Dinner and
Ball at the Governor's. — Beauty of Spanish- American Women. — Province of
Tucuman. — The Capital. — Progress. — Statistics. — Cultivation. — Start for Salta.
— Valleys. — Productive Capacity of the Soil. — Wheat. — Mountain Road. — Posta
Romero. — The foiled Post-master. — Alimafia. — Grassy Basin. — Destitute Post-
master.— Valley Chiguano. — Upper Waters of the Salado. — Products of Valley
Chiguano. — River Rosario. — Ford the Arrias. — Arrive at Salta 394
CHAPTER XXIV.
A Night at a Zambo. — Messrs. Pelacio. — Acts of Courtesy. — Province of Salta. —
Population. — Products. — Salinas. — The Capital. — Advantages of Salado Nav-
igation.— Mules. — Leather and Wool. — Trees. — The Pacaray. — Silk Rolls. —
Wheat. — Copper. — Governor. — Music and Dancing. — Exiled Bolivians. — Revo-
lutionary state of Bolivia. — Departure from Salta. — Tropas of Asses. — Lake
Cabo. — Simbola. — Rivers Pasaje and Las Piedras. — Forests. — Little Use of Milk
in La Plata. — Forest of Sevil. — Don Martin Giiemes. — Breakfast in the Forest. —
Stage-coach. — Ferry-boats. — Beauty of Country. — Arrival at Tucuman. — Horse-
back Travel. — Gaucho Life. — Visit from the Governor. — Map of the Province of
Tucuman. — Farewell to Friends in Tucuman. — Day's Ride. — Dulce Boat. — San-
tiago and Reception at the Governor's. — Head Waters of the Salado. — Laboring
Classes in Santiago. — Hospitality of Spanish- Americans. — Harvest. — Narrow
Escape. — Horses. — A Cordova Posta. — Fined for fast Riding. — Leave Cordova.
— Return Route across the Pampas. — Galera from Rosario. — Diligcncia. — River
Tcrcero. — Tropa of Mules from San Juan. — River Quarto. — Fording the Quarto.
— Pop-corn Party. — Division Line between Cordova and Santa Fe'. — Postillion.
— Growth of Rosario. — British Consul. — Farther Examinations of La Plata
Channels. — Preparations for Departure. — Letters of Recall. — Boatswain's Call.
— Germantown. — Lieutenant Ridgely. — Home 412
CONTENTS. XV
CHAPTER XXV.
Extent of Exploration. — Depth of Water in the Paraguay. — Sources of that River.
— Junction with the Parana. — The Parana River. — Tributaries of the Paraguay.
— The Confuso and Otuquis. — Expeditions up and down the Pilcomayo. — North-
ern and Southern Branch. — Little Success at its Navigation. — The Vermejo. —
Its Navigability confirmed. — The Salado. — "River Bottom." — Falls of Apipe.
— The Gran Salto. — The River above. — Islands and Rapids. — The Uiniguay. —
The Salto Grande. — Beauty of adjacent Country. — La Plata. — Its Mouth at the
Capes. — Structure of the Parana Banks. — Tosca. — Rock Formation on the Par-
aguay.— Entrance to a Mountain Region. — The Great Gulf — Birth of Rivers.
— Callera do Arriola. — Retirement of the Sea. — Fossil Remains and* Estuary
Mud. — Diluvial and Alluvial Periods. — Encroachments of Land and Water. —
Harbor of Buenos Ayres. — Fertility of Soil. — Fruits and Vegetation. — Medic-
inal Plants and Woods. — Climate. — Navigation of the Rivers. — Letter fi-om the
Governor of Santiago. — Exclusive Privileges granted to Companies. — Suitable
Vessels. — Paraguay. — Products and Advantages for Trade. — Interests of Boli-
via.— Immigration. — Brossard. — Thiers and Guizot upon the Country of La Plata.
— What foreign Governments have done. — What our Policy should be... Page 431
CHAPTER XXVL
First Discovery of the River La Plata by Solis. — Death of Solis. — Sebastian Cabot.
— First Settlement in La Plata. — Explorations of Cabot. — Indian Hostilities. —
Highway to El Dorado. — Don Diego Garcia. — Cabot's Dispatch to the Emperor.
— Pizarro. — Cabot superseded. — Don Pedro de Mendoza. — His Expedition to La
Plata. — Founding of Buenos Ayi"es. — Hostility of the Indians. — Attack upon
Buenos Ayres. — Ayolas. — His Expedition up the River. — Death of Mendoza. —
Destruction of the Spaniards under Ayolas. — Don Dominguez Yrala. — Founding
of Asuncion. — Indian Conspiracy. — The Spaniards and the Natives. — Don Al-
varo Nunez de Vaca. — His Journey across the Continent. — Administration of
De Vaca. — He is sent back to Spain. — Yrala appointed Adelantado. — Asun-
cion erected into a Bishopric. — Disasters of the first Adventurers. — Successful
Administration of Trala. — Commanderies. — Death of Yrala. — Zarate and Garay.
— Victory over the Indians. — First export Cargo. — Death of Garay. — Final Con-
quest of La Plata. — Separation from Paraguay 449
CHAPTER XXVIL
Arrival of the Jesuits in South America. — A pious Fraud. — Early Missionaries. —
St. Francis Solano. — Chaco Indians. — Fathers Cataldino and Marcerata proceed
to Guayra. — Foundation of Loreto. — St. Ignatius, St. Thomas, and the twelve
Missions. — Establishment and Destruction of the Uruguay Reductions. — Mame-
lucos of St. Paul. — Persecutions of the Indians. — Attack upon Guayra. — Retreat
of the twelve Thousand to the Salto Grande. — Descent of the Falls. — Peace at
last. — Renewal of the Uruguay Reductions. — Bickerings between Ecclesiastics
and Laymen. — Retreat of another twelve thousand. — Fathers De Montoya and
Tano are dispatched to the Continent : their Missions are crowned with Suc-
cess.— Fire-arms and papal Briefs. — Another Attack of the Mamelucos. — Battle
of Acaray. — ^Triumph of the Reduction Indians. — DonBernardin de Cardenas. —
Excommunications. — Penitence of the Governor. — Deposition of the Bishop. —
Return to Asuncion. — The Dictator. — Cardenas is relieved of his assumed Au-
thority and retires to La Plata. — Defeat of the Mamelucos and Guaycurus. —
Services of the Reduction Indians 465
xvi CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Fathers placed in charge of the Missions: their Duties and Power. — Opinions and
Researches of Azara. — Foundation of St. Joachim and of Belen. — Means and
Measures adopted. — Jesuit Reduction. — College. — Dispensary, Gardens. — The
Arsenal and Soldiery. — Sham-fights. — The Church: its Splendor. — Music. —
Attendance at Church Service. — Fetes and Processions. — Clothing. — Schools. —
Police System. — Daily Life. — Labor in the Fields. — Christian Republic. — Social
Equality. — Mercantile Restrictions. — God's Inheritance Page 493
CHAPTER XXIX.
Tarija Missions. — Failures. — Confided to Franciscan Friars. — Spanish Settlement
in the Province of Chiquitos. — Foundation and Removal of Santa Cruz Missions.
— First Establishment by Father Arce'. — Successive Reductions. — Native Of-
ficials.— Jesuit System. — Abipones. — Concepcion and the Rosary. — Dobrizhoffer.
— Voyage along the Coast of Patagonia. — Patagonia Missions. — Revolt of In-
dians.— Cangapol 506
CHAPTER XXX.
Stability of the Christian Church. — Contest for the Governorship of Asuncion. —
Antequera. — Expulsion of the Jesuits. — Defeat of Don Balthazar Garcia Rosas. —
Zavala. — Flight of Antequera, his Arrest and Execution. — Appointment of Don
John de Barua. — Return of the Jesuits. — Rebellion in Paraguay. — Communeros
and Contrabandos. — A President. — Another Expulsion of the Jesuits. — Don Man-
uel de Ruiloba, Governor of Asuncion. — A Defender. — Zavala enters Asuncion.
— Contest at the Court of Madrid. — Triumph of the Jesuits. — Their exclusive
Policy. — Suspicions revived. — The Contest renewed. — Sebastian Carvalho, Mar-
quis of Pombal. — The boundary Line. — Attempt to assassinate King Joseph. —
Expulsion of the Order from Portugal and France. — Squillaci. — Charles III. —
Aranda. — The Jesuits driven from Spain. — A Cruise at Sea. — Final Landing at
"Corsica. — Letter of the Pope. — Bucareli. — Viceroy of Buenos Ayres, his Mes-
sengers and Dispatches. — Plans thwarted. — Sudden Arrest of the Fathers. —
Destruction of the Cordova Library. — Memorial of the Indians in behalf of the
Order. — Alarms of the Viceroy. — Expedition against the Parana and Uruguay
Reductions. — The Fathers shipped for Europe. — Fate of the Missions 526
CHAPTER XXXI.
False Policy of Spain toward the Colonies. — Treaty of Utrecht. — Foundation of
Montevideo. — Contrabandists. — Treaty of 1750. — Viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres.
— Treaty of St. Ildefonso. — Final Concessions of the Mother Country. — Expedi-
tion nnder Sir Home Popham. — Capture of Buenos Ayres. — Assault of Monte-
video.— Defeat of General Whitelock. — Liniers. — Joseph Bonaparte. — A Portu-
guese Pretender. — Cisneros. — Assembly of July 9th, 1816. — Independence of
Paraguay, Bolivia, and Buenos Ayres. — Disadvantages the South American
People labored under for forming a good Government. — The Banda Oriental. —
Urquiza. — Oribe. — Battle of Monte Caseros. — Convention at St. Nicolas. —
Courtesy extended to our Minister. — Disaffection of Buenos Ayres. — Siege of
that City 552
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
Map of the Basin of La Plata at the end of the volume.
The Steamer Water Witch Frontispiece.
Montevideo, from the Fort on the Mountain , 33
Portrait of President Urquiza 41
-Marking Cattle 54
San Jose, the Estancia of Urquiza 56
The Galera 58
College of Concepcion 60
Corrientes — Upper End 102
Corrientes — Lower End 102
Use of the Lasso and Bolas 112
Portrait of President Lopez 117
Asuncion — First View 121
Asuncion — Second View 121
The Cabildo, Asuncion 123
The Cathedral, Asuncion 124
Curing Yerba I37
Meeting Indians on the Chaco 149
Termination of Spur of Ytapucu Gazo 153
Pan de Azucar 163
Fort Bourbon, or Olimpo 168
Fort Coimbra 178
Saddle-shaped Mountain 185
Corumba 187
Plaza of Albuquerque 189
Lengua Indians at Salvador 197
Portrait of Francia, the Dictator 202
Costumes of the Interior 209
Dinner at the Puerta del Estado 214
Crossing the Taquari 219
Mate and Bombilla 227
Supper at San Martin 230
Steamer Pilcomayo and Paraguay Guardia 246
Indians fishing in the Vermejo 252
Passing the Guardia Tres Bocas 278
Attack upon the Water Witch 306
Chart of the Mouth of the Parana 309
Shooting a Jaguar 341
Tropa of Carretas encamped 357
Pursuit of the Indians 379
Attack at the Paso Mistol 390
A Gaucho 396
An Estanciero 420
Sierra Siete Punto 438
Portrait of Ignntius Loyola 465
Diagrams of Observations 605-6
2
INTRODUCTION.
There are circumstances connected with the origin and organ-
ization of the "La Plata Expedition" which may be interesting
to the reader, as an Introduction to the Narrative of the Expe-
dition.
In the year 1851 I returned from a cruise on the East India
Station, having spent the greater portion of three years in the
Chinese waters. While in the neighborhood of Canton I often
enjoyed the society and conversation of my friend, Mr. E. B.
Forbes, at that time the head of the house of Russell and Com-
pany, whose experience in the navigation of the Chinese seas had
made him aware of the great defects of our best charts of those
waters. One day, while seated in his veranda at Macao, indulg-
ing in a Manilla cheroot, and admiring the scenery around the
harbor, he remarked that, considering the importance and value
of our trade with China, we needed more accurate surveys to
point out the dangers that beset the navigator at every league in
those waters.
I was impressed by the suggestion, and replied that I would
gladly undertake the work, under the orders of government. It
was agreed that, upon our return home, we should make a joint
effort to induce the government to carry our views into effect.
The importance of the subject was perceived by Congress and the
Navy Department; and when it became evident that the project
was to be carried out, I was informed by Mr. Graham, then Sec-
retary of the Navy, that I was to be intrusted with the execution
of the survey.
I thereupon, after consultation with Mr. Forbes, presented to
Congress a statement as to the number and kind of vessels re-
quired, and the amount needed for their construction. A pro-
peller and two schooners were recommended, and the appropria-
tion was made, in accordance with my estimates.
A change took place in the Navy Department. Mr. Graham
resigned, and Mr. Kennedy was appointed Secretary of the Navy.
XX
INTRODUCTION.
Meanwhile the " China Sea and Behring's Strait Survey"* was
expanded from its original unpretending design into an expedi-
tion upon a large scale for the investigation of every branch of
natural science, involving the employment of a squadron of five
vessels, with a sloop of war as "flag-ship," and a corps of scientific
persons.
My position on the Naval Eegister was that of lieutenant.
This was urged as a bar against my appointment to this impor-
tant command, which was accordingly assigned to one of higher
rank — a commander. I was somewhat annoyed that my bantling-
had grown entirely beyond my control, and asked to be excused
from occupying the position of second in command, which was
tendered to me by the Secretary. In doing this, I made known
my agency in originating and prosecuting the measure.
A few days after, I was offered the command of an expedition
for the exploration and survey of the Eio de la Plata and its
tributaries. The same day's mail brought me another offer of
service, made through the influence of friends, and highly flatter-
ing to me personally and professionally. I accepted the former.
Congress made no special appropriation for this work. To Mr.
Fillmore, then President, and to Mr. Kennedy, the Secretarj^
of the Navy, belongs the credit of assigning this particular duty
to the Water "Witch, as one of the vessels of the squadron on the
coast of Brazil. She was of&cered, manned, and equipped in the
usual manner of vessels of her class, with the exception that her
armament was changed to three bronze howitzers. She was also
furnished with a few astronomical instruments, and a small pro-
vision of materials for the collection and preservation of speci-
mens in Natural History.
The explorations, a narrative of which is contained in the fol-
lowing pages, embraced an extent of about three thousand six
hundred miles by water, and of four thousand four hundred miles
by land through Paraguay and the Argentine Confederation. In
connection with the other duties assigned to me by my instruc-
tions, I was intrusted with diplomatic powers to negotiate a treaty
of friendship and commerce with the government of Paraguay.
Although no naturalist accompanied the expedition, the letters
■
* The Behring's Strait clause was an addition suggested hy the intelligent Su-
perintendent of the National Observatory, whose investigations into the various
whaling regions of the globe had led him to see the defects of our charts of that
region.
INTRODUCTION. Xxi
and reports of scientific men, to whose inspection some of tlie col-
lections have been submitted, will show to what extent my in-
structions in this respect have been carried out.
When I presented to the Secretary of the Navy my " Eeport
of the Exploration and Survey of the River La Plata and its Trib-
utaries," I anticipated making one more full and copious at a sub-
sequent period. The Secretary, however, expressed himself sat-
sfied with that document ; but I was not. I found that a desire
had been awakened for a knowledge of that country which could
not be comprised within the limits of a preliminary report. This
having been published in some of the leading journals of this
country and of Europe, I received many letters asking " for more
detailed information respecting that section of South America."
But for these inquiries, I believe I should have shrunk from the
task of preparing a work for publication during my only hours of
leisure after discharging the duties of " an office for the construc-
tion of charts of the La Plata Expedition," and amid other inter-
ruptions of an official character. But my journals contained am-
ple materials for a book, and it seemed more easy to arrange this
material into a narrative of the expedition, than to answer the nu-
merous letters which continued to pour in upon me. Accompa-
nying the narrative are a few chapters giving an outline sketch
of the history of La Plata, and an account of the Jesuit missions
in the country.
In presenting this volume to the public, I can claim for it no
special consideration on the ground of artistic arrangement or lit-
erary merit. For its favorable reception I rely mainly upon the
importance of the matters of which it treats.
To the Smithsonian Institute I am indebted for aid in provid-
ing the means necessary for the collection and preservation of
specimens in Natural History, and for valuable information as to
their application. Also to M. F. Maury, U. S. N., Superintend-
ent of the Naval Observatory, for the selection of instruments, and
for valuable suggestions in the prosecution of several important
portions of our work. Special thanks are also due to Mr. George
W. Blunt, of New York, and Mr. R. B. Forbes, of Boston, men
who are always prompt in the advocacy and support of all meas-
ures having for their object the extension of the bounds of science
and of commerce ; to the officers attached to the expedition, who
labored with intelligence and energy until its results were embod-
ied in well-executed charts ; and to Lieutenant H. N. Harrison,
xxii INTRODUCTION.
who, in connection with, other office duties, reduced the meteoro-
logical observations presented in the Appendix. The American
Greographical and Statistical Society took an early interest in the
exploration of the Eiver La Plata. At a meeting held May 11th,
1852, a memorial upon this subject, prepared by S. De Witt
Bloodgood, Esq., was adopted, and ordered to be transmitted to
the Secretary of the Navy. This will be found in the Appendix.*
Fully impressed with the importance, commercially as well as
scientifically, of extending the examination, already so successful-
ly carried on, into the principal tributaries of the central waters of
La Plata, which neither time nor events permitted during the late
exploration, I set to work, after my return home, immediately on
the meeting of Congress, and, through the interest taken in the
matter by the able Senator from Louisiana, Mr. Benjamin, pro-
cured the passage of an act appropriating a small sum for the far-
ther prosecution of my late work. Under a contract with the
N"avy Department, a suitable iron steamer was built by Mr. K. B.
Forbes of Boston, and chartered to the government. Although
of small dimensions — length 98 feet, beam 16, and draught 4 — she
was taken out to Montevideo under sail, rigged as a " three-mast-
ed schooner," and arrived safely early in the month of March of
the present year (1858), after a passage of about 70 days. The
officers associated with me in this expedition sailed in February,
and arrived out in time to receive the little steamer, which I have
named Argentma.
My duties in connection with the construction of the charts of
the previous expedition claimed my attention at this time, and,
before their completion, my services having been required by the
Navy Department in the organization of the force designed to op-
erate against Paraguay in the demand for redress against that gov-
ernment, I was detained by order of the Secretary for this duty.
The position assigned me — under the gallant senior officer of
the navy, Wm. B. Shubrick, flag-officer — as Captain of the Fleet
of the Brazil Squadron and Paraguay Expedition, will enable me
to apply my best energies to the accomplishment of the great ob-
jects in view ; and when these shall have been obtained, I look
with sanguine hope to the final completion of that not less impor-
tant work, the continuation of the exploration of the tributaries of
La Plata.
Washington, October, 1858.
* See Appendix I.
LA PLATA,
THB
ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION,
AKD
PARAGUAY.
LA PLATA.
CHAPTER L
Urquiza's Decree, opening the Waters of La Plata. — The Expedition. — Its Ob-
jects.— The Water Witch. — Her Sea Qualities. — The Voyage. — Arrival at Rio
de Janeiro. — Correspondence with the Government. — Permission granted to as-
cend to Albuquerque. — Further Extension of this Privilege. — Pamperos. — The
Morgan Wheel. — French Charts. — Arrival at Montevideo. — Quarantine. — Yel-
low Fever. — Montevideo. — Its Trade and Population. — Colonel Paunero.
The historical chapters appended to this narrative will present
a detailed account of the political affairs of the countries adjacent
to the River La Plata. At present it is only necessary to premise
that in the movement against Oribe, Urquiza and the Emperor of
Brazil had in view one great object — the opening of the river
communications of La Plata to commerce. After the deferjt and
flight of Rosas, and the election of Urquiza as Provisional Direct-
or of the Argentine Confederation, one of the first measures of his
administration was a decree, issued August 28th, 1852, declaring
the navigation of the rivers of the Confederation free to all flags,
the decree to take effect the 1st of October of the same year. The
seal of many navigable waters, offering communication with the
Atlantic to a region of country embracing not less than 800,000
square miles, was thus broken. A vast territory was not only
opened to commerce, but the most liberal inducements were given
to immigration. Results, even at this early period, attest the sa-
gacity of Urquiza, and foreshadow the prosperity to which that
portion of South America will attain under his enlightened ad-
ministration.
The government of the United States was the first to avail it-
self of the opportunity thus offered to all maritime nations to ob-
tain a more extended knowledge of La Plata. An expedition
charged to explore its rivers, and to report upon the extent of
their navigability and adaptation to commerce, was placed under
my command in February, 1853.
26 THE WATER WITCH.
These were its first objects ; but my instructions covered a
much, wider field. I was ordered to penetrate into the interior of
the countries of La Plata, to examine their agricultural resources,
and to make such collections in Natural History as the means at
my disposal would permit.* In addition to this service, I was
honored by the President, Mr. Fillmore, with a commission to
negotiate individually, or jointly with Messrs. Schenck and Pen-
dleton, our ministers to Brazil and the Argentine Confederation,
a treaty of commerce and navigation with the Republic of Para-
guay : an honor I highly appreciated, for it was entirely unsolic-
ited.
The Water Witch, a steamer of four hundred tons and nine
feet draught, was placed under my command to carry out these
instructions. She was not altogether adapted to the work of the
expedition, but was better suited to it than any other vessel then
at the disposal of the Navy Department. She was, in some meas-
ure, an experiment ship, to test the adaptation of the " Morgan
wheel" to steamers, an experiment which caused delay and em-
barrassment throughout the prosecution of the work. The oper-
ations of the expedition were circumscribed by graver obstacles,
to which I shall allude in the course of my narrative. It never-
theless embraced a river and land exploration of a little more than
nine thousand miles in a country almost unknown, and established
the navigability of waters of which the natives themselves were
ignorant.
Owing to the peculiar construction of the wheels of the Water
Witch, we found it impracticable, even with the most favorable
wind, to dispense with steam ; consequently, our course was so
shaped as to render accessible, at short intervals, those ports
known to be depositories of coal. We touched at the island of
St. Thomas, at Demarara, English Guiana, Cayenne, French Guia-
na, Maranham, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro.
At Maranham it became necessary to raise the shaft "into
line," it having sunk to such a degree as to affect the movements
of the engine very sensibly. The weight of the wheels, twenty-
four tons, added to that of the shaft, rendered this a somewhat dif-
ficult operation with the limited means to be found on board a
vessel of the size of the Water Witch. Necessity seldom fails to
quicken one's ingenuity, and, fortunately, we discovered a way of
repairing the defect.
* See Appendix A.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 27
A large lighter — an open, flat-bottomed boat of the capacity of
twenty-five tons — was secured abreast of one of the wheels, and
filled with water. Two pieces of hard, strong timber, laid trans-
versely across the lighter, passing under the centres and be-
tween the arms of the wheel, and resting on the " outboard sheer
plank" of the steamer, were there lashed. They were secured in
the same manner to the centres and arms, and the intermediate
spaces filled in with hard wood, thus forming a solid mass of tim-
ber. The water was then pumped out of the lighter, which, nat-
urally rising from its almost submerged state, raised the wheel and
shaft sufficiently to admit the insertion beneath the " outer pillar
block" of a plate of sheet iron, by which it was brought in place.
The same means were used in raising the opposite end of the
shaft.
Having remedied this derangement, and received on board a
supply of coal, we sailed for Eio Janeiro, touching at Pernambuco
on our way.
For a successful and complete exploration of the Paraguay and
Parana Elvers, it was necessary to obtain from the Emperor of
Brazil permission to enter that part of his empire bordering on
these waters. In the absence of our minister, Mr. Schenck, I ad-
dressed a note to Mr. Ferdinand Coxe, Secretary of Legation, re-
questing him to present the subject to the Emperor, and solicit his
favorable consideration of the work, so far, at least, as to insure to
it the exploration of those tributaries of the Eiver La Plata over
which the imperial government exercised exclusive jurisdiction.
The following correspondence between our minister, his secretary
of legation, and the minister of foreign affairs, will show the
grounds upon which this request was made, and those which in-
fluenced the Brazilian government in declining to accede to it.
" United States Steamer Water "Witch, )
Rio de Janeiro, April 2(ith, 1853. )
" Sir, — The expedition on which the Water Witch has been ordered by
the President of the United States, having purely for its object the ad-
vancement of commerce and promotion of science — objects interesting to all
civilized nations, but more especially to those on whose borders or in whose
territories its operations may extend, I wish, through the legation of the
United States, to call tjie attention of the Brazilian government to this ex-
pedition, with the hope that, through its enlightened policy, it may be dis-
posed to forward the work with which T am intrasted, whensoever its opera-
tions may border upon or extend into the territory of Brazil.
-28 DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE.
" Facilities might be afforded and difficulties removed by the simple act
of approval and commendation on the part of Brazil, of which her frontier
and inland posts could be notified in advance of the expedition.
" You are too well aware of the good likely to result from the work we
have in hand to require any argument from me. I therefore leave the mat-
ter in your keeping, with the hope that your efforts to advance the aim and
object I have in view may succeed to our entire satisfaction.
"THOMAS J. PAGE, Lieutenant Commanding.
"Mr. Feedinand Cope, Secretary of Legation."
"Legation of the United States, ")
Rio de Janeiro, April 2Gth, ISHS.)
*' Sir, — In the absence of Mr. Schenck, I have the honor to inclose to your
excellency a copy of a letter just received from Lieutenant Thomas J. Page,
commanding the United States Steamer Water Witch now in this port.
This officer has been ordered by the President of the United States upon
the highly interesting and important duty of exploring and surveying all the
rivers running into the Kiver La Plata, and it is not doubted that the re-
sults of the expedition will be of the highest import;^, nee to the commercial
and scientific world, and that Brazil, as bordering upon, and at some points
entirely inclosing the rivers it is proposed to ascend, wiU not be the nation
least benefited by the operations of the expedition.
" Your excellency will perceive, from Lieutenant Page's letter, that he
asks from the imperial government such assistance in the object he has in
view as may be given by orders of friendly co-operation to the imperial of-
ficers and agents he may meet when his operations may border upon or ex-
tend into the territory of Brazil.
" Your excellency knows too well what these orders should be, and to
whom they should be given, for me to do moi'e than communicate Lieuten-
ant Page's request, as I am confident that the enlightened views of your
excellency will lead you to further the aim and object of the expedition by
all the means in your excellency's power.
" The Water Witch will leave here for Montevideo and Buenos Ayres on
the ;50th instant, and I will have much pleasm-e in forwarding any com-
munication which your excellency may desire to send to those points ; and
I avail myself of the occasion to renew to your excellency the assm'ance of
my high respect and distinguished consideration.
"FERDINAND COXE, Secretary of Legation.
"To H. E. Paulino Jose Scares de Souza, of tlie Council of H. M. the
Emperor, Minister and Secretaiy of State for Foreign Affairs.
[Translation.]
"Foreign Office, Rio dc Janeiro, May 4th, 1853.
" I received, after some delay, the note which, in the absence of Mr.
Schenck, was addressed me by Mr. Ferdinand Coxe, Secretary of Legation,
BRAZILIAN POLICY. 29
under date of the 26th of April last, inclosing a copy of a letter he had re-
ceived from Lieutenant Thomas J. Page, who, having been charged with
the duty of exploring the different rivers, affluents to ' La Plata,' asked from
the imperial government all the assistance in its power, by means of orders
and recommendations for a friendly co-operation on the part of the respect-
ive authorities of the empire. In reply, I have to say to Mr. Coxe that the
imperial government, having opened to foreign conamerce, in the River Para-
guay, the port' of Albuquerque, it makes no objection to Lieutenant Page
canying his explorations to that point, and will send the necessary orders
to the President of Matto Grosso, and other imperial agents, that they may
give to Lieutenant Page all co-operation in their power ; but the imperial
government, not having yet opened to foreign nations other ports above Al-
buquerque, and not having yet agi'eed as to the navigation of these interior
rivers with the nations on their banks [^nacoes inberinhas^, it can not per-
mit foreign vessels to enter them, and thus establish an example and prec-
edent which might be prejudicial to the empire, as the right to the navi-
gation of these rivers has not been settled.
" I avail myself of this occasion to offer to Mr. Coxe the assurance of my
esteem and consideration.
"PAULINO JOSJS SOARES DE SOUZA.
"Mr. Ferdinand Coxe, Secretary of Legation.'^
It will be observed that this refusal was not absolute, but that
permission was given for tlie Water Witch to ascend the Para-
guay as high as Albuquerque, a town some distance within the
territorial limit claimed by Brazil. On our arrival at Coimbra,
the first imperial military post on the Paraguay, I was informed
that the privilege of ascending the river had been extended to
Corumba, a small post about sixty miles above Albuquerque.
Permission was, however, subsequently granted to extend the
work throughout the Paraguay, and to any of its tributaries with-
in the empire. It is a source of deep regret that this was received
when circumstances beyond my control rendered it entirely im-
possible for me to act upon it. An arbitrary decree of the Presi-
dent of Paraguay forced me to abandon the exploration of the
higher waters of the Parana and Paraguay, with their western and
eastern tributaries, at the moment that our labors had reached the
most interesting point. The events which led to this decree will
be given in another chapter of this work.
The able advocacy of our minister to Brazil, Mr. Schenck,
followed by that of Mr. Trousdale, doubtless brought about this
change in the policy of the imperial government.* I was unwill-
* See Appendix B.
30 A PAMPERO.
ing to believe tliat it was tlie fixed determination of Brazil to keep
closed water-courses whose navigability, once established, would
bring into easy communication with the Atlantic some of the
lichest of her northwestern provinces. I had confidence, too, in
the reputation for learning and appreciation of science which dis-
tinguished his imperial majesty, and therefore sought the earliest
opportunity, by correspondence with our minister at Rio de Janei-
ro, to bring the subject before him again.
An appropriate occasion seemed to offer itself in the change of
our representation at that court. Mr. Trousdale, who succeeded
Mr. Schenck, renewed the application, urging the same arguments
that had been set forth by his predecessor. The request was
granted ; and although, as I have stated, I was unable to avail
myself of it, the concession proves the enlightened views of the
emperor for the promotion of science.
We remained in the harbor of Rio long enough to receive on
board such quantities of coal and provisions as the capacity of our
steamer would allow. It was important to enter the Parana with
as full a supply as possible ; and with the hope of slipping into
" La Plata" in the interval of those prevailing gales called " pam-
peros," which blow at times with great violence, I had burdened
the little craft somewhat beyond the draught designed in her con-
struction. This brought her rail nearer the water's edge than
would be desirable, should she have to contend with a "pampero,"
As we approached the latitude of those winds, her qualities as a
"sea-boat" were fully tested; for she encountered one of these
gales, as if it had been intended that she should prove false
the various knowing predictions made previously to her sailing
from the United States, that she would "never reach her desti-
nation."
These winds, coming from the Andes, sweep over the pampas
unobstructed, and break upon the coasts with the terrific force of
hurricanes.
The waves broke over the "Water Witch like a cataract, first over
the bows, then over the stern, the water finding an outlet through
the ports ; she, notwithstanding, struggled through them with an
even movement of the engine, which made evident the superi-
ority of the Morgan "action" over that of the common "radial
wheel" for sea-steamers. Although at times nearly submerged to
its centre, the vertical entry of its buckets into the water enabled
it to move with uniformity, and without derangement or strain to
THE MORGAN WHEEL. 31
the macliinery. The principle is undoubtedly a good one ; and,
with some few changes in its application (as made to the Water
Witch) which experience pointed out as important, it could be
made much more effective.
The question may nevertheless be asked, Are not the advant-
ages of the vertical over the diagonal action counterbalanced by
the liability of the former to derangement in the constant abra-
sion of the bushings and casings peculiar to its eccentric arrange-
ment ? As it was an experiment in our service, we were not pro-
vided with the means of immediate remedy for every case, which
caused, as I have before stated, delay and embarrassment. Expe-
rience proved that the abrasion was tenfold greater in rivers than
in the ocean, caused doubtless by the earthy matter afloat in fresh
water. With a change of the eccentric from the guard (the posi-
tion of it on board the Water Witch) to the shaft,* where any ir-
regular movement in the latter would be common to both, and a
substitution of steel for the composition bushings, f the disadvant-
ages we experienced would be much diminished. It should nev-
er, I think, be applied to steamers designed for river navigation
unless wooden bushings be used. But its advantages at sea and in
stormy weather were fully demonstrated in this pampero, where
the movements of the engine, though slow, were as uniform as
they would have been in a placid river.
Eunning along the southern coast of Brazil near enough to
shore to render objects on land well defined, we had an opportu-
nity of testing the accuracy of our charts. Some proved to be
greatly in error. I have seen no Enghsh surveys of this coast,
but I must avail myself of this opportunity to express my high
appreciation of the French charts over all others that have come
under my observation. I can not give a better evidence of my
confidence in them than to state that, though no one on board the
Water Witch had ever before entered the estuary of St. Catharine,
yet, guided solely by one of them, we ran in through the southern
entrance and anchored, on a very dark night. We had " made the
headlands" before the closing in of day, and while " standing into"
the harbor, the roar of the breakers on either side warned us of the
* Since writing the above, Mr. Brown exhibited to me, December 15, 1857, in
"Washington, a patented invention of his, made in 1853, with the eccentric applied
to the shaft inside of the wheel.
t It has been satisfactorily determined that wooden bushings of lignum-vitae,
locust, or any such woods, are preferable to either brass or steel.
32 MONTEVIDEO.
narrowness of the pass. On the following day we passed up the
estuary, the harbor chart being our only pilot through the wind-
ings of the channel, the depth of which in many parts was only
from one to two feet greater than the draught of the steamer.
A few days after the gale which tested so fully the powers of
our little craft, we bade adieu for a time to old ocean, and, under
the cheering influence of a bright morning sun, passed Santa
Maria, the northern cape of the mouth of "La Plata." Our feel-
ings may be imagined on entering this vast reservoir of great
rivers and a multitude of smaller waters, which coursed through
lands so invested with the interest of the unknown that, in con-
templating them as the scene of our labors for some years to come,
we felt all the enthusiasm of explorers, hoping to add largely to
geographical knowledge. The Eiver " La Plata" should be called
an estuary, being 170 miles wide at its mouth, and 180 in length.
We continued our course, and toward midnight, guided by the
revolving light of the " Mount" (from which the city derives its
name) and the lights of the town, we reached the anchorage safe-
ly. Pounding close under the stern of a large ship, though it
was very dark, I became satisfied of her identity, reported the ar-
rival of the steamer Water Witch, and asked, " Is that the frigate
Congress ?" The reply from the officer of the deck was in the
affirmative. We exchanged the usual compliments, and soon
the little craft was at anchor " alongside the flag-ship" of one of
the most gallant officers of the navy, the late Commodore Isaac
M'Keever.
We had sailed from an infected district (Rio Janeiro), where the
yellow fever was raging, and had escaped without a single case ;
but there is no appeal from the laws of quarantine, and, notwith-
standing the perfect health of officers and crew, we were subject-
ed to the usual imprisonment. Few so well as sailors know the
pleasure and eagerness with which ships from " home" are greeted
by those on foreign stations ; but we could not communicate with
our friends on board the " frigate" without subjecting them to the
detention which awaited us ; therefore, after the lapse of a few
hours, we entered the harbor, and anchored in that quarter as-
signed to vessels in quarantine.
Until within a few years, the health of Eio de Janeiro, next
to the security and magnificence of its harbor, had formed
its greatest attraction to vessels trading or cruising on the Bra-
zilian coast; but in 18-19 the yellow fever was brought to this
MONTEVIDEO.
88
beautiful region from tlie
coast of Africa, and it has
increased vastly the mortal-
ity. It is said, however, now
to be on the decrease. Per-
haps I am hasty in adopting
the most generally received
opinion of its origin by ships
from the African coast, for
medical men are by no
means agreed on this point,
some attributing it to lo-
cal influences, there having
been, during the prevalence
of this fever, not only a ces-
sation of storms, great stag-
nation in the atmosphere,
and other meteorological
changes, but, of late years,
an increased malignancy in
the types of fever preva-
lent. Again, it is worthy
of note, that from Eio it has
extended in a northerly di-
rection, visiting all the cit-
ies of the coast of Brazil,
"La Plata," so far, has been
exempt. Montevideo and
Buenos Ayres, with a pop-
ulation, the former of one
hundred and twenty, the lat-
ter of forty thousand souls,
have never been troubled
by this scourge."^
M o n t e vi d eo, the chief
town and capital of Uru-
guay, is the first consider-
* The above had scarcely been
written when the intelligence ar-
rived that the fever had reached
Montevideo in the spring of 1857.
34 MONTEVIDEO.
able port on "La Plata," on entering from sea, thongli a portion
of the trade is shared by Maldonado, about 70 miles east of it,
and on the same side of the river. It is situated on a peninsula,
rising gradually to a level, with a gently rolling country, which
extends to the "sierras" on the confines of Brazil. The extrem-
ity of this peninsula forms the southern point to the entrance of
the harbor. On the opposite side stands " the Mount," rising from
the water's edge to a height of about 490 feet, and crowned by a
small fortress, now in ruins, in the centre of which is the revolv-
ing light to which I have alluded. The harbor, although not very
spacious, is protected from all winds save those from the south-
west, the quarter whence come the "pamperos." Although they
burst over "La Plata" at this point with great violence, grave
marine disasters seldom occur, for the " holding-ground" is good,
and the " under tow" enables vessels to resist the force of the
wind and ride easily at their anchors. From the mouth of the
harbor to the inner anchorage, the depth varies from 12 to 18
feet.
Notwithstanding the depressed state of trade, in consequence of
the nine years' siege of Oribe, its occupation by foreign troops,
and the destruction of the cattle — one great source of wealth to
the province — Montevideo has increased in population, and in its
domestic architecture there has been great improvement. For-
merly the buildings were uniformly of one story, with " azoteas ;"
now they are of two and three, and finished in the handsomest
modern style. The usual materials for building are brick and
stone. The latter is generally covered with stucco, which the
equable climate preserves in peifection. The city has extended
far beyond its original limits defined by the old wall and ditch ;
and when civil and foreign wars shall cease to distract this coun-
try, I can well imagine that it will offer many attractions as a res-
idence, both socially and commercially.
Before sailing from Montevideo I called on Colonel Wincheslao
Paunero, an officer of the "War Department, and brother-in-law of
the late President Bolivian of Bolivia, and obtained from him the
loan of a very handsomely executed map of that state, from which
I took a tracing, as it seemed to be authentic, and of more recent
date than any I had seen. This map was executed under the ad-
ministration of General Bolivian. Colonel Paunero remarked that
he would take much pleasure in presenting it to me for the ben-
efit of the expedition ; but as it was left to him as a legacy by his
ARRIVAL AT BUENOS AYRES. 35
deceased friend and relative, he must forego the gratification of
doing so. He seemed greatly interested in our work, and sent
me a letter of introduction to the Bolivian charge at Buenos Ayres,
Seiior Don Juan de la Cruz Bennavento, whom I found enthusi-
astic on the subject of our expedition, hoping that it might be
the means of establishing the practicability of some outlet for
the products of his isolated country through the waters of "La
Plata."
CHAPTER II.
Arrival at Buenos Ayres. — Its Site. — Winds. — Higueritas. — Trade. — Buildings. —
Fruits and Flowers. — Landing at Buenos Ayres. — Besiegers and Besieged. — Our
Ministers. — Treaty with President Lopez. — Urquiza's Army. — Visit at Head-
quarters.— Personal Appearance of the General. — He interests himself in the
Expedition. — Detention at Buenos Ayres.- — Letter from ]\Ii-. Pendleton. — Treach-
ery in the Squadron. — Joint Treaty of Navigation. — Martin Garcia Channel. —
New Channel discovered. — Letter from Messrs. Schenck and Pendleton. — Break-
ing up of the Siege. — Senor Urquiza and Staff on board the Water Witch. — Pa-
lermo, the former Residence of Rosas. — The Dictator and his Daughter Manu-
elita. — Urquiza's Dog. — The Director's Demeanor. — The Voyage. — Ladies on
board. — Temperance of Urquiza. — He leaves the Water Witch. — Return to
Buenos Ayres. — Tribute to British OflScers.
On the afternoon of the 24th of May we sailed from Monte-
video, and arrived the following morning at Buenos Ayres. We
had gained time, and, from the width of the river, and the unat-
tractive character of its shores, had lost nothing by passing this
distance — one hundred miles — in the night. Admirable surveys
of this part of " La Plata" have been made by the English, and the
navigation between the two cities is attended with no difficulties,
provided due attention be paid to the tides and the lead. Vessels
of eighteen feet draught may with safety reach the outer roads of
Buenos Ayres — the anchorage of all men-of-war, and merchant-
men drawing more than twelve feet. However, the distance of
this anchorage from the city (four miles) renders the labor and
expense of discharging cargo very great. Sometimes a detention
of months at a time is caused by wind and weather.
The trade of Buenos Ayres should be confined to vessels not
exceeding a draught of twelve feet, for such could enter the inner
roads at ordinary high water, and no danger need be apprehend-
ed even should they take the bottom. The southeast winds,
36 SITE OF BUENOS AYRES.
whicli alone produce a sea at all to be apprehended, cause a rise
of the water whicli increases its depth some six or eight feet;
and the north wind, which diminishes the depth, will not produce
a sea sufficient to cause a vessel to thump, although she may be
resting on the bottom.
The explorations of the first settlers of La Plata were to the
west, seeking the auriferous lands which the Indians described as
in that direction, or to open a communication with the conquests
of Pizarro and Almagro. The hope of ultimately effecting this
great object undoubtedly influenced Mendoza, and subsequently
De Garay, in selecting the site of Buenos Ayres. They were cer-
tainly not wholly influenced by considerations of its advantageous
position as the great commercial city of the country, for a more
thorough examination would have revealed to them a point on
the Uruguay, about fifty miles distant, in every way adapted to
the wants of an extended commerce ; a port (Higueritas) at which
vessels could ride safely at anchor, discharge and receive cargo
at all times. We must, however, remember that in their wild-
est dreams of the future, even to the close of the eighteenth cen-
tury, the colonists of La Plata could not have foreseen the trade
of the world as it is now carried on, in ships and steamers of ten
and twenty times greater tonnage than the small craft in which
the Spanish mariners so boldly launched forth in unknown seas.
To reach Higueritas, vessels must first pass the bar of San Juan,
over which there will not be found more than fifteen feet water,
unless when the southeast winds are blowing.
Notwithstanding the unfavorable position of Buenos Ayres as
a commercial town — which, to some extent, would have been rem-
edied by a more enterprising peoj^le — as the port of entry for the
exjDorts and imports of the whole Argentine Confederation, it has
steadily progressed in population and commerce. Its importing
and exporting trade is chiefly in the hands of foreigners, English,
Americans, and French ; and though the civil wars which have
distracted the provinces since their independence have dimin-
ished the number of horned cattle, and the frequent blockades to
which it has been subjected have equally interrupted all foreign
importations, the resources of the interior provinces are so ex-
haustless, the foreign population of the city so large, that it seems
only destined to encounter these disasters to recover from them
with renewed energy. The rearing of sheep has vastly increased
THE CITY.— LANDING. 37
the trade in wool, and the cultivation of wheat now falls little short
of the home demand.
A minute description of Buenos Ayres would be a twice-told
tale, but it is rapidly passing through changes which will in a few
years make it one of the finest cities of the continent.
, In extending it, successive generations have followed the plan
prescribed by the laws of the Indies to all the first cities of Span-
ish America, and the Buenos Ayres of 1857 is only the city of De
Garay embellished and extended; its rectangular streets com-
mand in every direction long vistas, and now embrace within
their limits dwellings possessing all the elegancies and comforts
that Europeans and Americans have made essentials in domestic
architecture.
Few or no structures of great architectural merit strike the eye,
unless we may except the churches and convents ; the former,
built principally by the Jesuits, though massive, add nothing by
exterior decoration to the beauty of the city. The streets are well
paved with granite, and the environs are pleasantly dotted with
the quintas (country-houses) of the native and foreign merchants.
The Portefios are extravagantly fond of flowers, and at these coun-
try residences indulge their taste by cultivating in perfection the
gorgeous flora of tropical and temperate regions.
We also find many of the fruits and vegetables known to our
horticulture, such as peaches, melons, tomatoes, asparagus, etc.,
grown with great success. The apples and pears of Montevideo
are superior to those of Buenos Ayres, which must arise more from
difference of soil than climatic influence, the regions in which these
fruits are cultivated being very much in the same latitude ; but the
Banda Oriental is more rolling in its surface, and thus, having a
drier soil, is of course better adapted to such cultivation.
The visitor of former years, who made his first appearance be-
fore the gay crowds of the Play a in a wagon of rough boards open
at each end, driven by a half-naked native belaboring the poor
beasts attached to the pole by a ring, which enabled him to liter-
ally put the "cart before the horse," can now reach the new mole
in a boat, and ascend by flights of steps.
The old mode of landing arose from the formation of the shore
in front of the city, a flat tufa bottom, which extends far out, and
renders it at low water even impossible for boats to approach
within a quarter of a mile of the Playa. Before the mole was
constructed hundreds of carts might have been seen waiting out
38 NEGOTIATIONS OPENED.
in the waters of La Plata to convey passengers and freight on
shore, and the shouts — indeed yells of the drivers, the plunging
of the beasts up to their bellies in the water as each boat would
approach, made a din and confusion to which the noisy rivalry
of hackmen at our railway stations or wharves would be com-
parative quiet. ^
On entering the "outer roads" Our attention was drawn to
the blockading squadron, under the " Argentine" flag, com-
posed of three steamers, a brig, a three-masted schooner, and
several smaller vessels, co-operating with the besieging army of
Urquiza.
As our steamer had only a draught of nine feet, we passed on,
and rounding the northern end of the shoal which separates the
"outer" from the "inner" roads, entered the latter, where lay the
squadron of the "inside" party. This was inferior to that of the
" outside" party, and found its protection more in the presence of
foreign men-of-war and merchantmen than from the water-bat-
tery which guarded the inner aDchorage. A marked considera-
tion for the lives and property of foreigners characterized the
course of Urquiza throughout this siege. His great object seem-
ed to be to reduce the city by cutting off supplies, and thus avoid
the fearful loss of life and destruction of property which a bom-
bardment or assault would have caused.
Arrived at Buenos Ayres, I felt that we had reached the initial
point of our work. My first duty was to visit Mr. Pendleton, of
Virginia, the representative of our government near the Argen-
tine Confederation, and the public authorities of the place. In
co-operation with Mr. Schenck, of Ohio, our minister to Brazil
(who had visited Buenos Ajrres for the purpose), Mr. Pendleton
was engaged in negotiating a treaty with the "Provisional Di-
rector." I informed them of my letters of credence to the Presi-
dent of Paraguay, and my joint commission from the President
of the United States, wherein Mr. Pendleton, Mr. Schenck, and
myself were authorized and empowered to conclude a "treaty of
commerce" with that republic.
My letters of instructions invested me with full powers to act
individually, should it not be proper or convenient for these gen-
tlemen to absent themselves from Buenos Ayres, the scene, as we
have shown, of important events at this time. Mr, Pendleton in-
formed me that, having been invited by Sir Charles Hotham, the
British minister at Buenos Ayres, to accompany him to Para-
VISIT TO SAN JOSE. 39
guay, lie had accepted tlie invitation, and availed liimself of the
opportunity, at the same time, with the ministers of England,
France, and Sardinia, to negotiate and sign a treaty of navigation
and commerce with President Lopez.
I was naturally anxious to see the distinguished author of a
decree which had opened^ for the first time, the valuable re-
sources of so fruitful a region to the commerce of the world. Re-
garded only as a political move, it gave evidence of forecast and
sagacity far in advance of the age of " his people ;" added to this,
it was a very essential point to obtain his good- will and favorable
consideration for the objects of the expedition, so that no impedi-
ments should embarrass its progress while operating within the
territory of the Argentine Confederation.
I expressed this wish to Mr. Pendleton, who immediately offer-
ed to call with me at San Jose de Flores, a quinta but a short
distance beyond the suburbs of the city, where General Urquiza
held his head-quarters.
Having obtained the necessary permission, granted only to
the representatives of foreign powers, we started for San Jose,
accompanied by Mr. Schenck. After riding through many bar-
ricaded streets, a ponderous gate swung back to give us egress;
in going through which, we passed over a subterranean mine with
train laid. The marks of war were upon the deserted and batter-
ed houses, which, standing between the line of the besieging army
and city, had suffered in the skirmishing that occasionally took
place. After riding a mile and a half in the country, we ob-
served a group of officers lounging before a quinta. There was
little of the pomp and circumstance of war about the quarters
of Urquiza, and yet he commanded an effective army of gauchos.
Climate and the habits of these soldiers rendered an elaborate
commissariat entirely unnecessary ; their food was beef, and beef
only, without bread or vegetables ; the forage of their horses the
grass of the pampas. From the spirit with which many groups
seemed to be amusing themselves, and the careless indifference
of others lounging and sleeping on the ground, one might have
supposed it the bivouac of a victorious army.
As we approached the quinta, several officers came forward to
meet us, and said that our visit would be immediately announced
to the general, who had not yet risen, having the night before
given a ball, at which the dancing was kept up until daylight.
While waiting for him, we sauntered through the grounds, where
&
40 UKQUIZA.
we were joined by four other gentlemen, introduced as deputies
from the Congress of Santa Fe, who had brought to the Provis-
ional Director the Constitution which was to be submitted to the
provinces for their adoption. It was modeled, they told us, upon
that of the United States, save in a few points, where it would
have been totally inoperative.
We were soon summoned to the presence of Urquiza, a stout,
well-formed person, of medium height, with fine, piercing eyes,
and frank countenance. His dignified but highly courteous man-
ners at once impressed me favorably. If " without education,"
" a mere gaucho," as I was told by many, he has a natural intelli-
gence and bold capacity which will enable him to administer with
ability the responsible duties imposed on him by the people of
the Argentine Confederation.
Our minister was unbounded in his expressions of admiration
for this " man of the times ;" an opinion which impressed me
favorably, knowing his familiarity with the political events which
had brought Urquiza into so distinguished a position before the
world.
After some general conversation upon local questions, the sub-
ject of the expedition was introduced, and I was exceedingly
gratified at the interest he expressed for its success. He seemed
readily to comprehend the benefit which La Plata would derive
from my anticipated surveys ; and, as an evidence of his approval
of the work, and of his good wishes for its success while operating
within the jurisdiction of the Argentine states, he sent for his
secretary, and directed him to make out the following instructions
to the authorities of the Riverine Provinces :
[Tkanslation.]
" Long live the Argentine Confederation."
" The Provisional Director of the Argentine Confederation."
" The American steamer of war Water Witch, from the United States
of North America, having arrived in the River La Plata, and her captain,
Thomas J. Page, having expressed his desire to navigate the rivers of the
Argentine Confederation for scientific purposes, I enjoin and command the
authorities of the Riverine Provinces that they will not present any impedi-
ments to his exploration, but afford him all the assistance he may need or
require. "JUSTO J. URQUIZA.
''San Jose de Flores, May 27, 1853."
The promptness with which this order was issued gave me an
URQUIZA.
41
JUSTO J. UKQCrlZA, PKE8IDENT OP THE AKGENTINE CONFBDEKATION.
insight into his quick and decisive manner of transacting busi-
ness. In returning to the city, though no danger could be appre-
hended, as an act of courtesy he ordered an escort, commanded
by one of his favorite officers, to accompany us beyond the lines
of the besieging army.
I anticipated no detention in Buenos Ayres beyond what might
be necessary in examining and procuring papers and documents
which I deemed of importance towaTd facilitating our progress
in the exploration of rivers over wliich, at different points, the
neighboring nations — Brazil, the Argentine Confederation, Para-
guay, Bolivia, and Uruguay — claimed jurisdiction, some concur-
rent, others exclusive ; but an unbroken chain of circumstances
42 DELAYS.
occurred to keep us for some mouths, during wliicli tlie Water
Witch was entirely diverted from the original objects of the ex-
pedition.
I appointed, at different times, a day for sailing, supposing her
services would no longer be required ; but before that day would
arrive, unlooked-for emergencies arose, causing a still longer de-
tention. I consoled myself with the reflection that she was en-
gaged in important pubhc service in facilitating treaty negotia-
tions, which, as represented by Mr. Schenck to the State Depart-
ment, "could not have been concluded without her."* There
was no other vessel of war in port, and, from the state of contend-
ing parties, the services of one might be required at any time, to
afford protection to American citizens.
At last an early day in July was fixed upon to begin our work,
and, on informing General Urquiza of this determination, and of-
fering to take charge of any communications he might desire to
have delivered in our route, I received from him a letter of intro-
duction to President Lopez, in which he alluded to the expedi-
tion as a work designed for scientific purposes, and commended it
to his favorable consideration.
The officers looked forward with impatience to the commence-
ment of the legitimate work of the exj^edition, and I had com-
pleted every arrangement for leaving Buenos Ayres, when I re-
ceived the following letter from Mr. Pendleton :
"Legation of the United States,"
Buenos Ayres, July 3d, 1853.
" My dear Sir, — I am aware of your great anxiety to proceed up the
river in pursuance of the objects of the expedition under your command, and
it is therefore with very great reluctance that I take leave to suggest to you
* Extract of a dispatch from E. C. Schenck, Esq., to the Secretary of State:
^ " Legation of the United States, )
Rio de Janeiro, August 23d, 1853. /
" I desire also to express to you a very high sense of the important services ren-
dered to us by Lieutenant Thomas J. Page, commanding the U. S. steamer ' "Water
Witch.' Without his various services and assistance in carrying General Urquiza
and his staff, when they retired from Buenos Ayres ; in conveying Mr. Pendleton
and myself afterward to Entre Kios, and in other duties which he, with his ship,
was able to perform, I hardly know how we could have succeeded in bringing our
negotiations to so successful a conclusion. The presence of the ' Water Witch' for
several weeks, at that particular juncture, was invaluable, and all her movements
strikingly exemplified the necessity of having a vessel of her kind and class, on al-
most all occasions, in the Kiver Plate."
SIEGE OF BUENOS AYRES. 4.3
that it is very desirable you should remain a few days longer in the port of
Buenos Ayres.
" Events of importance, and of a decisive character, in respect to the con-
dition of this city and province, are, in my opinion, at hand. No American
man-of-war is in the river ; Captain Downing, with the Jamestown, having
suddenly, and without any correspondence or consultation with me on the
subject, cleared out, as I have informally learned, to proceed to Rio Janeiro
for the alleged purpose of having his ship caulked.
" I would not make this request but for the strongest conviction on my
own part that the events referred to are almost certain, and for the farther
fact that I am virged to do so by many American citizens resident in Buenos
Ayres, and that I have also the concurrence of ]\Ir. Schenck, who desires me
to say so to you. JOHN S. PENDLETON.
"Capt. Thomas J. Page, commanding U. S. steamer Water Witch.''^
I felt it my duty to accede to this request, as tlie event alluded
to in tlie letter of our Charge was that some movement of the be-
sieging army against the city was imminent ; that foreigners, and
all neutral persons, would be informed, in a day or two, of the in-
tention of Urquiza to bombard the town ; but an extraordinary
occurrence saved Buenos Ayres from this infliction.
Our greatest amusement, after this new and unlooked-for aspect
of affairs, was to watch the movements of the blockading squadron,
and those of merchantmen seemingly running the blockade. Yery
perplexing were the efforts of the first in pursuing and never over-
taking vessels deeply laden with flour and many other creature
comforts, which would undoubtedly enrich the lucky merchant to
whom they were consigned, and feed the hungry population whom
Urquiza hoped to starve into terms. The skill was wonderfid
with which this squadron fired only to miss those running store-
houses ; and its manoeuvres not to intercept ships — ^to which, for
an ample " quid pro quo," permission had been already given to
enter — most amusing.
There was treachery somewhere, but, before Urquiza was aware
of it, all was consummated by the commander-in-chief; and in full
view of the foreign, national, and commercial ships in the inner
and outer roads, and an immense concourse of people evidently
gathered on the Plaza to witness the scene, the squadron was de-
livered up to the " inside" party.
We at first watched the movements of these vessels with inter-
est and excitement as they came in one after the other, expecting
to witness a fair fight; but, as we saw the rigging manned, and
\
\
44 MEDIATION OF FOEEIGN MINISTERS.
listened to tlie hearty cheers of both sides, as each steamer and
vessel entered and anchored ; when we had seen the officers go
deliberately on shore, where they were received with the most en-
thusiastic demonstrations of joy, our contemptuous indignation
may be imagined.
Public rumor pronounced this act the consummation of a bar-
gain, and even went so far as to specify the sum of 13,000 ounces
as the share of the commanding officer, with an equal amount di-
vided among the officers and crews. For the truth of this I do
not pretend to vouch. I give it as a rumor of the time, generally
credited. " The game was well worth the candle," The players
knew well that, without the co-operation of the blockading squad-
ron, there could be no reduction of the city. By its defection, a
wide gate was opened for the introduction of supplies.
Though a bombardment of Buenos Ayres had been considered
imminent, it seems never to have been the intention of Urquiza to
resort to so desperate a measure. By interrupting trade and cut-
ting off supplies he had hoped to bring the authorities to terms.
A fair opportunity was now presented for the mediation of the
representatives of foreign powers. It was offered and accepted by
the belligerent parties, and ended by the withdrawal of the be-
sieging army. Messrs. Pendleton and Schenck took an active part
in the negotiations, thus terminating a civil contest which, to one
side or the other, must ultimately have been highly disastrous.
A little before the cessation of hostilities, our representatives,
at the same tune with those of England and France, concluded a
treaty relating especially to the navigation of the Martin Garcia
Channel, through which the Uruguay and main branches of the
Parana empty into La Plata. It was supposed to command ef-
fectually the entrance of the upper waters, all vessels of more
than eight feet draught being obliged to pass within pistol-shot
of its shore.*
This treaty guaranteed the free navigation of the channel to all
foreign flags, the governments who were parties to it agreeing to
use their influence to prevent the occupation or possession of this
* Article 5 of treaty for the free navigation of the Eivers Parana and Uruguay,
concluded on the 13th Jvily, 1853:
"The high contracting parties, considei-ing that the island of Martin Garcia
may, from its position, embarrass and impede the free navigation of the confluents
of the River Plate, agree to use their influence to prevent the possession of the said
island from being retained or held by any state of the River Plate or its confluents
which shall not have given its adhesion to the principle of their free navigation.
FREE NAVIGATION. 45
island by any nation tliat should attempt to close the navigation.
At the time of this treaty it was in possession of the Argentine
forces, but, by the defection of their squadron, jurisdiction over it
passed into the hands of Buenos Ayres. The surveys of the Wa-
ter Witch subsequently disclosed a channel on the other side of
a greater depth by two feet, and so distant as to lessen its import-
ance as a military position. The new channel will also divide
the jurisdiction over the passage between Uruguay and Buenos
Ayres so long as the island shall be retained by the latter : a
possession acquiesced in by the former, but never conceded as a
right.
The entire trade of those countries, save that which might be
carried on in vessels of small draught by Las Palmas, must pass
through one or the other, either or both of which might easily be
blockaded by a very small naval force in co-operation with bat-
teries on the island. The importance of this new channel was
strikingly exemplified in a correspondence between the ministers
of Brazil and the government of Buenos Ayres a short time before
its discovery.
In February, 1855, a large Brazilian squadron passed through
the channel of Martin Garcia on its way to Paraguay. Buenos
Ayres complained of this as an infringement of her sovereignty,
permission not having been obtained for the passage of these
ships ; for, upon the ground of holding territory on both sides of
the channel, Martin Garcia being on the east, she based her right
to prohibit the passage of a foreign fleet. Whether, under exist-
ing treaties, she possessed this right, is a question to be settled by
diplomatists; but by the discovery of the new channel, even
should the justice of her jurisdiction over Martin Garcia be fully
recognized, it would avail her nothing more than closing the old
highway, leaving a better passage, over which, at most, she could
exercise but a concurrent power.
An acquaintance with the unbounded resources of the basin of
La Plata can alone impress us with the importance of maintaining
the free navigation of its interior waters to all flags, and^the treat-
ies between Urquiza, England, France, and the United States were
only a consummation of the decree of August, 1852, declaratory
of this fact.
Buenos Ayres will scarcely be permitted by the upper repub-
lics to renew the old exploded system of closing the rivers ; but
she is doubtless annoyed that so enlightened an act should have
46 NEGOTIATIONS.
been among the first of Urquiza's administration, and is conse-
quently disposed to regard it as one of usurpation. Slie surely
can not be so blind to her own interests as not to discover that it
is freighted with immense benefits to herself. Her geographical
position at the very portal of these tributaries will enable her,
with her present population and capital, not only to maintain the
ascendency she has always held as the emporium of La Plata,
but to become one of the greatest cities of the American conti-
nent.
The detention of the Water Witch was not at an end with the
siege of Buenos Ayres ; her presence was deemed essential in facil-
itating and carrying out some diplomatic movements to which the
new aspect of pohtical affairs had given rise ; and though the con-
nection between these duties and those prescribed by my letter of
instructions from the Secretary of the Navy may not appear at
first sight, the sequel will show that the service was not only one
of deep interest to our government and people, by aiding in estab-
lishing a foundation on which individual rights in connection with
commercial enterprises might be maintained, but at the moment
and for all time to come it created a deep feeling of respect on
the part of the people of the Argentine Confederation for the flag
borne by the Water Witch. It subsequently facilitated the work
of the expedition, and caused the ofl&cers to be received within the
Confederation with special marks of respect and hospitality when-
ever they were brought in contact with the authorities or people
of the country.
Before the close of the negotiations which resulted in an adjust-
ment of the diflfi.culties between the contending parties, besiegers
and besieged, I received the subjoined note from Messrs. Pendle-
ton and Schenck :
"Legation of the United States, >
Buenos Ayres, July 10th, 1853.)
" Sir, — We are engaged in some confidential negotiations at present
which are likely to result in an accommodation of the difficulties existing
at Buenos Ayres between the parties to the civil war. There is no absolute
certainty as to the event, but there is a sufficient probability of success to
justify us in requesting that you will not leave the place for a few days.
We make this request because it is a part of the present plan that the for-
eign men-of-war in port may convey the Provisional Director and his escort
to the neighboring town of Gualaguaychu.
" As important objects connected with our duty here are likely to be at-
tained more readily by the participation of the United States flag in this
THE DAUGHTER OF ROSAS. 47
transaction, we think it very important you should remain, there being no
other United States vessel in port.
"ROBERT C. SCHENCK,
"JOHN S. PENDLETON.
"Capt. Thomas J. Page, United States Steamer Water Witch."
I assented to this request, and tlie Water Witcli participated
witli two of her Britannic majesty's steamers in the conveyance
of the Provisional Director and his suite to the province of En-
tre Eios.
The representative of France likewise offered the "Provisionai
Director" the use of a national vessel, but, on repairing with the
others to Palermo, the point of embarkation, the French steamer,
being totally unprepared for the service, did not join the escort.
The duty consequently devolved on H. B. M. steamers Trident,
Lieutenant Commanding Harvey, Locust, Lieutenant Day, and the
U. S. steamer Water Witch. Only the staff, a few civil officers
who were with General Urquiza, and such of the forces as had
formed his escort, in all four hundred persons, were conveyed by
these vessels, while the main body of the army marched by land
to their respective destinations.
The " Provisional Director" selected the Water Witch for the
passage of himself and suite.
We repaired at the appointed time to the anchorage off Paler-
mo, the celebrated and once beautiful residence of the Dictator
Kosas and his fair daughter "Manuehta." It is about two miles
north of the city, and is now occupied as a barrack for soldiers.
Shghtly elevated above the river, nature had done nothing for
Palermo, but the taste and wealth of Kosas had made it a paradise.
The dictator was capable of one tender emotion, love for his fair
and only child, and in seeking to manifest this affection, a sense of
the beautifal in art and nature seems to have been awakened in
the breast of this hard man. Nothing was spared that could adorn
either dwelling or grounds. There were extensive groves of
orange-trees, and some idea of the labor and expense bestowed on
this domain may be gathered from the fact that hundreds of sol-
diers cleaned their foliage leaf by leaf The road leading to the
city was made with care, and being adorned and shaded by large
trees, had become the fashionable afternoon drive. Some of the
former visitors to Palermo assured me that the graceful manners
of the Senorita Manuelita lent a charm to this residence which nei-
ther art nor the lavished money of Eosas could ever bestow.
48 URQUIZA ON THE WATER WITCH.
Not only the gay and fashionable claimed her society as that
of an accomplished and elegant person, but some of the broken-
hearted victims of Eosas' policy sought her protection and inter-
cession, as one endowed with all the tenderest and noblest impulses
of a woman's character.
On the 13th of July the "Water Witch anchored off Palermo,
and on the same day Urquiza, accompanied by Mr. Pendleton,
came on board. He had with him a noble dog, and I was amused
at his solicitude for the safe embarkation of this animal, which he
saw in the boat before he would himself leave the shore. He had
been his constant companion for many years, and the stories of
his sagacity and fidelity were really marvelous.
Immediately preceding the arrival of the general, under a sa-
lute from the English and French ships, his suite, composed of
military and civil officers, in all forty-five persons, with thirty-
three soldiers, had embarked on board the "Water Witch. The
folio whig day the remainder of the party was conveyed on board
the English steamers.
Intending to land Mr. Pendleton and receive Sir Charles Hotham,
the British minister, who desired to visit General Urquiza, I got
under way, and stood for the inner anchorage off the city, as the
speediest means of accomplishing both objects. The " Provisional
Director" sat on the quarter-deck, immovable as a statue: he
surveyed with impassible countenance the people, who, having
followed the movements of the Water Witch, crowded the Play a,
house-tops, and the shores of the river, to obtain a glimpse of him.
In "rounding to" for the purpose of standing out of the "Roads,"
we passed in full view of the "naval" force which had distin-
guished itself in so extraordinary a manner. We can not but
suppose that his breast was full of honest indignation, but not the
movement of a muscle betrayed it.
The English steamers had stood on their way from Palermo to
the entrance of the Martin Garcia Channel, but ere they reached
it the Water Witch came up with thpm, and led the way into the
Uruguay. We were bound for the port of Gualaguaychu, or the
nearest landing we could make on the river to General Urquiza's
" estancia:."
I can well imagine that the deck of the Water Witch presented
the appearance of a California steamer when the gold fever was at
its height. Before we had become " shaken down," it seemed im-
possible that her expansive power could meet the requirements
THE VOYAGE. 49
of her human freight. My little cabin had been arranged for the
"Provisional Director," but, with becoming gallantry, he took a
berth in the ward-room, yielding the claim of rank to the preroga-
tive of " woman's rights." The wife of one of his generals, with
her daughter, had for some months shared the dangers and discom-
forts of the besieging army, and they now sought the protection
of our flag. The cabin was a %ee bit of a " sailor's snug harbor."
No crinolined lady could have found room in it for the amphtude
of her skirts, but Senora and her daughter, during the five
days they were with us, made themselves comfortable within its
narrow Hmits. The officers cordially united with me in yielding
their berths to our guests ; but so limited were the accommoda-
tions of the Water Witch, that the mess-table presented a contin-
uous scene of " fire and fall back," and, though somewhat worsted
in the attack, maintained its ground, and stood ready to meet each
charge.
I was much struck with General Urquiza's extreme temperance
in eating and drinking, a habit acquired probably in his military-
career. At an early hour a negro servant* took him his mate,
and at noon he dined, using water as his only beverage. The re-
mainder of the day he ate nothing. Our guests, notwithstanding
the crowded state of the boat, seemed to enjoy themselves, and on
the fifth day from their reception on board we reached the an-
chorage for Gualaguaychu, the pilot assuring us that beyond this
we could not pass. Subsequently, when our surveys extended to
this river, I discovered that we could have ascended to Concep-
cion del Uruguay, where General Urquiza wished to land.
With several of the officers I accompanied him on shore, his
suite and escort having been landed the day before. On leaving
the steamer, under a salute from the Locust, we were joined by
Captain Day, and the Argentine flag was hauled down from the
mast-head of the Water Witch, I explained to the " Provisional
Director" my reason for not saluting — the fear of injury to the
chronometers, upon which the success of our fature work de-
pended.
The whole party were safely landed, and the general, in true
Spanish style, embraced me in saying farewell, and begged that I
would always consider him my friend. His officers also left us
with many expressions of gratitude, and I had the satisfaction to
* This man had for many years been the body-servant of Urquiza, and at the
battle of Monte Caseros came well-nigh capturing Rosas.
4
50 ENGLISH STEAMERS AGROUND.
know tliat every effort had. been made for their comfort wliile the
recipients of our country's hospitaHties.
The steamer Trident had not arrived, which (anticipating no
difficulty) we attributed to her being a " slow craft." By the time
we returned to the Water Witch it was quite dark, and as our
pilot was rather inexperienced, and the navigation of this part of
the Uruguay intricate, I determined to remain at anchor until day-
light ; however, about ten o'clock, I had a visit from Captain Day,
who had heard from the "Trident:" she was "hard and fast"
aground, and he requested me to accompany him, and give her
immediate assistance. My pilot was unwilling to take the respon-
sibility of running the steamer at night ; but, as Captain Day ex-
pressed confidence in his man, I told him to take the lead, and I
would follow.
We agreed upon a signal — a gun — should the Locust run
aground ; and, with this understanding, we moved on swimming-
ly for some time, congratulating ourselves that the worst had been
passed, when the concerted signal was made. On slowly coming
up to the Locust, we discovered that she was aground.
A hawser was made fast to her, taken on board the Water Witch,
and with a few revolutions of the engine she was again afloat,
when we proceeded on our way with the same arrangement of
signals.
A very few minutes elapsed when the gun warned us that she
was again aground. An effort similar to the first was made to
give her rehef, but to no purpose ; under a full pressure of steam,
she had driven her bows on a sand-bank. We came to anchor,
and our men turned in for a few hours' rest.
In the morning we left the "Locust" to wait for a rise of the
tide, and proceeded to the relief of the " Trident." After making
an ineffectual pull, we relieved her of as many of the Argentine
soldiers as could be received on the deck of the Water Witch, and
landed them at the same point where Greneral TJrquiza disem-
barked.
Again we returned to the relief of the two steamers. Finding
the tide rising, we went first to the "Trident," and commenced
the process of tugging ; in a short time she was afloat, and pro-
ceeded on her course to land the remainder of the troops. The
Locust was now free ; and, congratulating our friends upon their
release, we made all speed on our return to Buenos Ayres.
It gave me pleasure to be able to render even these small offices
LETTER FROM THE MINISTERS. 51
to our brother sailors of Old England ; for, in the various parts
of the world where my professional duties have called me, her
representatives, whether diplomatic, naval, or military, have uni-
formly manifested respect for our flag, and extended to myself
personally every courtesy as an ofl&cer of the United States Navy.
CHAPTER in.
Letter from Mr. Schenck. — Visit to the Estancia of General Urquiza. — Framing
of the Treaty. — Marking Cattle. — Farm and Residence of the Director. — Os-
triches, Partridges, and Deer : Mode of hunting them. — Horses. — Return to
Buenos Ayres. — The Galera. — Reception at Concepcion. — The College. — The
Ball. — Native Grace of Spanish American Women. — Leave Concepcion. — The
Water Witch. — Coaling at Buenos Ayres. — Final Departure for the Ascent of
the River.
Upon our arrival at Buenos Ayres I found another letter await-
feig me from Messrs. Pendleton and Schenck. It ran as follows :
"Legation of the United States, )
Buenos Ayres, July 22d, 1853. )
"To Captain Thomas J. Page, U. S. Steamer Water Witch.
" Dear Sir, — We wish very much that you would take us to-morrow to
Gualaguaychu, or ' Concepcion del Uruguay.' There is no other mode of
conveyance by which it is possible for us to accomplish a highly important
public object, no less than the making of a treaty of friendship and com-
merce, which, if made, will f uUy accomplish the purposes of the special mis-
sion to the Argentine States.
" It is indispensable that one of us — Mr. Schenck — leave for Rio in the
packet to sail ten days hence. With the aid of the Water Witch, we think
the business may be done. Without it, there is no possibility of our co-
operation in this work. Very respectfully, &c.,
"ROBERT C. SCHENCK,
"JOHN S. PENDLETON."
I could not hesitate as to the response, and early the following
morning we were steaming for Gualaguaychu. In two days we
reached the nearest point to which the Water Witch could ap-
proach, and' anchored off the mouth of a river of the same name.
I accompanied the ministers in a boat to the town, a distance of
eighteen miles.
Senores Carill and Gorostiaga, appointed by General Urquiza
as negotiators on his part, were awaiting the arrival of our minis-
ters. Under instructions from the Provisional Director, handsome
52 THE TREATY.
preparations liad been made for their reception and entertainment
at the government house.
Accompanied by the Argentine ministers, we started the fol-
lowing morning for the estancia* of Urquiza. Our conveyance
was a galera, a vehicle not unKke an omnibus, and capable of
holding comfortably ten or twelve persons ; the door behind ; it
was drawn by four horses, each mounted by a gaucho, and at a
gallop we passed through a gently undulating country, clear of
wood save on the margin of the river, but covered with a luxu-
riant growth of grass. After traveling about fifty miles, the dwell-
ing of Urquiza appeared in sight.
Throughout the whole distance since leaving Gualaguaychu we
had been driving through his estancia, which extended some ten
miles farther, embracing in one unbroken section of Entre Eios
several hundred square miles. The soil is highly fertile, and the
cattle, horses, mules, and sheep are superior to those of any other
province in the Confederation. A part of this estate was tenant-
ed out, and is appropriated almost exclusively to grazing ; but d
fine field of wheat and thriving nursery of fruit-trees proved its
equal adaptation to agriculture.
On reaching the house, a cordial reception awaited us from the
general, who came forward as we descended from the galera, and
received our party with many kind and courteous expressions of
welcome. He knew that our time was limited, and instructed his
ministers to use all possible dispatch. The work was conducted
in good faith, with an eye to the benefit of both countries, and
ended in the conclusion of a "treaty of friendship and com-
merce," signed immediately by the "Provisional Director," and
since ratified by our government.
While the treaty was being copied, we were much amused and
interested by visits to various departments of this great estate.
The day after our arrival, the general proposed that we should
ride out and see the process of marking cattle.
Mounted on beautiful horses, a gallop of a few miles brought us
in sight of a large herd, around which were stationed mounted
gauchos, each equipped with lasso and bolas.f The marking was
* A cattle-farm, but not exclusively so, where there is some cultivation of the soil.
t The lasso is of platted hide-rope, about sixty feet in length, and three quar-
ters of an inch in diameter, attached to the cincka, or surcingle of the recado or
saddle at one end, and has an iron ring in the other, through which a noose ia
formed when it is to be thrown.
The "tolas'^ is of two kinds: that used for catching cattle consists of three
MARKING CATTLE. 55
effected by branding with a bot iron upon the rump of an animal
a letter or cbaracter, wbicb made it the indisputable property of
a certain estanciero. These are registered in each district, with
the names of the owners attached.
When an animal is to be caught, a gaucho approaches the herd,
with one end of the lasso attached to his cincha^ holding the oth-
er, which has a large running noose, in his right hand ; and, giv-
ing it impetus by whirling it round his head, dexterously keep-
ing the noose open, he throws it with unerring aim over the horns
of the beast, and, wheeling quickly, drags hun out to receive his
brand, the whole operation not occupying a minute. But it must
not be supposed that this is always accomplished without a strug-
gle ; at times the " marking" affords great amusement, at others
excitement and even danger. A bullock escapes from the herd,
chase is given, and often continued for some time before the rider
can get within throwing distance, such is the fleetness of the wild
cattle of the country. As the gaucho casts the lasso, he suddenly
reins up his horse, while the animal instinctively braces himself to
receive the shock, and the bullock is often thrown to the ground
with such force as to make it a wonder how he escaped a broken
neck. Then, again, on finding himself a prisoner, he will run
round and round, dash first to one side, then to the other, plow up-
the ground, or turn and furiously attack the pursuer, who, on such
occasions, never parts with his lasso, which he would inevitably
lose if detached from his cincha ; and as he can not disengage it
from the horns of the animal, he manoeuvres his horse with in-
conceivable skill, watching, following, and anticipating every
movement of his prisoner with the rapidity of lightning, until re-
lieved from his perilous position by a brother gaucho, who throws
the lasso romid the hind legs of the beast.
After being greatly amused with the "marking," we rode over
to see the general's field of luxuriant wheat, then visited his nurs-
ery of choice fruits, and a garden where many vegetables known
to our markets were growing in perfection.
His dwelhng is built of stone, and in the massive style of the
wooden balls, or stones, about tbree inches in diameter, covered with raw hide,
each joined to the other in a common centre by a thong of the same of about three
feet in length. The other is of two balls, smaller, and is used to catch ostriches.
The gaucho holds the smallest ball in his right hand, and, giving the other two a
rapidly whirling movement, throws them with great velocity and unerring aim at
the legs of the animal ; and the more he struggles to extricate himself, the more he
becomes entangled.
56
URQUIZA'S ESTANCIA.
houses of Buenos Ayres. It is of one story, forms a quadrangle
of about eighty feet, and contains eight or ten spacious and lofty
BAN JOSi;, THE BSTANOIA OP tTKQiriZA.
rooms : from the roof rose two handsome turrets, commanding ex-
tensive views of his estancia. In every direction, his own lands
extended far beyond the horizon ; and this was only one of sev-
eral estates. Within a few miles of his house he had forbidden
his grounds to all sportsmen ; . consequently, herds of deer, ostrich-
es, and innumerable partridges, large and small, were seen in ev-
ery direction. I counted as many as fifty ostriches in a flock,
some of them in the court of the dwelhng, and as tame as barn-
door fowls. They are caught in great numbers ; the ostrich with
the bolas, the small partridge with the noose, and the larger spe-
cies with dogs. The small partridge crouches close to the ground ;
a man on horseback, with a long stick, at the end of which is a
noose, approaches, and rides in a circle round the frightened bird.
As if under the influence of a spell, or charmed by the man's eye,
it sits quietly while the rider gradually contracts the circle, until
near enough to sHp the noose over its head.
The large partridge usually makes two, but occasionally three
flights. On first rising it is pursued at full speed by the mounted
gaucho and his dog ; for, while on the wing, there is nothing to
hide it from the eye of the sportsman ; and scarcely has it touched
THE GALEEA. 59
the earth, wlien again it is "put up," and, flying until exhausted,
it conceals itself in the long grass, where it is ferreted out by the
dog.
Some idea of the income of such an estancia as Urquiza's may be
formed when I state that upon this of San Jose there were 70,000
sheep, 40,000 head of cattle, and 2000 horses. Among the latter
were several Manadas^ of a beautifal mouse color, called Lohuiios^
or "otter-like;" others of Overas, or "piebald." These studs
were carefully kept apart, to avoid any mingling of color or char-
acteristic. I can not imagine a more beautiful sight than the herds
of these fine animals coursing over the rich lands of San Jose.
The value of each in the United States would reach some huud-
re<ils of dollars ; here one could be bought for sixteen.
On the third day after our arrival at San Jose, the treaty hav-
ing been concluded and signed by the " Provisional Director," we
prepared for our return to Buenos Ayres. The promptness and
good faith shown in this negotiation are worthy of praise, when
we remember that diplomacy is the forte of the Spanish American,
and that one of their marked characteristics is to postpone for the
morrow that which should be done to-day.*
General Urquiza earnestly desired that in our return route we
would stop a night at Concepcion del Uruguay, the place of his
birth and early life, assuring us that, though the distance was
greater, we could spend a night at Concepcion, and yet reach
Gualaguaychu at the time appointed for our embarkation. He
had well calculated the speed of his own horses, and his assurance
was reahzed in our arrival at the appointed time.
A galera, drawn by four beautiful mouse-colored horses, each
mounted by a gaucho in full costume, was brought to the door, its
lockers abundantly supplied with wines and other creature com-
forts. With mingled feehngs of respect and esteem, we bade adieu
to our distinguished host, and, accompanied by Senores Carill and
Grostiaga, and escorted by a son of General Urquiza on horseback,
we moved rapidly over the undulating pampa, stopping only to
change horses from the herd of" lobunos" driven for this purpose
ahead of us.
On our arrival at Concepcion, a pretty town of about 4000 in-
habitants, on the Uruguay Eiver, and distant about eighteen miles
from San Jose, we were met by the municipal authorities and
principal inhabitants, and conducted to a spacious house prepared
* See Appendix C and D.
60
COLLEGE OF CONCEPCION.
for oiir reception, Over wMch was immediately hoisted tlie Amer-
ican flag. As we entered, a band of music in the court played
our national air, and continued afterward with operatic pieces in
admirable style. In short, every preparation had been made to
give us a distinguished reception. We accepted these honors in
the spirit that dictated them, as a tribute of respect and amity for
the United States.
Our first visit was to the College, established by Urquiza, where
youths are educated at the expense of the province. The build-
COLLEGB OF OONOBPOION.
ing is handsome and commodious, and the benefits of this institu-
tion are shared without partiality by rich and poor ; indeed, the
latter are more highly its recipients, for, in addition to a liberal
education, they receive gratis both food and clothing. The pres-
ident of the institution is Mr. La Eoque, a Parisian, and the Pro-
fessor of English Mr. Clark, a graduate of an English college.
These gentlemen, with ability, perseverance, and untiring zeal,
give their best energies to the work, and would, from their per-
sonal standing alone, offer a guarantee for its success, did we not
know that their exertions are seconded by other professors, well
qualified for their respective posts. It is now considered the first
institution of the Confederation, that of Cordova, formerly so cel-
ebrated, having dwindled to a mere provincial school.
We were conducted through the buildings, and saw enough to
convince us that the arrangements and system were as admirable
KECEPTION AT CONCEPCION. Qi
for the moral and j)hysical as for tlie mental training of the youth
— indeed, quite equal to some of the institutions of our own coun-
try. The philosophical and mathematical apparatus seemed full
and complete, and the illustrations of the various mechanical pow-
ers excellent. The higher branches of mathematics are careful-
ly taught, together with the classics, English and French, and all
those branches with us comprehended in the expression " good
English education." Attached to the college is a primary school.
The Secretary of the Navy had permitted my second son, a
youth twelve years old, to accompany the expedition. I afterward
placed him at this college, and was gratified with his progress.
The benefits of a liberal education are now eagerly sought by
all classes, and so numerous are the apphcations for admission to
this estabhshment, which has ample accommodations for 160 pu-
pils, that large additions will probably be made to its buildings,
or similar institutions may be opened in other provinces. Music
is one of the branches taught, and we were both surprised and de-
lighted with the performances of a band of forty boys. Among
them was a youth whose genius was extraordinary. He composed
with great facility, played upon sixteen instruments, and yet he
had never been out of the province of Entre Eios.
This institution will ever remain a noble monument of the en-
lightened views of Urquiza. In educating its youth, he is giving
stabihty to the government of a country hitherto at the mercy of
each military chieftain who in turn aspired to rule. I must not
omit to mention one fact communicated to me by the president of
the college, which reflects high honor on its founder. Occasion-
ally the funds of the institution are not adequate to its demands ;
and when its wants have been made known to General Urquiza,
he has invariably, from his private resources, made ample provi-
sion to meet them.
On returning to the house arranged for our reception, we found
a sumptuous dinner, with abundance of fine wines and cigars,
awaiting us. This was followed by a ball, at which was assem-
bled all the beauty of the place. The dress of the fair senoritas
showed that, the prohibitory edicts of Eosas, however severely
they may have operated upon commerce, had availed nothing in
secluding them from a knowledge of the fashions.
The Spanish American women have little knowledge of the
conventionalities of other countries, but they are weU bred and
handsome. With indescribable grace and precision, these ladies
62 EETUKN TO BUENOS AYRES.
of Concepcion (many of wliom had never been out of Entre Eios)
went through all the fashionable dances of the day, varying them
two or three times in the course of the evening by the Spanish
contra-dance.
It was expected that we should be not only spectators, but ac-
tive participators in the festivities of the evening. Not to dance,
and dance well, would expose us to the suspicion of neglected
education. As the diplomatic and naval representatives of the
great republic of the North, it was necessary to avoid such an im-
putation. We made the effort, though we feared in doing so that
what might have been a conjecture would remain among the fair
women of Entre Eios " a fixed fact."
We left Concepcion del Uruguay at an early hour the follow-
ing morning, and, at full gallop, continued our journey in the
galera. Our way still lay through the estancia of General Ur-
quiza, but in a different direction from that by which we entered.
The character of the country was materially the same, herds of
deer, flocks of ostriches, and innumerable partridges alone break
ing the monotony of the pampa scenery.
Arrived at Gualaguaychu, we lost no time in procuring a sail-
boat, hoping to reach the Water Witch that night ; but, on getting
to the mouth of the river, we found the wind too high to attempt
a " dead beat," our steamer being near the opposite shore of the
Banda Oriental,* distant about six miles.
It was the last of July, the second winter month of this lati-
tude ; strong south winds made the night really cold, and our
situation in the open boat for many hours was not only one of
discomfort, but positive suffering. On reaching the Water Witch
the next morning, and finding all ready, we weighed anchor for
Buenos Ay res, with the earnest hope that nothing would again
occur to divert us from the objects of the expedition.
The Water Witch was nominally one of the vessels of the
squadron on the Brazil station, and, though really detached for
specific purposes, it has been shown that circumstances made it
imperative that she should perform the duties of one in the ab-
sence of all other vessels, and in cases where public interests were
deeply involved. Mr. Kennedy, then Secretary of the Navy,
with enlightened views, and a liberal exercise of the authority
vested in him, detailed her for the scientific work on which she
* The East Side, another name for the State of Uruguay.
UNDER WAY. go
was about to enter witli simply such additions to her ordinary
outfit as a few books, instruments, and materials for the preser-
vation of specimens of natural history, which could be supplied
from the contingent fund of the department, in the absence of
any appropriation by Congress. With no scientific corps on
board, and only one or two officers over and above her ordinary
complement, in a few weeks after she was launched from the
navy yard of Washington we were steaming for La Plata.
On reaching Buenos Ayres, I learned from the "consul" the
arrival at Montevideo of a cargo of coal, sent out by the govern-
ment for the use of the expedition, and at once j)roceeded to that
place. We entered the harbor in the midst of a violent pampero,
which continued for some days. After the storm, we took on
board as much coal as the steamer could carry, deposited a small
quantity on shore, and made arrangements for the transportation
of the remainder to some point on the Parana. The freight de-
manded for this latter service was so exorbitant — $12 per ton — that
I found it cheaper to purchase a hulk of sufiS.cient capacity to re-
ceive it all. Taking this in tow, I afterward established it as a
depot at the town of La Paz, in Entre Eios, distant about four
hundred miles above Martin Garcia. This we found to be a con-
venient point for coaling, either in ascending or descending the
river.
After a diversion of nearly four months from the legitimate
work of the expedition, I now, for the first time, realized that we
were fairly under way for the scene of our labors. I had the sat-
isfaction of knowing that the time had been usefully spent in for-
warding the diplomatic aims of the government, and in protecting
the interests of American citizens.
64 TAKING OBSEEVATIONS.
CHAPTER lY.
Chronometers. — Determinations of Latitude and Longitude. — Construction of
Charts. — Delta of the Parana. — Diamante. — Fruits. — Oranges. — Peaches. —
Beautiful Scenery. — Mouths of the Parana. — The Parbon. — The Gualaguay. —
TheRepunte. — Periodical Risings of Water. — Islands. — The Seibo and Sause. —
San Pedro. — Obligardo. — Passage forced by the English and French. — Island
Formations. — Variations of Channel. — Pilots. — Estancieros. — San Nicholas. —
Rosario. — Its commercial Importance. — Advantages over Buenos Ayres. — Winds.
— Letter of R. B. Forbes, Esq. — Banks of the River. — Convent of San Lorenzo. —
The Tercero. — Mr. Campbell's Survey. — The Chaco Hills. — Scenery. — Diaman-
te.— Ferries. — Trees. — The Algarroba and Espinilla.
Taking our departure from Buenos Ayres, tlie point to which
all determinations of longitude were to be referred, we passed the
island of Martin Garcia September 1st, 1853. The rates of the
chronometers had been repeatedly verified, and they were found
to be uniform in every instance. The work was consequently be-
gun with every confidence in the excellence of the instruments.
These chronometers, five in number, had been selected by the Su-
perintendent of the Naval Observatory for this special service.
That the character of the work in its explorations and surveys
may be fully understood, even by those unpracticed in such oper-
ations, it may be proper to explain somewhat in detail the manner
in which it was conducted.
That portion of it under the head of " Surveys," which may be
seen on the map, is established on points of latitude and longitude
determined with care by ofiicers who were competent observers,
and with nicely-adjusted instruments. The latitude of these points
is derived from observations of north and south stars on the merid-
ian, their longitude by chronometer from stars east and west of the
meridian and from the altitude of the sun, and the variation of
the compass from observations of the sun. These were made with
the sextant and artificial horizon. Those made during the day
were always taken on shore ; but at night, so perfectly motionless
was the steamer that no difficulty was experienced in observing
the stars with the artificial horizon on the hurricane-deck. The
place of anchorage was thus determined every night, whensoever
the weather would allow ; and none of the principal points were
passed without coming to anchor, and obtaining satisfactory re-
CONSTRUCTION OF CHARTS. 65
suits for tlie establisliment of their geographical position and va-
riation of the compass. We arrived at the distances between the
points thus determined by reference to a uniform number of rev-
olutions of the engine, which, in a given time, had been ascertain-
ed to be equal, or nearly so, to a certain distance. Any erroneous
estimate that had been made could not extend beyond the jDoint
of observation, so that there was at all times a check upon any
error of judgment or irregularity in the speed of the steamer.
That the charts should give as faithful a representation of the
rivers and adjacent country as the character of the work would
admit of, there were at all times, when the steamer was under way,
two officers engaged in it exclusive of myself
An elevated position on the hurricane-deck, which gave an un-
obstructed view, was selected for this purpose. One of the ob-
servers, with the chart-paper before him, projected the course and
distance, the width and depth of the river, delineating the topog-
raphy on either bank, while the other recorded the same in his
note-book, together with all such remarks as would illustrate more
clearly any peculiar characteristic, such as the growth on the banks,
whether suitable for steamers or for other purposes. The sound-
ings were made at intervals of five minutes when in deep water,
but when in shoal as often as they could be had. The velocity of
the current, which varied with the locality, was repeatedly ascer-
tained.
I have before alluded to the island of Martin Garcia as a mili-
tary position of some importance, from its commanding what was
supposed to be the most considerable channel of communication
between the waters of the Parana and La Plata, It is of granitic
formation, and occupies a position at the head of "La Plata" where
this river is twenty-five miles wide, and yet at its narrowest point.
Here also it receives its two great affluents, the Parana and Uru-
guay, their waters uniting about twenty-four miles above this isl-
and, and retaining the name of the latter until lost in that of " La
Plata."
The Parana is the more important of the two, and possesses
already a far more extended navigation, and affluents that present
a vast field for exploration. We first entered its waters through
the main branch, " Parana Guazu."
All vessels " bound up" either the Parana or Uruguay by this
channel must pass within range of " Martin Garcia." Exclusive
of this and the one of greater depth subsequently revealed by the
5
QQ DELTA OF THE PARANA.
surveys of the "Water Witch, there are two other branches, the
" Brasso Bravo" and " Brasso Largo," farther north, through which
this river flows into the Uruguay, and others of less importance
to navigation, through which it communicates directly with La
Plata. The principal, and only one of these latter worthy of note,
and which wi]l become, when its entrance shall be better known,
generally used by vessels of six and seven feet draught, is the
passage of Las Palmas, the branch through which Sebastian Cabot
entered the waters of the Parana, and to which he gave the name
it now bears.
A delta of vast extent is formed by the various branches of this
river. Its apex, at the town of Diamante in Entre Rios, is distant
from its base in a right line one hundred and seventy-eight miles,
while its base, the line on which these branches empty into the
River La Plata and Uruguay, is about forty miles in extent.
Diamante is assumed as the apex of this delta, because at that
point, in ascending, we find, for the first time, by the approach of
the firm, elevated lands, the width of the river contracted to one
mile. To give a minute description of the innumerable small
branches up to this apex, to follow them through their windings,
would tend only to perplex the reader. They nevertheless serve
a useful purpose by giving access to a labyrinth of islands, the
wild fruits and charcoal of which lead to quite an extensive trade
with Buenos Ayres.
During the season, the fruiterers lay their barks against the
banks, and load from the overhanging peach and orange trees.
This latter fruit is bitter, and used only for preserving, or making
a very popular drink, which, in the course of time, becomes pleas-
antly acidulated.
The peaches are of excellent quality, and constitute a large por-
tion of the supply of the Buenos Ayrean market. These fruits
are not found on the low and frequently submerged islands which
border the main channel-way — the Parana Guazu — but grow
abundantly upon those in the vicinity of the pass of Las Palmas,
and near the various other branches used only by small vessels.
In the province of Buenos Ayres the peach is much cultivated
for fire-wood, and a tree of three years yields no indifferent supply
of both fruit and fuel. Its growth in the wild and free islands of
the Parana, and the perfection of its fruit without culture, are facts
too extraordinary not to impress a stranger, who naturally asks
the origin of trees well known not to be indigenous. My inquiries
FRUITS.— SCENERY. (57
on this point were invariably answered by Qiden sahef — "Who
knows?" Some of the more intelligent natives trace them to the
forecast of the Jesuits ; others to the boatmen who, prior to the
Jesuits, frequented these islands, and may, without jjurpose, have
cast around the seeds. Again, their propagation is ascribed to the
migration of birds and beasts from the main land. This we doubt,
for among the many isles of the Parana delta there are others of
the same formation and age — -judging from their strata — on which
no fruits are to be found. So vast is the yield of th^ trees, that
Buenos Ayres is not only supplied with fresh fruit during the
season, but quantities are dried. Some enterprising citizens have
also manufactured from them brandy of excellent quality; but
this, like many other industrial projects in that country, has not
been continued with perseverance or energy. When improved
by grafting, inoculation, or the smallest degree of culture, the fruit
matures to very great perfection.
Toward the close of our work, these branches of the Parana be-
came the scene of operations during fruit season. A more en-
chanting spectacle than was presented at that time by these isl-
ands can scarcely be imagined. Poets would have reveled in it
as a scene of paradisiacal beauty. The lower banks were fringed
with aquatic plants ; the little channels were shaded by the wil-
low, whose long, drooping branches dipped gracefully into the wa-
ters, and formed archways, under which the boatmen moored their
craft for the convenience of the siesta. On all sides the vegeta-
tion was tropical in its luxuriance, and the air was laden with del-
icate odors. The eye would have been fatigued by the gorgeous
mingling of colors presented by the rich foliage of the *' seibo,"
the flower and fruit of the orange-tree, the ripe tints of the peach,
the brilliant bloom of various shrubs and parasitical jDlants, had it
not been reheved by a verdure as refreshing as it was varied in
its shades.
The general course of the Parana from its mouth to the town
of Rosario in Santa F^ — one hundred and eighty-eight miles — is
northwest ; thence, up to its confluence with the Paraguay — six
hundred and ninety miles — north, and a little easterly.
We began our work, as before stated, by ascertaining its main
channel, the Guazu, which, at its confluence with the Uruguay,
may be said to bisect the base of the Delta, there being north of it
the Brasso Largo and Brasso Bravo, and south of it the pass of
Las Palmas and Arroyo Capitan. This last branch, though nar-
68 AFFLUENTS OF LA PLATA.
row and shallow, is important as offering a water-communication
to the main or firm lands of the State of Buenos Ayres, which it
skirts for some distance northward, enters the pass of Las Pal-
mas, and thence becomes the most southern branch for miles.
A narrow canal-like stream sets off from it, under the name of
the Baradero, and, washing the firm lands, joins the main river
a mile or two below the town of San Pedro, distant from Martin
Garcia about one hundred and two miles.
From thia^ pomt to the apex of the Delta the main river be-
comes its southern and western boundary. The most northern
branches, forming at different distances the northern side, which
is bounded ia that direction by the province of Entre Kios, are,
beginning from the Eiver Uruguay, the Brasso Largo and the
Brasso Bravo ; the main river to the distance of twenty -five miles
is the " Parbon," and the " Parana Cito." This last, though tortu-
ous, narrow, and shallow, possesses advantages similar to those of
the Arroya Capitan and Baradero, and branches ofi" from the main
river at the point we have assumed as the apex of the Delta, a
few miles below Diamante. .
The Parbon is of great importance, being of sufficient depth for
any class of vessels that could possibly enter the river, and skirts
throughout its extent the firm lands of Entre Kios.
The Kiver Gualaguay, which takes its rise in the interior of the
province, and empties into the Parbon, affords navigation for ves-
sels of six feet draught up to the port of entry of the town of
Gualaguay, which is about thirty-five miles from its mouth. It
passes through a portion of the province particularly rich in pas-
ture-lands and stocked with fine breeds of cattle.
We entered the Parana at the season of loio water; and
throughout the distance known as the Delta, which by the course
of the river is two hundred and forty -five miles from its mouth,
the least depth of water was sixteen feet, from which it varied
to one hundred and five feet; the width is from one half to
two and a half miles, exclusive of its various branches, which at
some points extend it, from firm land to firm land, twelve miles.
The character of the bottom is sandy, saVe where the current is
too weak to retain its detritus in a floating state. The velocity of
the current is two and a half miles the hour. The rise begins in
December, and continues at the daily rate of two inches until
about the middle of February, when it will have attaiaed its max-
imum, remaining, with a httle variation, at this state for a month
BRANCHES AND ISLANDS. 69
or more, when it begins to fall, and descends to its minimum
point in June or July, at wliicli it remains until the month of Oc-
tober.
During this month there is a partial rise of about six feet, called
the "Eepunte;" this continues about a month, when the river
subsides again to its lowest state. These periodical changes are
caused by the tropical rains of a vast region of Brazil, where
many of the tributaries which swell the main river take their rise.
It is well for all the practical purposes of navigation that the
waters of the Parana are so subdivided: its numerous branches
of course diminish the strength of the current, which, if not weak-
ened by this distribution, would be a great obstacle in its ascent.
Steam, but recently introduced upon its waters, will give a vast
impulse to navigation, reducing a passage of eighty days by sail-
ing vessels to twelve by this powerful agent.
These branches constitute, exclusive of many of very minor im-
portance, the prmcipal courses through which the Parana dis-
charges its great body of water into La Plata.
I have alluded to its numerous islands, some of them %f such
recent formation as to be nameless. They gradually rise with the
dej)osits of successive inundations and the accumulation of vege-
table matter until they present a surface above high water. Those
in the vicinity of "Las Palmas" are, as I have stated, valuable for
their fruits; and as we ascended, those of older formation were
found well wooded. Besides these, there are many frequently sub-
merged, but covered with a thick mass of the shrubs, plants, and
trees only that love humidity, such as the "seibo," willow, alder;
the latter not only remarkable for its impenetrable foliage, but as
being the shrub — it can scarcely be called a tree — which succeeds
the paja grande^ a wiry grass, the first growth of the newly-formed
island. The seibo,* though a spongy wood, useless for fuel, adds
vastly to the beauty of the vegetation ; its rich blossoms would
make it, with us, the pride of ornamental grounds. The sause,
or willow, is considered inferior for fael, though used for that pur-
pose, and is the third indigenous growth, rooting out the alder
and taking its place.
* Dobrizhoffer says of this tree, vol. i., p. 399, " A spongy weed, as soft as that of
the cork-tree, so that when fresh it may be cut with a knife like an apple, but after
it is dry axes are not sufficient to hew it. * * * * Whenever the tiger feels
his claws burn, he is said to rub them against the bark of this tree to relieve the
pain."
70 SAN PEDRO.— OBLIGADO.'
In tlie ascent of the river up to tlie vicinity of San Pedro, a dis-
tance of one hundred and thirty miles from its mouth, the view is
bounded by this labyrinth of islands. From the mast-head of the
steamer, an elevation of sixty feet, nothing else was to be seen.
It was a wilderness of fohage and flora. Enriched by an exuber-
ant vegetation and enlivened by innumerable water-fowl, these
islands were imposing features in the Parana scenery.
Approaching San Pedro, we came in sight of the firm lands of
the province of Buenos Ayres, a continuation of the argillo-calca-
reous plateau upon which that city stands. The town is upon
this high land, the level of a surrounding pampa country of vast
extent. Though its existence dates from the middle of the sev-
enteenth century, it has but a population of two thousand souls,
and contains nothing of note, unless we may except a church
erected by the Jesuits.
The position of San Pedro is by no means inviting to trade, be-
ing on an arm of the river which will not admit of approach to the
shore save in very small craft. It can never, I think, rise to the
rank of a commercial port ; its intermediate position between two
cities, which will probably monopolize a vast deal of the trade of
La Plata — Rosario and Buenos Ayres — will make it only a con-
sumer of their importations.
On leaving San Pedro, this elevated land — as it appears from
the river, though on a level with the surrounding pampa — contin-
ues on to the northward and westward, at times diverging, again
approaching the river, from which it appears a high bluff.
At Obligado, eleven miles above San Pedro, the river contracts
to a width of less than half a mile, bringing the channel within
musket-range of the right bank. Again, from this point, the land
is depressed, presenting a gently undulating surface richly covered
with native clover and grass, on which were grazing vast herds of
cattle and horses.
The commanding position of Obligado was not overlooked by
Rosas, who, intent upon carrying out his scheme of effectually
closing these rivers, and determined to present a formidable re-
sistance to a forced navigation, erected in 1845 a battery on the
right bank, which was placed under the command of his brother-
in-law, General Mancilla. But neither the defenses on land, nor
the iron obstruction — a chain thrown across the river — could with-
stand the courage and determination of the French and English.
Mancilla obstinately disputed the passage to the steamers of the
ALTERATION IN CHANNEL. 71
combined squadrons, which had under convoy a large fleet of mer-
chantmen, with rich cargoes, destined for Corrientes. An Enghsh
vessel steamed up to the chain stretched from shore to shore, and,
under a deadly fire from the batteries, lifted it to her bows and
severed it, while the captain of the French steamer, acting in strict
accordance with his instructions " not to land an armed force," laid
his vessel close alongside the most eflQ.cient water-battery, and with
shell and grape drove its defenders from their guns. The passage
was effected, but with the loss of many lives, and the convoy pro-
ceeded on to its destination, where the merchantmen made a prof-
itable exchange and sale of cargo.
To carry the reader through the labyrinth of channels and isl-
lands — to enumerate the latter, or describe the changes which take
place annually, would afford little interest. Some of these, how-
ever, are too remarkable not to deserve special notice.
About five miles above San Nicholas there is a small island of
such recent formation as to be nameless. A few years since it was
joined to the main land, on the right bank, by a low, marshy slip
of land; now there is a wide separation, and a channel of eighteen
feet water. A few miles above, it was necessary for the Water
Witch, when we ascended the river, to pass east of the island of
Montiel, around which the river flowed in a semicircle ; in less
than two years subsequently the passage west of that island had
become a channel of thirty feet depth.
These changes facilitate the navigation of the river as often as
they embarrass or retard it. In the instance just cited, the first
circuitous route embraced sixteen points of the compass, and a
distance of sixteen miles, while the latter is accomplished by one
course, and a distance of one and a half miles. Our charts will
exhibit the changes which took place between the years 1847 and
1853. In the former year her Britannic majesty's steamer Philo-
mel, under the command of Captain Sullivan, ascended the Parana
to Corrientes. These changes are caused by the periodical inun-
dations, and, as I have before stated, embarrass the navigation less
than might be expected.
The pilots are generally skillful, and from habit observant.
They sometimes exhibit wonderful acuteness of perception in de-
tecting, simply by inspection, any change that may have occurred
in the direction of the channel.
From San Pedro to Kosario, a distance of ninety miles, the char-
acter of the river remains unchanged. The right bank is a con-
72 SAN NICHOLAS.— EOSARIO.
tinuation of the higli land of wlaicli I have spoken as extending
from Buenos Ayres. It is approached at short intervals by the
windings of the river, and presents precipitous banks of indurated
clay, varying in height from fifty to one hundred feet ; the sur-
face soil one and a half to two feet in depth, of rich black earth,
covered with luxurious pastures, upon which roved herds of cat-
tle and horses — diminished, it is true, by the internal dissensions
which for many years have agitated the country, but still existing
in vast numbers, and constituting the wealth of the estancieros, or
graziers.
The richest of these extensive land-holders luxuriate in the en-
joyment of city life at Buenos Ayres, leaving the entire manage-
ment of their estancias to capitazes* Each estancia embraces
many square leagues, extending along the firm lands of the river :
they are indicated by the cattle, and by the very humble tenements
of the capitaz and his herdsmen.
Intermediate between the two towns San Pedro and Rosario,
stands the unimportant village of San Nicholas, the most northern
frontier settlement of Buenos Ayres upon the river. The little
stream of Arroyo del Medio, which is about two miles north of it,
forms the boundary, so far as it goes, between the states of Buenos
Ayres and Santa Fe, the most southern province of the Argentine
Confederation, bordering on the right bank of the Parana. On the
left are low lands, broken by picturesque lagoons, enlivened occa-
sionally by a cloud of aquatic birds. The black-necked swan,
geese, and ducks abound in great variety,
Rosario, fifty-two miles from San Nicholas, is eligibly placed on
the same plateau to which I have alluded so often, an elevation
remarkable in the uniformity of its character. It is in the prov-
ince of Santa Fe, and, I think, destined to become a place of great
commercial importance.
At the commencement of our survey, in September, 1853, this
town, like all others of the Confederation, was only tributary to
Buenos Ayres. It then contained a population of four thousand
souls. Before the expedition had left the waters of La Plata in
1855, it had increased to twelve thousand, an augmentation which
shows the healthful influence of trade upon the prosperity of this
country. Upon the reorganization of the Confederacy, Buenos
Ayres refused to join it, and Rosario was then declared a port
of entry. Its position will probably make it a mart for all the
* Stewards or overseers.
EOSARIO. 73
imports and exports of the eleven provinces west of tlie Pa-
rana.
Without due reflection or accurate geographical knowledge of
the country, the interior position of Rosario — two hundred miles
from Buenos Ayres, and nearly four hundred from the ocean —
might be alleged, with some reason, as excluding it from a suc-
cessful competition with that city ; but when we consider the va-
rious influences affecting both places, Rosario, even with less cap-
ital, a small population, and without the habits or antecedents
of trade, bids fair to compete successfully for a portion of the for-
eign commerce, and certainly ofiers larger returns to those whose
enterprise may tempt them to become commercial pioneers in that
quarter. Its interior position can present no permanent obstacle
to the direction of trade ; and, aided by governmental influence,
and by the certain prospect of connection by railway with Cor-
dova, more than three hundred miles west, Buenos Ayres may
well regard its future with watchful jealousy.
By the introduction of steam, distance is annihilated ; and Bu-
enos Ayres, though she may become the first city of South Amer-
ica, with only a share of the trade of La Plata, can no longer ex-
pect to monopolize the business of a country whose extent and re-
sources are sufficient to support hundreds of flourishing commer-
cial towns.
The route of the railway to Cordova* has already been surveyed
by Mr. Allen Campbell, of the United States, who has had much
experience as an engineer in Spanish America, where he enjoys a
high reputation. He pronounces it not only practicable, and of-
fering a profitable investment of capital, but as one of the most
effectual modes of developing the resources of the fruitful provinces
of the West, heretofore almost unknown, not only in the trade,
but in the geography of the world. It would be an iron bond
between the eastern and western provinces not easily severed.
There are considerations which would make Rosario, even when
approached by sailing vessels, quite as accessible from the Atlantic
as Buenos Ayres. The difference of time in loading and dis-
charging cargo is decidedly in favor of the former. These diffi-
culties at Buenos Ayres are too well known to the commercial
community to need from me much illustration. The southeast
winds, agitating the wide expanse of the river at that point, pro-
duce so high a sea that, during their prevalence, no vessel can ei-
ther discharge or receive cargo.
* See route of this road on map.
74 EOSARIO.
The winds wliicli create this sea are the fairest for the ascent of
the river, and good for the beat down with the current. In forty-
eight hours, or less, a vessel with a southerly wind should reach
Rosario from the latitude of Buenos Ayres, off Martin Garcia, or
any neighboring anchorage. Arrived there, no detention depend-
ent upon the winds can occur. With anchor in the stream and
breasting-lines upon land, a vessel may be laid near enough to
shore to make a plank a safe pathway. With the erection of
wharves, the town would be as accessible as any of our commer-
cial cities. The Parana, from its mouth to Rosario, is not very tor-
tuous, having a general course of N.N. W. The prevailing south
wind is, therefore, fair in the ascent throughout this distance. I
must not omit to state that such a wind is necessary to all sailing
vessels, because the current of two to two and a half miles per
hour will baffle all efforts to contend with it by beating. The
Argentine government, with a view of promoting direct tirade, has
laid a discriminating duty on all articles imported from or export-
ed to Buenos Ayres, which may induce vessels to proceed direct-
ly to Rosario for the sale or purchase of cargoes, rather than buy
goods encumbered not only with a double export and import, but
with the differential duties.
In descending the river no detention need ever occur, its width
being sufficient to admit of beating down during contrary winds.
The trade with Rosario should be carried on in vessels of the
class and size of the largest three-masted schooners. This con-
struction and rig, which are peculiarly American, will be found
well adapted to this river navigation. Such vessels are quickly
turned to windward, and easily handled. Experience has shown
that this rig is not incompatible with suitable size or capacity.
Their draught of water should not exceed twelve feet when laden,
the mean depth on the bar of San Juan, below Martin Garcia, not
admitting vessels of a greater draught.
During the prevalence of north winds, the depth of water is so
diminished as to leave ships, in both inner and outer roads of Bu-
enos Ayres, resting on the bottom. These winds, being from the
land, produce no sea, therefore vessels are in no danger, although
aground. The south winds, fair for the ascent of the river, inva-
riably produce a rise of the water, increasing its depth according
to their force and duration. The depth of water to which I have
alluded on the bar of San Juan is that of the old channel of Mar-
tin Garcia.
EOSARIO. 75
The new channel, made known, as before stated, by this expe-
dition, east of the island, has a greater depth by two feet. The
development of this channel has not been hailed by the Buenos
Ayreans with the enthusiasm which usually meets all discoveries
that may facilitate the trading operations of a country. In de-
priving Martin Garcia of its political importance, it obviates the
necessity of treaty stipulations with Buenos Ayres for entrance
into the upper waters.
While engaged upon this work, I have been gratified to learn,
by a letter from my esteemed friend, E. B. Forbes, of Boston, that
a commercial firm in that city have, with eminent success, become
the pioneers to our trade with the interior countries of La Plata.
I quote from his letter, alluding to the first shipment that had
been made from the United States directly to the port of Rosario.
He gives, in a few words, the report of the captain of the vessel
to his owners in Boston.
The captain says "he got to Eosario without any difficulty, dis-
charged his cargo, and got his freight money. That Chistopher
Columbus did not excite more curiosity than did the arrival of
his vessel ; that goods can be put on board at Eosario from 15 to
20 per cent, cheaper than at the port of Buenos Ayres, and that
he expected to bring home some passengers, with means to buy
goods, domestics, lumber," &c.
This is a beginning, to be followed, I hope, by hearing that the
waters of the Parana are covered with vessels bearing the stars
and stripes.
The right bank of the river from Eosario to the mouth of the
Cacarana, a distance of eighteen miles, presents an unbroken and
precipitous elevation of from fifty to eighty feet of reddish clay ;
beyond this it recedes into the interior; and thence, throughout
the extent of the river to its confluence with the Paraguay, the
same bank assumes somewhat the appearance of the other. Up
to this point the shores are low and marshy, and the course of
the river is broken by densely wooded islands of recent formation.
We had remained at Eosario, hoping for clear weather, to make
observations for latitude and longitude, as it was my habit to es-
tablish the positions of all prominent places, independent of the
observations that were made nightly whenever the weather would
permit. Finding from appearances that we should be unneces-
sarily detained, and knowing that I should have subsequent op-
portunities of determining this place, we pushed on and anchored
76 SAN LORENZO.— THE TERCERO.
off the convent of San Lorenzo, about twelve miles above Eosario,
on the same range of high land.
This is one of the old establishments of the Jesuits, and now
held by the Franciscans. Substantially built, like all their struc-
tures, it presents a conspicuous but isolated mark on the plateau.
The historical associations of this vicinity are full of interest.
Before the Jesuits entered upon their missions, Sebastian Cabot,
and Ayolas, serving under the banner of what was the then great
temporal power of Christendom, charmed with the beauty of the
country and the hospitality of the neighboring Indians, had se-
lected it for the first settlements of the white race in La Plata,
" San Espiritu," and " Corpus Christi."
We were disappointed in our expectations of astronomical ob-
servations. My journal says, " September 8th, 10 o'clock A.M.,
at anchor off San Lorenzo. Temperature of air 49°, water 67° ;
velocity of current two and a half miles per hour. Last night
strong gales from the southeast, with rain ; tliis morning appear-
ances of clearing. Remained at anchor until 10 o'clock, hoping to
get observations for latitude and longitude, but without success.
Proceeded on our course, the weather only preventing astronomi-
cal observations. This southeast wind has prevailed for several
days. Six miles above San Lorenzo the River Cacarana empties
into the Parana ; it retains this name only within the province of
Santa Fe. From its source in the sierras, it is known as the Ter-
cero, and it is joined by the River -Cuarto at the distance of one
hundred and twenty miles from its confluence with the Parana."
I am indebted to Mr. Allen Campbell for the most reliable in-
formation relative to this river. In the prosecution of his survey
of the route of the railway from Rosario to Cordova, which lay
very much along the course of the Tercero, it became necessary
for him to make a very thorough examination of it. The inform-
ation he was thus enabled to give me precluded the necessity of
farther examination than had been previously made by Lieutenant
Murdaugh and myself It was my intention, before meeting Mr.
Campbell, from the cursory notice we had made on our land trip
from Cordova to Rosario — the road occasionally taking us near the
river — to explore it thoroughly. We had seen it at its lowest state,
when the strength of its current was diminished, but were unable
to judge, simply by inspection, of the declivity of its bed through-
out a distance of three hundred miles. The examination made by
Mr. Campbell left no doubt in my mind of the impracticability of
THE PAMPAS. 77
its navigation ; if for no other reason, because of its great declivity
— two and a half feet to the mile — sufficient to produce a current
which it would be impossible to overcome during the season of
high water.
This difference of level is a foot for every inch in the Mississippi.
I quote the words of Mr. Campbell. " The ' Tercero' is not navi-
gable in its natural state, neither is it susceptible of being made so
by artificial means, at least for any practical or useful purpose."
It is not unusual to hear the navigability of many of the small
rivers of La Plata mentioned as being established, and even to see
such statements in books, when no evidences are adduced, nor the
names of explorers given in confirmation of such assertions. This
has not only been said, but written of the Tercero. In a work
upon the country, the author declares that it is navigable from its
mouth to the town of Villa Nueva, a distance by the windings of
the river of two hundred and fifty miles. Mr. Campbell says,
" These ideas are entirely illusory ;" and, as his assertion is based
upon reliable data, no better authority could be given. I have no
doubt, however, that the same means which once constituted the
only mode of transportation downward, on the Mississippi, may be
resorted to with success on the Tercero, when immigration and the
friction of trade shall have awakened some degree of enterprise
among the people, and taught them that time is money.
Passing the mouth of the Cacarana, the elevated pampa country
of the right, as before stated, recedes gradually to the interior ; and
not until we have ascended one thousand miles above, on that bank,
do we again see high lands, and then not a plateau or elevated pam-
pa, but isolated mountains and hillocks from one half of a mile to
two miles in length, and rising several hundred feet above the level
of the " Gran Chaco" — monuments, apparently dropped from the
clouds or upheaved by some convulsion of nature in the midst of
a vast domain, claimed by the neighboring republics, and divided
among them by imaginary lines, but stiU occupied by aboriginal
tribes who have never been subjugated or even disturbed by the
white race.
Between the town of Diamante and Cacarana, a distance of
thirty-three miles, the river courses among low islands of recent
formation, but wooded, and with an almost impenetrable under-
growth. As we ascended at the period of low water, I had an
opportunity of observing their formation, which was composed of
strata of black argillaceous earth and sand, showing at different
78 RIVER SCENERY.— DIAMANTE.
periods of inundation the character of the deposit. The bottom
of the river, brought up by the lead, was invariably sandy wher-
ever it had been subject to the action of the currents; in slack
water it was uniformly muddy.
The scenery of this noble river was throughout, to its junction
with the Paraguay, imposing and picturesquely beautiful. Islands
continue a characteristic feature forjuany hundred miles, differing
only, I observed in ascending, from those of the lower waters in
the improved growth of trees, or even greater exuberance of veg-
etation. They were enlivened by monkeys, capinchas, and birds
of brilliant plumage, and the atmosphere was redolent of the fra-
grance of chmbers and parasites that enwrapped trunk and branch-
es of many a huge tree, their bright floral clusters blending har-
moniously with the varied hues of the foliage. The finest gardens
of less favored zones would offer but a penury of vegetal beauty
when compared with these fair Edens of nature.
At Diamante we meet, for the first time, a change in the char-
acter of the left bank of the Parana. We are approaching the
high and rolling lands of Entre Eios, washed by the windings of
the river, above which they rise from ninety to one hundred and
fifty feet. On the beginning of this elevation, prettily situated,
stands a town or village of about one thousand inhabitants, for-
merly known as Punta Gorda, but changed by Urquiza to Dia-
mante, or Diamond.
In 1852, in preparing for his invasion of Buenos Ayres, which
ended with the battle and victory of " Monte Caseres," Greneral
Urquiza selected this point of the Parana for the passage of his
army. The contraction of the river and the firm lands of the
opposite bank in Santa Fe made it the most eligible place for this
purpose. The passage of the whole army on boats and rafts was
made without the loss of a single man, beast, or charge of ammu-
nition. Gratified at his success here, and subsequent victory, Ur-
quiza conceived this point of Entre Eios, from which he took his
departure, worthy the name which he bestowed upon it.
The mildness of the climate, the frequent intersection of the
lands in every direction by small rivers, and the absence of ferries
and bridges, oblige the people of the country to become expert
swimmers. The gaucho, stripped to the loins, springs into the
water with his horse, as if it were the natural element of both ;
holding the animal by the mane, he swims alongside, guiding him
"by an occasional slap on the head, and encouraging him by deaf-
LEFT BANK OF THE PARANA. 79
ening yells and whoops. In the few places where ferries are es-
tablished, canoes are provided, which the traveler enters, holding
his horse by the bridle. The canoe is guided by the ferry -man,
but carried over by the direct power of the horse swimming along-
side.
Diamante is an important place for steamers ascending the riv-
er. There, for the first time,»will be found excellent fuel, the
wood of the lowlands and islands being unfit for this purpose.
On the firm lands of Entre Eios are found the algarroba and es-
pinilla, trees of slow growth ; the former attains, with age, a great
size ; both are remarkable for their solidity, and afford the best
fuel for steamers, one cord being fully equal to a ton of coals.
There are several other woods scarcely inferior to these, all of
which skirt the river courses only ; they never, in the lower paral-
lels of La Plata, grow in extended forests.
CHAPTER y.
Left Bank of the Parana. — Survey made by Lieutenant Powell. — Climbing the
Tree. — Victoria. — Descending the Parana Cito. — Puerto de los Bues. — Guala-
guay. — El Puerto de Ybicui. — A Canal. — Paciencia. — Physical Changes. — The
Colastine. — Capella de San Jose. — Santa Fe. — The Chaco. — Its Inhabitants. —
Parana. — Bajada. — Progress. — Pine Lumber. — Commercial Prospects. — Cedar.
— Surface Soil. — Dr. Martin de Moussy's Report. — Plan of Parana. — Buildings
and Population. — River Ba,nks. — Estancia of an Englishman. — Feliciana. — La
Paz. — The Jefe de Politica and the Curate. — Fuel. — Pass of San Juan. — Course
of the River. — Sullivan's Charts. — Wild Fowl. — The Espinilla. — Capibaras or
Capinchas. — Locusts. — Catching a Deer. — Riacho Caraguatay. — Riacho San
Geronimo. — Goya. — Capincha Chase. — Bella Vista. — Productions. — Fishing. —
Tobacco Island. — Hunting for Specimens. — Taquari Chico. — An Orange Estan-
cia.— The Camilote. — Arrival at Corrientes. — Visit to the Governor. — Visit
from the Governor. — City of Corrientes. — Easy Navigation of the River. — Fine
Woods for Fuel. — Resources of the River Provinces. — Table of Distances.
Considering Diamante as the apex of the Delta of the Parana,
I have, up to this point, given a sketch of its right bank. I will
now endeavor to give some idea of the left, which, in ascending,
was rarely visible from the Water Witch. I shall quote, in part,
from the journal of Lieutenant Powell, who, at a subsequent pe-
riod of the exploration, surveyed the eastern branches of the
Parana, skirting the shore of Entre Rios. This was done in a
small steamer, La Yerha^ of two feet draught, which I chartered
from the "United States and Paraguay Company" for the pur-
80 THE TIMBO.— THE PARANA CITO.
pose of exploring the Salado and other tributaries inaccessible to
our " ocean steamer." '
On the left bank, the branches which leave the main river, be-
tween Kosario and Diamante, are the Parbon, Timbo, and Parana
Cito. To ascertain their navigability through a very interesting
part of Entre Eios was the object of the work assigned to Lieu-
tenant Powell. ^
Leaving Diamante and proceeding south, he found the mouth
of the Parana Cito obstructed by snags, and, descending the main
river a short distance, he entered the Timbo, which, though nar-
row— from fifteen to twenty-five yards — maintained throughout
a depth of from nine to twelve feet. He followed it in its mazy
windings through the alluvial soil of the Delta to its junction
with the Parana Cito.
To obtain a distinct view of the country, and satisfy himself
as to what course he should take among the numerous branches
which spread off in every direction, he brought into requisition
an accomplishment of his juvenile days, and climbed the highest
tree he could find. His examination determined him to follow
up the Parana Cito, which has a width of from forty to sixty
feet, and a depth of from eighteen to ninety-five, to a point called
Tres Bocas — " Three Mouths," where, entering a branch called
Victoria, and ascending it half a mile, he came to the Puerto de
los Sauses — " Port of the Willows," where there were several
small craft discharging and taking in cargo. This is the port of
the town of Victoria. I now quote from his journal.
" The position of Puerto de los Sauses was established by obser-
vation, the church in the town of Victoria bearing north three
and a half miles distant. Situated on the top of the elevated
ridge which bounds the Delta, it is a flourishing place of about
four thousand inhabitants, and has a considerable trade in hides,
wool, and lime. I found it impossible to procure reliable statis-
tics of this, as well as of other ports of the province ; and, having
made the same inquiry at Parana subsequently, was told 'the
government had not, as yet, been able to procure any such in-
formation.'
" As the Yerba was the first steamer, and the flag she bore the
first of our nation that had appeared in those waters, we were
soon honored by a number of visitors. In visiting the govern-
ment oflicials, and in the exchange of courtesies with the inhab-
itants, we made many agreeable acquaintances, and hope we left
PUERTO DE LA CRUZ.— GUALAGUAY. 81
as many pleasant reminiscences of their fellow- Americans of the
North."
Ketracing their steps through the Victoria into the Parana Cito,
at the distance of eleven and a half miles from Tres Bocas, they
found the Puerto de la Cruz — "Port of the Cross," where it is
necessary, during the periods of very low water, to ship and dis-
charge. At the distance of nine miles from the last place is Puer-
to del Kubio — " Bed Port," situated, like La Cruz, on a range of
twenty feet elevation. Vessels whose cargoes are for and from
Victoria discharge and load at these ports when the state of the
river will not permit them to proceed higher. At the season of
high water, vessels of ten feet ascend within one mile of Victoria.
In descending the Parana Cito to its junction with the Parbon,
a distance from Victoria of about seventy -five miles, they passed
through a beautiful rolling country, covered with estancias and
fine herds of cattle and horses. They saw occasionally patches
of espiniLla and tala, both excellent fuel for steamers. A short
distance below the confluence of the Parana Cito with the Parbon
the latter is contracted to the width of about two hundred yards.
Here Rosas, in the year 1845, during his dif&culties with England
and France, threw a chain across, to obstruct the ascent of the
river. At a distance of ten miles from this 'point the steamer
entered the Gualaguay Eiver, which was ascended for twenty
miles to El Puerto de los Bues.
This river passes through a beautiful country, and some of the
most valuable lands of Entre Rios ; it was sparsely wooded with
algarroba and espinilla, and the estancias on both sides had herds
of cattle and horses. At El Puerto de los Bues, the port of Gua-
laguay, several vessels were discharging and loading cargo. In
consequence of the low state of the water, he was unable to reach
El Puerto de los Barillos, the port immediately at the town, which,
by the course of the river, is eighteen miles distant from El Pu-
ertp de los Bues.
Ascending to within six miles of the town, but finding the water
falling, Mr. Powell thought it advisable to return to the latter port,
whose position he determined by observations, from which he es-
tablished that of Gualaguay, bearing N.N.E., and distant six miles.
Gualaguay is larger than Victoria, having five or six thousand in-
habitants. It has a lively trade in hides, wool, timber, and fire-
wood ; the former the product of the herds and flocks of one of
the best grazing districts of the province, the latter from the
6
82 HOSPITALITY.— A CANAL.
abundant growtli of the espinilla and algarroba. In the effort to
procure statistical information, he encountered the same difficulties
as at Victoria.
"La Yerba," says Lieutenant Powell, "continued to be an ob-
ject of great interest, notwithstanding her distance from the town
— six miles. No mark of hospitality was omitted, and every fa-
cility was afforded in procuring provisions and wood. On visiting
the town and calling on the government officials, we were re-
ceived with every mark of hospitality by the family of the com-
mandante, he being at the time unwell, and, in a walk through
the town, were shown by the Jefe Politico the lions of the place,
most prominent among which was the cafe, lighted with gas, the
only gas-light at this time in the Argentine Confederation, and the
work of an enterprising Italian, the proprietor of the cafe."
Eeturning into the Parbon, and descending thirty-one miles, he
touched at El Puerto de Ybicui, a port established for the conven-
ience of the neighboring estancieros, and having its custom-house
business conducted in Gualaguay. There are several ranchos here,
but it is not known as a village. I think its importance has been
exaggerated by giving its name, as on Captain Sullivan's charts,
to the " Parbon" from this place to its junction with the Parana,
a distance of ten miles. Ybicui is not recognized as the name of
this branch by the inhabitants of either of the towns above men-
tioned. It is common for the pilots and people of the country to
speak of the Parana Cito from the point at which it, branches off
from the Parana, near Diamante, to Victoria, as the " Eiacho Vic-
toria," but I have confined this latter name to the riacho* which
courses off from the Parana Cito, and on which is the town of
Victoria.
On entering the Parana Guazu through the Parbon, Mr. Powell
had an opportunity of examining a miniature piece of canaliza-
tion, executed by an enterprising citizen for the purpose of facil-
itating a charcoal and wood business, which he carried on to a
considerable extent with Buenos Ayres. Near the island Biscaino
the main river is separated from Las Palmas by a narrow strip of
land of about seventy -five yards. Senor Mercadel, the person al-
luded to, by way of avoiding a circuit of fifteen miles, one half of
which would be against the current, has nearly completed a cut
of ten feet width and depth through this narrow strip of land, by
which he will be enabled to pass from the main river into Las
* Riacho, stream. Riachuelo, small stream or creek.
THE RIVER BANKS. 83
Palmas, feeling assured that in giving the current an inch it would
take an ell, and very soon open a channel of sufficient capacity
for the largest vessel in the trade.
Having traced out those arms of the Parana through which a
very interesting portion of Entre Eios is approached, and desig-
nated the different points accessible to navigation at periods of high
and low water, I proceed with my narrative of the river courses
from Diamante upward.
I have shown that here for the first time we have in full view
from the channel both sides of the river. The left now assumes
the character which has up to this point distinguished the right.
It is formed by the high land of Entre Eios, and is even more ele-
vated than the right bank up to Diamante ; it is an undulating
' pampa, skirted on the river by a noble growth of timber. The
country on this side of th^; Parana for four hundred and forty miles,
ascending, bounds parts of the provinces of Entre Rios and "Cor-
rientes," and affords throughout an abundant supply of fiiel. The
inhabitants will contract to furnish it for steamers, placing it at
suitable points easy of access.
Intervening islands intercept, at intervals, the view of the main
land ; but, wherever it is washed by the main river, estancias and
settlements are to be <seen upon its borders. The course of the
river, winding among islands from Diamante to Paciencia, a dis-
tance of twenty-two miles, is north; there it turns nearly at right
angles to the east. Its name admonishes those ascending in sail-
ing craft, dependent exclusively on the winds, to be patient. There
are instances of vessels having been detained here for weeks.
Among the physical changes which were occurring during our
work in these waters, one of the most important was at this point.
The Riacho Paracan (which will not only reduce the distance, but
make what was a circuitous route a straight line) was doubtless
becoming the main channel. Its depth had very much increased
previously to our leaving the river. During the latter days of our
work, in rounding the point of Paciencia, it was discovered that
in the main channel the depth had become reduced from twenty-
seven to eighteen feet, and that a new and deeper channel had
broken through the flat which separated the main land from the
island of Paracan, passing east of the island of " Toro."
The Colastine here unites with the Parana. About thirty miles
above it branches off from the main river, and, pursuing a very
winding course, receives, among other minor streams, the waters
84 KING ON.— SANTA FE.
of the Santa Fe, whicli is a continuation of the Salado, although
much of the water of this latter river finds its way into the Parana
through the shallow "riacho" called Coronda, which is only navi-
' gable for very small craft. The Colastine retains at low water a
depth of not less than eleven feet, and throughout a width of from
one hundred to two hundred and fifty yards. It receives, at a short
distance from its branching off from the Parana, through the nar-
row creek called Cayesta, the waters of a lake of the same name,
which, from the immediate vicinity of Santa Fe, extends north
about ten miles with a width of three.
The country bordering on the Colastine to the west, and extend-
ing for many miles north of the town of Santa Fe, is known as
Rincon^ " Corner." It is a narrow strip of rolling land, bounded
on the west by Lake Cayesta, and on the east by the Colastine ; is
well populated, highly fertile, and furnishes the market with large
supplies of vegetables.
The Capilla de San Jose — " Chapel of St. Joseph" — is prettily sit-
uated on the right bank of the Colastine, about twenty miles north
of Santa Fe. This chapel and a few adobe houses form the north-
em limit of civilized occupation bordering on the Chaco.
There is north of Rincon a settlement of demi-civihzed Indians
who will permit no direct trade or intercourse between their more
savage brethren and the white traders, but act as their brokers in
the exchange of arrow-heads, knives, hatchets, beads, etc., for the
skins of animals brought in from " El Gran Chaco."
The town of Santa Fe (latitude 31° 88" 84'' S., longitude 60°
39' 48" W.) is placed upon a peninsula formed by the River Sa-
lado, on the west and south, and the Santa Fe on the east, the
latter, as I have shown, being only a continuation of the former.
In abandoning the old city of the same name, founded by De
Garay and eighty-four followers in 1573, on the borders of the
Lake Cayesta, in latitude 31°, the inhabitants selected the site of
the present town from the admirable natural defenses it seemed to
present against the inroads of the savages ; also for the communi-
cation it offered by the Salado with the settlements of the interior.
Their expectations were not reahzed. Although almost an island,
few towns of the Parana have suffered more from Indian aggres-
sion. It stands upon the verge of their vast domain, " El Chaco,"
which, from here, borders the river on the west, embracing an
extent of twelve degrees of latitude.
"With the Salado as its southern, the Parana and Paraguay its
THE CHACO.— PAEANA. 85
eastern boundaries, the Chaco covers an area of two hundred
thousand square miles. Partitioned by imaginary lines among
neighboring governments, it is yet in possession of hordes of in-
hospitable Indians, acknowledging allegiance to no power but that
of caciques, who rule their respective tribes with an authority
both unlimited and unquestioned. Neither intercourse with the
whites nor time has dissipated, among the more warhke Lidians
of the Chaco, a deep feeUng of hostility for the wrongs endured by
their race. They manifest it by continual inroads upon the bor-
der settlements, occasionally carrying off prisoners and committing
the most atrocious crimes. Generally, however, these incursions
are merely predatory in their character, leaving the estancias mi-
nus fine herds of cattle, sheep, horses, etc.
We have before alluded to the agricultural tribes. Experience
has shown that from this class of Indians may be derived the most
valuable aid in brmging the country under cultivation. On the
western borders of the "Chaco" they have been employed by the
estancieros, and found highly efiicient as laborers and herdsmen.
They do not abandon their homes or habits, but, after the crops
are seeded or gathered in, return to their families, carrying with
them the proceeds of their labors. Under kind and judicious
treatment, and with the protection of just laws, a useful jDopida-
tion could be formed from these tribes, and the Argentine States
would do well to adopt the policy of Brazil in trading with the
savages bordering upon their territory.
The Parana maintains an easterly course from the Banco de
Paciencia for fifteen miles, intermediate between which two j^oints
is the city of Parana, the capital of the Argentine Confedera-
tion, one mile from the Bajada, or " Landing," the name orig-
inally held by the city. The Bajada was ascertained by a series
of observations to be in latitude 31° 42' 54'' south, and longitude
60° 32' 39" west. It was founded in 1730 by colonists from
Santa Fe, who, having been driven from this place by the Paya-
gua and Munos Indians, retired to the spot now occupied in the
capital by the Plaza 2^rimero de Mayo — " The Square of the 1st of
May." Here they intrenched themselves, constructed a few huts
and a small fort, and succeeded in maintaining this position until
sufl&cient accessions to their numbers were made to enable them
to act on the offensive against their savage neighbors. They
nearly annihilated the Munos ; and the Payaguas, unable to cope
alone with them, ceased their hostile incursions. Under the Con-
86 GEOWTH OF PARANA.
federation of 1852, it was made the seat of the general govern-
ment ; since wliich, up to 1855, its population has trebled.
Parana is not advantageously placed as a commercial city, and
its trade, except for imports, is of little value. The construction
of a mole and wharves would give facilities to lading and discharg-
ing cargo which it does not naturally possess. The exports of
the province of Entre Eios are mainly from the ports on the Par-
bon and the Uruguay, in the vicinity of which are the most val-
uable estancias. The lands around the capital are not so well
adapted to agriculture as those of other parts of the province, but
they are undoubtedly rich, and the rapid increase of the popula-
tion will soon cause them to be industriously cultivated.
We could scarcely realize the change in the aspect of the town
between 1853 and 1855, the period of the arrival and departure
of the expedition. When we first visited it, a noiseless inertion
seemed to pervade all things ; before our departure, the construc-
tion, not only of government buildings, but of fine private dwell-
ings, gave it an air of bustle and life quite " American/" The
saw and hammer were busily plied in every street, and they were
preparing for use, not only the hard woods of the country, but
American pine. Even in the short period which had elapsed
since the opening of the rivers, this lumber had worked its way
six hundred miles in the interior, not only against the currents
of the river, but the prejudices of the people, who previously im-
agined no woods, for any purpose, equal to their own. Pine was
not only extensively applied for doors and window-sashes, but,
as flooring, was actually superseding tile and brick.
It must be remembered that only three years had elapsed since
the opening of these waters to commerce, and as yet there was
no direct trade with the United States. This lumber had paid
not only import duty at Parana, but both import and export duty
at Buenos Ayres or Montevideo, and yet was sold here with profit.
It can therefore be well understood how much our merchants
would gain by a direct trade, in their own ships, with Eosario or
Parana, where their cargoes will be subject to but one import duty
before they get into the hands of the consumer. I hazard noth-
ing in saying that I believe the trade in lumber to those interior
provinces of La Plata will be one of considerable importance to
this country.
The growth of Eosario and Parana in three years is not sur-
passed by the strides of some of our western cities. The rise in
THE LUMBER TRADE. 87
the value of real estate, tlie demand for houses caused by the in-
creased population, seem to promise a permanent prosperity, which
will make their trade of great value to those who may secure it.
It undoubtedly sounds like "sending coals to Newcastle" to
write so confidently of a remunerative trade in lumber which must
make a voyage of six thousand miles, and then go up stream from
four to six hundred miles iato the interior-of a country which, but
a short distance above where I would land it, boasts of the supe-
riority of its woods over those of the world.
For some purposes, the superiority of South American timber
will remain unquestioned, that is, for parts of ship-building where
hard and durable woods are requisite ; for cabinet-work, where
fineness of texture is essential; and for joists and beams of build-
ings, where heavy woods could be advantageously applied ; but
neither pine nor its equivalent has yet been discovered.* The
cedar is applied to purposes approaching most nearly to our use
of it, and grows abundantly in Paraguay and the northwestern
provinces of the Argentine Confederation, Tucuman, Santiago, and
Salta. It attains to a great size, with a trunk of such height as to
afford planks of the greatest required length. I saw one of four
feet diameter, but was told they often exceeded six. The price of
one-inch boards of cedar — the only wood ever sawed by them in
that way — at Asuncion, was twelve and a half cents the foot.
Harder woods, squared for joists, beams, etc., fneasuring from eight
to ten inches throughout their length, could not be bought at Cor-
rientes for less than seventy-five cents the vara — thirty-four inches.
It needs no extraordinary calculation to show that American
pine can, at least for some years — until enterprise and industry
have introduced greater facilities in sawing — compete successfully
with these woods at their own market ; and its superiority for cer-
tain uses is apparent. I purchased pine boards at Corrientes, and
paid twelve and a half cents the foot. This lumber had been re-
shipped for the latter port, and saddled with all the expenses of
import and export duty to which I have before alluded.
The plateau upon which the city of Parana stands is a continu-
ation of the high lands of the left bank, first seen at Diamante.
They present an interesting subject of study to the geologist. I
give in Ms own language the result of an examination made by
* There is a tree called the Pino alluded to by some of the old writers as being
found in the upper waters of the Parana, but its description does not correspond
with that of ours, and it has not been brought into use.
88 GEOLOGICAL FEATURES.
an eminent scientific man, Dr. Martin de Moussy, employed by tlie
government to make a geological survey of the country :
"This vegetable earth (the surface soil) has in considerable quan-
tities oxyd of iron and magnesia, which give it a dark yellow or
violet appearance. It is unctuous to the touch, because of a cer-
tain quantity of clay which it contains. It readily receives, and
as readily gives out moisture. Beneath this is a reddish-yellow
argillaceous stratum, containing a quantity of oxyd of iron ; it is
of the same character as that of the pampas and the borders of the
Eiver La Plata, called by D'Orbigny and Darwin Limo Pampero —
' pampa mud.' In this stratum, which is diluvium^ are found nu-
merous fossils of mammiferous animals of a class now extinct —
the Megatherium, Glyptodon, Milodon — which are abundant in the
toscas^ a compact calcareous clay in the lower part of the river.
We are not aware that any such fossils have been found in Butre
Rios, but we confidently believe they may be. The third stratum,
counting from the surface, is calcareous. This bank, which begins
at Diamante, and extends northeast to a distance unknown, con-
tains great quantities of shells ; nevertheless, there are points at
which they disappear altogether. Above the city the calcareous
bank is less shelly, but, in consequence of its mixture with sand,
it approaches the character of chalk, having at the same time a
harder consistency.
" The thickness of this stratum is from six to eighteen feet.
The lower part rests on a stratum of potters' earth, beneath which
is a perfect sandy limestone, useless in the production of lime, but
excellent as a building-stone. This sandy limestone contains no
shells. At different points northeast of the rising ground of ' Man-
ga' the carbonate of lime has undergone a remarkable change into
sulphate of lime or gypsum, which is found in large quantities,
beautifully crystallized.
" The fourth stratum is pure clay, containing in parts small al-
ternating veins of ferruginous sand, argillaceous marl, 'and minute
particles of shells. It is exceedingly variable in its form and thick-
ness. Considering it in an industrial point of view, this stratum
becomes an interesting subject of study in connection with the art
of pottery. It contains the best material for the manufacture of
the finest as well as the common china, and for the making of
bricks and square tiles, for which there is great demand at all
times in Parana and towns on the river. Potters' clay of extreme
fineness is found in great abundance ; it is unctuous to the touch,
CITY OF PARANA. 89
and may be used with success as ' fullers' earth.' An argillaceous
marl, perfectly white, forms in the midst of these strata perpendic-
ular veins, which have a very singular effect contrasted with the
horizontal veins of red and yellow ferruginous sand. Finally, the
fifth stratum consists entirely of a yellowish-green sand."
The plan of the city of Parana is a quadrangle, divided into
squares of one hundred and fifty yards, the streets intersecting
each other at right angles. Tlie principal public buildings are
the governor's palace — a plain house, but in good taste ; several
churches — one of which, San Miguel, has been fifteen years in
course of construction, and is yet unfinished ; and a pretty theatre.
The new houses are all of brick, plastered and whitewashed,
with azoieas, which afford a pleasant place for evening resort and
the flirtation of the senoritas, or even for a promenade ; families
sometimes visiting each other by these airy passages. I missed,
however, the miradores, or turrets, which are so gay and orna-
mental, and to be found on almost all the better class of dwell-
ings in Buenos Ay res and Montevideo. In Parana they would
afford an extended view of a beautiful country, embracing in one
direction the city of Santa Fe. The theatre contains two tiers of
boxes, is sufiiciently commodious, and the decorations are in good
taste. The gardens are numerous and well arranged. The fruits
— orange, peach, pomegranate, fig, grape — are excellent, and their
rich foliage contrasts pleasantly with the whitewashed walls of the
dwellings.
In 1855 the city contained eight thousand souls, and the popu-
lation was rapidly increasing. In addition to its kilns, which sup-
ply the towns of La Plata with quantities of lime, there are near it
extensive tanneries, where the barks of the "cascara" and "tim-
bo Colorado" are used ; the latter is also excellent fael for steamers.
An admirable road is being constructed from the city to the port
— a work of some labor, as it grades an ascent of one hundred and
fifty feet. Associating, as we are apt to do, stagnation or a retro-
grade movement with all things in the interior of South America,
the healthful, progressive aspect of Parana is not less pleasing than
astonishing.
" We have made observations for latitude and longitude, also for
height of bank, which was found to be one hundred and twenty-
four feet ; also observations with the micrometer for the width of
the river, which is here sixteen hundred and forty yards, the ve-
locity of the current being three miles the hour. Six miles above
90 CHAPITAN.— FELICIANA.— LA PAZ.
Parana tlie river takes a general direction of N.E., the sinuosities
of the channel, caused by numerous islands, making the only de-
viation from this course, which it maintains up to Piragua, a dis-
tance of about eighty miles. The character of the river, its shores
and islands, remain unchanged up to this point. The high, firm
lands of the left bank range from one hundred to one hundred
and sixty feet above the water, and are washed throughout this
distance by the main river, except at three points, where it is
broken by islands. At Chapitan Island, seventeen miles above
Parana, we saw, for the first time, detached masses of coarse brown
sandstone. Here the islands of the Parana afford excellent fuel
for steamers, which may be had for the trouble of cutting it.
" Above, but near Chapitan, is the estancia of an Englishman,
which runs for twenty miles along the river. The improvements
around the dwelling, the wire fence protecting well-cultivated
grounds, gave the impression that, with the enjoyment of an un-
rivaled climate, this estanciero had brought around him all the
order and comfort of a British homestead. Three miles beyond
we passed the point where the Colastine branches off from the
Parana, and, anchoring off the lower endof the islands Tres Cruces
— 'Three Crosses,' obtained observations for latitude and longi-
tude.
" Thirty-five miles above begins the bank of Feliciana. It ex-
tends twenty-two miles, and is broken only by some small streams^
among which are the Arroyos Gonzales, Hondo, and Verde,
which take their rise within the province of Entre Eios. Its
strata of limestone, white clay, sand, and yellow clay, retain a re-
markable uniformity of depth throughout to Piragua Point ; and
though the bank is broken, as aUuded to, it reappears with the
same formation in the continuation of the range.
" Three miles beyond the last point at which observations were
obtained there is in mid-channel an isolated ledge of rocks three
feet below the surface at low water, and yet there is no appear-
ance on either shore of any such formation. It does not, however,
in the least impede navigation, the channel being wide on each
side, with a depth of ninety-six feet.
"La Paz is a village of two hundred inhabitants; made obser-
vations to determine its position ; it is just within the boundary -
line which separates Corrientes and Entre Kios — a miserable place !
The buildings all of adobe ; not even a plaza, the pride and de-
light of Spanish villages. It contains a chapel of adobe, the bel-
LA PAZ.— SAN JUAN. 91
fry, formed of a piece of timber laid across two upriglit posts,
boasts three bells, whicb. make a pleasant chime, and summon the
people to morning and evening prayer. I called on the highest
dignitary of the place, the ' Gefe de Pohtica.' After the usual
offers of civihty, cigars were passed round; took leave, and called
on the second dignitary, the curate, who was a native of Madrid,
and had only been in the country nine months. He was hand-
some, intelligent, and polished, and seemed contented in the dis-
charge of his duties as pastor to these simple people. He had a
garden, the only one of La Paz, and in it he had brought to per-
fection a hmited variety of vegetables, among which was the
cauliflower, the finest I have ever seen ; but his success had not
stimulated the villagers to a similar experiment. The people
Uve on beef every day of the year, and every year of their lives,
and care too little for fruits and vegetables to begin their culti-
vation.
"The pastures of this neighborhood are very fine; the horses
and horned cattle of the surrounding country celebrated. The
growth of wood is not confined to the borders of the main river,
but extends for some distance into the interior, and skirts all the
small streams that find an outlet iato the Parana. By agreement
with the people of the country, an abundant supply may be ob-
tained for steamers.
" Senor Antonio Descalso supplied the Water Witch, and would
gladly enter into similar contracts. This port is not unlike that
of Parana — Bajada — with this advantage, that the shore may be
more nearly approached. A chain of low sandy islands between
the channel and the main land protects it from the strength of the
current. As the anchorage was good, we ' cast off' the coal-hulk,
which had been thus far in tow of the Water Witch from Monte-
video, secured her here as our coal depot, and, having made the
usual observations, proceeded on our voyage up the river.
" Three and a half miles from La Paz we reached the pass of
San Juan, and found a depth of but ten feet water, caused by nu-
merous islands, which extend for some distance, and form various
channels, making this the most difficult pass we encountered, and
subsequently ascertained it to be the worst in the river. Howev-
er, a shoal with a depth of ten feet at low water can scarcely be
considered a serious obstacle in river navigation. San Juan is
four hundred and forty-five miles from Buenos Ayres. Up. to this
place the least depth we had obtained was fourteen feet ; and it is
92 CHANGES OF CHANNEL.
fair to infer that at tliis time the Water Witch was not in the chan-
nel, for but one or two casts of the lead gave so little water."
In this neighborhood the officers had fine opportunities of show-
ing their skill as sportsmen. We were now dependent upon guns
and fishing-lines for a supply of fresh provisions ; and so teeming
with animal life was both land and water, that the mess-table was
not only abundantly supplied with delicious game and fish, but,
with encouraging success, we added to our collections in natural
history.
Near La Paz, Lieutenant Amen brought down a fine swan ; it
was our first, and secured as a specimen. The Perdiz grande — large
partridge, Pavo del Monte — wild turkey, or turkey of the woods,
and the Oallina del Mo/ite — wild hen, were found in quantities,
and would be esteemed as delicacies on a Lucullian table ; but,
forced to live upon them for some weeks, we would gladly have
exchanged them for a good butcher's joint.
From latitude 30° 44' 8", four miles beyond La Paz, the general
course of the river is north up to 29° 11' south, ninety-three miles
by difference of latitude, and ninety-eight by the sinuosities of the
channel ; a remarkable directness, its windings differing from a
right line only five miles. Atiihis point, Yuelta del Norte — " Bend
of the North," the river, as if wearied of a direct course, winds
about in a most extraordinary manner, now north, here south,
through sixteen pomts of the compass. Among the islands which
cause the shallow channels of San Juan, numerous changes are
constantly taking place. This may be discovered by comparing
the charts of Captain Sullivan, K.ISr., who made, in 1847, a running
survey of the Parana to Corrientes, with the charts of our expedi-
tion, the surveys for which were made in 1853 and 1854. Not
only the channels, but the appearance of the river were in some
places materially changed. Islands have been enlarged, others
reduced in size ; some have disappeared altogether, and their po-
sitions, as marked upon his chart, are now, in some instances, the
channel of the river. The track of the Water Witch at the lower
pass of San Juan passes directly over the position of an island
marked on Sullivan's charts. This proves nothing wrong in his
surveys ; but it is an interesting fact, showing the remarkable phys-
ical changes constantly produced by the action of the currents,
which, if watched and studied with care, would doubtless develop
some interesting law of nature governmg and controUing the move-
ment of these waters.
CAPINCHAS.— LOCUSTS. 93
On leaving La Paz, we had on the left bank the province of
Corrientes, on the right " El gran Chaco." In latitude 30° 20', the
Eiver Espinilla, an unimportant stream, that takes its rise in the
province of Corrientes, disembogues in the Parana ; and near this
place we saw two capibaras or capinchas on the bank, which our
carbines soon enabled us to secure as specimens. Thej were male
and female ; the former weighing one hundred pounds, and meas-
uring-in length three feet seven and a half inches ; the female nine-
ty-one pounds, and three feet seven inches in length. It seems to
form a link between the hare and the hog, having the mouth and
teeth of the former, and the head, skin, and hair of the latter. A
thick membrane unites four toes on the fore, and three on the hind
foot, making them semi- web-footed. The male may be distinguish-
ed from the female by a horny protuberance of an inch and a half
on the nose. Both have a similar prominence on each hind leg
from three to four inches in length. It feeds on vegetables, and is
never seen at any distance from a lake or river, into which it dash-
es at full speed when pursued ; sometimes precipitating itself from
banks of twenty feet elevation, and diving under the water, where
it will remain for several minutes. When not in motion, it is in-
variably seen in a sitting posture, and its inactive, clumsy move-
ments on land would make it an easy prey to the jaguar, did not
its instinct teach it to seek protection in the water. The flesh of
this animal is similar in appearance to that of the hog, and, had we
not been supphedwith such abundance of game and fish, we might
have regarded it as a dehcacy ; it was served up by some of the
men at their messes, and its savory odor made it quite a tempting
dish.
'•'■ September &h. Atmosphere clear, sky cloudless. Witnessed an
extraordinary spectacle. I called the pilot's attention to a black
cloud in the northeast which seemed to be rapidly approaching.
Eyeing it attentively for a minute through the telescope, he pro-
nounced it a swarm of locusts. They came at last in mjrriads,
darkening the air. Some fell on deck, or were caught by the rig-
ging and spars. They were migrating from a part of the country
which they had denuded of all vegetation, to new fields or orchards
destined to share the same fate." Subsequently, in Paraguay, I had
an opportunity of witnessing their destructive power. A swarm
took possession of an orange grove, which in a short time was left
as leafless as the orchards of northern latitudes in mid-winter.
The young locusts, before they make their first flight, are the most
94 DEER CHASE
destructive. Fortunately, for tlie labors of man would be of little
avail did a contrary law prevail, these visitations are not frequent
or even annual; the inhabitants of the country, from observation
of the habits of these insects, know when they may expect to suf-
fer from their ravages. The beginning of October is the season at
which they usually appear. They swarm in myriads, having the
appearance, as we saw them, of a dark, threatening cloud ; and on
their approach, a number of persons collect, who, with whoops,
yells, and deafening noises, sometimes succeed in driving away the
plague ; but should they settle upon a tract of uncultivated land in
the vicinity, it is then well understood that the surrounding vege-
tation will suifer. They deposit their eggs ; in December the young
locusts appear, and before the first flight in February, spread over
neighboring orchards and fields, feeding continuously for several
weeks.
My journal reminds me that this is the first night we have suf-
fered from musquitoes, but we are well supplied with nets and bars.
^'■September 7 th. No longer in sight of the high lands of Corrien-
tes. The course of the river is interrupted by numberless and
nameless islands, also the mouths of various riachos, some of which
course through the firm lands on the left bank before again unit-
ing with the main river, thus affording convenient access to the
estancias. In latitude 29° 50', at Riacho Timbo, got one cast of
the lead often feet, there being immediately below and above it a
depth of fourteen and twenty-one feet. I designate only the shal-
lowest points of the river, which call for vigilance on the part of
the pilot. Throughout, with these exceptions, the invariable depth
was from twenty to seventy feet. At Paso Patil it is again divided
into many branches. Here we, found a depth of but ten feet."
While in the act of anchoring to ascertain the direction of the
channel, we saw a deer swimming majestically from the east to the
west bank. It offered an occasion not only of securing a specimen,
but fine sport for ofl&cers and men. A boat was soon engaged in
the chase, which was kept up for some time with great spirit, and
infinitely to the amusement of those looking on from the Water
Witch. Its movements and speed were wonderful, calling forth
our admiration as it turned first to the left, then to the right, or
again dashed forward, but evading capture by the most skillful
manoeuvres. As we were anxious to secure it alive, that its skin
might be preserved perfect, the chances of escape for the noble an-
imal were great. The lasso, thrown in gaucho style, at last did its
THE DEER.— RI AC HO CARAGUATAY. 95
work ; a desperate struggle then commenced, but was soon ended
by a skillful blow dealt a la matador by one of the party. Because
of its enormous size, it was with difficulty gotten into the boat.
It weighed two hundred and sixty-eight pounds, and measured in
length eighty inches without the tail ; around the body forty-eight
inches, and forty -four in height. Its color was a reddish-brown,
hair long and thick ; in many points answering to the guazu pucu
of Azara, but again there were striking peculiarities in which they
differed widely. There was a remarkable cavity of three fourths
of an inch under each eye, emitting a powerful odor of musk ; also
a cheese-like substance of most offensive smell on each side of the
upper jaw, in a sack, with a conduit into the nostrils. The people
of the country told us that, to make the flesh of this deer palatable,
it was necessary to cut out these offensive parts before life was ex-
tinct. We had no opportunity of making the experiment, but a
saddle of this specimen, served up in good style at our table, set at
defiance the keenest appetite, so strongly did it savor of musk.
We were also told that, as a means of defense when pursued, it
exhales, at intervals of a few seconds, an odor so offensive as to
deter both men and dogs from the chase. We know that nature
provides some animals with a similar power of protection, and it
is not improbable that this species of deer may possess it ; but in
its pursuit, which was on water, this peculiarity was not perceived
by the party from the Water Witch.
Fifteen miles above, we anchored to examine the Paso Patil, lat-
itude 29 °15'. We passed the junction of the Eiacho Caraguatay,
which branches off from the main river thirteen miles by its course,
but in a right line five. It takes its name from an aloe (so called
by the Guarani Indians), which, in treating of Paraguay, I shall de-
scribe. It is there found in gTeat abundance ; is one of the most
valuable indigenous products of that rich country, and will doubt-
less become, in course of time, an article of trade.
We had advanced two miles when we passed the mouth of the
Eiacho San Geronimo, flowing into tte Parana from the Chaco.
It branches off from the main river seventeen miles above, and is
named from a Jesuit establishment, formed at that point in 1748,
among the celebrated Apibones. Not a vestige of it remains, al-
though it nmnbered at one period four hundred and eighty souls.
The river here makes the Vuelta del Norte, to which I have al-
luded, and describes an S ; then takes a direction of N.N.E., which
it maintains to latitude 28° 40' south, and thence, to the town of
96 GOYA.
Corrientes, the general course of north. The country is low on
both sides up to latitude 29° 01' south, when the firm lands again
have an elevation of forty feet.
Sixteen miles, by the course of the river, from the Vuelta del
Norte, we anchored off the mouth of the Goya, on which is situated
a town of the same name three miles above; at the season of low
water vessels of more than four feet draught can not make a nearer
approach. I visited the authorities of Goya, and received the usual
civilities, which every native of this country, however humble his
position or deficient in education, knows how to offer in the most
pleasing manner.
The town has 7000 inhabitants, and possesses considerable trade.
It is an outlet for the products of a fine back-country — the in-
terior of Corrientes — which receives, in return, supplies of mer-
chandise. There is nothing prepossessing in the appearance of
Goya, or the immediate surrounding country ; it is low, and the
pastures are less rich than those of other parts of the province.
Civil wars have left their desolating mark upon this part of Cor-
rientes. Cattle have been destroyed, and the people diverted from
agricultural and pastoral pursuits to fighting among themselves.
A happier system will doubtless prevail under the existing Con-
federation. Even at this time, the trade in hides and tallow is
very considerable. Having accomplished our business in the town,
in descending the river to the Water Witch, we saw two capinchas
seated upon the bank. They allowed the boat to approach with-
in half of its length, when, with the grunt of a hog, they dashed
into the thicket. The boat's crew were soon in pursuit, but had
scarcely entered the bushes at different points, when the animals
bounded forth, and precipitated themselves into the river. With
some management, the capincha might easily be secured on land,
as its movements are awkward and slow. Each man, on this oc-
casion, thought that another had allowed the game to escape ; but
all had some sport, and a capincha chase will doubtless serve as
the foundation for a long yarn in their next man-of-war cruise.
The usual observations were made to determine the position of
the mouth of the Goya.
We had ascended about eight miles, where the left bank of the
river attains an elevation of from forty to one hundred and twenty
feet, which continues unbroken to the town of Bella Vista, in lati-
tude 28° 29' south, longitude 59° 07' 02" west. On this range are
some fine estancias. The dwellings on these estates are generally
BELLA VISTA.— PRODUCTIONS. 97
of adobe, tliatclied, with neither gardens nor ornamented grounds
about them, but lovely orange-groves. These are not only profit-
able, but the delicious shade they aflbrd renders them the favorite
resort for the siesta. On the right bank the lands of the Chaco
rise from twelve to fifteen feet, and continue at this height for
some miles, when they are again broken by low islands. This
elevation characterizes generally the banks of the Parana and
Paraguay throughout the Chaco.
Twenty miles above Goya we foimd a remarkable change in
the channel from the west to the east of the island of Tunas. It
thence skirts the left bank until within a few miles of Bella Vista,
where its course is again broken by*a number of islands. Two
miles above Tunas we were compelled to anchor and make an ex-
amination of its course. Here is a pass, throughout which the
channel is narrow and tortuous, with a depth of but ten feet ; it
extends for a short distance only. Just below Bella Yista, the
left bank rises one hundred and thirty feet, forming a bluff called
Guayana, from an aboriginal tribe of that name, who formerly
claimed the surrounding country. A remnant of these Indians,
now quiet and demi-civilized, still occupy a few huts in the vicinity.
Bella Vista has about one thousand inhabitants, and boasts a
Plaza, a church, and commandancia, or of&ce of the commander of
the district. I found here one of our countrymen, who had estab-
lished himself in the neighborhood for the purpose of cultivating
cotton, which is a perennial plant, and is said to produce abmi-
dantly for fifteen years ; that of the best quality is the product of
the first and second years. I learned subsequently that he did
not succeed in his enterprise. There is also residing here an En-
glishman, engaged largely in the manufacture of molasses and
aguardiente. Corn is the principal cereal, but grown only for
home consumption, though it might be made an article of profit-
able trade. The oranges and peaches are of excellent quality.
Indeed, Nature seems to have exhausted her bounty upon these
Argentine States. They have the products of temperate and trop-
ical zones ; their woods and flora are rarely equaled ; the climate
is neither enervating nor severe, and the atmosphere never laden
with miasma. What a land of promise to European emigrants !
So anxious are the government and people to induce immigra-
tion, that lands are freely given. The fertility of the soil is every
where made available to trade, through the natural canalization,
formed by branches which, diverging from the main rivers, and
7
98 FISHING.— MONKEY-HUNTING.
coursing for a long distance through, the interior country, again
find an outlet in the central waters. With the mechanical aids of
this progressive age, the labor of one man would be equal to that
of ten in regions less favored. The agricultural tribes of the Chaco
might furnish herdsmen and farm-assistants. I have alluded to
the successful experiments on the western borders, with these In-
dians as laborers.
While at anchor off Bella Vista for a night, the officers amused
themselves by a mode of fishing familiar to me, from having seen
it practiced along the shores of York Eiver, in Virginia. Vast
quantities of a species of fish, known in the Chesapeake as the
"Jumping Mullet," are found in this part of the Parana. Push-
ing quietly up stream after dark, with the shoal between the fish-
ing-party and the shore, the men rapped on the sides of the boat,
the frightened fish leaped out of the water in every direction,
hundreds at the same time jumping into the boat. In an incredi-
bly short time the whole shijj's company were in this manner sup-
plied with a mess. In York Eiver the fishermen carry a light
elevated some three or four feet, and cover their boats with twigs
to prevent the escape of their prisoners.
The numerous islands above and below Bella Vista cause sev-
eral difl&cult passes, where we found a depth of but ten feet. The
most intricate is three miles above, where the channel, with a
width of three quarters of a mile, forms a serpentine figure. Pass-
ing near the island of Tobaco, fifteen miles above Bella Vista, one
of the crank straps broke, which obliged us to anchor for repairs.
I landed on Tobaco Island with my gun in search of specimens.
Monkeys chattered in the trees above our heads. I shot four, cor-
resj)onding to the species " Caraza^'' described by Azara. One of
them lived for some minutes ; it touched its wound, looked at the
blood, then at me with a glance piteous and reproachful ; its moans
were plaintive, and really touching from their resemblance to those
of a human being. I resolved never again to shoot a monkey.
The pilot, who was with me, shot a Ciconia, an enormous bird, a
species of stork. One of the sailors, from a nest on the top of a
lofty tree, secured two young ones, and, hoping to preserve them
alive, we took them on board. For a few days they thrived, and
I imagined that we should have no difficulty in rearing them, but
I was disappointed. The skins of the monkeys and old birds
were brought home in good condition ; those of the young ones
were too delicate for preservation.
ORANGE ESTANCIA. 99
"Our damage repaired, we proceeded. Passed the Eiaclio Natu
on the Chaco side, in the same parallel as Tobaco Island. The
river now courses east for ten miles, when it again assumes a
northerly direction. The right bank within this distance is known
in the country as Chimbola coast."
I could not learn the origin of this designation, but it is very
usual to find different sections of the banks distinguished by some
particular name, occasionally derived from that of the present or
former owners.
At the point where the Parana pursues a northerly course, the
Eiacho Natu branches off, and two miles above we passed the
mouth of the Taquari Chico, which rises in the Chaco. Its banks,
so far as we could judge, were well wooded, and there was a
quantity of timber cut, ready for use. I found imfformly great
difficulty in procuring any information of the interior of the Chaco;
but, from the appearance of its banks, and the growth upon them,
I decided that the Taquari Chico was not a riacho, but a river.
Opposite its mouth is an island of the same name, and five miles
above is the little village of Capilla del Senor — " Chapel of the
Lord," on the elevated land of the left bank. An island inter-
cepts the view when on the same parallel ; and between it and the
main land courses a riacho of equal width with the main channel,
which some years past was navigable for vessels of the iisual size,
but it now admits only of the passage of boats.
Passing this island, we had again the firm lands of Corrientes,
washed by the waters of the lifain river for a distance of fifteen
miles, to the estancia Domingo de la Torre. This is the property
of Don Pedro Domingo de la Torre, and is reputed to be one of the
finest estancias in the province. It is famous for its orange-groves,
in which there are five thousand trees in full bearing, and the same
number coming on ; the net profit from it is, as I learned, five
thousand dollars per annum, for the facilities of navigation ren-
der the cultivation of this fruit profitable ; and though the oranges
of Corrientes are not equal, either in size or quality, to those of
Brazil or Paraguay, they are good, and meet with a ready sale,
not only in the markets of Buenos Ayres, but in all the villages
and towns of the country. Next to beef, it is among all classes
the principal and favorite article of food, and my only astonish-
ment is that groves are not to be found on all the estancias of the
country, where soil and climate both favor their propagation.
For the first time, we met with the Camiloie^ a species of water-
100 ARRIVAL AT CORRIENTES.
lily, which floats with the current, and is a sure indication of the
rising of the waters in the higher parts of the river. This plant
grows with great rapidity during the season of low water, near
the banks, but at the rise it is rooted up and carried down by the
current. Here, too, we could see the effect of the mingling of the
waters of the Parana and Vermejo. The latter, flowing through
a more recent alluvial formation, and with a current of one third
greater velocity, rushes into the comparatively limpid waters of
the Parana, carrying an immense quantity of detritus.
Corrientes is twelve miles above the Estancia Domingo de la
Torre. Between these two points, on the right bank, a riachu-
elo and a more important stream, the Eio Negro, flow into the
Parana from the Chaco. The latter, it is said, affords good'boat
navigation for a long distance into the interior. Fine timber is
found on the banks, which is floated down to its mouth, and re-
ceived on board of vessels below.
We anchored off Corrientes on the 23d of September. My first
visit was to the governor, Seiior Don Juan Pujol. As it was an
ofl&cial call, it was made at La Gasa delEsiado — " The State House,"
a one-storied quadrangular building of brick, with a wide entrance
leading to a court, upon which opened all the reception rooms
and ofl&ces. As my name was announced in entering, the gov-
ernor, who was seated at a long table covered with business-look-
ing documents, rose, and advanced with many courteous expres-
sions of welcome. Placing me upon a sofa, he seated himself, and,
after the usual civilities, turned the conversation to the explora-
tion of the rivers. He spoke with deep interest of the benefit it
would confer upon the Argentine States, and alluded to the iso-
lated condition which the selfish policy of Eosas had imposed
upon them, and the consequent ignorance of the people as to
the wealth of their own resources. Our expedition, he hoped,
would stimulate immigration and commercial enterprise toward
La Plata, Governor Pujol showed himself to be a man of intel-
ligence and education; and after an interview and conversation
protracted far beyond the limits of an official visit, by a manifest
disposition on his part to do so, I left him, with the assurance
that any aid in his power for the advancement of our work would
be given. These professions were made with apparent sincerity,
and I afterward had the satisfaction to find that they were acted
out in good faith.
The following day the governor, accompanied by a friend, re-
NAVIGATION OF THE PAKANA, 103
turned my visit, and was welcomed on board the first United
States man-of-war that ha^ touched at Corrientes. I explained
to him that, fitted up for an exploring expedition, we hesitated
to call her a war steamer, but could show him some fire-arms of
the latest improvement, in the examination of which he ex-
pressed great interest.
Corrientes has twelve thousand inhabitants, and is on the left
l^ank of the Parana, twenty miles below its junction with the
Paragiiay. It has an extended water-front, and the anchorage
admits of a near approach to the shore, where vessels are re-
moved from the influence of the currents, ^e town is laid out
in the usual style of Spanish American cities, with streets inter-
secting each other at right angles. There are several churches
of some architectural pretension, but generally the buildings are
one-storied, with " azoteas." The better class of private dwell-
ings are of brick, very spacious, with open courts adorned with
orange-trees and gay flowers. They are all neatly plastered and
whitewashed on the exterior. The interior arrangements, with-
out any effort at decoration, are comfortable. The rooms are
constructed with a special regard to the climate, and, with the
same consideration, simply but appropriately furnished. I shall
again allude to this place, as the operations of the expedition
obliged us subsequently to visit it.
Before proceeding farther, it may not be unimportant to note
one or two facts connected with our passage up the " Parana,"
and to sum up the names and distances of the most prominent
points, from its mouth at Martin Garcia to its junction with the
Paraguay. It must be remembered that the Water Witch, with a
draught of nine feet, ascended the Parana in the month of Sep-
tember, the season of low water, when the pilot pronounced the
river lower than usual ; that she encountered no shoal which she
could not pass over with that draught, and that the least depth
ever shown by the lead in the channel was nine feet. The navi-
gation is attended with no danger; there are neither rocks nor
sunken trees to impede the way, and, notwithstanding the shiftmg
of the channel which annually takes place at some points, there is
always one open with the usual depth of water. The velocity of
the current is two and a half miles the hour. The rise of the wa-
ter, which begins in December, is about twelve feet. It reaches
its maximum in February and March, and its minimum in August.
There is also a partial rise of six feet in October, which, rapid and
104 THE EIVER PROVINCES.
transient, continues one montli, then falls to its former level in tlie
same space of time. From Diamante Upward there are fine woods,
and much of it is excellent as fuel for steamers ; beef and fruits
may be purchased at all the towns, and game and fish had for the
trouble of seeking them. But the Spanish Americans care little
for this latter food— indeed, they are prejudiced against it; and
above Buenos Ayres, where a large foreign population gives rise
to a demand for it, the people, neither for trade nor amusement,
employ themselves in fishing. ^
The confluence of the Parana and Paraguay is about one thou-
sand miles from tha Atlantic. The country on both sides is fer-
tile, and above Buenos Ayres, on the firm lands, there are nu-
merous estancias, extending from the river banks for many miles
into the interior. I have been filled with amazement at the re-
sources of these " riverine" provinces, and their availability, with-
out the construction of roads, canals, or even the usual obstruc-
tions of river navigation, for direct trade with foreign countries.
In this course of one thousand miles, the cereals, vegetables, fruits,
woods, and flora of almost every zone may be grown to perfection,
as is proved by the actual products under the present primitive
system of culture. The horned cattle, horses, and sheep are re-
markably fine, and their existing numbers, spite of the civil wars
which have distracted the country, show the extraordinary adapt-
ability of the climate and natural pastures to their increase. The
population is sufficient to form the basis of an extended and im-
mediate trade ; and the Indians, with the exception of the warlike
tribes of the Chaco, are quiet or semi-civilized. The climate is
benign, even in low, marshy neighborhoods, as experienced by
ourselves, and attested by many writers, particularly Azara, who
was employed by the Spanish government to run the boundary-
line between its possessions and those of Portugal, and spent
twenty years of his life in this work. The Spanish Americans
and Mestizos we met with were uniformly friendly and hospitable,
and the cities and small towns offer some agreeable society. Be-
yond or above Buenos Ayres there are neither Protestant schools
nor churches, but there is nothing forbidding them in the Consti-
tution of the Argentine Confederation.
The distances of points alluded to in the ascent of the Parana,
between its mouth or "Martin Garcia" and " Cerito," at the
mouth of the Paraguay, are, in statute miles, as follows :
TABLE OF DISTANCES. 105
From ]\Iartin Garcia to the Guazu 24 miles.
« Guazu* to San Pedro 88 "
« San Pedro to San Nicholas 40 "
" « " to Obligado . 10 "
" San Nicholas to Arroyo del Medio .... 2 "
« « " to Rosario 52 "
" Eosario to San Lorenzo 14^ "
" " to mouth of the Cacarafia 22 "
« " to Diamante 67 "
" Diamante to Parana 36 "
'• Parana to La Paz 102 "
'• La Paz to Goya 145 "
'• Goya to Bella Vista 53 «
((
" Bella Vista to Corrientes 81
« Corrientes to Cerito 18 «
CHAPTER YI.
The Waters of the Paracruay and Parana. — Affluents of the Paraguay. — Enter
the Territory of Paraguay. — Salute to the Admiral of the Navy of the Republic
of Paraguay. — Visit from the Admiral. — Boundaries of the South American Re-
publics.— Banks of the Paraguay. — Palm-trees and beautiful Scenery. — Guardias
and Piquetes. — Tres Bocas. — Guardia Humaita. — President Louez and the Bra-
zilian Squadron. — Vermejo River. — Pillar. — Caiia. — Caranday Palm. — The Ti-
biquari. — Salute of Musketry. — Villa Franca. — The Commandante. — The Las-
so and Bolas. — Oliva. — Villa Villeta. — A Cigar with the Commandante. — San
Antonio. — Mount Lambare. — Arrival at Asuncion. — Rise and Fall of the Para-
guay.
After remaining tliree days at Corrientes, we obtained observa-
tions for determining its geographical position and variation of the
compass, I also commenced here a series of observations, to be
pursued at suitable points, for determining the characteristics of the
waters of the eastern and western affluents. "While those from
the east are generally pure, those flowing from the west, through
the Chaco, are, with few exceptions, saline. Azara says that m
summer, at the season of low water, nearly all the springs, lakes,
and streams of that region are " more or less brackish." Accord-
ing to Father Patino, a Jesuit, who in 1721, accompanied by sev-
eral of his order and sixty Guarani Indians, made a partial ex-
ploration of the Pilcomayo, with the hope of discovering a water
communication between the missions of Chiquitos and those of the
* ^louth of the Parana.
106 ENTER THE TERRITORY OF PARAGUAY.
east, the lands through which this river courses are in many
places strongly impregnated with salt, "saZ comun bueno, en varias
partes de las harrancai'' — " Grood common salt in various parts of
the banks."
Much to my surprise, I found that the graduation of the hy-
drometer sunk entirely below the surface of the water, thus giving
no reading. I was unwilling to believe that the mingled waters
of the Parana and Paraguay were of less specific gravity than dis-
tilled or pure rain water. The standard temperature of the instru-
ment was 60° Fahrenheit, some degrees below that of the water
we were now endeavoring to test : in that lay a solution of the
difficulty.
To the junction of the Parana and Paraguay, twenty miles above
Corrientes, the course of the former river is interrupted by low
islands. Here it takes a general direction east, and the Paraguay
a tortuous course north. Three miles above Corrientes are the
islands Medio and Mesa, on the left. There the water, hitherto
comparatively clear, becomes turbid from commingling with that
of the Vermejo, or Ked River, so called from the discoloration
caused by the detritus borne along by it during the periodical
floods. Some distance above, the Vermejo flows into the Para-
guay. Opposite the upper end of the island Mesa is the mouth
of a small arm of the Paraguay, Riacho Atajo, which branches off
from the main river three miles above its confluence with the Pa-
rana.
A continuous chain of low islands now skirt the west bank of
the Parana up to that 'of Atajo, at the confluence of the Parana
and Paraguay. This island is claimed as the territory of the Ar-
gentine Confederation, but Paraguay has possession, and maintains
it, not by diplomacy or argument, but by the establishment of
a military post upon it — "Guardia Cerito," latitude 27° 17' 32'',
longitude 58° 37' 32".
If it had not been the established rule of our work to anchor
and take observations at all important points, custom, or, indeed,
the laws of Paraguay, made it obligatory to stop here and commu-
nicate with the commandante before continuing the ascent of the
river. Immediately on anchoring, the Water Witch was visited
by two ofiicers with the compliments of the admiral. This was a
naval station, and the officer in command, with the imposing title of
"Admiral of the Navy of the Republic of Paraguay,!' had a squad-
ron of five small vessels. We had heretofore, on all public occa-
THE ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET. 107
sions since entering La Plata, avoided firing salutes on account of
our chronometers, upon which the accuracy of the work depended.
I considered it now useless to offer explanations or 'excuses, and
fearing that my motive might be misinterpreted, we took the usual
}-)recautions to protect the instruments, and saluted the admiral (the
Paraguay flag " at the fore") with thirteen guns, which was immedi-
ately returned with a corresponding number. Salutes having thus
been exchanged, the admiral came on board, and expressed mueh
pleasure at our arrival, assuring me that a cordial welcome await-
ed the expedition at Asuncion. He had received, a month previ-
ously, instructions from the President to offer me every facility for
Tiscending the river ; to supply us with any provisions we might
need, and an experienced pilot. This first reception in the waters
of Paraguay was certainly cheering ; for, from what we had heard,
we knew that President Lopez was here the government supreme,
from whose orders there could be no appeal or deviation.
We found the river full at its highest point, verifying what I
liad heard, that the seasons of high and low water in the Parana
and Paraguay were the reverse.
Observations having been taken, the ascent was continuedjj the
admiral and some of his officers being on board, and their canoe in
tow. He wished to witness the working of our steamer, the first
United States man-of-war that had ever entered the waters of the
Paraguay. After ascending a mile, our friends took leave of us,
and returned to Cerito Guardia.
The appearance of the Paraguay offers some striking contrasts
to the Parana. Its general width rarely exceeds half a mile ; it has
comparatively few islands, a tortuous course, and a more open chan-
nel. The current is from two to two and a half miles the hour.
The country on the left bank is undisputed Paraguay territory ;
that on the right is "El gran Chaco." The Argentine Confeder-
ation claims the latter for a distance covering the mouth of the
Vermejo, but Paraguay does not recognize this right, and main-
tains her jurisdiction over that part of the river by a naval and
military force, established not only at Cerito Guardia, but at va-
rious other points. It is very difficult to obtain any reliable in-
formation as to the grounds upon which these territorial limits in
the Chaco are based. All the republics of La Plata have among
them unsettled questions of boundary, but those relating to this
country are founded upon original treaties made when the entire
southern hemisphere was divided between Spain and Portugal.
108 BANKS OF THE PARAGUAY.
The ground in dispute between the Argentine States and Paraguay-
has only an extent of twenty-seven miles in latitude and forty by
the course of the river, scarcely the length of many estancias; and
in La Plata, where there are extended regions of fertile but waste
lands, would be of no consequence but for its geographical features.
It gives Paraguay command of the mouth of theVermejo, a river
known to be navigable to the northwest provinces of the Argent-
ine Confederation, Salta and Jujui.
The banks of the Paraguay are less elevated than those of the
Parana ; up to Asuncion, they rarely exceed twenty-five feet. To
within a short distance of the capital their geological formation is
unvarying: a substratum of yellowish sand of about ten feet thick-
ness, a middle stratum of earthy clay, and a surface virgin soil of
about three feet. The timber is abundant, and of excellent quality.
"In the isles of the Parana," says my journal, "we have seen
the lovely gardens of La Plata, we have now before us her parks.
It is the region of the palm, which here rises to a great height.
The grass is green, luxuriant, and clean as a well-kept lawn ; deer
gambol under the trees, and it needs not a vivacious imagination
to conceive that, at each bend in the river, some noble mansion, to
which these parks pertain, will appear. A few habitations are
alone wanted to animate the landscape, and complete the pleasant
association of homes in this fair land. There are extended for-
ests of these palms, so symmetrical, fresh, free from all that could
detract from their beauty ; growing apart at such exact, apparent-
ly measured distances, that we are filled with astonishment and
admiration."
The eastbarre: of the river is defended by (j'warc^^'as oxidi piqueies
throughout the extent of Paraguay, each occupied by from six to
twelve men ; the piquetes being placed at intervals of three miles,
while the guardias are more distant apart. They are the stations
of a river police for the detection and prevention of smuggling,
and also dispatch offices for the rapid transmission of intelligence
to the capital. On the west bank there are no guardias ; and in-
asmuch as the Indians of the Chaco have no canoes, the river is
considered a sufiicient barrier to prevent, on their part, any hostile
or predatory incursions.
Great as was the luxuriance of vegetation upon the Parana, as
we approach the equator I find it enriched by a more varied and
brilliant flora. Flowering shrubs abound, and delicately fragrant
epiphytes. The trunks of large trees are enwrapped by climbing
GUAKDIAS AND TIQUETES. 109
plants, their long tendrils pendent, or festooning tlie lowest witli
the topmost branches, and enameling the dark foliage with their
many-hued blossoms.
The most unportant guardia above Cerito is that of Tres Bocas
— " Three Mouihs^^^ so called from there being at that point two
branches from the main river, the Atajo, to which I have alluded,
and the Pires, which flows into the Parana some few miles above
its junction with the Paraguay. Though distant from Cerito five
miles, these two guardias are often confounded with each other
under the name of Tres Bocas. Around the larger "guardias"
there is some little cultivation of corn and mandioca, but as abodes
they are generally desolate places. The houses consist merely of
posts planted in the ground, interlaced with bamboo, filled in
with mud, and thatched with common grass. The look-out is a
platform of about sixty feet in height, open at the sides, and
thatched with straw. It is generally so placed as to command an
extensive view up and down the river. The piquetes are simply
thatched sheds, with raw-hide hammocks for the men, suspended
so as to be protected by the roof from rain. Of these, the Guar-
dia Humaita occupied one of the most commanding points on the
Lower Paraguay, and there President Lopez, in 1855, erected quite
a formidable battery, in anticipation of troubles with Brazil, and
probably — certainly with good reason — with the United States.
The imperial government felt aggrieved at some indignities
offered to its minister at Asuncion, and sent a large naval force,
consisting of several war steamers and transports, under the com-
mand of Admiral , to demand satisfaction. We are left to
infer, from a subsequent debate in the Imperial Legislature at
Eio de Janeiro, that this officer was sent with discretionary power
to fight or negotiate, as circumstances might render necessary.
Negotiation was first resorted to, pending which the battery at
Humaita was erected, and the imperial squadron, with the excep-
tion of the admiral's flag-ship, in which he ascended to Asuncion,
was kept below. This river defense was pushed on with great
rapidity, and is of such strength that I believe it might have ar-
rested the ascent of the squadron. The delay incident to this ne-
gotiation was a move on the diplomatic chess-board showing abil-
ity and astuteness on the part of President Lopez. The expedition
was at that time a failure ; it, however, led to some after-proposi-
tion which resulted in an amicable settlement of the differences,
and the opening of the Paraguay to Brazilian vessels up to the
110 THE VERMEJO.— PILAK.
northwest province of the empire, whose natural outlet is un-
doubtedly this river. This act of President Lopez, if extended
to all flags, might be classed with the decree of Urquiza which
opened the Argentine waters to the commerce of nations.*
In latitude 26° 51' 52" south, longitude 58° 28' 21'' west, forty-
eight miles above Cerito, the Eiver Vermejo pours its muddy
waters into the Paraguay from the west. It rises in the Cordil-
leras of the southern parts of Bolivia, and receives, in addition to
many minor tributaries, the more important river Jujuy, or Lava-
yan, which flows from the western ranges of Salta. From Palca
de Soria, where the Vermejo may be said to enter the Chaco, it
takes i,he general direction of southeast, under a very tortuous
course, to its junction with the Paraguay, directly opposite to a
guardia of the same name, undoubtedly placed there to give the
republic exclusive control over its mouth.
All the villages and guardias of Paraguay that have been or
may hereafter be mentioned, it must be remembered, are on the
east side of the river, with the exception of Cerito, which is upon
an island. Pilar, in latitude 26° 51' 9", longitude 58° 22' 85", is
the first village we meet with in ascendmg. In the time of Fran-
cia, and before the opening of the river to Asuncion, this town,
known as Nembucu, was a place of some commercial activity;
that is, it was the only port on the Paraguay open to trade, and
even to this point only those vessels that had received especial
permission could ascend.
We called upon the commandante, from whom I received many
assurances of his desire to serve us. Cigars of the native tobacco
were handed around, and cana — a liquor extracted from the sugar-
cane, of which each member of the company was expected to
take a sip. This hquor is usually taken without water, and is the
most potent tipple that I have ever tasted. As soon as good-breed-
ing would permit, I reheved my mouth of the burning sensation
it produced by a glass of water. Pilar has two thousand inhab-
itants, and is prettily placed on a fertile plain, elevated some
twenty feet above the river. The streets are at right angles, and
the houses, of one story, plastered and whitewashed, are roofed
either with tile, the trunks of palm-trees, or thatched.
This species of palm, the Caranday {Copernicia cerifera)^ forms
an excellent covering in this climate, and will last for thirty years.
The trunks of the trees are divided, and the interior wood, which
* This has more recently been done.
THE TIBIQUARI.— VILLA FRANCA. HI
is very fibrous, taken out, leaving a shell of from one and a half
to two inches in thickness, which becomes hard and flinty when
dry. These are placed side by side, with the convex surface up,
extending from the pitch to the eaves ; their edges, when brought
together, are covered by a third trunk, forming a roof not unhke
tile, and quite as impervious to rain. This is the usual mode of
covering the quintas and ranchos on the river, and the Chaco op-
posite furnishes an inexhaustible supply of material.
I found great difficulty here, as in every part of Paraguay, in
obtaining any statistics, and can scarcely say whether this was to
be attributed to the ignorance of the people, or to suspicion of my
motive in making such inquiries. Some of the officers of the
Water "Witch occupied themselves with observations for geograph-
ical determination, while others added to our collection by obtain-
ing specimens of rare fish, and supplied our table with several va-
rieties of excellent quahty.
Thirty miles above Pilar the Tibiquari empties into the Para-
guay on the left bank. It rises in the central sierras of Paraguay,
and in a westerly course passes through the most populous and
fertile districts of the country. It could, at a mere nominal ex-
pense, be made navigable at all seasons for steamers of two feet
draught. The principal products of the interior, corn and tobac-
co, now transported in wagons carrying one and a half tons each,
could be conveyed to the capital in steamers of the capaQJty of
fifty wagons in half the time, and at one third the cost. This
river separates the two provinces, Villa Franca on the north, and
Pilar on the south. The former is remarkable for its fertihty, and
its prmcipal town, of the same name, is on the Paraguay, fifty-
nine miles above Pilar.
On approaching Villa Franca, I discovered, from the movements
of the guard, that we were expected to land ; I consequently came
to anchor. The bank leading to the town is ascended from the
river by a flight of steps, and, as we reached the top, a squad of
soldiers drawn up honored our arrival by two rounds of musketry.
The novelty of this salute was rather startling, but we acknowl-
edged it with due gravity, as a mark of respect for the " flag."
The commandante received us with the usual ceremonies and
hospitality.
General Lopez, the son of the president, who is conunander-in-
chief of the army, was, at the time of our arrival in Paraguay, ab-
sent on a diplomatic mission to the leading powers of Europe.
112
LASSO AND BOLAS.
The good commandante spoke witli enthusiasm of his absent gen-
eral. He seemed to have a vague idea that he had been dispatch-
ed to a great distance on very important business, but was rather
at a loss to know whether that journey extended beyond the lim-
its of Paraguay. He had magnificent ideas of the vastness and
pohtical importance of his country, a delusion, I afterward discov-
ered, not peculiar to himself.
08E OF THE LASBO AUD BOLAS.
At his earnest request I accepted a beef for the ship's company;
for a bullock is here taken from the herd, slaughtered, and por-
tions served up at table in less time than it would take to kill and
cook a fowl with us. In an incredibly short time after my ac-
ceptance of his offer, a bellowing, plunging animal was brought
OLIVA.— VILLA VILLETA. II3
under the lasso, to the bank in front of the steamer, and there
slaughtered for our use.
Twelve miles beyond Yilla Franca, and a quarter of a mile
from the banks of the Paraguay, is the village Oliva. Here the,
] iver takes a. serpentine course, and, for the first tune, the banks
on the Chaco side rise to the height of twenty feet, presenting a
deep stratum of reddish clay beneath the vegetable surface-soil.
They are well timbered with lapacho, quebracho, urunday, and a
variety of other woods. Again this forest is succeeded by palms,
which, like those of Paraguay, rise from vigorous and verdant
plains of grass, without under-growth. Oliva stands on a plain
twenty feet above the river, which has here overflowed the low
lands in front, although this is not the reputed season of high wa-
ter ; for the same uniformity which marks the periodical changes
of the Parana does not prevail in the Paraguay. Twelve miles
above this village, on the Chaco side, is Monte Linda, a beautiful
grove of catigua.
From Oliva to Villa Villeta, the next small town on the Para-
guay, the distance is sixty-two miles. We anchored here after
dark. As I was anxious to proceed early the next morning, not-
withstanding the hour, I called to pay my respects to the chief
chgnitary of the village, whom I found seated under the project-
ing roof of his house, surrounded by his family. While the offi-
cers amused a group of villagers who had gathered around them
with tales of the dangers they had passed, I smoked a cigar with
the commandante by the dim light of a lantern that hung in front
of his dwelling, designed as much to attract the musquitoes from
within as to give light to the company without. Nearly all the
houses of Villa Villeta are constructed with these projections,
which serve the double purpose of protecting them from the
scorching rays of the sun, and in the evening as places of resort
for the inhabitants, who there sit, gossip and smoke — the latter
an accomplishment not limited to age or sex.
A short distance above this village the fine rolling lands of
Paraguay opened before us, with inclosed and well-cultivated
fields of corn, tobacco, and mandioca, alternated by beautiful palm
groves. Nothing could be more picturesque or verdant than the
country on both sides, and we had here what alone was needed
to perfect the landscapes below — habitations and culture. Eanchos
and quintas, surrounded by orange groves, were dotted here and
there, multiplying as we approached the capital.
8
114 ARRIVAL AT ASUNCION.
Six miles above Yilleta is the guardia of San Antonio, whicli
was occupied in 1853 by " the American Company" established in
Paraguay. Beyond this guardia we passed Mount Lambare, an
isolated, conical wooded hill, of basaltic formation, rising abruptly
from the river bank to the height of three hundred and twelve
feet. On the opposite or Chaco side is the Eiacho Yaguare, into
which empties the Eiver Ypita, considered by some one of the
two mouths of the Pilcomayo.
A mile or two below the capital, the left banks become quite
precipitous, presenting a stratum of reddish chalk beneath the
surface-soil ; and immediately opposite is an island, across which
is seen the upper branch or mouth of the Pilcomayo. Here the
Paraguay turns abruptly east, and a mile above, on the left bank,
stands Asuncion.
We anchored oif the town on the 1st of October, and received
a visit from the captain of the port. Preliminaries arranged, a
national salute was fired from the Water Witch, with the Para-
guay flag at the fore, which was returned by the field-pieces of
the garrison at the government house.
The general width of the Paraguay up to the capital is half a
mile, at some points less than a quarter. The least depth found
was twenty feet, the greatest seventy -two, and " no bottom."
Yelocity of current in general, two miles per hour. There seems
to be less uniformity in its rise and fall than in those of the Pa-
rana. It has now reached its maximum height, which it ordi-
narily attains in December, and this is but the beginning of the
"rising season." With a view of determining, with some degree
of accuracy, its rise and fall, a graduated staff was "planted" in
a suitable place, and the fall of the river observed from the 24th
of October, 1853, to the 81st of March, 1854, throughout one en-
tire period of falling, and a portion of its rise. It was estimated,
at the time of the erection of the staff, that the waters had fallen
two feet, and, judging from the rate at which it fell, the river must
have been at its highest point the 1st of October. The greatest
fall from October 1st to February 5th was thirteen feet three
inches.
To a clear comprehension of the fluctuation in the river during
the time embraced, I take from the journal the following table
kept by Lieutenant Ammen.
RISE AND FALL OF THE PARAGUAY. Hg
Statement of the fall and nse of the River Paragxmy, at Asuncion, from
October \st, 1853, to March 31s/, 1854. The river was above its ordi-
7iary high water on the \st of October.
Ft. In.
From October 1st to 24th, supposed fall by marks ... 2 00
« " 24th to 31st, by staflP, river fell 0 08
« « 31st to 29th Nov. " " 2 06
« Nov. 29th to 2tth Dec. " « 4 00
« Dec. 2tth to 5th Jan. « " 2 05
« Jan. 5th to 12th « « " 0 08
Fall of river from October 1st to Jan. 12th 12 03
From January 12th to Jan. 21st, river rose ....... .011
Difference of level from Oct. 1st to Jan. 21st 11 04
rt. Tn.
From Jan. 21st to Jan. 30th, river fell 0 09
« " 30th to Feb. 5th « « 1_02
fTi— 1 11
Greatest fall from Oct. 1st to Feb. 5th 13 03
On February 28th, same level.
From " 28th to March 31st, river rose 5 09
Difference of level from October 1st to March 31st 1 06
The width of the river at Asuncion by calculation was found
to be six hundred and five yards. It has, up to the capital, few
islands, and the navigation is less difficult than that of the Parana.
Its waters are confined within narrower limits, and its channel
has more uniformly the same depth. It has no such obstructions
as rocks or sunken trees, but sufficient depth throughout the year
for the largest river steamers, and enough at certain seasons for
vessels of sixteen feet — the greatest draught that could be carried
over the bar at Martin Grarcia Island, under the ordinary rise of
the tide at that point. The banks are wooded with fine timber
throughout, save at limited sections subject to inundation. Much
of this wood is valuable for building and ornamental purposes,
and also as fuel for steamers, and the waters contain a great vari-
ety of excellent fish, that may be caught either with seine or hook
and line.
116 INTERVIEW WITH LOPEZ.
CHAPTER VII.
Interviews with President Lopez. — Negotiations.^Residence at Asuncion. — The
City. — Buildings. — Francia's Tomb. — Francia's Cruelties. — Isolation of Para-
guay.— Francia's System. — Dahlgreen's Howitzer. — The American Company. —
Celebration of Lopez's Birth-day. — Reception at the Government House. — Grand
Ball at the Residence of the Chief Justice. — The Speech.
On the day of our arrival I called on tlie Minister of Foreign
Affairs, and presented my letters of credence from the Secretary
of State, Mr. Everett. In this interview, " El Secretario" betrayed
more curiosity than intelligence as to the objects of our expedi-
tion. My visit ended with an appointment to call on the Presi-
dent the same day at 4 o'clock.
I was punctual to the hour, and found the corridor that sur-
rounds the government house filled with soldiers, who gave the
usual military salute as we passed. On entering the vestibule,
where was stationed a small guard, an officer received my card,
and taking it in to the President, I was, without a moment's de-
tention, admitted to his presence. A door, on each side, of which
was stationed a soldier, gave access from the vestibule to a long,
plainly-carpeted room, against the walls of which stood a row
of cane-seat chairs, arranged with military precision. At the
upper end was a circular table, where sat, with one arm resting
upon it, " His Excellency Senor Don Carlos Antonio Lopez,"
President of the Republic of Paraguay. The engraving on the
opposite page will give the reader a more vivid impression of His
Excellency's personal appearance than any description I could
possibly offer.
A chair was placed (I presume purposely) at the table before
him, and, slightly raising his hat, without rising, as I approached,
he requested me to be seated, and to place my hat on the table,
which I afterward discovered was an act of condescension not to
be too lightly esteemed. I showed him my commission from the
President of the United States, of which he requested a copy, and
explained to him the objects of the expedition under my com-
mand. This reception was very unlike the unpretending but
courteous style of the Provisional Director of the Argentine Con-
federation. I afterward learned, however, that it was the usual
LOPEZ.
117
etiquette observed by tlie President of Paraguay on all official oc-
casions to remain seated with his hat on. The higher the rank
of the visitor, the more particular is he in this observance. Sub-
sequently I had frequent interviews with him, and occasionally I
have known him to relax somewhat, and even to take his hat off;
a mark, I was assured, of extraordinary personal favor toward
myself. He is about fifty-four, and has never been out of the
confines of Paraguay, where, though ruling under the title of
President, his authority is despotic and unquestioned. He is
highly intelligent, well read, and familiar with the polity .of for-
eign governments; he is also an accomplished, but, as I after-
ward discovered, unscrupulous diplomatist.
CAELO ANTONIO LOPEZ, PRESIDENT OP PAEAGUAT.
Owing to the isolated position of his country, and her freedom,
so far, from friction with governments foreign to La Plata, or from
checks at home, he is rather defiant of the laws of nations. I
found him, in conversation, far more agreeable and affable than I
;|^]^8 NEGOTIATIONS.
had been led to suppose. He talks mucli, and well. After an
interview of more than an hour, protracted by himself, he rose,
and I took leave, impressed with his favorable disposition toward
the expedition.
After the lapse of a few days I called again, and presented the
President with the plan of a steamer we wished to construct at
Asuncion for the survey of the smaller tributaries of the river.
I also gave him an estimate of the timber required for this purpose
^for this is one of the national monopohes — and President Lo-
pez being the government, all business to which it can be a party
must be transacted with him. He examined the plan, read with
care our hst of requisites, and promptly said that instructions
should be immediately given to supply us with the articles enu-
merated, and any others that might be necessary for our purpose.
We at once made preparations for building our little craft.
The whole was intrusted to Lieutenant Ammen, who had drawn
the plan, and now, with the assistance of one of the engineers,
Mr. Lambden, began the work with energy. In the mean time
I occupied myself with arrangements for continuing the explora-
tion of the Paraguay. To obtain the necessary permission for
this required some diplomacy, for in the treaty of commerce and
navigation concluded before my arrival it had been stipulated
that the navigation of the river should be limited to Asuncion.
There were unsettled questions as to territorial limits on the
northern borders between Brazd and Paraguay, and the prohibit-
ory decrees of President Lopez, in reference to the navigation of
the river above the capital, were made with the view of forcing
Brazil to terms. In excluding other nations, without any posi-
tive demonstration of hostility toward his Imperial Majesty, he
deprived him of access through the Paraguay to the richest
mineral districts of the empire. He said that, should he permit
the Water Witch to ascend the river, Brazil would make the
same demand, and he was resolved not to grant her that privilege
in the present state of their political relations. I argued the char-
acter of our expedition ; its manifest objects, which should not be
considered in connection with others of a speculative or solely
trading character. I suggested the possible value of its results to
science, which I knew his intelligence enabled him fully to under-
stand ; 'that, in giving to the world a knowledge of waters "so little
known," our explorations would confer a positive and immediate
benefit'upon his own and neighboring countries, while the people
NEGOTIATIONS. 119
of the United States, and others at a greater distance, could be
only remotely or incidentally interested.
The point was conceded, and I was, of course, disposed to put
upon it the most latitudinous construction ; that is, to ascend as far
as I could in an ocean steamer. I understood uniformly, in my
conversations with President Lopez, and from an ofiicial paper
sent me relating to this subject, that I could carry our surveys
throughout the Hmits of Paraguay north, or, indeed, beyond them,
for permission was given me to ascend to Bahia Negra, in latitude
20° 10' 14".
Bahia Negra is conceded to Bolivia by both Brazil and Para-
guay. From that point the President could neither direct nor
check our operations, for I had already received permission from
BoHvia to enter her waters, and from Brazil to ascend to Albu-
querque, which was some distance within the acknowledged limits
of the empire. I in fact ascended to Corumba, and should have
gone farther but for the hmitation designated by Brazil, and yet
have felt that I had not placed too wide a construction upon the
concession of the President of Paraguay.
Before beginning the ascension of the river, I was obliged to
contract for the dehvery, at different points, of steamer fuel. This
was again an ofl&cial affair, and led to several visits to the govern-
ment house. The agreements were all satisfactorily carried out ;
but the cutting of woods for such a purpose being a new branch
of industrial enterprise in those remote parts of Paraguay, I paid
high, considering its extensive forests — that is, from four to five
dollars per cord. The quality, however, was excellent, one cord
proving fully equal to a ton of coal.
When we arrived at Asuncion, I was aware that the business
to which I have alluded would detain me some time; I antici-
pated, indeed, unnecessary delay, and knew, from experience, that
it was useless to complain. One must enter upon every work in
Spanish America with rather a patient, philosophical spirit ; but I
soon discovered that, even with the Paraguayan, the almighty dol-
lar had its influence, and believe that I eventually expedited the
operation of my wood-cutters by adding a few additional pennies
to the price per cord.
Pending these preparations, and to avoid, in some degree, the
excessive annoyance from musquitoes, I moved to an apartment in
the " Calle del Sol." The rooms were nicely whitewashed, and,
. to rid them of the army of fleas, common enough to every house,
120 MFE IN ASUNCION.
my servant waged a successful war against them by flooding the
tile-floors daily with water. The furniture was simple. There
was a cot, with a snowy musquito-net, which had done good serv-
ice during a long cruise in the China seas ; two cedar tables, two
feet by four, served, one for dining, the other for books and writ-
ing materials ; some crockery from the Water Witch, arranged by
my boy in a cupboard, made a brilliant display, but a dozen rich-
ly-carved, high-backed chairs, which dated from the time of the
Jesuits, were the pride of the establishment, for in art those mis-
sionaries were the Medici of La Plata. My " boy" was chamber-
maid, butler, and cook. Roast beef, chickens, mandioca — a vege-
table that would in any country be pronounced delicious — oranges
at all times, grapes and figs in their season, were the luxuries of
the table. Fine fish might have been added but for the indiffer-
ence, indeed dislike of the Paraguayans, like all Spanish Ameri-
cans, for that food ; for in towns rarely visited by strangers it is
not often seen in their markets. Perhaps these may be considered
triviahties ; I allude to them in illustration, for my style of living
was not surpassed, if equaled, by that of the best houses of Asun-
cion. There is no lack of neatness in their domestic arrange-
ments, but no people are more simple in their habits ; indeed, one
needs so little in that delicious climate, the costly and elaborate
furniture, considered now a necessity in our country, would be here
an annoying superfluity. Imperial carpets and brocaftelle hang-
ings would be as much out of place in Paraguay as a costume of the
dog-days upon a Broadway pedestrian in the middle of January.
Asuncion was first settled in 1536. It contains now about twelve
thousand inhabitants, and is, according to our determinations, in
latitude 25° 16' 30" south, longitude 57° 42' 42". It is prettily
placed, the land rising, at the point where the city stands, some
fifty feet above the river. With a few improvements, its position
for commercial purposes would be eligible, but individual enter-
prise has little scope, for the playa or landing is government prop-
erty. During our stay in the country a quay of stone was built,
and, though undoubtedly an important work, it would by no
means sufficiently facilitate the dispatch of business should Asun-
cion ever have an extensive foreign trade. The people are wedded
to old habits, and will forever discharge and load vessels by canoes,
should not some enterprising foreigner suggest a change. Owing
to the extraordinary edicts of Francia, the streets are regular, and
the frontage of the houses even ; for any luckless proprietor whose
ASUNCION.
123
building impaired this -uniformity during liis administration had
the satisfaction of having it, without previous intimation, under-
mined, halved, or quartered, as the exigencies of the case might
require. A piece was nicely sliced off, leaving saloons and bed-
rooms minus half their previous dimensions. Some of these un-
fortunate tenements are still standing, looking like a "big loaf"
after dinner.
The dwellings are uniformly of one story, some of them be-
ing large and well-constructed, containing six, eight, or ten airy
rooms opening upon a court. The bricks of which they are built
are peculiar in form and size, being from twelve to fourteen inches
in length, eight in breadth, and about two in thickness. The bet-
ter houses are tiled, the roofs projecting some three or four feet
beyond the eaves, but, in the erection of others more ordinary,
the roof is the first part completed ; posts are driven into the
ground, on these are placed sleepers to support the joists and
rafters, strips of the cana or bamboo are placed transversely
across, sufficiently close together to retain the mud *or mortar,
which serves to cement the joinings or unite the tile. In such
houses the trunks of palm, prepared as I have described, are more
frequently used than tiles.
The principal public buildings are the "Cabildo," the Cathedral,
THE OAlilLUO, ASUNCION.
124
FRANCIA.
THE CATHEDRAL, ASUNCION.
and two or tliree other churches, the latter dating from the time
of the Jesuits. In the Cabildo the national Legislature meets. The
churches are kept in good condition, but one was evidently less re-
sorted to than others. The good people rarely allude to this, for
a fearful mystery overhangs its sacred precincts ; it contained at
one time all that was mortal of the Dictator Francia. There he was
undoubtedly interred,- and a monument erected over his remains.
One fair morning the church was opened, as usual, for prayer ; this
monument was scattered in fragments upon the floor, and the bones
of the tyrant had disappeared forever — nobody cared how, nobody
asked where. It was only whispered that the devil had claimed
his own, body and soul.
No modern era has produced a parallel to his iniquitous rule.
For a quarter of a century, unchecked by the fear, reproaches, or
notice of other governments, Francia tyrannized over this lovely
country, and perpetrated a series of crimes, the recital of which fills
us with horror. At his death, spite of the numberless executions
which disgraced his administration, and which must have been his
pastime, the prisons of Asuncion were gorged with more than sev-
en hundred poor creatures, some of whom had been there twenty
SYSTEM OF FRANCIA. 125
years. They were broken down physically ; some were reduced
to hopeless idiocy, and all were given back to the world to find
that homes and families had been swept away during that fearful
deluge of tyranny.
It will be seen in another chapter that it was the policy of Spain,
in her colonial government, to keep her transatlantic subjects from
all communication with the outer world, while, at the same time
— for this was the object of that system — the extent and resources
of her possessions upon the American continent were carefully
veiled from the knowledge of European nations. Paraguay, be-
tween the parallels of 21° and 27° south, distant by the course of
the river about one thousand miles from the Atlantic, and shut out
from the Pacific by the Andean barrier, remained a terra incognita
to all but Spanish officials. Aided by her geographical position,
she was the first of the colonies to assert her independence ; but
soon passing under the sway of Francia, who inflexibly maintain-
ed non-intercourse with other nations, she has continued a region
of the unknown.
"While the other republics of La Plata were, after their emanci-
pation from Spanish rule, distracted by anarchy, Paraguay was
comparatively tranquil ; it was not the quiet of progress and good
government, but that of a political and social paralyzation, pro-
duced by the system of Francia — a system that debased the na-
tional mind, leaving it submissive to any rule, without moral or
physical courage to resist oppression.
He established, in time, such a compound system of espionage —
spy placed over spy — and coerced the simple Paraguayans during
his twenty-six years' rule into such timorous silence, that death
seems scarcely to have released them from his thraldom. The
people of the lower countries of La Plata will tell you that a Par-
aguayan never mentions the name of the Dictator without looking
behind him. His adherents and the instruments of his iniquity
were the soldiers ; his victims, landed proprietors ; but, above all,
those of Spanish origin, from confiscations of whose property his
principal revenue was derived.
When at Asuncion I saw much of Seiior , whose family
had suffered greatly during that reign of terror, and in his con-
versations with me he frequently alluded to their wrongs. He
was an amiable, gentlemanly, and intelligent person ; but he al-
ways mentioned the name of Francia with reserve, in a half whis-
per, glancing stealthily around the room, as if fearful that the grave
126 THE DAHLGKEEN GUN.
would give up its dead. I afterward discovered tliat tlie manner
was not peculiar to him, but to all Paraguayans in alluding to the
Dictator. His name is rarely pronounced. In life he was El Su-
premo ; since his death, they allude to him and to his deeds as
those oi El Defunto.
The United States government sent out by the Water Witch
one of my friend Dahlgreen's " twelve-pound howitzers," to be pre-
sented to the President of Paraguay. A day was appointed for
its delivery, and the second son of the President, Don Benancia, a
major in the army, was deputed to receive it. Many of&cials and
quite a concourse of people assembled at the point chosen for its
reception. Mounted on its field-carriage, and manned with a good
crew from the Water Witch, it was loaded with its "fixed ammuni-
tion" in double-quick time, pointed across the river to the Chaco,
and fired in rapid succession, keeping two shrapnells at the same
time rolling on the water, while the contents and fragments of those
that preceded them and exploded had demonstrated the deadly ef-
fect of this modern missile of war. The assembled crowd looked
on in wonder. The firing over, the men dashed oflP with the gun
at fall speed, thus exhibiting its facility of locomotion as well as
rapidity of discharge. Major Lopez expressed himself delighted,
and declared that, with a battery of half a dozen such pieces, he
could defend the approach to Asuncion against vast odds.
I quote from my journal :
" October 11th. Arrived from Buenos Ayres a steamer called the
' Fanny,' sailing under Monte videan colors, having on board Mr.
E. A. Hopkins, United States Consul for Asuncion. He is also
agent for ' the American Company,' several members of which are
on board, having come to Paraguay with the view of establishing
themselves for commercial purposes, and, judging from the re-
sources of -this country, they should meet with great success." On
the day appointed for Mr. Hopkins to present his credentials to the
President he was accompaniedby myself and many of the ofl&cers
of the Water Witch.
All was ready to proceed up the river, but I was requested to
remain a few days and witness the great fete of Asuncion, the an-
niversary of his Excellency's birth-day, the 4th of November, on
which occasion there is a public reception. But one class of func-
tionaries or visitors is received at a time ; the clergy had preced-
ed us. As they retired we entered, and found " President Lopez,"
as usual, at the end of the long room I have described, seated be-
THE PRESIDENT'S FETE. 127
fore tlie circular table, dressed in a uniform of buff and gold ;
wearing in place of the usual round beaver a cocked hat with gold
lace and ostrich feathers. After offering him our congratulations,
we retired to make room for others, and were conducted into an
adjoining apartment to partake of refreshments, provided in great
profusion, and consisting of excellent confectionery, cakes, Cham-
pagne, English ale, coffee. We were treated with much kind at-
tention by the different officials, and the occasion seemed to be one
of enjoyment to all classes.
The day concluded with a ball given by the Chief Justice, at
which were present not only all the beauty and fashion of Asun-
cion, but the President and his family. Seats were especially pre-
pared for them at one end of the room ; that for his Excellency was
on a carpeted platform elevated about one foot above the floor.
Opposite were rows of chairs for the matrons, who seemed to have
attended for the sole purpose, and to find full occupation in watch-
ing their fair daughters ; for the Spanish American girls, like those
of the European continent, are never seen, even by their lovers,
out of the presence of mamma, or some matron to whom their care
is delegated. Madam Lopez and her daughters were pleasing and
ladylike; the latter, like all women of the country, extravagantly
fond of dancing, but the ill health of the younger on this occasion
deprived her of this enjoyment. At an early hour of the evening
the music suddenly ceased, and there was perfect silence. A tall
personage — we were told that he was an LL.D. — moved to the
centre of the room, made a profound bow, and then, with vigorous
gesticulation and imposing solemnity of mien, delivered an address
highly flattering to the chief magistrate of Paraguay, who received
it with calm, unmoved countenance, and at its conclusion retired.
The company, all standing, listened to this rather flowery effusion
with gravity and respect ; but as the door closed upon his Excel-
lency, dancing recommenced, and was kept up until the dawn of
day.
128 DEPARTURE FROM ASUNCION.
CHAPTER YIII.
Departure from Asuncion. — The President's Quinta. — Salinas. — A Hill. — Tlie Con-
fuso. — The Salado. — Estancia of Lopez. — Variety of Woods and Fruits. — Que-
bracho.— Capiepomo. — Guazu. — Cattle. — Hospitality. — River Scenery. — An
Accident to Engine. — Piquete Ytati. — Wood for Steamers. — Plants and Shrubs.
— River Jejui. — San Pedro. — Another Accident to Engine. — Guaycuru Rembiu.
— Government Estancia. — The Pacu Fish. — River Changes. — The Ypane. — Ar-
rival at Concepcion.
I QUOTE from my journal :
" November Ith^ 1853. We left Asuncion this morning at half
past five o'clock, upward bound. The reply of the President of
Paraguay to my letter requesting permission for the expedition to
pass through the territory claimed by his government is all I could
desire ; he attaches no limits to the extent of our explorations on
the river. Have in view the President's quinta ; it extends for
six miles along the river ; all is verdant and enameled with culti-
vation. At the highest point of the rolling land, which rises in
wave-like ridges from the river, is placed the dwelling, command-
ing an extensive view, including the salinas, which at times present
a busy scene ; for here, in small huts, the salt-gatherers establish
themselves during the season of low water, and, by a rude and prim-
itive process, manufacture an extensive supply for the Asuncion
market : it is inferior to the imported article, but for cattle or ordi-
nary purposes serves very well. Extensive saline districts exist in
the Chaco ; the rivers that flow through that country are, with few
exceptions, brackish, but this is the Second instance in which we
have met with this formation east of the Paraguay ; the first was
below the capital, near Mount Lambare. The earth, when first turn-
ed up, exhibits no evidence of the presence of salt, but after being
for some time exposed to the sun, it becomes covered with a crust,
looking like a white frost. The people collect this efflorescence
carefully, but it is from the water, through which the earth is re-
peatedly washed to extract all saliferous particles, that the princi-
pal supply is obtained. In a country rich in pasture-lands, and so
far from the ocean, this provision of Providence is only one among
the multiplied evidences of bounty to these fair regions of creation."
On the President's lands is the port Lasararaxas — the family
name of Madame Lopez — and in operation near it are several ex-
THE CONFUSO.— PINON. 129
tensive brick-kilns. Twelve miles above Asuncion there is, on the
Chaco bank, an isolated conical hill of mica schist rising to the
heisfht of one hundred feet, the first elevation on that side exceed-
ing twenty feet since leaving " Santa Fe, seven hundred and twenty
miles below. It furnishes a quarry of building-stone from which
great blocks are rolled down by a gradual descent to the water's
edge.
Immediately above this quarry, the Eiver Confuso, a narrow,
tortuous stream, taking its rise no one knows where, discharges
itself into the Paraguay. At a subsequent period Lieutenant Mur-
daugh ascended it for twenty -four miles, encountered some diflEicul-
ties in the navigation, and made slow progress, though in a steam-
er of but two feet draught. From his account of it we must con-
clude that it has its source in the eastern Cordilleras of Bolivia. It
has been supposed to be a branch of the Pilcomayo, and is marked
on some maps as such, but the difference in the character of their
waters must set at rest this idea. That of the Pilcomayo is brack-
ish only when the river is unusually low and sluggish, while that
of the Confuso is decidedly bitter and saline. The Confuso, like
many other rivers of the Chaco, is probably pure at its source, and
becomes impregnated from flowing through saliferous districts.
Considered as a branch of the Pilcomayo, the distance through
which it would course before reaching the Paraguay is not suffi-
cient to produce so great a change in its waters. If a distinct river,
rising, as I believe, in the high lands of Bolivia, it is but a new link
and another evidence of the beautiful river system which charac-
terizes the basin of La Plata.
Four miles above the quarry, on the Chaco side, a conical rock,
called the " Pinon," rises about twenty feet above the water, in the
middle of the river. It is surmoimted by a block of red sandstone
of about six feet diameter at the top, so symmetrical and so nicely
adjusted that one might suppose it to have been designedly placed
there by some skillfiil hand. Directly opposite, a small stream,
the Salado, which flows from the Lake Ypacaray, discharges its
waters into the Paraguay. The country around the lake and bor-
dering this little river is populous and fertile ; during a season of
extreme drought the Salado is slightly brackish, as its name indi-
cates.
At Quatros Bocas — " Four mouths," four miles above the rock
Pinon, the character of the banks on either side is the same, but
some distance inland the scenery changes. There is in view a
9
130 WOODS OF PAKAGUAY.
sierra, or beautiful range of high land, which is known to extend
easterly from the Paraguay nearly to the Parana.
Near the Guardia Arigutigua, twenty miles from Asuncion, the
"Pirebeby" flows into the Paraguay, andforms the southern bound-
ary of an estate belonging to President Lopez, which has its north-
ern limit on the Eiver Paraguaymi. This estancia extends four-
teen unbroken miles on the Paraguay, is particularly fertile, and
well stocked with horned cattle and sheep ; mandioca and com
are cultivated upon it to a hmited extent, as provision for the cap-
itaz and peons — manager and laborers. Two miles above Pirebe-
by, and about the same distance inland, is the little town of " Am-
buscada," at the foot of the sierra.
In latitude 24° 54' 32" south, longitude 57° 21' 15," forty mUes
from Asuncion, we reached the first point at which the wood-cut-
ters agreed to farnish us with fael for the steamer. I found them
punctual to the time, and the wood was all corded, and conven-
iently placed for being received on board. The bunkers were half
fiiU of coal, but we were able to take in thirty -nine cords. In this
lot were some ten or a dozen varieties : the Palo bianco, Curupi-
na, Curupay, Arahan, Yrapipe, Espiua de Corona, Yrapita, Nanga-
pare, and many others of fine texture are found throughout this
country, such as the Algorroba, Espinilla, and Quebracho, or "axe-
breaker," as its name indicates. All of these trees furnish good
fuel for steamers, but in ship-building or for ornamental purposes
they would be invaluable.
Some of them are giants even in the La Plata forests ; others
present great floral beauty ; some are valued for their fruits, oth-
ers for their barks ; indeed, familiar as I am with the woodlands
of the northern section of this hemisphere, as we advanced in the
ascent of the river, I was filled with wonder at the surpassing wealth
of the forest regions of the south. An accomplished arborist would
find in Paraguay an unlimited field of interest and study. The
fruits of the Arahan and Nangapare are both pleasant and nutri-
tious. The Algorroba, one of the mimosae, produces a fruit simi-
lar in taste (though smaller) to our honey -pod. It contains a quan-
tity of saccharine matter, and is carefully gathered by the Indians,
who dry, pound, and preserve it in skins ; they also make from it
a fermented liquor of which they are very fond, but to me it was
unpalatable. This tree flourishes in the Argentine Confederation,
where its fruit, considered very precious food for cattle, is gather-
ed, and generally put aside for favorite horses. These animals
THE PRESIDENT'S ESTANCIAS. 131
when fed iipon it, if not severely exercised, become too fat for ac-
tive service.
The width of the river at this point, as ascertained by the mi-
crometer, is one thousand and seventy-six yards. Its general
width from Asuncion to this place is from a half to one mile ;
least depth twenty feet, greatest seventy -two. The banks have
an elevation of fifteen feet at the present state of the water, which
is four feet below the highest rise. They are well timbered ; the
woodland extends some distance back, with intervening sections of
palm and grass. Between the towns few houses are to be seen ex-
cept the guardias, near which are always extensive estancias.
Fourteen miles farther (latitude 24° 48' 27'') we passed another
estancia of President Lopez, called Capiepomo Guazu. The dwell-
ing is in the usual style of the better class of country houses in
Paraguay, of one story, very capacious, and built round a court ;
it stands about half a mile from the river, in the midst of a palm
plain, skirted with magnificent and lofty trees. The corrals upon
these estates are an invariable evidence of the wealth of the estan-
ciaro, and here they were large and numerous.
We anchored as the sun was sinking below the horizon in a sea
of gorgeous tinges; and as night approached, with little or no inter-
val of twilight, flocks of sheep, by thousands, might be seen gath-
ering under the shelter of the corrals. The number of horned cat-
tle on some of these estancias is enormous, and, with a free com-
munication to the Atlantic, we can understand how great a revenue
they would afford. Found at our anchorage forty-eight feet of
water, the width of the river being half a mile, the least depth
twenty-four feet ; current at anchorage two and a half miles per
hour. Engaged a bullock and a quantity of fresh milk for an
early hour the next morning. The cows are milked but once a
day — in the morning always. The capitaz would receive no pay
for either, and, on inquiring, found that this was in accordance with
the orders of the President. This is only one of what I consider a
series of national civihties, offered with a delicacy which reflects
high honor upon his excellency. Indeed, government hospitality
represents a characteristic of the Paraguayans, A more generous,
single-hearted people it is impossible to find, and they have a native
tact which rarely offends even the conventional ideas of those who
have associated more with the outer world.
Much as I was obliged afterward to disapprove and deprecate
the course of President Lopez toward the Americans who had set-
132 LOPEZ'S HOSPITALITY.
tied in Asuncion, and in the unprovoked attack upon tlie Water
Witch while ascending the Parana, the reception of the expedition
in his waters, and his entire course toward us, until his outbreak
with the consul, was characterized throughout bj generous hos-
pitality.
At an early hour our bullock was dragged by the lasso from
the corral to the river bank, and in an incredibly short time served
up on board ship. We soon passed the grass-lands of Capiepomo,
where the banks are low, and covered with forests of lofty trees ;
parasites and epiphytes, with brilliant an(^fragrant bloom, entwin(3
themselves around the huge trunks, here presenting a floral col-
umn, there running over branches, and from tree to tree, forming
hanging gardens. To complete the enchantment, birds of gay
plumage flit about, enlivening the woods with their merry songs.
We passed another estancia near the Guardia Caraguatay. The
left bank again rises to the height of fifteen feet, and is well wood-
ed ; beyond, a boundless plain of palms and grass. Saw many
fowl, among which were the Pa to real — "EoyalDuck," andBigua
bay — " Snake-head." The starboard crank-strap broke, and we an-
chored to repair damages. In an hour we were under way, and
passed the mouth of the Eiver Quarepoti, seventy-two miles from
Asuncion. On this stream, three miles from the Paraguay, is the
town of Eosario, but hid from our view by the woods. Passing an
estancia of General Lopez, son of the President, and commander-in-
chief of the army, we anchored off the Piquete Ytati, our second
depot of wood, one hundred and two miles from. Asuncion,
The President's orders were carried out as to the quantity and
size of this wood, and there was a punctuality in its supply which,
I feel assured, without his instructions, neither love nor money
could have procured. I found here fifty-two cords well cut and
put up ; a familiar sight to us, but a novel one to Paraguayans.
Our experience demonstrates fully not only the possibility of ob-
taining abundance of wood in these waters for steamers, but the
fact of its superiority to all used similarly in our own country.
In ruiining from 5 to 10 o'clock A.M. — five hours — and from 1
to 5f P.M. — in all, nine hours forty -five minutes — we consumed
five and a quarter cords of wood, a little more than half a cord per
hour, keeping up twenty pounds of steam, making from eighteen
to twenty revolutions, and giving a speed of six miles over the
bottom, against a current of from two to two and a half miles per
hour. An accurate account of the consumption and careful meas-
FRUITS AND PLANTS. 133
urement of the wood were kept and made by the senior engineer,
R. C. Potts, with the view of testing its quahty. The result proved
what I have before affirmed, that a cord of this wood was fully
equal to a ton of the best anthracite coal.
The width of the river at our anchorage by micrometer was six
hundred and nineteen yards ; the general width from our last an-
chorage from a third to a quarter of a mile ; least depth of water
seventeen feet.
Employed the morning while wooding in a stroll through the
forest skirting the river, from which our supply of fael had been
cut, in search of botanic specimens. Gathered a few, among which
was the Guayava blanca, a shrub bearing a beautiful white flower
very like the orange blossom ; its fruit is delicious, and its twigs
were covered with nodules of white wax, deposited by a species of
ant in such quantities that the people of the country collect it and
mould it into candles. We saw also the lofty Yarumu, or Hiva-
puru, which bears a violet-colored fruit about the size of a plum,
and much hked by the natives ; we thought it indifferent. It is
directly attached to the trunk and branches, without a peduncle.
Saw numberless epiphytes ; they are found in every part of La
Plata, and generally near a dead tree, around which they entwine
themselves, making what would be otherwise an unsightly skele-
ton the most beautifol object of the forest. This is a favorite plant
in all city gardens, requiring no care, as it finds its nutriment in
the air. Some are selected for their brilliant flowers, others for
their fragrance, which exceeds in delicacy that of most flora.
Having wooded, pushed on, and about two and a half miles
above the Piquete Ytati, passed the mouth of the Jejui, a small
river which flows from the left bank. It rises in the Cordilleras of
Paraguay, courses through apart of the Yerbales, and offers an easy
communication for the conveyance of this product to San Pedro.
After the construction of the small steamer, it was used by Lieu-
tenant Ammen in the examination of this stream, but, as he ascend-
ed at the season of low water, he found it impracticable to proceed
farther than a few miles beyond the port of San Pedro, latitude
24° 5' 26'', longitude 67° 13' 7'\ The village of San Pedro is two
miles north of the port. The note-book of Lieutenant Ammen in
reference to it says :
" We had a succession of sand-bars up to this port, on an aver-
age one to every four hundred yards. A steamer navigating the
river even to San Pedro should not have a length greater than
134 AN ACCIDENT.
eighty feet, should be fiat floored, and be capable of making
eight statute miles, the average current being equal to 'three and
a half. Arrived at the port of San Pedro April 16th, 1854 ; visited
the commandante, who received me with every possible kindness,
and supplied me with horses to go to the villa of San Pedro, two
marine miles due north. We were met by Don Louis Cara, the
priest, the captain of the port, and ten or twelve others. They
expressed a desire to visit the vessel. After an examination into
and explanation of every thing, we accompanied these personages
to the villa, and stopped at the house of Don Louis Cara. The day
following, the vessel was overrun with visitors. The commandante
gave us a grand ball that night, at which all the ladies wore shoes.
The authorities and grandees were overwhelming in their polite-
ness. On the day after the ball, with a party consisting of the
officials and the ladies on board, we proceeded on, taking the canoe
in tow for their return. They went up with us a mile, and left,
highly gratified that they had seen a steamer fanction."
My own journal says,
'■'■Novemher 10th. Observed on the bank a wooden cross ; was
informed by the pilot that it was the grave of a poor woman who
had died there suddenly. Surely we, in our boasted civilization,
might borrow from the primitive customs of this country; no
grave, however humble the former position of its occupant, is here
unmarked by this symbol of Christianity. For the second time
since leaving Asuncion the engine is 'hors de combat' by the
breaking of another crank strap. While this damage was repair-
ing we went on shore, and making our way up the bank (which
was here about fifteen feet above the water), and through an al-
most impenetrable fringe and network of vegetation, we spent the
few remaining hours of daylight in searching for specimens. Col-
lected a few plants, among which was the Guaycura remhiu^ a creep-
er, bearing a pretty white, waxlike flower ; its fruit is highly es-
teemed by the Indians, who collect it when green, and roast it.
When ripe it bursts its shell, and exposes beautiftil and dehcate
silklike fibres, to each of which is a seed.
^^ Novemher Wth. Under wa}?" at eight o'clock this morning, hav-
ing made a strap with the best iron on board, one of the awning
stanchions. The government owns extensive estancias and im-
mense herds, which furnish the army with beef. For some hours
this morning we were steaming past one of these estancias, well
stocked with the finest cattle : it is known as Estancia Potreropora.
RIVER CHANGES. 135
Found liere a large quantity of wood conveniently corded. Wher-
ever the pampa is unbroken by a mountain spur, or the banks pre-
sent a sectional view of their formation, they show a stratum of
white clay, with a surface-soil of rich black earth from two to four
feet in depth.
" Anchored near the Piquete Caruy parti, and off the estancia of
Don Francisco Antonio Garcia, near which is the port Piedrenal.
The following morning detained by a rain, which here not only
pours, but falls in sheets. Measured the river by micrometer,
and found it to be one thousand one hundred and seventy yards
wide. Caught some fish, the pacu, the best in these waters. In
six hours from Puerto Piedrenal we arrived at the town of Con-
cepcion. In the depth of river and character of its banks up to
this place found no material change save at the island Toro, about
five miles from Puerto Piedrenal, where there are two islands, the
one near the Chaco side formed since 1842. The channel has shift-
ed more to the east, and has fifteen feet water, the least depth as
yet found between Asuncion and Concepcion.
"Many seals have been seen during the last two days. There
is one feature in the character of these rivers worthy of note — the
apparent inclination of the waters to encroach upon the east bank :
a question suggests itself. Has the revolution of the earth any agen-
cy in this change ? The newly-formed islands are uniformly on
the Chaco side ; so far, the channel inclines undeviatingly to the
east. If influenced by the earth's revolution, the effect should be
as it here appears. Eising in the equatorial regions, and coursing
south through a vast extent of pampa, this river, in conjunction
with the Parana, presents the fairest opportunity of arriving at a
solution of this question. Ten miles below Concepcion we passed
through a narrow arm of the river on the east, at this time the
main channel ; it has a depth of twenty -two feet, and a width of
from sixty to seventy yards. The water is fast deserting the old
bed of the river, which, though half a mile wide, has scarcely depth
enough for a boat. "We passed the mouth of the Ypane, about five
miles below Concepcion ; though it rises in the distant sierras of
Paraguay, it is only navigable for boats. Directly opposite its
mouth is the Riacho Lingua Passo, formed by an island of the same
name. This riacho was in 1842 the main channel, which is now
east of it — another evidence of the movement of the river in that
direction.
"As we approach Concepcion the formation of the bed of the
136 CONCEPCION.
river changes, and the channel is contracted by rocks on either side.
There is, however, neither danger nor difficulty in the navigation,
for we found never less than twenty feet water.
" Anchored in front of the town, and by measurement ascer-
tained the river to be at its narrowest point three hundred and
forty-four yards ; velocity of current two and a half miles per
hour ; temperature of air at meridian 81°, of water 84:°. Found*
here two small craft taking in yerba for Asuncion."
CHAPTER IX.
Concepcion. — Yerba. — Government Monopolies and Restrictions placed upon Trade.
— Favorable Reception. — Guembe and Guembetaya. — The Water Witch. — A Ball
at the Commandante's House. — A Quandary. — Danced down. — Seiior Tachiera.
— Costumes. — Wood for Steamer. — Rio Saladillo. — Salinas. — Indians. — The
Caciques. — A Shaking of Hands and a Smoke. — Palm Forest. — Salvador. — Heat.
— State of the Country. — The Abatiguaniba. — Caragiiatay Guazu. — Manufactures
of its Thread. — Thorns converted into Needles. — The Datil. — Reptile Hunting.
— Supplies. — Value of Hide. — Piquete Arracifc. — Heat. — Paso Melo. — Mount-
ed Indians from the Chaco. — Piquete Judiarte. — Guardia Apatuya. — Beautiful
Scenery. — The Morada and Ytapucu Guazu. — The Children of the Gran Chaco.
— Equestrian and Pedestrian. — Size, Strength, and Longevity. — An Octogenarian
in the Flower of his Age. — Nabidigua. — TheMbayas. — Their Slaves. — The Gua-
rani. — Spiritual Notions of the Aborigines. — No Word for God or Divinity. — Ahar-
aigichi. — Jupa. — Inferior Creatures or not?
Concepcion, in latitude 23° 23' 56'', longitude 57° 30' 39", con-
tains about two thousand inhabitants, and stands on a plain, which,
at the ordinary height of the river, is twenty feet above its level.
It was at one period a flourishing town, and should now be an im-
portant port for the export of yerba and caoutchouc, but the policy
of the Paraguayan government, in monopolizing the trade in all
native products of value, tends to check any spirit of enterprise
which might tempt individuals or companies to build up a com-
merce in these articles. All trade is centralized at Asuncion.
The government is the principal merchant, in virtue of its own
decree, and the prices paid by this factor are not sufficiently re-
munerative to induce laborers to enter the field, fruitful as it is.
There are Yerhales^ or "Yerba Districts," in the interior, some sixty
or seventy miles from Concepcion, to which place their product is
transported in ox-wagons.
In the gathering and preparation of this yerba for market, there
are two modes of procedure ; either to instruct the commandante
YERBA.
187
OUPaNG YEBBA.
of the district to enter tlie yerbales with the force at his command,
or to grant permission to certain contractors to do so. In the first
case, the laborers are paid in goods from the public stores at the
rate of twenty-five cents the arK)ba ; in the latter, the agent or
contractor delivers at Asuncion two thirds of the whole quantity,
packed in hide sacks, containing eight arrobas each, called tercias ;
he bearing all the expenses of labor, transportation, and cost of
the hides for the tercias. This yields a handsome income to his
Excellency. The export amounts annually to not less than ninety
thousand arrobas, and he sells it at about four dollars the arroba ;
he therefore receives about three hundred and sixty thousand dol-
lars from this one article, and without the expenditure of a dollar;
to which should be added a revenue from hides, timber, horse-
hair, etc., amounting also to a large sum.*
There is no restriction on the home consumption, but the mer-
chant who wishes to export this "tea" must purchase from the
state. The rulers of this fine country have many valuable les-
sons to acquire in political and financial science. By opening
* The process of preparing the yerba will be found fully detailed in Lieut. Powell's
"Journal of a Tour through the Yerbales of Paraguay." See Appendix E.
138 NATIONAL CHAEACTERISTICS.
their waters to foreign flags, and encouraging home industry,
even in the collection of indigenous products, and without the
application of agriculture, the revenue from import and export
duties would far exceed that of any monopoly now usurped.
Under the present system, there is a stagnation of all trade at
this place, and the people are poor, and evidently inert, but, like
all Paraguayans, hospitable. We can only hope that the reac-
tionary spirit which has crept into the Argentine Confederation,
and the enlightened ambition of General Urquiza to elevate his
country, politically and socially, by a liberal constitution, educa-
tion of its youth, and direct foreign trade, will prove contagious,
and work their course toward the northern republic of La Plata.
Soon after anchoring I called at the commandante's, where I
met the principal personages of the place, who were emphatic in
their offers of service, seeming to consider it a point of national
honor to give us a distinguished reception. Isolated as the Para-
guayans have been, they are animated, I observed, by a strong
nationality, intense love of country, though not awakened to any
application of its surpassing natural wealth to the requirements
of trade. To express appreciation of Paraguay, we discovered,
was a sure avenue to the hearts of these people ; and this tribute
we could offer them in all truth and sincerity. Horses were ten-
dered us, with the assurance that they would continue at our dis-
posal while we remained at Concepcion ; and, as sailors rarely de-
cline such an opportunity of exercise, we availed ourselves of the
tempting favor, and visited the adjacent country, which is flat,
sandy, and uninteresting.
We passed an indifferent house here and there, surrounded
with little and poor cultivation, but collected a few plants, among
which was the parasite guembepi or guembe. I pulled one from
the limb of a quebracho, thirty feet from the ground, to which
its tendrils had descended, and taken root in the earth. This is
one of the most useful plants in Paraguay, for from its fibre is
manufactured an admirable rope, of which all the hawsers and
tow-lines used by vessels in the river-trade are made ; indeed, be-
fore the Eevolution, it was extensively used in the navy of Spain.
The guembe and the guembetaya are so similar in appearance
that they are often confounded, but they have very different
characteristics, as I ascertained by observation, which was con-
firmed by information derived from an intelligent Paraguayan,
who had given some attention to the natural products of his coun-
THE GUEMBE AND THE GUEMBETAYA. I39
try, and who had opportunities of observing these plants at all
seasons. The guembe is valuable for its bark only, the guembe-
taya for its fruit. The latter takes root in the earth, generally
near some large tree, around which it will entwine, and climb to
the utmost branches with such a grasp as not unfrequently to
destroy it. It bears a beautiful trumpet-shaped flower of a deli-
cate straw-color, which is succeeded by a fruit highly prized by
the Indians. It is similar in appearance and taste to Indian corn,
and is prepared and used by the natives in the same manner for
bread. I had an opportunity of seeing both these plants growing,
and have been thus particular in drawing the distinction between
them, because Azara, generally an excellent authority, so far as
he touches upon the botany of La Plata, speaks only of the guem-
be, and assigns to it the characteristics of both plants.
"While off Concepcion, the Water Witch was an object of great
curiosity and interest, not only to the inhabitants of the town^ but
to those of the surrounding country ; for none except a few who
had visited Ascension when a steamer — a rare sight even there —
happened to be in port had ever before seen one. People from a
long distance in the interior flocked to see the wonderful bark.
Men, women, and children crowded on board, and would sit for
hours under the awning of the deck, seemingly astonished and
delighted at all they saw, and eagerly questioning the old Gua-
rani pilot as to the meaning of many things to them so incompre-
hensible.
We were invited on the first evening of our arrival to a ball at
the commandante's, where were assembled all the beauty and dis«
tinction of the place. The floor of the ball-room was of tile, the
lights tallow ; indeed, there was little to meet a cosmopolitan
standard of elegance, but the good-breeding and native tact of
the people made it an occasion of enjoyment to us all. There is
no village or region of the earth so small or remote as not to have
its " upper ten." The knowledge of this fact placed me in a di-
lemma. Being the "Senor Commandante," I was expected to
select, as a partner for the waltz, the most distinguished lady
present. When all looked alike, it was impossible to discrimi-
nate: a mistake would have been a national insult. In this
quandary, I placed m37self in the hands of the commandante, who
dashed off to a formidable row of females at the upper end of the
room, from whence he brought forth a partner, assuring me she
danced divinely. This I could not doubt, for what woman in
140 A BALL AT CONCEPCION.
Spanish America can't waltz, and waltz well ? but was slie one
of a class so often found in this country, that "never tires?"
The music began ; off we started, followed by the officers of
the Water Witch, and all the belles and beaux of the town.
Bound and round, whirl and whirl — "Bravo, Senor Comman-
dante !" — the invariable exclamation of our host as we passed —
began to sound faintly in my ear; on, on we flew; I no longer sup-
ported the lady ; she carried me round. Was I about to reahze
the theory of perpetual motion ? Sights and sounds were grow-
ing dim and, confused, when, perhaps aroused by the noisy
"bravo" of the commandante, I gathered my failing strength,
broke away from the fair lady, and beat a retreat from the room.
I was fairly danced down.
When I returned after a few moments' absence, the senorita had
found another partner, and was whirling again, looking as fresh
and smiling as if just beginning the dance. The refreshments
consisted of cakes, red wine, caiia, and, above all, the important
and refreshing mate.
The following evening was passed in a similar manner at the
house of " Senor Tachiera," a Brazilian. Senor Tachiera had been
a detenu of Francia, and spoke feelingly of his efforts, and the con-
suming desire, during that detention, to return to Brazil. At last
he resigned himself to his fate, married g, Paraguayan, and had a
large family around him. "Now," said he, "I have taken deep
root in the soil, and shall never see Brazil again." Indeed, the
laws oblige him, even now, to take root in the soil, or " abandon his
#wife;" for no woman can leave the country without permission
of the President, a favor not easily obtained. He gave me a small
box of the resin of the " Palo Santo" for the President of the
United States, neatly put up and accompanied by a note, which
I forwarded by the first opportunity to the Navy Department.
This kind-hearted Brazilian and his family were indefatigable
in their efforts to amuse us: the daughter danced and smoked
with a vivacity that were charming ; for the usages of the coun-
try make smoking admissible to all, men, women, and children ;
and dancing is the amusement of Spanish America.
These simple hospitalities are recalled as agreeable social remi-
niscences of life in that interior country, and were, at the time, a
pleasant relief from the labors of the expedition.
We were astonished to find the women of these remote regions
so handsomely and appropriately dressed; and, in contradiction
FIREWOOD AND TIMBER. 141
to all previous reports, their pretty feet were covered with shoes
and stockings. lu fact, there is no fever so contagious as fashion ;
and as there was a rumor that the President's daughters drew upon
French art, can it be doubted that the fair ladies of Concepcion
had received an inspiration from those importations ? Occasion-
ally in these parts, so distant from Asuncion, the centre of Para-
guayan distinction, we see a costume of Francia's time, the short
jacket and vest scarce covering the shoulder-blade, and the point-
ed hat from fourteen to sixteen inches high ; but an individual
who should appear at the capital in such a costume would incur
the indignation of the President and the openly-expressed ridicule
ofaU.
Concepcion was one of the points at which I expected wood,
and I found sixty cords of the best quality well cut and corded.
In this lot no less than twelve persons were interested, but they
permitted us to receive it at our own measurement. Four dollars
per cord was the price demanded. In a land of endless forests,
this was perhaps too much; but it was cheap fuel when it is
considered that with it the steamer was run at the rate of two
dollars the hour. It was a new business to these people, and I
could afterward have contracted for any quantity at the rate of
from two and a half to three dollars the cord. When a trade
shall spring up with Brazil and Bolivia via the Paraguay, the cut-
ting and sale of wood at this point will of itself give profitable
employment to hundreds of the inhabitants of this town.
" On the 15th," says my journal, " we were again under way.
Crowds of people assembled on the banks to see the Water Witch
move under steam. Soon passed a salina — salt-field. The water
is not affected ; to the taste it is pure. Arroyo la Patria is a wide
riacho ten miles above Concepcion, which extends about twelve
miles into the Chaco. On its banks are noble trees of la pacho
and quebracho, considered the hardest and most durable of all the
arboreal treasures of Paraguay. They would be- invaluable for
ship-building, and small quantities are cut for this purpose annu-
ally for the government, and transported to Asuncion. The banks
of the Paraguay are here on both sides low and marshy, but some
distance inland well wooded. Near the mouth of the Kio Saladil-
lo is a rock in mid-channel ; on either side deep water. This is an
unimportant stream, rising in the interior of Paraguay. At the
season of low water it is so strongly impregnated with salt that it
can not be drunk. The channel of the Paraguay a httle above
142 INDIANS OF THE CHACO.
here is diverted from wliat would seem to be the main bed of the
river by rocky obstructions, and has taken a course west of the
island Uriate, where it is deep, but narrow. Less than a mile
above the island Zapepa, and about twenty from Concepcion, are
Salinas^ and near them many huts of salt-gatherers. I am partic-
ular in noting these instances of salinas and salados to the east,
because most writers assert that they exist only west of the Para-
guay and Parana. Thirty miles from Concepcion passed the mouth
of the Arquidaban, which rises in the Cordillera Maricayu, and
empties into a riacho of the same name."
Four miles above, for the first time, we saw a number of In-
dians on the Chaco side. Only a few presented themselves im-
mediately on the bank, but we observed a large body half con-
cealed— they imagined wholly so — by the long grass and palm.
Accompanied by some of the ofiicers and men, all armed, to show
that we were prepared to be either friends or enemies, I went on
shore. The savages had placed their bows and arrows at a dis-
tance, and as we landed one of them pointed to their cacique.
Our Guarani pilot called their attention to ' our cacique,' when a
great shaking of hands took place, the Indians uttering deep gut-
tural sounds. I gave the cacique a lighted cigar, of which he took
a whiff, and passed it to his companions. Soon the whole party,
men, women, and children, came rushing from their hiding-places,
eager to shake hands with us. They were without paint or orna-
ments- of any kind, and perfectly nude, except a small piece of cot-
ton or woolen cloth, or skin of wild animals, around the loins.
They proved to be a part of the famous Lengua tribe : the men
were good-looking, well made, and above the ordinary stature;
their eyes long, not unlike the Chinese, but larger ; the mouth
wide. The women were disfigured by the hideous tattooing which
is, according to Azara, their preparation for marriage. These In-
dians have horses and sheep, cultivate a little corn and cotton,
and their women spin with the distaff', and weave a coarse wool-
en and cotton cloth.
Hoping to satisfy the cacique that our intentions were pacific,
and presuming that he would communicate this impression to
other tribes with whom he might fall in, I invited him and some
others to go on board the Water Witch. It must have been to
them a wonderful sight, for not only no steamer, but no vessel ap-
proaching the size of our craft had ever before passed over these
waters ; but not a sound or movement betrayed either astonish-
HIGH LANDS.— SALVADOR 143
ment, admiration, or fear on the part of tlie chief Some of those
who accompanied him had less command over themselves, and
manifested a little uneasiness ; no persuasion could induce them
to go below, after having been shown every thing on deck. We
gave them a few trinkets, fish-hooks, cigars, with which they seem-
ed pleased, offering us, in return, some balls of yarn spun by their
women. The point in the Chaco at which we landed for a parley
with these Indians was a verdant plain elevated some ten feet
above the river, and studded inland with stately palms so far as
the eye could reach.
At the close of day we anchored fifty-two miles above Concep-
cion, at a point where the Riacho No via unites with the main river.
Width one third of a mile ; least depth since leaving Concepcion,
fifteen feet ; greatest, sixty of line, and " no bottom." Temperature
of the air at meridian, 92° ; water, 86|-°.
^'■November 16ih. Under way at an early hour this morning, and
had made but little progress, when we came to the most extensive
palm-forest as yet seen. It reached nine unbroken miles along
the Chaco bank, and extended back to the very verge of the hori-
zon ; the grass was green and vigorous. At the termination of this
plain the banks rise to the height of fifteen feet, covered for several
miles with lapacho and quebracho. This is the greatest elevation
we have met with since leaving Concepcion ; the more remarka-
ble for being on the west. Saw another party of mounted Indians
approaching the river at full speed, but they proved to be a part
of the same tribe we had already seen, and wanted presents.
" Before us the first rolling land — in rear of the town of Salvador
— was seen since leaving Concepcion. The estancias and quintas
of this range look well in the distance, and add much to the cheer-
fulness and picturesque beauty of the country. The town stands
half way up this ridge, which rises gradually from the water to
the height of about one hundred feet, and forms a plateau extend-
ing back about half a mile. The approach to it by the river is
very pretty ; shore line crescent-shaped. Anchored in thirty feet
water.
" Salvador, in latitude 22° 48' 45'' south, longitude 57° 54' 33"
west, has about one thousand inhabitants, and is, by the course of
the river, seventy miles from Concepcion, and the most northern
town or settlement, except guardias, in Paraguay. , Least depth
of water to this place fifteen feet, and this at a season when the
river is supposed to be eight feet above its lowest point and six
144 TEMPERATURE.— CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY.
below its highest. We are now five hundred and twenty miles
from the mouth of the Paraguay, and have encountered no obsta-
cles to a clear and easy navigation of its waters. An experienced
boatman of our Western rivers could discover, by inspection only,
the course of deep water. The temperature of the water, 86°, is a
mean between the daily extremes of the atmosphere. Since leav-
ing Concepcion the thermometer has ranged from 75° to 95°, the
minimum being at 8 A.M., rising and falling at both points with
the influence of north and south winds. The heat is always more
or less tempered by breezes. In our gradual approach to the
equator we have perhaps become somewhat acclimated ; for, spite
of the fatigue of watching ten or twelve hours of the twenty -four
on the hurricane deck, where we are brought in close proximity to
the smoke-stack, with only an awning to protect us from the effects
of a vertical sun, we have not found the heat insufferable. Our
thermometer, as much removed as possible from the influence of
artificial heat, was no index to the temperature of our working
position, selected for the purpose of giving an uninterrupted view
of the river and adjacent country."
Soon after anchoring we visited the commandante. In the at-
tentions paid to us here, and at every point on the river, the influ-
ence of government orders is apparent. Our arrival was evident-
ly anticipated by instructions from the capital, and both officials
and villagers offered us every facility in the prosecution of our
work. Apart from this influence, the inhabitants of Paraguay
manifest an unmistakable disposition to exercise hospitality toward
strangers.
Though surrounded by great natural advantages, the people of
Salvador are poor. Their condition is a silent but expressive re-
proach to the policy of Paraguayan rulers ; for to supply their im-
mediate and absolute wants, and to meet punctually the exactions
of the government, are all they are taught or permitted. I ac-
cepted the commandante's offer of horses, and, accompanied by
several of the ofl&cers of the Water Witch, rode over the neigh-
boring country. The estancias were small, and the stock neither
in number nor quality very great ; the soil, though sandy, seemed
to be highly adapted to the most varied products. Corn, rice,
sugar-cane, tobacco, mandioca, water-melons, cabbages, pimipkins,
and several varieties of beans were growing luxuriantly. The
rice was the upland species, cultivated in rows, at an elevation of
eighty feet above the water ; it required no irrigation, and prom-
THE CARAGUATAY GUAZU. 145
ised an abundant harvest. The indigenous products of this region
are also valuable. The wild maize, the Abatiguaniha of the Gua-
rani, is a bountiful provision of nature, for it is parched or pound-
ed into meal by the natives,, and much liked by them when made
into bread. The grain is not unhke millet, with blades one third
of the width of common Indian corn.
In this vicinity the most useful species of the aloe tribe abounds,
xhe Caraguatay guazu: from its filamentous tissues the people of
the country make ropes, fishing-lines, etc. Careful experiments
have proved it to be both stronger and more durable for cordage
than hemp, while, at the same time, it may be manufactured into
the finest fabrics. The Spaniards used it for caulking, and pre-
ferred it to every other material ; and Don Josef de Bustamente y
Guerra, a friend and contemporary of Azara,* experimented with
ropes of it and of hemp — the latter made at a Spanish arsenal —
and his trial proved that of caraguatay to be the stronger.
Under the direction of the Jesuits, the Indians spun and wove
it into cloth, and, according to Dobrizhoffer, such beautiful stock-
ings were made of its thread, that in France, both for strength and
softness, they were preferred to silk ; but he also tells us that " no
time or art can make these threads white, nor will they hold color."
We have only to remember that this intelligent Jesuit wrote more
than a century ago* and that now art and science, applied to man-
ufactures, seeni to make all things possible. The Styrian Father
continues in his quaint style to dwell upon the uses of the different
species of this plant :
" Their leaves supply the place of flax in making thread. The
Indians look upon the various fruits of the caraguatay as food.
From their leaves, when scraped with a knife, flows a sweet liquor,
which is thickened on the fire, and condensed into sugar. This
liquor of the caraguatay, mixed in water with the seeds of oranges
or lemons, undergoes a vinous fermentation ; exposed to the sun,
it turns to vinegar. By what method and in what cases wounds
are healed by the juice of the caraguatay would be long to tell. A
polypodium, preferable in the opinion of physicians to any Euro-
pean one, grows on the caraguatay."
In this vicinity is found the "datil," one of the numerous palms,
* Azara : " Mon ami Don Josef de Bustamente y Guerra, fit fabriqner avec du
caraguata un bout de corde de la grosseur du pouce ; et I'ayant compare avec un
autre de la meme grosseur, fabrique' dans nos arsenaux avec du chanvre, celui de
caraguata se trouva plus fort."
10
146 EEPTILE HUNTING.— USES OF HIDES.
Its fruit grows in clusters, looking like a colossal bunch of grapes ;
the outer shell is thin, and envelops a sweet, yellowish, stringy-
substance, of which the natives are very fond, covering a nut
about an inch in diameter, containing the kernel from which the
oil is extracted either by pressure or boiling. The appearance
and size of this nut are similar to that of the filbert, and in taste
it is very like the cocoanut.
Although little accustomed to trade,' we found the people quite
ready to dispose of any article for cash. I employed a boy to pro-
cure reptiles, and for this purpose gave him two large specimen-
jars half filled with cana, charging him to omit no species, how-
ever common in the country. He soon returned with a quantity
of diminutive toads, enough to have stocked every collection in
the United States. I discontinued his services, but found that I
had started a new branch of trade in Salvador, for a goodly por-
tion of the population turned out reptile-hunting ; and had I not
left the following day, I might unintentionally have worked one
of the miracles of Saint Patrick for this neighborhood.
In a chmate where the thermometer ranges from 76° to 96° the
lightest clothing is alone comfortable ; many altogether despise
this essential of civihzation; and half-grown boys and girls, whose
limbs had never been girded, ran about the country, or, plunging
into the river as if it were their natural element, swam around the
Water Witch, looking as innocent and unconscious as our first pa-
rents before the fall.
Having received wood and supplies of fresh provisions, consist-
ing of molasses, beef, figs, chickens, eggs, corn, milk, mandioca,
cabbages, onions, and pumpkins, we bade adieu to the people of
the town, who came down to see us off — to wish us success and
a speedy return. The molasses, made in the neighborhood, was
of excellent quality, and we paid for it at the rate of twelve and a
half cents a gallon. I purchased a quantity for the ship's compa-
ny, which was brought on board in an ox-hide, having its four
corners drawn together and fastened so that it could be swung
upon a pole and carried by two men. It was poured into some
empty casks in the " spirit- room," and the hide returned to the
men who brought it. They expressed much astonishment at our
generosity, and evidently considered it of more value than the mo-
lasses. We had been too long in the country not to have discov-
ered that, though abounding in wood and iron, hide was the favor-
ite substitute for both, as well as for rope and a variety of other
ASCENT OF THE RIVER.— PASO MALO.
147
articles considered by \is essentials in the ruder mechanical arts.
If yerba, the staple of the country, is to be transported thousands
of miles, it is neither packed in barrels nor boxes, but in hide bags
{tercias)^ sewed up with strips of the same material.
There was a little craft at the landing, receiving on board hides
and yerba, the only articles of trade from Salvador. The "yer-
bales" are seventy miles from this place, but, owing to the monop-
oly of their product by the government, the population in the vi-
cinity of them has diminished, and the annual shipment decreased
from six hundred thousand arrobas to fifty thousand.
" Under way," says my journal. " Have advanced three and a
half miles, and are passing a government estancia extending three
leagues on the river, and containing a herd of six thousand head
of horned cattle, some hogs and sheep ; the two first very supe-
rior, the sheep mdilFerent. These government estancias are to be
found in every part of Paraguay, but more particularly along the
river and in the vicinity of guardias. Seven miles above Salva-
dor, encountered a ledge of rocks which extends across two thirds
the width of the river, forcing the channel on the Chaco side.
There is no appearance of rock formation on either bank, both be-
ing here low and marshy. This characteristic continues for five
miles to Piquete Arracife, in latitude 22° 45' 33'', and longitude
57° 57' 31", distant from Asuncion two hundred and sixty-two
nules. Except piquetes and guardias, there is not, beyond, a sin-
gle habitation on Paraguay territory, and this is the last place at
which we have contracted for the deUvery of wood.
" The weather to-day, November 17th, has been intensely hot,
thermometer ranging from 75° at three A.M. to 99° at three P.M. ;
at midnight thermometer showed 86°, and at six A.M. 79°, the
wind being north and northwest, the point whence come winds
charged with the radiated heat of a vast pampa. The fires of the
furnace having been extinguished while wooding at midday, the
reading of the thermometer at three P.M. was uninfluenced by any
current of artificial heat. Half a mile below Arracife is a ledge
of rocks on either side of the channel, but navigation is neither
impeded nor endangered by them.
" One mile above is Paso Malo — " Bad Pass," so called from
there bemg less water than at any point between Asuncion and
Albuquerque ; and yet, even here, the least depth is twelve feet,
and this we found at only two casts of the lead, equivalent to six
feet when the river is at its lowest state. Both banks continue
148 WARLIKE INDIANS.
low, with extensive plains of palm and grass on the Chaco side.
Advanced twelve miles ; the river turns east, and the Sierra Yta-
pucumini, which is first seen in the distance at Piquete Tobas, six
miles below, terminates on the left bank, in a bluff of limestone
forty feet high, covered with a growth of valuable woods. This
wooded limestone plateau continues for some miles on the east
bank, while the opposite or Chaco side presents the same low
plain of palms. The Sierra Ytapucumini is a continuation of the
distant high lands first seen in approaching Salvador. All the
limestone used at Asuncion, and other places on the river, is taken
from this neighborhood."
Five miles above Arracife, while running close to the right
bank, we saw a host of mounted Indians in the distance. They
came dashing at a full gallop over the plain, looking like Cen-
taurs, as they gracefully guided their horses through the windings
of a dense palm forest, and undeviatingly directed their course to
the river, without for an instant checking speed. On they came,
men and women, in all their nudity ; no garments of any descrip-
tion, except a piece of stuff about the loins ; neither paint nor or-
naments, neither saddles nor bridles, but controlling their animals
with a rude rein of hide passed over the lower jaw, and confined
by a thong of the same material.
Arrived on the bank, they made signs for a "talk." The
steamer was stopped, and some of us landed. They proved to be
a part of one of the most warlike tribes, the Angaite, and were
noble-looking creatures, above the ordinary stature, and well
formed : their teeth were white and regular ; hair luxuriant, •and
cut square upon the forehead. We gazed with interest upon
these savages, for the warlike Chaco tribes have alone, amid the
degradation and extirpation of the nations of their race upon the
American continent, defied, for more than three centuries, the
power of the white man. They still maintain their wild independ-
ence, not in mtricate and inaccessible passes of mountain ranges —
not in great sterile plains, or among death-exhaling morasses,
where the ingenuity or industry of the white man could obtain
no remunerative return, but over a vast domain of two hundred
thousand square miles, spreading out into noble forests of precious
woods, lovely plains, accessible by navigable rivers, and irrigated
by hundreds of their tributary streams ; a land not figuratively,
but literally flowing with milk and honey.* They have a salu-
* The honey of the Chaco is celebrated in La Plata.
f/i I Kill ^^H\ T,^^' -"^''-^1 ^1^.
COURSE OF THE RIVER. 151
brioiis climate ; a remedio, iu tlieir indigenous products, for every
disease and wound ; amid a perfection of vegetal beauty, they
live, attaining a longevity almost unknown to the white man,
without the physical decay of his old age.
After a talk, and presents of tobacco and beads, we left them,
with a promise, on their part, to meet us on our return, with skins
of wild animals, specimens, etc. ; but we never saw them again.
" Four miles to the Piquete Judiarte ; river more tortuous,
winding through twenty points of the compass. This piquete is
twenty-two miles from Salvador by the river, and nine by land.
Extensive palm plains begin on the east, and disappear on the
west. I have observed that rarely or never do those plains ap-
pear on both banks at. the same time. At the Vuelta Caapucu
the course of the river is diverted by rocky obstructions, and the
west bank becomes more elevated. After passing the last piquete,
the Sierra Caapucu may be seen at intervals at some distance in
the interior. Twenty miles above, it approaches the Paraguay,
and presents a precipitous rocky bluff, known to the natives as
Piedra Partida — ' Freestone.' This range extends five miles on
the river, and throughout the whole distance is covered with fine
timber. It then recedes again, and terminates about half a mile
in the interior, in a beautiful cone — Mount Pina Hermosa,* which
is twenty-six miles from Piquete Judiarte.
^^ November 18ih. Continue to ascend; in view upon the left,
mountain ranges well timbered, contrasting strangely with the
boundless palm plains of the right bank. At three points in this
day's work have observed an inclination of the channel to the
west ; the only deviation from an easterly direction, which it has
heretofore maintained with great uniformity. May not this arise
from the physical changes to which I have alluded, and the bar-
rier which the rocky abutments of the east bank oppose to the
working of the river in that direction ?
" November 19th. With intervals of a few minutes for meals, I
have worked to-day incessantly for "ten hours. This, with the
debilitating influence of the weather, has produced excessive fa-
tigue and lassitude. In these latitudes I believe the siesta is es-
sential to vigorous health. Thermometer has ranged from 84° to
96° at 3 P.M. Wind K, N.E., and N.AV. At 6 P.M., wind
S.E. ; thermometer 76° : the influence of the wind, in this in-
stance, producing, in three hours, a change of temperature great-
* So called from a stone of fine texture found in it.
152 BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.
er than is here caused bj the seasons ; and this is the uniform
result,
" Passing a rocky bluif on the left bank, where stands the Guar-
dia Apatuya : it is sixty miles above Salvador, and the last 'of
these posts but one in approaching the northern frontier.
" Having broken another crank strap, anchored two miles be-
yond, at the mouth of the E,iacho Toldocue, which takes its name
from a tribe of Indians that formerly occupied the adjacent coun-
try. There is an absence of every mark of civilization, but the
scenery is surpassingly beautiful ; the distant ranges and spurs of
sierras on the left, although of no great height, present ever- varying
landscapes ; and as the steamer passes her length upon the waters,
picturesque views open upon us in the east with increased beauty.
From our anchorage, a distant view of Mount Galvan. Cloudy
weather prevents the usual observations for geographical determ-
ination.
" November 20th. Throughout this day the beauty of the face
of the country has called forth the admiration of all on board.
On both sides, mountains. On the east, the spurs of the Sierras
Morada and Ytapucu Guazu, crowned with forests of noble tim-
ber, approach the river in precipitous, sections of stratified rock,
of from sixty to one hundred feet elevation, and inclose between
them palm plains, with grass green and fresh as a hay-field in
June. On the Chaco side, the lofty conical Galvan stands like a
watch-tower over the plains. Isolated, it rises from a sea of palm
and grass, which stretches easterly to the river, and on the north,
south, and west to the verge of the horizon.
" November 21st. Scenery continues very beautiful. On the
east, the spurs of the sierras still approach and recede from the
river, the dark verdure of their forests enameled by the brilliant
flora of parasite and epiphyte. Our crew, about fifty souls, many
of thorn rude seamen — 'they that go down to the sea in ships,
and occupy their business in great waters' — gaze around them in
silence, and, from their unusually subdued manner, we may be-
lieve with hearts touched by the wondrous beauties of creation
hourly unfolded. They are many hundred miles from the sea, in
a vessel diminutive, it is true, but one in which they had trav-
ersed seven thousand miles of ocean before entering these waters.
Their rugged natures are still disciplined by the laws and regula-
tions of a national ship, ' afloat,' not upon the broad ocean, but
upon a river ; not watching the sporting of the Great Leviathan,
YTAPUCU GUAZU.
153
or the plienomena of a vast expanse of sea and sky, but cruising
through verdant plains, flower-gardens, parks, forests of gigantic
trees, mountain ranges, their wild grandeur contrasting impress-
ively with the green fields nestling under and between them.
There is a pervading woody aroma; all the depth and brilliant
tints of tropical regions ; new and beautiful species of animal life
swim across the steamer's track, or appear upon the banks, or
dash through the bordering forest ; the day is enlivened by con-
certs of birds of gay plumage ; the stillness of the night is broken
by strange sounds from the shores, as if all animated life was
startled by the appearance of this new force of civilization dis-
turbino; the solitude of their domain.
TBEMINATXON OP A SPHE OP YTAPDCD GUAZU.
" We have now in full view the rocky spurs, of the Morada and
the ' Ytapucu Guazu ;' they contain quarries of a sandstone of
fine texture, said to be of unequaled quality when worked into
hones for fine edged tools. On the Chaco side, small patches of
pumpkins, but no Indian near them ; even on this limited scale
it is the first cultivation we have seen on that bank.
" Anchored off Guardia Concluencia. It stands on the slope
of a section of the ' Ytapucu Guazu,' and is the northern frontier
guardia of Paraguay, distant from Asuncion three hundred and
fifty miles. The encroachments of Brazil and the hostilities of
the Chaco Indians are here alike feared."
154 INDIANS OF THE CHACO.
Soon after landing we received a visit from the commandante,
who proudly speaks of his guardia as the northern key to the re-
public. An irreconcilable feud seems to exist between the Para-
guayans and the warlike Indians of the neighboring territory.
The savages have few or no canoes, and rarely go upon the water ;
but the Paraguayans owe their exemption from all hostile incur-
sion less to the barrier which the river presents than to the divi-
sions and jealousies existing among the tribes, and to the absence
among them of all arms that could be effective in invading the
opposite country ; for, on foot, the bow and arrow, and, mounted,
the lance, are still their only implements of war. The immensity
of their territory and their nomadic habits render them, in return,
safe from all pursuit. Mounted upon fleet horses, with their wives
and children, and driving flocks and herds before them, they have
only to plunge into the unexplored regions of their domain.
Though the white population of La Plata dwell with enthusiasm
upon the beauty and fruitfulness of the Chaco, few or none but
the Jesuits have ever attempted to explore the mysteries of its
interior. We have for some days been passing the lands still
occupied by Mbayas, Lenguas, Angaite, and Guanos, names famil-
iar to us from the contests of their progenitors with the Spanish
conquerors; "nations comprehending innumerable divisions, or
small tribes, who add to their names with time, and, when ques-
tioned on this subject, give the new additions without dispensing
with the old. It is beyond question that the charts of the Jesuits
scarcely have space for the insertion of their different names, so
numerous are the tribes."*
I should judge by my own observation, and from information
given me by inhabitants of the country, that these unsubjugated
Indians, with the exception of the domesticity of birds and quad-
rupeds among them — a thing unknown at the time of the Span-
ish invasion — still retain the habits and physical characteristics
which the early writers upon this country, a little later the Jesu-
its, and more recently Azara, have ascribed to them. A Jesuit
divides them into " Equestrian" and " Pedestrian" tribes, but
Azara more justly distinguishes them as "Warlike" and "Agri-
cultural." Though they are now, and were at the time of the
Jesuitic influence, skillful horsemen, it was an art acquired from
the Spaniards, who, as is well known, introduced the horse upon
that section of the continent ; agriculture was, at the time of the
* Azara,
THEIR PHYSICAL VIGOR. I55
invasion, pursued with success by some of the tribes, while oth-
ers, warhke and ferocious, Hved by the chase or fishing.
Though many of them now possess horned cattle, sheep, and
horses, except for the latter, which have, from habit, become nec-
essary to them, they give to their increase little or no attention.
Mounted, they course over the Chaco, preferring the precarious
subsistence of the chase to pastoral or agricultural pursuits, which
the fruitfalness of the soil, the fine natural pastures, and the con-
stant recurrence of saliferous lands and waters would make so sure
and easy a source of supply for all their physical necessities.
The most extraordinary accounts are given by the Jesuits of
the size, strength, and vigor of the warlike Chaco Indians. I have
alluded to the Abipones, a few of whom, in a semi-civilized state,
we saw near Santa Fe. Dobrizhoflfer speaks of them as a nation
of Masanissas. "If," says this author, "a man dies at eighty, he
is lamented as if cut oflp in the flower of his age." He mentions
men of a hundred mounting fiery horses like boys of twelve years;
and adds, " Women generally live longer than men, because they
are not killed in war." He proceeds to account for this lon-
gevity without physical decay, and their organization, "muscu-
lar," "robust," and "agile," which he ascribes somewhat to cli-
matic influence, but still more to the instinctive avoidance by
youth, both males and females, of licentious courses' and to tem-
perance through life in food and all sensual gratification. What
Tacitus says of the ancient Germans he applies to them : " Cibi
simplices, agrestia poma, recens fera, aut lac concretum, sine appa-
ratu, sine blandimentis expellunt famem."
Azara, who wrote many years after the Styrian Jesuit, in speak-
ing of Lenguas, Mbayas, and other warlike tribes, says, " Their
height, the grandeur and elegance of their forms and their pro-
portions are not equaled in the world." He refers constantly to
Indians, vigorous, athletic, and possessing perfect hair and teeth,
who had numbered several years over a century.
A cacique of the Mbayas, Nabidigua, six feet two inches high,
was, in 1794, asked his age. He replied, " I do not know ; but
when the Cathedral in Asuncion was begun, I was married and
had a son." This Cathedral was built in 1689, and, supposing the
cacique to have been fifteen at the time of his marriage, he must
have been, in 1794, one hundred and twenty years old, and yet he
then " mounted his horse, handled his lance, went into war, or fol-
lowed the chase with the youngest."
156 THE MBAYAS AND LENGUAS.
Of all the tribes, the Mbajas continued to give most trouble to
the white population, crossing the Paraguay and waging war for
many years so successfally, to the very neighborhood of Asuncion,
that the Spaniards were forced, in 1746, to conclude a formal treaty
of peace with them. They are still seen in those parallels of the
Chaco, 20° and 22° south, which they originally occupied, divided
into iolderias, or wigwams. Azara, in writing of them at the close
of the eighteenth century, says, " They had with them many Gua-
nos, part of an agricultural tribe, who served them, cultivating
their lands without remuneration ; for this reason the Mbayas
call them their slaves, but their servitude is gentle, because the
Guanos submit to it voluntarily and renounce it at will. Added
to this, their masters give few orders, they never employ an imper-
ative and obligatory tone, and they partake of all things, even
their carnal pleasures, with the Guanos, for the Mbayas are not
jealous."
The Chaco was both the Elysium and Palestine of the Indians
in that section of the continent. Undoubtedly occupied by indig-
enous tribes, it yet became the hiding-place or refuge-home of all
who fled from the Spaniards of Peru, or from those east of the
central rivers, but, above all, from the Portuguese slave-hunters ;
"for there they had mountains for observatories, trackless woods
for fortifications, rivers and marshes for ditches, and plantations
of fruit-trees for store-houses."* And there their descendants still
live, in wild independence, bidding defiance to the white popula-
tion of the opposite shores of "La Plata."
I have alluded to our parleys with Lenguas, or Guaycurus, and
Anguites, and can add my testimony to the assertions of the Jes-
uits and Spanish authors as to their extraordinary physical organ-
ization, superior stature, teeth, perfection of limb ; those relating
to their health and longevity without decay are fully confirmed
by the people of the country.
The Paraguay Eiver was generally, but not invariably, the
boundary between the warlike and agricultural nations. The
Guanos, to whom I have alluded as the slaves or laborers of the
Mbayas, were found west of the river, while the innumerable
tribes comprehended in the Guarani nation occupied a large part
of Brazil and the country east of the Paraguay and Parana.
They possessed, at the time of the Spanish invasion, a compar-
ative civilization, raising corn, rice, and many vegetables ; gather-
* Dobrizhoffjr.
THE GUANOS AND GUARANIS. 157
ing wild honey and fruits, distilling a liquor which became popu-
lar among the Spaniards, and cultivating cotton, from which they
spun and wove a simple covering for their nakedness.
Before the revolution, parties of Guanos, in troops of fifty and a
hundred, descended the Paraguay and Parana, going even to Bue-
nos Ayres, where they hired themselves, for a limited period, to
the estancieros ; always choosing to work by the task, leaving their
arms with the alcalde on entering a village or district, and claim-
ing them again when ready to return to the Chaco. The descend-
ants of these agricultural Indians still go forth as laborers in the
Argentine Confederation, returning at stated periods to their wilds.
The Guarani nation not only possessed a large part of the coun-
try now known as Brazil and the basin of La Plata, east of the cen-
tral rivers, from the sixteenth to the thirtieth degree of latitude,
but, crossing the upper waters of the Paraguay, they even penetra-
ted west to the province of Chiquitos, where, at the foot of the An-
des, numbers of them, under the name of Chiriguanos, were found.
They acknowledged no one head or chief, but were divided into
numerous small tribes, designated by the name of its cacique or
the section of the country they happened to occupy ; recognizable,
however, not only by general characteristics, but by their language,
precisely the same throughout the tribes of their nation, however
geographically placed, and yet entirely different from all others of
the many Indian idioms of the Southern continent.
With a knowledge of Guarani, one could pass through the ex-
tent of their territory ] that is, travel through Brazil, enter Para-
guay, descend to Buenos Ayres, and journey into Peru, without
finding such changes in the language as might arise from local
causes.
But, if the most civilized and the most numerous of all the La
Plata nations, so were they the most easily conquered, for warlike
pursuits- were distasteful to them. It was among this people that
the Spaniards formed their largest commanderies, the Jesuits their
I first neophytes; while vast numbers, not only the tribes occupjdng
Brazilian territory, but those of the " reductions" of the Jesuits,
were carried off by the Mamelucas.
These Indians evinced a wonderful obedience and docility to the
instructions of the Jesuits ; became, under their military training,
excellent soldiers ; and, to the honor of the Fathers — upon whom,
notwithstanding, many of the Spanish writers have exhausted the
asperities of their language — gave evidence of such submission and
168 THEIR RELIGIOUS OPINIONS.
fidelity to the Spanisli monarcliy that they participated in many
of their wars, both against foreign and domestic foes, contributing
largely to their victories, and saving them from injury, if not ex-
tirpation, by more than one wide-spread and well-designed Indian
insurrection ; services which were noticed in 1665 and 1666 by
gracious letters from the "Catholic king," still preserved in the
archives of Santa Fe. Amid all the hmniliation and degradation
of this aboriginal nation, one great triumph awaited it. In the
western parts of Brazil, and in all Paraguay, their language was
preserved, indeed substituted for that of the conquerors, and is to
this day almost exclusively spoken in the latter country.
Though entertaining rather absurd ideas of a spiritual existence,
some few of the La Plata Indians believed in the immortality of
the soul ; and we have seen that there was even a tradition, the ori-
gin of which the Spaniards ascribed to the Jesuits, that St. Thomas
had labored on the American continent. But both laymen and
Jesuits unite in telling us that among many tribes they discovered
no traces of a knowledge of God. The contemplation of terrestrial
or celestial objects had never inspired them with an idea of a cre-
ative Deity, Father Penafiel declares that many Indians, when
questioned as to whether they had ever thought of the existence
of a Supreme Being, replied, "No, never." Dobrizhofifer, who com-
pleted his theological course in the University of Cordova, says,
"I finished the four years of theology commenced at Gratz in
Styria, and defended warmly the opinion that no man in the pos-
session of his reason can, without a crime, remain ignorant of God
for any length of time. On removing thence to a colony of Abi-
pones, I found, to my astonishment, that the whole language of
these savages did not contain a single word which expresses God
or Divinity." And yet these Abipones watched with reverence
the appearance and disappearance of the Pleiades, as the repre-
sentative of the common ancestor of Spaniard and Indian, the
grandfather Aharaigichi, who transmitted gold and silver to the
one and valor to the other. The Guaranis alone had a word for
God, " J^pa" — Tu^ an expression of admiration ; pa, of interro-
gation.
This may explain, but not excuse, the extraordinary prejudices
and inhumanities of the conquerors toward the indigenous inhab-
itants of the south, whom they pretended to regard, notwithstand-
ing their extraordinary physical beauty, as a species intermediate
between man and brute. Such an opinion was not only obstinate-
TREATMENT BY THE SPANIARDS. 159
ly uj^held by laymen, but by many learned and respectable eccle-
siastics, wlio passed over to the new continent. Thomas Ortez,
bishop of Saint Martha, addressed an elaborate article on the sub-
ject to the Supreme Council of Madrid, stating that the experi-
ence derived from a long and frequent intercourse with the In-
dians led him to regard them " as stupid beings, incapable as brute
beasts of comprehending our religion or observing its precepts."
We know how able an apologist and defender rose up in the per-
son of Bartolomeo de las Casas, who declared them fully capable
of understanding all the truths of Christianity. Other ecclesias-
tics considered them an inferior creation, to whom could be ac-
corded but one sacrament — baptism. Las Casas boldly alleged
that both of these positions were assumed only as an excuse for
the atrocities exercised against the aborigines by the conquerors,
and obtained in 1537 a bull from Paul III., declaring them human
beings, who could receive all the sacraments of the Church. Pow-
erful as were the popes of the sixteenth century, both in temporal
and spiritual affairs, they could not vanquish the prejudice, real
or pretended, of priests and laymen. Elaborate treatises were
written to prove the inferiority of the Indian race ; and, for a cen-
tury after the conquest of Peru, its curates, with the sanction of
their bishops, persisted in refusing them the Eucharist, upon the
pretext of incapacity to comprehend the great mystery of the
Church. This prejudice vanished only with time, and before the
authority of more than one ecclesiastical council, assembled in the
cities of Peru and La Plata to decide the question. The poor
Indian obtained one advantage by this doubt — exemption from
the fearful tribunals of the Inquisition.
160 RIO APPA.— A TAPIR.
CHAPTER X.
Rio Appa. — A Tapir. — Diiferences between Brazil and Paraguay as to the Bounda-
ries.— Letter from Mr. Hudson. — Point Rock. — Sierra Siete Punta. — Pan do
Azucar. — Ascent of the Mountain. — The View. — Speculations on the Future of
this Country. — Round Top. — Fort Bourbon. — Claims of Bolivia and Paraguay.
— Bahia Blanca. — Vuelta Pariquito. — Capon Chico. — A Boa. — Dorado, Pacii,
and Palometa. — Ascent of the Bahia Blanca. — Camelotas. — Suspending of the
Bottle to a Tree. — Proposition of Don Manuel Louis de Oliden. — Grant by the
Congress of Bolivia. — Decree of the Supreme Government. — Importance at-
tached to the Navigation of the Otuquis. — Extract from a Pamphlet by Mauri-
cio Back. — Fort Coimbra. — Flattering Expressions of the Commandante. — The
Guaycurus. — Policy of Brazil toward the Chaco Indians. — The Canoe.
^^November 19/A, 1853. Ancliored off the mouth of the Rio Appa.
known to the early Spanish settlers as the Corrientes, but changed
to its present name by the Mbayas when they overran this entire
region. It rises about thirty miles in the interior of Paraguay, in
the Cordillera Amambay. On anchoring, took a boat, and, accom-
panied by several of the officers, pulled six miles up this river ;
found its general width about three hundred yards, with a depth
of not less than nine feet; banks low. We were prepared to
make additions to our collection of animals, birds, and plants, but
met with no great success. Not a bird was to be seen of which
we had not already j^rocured a specimen. The plants were few,
the flora consisting principally of the rich clusters of a variety of
creepers, which, by their varied tinges, gave a gay relief to the dark
foliage of a shrubby growth around which they were entwined.
" Saw several capibara and tapirs. The first we secured ; the
latter escaped us, for its tough skin defied a volley from our party
that would have brought down a dozen ordinary animals. We
first saw it swimming across the river, showing only its head.
One pronounced it a log, another a tiger; but, soon discovering it
to be a strange animal never before seen, every gun was pointed,
and the men plied their oars in eager pursuit. It was impossible
to intercept him before reaching the shore, where he disappeared
in a thicket. We beached the boat, and each man, with his gun,
made a rush to the nearest point. The animal was tracked for
some distance, but the impenetrable thorny undergrowth formed
a barrier to the chase, but not to the escape of the tapir, who to a
DISPUTES BETWEEN BRAZIL AND PARAGUAY. IQl
tliick skin adds fleetness equal to that of the horse, and strength
which enables him to break through any thicket, however matted,
dense, or thorny."
I afterward procured one alive, which was shipped for home,
but he died on the passage. We found two varieties of wild
fruit, the " No hace," about the size of a large plum, growing on
a lofty tree, and the " Evepina," similar in appearance to a cherry.
The Eio Appa has been considered the northern boundary be-
tween Brazil and Paraguay ; at least, the Imperial Government so
regards it ; but the Paraguayans protest against any such limita-
tion of their territory, and claim to the Bahia Blanca. This ques-
tion of limits has been for years one of diplomatic discussion, ne-
gotiation, and bad feeling between the two countries, and has, un-
til very recently, excluded Brazil from all communication, by the
lower waters of the Paraguay, with Matto Grosso. Paraguay, by
what right does not appear, claims both banks up to Bahia Blan-
ca, and, as a consequence, control over the navigation of the river ;
the very course the Imperial Government has pursued toward its
hemmed-in neighbors, Peru and Bolivia.
President Lopez perfectly comprehends the importance of this
highway to Brazil, and knows that it presses more and more upon
her annually. In the management of this question he has dis-
played astuteness, foresight, and accomplished diplomacy ; uni-
formly quoting to the Imperial Government its own policy in
closing the Amazon and its confluents to the northwestern repub-
lics. It therefore can not consistently demur to the exercise of
this right by ajiother power. The territory in dispute would be
of little value but for the points within it bordering upon the
Paraguay, which are important as military positions, for they
would give any nation holding them entire control over that riv-
er. Imperial guns mounted at the Pan de Azucar, or at Olimpo
(Fort Bourbon), might well occasion uneasiness to Paraguay.
They would not only command her frontier, but might prove the
beginning of a system of inclosure, contracting its circle until
there would appear an impermm in imperio ; not a "sick man,"
who must, by reason of his infirmities, be put aside, but a weak
child, needing for its safety and nurture a strong protecting arm.
In short, Paraguay would be absorbed and incorporated as an in-
tegral part of the " Empire of South America." On one ground
alone is President Lopez willing to settle this question : that is, to
leave the territory in dispute entirely unoccupied by either country.
, 11
162 ASPECT OF THE COUNTRY.
The exploration of the "Water Witch" demonstrated the prac-
ticability of sending large steamers up the river, beyond the lim-
its of Paraguay, and probably induced Brazil in 1855 to push this
question to an issue. It was then that she sent up the fleet to
which I have alluded. On what grounds the concession was
- finally made I have not learned, but it has been granted, as I am
informed by letter from Mr. Hudson, our consul at Buenos Ayres.*
" November 19th. A very remarkable change in the temperature
has taken place within the last twenty-four hours. Yesterday,
the 18th, wind north ; at 3 P.M. thermometer stood at 97°. To-
day at same hour it has fallen to 79°, wind W.S.W., and at mid-
night to 68°, wind south. Although within the tropics, and ap-
proaching the mountainous regions of Brazil and Bolivia, we ob-
serve constantly the influence of south winds in lowering the
temperature.
" The country, after leaving Eio Appa, to Point Eock, a distance
of about fifty miles, is on both sides elevated but a few feet above
the river, and has the usual growth of palm and grass. Point
Rock, an isolated granitic hill, or mount, is on the left bank, and
rises to the height of ninety feet, throwing out a rocky ledge half
way across the river, and forcing the channel toward the west,
where it forms the Paso Taruma. Upon the same side we have
had, since leaving "Rio Appa," a distant view of the "Sierra da
Amarbay," which stretches south about thirty miles inland. In
tbe Chaco, the horizon is bounded by the Sierra Siete Puntas, itf
nearest point to the river being a detached, rounded, and wooded
mount, which rises <ibruptly from the plain in latitude 21° 47'
south.
" After leaving Point Rock the face of the country again changes ;
we have no longer the monotony of flat plains, but the most divers-
ified and picturesque landscapes. On the east are many isolated
mountains, some rising directly from the river banks, others at a
distance in the interior, all overtopped by the giant Pan deAzucar,
a conical volcanic peak 1350 feet high. The river is now divided
by a wooded island which rises about eighty feet above the water-
level. • We passed through the west branch, which has a width of
* ^^ January 27th, 1857. A steamer Cor9a, from Rio, has gone up to Matto Gros-
so, towing three vessels with cargoes. Lopez, in spite of his treaty with Brazil, is
throwing every impediment in their way. The first cargo — the Madrugas — that went
up to Matto Grosso paid four hundred per cent, profit. Salt sold for twenty-two
silver dollars the fanega — three and a half bushels."
ASCENT OF PAN DE AZUCAR.
163
PAN DE AZUCAR.
one hundred and fifty feet, depth seventy, and anchored one mile
above, having Pan de Azucar east of the anchorage. These de-
tached, rounded elevations to which I allude are all on the east.
The monotony of the west plain is unbroken but by a solitary
mountain, rising directly from the bank of the river, as if detached
by a convulsion of nature from its opposite neighbor."
Koremher 21s^, 5 o'clock A.M. Accompanied by Lieutenant
Powell, Dr. Carter, and the pilot Bernardino, I started for the as-
cent of Pan de Azucar. After wading for about a mile and a half
through a sea of grass, we reached the foot of the mountain, and
commenced the ascent. Making our way over volcanic rocks pro-
truding beyond a shrubby growth, and at times through closely
matted and almost impenetrable masses of vegetation, we had ad-
vanced about two thirds of the distance, when the doctor and pilot
gave out, and decided to remain and keep each other company.
Spoiled in a cruise of several months, where we had only to " dip
alongside" for the luxury of fresh water, not one of us had thought
of bringing a single bottle of the essential element. Thirst was
excessive; but we continued the ascent, and by 8 o'clock A.M. Mr.
Powell and myself were «tanding upon the rounded summit, where
164 VIEW FROM THE MOUNTAIN.
a stunted and scattering growth offered no obstacle to a clear and
uninterrupted view of the country in every direction.
The day, fortunately for us, was not intensely hot. At 8 A.M.
thermometer stood at 79°. The wind was then south ; it had been
prevailmg during the last two days from southeast and southwest,
within which time the lowest tem|)erature was 65°, on the 20th at
6 A.M., and the highest 79° ; a remarkable change from the read-
ing of the 19th, which gave as a minimum and maximum 84° and
97°. We obtained a reading of the barometer, which, in connec-
tion with simultaneous observations made on board ship, gave the
height of the mountain at thirteen hundred and fifty feet above
the river. According to our observations, it is in latitude 21° 25'
10", longitude 57° 55' 54" west, three quarters of a mile from the
river on the east bank, sixty-three from the Eio Appa, and three
hundred and ninety miles from Asuncion.
On all sides below us was a grassy palm-plain, relieved here
and there by dark belts of forest, and by insulated mountains or
hills, some peaked, others rounded, some rising precipitously for
several hundred feet, others sloping gracefully to the plain. The
southern horizon was bounded by the wavy undulations of the
Cordillera de Amarbay and the sharp outlines of the SietePuntas
— Seven Peaks, In the Chaco, far away to the north, was the Te-
cho da Morro.
There were no estancias in view, with their sleek herds, no or-
ange groves, no green promise, no golden tints of ripening or ma-
tured cereals ; not a habitation or sign of civilized or savage life.
The solitude would have been oppressive but for the beauty of
the face of the country, and the exhilaration caused by the deli-
cious atmosphere, tempered by southern breezes.
May I be excused if, under its influence, or an imperious in-
stinct of our nature — American nature — I found myself speculat-
ing upon the future of these favored regions ; a great predestined
future, none could doubt, who for many months had voyaged
through such a valley ofbeauty, presenting, with the exception
of that of our Mississippi, tlie fairest unbroken extent of cultiva-
ble land in the world. Is this wealth of creation to remain una-
vailable for the comfort and happiness of men, while the powers
holding dominion over it invite immigration, and the over-crowd-
ed cities of Europe teem with millions whose cry is bread ? When
the dungeons of Southern Italy re-echo the sighs of men who have
dared to aspire to political independence? and while the indus-
THE FUTURE OF LA PLATA. Ig5
trial nations are seeking new sources of supply in raw material
and new outlets for their manufactures ? and while, even in Con-
stitutional England, in underground dens, or within the shadow
of palatial precincts, are hid, not sheltered, men, women, and chil-
dren, crushed, not by vice, but a poverty that generates crime?
Emigrants to the valley of La Plata may reach their homes in
ocean steamers. No barren wildernesses are to be traversed.
No lono- winters or autumnal exhalations are to be feared. There
O
is much to allure, nothing to repel. No warring, as in the valley
of the Amazon and Orinoco, with Indian, beast, and reptile, and,
above all, with the great dragon, tropical miasma, which the mind
and strength of the white race are impotent to conquer. If Bo-
livia, Paraguay, the States of the Argentine Confederation, and of
Buenos Ayres, would unite and form, for great purposes, a com-
munity of nations, neither filibustering hosts nor imperial armies
or fleets could be feared. Under the segis of a liberal Constitution,
which would reject all bigoted exclusiveness of political or relig-
ious doctrine, added to the facilities which climate and soil offer to
new populations — above all, to cultivators and artisans — the face
of these wilds would be transfigured into prosperous states, the
parts of a South American Eepublic, which would advance to a
zenith of unprecedented power. Spanish galleons, freighted with
the "fifths" of majesty; the ships of Portugal and Great Britain,
laden with the profits of illegal trade, will never again sail from
La Plata. But the steamers of maritime nations, bearing the prod-
ucts of industrial power, will cover her interior water-courses, and,
in return, pour into the lap of those nations the indigenous agri-
cultural and mineral wealth of the Western Indies. No over-
throw of existent governments, no political revulsions are neces-
sary to place the inhabitants of these regions under the beneficent
influences of a great republican civilization.
But my dreams and speculations were at an end as we went
pitching down the steep, in many places precipitous sides of the
mountain, here catching at a shrub, there resting against a rock.
The descent proved far more difficult than the ascent had been.
We found the doctor and Bernardino where we had left them.
The former, oppressed with drowsiness, had kept awake, not rel-
ishing the idea of being caught napping by a jaguar, while the
pilot philosophically refreshed himself with a long sleep. At last
we reached the river, and relieved our thirst and fatigue by rush-
ing into its waters.
166 FORT BOURBON.
We returned with some additions to our ornithologic collection
— a few birds not before seen, among them a toucan ; also some
fruit of the '■'■yatay giiazii,^^ a palm not found south of the Pan de
Azucar, and differing somewhat from the trees of that family
growing so extensively on the plains, being less lofty, and the
trunk of greater diameter.
The width of the river at our anchorage off Pan de Azucar was
about one third of a mile ; temperature of water 84°. From Sal-
vador, the general width is from a quarter to one third of a mile.
Least depth since passing the Malo Paso, eighteen feet ; greatest,
ninety feet of line, and no bottom.
" November 22d. The character of the river, height of banks,
and their growth, have varied but little to Olimpo, or Fort Bour-
bon, thirty-three miles from Pan de Azucar. Two miles above
our last anchorage, near the mountain in view from the Chaco
side, and distant about three miles from the river, was Pound
Top — TecJ/o da Morro ; opposite were a few detached hills. With
these exceptions the country is low, with palms and grass. Here
and there, where the banks are slightly elevated, are patches, but
no extended reaches of good timber. Twenty-four miles above the
mount, half concealed by a small island on the west bank, which
rises twelve feet above the water, we saw on the east a toldo or
wigwam, but no Indians — a good position whence to escape to
the Chaco if molested by Paraguayans; of this, however, they
could have but little apprehension, as no force has yet ventured
such a distance — ninety-three miles from a frontier guardia. The
range of the Sierra Olimpo, as here represented, is seen at the
distance of two miles, bearing north by west in the Chaco. Upon
its northern extremity, which slopes to the river, stands Fort
Bourbon, according to our observations in latitude 21° 01' 39",
longitude 57° 55' 40", and variation 1° east. Passing half a mile
above, we anchored with the fort bearing S. 5° E."
Soon after coming to anchor we visited the now abandoned
fort. It stands on the lowest point of the Olimpo range, not more
than forty-five feet above the river, here one third of a mile in
width, and forms a square of one hundred feet, having at each
angle bastions, which alone were intended for guns, as the walls,
fourteen feet high, and two and a half in thickness, are without
embrasures. It is built of a sandstone found in the neighboring-
sierras, and its position is admirably chosen for commanding the
channel, of the river ; but it is commanded, in turn, by the heights
DISPUTED JUKISDICTION. 169
in its vicinity. It was constructed in 1798 by order of Charles
III. of Spain, as a barrier against the encroachments of the Por-
tuguese of Matto Grosso and the hostihties of Chaco Indians. In
1822 it was garrisoned by order of Francia ; ' was abandoned by
President Lopez in 1850 ; but was reoccupied by Paraguay after
the opening of the river to Brazilian vessels in 1856.
Upon the sierra, immediately adjoining the fort, is an enormous
corral, encircled by a wall six feet high, in good preservation,
which was formerly used to protect the cattle of the fort from In-
dian depredation.
Fort Olimpo, with the adjacent country, is claimed by Bolivia,
on grounds apparently more tenable than those upon which are
based the rights of Paraguay. By a decree of the government in
1852, it was made one of three free ports of entry, to which they
invited the flags of all nations, offering a prize of ten thousand
• dollars to the first commercial expedition that might enter either
one of them.
President Lopez considered this step as an insult to Paraguay,
and an attempted infraction of her territorial rights, but proceeded
to no active measures for setting it aside, trusting to the distance
of Olimpo from the populous provinces of Bolivia, and the in-
ability of that republic to support here a garrison adequate to the
enforcement of her decree. Again, there are other claimants —
the caciques of the warlike Chaco tribes. Their claim is based
on priority of title and present occupation ; for, with the excep-
tion of this fort and a few dilapidated huts, the former quarters of
officers, there is nowhere around or in its vicinage, for many miles,
a vestige of occupation by the white race. It stands as isolated
from all civilization as a desert island of the ocean, far from a hab-
itable coast.
The Sierra Olimpo is covered with noble timber, and affords
fuel of excellent quality for steam, which we can readily believe
to be one of the predestined agents for the development of this
country. ' I have constantly alluded to the vast palm plains, but,
since entering the Paraguay, we have never run a single day
without passing broad forests, or points sufficiently wooded to
furnish material for all the purposes of navigation. I was aston-
ished to find within the walls of the fort, which had been aban-
doned for more than three years, a cotton plant, growing with
vigor, blooming and bearing matured cotton of the finest quality.
Five miles from Olimpo we reached Bahia Blanca — "White
170 SALT LAKE.
Bay," into whicli empties tlie Eio Blanco, an insignificant stream.
This point is only important from being claimed by Paraguay as
her northern boundary. All the territory beyond, on the east, is
owned, without question from neighboring powers, by Brazil, and
on the west by Bolivia and Brazil; and, though no limits are
clearly assigned to imperial jDOSsession south, or to Paraguay
north, they are probably inclined to leave Bolivia a small outlet
by which to reach the great central highway through the Eiver
Otuquis, which flows into the Bahia Negra, and thus connects
with the Paraguay. A short distance beyond the fort, the coun-
try bordering the river on both sides assumes a remarkable
change. So far as the eye can reach, there is a sea of vigorous
grass, with no trees, save here and there a cluster of willows and
alders. The grass encroaches upon the river, apparently floating
upon the water, where the banks are not precipitous, and there is
little or no current.
At the Vuelta Pariqueti, forty-eight miles from Olimpo, the
lands adjacent to the river on the right bank again are elevated,
and skirted by a noble growth of lapacho, nandubay, and al-
garroba. The left side continues low and marshy for a mile or
two beyond, where it is broken by a riacho, the banks of which
for some distance are well timbered ; an evidence generally, if not
uniformly, of land exempt from periodical inundations. The riv-
er from Olimpo to this point is tortuous, embracing, by its course,
sixty-two geographical miles, with a difference in latitude of only
twenty-five, and ten in longitude.
We anchored off Lake Salinas, latitude 20° 86' 24'' south. It
is a lagoon, which at the dry season becomes a saline flat. A few
huts stand upon the edges of the lagoon, and are occupied during
the " season" by Brazilians from Albuquerque, Corumba, and even
Cuyaba. Salt is one of the requirements of northwestern Brazil
not found in the country, and large parties, in long canoes, come to
these Salinas from Cuyaba, the capital of Matto Grosso, a distance
of five hundred miles, and return with deeply -laden boats against
a current of two miles the hour. This is the principal source
from which a supply is obtained, and, as may be well understood,
it is of indifferent quality. Under the effects of solar evaporation,
the efflorescence is so abundant that no inconsiderable quantity is
obtained from the surface. The profits of a trade in this one ar-
ticle may be estimated from its scarcity.*
* See the letter quoted from Mr. Hudson, p. 162.
BAHIA NEGRA.— FISHING. 171
^^November 24/A, 6 o'clock A.M., temperature of air, 88° ; water,
86° ; wind north. Past night oppressively hot in cabin ; tempera-
ture throughout the night, 82° ; on deck, 81°. Calm on the pre-
ceding day ; on the 23d, temperature 76° at 6 A.M ; 93° at 3 P.M.
" November 26ih. Have this day steamed from the saline lagoons
forty-eight miles. Found little change in the physical features
of the river or adjacent countrj^ Northern borders of the salinas
are covered with firm timber, and twenty miles above it, at Capon
Chico, the Chaco side is well wooded. Fourteen miles bevond
this, on the same side, a forest of quebracho. Anchored off the
mouth of the Bahia Negra. The appearance of this 'bahia' is
that of a river, and I have determined to explore it. The color of
the water, and its current, satisfied me tliat what we saw was not
the discharge of a bay, formed by the backing up of the waters of
the Paraguay during the season of inundation, but of a tributary,
and one of great interest, as flowing from the west, through which
might be opened a communication with the eastern borders of
Bolivia.
" We caught in the river near our anchorage a boa seven feet
in length. Found some difficulty in putting the huge reptile alive
into alcohol without injuring it, as a specimen."
On approaching the entrance of Bahia Negra, we were aston-
ished at the number of fish, apparently myriads. We anchored
at the confluence of the two waters, to give the officers and men a
little sport, and an opportunity to obtain food and specimens. I
have caught the Red Snapper and Grooper on the coasts of Flor-
ida and Mexico, where one might haul in the sluggish, inactive
fish as lazily as an " old soldier of a tar" would take in the " slack
of a rope," but I have never witnessed fishing such as this, at the
confluence of the Bahia Negra and Paraguay. In an incredibly
short time, hooks baited with pork were floating by dozens astern ;
and scarcely had they touched the water, when hundreds offish
would spring eagerly at each bait. Dorado, Pacu, and Palometa
(all delicious for the table) were among the varieties caught. The
Dqrado, so called from its golden color, is from two to three feet in
length, and weighs from eighteen to twenty-four pounds ; its flesh is
white and solid. The strength of this fish is wonderful. When
hauled in, it would spring into the air some fifteen or twenty
feet, not unfrequently detaching itself, or severing the hook from
the line, and looking, as it darted upward, like a huge golden vessel
incrusted with gems. The Pacu is of a dark grayish color; its
172 ASCENT OF THE EIO NEGRO.
breadtli is about two thirds its length, and the largest caught
weighed twenty-two pounds. The Palometa is of very much the
same form as the Pacu, though not so large ; in color, a light
gray, with yellow belly. This latter is more formidable to swim-
mers than any other inhabitant of the La Plata waters. Each of
its jaws is armed with a row of triangular teeth, which cut like
the sharpest knife.
We have uniformly noticed a great gathering offish at the con-
fluence of the tributaries with the central waters : this is doubtless
owing to the quantity of young ones brought down by the small-
er streams.
'•'• Novemiher loth. Ascending the Bahia, or Rio Negro. I call it
a river, because, until lost in a sea of grass, it has every appear-
ance and characteristic of one.
" After proceeding twenty-five miles, the crank strap broke for
the fourth time since leaving Asuncion. Anchored in fourteen feet
water. Banks low, covered with a scattered and inferior growth
of trees ; grass vigorous and green ; width of river at anchorage,
six hundred yards ; temperature of air at six P.M., 92° ; water,
85° ; wind N.B. Greatest depth since entering this water, thirty
feet; least, twelve. Position of anchorage on the night of the
26th, latitude 19° 52' 42" south, longitude 58° 16' 84" west.
" To the northeast, mountains of Coimbra and Albuquerque ; in
every other direction, grass and water as boundless as the ocean.
Horizon so clearly defined that the altitude of a heavenly body
might be taken during the day with the same accuracy as by ob-
servation made with a sea horizon.
" November 21th. Under way at an early hour. The river con-
tracted rapidly in width, so much so as to make it difficult to
round the points without running the bows of the steamer into
the grass. Continued to advance for two hours, when the channel
was so narrowed by grass that both wheels were in it, and yet we
had a depth of twelve feet water. Anchored and took to a boat,
determined, if possible, to see whither the stream would lead or
from whence it came. Ascended six miles above the position of
the Water Witch. Here the river was entirely closed by came-
lotes and grass, and yet we still had nine feet water. A solitary
dwarfed tree, of the mimosa family, was standing six feet above
the water level, where its depth was five feet.
"We suspended to one of its branches a bottle by copper wire;
it contained the name of the steamer, her position, and names of
A SEA OF GRASS. 173
officers. "We had still to the east the blue outlines of the Brazil-
ian mountains, the nearest, in a right line, distant twenty -two miles.
Northwest, the direction whence I supposed this river to flow,
grass, water, and sky. We pulled up some of this grass; it meas-
ured in length twelve feet, and from a quarter to half an inch in
diameter. -The point reached was in latitude 19° 50' 53" south,
longitude 58° 15' 29" west, thirty-one miles from its confluence
with the Paraguay ; general direction thus far, north. The dis-
tance in a right line between these two points, it will be seen, is
about twent}^ miles. Temperature, maximum meridian, 95°, wind
N.N.E. ; at 3 P.M., 94°, wind N.N.W. ; minimum, at 3 A.M., 80° ;
water at meridian, 88|-°.
"It is with deep regret that I am obliged to leave this ' Bahia'
without having satisfied myself whence come its waters. I am
convinced that it is not the backing up of the Paraguay, The
current forbids that idea, and the color, even at its junction, is in
strange contrast with that of the latter. Between the seasons of
high nnd low water I can not believe that the waters of the Para-
guay could back into this bay, deposit detritus, and receive a color
unvarying from its mouth to the jDoint of ascent, black, and yet, in
a glass, perfectly limpid, more so than the water of the Parana,
while that of the Paraguay is uniformly turbid. This alone would
convince me that it flows from the high lands of Bolivia, and may
be a na\ngable stream into the interior of that country. If this
fact could be established, it would prove of inestimable value, not
only to the mediterranean state, but to the whole civilized world.
So far as my observation enables me to judge, I perceive no insur-
mountable obstacle to the navisration of this river. I am convinced
that a steamer properly constructed could skim over or cut through
this sea of grass."
We retraced our steps, after some difficulty in getting the steam-
er's bows down stream. She was at last pointed in the right direc-
tion, and cutting through the grass which surrounded her, first on
one side, then on the other, we descended, and again entered the
Paraguay. Before leaving the Bahia, observed a noble deer on
the left bank : it stood for a minute perfectly still, as if paralyzed
by the appearance of the Water Witch. We thought ourselves
sure of a fine specimen, but, before we had gotten within gunshot
distance, with one bound it cleared the bushes that skirted the bank,
and was in an instant hid from view in a neighboring thicket.
From the following extracts may be gathered the importance at
174 NAVIGATION OF THE OTUQUIS.
one time attaclied to a navigable outlet from that part of Bolivia
througli which the Otuquis flows, and the measures taken to es-
tablish it.
Senor Don Manuel Luis de Oliden made a proposition to the
Congress of Bolivia to open the n:s,vigation of the Eiver Otuquis
to its confluence with the Paraguay, in consideration of which the
Congress passed the following act on the 5th November, 1832 :
"The Executive will grant to Citizen Manuel Luis de Oliden such aids
as it may think proper, in order to enable him to establish a port at the
confluence of the rivers Otuquis, Tucabaca, and Latiriquiqui, or at such point
as may be most suitable, in order to open the navigation of these into the
River Paraguay, conceding-, in addition, those privileges which are due to
him as the originator of this entei-prise.
(Signed), "I. EUSTAQUIO EQUIBAR, President.
"DIONISIO BASSIENTOS, Secretary."
This was followed by the subjoined decree of the "Supreme
Government," issued on the 17th November, 1832 :
" Tlie government being authorized by the foregoing act of Congress of
November 5th, 1832, to grant to Citizen Manuel Luis de Oliden such aids
as it may think proper, in order to enable him to establish a port at the con-
fluence of the Rivers Tucabaca, Otuquis, and Latiriquiqui, in the province of
Chiquitos, and to accord to him such privileges as he may be entitled to ; and,
the said Manuel Luis de Oliden, having bound himself to the accomplish-
ment of this undertaking in the terms of the following articles, concedes to
him privileges, immunities, and guaranties in the following terms, viz. :
"Art. 1. There is granted to Citizen Manuel Luis de Oliden, from the
point he may select at which to establish a port on the River Otuquis, south
of the province of Chiquitos, twenty-five leagues of ten-itory, in every direc-
tion, for himself and his heirs.
" Art. 2. The port he may establish shall be his property for the term
of fifty years, at the expiration of which time it shall revert to the ' nacion.'
" Art. 3. All the foreign goods and products introduced through this port
during the above-mentioned fifty years shall pay not more than five per
cent, duty, which shall be collected at the points where the articles are con-
sumed, under appraisements according to the tariff" of the republic.
" Art. 4. During the aforesaid term of fifty years, the government will
not appoint any ofiicer or employe ; and those that may be necessary will
be appointed and paid by the contractor. Nevertheless, should the govern-
ment deem it advisable to make any appointments, it may make only such
as shall be deemed necessary to facilitate the collection of the duties on ar-
ticles introduced into the interior of the republic, and these shall be paid by
the government.
THE OLIDEN GRANT. 175
"Art. 5. This establishment shall be governed by the Constitution and
laws of the republic.
" Art. 6. The privileges and grants which the government concedes and
guarantees to Manuel Luis de Oliden and his successors may be transferred
to and enjoyed by such persons to whom he may convey his right of proper-
ty, under the same conditions as set forth in this decree.
"Art. 7. This establishment will be under the authority and protection
of the Supreme Government, with which the contractor (el empresario) will
communicate through the minister of the interior.
" Art. 8. If, at the end of four years from this date, this establishment
and the opening of navigation be not made, although it may not be in oper-
ation, this decree shall be null and void."
Copies of the papers from which these extracts have been made
were sent to me after the publication of my Synoptical Report to
the Secretary of the Navy on the La Plata Expedition. I. was
not before aware how great an interest was felt in estabhshing the
navigability of the Otuquis, and its connection with the Paraguay.
An intelligent and highly respectable Englishman, who had for
many years resided in Buenos Ayres, was at that time in London
to establish a company for the settlement of the "Oliden Grant."
I have since been gratified by receiving letters from England and
France stating that my allusion to the possibility of opening a
water communication from the Paraguay to Bolivia had inspired
many with such confidence that a colonization company was
forming for that republic.
The decree of Congress, followed by the executive proclama-
tion, will explain the terms of agreement between Mr. Oliden and
the government of Bolivia. Chiquitos is described as being the
richest of her provinces. It was the scene of the labors of the
Jesuits, and the seat of some of the most celebrated missions of
that order. D'Orbigny speaks of it as " abounding in Nature's
gifts."
The Oliden Grrant in this province, between the parallels of
17° 45' and 20° 15' south, is bounded on the east by the Paraguay
River, and extends one hundred and fifty miles west. This, it
will be seen, includes the settlements and military posts now held
by the Brazilian government; but as the territory claimed by
that empire reaches but a short distance west of the Paraguay, and
does not embrace any portion of the Otuquis River or Bahia Ne-
gra, even should this claim be persisted in and conceded by Boliv-
ia, it can not materially affect this grant. The agricultural ex-
176 OLIDEN'S OPERATIONS.
periments upon the lands of Oliden were interesting, and show
what has been accomplished within these limits, I quote from a
"Descripcion de la Nueva Provincia da Otuquis en Bolivia: par
Mauricio Back."
" The village of Santiago, whickMr. Oliden made in 1833 the centre of
his operations, on the southern border of the province of Chiquitos, and sit-
uated on the Cordillera of the same name, has a population of 1380 souls,
and enjoys a temperate, salubrious climate. This Cordillera, whence issue
many small streams, which form tlie Kiver ' Otu.quis,' contains, according to
reliable authority, mines of gold, silver, quicksilver, and precious stones.
In the mountains are most valuable woods and medicinal plants. On the
plains south of this Cordillera are skirts of wood, palm, and grass lands,
suited for grazing. The soil is of remarkable fertility.
" At a distance of seven leagues from the above-mentioned point Mr.
Oliden formed his first settlement on the ' Rio Agua Caliente' — Hot River
— over the ruins of the old town of Santiago, founded by the Jesuits, which
is now called ' Florida.' The ' Agua Caliente' takes its rise in a warm lake
five leagues south of Santiago. This settlement was composed in the year
1836 of several handsome houses, which had been erected by order of the
' empresario,' and is the point which he had selected for his own residence.
He established large farms, which were cultivated with great success : corn,
of which two crops were made annually ; rice equal to that of Bengal ;
mandioca of extraordinary size ; cofiee of superior quality ; cocoa, sugar-cane,
and tobacco — this last the best known — sweet potatoes, peanuts, beans of
every variety, and every class of vegetables.
" He established estancias south of this town, on rivers of never-failing
water, where the grazing was abundant for the rearing of cattle, sheep, and
mules. From Florida he opened a road to the great salina, distant fifty
leagues, from which, by way of the Cordillera ' de Lances,' it may be con-
tinued to ' Chuquisaca' and ' Tarija.' Another road was opened from Flor-
ida to Oliden, the central point of the new province, and distant sixteen
leagues east. This was the situation of the old town of ' Corezon de Jesus,'
founded by the Jesuits on an elevated plain by the side of the 'RioTucu-
baca,' in latitude 19^ 04' south, longitude 61° 03' west from Paris. An-
other road has been opened from Oliden to the town of ' Santa Corezon,'
distant twenty-two leagues N.N.E. This town has a population of 1106
souls, and its climate is rather hot than temperate. On this road, and at
the distance of fifteen leagues from ' Oliden,' the empresario established a
' hacienda' — a farm, which he called ' Sietos,' for the cultivation particular-
ly of cotton and sugar-cane. Its product in the year 1836 was very consid-
erable.
" In the vicinity of the town of ' Santiago,' on the Serrania of the same
name, and in the valley formed by the same, he established another hacien-
h,^^, »'<•'»■'% hi
a
a
a
\# ^!Pl»V^l-l||t«
FORT COIMBRA. 179
da called ' Eiiiconadra,' for the cultivation of the sugar-cane. Its product
in the same year was equal to that of ' Sietos.' "
As the luivigability of the Otuquis is supposed to be establish-
ed from the high lands of Bolivia for a long distance in its course
southeast, and as the expedition under my command examined it
for thirty-one miles above its confluence with the Paraguay, it
only remains to determine the connection between these two
points.
The government of Bolivia has always been liberal in offering
inducements to immigration, feeling perhaps assured that through
the energy of foreign populations alone can the riches of that re-
public— the " golden" and the " garden" spot of La Plata — be
brought to light. It is a source of gratification to know that the
late explorations of the Water Witch have contributed something
toward the consummation of such a point, by establishing the fact
of an easy and safe navigation for ocean steamers from the At-
lantic to Bahia Negra, a fact not before practically demonstrated,
therefore not confidently believed.
'■'•November 21 th^ 1853. Again under way ; beyond'Bahia Negra,
little change in the aspect of the river or adjacent country to Fort
Coimbra in Brazil, thirty -three miles from Olimpo, where we an-
chored after dark, and immediately received a visit from the com-
mandante, who had overland orders from his government anticipa-
tory of our arrival. This gentleman, Antonia Peixoto de Azevido
liavim Capite, said that he had for some time been watching for us,
and at last, with strange emotion, saw the smoke and lights of the
little steamer as she plowed the waters of the wilderness."
Fort Coimbra is the first Brazilian settlement south on the Par-
aguay, and it is the first on the right bank since leaving Santa F^,
twelve hundred and eighty miles below. In all that extent of
country, though habitable, fertile, and salubrious, we have not seen
one white soul. The entire province of Matto Grosso is divided
into three military districts, embracing fourteen commands — Matto
Grosso, Santa Maria, and Baxo — Paraguay. This last includes that
portion of the empire into which our expedition entered. I called
on the commandante, who received me in a small room with no
superfluous furniture; for we must remember that Coimbra at that
time could only be approached from Rio de Janeiro by Cuyaba, a
distance of twelve hundred miles land travel and five hundred of
river navigation ; the land journey is over mountains, their passes
in many places accessible only to mules. I should have been as-
180 COIMBRA.
tonished to find here an officer of sucli intelligence and polished
manners had I not learned that the " commands" of this rich fron-
tier province are posts of distinction, for with the military duties
are united high civil functions. The commandante said that he had
been charged by his government to afford me all possible facilities
in forwarding the objects of the expedition, but that, for reasons al-
ready given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the United States
Minister, I could not ascend above Corumba, a military station one
hundred and twenty miles beyond Coimbra.
It was a slight extension of " my limits," which had first been
fixed at Albuquerque. This officer was enthusiastic in dwelling
upon the progi'ess of the exploration, "fruitful," he said, "with glo-
rio\is results, and worthy of commemoration by a marble pillar.
The little Water Witch," he added, " would hve in the memory of
the Brazilians."
While flattering us with these expressions, he frankly and un-
reservedly regretted that any hmit should have been placed to our
exploration. A steamer was a familiar sight to these Brazihans ;
the novelty was to see one at Coimbra. In visiting us, the com-
mandante, as a military man, was particularly interested in the ex-
amination of our little armament, consisting of three howitzers.
" They were," he said, " perfect pieces of ordnance of their class,
and admirable for the field operations of his frontier position."
Coimbra, in latitude 19° 65' 43", longitude 57° 52' 32'', stands
on a spur of a mountain of the same name, which here slopes to
-the river, rising not more than forty feet above it at the point upon
which is placed the fort, a solid stone structure, which could, with
some few additions, be made a place of great strength. It mounts
six guns, long twelve-pounders, most of them of brass, and very
fine pieces. They completely command the channel of the river,
which is here one third of a mile wide. Vessels in passing are
within point-blank shot. The interior of the fort was in admira-
ble order, and great improvements were contemplated, some of
•which were in progress. Within the walls were small stone houses
thatched with straw, the quarters of the commandante, three offi-
cers, and a part of the garrison ; the remainder live without the
walls, where are fixed the families of some of the soldiers. Madame
Peixoto de Azevido had given up all the comforts and luxury of
a life in the capital to share this frontier home with her husband.
All supplies are -obtained from Albuquerque or the neighboring
Indians. The mountains and pampa adjacent afford little scope
THE CACIQUE OF THE GUAYCURUS. 181
for cultivation or grazing, the latter not being exempt from in-
undation, while the former offers little arable land. The new
commandante had not been here long enough to carry out his con-
templated unprovements, which embrace gardens, as well as addi-
tional military defenses, by placing guns upon the heights of the
sierra, commanding the fort in the rear. The low lands, for some
distance above Coimbra, are subject to inundation ; but, at the
same time, there are reaches of firm land, covered with excellent
woods, and never overflowed exceijt in seasons of extraordinary
rise.
The mountains are still insulated peaks or short ranges, proba-
bly spurs of the Bolivian sierras, which extend through Chiquitos.
As at Pan de Azucar, so likewise at Coimbra, two insulated
hills face each other on opposite sides of the Paraguay ; that on
the west we ascertained to rise four hundred and fifty feet above
the level of the water, its formation being of lime and sandstone,
with moss -like impressions resembling arborescent marble, of
which we got some very pretty specimens.
The temperature on the 28th of November was, at 6 P.M., air
81°, water 88°.
The neighboring Chaco is here occupied by the warlike Guay-
curus. While the attitude of Paraguay toward her wild neighbors
has been one of hostility or non-intercourse, that of Brazil is now,
and always has been, conciliatory. ' The great cacique of the
Guaycurus, Tacalaguana, holds a commission from the Imperial
Government as an officer of rank, and receives frequent presents
for himself and tribe. He is always treated with marked civility
and distinction by the commanders of this frontier province. His
manner, not only to his own people, but in all intercourse with
strangers, is lofty and exacting ; he receives no present, not even
a cigar, except from the hands of an attendant, and in return
makes no sort of acknowledgment, considering his acceptance of
the offering a favor and condescension. The wisdom of the Bra-
zihan policy toward these Indians is apparent ; it enables her to
maintain upon her frontier a formidable force at little or no ex-
pense.
After placing a current-gauge, to mark the fall of water per
day until our return, we were again under way. The commander
accompanied us for a short distance, and returned in his canoe.
It had been the intention of Madame de Azevido and himself to
accept my invitation of a passage to Albuquerque, but her illness
182 THE CURALO TODO.
deprived us ©f this pleasure. At a short distance above Coimbra
we passed a huge canoe floating down lazily with the current,
and filled with what looked like an emigrating host. It was a
party of Brazilians bound for the salinas. As we passed them
the men rested upon their oars, and all gazed as if lost in aston-
ishment at the appearance of oiir little steamer in these distant
waters.
CHAPTER XI.
The Moro Dorito. — Curalo Todo. — Tea, Coffee, and Milk. — Position of Anchorage
off Albuquerque. — The Miranda. — The Tacuary. — Azara's Maps. — The Cam-
barasa. — The Paraguay Mini. — Corumba. — The Guatambu. — Hunting the Ja-
guar.— Fruits. — Return to Albuquerque. — Village of Mbayas. — An Indian Mis-
sion.— Rice and Cotton. — Schools. — The Padre. — A Dance. — Missionary Effort.
— The Jesuits. — The Dinner on board the Water Witch. — Trade of Cuyaba. —
Bolivian Refugees. — The Grotto Inferno. — Capture of a Sentinel. — Fate of the
Refugees. — Birds. — The Jaguar. — Its Ferocity. — Lenguas Indians. — The Com-
mandante wears a long Face. — The Yellow Parrot. — Anchored off Asuncion. —
A Storm brewing.
" November IWi. Under way. After passing the Moro Dorito,
a round wooded hill on the left bank, about two and a half miles
above our last anchorage, the lands on that side are low, while
opposite, short ranges or isolated peaks, alternating with plains of
grass, are continuous. The most elevated and remarkable in ap-
pearance of these mountains is the Sierra Consello, twenty-two
miles above the Coimbra. It rises near the river bank, fifteen
hundred feet above the level of the water, and is covered with
fine timber. The country on the left is higher than that between
Olimpo and Coimbra, but is not entirely exempt from inundation
at the greatest rise of the river. Many points, however, are well
wooded.
" Thirty-five miles above Coimbra, on the left, a lovely grove of
the aguaraibay, familiarly known in the country as Curalo todo*
or Para iodoJ''
This tree abounds in the neighborhood of the Uruguay mis-
sions, and from its leaves, gathered at any season, but usually
when the tree is in flower, is extracted, by boiling, a sirup known
as the " Balm de Aguaraibay," or " Balm of the Missions." Be-
fore the revolution, each Indian village was obliged to furnish
two pounds of this balm annually to the royal pharmaceutist at
* Universal remedy.
COFFEE AND MILK. X83
Madrid. The medicinal properties of the leaf of the para todo
were first made known by a Hungarian Jesuit, Sigismund Asper-
ger, who spent forty years among the missions of La Plata, and
died after the expulsion of his order, at the advanced age of one
hundred and twelve years."^ Asperger, who had in early life been
a physician, was indefatigable in botanic research, and an accom-
plished pharmacologist. He left a manuscript of medical recipes
and examples of acute cases which he had successfully treated
with medicines prepared from the indigenous vegetation of the
country. Several curanderos — the only physicians of Paraguay,
have copies of this valuable manuscript.
"Least depth of water to-day (fifteen feet) since leaving Pan de
Azucar. Anchored before sundown off Albuquerque ; saw near
the river only two huts, for the town is three miles inland, at the
foot of a sierra of the same name. As the water is falling, I have
determined to push on to Corumba, and visit the authorities of
Albuquerque when I return. Strolling along the banks before
dark, we saw at a short distance a rancho, and near it a corral
filled with cattle, the first seen since leaving the frontier guardia
of Paraguay. Endeavored to procure some milk, a luxury not
appreciated by the people of this river country ; indeed, it is nev-
er used by the Argentinos or Paraguayans except with hominy."
Bi moving from one nation to another, bordering on the same
great water-course, it is curious to observe how circumstances,
habit, and local influences make certain articles essentials of life.
We have left behind us the region of mate, and here, on the very
confines of Brazil, far from her coffee districts, the decoction of
this berry is the favorite drink of all who can procure it. "We
got our milk fi^esh from the cow, procured a novel and primitive
vessel in which to carry it to the steamer, and on that evening
feasted with tea, coffee, and milk.
" Temperature of air at six P.M., 81° ; water, 88° ; maximum,
meridian, 90° ; minimum, midnight, 76°. Position of anchorage
off Albuquerque, latitude 19° 26' 53" south, longitude 57° 28' 51"
west ; distance from Coimbra forty-seven miles. Put up a gauge
to ascertain the fall of the water during our absence.
'^November 30//i, 1853. At an early hour this morning under
way. Four miles above our last anchorage, the Eiver Miranda,
or, as it is marked on Azara's map, Mbotetey, empties mto the
Paraguay on the east by two mouths: one only, the lowest, is
* Azara.
184 MAPS.— MALO PASO.
navigable. It rises in the Cordillera San Jose, a range which,
under various names, extends through many degrees north and
south, and is the watershed for several of the western tributaries
of the Parana and the eastern tributaries of the Paraguay. The
Miranda is, I am told, navigable to a town of the same name, one
hundred and sixty miles in the interior; but as the Paraguay is
falling rapidly, and I do not wish to be caught here, a fixture for
some months, I can not spare the time for its examination.
" To the right the sierras are continuous, extending west be-
yond the horizon : they are, without doubt, part of the Bolivian
range of San Pantaleon. Six miles above the Miranda is the mouth
of another eastern tributary, the Tacuary, which also rises in the
Cordillera of San Jose. I can not at this time explore these trib-
utaries, and find it difficult to obtain any reliable information of
their characteristics. Even upon the Paraguay we find in this
vicinage but one settlement of the white race, an estancia belong-
ing to a gentleman of Albuquerque, about six miles above the
mouth of the Tacuary : it is well stocked with cattle."
On the east, back to the Cordillera of San Jose, is a fine rolling
country, marked on several maps as the Lake of Xarayes. This is
a geographical error, but not greater than many I have had occa-
sion to remark, in the course of my professional experience, in
various parts of the world, and this, too, in an age when the per-
fection of instruments leaves no excuse for inaccuracy. There
are no indications here of a lake. The land is low, and doubtless
not exempt from inundation at the season of high water. The
growth on the banks is shrubby, but back, and immediately ad-
jacent, is a dense forest, which looks as if it might be the growth
of ages.
In alluding to received errors in the geography of this country,
I must except the maps of Azara. His latitudes are remarkably
correct, and his longitudes are as much so as we have a right to
expect, when we remember the period at which he worked, and
the perfection which three quarters of a century of improvement
has given to the construction of instruments. On his map the
southern border of this lake is fixed at 18°.
'■^November SOth. Twenty-one miles above Albuquerque. Anoth-
er malo paso. It really offers no obstacle to a continuous naviga-
tion of the Paraguay, but there is a shoal extending from the right
bank, and rocks on the left, which contract the width of the chan-
nel, and reduce its depth to twelve feet, when it still has seven to
SADDLE-SHAPED MOUNTAIN.
185
fall. This pass is called Cambarasa, from a beautiful grove on tbe
left bank. The cambarasa is one of the finest trees of this lati-
tude ; the trunk, without limbs, rises to the height of about forty
feet ; it then shoots out a multitude of branches covered with rich
dark foliage, the whole forming an umbrella-shaped crowning.
" Three miles above, on the opposite side, a mountain range ap-
proaches the river, and from its base, extending quite down to the
water, is a fine growth of lapacho. Two miles above this, on the
east, is the mouth of the Omigara, said to be only a branch of the
Tacuary. Beyond, on the same side, begins an extensive and
beautiful forest of cambarasa, distant from the river, at different
points, from one quarter to two miles.
"Have advanced some distance, and observe, eight miles in-
land, a saddle-shaped mountain, here represented in the sketch ; it
SADDLE-SHAPED -MOUNTAIN.
slopes gradually in rounded hills and rolling wooded lands to the
west bank of the Paraguay, and is one of a broken range extend-
ing northward for forty miles from Albuquerque. On the east is
a similar wooded range, broken by plains and perpendicular sec-
tions of a rocky formation. This mingling of mountain, forest,
plain, and rock is inexpressibly beautiful.
186 ASCENT TO CORUMBA.
" The Parcaguay Mini — Little Paraguay, liere empties into the
main river. It is said to shorten, by thirty miles, the ascension to
Cuyaba, but has less depth than the main river.
" Fifty-five miles above Albuquerque. For the first time an
appearance of a lake upon the east. It is a narrow, shallow strip
of water, running parallel with the river, and there is a mountain
about two miles in the interior, with a low plain between it and
this lagoon. As we approach Corumba, the country presents the
appearance of a beautiful and recently-mown meadow, bounded
by wooded mountains, artificially terraced to the plain. The si-
lence and solitude is that of a desert. Not a sign of human life,
not a vestige or germ of civilization, except our little craft; she
puffs over the waters; at her peak the "stars and stripes" are spread
by a gentle southern breeze. We are opening, I sanguinely hope,
a new path to commerce and civilization.
" In sight of the little settlement of Corumba. As we approach
we find the passage of the river intricate ; as httle as ten feet wa-
ter. We have on board several men sent by the commandante to
pilot us up. There is a vast deal of disputing in Spanish, Portu-
guese, and Guarani, evidently a diversity of opinion, creating
such confusion that the Water Witch has narrowly escaped being-
run ashore.
" Minimum temperature at 8 A.M., 75°, wind N.N.W. Maxi-
mum, 3 P.M., 91.5°, wind south. Width of river, six hundred
yards ; depth, fifteen feet.
"We have now reached the utmost limit to which Brazil will
permit us to ascend."
Permission was subsequently given for the expedition to ex-
tend its operations throughout the Brazilian affluents of La Plata,
a result I confidently expected from the well-known intelli-
gence and enlightened spirit of the Emperor, notwithstanding the
first refusal.
This conviction did not lessen my regret at being obliged to
abide by the decision of the Imperial Government. A few days
would have taken us to Cuyaba. From that point I could have
concluded the survey of the river to its source in a boat, and
have sent the steamer so far down as to pass in time all shoal
places.
" The west banks here rise fifty or sixty feet to the level of a
plain which stretches back to a range of wooded mountains. It
has extended forests, with alternations of grass-land. The soil is
CORUMBA.
187
undoubtedly fine, but, witli the exception of one solitary estancia
well-stocked with cattle, and yielding excellent crops of corn and
mandioca, there is no attempt at culture in any direction. Aloes
and cacti abound ; and in our walks through the country we rec-
ognized woods seen several degrees south, such as the sabinata
(soap-tree), pala bianco, etc. I procured sections of others not in-
digenous to a lower latitude ; above all, the guatambu. This has
the finest unaginable texture, is of a delicate straw color, receives
a high polish, and would be, undoubtedly, in cabinet-work, the
most precious of arboreal treasures. Gathered four varieties of
edible fruits not before seen.
" Shot two vampire-bats ; one was flying with young in its
claws. Fine specimens of patos reales, a duck very like our do-
mestic Muscovy, but far more delicate for table use, have been
added to our collections."
The station or village of Corumba is merely a collection of
thatched huts forming two sides of a plaza, at one end of which is
a chapel, distinguishable only by its cross from the humble tene-
COBUMBA.
ments. A commander, fifteen soldiers, and about thirty women
and children, apparently mixed breeds of whites, Indians, and ne-
188 JAGUAR-HUNTING.
groes, are the inliabitants of this place, whicli has the appearance
of a forlorn settlement of squatters.
The neighboring forests abound in jaguars, said to be equal in
ferocity to the Bengal tiger. Having heard that the commander
was a Nimrod, I proposed a hunt, to which he readily assented,
and both time and place of meeting were arranged. "We were
punctual to our appointment, but by some mistake spearmen and
dogs started before us ; as the latter failed to strike the trail of a
beast, we lost nothing. The commandante showed us a fierce pack
of dogs, with each one of which was associated some fearful story
of hairbreadth escape. He gave us also a spirited account of his
hunting adventures, always perilous where the jaguar is the ob-
ject. He goes out armed with a double-barreled gun, and attend-
ed by two spearmen or lanceros, each famished with a long lance
and knife. The lance is pointed with iron, and on either side,
about fifteen inches from the end, is a projection of the same metal,
forming a cross ; this is to keep the tiger at a safe distance as he
receives a thrust ; for, if not wounded in some vital point — heart,
head, or spine — he never falls or attempts to escape, but, infuriated,
springs, with wonderful strength and the agility of a cat, at the
hunter. The arm of the spearman must be strong and steady, and
the second fire fatal, or the result of the battle is doubtful. On
one occasion a powerful beast, enraged by a slight wound, in an
incredibly short time laid eight dogs dead around him, and made
a dash at the commander, who had ventured out without his lan-
ceros, and only saved himself by a precipitate retreat.
" December 2d. During the last forty-eight hours the river has
fallen 3-| inches. We gathered some wild fruits to-day while
strolling through the woods near the settlement — the guacupari,
pleasantly acid ; cacan, mangarba, cipata.
" Albuquerque, December 3c?, 1853. Fearing to be caught in the
upper waters, I returned to Albuquerque, making the run in seven
hours and a half ; on board, the Commandante of Corumba and
his wife, who wished to visit this station.
" Temperature of air at 6 o'clock A.M., 75° ; at three P.M., 92°;
calm ; water, 89°, the highest temperature yet felt. In passing
again the Paso Cambarasa, to which I have alluded, we inclined
more to the right, and found deeper water, proving that in ascend-
ing we were out of the channel."
Albuquerque takes its name from a mountain, evidently a de-
tached range of the Sierra Dorado, known also to the Bolivians as
ALBUQUERQUE.
189
the Sierra Santa Lucia. It is the central and principal post on the
Paraguay frontier, and is embraced in the command of Captain
Peixoto de Azevido, whom we found here upon our arrival. On
this occasion we visited the village, beautifully situated, about
three miles from the river, amid a grove of tropical trees, which
concealed it entirely from view as we approached.
PLAZA OF ALBUQUEEQTTE.
The whole aspect of the place was cheerful and pleasant ; it
consisted of sixty or seventy adobe houses, built round a plaza,
at one end of which, as usual, stood the chapel, with its white-
washed gable and cross. In the centre of the square were several
guns, and in the immediate vicinity a number of huts occupied
by Guanos Indians, part of the agricultural tribe to which I have
alluded in connection with the Mbayas.
I accepted an invitation from our friend the commandante to
breakfast with him, and spend the day in visiting the various In-
dian settlements of the neighborhood. After an abundant repast,
to which all the oi!icers of the Water Witch and some of the prin-
cipal personages of the village were asked, we called at two es-
tablishments of Guaycurus. They live in neat huts, and occupy
themselves so successfully in cultivating the ground as to supply
nearly all the vegetables used at Albuquerque, and many of those
sent to Coimbra and Corumba. The following day we visited the
"Missao da Nossa Senhora de bom Consuelho, no Baixo Para-
guay," about eight miles from Albuquerque, which is still more
interesting, as exhibiting the aptness of the Indian for civilization.
The subjects of this mission are Guanos, under the immediate
190 MISSION OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL.
charge of a li'ranciscan friar, wlio labors zealously both to Chris-
tianize and improve their temporal condition. In witnessing the
results so far, we were involuntarily impressed with respect for the
religion and for the order. A few years past, these Indians, now
forming a Christian community, were wandering among the wilds
of the Chaco.
Our ride extended through a fine rolling country, but we were
scarcely prepared for the neatness, order, and cultivation imme-
diately around the mission. One end of the large plaza was oc-
cupied by the church and school-house, and on two sides were the
dwellings of the Indians, merely thatched huts, but admirably con-
structed for health and comfort in a tropical climate. Twenty feet
was the width allowed to each house, which, with a door at either
end, and partitioned within by cotton curtains, had all the neces-
sary advantage of privacy, with free circulation of air ; some sim-
ple cooking utensils, two or three cots, and a raised platform on
one side completed the interior arrangements. The platforms
served during the day for tables or seats, and at night, where the
family was large, as places of repose.
To each house was attached a garden, whei'e vegetables were
grown; but surrounding, and at some distance from the village,
were plantations and fields of corn, sweet potatoes, mandioca,
beans, rice, etc. In the lowlands of the vicinity, called Pantanos,
is found a native rice, not so white as the Carolina grain, but nu-
tritious, and excellent to the taste. It is regularly harvested by
the Indians, who thrash the grain from the stalks into their canoes.
Cotton of fine quality grows abundantly and spontaneously in the
neighborhood. This the women spin with the distaff, color with
dyes extracted from the barks of the neighboring forests, and
weave into the fabrics which form the material of their simple gar-
ments. These, for the females, are long chemises confined at the
waist, and for the men, pantaloons and ponchos.
Men and boys are trained for a few hours each day by a cor-
poral in military exercises ; and in the school were about eighty
pupils who had mastered not only the rudiments of a common
education, but made some progress in music and dancing. Their
proficiency in music reminded me of the assertion of the Jesuits,
who allude frequently, and with enthusiasm, to the genius of the
Plata Indians for this beautiful art. All the performers in the
band, with the exception of the leader and instructor, who is a
Brazilian, were Indians.
INDIAN MISSIONS. X91
We dined witli the Padre, and found assembled quite a large
party, several gentlemen of Albuquerque having been invited to
meet us. The dinner was admirably cooked, and served by In-
dian servants, and we had the pleasant enlivenment of excellent
music from the band which was stationed before the house. The
dinner was followed by another entertainment, one not anticipated
in these wild regions, but, above all, at the good Padre's domicil.
This was a dance. While chatting over our cigars, a number of
men and women, neatly dressed, came with presents for "Padre's
guests," and the young people of the mission assembled in an ad-
joining room, where, without the least confusion or embarrass-
ment, they arranged themselves into quadrilles, and danced with
a spirit and grace that astonished us.
When Captain Azevido proposed our joining them, the officers
were quite ready, and, with the others, I soon found myself wind-
ing through a quadrille with a handsome Chaco girl, who was
much more at home in the figures than her partner. These young
Indians were all well formed, and some of them really handsome,
with countenances guileless and intelligent ; their manner, though
subdued and gentle, was perfectly self-possessed.
It was touching to see the love and veneration with which they
all, old and young, seemed to regard the Padre.
In our own country enormous and annually increasing sums
are absorbed by foreign missions, but we hear little of extended
and united efforts among Christian societies for the evangelization
of the Indian. Acting upon the healthful maxim of "justice be-
fore generosity," surely the first thought of our missionaries should
be for the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent. Some of the
forest tribes, driven from State to Territory, from our fertile Terri-
tories to the wilds of the Eocky Mountains, are threatened with
extirpation ; they have been the victims rather than the enemies
of a rude border population, who have enriched themselves from
annuities, the price of their birthright, and initiated the savages
only into all the vices of civilization.
The capacity of the American savage for a high civilization has
never been fully demonstrated. No enlarged and well-digested
poHcy has yet been essayed which accorded them spiritual instruc-
tion, with political rights and personal freedom. Greatly as hu-
manity and religion must ever deplore the hasty and forced aban-
donment of the Plata missions by the Jesuits, admirable as was
the secular administration of the fathers, and extraordinary as
192 PRICES AT ALBUQUERQUE.
was the proficiency of the Indians in many of the arts, their " Ee-
ductions" were but rehgious communities, governed each by two
or three feeble men. They were desolated by fierce marauders,
disturbed by the interference of government officials, who pretend-
ed to discern in them the germs of an independent empire, jeal-
ously watched by ecclesiastics, and surrounded by a white popula-
tion eager to enslave their neophytes. It is therefore no reproach
to the labors of Jesuits that the condition of the Indian, to the last,
was one of pupilage. And we can not wonder that when sudden-
ly exposed to reactionary influences, separated from his paternal
governors, and subjected to the capricious and jarring tyranny of
civil and ecclesiastical rulers, he should have again sought the
wild freedom of the forest.
It was not only a pleasure, but a duty to return the hospitalities
of our Brazilian friends, and this in the best manner that the limit-
ed and nearly exhausted stores of the Water Witch would per-
mit. Invitations were immediately given, limited only by our
accommodations ; and if the table could not present a sumptuous
bill of fare, it boasted a few bottles of good cheer, reserved for
such occasions. " His Imperial Majesty," "the Stars and Stripes,"
"our glorious Union," and lastly, but enthusiastically, by our
guests, "the Explorations of the Water Witch," were all subjects
of toast. Sentiment and song, anecdote and tale of adventure,
followed each other in quick succession. The western wilds of
Brazil never before re-echoed the song and laxighter of a merrier
party, all natives of the American continent.
To give some idea of the profits of trade to Cuyaba, I append
the prices of certain articles at the time the Water Witch was in
those waters. Salt sold at ten dollars the Brazilian arroba (thirty-
two pounds), flour at fifteen dollars the arroba. The former is an
essential of life, which never can be supplied from the natural re-
sources of the country.*
I purchased at Albuquerque, for the ship's company, brown
sugar at five and a half cents a pound. It was made in the neigh-
borhood, and neatly moulded into blocks, each weighing one and
a half pounds. The caterer of the mess bought refined white
sugar, also made at Albuquerque, and moulded in the same form,
for thirteen and a half cents. For cofPee brought from Cuyaba
* Mandioca is at present, in the north of La Plata, a substitute for bread, and,
while travelinj:^ in the eastern wilds of Paraguay, I have eaten bread made from
flour of the bitter mandioca equal to the finest wheaten loaves.
BRAZILIAN REFUGEES. , 193
we paid twenty -seven cents per pound. It is said that planta-
tions of coffee would succeed admirably in this region of the
country, but the population is small, and the impossibility hereto-
fore of finding a market has alone prevented its cultivation. The
hign price we paid arose from a temporary scarcity of the article
at Albuquerque, and the unusual demand of a quantity for a for-
eign ship's crew.
The steamer was overrun with Indians bringing presents of pigs,
poultry, sugar-cane, bananas, and vegetables, expecting in return,
not money, but salt. The steward was not allowed to impose
upon their ignorance, and when they received a pound in return
for two chickens or a pig, they were amazed at our liberality.
The supplies brought were greatly beyond our wants, and obliged
us to decline them at last, giving all who came, however, a little
salt.
" The river has fallen within the last three days seven inches,
as shown by the gauge. Temperature of air varying from 75° to
96°; that of the water, 89°.
^^ December Ith^ 1853. When about to get under way for Coim-
bra, with its commandante on board as our guest, we were ap-
proached by a long, unwieldy open boat, containing four refugee
Bolivian officers, who had brought letters from the Grovernor of
Matto Grosso to Commandante Azevido. I released them from
their confined position by offering them a passage to Coimbra, and
took the boat in tow. They were making their way to Buenos
Ayres, or some town in the Argentine Confederation, and could
they have escaped over the southern borders of Bolivia, they
might have reached Salta in five days ; but by that route capture
was almost inevitable, and as they had taken a leading part in the
late revolution, which had failed, they would have paid the pen-
alty with their lives. There was but one road open to them
— through the north to Cuyaba ; following this, they had traveled,
when we met thern, two thousand two hundred miles by land and
river.
^'■December 9th. Have just returned from a visit to the 'Grotto
Inferno,' which is north of the fort, in the same range of hills, and
about a mile and a half from the river."
For the convenience of carrying instruments, hydrometer and
barometer, and for securing any specimens to be found of an in-
teresting character, we went in boats, which made the distance
three miles. We could not approach within half a mile of the
13
194 THF GKOTTO INFERNO.
base of the hill with the boats, but, plunging through mud and
water, we at last stood at the entrance of the grotto — a fissure or
mouth in the limestone barely wide enough to creep in.
The general inclination in the line of descent was about 30°
from the perpendicular, with a shaft of sixty feet. Descending
cautiously upon hands and feet, we reached the margin of a lake,
and found ourselves in a magnificent irregularly shaped hall, em-
bracing an area of about two thousand feet. Its roof, varying
from twenty to forty feet in height, rested on columns, symmetrical
and grand, as if designed and placed there by accomplished archi-
tects and skillful workmen. Between the columns were stalag-
mites, rising in the form of pillars, four, five, and six feet in height,
standing at regular distances, like sentinels suddenly transformed
into stone ; the stalactical depositions were of the most beautiful
and fantastic forms ; and as the crystallized surfaces of sides, roof,
and pillars reflected the blue lights and torches of our men, they
glittered and shone with all the brilliancy and varied hues of
gems. What ages must have elapsed while the great work had
been going on for the meeting, drop by drop, of ascending and
descending points, imtil those stupendous columns were formed !
Ours was a noisy party, but in the momentary intervals of silence
we heard the unceasing drip.
Entrances, half concealed below the water, led to lateral branch-
es, which we did not attempt to explore. Our men bathed in the
sweet, limpid water of the lake, which had a depth of eighteen
feet ; temperature above the standard of our hydrometer, 75° 05',
while that of the air was 80° ; the latter, however, undoubtedly
increased by the heat of the torches and the number of our party.
The commandante assured me that this lake rises and falls with
the periodical variations of the Paraguay. We toasted the divin-
ities of the spot, until, warned by the waning lights, we gathered
up specimens, and began a scramble for the mouth of the grotto.
It was an undertaking, with the encumbrance of a few stalac-
tites ; but the commander, having heard me express a desire to car-
ry off one of the " sentinels," had assigned to his men what seemed
an impracticable task with the means at hand — that of raising one
of those stalagmites to the mouth of the grotto. The feat was ac-
complished in safety ; and the column, weighing two hundred and
fifty pounds, was carried in triumph to the Water Witch.
One of the Bolivian ofiicers accompanied us in quite an elegant
toilet, embracing a pair of patent-leather boots. Such parts of
DEPARTURE FROM COIMBRA. 195
these as stood by him after the descent and ascent oi the grotto
were totally "used up" in the tramp to the boat. Misfortune and
companionship in the wilderness had made us intimate. His woe-
fal appearance was a fruitful subject of merriment and jest, which
he bore with such philosophy and good-humor as to join heartily
in the laugh against himself.
From barometric measurement, the highest point of the ridge
overlooking the fort was four hundred and fifty-one feet above the
level of the river. The temperature ranged from 75° to 93° ; by
gauge, water fell 2.4 inches per day.
When about to leave Coimbra, I received a letter from General
Gregorio Perez, Colonel Hilarion Ortiz, Lieutenant Colonel Ysi-
doro Reyes, and Doctor Antonio Zaveo, the four Bolivian officers,
asking a passage in the Water Witch to Asuncion. It was a
pleasure to accede to this request, for their position was truly for-
lorn ; but in doing so, I asked the general to report their presence
at the first Paraguayan town. In Francia's time they would in-
evitably have been detained, but under the present government
the result was what I anticipated ; they were stopped at Salvador
until the President could be notified of their arrival, but were
eventually permitted to leave the country, and went down to
Buenos Ayres in the Water Witch when she descended for sup-
plies.*
On the 11th of December, we parted, with regret, from our friend
the kind and gentlemanly Commandante of Coimbra, but with
the hope of seeing him again when we return in a small steamer
to complete the exploration of the upper waters. He presented
us with a half-grown jaguar, and several rare birds ; one, the
" Motu" — of the pheasant family, about the size of a small turkey
— female brown, with brown and white crest; male black, with
black crest — is easily domesticated, and dehcious for the table ; it
may prove a valuable acquisition to our domestic fowls. The
jaguar is fawn-colored, with dark spots encircled by a black ring,
which, at a glance, distinguishes this animal from the leopard.
In this specimen the marks are bright and well defined.
These, with several interesting animals, were sent home ; some
died on the passage, others after their arrival in the United States.
The instructions of Mr. Kennedy gave me a hope that my contri-
butions might form the nucleus of a national zoological collection,
and I made such a suggestion to his successor, but it met with no
* By the last revolution, September, 1857, this party is now in power.
196 DESCENT OF THE RIVER.
encouragement, as Congress had made no appropriation for sucli
an object. The tiger is now ahve at the farm of the Insane Asy-
lum near "Washington, and exhibits every evidence of untamed
ferocity.
On one occasion the Water Witch was visited by a lady, ac-
companied by a lovely little girl. The jaguar was lying in her
cage, quietly as usual when undisturbed or not hungry ; but at
the sight of this child she sprang up with a fury that startled
us. Each time as the child passed and repassed we witnessed the
same exhibition of ferocity.
" Reached the Salinas, to which I have alluded in ascending the
river ; saw many Guaycuru wigwams swarming with busy occu-
pants, for this was the season for making salt.
"Anchored, as the sun was setting in glorious majesty, amid a
sea of crimson, gold, blue, rose. How gorgeous are these tropical
sunsets, and how solemn, as all nature, with short interval, sinks
into shadow of night !
" Many Guaycurus came on board ; they had never seen a
steamer, but manifested no astonishment. The women were of the
ordinary stature ; men above it, with fine muscular development."
'■'■December 14:th. Anchored off Salvador." As I expected, the
Bolivian officers were detained for instructions from Asuncion.
"Met here a cacique, and some men of the Lengua tribe. I per-
suaded the cacique and several of his companions to sit for their
daguerreotypes. At the sight of them they showed both wonder
and delight ; it is the first time that I have seen the La Plata In-
dians exhibit an emotion."
" Co7icepcion, December Ibth. I have endeavored, but in vain,
to procure horses for the officers and myself to visit the ' Yer-
bales.' The commandante, in our ascent of the river, was all ci-
vility ; now he wears a long face, and makes many excuses for not
complying with my request. 'The horses,' he said, 'were away.'
I extended the time for our excursion ; the commandante extend-
ed the distance to which the horses had been sent. I am puzzled,
but have been long enough in the country to know that the coun-
tenances and deportment of officials reflect that of the government.
Something is wrong. It would be less dangerous for the poor
commandante to spend a few days among the Indians of the Chaco
than to show us civility, if I have, however unintentionally, in-
curred the displeasure of the ' great heart of Paraguay ;' for that
influence penetrates every artery of the body politic.
SOMETHING WRONG.
197
1,ENG0A FNDIANS AT SALVADOR.
" It is astonishing with what rapidity the commands and wishes
of government are here transmitted to every part of the repubhc.
From guardia to piqueta, from piqueta to guardia, these Para-
guay couriers move with a rapidity that would rival the speed of
an express locomotive. I have been more successful in procuring
specimens than horses, and have added many fine birds to our
collection.
" The weather during the last few days has been intensely hot ;
thermometer varying from 73° to 99° ; and this heat is neither de-
bilitating nor oppressive, tempered as it is by constant breezes,
south, southeast, southwest. Thermometer at 9 A.M., 93° ; wa-
ter, 87°. ,
" Anchored at one of our wooding points off the estancia of
Sefior Antonio Garcia. The Water Witch has been visited by
his family, and many others of the neighborhood. One of the la-
dies brought with her a yellow parrot. It is known that the In-
dians of Paraguay have sometimes succeeded in changing the col-
or of the parrot by plucking the feathers of the young bird, and
pressing into the pores a fluid, which imparts its hue to the new
plumage ; but senora assured me that hers was a genuine and
198 ASUNCION.— A STORM BREWING.
rare species ; so rare that she knew of but one other in all the
country. The bird was blind, and had been so for twelve years,
I was anxious to procure a specimen, but no money could pur-
chase this. It is true, the lady presented it to me. I, however,
fortunately understood that it was a Spanish offer, and declined it.
" At one or two of the bad passes we have discovered that our
descent was well-timed. The water has fallen four and a half feet
since our upward passage, and yet there is sufficient depth for a
vessel of nine feet draught. Four feet more, and the river will
have reached its minimum. It is subject in the month of January
to a partial rise, similar to the Repunie of the Parana, which oc-
curs in November, and is equal to five or six feet. While at
Asuncion in January, 1854, between the 12th and 21st of the
month, it rose eleven inches, continuing from that time to Febru-
ary to decrease, as previously shown.
" December 20th, 1853. Anchored off Asuncion ; visited almost
immediately by the port captain, whose countenance, like that of
the Governor of Concepcion, is ominous of a brewing storm.
"What can it be ?"
CHAPTEE XII.
The Captain of the Port. — Momentous Question. — A Call at the Government
House. — The Secretary of State. — Visit to the President. — The Anniversary of
Paraguayan Independence. — Minor Explorations. — Congress of 1812. — The
Consuls. — Francia. — Provisional Junta. — Another Congress. — President Lo-
pez.— The Constitution. — Ignorance of the People. — Society. — Senoritas and
Flowers.— Paraguay Tobacco and Smokers. — The Siesta. — Another Call upon
the President. — The Vaquerano. — A Tour into Paraguay. — SeiiorDon Jaimi Cor-
vallan. — Periju. — Senora Dalmacia. — Villa Rica. — Don Louis Homan. — The
Tcbiquari. — The Recado. — Pucsta del Estado de Jesus Maria. — The Dinner. —
The Peripo. — Mr. Francis Wisner. — Sefior Sergcnte Lopez. — Senora Clara. —
Manufacture of Cigars. — The Taquari. — Fertility of the Country. — Medical Men.
— Healthful Climate. — Puebla Carmen. — Don Mariana. — The Yiin. — El Secre-
tario. — Ytapua.
The captain of the port is an important personage at Asuncion ;
he not only notes all arrivals and departures by water, but is a
confidential friend of the President. His every look and act are
watched by the Paraguayans as reflecting that of his Excellency.
I found him, on my return, not wanting in ofi&cial courtesy, but
depressingly solemn. At last he asked a great and momentous
question.
A MOMENTOUS QUESTION. I99
" How far did you go?"
" I ascended to Corumba in Brazil."
" Then you went beyond the limits of Paraguay ?"
Ilere was a key to the mystery. I now understood why all the
horses of Concepcion had so suddenly disappeared ; why the good
commandante, so zealously anxious to serve us in ascending, was
so officially cold in descending.
I have alluded to the celeritv with which intellio;ence is trans-
mitted through Paraguay, by means of guardias and piquetes.
The port captain knew very well that the expedition had entered
the Brazilian waters, and I understood that, in questioning me as
to the extent of our explorations, he only acted under instructions,
and that my answer would be duly reported.
I said, " having completed the survey of the river throughout
Paraguayan territory, and finding that we were on the borders of
Brazil, I availed myself of the imperial permission, and ascended
to Corumba. It is true, that in my interviews and conversations
with the President on this subject, he raised objections to my going
beyond the limits of Paraguay, but I always combated them, and
as this official letter was sent after my last conversation with him,
I concluded from its tenor that he had yielded the point. I know
that his Excellency will be gratified at the result of my work, for
I can give him information as to neighboring territories which he
has never before received." I then showed the official the Presi-
dent's letter. He looked disturbed, and bade me adios.
I called as soon as possible at the government house. The offi-
cer in attendance announced my visit, but returned immediately,
saying,
" His Excellency is too unwell to receive you, but requests that
you will call on the Secretary of State."
" Express to his Excellency my regret at his indisposition, and
say that I have no official business with the Secretary of State ;
but I will call on him."
The Secretary of State was profoundly polite, but as solemn as
if under condemnation to be shot for treason.
" He hoped that I had enjoyed the trip." The secretary was
disposed to regard it as a pleasure excursion.
I replied, " I have received pleasure from the exploration of
the river beyond Asuncion, and much of this pleasure arises from
a knowledge of the success of the work so far ; for this success I
owe much to the liberality of the Paraguayan government, and
200 INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT LOPEZ.
avail myself of this occasion to express my thanks for the hospi-
tality and official consideration with which we have been received
at every point upon the river. I regret that the indisposition of
his Excellency the President, obliges me to wait for the pleasure
of expressing to him my gratitude."
The secretary relaxed somewhat from the rigidity of counte-
nance and manner which he had maintained since my entrance.
At this propitious moment I rose and said " good-morning."
I understood now the whole question; in entering Brazilian
territory I had touched the dignity of the republic, periled its
peace, and it was considered necessary to make me aware of this.
After the lapse of a day or two the President's recovery was in-
timated to me, and I called at the government house, was admit-
ted, and found his Excellency seated as usual at the circular table.
The conversation soon turned upon the extent of our explorations,
when his Excellency became excited. One would have supposed
that I had let " Los Portugases^' — as he called the Brazilians — in
upon him.
He "knew," he said, "that the imperial government would de-
mand the privilege accorded to the United States expedition."
I said, " I think your Excellency takes a mistaken view of the
question. Our explorations can not be assumed as a precedent to
do more than the expedition has aimed to accomplish, and if Bra-
zil should demand the same privilege it would be absurd. The
surveys of the river have been carefully made. The results will
be published, and the imperial government will receive the same
benefit that any other might expect."
I reminded him of our last conversation on the subject, also of
his official letter, which L regarded as an abandonment of all ob-
jections to my ascending as far as I could, and then said,
" I am happy how to present your Excellency with a sketch of
the river, throughout the limits of Paraguay, of perhaps far great-
er accuracy than any thing you have before seen."
He assured me repeatedly, during this visit, of his high consid-
eration for me officially and personally ; and from this time my re-
lations with him, until again disturbed, were of a far more friendly
and confidential character than they had previously been. A few
days later I had an interview with him on some other business ;
he adverted playfully, to the subject of our difficulty, and said,
"We are now as good friends as ever."
The 25th of December is- the anniversary of Paraguayan inde-
ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE. £01
pendence, and is therefore, in that country, both a political and
religious festival. Accompanied by some of the officers of the
Water Witch, I called to pay my respects to the President, who
was, as usual, before the circular table, and in full uniform. He
requested us to be seated on his right ; and we took possession of
one of the rows of chairs, to which I have previously alluded as
being always stationary. Opposite, on a corresponding row, were
seated some Paraguayans. All was solemn and still. I ventured
to break the silence by congratulating his Excellency upon the
prosperity and peace of Paraguay. In reply he referred, in com-
plimentary terms, to the United States, to their rapid advance-
ment, and their prominent position among the powers of the earth.
Neither on this or any similar occasion did I observe the presence
of ladies ; strong-minded women have then here both political and
social wrongs.
The wheels of the Water Witch had become so much damaged,
that it was necessary to make some temporary repairs before she
could attempt the passage to Montevideo for provisions, and a
more thorough overhauling. When ready she was dispatched
with such officers as were absolutely necessary, while others were
detailed for various duties of the work in Paraguay.
The small steamer was now completed, and assigned to Lieu-
tenant Murdaugh, who was to explore a river which was said to
flow from the Chaco into the Paraguay, sixty miles from Asuncion.
Finding no such stream he entered an arm of the Paraguay, some
distance above ; ascended it for fifteen miles, and discovered that
it there terminated in grass and camelotes, having no current to
indicate it being a river. This was doubtless the supposed tribu-
tary, and is but another evidence of the prevailing ignorance of
the geography of the opposite territory, even in the vicinity of the
capital.
To obtain some information as to the resources and cultivation
of this country, I determined to go into the interior ; following a
route that would lead through the most populous districts, and to
some of the old settlements of the Jesuits, among them Ytapua,
now called Encarnacion — from which point, north, the Parana
forms the eastern boundary of the republic. While engaged in
preparation for these new movements of the expedition I had
again an opportunity of seeing something of the capital, the cen-
tre of trade, politics, and social life. Its population is estimated
at from ten to twenty thousand — certaialy a wide difference in
202
CASPAR FRANCIA.
numbers ; but, from tlie absence of statistical information, or ratli-
er from the objection to making any thing known to strangers, a
foreigner is left very much to the result of his own observations.
I should say that it contains about twelve thousand inhabitants.
The non-intercourse policy of Francia and Eosas has operated here
as banefully as in many other towns of La Plata. With no motive
for exertion, the habit is lost, and yet I found the Paraguayans
quick to avail themselves of the information and intelligence of
others.
GASPAK PRANCIA.
The independence of this country was acknowledged by Buenos
Ayres in 1811 ; a Congress assembled in 1812, and confided the
administration of affairs to two consuls, Yegros and Francia.
Yegros possessed some military talent, but was idle and illiterate.
He left the management of affairs entirely in the hands of Francia,
who regulated the finances, the military, and the administration
of justice with so much address, filling every public place with his
POLICY OF FRANC I A. 203
own creatures, that, in 1814, he succeeded in having himself
named as dictator for three years, and at the expiration of that
time for life. He was intended for the Church, and graduated at
the University of Cordova; but, having more taste for jurispru-
dence than for theology, he took the degree of Doctor of Laws, in
which profession he attained both popularity and distinction.
Providence granted him a long life. He was fifty when he was
made supreme ruler of Paraguay, and had, by some years, passed
the period assigned to man when death closed his career.* The
iniquity of his rule was progressive, and his apologists — for even
Francia has found them — declare that, as a lawyer, and during the
first years of his dictatorship, he displayed integrity and generous
traits ; that the excessive severity of his character was developed
by, or was the consequence of the conspiracies that, constantly
menaced his political power. It is almost impossible to arrive at
the ruling princij)le of his action, or even to obtain reliable infor-
mation as to the acts of the later years of his dictatorship. No
records were kept, and all orders were returned to him, with " ex-
ecuted" marked on the margin, and were then destroyed. We
can only believe that cunning, not principle, restrained his de-
signs, until the habit of submission on the part of the Paraguay-
ans was fixed.
It was his favorite maxim that " liberty should be proportioned
to civilization, and that the exercise of it was prejudicial where
not demanded as a public necessity." The, doctrine of non-inter-
course was adopted, he declared, to save Paraguay from the
anarchy that decimated the population of other parts of La Plata,
and from the ambitious designs of Buenos Ayres, who sought to
exercise a dominating influence over the whole basin.
Ytapua on the Parana, and Nembucu on the Paraguay, were
open to trade, or rather to change of commodities, by special li-
cense, Francia being the principal, or, in fact, the only merchant.
When he needed foreign articles, a permit was sent to Corrientes
for a vessel to enter Nembucu. An invoice of the cargo was for-
warded to him, upon which he placed his own valuation; and
payment was made in yerba, an article in such demand in the
lower provinces that the people were glad to get it upon any terms.
■'. After his death, which occurred on December 25th, 1810, a
Provisional Junta was appointed to administer the government
* After his death there was found among his papers a list of fifty persons to be
executed.
204 RISE OF LOPEZ.
until a Congress could be convoked. At tlie end of four months,
finding the members of this body indisposed to yield up the au-
thority confided to them, the people rose, went to the government
house, and forced them to resign. At the end of eighteen days
an extraordinary Congress of four hundred members was assem-
bled, and the administration of affairs was confided to two con-
suls, Carlo Antonio Lopez and Marianna Eoque Alonzo, The
new magistrates entered upon the exercise of their functions in
May, 1841 ; the first with a salary of fonr thousand dollars per
annum, the second with three thousand. In 1844, Congress hav-
ing decided that the consular government should be replaced by
a president as chief magistrate, Seiior Lopez was elected for ten
years, and installed March 13th, 1845, with a salary of $8000 per
annum. There wa^ no provision limiting the re-election of the
same individual. Consequently, in 1854, he was again chosen for
another term. The age of the candidate, before fixed at forty -five,
was changed to thirty -three ; a move made, it is supposed, by the
President by way of securing the succession for his eldest son,
General Lopez.
Paraguay had a Constitution when Francia was made dictator.
She has one now, perhaps, for I could learn nothing ofiicially.
But that avails nothing. The Constitution is interpreted ; the ju-
diciary, elections, and congresses are alike controlled by the Pres-
ident, who governs with an authority as unquestioned as if he
were supreme Dictator. The commandantes of each jurisdiccion
are appointed by him. These officers, in turn, nominate the dele-
gates for Congress, allowing a certain representation to each ^jar-
tido ; and the Congress chooses the President, who is thus elected
per se.
There are few in this country who comprehend the first princi-
ples of civil liberty. Pitilessly, and with wonderful astuteness,
Francia first debilitated the organic springs of their political sys-
tem, feeble at best, and eventually destroyed its strength and
life. So far as I could learn, the administration of President Lo-
pez is unstained by crime ; but there is no opposition to his au-
thority ; there are no political conspiracies to test the temper or
integrity of his rule. An unquestioning and timorous submission
to his decrees, a reverential awe and demeanor in his presence, are
observed by all, however high their official or social position.
Paraguay has no precedent, historic or traditional, on which to
base a more enlightened government ; and her chief magistrate,
POLICY OF LOPEZ. 205
though a man of natural abilities and some education, loves pow-
er, and is waiy and unscrupulous in the exercise of it. He talks
much of "the Eepublic," and of his desire to improve the condition
of the people; but he needs the experience which must come from
friction with foreign governments, the instruction of rebuke, and
the bold imsellish energy of Urquiza, to become an enlightened
nder. He has made some effort for the establishment of schools,
at least in Asuncion ; but it is a favorite theory with him that a
sudden or rapid transition from the present primitive state of the
Paraguayans would operate unfavorably to the harmony of the
government and the peace of the Republic. He gives them a
little learning cautiously and slowly.
The better class of society in Asuncion consists of a few families
of Spanish origin, among whom there are not many individuals
who could meet, according to our ideas, a good educational stand-
ard, though the men possess a vast deal of suav iter in modo, and
the women are graceful and talk amazingly well. They have
much talent for narration, and will give jaguar and Indian stories
with infinite spirit.
Madam Lopez resided at a quinta, about six miles from the
town. The distance afforded a pleasant ride, and we were always
kindly received by the seiiora and her fair daughters, who have
all the ease of manner and tact which is so attractive in the Span-
ish-American women. In the half dozen families of the city that
formed the circle of our acquaintance we were always hospitably
received, and with several of them our social intercourse was truly
agreeable. Foreign articles of female attire are replacing the prim-
itive fabrics, which the arbitrary decrees of Francia obliged all to
use. The laces of France and Belgium are superseding the elab-
orate domestic cotton productions of earlier days, which are now
only used as trimmings for bed furniture, or are bought by for-
eigners as curious sj)ecimens of female handicraft. In the houses
of the wealthy, at Asuncion, the house-linen is tastefully decorated
with these domestic laces.
At the capital, and indeed at all the river towns of La Plata, a
pretty custom prevails among the senoritas, of presenting every
visitor wit^ flowers. Their gardens may not display a large col-
lection, but if they produce but a single sprig of sweet odor it is
given to the first comer. In calling at different houses in the
course of the afternoon, the visitor would accumulate quite a num-
ber of bouquets, did he not learn from experience that, to save
206 SOCIETY IN ASUNCION.
himself from a broadside of graceful reproaches, it would be ad-
visable to conceal or part with the flowers of Senorita Maria be-
fore entering the presence of Senorita Theresa. Each lady must
suppose that she is the sole object of the afternoon's homage.
We were invariably offered refreshments, either mate or En-
glish ale, which is very -popular among the Paraguayans, and
throughout the river towns — or the panales^ a very refreshing do-
mestic drink, made of the white of eggs and sugar beaten togeth-
er, and formed into cakes of a cylindrical shape, looking like a
delicate honeycomb. A little negro presents the visitor with a
plate of these, always with a glass of water ; the panales immersed
in the water dissolves immediately, and affords a simple but de-
licious beverage. The servant after offering this goes out, but
soon returns with ih&hrasero — a small brass vessel containing a
few coals of fire — and a plate of cigars. This last hospitality is
offered in every house, however humble its pretensions in other
respects ; and all men, women, and children — delicate, refined girls,
and young masters who would not with us be promoted to the
dignity of pantaloons — smoke with a gravity and gusto that is ir-
resistibly ludicrous to a foreigner. My son sometimes accompa-
nied me in these visits, and was always greatly embarrassed by
the pressing offer of cigars. I made his excuses by saying, " Smok-
ing is a practice we consider injurious for children." " Si, seiior,"
the Paraguayan would, reply, " with all other tobacco, but not
with that of Paraguay."
On no occasion, while in Asuncion, were we invited to " dine
out," or take tea; and dinners by invitation, or meals taken
socially with other families, are unknown. I had frequently visit-
ors while at breakfast, but never could prevail on one to join me
at table. The Paraguayans rise early, take mate and cigars, then
visit or transact business during the cool of the morning. At
midday they dine, then retire for a siesta^ during which the streets
are deserted, every store and dwelling closed, and a profound still-
ness reigns through the town. After a few hours the houses are
reopened, cigars and mate are again served, and each one goes to
his daily vocation. Eiding, visiting, or walking occvipies the time
from sundown till nine o'clock, when supper finishes the labors
and enjoyments of the day.
I called to inform the President of my desire to visit the inte-
rior of his beautiful country ; he replied, courteously, that a kind
reception awaited me.
TRIP TO THE INTERIOR. 207
"Will your Excellency tell me whetber a passport is neces-
sary ?"
He hesitated — " Not necessary, but it may facilitate your move-
ments if questioned by some official, who would understand noth-
ing you could say so well as a passport."
The paper was prepared, but demanded only on one occasion,
on the extreme eastern frontier of the Republic, where, as the
President had foreseen, it was more useful than words.
Our next step was to engage a vaqueano^ an indispensable at-
tendant to a traveling party ; for he is guide, hostler, banker, and
interpreter. The last is a very important service, for in many
parts of the interior of Paraguay Spanish is as little understood as
English or any other foreign language. Guarani is almost uni-
versally spoken, and even the higher classes, who use Spanish
habitually, understand and speak the Indian tongue with facility.
" Cargaro" horses were also an absolute requisite for carrying
our instruments for latitude and longitude, barometric measure-
ments, daguerreotypes, and portfolios for botanic specimens ; to
say nothing of a change of clothing and bedding for each individ-
ual of the party. The latter, however, was not very bulky, being
merely an India-rubber poncho.
A hint from the President would be quite sufficient to insure
kind treatment to strangers at the hands of every Paraguayan.
But, independent of any influence the expression of his Excel-
lency's will might have, I really believe hospitality to be a na-
tional virtue. As there are no public houses, travelers must de-
pend exclusively on private entertainment. I instructed the va-
queano to make remuneration on all occasions in the course of
our route. It was invariably offered, but in a majority of instances
declined.
On the 6th of February, 1854, in the afternoon, our party
moved off, much to the amusement of a crowd of men, women,
and children, who had assembled to see sailors on horseback. A
gentleman who knew the country thoroughly had given me some
general written directions as to the best places for siesta and for
stopping at night. The first named was the Estancia Corvallan,
about eighteen miles from Asuncion. Many estancieros in Para-
guay reside permanently in the country, where they have spacious
adobe houses. Don Jaimi Corvallan was one of this class of
country gentlemen, and one of wealth and respectability. A
friend having notified him of our intended visit, he came out to
208 I>ON JAIMI CORVALLAN.
meet us as we rode up to the house, invited us cordially to enter,
and presented us to his wife and daughter, who welcomed us
kindly, and busied themselves with the preparation of what
proved a sumptuous supper.
Paraguayans of all classes observe the sensible and economical
habit of serving one dish at a time, though sometimes a single ar-
ticle of food will furnish material for half a dozen courses. All
are varied by nice cookery.
On the present occasion we had " pucharo" (stewed beef with
vegetables), "asado" (roast beef), poultry, mandioca, and a "dulce"
— a term comprehending a variety ^of sweet things — in this case
a simple but very nice preparation of milk and sugar. After ci-
gars and a chat with Don Jaimi we were shown to our sleeping
apartments, where we found beautifully clean beds and white cot-
ton hammocks, with elaborate net- work trimmings.
At an early hour the following morning we were astir and
ready for a start. The servant who awakened us served at the
same time a mate ; and when we were ready to mount, a little ne-
gress came forward with a large goblet of foaming milk, fresh and
warm from the cow. Our kind host accompanied us for some
distance. And now realizing that we had fairly commenced our
journey into the interior of the country we felt much pleased with
this first experience of its hospitalities.
The road we followed was good, but sandy, and lay through a
populous caynpo* After passing Ytigua, a pueUita^ with a neat
little chapel, we reached Periju in about three hours, and stopped
for breakfast. This village is beautifully situated at the base of a
ridge of wooded hills, and has its plaza and church. To the east
ranged lofty sierras, and between them and the serranias lay the
fertile campo through which we had traveled, winding beyond
reach of the eye, and dotted with estancias and herds of horned
cattle, or with small fields of corn, tobacco, and mandioca.
The meal at Periju, which served both for breakfast and din-
ner, consisted of beef, chickens, and mandioca ; the latter a gen-
eral substitute through the country for bread. Our route from
this place still lay through a level grazing country, its monotony
relieved by superb woodlands. Passing the village of Paraguayri,
we stopped for the night at the house of Seiiora Dalmacia Fernan-
dez. Festive sounds reached us as we approached — the jingling
* Campo, level country, in contradistinction to sierra, mountains, and serranias,
hills, or spurs. • t Puehlita, hamlet.
SENORA DALMACIA FERNANDEZ.
209
of guitars and dancing. We had disturbed a merry-making, and
met with a. cold reception. It was too late to look for other
quarters, and, fatigued by a long day's ride, I was indisposed to
excuse this want of hospitality by remembering that our arrival
had interrupted the dance. I revenged myself by an exhibition
of independence, which was, I fear, all lost on the seiiora ; for, re-
COSTtTMES IN THE INTEKIOR.
freshed by a bath in a small river that meandered through the
campo, and wrapped in poncho and shawl, I settled myself for the
night, quite unmindful of after invitations to supper and bed.
The vaqueano had especial instructions to pay for all accommoda-
tions which the party received; and at five o'clock the next morn-
ing we left with a smile, a courtes}^, and an adios senor, from
14
210 DON LOUIS HOMAN.
Senora Dalmacia, that would have " taken aback" an old Span-
iard. But I was unmoved, and went on my way with, a stiif bow,
and a determination never again to seek shelter from storm or
starvation at the house of this fair widow.
We passed a wooded spur of the sierra, and, after a ride of
twenty-one miles, hungry and fatigued, stopped at the Estancia del
Estado, about one mile from the Eio Hondo, a small tributary of the
Tibiquari. Here two of our cargaro horses, with the daguerreo-
type instruments, broke down, but we were furnished with fresh
animals to take us to the house of Senor Jose Dolores, our rest-
ing-place for the night.
Passing the Capilla* Ybitimi, we arrived, about dusk, at Don
Jose's. He was absent, but we were kindly received by the son,
who hired us fresh horses to Villa Eica. As early on the follow-
ing morning as the laziness of our vaqueano would allow, we were
on the road, and in a short time reached the Tibiquarimini (Little
Tibiquari), the principal branch of a river of that name. After
fording this stream, which was two hundred yards wide, and from
two to three feet deep, we entered the Partido Ytape, and break-
fasted at the estancia of Senor Manuel Vasquez. Three hours later
.we arrived at "Villa Eica."
Having letters for a Portuguese merchant, Don Louis Homan,
I at once sought his residence, wishing to consult him about quar-
ters for our party. He insisted that as many as could be accom-
modated should remain at his house ; while for the others he found
lodgings. I had no wish to impose upon his kindness, but he
would only compromise matters by agreeing to find rooms for us
elsewhere, provided we would take our meals with him. The
hospitality of Don Louis was only surpassed by his industry and
intelligence. Though an active merchant, horticulture, mechanics,
and the rearing of horses occupied his leisure hours. A garden
well stocked with delicious fruits, improved machinery for crushing
sugar, and some fine horses, were shown us with evident pride.
His racers were really noble animals, though they may not have
possessed the "blood and heels" of Eclipse or Henry. Senor
Homan also takes an intelligent interest in the native products of
the country. His house, like all those of the better class at Villa
Eica, was of adobe, and of one story. The furniture was made of t
Paraguay woods, such as Morosimo, and Tatayba, both of which
have a very fine texture, and are susceptible of a high polish.
* Capilla, a chapel surrounded by a few dwellings.
VILLA RICA. 211
The Morosimo is not -unlike maliogany ; the Tatayba is of a deli-
cate straw color. I am indebted to him for some beautiful spe-
cimens of the gum " Mbatitimbaby," which is amber -colored,
clear, and apparently as hard as crystal. It is soluble only in
nitric acid.
Villa Eica is equidistant from the river Tibiquari on the east,
and its tributary the Tibiquarimini on the west. Its position is
picturesque, being surrounded by fertile plains, while to the east
and west range low mountains covered with noble forests. It has
about two thousand inhabitants, and is the principal depot for all
the products of the neighboring country. These are purchased by
its merchants, and conveyed to Asuncion in ox-wagons at the
rate of 12|- cents the aroba. Each cart carries one hundred arobas,
and consumes twenty days in the travel to and from the capital,
without allowing for any detention there or upon the road. Ow-
ing to these embarrassments, and the exactions and monopolies of
the government, the resources of this region are undeveloped.
The Jesuits had here an important establishment, but the church
and other buildings were destroyed by Francia's orders, and upon
their ruins was erected an unpretending chapel. The shops, the
principal of which was that of our friend Don Louis Homan, were
gayly decked with goods.
The country through which we had passed, from Asuncion to
Villa Rica, one hundred and eight miles by the road, is through-
out populous, picturesque, and fertile ; the campo has the appear-
ance of a lovely meadow, and the fine condition of the cattle
proved the excellence of its grasses. Skirting the plains are the
serranias, and upon these are built the^9z«e5/o6',^;Mei?ito.s,* cajyillas,
and dwellings of the country people. Some of the latter are of
adobe, and are spacious ; others are low thatched huts. The roll-
ing lands rise in gentle slopes to a background of wooded mount-
ains, which form a beautiful and effective setting to the hills, and
green pastures below.
There were no large plantations, but many small fields of corn,
tobacco, mandioca, and a little sugar-cane.
In the time of Francia, cotton was extensively cultivated for
home consumption. I saw but a few plants, the growth of two or
three years ; for even since the opening of the rivers in 1852, the
foreign-manufactured article has worked its way into these inte-
rior regions, and the people will no longer pay seventy -five cents
* Pueblos, villages. Pueblitas, hamlets.
212 THE TIBIQUARI.
per yard for the domestic fabric, when they can purchase the im-
ported for ten. So much for trade, even in Paraguay.
The Tibiquari and Tibiquarimini, which course through fertile
lands, might be made channels of communication to the river Par-
aguay ; but the Tibiquari disembogues one hundred and forty -two
miles below Asuncion, and one hundred and eight above Corri-
entes. The products of the country would of course follow the
current, and find their market in the latter city, and draw proj)or-
tionably Jrom the trade of the capital. This would not at all ac-
cord with the aim of President Lopez, which is to make the trade
of the Kepublic centre where he has the collection of the revenue
under his direct supervision. It is natural that he should wish to
make the ports of Paraguay the seat of their own import and ex-
port trade ; but more enlarged views would suggest the naviga-
tion of the Tibiquari by small steamers, or even boats ; and the
building of a village, which would soon grow to a city, at its
mouth. The aggregate products of the whole country through
which this river flows are even now considerable, and could, from
its natural fertility, be increased a hundredfold.
We remained several days at Villa Eica to make observations
for determining its latitude and longitude, and the variation of
compass. Its position, as established by Lieutenant Welsh from
altitudes of the sun, and of stars east and west, and north and
south with pocket chronometer, sextant, and artificial horizon, is
latitude 25° 47' 10" south, longitude 56° 80' 20" west; variation
7° 84' east ; height above Asuncion 823 feet ; and above Buenos
Ayres 580.
We also hoped during this delay to refresh our cargaro horses,
which were now quite useless from the state of their backs, caused
more by the clumsy saddle of the country than the weight of the
instruments. This recado (saddle), used every where, is not only
uncomfortable to the rider, as I had a fair opportunity of judging,
but injurious to the horse. Indeed you scarcely see an animal
much used in La Plata whose back does not show its bad effects.
It serves the double purpose of saddle and bed ; and were our
saddles encumbered with an equal number of skins or cloths
placed under and over, they would answer as well ; but the people
of these countries trouble themselves little with improvements ;
old things are preferred because they are old.
From the difficulty of obtaining horses, and accommodations for
so large a party, I determined to divide it at Villa Eica. Lieu-
TEAVKLING IN THE INTERIOR. 213
tenants Ammen and Welsh were directed to take another route,
while I, abandoning the daguerreotype instrument, and encum-
bered only with such as were necessary for geographical determi-
nation, pursued my course east, accompanied by Lieutenants Pow-
ell and Henry, and Mr. Bushell.
Travelers are almost unknown in the interior of Paraguay ; and,
in the absence of all hotels or public houses, it is difficult to pro-
cure a change of horses, accommodation, or rather provisions, for
a large party. The grazing is every where fine, but an animal
turned out at night is not fit for the next day's travel. At least
this can not be followed up for many days successively. The
people cultivate only the essentials of life. Corn, though abund-
ant and cheap, is never stored, but sold, as soon as gathered, to
the merchant of some neighboring village. One rarely sees bread,
except in certain thrifty families, where is found the cMjm, made
of the flour of the bitter mandioca, an excellent substitute for that
of wheat.
At our first stopping-place, after leaving Villa Pica, the dwell-
ing wore an unusual air of comfort, and the dinner was both
abundant and well cooked. It consisted of soup, chickens, stewed
beef, hominy, eggs, and milk ; all served in as many courses, but
in one and the same earthen dish, out of which we ate with
wooden spoons. Plates, dishes, and knives are the luxuries only
of the higher classes.
We spent the night at Capilla Yacaguazu, the house of Senor
Dorothio Duarte, about thirteen miles from Villa Pica. The next
day, after some trouble with one of the cargaro mules which we
had hired at Villa Rica to replace our worn-out horses, we crossed,
about nine miles from the Capilla, the little river Yacaguazu, a
tributary of the Tibiquari, and twelve miles beyond arrived at
the village of San Francisco, in the department of Caasapa. The
physical features of the country to that point continued unchanged ;
mountains and hills, covered with superb forests, inclosing fertile
and populous campos.
All the lands from the Yacaguazu to the Parana, eastward, are
the property of the state. The inhabitants, who are tenants of the
Republic, pay an annual rent of two dollars the square league,
and a tenth of the produce. The resources of the country under
such a system can never be fully developed ; and it is said that
President Lopez, aware of this, will propose to Congress a law au-
thorizing the sale of these lands. But one can scarcely imagine the
214
PUESTA DEL ESTADO.
action of that body necessary to enable bim to carry out bis wilb
The proclamations and edicts of bis Excellency are tbe laws, and
tbey command tbe strictest observance.
Leaving San Francisco, we reacbed tbe Puesta del Estado de
Jesus Maria, one of tbe nurnerous government estancias, after a
travel of six bours, very bungry and tired. In tbis journey
tbrougb Paraguay, wberever we were not tempted to enter by tbe
neatness of a dwelling, our dining and sleeping room was always
under tbe projecting roof common to all country -bouses. We now
occupied tbe usual place, feasting eye and imagination upon tbe
landscapes before us, but impatiently watcbing for tbe appearance
of food for tbe material man. At last a servant of tbe state ap-
peared, and announced witb dignity, " Dinner is ready." We rose
DINNER AT THE I'UESTA DEL ESTADO.
SCANTY DINNER.— A STORM. 215
from our seats, looked around and within, but could sec nothing
of the mysterious dinner. Presently out stepped two of the gal-
lant defenders of the Puesta del Estado, each holding a long stick,
upon which hung a piece of asado. They moved before us,
grounded arms, and stood at rest.
" Is that our dinner?"
" Si, Senor," was the answer, accompanied by a profound obei-
sance, but uttered with an air and voice which impHed
" What more would you have ?"
We drew our knives, and, without salt, bread, or vegetables,
commenced the attack, only to experience the mortification of a
defeat. The meat must have been taken from a bullock as old as
a Chaco Indian. Our knives were sharp, and we assaulted vigor-
ously only to be repulsed, and this too while our hungry eyes
wandered over the luxuriant campos, where two thousand sleek
beeves were tranquilly grazing. Surely I had offeuded Jupiter.
I had let in "Los Portugases," and this was my punishment; but
it was not everlasting. A few fowls were running about; and
one of our party, in a happy fit of inspiration, suggested eggs, on
which, with a little Villa Kica bread found among the baggage,
we made our dinner. For this luxurious meal and corn for our
horses, the charge was one dollar. I never reported the capitan
of this puesta, or he would probably have lost his place.
Six miles from this hospitable posta we crossed a tributary of
the little river Peripo, and dissipated our ill-humor and disap-
pointment by taking a delicious bath, little thinking that we were
soon to taste the same luxury in another way. Night closed in
before we reached any habitation, and with it came a terrific
storm. The pitchy darkness was only reheved by blinding flash-
es of lightning, and we moved on step by step, not knowing where
the next would lead or end; for the vaqueano, unable to see the
road or even the head of his horse, had lost his way. The rain
fell in a continuous torrent, while the lightning flashed only to
leave us again in more profound darkness. Hark! the bark of
a dog. Following the sound, we found ourselves before a miser-
able thatched shed, or hut, open on one side. It could scarcely
be called a house, but it sheltered kind hearts and innocence : a
man, two womqo, and a young child. Any port in a storm, where
there is safe anchorage, is to a wearied mariner preferable to drift-
ing he knows not where. We "came to," and asked for shelter.
The man sprang from his bed, and without hesitation gave us a
216 A HUNGAEIAN EMIGEANT.
kind welcome, while the women soon busied themselves in kin-
dling up some slumbering embers in the centre of the earthen floor,
over which stood a pot. "Wet and weary, we gathered round the
fire, and regaled burselves with mate. The man offered me his
onlj bed, a well-stretched hide ; but, dechning it, I slung up a
hammock, wet as my clothes, and turned in " all standing." Light
repasts, fatigue, a good conscience, are the best opiates, and under
their influence I was soon asleep, dreaming of home, airy cham-
bers, and soft couches.
Nothing could be more lovely than the appearance of the coun-
try through which we traveled the following day. The storm
had freshened and enlivened all vegetation. The air was soft and
balmy ; the sun cast a flood of radiance -upon the grassy plain,
which was inclosed on all sides, apparently without outlet, by
wooded mountains, and overspread by herds of horned cattle, ex-
ceeding in size and fine condition any we had seen. The district
was as populous as that immediately around Asuncion. Every
hill-side had its adobe houses, orange-trees, and little fields of corn,
tobacco, and mandioca.
Amid all this wealth of pastoral agriculture we came to the res-
idence of a man of refinement and education — a Hungarian en-
gineer, Mr. Francis Wisner, who had here, with his young wife and
children, probably pitched his tent for life. Mr. Wisner reached
Paraguay in 1845, and rendered good service to the people by as-
sisting them in preparing their defenses against an expected inva-
sion from Corrientes. His labors were poorly requited after the
danger was passed. He had made a topographical survey of the
country bordering on the Tibiquari, and, at the time of our visit,
was working out a beautiful map for the President, My only as-
tonishment was that so intelligent* a person should, without the
protection of any nationality, be wilhng to live under such a gov-
ernment. But a strong tie connects him with the coimtry: his
wife is a Paraguayan. The laws permit no woman to leave the
republic without permission of the President ; and the well-known
and useful accomplishments of Mr. Wisner would probably only
increase the difiiculty of obtaining it. He enjoys, however, the
privilege of an estate, a league square, in one of the finest regions
of the earth, for which he pays the established rent of two dollars
per annum, and the " diezmo."
Prom this quarter of Paraguay the cost of transportation to the
capital is twenty-five cents the aroba. Taking the one article
SENOB SERGENTE LOPEZ. 217
tobacco, we find it encumbered with the following charges : Trans-
portation to Asuncion, twenty -five cents the aroba; exportation
duty, twelve and a half cents; the "diezmo," or tenth, fifteen
cents. Net proceeds, at the present price of tobacco (one dollar
and fifty cents the aroba), eighty-three cents the aroba. The profit
would be three and one third cents the pound.
I was anxious to determine the position of Mr. Wisner's house,
but the weather would not permit. We however estabhshed, by
barometric measurement, its height above Asuncion, which we
found to be 71 feet, and above Buenos Ayres 328 feet. It will be
seen by comparison with the observations at Villa Eica and Asun-
cion, that the former is the highest of these three points, and that
after passing it there is a slight though gradual descent eastward
to the Parana ; but the country bordering on the Parana, in the
same parallel with Asuncion, is ijiore elevated than that on the
Paraguay.
After dinner and a few hours of pleasant conversation, we con-
tinued our journey, and before dark reached the residence of
Senor Sergente Lopez, distant fifteen miles, making in all thirty
traveled this day through the partido (district) of Bobi. The
limits of the various partidos, unless defined by some natural
boundary, are difiicult to ascertain ; and from the difference of
opinion on this subject among the inhabitants, we came to the
conclusion that they troubled themselves but little to arrive at the
truth.
We were kindly received by Don Sergente, who gave us a sub-
stantial supper of roast and stewed beef, with the after luxury of
cots and neat bed-hnen in our usual airy sleeping apartment
under the projecting roof. I missed in this journey the refreshing
luxury of a cup of tea. Although a lover of mate, and a believer
in its virtues, it was to me a poor substitute for the China leaf,
which in Paraguay is sold only as a medicine in the druggists'
shops of Asuncion. The mate is never served at meals, as tea is
with us, but is always the accompaniment of a cigar.
At an early hour the next morning we crossed the little river
Uputa, a tributary of the Aguapay. Eight miles beyond is the
dividing line between Bobi and San Casmi. Seeing a house with
fine patches of corn around it, we thought it a good place for
breakfast. It proved to be the residence of an old lady, who, un-
like Senora Dalmacia, gave us a kind reception. The dwelhngs
of the country people are uniformly on the public roads ; and by
218 SWIMMING A EIVER.
keeping a briglit look-out for tlie significant indications of good
cheer, cattle, small fields of corn, and mandioca, a traveler may
generally, without fear of disappointment, find enough to satisfy
his appetite. We had been but a short time at the Senora's when
an agitation among the chickens, and certain, other unmistakable
signs, gave a pleasant forewarning of dinner. The good woman
soon placed it before us, then placidly seated herself at a table
near, and continued her work, making cigars from tobacco which
hung from the roof, and had only a month or two before been cut
from the field. To all appearance the leaf was of a fine quality ;
and after rolling one up in the neatest manner, she gravely placed
'it by my plate, with a request that I would smoke it. I asked
her to make me a few, and though so fresh they proved ex-
cellent.
Until the arrival of the Am^ican Company there was not, even
at Asuncion, an appointed place for making or selling cigars,
though many thousands were exported monthly. Individuals who
bought for their own use, or merchants requiring them for do-
mestic trade or exportation, ordered them from different country
families, and they were always punctually delivered — their shape
and size varying according to order.
Twelve miles beyond Dona Clara's we reached the Taquari, a
tributary of the Parana, and the dividing line between the partidos
San Casmi and Carmen. It was so much swollen by the backing
up of the waters of the Parana that we were obliged to cross in
canoes ; the horses swimming alongside and literally carrying us
over by " horse power." After passing this river we came to our
resting-place for the night, the " Capilla Carmen," where we were
well received by the commandante, Mariano Senturian, at whose
house we had been advised to stop.
The country from Villa Pica is generally campo, intersected by
several streams and skirted by wooded ridges of rolling lands.
The soil of the latter is argillaceous, while that of the plain is a
rich dark loam. The estancias are not so numerous as between
Asuncion and Villa Rica, the largest being those of the govern-
ment ; but the herds of cattle are superb.
There was no great variety in the articles cultivated. Every
where we saw tobacco, corn, mandioca, pumpkins, onions, oranges,
and melons. The latter, though small, were of delicious flavor.
This poverty in the variety of fruits and vegetables arises only
from the extreme indifference of the people, who have no market
':'i§mW-'"''^
CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS. 221
for such products, and care little for what we consider the luxuries
of the table.
It is almost impossible to name a tropical fruit which, if^lanted
here, does not thrive with the least possible care. Bananas, plant-
ains, and pine-apples are cultivated on a hmited scale ; but in no
country do they mature in greater perfection. So with coffee. I
saw it growing in one place only, but it was particularly fine.
Give the Paraguayans mate, beef, and mandioca, and they are
satisfied. Their forests 3deld the first, and the native pastures
support their cattle. Shut out, first by the policy of Spain, and
again by the tyranny of Francia, from all communication with
other lands, they neither know nor desire their luxuries. The
climate is deliciously soft ; and with the festivals of the Church,
and an occasional " dance," to break the monotony of existence,
■ they dream it away, imagining that the true and only Elysium is
Paraguay.
We saw a few deer. Among the domestic animals are sheep,
but no hogs. The woodlands are probably rich in flora and birds ;
but traveling almost continuously through a level open country,
we saw very few. Jaguars are rarely seen in this part of Para-
guay, but infest the forests bordering on the rivers. Among the
birds, the most common was the small partridge.
As we approached the Parana the country continued fertile,
populous and picturesque ; beautifully diversified by plains and
wooded ridges. Under beneficent legislation, with such a wealth
of soil and climate, surely the happiness of a golden age might
here be realized.
In all Paraguay I have not yet met a medical man. At Asun-
cion, and a few of the towns only, "curanderos" are found.
These are men supposed to be skilled in the knowledge and ap-
plication of the remedios drawn from the vegetation of the country.
Falconer,* both physician and botanist, says : " Paraguay is en-
riched by the bounty of nature with so many wholesome plants,
roots, gums, woods, and fruits, that whoever is skilled in the knowl-
edge of these things would have no occasion for European drug-
gists to cure any disease." Nearly all families of the country un-
derstand the power and use of these remedies.
We made this journey in February, the last summer month, the
* An English Jesuit. When he wrote, all La Plata was called Paraguay, but
the Jesuits were particularly acquainted with all the northern and western prov-
inces.
222 ENCARNACION,— CARMEN.
hottest of the year. In the course of each day and night we
, entered three or four different houses, and yet heard of no sick
individuals or families. Malignant fevers are imknown. On sev-
eral occasions we met with men over eighty, vigorous in mind
and body, who assured us they had never experienced a day of
indisposition. We generally slept under the projecting roof, and
I remember no night that was not deliciously cool — so much so,
that my blanket-shawl was always an essential covering.
The barometer and thermometer were both accidentally broken,
which I regretted, as I wished to measure the height of Ytapua —
now Encarnacion — with Asuncion, and continue meteorological
observations. Our register of temperatures up to the 17th, in-
clusive, gave a maximum of heat, at 3 P.M., of 94°, minimum
86° ; and yet, with the wind from the north — for it is only from
that quarter that so high a range is produced — this temperature
was not oppressive. The position of Carmen, latitude 27° 12' 30"
S., longitude 56° 14' 21'' W., was determined by Lieutenant Powell
at a subsequent period. In consequence of an accident to the
pocket - chronometer before my return to Asuncion, which pre-
vented a comparison and verification of its error and rate with our
standard, I was unwilling to assume the results of our work as
correct. Lieutenant Powell, who afterward visited the interior
of the country, was directed in his returning to take the same
route from and after his arrival at Villa Rica — a place satisfactorily
determined — and to make all necessary observations at each of
the prominent points where they had been previously made, and
the geographical positions of which I deemed it important to es-
tablish with every degree of accuracy.
The Puebla Carmen is a new place, built after the abandonment
of Ytapua, and contains about one thousand inhabitants. "Why
was Encarnacion deserted ? After considerable negotiation with
foreign powers, Paraguay opened a port on the Parana. She re-
gretted the concession ; but there was only one way of avoiding
the stipulations of the treaty and keeping the portals closed. This
was by building up a new village twenty-one miles in the interior,
and making it the centre of trade for all the neighboring country.
President Lopez proved in this instance that if he can not move
mountains he can change the position of towns. He who dares
look back to Encarnacion will be turned into one of the pillars of
the state — a soldier.
Nothing could have been kinder than our reception by Don
EL SECRETARIO.— YTAPUA. 223
Mariano. He added to our obligations by the offer of fresh horses
to Ytapua. We started in great spirits, and soon came to the
river Yiin, a tributary of the Parana, which was crossed in a canoe,
the horses as usual carrying it over by swimming alongside. This
river is the dividing line between the departments Carmen and
Encarnacion, being distant from the former fifteen miles. One
mile beyond this we passed over the Boicaja, also a tributary of
the Parana. The country from Carmen to Ytapua is rolling, with
an argillaceous soil, bearing a little wheat of indifferent quality.
When within a mile of Ytapua we missed one of our party,
" El Secretario" of the Paraguayans, the " Colonel" of the younger
officers, and, in, truth, the captain's clerk. He was a son of the
Emerald Isle; one more "skilled in the tongues" than in horse-
manship. Mounted on rather a mettlesome steed, with dragoon
saddle and holsters, containing a formidable pair of horse-pistols ;
with feet barely touching the stirrups, lengthened to the last hole,
the colonel was, when mounted, a true knight — a scion of the royal
O'Neals. From the first elevation we looked back anxiously for
our missing companion. A riderless horse was flying over the
plains, lashed at every step by holsters and saddle-skirts ; while on
foot, and in hot pursuit, was the colonel. Judging from his agile
movements that the physical frame was unharmed, and knowing
that both rider and steed must "bring up" at some neighboring
corral, we quietly pursued our way. While hob-nobbing over a
glass of cana with the commandante, in walked our friend, a little
worn from his exercise under a temperature of 90°, but declaring
earnestly that he had only dismounted to arrange the equipments
of his steed, when he gave him the slip.
Ytapua was one of the most famous of the Jesuit reductions ;
but its glory has passed away ; that is, the glory of Jesuitic civil-
ization ; yet nature is still beautiful. The Parana — already by the
accumulated waters of many navigable streams a mighty river, one
mile and a quarter wide — rolls on majestically between a border-
ing of lofty trees. It will probably be found navigable from
Ytapua to the ocean for river steamers, for the Jesuits descended
to Corrientes from this point in vessels of four and five feet
draught. The falls of Apipd, one thousand miles from the capes
of La Plata, obstruct, for the first time, its navigation by large
vessels ; such, at least, is the generally received opinion ; but
having reason to doubt this fact, I sent the Water Witch to ex-
amine those rapids, while I was engaged in prosecuting another
224 WEALTHY CHURCHES.
branch of the work. In passing the Paraguayan fort of Itapiru,
she was dastardly fired into, and one man killed.
But I am anticipating.
CHAPTER XIII.
Francia, — Religion and the Churches. — Ytapua. — The Commandante and Soldiers.
— Navigability of the Parana. — Carmen. — Equipments of Horses. — Mission of San
Cosmi. — EstanciaSan Rafael. — Mate'. — Frescoes. — D. Ignacio's Horse. — Capilla
SaiL Martin. — The Supper. — Missions Santa Maria and Santa Rosa. — Estancia
of Seiiora Casara. — The Merchant President. — Senor Cabenas. — Capilla Caa-
pucu. — Senor VasconcelloS. — The Diezmo. — Public Lands. — Senor Bergarran.
— Iron Works. — The Waiter. — The Superintendent. — Ibicui.— Mineral Districts.
— Products and Exports of Paraguay. — The Surgeon of the Water Witch. —
Beauty and Fertility of the Country. — Presidential Election. — No Admittance.
— A Motion to make the President Emperor. — The Constitution. — Individual
Wealth. — Cotton. — Lists of Exports from Asuncion.
The ruins of a church and a few dilapidated houses are all that
remain of one of the most celebrated of the Parana missions.
Francia finished what the immediate successors of the Jesuits
spared. The Dictator was no hypocrite in religion. On all oc-
casions he manifested an indifference to its outer observance and
contempt for the priests, who, he was repeatedly heard to say,
"rather tend to make these people believe in the devil than in
God." Even within the memory of living Paraguayans, some of
these churches were rich in vessels of precious metals, statuettes of
the twelve apostles in solid silver, paintings, and carving. The
church of Ytapua was one of the most beautiful of these. A
massive foundation, three hundred and twenty feet by eighty, and
a few feet of the superstructure, are all that remain of this edifice.
It was despoiled, but not demolished, by Francia. In 1846 serv-
ice was still held within its walls. They were taken down in
this year by order of President Lopez, who was told that the con-
dition of the building made it unsafe. But the work of demo-
lition showed its strength; and the President, I was informed,
greatly regretted his agency in the destruction of one of the finest
Jesuitic monuments of the country. The residences of the Fathers,
built of stone and brick, were in excellent preservation, and seem-
ed to defy the ravages of time. One of them was occupied by the
commandante, who assured me that it had never, within the
memory of living man, been repaired, and yet the wood-work,
especially those parts that had not been exposed to the elements,
NAVIGABILITY OF THE PARANA. 225
was perfect ; the bamboo slats, laid transversely across the rafters
as a support for the tiling, looked untouched by time.
The commandante was hospitable, and celebrated our arrival
by making himself gloriously happy with cana. He entertained
us with marvelous stories of battles fought and won by Para-
guayans ; of his own deeds of valor and single-handed combat ; all
of which impressed us profoundly with the vivacious imagination
and talent for military narration of this officer of the republic.
Tired, sleepy, and fearing that he might mistake us for the eneniy,
we retreated at an early hour to our hammocks.
When Bucurelli carried out the instructions of the Count of
Aranda, the Jesuits were constructing a church at the " Mission
Jesus," near the Pueblo Trinidad, about twenty miles above on
the Parana — the highest point on that river to which the Paraguay
missions extended. But neither the magnificence of its design nor
the beauty of the masonry and wood-work — much of which was
completed — could save it from the vandalism of Francia, who
ordered it to be destroyed. Some few of these churches — San
Cosmi, Santiago, Santa Rosa — were spared, and we visited them in
the return route to Asuncion.
On the 22d of February — a day remembered by all Americans,
wherever they may be — we left for Carmen, carrying with us, as
a souvenir of Ytapua, a bit of the stone of the old church, which
seems to be veined with copper. With the exception of one dis-
trict, and this extending but a few miles, the country was as thickly
populated as that immediately around Asuncion. The dwellings
were of a better order, and the cultivation very fair. The Para-
na, unobstructed to the Atlantic, is an outlet for all Eastern Para-
guay. I have several times alluded to the determination of the
President to concentrate the whole trade of the country at the
capital ; and if he tells the people of the East that the Parana is
not navigable to Corrientes, no charts based upon the most reliable
data could convince them that his Excellency's assertion was in-
correct. When I told them of the floating palaces carrying mil-
lions of freight over our interior water-courses, with a draught of
only two or three feet, they looked as if they thought I was en-
tertaining them with a "yarn." The cataract of La Guayra.and
the rapids of Apipe are regarded by President Lopez only as
magnificent fortifications provided by nature for Paraguay, against
all outside enemies; more particularly against her neighbors, " Los
Portugases." The resources of this district are as unbounded as
16
226 MISSION OF SAN COSMI.
those of tlie West ; and the wealth of the Jesuits, derived from
their agricultural labors in a small part of it, is the best evidence
of its fertility. The soil of the hills between Encamacion and
Carmen is a reddish clay, while that of the flat lands is a black
argillaceous loam, resembling alluvial deposit.
The Paraguayans, like all Spanish Americans, take much pride
in the equipments of their horses. The Bolivian officers whom
we met in Brazil had presented me with a saddle-covering, made
of the skin of the " pareroso" (the sloth), an animal not found in
Paraguay, It had apparently excited the admiration of many
during this journey. On leaving Carmen, I gave it to Don Mari-
ano, as a souvenir of our party. My offering was received with
unaffected pleasure, and we parted with many expressions on his
part of esteem for us all.
As I had determined to return to Asuncion by a more southern
route, we started for San Cosmi, another of the abandoned mis-
sions. It is but twelve miles from Carmen, and in that distance
we passed in canoes over two small tributaries of the Parana, the
Taquari, and the Aguape. This mode of crossing was trouble-
some, for it always involved the unloading and loading of the
cargaro mules. This mission, according to our observations, is
in latitude 27° 19' 9'' south, and longitude 56° 24' 48"; variation
7° 35' east. It is within half a mile of the Parana, of which and
the neighboring country it commands an extensive view. The
church and other buildings were in excellent preservation ; but
the jefe was absent, and the next dignitary, " el secretario," would
not take the mighty responsibility of opening the sacred edifice,
so we were obliged to content ourselves with admiring the exte-
rior. It was three hundred feet by seventy ; constructed of a red
sandstone of fine grain, not unlike that so much used in our coun-
try at present, but of a lighter hue. The front entrance was sup-
ported by octagonal columns of the same stone, twenty feet in
length, two in diameter, each of one piece, and beautifully cut.
" El secretario" told us that the columns and flagging of the inte-
rior were of this material, which had been taken from a neighbor-
ing quarry on the Parana.
Leaving San Cosmi the following morning, we stopped, after a
ride of five hours, for siesta, at the Estancia San Eafael. Be-
tween the two missions, distant from each other thirty miles, we
crossed one stream, the Arroyo Atingi, nine miles east of Santia-
go. The first part of the day's travel was made through a campo,
DRINKING MATE.
227
but before reaching tbe mission we entered a rolling country.
On one of its wooded elevations, twenty -seven miles from the Pa-
rana, stood the buildings of Santiago. Eiding into a large court,
formed by the church and adjoining houses, we were most kindly
received by the jefe, Senor Don Francisco Ignacio Silvero, who
ushered us into a clean, comfortable dining-room, where mate and
cigars were soon followed by an excellent supper. I was much
impressed by the extreme neatness of the jefe's dwelling, and the
simple manners, but perfect ease and good-breeding, of his wife
and daughter. After supper we retired to sleeping-rooms, where
were snowy beds and hammocks — another evidence Of the comfort
and refinement of this home, not less refreshing than astonishing,
when we reflected that we were in a remote corner of an isolated
country.
Early rising is a fixed habit with the Paraguayans.
The next morning, before we were aware of the hour,
there was a tap at the door, followed by the entrance of
a little negro holding in each hand a mat^. Tliis nation-
al beverage is served in a gourd, often richly ornamented,
and is imbibed through a bombilla, a metallic tube, which
at the bottom expands into a bulb, pierced with holes to
act as a strainer. As often as these were emptied they
were replenished by the darkey, until we remembered
the custom of the country, and said " Gradasy In all
well-regulated houses the servant continues to serve the
national beverage, regardless of quantity, until this word,
which means both " Thanks" and " Enough," is uttered.
Eefreshed by this tea, and
well supplied with fine cigars,
the breakfast of the early morn-
ing was made. Accompanied
by our host, we went to visit
the church, a grand old build-
ing three hundred feet long
and in excellent preservation,
so far as time and the elements
had worked ; but cupidity and
vandalism had despoiled it of its
ornaments. The ceilings were
elaborately frescoed, and there was a vast deal of gilding, statuary,
and carving in wood ; but, mutilated and defaced as they were, only
MATE AND BOMBILLA.
228 CHURCH AT SANTIAGO.— YERBA,
the eye of an artist or connoisseur could liave traced any beauty,
in subject or outlines. It must be remembered that I had neither
written record nor garrulous guide to aid my eye or imagination ;
and, having little knowledge of art, I will not mislead by attempt
at description. This was the second church erected by the Jesuits
in Paraguay, the first being that of San Ignacio. It must, there-
fore, have stood over two centuries, and yet its solid stone walls
looked as if they might battle with time for a thousand years to
come. Enough remained to fill the most indifferent observer with
wonder, in remembering that a half-dozen Jesuits and their Indian
neophytes were the architects, builders, sculptors, and painters of
this wilderness. The people of the country dwell much upon the
wealth and beauty of these churches, even to the time oi'-'- El De-
funto f and in the course of this journey we saw frequently
pieces of plate that looked suspiciously like ^'sacred vessels."
The surrounding buildings were in good order, and generally
occupied by Meztizos, whose physiognomies were much more
Guarani than Spanish. The church, its columns and flagging, as
well as the adjoining buildings, were of the red sandstone to which
I have before alluded. In one of the latter were several hand-
looms, the property of the government, for weaving cotton cloth.
Our next visit was to a grove of "yerba," the ^'- 1 lex Paraguay-
ew5Z5," which is not indigenous to this part of Paraguay. In size
and foliage it resembles the orange-tree ; its flowers grow in clus-
ters, are white, and closely resemble those of our elder. When
matured, the seeds are perfectly black, and very like grains of
pepper. I procured some, and sent them, carefiilly sealed in a
tin box, to the United States, but have never been able to learn
any thing of them since my return. The yerba is found in Bra-
zil, but the Paraguay leaf is considered greatly superior, and is so
eagerly sought in every part of Spanish America that it might
become a source of large revenue both to the government and
people, were it not that at present the trade is monopolized by
the former, and the supply for export consequently very much
diminished. The Jesuits made plantations of this tree, had sev-
eral varieties of it at all their missions, and found the quality im-
proved by culture. This little grove had been propagated from
the old stock, and yielded enough for the wants of the few fami-
lies at the mission.
We made the usual observations, which, for reasons before
given, were imperfect ; but this was among the places subsequent-
DIKNER AT THE CAPILLA SAN MARTIN. 231
ly determined by Lieutenant Powell, and found to be in latitude
27° 7' 39" south, longitude 56° 50' 21'' west, variation 7° 4' east.
The position of Santiago is perhaps not so attractive as that of
either San Cosmi or Ytapua ; but from the better condition of the
church and other buildings, and from the fine cultivation of the
surrounding country, it was far more interesting. I thought I
could see the influence of the jefe's example, and that presented
by the order of his household, upon the whole community.
Wheat was growing in this neighborhood, but the grain was not
well matured. The morning's work was followed by an excel-
lent dinner; and when about to continue our journey, Don Igna-
cio asked my acceptance of a horse : I begged him not to add to
my obligations ; but he said the animal should be sent to Asun-
cion, where he would himself again see us, as he was one of the
representatives of the new Congress to assemble in March for the
election of President. He was true to his word. Only a few
days had elapsed after our arrival at the capital, when one of the
finest horses I had yet seen in Paraguay was brought to my quar-
ters, with the compliments of Don Ignacio.
At sunset we reached the "Capilla San Martin," our resting-
place for the night, after a ride of eleven miles through a country
sparsely wooded, but cultivated and populous. The soil is a red-
dish clay. The occupant of the one house at this place met all
the demands of hospitality by giving us the best his larder afford-
ed. This was a supper of stewed beef served in a large earthen
dish, which was placed in the centre of a small round table, with-
out knives, forks, or plates. But armed, as each was, with a
wooden spoon, and aided by good appetites, and a little instruc-
tion from our host, Don Antonio, we made an excellent supper.
At its conclusion, a negro boy, who had stood during the repast
like a statue behind the chair of his master, suddenly clasped
his hands, and with the gravity of a bishop returned thanks in a
clear, distinct voice. Cigars followed the " grace," and soon after
we retired to our hammocks, slung up as usual outside of the
house.
In the morning, before day had fairly dawned, I was awakened
by voices near me. Some ten or twelve peons, or laborers of the
estancia, were standing before the entrance of the dwelling. One
of them knocked upon the door, giving the saluta'tion ^^ Ave 3Ia-
'na." — " Sin pecado concehida^^'' said Don Antonio solemnly, as he
stepped out to give them a blessing, in Guarani; after which they
232 MISSIONS OF SANTA MARIA AND SANTA ROSA.
dispersed. I afterward learned that this was the daily custom of
many estancieros of the neighborhood.
We were yet within the limits of the Missions. The old church-
es with their surroundings, and these domestic religious observ-'
ances, are the only traces of an order that dominated over this re-
gion for a century and a half
Starting at an early hour from the Capilla San Martin, we trav-
eled for twenty-seven miles through a fine, fertile, populous coun-
try, diversified by rolling lands and plains. On the route we vis-
ited two other abandoned missions, Santa Maria and Santa Eosa.
The church of the first was of the same material and dimensions
as those we had already seen; the frescoes, carving, and gilding
were even more elaborate. A few pictures still hung around the
sanctuary, and what remained of the wood-work was extremely
beautiful. The exquisite color and fine texture of the Paraguay
woods make them invaluable for such a purpose. Santa Eosa
was also constructed of fine sandstone, and differed only in size
from those already described, being rather smaller. It was in such
admirable condition that I regretted the loss of our daguerreo-
type instruments, which would have enabled me to present some
representations of its frescoes. Ulloa tells us that the churches of
these Paraguayan missions equaled the finest ecclesiastical struc-
tures in Peru ; and other writers give us the impression that those
of Peru were unsurpassed by many of the finest in Spain.
We met with a hospitable reception at the estancia of Seiiora
Maria Petronella Casara, in the Partido of San Juan, where we
stopped for the night. The position of her dwelling, on a wooded
hill, was beautiful, and the improvements within and around it
were superior to any we had yet seen. There were touches of
foreign taste and comfort, which were explained when Seiiora Ma-
ria informed me that she was the widow of a " Frenchman," as
all foreigners are called in Paraguay, the people troubling them-
selves little with geographical science. We were repeatedly ask-
ed if we were Frenchmen, and were regarded doubtfully when we
answered in the negative. It is whispered that President Lopez
is both a sleeping and wide-awake partner in a "Paraguay House"
at Paris, and that the periodical arrival of certain gay fabrics and
fashions serves to keep alive this impression of French ascendency
among the female portion of the population. Senoi^a Maria gave
us an excellent supper, but was much annoyed at not receiving
more assistance in its preparation from her two fair daughters,
SENOR CABENAS.— CAAPUCU. 233
who evidently found the society of the young officers of my party
more agreeable than household duties. The next morning, after
being served, as usual, with mate, we said " adios''' to the ladies,
and continued our journey. For twelve miles this lay through
an unbroken plain, without apparently any unoccupied spaces, so
numerous were estancias and farms. Near the Capilla San Miguel
we crossed the Tibiquari, which at low water has a depth of from
three to four feet. This river forms the northern and western
boundary of the " Missions."
Six miles beyond we stopped for dinner and siesta at the house
of a rich estanciero, Senor Cabenas, where we met with unusual
luxury. Dinner was served on massive plate ; water-goblets and
salvers were also of pure silver. All other appointments of this
establishment, though simple, were exceedingly comfortable. In
Paraguay the siesta follows dinner as naturally as day is succeeded
by night. So, after cigars and a chat with our host, who was a
man of intelligence and polished manners, we were shown to sleep-
ing apartments, where the extreme neatness of beds and ham-
mocks invited repose.
Our next resting-place for the night was the Capilla Caapucu,
distant from the estancia of Senor Cabenas nine miles. Since
leaving the Tibiquari we had found the lands fertile. Mountains,
forests, and plains, all brilliant with verdure, made the aspect of
the country impressively beautiful.
In Paraguay foreigners are a " sight," and when we reached
Caapucu all occupants of the surrounding houses collected to see
us dismount. We were well received, but I thought the poor jefe
looked embarrassed at the arrival of so large a party. However,
relief was at hand. A gentleman rode up on a fine spirited horse,
and, from a whispered conversation, witk many glances at us, I
" guessed" that we were the subject of a talk. The horseman dis-
mounted, came forward, and invited us cordially to return with
him to his estancia, which he represented as being near. We
were very tired ; but presuming that this arrangement was made
to relieve the jefe, who found it inconvenient to accommodate so
many persons, we followed Senor Vasconcellos. His dwelling,
which I had supposed within a short distance of the Capilla, gave
us a ride of six miles ; but the jovial conversation of our new
friend, the courteous reception given us by his wife and daughter,
and a bountiful supper, fully compensated for the trouble. He
was a Portuguese, who, thirty years before, had stepped over from
234 SENOR VASCONCELLOS.
Brazil into Paraguay, liad married a daughter of the republic, be-
coming one of its citizens, and tbe father of a large family. It was
novel and refreshing to meet a man of intelligence who seemed
neither disturbed by the ghost of Francia, nor the living power of
Lopez, and who could converse freely and with spirit upon the
state of the country. The absence of statistics, and the timid re-
serve of the inhabitants in alluding to the government, made it
very difS.cult to arrive at a fair estimate of the condition and re-
sources of Paraguay. The people always spoke with hesitation
and in a low voice, as if they feared that the walls had ears or we
were spies.
Seuor Yasconcellos was surrounded by much to make him
happy. It is true his lands were the property of the state, but he
had fine herds of cattle, a garden, a spacious stone house, pleasant
family circle, and a daughter happily married, and residing upon
an adjoining estancia.
Bad weather detained us three days, and gave me the oppor-
tunity of visiting his son-in-law, whose house and grounds were in
better condition than many we had seen, and showed, I thought,
the influence and energy of the father-in-law.
While strolling over his land I observed indications of iron, and
said to him, " I think you have a vein of iron ore on your estan-
cia?"
He replied gravely, " My dear sir, it is the last thing I should
care to find; for my land is public domain, and if ore is discovered
I must be forced to relinquish it to the government, and make
another home."
In the course of our walk, I saw a magnificent copaiba ; the
ground beneath was covered with its seeds, a few of which I col-
lected and sent to the United States. From a small tree in the
yard of Senor Yasconcellos I also gathered seeds of the hurucu,
which were likewise sent home. The latter yield a fine red paint,
greatly sought by the Indians to adorn their bodies, and occasion-
ally used in Paraguay for painting the interior wood-work of
houses. The natives extract the color by the very simple process
of soaking the seeds for some days in glue water. I experimented
by leaving them in a glass of pure water for twenty-four hours,
when, finding the coloring matter well extracted, I poured the
whole through a piece of gauze ; the sediment remained, a fine
powder of brilliant hue.
Though two dollars the square league is the fixed price for the
THE DIEZMO. 235
rent of these lands the diezmo is a heavy impost. It is, in fact,
half of the '■'■royal fifihJ^ Among the last and very few good de-
crees of Francia was one abolishing this tax, but it was imposed
anew by Lopez. A tenth part of the increase of the herds I saw
upon these two estancias would be no inconsiderable rent, and the
revenue of the government from this source, though not made
known, must be very considerable, for the tenth of every product,
even that of vegetables and fowls, is exacted. As the actual col-
lection and sale of the diezmo in kind would be a troublesome
business, each partido is farmed out to the highest bidder, who
again bargains with the producer, or estanciero, for his portion, or
its equivalent. The small farmers rarely have money, therefore
their produce is sold at the nearest village.
The people, as might be expected under such a system, evade
the law by the most amusing and ingenious expedients, such as
planting nine rows of mandioca, and declaring that there can he
no tenth. If government would pursue a more enlightened policy,
sell the public lands, reduce the export duties, abolish the diezmo,
the monopolies in timber, yerba, caoutchouc, etc., the enterprise of
the Paraguayans would be awakened by the stimulus of trade,
and the public revenue would probably greatly exceed its present
amount. There might be, even for Paraguay, a "manifest des-
tiny." Lopez has the ability, if he had the will, to imitate Ur-
quiza, and put the ball in motion.
The public lands embrace three fourths of the whole country,
and there is a governmental control even over the actual products
of each partido. The commander of a district may order one
tenant to cultivate tobacco, another com, making them all in fact
but laborers of the state.
I parted with regret from our new friends, but with the expect-
ation of meeting Senor Vasconcellos soon at Asuncion, as he had
been chosen a member of the ensuing Congress.
Our road, for twenty miles, lay through a fine'roUing country,
and at noon we reached the Estancia Bergarran. I proposed
stopping at this place for dinner and siesta. As we approached
the dwelling, which was placed upon a hill and embowered by
magnificent trees, a venerable old man, who was seated before the
entrance, came forward, and with a dignified but courteous man-
ner, said, " Pa^a adelante, Senoresy How pleasantly that greeting
of Senor Bergarran sounded to our tired party ! and yet literally
it meant but "Walk in, sirs."
236 SENOR BERGARRAN.— IRON-WORKS.
Books are rarely numbered among the luxuries or resources of
Paraguayans ; I was therefore somewhat astonished to find that
our host possessed a small but admirable collection. The title of
a little Spanish pamphlet attracted my attention. It was the
" Articles of the Confederation of the Thirteen Original States of
North America : December 4th, 1776." Senor Bergarran has
been a prominent man in Paraguay, and is said to be still very
popular with a large party, who, after the death of Francia, wished
to place him at the head of the government. He was very cau-
tious in alluding to the present condition of his country, but was
evidently a man of more than ordinary intelligence.
Our next resting-place was to be at the Government Iron Works,
the buildings of which are at the foot of the Sierra Mbonaypey,
upon the banks of a small river navigable for boats to the Tibi-
quari. The mountains were covered from base to summit with
forests of gigantic trees, and the superintendent of the works — a
Swede, Senor Don Augusto Lidiedat — told me that they teemed
with a precious vegetation, rare medicinal plants, gums, resins,
dye-stuffs, and woods valued for all mechanical or ornamental
purposes. He had made a collection of plants, studied their prop-
erties, and now used them exclusively and successfully in medical
practice among the workmen of the mines. With all the eager-
ness and the indomitable perseverance that characterized the Span- '
ish conquerors in their search for gold, and all the energy of the
Jesuits in developmg the resources of Paraguay, it seems inex-
plicable that they should have totally overlooked its mountain
ranges. No scientific explorations have yet been made in these
districts, and up to this time iron ore and zinc are the only dis-
coveries.* Like the ranges of Northwestern Brazil, they will
probably be found rich in a variety of minerals.
The ore of Caapucu yields seventy-four per cent. ; that of San
Miguel forty-eight. The latter, though smaller in quantity, is
said to be unequaled in quality. The superintendent gave me
specimens of these ores, also some of zinc ; and though the lands
yielding the last have been but partially examined, they indicate
an abundant supply. Properly worked by private enterprise, the
mines already opened would probably supply not only Paraguay,
but the lower states of La Plata. All works of this kind must
necessarily be initiated by foreigners; but their labors are not
* And these have been pronounced, by former writers on Paraguay, as not ex-
isting within its territory.
A WEALTHY CONVICT.— IBICUI. 237
properly appreciated or rewarded. The machinerj for this place
was commenced by an Englishman, who died before its comple-
tion ; and the present superintendent, though a man of ability
and energy, was, before we left the country, coolly informed that
his services were no longer needed. Don Augusto made some
additions to our botanic collections, and seemed delighted to have
an opportunity of unreserved conversation with foreigners, who
could appreciate and understand his labors.
My attention was attracted by the appearance of a man who
waited on the table during dinner ; his dress was more that of a
country gentleman than a servant, and his countenance peculiarly
sad and subdued. I found my eyes continually wandering toward
this individual, whose manner disquieted me, for he moved about
heavily, and as if his task was a weary one.
After dinner the superintendent asked me if I had observed the
waiter.
" Yes. What is he ? "Who is he ?"
" The richest man in Eastern Paraguay. He has a very large,
well-stocked estancia."
" And yet is here as a servant?"
" Yes ; he was guilty of the ungallant act of whipping a woin-
an, and the President has degraded him to be a servant at the
Iron Works. He will, at last, liberate himself only by paying a
large sum, or its equivalent in cattle."
So much for the rights of women and the summary administra-
tion of the law.
The next morning, after a cup of coffee — an unusual luxury in
Paraguay — we continued our journey. The rain poured in tor-
rents; and, thoroughly drenched, we arrived at Ibicui, unfortu-
nately at the hour of siesta. We called first at the house of the
juez. He was asleep, and could not be disturbed. We rode on
to the " Padre's ;" and as I told the vaqueano that shelter must
be found, he assumed the great responsibility of having the rev-
erend gentleman awakened, and we were shown by his orders to
a vacant house. The horses were turned into the plaza to graze ;
and the vaqueano, who went in search of supplies, returned fol-
lowed by a woman who undertook to cook a supper of asado and
pucharo. Then slinging up hammocks, or settling ourselves upon
the brick floor, with saddles and ponchos for bedding, we prepared
to spend the night. Ibicui was one of the few places at which we
met with inhospitable treatment ; and this I attributed to our un-
238 PRODUCTS AND EXPORTS.
fortunate arrival at the time of siesta. One might arouse a Par-
aguayan at any hour of the night, and find him good-natured;
but at the hour of siesta, never.
The next morning we left this village, the position of which,
at the base of the Si'ejra Tatuqua, a truncated cone, was very
beautiful. Traveling through a fine campo, watered by the small
stream Canavaz, we reached the house of Senora Maria Patrone
Aldena, where we breakfasted. From this place our "road lay
through a narrow valley, hemmed in on either side by high
mountains, their low ridges covered with the adobe houses, or
thatched huts, of a comparatively dense population. Passing the
Pueblo Paraguayri — the nearest approach we had yet made to
our outward-bound route-^we arrived for the night at a govern-
ment posta, and with difiiculty obtained provision for man or
beast. Our next and last day's journey to Asuncion, 45 miles,
was through a fertile, populous, rolling country, with magnificent
forests. The soil is sandy.
I had now, by a circuitous route, traveled 600 miles, through
what was represented to me as the most populous districts of
Paraguay, and found them every where abounding in natural re-
sources. Science has made no progressive innovations in the
processes of culture. The agricultural and mechanical imple-
ments are still of the rudest description ; the plows are of wood ;
cotton is spun and woven by hand-looms ; sugar-cane is pressed
in wooden mills ; and cigars are manufactured by families at their
own dwellings. The actual products are undoubtedly meagre,
when we consider the adaptation of both soil and climate to agri-
culture ; and yet the aggregate amount, even under the present
primitive system, is considerable. The indigenous vegetation is
extraordinarily prolific. Forests and plains teem with medical
and edible plants, gums, resins, and dye-stufis. Many woods pos-
sess the value of metals, in their power to resist the action of
water and atmosphere. The fibrous tissues of several abundant
species of aloe furnish a new raw material for manufacturing en-
terprise. The yerba, as the experiments of the Jesuits proved,
can be grown in quantities to meet any demand. I might be
suspected of exaggeration if I should enumerate the many articles,
such as caoutchouc, wax, palm oil, indigo, cotton, rice, sugar, and
coffee, that could be added as staple commodities to those named,
as legitimately recognized in the trade of this country. Indigo,
though cultivated to a most limited extent, might become one of
CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS. 239
the most valuable articles of export. There are several varieties
growing wild, and their quality, so far as tested, seems little infe-
rior to the cultivated plant. According to Azara, silk could be
produced, as the mulberry is indigenous.
Before the Revolution the exports of Paraguay to Buenos
Ayres and the interior provinces of La Plata reached nearly a
million and a half of dollars. Among them were eight million
pounds of yerba and a million pounds of tobacco. After the mo-
nopoly of the sale of tobacco by the "Regia" of Spain, the supply
for the mother country fell from 15,000 to 5000 quintals. I have
made no allusion to the culture of the sugar-cane. It grows
readily, but receives little attention ; a few rows yield molasses
enough for home consumption and a small quantity for exporta-
tion. Though "yerba" is found in the humblest hut, the people
generally prefer " mate amargd'' (bitter mate).
Though our journey was made during the last summer month,
February, we found it warm, but not oppressive. The nights
were uniformly pleasantly cool, and I avoided the heat of a me-
ridional sun by stopping for siesfa and dinner. The temperature
ranged from 76° to 90° — not often above the first. These ex-
tremes are produced more decidedly by the shifting of the wind
than by a change of seasons; those from the south causing a
rapid fall in the thermometer, while those from the equatorial
regions produce the reverse effect and the greatest degree of heat.
I often slept in the open air, but experienced no bad effects. The
usual sleeping-place of both officers and crew of the Water Witch
was on deck, under an awning, yet we had but a few cases of
slight chills, which yielded readily to the usual medical treatment,
and very often were escaped altogether by avoiding unnecessary
exposure and too great indulgence in fruit. In referring to my
journal for the months of March and April, my attention is par-
ticularly attracted by the very great range of the thermometer
for this latitude — 25° south. It says :
'' March Z\st. 4P.M. Wind north; thermometer 80° ; cool and
pleasant. A-pril ^ili. Yesterday and to-day, at 7 A.M., thermome-
ter 63° ; wind northeast ; weather clear. Ajpril 1th. Thermome-
ter 93° ; wind northeast ; weather clear."
Such changes are sensibly felt, and would doubtless produce
sickness were not the variations from a high to a low tempera-
ture of very short continuance.
In no part of Paraguay that I visited, not even at Asuncion,
240 COTTON.— SCENERY.
could a physician find full occupation or obtain a maintenance.
When at the capital, the surgeon of the Water Witch was occa-
sionally sent for ; but he made no charge, not even the established
one of twelve and a half cents the visit. So unusual is such at-
tendance that, when he gave a prescription, he was frequently
questioned by the patient or a member of the family as to the
price of the medicine.
There is little individual wealth. The property of the richest
man would scarcely bring $50,000. But there are few or none
positively needy ; for Nature, with wondrous bounty, supplies the
necessities of her children almost without exertion, and the com-
forts essential to health under the seasonal vicissitudes of other
latitudes are here unnecessary. The principal exports at present
are yerba, tobacco, oranges, mandioca (cor^verted into starch and
sweetmeats), ground-nuts, molasses, cana, and rum. It will be ob-
served that cotton is not enumerated, and yet Ulloa says, in speak-
ing of the resources of Paraguay: "Cotton contributes consider-
ably to their riches, growing here in such quantities that every
little village gathers of it annually above two thousand arobas,
and the industrious are very ingenious in weaving it into stuffs
for exportation," Both climate and soil are admirably adapted to
its growth ; but the low rate at which merchants are enabled
profitably to introduce the foreign manufactured article, which
now, in value, exceeds the aggregate amount of all other importa-
tions, has caused the abandonment of its culture. The retail price
of domestic cottons, previously to the opening of the rivers, va-
ried, according to its quality, from fifty cents to one dollar and
fifty cents per yard. Now the foreign article sells from 6^ to 20
cents, and the raw product, in very small quantities, for 12^ cents
the pound, in the seed. It is spun with the distaff, woven in hand-
looms, worked into embroidered skirts and house-linen, which are
sold abroad only as specimens of Paraguayan handiwork.
I can convey no faithful impression of the beauty of the face
of the country. It presents throughout, from river to river, the
most varied physical features ; fine alternations of mountains,
forests, and plains. The lofty Mbenaypey, crowned by primeval
forests, and the Ytagua with its truncated cone, though but hil-
locks compared with the majestic eminences of the Andean range,
are imposing objects in the mountain system. Through whole
districts the sierras are covered by forests of gigantic trees, and
slope by rounded wooded hills to the broad sunlit plains, which
GOVEENMENT AND THE PEOPLE. 241
were every where brilliant with verdure, and intersected by peren-
nial streams. The hill-sides were enlivened by the habitations of
a numerous population, and the plains were covered by herds and
flocks, which, with the approach of night, could be seen seeking
the protection of corrals that dotted the campos. We saw no
sterile wastes. The whole land seemed to be enriched by the
vegetable tribes of tropical and temperate zones. The air was
laden at times with the rich odors of orange blossoms and aromatic
shrubs ; and yet the climate there, as in every part of the basin of
La Plata that I visited, is free from the humidity and excessive
heat, which, in other sections of this continent, exhaust the powers
of man, or increase those of nature beyond his control. All that
fine country is occupied by a people simple, kind, and hospitable.
Thefts are not unfrequent, but a higher degree of crime is rare.
The administration of President Lopez is, so far as I could learn,
unstained by bloodshed. Though the Paraguayans groaned for a
quarter of a century under the sanguinary tyranny of Francia,
they have been saved from the demorahzing civil contests that
have almost depopulated other states of La Plata.
But let not this beauty or fertility tempt foreigners to enter Par-
aguay for permanent occupation without the protection of treat-
ies. The government owns three fourths of the land, and has nu-
merous estancias ; yet when beef is required for the army or public
laborers, it not unfrequently draws on the stock of a private es-
tate, allowing the owner half the value of each hide, for which he
must receive, as payment, one third in paper* money, one third in
cotton goods, and the remainder in silver. Store-houses are also
established in every district. These are another source of public
revenue ; but they interfere at the same time with individual
rights. The commandantes of partidos are but the stewards or
agents of the principal merchant, the sub-venders of government
stock in cattle and goods.
The period of the presidential election was approaching (the
4th of March, 1854), but among the members of the new Congress
I missed our hospitable friend Senor Vasconcellos. He is, I pre-
sume, too independent in his views to please the party in power,
and upon second thoughts was permitted to stgiy at home. I was
anxious to be present at the sittings of the National Legislature,
but to my inquiry, "Will strangers be admitted?" I received
only a mysterious shrug of the shoulders, and a " iVb se, Senor ^^"^
* Equivalent to specie.
16
242 MEETING OF CONGRESS.
(I don't know, sir). I intended to ask tke President, but it was
intimated to me that the request would not be acceptable, as none
of the citizens were allowed to enter. His Excellency presided
in person, and read a well-written message, afterward published,
which gave, or professed to give, a minute history of the country
since the last Congress in 1849. He represented in strong lan-
guage its prosperity, which, with consummate tact, he attributed
not so much to the ability of the executive as to the wisdom of
the honorable Eepresentatives. They had not met to legislate.
His Excellency relieves them of that responsibility. So, dutifully
giving their votes without a dissenting voice, after a sitting of three
days they adjourned sine die.
One member had moved a resolution to make the President
Emperor, with the honor hereditary in his family. This he wisely
declined. In grasping the shadow he might have lost the reality.
He is de facto Emperor, and the succession is probably secured to
his son. The struggles of the Eevolution are perhaps not forgot-
ten, and imperial or royal titles might alarm even the simple
Paraguayans.
I asked the President, on one occasion, if he could furnish me
with a copy of their constitution, alleging, as a reason for the re-
quest, my ignorance of the existence of any such state paper, and
my desire to become acquainted with the fundamental law on
which their government was based. With some hesitation, he
replied, " The constitution is not complete ; it is now under re-
vision." I had before made attempts to procure a copy, but
without success ; indeed, all my efforts to obtain information as to
the state of the country were met by a timid hesitancy. I really
believe that the habit of unquestioning submission is so fixed
that few know themselves how they are governed. Still without
political aspirations, as in the time of Francia, they humbly, and
seemingly with confidence, confer upon the President the admin-
istration of all political affairs, a power the present incumbent is
as prompt in taking upon himself as he is unscrupulous in its ex-
ercise. "Bandos" are issued as occasions call for them, having a
retrospective as well as prospective bearing.
The following table gives the exports from Asuncion during
the year 1854 :
EXPORTS FROM ASUNCION.
243
Yerba
Tobacco
Cigars
Timber
Raw hides
Tanned hides
Horse-hair
Tan-bark
Starch
Oranges
Sweetmeats ,
Molasses
Sugar
Sugar-cane
Rura
Maize (corn)
Rice
Beans
Meal (mandioca).
Ground-nuts
Algarrobilla
Paddles
Bamboos
Lime ,
Earthenware ,
85,670
103,868
5,264
30,313
38,957
15,506
3,205
15,920
23,325
266,893
29,588
30,068
7
35,600
12,534
29,992
54
3,394
706
6,264
775
196
3,724
^ 200
I 1
arobas.
((
thousand.
varas.
pesadas.
hides.
arobas.
almudas.
arobas.
asumbres.
arobas.
canes.
frascas.
almudas.
arobas.
dozens.
fanegas ( =
2 almudas).
Total amount of exports in 1854..
" 18.53..
" 1852..
" 1851..
(1
$282,489
148,164
12,508
49,050
150,287
00,0.50
9,833
2,719
10,596
11,288
19,086
1,279
20
53
3,108
597
17
984
179
1,164
96
472
235
500
63
$777,557
691,932
474,499
341,380
Number of vessels that
arrived in Asuncion during
the year 1854 was 160,
with about 8000 tons ; of
which 2 were British, 31
Paraguayan, 116 Argen-
tine, and 11 Oriental.
The export duty is 10
per cent, on almost every
article, excepting starch,
which pays 6 per cent.
Of the exports of 1854,
82,882 arobas of yerba,
2074 pesadas of raw hides,
52,670 varas of timber, and
311 arobas of horse-hair,
paid no duty, being ex-
ported or sold by the gov-
ernment.
The value of these articles
is about $300,000, leaving
only about $477,800 worth
of produce exported by
the trade, making a bal-
ance against the market
of $222,500, assuming
$700,000 as the actual
value of the imports.
CHAPTER XIV.
Expedition under Geronimo Metorras. — Colonel Arrias. — Murillo and Lapa. —
Colonel Ariadne Cornejo. — Don Pablo Soria. — Steamer Pilcomayo. — Lieutenant
Powell instructed to enter the Interior of Paraguay. — Want of Game and Fish.
— Force of the Current. — Tobas Indians. — Nacurutu. — Palms. — Rio Saco. — De
loi Carui. — Visit to the Toldo — Paso da Lurbi. — River ascended one hundred
and twenty Miles. — Channel. — Descending a Cascade. — A Hunt with Dr. Car-
ter.— Lost. — Signals. — The Howitzer replies. — Safe Return. — Descending the
River. — Mr. Hickman. — Letter from Mr. Dana.
Our next field of operation was the Yermejo River. Even up
to the last quarter of the eighteenth century the spirit of enter-
prise which distinguished the early Spanish settlers was not dis-
sipated; and the navigation of the Vermejo — supposed to offer a
communication between the eastern and western borders of the
viceregal governments of Peru and La Plata — became a subject
of absorbing interest to many of the most intelligent of the Span-
ish colonists.
Senor Don Geronimo Metorras, Governor of Tucuman, which
then embraced a large portion of the territory now known as the
244 EARLY EXPLORATIONS OF THE VERMEJO.
Argentine Confederation, was the last and most successful explor-
er by land in that part of the Chaco through which the Yermejo
flows. His object was to establish, if possible, a friendly under-
standing with the numerous Indians living upon or frequenting
its borders, from Salta to Corrientes, and thence, by the Parana,
to open a communication between the former town and Buenos
Ayres,
In 1774 he began this exploration, escorted by one hundred
and ninety-six Indians, under the command of Don Francisco
Gabmo Arrias, a colonel of the army. He followed the right
bank of the river for two hundred and forty leagues ; received no
annoyance from the savages, but was induced by a council of his
escort to abandon the further prosecution of the enterprise when
he was, according to his own estimate, within sixty leagues of
Corrientes. This success inspired him with confidence in the
practicability of forming new reductions, and opening a safe pas-
sage through the Chaco from east to west. He died when his
hopes were most buoyant. His successor. Colonel Arrias — a man
of great force of character, and fully imbued with that spirit of
enterprise which had distinguished his predecessor — continued
the work, and the following year formed two "reductions" among
the Tobas and Macobi tribes; one of these at the "Lake of
Pearls," and the other at Cangaye, both in the vicinity of the
river. In an incredibly short time several thousand Indians were
assembled at those places, under the "banner of the cross and the
tuition of the church."
In 1778 these successes were followed up by two Franciscan
friars, Murillo and Lapa, who, in a canoe, and accompanied by
only four men, floated down the Vermejo from the junction of the
Senta to the new reductions. This exploration was continued in
1781 by Colonel Arrias, who, with a large escort, in a number of
canoes, descended throughout the remainder of the river to its
junction with the Paraguay, and thence to Corrientes. Journals
of these expeditions were kept, and transmitted to the Viceroy of
Buenos Ayres, who carefully buried them. It was in vain that
Arrias urged the opening of this river communication through
the Chaco. His entreaties were disregarded; but so impressed
was he with its importance, that before his death he enjoined
upon his son to carry out the work in which he had so zealously
labored.
These efforts were followed by several others for civilizing, or
EXPEDITIONS OF CORNEJO AND SORIA. 245
rather subjugating the Indians , but no farthei attempt was made
to verify the navigability of the Vermejo until 1790, when Colonel
Adriane Cornejo, a citizen of Salta, accompanied by thirty persons,
descended in a boat from the junction of the Senta to its mouth, a
distance, according to his own estimate, which is probably exag-
gerated, of four hundred leagues. The account of this descent,
accomplished in fifty-live days, during the months of July and
August, is more authentic and detailed than that of any that pre-
ceded or followed. The navigation was reported as practicable
throughout, and the Indians as having exhibited no hostile spirit.
No farther attempt was made under the colonial government
to open this river. The reductions upon its borders were aban-
doned, though, as may be well understood, the civilization of the
savages and the addition of their territory to the viceregal gov-
ernments were measures freighted with honor and profit to Spain.
In 1826, and at the season before chosen by Cornejo — July and
August — Don Pablo Soria, the agent of an association in Buenos
Ayres, set out in a boat fiftj^-two feet long and of two feet draught.
He descended the Vermejo in fifty-seven days, from Senta to its
junction with the Paraguay, where he. was entrapped by the sol-
diers of the opposite guardia. His papers were taken from him,
and he was sent a prisoner to Asuncion, where he was detained
five years by Francia. His journal, which had been kept with
great care, was never returned to him ; and the only record known
of it is a narrative and map, drawn from memory, five years later,
when the commander, having been liberated, returned to Buenos
Ayres. He describes the descent as having been attended with no
obstacles or difiiculties except such as arose from the hostilities of
the Indians.
Such had been the expeditions down the Vermejo when we
made the attempt to ascend it. The accounts given of them,
tliough vague and unsatisfactory as to the peculiar characteristics
of the river, agreed somewhat in representing the current as " muy
mansd''' (very gentle). Nothing is said as to the means used to
test its velocity, and it is easy to understand the origin and con-
tinuance of this error. Those parties only floated down, and,
dreading or actually pursued by hostile Indians, we can imagine
their anxiety to move a little faster. The current was only too
sluggish for their impatience.
So soon as the necessary arrangements could be made, after the
arrival of the Water Witch from Montevideo, I went on board the
246
THE STEAMER PILCOMAYO.
Pilcomayo, and on the 18tli May, 1854, started for the Vermejo,
accompanied by the following officers: Acting Lieutenant G. P.
Welsh, Acting Master W. H. Murdaugh, Passed Midshipman E.
W. Henry, Assistant Surgeon Kobert Carter, Third Assistant En-
gineer Stump, and a crew of eighteen men.
The boat, built of the cedar of Paraguay, was sixty -five feet in
length, fourteen feet beam, twenty-three inches draught, flat bot-
tom, depth of hold three feet, deck laid in hatches, sides of deck-
house of half-inch cedar boards to the height of five feet, and cov-
ered with painted canvas. Upon this deck the officers and men
8TEAMEB PILOOMATO AND PABAGUAY QITABDIA.
slept. A table, four feet by two and a half, on movable legs,
served on one side as a drawing-board, while on the other we took
our meals. The seats, which were boxes fourteen inches square,
served as lockers for clothes. Two small high-pressure engines
of six-inch cylinders, eighteen inches stroke, with two locomotive
boilers, which proved worthless, and wheels of twelve feet diame-
ter, constituted the propelling power. Such were our equipments.
. Judging from the performance of the little craft, which had
been tried several times in the Paraguay off Asuncion, I supposed
she could make five knots in slack water, and, anticipating a cur-
rent "wM?/ manso^''^ we started upon the work in fine spirts.
I instructed Lieutenant Powell to visit, in my absence, an in-
teresting section of Paraguay, embracing a part of the "Yerbales,"
to observe the process of gathering the leaves and preparing the
ASCENT OF THE VERMEJO. 247
yerba, and to note the cultivation and general resources of that
quarter of the republic. He was also directed to determine the
geographical positions of the principal points in his route ; and, in
returning, to re-determine those in the interior, the positions of
which, on account of the accident to the instruments during my
journey, were unsatisfactory. Extracts from his report will be
found in the Appendix.
The Water Witch remained at Asuncion to undergo extensive
repairs to her engine and wheels, notwithstanding those so recently
put upon her at Montevideo.
With four months' rations for twenty-four persons, ten tons of
coal, and one and a half cords of wood, we entered the Vermejo,
May 22d, 1854.
Expecting to find the river and adjacent country teeming with
animal life, I thought I had made unnecessary provision for food,
but I was mistaken. What may be the resources in this respect
of the upper and middle sections of the Vermejo I can not say,
but up to the point of our ascent — one hundred and twenty -two
miles — there was little game, and very few fish. At one place
only — the mouth of a small tributary stream, which I afterward
named "Acacia Eiver" — we saw a great number offish.
The scarcity of game is doubtless owing to the hordes of neigh-
boring savages, who subsist by the chase. Their skill with the
bow and arrow and with the lance is extraordinary, and a vast
number of skins of various animals are annually sold by the more
civilized of them at Corrientes.
The mouth of the Yermejo is marked by no striking peculiari-
ties. Its banks, are low, and covered with a stunted scattering
growlh. After advancing three or four miles, we found, on either
side, an older formation, and fine skirts of curupayna, curupay,
algarroba, and espinilla; while beyond, inland, was the pampa,
with its usual characteristics in this latitude — palms and grass.
For a few miles the river maintains a width of from one to three
hundred yards, with a depth of from twelve to eighteen feet.
Tortuous, turbid, confined within narrow Hmits, we soon discover-
ed that the current, so far from being "wwy manso,^^ was even then,
at its near approach to low water — and from the appearance of the
banks it had little more to fall — not less than three knots ; it would
doubtless reach at some places from four to five. At times we
found it impossible to stem the current, or avoid being carried
down with it, when working with full steam, and a pressure of
248 DIFFICULTIES AND DELAYS.
one hundred and twenty pounds. To keep out of it was an ob-
ject, and when this was impossible we only advanced by the aid
of a line made fast to some tree ahead.
In addition to the usual means for ascertaining its velocity, it
was tested on two occasions by selecting suitable ground, meas-
uring a base line of four hundred feet, and noting the time in
which a chip cast upon the waters would pass from one end of
the base to the other. They agreed within a very small fraction,
making the current three sea-miles, or from three to four statute
miles an hour ; and, judging from the width, uniform depth, and
appearance of the river at those two points, I believe the current
was there weaker than in many other places.
Perhaps I have been more minute in dwelling upon this than
its importance at first glance would seem to authorize ; but should
the Vermejo become, as I believe it very soon will, a channel of
communication with the West, upon a proper understanding of
its currents will depend the success of the first enterprises for its
navigation.
It would weary the reader to follow us step by step through
the thirty-two days of perplexing, toilsome duty in our fruitless
attempt to ascend this river in a boat with the power of the Pil-
comayo. I will only give some extracts from my journal for the
benefit of those who may feel a particular interest in the subject.
Each morning we resumed our labors, only to find with the set-
ting sun that we had made little or no progress.
" May 21 ill. Under way at 6 A.M. Soon came to anchor to get
up steam; unable with eighty pounds to stem the current. At
9-| had made two miles ; saw a few ' patos reales.' Width of river
from one to three hundred yards. On either side, grass and^mag-
nificent lofty palms. This palm timber is in demand at Corrien-
tes, and it could easily be carried down on rafts. Made several
inefiectual efforts to round a bend, with eighty pounds of steam.
Our little boat went, crab-like, against the banks by the force of
the current, and had five arms of the starboard wheel broken ; a
vexatious accident, but one against which the utmost precaution
will not guard us in such navigation as this. Cut from an algar-
roba on the right bank atms for the broken wheel. This wood,
which is as easily cut, split, and worked as Southern pine, is very
durable, and unequaled, even in its green state, as fuel for steam-
ers. In five hours the arms were replaced, and we were again
under way.
, SLOW PROGRESS. 249
" Ancliored at sunset, and determined our position by stars
nortli and south, east and west. Our men have thus far failed to
catch fish with the seine or line. Shot five pavos del monte —
mountain turkeys — a delicious bird. Nothing could be more ac-
ceptable, as our breakfast for some days has been hominy and
coffee, and our dinner pork and beans, the last a diet of which
even sailors tire when forced to live upon it for many days con-
secutively.
"29^/i. Creeping along, we keep as much as possible t)ut of the
current. Banks rise abruptly twenty-five feet, presenting strata
of argillaceous earth, estuary mud, and reddish clay, with a sur-
face soil from one to two feet in depth. Whenever they rise to
the same height, the formation is very uniform. Several mounted
Indians have presented themselves on the right bank. They
manifest a friendly disposition, and say they belong to the Tobas
tribe. They are fine-looking men, without paint or covering ex-
cept a piece of cloth around the loins, and are armed with bows,
arrows, and lances. They subsist by the chase and fishing, and
hold some communication with Corrientes, where they dispose of
their skins, principally those of the jaguar, deer, and nutria. We
gave them tobacco, fish-hooks, and a few trinkets, with which they
were pleased. But, much to our astonishment, the steamer seem-
ed to awaken among them neither fear nor curiosity.
" SOth. Made four and a half miles this day, and have been
compelled to stop four times to get up sufficient steam to stem the
current. We started with one hundred and twenty pounds, and
as soon as it worked down to eighty we were obliged to anchor.
Weather cloudy, with rain at intervals.
" Slst. Reached Nacurutu, a small, thickly-wooded island, rising
thirty feet above the water. A good channel on either side, the
eastern being the deeper. In nine days our efforts to advance
have been unflagging, and yet we have made but thirty-five
miles. Saw to-day a jaguar on the banks, but he escaped before
we were within shooting distance ; also a few motus and pavos del
monte. We have made two and a half miles ; this is encourag-
ing. I am disappointed in the scarcity of flora, animals, and birds.
Anchored for the night near the island in a heavy rain, accom-
panied with thunder and lightning."
During this ascent of the Vermejo it was the habit of the offi-
cers at our stoppages to " get up steam" to go on shore in search
of specimens. From the aspect of the country one might suppose
250 PALM FORESTS.
it a tolerable field ; but we met with poor success. "We saw only
a limited number of the small partridge, moving always in pairs —
the habit also of the larger species, of which there were very few.
It is probable that many are annually destroyed by the habit the
Indians have of firing the grass, a few months after which the
pampas present the appearance of fine wheat-fields in May.
'''•June 1. Weather misty. Underway at 6 A.M.; at 10 A.M.
had stopped three times to get up steam. Channel contracted
somewhat by imbedded drift-wood. While at anchor I went
ashore, and, passing through the woods that skirted the banks,
found myself on the borders of the pampa, with a boundless ex-
tension of palms — those ' kings among grasses' — before me."
It was a vast temple to the Living God, that palm forest, with
its long aisles and noble colonnades; its symmetrical columnar
trunks rising to the height of more than seventy feet, with their
feathery-foliaged capitals. The plain from which they sprung
was unbroken by the smallest inequality except the conical
structures of the ant, rising some three or four feet in every di-
rection above the grass. Though this fair region has a varied
zoology, and is the domain of fierce unsubjugated nomads, scarce
the buzz of an insect was heard; not a form of animated life
crossed my path. Yet the whole aspect of nature was indescrib-
ably cheerful. There were pleasant illusions, too, of picturesque
villages ; for, as we turned from the palms and followed the
course of the river, marked by its wooded belt, in the varying
height of branching trees we descried houses, pointed roofs, and
miradores, so sharply defined that it was impossible to believe
them unreal. What a crowning glory the palm forests offer to
the vegetable system of this basin of La Plata ! The varieties seen
by us in the last few months would furnish supplies of nourishing
farinaceous food, drink, medicine, arms, lodging, and clothing, to
a vast population. We have seen them, not in patches, or groves,
or park-like groupings, but in vast forests, extending many miles
upon the rivers, and inland far beyond the reach of the eye.
" In this Vermejo pampa, though the palms are extraordinary
in size and beauty, the variety in the species is appparently
limited; but, owing to varied professional duties, my investiga-
tions into all subjects pertaining to natural history are at best
superficial; and so teeming is the wealth of unexplored nature in
La Plata that each department would furnish a study for years,
or for a long life.
PATIENCE AND TO-MORROW. 253
" The position of the Rio Saco, as given on Descalzi's map,
near the Island Nacamtu, is erroneous. There is no trace what-
ever of a river at that place. Sixteen miles above there is the
dry bed of a very small stream, which, during the seasons of rain,
may be a river, or have the appearance of one, for the waters of
the Vermejo would back into it.
" Jwjie 4:th. Had a talk with a group of Indians — ^men, women,
and children. In stature and form the women are inferior to the
men, and are much disfigured by tattooing, which is their prepara-
tion for marriage. Some of the men sported old cloth jackets,
picked up probably in their trade with Corrientes, but the women
and children were entirely naked except a piece of cloth about
the middle. They had a few sheep, which they drive from place
to place as they move their toldos.
" 10 A.M. Anchored, with forty -five pounds of steam, unable
to stem the current ; though not exposed to its strength, we had
worked down from one hundred and twenty pounds. Again un-
der way at 11 5 A.M., with one hundred and twenty pounds of
steam. Worked down to forty-five; throttle closed as much as
possible. • At 1 50, under way ; in twenty minutes at anchor for
want of steam. How can headway be made at this rate ? Re-
mained at anchor one hour and a half; moved twenty minutes,
making each time from two to four hundred yards, and now and
then dashing into the bank, when off would fly from two to four
arms of the wheels. Hoping for better, times, we will not give it
up yet. ' Paciencia y raananaJ^
" June 6th. Stopped to communicate with a number of Tobas
Indians, who appeared on the banks, mounted on fine horses."
The cacique " de Soi Carui" seemed to be regarded with profound
respect by the whole party. He was dressed in a blue jacket,
scarlet trowsers, and red conical cloth cap, measuring about
eighteen inches in height, and having on its front a brass plate,
with the motto of Rosas, " Murien los salvages Unitarios r (Death
to the savage Unitarians !) I sent a boat for him, and with a few
attendants he came on board. " The Tobas live in toldos, which
they move at pleasure ; for they possess neither cattle nor sheep,
and subsist by the chase and fishing. They mentioned a tribe of
Indians some distance west, rarely seen by the white man, who
have the hair and color of the negro."f
* " Patience and to-morrow !" — the Spanish cure for all ills of disappointment.
+ At Asuncion I was informed that there existed in the northeastern part of
Paraguay a tribe of caudated savages.
254 INDIANS.
"While wooding, I pulled ahead a short distance in the boat.
The river is very tortuous, and seems to have undergone great
changes. At one place it had formerly coursed in a semicircle,
cutting into the left bank, while a point of land from the opposite
side projected a considerable distance into this semicircular bend,
at right angles to the course of the stream above. The action
of the current had severed this neck from the main land, and,
leaving the curve for the more direct course, had formed shoals
at each end, which, with accumulated deposits, had in time joined
the island to the opposite main land, and made one unbroken
bank, leaving in the abandoned bed of the river a crescent-shaped
lake of clear water.*
I landed near two Indians, who were fishing. They manifest-
ed no alarm, and gave me some nutria skins, which they called
chiquisi. I offered them in return a few cigars, the only thing I
had with me. The formation of the banks and the face of the
country are unvarying, so far. From time to time bodies of
mounted Indians, or small groups engaged in fishing, are seen.
The zoology of this'pampa differs very little from that of the
shores of the Paraguay. We have seen the jaguar, capibara,
deer, nutria, and in a few instances the tracks of the tapir. The
noise of our high-pressure engine may have driven some animals
into the interior, but I think the scarcity may be ascribed to the
skill and activity of the Indian hunters, and the trafiic in skins
carried on with Corrientes. The algarroba and espinilla are
abundant upon the banks, but the flora — principally creepers —
offers no new species.
" l^th. Another party of mounted Indians were seen on the
right bank. They resemble physically those before seen, and are
indeed of the same tribe. Eeceived an invitation to visit their
toldo, distant some miles from the river. Three officers and five
men accompanied me, and after a tramp through the long grass
we reached their habitations, a collection of hide and grass sheds,
closed only upon the south side. In this toldo were five men,
as many women, and ten children. The women were prepar-
ing the seed of the caraguatay, an important item of food with
them. It resembles parched corn, and is not a bad substitute
when roasted. They gave us fruit of the algarroba and guayca-
* Lyell's description of the curves of the Mississippi — "Principles of Geology,"
p. 212 — could not illustrate more truly the above and similar changes in the Ver-
mejo had it been designed for them. ^
INDIAN MANUFACTURES. 255
rurembaj^u, as it is called in Guarami, but these savages call it
loquerai. They reduce the first to a fibrous powder, and find it
so nutritious that it will alone sustain them on a march of many
days. Mixed with the meal of parched corn it makes an excel-
lent article of food, which is much used in the province of Santia-
go. These Indians had a few sheep and chickens ; but they pre-
fer horse-flesh to beef, and mules to either. A quantity of the
former, cut in long thin slips, was hung up to dry. We gave
them hatchets, knives, and a few yards of cotton cloth, in ex-
change for two sheep and some chickens. The former, in size
and quality, were fully equal to any I had seen in Buenos Ayres
or Entre Eios.
" All the women wore about the middle a piece of woolen cloth,
blue, white, and red. The yarn is spun with the distaff, and very
well done. It is woven by fastening the warp at each end to a
stick, and confining it horizontally by four others driven into the
ground. The woof is passed between the threads by a shuttle of
the rudest contrivance, and driven into its place by the blows of a
flat board. Such is their primitive mode of making what appear-
ed a coarse but durable article. The colors were particularly
bright.
" One mile above this the banks rise twenty-five feet, showing
a deep stratum of ferruginous clay, and a sandy loam.
"A nest, built eight feet below the surface, and exposed by the
caving in of the bank, gave us a curious evidence of the instinct
and intelligence of the bee. A little beyond this I saw a vein of
small fresh-water fossil shells, Planorbis, in a stratum of sandy
mould, and on the opposite bank, imbedded horizontally, and
projecting fifteen feet, was the trunk of a large tree twenty inches
in diameter, hollow, and much worn on the outer side, leaving a
shell five inches thick. It lay about twenty feet from the sur-
face, and seventeen above the level of the river, in a stratum of
sandy clay. It was so hard that for some time it resisted the axe.
Again saw three other imbedded trees ; the first lying horizon-
tally in dark argillaceous earth, five feet from the surface; the
second standing vertically; and the third twenty feet under
ground, lying horizontally, the roots projecting from the banks.
" 19th. Came to a pass, a narrow rocky reef, tosca^ extending
across the river, having on it a depth of three feet, with deep wa-
ter immediately above and below.
"This, I presume, is the 'Paso da Lurbi' of'Descalzi's map.
256 INDIAN FISHERY.
for it approaches more nearly to his description of it than any
thing I have seen, although it does not correspond in position,
which is, according to our determination, in latitude 26° 12' south,
longitude 59° 38' west; variation 10° 52' east. Many physical
changes have doubtless taken place since Soria's descent of the
Vermejo in 1826.
" 23d. While wooding the vessel I pulled ahead and saw two
Indians fishing ; they were alarmed, and moved off when they saw
us ; but I reassured them by calling out ' Amigo P They stopped,
and as we approached one of them said piteously, ' Mi amigo^ mi
Tnalo.""^ I administered a few cigars, which had an instantaneous
and salutary effect upon the frame and nerves of the poor savage,
who, in return, insisted upon my acceptance of two large cat-fish.
In their trade with Corrientes some have picked up a few words
of Spanish, and ' amigd would probably be found, on all occa-
sions, a safe pass- word with them.
" They exhibit both skill and ingenuity in their modes of fish-
ing. A wattling breakwater is extended from the shore for about
six feet, at a right angle to the current, forming a small space of
slack water below it. Here the fish resort to avoid the current,
and are caught by the well-baited hooks of the Indians. Again,
they shoot them with the bow and arrow, and generally with un-
erring aim.
" May 24:th. Latitude 26° 10' 09" south, longitude 59° 39' 08"
west. We have ascended the river by its course one hundred and
twenty -two geographical miles; the aggregate distance, by the
various points of observation, of which there were nine, being
eightjr -three, and in a right line seventy-six. Having persevered
for thirty-two days, at an average of less than four miles per day,
and not made more than one tenth of the distance I anticipated
in this time, I have determined to return, make some changes in
the boat, and additions to the steam space of the boilers ; their
defects being the cause of all this toil and disappointment. The
failure of the attempt, and the experience gained, only give me
confidence in the practicability of ascending this river with a
steamer of suitable construction and ordinary power.
" Though there may be sections of the Vermejo where the wa-
ters on either side expand into lagoons, wherever confined by
high banks, the current is rapid, and those expecting to navigate
this river must not be deceived by the ' 77iiiy mansd' of Spanish
* I am a friend, I am sick !
THE VERMEJO. 257
Americans, an expression they use lightly on all occasions. Our
dear-bought experience in thirty days' work is sufficient proof of
the difficulties of the navigation. Nor is it probable that they
decrease in advancing; for it can flow through no country pre-
senting a more unbroken level than this.
" Our examination shows a current from 3 to 8f sea miles the
hour, or from 8^ to 4^ statute miles, and at some points an in-
crease upon this : a force to meet which the defective machinery
of our little boat is not equal.
"We have advanced some distance above the ' passes' (the ' Paso
de Lurbi' and ' Salta de Iso') mentioned by Soria, as offering the
principal and only obstacles to the navigation at low water. The
river has ceased falling, and I can discover no trace of the latter
point, and but a faint correspondence with his description of the
Paso de Lurbi, which may be accounted for by the great physical
changes constantly going on."
The least depth in the channel was three feet; and the esti-
mated rise, judging from unmistakable marks on banks and
trees, was ten. The season of least water is July and August,
which continues until the rains of November in the region of its
source and those of its tributaries. I have before mentioned that it
was impossible to obtain any data relative to the Yermejo, therefore
its periodical changes beyond what I actually observed are un-
known to me ; and to repeat what has been given at various times
as positive and reliable information would mislead others as it did
me. The physical changes to which I have alluded, as occurring
within a few years in the Parana, will explain those of the Ver-
mejo in a quarter of a century. The simple fact of its having wa-
ter at all seasons for vessels of two and a half feet draus^ht, must
set at rest any anxiety about its rise and fall, inasmuch as few
would care to navigate it with a greater draught were its depth
twenty feet throughout. The advantage gained at high water
would be a slight increased width of the channel, which would,
however, be counteracted by the increased velocity of current ; at
other seasons obstructions, such as trees fallen or imbedded in the
bottom, would be exposed to view.
We made our mark at the point of return by felling a noble
algarroba, measuring three feet through the stump, from which
the little Pilcomayo was loaded with fuel to her utmost capacity,
leaving a good supply for the next party of explorers, and hoping
it would be our own.
17
258 DESCENT OF THE VERMEJO.
On the 25tli we commenced the descent, and four miles below
anchored to examine a small tributary stream from the left, to
which I have before alluded. Accompanied by some of the offi-
cers, I followed the bank on foot, while Lieutenant Henry, with
two men in the dingie, entered its mouth. The current was there
strong, and a hundred yards beyond, a fall of about three feet pre-
sented itself, with rapids extending a hundred yards — a foot for
every ten. One of the boys in the boat, hearing the noise, turned
to Mr. Henry, and said laughingly, " That looks, sir, as if it would
stop us." "It will take more than that to stoj? us," replied the
officer, and over the stern he sprang, in mud and water to the
waist. The men followed his example, and, by great exertion, they
drew the boat up the little cascade and through the rapids into
the comparatively still water beyond. Mr. Henry again took the
tiller, the boys the oars, and they continued the ascent for a mile
or two. The sluggish current above the rapids, and the general
appearance of this stream induced the belief that it had its source
in some neighboring lagoon; that it was, in fact, the river de-
scribed by Cornejo as flowing from a lake five miles from the Ver-
mejo. The water was limpid and sweet.
We determined to return in the boat, thinking the pleasurable
sensation of gliding down the cascade would be worth a capsize.
On both banks were large acacia trees in full blossom, their
branches in many places meeting and forming a bower over the
water. The whole atmosphere was filled with their delicious
perfume. It was, in truth, a scene of rich beauty. Gliding be-
yond this lovely avenue, with Mr. Henry, oar in hand, in the
stern, and one of the boys in the bow, we dashed into the rapids.
The little craft went like a shot, "straight on end," and in an in-
stant we were pitching at an angle of forty -five degrees down the
cascade. The boat seemed to be turning "end for end." Her
bows went under, but in another moment she glided gracefully
into the current beyond, and we quickly passed into the Vermejo,
through numberless fish, among which were the golden dorado,
leaping and dashing about as if defying the skill of our men, who
were in vain trying to bait a mess. They were dainty, sensible
dorados, wisely preferring the delicate provision brought down
from Acacia Eiver, as I shall call this stream, to the " salt grub"
of the Pilcomayo. After some hours of angling, a few cat-fish
alone rewarded our patience by taking to the pork baits.
The next day we made little progress, A short time after get-
LOST ON THE PAMPA. 259
ting under way, the boat became unmanageable and was carried
by the force of the current against a snag, from which she was
with difficulty extricated. After getting off, it was too late to
fire up, and I determined to pass the hour before sunset on shore
with my gun.
Dr. Carter and myself started off, marking the point of our de-
parture from the bank opposite the -boat by what we considered
easily recognizable objects ; but in the sameness of the woods
skirting the river, not found again so readily as one might sup-
pose. After walking some distance, occasionally turning to mark
the starting-point — a clump of lofty trees — our attention was at-
tracted by a vast number of birds very like plover, and apparent-
ly confining their movements to a low marshy piece of ground
some distance before us. We forgot starting-point and courses
in the pleasurable excitement offered by this shooting-ground.
It was a wild-goose chase. The birds, like the fish of Acacia
Kiver, were too wary for us. At last we looked back for the
clump of trees. It was undistinguishable, and there was not the
smallest object to indicate our position or that of the boat. By
our own estimate we were one or two miles from the river, with
grass two feet high to tramp through, the shades of night upon
us, and the comforting thought of savages and wild beasts for
neighbors.
When we reached the Yermejo it was night, and no Pilcomayo
was in sight. We hailed. The sound ran along the river, and
Echo answered from the opposite bank. A second time we
shouted, with the same response. The doctor and myself differed
in opinion as to the position of the boat. Now following the bank
for about half a mile, pitching occasionally over ant-hills three
or four feet in height, with which the pampa was covered, we
arrived at what the doctor had considered the point of our depart-
ure, but no Pilcomayo was there. We shouted and fired our guns.
Again that provoking Echo responded. Jaguars and Indians
were the only enemies we feared, but they were formidable ones,
and might be lurking in the luxuriant grass ; and it was ques-
tionable whether the report of our guns would invite or deter the
approach of these inhabitants of the Chaco. I must confess that
the prospect of being, within the next hour, the supper of one or
prisoner of the other was by no means a comforting reflection.
The doctor proposed that we should spend the night among the
branches of the algarroba ; but not caring to be treed like a coon,
260 RETURN TO ASUNCION.
I preferred a running figbt, and kept to tlie banks. We retraced
our steps, passed " my point," meeting with no incident more
alarming or noteworthy than an occasional tumble over the ant-
hills. Again we fired. Hark ! the one "howitzer of the little
steamer replied, fainter and more distant than we could have im-
agined possible, but it was cheering. The doctor thought his
eyesight better than mine, ^nd proposed to lead, while I was to
keep him in line by a star I had taken as the direction of the re-
port. The pilot proved an indifferent one, for he suddenly disap-
peared, and a pair of heels above the sea of grass showed that he
had pitched over an ant-hill. I again became the guide, and an-
other gun from the boat assured me that we were in the right di-
rection. We came to a bend in the river. The bank was high,
and densely covered with lofty trees. Turning it, we saw the
light of the Pilcomayo, and hailed her.
Officers and crew were anxious for our safety, and a detach-
ment was about starting off in search. They had burned blue
lights and fired small-arms repeatedly ; but the height of the
banks and the skirting of wood had hidden the first and deadened
the sound. We had a hearty laugh over our adventures, and
joked the doctor unmercifully for his " tree proposition." He
had been a great coon hunter down in Old Yirgkiia, had a vivid
recollection of the difficulties of the siege, and thought that from
such a leafy fort as an algarroba a garrison of two men might bid
defiance to the jaguar and Indian of the Chaco.
At an early hour the next morning we were moving down
stream, and in the afternoon of the following day again entered
the Paraguay. In twenty and a half working hours we had de-
scended the distance it had taken thirty-two days to ascend, and,
stopping only at three points to wood, we arrived on the 5th of
July at Asuncion.
I had not been unmindful of the 4th. One bottle of cheer had
been kept for the occasion. It was passed round, and "Jack,"
with patriotic promptitude, responded to the call of " All hands
splice the main brace."
We made the run from the mouth of the Vermejo to Asuncion
in ninety-one running hours against a current, ascertained to be
from two to two and a half sea miles an hour. In both rivers we
had kept out of the currents as much as possible, but working by
night the boat was doubtless contending with that of the Para-
guay the greater part of the time. This was conclusive evidence
MR. HICKMAN'S EXPEDITION. 261
that the Pilcomayo, bad as she was, had made from four to four
and a half sea miles an hour ; and yet in the Vermejo we could
make no headway with the greatest pressure of steam. I may
then justly conclude that those who navigate it must encoun-
ter a current of four sea miles an hour in those parts confined be-
tween banks, and this, too, at low water.
About the time of our ascent of that river, some American and
English merchants of Buenos Ayres entered into a commercial
enterprise. They intrusted the execution of some preliminary ar-
rangements to Mr. Hickman, a citizen of the United States, par-
ticularly enthusiastic and energetic in all transactions relating to
trade. Their object was to open intercourse with the northwestern
provinces of the Argentine States and Bolivia by the navigation
of the Vermejo. Accompanied by four men Mr. Hickman set out
by land, hoping to meet us at the town of Oran, and expecting
from my party facilities and aids which would certainly have been
rendered.
His purpose was to inform hiniself of the resources of the coun-
try accessible by this river ; to construct a small boat, load it with
samples of such articles as might enter into immediate trade, float
down the river to Corrientes, and thence descend to Buenos Ayres.
He reached Oram, built his boat eighty feet in length, sixteen feet
beam, and five feet depth ; loaded her with hides, wool, chinchilla
skins, specimens of copper and lead ores, and left Oran on the 12th
of March, 1855. The current dashed the boat against the bank
near the point called Lima Muerta, about twenty -five leagues be-
low, where he was detained until the 4th of April to repair damages.
He^ died on the 6th of May, and was buried near the old " reduc-
tion" of San Bernard. The boat arrived safely at Corrientes on
the 2'ith of the same month. According to a journal kept on
board, she was under way two hundred and fifty hours, and float-
ed a distance of three hundred and fifty leagues. This would
make the current four miles an hour. The most intelligent men
of this party were of the opinion that steamers of three feet draught
could ascend within twenty miles of Oran at any season of the
year. Having to cut lumber from the woods, they were ten
months engaged in the construction of this boat and in prepara-
tions for leaving Oran.
By Mr. Hickman's death the projectors of the enterprise proba-
bly lost much valuable information that would have hastened the
development of trade in that direction. But the time is only post-
262 ME. DANA'S DISPATCH.
poned when steamers will enter Corrientes, Rosario, and Buenos
Ajres, freighted with the products of the North and West, a ton
for every ounce that now finds its way into those markets for for-
eign shipment. To effect this, however, one thing is essential :
the free and uninterrupted navigation of the river ; that is, free-
dom from obstacles and annoyances arising from the territorial
differences of neighboring nations. As to the Indians, they may
become valuable aids in opening this new avenue of trade.
To show the resources of the country accessible by the Verme-
jo, and the immediate trade it offers, I quote from an interesting
dispatch of Mr. J. W. Dana, our minister to Bolivia, addressed to
the State Department.
" The whole region of country in the vicinity of the Vermejo, both in Bo-
livia and the Argentine States, including the cities above named (Oran, Ju-
juy, and Salta), abounds in horses, cattle, and sheep, and produces cotton,
sugar-cane, tobacco, rice, cocoa ; and at points a little more distant the al-
paca is found in great numbers. The Rio Grande, a branch of the Verme-
jo, which enters it a little below Oran, is navigable to a point forty leagues
distant from each of the cities Jujuy and Salta
" Estimates by the leading merchants in various parts of the country,
which I have heretofore obtained, compared, and corrected, one by another,
indicate the sum of $5,000,000 as an approximation to 4\ie amount of im-
ports. These may be reclassed as follows : Ii"on and steel, all that is used
in the country for mining and other purposes ; large quantities of brandy,
wine, and ale ; all the table-service, cutlery, etc. ; nearly all the good fur-
niture, pianos, for which there is a very great demand ; carpetings and pa-
per-hangings ; jewelry, watches, etc. ; a large quantity of our coarse brown
and blue cotton for outer clothing in warm climates ; a large quantity of
thick heavy baize, from England, which is universally used for the Indians
and lower classes in the high cold regions ; silks, broad-cloths, and all the
various materials for male and female dress used in Europe and the United
States. Hats, boots, and shoes are imported to some extent, but they are
manufactured here, though badly, and at very high prices. In fact, all the
necessaries and luxuries of a civilized society are brought from abroad, ex-
cept the productions of the soil
" The exports of the country, a series of years considered, must of course
be regarded as at least equal to the imports. These consist of copper, tin,
silver coined, gold coined, cascarilla and Peruvian bark ; to which may be
added a small quantity of wool. Copper mines are abundant throughout
Bolivia, including the region that would conveniently centre at Sucre ; but,
on account of the great cost of transportation, none are worked except those
nearest the coast. They are so productive, however, that it is a very prof-
FARTHER EXPLORATIONS. 263
itable business when the transportation does not exceed seventy-five
leagues. The same cause, distance and transportation, operates upon the
mines of tin. When tin is high, they are worked to a considerable extent ;
when it is low, the works are in a great measm-e suspended. Those which
are now worked are chiefly situated in the vicinity of Oran, between that
and Sucre. The most productive silver mines are also in the region of
Sucre, or properly of Potosi. One establishment near there produced
$360,000 in the year 1856. But the cost of machinery, brought from
abroad over the Andes on mules, is so immense that most of the mines are
worked in the most primitive manner ; and, consequently, only those which
are very rich afford a remunerative business. As an illustration I will
state that a company that has recently introduced European machinery is
now working over a second time the substance from which the silver had
been previously extracted, and doing so at great profit. If facilities were
afforded for the introduction of miproved machinery, I have no doubt that
it would immensely increase the production."
CHAPTER XV.
Visit to the President. — Boat-cruise up the Riachuelo. — Victoria Regia or Mais
del Agua. — Orange Groves. — The Plow. — Posta Contaro. — San Cosmi. — Ytati.
— Hacienda Yrisbugua. — Race with an Ostrich. — Breaking a Horse. — Troubles
at Asuncion. — Visit to the President. — Consultation with Mr. Hopkins. — Return
to the Government-house. — Last Interview with his Excellency. — The Permit.
— Correspondence with Mr. Falcon. — Council at Head-quarters. — Americans on
board, descending the River. — The Navy heaves in Sight. — Passing the Admir-
al.— The President's Indignation and the Seminario. — The Treaty. — Mr. Fal-
con's extraordinary Letter. — False Charges in the President's Message. — The
French Colony. — The Brazilian Squadron. — Outrage committed upon the Water
Witch. — What our Policy with South American States should be.
I NOW remained at Asuncion merely to make all necessary ar-
rangements for the alterations of the Pilcomayo, and to bring up
a fair copy of parts of the v^ork of the expedition, to be sent to
the Navy Department. The latter duty was assigned to Lieuten-
ants Murdaugh and Henry, and the former to Engineers Stump
and Taylor, who furnished a plan for the proposed changes.
Lieutenant Welsh had been suffering from a severe attack of
neuralgia, aggravated by exposure in the Vermejo; and his gen-
eral health was so much impaired that I felt reluctantly obliged
to dispense with his services, and gave him ordeTs to return
home. I then determined to proceed to Corrientes, with the view
of examining the northern and western parts of the province, and
264 VISIT TO THE PKESIDENT.
to obtain the aid of a macliiiiist for some repairs needed by tlie
Water Witch.
I was going to a state for which the President of Paraguay had
no friendly feelings ; but in nry visit of leave the manner of his
Excellency was not only civil, but actually approached to cordial-
ity. He desired me to call upon the government, without reserve,
for any aid needed in the reconstruction of the small steamer, and
to remember that my requests would always meet with a favor-
able reception. So entirely did he relax from his usual reserve
on this occasion, that he accompanied me to the door, and taking
my hand, expressed himself kindly for my success and speedy
return.
Arriving at Corrientes, I called on Governor Pujol, who met
frankly my request to visit the interior of the pro^dnce, and said
he would have orders issued from the postal department to afford
every assistance. In the Argentine States, as in Paraguay, postas
(post-houses) are established at distances of one, two, or three
leagues throughout the country, and a sufficient number of extra
horses are kept at them to meet any emergency that may occur.
The traveler will always find his movements expedited by adding
a few pennies to the usual charge per league ; for the master of
the post has generally some good animals, his private property,
while those of the government are often so much broken down
that I was compelled, at times, to turn my horse upon the road,
and procure another from the nearest house.
Wishing to see the country adjacent to the river during the
rainy season, and with the hope of adding something new to our
collections, I determined to make a little boat-cruise up the Eia-
chuelo, a small stream that rises in the interior and empties into the
Parana nine miles below Corrientes. I was fortunate in obtain-
ing some rare birds, and in seeing — what alone would have repaid
for a longer journey — the " queen of the nymphasaceee" upon its
native waters. Extensive shallow lagoons, pure and limpid, were
gemmed with islands of the "Victoria Eegia," or "mais del agua"
(corn of the water), as it is called in the country ; for it is not
only the queen of the floral tribes, but ministers to the necessities
of man. Its seeds, which are about the size of large buck-shot,
consist of a thin shell inclosing a white mealy substance. They
are gathered by the Corrientinos and pounded into meal, from
which they make excellent and nutritious bread. I procured a
quantity, and sent them carefully sealed to the Navy Department.
THE VICTOKIA REGIA. 265
I did not perhaps see the "regia" in all its glory, for the season
of full flower, May and June, had passed ; but it was still budding
and blooming in sufficient perfection to delight the eye. A plant,
with some of its native soil and water, was placed in a cask, but
with all my care it died. What infinite study is found in its
leaves — those great pages of Nature's book ! I never wearied in
examining their mechanism. Here, spreading over the lagoons,
they looked as if they would bear the weight of men, and were
covered at all times after dawn with myriads of water-fowl, glean-
ing the "corn," unless anticipated by the natives. The descrip-
tion given of this plant by Mr. Schomburgk, its discoverer, while
exploring the river Berbice in 1837, renders unnecessary any de-
scription from me of the " mais del agua" of the Riachuelo of Cor-
rientes. The regia of the former is of superior size to that of the
latter place.*
I frequently left the boat and walked over the neighboring
country. The soil is a rich dark loam, covered with fine grass.
The sod had in many places perhaps never been turned, but where
attempts at cultivation had been made, the product of corn and
tobacco was excellent.
The orange-groves were generally neglected. I must except,
however, a superb orchard of six thousand trees, one half of
which, too young for bearing, were growing vigorously, while
three thousand were bending under the weight of their golden
fruit, and yielded an income, I was told, of $2500 per annum.
These oranges are inferior to those of Paraguay. Indeed, those
grown on the Parana, east of the capital, are not so fine as the
fruit of the opposite shores.
* Schomburgk says : " The leaf, on its surface, is of a bright green, in form
orbiculate, with this exception, opposite its axis, where it is slightly bent in : its
diameter measured from five to six feet : around the margin extended a rim about
three to five inches high: on the inside light green, like the surface of the leaf;
on the outside, like the leaf's lower part, of a bright crimson.' The stem of the
flower is an inch thick near the calyx, and is studded with sharp elastic prickles
about three quarters of an inch in length The diameter of the calyx is
twelve or thirteen inches : on it rests the magnificent flower, which, when fully
developed, covers completely the calyx with its hundred petals. When it first
opens, it is white, with pink in the middle, which spreads over the whole flower
the more it advances in age, and it is generally found the next day of a pink color ;
as if to enhance its beauty, it is sweet-scented ; and, like others of its tribe, it pos-
sesses a fleshy disk, and petals and stamens pass gradually into each other, and
many petaloid leaves may be observed which have vestiges of an anther."
1 The color of those I saw waa very much the same on both sides, a light green ; and the size four
feet in diameter.
266 A. FRENCH AGRICULTURIST.
Civil wars liave so desolated this part of the province and so
diminished the cattle that now the orange-groves form the princi-
pal source of income to landed proprietors. They require little
attention, and a ready sale is afforded by the fruit- vessels that ply
up and down the river. As the best estancias are generally
owned by wealthy individuals residing at the capital, their only
buildings are the rude dwellings of the capitazes or herdsmen.
At these or in some abandoned hut we generally slept, spending
the days in seeking ornithological or botanical specimens, and
taking our meals wherever chance found us.
In our wanderings we came to the land of an industrious French
immigrant, who, with a large family, had established himself on
the Parana. He was breaking up his ground with a modem
plow after the most approved system ; and, from the appearance
of the rich, dark soil, his labors were probably well remunerated
by the return crops. From this farm we passed to that of a na-
tive, who was standing lazily looking on, while a boy with a fine
yoke of oxen and a wooden plow, probably such as was used in
the days of the Conquest, was scratching the surface of a piece of
ground about fifty yards square.
"Did you see my neighbor plowing?" asked the Corrientino.
"Yes."
He broke into a long, loud laugh. "What a plow! Ha! ha!
na ! that fool of a Frenchman ! He's crazy, sir ! Why, sir, he is
opening the ground as wide as the streets of the capital !"
The Frenchman's crops will, I presume, prove an unanswerable
argument upon the merits of the two plows, and turn the laugh
against his neighbor.
The Riachuelo did not extend far into the interior ; but in fol-
lowing its course I was enabled to see a part of the province south
of the capital, much better adapted to agriculture than that bor-
dering the Parana, east of it. Population is alone wanting here, as
in all parts of the Confederation. What homes these expanded
plains and the delicious climate offer to immigrants! What a
percentage on labor and capital might be drawn from these fertile
wastes !
We returned to Corrientes ; and with our saddle-bags (alforjas)
packed with tea, sugar, bread, and a little cana, recommended as
" cooling in summer and warming in winter," were soon equip-
ped for a longer journey in the interior.
Upon a fine September morning, the doctor and myself, mount-
SAN COSMI.— YTATI. 267
ing our rather sorry horses, started eastward, seeking science and
adventure. Our first stopping - place was Posta Contaro, about
twenty miles from the capital, where we were kindly welcomed,
refreshed with supper of " asado" and mandioca, and, after cigars,
made quite members of the family by having our hammocks
slung up in the same room with the master of the post, his wife,
three other women, and five children ; one of these an infant, who
entertained us during the night with solos and snatches of song
that indicated good lungs. These poor people did their best to
accommodate us, for this little adobe house had but one room,
with a couple of benches, two chairs, and a rickety table for its
fui'niture. Surrounding it was an iuclosure with a few rows of
corn, mandioca, and tobacco.
The following day we reached San Cosmi, and, by the activity
of the Juiz de Paz, were assigned an empty room, which was
transformed into a cheery, comfortable apartment by the thought-
fnl kindness of a lady, Seiiora Casales, to whom we had letters of
introduction. Two cots, tables, and chairs soon made their ap-
pearance, followed by what we could not have expected, meals at
stated hours. These consisted of beef, bread, chickens, eggs, and,
what was really a luxury, snowy table-linen with plates, knives
and forks, all temptingly clean. The hospitality of this place was
repeated wherever we traveled in the Argentine States, and nev-
er hmited but by the means of our entertainers. San Cosmi has
about four hundred inhabitants, with a plaza, around which stand
the church and the best dwellings. The latter are generally adobe
houses of one story, either tiled or thatched. From a hedge in
this neighborhood I procured the silk of a small black spider,
long, exquisitely fine, and yet so strong that, as I wound it upon
a card, the branches of the hedge would bend without breaking
the web.
Our next ride was to Ytati, a village of several hundred inhab-
itants, twenty miles from San Cosmi, and in the immediate vicin-
age of the Parana, of which it commands an extended view. We
went first to the house of the Juiz de Paz, whose pretty young
wife received us with all the tact and ease innate to the women
of that country, however humble their position. She chatted
without embarrassment, and, probably discovering from our hun-
gry faces that we had fasted for twelve hours, soon busied herself
earnestly in preparing a supper which, to my surprise, comprised
not only beef, chickens, and honey, but cow's milk and tea. The
268 THE HACIENDA YRISBUQUA.
last was a delicate attention that we appreciated. A native of tlie
capital, the senora had perhaps" there learned that this was the fa-
vorite evening beverage of foreigners. The plaza and its adobe
houses were, in this place, overshadowed by an old Jesuitic church,
then dilapidated, but which was about to undergo repairs that will
make it one of the finest buildings of the province.
The appearance of the country thus far — forty miles east of the
city of Corrientes — was singular but picturesque, and needs but
dwellings and culture to make it extremely beautiful. It was not
low or level, but broken by verdant lomas (hillocks) and gentle
undulations, intersected by lakes, some insulated, others connected
by miniature straits. These lakes were covered with myriads of
water-fowl, and, as we looked back upon them from some ridge
of land, their waters sparkled in the §unlight, and the birds sport-
ed as if alive to the beauty and security of haunts rarely or never
invaded by man.
Civil wars have desolated this land. Hedges alone marked the
inclosures where once stood the buildings of a now abandoned
estancia. The soil was rich and light; the corn and tobacco in
quality quite equal to the best of Paraguay; and the yield, in
proportion to the extent of ground cultivated, is the best evidence
of adaptation for such produce. I thought the pastures of the lo-
mas better adapted to the rearing of sheep than of horned cattle.
A visit to the Hacienda Yrisbuqua, about twenty miles from
Ytati, enabled me to see the management of one of the largest
grazing estates in the province, its owner, Don Anjel Bedoya, hav-
ing given us letters to his capitaz. In approaching it, the low-
lands were much under water, but the general appearance of the
country was improved. The dwellings were placed upon the lo-
mas, above the influence of inundation, and, though few and far
between, were substantially built either of burned brick and tiled,
or of adobe and roofed with palm. There was no cultivation ; but
the pastures were fine, the cattle, horses, and sheep superior in
number and size to any yet seen in Corrientes ; and the growth
of algarroba and espinilla, the only woods there of any value,
abundant. A hacienda, or grazing farm,* embraces generally an
area of six miles square, with about 6000 head of cattle, 500
sheep, and a few hundred horses. Although a great proportion
of the land seemed to be not only arable, but of superior quality,
* A hacienda is exclusively a grazing farm, while on an estancia cultivation is
combined with grazing.
HOESE-BREAKING. 269
we did not observe on one of them a yard square under culture ;
not even a garden around the dwelUng of the capitaz.
In riding over the property of Don Anjel I had quite a novel
amusement. An ostrich crossed my path, and, as I was well
mounted, with an extended plain before me, I determined to try ^
its speed with that of my horse. I kept up the chase for more
than a mile, when I abandoned the pursuit; for it was evident
that the ostrich "had the heels" of the horse.
Mares were not worth more than fifty cents a head, there being
an absurd prejudice against their use, even as beasts of burden;
and a man mounted on one would create as great a sensation and
excite as much ridicule as a dandy upon a donkey in one of our
thoroughfares of fashion. They are kept for breeding, and the in-
crease is so enormous that they are slaughtered by hundreds,
merely for their hides and grease, the latter being esteemed, for
some purposes, superior to beef's tallow. The hair is worth about
one dollar fifty cents the aroba, or six cents the pound; and
large herds are driven into corrals exclusively for the shearing.
A mounted gaucho throws the lasso over the neck ; another on
foot secures the hind legs, when the mare is brought to the ground;
a third seizes the mane, a fourth the tail ; and thus, in an incredi-
bly short time, the poor animal is despoiled.
We also witnessed the " breaking" of saddle-horses and milch
cows, the latter by no means a common operation ; for few things
are less cared for than milk by the natives of La Plata.
A wild horse is taken, by lasso, from a troop in the corral, to a
post where, with his head closely confined, he is left for some
hours kicking and pitching. To accustom him to the touch, the
domador (horse-breaker) from time to time throws a lasso about
his legs, which so maddens the animal that his struggles become
frightful, and end in his falling exhausted upon the ground. The
guacho then bridles him, and, as the horse regains his feet, puts
on the " recado," while another releases his head and springs upon
his back. This is all the work of an instant. Now the battle be-
tween rider and animal begins. The latter plunges, pitches, and
rears, but in vain. There is no unhorsing the domador, who
dashes on at full speed, whipping and spurring until, completely
subdued, the horse is brought back to the post, to be exercised
in the same way the following day, and again and again, until he
is pronounced muy maiiso^ broken, but rarely gentle.
The cow is caught and thrown down by the lasso, when a worn-
270 riEST DIFFICULTY IN PAKAGUAY.
an tramples upon the udder to cause a discharge of milk. The
animal is then led to a post, where she is bound head and legs
while the milking goes on. In a few days' she is sufficiently
tamed to be classed among domestic animals.
On returning to Ytati I found a letter from Lieutenant Powell
requesting my presence in Asuncion, where a serious difficulty had
arisen between the United States Consul and President Lopez.
This controversy had passed through many phases when I ar-
rived at the capital, and I have no idea of entering into details,
farther than to state that the immediate cause of its outbursting,
at that particular time, was an assault made by a soldier on the
person of the brother of Mr. Hopkins while riding with a lady,
also a foreigner. The man was driving cattle to the city, and on
being met or overtaken by the riding party the herd was dis-
persed into the woods.
There was no personal injury to the lady or gentleman, but the
insult was to be considered, and justly made a subject of com-
plaint. In other countries it could have been settled without be-
ing a government affair ; but here the President, as I have before
so often stated, is the law, judiciary, and, defacto^ head of all things.
President Lopez took exception to the language in which the
complaint was made. A paper war ensued ; crimination followed
recrimination. The consular exequatur was revoked, and the
wrath of the Chief Magistrate extended to the members of the
American Company, of which Mr. Hopkins was agent. They had
been permitted to occupy the quartel of San Antonio ; had im-
proved the grounds, purchased some adjoining lands, erected a
saw-mill, and established a cigar-factory. They were now forced
to give up the quartel. The controversy waxed hotter and hot-
ter. Decrees or handos intended to embarrass their operations
were issued, and at last the cigar-factory was closed, thereby vir-
tually closing the business of the company in Paraguay. I give a
few of the handos^ which, though applied to all foreigners, were at
this time issued for the special embarrassment of the Americans.
" 1. No servant shall engage in the service of a foreigner vrithout a writ-
ten agreement or notification given and approved by the government, as to
the amount of wages.
" 2. All meetings of foreigners, except for the ostensible object of visit-
ing and innocent diversion, are forbidden, by day and by night.
" 3. All foreigners must take out a license to engage in any commercial
or industrial ursuit."
INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT. 271
This last article was reasonable ; but tlie company, thougli go-
ing on for a year, liad not before been required to take out a li-
cense, and when Mr. Hopkins made an application for it, in the
character of "general agent," having paid sixteen dollars for the
stamped paper, it was refused on the ground of his being "gen-
eral agent." This title was objectionable to the government, and
would not be recognized. He must apply as " agent," without
the "general."
I am to this day mystified by this phase of the difS,culty. There
was but one General in Paraguay, the son and heir of the Presi-
dent; but by what process of reasoning the title of the " General
Agent" reflected upon the head of the military arm I am unable
to say ; neither do I see why it should not have been relinquished.
There were other petty annoyances, seemingly of a general bear-
ing, but in fact aimed at the American Company.
Affairs had reaiched this crisis when I arrived at Asuncion, and
found Mr. Hopkins determined, by reason of the course of the
government, to leave the country with the members of the com-
pany and such of their effects as coiild be conveniently removed.
To show my course in this controversy, and the part I took to-
ward effecting a restoration of the former state of things, to enable
the company to proceed with its operations, I shall quote from
my journal :
" Sept. 21si', 1854. This morning, at 9 A.M., I called on Presi-
dent Lopez ; was courteously received, and discussed the difficulty
between the government and Mr. Hopkins at some length. The
President said the soldier had been severely punished by the in-
fliction of three hundred stripes in " running the gauntlet" through
the regiment to which he was attached. He complained of the
intemperate language of Mr. Hopkins. It was, he said, insulting
to him, and he had in consequence withdrawn his exequatur.
" I desired to be informed if the American Company would be
allowed to carry on its operations under a guarantee of protection.
He assured me that it would, and that it should receive every
protection enjoyed by other business associations, whether foreign
or native ; but that the agent, Mr, Hopkins, was personally ob-
noxious to him, and he would not consent to his engaging in any
business in the country.
" I informed him that other Americans belonging to the com-
pany had complained to me of insulting remarks made to them
since that occurrence, even by officials ; and said, ' I wish to know,
272 THE AMERICAN COMPANY.
Sir, if, in the event of tkeir remaining, tliey will be treated person-
ally with respect, and shielded from the possible recurrence of in-
sult or indignities.' He replied, ' They shall.'
" I met Mr. Hopkins by appointment, and informed him of the
result of my interview with the President, He then informed me
that the business of the company had been broken up by the ac-
tion of the government, regardless of all pre-existing contracts ;
and that he should hold it responsible for the damages, looking
to the United States Government for the enforcement of the rec-
lamation ; that, under these circumstances, he wished, with the
company, to withdraw from Paraguay, but that no trading vessel
would take them, the master fearing that the odium in which he
was held by the government would be visited on them.
"I replied, 'I will see the President, and if no arrangement
can be made for your leaving the country by a trading vessel, I
will receive the members of the company and their effects on
board the Water Witch, and convey them to Corrientes' — this
being the point at which he wished to establish them.
" I called again at the government-house, stated to the Presi-
dent the apprehensions of Mr. Hopkins, and suggested that he
should allow the Captain of the Port to procure a vessel, which
would at once set at rest the fears of any shipmaster as to the
consequences of receiving the Americans. He said, ' This shall
be done.' ' Now, Sir,' I asked, ' what forms must be complied
with to enable the company to leave Paraguay with their prop-
erty?' He replied, 'They will simply be required to procure
passports, and a "permit" from the custom-house for the shipment
of their effects and merchandise, all of which they are at liberty
to take with them, pa3dng the export duty on such articles as are
products of the country,' They had about eight hundred arobas
of superior tobacco,
" A vessel was engaged, passports obtained, and I concluded
that all was satisfactorily arranged for the departure of the com-
pany, when one of its members came on board the Water Witch
and complained of fresh insults by the Chief of Police.
" Again I called on the President. It was my last interview
with his Excellency. I reminded him of the assurances he had
given me as to the personal treatment of the members of the com-
pany, and stated the new complaint, informing him, at the same
time, in decided but courteous language, that my duty obliged
me to watch over the rights of American citizens wherever I
PROGRESS OF THE DIFFICULTY. 273
should meet them abroad. The Chief of PoKce was summoned,
and in a few minutes was announced as waiting the orders of
his Excellency. He was directed to enter. The door opened,
the Chief of Police stood on the threshold, and made a low bow.
* Approach,' said his Excellency. The Chief of Police approached.
' Take a seat.' He sat down, but uneasily. It was an unusual
honor accorded him. The President stated the charge made
against him. He of course denied every word, rising to his feet
as he spoke.
" ' Be seated. Sir,' said the President.
" The Chief pf Police could not be kept seated, and rose at
every word addressed to his Excellency. He was at last ordered
to withdraw. The President was apparently as well satisfied of
the truth of his statement as I was of the contrary. He then said
that as the American in question had been the superintendent of
the factory, he wished him to remove the sign (a piece of tin) and
take a receipt for it, as he did not wish to give the company occa-
sion to say that any of its property was withheld. I told him the
individual in question could not do this, but I would relieve his
Excellency from all embarrassment by directing one of my boat's
crew to receive it. With some hesitancy, he acceded to this ar-
rangement.
" In this interview I expressed myself very decidedly, but with
the courtesy due to the President's position, and we parted appar-
ently without any rupture of our friendly relations.
" I had scarcely got on board the Water Witch, congratulating
myself that the difficulties were over, when another note was re-
ceived from Mr. Hopkins. On applying for a ' permit' to ship
the goods, it had been refused until he should surrender the pa-
pers, deeds, etc., which secured to the company certain lands, pur-
chased and paid for.
" Before taking any farther steps I sent my clerk to ascertain
from the Collector if I must understand that he refused a ' permit'
for the dispatch of the company's merchandise on the grounds
mentioned. He returned with a reply in the affirmative.
"I had been long enough in the country to know that the Col-
lector would not dare to take such a step without instructions
from the President. It was in direct violation of every promise
his Excellency had given me, and I saw clearly that the moment
had arrived when my action in this difficulty should be matter of
record. I addressed a note to the Minister of Foreign Eelations,
18
274 RETURN OF LETTERS.
Stating the facts of the case, repeating the assurances of the Presi-
dent, and telhng him what would be my course for the relief of
the members of this company if they were not allowed to depart
by the usual mode of conveyance.
" On the afternoon of the same day I had received no reply ;
but a verbal message came from the Minister of Foreign Eelations
to the captain's clerk, desiring him to call at his ofl&ce. I gave
him permission to go ; but, suspecting that the object of this call
was to question him as to my correspondence, I enjoined silence.
The secretary desired him to take my notes and request me to
have them translated. I replied verbally that I must correspond
with the government in my own language, and could not allow
my letters to be translated by any one associated with me. Ac-
companying the note in question was one informing him that I
had just received dispatches from our Minister at the Court of
Brazil inclosing permission from his Imperial Majesty's Govern-
ment to explore the Paraguay and its tributaries, within the lim-
its of the empire, and expressing the hope that his Excellency
would allow me again to pass through the waters of his territory
to reach those of Brazil. This note shared the fate of the others.
But that the contents of both were known to the President is evi-
dent from the tenor of subsequent articles in the Seminario, the
government organ, published at Asuncion.
" President Lopez, I am told, reads both French and English ;*
added to this, there is an intelligent Englishman residing at
Asuncion who translates for him, and much more correctly than
I, my clerk, or any one associated with me could possibly have
done.
" Failing to coerce me into this measure — the sole object of
which was to exhibit to the people of Paraguay his authority over
a foreign officer — my notes were returned the following day, with
one from the Minister of Foreign Relations, Mr. Jose Falcon, in-
forming me that the President did not read English, and desiring
that I would translate them into Spanish, when they would re-
ceive proper attention.
" I replied to Mr. Falcon,f stating that the contemptuous treat-
ment of my official communications, addressed in courteous lan-
guage, was a thing unprecedented in this age of civilization ; that
it deprived me of the means of arriving at the intentions of his
government relative to the departure of the Americans, and forced
* But imperfectly, I presume. t See Appendix F.
DEPARTUEE FROM ASUNCION. 275
upon me the inference that my request had been refased, thus
making it an imperative duty to remove them from Paraguay in
the Water Witch. At the same time I informed the Captain of
the Port that I should receive them and their effects on board,
and leave Asuncion at a certain hour.
" Scarcely had this announcement been made when President
Lopez issued the ' permit,' showing conclusively that his Excel-
lency was fully informed of the contents of my notes, if he did not
read English."
It was late. The Americans were in the act of coming on
board before its issue was made known. It expedited matters,
however, for it was accompanied by an order to the Port Captain
to afford them every facility in shipping their goods.
My last written communication to the Government of Paraguay
was returned, accompanied by a note, of the same tenor as the
previous one, from Mr. Jose Falcon. This was sent by an officer
or employe in the office of the Captain of the Port, who, without
coming on board, delivered the papers at the gangway, and made
off in an instant, as if he feared infection or capture. I gave them
in charge of an officer of the Water Witch, and directed him to
return them to the Captain of the Port; and should he object to
receive them, to place them in his office. The officer reported
that he had acted in accordance with my orders.
Before getting under way, having occasion to pass through a
good portion of the town, I observed that it presented an unusual
appearance ; not a soul was abroad. Asuncion was not at siesta,
for it was not the hour ; moreover, heads were peering through
half-opened doors, showing that curiosity was stronger than fear
or sleep. Something was wrong, and the people were anxious to
know what difficulties were brewing with the " supreme govern-
ment."
The plaza, usually the gayest and noisiest place imaginable,
was deserted. I missed the picturesque groups of market women,
with their white cotton mantas, seated upon the ground, encircled
by fruits, vegetables, and an eager crowd of buyers. Not a man,
cart, or horse was to be seen, except a few conveying the effects
of the American Company to the beach. What was feared ? The
following explanation was made :
"Last night (the 28th), at midnight, the President called a con-
sultation of his advisers, at which your letter was considered.
The wise ' heads' thought they saw in it another ' Greytown af-
276 ASPECT OF THE CAPITAL.
fair.' His Excellency thought, as heavy bodies move slowly, it
would be prudent to be prepared ; so he sent for a machinist to
examine his carriage, and see that all was in good running condi-
tion. Orders were issued that no one should appear in the plaza
or streets after eleven o'clock this morning, and not a horse or
cart, except those engaged in transporting the goods of the Amer-
ican Company, was to be seen."
I had observed, as I have before stated, an unquestioning sub-
mission to the authority of the President ; and in giving another's
statement, I do so without adding my own indorsement of the
suspicion.
" The submission of the people to the present grinding system
is only simulated. They are not insensible to their thralldom,
and the President really feared that if you fired at the govern-
ment-house, the people might avail themselves of the opportu-
nity to rise and change the order of things. He was prepared to
run."
I had held pleasant social intercourse, while at Asuncion, with
the Brazilian Consul, an amiable, gentlemanly person, who came
on board the "Water "Witch and expressed, with much anxiety,
the hope that I was not really about to fire into the town. I as-
sured him that I had no such intention, and had never by word
or deed intimated that I would do so ; but that it was utterly im-
possible for me to be responsible for the gossip of others, or per-
haps the inspiration of some wag who wished to frighten the
President. My language and conduct, up to that moment, had
been studiously respectful to the government ; and as it had
yielded every point, as the Americans personally were safe and
on board the "Water "Witch, and the " permit" had been issued to
facihtate the shipment of their goods, there was no possible ex-
cuse for so extreme a measure. I was not at all ambitious of the
inglorious achievement of firing into a town, destroying the prop-
erty of unoffending citizens, perhaps the lives of women and chil-
dren, and disturbing the course of a government with which I had
been directed to treat for commercial intercourse. The prepara-
tion of the steamer, with her three howitzers, placed on board as
a protection against savages, was simply a duty to meet any con-
tingency that might occur. I pointed out to him a field-piece,
apparently a nine-pounder, on a very beautiful and commanding
position, near a well-stored magazine, and within good howitzer
range, aroimd which were a number of soldiers ready to apply
PASSING TRES BOCAS. 279
the matcli ; and said to him, " Should not that admonish me to
be ready ? I shall certainly defend my flag."
I had, it is true, resolved that if the property of the Americans
was retained by the President, or placed where it was beyond the
reach of our guns, to return the compliment by capturing his
" navy" at Tres Bocas. But I had made no such threat, had no
excuse for such an act at that time, and did not regret it. Under
the " permit" finally issued, the effects of the company which could
not be taken on board the Water Witch were placed in the hands
of an agent, to be shipped to Corrientes,
With the Americans on board I left Asuncion the 29th of Sep-
tember. On reaching Tres Bocas we observed an unusual array
of soldiers, and the little navy of five vessels, with their arma-
ment, ranging from two to six guns, all doubly manned, and
ready, as the President had said, to " salute or fight." The ves-
sels were moored so close to the bank that a plank from each
would have enabled the personnel of the marine to make an ex-
cursion into the interior of the country at the shortest possible no-
tice. On the deck of the flag-ship, a prominent figure in the pic-
ture, stood my old friend the " Admiral." Salutes would have
been dangerous; for, from the evident state of hostile preparation,
the first flash of one of their guns might have been returned by a
fire from our howitzer, without delay for explanation. We passed
slowly and in silence ; many a soul on the Water Witch devoutly
hoping, perhaps, that some brave son of Paraguay would provoke
a fight.
I was glad that we were able to leave Paraguay peacefully.
From our first entrance into her waters and the " Admiral's" re-
ception at Tres Bocas ; in our cruise to the northern frontier ;
during my land journey through the interior from west to east,
from river to river, and in that subsequently made by Lieutenant
Powell through the Yerbales, we had been hospitably and kindly
received. And, indeed, the course of the President toward us,
until his outbreak with the Consul, was characterized by extreme
consideration. In all my official intercourse with him, in applica-
tions for facilities which the government alone could grant in
forwarding the expedition — and it has been seen that they were
not unfrequent — he met my propositions readily and observed his
promises to the letter. I was aware of the faults of his political
system, but even that was better than I had been led to anticipate
before entering the country. My business there was not that
280 COURSE OF THE EXPEDITION.
of a regenerator. On the contrary, while acting firmly and, to
the best of my ability, conscientiously, for the protection of the
American Trading Company, the dignity of our flag, and with a
due regard to our national interests, I studiously avoided wound-
ing the susceptibilities of the people and rulers.
Paraguay had scarcely joined the family of nations. Our peo-
ple in the United States knew nothing of her social or political
condition. We had never, until 1853, been represented there by
even a Consul. I should, therefore, under all circumstances, with-
out any personal feeling toward the President, and without refer-
ence to him as a man, have deemed it as much my duty to give
the result of my observations upon the political state of the coun-
try as I should upon the rocks and shoals of her rivers. I be-
lieve my impressions to be correct. They were formed without
prejudice, and may possibly assist us in directing our future dip-
lomatic and commercial relations with Paraguay.
For trade, Paraguay was unoccupied ground. I had been sent
there to negotiate a commercial treaty, to examine her rivers, and
report upon her resources. I thought at the time, and still be-
lieve, that a valuable commerce might grow up with the United
States. For manufactured articles it must be for many years a
considerable market.
Again : the long-sought and much-desired permission of Brazil
to explore her waters — the result of a negotiation upon the part
of two of our Ministers for eighteen months — reached me in the
midst of these (^fficulties. My future labors there and in Bolivia
I had contemplated as the most interesting, and the most fruitful
in results for science and commerce. Paraguay controlled the
entrance into their rivers, and could embarrass my anticipated
movements. I had every reason, official and personal, to use for-
bearance and discretion ; and yet President Lopez, in his dispatch
to our government, complains of the hostile attitude I assumed.
The position of the President is perhaps an uneasy one. His
people know nothing of other countries. He governs them by
maintaining an impenetrable reserve, and impressing them with
the infallibility of his own acts and his commanding position
among "rulers." He forgot that the members of the American
Company were not Paraguayans, and that I was the representa-
tive of a republic where there are no "state secrets." He could
not give my notes to a third party for translation. They were
couched in respectful but decided language ; their contents would
DECEEES OF LOPEZ. 281
have become known to the citizens ; and the declaration to pur-
sue a certain line of conduct, "with or without the permission of the
"supreme government," was an assertion of independence, even
on the part of a foreign officer, that the President did not care
should be known.
I have been as concise as possible in the foregoing statement.
It unfortunately led to a radical change in the feelings of Presi-
dent Lopez toward myself, and placed me in a position of antago-
nism which, as will be seen, I carefully endeavored to avoid. His
vials of wrath seemed, like the widow's cruse, inexhaustible. On
the 3d of October he issued a decree designed to break up my
intended exploration of the waters of Brazil and Bolivia,* and,
through the columns of his organ, the /Seminario, poured forth his
indignation in language marked by great asperity — a tone and
style recognized in the countries of La Plata as peculiar to his
Excellency.
On the 15th of October Mr. E. C. Buckalew arrived at Corri-
entes in a river steamer, the Buenos Ayres. He was bearer of the
exchange of ratifications of the treaty of the 4th of March, nego-
tiated by Mr. Pendleton, and ratified by the Senate of the United
States. He also brought letters from the Secretary of State, Mr.
Marcy, instructing me to propose the exchange. The treaties ne-
gotiated at the same time by the Ministers of France, England,
and Sardinia had long since been ratified, and their consuls for
Asuncion were on board this steamer.
As the Water Witch was excluded from entering Paraguayan
waters by the decree of the 3d, I dispatched Lieutenant Mur-
daugh and Doctor Carter by the Buenos Ayres, with a note to
the Minister of Foreign Relations informing him that I was com-
missioned to exchange ratifications, and desiring to know when
and where I should meet a person duly authorized to act on the
part of the Government of Paraguay. On delivering the paper,
Lieutenant Murdaugh, as instructed, informed him verbally of
its contents. He received the following reply, with my note re-
turned. I insert it as a specimen of diplomatic writing :
* The following is a translation of this decree :
" Article 1st. In the navigation of the rivers of the republic, foreign vessels of
war are excluded.
"2d. The exploration of the rivers of upper Paraguay, which are embraced
within the territory of the republic, or of other neighboring states, can not be made
through the lower Paraguay, pending the settlement of limits with the neighboring
powers, Brazil and Bolivia."
282 STATEMENTS OF LOPEZ.
[translation.]
"Asuncion, October 21st, 1854.
" Mr. Thomas J. Page, Commander of the Water Witch.
*' In accordance with the conditions of my previous dates of the 29th
and 30th* of the past, I return you your note dated the 16th of October
in Corrientes, written in English, without accompanying it with a signed
translation ; astonished that you should persist in your idea of mortifying
me.
" De V. L. atento servidor,
(Signed) " JOSt FALCON.'
"When we remember that the Spanish Americans are scrupu-
lonslj observant of all form and ceremonial in official correspond-
ence, the quo animo which dictated the above note is manifest on
its face. It does not concede to the Water Witch her nationality ;
it is addressed to no particular place, and is not concluded in ac-
cordance with diplomatic usage.
Every effort on my part, consistent with a proper consideration
of the position I occupied, to effect an exchange of ratification
having been made without success, I reported the result to the
State Department. After my return home, Colonel Eichard Fitz-
patrick was deputed Special Commissioner to Paraguay for the
same purpose, but failed in the effort.
President Lopez repeats, in his message to the Paraguay Con-
gress of 1857, certain statements relative to the part I took in the
" American Company's affair" which he had made in a dispatch
to the United States Government, dated October 3d, 1854.
He says, in alluding to passports taken out by the Americans
when they expected to leave in a trading vessel : " Commander
Page dashed those passports into the office of the Captain of
the Port, saying that Americans had no occasion to carry them."t
I neither saw the passports nor gave any directions about them;
and, as far as my memory serves me, I heard nothing of them.
If this vulgar and unnecessary exhibition was made by any
American it never came to my knowledge, or it would have re-
ceived a merited rebuke.
Again, the dispatch says : " At the same tune he ordered the
* These two I am unable to insert, as they were returned, in retaliation for the
treatment my previous notes had received.
t " El Commandante Page hizo arrojar esas pasaportes en la Capitania del
'Puerto, deciendo no las necesitaban para llevar Americanos."
THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN RELATIONS. 283
notes of the Minister of Foreign Eelatious to be dashed down
with the passports."*
I have before stated that the notes alluded to were given to an
officer, who was directed to deliver them to the Captain of the
Port, and to say that I desired no longer to continue communi-
cations with the government, as my notes were returned unan-
swered. And should the Captain of the Port object to receive
them — which I thought probable, judging from the manner of
his messenger to the Water AVitch — the officer was directed to
place them on his table, and return. This officer was also accom-
panied by the captain's clerk, Mr. Bushell, who spoke the Span-
ish language. I can not believe that either of them would have
been guilty of so great a breach of respect. Whatever might
have been their feelings toward President Lopez personally, they
perfectly understood the respect due to an official correspondence ;
added to this, I believe that all of the officers of the Water Witch
entertained the most friendly feeling toward the Port Captain.
I have alluded to our final departure from the waters of Para-
guay. In referring to this, the Minister of Foreign Eelations says,
in his dispatch of February 4th, 1855 : " It is known throughout
the world, f the surprising departure of Senor Commandante Don
Thomas J. Page, who left highly offended and irritated at the
people:|: of Paraguay. On the 80th of September last, from early
dawn of the day there was evidence of fire proceeding from the
smoke-stack of the steamer. Her guns were ordered to be load-
ed ; and being asked by a certain stranger relative to this hostile
preparation, he had the coolness to say it was to prevent any im-
pediment to the departure of the Americans in the steamer. Page
knew well that Hopkins and other Americans obtained passports
on the 27th of the aforesaid September. Hopkins, in addition to
his passport, took out a permit for his effects, tobacco and cigars,"
In giving the date when they " obtained passports," why should
the date " when he took out a permit" be omitted ? Because, if
dated at all, it would have borne that of the day on which the
Americans came on board ; and President Lopez thought to pre-
serve his prestige intact by granting permission to do what he had
failed to prevent.
* " Tambien mando arrojar con las pasaportes las notas que le ha despidido el
Ministro de Relaciones Esteriores."
t What an extensive circulation he imagines the Seminario to have !
X He is mistaken : he should have said government.
284 LOPEZ AND FOREIGNERS.
I think all will agree with me that such inaccuracies become a
national insult when introduced into an official correspondence.
If the government of the United States desire to establish and
maintain commercial relations with Paraguay, if it intend that
the citizens of our country shall peaceably reside there in carry-
ing out the pursuits of trade, shall enjoy the privileges and im-
munities usually secured to foreigners in other states of South
America, its course toward that republic must be decided, or it
should abandon the idea of intercourse, and let our commercial
community understand its policy.
The respect entertained by President Lopez for any foreign
government is measured by the estimate he attaches to its power
and determination to enforce its just rights. This opinion is not
speculative. It is based upon facts ; upon acts of that govern-
ment which have occurred within a very recent date, to my own
knowledge. Its disregard of treaties, contracts, and obligations,
regarded as binding in honor as in law, is established by numer- .
ous instances of bad faith.
A treaty was signed, without due consideration, by General
Urquiza, granting to Paraguay the exclusive right to navigate
the Yermejo ; but when submitted to the Congress of the Argen-
tine Confederation, it was rejected. What was the course of
President Lopez in this case? The rejection of the treaty ren-
dered it null and void, and one would suppose that the question
remained in statu quo. But, instead of acting on this principle,
his Excellency claimed the power which a ratification would have
given him, and closed the navigation of this river to "all, but
especially to vessels under the Argentine flag." This is his mode
of treating where he possesses the power.
A French colony was brought over in 1854, under the guaran-
tee of a solemn contract, and established — not, as its deluded
members supposed, in Paraguay proper — but opposite, in the
Chaco, a territory in dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay, and
actually in possession of the aborigines. Such was the treatment
of these foreigners by President Lopez, that before the expiration
of one year they broke up, and many of them escaped — not by
the river, for the vigilance of its chain of guardias is not easily
eluded, but through the Chaco, preferring to run the gauntlet of
Indians, jaguars, and starvation to living under such oppression.*
* France has a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation concluded with
Paraguay, and has a resident consul at Asuncion.
PARAGUAY AND BRAZIL. 285
In 1855 the Emperor of Brazil sent a squadron of eleven men-
of-war and as many transports, all well appointed, to adjust sev-
eral questions between the two governments. Among the most
important was that of territorial limits and the right of way to the
Brazilian province of Matto Grosso. The squadron was stopped
at Tres Bocas ; only one steamer, the Admiral's, being permitted
to ascend to Asuncion. Negotiations were entered into ; some
minor points were settled ; and the expedition returned, foiled in
its main object by the superior generalship and diplomacy of the
President of Paraguay. The press of Brazil and the Imperial
Legislature thundered their invectives not only against the Para-
guay government, but against their own, for the failure. What
was the course of President Lopez ? After constructing a battery
which would give some trouble to the Brazilian navy, with his
usual astute diplomacy, and with a view of allaying the wounded
feelings of his neighbors, and to lull their government into a con-
fiding belief as to the sincerity of his motives, he dispatched a
minister to Rio Janeiro to renew negotiations.
A treaty was concluded, granting to Brazil the right to navi-
gate the Paraguay throughout, and reserving the question of
limits for future adjustment. The Imperial papers were full of
this treaty ; honors were showered upon the successful diplomat ;
the struggle of years with Rosas and with Lopez was ended;
Brazil had access by water to her northwest provinces, and ves-
sels well freighted were dispatched to Cuyaba. But what is the
end of it ? Every imaginable obstacle is thrown in the way by
the government of Paraguay. Vessels are unnecessarily stopped
at guardias and towns ; passports are vised and re-examined at
each and all ; pilots are changed and cargoes examined — involv-
ing not only delay but expenses not anticipated. The treaty from
which so much was expected turns out a nullity. Brazil then
sends an embassador to Asuncion with special instructions to re-
move all difficulties. What is the result? He returns, having
effected nothing.*
And yet the government of Paraguay is suffered to pursue this
course. Well may the President imagine himself irresponsible,
and hnpress upon his people the " supremacy of the republic."
But the greatest of all outrages has been perpetrated upon our
flag. While peacefully pursuing the objects of the expedition,
* Brazil, with certain warlike preparations, subsequently sent a minister to Para-
guay, who brought that government to terms.
286 OUTRAGE UPON THE WATER WITCH.
wlien her commander, all the officers (save the first lieutenant and
engineers), and the better part of the crew, were engaged upon a
distant work, the Water Witch was wantonly fired into from the
Port of Itapiru, one of her men killed, and the steamer damaged.
It will be seen, in the sequel, that the vessel was in neutral wa-
ters, and engaged only in the legitimate work of the expedition.
It was the moment to give Paraguay a spirited rebuke that would
have been remembered. In vain I sought the means of avenging
the outrage without possibility of failure ; but it remained un-
noticed until President Buchanan, in his first annual message,
called the attention of Congress to our relations with Paraguay,
and requested that means should be placed at his disposal to de-
mand redress for the insult to our flag and for the wrongs inflicted
upon American citizens.*
It is made manifest by this enumeration of offenses that the
Argentine States, France, Brazil, and the United States have tol-
* ' ',1 regret to inform you that the President of Paraguay has refused to ratify
the treaty between the United States and that state as. amended by the Senate, the
signature of which was mentioned in the message of my predecessor to Congress at
the opening of its session in December, 1853. Tlie reasons assigned for this refusal
will appear in the correspondence herewith submitted.
" It being desirable to ascertain the fitness of the river La Plata and its tribu-
taries for navigation by steam, the United States steamer Water Witch was sent
thither for that purpose in 1853. This enterprise was successfully carried on until
February, 1855, when, while in the peaceful prosecution of her voyage up the Pa-
rana river, the steamer was fired upon by a Paraguayan fort. The fire was re-
turned ; but as the Water Witch was of small force, and not designed for offensive
operations, she fetired from the conflict. The pretext upon which the attack was
made was a decree of the President of Paraguay of October, 1854, prohibiting for-
eign vessels of war from navigating the rivers of that state. As Paraguay, how-
ever, was the owner of but one bank of the river of that name, the other belonging
to Corrientes, a state of the Argentine Confederation, the right of its government
to expect that such a decree would be obeyed can not be acknowledged. But
the Water Witch was not, properly speaking, a vessel of war. She was a small
steamer engaged in a scientific enterprise intended for the advantage of commer-
cial states generally. Under these circumstances I am constrained to consider the
attack upon her as unjustifiable and as calling for satisfaction from the Paraguayan
government.
"Citizens of the United States also, who were established in business in Para-
guay, have had their property seized and taken from them, and have otherwise
been treated by the authorities in an insulting and arbitrary manner which requires
redress.
" A demand for these purposes will be made in a firm but conciliatory spirit.
This will the more probably be granted if the Executive shall have authority to use
other means in the event of a refusal. This is accordingly recommended." — Mes-
sage.
OUR TRUE POLICY. 287
erated indignities and wrongs of far greater magnitude than those
which have often been the cause of war. We must at least ad-
mire the boldness of President Lopez, and the ability which char-
acterizes his diplomatic course. At this moment he invites im-
migration. His offers to foreign companies wishing to engage in
industrial and commercial enterprises are specious and plausible.
I believe that under the guarantee of treaties, followed by able
representation, a great and annually increasing trade could be
established with all the interior states of South America, even
with Paraguay. But, at the same time, a strict observance of the
spirit and intent as well as of the letter of treaties must be exact-
ed. The trimming and evasive policy, the constant effort to gain
some advantage without the commission of open and avowed acts,
which characterizes the course of the Paraguay government,
should be arrested. That clause in treaties which secures to the
resident foreigner the privileges and immunities extended to the
natives would generally throw around him all needed guards
against oppression. But what are the privileges of citizens of
Paraguay ? Isolated, ignorant of the political or even geograph-
ical divisions of the world ; unable to contrast the operations
of other governments with their own, they submissively acquiesce,
and say " amen" to all the mandates of the " supreme govern-
ment." A foreigner, familiar with constitutional laws and indi-
vidual rights, is naturally restive in Paraguay.
But, on the other hand, " filibustering" will not create for us,
as a nation, respect in the South American Republics. Neither
will it promote our commercial interests nor advance civilization.
The most brilliant oratorical efforts in our National Legislature
upon the " Monroe doctrine" will be unavaihng if we fail to con-
vince them that our policy is genial and sympathetic. It is easy
to have our flag respected without making it suspected. Among
the states of La Plata there is a manifest struggle to advance.
The course of Urquiza toward our representative, Mr. Pendleton ;
the Constitution of the Argentine States, modeled upon our own ;
the dispatches from Bolivia, show that they look for political sym-
pathy, and at the same time earnestly desire to enter into com-
mercial intercourse with us. I believe that President Lopez, from
his reception of our expedition, desires it. A few rebukes and
able diplomatic representation will soon make known to that as-
tute personage the terms upon which it can be maintained.
288 LIEUTENANT MUEDAUGH'S EXPEDITION.
CHAPTER XVI.
Lieutenant Powell dispatched to Montevideo. — Mr. Murdaugh ordered to explore
the southern and western parts of the Province. — Extract from Journal of Lieu-
tenant Murdaugh. — Cotton. — Saladas. — Sugar. — San Roque. — Return to Bella
Vista. — Goya. — Rincon de Soto. — A Tour in the Governor's Galera. — A Bivou-
ac.— Curuzu Quatia. — Return. — River Mirinay. — Estancia Bonpland. — Res-
taur acion. — Uruguayana. — Note from M. Bonpland. — Imprisonment of the Nat-
uralist.— Tobacco. — Coffee. — Lagoon of Ybera.
I HOPED that nothing more would or could break in upon the
legitimate work pf the expedition.
Lieutenant Powell was dispatched to Montevideo, with the
Water Witch, for money, provisions, and ship-stores ; Lieutenant
Murdaugh was sent to make a detailed survey of the Pass of Bel-
la Vista, one of the most difficult on the Parana ; and to Acting
Master Henry was assigned the continuation of the chart- work ;
also the astronomical and meteorological observations at Corri-
entes.
The Meteorological Journal given in the Appendix will show
the daily state of the weather, but I quote from my own private
journal its changes, and the temperature of the 2d December
throughout the coolest and warmest hours of the day. This is
the first summer month, and although the day selected does not
exhibit the highest rise of the thermometer, it may be assumed as
one of the hottest of that climate, and as showing the most sudden
changes and greatest extremes of temperature.
" At 6 A.M., thermometer 80° in the coolest part of the house ;
at 9 A.M., in the patio, where there is a free circulation of air,
it stands at 89°, wet-bulb 79° 5' ; clear light air from N.N.E. ; op-
pressively warm. At 12 M., thermometer 92°, wet-bulb 79° 5' ;
partially cloudy ; wind N.N.E, At 12 45 P.M., a few drops of
rain, cloudy ; thermometer 90° 3', wet-bulb 79° 5'. At 2 P.M.,
showers of rain ; wind east. At 4 P.M., thermometer 78° 5', wet-
bulb 73° ; cloudy ; wind S.S.E."
After completing the examination of the Bella Yista Pass, Mr.
Murdaugh was sent on a tour through the southern and western
part of the province. His course was south to Goya ; east to the
Uruguay River, passing through Curuzu Quatia; north, along
TEAVELING AND TRANSPOKTATION. 289
its banks, to Eestauracion ; and tlience to San Eoque, on liis re-
turn to tlie capital : tlius passing through the finest land of Corri-
entes. He traveled by post — the most convenient way of passing
through the country, notwithstanding the miserable horses usually
found at the postas. By paying a small sum extra, good ones,
which are generally the private property of the master of the
post, can be had.
I quote from Mr, Murdaugh's journal :
" From the Kiachuelo (about nine miles from the capital) to the
Arroyo Empedrado, the country is flat, with considerable wood-
land in patches. These are happily called in Spanish islas (isl-
ands). The road good. The Emepedrado is now about two
feet deep, but at times it is not fordable. There is much fine
timber, principally quebracho, on its banks, but it is never trans-
ported by the river.
" These countries have an extensive system of natural canaliza-
tion in the riachos (streams) and riachuelos (rivulets) that course
through the interior provinces. Yet it is wonderful to observe
how carefully they are avoided as means of transportation or
communication, while the ox-wagon, the vehicle of centuries,
moves lazily on — so slowly that at a distance an observer can
scarcely detect its movement ; carrying comparatively little, and
consuming time, money, and labor unnecessarily.
" About five miles south of this river the country becomes un-
dulating, which is a great relief to the monotony of the pampas.
At the distance of about eight miles from it stands the Capilla del
Senor, on the banks of the Parana, containing about 500 inhabit-
ants. At the port were several vessels loading with timber (que-
bracho), which is brought from about eighteen miles in the inte-
rior, in ox-wagons drawn by six oxen, with a relay of the same
number. Each wagon carries three or four pieces of this timber.
Each piece is eighteen feet in length and nine inches square ; three
feet of which weighs one hundred pounds. The quality of the
soil is much better than that generally found on the Parana.
Considerable quantities of sugar-cane and corn are cultivated.
At the posta, seven miles south of the Capilla, we stopped for the
night. We managed to get a couple of little chickens for supper,
and room enough to stretch our hammocks. Fifteen miles south
of the Capilla we passed the Arroyo San Lorenzo, in the neigh-
borhood of which the scenery is the finest I have seen in the prov-
ince. The lands, sloping gradually to the river, remind one of
19
290 CULTIVATION OF COTTON.
those pretty localities about Asuncion del Paraguay. For tlie
same distance south of San Lorenzo the scene changes ; the coun-
try is rather desolate, and so continues until reaching the neigh-
borhood of Bella Vista.
" Here we were warmly welcomed by our friend Mr. Henry
Hall, one of an English firm engaged in dry-goods and hardware
trade. This little town has the prettiest situation on the Parana,
and bids fair to become a place of consequence.
"Corn, tobacco, and sugar-cane are cultivated more extensively
than in any other part of the province. Hides and timber are
shipped from here ; the latter is brought from a distance of 18
to 36 miles in ox- wagons, at a cost of 20 cents the yard. Our
countryman, Mr. Yeatman, is struggling hard against weeds,
thistles, want of labor, etc., in the cultivation of cotton. He has
been at work for a year and a half, and thus far has failed entire-
ly. He is now planting American cotton, with the hope of better
success. He intends planting every year. He found that the
perennial plant, after it has attained a growth of a year or more,
deteriorates, and if not worked the annual product would be less
and less. I am satisfied, after all that has been said in favor of it
because of the economy of labor, that the cultivation of the annual
plant would prove much more profitable, notwithstanding the
necessary yearly preparation of the ground. The best yield of a
perennial plant is said to be four pounds of cotton in the seed.
" Mr. Yeatman's selection of ground was, doubtless, unfortunate;
and yet, so far as we have seen and heard, cotton is a product to
which the soil of Corrientes is well adapted. No man should at-
tempt its cultivation in these countries without first securing the
necessary labor, for it is not to be had on an emergency. If the
work could be done by a gaucho on horseback, there would be no
dif&culty. All inclosures must be made of iron wire, there being
no timber in the province suitable for such a purpose.
"Outside of Bella Vista the horizon is as unbroken as that at
sea. The town is hid among orange-groves. A good tree here
is worth several dollars per annum; so that any one who has a
grove of a thousand trees possesses a respectable fortune. Yet,
because they do not pay for eight years, an orange-grove is rarely
seen, save on the estancia of some foreigner.
" To pass through the little town of Saladas, we had to retrace
our steps nearly to the San Lorenzo. At the posta just before
reaching the town, a miserable rancho, the wife of the master is a
SALADAS.— SAN EOQUE. 291
ridna — a woman witli liglit hair and eyes. She is a native-born
lady ; the most pleasing woman of her class I have ever met with
in the provinces. She never allows her children to speak Gua-
rani, and always addresses them in Spanish — and very clear and
pretty Spanish it is. Children of the pampas will mount a horse
as soon as they are able to walk ; but here is her son, a boy but
four years of age, who has never done so. He shows an aversion
to horses, and insists upon being a sailor. Living fifteen miles
from the river, I doubt very much if he ever saw a vessel. This
looks like natural adaptation. His mother's opportunities for ac-
quiring such good manners were not superior to his for being a
sailor in embryo.
" Saladas is situated amid islas of wood and surrounded by ex-
tensive lagoons, with fine fertile lands between them. These la-
goons are the homes of innumerable wild fowl ; and the land,
where cultivated, produces most luxuriantly.
" Saladas is a very pretty place, containing about 500 inhabit-
ants, principally employed in timber-cutting. A number of mag-
nificent orange-trees around the town are each worth $2 per year.
The soil is well adapted to corn and sugar-cane, but rather wet
for cotton, although the plant is said to bear well for five years,
yielding four pounds in the seed. The only cultivation is a little
clearing around the roots.
" The making of sugar here would be a very profitable busi-
ness. Labor, though scarce, may be had at four dollars the month.
There is not a pound of sugar made in the country. All the de-
mand is supplied with the most indifferent Brazilian, at prices
that would pay well. Mr. Hall, in Bella Vista, makes molasses
and rum of all the cane he can procure. Here is a fine field for
immigration. The country must become agricultural, for the
scarcity of cattle has made the raising of them in certain parts of
Corrientes a thing that was.
" Steam saw-mills also should pay well in this part of the coun-
try. The large trees have been left standing because of the difii-
culty in their transportation. These could easily be reduced to
transportable timber, and by the Santa Lucia Eiver, distant nine
miles, floated into the Parana; instead of, as now, carting it 36
miles at an expense of 20 cents the vara.
" Arrived at San Eoque, distant from Saladas 24 miles. This
village, situated on the left bank of the Santa Lucia, has about
300 inhabitants. The houses, as in all other towns of its size, are
292 BELLA VISTA.— GOYA.— SANTA LUCIA.
built of adobe or of a net-work of poles, plastered and white-
washed both inside and out; the roof thatched or covered with
the trunks of palms. They generally have corridors, under which
are the sidewalks. The plaza is large and the streets are narrow.
I am told that at the lowest state of the river the Santa Lucia has
four feet of water from here to the Parana, with a current of one
and a half knots. The water is clear and limpid, but is said to
be a little brackish when the river is low.
" The commandante told me that about three months past cir-
culars were issued to all the commandantes, that in case of a visit
from Captain Page they were to do all in their power to forward
his views."
From San Roque Mr. Murdaugh returned to Bella Yista. He
found the country between the two places very much intersected
by lagoons, the road for miles in extent being six inches under
water. There was very little cultivation, and it is altogether a
desolate portion of the province. He says :
"Just before dark the postillion got so far ahead that I lost
sight of him, and for an hour was floundering about in the high
grass and water by myself, under the expectation of seeing my
horse give out at any moment. But as there was no dry spot, I
determined to ride him till he fell, and then lie upon him until
he should get up again ; or, should he lie so long, until daylight.
I blessed the Spanish race. Three hundred years have these peo-
ple occupied the country, and not one hand's turn have they done
toward making a road. I managed to get out, fortunately, where
the postillion was waiting for me. My remaining wrath was ex-
pended on him. We reached Bella Vista at 9 P.M.
" From this place to Goya — a distance of 54 miles — the country
presented the same aspect : flat elevations (lomas), here and there
a house, with half an acre under cultivation with corn, a little to-
bacco, and a few pumpkin vines, and no trees save a few umbus.
The post-horses were wretched. I hired better ones from the
master of the post. At 49 miles reached the town of Santa Lucia,
about seven miles north of the river of the same name. It is one
of the old Jesuit establishments, and has the best church I have
seen in the province. Five leagues to Goya ; hired good horses
and a vaqueano at seven paper dollars ($1 60). In crossing the
Santa Lucia River (75 yards wide, current 1-| knots) the water
was up to the horses' backs. Two and a half leagues to Goya ;
land level, with espinilla growth.
GOVERNOR PUJOL. 293
" Goya is a thriving place. It is rapidly overhauling Corrientes
and will soon be ahead of it. A large quantity of cheese and
many hides are shipped from here for Buenos Ayres and Monte-
video. Through it the back country to the Uruguay is supplied
with all its necessaries. Many houses are better than those of the
capital, and there is an air of life and activity that is refreshing in
such a backwood country.
" Visited the governor, Sefior Don Juan Pujol, who is spending
a few days here in his tour of the province. He is a man of easy
and pleasing manners, and is agreeable in conversation.
" The Eincon de Soto, a commanding promontory just above
the mouth of the River Santa Lucia and on the Parana, is the lo-
cation selected by the governor for the establishment of the colo-
ny of French immigrants who are e2:pected to arrive soon at
Montevideo.
" On Christmas eve we went at midnight with two senoritas to
the ' Mass of the Cocks' {Mesa da las GaUas), and on Christmas
night we attended the Club Ball, where we saw many very pretty
girls, of graceful manners and dressed in good taste.
"Having accepted the invitation of the governor to accompany
him in his tour, at least so far as across the province to the Uru-
guay, we took our seats in his galera. In this omnibus-like equi-
page were four of us inside — the governor, his secretary, Johnny
Page, and myself. We were drawn by six horses mounted by
gauchos, with attendants on horseback. We numbered four offi-
cers, two clerks, thirty-six soldiers, and three servants. Off we
dashed at half speed, trumpets sounding, sabres clashing, ladies
waving their adieus from windows and balconies. Each soldier
carries a carbine, sword, cartridge-box with twenty rounds, a
valise, and any quantity of nick-nacks useful on a journey. At
two leagues from Groya we left the low flat lands and entered upon
the lomas, with lagoons and palms. Stopping for siesta at the
estancia of Don Jose Fernandez, we partook of a beautifully pro-
vided dinner, which was concluded with a draft upon the gover-
nor's cake and wine from the locker of the galera. The soldiers
soon had a fat bullock converted into asados, round a blazing fire,
each one laying in store a ration for supper, which was strung
under the neck of his horse.
" We moved on after the refreshments of dinner and siesta, and,
passing through a park-like country of palms, covered with fine
fat cattle that had kept the grass short, we were overtaken at a
294 RIDE WITH THE GOVERNOE.
ranclio by a heavy rain. Here we stopped for the night. The
governor and secretary took the rancho, running the risk of being
not a little annoyed ; the two clerks took a covered cart, while
Johnny and myself occupied the galera. Each soldier, having
picketed his horse, procured a dry hide, and, bending it into a
roof-like shape, crawled in for protection from the rain.
"We started early in the morning, and soon reached Corrientes
Eiver, over which, from its depth, we were obliged to swim the.
horses, and transport the galera on canoes. Trunks of palms were
passed under it, resting across two canoes, one on either side.
Three horses, made fast to it by 'lassos' from their tails, were
started for the opposite shore by about twenty soldiers, who,
swimming and shouting, kept them in the proper direction. The
river here — the Santilan Pass — is about two hundred yards wide,
with a current of two knots. The country in the immediate vi-
cinity of the river is like an immense sweet-potato patch, of ant-
hills from two to three feet in height, which greatly impeded our
progress. It was necessary to level them for the galera to pass.
This required the use of the pick axe, so hard and well-constructed
are these dwellings of the ant.
" Passing this ' Malisal,' we got upon a fine rolling country, in-
tersected by arroyos and skirted by espinillas. The soil is dark
and rich. The grass here, called flechilla, is short, with a stem
bearing seed similar to oats. The governor says that for cattle it
is superior to the alfalfa, and, judging from the appearance of the
animals, nothing can be better. This grass extends to the Uru-
guay. It is not found west of the Corrientes, nor in Paraguay.
I regretted that it was not the season of bearing seed. The gov-
ernor promised to have some of it gathered for our collection."
There is a gradual elevation of the land from the Corrientes to
Curuzu Quatia, from whence it gently descends again to the Uru-
guay. This is certainly the most valuable part of the province ;
but, like most others, it is better adapted to grazing than cultiva-
tion. There are, however, wide fields of fine lands open to both.
Cattle are now selling at $10 the head, and horses, equal to any
in South America, at $16 for the best. Very favorite animals at
times sell for as much as $30. Mares are valued only for their
hides and tallow, and sell at about fifty cents per head. We found
rich milk through the country, but it is used only for making
cheese. Mr. Murdaugh speaks of the quality of beef as being su-
perior to any he has eaten in South America.
PARTING WITH THE GOVERNOR. 295
"Soldiers had been sent on ahead; and on our arrival at the
posta we found a fat beeve stripped of his hide, and ready for the
asado. On the arrival of the galera the troops form a line to re-
ceive the governor as he alights ; and at the sound of the trumpet
each man dismounts, and in the shortest time imaginable his horse
is divested of his trappings, and let loose. Four men at a time
enter a well-stocked corral, and each man lassos his horse, and
pickets him outside to be ready for the morning. The soldiers
then collect in groups, light fires, prepare the asados, and arrange
the beds out of the various parts belonging to the recado. All
this, mmgied with neighing of the liberated horses, the clatter of
those in the corral, and the shouts of the men, presents a lively
and exciting scene, to the enjoyment of which the savory odor of
the asado adds not a little.
" "We reached Curuzu Quatia in the afternoon at 4 P.M., near
which the governor was met by all the principal men of the
place, and escorted into town under salvos of fire-crackers, rock-
ets, ringing of bells, etc. Curuzu Quatia is one of the oldest
Jesuit stations. It has been several times destroyed during the
civil wars, and now contains not more than two hundred inhabi-
tants.
" Finding that the governor will be detained here longer than
he anticipated I shall be constrained to leave him, and shall return
to the capital, coasting a short distance along the Uruguay, leav-
ing Johnny,* at the earnest solicitation of the governor, who has
taken a great fancy to him. How far in advance of his country-
men generally is the governor ! He is a liberal, intelligent gen-
tleman. His politeness and kindness during our short journey
together will not soon be forgotten. He has ordered a soldier to
accompany me, with letters to the different commandantes on the
route, and orders that I shall be famished with the best horses.
" Set out January 1st, 1855, for Eestauracion, via Santa Ana.
At ten leagues crossed the Eiver Mirinay, a tributary of the Uru-
guay, and taking its rise in the Lake Ibira. Its depth is four feet,
width twenty-five yards, current IJ knots. The country passed
through very much the same. At sunset stopped at the estancia
of Mr. Bonpland — the former companion and friend of Humboldt
* The governor's kindness to my son was truly paternal ; he presented him ^ith
a horse, and, while indulging him in every roguish amusement, made him write
Spanish daily. When he returned, after an absence of some weeks, it was under
the protection of a soldier ; and they made on horseback seventy- five miles in one
day ; quite a ride for a boy of thirteen, who complained of no fatigue.
296 RESTAUEACION.— ME. BONPLAND,
— and was warmly welcomed by him. The governor had given
me a letter to him. His conversation was exceedingly interesting.
He talked much of the great Humboldt and his travels. His age
is eighty-two, but he is still active ; will mount a horse, and ride
twelve to fourteen leagues a day ; but says he does not now gal-
lop. He has a house full of children by a native wife ; possesses
two estancias — one near San Boja, in Brazil, well stocked with
cattle and sheep. He takes great care of his garden, in which
he has growing some little of almost every thing, even to the tea
plant. The soil is light. Cotton, he says, is not worth cultivat-
ing on the Uruguay ; neither is the land east of the Corrientes
Eiver adapted to it. His Irish potatoes are very good. His house
is situated about one mile from the right bank of the Uruguay.
"He accompanied me as far as the little river Santa Ana, on
my way to Restauracion. He had received Captain Page's invi-
tation, and expressed a strong desire to be with us in an explora-
tion of the Upper Parana. ^
"Restauracion is a thriving little town of 500 inhabitants, situ-
ated on the right bank of the Uruguay, which at this point is
about one mile wide, six to eight feet deep, current 1^ knots,
banks sixty feet high. At the season of high water hides and
yerba are shipped to Buenos Ayres or Montevideo, and merchan-
dise is brought up in return, for the northeast part of the prov-
ince. The fall (salto) between this place and Concordia, below,
can be passed only at high water. There are a number of vessels
waiting for the rise, for which there seems to be no invariable
period.
" Just opposite is the town of Uruguayana in Brazil, containing
about 1500 souls. The houses are well built, very superior to
those in Restauracion. It is apparently a growing place. Wish-
ing to recross the river, I was stopped by the custom-house offi-
cers, and told that it was after the hour when communication with
the other side was allowed. On going to the commandante and
collector they both promptly issued permission for me to cross.
" On my return to the capital, from which this place is eighty
leagues, I took the route through the little village of Mercedes —
of 150 souls. Crossed the Mirinay ; depth 2| feet, rocky, current
stif)ng. Made 72 miles — horses bad; and passed through San
Roque, Saladas, and Capilla del Senor, where I entered the road
already traveled. The Rio Corrientes, where I crossed it, was
deep, with about a two-knot current.
LETTER FROM BONPLAND. 297
" The country through which I had passed from Eestauracion
to San Eoque is very much the same as that already spoken of
between Goya and Curuzu Quatia."
On reference to the map the route taken by Lieutenant Mur-
daugh will be seen. It was so directed as to embrace different
sections of the province, and give a comprehensive idea as to their
agricultural and pastoral resources.
It will be observed that Mr. Murdaugh alludes to my invitation
to Bonpland, whose presence as a member of our party would
have been a pleasure, and a great privilege. I thought he would
feel some interest in participating in our explorations, and ad-
dressed a letter asking him to join us, and go over again for a
time the life of his early days. He now (January, 1855,) accepted
the invitation; and we should have had the benefit and enjoy-
ment of his company but for the occurrences that arrested our
work on the Parana. Driven out of Paraguay by the Dictator
Francia — for it could not be regarded as a release — Mr. Bonpland
continued to reside in La Plata ; and, being now over eighty, will
probably never leave the country.
I subjoin a translation of Mr. Bonpland's letter in reply to my
invitation to him to join our party in the exploration of the Pa-
rara.
" Santa Ana, January 2d, 1855.
" To Th. J. Page, Commander of the Steamer Water Witch :
" Sir, — I must appear very culpable in your eyes for not having before
answered the letter you did me the honor to write to me from the town of
Concepcion, November, 1853. Permit me, then, to state some circum-
stances which will lessen my culpability.
" I must first thank you for your obliging offers ; they are in consonance
with my wishes, and I had firmly resolved to accept them, when I left for
Montevideo, where I was obliged to remain for a few days. On my return
to San Boja I intended to proceed to Paraguay, and avail myself of your
polite invitation, as well as your agreeable society, and that of the officers
who accompany you.
" T\^hile engaged in preparation for my journey a report reached me that
you were not in Paraguay, and that the Water Witch was commanded by
another naval officer.
" You will see in these few words, Captain, the cause of my silence," and
the suspension of my journey to Paraguay.
"Yesterday evening I was agreeably surprised by Mr. William Henry
Miirdaugh, who honored me by a visit at my humble cottage. I am now
298 FRANCIA AND BONPLAND.
certain that you command the Water Witch, and that you propose to
ascend the Parana, for which reasons I hasten to address you these lines.
" From your invitation and the conversation I have had with Mr. Mur-
daugh I am going to ask the consent of his Excellency, Governor Pujol, to
accompany you in the Parana, and if, as I hope, he shares my opinion, I
will hasten to notify you, and ask beforehand if it will be agreeable to you.
During fifteen years I have had in my service an Indian of the Guayana
tribe, who has ascended the Parana above ' Corpus,' and with your consent
he will accompany me, and he will perhaps be found of some assistance.
He is a reliable Indian, faithful, honest, and possessed of good qualities.
If I should be so happy as to accompany you, we will, I hope, be able to
make some useful collections for the museum of your inimitable country.
" I have the honor to salute you. Captain, and beg you to accept the as-
surance of my respect.
" Your obliged and devoted servant, AMADifi BONPLAND."
Bonpland's association with Humboldt in his travels, and his
detention in Paraguay, are facts known to the whole scientific
world.
Sir Woodbine Parrish mentions that, upon his arrival at Buenos
Ayres, in 1824, in applying to Francia for the release of British
detenues, he also interested himself in behalf of foreigners whose
governments were unrepresented in La Plata. Among them were
Eengger and Longchamp, but above all, Bonpland, who, when
residing in an Argentine state, pursuing his botanic studies, had
been seized and carried off a prisoner by an armed force sent for
that purpose across the Parana. He was residing within the ter-
ritory of a state at peace with Paraguay ; but he was cultivating
the yerba. This was a grievous offense to the dictator, who re-
garded the South American tea as his peculiar monopoly.
After a time the naturalist was kept as a prisoner at large;
that is, restricted to a few leagues around the town of Santa Ma-
ria, where, with the philosophy of the French character, and un-
daunted by misfortune, he employed himself so actively, useful-
ly, and acceptably to the simple Paraguayans, whose condition
he endeavored to improve and ameliorate, that he at last excited
the distrust and envy of the dictator, who sent him out of the
country, as summarily as he had been made a prisoner, after a de-
tention of nine years. Mr. Grandsire, the special agent of the In-
stitute of France, and the British charge d'affaires, had previously
in vain sought to effect his release. An order finally came from
Asuncion to the commandante of Santa Maria to remove him ; and*
CORRIENTES. 299
*
on the same night he was placed in a canoe, paddled across the Pa-
rana to Corrientes, and there left, with nothing but a few clothes.
We find that he is again, at the ripe old age of 82, actively en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Corrientes, with a Spanish Amer-
ican wife, and a large family of children.
Though the territory of Corrientes comprises an extent, from
north to south, of nearly five hundred miles, with more or less
width from east to west, its population, inclusive of that of the
capital, which has from twelve to fifteen thousand inhabitants,
does not probably exceed fifty thousand souls. It is intersected
by several navigable rivers, and has a large number of lakes. Its
lowlands, as well as the lomas, are highly fertile.
The city of Corrientes, one of the oldest of La Plata, founded
in 1588, soon after the settlements of Buenos Ayres and Santa
Fe, is admirably placed near the confluence of the Parana and
Paraguay, and about seventy miles below the mouth of the Ver-
mejo. It is the principal market of the Chaco Indians for furs.
In addition to the resources of the province, which would un-
doubtedly be great under an improved system of culture, it has,
by the rivers, a communication with the eastern and western
shores of Paraguay and the western borders of Brazil ; by the Ver-
mejo with Bolivia ; and again south by Buenos Ayres, its Atlantic
outlet. The men are great horsemen, active and temperate, but
disinclined to work. Inducements are held out to immigration ;*
and, under the present Constitution and the stimulus to trade pro-
duced by the opening of the rivers, it offers an admirable field for
enterprise and industry. This province has suffered greatly from
the civil wars that have distracted the country, and the decrease
of cattle is enormous. In every direction we noted the marks of
abandoned estancias, possessing an adaptability for grazing and
agriculture apparent to the most casual observer.
With careful culture, the tobacco will probably prove, in quan-
tity and quality, quite equal to that of Paraguay, and with the
introduction of agricultural implements, both cotton and sugar
may be grown with success. Indigo and cochineal have been ex-
ported in small quantities, and a new species of the former, called
"yuzo," was some years since made known by Bonpland as an
article that might become very valuable as an export. I have
alluded to the silk of a small black spider, a specimen, of which I
collected from a hedge and brought home with me. Bonpland
* See Appendix G.
300 LAGOON OF YBERA.
sent some of it to France, where it was pronounced unfit for man-
ufacturing purposes ; but the cocoons of another spider, some of
which I also brought home, are, from their appearance, undoubt-
edly equal to those of the silk- worm, which they resemble in form
and size. They are spun upon the orange-trees, and are exactly
the color of its ripe fruit.
As an experiment, coffee has been cultivated, with success. I
have alluded to the orange-groves. The fruit is not equal to that
of Paraguay, but no product finds a readier sale. Parts of the
province are well timbered, and the bark of the curupay is con-
sidered invaluable in tanning. Under the present system, hides,
tobacco, timber, for Buenos Ayres, and wool, may be considered
the staples.
The most extraordinary physical feature of this province is the
Lagoon of Ybera, which I regretted that I was unable to examine.
According to Azara, it is fed by filtration from the Parana ; and
yet is itself the source of four consideralple rivers — the Mirinay,
which flows into the Uruguay, the Santa Lucia, the Bateles, and
Corrientes, which disembogue into the Parana. There are parts of
it, inaccessible either to boats or horsemen, that are covered with
aquatic plants, and even considerable trees. It was Azara's opin-
ion that the Parana itself once coursed through this lake, and that
it will, in the course of ages, resume its ancient channel.
It is difficult to explain the origin of the name yhera (brilliant
water),* handed down among the Guarani race from the remotest
ages, before the Conquest. Some convulsion of nature may have
brought to its present marshy state what was once a beautiful ex-
panse of water ; or, probably, y-hera may yet be applied in no in-
appropriate sense to its unexplored interior. D'Orbigny, under
extraordinary difficulties, though at a dry period, forced a pas-
sage some distance into this lagoon. So far as his experience
went, he discovered it to be not so much one monotonous and ex-
tended marsh as a succession of lagoons, two or three miles in
width, which seemed to have a uniformity of direction, and so
confirmed, in some degree, the suppositions of Azara. The depth
of water, though varying, was at no time very great, until reach-
ing what was supposed to be the heart of the lake. "What lies
beyond has always been with the Indians a fruitful subject of su-
perstition and marvel.
* y_« water;" Jera— "brilliant."
DINNER AT CORRIENTES. gQl
CHAPTER XYII.
The Dinner at Corrientes. — The Address. — Toasts and Wine. — A Carp;o o^ Lum-
ber.— The Saladero. — The Water Witch dispatched up the Parana. — Sudden
Return of Lieutenant Jeiters. — The Steamer run aground by the Pilot. — Fired
into from the Fort, killing the Helmsman. — False Claims of President Lopez to
the Channel. — Erroneous Statements and Fancy Sketches of the President of
Paraguay. — Affection for the Salto Grande. — Dispatch to our Government. — Its
Contents refuted. — Return to Buenos Ayres. — Lieutenant Powell dispatched to
Rio. — Arrival of the Savannah. — Indecision of the Commodore. — Refusal to
grant the Guns. — United States Legation versus United States Squadron. — What
should have been done. — Dispatch from Seiior Vasquez. — The Commodore im-
pressed with the Fact of the Parana containing sufficient Depth of Water to ad-
mit a Sloop of War.
Some of the crew asked permission to give a "dinner to their
foreign friends, principally the carpenters of Corrientes who had
"been engaged in the repairs of the small steamer. The request
was of course granted, and a busier, happier set of souls can not
be imagined than they were in their preparations for this feast.
Pantry and stores were thrown open to them, but the best table-
cloth the steward could produce was not equal to the dimensions
of their table, which was set in the patio of the house we occu-
pied, and made of planking designed for the repairs of the Pilco-
mayo ; but some yards of bleached cotton supplied the deficiency,
and the purchase of a few glasses, added to our stock, completed
the preparations. By their own arrangement nothing stronger
than wine was allowed, and a bottle or two from my nearly ex-
hausted supply was sent, with a message that it was from "home,"
for none like sailors on foreign stations realize the magic of that
word. An awning, which extended over nearly the whole patio,
excluded the sun, and, with the assistance of our steward and
cook, a substantial and excellent dinner was set out, not even
lacking the elegant little adornments of grander occasions ; for
there were many bouquets of the prettiest flowers to be found in
the city of Corrientes ; and the American flag — considered an in-
dispensable decoration in all foreign entertainments— was festoon-
ed between the columns of the patio at one end of the table, while
that of the Argentine Confederation graced the other.
Toward the close of the dinner a deputation came and invited
302 PROGRESS OF TRADE.
me to look out upon the party in their enjoyment. I was in
doubt as to the object of this call, but accepted the invitation,
and found a chair ready for me at a little distance from the table.
One of the company moved that Mr. Meredith should read the
address. Mr. Meredith, a lad eighteen or nineteen years of age,
from Baltimore, rose and from some sheets of foolscap read a
speech, which would have been a little embarrassing — for, like
the President of Paraguay at the ball of the Chief Justice, I was
obliged to listen to my own praises — had I not been so much as-
tonished at its admirable phraseology and style. I expressed
gratification at seeing them thus rationally enjoying themselves,
and retired. Then followed songs, toasts, and sentiments, which
were unsparingly served out with wine and cigars.
On similar occasions in "high life," the "proprieties" could not
have been more strictly observed ; and there were " sentiments"
indicative of good sense, wit, and intelligence, sometimes lacking
at such festivities.
These men had been under my command for nearly two years,
without a death or casualty. Some had been confided to me as
"hard cases" by tearful mothers, who had always known a grace-
less " Hal" or " Bill" to mislead their Jack, who " had a good
heart, but would be led astray ;" and a " man-of-war" is consid-
ered an asylum for all such. But I must do them the justice to
say that the conduct of this crew had been highly creditable, and
to the end of the cruise — three years and five months — with one
or two exceptions, all that could be desired.
The arrival of the Water Witch from Montevideo now expe-
dited my movements. On board of her was Lieutenant Jeifers,
who, on application to join the expedition, had been ordered by
Commodore Salter to report to me.
One fact I must notice, to mark the progress of trade since the
opening of the rivers. A vessel of the country arrived with a
small lot of American pine boards and scantling, which was sold
at 12^- cents the foot— the price I paid both here and at Asun-
cion per yard for sawing plank of native woods. This lumber
had been shipped to Buenos Ayres from the United States, dis-
posed of, purchased again, and re-shipped to Corrientes, where it
sold for less than native lumber, paying at each change of hands
a reasonable percentage. And yet timber is one of the export
articles of this Province. Quebracho sells here, in stocks of eight
inches square, at 75 cents to 87 cents the vara, or 25 to 29 cents
THE SALADERO. 3O3
the foot. The operations of a steam saw-mill, nearly completed
by an enterprising Frenchman, will do away with the old whip-
saws now lining the beach.
I visited the saladero (slaughter-house) of an Englishman, which
was just opened near the city, on the banks of the Parana, to
witness the operation of converting cattle into jerked beef, hides,
and tallow.'
Each animal is brought up to the "bull-ring" by the lasso,
pierced at the back of the head by a sharp-pointed knife, and
rolled off on a rail-car, to be skinned. The corral was large and
well stocked, Mr. Hughes having a few days before purchased
from the southern part of the province a fine lot of cattle, for
which he paid $9 the head, a threefold increase in price within a
few years. In the Buenos Ayres market the hides were worth
$6 50 each ; the jerked beef — about 200 lbs. to the animal — $12 ;
and the tallow — from 25 to 50 lbs. — about $3 ; the latter, intes-
tines, bones, head, and feet, are thrown into immense wooden
vats, and subjected for some time to steam pressure, which ex-
tracts nearly every particle of grease ; it is then drawn off clean
and put in hogsheads ready for shipping. The refuse of the vats
is used for fuel.
On the 30th of January, the Taquari, a Paraguay steamer, half
man-of-war, and half merchantman, with an armament of five
medium 32-pounders, arrived at Corrientes ; she received from
the Water Witch the usual official visit and offer of service.
This vessel was built in England, and purchased by General Lo-
pez, son of the President, who had been on a general mission to
several of the European Courts, and was now on his return to
Asuncion, having crossed the Atlantic in her.
Hoping that the alterations in the small steamer would make
her suitable for the exploration of the Salado, and intending to
form there two parties, I detailed for the service all the surveying
officers, with the exception of Lieutenant Jeffers. He was left in
charge of the Water Witch, with instructions to ascend the Para-
na so far as the island Apipe, a distance of over one hundred
miles from its juncture with the Paraguay, at which point there
were supposed to be rapids — ^the first obstruction met with from
the Capes of La Plata. Lieutenant Jeffers was instructed to de-
termine their character. This short work, of a hundred miles or
more, I felt assured could be accomplished before my return.
With Lieutenants Powell, Murdaugh, and Henry, Assistant
304 ATTACK UPON THE WATER WITCH.
Surgeon Carter, Assistant Engineer Stump, and eigliteen men, I
left Corrientes on the 81st of January, 1855, for tlie Salado, ex-
pecting to encounter, from all I could learn, numerous inhospi-
table and daring bands of Indians. The performance of the Pilco-
majo was miserable — worse than before the alterations were made
in her. She -was, in fact, worthless. This I had feared, and con-
sidered possible, and, as a reserve for surveying purposes, I had
in tow two metallic boats. But I was not prepared for the new
troubles that were brewing. The vials of President Lopez were
not exhausted.
On the 3d of February, when we were about two handred miles
below Corrientes, the Water Witch hove in sight. What could
be the matter? Speculation ran wild in our little boat. The
suspense was soon over.
The Water Witch had been stopped in her ascent of the Pa-
rana ; fired into from the Fort of Itapiru ; the man at the helm
killed, and the steamer slightly damaged in her hull. My feel-
ings may be imagined at this outrage to our flag, while borne by
a vessel under my command ; for absence from her made me not
less sensible to the insult. In a few words the tale was told.
For a particular account of it, I append Lieutenant Jeffers's official
report.*
The steamer had a native pilot on board, who was as well ac-
quainted with the river as the wood-cutters of Apipe, or the
orange-dealers along the shores of Corrientes usually are. Lieu-
tenant Jefiers had advanced but a short distance above the junc-
tion of the Parana and Paraguay, plotting the work as he pro-
gressed, when, from very deep water, the vessel was run upon a
sand-bank in six feet water, the lead at the gangway indicating
no material change in the depth. While in the act of getting the
steamer afloat, a boat came alongside from a fort on the Paraguay
shore, where was a flag-staif, but no flag flying, and presented a
paper to Lieutenant Jeffers, who returned it to the messenger, in-
forming him that he did not read Spanish. This, with the sub-
stitution of the word "Spanish" for "English," was President
Lopez's reply to my communication in behalf of Americans in
Asuncion.
He observed some bustle and activity at the fort, and, to be
prepared for any emergency, put the vessel in the best state of
defense he could, but scarcely admitting even to himself the pos-
sibility of attack.
* See Appendix H.
iii|i|lili|y],,ili|l!iii*^^^ r^ 1,1,11, i,r
I'll" III iiiiiii I 1 1 I Pii'' ^ '
ATTACK UPON THE WATER WITCH. 307
She was got afloat, and on asking the pilot where lay the chan-
nel, he unhesitatingly said that it was near the Paraguay shore ;
but he had supposed the river high enough to enable the Water
Witch to pass over the shoals near the left bank, and made the
attempt without informing the commanding officer.
The pilot, like many other Argentines of the same class, looked
upon Paraguay as a semi-civilized country, and was anxious to
put a great distance between the Water Witch and Fort Itapiru.
He was ordered to change the course of the vessel, and the nature
of the work was again intelligibly explained to him, that he might
understand the importance of keeping her in mid-channel, regard-
less of its vicinity to the Paraguay shore, or whether or not there
was water enough outside of it.
I beg to call especial attention to the two drawings of the river
at this point — the fancy sketch sent by President Lopez to our
government and one from the actual survey. I do not hesitate
to assert that they never would be recognized as representing the
same locality. When the Water Witch was within close shot,
two or three blank cartridges were fired from the fort in quick
succession, followed by a shot. At what part of the vessel it was
aimed I can only judge from President Lopez's dispatch to our
State Department, where he magnanimously says it was directed
so as to "pass ahead," If so, it struck wide of the mark, and
was unfortunately effective ; for it passed through the after port,
cut away the wheel, and killed the helmsman. Lieutenant Jeflfers
had disregarded the blank cartridges, and up to this time had
withheld his fire. Indeed, his means of defense, with three how-
itzers— one 24-pounder and two 12-pounders — were small against
a brick or stone fort. But when this shot came, he returned it as
rapidly as the reduced number of officers and crew and the dis-
abled condition of the helm would admit. The accuracy of the
fire was seen in cutting away the flag-staff and in the shrapneU
grazing the .low wall ; for the guns were mounted en barbette. We
learned afterward that several Paraguayans were killed ; some
reports said eleven, others fifteen. The Water Witch was struck
ten times, but the first was the only shot that did any execution,
though we learned that the firing from the fort was directed by a
person formerly of the French navy, who had entered the service
of Paraguay.
The pilot, very much alarmed, ran below ; and during the
shipping of the spare tiUer the steamer drifted with the current
308 TRUE AND FANCY SKETCHES.
to the edge of the narrow channel into ten feet water. When
hauled upon deck, he declared she would be aground if the at-
tempt to proceed were persevered in, and insisted upon backing
her down.
She had by this time passed all but one of the six guns, and
would soon have been out of range, but, in backing, was again
exposed to the fire of the fort.
My first feeling of regret was that I had not, with the full com-
plement of of&cers and crew, undertaken this corner of the work.
Had it been so, this affair would never have taken place ; for the
detachment of officers and men from the Water Witch was
doubtless as well known in Paraguay as to myself, and this hos-
tile proceeding explained what had, I confess, claimed but a
passing notice. For a day or two before our departure, a small
Paraguay boat had been hovering about Corrientes, and as the
Pilcomayo steamed off, this little craft passed close to us, and
pulled rapidly up the river. She was doubtless a spy, and gave
immediate information as to the division of our party.
That this outrage may appear in its true light, it must be borne
in mind that the decree of the 3d of October, 1854, can not pos-
sibly be made to include those waters in which the Water Witch
was when she was fired into. Indeed, no part of the Eiver Pa-
rana is exclusively under the jurisdiction of Paraguay ; and up to
the fort Itapiru, and for one or two hundred miles beyond, that
river is the common boundary between the Argentine Confedera-
tion (on the northern border of Corrientes) and Paraguay. The
insult in itself is one that can not be tolerated ; it is, however,
eclipsed by the fraud which President Lopez attempts to impose
upon the public through the columns of the Seminario^ but, above
all, in a dispatch to the United States government, inclosing a
fancy sketch of the river, fort, and environs, representing the shots
fired in defense by the Water Witch, after her helmsman was
killed, as a hostile movement against the fort, and gravely re-
quests that the officers in charge may be " severely punished.''^
On the opposite page is a reduced copy of this sketch made by
the order of President Lopez, and a true sketch of the Eiver
Parana, near the mouth of the Paraguay, from the chart of the
Water Witch. The " fancy sketch" here offered is doubtless the
work of a foreigner ; for there is, I presume, not a native capable
of making such a one, either from a survey or dictation ; it was
probably drawn by the ordnance officer of Itapiru, who, however
FANCY AND TRUE SKETCH.
309
El Canal esclusivo del Campamento general del Passo de la Patria
pertenece de costa a costa a la Repubbca, y cubre el Camparnento, su
^ transito estd prohebido aun a los Buques mercantes Nacionales.
I
I
4 r> ^'y^m
Ay
Txue North.
"fe.
310 JURISDICTION OF THE PARANA.
skillful lie may be in directing sliot, shows that he knows little of
hydrographic surveys. The President did not care to represent
Nature's work, but to illustrate an Idea ; and from his office, far
removed from the scene, he dictated to the pliant draughtsman a
drawing of a winding river, in which he was directed to intro-
duce certain banks and shpals, until the "fancy sketch" repre-
sented a locality to suit the " Idea" he intended to present to the
United States. But his Excellency, though an admirable diplo-
matist, is unfortunately as ignorant as his draughtsman of the
first principles of hydrography. He neglects to put down the
soundings, to run the line of the "Water Witch aground on sand-
banks instead of ending it in water of unknown depth, or to
show how he has arrived at the peculiar obstructions of the Pa-
rana at that part of its course.
In continuing the exploration of that river, I do not suppose the
idea had ever suggested itself to any human being out of Para-
guay that the Water Witch would meet with the least opposition.
However defiant the policy of that government to neighboring
powers, even in Corrientes, it was not suspected of the monstrous
pretension of controlling exclusively the navigation of the Parana.
Our expedition had not only the sympathy of the Argentine Con-
federation, which claims concurrent jurisdiction over it, but I had
a circular from General Urquiza to all persons in authority, di-
recting them to offer me every facility in prosecuting the work ;
and from Senor Pujol, the governor of Corrientes, I had received
only the day before my departure, expressions of deep interest in
our labors, and the anxious hope that the exploration would de-
velop a channel practicable for all purposes of commerce, with-
out making the slightest reference to the decree of October 3d, or
to the possibility of Paraguayan interference.
As I had, then, the full permission of the Argentine States to
explore her waters, and the Parana was established and recognized
as the common boundary between their territory and Paraguay,
up to and beyond the Falls of Apipe, the propriety of my course
in ordering a party from the expedition there will not admit of
question.
I had on former occasions repeated conversations with President
Lopez relative to our contemplated explorations in that quarter,
but he never let drop the semblance of pretension to control or
prohibit its navigation. He did on one occasion congratulate "the
Eepublic" (for he is fond of using that word in speaking of Para-
PRESIDENT LOPEZ'S ACCOUNT. gn
guay) that tlie " Salto Grande" (Falls of Guayra) was an insur-
mountable obstruction to the navigation of the river; and, as it
was the first time that I had ever heard the idea advanced that an
insurmountable obstacle to the navigation of a great river was
a national blessing designed by Heaven, it made an impression
upon me. I knew that he alluded to the much-feared encroach-
ments of "Los Portugases," and looted to the Salto Grande as a
bulwark against all attacks from that quarter.
As he does not presume to assert any entire jurisdiction over
the river, it will naturally be asked on what grounds does he jus-
tify his act of firing into the Water Witch ; for he admits that it
was by his orders to the commander of Itapiru.
He says in his dispatch to our government, and in his message
to the Congress of Paraguay,
" The Water Witch ascended the Parana by the channel that is common
to the Republic and the Argentine Confederation ; but, having stopped al-
most in front of Fort Itapiru, the commander observed that from that point
the Americans seemed occupied in taking some measurements, and then pro-
ceeded on, through the same common channel, to beyond the general en-
campment at the Paso de la Patria, and nearly to the upper point of the
Island ' Ceraya,' whence she returned through the same channel, passing
below Itapiru, and, turning the point of the south bank, which here exists,
took that which leads directly by the Fort Itapiru to the port of the gen-
eral encampment," etc.*
This explanation answered his purpose perfectly in Paraguay,
for he wished to prove that the Water Witch was seeking the
Fort Itapiru, and not the main channel of the river ; that she was
bound on a fighting, and not an exploring expedition ; but he
should have made out a stronger case ; should have added a few
more operations — it matters not what — to complete the romance.
His after-mistake was a great one, in repeating the same state-
ments to the Government of the United States.
It is needless to explain that the value of a survey depends
* Extract from President Lopez's Message, 14th March, 18r)7.
"El 1 de Febrero de 1855, predicho Vapor Water Witch subio al Parana por el
Canal comun de la Republica y de la Confederacion Argentina, pero habiendose
detenido casi en fronte de la fortaleza de Itapiru, observa el Commandante de ese
puerto que los Americanos paracien ocuparse en tomar algunas dimenciones, y lue-
go seguieron por el mismo canal comun hasta mas ariba del campamento general
del paso de la Patria, y casi hasta la punta superior de la Isla de Carya, de donde
vulvio a bajar por el mismo canal hasta mas abajo de Itapiru, y volviendo la punta
de arena del banco qui alii existe, tomo el que conduce por la misma fortaleza de
Itapiru al puerto del espresado campamento general."
312 ATTEMPTED JUSTIFICATION.
upon its accuracy, and the course, depth, current of the Parana
channel could alone be determined by the Water Witch's enter-
ing it. She had a pilot who attempted to pass up near the Cor-
rientes shore, in what President Lopez designates as the Canal
Comun (" Common Channel"), and there ran aground. Is it rea-
sonable to suppose that, had there been a channel on that side, the
frightened pilot would have sought the other, of which he seems
to have had a great dread? and when asked " where lay the main
channel," would he immediately have pointed to that which led
to the " General Encampment," instead of the Canal Comiin?
Suppose there had been more than one channel — and the pilot,
who should have known, said there was not, for he certainly
made the effort to find another way — how would this have justi-
fied the attack ? If the river is a common highway for the two
countries, the whole of it is common throughout the extent of the
territories. It is not a highway if President Lopez appropriate
the available channel, where alone a vessel can pass up, and say,
" You shall not come on my side of the river,"
As to the actual course and distance made by the Water Witch,
the accompanying " real sketch" will show ; and until informed
upon what data President Lopez constructed his chart, or until
he produces the observations made by his surveyor on shore, to
determine the track of the Water Witch, and establish beyond
doubt the superior accuracy of his work to ours by a fair com-
parison, I must pronounce one a "fancy sketch," the other a re-
liable piece of "track survey."
The President of Paraguay was evidently alarmed in anticipa-
tion of retaliation for this insult, and thundered forth in his little
weekly organ, the Seminario. Its articles, intended to impose
upon the credulity of Paraguayans, generally excite much amuse-
ment in La Plata. Personal attacks upon myself — the burden
of its editorials since the removal of the Americans — I did not
notice, for I rather suspected that his Excellency wished to draw
me into a paper war. But when, awakened to a sense of the
enormity of his act, as one utterly in defiance of the law of na-
tions, he attempted its justification by boldly claiming jurisdic-
tion over the main channel of the Parana because it ran near his
shores, and when he endeavored to make it appear that the
Water Witch, in entering it, had violated a national right, I de-
termined to expose this evasion or misinterpretation of every
principle of international law, and in one of the leading papers
THE LAW OF NATIONS. 313
of Buenos Ayres gave a statement of the position of tlie steamer
wlieu fired upon, and quoted fully from Wheaton on the " Law
of Nations." From my references in that article, I here insert
one paragraph to show the extent to which rights under a com-
mon boundary are very fully recognized.
*' It was a principle that the right to a thing gives a right to the means
without which it could not be used ; that is to say, that the means follow
the end. Thus a right to navigate a river draws to it a right to moor ves-
sels to its shores, to land on them in cases of distress, or for other necessary
purposes, etc., etc. This principle was founded in natm-al reason, was evi-
denced by the common rule of mankind, and declared by the writers before
quoted."*— P. 357.
I have stated that I was overtaken by the Water Witch two
hundred miles below Corrientes. The information she brought
disturbed all my plans for the immediate exploration of the Sala-
do, for I could not rest quietly under this insult to our national
honor ; and as the steamer was slightly disabled, and her arma-
ment not such as could enable me to act effectively and surely
against a fort of six guns, I determined to proceed to Buenos
Ayres or Montevideo, in the hope of procuring from a ship of our
squadron two large shell guns, which would enable me to return.
On arriving at Parana, we found at anchor quite an imposing
Brazilian squadron, consisting of eight steamers — the Amazon, the
admiral's flag-ship, three sloops of war, and eleven transports,
bound for Paraguay. Such a demonstration from Brazil had been
for some months anticipated, not only to settle the question of
boundary, but to open a way, by the Paraguay, to Cuyaba. This
mode of backing negotiation by a squadron is, it seems, not con-
fined to England at this day ; and, however much it may be looked
upon as an act to intimidate, it must be resorted to in dealing with
governments that can not be reasoned into an observance of the
rights of nations.
I hastened to Buenos Ayres. A great disappointment awaited
me : but three days before the Germantown had sailed for Eio Ja-
neiro. I had been buoyed up with the hope of meeting this par-
ticular ship. Her commander. Captain Lynch, is an ofiicer who
would, I knew, fully sjmapathize with me in a sense of the outrage
to our flag, and afford me every assistance in his power to avenge
the wrong.
I proceeded to Montevideo, and finding there an American clip-
* The principal writers on national law.
314 PROPOSED RETALIATION.
per bound for Eio, dispatched Lieutenant Powell witli a report of
the affair to the commander of the squadron, Commodore W. D.
Salter, and with an earnest appeal for aid. I begged that he would
order the German town to Paraguay ;* and at the same time sent a
report of the attack to the Secretary of the Navy and to the min-
ister resident at Buenos Ayres.f
On the 19th the Germantown arrived off Montevideo, bound for
Buenos Ayres, but with no satisfactory reply from the Commo-
dore, except that he would sail soon for La Plata.
I here quote from my journal :
^^ 31st March, 1854:. The Savannah, flag-ship, has arrived. I im-
mediately visited the Commodore, and informed him I was ready,
and the Water Witch was in order for any service he might de-
sire of me (alluding to her towing the Germantown up the Para-
na) ; or, if he had no other work for me, would proceed to the
Uruguay. I still hoped there was more important service, for I
was unwilling to beheve that this outrage could long be suffered
to go unnoticed. He desired me to remain for a few days, as he
wished to confer with our resident minister at Buenos Ayres.
" April 5th. Have had a conversation with the Commodore
since my visit of the 31st, and urged the propriety of sending the
Germantown up, towed by the Water Witch, to knock down
Itapiru."
Captain Lynch, in a noble, generous spirit, which I fully appre-
ciate, had proposed to the Commodore to take the Germantown
up, or relinquish the command of the ship to me for that pur-
pose.
" April 6th. Again called on the Commodore ; found him in
close conversation with Mr. Peden — as I supposed, about the Para-
guay affair. I left immediately."
" A23ril 8th. Called again on the Commodore to know his de-
termination about my towing up the Germantown. He said, ' I
* Extract from report to Commodore Salter :
"The Water Witch, with the Germantown or a brig in tow, will be amply suffi-
cient to inflict such punishment on Paraguay as the insult demands — not only knock
down the fort, but capture the squadron also. Should additional steam power be
required in towing, it can easily be obtained here. The more promptly this is done,
the more easily and effectually it may be done.
"I can not express to you how deeply I regret not finding either yourself or Cap-
tain Lynch here. I shall proceed to take in coals, and have some slight repairs to
the engine, hoping for your arrival meantime."
t Mr. Pendleton had been recalled, and this place was filled by Mr. Peden, of
Florida.
ASSISTANCE KEFUSED. 3I5
can not move in this matter. Tlie affair is referred to tlae gov-
ernment, and I shall await instructions.' I then said, ' Will
you, Sir, supply the Water Witch with two large guns, either
from the Savannah or the Germantown ? I desire to return and
carry on the work, but I do not feel justified in doing so with
the steamer in her present defenseless state. He said, ' No, there
are other fields for the expedition, and you had better not re-
turn to that part of the river until instructions are received from
home.'
" The Commodore and minister have been in conference. It
was a labor that brought forth nothing."
This was to me a bitter disappointment and mortification. I
clearly saw that the Commodore had assumed a responsibility in
not acting of far greater magnitude than if he had pursued the
most vigorous and decisive measures. It was evident to me that
the responsibility lay in doing nothing.
If a national vessel is fired into, unless the mistake is manifest,
for the honor of the flag and the credit of her commander, the
fire must be returned. The beautiful Christian precept of turning
the left cheek when the right is smitten, is not observed, and per-
haps not understood in national intercourse. If a man receives
a blow, he rarely folds his arms and waits for explanation : he re-
turns the blow ; and if in the wrong, he will discover it in proper
time, and make amends.
The fort of Itapiru ought to have been knocked down, and
we should now be even with the Paraguay government. I beg-
ged but for two guns, and I would have pledged my life in the
effort.
There were neither women, children, nor property of peaceful
citizens or foreigners to be injured, or involve us in endless ne-
gotiation for reclamation.
It was a difficulty for the Commodore, and for him alone, to
settle. A consultation with the minister was all well enough ;
he is generally presumed to be a person of standing at home, and
competent abroad to advise in such an emergency ; but confer-
ences can never shift responsibility. The obligations and duties
of a United States legation and a United States squadron are not
blended, neither can they possibly conflict. Each is alone an-
swerable to the government for a proper performance of its re-
spective duties.
To refer the matter home was an effectual way of getting rid
316 SHIFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY.
of, or of indefinitely postponing it. There are extraordinary occa-
sions, and I consider this one, where the authority of a commander
on a foreign station exceeds even that of the Executive Department.
He has the right, the power, and it is his duty to resent and
avenge all and every outrage committed upon American vessels
within the limits of his station. How much more must he feel
the necessity of exercising this power when a vessel of his own
squadron has been msulted. He is not merely to report occur-
rences, and await answers, but is presumed to possess some natural
ability — some knowledge of the law of nations, and some sense of
honor, blended with a discretion which will enable him to assume
the responsibility of evident duty.
Paraguay was not considered a territory occupied by wild In-
dians, or as a den of pirates. "We had negotiated a treaty of
friendship and commerce with her, and that treaty had been rati-
fied by our Senate.* To order the Commodore to proceed there
and chastise her would have been making war upon a republic
recognized as belonging to the family of nations, and this is a
power which the Executive does not possess. When the egre-
gious mistake is made of supposing one's duty fully discharged
by merely reporting outrages to the Department, we embarrass its
movements. An ofl&cer can prevent this by avenging at the mo-
ment all insults, without placing the Executive in the humiliating
position of bearing them passively until an appeal can be made to
Congress for powers to act.
I have no desire to criticise or censure the course of the Com-
modore, but it is due to myself and to the navy to make a full
statement of this affair.
Had the Water Witch been in error, which can not be sustained
by the most specious arguments, how could it justify this insult
to our flag? It is clear she meditated no attack, assumed no
threatening attitude, and did not fire a gun until the evidence of
a shot from the fort showed itself in cutting down one of her crew
and carrying away her wheel. Was the of&cer in charge to sub-
mit to this ? It is no justification of the act to say that blank
cartridges were fired and a message from the fort delivered along-
side, for we do not recognize the right of Paraguay to control the
explorations of that river. The prohibition of her President was
an unwarrantable assumption of power, and its enforcement by a
shot, in every way that we can view it, a gross outrage,
* The Paraguay government subsequently refused the exchange of ratification.
OUR TRUE COURSE. 3;[7
I had taken some trouble to inform myself, from every available
source, of the rights, exclusive and concurrent, over the naviga-
tion of the rivers of La Plata, because I studiously designed to
keep the expedition aloof from any semblance of interference in
the diiferences of neighboring powers ; and it entered those wa-
ters only where the jurisdiction of the government granting per-
mission was unquestioned.
I believe I understand President Lopez well enough to say that,
had he received at the proper time a spirited rebuke, had Itapiru
been knocked down or his squadron captured, we should now be
on the best possible terms. He would not, a year later, have
met our special commissioner on the threshold of his mission by
demanding to be informed what resolution this government had
made to give satisfaction for the outrages and hostilities commit-
ted by the commander of the Water Witch, " in order to see if
the case was such as to justify the exchange of ratification of the
treaty of the 4th of March, 1853, and to this intent you will be
pleased to reply to this note."*
In an official dispatch to our Secretary of State, dated Asun-
cion, November 29th, 1856, Seuor Vasquez says :
" His Excellency, President Lopez, will be found well disposed to renew
the negotiation of a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation, so soon
as his Excellency the President of the United States may desire to send to
this city a Plenipotentiary with suitable instructions, which will afford an
appropriate occasion to settle the questions I have cited to the Seiior Com-
missioner in my note of the 8th of this month."!
Again, in the correspondence of the Minister of Foreign Rela-
tions,, Seiior Nicholas Vasquez, with our special commissioner,
Mr. Richard Fitzpatrick, under date Asuncion, November 26th,
1856:
" His Excellency the President of the Republic ratified fully and com-
pletely on the 12th of March, 1853, with the consent of his Council of
* Extract of note from Secretary Vasquez to Commissioner Fitzpatrick, Novem-
ber 8th, 1856:
" Para ver si es llegado el caso de verificar lisa j llanamente el cange de las
ratificaciones del Tradado de 4 Marzo de 1853, y al efecto se servira U. S. respon-
der a esta nota."
t " Que S. E. se halla en la major disposicion de renovar la negociacion da un
Tratado de amistad, commercio, y navigacion, desde que el Exmo. Senor Presi-
dente de los Estados Unidos qniera enviar efecto a esta Ciudad un Plenipotencia-
rio, con instrucciones convcnientes ; y que contal oportunidad se podra definir las
questiones pendientes que he citado a S. S. en la citada nota des 8 de este mes."
318 PARAGUAYAN DISPATCHES.
State, the treaty referred to of the 4th of March, as I explained to you at
our official interview, and in this aspect it is not possible for his Excellency
the President of the Republic to submit to a new ratification on the terms
you propose ; and in this view of the question I inform you of the receipt
of your note of the 18th, reaffirming mine of the 15th, and closing the cor-
respondence."*
I remained but a few days at Buenos Ayres, to obtain a verifi-
cation of tlie clironometer before entering tbe Uruguay, but kept
tlie Commodore advised by letter of tlie state of tbe Parana. I
was enabled to show him that the river had continued to rise
since I descended it in February, and at that time there was not
less than sixteen feet of water over the worst passes. I was re-
solved that he should entertain no doubts as to the practicability
of having the Germantown towed up from a want of water ; and
in my last note to him from Buenos Ayres, dated April 20th,
1855, 1 say : "I yesterday learned from an acquaintance from La
Paz that the Parana is very high, there being four fathoms
of water at this time on the worst shoals."
Previously, at his own request, I had given him a statement,
not simply as to the condition of the river at the present season,
but details as to its periodical changes.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Island of Martin Garcia. — Pass of San Juan. — Town of Higneritas. — The Brasso
Bravo. — Rio Negro. — The Gualaguaychu. — Concepcion. — Frey Bentos. — Fine
Pasturage. — Herds of Cattle. — Arrival at Concepcion. — College. — Saladeros. —
Town of Paisandu. — An Englishman's Estancia. — Current of the River. — Palm
Forests of Entre Rios. — The Arroyo Grande. — Paso Heredcra. — Town of Con-
cordia.— Trade. — Salto. — The Salto Grande. — Killing a Partridge. — Rise of Wa-
ter.— Tide. — Track Survey of the Rio Negro. — Town of Soriana. — Mercedes. —
Sarsaparilla. — Fossil Remains. — Megatherium and Glyptodon. — Health of this
Region of Country. — Cattle and Estancias.
On the 24th of April, 1855, we left the inner roads of Buenos
Ayres, and, passing through the shipping in the outer roads, stood
* "El Exmo. Senor Presidente de la Republica ha notificado lisa y llanamente
el 12 de Marzo de 1853, con dictamen de su consejo de Estado, el Tratado referido
de 4 del propio Marzo, como he manifestado a U. S. en nuestra conferencia oficial,
yen esta positura no es dable que S. E. el Sr. Presidente de la Republica se someta
a nueva ratificacion en los terminos que U. S. el presente aviso de racibo de su
nota reforida del 18, reproduciendo mi anterior del 15, y dando por cerrada esta
correspondencia. "
EXPEDITION TO THE URUGUAY. 3I9
for the entrance to the Martin Garcia Channel. I quote from my
journal of this date :
" Steered a N.E. course per compass from the man-of-war an-
chorage, carrying not less than fifteen feet water, until the high
lands of San Juan (on the Banda Oriental side) were made on the
same bearing, and with Martin Garcia N.W. by W. ; a single
ombu south of San Juan, E.N.E., and two ombus near Colonia,
E.S.B. We passed the bar of San Juan with not less than four-
teen feet of water, although I am confident we were not in the
channel, as the pilot also thought."
In returning, after having completed the survey of the Uruguay,
I find the following entry in my journal :
" Left the island Martin Garcia, having obtained all the required
observations, and when the high lands of San Juan bore N. 42°
E., and Martin Garcia N. 60° W., stood across the bank, steering
S.S. W., to the outer roads of Buenos Ayres ; least water at low
tide ten feet. Martin Garcia was plainly in sight, distant about
twelve miles, where the course was shaped for the outer roads."
The bank here alluded to is that immense shoal between the
Palma Pass and the Guazu, formed by the gradual accretion of allu-
vial matter brought down by the branches into which the Parana
is divided by the numerous islands forming its delta. It extends
from the base of the delta south and east, gradually diminishing
and the depth of water increasing, until it is lost in the main
channel of La Plata. The new channel discovered in our work
gives a greater depth, by two feet, into the Parana and Uruguay,
showing that sixteen feet water may be carried into either of
those rivers, over the bar of San Juan, at the ordinary low state
of the tide. B}^ tidal observations, made at Martin Garcia during
the month of August, 1855, the ordinary rise was two to three
feet ; that produced by the wdnd at southeast, when not blowing
fresh, varied from three to four feet.
"Anchored at Higueritas, about four hundred yards from the
shore, in fifteen feet of water. This little town in the Banda Ori-
ental is the first met with on entering the Uruguay. It stands
half a mile inland, upon a ridge that slopes to the plain bordering
the river. The shore line is crescent-shaped, the horns protecting
the anchorage from those southeast winds which often delay for
months the discharge and loading of vessels at Buenos Ayres.
Cabot entered the mouth of the Uruguay, and may have been de-
terred from forming any settlement upon its banks by the fero-
320 HIGUERITAS.
cious character of tlie Indians, wlio massacred a boat party that
had, under the command of Alvarez Eamon, ascended some dis-
tance ; but in recognizing the superior advantages of Higueritas as
a port, we wonder that it should have escaped the keen eye of De
Garay when seeking the site of a commercial town near the At-
lantic. The anchorage is open from S.W. to N.W., the width of
the river, and its waters could be agitated by no sea that would
delay the dispatch of vessels. Within the bar of San Juan the
depth varies from three to ten fathoms, and off this place, at a dis-
tance of from three hundred yards to three quarters of a mile, from
two to six fathoms, with a gradual inclination of the bottom to the
shore. In the neighborhood are fine granite quarries, from which
exhaustless supplies of building material could be obtained. The
Braso Bravo, one of the branches of the Parana, which is equally
navigable with the Guazu, empties into the Uruguay directly op-
posite Higueritas, and the Braso Largo, another arm, a little
above. This river is the dividing line between the Banda Ori-
ental and Entre Eios, and the aspect of the country upon the right
and the left presents for some distance in ascending a striking
contrast. The shores on the left rise precipitously from the wa-
ter, and the interior country, so far as the eye can reach, is a series
of grassy undulations clear of wood. The right banks are low
and wooded. As we advance, the bright green turf lands of En-
tre Eios gradually rise from the very margin of the river some
sixty feet, the general elevation of the country. On the left the
banks of the Uruguay and its small tributary streams from the
Banda Oriental are skirted with quebracho, urunday, etc., while
clumps of espinilla give a park-like appearance to the interior
country."
The width of the river varies from four to seven miles ; its
waters are turbid, and the channel not so well defined as that of
the Parana ; but there is ample depth for the Water Witch. The
first affluent of any importance is the Eio Negro, which rises in
the interior of the Banda Oriental, and empties by several arms
into the Uruguay, the vast expanse of which is here interrupted
by low wooded islands : Islas Boca, Falsa, Eondo, Lobos, Jaguar,
Jaguar Chico, and Biscaino.
Twelve miles above Eio Negro, the Gualaguaychu empties into
the Uruguay from the right ; opposite, and six miles distant — the
width of the river at this point — is Frey Bentos, an anchorage for
all large vessels engaged in the trade of Concepcion del Uruguay
GUALAGUAYCHU. 821
and the town of Gualaguaychu, which latter is situated on the
right bank of a stream of the same name, and nine miles above
its mouth. Vessels of considerable size can go up to Concepcion,
but they drop down here to complete cargo.
Nine feet can be carried within a mile of the mouth of the
Gualaguaychu, but at this point is encountered a bar over which
there is but six feet at low water, and from eight and a half to
nine at high. This depth may be carried up to the town, which,
as the centre of a rich grazing state, must become — indeed is — a
place of commercial activity, notwithstanding the inconvenience
of ti-^ishipment, fifteen miles from the port. Its exports — hides,
tallow, jerked beef, and bone manure, are brought down to Frey
Bentos in large sail-boats and small-decked craft. In 1849 it
contained but 7000 inhabitants, but under the benign influence
of constitutional government its population and trade have in-
creased a hundred per cent. Two years have elapsed since my
first visit, and I not only find its extent doubled, by new squares
and streets, but the pubhc and private buildings are handsome and
substantial structures. Among them are a government house,
theatre, and a private dwelling for General Urquiza. American
pine lumber, now extensively used in the growing towns on the
Parana, is also in demand here.
Settlers are availing themselves of the liberal policy which
governs the distribution or sale of public lands. The payment
of a few shillings for recording the title will secure a fine chacra
(farm), or even lots within the limits of a town, with the sole ob-
ligation that the receiver shaU occupy it himself, or by proxy, if
a town lot ; or if a farm, inclose it within six months.
The territory of this department extends from the Gualaguay
River — coasting the Parana, to its entrance into the Uruguay,
thence along the river to the Gualaguaychu, embracing ten judi-
cial districts. Independent of its foreign commerce, which is
steadily iacreasing, it has considerable trade with Buenos Ayres
and Montevideo. This is carried on in vessels of light draught.
The discriminating duties, recently imposed by the Argentine
government upon interior trade, will necessarily induce foreign
ships to its ports. This will prove a great gain to both buyer and
seller. The estimated amount of exports from Gualaguaychu
for the year 1851 was $447,273 ; and that of imports $179,929.
Ascending from Frey Bentos, the course of the river changes
from north to east, washing on two sides the Pincon de GaUinas
21
322 CONCEPCION.
— a corner of Banda Oriental, embracing many square leagues,
and almost insulated by the Rio Negro and tlie Uruguay. It is
entirely unoccupied, except by tbe huts of a few woodmen, who
pay a small sum for the privilege of cutting its espinilla for the
Buenos Ayres market, and yet it presents one of the most desir-
able points on this river for the establishment of estancias. A
fence across the narrow neck, connecting it with the main land,
would effectually prevent one of the embarrassments complained
of by the estancieros — the straying of young cattle before they
have received their " mark." Its verdant ridges afford extended
views of land and water, and would be beautiful sites for dwel^ngs.
Between Frey Bentos and Concepcion — a distance by the course
of the river of 50 miles — the lands of Entre Rios, where seen from
the channel, were undulating, ranging some 60 or 60 feet above
the river. The pasturage was fine, and herds of cattle, droves of
horses, and flocks of sheep covered its green slopes. The view
of the main land was sometimes intercepted entirely by high
islands, many of them covered by a dense but indifferent vegeta-
tion ; others had a large number of peach-trees ; willows abound-
ed, and, in the absence of better wood, are burned for charcoal.
We left the main channel, which continues near the shores of
the Banda Oriental, to test the practicability of one between the
islands Bopigua and Laguna. Though contracted, it is perfectly
safe and unobstructed. We elitered a riacho, and 'passing the
mouth of the Arroyo da China, upon which stream is estabhshed
a vast saladero, we anchored off Concepcion.
Our reception now — as on a former occasion, when I visited
this town with Messrs. Pendleton and Schenck — was extremely
flattering, and showed that the services of the Water Witch were
remembered gratefully. Beef and vegetables were sent by the
authorities for the use of the crew, and every possible courtesy
was extended to the officers. Among other civilities we received
and accepted an invitation to a ball given in celebration of the
anniversary of Urquiza's proclamation against Rosas in 1851.
Concepcion has 5000 inhabitants, and is prettily situated on
high land, about half a mile from the river. I have before allud-
ed to its primary school and college, established by Urquiza.
Both these institutions were at this time in the most flourishing
condition. General Urquiza is a native of Entre Rios, resides
much at San Jose,* and takes great interest in the growth and
* The estancia visited by me in 1 853.
THE BANDA ORIENTAL. 323
prosperity of this place. It is the principal town in the Uruguay
Department, which comprehends five judicial districts, and em-
braces all the territory from the Gualaguaychu, coasting the Uru-
guay Kiver, to the Arroyo Grande.
The saladero at the mouth of the Arroyo da China is con-
ducted on a vast scale. At the shipping season, when the estab-
lishment is in full operation, they slaughter, salt up, stow away
the beef, hides, and try out the tallow of five hundred head of
cattle per day. The arroyo is deep, and there were at the time
of our visit three vessels — a bark, and two brigs of two and three
hundred tons burden — lying close to the shore. Two of them
were taking in cargoes of hides and tallow, while the third was
loading with horns, bones, and bone-ashes for England. The
economy of the establishment was perfect. Parts formerly thrown
away — entrails and carcasses — are now subjected to a steam press-
ure, by which every particle of fatty matter is extracted ; the
residue is dried as fuel for the furnaces ; the ashes of this fuel are
shipped for England, and there greatly valued for fertilizing pur-
poses. They told me at this saladero, that notwithstanding the
fine appearance of the Entre Eios cattle, those of the Banda Ori-
ental, bordering the Uruguay, were superior, and with this remark-
able difference that hides from animals of the same size weighed
several pounds more.
" Nineteen miles above Concepcion is Paisandu, a town of 2388
souls, and the only one on the Banda Oriental shores since leav-
ing BQgueritas, distant 130 miles. It is a forlorn, dilapidated
place. The houses are deserted, the gardens overgrown with
weeds — the marks of civil war, from which that state had just
been delivered. The grass of the surrounding country is good,
but the number of cattle is greatly diminished. Not a tree or
sign of cultivation meets the eye. Statistics of this department
rate the cattle at 350,000 ; horses, 3060 ; sheep, 56,000 ; hogs,
1558 ; jackasses, 2000 ; and a few goats. There are 134 pastoral
establishments {establicimentos de pastord)^ two of which formerly
furnished as many cattle as can now be found in the whole de-
partment. The population of this district, exclusive of that of
the town, is 3859. A few miles above Paisandu is the Saladero
Madelaso, where a large number of mares are slaughtered annu-
ally.
" In the Banda Oriental a series of grassy ridges run parallel
with the river, and upon them are several quintas ; near one is a
324 MR. CAMPBELL'S ESTANCIA.
field of wheat. The interior country is open, witli clumps of
mimosae. Friable limestone abounds. On the opposite side, in
Entre Eios, the river is skirted by a dense growth of wood ; and
near the mouth of the Arroyo San Francisco, which there empties
into the Uruguay, is a lime-kiln, the stone for which is found in
the immediate neighborhood.
"Anchored 25 miles above Paisandu, off the estancia of an
Englishman. Quantities of espinilla are cut and corded for the
Buenos Ayres market. The site of Mr. Campbell's dwelhng is
well chosen, and, before learning the name of the owner, I knew,
from the appearance of a fine vegetable garden, that it must be
the property of a foreigner. There was, however, even here, no
other cultivation ; for cattle-breeding is so easy, rapid, and certain
a road to fortune, that foreigners, like the natives of the country,
overlook the productive capabilities of the soil. This estancia
contains five square leagues, and has the desiderata of a cattle-
farm, fine pasturage, and abundance of water, being intersected
by several arroyos. A few years since it was purchased for
$17,000 ; it had then 16,000 head of cattle, and now, with 18,000,
it is valued at .$60,000. This shows a considerable increase in
the price of cattle, for the land, when stocked, is rated at nothing.
" The current is here two knots, and increasing as we go up-
ward ; the least depth of water so far is 13 feet ; shoals, where
they exist, are sand, or sand and gravel.
" Above Estancia Campbell a belt of wood follows the course
of the river on both shores, and inland are seen clumps of mimosse.
The grass of the Banda Oriental is of a deeper hue than that of
the opposite state, which, from the character of its soil — light and
sandy — is more affected by drought.
" Three miles above this estancia is the Arroyo Palma; on the
right, palmse ; on the left, espinilla.
" Yuelta San Jose, Campo San Jose — upon it a fine stone cor-
ral, made by the Brazilians during their invasion of the Banda.
The palm forests of Entre Rios are dense, and the ground beneath
is carpeted with a turf of bright green. Herds and flocks on that
side are always in sight. These quiet pastoral landscapes are very
beautiful, and we all have stocked estancias and built a hund-
red air castles upon the verdant ridges. I never knew a sailor
whose snug harbor, after the toils and dangers of a sea-life were
over, was not a farm, and here it may be had without the de-
sideratum in older countries — money.
CONCOEDIA.— SALTO. 326
"Arroyo Grande, tlie dividing line between the departments
Uruguay and Concordia, empties from the right bank opposite
the island Guaviu. This stream is skirted by fine timber, que-
bracho, etc, A quarter of a mile above, another stream, the Ar-
royo Chapiqui Chico, flows into the Uruguay from the same side.
At this point the palm plains of Entre Eios terminate seventy -five
miles above Paisandu. Eocks on both sides contract the channel,
making a narrow and intricate pass, known as the Paso Heredero.
On the left a saladero, and above, another estancia owned by Mr.
Campbell ; it is stocked with a small herd of cattle and 30,000
sheep.
" Twenty -five miles above Heredero Reef anchored off Concor-
dia in 22 feet of water. This town, of 2500 inhabitants, dates its
existence from 1831, and is the capital of a department of the
same name, which extends from the Arroyo Grande to Mocorita,
and comprehends ten judicial districts. It boasts a flourishing
free-school, established in 18-47 by Urquiza. In consequence of
the obstruction to navigation offered by the Salto Grande, twenty
miles above this, Concordia is the last town in Entre Rios from
which an uninterrupted river communication may be maintained
with the cities of the Parana and La Plata, As the shipping port
for the missiones and a vast interior country, it has considerable
trade.. The principal exports are hides, tallow, and yerba. In
1850 there was received here, in transitu for other places, among
a variety of articles, the following: 10,624 tercias* of yerba, 1694
arobas of wool, 1070 cheeses of 6 lbs. each, 2643 fanegasf ot
salt, 132 pipes and 54 barrels of tallow and beef grease, 1962 aro-
bas of horse-hair, 1300 arobas and 164 barrels of rice, 17,272 dry
hides of cattle, 2289 ditto salted, 2109 hides of mares, 1506 quin-
tals of jerked beef.
" Three miles above, on the opposite shore, which rises sixty
feet above the level of the river, stands Salto, the principal town
of a department of the same name. It is rather a bustling place
of 2800 inhabitants, and the last port on the Oriental side before
reaching the fall. Between Concordia and Salto, a little above
the anchorage of the first place, is a rocky ledge, Coralitas, which
endangers the navigation somewhat; but between its projecting
rocks there is sufficient width and depth, even at low water, for
any steamer or vessel that may ascend the river — that is, from
* Terdas, the hide sacks in which yerba is packed, containing 8 arobas of 25
lbs. each. f A fanega, 2i bushels.
326 SALTO GRANDE.
six to seven feet could be carried with, safety to Salto. Tlie least
depth we have named continues but a short time, and even up to
this point is increased by south winds. /
" The exports of Salto would be limited to a few hides and a
small quantity of tallow but for the products of the interior coun-
try, which are transported from Uruguayana and other Brazilian
towns in carretas (ox wagons). Thirty thousand arobas of yerba
are shipped annually, but it is inferior to the Paraguay leaf.
This department has suffered much from the wars that have af-
flicted this unfortunate country, and has now, including the city,
but a population of 7364 souls. Statistics give the following as
its stock in 1852 : 262,000 head of cattle, 17,000 horses, 25,000
mares, 500 mules, 4000 hogs, 118,000 sheep. There are now 404
pastoral establishments.
"Though the navigation of the Upper Uruguay is a question
of vital importance to the inhabitants upon its borders, I can ob-
tain no information as to the condition of the water upon the great
falls, and can only guess, from a variety of contradictory state-
ments, that vessels of light draught may pass over them during
the months of October and November. The passage, even during
those months, must be difficult, if not dangerous, on account of
the rapidity of the current. An attempt was made in a small
steamer a year or two since, and in the failure, from lack of pow-
er in the boat, she was near being lost.
"Judging from all that I see and hear, the river is too low to
pass over the Salto Chico (Little Fall), at this time with the Wa-
ter Witch."
I engaged a boat, and proceeded to examine the Salto Grande.
To avoid the current as much as possible, we kept near the Entre
Eios shore, intending to return by the channel. After a pull of
five hours we reached the Salto, a picturesque spot, but misnamed
a fall. There is no one great perpendicular descent, but for about
one third of a mile the river from shore to shore presents a foam-
ing surface, broken by verdant islets and innumerable rocks of a
reddish sandstone, over and through which the waters dash with
inconceivable force. The rocks are of every shape and size.
Some rise smooth and rounded for several feet above the water ;
others project sharply, presenting the most fantastic shapes. The
rush and roar of this mighty river, boiling and foaming through
its green pastoral banks, was a magnificent spectacle. The banks
on both sides rise some thirty or forty feet above it, and are skirt-
DESCENT OF THE RIVER. 327
ed with indifferent wood, but the want of a nobler vegetation is
supplied by the luxuriance of a number of climbing plants. The
hmnid atmosphere was redolent with their delicious odor, and the
eye was charmed by the beauty of the white trumpet-shaped flow-
ers of an epiphyte that encircled the trunks and covered the limbs
of every dead tree, as if all association of decay must be banished
from the imposing features of nature here presented. We found
a river craft, snugly moored out of the influence of currents, at
the mouth of a small arroyo, where it was quietly awaiting a rise
of the waters. The skipper seemed to be philosophically indiffer-
ent as to whether this would occur in a week or year ; he thought
release was possible in one month by the transient rise in June.
From that time the Uruguay fluctuates until October, and in No-
vember has attained its maximum, after which it falls rapidly.
There must yet be a rise of twenty feet to allow the ascent of
vessels of the draught of the Water Witch.
I went on shore with my gun ; saw deer, capinchas, and many
partridges. Nothing could exceed the amazement of the pilot
when I brought down one of these last. He looked at the flut-
tering bird, then at me, exclaiming, " I have never seen any thing
to equal that."*
In descending through the channel, the least depth of water was
ten feet on the Salto Chico ; width of river from a half to three
quarters of a mile. Physical features of the country on both
sides unchanged — rolling grass lands. We made, in descending,
the same distance in two hours through which it had taken five
to ascend. I found that the river had fallen fifteen inches in
twenty-six hours. It is a little above its ordinary level, which
accounts for this rapid decrease.
"Descending, anchored off Concepcion, that we might obtain
observations of comparison for the chronometers in connection
with those made during our ascent.
" Stopped off Mr. Campbell's estancia to purchase espinilla for
ship's use. This wood, sawed and split into pieces of twelve
inches by four, cost half a cent each stick, of which there were
about 1600 in a cord, making $8 per cord. Purchased a beeve,
for which we paid $10, without the hide. Mr. Campbell says
that the interior streams are bordered by valuable woods, such
as quebracho, curupay, nandubay, etc.
* The partridge is caught in this country with the lasso, or a small running
noose.
328 IN THE MUD.
" I regret tliat we have no time to examine the neighboring
plains, which are particularly interesting from the number and
character of fossils that have been recently disimbedded from
them. One — an osseous-armored animal, found six feet below
the surface in the banks' of a neighboring arroyo — must, I think,
from Mr. Campbell's description, be a gigantic prototype of the
armadillo. I hope, before leaving La Plata, to be able to give
some attention to this subject; but the more important objects
of the expedition must first be carried out.
" Anchored off Frey Bentos ; or rather, unintentionally, laid
the "Water Witch on a mud-bank, by leaving the channel to make
a detailed survey in crossing from the Banda Oriental side to the
mouth of the Gualaguaychu. As bad luck would have it, we have
one of those northeast winds, which at times leave little water in
the river, and our craft is as snug in two feet of mud as if in
dock ; while we go on with the designed work in boats, calcu-
lating from the law of probabilities that by the time it is finish-
ed, if not before, the wind will haul south. The result of this
survey was a good channel of ten feet, to within two miles of the
mouth of the Gualaguaychu.
"While in the mud we have had a striking instance of the effects
of southerly winds upon the tide, or flow of water in this river.
The wind for four days has been blowing northeast. Hauling
suddenly to southwest, in one hour the water rose three feet.
This change is caused more by the removal of a pressure driving
the waters out than from a power forcing them in ; for it is a
southeaster that produces the greatest and most sudden rise.
Above Concepcion the river rises twenty -four feet, a height main-
tained but a short time because of the greatly -increased width
below and its approach to La Plata. As an illustration of the in-
fluence of the tide, I may state that I find on the Paso de Tala,
a distance of one hundred and ten miles below Salto, one foot
greater depth of water than when we ascended, notwithstanding
the fall at the latter point of four feet during the three days that
I remained.
" Anchored off the Eio Negro ; having sent Mr. Henry to run
out a supposed channel along the Banda Oriental shore from
Frey Bentos to this point. He found it direct and often feet,
making three in this reach of the river ; the one best adapted to
large vessels being near the Entre Eios shore.
" Accompanied by Mr. Murdaugh, I left the steamer to make a
FOSSILS. g29
track survey of the Eio Negro to Mercedes. Five miles from its
mouth passed Soriana, a small town on the left bank. Encamp-
ed for the night at Port Cerito. While the men were pitching
their tents we started over the plains with our guns ; saw many
partridges ; supped on ' hard tack,' made soft by soaking ; found
shawl and poncho no effectual protection against damp grass and
the chilliness of the night. At early dawn again on the move,
and reached Mercedes at meridian."
This town of 7000 inhabitants stands on high land about half
a mile from the river, and presented the most attractive appear-
ance as we approached. Above it the Rio Negro is not naviga-
ble ; but up to this place we found a channel of seven feet, which
is increased to ten by a south wind ; width of river from three
quarters to one mile.
The vast growth of sarsaparilla upon the borders of this river
discolors its waters, and imparts to them at the same time such
medicinal properties that invalids resort to Mercedes for the
benefit of their curative power. Here, as elsewhere in all this
country, the principal exports are hides and jerked beef; lime
and fire-wood, in small quantities, are sent to Buenos Ayres.
" We spent the afternoon in riding over the neighboring plains.
Soil a tenacious black loam; grass vigorous. We saw neither
cattle nor cultivation ; and every where in this unfortunate coun-
try we hear the same story : ' Civil wars have desolated and de-
populated it.'
" The number of gigantic quadrupeds imbedded in these plains
is extraordinary. Mr. Stoddard, an English gentleman residing
at Mercedes, has made a valuable collection, which includes what
he supposes to be a glyptodon, and many very perfect parts of a
megathereum. The developments that have been more recently
made fully sustain Darnin in saying, that ' the number of the re-
mains imbedded in the grand estuary deposit which forms the
pampas and covers the granite rocks of the Banda Oriental must
be extraordinarily great.' *
" Another individual of this place tells me of a fine collection
of petrifactions found in the neighborhood — a horse's hoof, cow
dung, birds' eggs ; and on the Gualaguaychu trunks, branches of
silicified trees are found, exhibiting every stage of petrescence."
Having accomplished the object of our visit to Mercedes, we
proceeded to Higueritas, where a more detailed survey was made
* Darnin, vol. i., p. 199.
330 STATE OF ENTEE RIOS.
of the ancliorage. From thence I once more returned to Buenos
Ayres, and prepared for an exploration of the Salado.
It will be seen that to Salto, fifteen miles below the Great Fall,
and two hundred and ninety from Martin Garcia, we ascended
the Uruguay in the Water Witch at the season of low water. It
therefore may be inferred that the ascent of this river is easy and
practicable at all times to vessels of nine feet draught. In the
upper part there is a slight current ; but that is often neutralized
by the flood tide, which is perceptible with every south wind.
Its channel, though not so well defined as that of the Parana, is
not changed by every inundation, and is wide enough to admit
of vessels beating up and down. By a short canal, of about three
locks, the navigation of this noble river could be opened several
hundred miles beyond the Salto Grande, where it flows through
a fertile and comparatively populous country. Numerous islands
and islets of every size and form rise many feet above the high-
est water level, but add little to its beauty. Many of them ex-
tend for miles, and intercept entirely a view of the main land ;
but they are without the splendid vegetation, the brilliant flora,
that render so enchantingly beautiful those of the Parana Archi-
pelago. With the exception of the willow and peach, their growth
is generally shrubby, and, so far as I could judge, valueless.
For half a century the Banda Oriental, with few intervals of
peace, has been afflicted by calamitous wars, civil and foreign.
The decrease of cattle — its only source of wealth — is enormous ;
and the condition of its territory upon the Uruguay, as compared
with that of Entre Eios opposite, offered the most impressive
illustration of the influence of peace and just government upon
the progress of these countries. Entre Eios, in the revolutionary
struggle, was devastated by Artigas; and as a neighboring state
it has suffered from the occupation of the Banda Oriental by
Brazil. At the period of our visit but two years had elapsed
since the opening of the rivers to foreign commerce, and the
establishment of the Argentine Confederation under a constitu-
tional government ; but in this short time the towns of this state,
upon the Uruguay, like those of the Parana, had doubled their
population ; free-schools, and a college were flourishing ; estancias
were numerous and well stocked; ships were loading for Euro-
pean ports; and with the continuance of peace Entre Eios is
destined to be one of the most prosperous states in La Plata.
Throughout its length and breadth it has not an infertile or insa-
THE GAUCHOS. 331
lubrious district ; it is intersected by numerous perennial streams,
tributaries to the Parana and Uruguay — the central lines of com-
munication with the Atlantic. Nature unaided produces fine
pastures ; and the luxuriant herbage is but the covering of a vast
gold mine — a varied and productive soil. Formerly the wealth
of the estanciero consisted entirely in herds of horned cattle ; but
this property is easily appropriated in time of war ; and many of
them, having suffered severe losses, have of late years given much
attention to the rearing of sheep, which is attended with such
success that wool is, or will become soon, a staple. To the gau-
cho soldier carnero (mutton) is not came (beef) ; neither is the
skin of the former so available as the hide of the latter to the
commanding general, who enters the war poor, and leaves it rich,
by possessing himself of the herds of some individual of the oppo-
site party.
The grazing farms {establicimenios pastoros) are generally owned
by capitalists, who leave the entire management of their estates
each to a capitaz, who lives in a thatched hut, with no comforts
— not even those for the table that might be derived from the
rudest culture of the soil. A few proprietors reside upon their
estancias, in excellent adobe houses, and possess generally great
popularity and influence over the gauchos, the only laborers of
the Eiverine Provinces. Muscular and athletic, scarcely a shade
hghter than the Indian, with long uncombed black locks, the
appearance of the gaucho in his picturesque costume is unposing.
When we glance at the training of these men, and know that in
the military agitations of the country they are the soldiers, and
that many of the chieftains who have figured prominently in the
strifes of the land belong to this class, we cease to be astonished
at the sanguinary character of their contests. The whole educa-
tion of the gaucho is physical. The long sheath-knife — the toy
of his infancy — is the prized weapon of his matured years ; the
pastimes of youth are feats of horsemanship, trials of skill with
the lasso and bolas ; the most peaceful occupation of his manhood
is to figure in the spectacles of the country — the corrals — as a
" domador" or marker of cattle, or to be an active laborer in its
only industrial establishments, saladeros. Such pursuits leave
their mark. Many of them become imbued with a brutal ferocity
— a fearful indifference to the shedding of blood, which exhibits
itself in the atrocities that characterize the civil wars of La Plata.
332 EXPLORATION OF THE SALADO.
CHAPTER XIX.
Chartering of the little Steamer. — Arrival at Santa Fe. — Province of Santa Fe. —
Civil Wars and Independence. — Wood. — Ascent of the River. — Animal Life. —
Ducks, Jaguars, Capibaras, and Armadillos. — The Diver, Podiceps leucopterus. —
Planting of sweet Potatoes. — The Crucito. — The Saladito. — La Cruz. — The Bed
of a Lagoon. — Monte Aguara. — The Retiu-n. — Current and Width of the River. —
The Jaguar. — Density of the Salado Water. — Journey by Land to the upper Wa-
ters.— A Tatu. — Quebracho. — The Mirage. — The surly Officer. — The Tongue of
the taciturn Argentino loosened. — The Seguudo. — Tio or Concepcion. — Algor-
roba and Soil. — Arrival at Cordova. — List of Distances.
Immediately on my return I cliartered from the agent of the
American and Paraguay Company a small steamer, which had
been shipped from the United States in detached pieces, and was
now being put together in the " Tigre" for the purpose of explor-
ing the Salado.* Her length was 112 feet, draught 26 inches,
with all on board — twenty-five souls, two months' provisions, six
tons of coal, and two cords of wood.
On the first day of July, as she was in a running condition, and
her accommodations sufiiciently advanced to afford protection from
the weather, I took possession of her, and on the 2d started for
the scene of our future operations, accompanied by the following
officers : Acting Lieutenants William L. Powell and W. H. Mur-
daugh, Assistant Surgeon Robert Carter, Assistant Engineer T. B.
C. Stump, and a crew of twenty men.
Previous to this move the entrance to the Palma Pass had been
surveyed, and to Lieutenant Jeffers was assigned the charge of the
Water Witch, with instructions to complete the work at Martin
Garcia, the result of which has already been given.
We proceeded through the Arroyo Capitan, the Palma Pass,
and Baradero, which, in connection with the work subsequently
done by Lieutenant Powell on his return in the Yerba, completed
the survey of the various branches of the Parana within its delta
to the town of Santa Fe, the starting-point of our Salado expedi-
tion.
Our arrival quite disturbed the quietude of Santa Fe, and ex-
cited a vast deal of enthusiasm ; for, should the Salado prove nav-
* The Salado, that empties into the Parana at Santa Fe.
SANTA FE. ' 333
igable to tlie western provinces, great prosperity miglit be antici-
pated for this town and province. To verify the predictions of
some and realize the hopes of others depended upon contingencies
in the future of the work that gave rise to endless speculation.
Our reception, both by officials and individuals, was very flatter-
ing, but none could give us any information as to the state of the
river ; indeed, all accounts were discouraging. We were told by
those who were supposed to be the best informed that we might
possibly ascend about 45 miles ; by some that it was no river ;
and by others that it took its rise in one of the numerous lakes in
that region of country.
We dined with the governor, and accompanied his family to a
ball, where we were agreeably impressed with the tact and good
breeding of the men and women. The latter were generally
handsome and well dressed, and danced with the inimitable grace
and precision which I have alluded to as distinguishing their coun-
trywomen.
At the period of our visit the aspect of Santa Fe was rather des-
olate, for both country and city had suffered in years past from
the hostilities of the Chaco Indians, and the latter was not yet,
like its neighbor Eosario, revivified by the opening of the rivers.
Before the Revolution this province was considered as forming
part of the jurisdiction of Buenos Ayres, and as no expense was
spared in protecting it from the incursions of the savages by forts
adequately garrisoned, it was one of the most prosperous towns in
the viceroyalty, a point of distribution not only for the products
of the west and northwest, but of Corrientes and Paraguay, for
Chih and Peru. Its estancieros alone, from their herds in this and
the province of Entre Rios, were able to furnish 50,000 mules an-
nually for the Alto Peruvian market, and the amount of one item,
yerba, received in transitu, reached 125,000 arobas.
In the civil wars which distracted the country after its separa-
tion from Spain, Santa Fe declared itself independent of the cen-
tral government, and drew the line of division at the Arroyo del
Medio.
But by this act was sown the germ of its decadence, for to
maintain garrisons and establish posts for the protection of a long
line of frontier, as well as to guard against invasion from other
quarters, were more than the resources of the new state would ad-
mit of Outposts were driven in from time to time, estancias, the
richest in La Plata, were robbed of cattle and deserted by their
334 ASCENT OF THE SALADO.
owners, while, emboldened by success, the Indians at last advanced
to the vicinity of the town, and on several occasions entered it
and committed horrible excesses. The finest districts of the coun-
try were finally abandoned, and the whole population of the state
reduced to about sixteen or twenty thousand souls, of which the
towns of Rosario and Santa Fe embraced nearly one half within
their limits, the former containing about 8000 and the latter 6000
souls.
The position of Santa Fe, on an arm of the Parana, makes it
less accessible to sailing vessels than other towns of that river.
But all difficulties will be obviated by the introduction of steam-
ers of suitable construction ; and now that the navigability of the
Salado for 900 miles is established, its facilities for communica-
tion with the western states are so increased that it must not
only re-attain its old. prosperity and consideration, but become the
rival of its neighbor Eosario, which is now the emporium of trade
in the Confederation. The same elements that have so far ex-
panded and enlivened the once contracted and silent streets of the
latter will also build up the vacant squares of this town, and line
its bold water-front with store-houses for the receipt and dispatch
of the products of the country.
To obtain the necessary fuel for our craft we were obliged to
intercept, early in the morning, carts bringing in the daily sup-
ply ; which sometimes embarrassed, I fear, the domestic economy
of many a housewife, who doubtless wished us, in return, a speedy
departure. This wood, principally algorroba, was bought for half
the price paid at other parts of the Parana.
On the 13th July, 1855, with the governor, his family, and a
few friends on board, who desired to accompany us a short dis-
tance, we commenced our ascent of the Salado.
Although it was the season of low water, the river, for some
miles above its mouth, was very full, and the low lands on either
side inundated. Its width was from one to two hundred feet;
depth, twelve to eighteen ; current, about one and a half miles the
hour; windings between any two points equal to four times the
distance on a straight line ; banks well wooded with algorroba.
We had gone, by the course of the river, about eighteen miles,
when, coming to a point at which the governor had ordered con-
veyances, we parted with our guests, and, cheered by a bright,
pleasant morning, were now fairly under way.
'''■July 16. By the course of the river we have advanced 75
THE PAMPAS OF THE CHACO. 335
miles, and are near the last frontier post of Santa Fe, distant, in a
direct line from the city, 20 miles. Passing this point, all civili-
zation is behind us ; we are entering the undisturbed possessions
of the Chaco tribes. The river presents a more decided and de-
fined character, with a gradual diminution of current, which arises
from the fact that it is here supplied only by its main source and
tributaries, without the additional discharge of numerous over-
flowing lakes. It courses through a bottom or flat, from one to
four miles in breadth, in some places sparsely and in others dense-
ly wooded. The banks rise from twenty to fifty feet, to the level
of a pampa, which presents a vast grassy expanse without any in-
equalities of surface. As the eye wanders over it, a dark wavy
line in the distance alone breaks the monotony of the plain, and
marks the windings of the Salado with its fringing of algorroba.
"Although we are but little more than twenty miles from a
town of five thousand inhabitants, there is not a vestige of civili-
zation or the track of a human being ; even the footprint of an
Indian is nowhere visible ; but the manifestations of animal life
are extraordinary. Eiver and plain are enlivened by fowl and
quadruped in endless variety. It is the domain of the jaguar, the
shielded armadillo, ducks, geese, flocks of the black-necked swan,
plover of different species, partridges, pigeons of extraordinary
size, the guanaco, the ostrich, the hare, the deer, the clumsy capi-
bara ; while the waters teem with fish and the air is darkened by
flocks of the small white gull.
" We occasionally rob the nests of ducks and geese. Having
taken some of the first in the moulting state, it gave rise to an
amusing discussion among the officers ; some contending that
they were pichones (young ones) ; but when they were served
up for dinner the impossibility of masticating the most delicate
morsels decided the question. It is our habit to stop before sun-
set for wood ; and so abundant is the growth that in two hours
our axemen obtain an ample supply of the best algorroba for
the next day's work. These are also our opportunities for bo-
tanic and zoological research.
" July 18. "While getting up steam at an early hour, I strolled
a short distance inland and shot some partridges. The pampa is
now broken by lagoons dotted with islets and gay with water-
fowl. Up to this point, we are distant, by observation, from
Santa Fe — in a right line bearing south by east — thirty-three
miles ; and by the river one hundred and fifty — which will give
336 THE SAL ADO.
some idea of its windings. A heavy frost this morning covered
the ground hke a fall of snow. Thermometer, at 4 A.M., 35°.
By the gauge we find the water has fallen, in the last twelve
hours, only one inch.
^'■July 19. The pampa is belted by lofty trees, generally que-
bracho, and slopes gently to the 'bottom,' which is now narrowed
to half a mile on either side of the river. There is no under-
growth, the grass is fresh and green, and no meadow could pre-
sent a more refreshing aspect. It is the second winter month,
but the air is soft and balmy as a May day in temperate zones.
The river and land still teem with animal life, and yet we can not
trace a -sign of human occupation.
^'- July 20th. Eiver less tortuous; depth from fifteen to eighteen
feet. Passed an arroyo on the right bank, which runs through a
broad flat, extending north and west ; water too brackish to be
drinkable. At the junction of this little stream the Salado washes
the base of the high land, here densely wooded ; the banks show
a stratum of yellow clay resting on tosca, and above, a surface-soil
of rich vegetable earth from two to four feet in depth. The
river has fallen within the last twelve hours six inches — very dif-
ferent from its state a few days past ; for there are now but few
lagoons to feed it. Its windings carry us quite round the compass.
Passed what I supposed to be an arroyo on the left bank ; but
on rounding a bend of about three miles, which brought us nearly
back to the same point, found it nothing more than a ' break
through' of the main river, which will doubtless become soon the
principal channel. The distance across, through which it had
made its way, is not more than one hundred yards;
" Opening, at the season of low water, canals across the various
necks of land, would shorten the distance quite one third ; for,
with the least excavation imaginable, the Salado would in a short
time make for itself a new and more direct channel. Passed the
Esquina Grande, where stood in former days a Spanish fort, not
a vestige of which now remains. We continue to see deer, cap-
inchas, geese, ducks, plover, snipe, in vast numbers. Among the
ducks was a beautiful diver, the Podiceps leucopterus^ that attracted
our admiration and particular notice. It carries its young upon
its back ; and it was amusing to see the little creatures dive, and,
on rising to the surface, again resume their place upon the ma-
ternal back. Here are evidences that the river has fallen from
the highest point about six feet, and stiU we find a depth of fif-
THE SALADITO. 337
teen ; banks from five to eight feet in height, with indications of
overflow ; current one mile ; average width one hundred feet.
" Saw a large herd of wild horses. Affrighted by the appear-
ance of the steamer, and perhaps still more by the noise of our
high-pressure engine, they dashed over the plains as if mad, and
were soon hid among the algorrobas. We have seen no Indians,
and no immediate trace of them, save a well of fresh water not
far from the bank, and evidently not very recently dug. I have
left my mark in this country by planting a few orange seeds and
some sweet potatoes. Soil a dark alluvium, with a rich growth
of grass ; the water is more brackish as we progress.
" July 23d During the last twelve hours the river has fallen
five inches.' The frost this morning again covered the plain like
snow. Thermometer during the night 29° ; at 7 A.M., 32° ; at
8, 42° ; at 12 M., 60° ; at 4 P.M., 58° ; at 8 P.M., 52° ; at mid-
night 41°. The least depth, up to meridian, nine feet ; but be-
fore the close of the day's run we had as little as five, with a tosca
bottom. I fear that I shall be compelled to retrace my steps much
sooner than I had anticipated. I was aware that it was the period
of low water ; but the inundated banks near the mouth of the
Salado induced the hope that an extraordinary season had kept
up a supply. We are about seventy-five miles in a right line
from Santa F4 bearing S. by E., and three hundred by the river.
Its course is now less tortuous, and as we ascend, the navigation
is not so impeded, and the ' bottom' narrowed by the approach
on either side of the more elevated lands of the pampa.
" July 24:lh. The river has fallen in the past twelve hours three
and a half inches ; twenty-four hours previously within the same
time it fell five inches. From the right a small stream, the Cru-
odto, flows into the Salado ; water dark, but clear and sweet.
Pulled up it in a boat half .a mile. It is very narrow, with five
feet depth, and is doubtless the outlet of some lake — probably the
Porongas. Before the close of the day had but four feet water,
muddy bottom ; river inclines more to the northwest, and is less
tortuous ; banks well wooded with algorroba. Were the river
not falhng, I should feel much encouraged to proceed with this
exploration, for I am more and more impressed with the belief
that it is a channel of vast importance. Made fast to the right
bank near the mouth of a small stream of turbid, brackish water,
which I called Scdadito (little Salado). Pulled up it a mile or
two ; found a depth of three feet and considerable current. It is
22
338 EIVER FALLING.
undoubtedly fhe outpouring of some saline lake. At its junction
there were myriads of cat-fisli, of which the men at one haul with
our net filled the little boat. Near the same point were countless
numbers of small white gulls. Position of the mouth of the Sal-
adito, latitude 30° 14' ; longitude 60° 41' W. ; variation 9° ; dis-
tant from Sante Fe eighty-five miles m a right line, by the river
840.
" July 25th. At 6 A.M., thermometer 38°. Eiver has fallen in
the last twelve hours half an inch ; this gives me hope that it has
reached its lowest point here and above. There was ice this
morning. Thermometer at 4h. 81° ; at 8h. 87°.
" The men amused themselves with setting fire to the grass to
give the immigrants next year richer pasturage.
" A mile or two above the Saladito came to the mouth of an-
other small tributary from the same bank, which at first per-
plexed me, for I was in doubt as to which was the principal river.
I pulled up it a mile or more ; found it very narrow, with some
current ; water dark and sweet, from which I concluded that it
could not be the Salado, but ' La Cruz' (the Cross). We continu-
ed to ascend what I considered the main river, having a slight
decrease in the depth and a width less than the length of the
steamer. I took a small boat and pulled ahead a few miles. The
water was as salt as that of the ocean, and its general characteris-.
tics satisfied me that it was the veritable Salado. I mounted the
bank' — here fifteen feet to the level of the pampa ; observed a
lake or river in the distance, and, approaching, found that it was
the dry bed of a lagoon, now covered with a saline efflorescence
which sparkled and shone like a sheet of beautiful water. As
far as the eye could reach the monotony of the pampa was broken
by two wooded belts, one extending north, the other west. The
first I believe to be the course of the Salado, the other of La
Cruz. I proceed north with the steamer.
'■'■Juhj 1'otli. In the last fifteen hours the water has fallen three
and a half inches. Not very encouraging, but we go ahead.
Have advanced eight miles ; depth decreasing ; took to the little
boat ; pulled up two miles ; found only two and a half feet, and
the obstruction of a fallen algorroba, which will interrupt the pas-
sage of the boat. This should not prove an insurmountable ob-
struction had the river ceased falhng, or were there water enough
beyond. Indeed, neither of these difficulties should turn me back
did I not hold the ' Yerba' under a contract by which I am to re-
LIMIT OF THE EXPLORATION. 339
turn "her in little more than one month. I should, under other
circumstances, remain here until the rise, which should begin in
November, and may be hastened by local rains.
" This point — Monte Aguara — must then be the extent of the
exploration in the Salado with the steamer Yerba. It is in lati-
tude 31° 10' 60" south, longitude 60° 38' 47" west; distant from
Santa Fe by river 340 miles, and in a right line 96. On the
right bank, which rises about twenty feet to a wooded skirt, stands
a large guaranina-tree. On this we cut a cross and the letters TJ.
S., and about ten feet from it buried a bottle containing latitude,
longitude, names of officers and steamer.
" With regret I retrace my steps ; but in ascending and demon-
strating the navigability of the Salado to Monte Aguara we have
achieved something. Its uniform character, unchanging course,
and well-defined banks ; its rise, as indicated by marks on trees ;
the unbroken plain through which it flows, all induce the belief
that it is a river capable of being navigated to a great distance be-
yond the point reached. Its complete exploration is of import-
ance, not only to the Argentine Confederation, but to the whole
commercial world.
" To set at rest all doubt as to its navigability I will return to
Santa Fe, and by land proceed to some point in the Province of
Santiago, from which I can descend by some means to Monte
Aguara."
It will have been seen by these extracts from my journal that,
when scarce beyond the smoke of Santa Fe, we had passed every
habitation of man, even the scattered huts of a few charcoal-burn-
ers, and entered the domain of those fierce aboriginals of the Cha-
co, the Indian and the jaguar; that we followed the windings of
a navigable river for three hundred and forty miles in a steamer
of two feet draught without meeting with even the obstruction of
a fallen tree ; that the pampa rises from twenty to fifty feet above
the " flat" through which the Salado flows, presenting at times a
boundless plain, over which the eye wanders without discerning
the slightest inequality of surface. Again, after penetrating
through a magnificent bordering of quebracho or algorroba, we
find the interior country diversified by park-like groupings of al-
gorroba, by the wooded belting of some tributary stream, or by
lakes and salinas, the first darkened by myriads of water-fowl,
while the latter are glistening in the sun with saline efflorescence.
We found at tunes little or no current; the least depth was
340 SHOOTING A JAGUAR.
thirty inches when the water had ceased falling ; and its greatest
rise, as indicated bj marks on the bank, was twelve feet. Its
width did not much exceed thirty yards, and above La Cruz,
though the river was brackish, we generally found water fresh
and sweet by digging a few feet below the surface at a short dis-
tance from the banks. I think it probable that both the Crucito
and La Cruz have their rise in the LaKc Porongas, which receives
an immense volume of water from the Eio Dulce, independent of
other sources, and, like it, are perfectly free from saliferous de-
posits, which would not probably be the case were they fed by
the draining of other lagoons, most of which are saline.
As an illustration of the physical character of the basin of La
Plata at its various points, it is worthy of note that between these
two little rivers there flows the Saladito, which empties into the
Salado not more than one mile from the mouth of La Cruz, and
yet its water is as salt as the ocean ; this stream is doubtless the
outpouring of a saline lagoon.
Throughout this exploration we saw no Indians, and, except a
few wells, beaten paths, and marks of encampment, no traces of
them ; and yet the verdant meadows and plains, the rich dark soil
conveyed an undoubted impression of fertility. I found that offi-
cers and men were indulging in the old habit of selecting estan-
cias and covering them with flocks and herds. ,
The botany of this region offered us nothing new, but from its
zoology we made many interesting additions to our collections.
The number and varied species of animal life were extraordinary.
An army could have subsisted for a time upon the resources of
the plain and river.
In descending we shot a magnificent jaguar — the largest I have
ever seen, measuring from its nose to the root of the tail five feet
two inches. He was walking on the left bank, doubtless bound
on a fishing excursion. Instead of escaping inland when he saw
us, he dashed into the river, as if to swim to the opposite shore ;
but midway the stream he suddenly turned, as if to battle with
the steamer. Several men came forward, eager to have a shot at
the enemy, who approached rapidly, apparently undaunted by the
appearance or noise of crew or vessel, and snarling as if impa-
tient to make ab end of us. Anxious to secure it as a specimen,
and of course with as little mutilation as possible, I directed the
men to wait for the word " fire," giving the first chance to Kelly,
the best shot on board. I told him to lodge the ball " abaft" the
HYDROMETRIC MEASUREMENTS.
341
SHOOTING THE JAGUAE.
ear. He raised his musket, took deliberate aim, and fired. The
.huge creature floundered in the water, and when the men in the
boat reached him a mmute or two hater he was not quite dead,
but bleeding profusely, and so far gone as to be harmless. With
a ship's musket, and a charge of "buck and ball," Kelly had se-
cured one of the finest specimens of the South American tiger,
perhaps, ever seen in the United States. The skin was carefully
preserved in salt, and sent home, where it arrived in good condi-
tion, and may be seen in the collection at the Smithsonian In-
stitute.
Among the swimming birds secured are several species of teals,
differing but little, and yet with distinctive marks in plumage.
The density of the Salado water at two points— one below the
tributaries alluded to, and the other at Monte Aguara— also that
of the Crucito and La Cruz, was tested by hydrometric measure-
ment, and found as follows :
Density of Salado below the tributaries by hydrometer
(No. 7) 8^5
Temperature of water (Fahr.) 54°. 5
« air « 38°
342 RETURN TO SANTA FE.
Density of River Crucito 2°. 3
Temperature of water 52°. 5
" air 59°.5
Density of River La Cruz 6°. 3
Temperature of water 4*1°. 5
" air 48°.5
Density of the Salado at Monte Aquara 21°. 88
Temperature of water 54°
" air 69°
It will be seen 'that the difference in density between the two
points of the river at its present low state, below and above the
fresh-water tributaries, is very great, and can alone be attributed
to their influence.
On the 26th we began to retrace our steps. The season of fall
in this river is from May to November ; and boats adapted to its
navigation during the greater part of the year should not have
length exceeding 90 feet, beam 16, draft 2 ; and with the addition
of a rudder in the bow a steamer could be more effectually con-
trolled through its tortuous windings.
During our return it was "touch and go," on several of the
shoalest places, showing that it was well we had not postponed a
day later. The water had reached nearly its lowest point, and
though in some parts it had decreased eight feet in twelve days,,
it was now falling only at the rate of two inches in twenty -four
hours. Exposed sections of the banks at various points showed
invariably a substratum of indurated clay, with a deep surface-soil.
We reached Santa Fe on the 6th of the month, and on the
12th, having competed the necessary observations, the Yerba was
given in charge to Lieutenant Powell, with instructions to explore
such branches of the Parana as had not been already surveyed ;
and then to deliver up the steamer to the parties from whom she
had been chartered, and rejoin the Water Witch.
I detached Lieutenant Murdaugh, and Cornelius, one of the
most reliable men of our crew, to accompany me in a land jour-
ney to the head- waters of the Salado, and if possible to those of
the Pilcomayo. To establish the navigability of this latter river
was with me a work of absorbing interest; and as the "Lopez
decree" would not let us ascend it from the Paraguay, I thought
that we might, with such means of defense against Indians as the
Bolivians would gladly afford, work our way down it with the
current, or even alone, on some craft that would float.
LAND JOURNEY UNDERTAKEN. 343
I determined to proceed direct to Cordova, thence to Santiago
del Estero, and so on to Bolivia. The route from Sante Fe to the
west was now entirely abandoned, and that from Kosario adopted,
in consequence of the inhospitable character of the Indians in that
section of the province. But the governor, with his usual zeal
to forward our work, offered me a small military escort, and with
our three carbines, and thus re-enforced, I thought we could make
our way through any party of wandering savages ; for they never
encamp or establish toldos on this road, as their principal object
is to plunder the tropas* of oxen, horses, or any portable effects,
and retire to the interior of the Chaco.
I also timed my departure to suit that of the mihtary com-
mander-iu-chief of the province. Colonel Eodriguez, who was
going to examine Romero, twenty -two leagues from Santa ¥6,
for the purpose of establishing a new military post, which would
extend the frontier line of defense twelve leagues,
Sause, ten leagues from Santa Fe, was then the last post, and
our stopping-place the first night. Near it is a pueblito of six or
seven hundred civilized Abipones, one of the most desolate and
comfortless villages we had seen. For this no possible reason
could be assigned, other than the indolence and improvidence of
its inhabitants; for the surrounding country is fertile, and offers
excellent pasturage. We were kept awake the beginning of the
night by the unceasing howling and barking of dogs, apparently
quite equal in number to the pojDulation ; and toward day by the
crowing of as many game-cocks. At 4 A.M. I roused up Cornel-
ius, who had become quite an adept in making mate, and we for-
tified ourselves for a long day's ride with this beverage.
We started at an early hour, and expecting to travel sixty -seven
miles without changing horses, our progress was necessarily slow
— generally a walk, the most unusual and fatiguing gait in a
horseback journey over the plains. At 4 o'clock P.M. we reach-
ed Eomero, a point distinguished in the unbroken level of the
pampa by four quebracho-trees and a small lagoon. Before we
had reached our halting-place, one of the soldiers branched off,
and seemed to be hunting for something over the plain. He
soon reappeared with a " tatu," an animal of the armadillo family.
It was roasted in its own shell, and proved as delicious a morsel
as could delight the palate of an epicure. After halting an hour
we continued our journey, accompanied by an Argentine officer
* A number of wagons transporting produce or merchandise.
344 SAUSE.— QUEBRACHO.
and two soldiers as escort,' and at 8 P.M. reached Quebracho Solo,
a spot, as its name indicates, marked by a single tree. Here we
halted, as one of our soldiers pretended to be ill. I was pro-
voked, for I had hopes during the night to reach the next military-
post, and almost wished for the yell of an Indian, which I knew
would prove a panacea for the man's feigned illness. But it was
useless to remonstrate ; so, settling ourselves upon the plain, with
saddle-blanket for bed, and saddle for pillow, with poncho for
over-all^ aud the starry heavens for canopy, we soon dropped into
a sleep not disturbed so much by fear of Indians as by cold, mus-
quitoes, and innumerable insects. By 4 A.M. the sick soldier had
entirely recovered, and, continuing our journey, we reached Que-
bracho at 9 o'clock A.M., distant from Komero thirty-six miles,
and from Sause sixty-seven.
We were now within the Province of Cordova, but none could
inform us where lay the dividing line. One declared it to be
near this post, another that it was twelve miles east. At Sause we
saw a domesticated guanaco — a beautiful animal, and easily tamed
when young. They are highly valued for their wool and hides ;
but the country people consider their flesh indifferent food. Vast
numbers of them are found in the west provinces, but up to
Quebracho we saw but one flock, and that was flying over the
plain as if pursued by mounted Indians or gauchos, from which
we presumed that the watchman on duty espied us before we saw
his charge.*
Arriving at Quebracho we had made one hundred and twenty-
seven miles from Santa Fe, traveling the whole distance through
an unbroken plain. Its solitude was undisturbed except by the
military post and Abipone village to which I have alluded, and
the passage occasionally of a deer, ostrich, partridge, or a herd of
guanaco. There was no impression of space ; it was a shoreless
sea of grass, the eye alone finding a resting-place upon the hori-
zon, from which the sun rose as from the ocean. The refraction
was very great; as in the African deserts, there were "Lakes of
the Gazelle" — waters that never fail ; and upon these grassy sa-
hferous pampas water is so scarce as to make these illusions of
mirage both refreshing and tormenting.
Quebracho is a desolate spot, without trees or cultivation.
Soldiers shifting from gable end to front, and back, from side to
* A male guanaco is said to be always on watch when they descend to the plains
from the mountains.
A SURLY OFFICER. 345
gable end, to seek shade from a mid-day sun, presented a com-
plete scene of lazy discomfort. A kid, chickens, and eggs, how-
ever, furnished us with an excellent breakfast, during the prep-
aration of which Mr. Murdaugh excited the astonishment and
delight of the military by an exhibition of the power of one of
Colt's revolvers. They had never imagined or dreamed of such
an improvement in fire-arms. The ten hours' ride of the previous
day, a night on the pampa, and five hours in the saddle that
morning before reaching the posta, was not a very go«d prepara-
tion for another ride of forty-two miles and the grass for a bed
when it was over. But, refreshed by our breakfast, we mounted
horse, and started for the " Posta Tio," again escorted by a lieu-
tenant and two soldiers, the latter seemingly much better fitted to
command than their ofiicer, who, silent and surly, lurked behind
or rode ahead, seldom bestowing upon us the pleasure of his com-
pany or conversation. As we approached a grove of trees, he
dashed ahead, dismounted, and disappeared, only to rejoin us late
in the day. He had spent the previous night gambling, and had
availed himself of the shade of the grove for a siesta. Gaming
is the vice of these people.
The afternoon was oppressively hot. This, it will be remem-
bered, was the last winter month, and, with the sun in our faces,
we suffered so excessively from thirst that my recollections of this
stage of the journey are by no means pleasant. The ofiicer knew
of no water within reasonable distance of our route ; " none could
be had nearer than Tio," still twenty -five miles distant. Having
quietly ascertained from one of the soldiers that there was a la-
goon {las vivoras) a mile or two ahead, I rode to it, found the wa-
ter brackish but drinkable ; and close to were some dead buslies,
out of which we made a fire, and settled ourselves for the night.
The lieutenant was still shy, and the soldiers looked perplexed, as
if in doubt whether their duty was near us or their commander.
A bright fire, an excellent mate, coffee, and some of the treasures
of our saddle-bags in the shape of cold sausage and ship's biscuit,
touched the heart and loosened the tongue of the hitherto taciturn
Argentino, who drew up, and, under the influence of good fare,
became quite agreeable. I intimated to the gentleman that his
" command" must assist in collecting food for the fire, or dispense
with it. In this pampa apartment we were at least free from the
annoyance of barking dogs, crowing cocks, bed-bugs, and other
plagues of postas, and slept soundly until three o'clock A.M.,
346 SALINE DEPOSITS.— TIO.
when I was awakened thorouglily cliilled by the ice on my pon-
cho. I turned out, roused up Cornelius ; and when the sun was
rising, as from an ocean horizon, we were again galloping toward
Tio, greatly comforted by the all-refreshing mate taken before
starting. "We soon entered a section of the pampa diversified by
isJas del monte (wooded islets). There is more or less saliferous
deposit throughout the distance from Santa Fe to Quebracho, but
from, this last post to Tio its presence is excessive ; extensive sec-
tions are .white with the efflorescence of salt or saltpetre. No
traveler should follow this route over the plain without a provi-
sion of water as well as food, and should be prepared to pass his
nights upon the grass ; for where a little fuel is to be found, it of-
fers a much more comfortable bed than the floor or hide cots of
the wretched postas. As our journey was made in the last win-
ter month, we suffered somewhat from cold, but an additional
blanket or two would remedy this inconvenience.
Three quarters of a mile from Tio we forded the Segundo, the
water up to the bellies of the horses, and saw on the left bank the
remains of the old town of Tio, removed to its present position in
consequence of the inundations of the river, which, according to
the commandante, has its outlet in a large lake, i/ar Chico (little
sea), twenty -five miles from this place.
Tio, or Concepcion, as it is now called, is a neat little village of
about thirty whitewashed and thatched adobe houses, placed as
usual around a square, at one end of which was a chapel. There
were in this neighborhood very few cattle, but fine flocks of sheep.
The first are worth from twelve to sixteen dollars the head, the
latter from seventy-five cents to one dollar. Horses could be pur-
chased for eight dollars, and mares for two.
The commandante received us kindly, and the well-bred civili-
ties of his wife and daughter made our short stay at this place a
pleasant moment in this ride over the pampa. From here our
journey to Cordova was much facilitated by the addition of two
cargaro horses, for which we paid, inclusive of the services of a
man in charge of each, 18f cents the league, and for saddle-horses
6 cents the same distance.
We now entered upon a comparatively populous and well-cul-
tivated country. The houses in view from the road had a clean,
comfortable appearance, and wheat-fields were a charming sight
after the monotony of the uncultivated plains. "We were once
more amid an agricultural people, and the yield of wheat, even
DISTANCES. 347
under tlieir system of culture — by no means tlie best — averages
thirty bushels per acre. Our journey from Tio to San Francisco,
the next posta, was made at a full gallop, the usual and least fa-
tiguing gait in traveling over the pampas.
After leaving San Francisco, and about thirty-six miles from
Tio, we came to the dry sandy bed of a river ; its banks were from
five to ten feet in height, with the usual wooded belting, and, in
fact, every characteristic of a considerable river but the most es-
sential one — water. It proved to be El Segundo, which here
again, in its windings, crossed our path. The country between
San Francisco and Monte Redonda is populous, with fine inclosed
wheat-fields, algorroba abundant, and soil a light but rich alluvi-
um. I took from the river bank, three feet from the surface, a
specimen of earth highly impregnated with saltpetre.
Beyond this posta we entered an undulating country, soil light,
and vegetation much parched by drought. Approaching Cordo-
va, we found the dwellings of the country more ambitiously con-
structed, but the cultivation poor, and the people less civil than
in districts remote from town. I had noted this throughout the
basin of La Plata. In the vicinage of cities and towns the hospi-
table impulses of the people seemed to be checked by distrust or
fear. From Consejo, the last posta of this route, the sierras of
Cordova were in view ; and there was a perceptible ascent to the
rolling lands which begin a little east of the low broken ridges
that concealed the capital. Wearied with the monotony of the
plains, we hailed with delight the appearance of these outposts of
the Andean ranges. It was quite dark when we reached the siun-
mit of the last ridge in approaching the city. Eighty feet below
were the lights of the Athens of La Plata, and in a few minutes
we were following the vaqueano into the court-yard of a French
fonda upon the plaza.
Eight glad were we to rest for a day or two after our horseback
journey ; for, though sailors, we had made the distances of the
gaucho, and yet our feats of horsemanship had not begun.
In a right line west — from Santa Fe to Cordova — we had trav-
eled two hundred and forty miles.
From Santa Fe to Sause, the frontier post 30 miles.
" Sause to Romero 31 "
" Romero to Quebracho, first post of Cordova East 36 "
" Quebracho to Tio or Concepcion 35 ''
" Concepcion to Cana 9 "
348 CORDOVA.
«
From Caiia to Arroyo Cito 12 miles.
" Arroyo Cito to San Francisco 15 "
" San Francisco to Monte Redonda 18 "
" Monte Redonda to Uruguay 12 "
" Uruguay to Canada 9 "
" Canada to Consejo 9 "
" Consejo to Antonio Francisco 12 "
*' Antonio Francisco to Cordova 12 "
Total 240 "
The first three are military posts. From Tio to Cordova the
postas are for the benefit of travelers, who may find at them all
the usual accommodations — an empty house, scanty fare, hide
cots without bedding, and indifferent horses.
CHAPTER XX.
Cordova. — De Garay. — Population of the Province. — The City of Cordova. — Trade.
— Eail-road surveyed by Mr. Campbell. — Madam . — Cathedral and Public
Buildings. — The Colegio Maximo. — Paintings. — Dr. Hawling's Tannery. — The
Market. — Copper in the Sierras of Cofdova. — Seiior Zuverir. — Mineral Districts.
— A Journey to Santiago. — Appearance of the Horses : their Powers of Endur-
ance.— Valley of Jesus Maria. — Shepherds' Dogs. — Divisidero. — Posta San Pe-
dro.— Rosario. — Hard Riding. — Posta del Monte. — Bed of the Rio Dulce. —
Quichua Language. — Perqui. — The Harpist. — The Tropero. — A Dance and no
Supper. — Cana. — Another Tropa. — Arrival at Santiago.
Cordova is one of the Western States of the "Confederation,"
one of " Las Provincias Arribenas" — a region conquered and set-
tled by the Spaniards of Peru ; a party of whom, commanded by
Don Diego Rojas, reached it in 1543. Don Luis de Cabrera, ap-
pointed in 1573 governor of those districts, founded the city of
Cordova, with the hope and ultimate design of opening a com-
munication to the Parana. While De Garay was engaged in
establishing the settlement of Santa Fe, a man, from the mast-
head of his little vessel, which was moored at the mouth of the
Salado, observed signal-fires lighting over the plain and a great
movement among the Indians. Expecting to be attacked, De
Garay was preparing to 'make the best defense he could, when the
" look-out man" descried in the distance a cavalier ; another, and
yet another, until a number of horsemen appeared charging the
savages in their rear. It was a party of Cabrera's followers, who
here met for the first time the conquerors of La Plata. These
POPULATION.— COMMERCE. 349
nortliwest provinces remained a part of tlie Viceroyaltj of Peru
until 1776, when tliej were annexed to that of Buenos Ay res.
The city of Cordova, the capital, stands near the right bank of
the Primero, in latitude '31° 2^' south, longitude 64° 09' west,*
on a plain 12-10 feet above the level of the Parana at Kosario. It
is the principal and only considerable town of the state, which is
bounded on the north by Santiago del Estero, east by Santa Fe,
south by Buenos Ayres, and west by the Sierras de Cordova ;
their highest point, " La Cuesta," rising 2500 feet above the plains.
Numerous rivers — the principal of which are the Primero, Segun-
do, Tercero, Quarto, and Quinto — that intersect the state, fertilize
a large extent of country, and flow east until lost in the sandy
plains or in the "Mar Chico." Only one, the Tercero, disem-
bogues in the Parana, under the name of Carcarana.
The population of the state may be estimated, in the absence
of all reliable data, at 100,000 souls, of which the capital contains
15,000, This is a lower estimate than is assigned it by some, and
yet it would seem to be too great when we remember that thirty
years ago it was given by census at 85,000, and that portions of
the country since that time have been almost depopulated by civil
wars and the persevering hostility of the Chaco tribes. Hides
and wool — the latter very superior — have been the only exports,
though the products of the state are as varied as its physical fea-
tures : wheat and the sugar-cane attain great perfection, but the
difficulties of transportation have limited their culture to the de-
mands of a home population.
Cordova is a depot for the staples of the northwest provinces —
Catamarca, Mendoza, San Luis, San Juan, Eioja — in transitu for
Eosario and Santa Fe. In 1855, this trade reached within a frac-
tion of 1,400,000 arobas, or 1700 tons ; at a cost in transportation,
by ox- wagons or mules, of 31 J cents the aroba, or $25 the ton ;
and employing more than 6000 carretas (carts), 17,000 mules; the
carts transporting 190 arobas each, and mules 14, The trade with
Mendoza has heretofore been carried on exclusively by mules, at
the rate of from fifty to sixty dollars the ton. But the spirit of
progress has reached even this remote region, and a little — very
* The pocket chronometer had lost its uniform rate, consequently the meridian
difference between Santa Fe and Cordova, as shown by it, could not be relied on;
but we have, through the kindness of Mr. Campbell, the best means of determining
its longitude, wlaich is deduced from actual measurement, applied to our determin-
ation of Kosario.
350 EECEPTION AT CORDOVA.
little — ^intercourse with foreigners would give a great impetus to
the development of their resources. They had heard of Conosto-
ga wagons and improved agricultural implements ; during our
short stay the subject of importing them was agitated, and the
result was an order to the amount of $50,000, which was filled in
Boston. I have alluded, in a previous chapter, to the arrival of
the ship at Eosario with this cargo.
The route of a rail-road has been surveyed from the city of
Cordova to Eosario, which will, when completed, not only pro-
mote enormously the facilities of trade, and do much toward
strengthening the political fabric, but will rid the country through
which it passes from the predatory incursions of the Indians. My
reception was perhaps less cordial here than in other cities of the
west ; for the Cordo vases feared that the navigation of the Salado,
if established, would divert from their town much of the trade they
hoped to monopolize. But, if the capital is not to be immediately
benefited by the opening of that river, the northern and eastern
parts of the state are ; for the Salado is the southern boundary of
the Chaco, and its navigation will be more effectual than a hund-
red military posts in confining the Indian within the limits of his
legitimate domain. A glance at the map will show that both
these highways extend through and reach into remote and wide-
ly-separated districts of the Confederation, and will offer an easy
transit for valuable products which heretofore, from the distances
to be traversed and the expense of carriage, have not entered intQ
their trade. This road, the first work of the kind in La Plata, is
considered by the Cordovases — and very justly so, when we re-
member the past history of the country — a gigantic enterprise.
The prospect of opening the Salado had awakened even greater
hopes in other states ; and, as I progressed to its head- waters,
through Santiago, Salta, and Tucuman, I was greeted enthusias-
tically, for news of our success in the work below preceded us, al-
though I often traveled with the speed of the post from city to city.
Cordova is laid out upon the plan prescribed by the laws of the
Indies. Straight, narrow streets intersect each other at right an-
gles, forming 'quadras (squares) of 150 yards each. The better
houses are of stone, one-storied, and built around paved courts,
upon which all the rooms open. Neither in going or returning
had I much opportunity of seeing the domestic life of its inhabit-
ants ; but, if I may judge from the appointments of Sen or 's
dwelling, they are in the enjoyment of all the luxuries usual in
THE JESUIT COLLEGE. 351
towns of the same size ; indeed, there were manufactured articles
of other countries, the transportation of which must have cost a
little fortune.
I accompanied Madame and her two pretty daughters
in a paseo to the Alameda, a square of about 150 yards, adorned
by a miniature lake and fine trees. A band of music and a crowd
of people, among whom were many handsome women, presented
an animated scene. The anticipated launching of a small boat
upon the lake seemed to be a general and absorbing topic of inter-
est and conversation.
The principal public buildings are a cathedral and some nine
or ten churches, to each of which is a square of 150 yards. There
are also several convents, with grounds inclosed by walls twenty
feet in height. Many of the Spanish writers allude to the relig-
ious fervency of the Cordovases, a character they perhaps still
merit ; for I was told that the wealth of the churches and con-
ventual establishments was very great, arising generally from the
donations and legacies of females.
The possessions and revenues of the Jesuits in this province
were vast. Here was their Golegio Maximo, for more than a centu-
ry the principal seat of learning in La Plata ; and here also was the
famous hbrary so wantonly destroyed or scattered at the time of
their expulsion. From their confiscated property the University
of Buenos Ayres was established, while that of Cordova has dwin-
dled to a mere provincial school, known as Golegio Montserrat. I
was conducted through it by one of the professors, and was amazed
at the extent and imposing character of the buildings. After pass-
ing through a number of empty rooms, we entered the church,
the interior of which showed the remains of great splendor. The
ceiling was richly frescoed, and the walls, indeed every available
space, were covered by pictures, many of them blackened and de-
faced, less, perhaps, by time than neglect. A "Crucifixion" and
"Last Supper" were in good order, and works of great merit.
Around the entire church, in elaborately carved and gilded fram-
ings, with an armorial bearing and Latin inscription to each, were
impaneled portraits of distmguished Jesuits. I could learn noth-
ing of the history of these paintings, which I much regretted.
Among them there may be, and doubtless are, gems of medigeval
art ; for not only was the basin of La Plata settled by members of
the noblest families of Spain, who may have carried with them
many artistic treasures, but the ecclesiastics, the Jesuit missiona-
352 MANUFACTURES.
ries especially, represented every European kingdom, and consid-
ered no decoration too costly and no wealth too vast to be lavish-
ed upon their church edifices. Noble monuments of Jesuit in-
dustry and genius are to be seen in ever}'- part of the country.
In the lovely valley of "Jesus Maria," about fifteen miles from
the city of Cordova, I visited another establishment, which, after
their expulsion, passed into the hands of the Franciscans. The
buildings and gardens are extensive, and in the latter were some
half dozen English walnut-trees, planted by the fathers, of superb
size and foliage, their freshness contrasting strangely and impress-
ively with the dilapidated walls and inclosures. The adjoining
estancia is now the property of the Colegio Montserrat.
The aspect of the country surrounding the town of Cordova is
picturesquely beautiful. Timber and lunestone of the finest qual-
ity abound ; tree-embowered dwellings of excellent construction
and dazzhng whiteness dot the plain, which, sheltered by the first
steps of the sierras from north and south winds, is not visited by
severe vicissitudes of temperature, and an admirable system of ir-
rigation gives to vegetation a luxuriant freshness. The banks of
the Primero were enlivened by several industrial establishments,
among which were a large grist-mill, where excellent flour was
made from wheat grown in the state, and a flourishing tannery,
owned by a citizen of the United States, Dr. John S. Hawling,
a native of Loudoun County, Virginia. The specimens I saw of
varied colored moroccos were admirable. Calf, goat, and guanaco
skins are dressed at this tannery, and a ready sale is found for
them at Rosario and Buenos Ayres; indeed, from the difficulty
of obtaining efficient operatives. Dr. Hawling could not meet the
increasing demand. His best workmen were foreigners, and sev-
eral were from the United States. Goat-skins were worth SIJ
cents, kid 6^ cents, calf $1 50 to $2 in the raw state ; manufac-
tured, they commanded, goat-skins, morocco, from ten to fifteen
dollars per dozen, kid eight, and calf from five to six apiece. He
considered the guanaco* hides equal to calf, and they were worth,
in the raw state, fifty cents ; manufactured, five dollars.
The bark of the algorroba, the leaf of a shrub, the molle — both
abundant in the province — and the bark of the cevil, which is
superior to all, but expensive, as it is brought from Tucuman at
fifty cents the aroba, are used in this establishment.
* Vast herds of this animal frequent the plains as well as the highest mountain
ranges.
COPPER MINES. 353
I visited the market, where, as in Asuncion, women were seat-
ed upon the ground encircled by vegetables and fruits, while cov-
ered carts served as the stalls of butchers and poulterers. A well-
dressed man was going the rounds, presenting to many of the
country people a small silver crucifix, which they reverently
touched with their lips, giving the bearer in return a real — 12^
cents — perhaps half the earnings of the morning. Neither the
kiss nor the money were ever withheld, though I observed on
the countenance of more than one burly butcher an expression,
as I thought, of dissatisfaction. I afterward asked a citizen the
meaning of this custom. He replied frankly that it was a great
imposition, but one frequently practiced to raise money ; for a
Cordovase would starve before refusing this tribute to the symbol
of Christianity when presented.
The sierras of Cordova abound in copper, of which Senor Zu-
verir, the brother of the Minister of Foreign Relations, gave me
eight or ten specimens from as many veins upon his own prop-
erty, some indicating great richness.
With the prospect of a more stable government these mines
had, even at the period of my visit, attracted the attention of
foreign capitalists. In returning from the upper states I met a
party of miners, principally Englishmen, but recently arrived from
Lake Superior, who were sent out by Mr. La Fon of Montevideo
to work copper-lands which he had just purchased in Catamarca
for $96,000. It is the opinion of many that the mineral treasures
of the northwestern states are unbounded ; and resident land-
holders would gladly avail themselves of the energy and experi-
ence of foreigners in developing them. I believe myself that a
fine harvest awaits the reaper.
On the 25th of August, 1855, 1 started for Santiago del Estero,
distant from Cordova 860 miles, according to the postas of the
government, of which there are twenty-one, from three to eight
leagues apart. I must confess that I felt discouraged by the ap-
pearance of the wretched horses brought out to begin the jour-
ney ; poor, panting, ungroomed creatures, dragged by the lasso
from a corral, whither they had been driven after an hour's race
over the pampas. It seemed impossible that they could make
twelve miles a day, much less an hour, and this over a hilly coun-
try. But much as I thought I had learned, my experience and
knowledge of the power of horses in La Plata were yet to be
gained. I complained to the master of the first posta for giv-
23
354 SHEEP-DOGS.
ing us such miserable animals. He looked most provokingly un-
moved, saying,
" jE's buen cavallo, Senor ; es muy manso''' (It is a very good
horse, Sir ; it is very gentle).
" Muy manso the d — 1 ! what do I want with a horse muy inan-
sof You will never see this again ; it will drop on the road."
" Muy hien^ Senor''' (As you please), said the man, bowing com-
placently.
This was too much. Off I dashed at half-speed, never breaking
a gallop for twelve miles. Instead of being broken down or dis-
tressed, the sorry -looking beasts, after a half hour's rest, were to
be driven back, I was told by the postillion, at the same speed, and
then turned out to pasture upon the pampa. At all the postas I
was detained nearly an hour, while the horses were driven from
the pastures into the corral to be saddled, and yet, in all this jour-
ney, I never made less than ten, and commonly twelve miles the
hour, and often proceeded to the distance of twelve to twenty-
four miles, at full gallop, on the same horse.
The face of the country was very unlike the pampas of Santa
Fe. We were fairly among the low sierras, the connecting links be-
tween the plains and the Andean ranges. After leaving the calcare-
ous plain on which stands the capital, we entered upon a granite
formation. Owing to the drought,* all verdure had disappear-
ed. From this district our road led into the valley of Jesus Maria,
which was enameled with wheat-fields, and enlivened by several
grist-mills in active operation. The herds of cattle were small,
but the flocks of sheep and goats were large. The sheep were
guarded only by dogs ; a feature in the pastoral life of this coun-
try mentioned by Azara, but which I saw here for the first time.
The protection of the dog is said to be ample. In the morn-
ing, when about to lead the flock out to pasture, a piece of meatf
is hung about his neck to prevent all temptation to stray off for
food, and most faithfully he remains at his post during the whole
day. The sheep recognize their canine guardian by closing be-
hind him at the approach of a supposed enemy, and by following
readily as, punctually at sundown, he leads them to the protection
of the Qorral. The dog is trained for this duty by separation, soon
after its birth, from the bitch, and by being placed upon a nest of
wool in the sheep-fold, where it receives nourishment three or four
* The rainy season begins the 1st of October.
t Azara says if this meat is mutton the dog will never taste it.
PALMS AND CACTI. 355
times a day from a ewe. It is afterward castrated, and kept apart
from other dogs, and even from the children of the family. Thus
cut off from all connection with its own kind, and from the do-
mesticity of human association, it affiliates readily with the sheep,
and, as their shepherd, shows a sagacity and fidelity quite extra-
ordinary.
From this district, which abounds in friable limestone of excel-
lent quality, we entered a sandy, gravelly region, with but poor
vegetation, save a species of palm, the filamentous tissues of which,
I am confident, would prove an excellent raw material for cordage,
canvas, or other coarse fabrics.
Near Divisidero, 75 miles from Cordova, grow vast quantities
of a gigantic cactus, which bears a rich, luscious yellow fruit, much
prized by the people of the country, who make from it a delicious
jelly, dark as molasses.
At San Pedro, the next posta, were clustered a few neat and
well-constructed houses, around a small church, recently built ;
and immediately in the vicinity were thriving orchards of apple
and peach trees. The soil of the neighboring country was sandy,
gravelly, with but little cultivation, and its predominant growth
was an inferior species of palm.
I reached Eosario, the next halting-place, distant nine miles, in
fifty minutes. Here the usual empty prison-like room assigned
to travelers was made quite comfortable by water and towels sent
to us by a lady of the posta.
From Eosario we traveled through a poor, uncultivated, and un-
dulating country to Changa, a pueblo of twenty or thirty houses,
and from thence to El Paso de Tigre, where we spent the night.
At this last place was a hideous object, the corpse of a man who
had died from the poison of a spider. He was bitten upon the
lip, and the swelling was so excessive that it was impossible to
distinguish his features.
The next f osta, of 18 miles, was made in one hour and forty
minutes; the road passing the whole distance over a table-land
of limestone. From a wild, rugged ravine, intersected by a small
stream, it next entered a desolate region, without native or cul-
tured vegetation, save a few thorny scrubby bushes. Granite and
coarse sand were its prominent geognostic features.
We had made 165 miles from the capital, and were near the
dividing line of the states of Cordova and Santiago del Estero ;
but where or what direction it took none could tell.
356 THE DULCE.
From this point the country was hilly, but fertile, with fine
fields and noble forests of quebracho bianco and algorroba. I
saw few horned cattle, but large flocks of goats and sheep brows-
ing upon every hill-side. On reaching our resting-place for the
night we had made during the day 72 miles, and yet had been
detained at least one half the time at the different postas, thus
averaging twelve miles the hour, without feeling particularly
fatigued or observing any sign of failing on the part of the mis-
erable-looking horses. The promise of an extra real to the postil-
lion will always insure an average speed of ten miles the hour
throughout the day.
The Posta del Monte is half a mile from the River Dulce, there
known as the Saladillo, for it flows along the edge of the Salinas,
or travesia, a vast zone of saliferous sand, extending over parts of
four states — Cordova, Santiago, Rioja, and Catamarca.
This arid district must nevertheless possess some nutritious
herbage, for the few horses and cattle that we saw were in re-
markably fine condition ; but in passing its eastern extremity,
where it has a width of not more than twelve miles, we saw only
a . few stunted succulent plants, and a dense growth of salsole,
which extended several miles; the earth being white with in-
crustations of salt and pure saltpetre.
The general direction of the Dulce was formerly south-east
from its source to the Lake Porongas; but in 1823, in conse-
quence of a great accumulation of drift-wood, which obstructed
its passage about eighteen miles from Santiago, during a periodical
rise it broke through the banks; and taking a circuitous course
south-west along the borders of the travesia, became so strongly
impregnated with saliferous deposit as to forfeit all right to a
name which formerly indicated the purity of its waters.
Unaware of these physical changes, and knowing the Dulce
only from the position heretofore assigned it by geographers, I
applied to the master of this posta to learn something of the char-
acteristics of the Saladillo, which I sujjposed to be one of the
many rivers that flow from the eastern slopes of the Andes, and
are lost by evaporation or in the swamps and lagoons of the pam-
pas. He could give me no information whatever. He knew it
only as the Sakdillo, " which begins to rise in October, and reaches
the highest point in April, when it overflows the lands immediate-
ly adjacent," In fording it I found a depth of from three to four
feet, with banks on either side ten feet above the water-level.
THE QUICHUA LANGUAGE. 357
Notwitlistanding the indifference and ignorance of the post-
master as to the course of the Dulce, its new direction had com-
pletely changed the character of a large district of country ; a
district which, once rich in pasture-lands, teeming with luxuriant
crops and a considerable population, is now comparatively a ster-
ile desert.
Subsequently, in conversing upon this change with the Gover-
nor of Santiago, a man of great intelligence, he dwelt hopefully
upon a project in view for restoring the river to its old channel,
and he told me that nothing but their intestine troubles had caused
a ppstponement of the work. I suggested to him another enterprise,
which would be attended with very little expense ; an examina-
tion of the Dulce for boat navigation, from the central districts of
Santiago to Lake Porongas, and from that point to the Salado.
After passing this river I heard for the first time, at the Posta
Chilque, the Quichua language. It is spoken in only one section
of Santiago, that is, north of the Dulce, in a region of country oc-
cupied principally by Mestizos ; while south of the same stream
French or English would be as comprehensible to the people.
But a more extraordinary fact still, in connection with the range
of this language, is that though it comes from the north — from
the Empire of the Incas — it is not spoken or understood in Jujuy,
Salta, or Tucuman,
The Jesuits published a grammar and dictionary of it, but the
only book I saw was an octavo volume of six hundred pages,*
presented'to me by General Taboado. It was published in Lima
in 1631, and contains, with instruction to the curates for adminis-
tering to the natives baptism and confirmation, the catechism,
prayers, and offices of the Eomish Church.
From Chilque to the Pueblo Atamisque the country was cov-
ered with fine forests of quebracho bianco and quebracho Colora-
do, but beyond this to Palumbala it presented the aspect of an
arid waste ; the dust rose in clouds, as from a Macadamized and
much-traveled road. The soil, a brown loam, was apparently good,
but there was no grass, not a shrub or tree, to give momentary
shelter from the burning rays of the sun : yet this dreary district
was part of the once lovely, fruitful basin of the Dulce: I can
not offer a better illustration of the importance of irrigation in
these regions, only visited by periodical rains.
* " Ritual forinulario e institucion. dc Ciiras, para administrar d los Naturalen de
este Reyno, los Santos Sacramentos del D'ij>tis7no, Conjirmacion, Eucanstia," &c.
858
A MEREY-MAKING.
We stopped for the night at Perqui, near the little village of
Loreto, having made a day's ride of seventy miles.
A merry-making was on foot ; the daughter of the post-master
was gaily attired, and tuned up a rude harp, upon which she was
to play for her expected guests to dance ; but the master himself
was in his cups, and declared he could give us no supper, for the
flocks had not come up. A ride of seventy miles without dinner
was no excuse for our not joining the dancers, for beaux were
needed. I could not agree with him ; so, drawing out a reserve
of bread and a bottle of milk from our saddle-bags, we made a
supper and retired to hide cots, with the heavens for a canopy.*
TEOPA OP 0AEEETA8 ENCAMPED.
We were soon disturbed by an arrival, a tropa of ten carretas
from Eosario, bound for Tucuman. This was a welcome event
to the dancers ; the tropero and his companions, fine dashing-look-
ing fellows, were soon whirling in the waltz, caring neither for
supper nor rest after a long day's travel. The passion of these
people, both men and women, for the dance is marked. Within
doors it supersedes all other amusements ; and as every village
and posta has its rude guitarist or harpist, and the only refresh-
* In traveling in La Plata I rarely slept in a house.
COST OF TRANSPORTATION. 359
ment, a sip of cana, is readily obtainable, to give a ball is with
them but to collect a few neighbors.
From the tropero I learned that each of his ten wagons carried
180 arobas, for which the charge from Tucuman to Eosario was
$1 25 the aroba ; for the return trip, 75 cents for every wagon.
Several relays of six oxen are required. He spoke of this season
as one particularly severe for the animals on account of the scarcity
of water, the unusual drought having dried up the pasturage. In
these unwieldy wagons the produce of the upper states is carried
to Eosario, and all foreign goods are, in return, thus forwarded to
the interior. The time occupied in the trip, including halts and
incidental delays, is from ten to twelve months.
The morning after the ball we were up before the sun. The
master of the posta was quite sobered by a long sleep, and accept-
ed gratefully an offer of yerba, for I traveled with a supply for
our own use ; and on this occasion a mate prepared by Cornelius
was the only refreshment preparatory to a ride of eight leagues.
Drunkenness is a rare vice in La Plata, although the native liquor,
cana, is the most potent I have ever tasted ; but the people in all
parts of the basin and in every class of life eagerly seek a matd.
No Chinaman sips his tea and no Turk his coffee with more en-
joyment. After taking it in the morning, I could ride for nearly
the whole day without food and without feeling troubled by
hunger.
At midday we reached the town of Santiago del Estero, sixty
miles, having changed horses but twice. We met on the road
another tropa of twenty wagons, bound to Tucuman.
Eighteen miles from Santiago we again forded the Dulce, and
found its waters as fresh and sweet as those of a mountain spring ;
depth, three feet ; width, quarter of a mile ; course, southwest.
We passed that morning, in our ride from Perqui, a country
fertile and admirably diversified by wood and arable lands ; the
wheat-fields were fine, especially as we approached the river, where
the yield is sixty almudes to one of seed.
The forests of quebracho and algorroba are large, and the mimo-
sas contribute almost as much to the comfort of man, in these
western states, as the palm in other parts of the basin. One spe-
cies of algorroba is unequaled as fuel, or as a material for char-
coal ; and the bark, foliage, and fruit of others enter into the do-
mestic economy of every household. The fruits of the "blanca"
and " negra" are much prized both for preserving and drying ; in
360
TABLE OF DISTANCES.
the latter state they are not unlike dried peaclies : and fresh from
the tree, sell readily at thirty -seven to fifty cents the almude.
The following are the postas between Cordova and Santiago
del Estero, with the distances established by the respective prov-
inces— on which is based the charge for horses and postillions —
and the time occupied by us in the travel from one to the other.
The charges are not uniformly the same in all the provinces. In
some they are, for each saddle-horse, half a real — six and a quar-
ter cents — per league, and double this sum for a postillion and
cargaro horse ; while in others the charge for the latter is one and
a half reals.
1st day.
2d day.
3d day.
4tli day.
5th day. J
From Cordova to Posta Moyen, in
Moyen to Guerra . .
Guerra to Salitra .
Salitra to Las Talas .
Las Talas to Divisidero
Divisidero to Yinta Guasi
Yinta Guasi to El Sala
El Sala to San Pedro .
San Pedro to Rosario .
Rosario to Las Piedras
Las Piedras to Paso del Tigre
Paso del Tigre to Porto Suelo
Porto Suelo to Orquetas .
Orquetas to San Antonio .
San Antonio to Guardia .
Guardia to Pueste del Monte
Pueste del Monte to Chilque
Chilque to
to Palumbala
[ " Palumbala to Perqui .
Perqui to La Egira
La Egira to Cordero .
Cordero to Santiago
Hours.
3
1
0
3
1
2
0
2
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
Arin.
00
30
30
10
15
15
50
00
52
45
15
40
05
40
35
30
30
15
30
25
40
10
20
T-eagueg,
5
5
2
8
5
3
6
3
6
4
6
4
2
5
1
4
1
6
6
8 j
4 I
4J
Postas
in Cor-
dova.
Postas
in San-
tiago.
SANTIAGO. 361
CHAPTER XXI.
Santiago. — Government House. — Trade and Population. — No Hotels. — Pair of
Gloves. — Visit to the Governor. — Don Taboado. — The Boat. — Quintas and
Fruits. — Chills at Santiago. — The Pic-nic. — The Dulce. — Bed of the Salado. —
The Saladillo.— The Flor del aria.— The Ulua.— Luxuriant Foliage.— The Slevre.
— Bees. — TheToisimi. — Yaiia. — Moso Moso. — Mestiso Quilaya. — Cani. — Quella
and Alframisqui. — The Eyrobana. — Wax. — The Cochineal. — Lassoing a Mule. —
Price of Mules. — Launching the Boat. — A Bivouac. — Arrival at Salvador. —
Banks of the Salado. — Birds. — Estancia Figarra. — "Que Animal." — Arrival at
Matara. — The Dance and the little Child. — The Priests. — Incursions of the
Chaco Indians. — List of Trees. — Quebracho. — Algorroba. — Vinal. — Quilin. —
Chafia. — Mistol. — Uinay. — Tala. — Puna. — Gumi. — Quimel. — Cardon.
Santiago, the capital of tlie state, stands some half mile from
the Dulce, in latitude 27° 46' 20'' south, longitude 64° 22' 15"
west,* and contains about five thousand inhabitants. It present-
ed an aspect of decay. Deserted, dilapidated houses and silent
streets only offered the pleasant enlivenment of business with the
periodical arrival or departure of tropas. The public buildings
are a government-house and three churches. One of the latter
and many dwellings are built of tapia\ in that district of country
— a perishable material, from the strong impregnation of the soil
with saltpetre. Buildings and inclosures of it were crumbling
under the action of the elements, antl yet a church in Santa Fe,
constructed of this same material, looked as if it might stand for
ages : indeed it had become, by time and exposure, as hard as
granite. The government house is a substantial brick structure,
with spacious apartments, some of which were occupied as public
offices: the reception-room was well furnished and hung with
pictures, many of them portraits of distinguished men of the re-
public.
Six hundred and fifty miles from Rosario, and five hundred
and ninety from Santa Fe — the outlets of this country upon the
Parana — distracted by political factions, and devastated by the
forays of Indians, it creates no astonishment to hear that San-
tiago has retrograded since the establishment of independence ;
* Determined by meridional difference from Cordova, with pocket-chronometer
rated at the latter place.
t Enormous adobes, several feet in length by some two or three in thickness.
362 GOVERNOR TABOADO.
and yet it has a population of 50,000 souls, distinguislied in La
Plata as industrious and enterprising. As its resources are great,
we may fairly conclude that it only awaits a development which
it must receive under the Confederation and the administration
of its present governor, Don Manuel Taboado, who is a man of
integrity and energy. He was ill at the time I arrived ; but my
reception by Don Juan F. Borjas, the gobernador delegado (deputy
governor), was marked by civility. Apartments, for there are no
hotels in Santiago, were assigned us at the Government House,
where, as the guest of the state, not only was every want antici-
pated by servants in constant attendance, but all the luxuries and
comforts that the town afforded were unostentatiously supplied.
I was afraid to attempt the purchase of the smallest article, for it
was promptly famished, and the money invariably returned. I
sent Cornelius for a pair of gloves ; he brought me some of ex-
cellent quality, together with the money which I had given him.
"But how is this? Why did you not pay for them?" I in-
quired.
" You can pay for nothing here, Sir," was the reply.
I called at the governor's private residence, and found him con-
fined to his bed. It was quite unnecessary to explain the object
of my visit to Santiago. He anticipated an exploration of the
Salado with impatience, as a work the success of which would
insure the prosperity of all the western states. I told him that
a raft or boat of some kind was necessary.
" There is a skiff" eighteen* feet by three in the Eio Dulce. Will
it answer your purpose ?" he kindly suggested.
" But we are forty or fifty miles from the Salado."
" The boat shall be transported to the river by ox-cart, and
I will follow with a military escort. If agreeable to you, my
brother. General Antonio, will accompany you, for he speaks the
Quichua, and may be useful in communicating with the people."
Such were the encouraging offers of Governor Taboado.
While awaiting the return of the general, who was at his es-
tancia, I accepted the hospitalities of several families of the city,
and visited some of the really pretty quintas that dot its envi-
rons. Notwithstanding the severe drought of six month's dura-
tion, the alfalfa, or alfa, was most luxuriant; for the lands gen-
erally were well irrigated by the waters of the Dulce, which was
conducted through them by a main and lateral canals. A quinta
(country seat) of ten acres pays a low tax of two dollars per an-
A PIC-NIC— DEPARTURE. -ggg
num for the use of this water, whicli is let into the canals at in-
tervals of two weeks. •
Peach, fig, pomegranate, and orange trees were growing vigor-
ously, side by side, in the same garden, and bore, I was told, in
their season, fruit in great perfection. The fig-tree attains a con-
siderable size ; some were ten inches in diameter, through the
trunk, and from thirty to forty feet in height. Cotton is peren-
nial, and yields abundantly for ten years ; but I saw only a few
straggling plants, for the cultivation has entirely ceased since the
introduction of the manufactured article.
The salubrity of the climate is unequaled. Fevers of a malig-
nant type are unknown. In the whole state there is neither phy-
sician nor apothecary ; for here, as in Paraguay, the indigenous
vegetation furnishes remedios for all diseases known. One day
during my stay I was ill, and certainly thought I had a chill ; but
this was considered impossible.
*' Ah, no, Senor," said my visitors, earnestly, " the ague is un-
known in Santiago."
We were invited by several prominent citizens to a pic-nic at a
short distance from the town on the banks of the Dulce. Our
conveyance was the governor's little boat, in which we pushed
off, and made all sail up stream ; but the craft, governed more by
the current than sail or rudder, would run bows mto the bank on
one side, and stern on to a fiat the other, until, heartily weary,
we landed, and, with our guns, followed the picturesque banks of
the river. An ample collation was afterward spread under the
shade of an algorroba. Among other luxuries provided, and
they were many, was English ale, which is so greatly relished in
every part of La Plata. British enterprise had sent it over the
ocean and up the river to Rosario, from whence it had been
brought six hundred and fifty miles across the pampas in wag-
ons.
On the 8th of September, the day fixed for our departure, the
boat, lashed upon an ox-cart, was dispatched across the country ;
and we followed in the governor's carriage, a barouche drawn by
four horses, each mounted by a postillion. We forded the Dulce,
about a mile from the town. At that point its width was four
hundred yards ; depth four feet, which, by marks on the banks,
I knew to be ten feet below its highest rise. The water was per-
fectly fresh and sweet, although the constant recurrence of the
efQorescences of saltpetre, showed how strongly the adjacent
364 EIVER CHANGES.
lands were impregnated. Before reaclimg tlie river, we passed a
belting of sandy hillocks, irregularly thrown up, as if by the wind,
and partially covered with vegetation. They reminded me strik-
ingly of the sand-dunes of our .east coast. Can it be possible that
these lands, more than seven hundred miles from the ocean, once
bordered a great estuary ?
Having left the capital at rather a late hour of the day, we
stopped for the night at the estancia of a friend of General Tabo-
ado. Although it was one of the better order of country houses,
our cots were placed out of doors ; for to sleep in the open air
seems to be the universal habit of all classes in good weather, and
so deliciously pure is the atmosphere that no apprehension of risk
to the health need be entertained.
On the 9th, at an early hour, after having, as usual, taken mat^,
we continued our journey, and soon passed the ox-cart, lumbering
along slowly with the exploring craft. Three leagues from Estan-
cia Taboado we crossed a wide flat, which twenty years ago was
the bed of the Salado ; now that river courses four leagues farther
north of it. The structure of the land is promotive of these
changes, but the direct cause is found in the undisturbed accumu-
lation of drift-wood which at certain points so entirely obstructs
the channel that, during the season of flood, the waters assume a
new direction. Again, they may be ascribed to the harricados^
the primitive bridges of the country, which are formed by fell-
ing trees on both banks; these, falling in the river, collect all
floating material, and in time quite a substantial passage-way is
formed.
The Saladillo, now called a branch of the Salado, though a few ■
years since it was the principal channel, separates from the main
stream ten miles above the Estancia Taboado, and unites with it
twenty-seven mUes below, forming an island thirty-six miles in
length by from three to six in breadth, which has a population of
3600 souls, and furnishes six hundred fighting men. It is well
wooded, and the soil, a dark alluvium, yields fine crops of wheat
and corn.
On reaching the estancia, we had passed a distance of fifty -three
miles from the capital, over a sandy level country ; some districts
of it are populous and well cultivated in wheat and corn, while
others were intersected by fine forests. In riding through the
woodlands I saw some of the noblest forms of the mimosas, such
as the white and black algorrobas, the thorny vinal, the quilin,
VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL LIFE. 355
and chaua ; also tlie uinay, with its floral barometer,* tlie jumi,f
and a variety of other shrubs, which, if less useful, yet enriched
the woods by their clusters of bright flowers. Many a tree was
inwrapped and festooned with the most delicately fragrant and
beautiful of all epiphytes, pointed' out to me as the Jhr del aria,
and by the climbing cactus ulua, with its creamy white and trum-
pet-shaped flowers. The cardon of the toisimi bee, the tuna of
the cochineal, and other gigantic cacti covered the plains, all so
luxuriant and verdant in this first spring month that it was difii-
cult to realize a periodic stagnation. It was a striking feature,
and one that could not fail to impress a casual observer or the
most careless mind, that all the powers of this nature were made
tributary to the wants of the people of the country ; every tree,
every shrub and flower, bark, foliage, and fruit, seemed to enter
into their domestic economy.
If there was less afiiuence in the animal life, it nevertheless of-
fered new and varied objects of interest. I shot with my carbine
a llevre, the hare of La Plata, and the first that I had seen ; it was
of a glossy bright squirrel -gray, with yellowish-white belly, and
measured two feet from nose to tail. I also brought down a par-
tridge, bearing a strong family resemblance to the large bird of
Entre Rios, but in certain points differing very materially. It
is larger, the neck much longer, the legs shorter, and upon its
head is a crest of a few long feathers ; its eggs, about the size of
those of a hen, are a rich dark green, and as smooth as the finest
and most highly-glazed porcelain. Scarcely had we gotten be-
yond hearing of the shrieking chuna, a quail we had seen in Para-
guay and Corrientes, when we were saluted by the shrill notes of
another bird of the same family, but differing in size and plumage.
The bee abounds, and eight distinct species are recognized : the
tiosimi, yana, moso moso, mestiso quilaya, cani, quella, and alpa-
misqui. These Indian names are significant of the characteristics
of these industrious and useful insects. The people of the country
revel in the rich supplies they afibrd of a delicious and invigorat-
ing food. I ate of several of these varieties of honey, and pre-
ferred above all others that of the toisimi bee, known as the car-
don honey ; for it is only found in the trunk of that cactus. Ex-
pressed from the comb, it becomes after a few months perfectly
* The country people note the opening and closing of the flower of the uiflay as
an unfailing indication of atmospheric changes,
t From which potash is obtained.
Se6 VARIETIES OF HONEY.
white and granulated; and when eaten with bread or parched
com* is considered delicious and sustaining. The Santiaganians
prefer the cardon, but they also highly prize the lechiguana,
the product of a bee which makes its hive in trees, and feeds
upon the first spring flowers ; for the flavor of the honey depends
upon the food of the insect ; the comb looks as if formed of the
finest tissue paper, and has no admixture of wax. Myriads
of bees exist in the Chaco, bordering the Salado ; and large par-
ties, provided with wide sacks and a provision of parched corn,
cross over in the month of December to collect the produce of the
wild hives. They take very good care, however, not to venture
beyond the woods and plain immediately adjacent to the river;
for with the Indians also honey is a staple article of food, and they
prefer above all other varieties one that is found in that region —
the eyrobana, which is the deposit of a bee that feeds upon the
fragrant ybirapaye. Forlorn, emaciated invalids join these par-
ties, and, after an absence of a few weeks, return fat, well, and so
changed that it is like the working of a miracle. This is ascribed
to the properties of the wild honey, which, with parched corn, is
for the time the only food of those engaged in these expeditions.
A considerable quantity of wax is still sold to the village mer-
chants, and finds its way to the neighboring provinces; but the
trade in this article must have diminished ; for, according to Aza-
ra, ten thousand pounds were collected annually in Santiago be-
fore the Eevolution. The process of preparing it for sale is simple
enough. The comb is boiled in water, which is frequently stirred,
and as the wax rises to the surface, a bunch of twigs is immersed,
to which it adheres; it is then bleached by a daily exposure to
the action of the sun for some weeks.
Cochineal was, before the Eevolution, a staple export from San-
tiago ; ten thousand pounds having been sent annually to Chili
and Peru. Now it is gathered only for home consumption, and
may be readily recognized in the brilliant scarlet ponchos and
coarse woolen goods of the country. I believe that any amount
could be exported ; for the cactus opuniia, or tujaa, upon which it
is found, abounds in every part of the state. The Jesuits discov-
ered that the quality of the cochineal was improved and the
quantity increased by cultivating the tuna.
The Estancia Taboado embraced several square leagues ; but
this was a very small part of the landed estate of a family of three
* There is a small corn or maize planted expressly for this purpose.
MULE-BREAKING. 367
brothers and two sisters, wlio hold their property of every de-
scription in community of interest. There, for the first time, I
saw mules broken for service ; the general having, at the time of
my visit, just received a lot from Buenos Ayres. The mule was
lassoed and dragged forth from the corral to a short post, around
which the lasso was skillfully wound, as the animal attempted to
escape. A cloth was then thrown over the eyes, and the head
drawn close to the post ; one man gave the ear a violent twitch,
another girded on the ricado with great force, and fixed a very
primitive hide bridle, without a bit, to the lower jaw. The do-
mador, equipped with enormous spurs, then sprung upon the ri-
cado ; and at the same moment, the mule released from the post,
and relieved of the bandage over his eyes, dashed off with arched
back, head between his legs, leaping, bounding, kicking, or turn-
ing as on a pivot. All was of no avail in unseating the rider,
who, at every vicious movement, only plunged his enormous
spurs deeper into the creature's side. At last the battle ended ;
they re-entered the corral ; the man cool and unmoved, the mule
utterly exhausted and completely under the control of the rider.
This operation is severe; but after a few trials the beast is
tamed, and soon learns to associate the will of its rider with the
rein. The domador is, as may be supposed, an important charac-
ter in all pastoral establishments ; and without appearing to exer-
cise any great muscular force, his feats of horsemanship and his
skill in breaking the wildest animals are marvelous.
These mules at Estancia Taboado were purchased in Buenos
Ayres for five and a half dollars apiece, and brought to Santiago
by a capitaz, assisted by several peons. Forty dollars to the capi-
taz, twelve to each peon, and one per mule, were the expenses oi*
the road. On the day after their arrival the general sold two
thirds of them at eighteen dollars apiece. The animals, when
fattened and tamed, are driven to Salta and Bolivia, where they
are sold at trebled and quadrupled prices. The demand for them
is constant, and it will always continue to be a profitable trade, as
they furnish the only means of transportation across the Andes
for the produce and merchandise of Bolivia to and from her Pa-
cific port, Cobija. At the period of my visit horned cattle in
Santiago were worth from nine to ten dollars, and hides four.
Although the population and exports of Cordova are greater
than those of Santiago, I observed in the latter state that the cul-
tivation of the soil was pursued with greater skill ; indeed, this is
368 FIRST BOAT ON THE SALADILLO.
more of an agricultural tlian a grazing country, and one in whicli
I met, almost for the first time in the Argentine Confederation, a
laboring class, industrious, robust, and civil to strangers. But
without a market for his produce, the Santiaganian farmer has no
stimulus to do more than meet the demands of the inhabitants of
his own state.
Septemher llth^ 1855. Our little craft arrived in the afternoon,
and was launched upon the Saladillo in the presence of a number
of admiring but greatly astonished peons ; for in the whole coun-
try it was the only boat, and the first within the memory of liv-
ing man, that had floated upon the waters of the Salado,
September 14tih. All preparations were completed, and having
made the necessary astronomical observations, which placed the
Estancia Taboado in latitude 27° 20' 25'' south, longitude 64° 08'
25" west, I commenced my exploration, accompanied in the little
boat by General Taboado, Acting Lieutenant Murdaugh, Cornehus,
and three peons.
As the governor had ordered the commander of the river dis-
tricts to afford any required assistance, we found parties of men
at different points ready and willing to remove all obstructions.
The united labor of ten, fifteen, and even twenty men was some-
times required to cut a passage through the barricados (bridges)
of trees; but the peons, singing and joking, with axe in hand,
dashed into the river, and, with the water sometimes up to their
waists, worked with a vigor and will that quite astonished me.
It can not be supposed that these laborers comprehended ftilly
the importance of opening this channel, but they evidently enter-
tained a high respect for their governor and general, and were
anxious to please them. At every stopping-place crowds of men,
women, and children came down to the river with offerings of
chickens, eggs, and honey.
By sunset we had accomplished sixteen miles, and finding at
this point but twelve inches water, I determined to make a pas-
sage across the island to the main stream. In a short time — for I
would listen to no mafiana (to-morrow) — an ox-cart was moving
overland freighted with the little craft, and we bivouacked around
a comfortable fire, for the nights were yet quite cool, Eefi:-eshed
by a mate and a supper of asado, cut from a bullock which was
a few minutes before grazing upon the adjacent pastures, with
ricado for pillow, feet to the fire, and an aspect of the heavens
above us that would have delighted any cloud-weary reader of
KIVER NAVIGATION. 359
the starry worlds, we dozed away, thinking the soft grass no bad
bed.
At dawn the next morning, the 15th, we started across the isl-
and, and, taking a southeast direction, passed several villages, and
found the country fertile and populous.
At Salvador, four leagues from our stopping-place of the 14th, we •
reached the Salado, and again launched our little boat. The width
of the river at this point was fifty feet ; at high water it is one
hundred and iifty. It had a depth of twelve inches on the shoal-
est places, and a current of one mile the hour. The banks rise
abruptly from twenty to thirty feet, and were belted by the finest
algorrobas, vinals, and sauses that I had yet seen in La Plata.
From this vicinity is taken the alcaparosa, a metalline substance
which, when boiled with the leaves of the molle, yields an une-
qualed black dye. Quantities of cochineal are also collected here.
Making four miles an hour we reached the mouth of the Sala-
dillo in one hour and a half. After passing this point the river
becomes wider, less tortuous ; and the obstructions were only
such as could be readily removed by half a dozen men armed
with axes and lassos. We passed a chain of sweet-water lakes
about half a mile north, named, as they appeared, Salvador, Mir-
avilla, Tigeroa. A small branch of the Salado flows into this lat-
ter, and again reunites with the main river some distance below
by a fall of ten feet.*
We saw vast numbers of the charata. The same bird is found
on the Paraguay and Vermejo, where it is known as the " gallina
del monte." Its note is very peculiar. When startled it makes
a shrill shrieking cry, which is instantaneously taken up and
responded to by many others, as if to give warning of the
approach of an enemy. At Cruz Bajada we stopped at sunset,
and around a good fire, kindled upon the banks, passed the
night.
September 16ih. As our crew, who never before saw a boat, were
not very skillful navigators, we were obliged to stop for an hour
or two at the Estancia Figarra and repair the rudder, which had
been injured in running foul of a snag. Here we obtained a
meridian altitude, which determined the bajada (landing) of this
estancia to be latitude 27° 42' 24" south. From this point the
river increased in width, depth, and current ; the adjacent coun-
try was fertile and comparatively populous. We passed several
* At the state of the river when I examined it.
24
370 ASTONISHING THE NATIVES. ^
estancias, tlie largest of wliich, Candelaria, is quite a village.
Having made thirty miles, we stopped for the night at the Estan-
cia Catchi, where we feasted on cardon honey and popped corn,*
sent us by the master of the estate.
Septemher 17 ih. The general course of the river was southeast,
, with, as yet, no obstructions but those arising from fallen trees,
through which a passage was cut for the boat. Its characteristics
and those of the adjacent country were very unvarying. The
surface-soil of the latter is a rich vegetable deposit of from two to
four feet, resting upon an argillaceous formation of remarkable
uniformity. For two days I had traced a stratum of green clay,
without a break in it, from three to six inches thick, and contain-
ing innumerable minute shells : it varied in distance below the
surface from fifteen to twenty feet, and was at that time just
above the water-level.
The appearance of the Conquistadores among the aborigines
could scarcely have excited a more lively curiosity than did our
little exploring craft. At the Estancia Lojlo, where stand a
chapel and several dwelling-houses, a number of people had as-
sembled from far and near to see the boat. It was the wonder of
the country. ' A horse, mule, ox-cart, or hide balsa were the only
modes of conveyance familiar to these simple people, who would
laugh, look at the skiff, then at each other, and exclaim ' Que
animal r Several times, in rounding a bend of the river, we
came suddenly upon parties of men and women fishing or wash-
ing, who had heard nothing of the expedition. At sight of us
they would dart off into the woods as if pursued by a legion of
evil spirits. The general would call out some reassuring words
in their own language, when one would timidly appear, then an-
other. How they laughed and gesticulated, and what a volume
of rich Quichua they poured out in explaining how, at our ap-
proach, none had stopped for a second look ; for one had taken
the boat for a huge beast, others supposed that we were hostile
Indians in a novel disguise. As we advanced, numerous other
visitors, who, like those at the Estancia Lojlo, had heard of us
and had traveled from a distance, brought with them offerings of
honey, popped corn, eggs, and chickens.
We saw quite a number of estancias which, from their dilapi-
dated jJnd abandoned condition, showed that the marauding In-
* A small grain is cultivated expressly for this use. When roasted it bursts and
expands to tenfold its original size. With wild honey it is delicious.
MATARA. 371^
dians had carried tlieir forays and depredations even to this high
point.
Septemher l^th. Our first obstruction was a barricado, where we
found twenty men, with axes and lassos, busily cutting a passage.
They were working with a will, though up to their waists in wa-
ter. At 3 P.M. we arrived at Matara, having accomplished that
day twenty-three miles.
To this point we had made ninety-six miles from Salvador, and
had found no grave difficulties in the navigation. The banks
rose from twenty to thirty feet above the water, and at that sea-
son showed no indications of recent washing, such as might arise
from a strong current. The course of the river generally was
marked by a wooded belting, and the adjacent country was pop-
ulous and well cultivated. ;
Should the Salado prove navigable to the Parana, Matara must,
from its central position, be a place of some trade. It is about
three quarters of a mile, west-northwest, from the point at which
we landed, and is, by our determination, in latitude 28° 07' 14"
south, and longitude 63° 43' lb" west. It has now a population
of only five hundred souls, although twenty years ago it was a
place of consideration, and the residence of some of the wealthiest
famihes of the province. The repeated incursions of the Indians,
and the constant apprehension in which even the inhabitants of
the town Hved, have caused the abandonment of estancias, and
the removal of families to other parts of the state,
Septemher 19th. The weather was too cloudy for observations
when we arrived at Matara ; and, being anxious to determine its
position satisfactorily, I accepted the commandante's offer of hos-
pitality, and took possession of one of the many deserted houses
of the place.
It was the conceit of an old Italian painter,* in his picture of
the " Judgment Day," to represent men and women entering
heaven with the faces of infants. At Matara I witnessed a more
curious illustration of the idea that "of such is the kingdom of
heaven." On the evening of our arrival we were invited to a
dance. The ball-room was a -^ell-swept, well-beaten yard ; the
orchestra a bench ; and its one musician a harpist, whose instru-
ment was quite as primitive as that of the maiden at Posta Per-
qui. The guests were the inhabitants of the town generally ; the
refreshments a jug of cana, from which all took a pull in turn.
* Fra Angelico, of Fiesole.
372 THE ANGEL'S DANCE.
The occasion of tlie fete was the death of an infant. The child
had been taken to form one of the choir of rejoicing angels, and
the parents must manifest their gratitude to the Omnipotent. So
friends were summoned ; and with the little body gayly attired,
and placed upon a platform covered with fragrant flowers, moth-
er, father, and relatives danced merrily, as upon a festive occa-
sion. General Taboado told me that the body would be borrow-
ed by the intimate friends for other dances, until, touched by de-
cay, it would be " sown in dishonor" to be " raised in glory."
Our visit to the town was also the occasion of a ball, given the
next evening, in the inclosure fronting the house which I occu-
pied. The arrangements were not more ambitious than those of
the " angel's dance." The guests were barefooted generally ; and
our ball-room was lighted by tallow candles stuck on boards.
This was primitive enough ; but there was no vulgarity. Drunk-
enness never disgraces these festive meetings, and the presence of
a rowdy inebriate would have caused more sensation here than
in more civihzed regions. Men and women, utterly uneducated
as most of them were, had yet a native dignity of manner that
imparted something of elegance even to a Salado ball. Here,
bordering on the wilds of the Chaco, where the party may be
broken up at any moment by the war-whoop of the savage, danc-
ing is the favorite amusement of the people, and the village belle
and the leaders of ton are not the pretty or the rich, but the most
graceful in the dance. r
Matara has a church ; but, until within a few days of our ar-
rival, the inhabitants had been without clerical aid for two years.
A priest, who accompanied Governor Taboado with the hope
of forming a mission in the Chaco, finding this the case, had re-
mained. The present Pope Pius IX., in the earlier years of his
career, labored in La Plata ; and many of the clergy at this time
are educated foreigners, who, in the work of God, exhibit a noble,
self-sacrificing, missionary spirit, and deservedly enjoy great in-
fluence. The padre is the friend and adviser of all classes ; his
house is the radiating point of every village. He is supposed to
be incapable of wrong; but when "found wanting," he is most
summarily dealt with. The last priest at this village had been
banished the state for malpractices.
There were many persons at Matara who had recently fled from
the estancias below. The forays of the Indians had at that time be-
come almost monthly occurrences, the savages generally selecting
TREES AND SHRUBS. 373
a moonliglit niglit, and moving in parties large enougli to overawe
any hastily collected force. They swim or ford the Salado, de-
scend suddenly and noiselessly upon the country ; drive off horses
and cattle ; kill all who oppose them ; dash into the river, driv-
ing the stolen animals before them; regain the opposite shore,
and disappear in the wilds of the Chaco before the dawn of
day.
It seems unaccountable that the population upon this river, ap-
parently industrious and physically capable of defense, should not
unite to protect themselves ; but generally they are without lire-
arms, and the predecessor of Governor Taboado, appointed by
Eosas, had done nothing to assist them. At the period of my
visit the new Confederation had organized no system of protec-
tion, and the few military posts established were sustained entirely
by the energy and patriotism of the Taboados and a few kindred
spirits.
I append to this chapter a list of the trees and shrubs that I saw
in the ride from the town of Santiago to the Salado, and to which
my attention was directed by General Taboado.
The Quebracho Colorado and Blanco. The Algorroha Blanca and
Negra; of these some account has been given. The Vinal. the
same genus as the algorroba, similar in wood and fruit, but un-
like in leaf: an infusion of the latter is a remedy for inflamed
eyes, and for this purpose they are sent to Buenos Ayres in con-
siderable quantities for sale: from the trunk and branches pro-
ject long sharp thorns. The Quilin, another of the mimosae ;
thorny, as the vinal ; foliage and fruit similar to that of the al-
gorroba. The Ghana; fruit yellow; as timber, suitable for all
purposes where great tenacity is required. The Mistol^ hard, dur-
able timber. The TJinay^ bearing a remarkable flower, which in-
dicates an approaching change of weather. The Tal/i^ good tim-
ber. The Puna^ sause, our willow ; molle, a shrub, the leaves of
which are used as tea. The Jumi^ the shrub producing potash.
The Quimel, cactus ; large leaf, on which the cochineal feeds.
The Cardon^ cactus ; trunk short, but large ; branches octagonal.
The bee toisimi builds its hive and deposits its honey, which is
superior to that of all others, in this cactus. Many varieties of
the cactus ; among them is one called the ulua, a climber, with
large white trumpet-flower. Also a variety of shrubs in bloom,
and a delicate species of the epiphyte, the " Flor del Aria," of de-
licious odor.
374 ^ INDIAN FORAYS.
CHAPTER XXII.
Bajada Sause. — "Women pursued by Indians. — Laguna Toma Caphuyan. — Estancia
Gramilla Bracho. — A Night's Sleep interrupted by the Governor's Troop in pur-
suit of Indians. — Fording the Lagoon. — The Scouts on the Trail. — Indians in
Sight. — The White Men defied. — A Charge. — Another Pursuit. — Disappearance
in the Forest. — Hunger, Thirst, and a sound Sleep in the Rain. — The old Es-
tancieros. — Hostility of the Indians. — Navicha. — Paso Sandia. — Pastixres. —
Monte Aquara. — Monte Tigre. — Arrival of an additional Force. — Musquitoes
and Rain. — Farther Advance of the Party. — On another Trail. — Swimming the
River. — The Volleys. — Indians. — The would-be Captive. — The dying Soldier. —
The Bullet and a Cigar. — Monte del Muerta. — The Current running up. — The
Return.
On tlie 20t]i I left Matara, and at sunset readied Bajada Saiise,
having made sixteen miles. The men, who moved some hours
in advance, had cut a passage through the fallen trees, which were
still the only impediments to navigation. The course of the Sa-
lado and the physical features of the adjacent lands were precisely
those that have been noted above Matara. At the night's bivouac
upon the banks our sympathies were strongly excited by finding
two distressed women who were hiding from the Indians. Eight
weeks before the savages descended upon the neighboring estan-
cias, killed one man, and drove off all the stock they could find.
The inhabitants offered no resistance, but fled to the woods, where
these two women had been wandering ever since, rarely remain-
ing twenty-four hours in any one place, spending their days upon
the banks of the river, and their nights among the thickets of the
forests. The only property they had saved was a very small
flock of sheep ; these, they told us, would at night creep close
to them without making the least noise, as if conscious of the
vicinage of danger.
From Bajada Sause the bordering lands became more and more
depressed, until, about eight miles below, they merged into a vast
lagoon called Toma Caphuyan (Tom's Hole), from five to six
miles in width, three to four feet deep, and covered with a dense
growth of tortora, a species of flag common in the marshes of
Eastern Virginia. The men had cut a passage through it wide
enough for the boat, but without following the river channel,
which was, wherever our course crossed it, two feet deep.
NAVIGATING THE LAGOON. 875
I determined, by taking a land circuit, to avoid, if possible, the
labor and time which must be given to cutting through it ; for I
had satisfied myself as to the nature of the difficulties here pre-
sented. The men were accordingly sent ahead for oxen or horses
to carry us ashore, where we were fixtures for the night. Our
little craft — three feet by eighteen — was rather confined quarters
for seven men; but it was better than wading through tortora
and water three feet deep. We had a cold, disagreeable time,
and at dawn gladly hailed the reappearance of the men. One
party attached a strong rope to the boat in front, another was
placed behind, and, with a continuous song and shout, bearing
down grass and tortora, they pulled and pushed us through near-
ly three miles of the lagoon to the Estancia del Estado. We had
touched dry land upon the property of the State of Santiago — at
one time that of the crown of Spain— where now a small herd of
cattle alone represented the hundreds of thousands that once
ranged over its rich pastures.
September 22c?. We needed an observation for time, and were glad
to reach this estancia early enough for a meridian altitude, which
gave our position, latitude 28° 19' b^" south, longitude 63° 28' 58"
west. Again the exploring craft was sent by ox-cart two miles
across the country, to the Estancia Gramilla. In following it on
horseback we passed through a dense growth of jumi ; the ground
was white with an incrustation of saltpetre,
• At Gramilla the boat was launched, not, as I had hojDed, upon
the clear waters of a well-defined river, but again upon those of
the lagoon, which extended east like a sea. The channel of the
Salado was, however, distinguishable, and had a depth of four
feet. There was assuredly here a subsidence of the land ; for the
channel and course of the river had not changed within the mem-
ory of man, and yet we passed a house with several feet of water
around it, which not many years since stood on comparatively
high ground, and was known in the country as Casa Alta ; and
some distance beyond we glided in four feet water over what
was once the site of a flourishing town, Guanagasta. The only
remains of it were posts of the indestructible woods of the coun-
try, standing like skeletons above water and grass. Thirty years
ago this was a place much resorted to by agents of the merchants
of Buenos Ayres and Santa Fe, and by the Indians of the Chaco,
who exchanged their peltries and honey for tobacco, knives, and
hatchets. The skin of the nutria was. brought here in vast num-
376 APPROACH OF TROOPS.
bers; but during the excessive and long-continued drought of
1827, '28, and '29,* this useful little animal perished or migrated.
At sunset we reached Sause Esquina, once an extensive and
well-stocked estancia, now a grassy wilderness, without a marl<,to
indicate its former occupation. The musquitoes not only kept us
from sleeping, but swarmed in such numbers that it was with dif-
ficulty we got an observation. Our position, distant eight miles
from Guanagasta, and one and a half west of the river, was in
latitude 28° 26' 21" south, longitude 63° 18' 01" west. The la-
goon was still so filled with grass and tortora that we remained
at this place during the 23d to enable the men to get somewhat
ahead in cutting a passage through it for the boat.
September 24^th. At 3 P.M. we again overtook our men, who were
cutting a passage. This was very hard work, and now unneces-
sary, for I understood perfectly the character of the lagoon. Al-
though we had not yet reached its eastern extremity, we had
tracked through it twenty miles of the Salado in a southeast di-
rection. The only difficulties in its navigation arise from grass
and tortora, which could be removed in a short time by the labor-
ers of the country, who work for twelve and a half cents per day
and a ration. At a rise of six feet above the present level of the
river, the tortora would offer no impediment to the passage of a
steamer of proper construction, for she could skim over or cut
through it without difiiculty. I directed the men to make for the
nearest point, where we landed and proceeded a mile or two east
to " Old Bracho," the position of an abandoned military post, 38
miles from Matara in a right line and one third more by the
course of the river — this difference being embraced between Ma-
tara and Estancia del Estado. We were now fairly beyond the
limits of civilization, and slept with fire-arms by us.
September 25th. "We had scarcely settled ourselves for a night's
sleep when we were aroused by the sound of an approaching body
of horsemen. It proved to be the governor with a detachment
of forty cavalry, and as many mounted infantry, in actual pursuit
of a large body of Indians, who had, the very day after we left
Matara, made a descent upon the estaucias of the neighborhood,
killed several persons, and driven off herds and flocks. They
had crossed the Salado at Bajada Sause, where we met the two
women, who again escaped, and had probably watched the move-
* This period is' always referred to in the country as the Gran Seco — Great
Drought.
PURSUIT OF INDIANS. 377
ments of our party. All was excitement and liurry ; the govern-
or would not dismount, for he hoped to intercept or overtake the
marauders by passing over to the Chaco through the lagoon, as
they would be obhged to follow the bordering plain opposite after
recrossing the river.
I requested and obtained permission to join in the chase, as we
should be compelled to await the return of the general, who de-
termined to accompany his brother. The military passed on, and
we followed as soon as horses could be found. At 9 P.M. we
were mounted, and, guided by two soldiers, commenced fording
the lagoon through which we had been toiling for some days in
the boat. Our horses floundered through mud and water, at times
up to the saddle-skirts. Now the guide almost disappeared ; then
my own horse plunged to such a depth that, ungaucho-like, I
would dismount or step aside in water over my long boots, leav-
ing the poor animal to extricate himself.* For a few yards we
had a firm bottom, and this, in the darkness, I presumed to be the
channel of the Salado.
At 11 P.M. we touched the firm land of the Chaco, and found
the governor only awaiting our appearance to begin the march.
Anxious to see all the manoeuvres in this pursuit of the savages,
I took position near General Taboado, who, at the head of the
cavalry, moved a little in advance of the infantry, which was led
by the governor. In darkness and profound silence, unbroken
except by some order given in an undej: tone, we passed over the
plain at a.walk. We were on the trail, for the scouts reported,
first, a bullock that had strayed from the stolen herd, then re-
mains of a mule, and soon after the tracks of many animals, say-
ing confidently at what hour they had passed a stated point on
the preceding day.f
At 5 A.M. on the 26th the order was given to proceed at a fast
trot. We passed a smouldering fire, with the remains of a roast-
ed bullock, and a moment later a cloud of dust was observed in
the east about a mile ahead. This was caused by the Indians fly-
* When the horse of a gaucho sinks in the mud of a pantano he never dismounts,
nor urges him on with either whip or spur, but draws up his legs, and keeps his
seat until the animal, by his own struggles, is released.
t The natives of the country have such an acute perception in distinguishing the
tracks of animals that, without hesitation and with precision, they will state the
time at which they were made, and will discriminate between those of the herds
of diiferent estancias, and the proportion of bulls, bullock's, or cows, liorscs or
mules.
378 THE FIGHT.
ing over tlie plain at Ml speed, witli a drove of horses in advance.
The general followed at a rapid gallop, passing abandoned horses
and many cattle that had strayed out from the woods, whither
they had been hurriedly driven. Twice during this run of three
hours the Indians lassoed and mounted fresh horses from the
herd. It seemed to be the work of a minute, but each time we
gained a little upon them ; and after the second change, when
within less than a quarter of a mile, a party of the savages turned,
rose to their full height upon the bare backs of their animals, as
if to count the force in pursuit, and then, with defiant whoop and
gestures, challenged them to come on. Up to this moment we
had kept pace with the general ; but not considering it my duty
to be speared, I now took a position aside to watch the fight.
There was no hesitation on the part of the handful of soldiers in
advance of the main body. They charged at a gallop. The In-
dians shook their long lances,* dashed into their midst, spearing
right and left, and wheeling suddenly, followed at full speed the
rest of their party, now almost out of sight. The cacique was
wounded, and lost his horse ; but seizing that of a wounded sol-
dier, he fled into the forest, followed by some of his men.
Orders having been given to make provision for the safety and
comfort of the soldiers who had sufifered in the skirmish, the gen-
eral continued the pursuit at half speed. We passed ricados,
horses lanced and abandoned, f cattle, the skins of animals and
other trappings ; but as ^e were a second time gaining on the
Indians, they suddenly wheeled, and dashed into the fcffest, which
they had closely skirted during the chase, abandoning their hors-
es, and disappearing as completely as if the earth had opened to
receive them. This great body of wood, extending a three days'
journey, was indeed an impregnable fortress, for its walls of vege-
tation rendered farther pursuit impossible. The result of this
skirmish and chase was the recapture of two hundred horses and
two hundred and fifty horned cattle.
As may be supposed, our horses, after floundering through a
morass, traveling all night, and without a moment's rest making
a run of 36 miles at an unbroken gallop, were fatigued. But five
minutes were allowed for a halt ; and again at 9 A.M., under a
sun of tropical intensity, we were retracing our steps over the
* The Chaco Indian never throws the lance.
t A few Indians have ricados, generally the sjioils of their forays. When they
abandon a horse broken down, under such circumstances, he is invariably lanced.
A SLEEP IN THE RAIN. 381
plain. Now tliat tlie excitement of the pursuit was over, we
were tormented by thirst. No water was to be had on the march
of that long, hot spring day ; and our bivouac for the night was
near a slightly saline marsh, in which the deep tracks of stray
cattle alone afforded a little brackish water. The sufferings of the
horses may be imagined, for they had been under the saddle
twenty hours, and in that time, with only a rest of five minutes,
had made one hundred and twenty miles. Tethered by a lasso,
the pasturage of a circle of about one hundred feet across was
now their only food. As for ourselves there was neither water,
mate, nor food ; but spite of hunger and thirst we spread our pon-
chos on the grass, and slept soundly. At daylight we were again
moving along the plain at a walk, for there were no fresh horses,
and of those recaptured from the Indians, some were unbroken,
while others were in a worse condition than our own.
This day's travel brought us to the Salado, where we had pure
fresh water and a supper of asado, the first food we had tasted for
forty hours. This was scarcely ended when the rain poured in
such torrents as to drive us to the shelter of a deserted ranch,
where we remained for some hours like packed herrings. This
close stowage was far less comfortable than the wet grass ; and at
midnight, finding the rain was over, I sjDread my India-rubber
blanket on the pampa, and soon fell into a sound sleep. In the
morning I awoke refreshed, as if my night had been passed in the
most luxurious apartment. So much for habit and the health of
this climate !
I was much impressed by the hardy, patient, endurance of the
Santiago soldiers. Their only compensation is a suit of clothes,
a ration of beef, and a little tobacco ; and yet the general told
me that they served most cheerfully, rarely deserted, and would
make a march of two or three successive days without food or
water ; and with a sack of pounded parched corn, which each
man carries behind him, would uncomplainingly pass through a
campaign of two weeks. But when meat is placed before them,
they consume the most' enormous quantities. A beeve is the
usual daily ration for twenty -five men.
In this Indian chase we passed through one hundred and thir-
ty-five miles of the Chaco over a plain or strip of rich pasture-land
five miles in breadth, which is bounded on one side by an un-
broken forest extending about one hundred and fifty miles north
and south, and on the other by the Salado. In returning from their
882 INDIAN DEPREDATIONS.
incursions into Cordova and Santiago, tlie Indians drive before
them large herds and flocks, the plunder of different estancias.
Pasturage and water are therefore all-essential; and, to secure
these thej invariably pass along this plain, coasting the Salado
as far as the lake Tostado, where they double the southeastern
termination of the forest, and taking their last draught of sweet
water, push across north to the Vermejo.
The opposite or Santiago side of the Salado was, before the
Eevolution, one of the most populous in La Plata. For hundreds
of miles pastoral establishments bordered the river, several of
them being the property of the crown, and, within the recollection
of many, the estancieros resided upon these estates. The Indians,
always defiant and hostile, were yet held somewhat in check by
the power of Spain. But after the Eevolution, encouraged by a
knowledge of the civil factions that disturbed the country, and
not unfrequently guided by army-deserters or refugees from jus-
tice, not only the tribes bordering on the Salado, but migratory
hordes from the north, poured down upon these frontier estan-
cias, killed the men, carried their wives and children into hope-
less slavery, and, driving before them herds of cattle, regained,
without molestation, the interior of the Chaco. These Indians
have never learned the use of fire-arms, and, by examining the
map, it may be seen how easily a chain of small military posts
could have protected the whole Salado country.
Fort Bracho, the eastern frontier post of Santiago, about one
and a half miles west of the old position, and in latitude 28° 21'
15" south, longitude 63° 12' west, is simply a collection of well-
constructed mud houses, surrounded by a palisade of stout que-
bracho trunks fifteen feet high. It is commanded by a major,
but its use as a military post may be doubted in witnessing the
impunity with which the savages continue their forays. The
revenues of the state estancias, formerly the crown property, on
this river, would at one time have been fully adequate for the de-
fense of the frontier, had they been properly applied by the last
governor under Rosas,
The boat was again transported to ISTarvicha,* six leagues south-
east from Fort Bracho and the eastern extremity of the lagoon.
From thence I proposed to continue my exploration, accompanied
by the governor and a detachment of fifty mounted infantry.
* All proper names here introduced indicate points in the wilderness once known
as estancias.
THE SALADO. 383
"We reached it at sunset on the 1st of October. Instead of an
asado of beef we had for supper delicious wild fowl, which abound
in the islets of the lagoon.
October 2c?. We again launched our craft on the Bocaron de
Narvicha, a stream which branches oif from the Salado, in the la-
goon, and rejoins the main channel at Sandia Paso, in latitude
28° 43' 08", longitude 62° 58', nine miles by land and double that
distance by water. It had five feet water, but was much obstruct-
ed by fallen trees. The banks on both sides were fringed with
algorrobas, vinal, and chanar.* Unmistakable marks on banks
and trees indicated a rise at high water of six feet above the pres-
ent level. We soon overtook the men dispatched ahead to make
an opening for us, but from that time till sunset advanced slowly.
We enjoyed amazingly our asado and the warmth of the bivouac
fires around which we settled for the night ; but the rain soon
after poured in torrents, and obliged us to seek shelter under the
dense fohage of the trees, which were a poor protection against
such an outpouring of the clouds, continuuig throughout the
night.
October Sd. Under way at an early hour, we soon reached Paso
Sandia, the encampment of the general, who honored our arrival
with a " came con ci^ero."f A little beyond this the Salado flowed
on, a weU-defined and unobstructed stream, about sixty feet wide
and from four to six in depth ; current half a mile ; banks low,
abrupt, and indicating a rise of five feet above the present level
at the season of high water. At Paso Sandia I found in the sur-
face-soil vast quantities of the minute fresh- water shells seen fif-
teen and twenty feet below it at Matara. I had now passed over
the most difficult part of the Salado in a boat, and had seen enough
to convince me of the practicability of its navigation. But this
cutting a passage through overhanging and fallen trees promised
to be a work of more time than I could well spare ; so, relying
upon the assurance of the governor's guide, that our course lay
directly along it, and that I could touch it at any point, I determ-
ined to join his Excellency's party, and proceed by land. We
moved along on the right bank, and occasionally tried the depth
of the stream by fording or bathing.
October Ath. The Salado was now a beautiful and well-defined
stream, following a general direction of southeast, through a gi-assy
* An infusion of the leaves of the chanar is considered in that country an infal-
lible cure for dropsy. f Beef roasted in the skin.
384 THE PAMPA.
pampa, belted for miles by noble mimosge ; again its banks were
not wooded, but fringed with luxuriant alfalfa, the bright yellow
blossoms contrasting gayly with the deep rich green of the grass.
At sunset we had made twenty-five miles in a right line, which
might be estimated at double that distance by the course of the
river. As we advanced, the adjacent lands were undulating,
presenting considerable grassy elevations for a pampa country.
Winding through it was a broad, verdant, and meadow-like belt,
which looked as if it might once have been the bed of a river.
October 6th. We passed over a fine undulating pampa, carpeted
as far as the eye could reach with the most luxuriant alfalfa, the
Salado winding through it, a bright placid stream skirted by trees.
The algorroba, in some parts of La Plata a small bushy tree,
was here superb in size and foliage, and as clear of undergrowth
and dead limbs as if carefully trimmed. I enjoyed the sunset
glories of that spring day, and an hour's rest upon a grassy eleva-
tion, from which I viewed the picturesque groups of dark-visaged
gauchos. Some were bringing water from the river, others seek-
ing fuel, and many gathered around the bivouac fires watching
the asado. The atmosphere was resplendently clear, and the air
soft, balmy, and redolent of the fragrance of alfalfa, through which
the horses and cattle waded to their bellies. I thought I had nev-
er seen a fairer pastoral region. It was once inclosed as the Es-
tancia Dona Lorenza, one among the most celebrated in La Plata.
Posts dotted the plain, and traces of canals, by which the water
of the Salado was conducted through the lands for irrigation, were
the only vestiges of former occupation. Except some miserable
captive, not a white man had passed here within the last quarter
of a century.
October 6th. From the Estancia Dona Lorenza, which is in lati-
tude 29° 05' 13" south, longitude 62° 48' west, we traveled twen-
ty-three miles, making eighty-three from Fort Bracho. I found
the characteristics of river and bordering land varying but little
from those noted the 5th. In the course of the day it was repeat-
edly crossed by fording, touched at every bend, and bathed in at
the close of the day's work. It has a width of about eighty feet,
and a depth of from four to six. The banks showed no washing ;
I therefore concluded that, even at the season of high water, there
is very little current, and now it was scarcely perceptible. But
this may be ascribed somewhat to the early rains eastward and to
the "repunte" of the Parana, which had backed the waters up so
ABANDONED ESTANCIAS. 385
far as to neutralize the current and increase the depth of the Sa-
lado to nearly its maximum.
October 1th. Our bivouac fires for the night were close to the
river, and near a skirting of fine quebrachos, one mile below
Paso de Coria, in latitude 29° 13' 42" south, longitude 62° 34' 30"
west. I observed during the day no obstructions to navigation.
There was scarcely any current ; the waters were clear ; and as
the river coursed through its green banks, so uniform was its
width that it looked like a grand canal. Could we have remain-
ed one month longer at Monte Aguara, I beheve we might have
ascended to Sandia Paso in the Yerba. The plain abounds in a
plant, the "caqueja;"* and in other parts of the province there
grows a small tree, the "melancillo," which is highly valued for
the medicinal properties of its root in cases of diarrhoea.
October 8th. Bivouacked at Monte Tigre, latitude 29° 22' 32"
south, longitude 62° 22' west, near a grove of nandubay, the first
I had seen upon this river ; it is of the mimosa family, and not
unlike the algorroba in foliage, but the trunk is larger and straight-
er, and the bark is very rough.
We passed at every mile or two marks of abandoned estancias.
At Viuda, formerly a rich cattle farm, we met a detachment of
twenty soldiers from a military post of the Dulce. The governor
had ordered them to join him here, for he was now in pursuit of
the Indians who had made the last foray into Santiago. Among
the soldiers was one who acted as guide or vaqueano. He knew
every bend and ford of the Salado, having recently escaped from
the Chaco after a captivity of many years among the Indians, who
carried him off when he was quite a child.
In the evening the wind was from the south, very fresh, and
the rain continuous, pouring in such torrents that ponchos, horse-
blankets, etc., formed into a tent, under which the general, Mr.
Murdaugh, and Cornelius crept with us, made but a poor pro-
tection. Musquitoes, close stowage, and a leaky roof were no
provocatives to sleep ; but in such sheets did the water continue
to fall, that we kept in our quarters until 10 o'clock A.M. of the
next morning.
On the 9th we made but fifteen miles, passing numbers of aban-
doned estancias. The whole country was entirely destitute of
wood ; not a bush was to be seen, but the alfalfa was rich and
* A tea made of its leaves is, the governor tells me, an infallible remedy for ve-
nereal diseases.
25
386 THEOUGH THE MUD.
fresli; as in a sea we waded through it. This was the beginning
of the rainy season, which had set in much earlier than usuaL
As we advanced southeast the river was full and the lands im-
mediately adjacent almost impassable. The beginning of the
night was clear. We had no supper, not even a mate ; for there
could not be found fuel enough to boil a little water. Not so,
however, with our horses ; it was pleasant to see them luxuriat-
ing in the alfalfa. Myriads of musquitoes and rain — such floods
as pour down in these countries during the season — drive away
sleep ; but on a clear night these pampa apartments, with their
starry frescoes, are not bad. A man could scarcely desire a soft-
er bed than the fragrant clover. Our rest was short. At 1 A.M.
on the 10th we were in the saddle. Again the rain poured in
torrents, and, although it was the second spring month, I shiver-
ed ; for my India-rubber poncho was a good protection from rain,
but a very poor one from cold.
The object of this early move was to surprise a toldo near La-
guna Abipones. We had gone but a short distance when we
reached the borders of a pantano. As it was very dark and rain-
ing hard, the guides thought it prudent to wait for daylight be-
fore attempting to cross ; so we remained, even in the darkness a
black shadow on the borders of the morass. With the first streak
of day we were floundering through mud and water, one taking
his own way, another closely following the guide. On we went,
plunging, whooping, yelling, laughing at our own or others' mis-
fortunes ; for some were fixtures, imbedded like fossils, or so
firmly planted that they looked as if destined to remain, like the
estancia posts, monuments of the life that had passed away ; oth-
ers turned somersets over their horses' heads, regaining their feet
only to sink knee-deep in the soft mud. After toiling for two
hours through the swamp, we touched terra firma, and reached
our halting- place, Islita Chanar,* at 7 A.M. on the 11th, having
been in the saddle six hours. Here it was deemed expedient to
refresh both horses and men, preparatory to another Indian chase.
Fearing that the savages would discover our approach the cook-
ing fires were kindled behind a grove of chanar and kept very
low.
After a rest of a few hours we were again in the saddle, and
following as closely as we could the windings of the river. Islas
of wood, generally chanar, alone broke the monotony of the pam-
* Groves of wood which, on the naked pampa, have the appearance of islands.
FIGHT AT THE PASO MISTOL. 387
pa ; the alfalfa was every where exuberant in its growth. Al-
though the governor antieipated a fight with the Indians, before
leaving Islita de Chanar he nailed his card against a tree, invit-
ing a jMrlamento (talk) — a mode of invitation well understood b}^
the savages.
After advancing six miles the scouts returned and reported
stray cattle and horses. We were undoubtedly on the trail.
" They passed day before yesterday toward the Paso de Tostado,"
said the vaqueanos. The men judged from tracks of the animals,
and spoke without hesitation. The general based his movements
as confidently on their report as if they had come from the midst
of the savages.
We had made about eight miles when, passing a fire, it was
presumed that the Indians were in our neighborhood; and the
soldiers were ordered to advance at a full gallop to Palo Negro,
a belting of that wood. Here we came in sight of a number of
horses and cattle on the Chaco side of the Salado. The men dash-
ed down to the river, stripped off their clothing, again mounted,
lance in hand, swam across, encircled the animals, and, driving
them ahead, regained the opposite bank at the moment that a
party of about forty Indians, with a war-whoop, issued from be-
hind a grove of chaiiar, and made for the Paso Mistol. The grove
of chaiiar in which their toldo was pitched had concealed from
them our approach. Extending for some distance on the Chaco
bank was a thin growth of bushes, and beyond, parallel with it,
a slight elevation. Op. nearing the Paso the Indians threw them-
selves down behind the bushes, which, with the long grass, pro-
tected them from the unskillful firing of the soldiers, although the
distance was not more than thirty yards. Volley after volley was
fired into their midst, and after each, one, two, or three of them
would rise, and with lightning speed escape amid a shower of
buUets, seemingly unharmed. After blazing away for some time
the general directed the interpreter to ask them if they would
surrender. "Never! San Antonio for ever!" was the cacique's
reply. The firing was kept up, and the Indians, apparently un-
touched, continued to disappear over the hill. I began to think
that the whole party had escaped, when one rose up, whose appear-
ance was hailed by a shout and a volley; he fell flat upon his
face, as if struck, but in another instant was upon his feet. There
was a second round, and again he fell, only to rise again untouch-
ed. Up to this moment I remained quietly on my horse, rather
388 THE WOULD-BE CAPTIVE.
an amused spectator of the firing, for the gaucho soldier is more
skillful with the lasso than with the gun, and the Indians believe
that their musket-balls may be dodged. The general now turned
to me, and said hurriedly,
" Commandante ! that is a Cordovase, and a noted reprobate,
a villain, a traitor !"
I raised my carbine, and, as the man gained the top of the
grassy hillock behind which he would have escaped in another
minute, fired, not to kill, but to stop his headway. In an instant
he fell upon his knees, and the same moment, throwing up his
arms, implored mercy, exclaiming "50^ cautivd''' ("I am a cap-
tive")— meaning that he had been carried off by the Indians.
The soldiers were now ordered to the Chaco, and the next min-
ute the river was covered with half-naked gauchos swimming
over. After all this expenditure of ammunition, but two dead In-
dians were found, and the white man, who was wounded in the
fleshy part of the thigh, and who at the approach of the soldiers
exclaimed, " Spare me ! I am a captive." This announcement
was received by the men with a loud and derisive laugh. He
was known as a native of Cordova ; and when dyed with crime
had escaped justice by joining the Indians, for whom he had acted
as guide in several recent forays. Parties sent out to scour the
country on the Chaco side found the toldo, which, from its size,
indicated a greater number of Indians than we had supposed, and
the articles left behind showed that they had been surprised.
This explained the game of the savages at the Paso Mistol, who
engaged the attention of their pursuers to insure the escape of
the women and children.
The alfalfa of this section of the country was extraordinarily
rich, and the Indians had probably anticipated remaining here a
long time with their herds, little dreaming of the least disturbance
after having for more than a quarter of a century enjoyed the un-
interrupted range of the pampa across the Salado. A number of
earthen utensils were found, and some few articles recognized as
the spoils of their recent expedition ; for as the guides asserted,
they were the marauders who watched the movements of our
party at Bajada Sause, and had advanced two days ahead of us.
Among other articles found in their tents were a manta and a
head-dress of the cacique. The latter was a sort of helmet, sur-
rounded by ostrich feathers ; the manta was made of a soft flexi-
ble hide, and covered with feathers.
BUKIAL OF THE DEAD. 39I
The day's work closed with the capture of about one hundred
horses and thirty milch cows, attended, however, with the loss of
one of the soldiers, who had engaged in the j)ursuit, and was
mortally wounded in single combat with a powerful Indian. I
shall never forget the expression of that poor dying man's face,
as with glazed eye and drooping head he was brought on horse-
back to the Paso, seated behind a comrade. Young, of fine mus-
cular development, and full of fire, he had been among the first
to reach the Chaco. In less than an hour the spirit had fled, and
the soldier was buried beneath a quebracho. The two bodies
of the Indians were put into a hide "balsa,"* as if they had been
slaughtered bullocks, and then thrown out on the opposite pam-
pa, for on the part of the gaucho there is toward the Indian a
deeply-seated hatred. The wounded Cordovase was carried over
with very little more ceremony. The creature appealed to me in
the most beseeching terms to extract the ball from his thigh;
finding that impossible, he, with the same voice and manner, im-
plored me to give him a cigar. At sight of the bodies of the
Indians he broke out into wild and fearful curses. " They had
brought him," he said, "to this state," by forcing him to act as
their guide. He was an admirable actor, but did not at all im-
pose upon the general, who knew that he was a " vaqueano volun-
tarioy The youthful captives of the savages are sometimes forced
into their service as guides, but our prisoner, being well known,
was delivered up for punishment to the Governor of Cordova.
We encamped for the night under a skirting of wood near Paso
Mistol, which is in latitude 29° 16' 03" south, longitude 61° 15'
west. The rain fell in torrents, but I slept through the whole of
it under cover of my India-rubber poncho, and on the morning
of the 12th was astir at an early hour, and ready for another day's
ride.
12th. A short distance below the Paso the Salado makes a re-
markable circuit : from east it winds to southwest, north to north-
east, making .within four points every course of the compass ; its
general direction is southeast. After progressing eight miles, we
halted for breakfast at Monte del Muerte, so called because a short
time before our visit a female captive had been put to death for
attempting to escape. The frame-work of an abandoned toldo
here was tied together by the long hair of a white woman. At
* A Salado balsa is a hide caupjht up at the four corners by a rojie of the same
material, or a polo, and guided across the river by madadores (swimmers).
392 THE LOWER SALADO.
sunset we halted near the Monte Cueva de Lobo.* It was evident
that we were to pass another rainy night ; but, making a joint pro-
tection of ponchos, we covered a snug tent, under which we slept
soundly.
This was the lowest point that we reached on the Salado ; a
great disappointment to me, for I was anxious to join my work
with that completed to Monte Aguara. I have alluded to one of
our guides as having lived for many years among the Indians.
The governor expressed perfect confidence in the veracity and
intelligence of this man, who, during his captivity, had passed re-
peatedly along the banks of the Salado from Sandia Paso to Monte
Aguara, and had crossed and recrossed at various parts of it. I
accepted his declaration that the characteristics of the river to the
latter point were similar to those noted in the last two days ; but
to assure myself doubly, I questioned him as to its appearance at
and a little below Monte Aguara. His answers corresponded per-
fectly with my notes. From Sandia Paso to Monte Cueva de
Lobo, 134 miles, I had kept along the right bank, and followed
nearly every bend of the river south. I forded it repeatedly,
halted near it each night, and in returning crossed at Paso Mistol,
and followed the left or Chaco bank in the same manner; had
there been any obstacle to a continuous navigation, it could not
have escaped me. The formation of the country through which
it courses forbids the idea of reefs or falls.f
But I have not explained why it was impossible to proceed.
The rains had not only set in very early, for they begin generally
in November, but, eastward, were unusually heavy. The govern-
or, anxious as myself to unite the two explorations, sent an officer
with a detachment of soldiers, guided by the man before mention-
ed, to note the condition of the country. After an absence of
twenty-four hours they returned and reported the river full al-
most to the level of its banks, and the adjacent pantanos impassa-
ble. With great difficulty they had extricated two of their horses.
To have followed a circuitous route would have defeated the ob-
jects in view ; added to this, the governor's provisions were low,
and the men on half rations. The heavy rains east had complete-
ly neutralized the current of the Salado at this section of it ; but
* So called from a small animal, the loho (seal), which abounds in this place.
t While engaged in writing these lines I received the letter that is given in an-
other chapter from Governor Taboado. It will be seen that the Salado is, as I
declared, navigable thronghoxit its course.
THE RETUKN. 393
I was not quite prepared for the statement of a scout, wlio, before
we set out on this exploration, had been sent to watch the move-
ments of the Indians, and who stated that not far from Sandia
Paso " the current was running up." I presumed that the man
had been perplexed by the sinuosities of the river, and had mis-
taken doicn for up, but I afterward discovered that the assertion
had some truth in it. The rains east were so heavy that the sup-
ply of water from that direction was far greater than from its up-
per sources in the western Cordilleras of Salta, and for a time — so
little declivity has the bed of the Salado — that the movement
seemed to be not from the west, but the east. The estimated di-
rect coui'se from Bracho to Monte Cueva de Lobo was 168 miles,
and by the windings of the stream double that distance.
By observation the following are the distances in a right line
between the jDoints made by uS : From Estancia Taboado to Ma-
tara, 51 miles ; from Matara to Bracho, 88 ; Bracho to Narvicha,
17 ; Narvicha to Mistol, 69 ; Mistol to Monte Aguara, 81 ; Monte
Aguara to Santa Fe, 88.
The relative distances in a right line and by the course of the
river may be thus estimated : From Estancia Taboado to Matara,
in a right line, 51 miles ; by the river, 110. This may be as-
sumed as a very good standard by which to judge of the others,
with the exception of that between Monte Aguara and Santa Fe,
which by the river is within a fraction of being four times greater.
On the 14th of October — one month from the time we had
launched our boat upon the Salado at Estancia Taboado — we be-
gan to retrace our steps from Monte Cueva de Lobo.
394 A CORDON OF PORTS.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Crossing at Paso Mistol. — A Cordon of Posts. — Paso la Torre. — A Wild-goat
Chase. — Navigation of the Salado* — Sefiora Mendez. — Sleep in the Open Air. —
Reservoirs of Water. — Drought. — Arrival at Santiago. — A Ball. — Toasts. —
Fine Dancing. — River Dulce. — Road to Tucuman. — Approach the Andes. —
Woodland. — Rio Tala. — Mountains. — Scenery. — Arrival at Tucuman. — Hotels
in La Plata. — Dr. Priestly. — Sugar-Plantation. — Molasses, Sugar, and Rum Es-
tablishment.— Cultivation of the Sugar-cane. — A Dinner at Senor Zavalier's. —
Sefiora and her Daughters. — A Ride into the Country. — Scenery. — Dinner and
Ball at the Governor's. — Beauty of Spanish-American Women. — Province of
Tucuman. — The Capital. — Progress. — Statistics. — Cultivation. — Start for Salta.
— Valleys. — Productive Capacity of the Soil. — Wheat. — Mountain Road. — Posta
Romero. — The foiled Post-master. — Alimana. — Grassy Basin. — Destitute Post-
master.— Valley Chiguano. — Upper Waters of the Salado. — Products of Valley
Chiguano. — River Rosario. — Ford the Arrias. — Arrive at Salta.
October 15th. At Paso Mistol a hide taken from the frame-work
of a toldo was in a few minutes converted into a balsa, in wliicii
we crossed the Salado, having determined to follow the Chaco side
some distance in order to avoid patanos and observe the north-
ern vueltas of the river in returning to Santiago.
The men swam over with the horses. We found a few half-
starved howling dogs still hanging around the deserted toldo, and
the skeletons of the two Indians who had been killed in the fight
with the governor's soldiers bleaching upon the plain. The ca-
ranchas had stripped them of every particle of flesh. Six miles
from the Paso we reached the little lake Tostado, which, from be-
ing one of the never-failing sources of fresh water in the country,
is invariably passed by the Indians during their incursions into
the provinces. This is the point for a strong military post. After
I had completed the exploration of the Salado I addressed a note
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Argentine Confedera-
tion, Don Juan Maria Gutierrez, expressing my views as to the
importance of a cordon of posts to extend from the Parana, nine
miles below Groya, to this lake, which would, I think, effectually
confine the Indians to the Chaco north of that line, and reclaim
from their devastations the finest districts of three states. Such
an establishment would render entirely unnecessary the mainten-
ance of those now existing, and would therefore entail no addi-
tional annual expenditure upon the government. Senor Gutier-
NAVIGATION OF THE SALADO 395
rez wrote in reply, thanking me in tlie name of tlie President for
my suggestions, which he thought would be adopted, as they ac-
corded with his Excellency's preconceived notions on the subject.
From the lake — our road being one usually taken by the In-
dians— was a well-beaten track through a plain clothed with the
finest grasses, and, both inland and skirting the Salado, wooded
with algorroba and quebracho. There was not a sign of human
occupation or a sound to indicate an appro'ach to the scenes of
man's industry. The rainy season had fairly set in, and for sev-
eral nights we slept upon the ground with only the protection of
India-rubber ponchos. The incessant drenching to which I was
exposed disturbed me, however, less than the myriads of musqui-
toes that swarm the river courses of the pampas at that season.
On the 16th we still followed the grassy campo, here about
seven miles wide, and bounded west by the great forest to which
I have alluded ; while to the left flowed the Salado, its course
marked by a wooded belting. Toward evening we reached that
part of the plain to which the soldiers pursued the Indians on the
25th of the past month, when they so suddenly disapj)eared in the
depths of the wood.
Before crossing the river at Paso la Torre we chased a " cor-
zuela," the wild goat of the country, which so closely resembles
the small deer that, at a short distance, it might be readily mis-
taken for one.. Notwithstanding the jaded condition of our horses
we kept up with the gauchos, who, the moment they espied the
little animal, dashed after it at full speed. But, fleet as the deer,
it sped over the plain, gaining the river and swimming to the op-
posite bank before the horsemen were once near enough to throw
the bolas or lasso.
On the 17th, with fresh horses and two guides furnished by the
governor, we started at an early hour in a heavy rain, and reached
Bracho the middle of the same day.
I here ended my examination of the lower waters of the Salado,
and feel no hesitation in saying that a steamer properly construct-
ed for this river navigation could ascend, the greater part of the
year, from Santa Fe to Navicha. The only obstructions — grass
or fallen trees — could be readily removed, without great loss of
time, by a boat's crew. But there is no reason why Navicha
should be the head of navigation. By removing tortora and bar-
ricados, Matara would be quite as accessible and a much more
central point, being but forty-one miles from the town of Santia-
396
DON PESADO MENDEZ.
OATIOHO.
go, in a right line, one hundred and fifty-three from Tucuman,
and one hundred and twenty-eight from Sandia Paso by the river,
making the entire distance from Santa Fe to Matara five hund-
red and eighty-seven nautical miles. By ascending the Salado
even to Navicha, the time now consumed in the land route from
Santa Fe to Tucuman would be diminished at least three fourths,
and the expense of transportation — deducting a large profit — one
half.
After obtaining observations of verification we left Bracho, and
on the same evening arrived at the ranch of Don Pesado Mendez.
We found a humble little thatched house of one room, with a
shed in front ; for here, as in other districts of Santiago, the in-
habitants during the dry season sleep in the open air, and trouble
themselves little about in-door arrangements. Senora Mendez
gave us an excellent supper of hominy and lamb, and the Don
offered me the use of his hide cot. We passed, in our ride from
Bracho, some fine fields of wheat and corn, but many of the
ranchos were deserted, their owners being still at Matara or con-
cealed in the wood, whither they had fled from the last attack of
the Indians. It was a melancholy spectacle to see a country thus
AKRIVAL AT SANTIAGO. 397
desolated, and after witnessing tlae courage with whicli the San-
tiaganians pursued the Indians and received a charge from them
on the plain, I may repeat what Dobrizhoffer noted a hundred
years ago : " The mhabitants of the district of Santiago are dis-
tinguished ahke for the greatness of their valor and the scantiness
of their means in war against the savages."
After some little detention at Matara, arising from the difficulty
of obtaining horses, we continued our journey, and at two o'clock
arrived at the ranch of an old man, who, though disturbed in his
first nap, proved good-natured and hospitable to the extent of his
means. Fortunately, at this moment one of the postillions, a good
fellow and a shrewd provident caterer, produced from his trav-
ehng stores half of a kid, upon which we made a sumptuous
feast. The master of the ranch offered me his cot, but I preferred
the grass. The rain beating in my face awakened me at 4 A.M.,
and with the dawn we were in the saddle, Cornelius having first
performed the important function of ministering to us the mate.
October 18th. We had now entered a region neither artificially
irrigated nor as yet refreshed by the commencement of the peri-
odical rains. The grass was brown and the vegetation generally
so blighted that the country would have presented a desolate ap-
pearance but for the fine woodlands that intersected it. The
quebracho-trees were the loftiest I had yet seen in the Confedera-
tion. In this district I saw for the first time enormous reservoirs
for the collection of rain-water. They are mere excavations pro-
tected by embankments of earth ; one of a hundred feet in diam-
eter, by a depth of twelve, affords an unfailing supply to a large
number of cattle. At the estancia of Don Francisco Santiago,
who was largely engaged in rearing mules, was one of still great-
er dimensions,. "We dined with this gentleman, whose household
was most comfortably arranged, and presided over by a wife and
two pretty daughters.
Through some mismanagement the governor's orders to furnish
us with fresh horses had not been received, and we were compelled
to make the last fifty-one miles of this journey upon the same
animals which, unaware of the difficulty in obtaining others, we
had ridden in the early part of the day twenty miles at half speed.
They held out, however, and on reaching Santiago at 9 P.M. we
rode directly to the residence of the governor, who had not yet
arrived, but we were most kindly received by his brother Don
Gaspar.
398 START FOR TUCUMAN.
No representation of a want of time or dress appropriated to
such an occasion would be received by the Santiaganians as an
excuse for declining the honor of a public ball. On the 24th I
met at the government-house all the beauty and fashion of Santi-
ago, and most lovely were some of the women. The music, re-
freshments, indeed all the arrangements of this ball were admira-
ble ; and when daylight peered through the latticed blinds the
gay assembly had by no means diminished. Waltzes, polkas, and
mazurkas were all introduced in the course of the evening ; but I
was charmed with the fedral, the gario, and other Spanish dances,
in which the grace of the women was inimitable. At the supper-
table Don Francisco Archibal, in referring to the occasion of the
ball, alluded also to the progress and prosperity of the United
States, and the obligation our government had conferred upon
their country by the happy results of the expedition sent to ex-
amine into its river system.
On the 27th I started for Tucuman, accompanied for a short
distance by some of the most prominent citizens of Santiago. Our
road for six leagues lay along the south side of the Dulce, which
throughout that distance is very unvarying in width and other
characteristics. It is a quarter of a mile wide, and intersected by
numerous sand-flats, which interrupt the regular course of the
channel ; current two miles ; banks low. During the rise, which
is from ten to twelve feet, the bordering lands for some distance
on both sides are often inundated. Judging from the appearance
of its bed and the number of streams that disembogue in this riv-
er, its volume of water must exceed that of the Salado, and yet it
is represented as losing itself in the Lake Porongas. The adjacent
country is well wooded with algorroba, vinal, and quebracho ; the
open lands are populous and cultivated ; the soil is a rich dark
alluvium, covering a friable limestone.
Leaving the river, we passed through a sandy district abound-
ing in Salinas — shallow, being lakes which are, during the season
of drought, converted by solar evaporation into fields of a fine
quality of snow-white salt. At 9 P.M. we reached Gramilla, hav-
ing made twenty-two leagues. It was a clear Ibright night, and,
as usual, we slept in the open air, with poncho and saddle for bed
and bedding. But our rest was disturbed by a party of musi-
cians at the posta, who, with an untuned harp, a rustic guitar, and
singing, made more noise than harmony.
October 28th. After mate and milk fresh from the cow we were
APPROACH THE MOUNTAINS. 399
again in the saddle at 6 A.M., and at the distance of four leagues
made Bargual, a settlement of a few houses near the dividing line
between Santiago and Tucuman. From Gramilla to Bargual there
was some wheat growing, of apparently ^cellent quality, which
yielded, I was told, fifteen bushels to the acre. Where not in-
closed for culture, the face of the country was verdant with fine
pastures, which were overspread with herds of cattle and flocks
of sheep — a change not due to artificial irrigation, but to the prox-
imity of the mountains.
From Bargual we approached in a westerly course the mount-
ains. They are a continuation of the range known as the Sierras
of Cordova, at the base of which, upon a broad, well-watered, and
fruitful plain, is the capital of Tucuman. In the distance rose the
mountains of Catamarca, presenting at first the appearance of a
heap of clouds ; and again, as we advanced, of an island at sea,
the base of which is yet hid below the horizon.
Before crossing the Dulce, or Tala, which courses a mile and a
half east of the city of Tucuman, we passed through a fine tract
of woodland. The air was redolent with the perfame of acacias
through a natural avenue of which the road lay. But rising
above all minor growth of mimosoe was the cevil — as embellishing
to its native forests as useful in the industrial establishments of
the country. Its smooth, tall, limbless trunk has an umbrella-
shaped crowning, every bough and twig of which is completely
hidden by a mass of deep green fringed foliage, and at the season
of bloom by clusters of delicate white flowers. In this forest ride
we had the enlivenment of nature's, gay -plumaged vocalists, and,
as in many parts of La Plata, trunks and limbs of trees were
inwrapped and festooned with beautiful climbing plants. The
dews are very copious, and their refreshing influence, as well as
that of an admirable system of natural and artificial irrigation by
a distribution of the waters of the Dulce, or Tala, was very ap-
parent in the increased exuberance and activity of vegetation.
Weary of the monotony of grassy levels, imposingly grand, re-
freshing to all the senses was the panorama of mountains that
opened before us as we emerged from the forest. These were not
the insulated masses or the hillocks of the pampas, but parts of a
, great system — a section of the Andean ranges. Now clearly de-
fined, the Sierras of Catamarca, their highest summits white with
perpetual snows, bounded the horizon west, and from them ex-
tended east, diminishing in height with the regularity of successive
400 TUCUMAN.
steps, a series of sierras and serranias. ISTortli, and some two or
three miles from the city, opened a broad longitudinal valley, in-
closed west by the principal range, and east by a detached ele-
vation. The serranias, with their bare but verdant summits and
slopes clothed with majestic forests, had all the stately proportion
of mountains ; and between them were grassy ridges several hund-
red feet in height, sloping gently to lateral valleys, watered by
many small rivers which find an outlet in the Tala at distances
varying from one to twelve leagues. These tributaries, named in
succession from Tucmnan south, are the Lules, Colorado, Farma-
illa, Aranilla, Mondolo, Montaro, Pueblo, Viego Seco, Conven-
tilla, Eamado, Medcinas, Chico, Marapa, and Senor Francisco. It
is at the confluence of this last named stream with the Dulce that
this river assumes the name of Hondo, which it retains until it
enters the province of Santiago.
Fatigued by a long day's ride under an almost vertical sun, we
entered the city of Tucuman, rode directly to the plaza, and in-
quired for the fonda (tavern). After some hesitation we were di-
rected to a gloomy -looking building, distinguished by the sign of
a chicken-cock ; but our disappointment may be imagined when
we were told that no quarters were to be had. There are few
hotels in these provinces, and it is the custom for travelers to be
passed from one town to another by friends and acquaintances
through letters of introduction. I had been furnished with many
such passports from Santiaganians, and though enjoined to present
them, I was unwilling to impose a party of three on the hospi-
tality of a private family without first trying to procure rooms.
Having heard that there was an English physician residing in
Tucuman, to his house I next turned from the sign of the chicken-
cock. We found the residence of Dr. Priestly, and of a person
who opened the door I inquired for '■'■el Senor Medico^ Softer
and more grateful than the Pasa adelcmte of the Spanish was the
cheerful " Walk in. Sir" of an honest-faced Enghshman, To make
any port in a storm was with me, in my wanderings, an establish-
ed rule; but here we "came to" in a snug harbor — the home of
as fine a specimen of an English gentleman as can be found among
the lady sovereign's subjects. Most noble, and beautiful, and im-
pressive was our mother tongue in those remote regions, from the .
lips of a perfect stranger, who invited us with such unhesitating
cordiality to " share the discomforts of my temporary bachelor
estabhshment."
A SUGAR PLANTATION. 401
A few montlis before our arrival, Dr. Priestly, in crossing the
continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, had stopped at
Tucuman, where he was induced to establish himself for the prac-
tice of his profession. He is a man of finished education and fine
manners, and so popular was he personally, and so esteemed as a
surgeon, that the calls upon him for professional service day and
night would have given full occupation to two more physicians.
He was well and punctually paid; and although he considered
himself but a temporary resident, the really pleasant society of
the mountain city and its fine climate will probably enchain the
doctor for many years to come.
I had scarcely shaken off a little of the dust of travel, when
several of the most prominent of the citizens of Tucuman called
and begged me to consider their " houses at my disposition." At
a later hour two gentlemen came to invite us to a ball at the gov-
ernor's— an honor which, from fatigue, I declined.
October 29th. Visited the governor, Don Jose Maria de Campo,
and was presented by the Minister of State, Senor Posd. Here,
as in Santiago, I found it quite unnecessary to enter into any ex-
planation as to the object of my visit to the western states, for
news of the expedition had preceded my arrival, and the recep-
tion given me by his Excellency was most flattering.
On the afternoon of the same day I rode some two and a half
miles in the country to visit the sugar-plantation of a wealthy
citizen of Tucuman. This property is between the first step of
the sierra, west, and the city ; and though the road to it lay
through what was to the eye a horizontal plain, by observing the
streams of water, I found that it sloped upward the whole dis-
tance. After riding over a large part of the estate, which em-
braced several square leagues, and was irrigated by a network of
miniature aqueducts, we visited the estabhshment connected with
it, from which the Tucumanos derive their chief supplies of sugar,
rum, and molasses. The machinery used was of the rudest de-
scription; indeed there was none save upright wooden rollers,
and there was not only great loss in expressing the saccharine
matter, but very unnecessary labor and expense incurred in ob-
taining fuel and removing the refuse cane to a distance. The
owner of this property seemed to be unaware of a more economi-
cal system, and expressed some astonishment when I told him
that in other countries the refuse cane constituted the chief fuel
on the largest sugar-plantations. The sirup was poured into
26
402 DINNER AT SENOR ZAVALIER'S.
conical jars, placed with the apex downward, and open, but suf-
ficiently obstructed to admit of the filtration of the treacle ; leaving
the sugar a solid mass moulded to the form of the jar, and ready
for use. The cane is planted in May, and first crop cut in July,
the following year ; but from this product molasses and rum alone
are made.
The country between the Dulce and the serranias west of it is
most admirably adapted to the culture of the sugar-cane and rice,
not only from soil and cHmate, but also from the many and never-
failing rivulets that intersect it, and from which the most exten-
sive system of irrigation could be carried out. In the immediate
vicinity of the city, plantations of one and a half to two leagues,
possessing every advantage of wood and water, are valued at
$3000, and they diminish in price in proportion to their distance
from the capital. Sugar made in the neighborhood is sold in
Tucuman at twelve and fifteen cents the pound ; but the supply
is inadequate to the demand. Laborers are as much needed here
as in other parts of the Confederation, save Santiago ; and, with
their introduction and that of improved machinery,* the State of
Tucuman could not only supply the home demand, but that of
neighboring provinces with sugar and rice. The value of land is
said to have greatly increased since the adoption of the present
constitution and the union of the states. Laborers command six
dollars per month.
October SOth. I received a visit from Don Sebastiano Zavalier,
which was followed by an invitation to a dinner at his house,
where, on the SOth, I met a large company of the leading citizens
of the place. The remoteness of Tucuman from all other centres
of civilization, even in La Plata, must be my excuse for alluding
specially to this entertainment, all the arrangements of which were
as elegant as could be met with in the well-appointed mansions of
any country. A variety of native and foreign wines of fine qual-
ity circulated freely. Our host gave us his toast: "The three
great epochs in the country's history : the independence, the fall
of Kosas, and the discovery of the navigability of the Salado."
Other complimentary speeches and sentiments followed. The
Constitution of the United States was named as the model after
* In compliance with a. promise made at the time, I have, since my return, sent
to a gentleman of Tucuman, who was anxious to introduce improved machinery for
making sugar, cleaning rice, etc., the published catalogue of one of the most ex-
tensive manufacturers of machinery in this country.
A RIDE IN THE COUNTRY. 403
which their own had been framed ; our government as the earli-
est to recognize their independence ; and our explorations as the
first to establish the fact of their possessing an outlet to the At-
lantic by a navigable river. I replied in a speech which was, I
fear, only remarkable for the indifferent Spanish in which it was
expressed. After cigars and coffee we repaired to the drawing-
room — a cool spacious apartment opening upon the patio — where
I was presented to Senora Zavalier and her two pretty daughters.
The musical talent of the latter astonished me, for I understood
the senora to say that these ladies had been educated in Tucuman.
Their instrumentation was such as is rarely heard in the private
circles of the United States ; and the piano, which had been trans-
ported some nine hundred miles or more by ox-wagons, was in
admirable condition.
October ?,lst. By appointment I joined Senor Pose, our friend
the doctor, and several other gentlemen, in an excursion to the
country. A ride of two or three miles over a part of the plain,
dotted by a few dwellings, which were generally shaded by fine
trees, and surrounded by cultivated fields, brought us to the base
of one of the steps of the Cordillera. Passing through a forest of
noble trees, which looked as if they might represent a growth of
many centuries, we reached the unwooded but grassy summit of
the mountain. Here the landscapes spread out around us, brill-
iant with the many tints, the light and shadows which in tropical
countries so enrich the views of nature, were extraordinarily va-
ried, and in their characteristic elements we recognized much both
of the majesty and beauty of creation. West, the snow-capped
summits of the Catamarca Mountains towered majestically above
all lesser eminences ; north and south extended a lower range
longitudinally ; and east was the plain of Tucuman, stretching
out to those vast and grassy levels through which we had wan-
dered for so many months. Southward through it flowed the
Tala or Dulce, its windings marked by a belt of wood, narrowing
to a mere dark, thread-like Une, until, with all other objects, it
was lost in the blending of clouds and plain in the azure that
bounded the horizon. At one point only, where the river makes
a sudden bend east, were its waters visible, sparkling like bur-
nished metal in the intense light that flooded the plain. The eye
embraced, within the limits of a few miles, the vegetation of all
zones. We looked down upon fields of ceralia, sugar-plantations,
and orange-groves ; upon rich pasture-lands overspread with herds
404 ENTERTAINMENT AT THE GOVERNOR'S.
of cattle ; into a series of valleys, with their miniature nver sys-
tem— a beautiful physical feature, and a beneficent provision for
the economy of nature in these regions of periodical rains. The
air was dehciously temperate ; we inhaled the delicious tropical
aromas ; yet within a short distance of us were regions exhibiting
all the dreary phenomena of perpetual winter.
Passing over the serranias by a winding road, we descended
into a valley watered by a small river, along which extended the
Estancia San Javier, the property of one of the gentlemen of our
party, where I passed the night. We bagged several brace of the
large partridge, which seemed to be a characteristic bird of the
country.
November 2d. Dined at the governor's, where I met several of
the principal citizens of Tucuman. The dinner was followed by
a ball. Three rooms were crowded to excess, and many of the
fairer portion of the guests were well dressed and handsome,
fully meeting the noblest and most popular idea of the Spanish
type of beauty. But it is the grace of the women, the suaviter in
modo of the men, that most astonish a traveler in La Plata ; for
few of the inhabitants of the interior provinces had enjoyed even
that intercourse with foreign society which a visit to Buenos
Ayres would give ; and as books, and especially new books, were
not among their luxuries, they had not even the opportunities
which they would afford of acquiring a knowledge of the conven-
tionalities of other countries. ^
That vast region conquered by the Spanish of Peru, which ex-
tended north to the district of Tarifa, south to the Magellanic
plains, east to the territory of Buenos Ayres, and west to the
mountains of Chili, now covers the limits of some half dozen of
the western states of the Confederation. It was first entered in
1543 by Don Diego Eojas, and some years later by Juan Nunez
de Prado, who called it Tucuman in honor of Tucumamahao, a
principal cacique of one of its aboriginal tribes, with whom he
formed an alliance. The present state of Tucuman is one of the
smallest in the Confederation ; but from its varied and productive
soil, noble physical features, and amenity of climate, it perhaps
merits the proud appellation it enjoys, " Garden of the United
Provinces." The hostility of savages and intestine wars have not
been the only calamities of the western provinces. They have
been disturbed by convulsions of nature — inundations and earth-
quakes— which have caused many changes in the face of the coun-
THE CITY AND PKOVINCE OF TUCUMAN. 405
try. San Miguel de Tucuman was founded in 1565 by Don Diego
de Villaroel on a branch, of the Dulce, about twelve miles from
the site of the present town, whither the inhabitants removed in
1685, in consequence of an inundation which swept away a large
part of the old capital.
In 1841: an earthquake, which was felt over an immense tract
of country, extending through two or three of the west provinces,
did some injury to the city of Tucuman, which stands on a well-
wooded fertile plain, in latitude 26° 51'* south, longitude, ap-
proximately, 66° west, and is supposed to contain at this time
twelve thousand inhabitants. Its narrow streets intersect each
other at right angles. Many of the houses are brick and very
spacious, inclosing patios or courts ; some few have alios^ or second
stories. The cathedral, which is upon the plaza, is being remod-
eled ; and, judging from the design, it will, when completed, be an
imposing church edifice. There were also several private resi-
dences in course of construction. Indeed, the whole town pre-
sented an aspect of progress and prosperity ; and I was induced
to believe, from the tone which seemed to pervade society, that
there was a fixed determination among the most respectable mem-
bers of the community to sustain a constitutional government, a
union of the states, the maintenance of peace, and the adoption of
energetic measures to develop the resources of the state. The
first step was to encourage the immigration of an industrial popu-
lation.
Among other new enterprises, a vivacious, energetic French-
man, notwithstanding the expense and difficulties of obtaining ice
from the mountains by mule transportation, furnished the Tucu-
manos with an abundant supply of excellent water and eream ices.
The province is divided into nine departments or districts, the
aggregate population of which, at the present time, amounts to
88,511 souls, of whom there are 23,128 men, and 27,877 women,
an excess of 4749 women.f This arises from the numerous civil
wars in which the Confederation was involved from the period
of its independence to the downfall of Rosas. Among the chil-
dren, the excess, though small — 700 — is in favor of males. The
value of products for the year 1854 was 1,755,250 dollars, of
which the value of 847,000 dollars was consumed in the prov-
ince, and the remainder in the neighboring states. The principal
* Determined by Mr. Murdauph.
t From statistical information furnished by the Minister of State.
406 TOBACCO CULTURE.
products are corn, tobacco, wlieat, sugar, rice, rum, hides, sole-
leather, tanned calf-skins, cattle, woolen fabrics, oranges, cheese,
carretas, and a number of minor manufactured articles. The mar-
ket price of some of these articles for 1854 was kindly furnished
me by the^ governor's minister, Don Jos^ Pose : Corn, 50 cents
per bushel ; tobacco, 8 cents the pound ; wheat, 80 cents the bush-
el; sugar, 12 cents the pound; rice, 3 cents; rum (cana), $17 the
barrel ; hides, $1 50 each ; sole-leather, $4 the skin ; calfskin,
tanned, $2 ; carretas, $50 each. Of these the principal articles of
trade with the neighboring provinces are cattle, hides, leather,
carretas, manufactured articles of wool, tobacco, corn, rum, and
sugar.
I present also an estimate, derived from a reliable source, of the
expenses incident to the purchase and cultivation of a quadra^ of
land, inclosed in the usual manner by a ditch or cactus hedge,
and the probable receipts of the same from the cultivation of to-
bacco. The cost of the land assumed in this case is unusually
great, and must be received as an indication that the position is
very desirable.
Cost of land inclosed $50 00
Four plows complete, at $4 16 00
Eight oxen accustomed to plow, at $20 . . . 160 00
One carreta, or wagon 30 00
Two sheds for tobacco 120 00
Necessary implements 2400
Total cost $400 00
Charges on $400 at 12 per cent $48 00
Three laborers, 8 months, at $8 per month . . . 192 00
One laborer during the year, $8 per month . . . 96 00
Storage of tobacco 100 00
Tax on a quadra of land 2 00
Total expenses $438 00
The product of a quadra of land in tobacco, 500 arobas, at ) ^^ ^-^^ -^^
$2, or 12,000 pounds at 8 cents \ ^^^^^ ^"
From which deduct the expenses 43800
And we have the net remainder $562 00
After a week's sojourn at Tucuman, having obtained such ob-
servations as the means at my disposal admitted — for the chro-
nometer had failed to maintain such a regularity of rate as to give
* One hundred and fifty yards square.
JOUKNEY TO SALTA. 407
satisfactory results — on tlie 4tli of November, at 10 o'clock A.M.,
I started for Salta,
In my journeys in those provinces I observed that tbe most
wretched-looking horses were furnished us in starting from the
large towns. Those given us at Tucuman were no exception;
but I had learned to disregard appearances. With the sierra of
Candelaria upon the right, our road lay through the broad valley,
which was seen at a distance in approaching Tucuman ; it was
intersected by several streams ; soil sandy, with some cultivation
of wheat; but country sparsely populated for fourteen leagues.
From this we passed into a second valley, Bepos, verdant, fertile,
well watered, and enameled by luxuriant fields of wheat ; its
whole aspect contrasting impressively with the rugged sierras
which bound it on either side. The habitations of adobe, thatch-
ed with grass, resembled country houses of Santiago, but were
entirely unlike those in the southern part of the province.
At sunset we reached the Posta Asequion, having thus, not-
withstanding the late hour at which we left Tucuman — 10 o'clock
A.M. — made twenty leagues. The soil between the two last
postas, a distance of six leagues, was light and sandy. I was;
therefore astonished to learn from the master of the posta that
the product of wheat was about fifty-six for one, that is, from the
seed of one almude they reap seven cargas.^ I suppose my man-
ner implied a doubt, for he enforced his assertion with great ear-
nestness : " Si^ Senor, es verdad.^^
It is very difficult to obtain information from the country peo-
ple themselves as to the capacity of the soil. When I asked the
simple questions, "What quantity of wheat will you reap from the
seed of an almude or fanega ? Upon how much land will you sow
that quantity of seed?" they were generally answered with an im-
patient " Non se, Senor ;" while the countenance of the individual
questioned, indicated either astonishment or irritation. My own
impression is that, where naturally or artificially watered, the
fruitfulness of the valleys is excessive, though the soil is light.
At Asequion I fixed my bedding, horse-blanket and poncho,
upon a bench made of half a tree, within the posta, a miserable
ranch of one room, ten by twelve, where I had as neighbors the
master, his wife, cat, chickens, etc. But I soon repented of my
boldness, for though assured that there were no fleas, I was at-
tacked on all sides by vermin, and gladly made my escape with
* A carga, in this province, is equal to eight almudes. '
408 DISCOMFORTS OF TRAVELING.
the dawn of day. The total absence of every comfort and neglect
of the smallest preparation for the accommodation of travelers at
these postas is a reproach to the beautiful province of Tucuman.
The horses furnished us were the most wretched-looking animals
I had yet seen in the Confederation ; but, as an evidence that the
stock is not bad, I must observe that when they did not actually
break down they exhibited both strength and speed. The in-
habitants of the country seemed to have no idea of time, and,
when assured that horses would be ready at daylight, I always
knew that we might expect them four hours later. I have often
thought that if some enterprising Yankee clock -peddler would
penetrate into those regions, and induce the purchase of his
wares, he would be a national benefactor.
We got off at half past seven, although we had ordered the
horses at four, and reached Tala, six leagues, in one hour and a
half. A few minutes before arriving at this place, we forded the
river of the same name, in the characteristics of which, at this dis-
tance west, I found but few changes. Its wide bed was intersect-
ed by sand-shoals, and the banks on either side were fringed with
a dense growth of algorroba and tala. We had, before reaching
this stream, entered the province of Salta, but what course the
division line takes I was unable to learn ; for unless the bounda-
ries of the provinces are defined by some prominent physical fea-
ture, they are entirely unknown.
From this point we had the choice of two routes to Salta ; one
through the plains, the camino carril (cart road) ; the other, el ca-
mino de las cuesias (road of the hills). With the assurance that
there was no difficulty in procuring horses I took the latter, in-
tending to return by the plains. At the Posta Antonio Lopez,
said to be three leagues from Tala, actually but two, we began
the ascent of the mountains, but a thick mist that enveloped us
like a mantle, and a. drizzling rain, deprived me of the enjoyment
I had anticipated from the scenery. The path, at the beginning
of the ascent narrow and slippery, became more difficult as we
advanced, and toward the summit was in some places really
frightful. Our horses frequently lost foothold upon the smooth
rocK, and would slide some distance before regaining their feet.
Sometimes the path was barely wide enough for a single horse-
man, with a perpendicular wall of rock rising for several hund-
red feet on one side, and a precipice of equal depth on the oth-
er ; here the animals seemed to brace themselves, and cautiously
ROMERO.— SAUSE. 409
moved on as if fally aware that one false step would precipitate
us into tlie depths below. After an unpleasant ride of two hours
and a half, with the constant apprehension of a slide that would
send us into the abyss, we reached at sunset the summit of the
mountain, and stopped for the night at the Posta Eomero. Cold,
wet, and tired, I had made a miserable anchorage, but improved
matters a little by the promise of ample pay to the old woman at
the posta, and a good supper to our postillions, who preferred
this port to a night's ride in returning. They soon built up a
blazing fire, and with a kid from the post-master's flock, coffee and
cigars from our stores, we had a good supper, and smoked our-
selves and the whole party into good humor.
An accomplished entomologist would have found varied objects
of interest in this ranch, within which the heavy rain obliged us
to spread our blankets. Insects innumerable, armies of vermin,
attacked us front, flank, and rear, until, maddened by the on-
slaught, I charged into the open air, and escaped the enemy by
making my bed upon the wet ground.
At an early hour we continued our journey, passing along the
ridges of the cuestas, with a bright, clear, invigorating atmosphere,
and enjoyed excessively the varied scenery of mountains from
base to summit clothed with grass, of valleys bright with herbage
and watered by many rivulets, over which projected huge masses
and cliffs of reddish sandstone.
Four leagues from Eomero we reached Sause, where we met
the most uncivil people jet seen in the course of my travels. A
post-road formerly passed this place, and, although abandoned by
the government, it is still used by travelers, and we had been as-
sured that we would here meet with better horses than any yet
seen. But there were none for us. I saw through this move ;
it was an attempt — and one of rare occurrence — to extort money ;
for the sum I offered, although double the postal charge, did not
meet their expectations. Directing the postillions to follow, I
coolly moved off on the Eomero horses, leaving our friend the
the post-master, with folded arms and an astonished air, to medi-
tate upon my obstinacy. The postillion complained, but with the
promise of extra pay became reconciled to extra duty.
Five leagues from Sause we entered a grassy valley, or, more
properly, a basin ; for although a league in diameter, viewed from
any point, it seemed entirely surrounded by mountains. Through
it flowed eastwardly a considerable stream, the "Eio del Pampa,"
410 CHAKIQUI.— SAUSE.
wMch, from its course and volume of water, I should suppose
must be a tributary of the Salado.
We arrived at the Posta Chariqui early in the afternoon ; but,
owing to the absence of the master, who did not reach home until
after night, we were unable to proceed; for I was unwilhng to
subject to a more severe test either the temper of our postillion
or the strength of the horses, upon which we had traveled over
mountain roads ten leagues. In this neighborhood I saw some
excellent fields of wheat, good houses, and small flocks of sheep.
The post-master was civil, obliging, and punctual to his word ; for
at dawn he was off in search of horses, and in a reasonable time
we were ascending a rugged sierra, near the summit of which was
a miserable hovel, the Posta Alimana. The appearance and man-
ners of the master were as rugged as the rocks among which he
was domiciled. He was, he said, wretchedly poor, could give us
nothing to eat, and could furnish no horses. When informed that
we would pay for all accommodation ; that for five horses, three
saddle and two cargaro animals, with a postillion to each, I would
pay — " How much?" he asked, eagerly, " One real" — double the
usual charge — his memory was suddenly refreshed, and he re-
membered that he could give us all we wanted. A boiled fowl
defied knives and teeth ; but with soup and masamora (hominy),
served in a wooden bowl, we made a satisfactory meal. In fine
spirits we began the descent of the mountain, through rocky ra-
vines ; and at a distance of six leagues entered the plain, and were
again upon the regular line of postas.
No traveler should follow this route during the rainy season,
for a slip or false step of his horse at certain points — and of these
there are several — would inevitably be certain death. For the
same reason he should so regulate his departure from the postas
as not to be on the road at night.
Soon after reaching the plain we passed the settlement of Sause,
and, two miles beyond, entered a broad, lovely valley, Chigua-
no, bounded west by the main sierra, a continuation of the range
seen at Cordova and afterward at Tucuman, and east by a spur
of the first. Through this valley flowed the upper waters of the
river we had been exploring — the Salado — here known as the
San Carlos ; a little lower as Guaychipas ; lower still as the Pasa-
je ; and finally Salado — a name which, as we have shown, it main-
tains from the Province of Santiago to the Parana. The whole
country exhibited the most cheering evidences of man's industry.
ARRIVAL AT SALTA. ^n
The cultivation of wlieat was extensive, and near Guaycliipas — a
village of well-built houses — figs, grapes, and peaches were grow-
ing in perfection.
November 8th. Forded the Guaychipas, here divided by a nar-
row strip of land, which at the season of high water is inundated.
The main branch has a width of about eighty yards ; banks six
feet above the water-level.
After passing this stream our road lay north through the same
valley for a distance of fourteen leagues. The country was well
watered and cultivated in wheat, corn, tobacco, sugar-cane, and
cotton. Wheat, owing to the humidity of the atmosphere, is sub-
ject to a disease similar to that known with us as the rust ; but
in good seasons the average yield is from twenty to thirty for one,
and for home consumption it commands readily one dollar and
sixty cents the bushel. The other articles named as products
were cultivated to a limited extent, but with such success as to
demonstrate fully the admirable adaptation of soil and climate to
their growth.
November 9 th. Near the Posta las Percas, distant eight leagues
from Salta, we crossed the dry bed of the Eiver Rosario, which is
during the rainy season a rapid stream ; it is a tributary of the
Guaychipas. The direction of the valley was still north.
The sun was setting when we left Percas, but by a little extra
compensation I persuaded the master to allow us to continue on
with the same horses to Salta. When within one mile of the city
we forded the River Arias, another tributary of the Guaychipas.
It was too dark to obtain any correct idea of its characteristics,
except that it seemed to be a considerable stream. We reached
Salta at 10 o'clock P.M.
412 A NIGHT AT A ZAMBO.
CHAPTEK XXIV.
A Night at a Zambo. — Messrs. Pelacio. — Acts of Courtesy. — Province of Salta. —
Population. — Products. — Salinas. — The Capital. — Advantages of Salado Nav-
igation.— Mules. — Leather and Wool. — Trees. — The Pacaray.-^Silk Rolls. —
Wheat. — Copper. — Governor. — Music and Dancing. — Exiled Bolivians. — Revo-
lutionary state of Bolivia. — Departure from Salta. — Tropas of Asses. — Lake
Cabo. — Simbola. — Rivers Pasaje and Las Piedras. — Forests. — Little Use of Milk
in La Plata. — Forest of Sevil. — Don Martin Giiemes. — Breakfast in the Forest. —
Stage-coach. — Ferry-boats. — Beauty of Country. — Arrival at Tucuman. — Horse-
bacTc Travel. — Gaucho Life. — Visit from the Governor. — Map of the Province of
Tucuman. — Farewell to Friends in Tucuman. — Day's Ride. — Dulce Boat. — San-
tiago and Reception at the Governor's. — Head Waters of the Salado. — Laboring
Classes in Santiago. — Hospitality of Spanish- Americans. — Harvest. — Narrow
Escape. — Horses. — A Cordova Posta. — Fined for fast Riding. — Leave Cordova.
— Return Route across the Pampas. — Galera from Rosario. — Diligencia. — River
Tercero. — Tropa of Mules from48an Juan. — River Quai to. — Fording the Quarto.
— Pop-corn Party. — Division Line between Cordova and Santa Fe. — Postillion,
— Growth of Rosario. — Bi-itish Consul. — Farther Examinations of La Plata
Channels. — Preparations for Departure. — Letters of Recall. — Boatswain's Call.
— Germantown. — Lieutenant Ridgely. — Home.
There is no hotel in Salta, and, profiting by tlie experience of
tlie past, I determined at once to deliver the letters of a Santiago
friend to his relatives, the Messrs. Pelacio. On riding up to their
residence we were told that all the gentlemen' of the family were
at the theatre. The postillion then suggested a zambo, a sort of
" drover's stand," where mule-drivers stop for shelter only, as they
travel with their own supplies of food, blankets, etc. It was a
large one-storied building, surrounded by a court, upon which
opened all the rooms, which were evidently designed originally
for a more elegant purpose. _With an air of great self-satisfaction
the master showed us an apartment carpeted with the accumula-
ted dust of months, gracefully hung with cobwebs, and luxuri-
ously furnished with an old table on three legs, to which were
added, for our particular accommodation, two chairs. With this
service he seemed to think he had met every reasonable demand,
and I had been too long a wanderer in the wilderness to be dainty ;
so we took possession, spread our blankets on the bricks, and then
sallied forth in search of a caf6, where we obtained an excellent
supper.
November 11th. Don Santiago Pelacio and his brother, who call-
PROVINCE OF SALTA. 4I3
ed at an early hour, were mucli amused and provoked at the
wretched accommodation of our first night in Salta, and insisted
upon my returning with them to their house. This visit was fol-
lowed immediately by one from the brother of Senora Zavalier,
whose husband was absent, claiming us as her guests ; for, having
heard of my intended visit, she had prepared rooms for us. This
lady had, two years before the period of my visit to Salta, been
offered a passage on the Water Witch from Eosario to. Parana,
and now desired to show her appreciation of this little act of
courtesy. After much amicable discussion between the two par-
ties, it was arranged that I should go to Senor Pelacio's, but
each day of my stay at Salta should breakfast, dine, or sup with
the senora.
Salta is divided into three departments, Salta, Jujuy, and Oran,
and is supposed to contain a population of sixty thousand souls.
The climate of the valleys is more humid and perhaps less salu-
brious than that of Tucuman ; but the Saltenos likewise boast
that, within the limits of their state, they possess the vegetation
of all zones. While one department yields the products of the
tropics, another has the fruits and the grains of a temperate re-
gion ; and again, there are districts where the cold is intense, and
mountains rise to the height of perpetual snow — districts extra-
ordinarily rich in mineral treasures,* and abounding in many
species of animal life particularly useful to man, such as the ala-
paca, vicuna, guanaco, and chinchilla. This state has also vast
Salinas, from which the salt, hard and granulated, is cut in great
blocks. But the most productive mines have been, and still are,
its pasture-lands, watered by mountain streams. To this prov-
ince, as to Santiago, are brought vast numbers of young mules
from the eastern states, to be fattened for the Bolivian and Pe-
ruvian markets — a business yielding enormous profits where pur-
sued with energy.
The capital contains about ten tho.usand inhabitants, and is situ-
ated in the valley through which we had traveled for four days
(Chiguano), which extends beyond it with still a direction north,
and a scarce perceptible rise. With its tile-roofed and stuccoed
houses of two stories Salta presents very much the appearance of
an old Spanish city ; but it is by no means in a state of dilapida-
tion, for, in point of commercial activity and enterprise, notwith-
* Gold is said to be abundant in the elevated districts of this province bordering
on Atacarma.
414 TRADE OF SALTA.
standing its remote position, it is ahead of all other towns of tlie
Confederation except Eosario.
The opening of the Salado had excited here even more enthu-
siasm than in other places, and so well satisfied were the inhabit-
ants of the advantages to arise from it, that before I left an asso-
ciation was formed for the purchase of suitable boats, to memo-
rialize the general government to remove all obstructions to nav-
igation, and to purchase lands at suitable points on the river.
Although it is not possible to bring navigation to their door,
it will shorten the land carriage four fifths, compared with the
present transportation to Eosario, reduce the round trip from
eight and ten months to two, and the expenses to one half the
present rate. It will enable this province to send to market many
valuable articles, such as hides and wool, which now, from their
bulk, form no part of her exports, and will also induce the whole
of her trade, whether of imports or exports, to be conducted
through the ports of the Confederation ; whereas now the chief
portion is carried on through Cobija. The time consumed, and
the expenses of trips from this Pacific port are less than from
Eosario ; and English goods designed for these interior markets,
by way of the west coast, are put up in bales specially adapted to
mule carriage. The expenses from Cobija are $1 50 to $2 00,
from Eosario $2 00 to $2 50 the aroba. The load of each mule is
generally from twelve to fourteen arobas (300 to 350 pounds) ;
some will bear eighteen arobas. Most marvelous accounts were
given me of the strength and power of endurance of these little
animals; one carried a piano from Cobija to Chuquisaca, now
Sucre; another, a printing-press, weighing twenty-three arobas,
from the same port to Salta.
The staple export of this province is leather ; but its wool will
probably be much in demand for foreign markets. North, bor-
dering on Jujuy, where the country is undulating, the lomas,
dry, bare of trees, and covered with short grass, the sheep are
of extraordinary size, and yield a wool of very superior qual-
ity. I ]3urchased a skin, and although it was larger than any I
had ever before seen, with a fine staple six inches long, I was told
by several persons that it was an indifferent specimen, that the
wool was usually eight inches in length, and that an ordinary
sheep would yield six poimds of washed wool, and frequently
eight or ten pounds, the price of which for home consumption is
six dollars per hundred.
WOODS AND MINERALS. 415
Among tlie varied arboreal treasures of this state may be named
tlie pacaray, a lofty, noble tree, the wood of which is said to be in-
destructible in water, and yet its speciiic gravity is scarcely great-
er than that of our white pine. The lapacho, urunday, and que-
bracho also abound ; and to these may be added the palo boracho
or yachun, which, though not valuable as timber, yields a material
that may at some fature day enter extensively into manufacturing
enterprises. This tree is covered with large silken bolls, in ap-
pearance very like the cotton-boll, but quadruple its size. I
brought home some and a table-cover of it, which, though made
by hand in Bolivia, will give a fair idea of the fabrics into which
this material could be converted.* In the manufacture of hats it
will doubtless be much prized. The inner bark of the tree has
the properties and answers the purpose of the finest quality of
soap. Its trunk is shaped very like a wine-pipe, the difference in
the lesser and greater diameter being much greater in the tree than
in the pipe.
Wheat, sugar-cane, cotton, tobacco, etc., are all produce'd, but
only for home consumption. From the excessive humidity the
wheat is indifferent and subject to pulvo (rust).
No geological survey has yet been made of the mineral districts
of the state, but the copper ore in the neighborhood of Oran is
known to be abundant and rich. The opening of the Salado will,
as I have shown, doubtless benefit Salta ; but its direct outlet to
the Parana is by the Vermejo,f when the President of Paraguay
will abandon his assumed opposition to its navigation.
I remamed at Salta five days, but the weather was such that
neither by day nor night could observations be obtained.
On the 11th, the day after my arrival, I called upon the gover-
nor, who, being ill, regretted much that he could not offer me the
hospitalities of the government-house, I saw much of Senora
Zavalier, at whose hospitable residence our visits were made pap
ticularly agreeable by the frequent reunion of a large and inter-
esting family circle. The nieces of my kind entertainers, the
Messrs. Pelacio, played most charmingly on the piano. These
young girls had not only superb voices, but sang like artists;
and yet their mother told me that the only ppportunities of mu-
* This cover is now in the possession of a friend.
t By a letter from Bolivia I have learned that a company has been formed for
the navigation of the Vermejo, having received special privileges from the Argen-
tine Government.
416 EXILED BOLIVIANS.
sical education afforded tliem had been those attainable at Salta
and Tucuman.
I have several times, in the course of this narrative, alluded to
the excessive love and talent for dancing common to all classes in
La Plata. A taste for music must likewise be a characteristic ;
for not only had each town its well-trained baud, but every vil-
lage and posta its guitarist or harpist. Yet there are undoubted-
ly fair ladies in the Confederation who neither dance, play, nor
sing, by inspiration. My son, when at the College of Concepcion
del Uruguay, saw one of the belles of the neighborhood, at an
early hour of the morning, practicing the dance, under the direc-
tion of her mother ; and the instrumental and vocal accomplish-
ments of the ladies of Tucuman and Salta were such as could
only have been acquired by the union of talent and hard study.
Neither are the women of that country inactive in domestic life.
In Paraguay, as in the states of the Confederation, the wives and
daughters of the richest estancieros seemed to occupy themselves
energetically in all household duties. The wealthy proprietor of
the sugar-plantation which I visited near Tucuman told me that
during the busy season he resided entirely in the country, where
his two daughters alternately passed a week with him and took
charge of the domestic department, and on the occasion of my vis-
it, one of them, a handsome girl, with unaffected grace handed us
the mat^.
Eesiding in Salta were several distinguished exiled Bolivians,
among whom was General Santa Cruz, who had for some years
represented his country at the French court. A revolution had
occurred during his absence, and President Belzu would not per-
mit him to return to Bolivia, but had again offered him the mis-
sion to France, which he declined, and was now awaiting the op-
portunity to return which some expected political changes would
offer. I also again met here Colonel Hilarion Ortiz, one of the
officers who had descended the Paraguay with us. Colonel Ortiz
seemed to remember gratefully this little act of kindness.
Though told at Tucuman that Bolivia was threatened with an-
other revolution, that Linares* was upon her borders, and that a '
strong party favorable to him was merely awaiting the oppor-
tunity to overthrow those in power, I had, even up to the pe-
riod of my arrival at Salta, indulged the hope of proceeding to
explore — ^by descending — the Kiver Pilcomayo. But the infor-
* This gentleman is now President of the Republic.
DEPARTURE FROM SALTA. 417
mation now obtained of tlie condition of tlie country induced me
to abandon this intention. To liave carried out my views suc-
cessfully would have required all tbe facilities and security the
government could afford ; and though each and all parties might
favor a design which would confer a great national benefit, I knew
well the difficulties I must contend with, from the jealousies of op-
posing factions, and the distraction of an actual revolution.
On the 14th of November I again turned my face eastward by
the Camino Carril, accompanied for some miles from Salca by
several of its citizens and Colonel Ortiz. Crossing a spur of the
sierra, which forms the eastern boundary of Chiguano, we passed
into another pretty valley and stopped at the Posta Sagmnilla,
which is distant three leagues from the capital.
On the way we saw a large tropa of burros (asses), some stag-
gering under loads of sevil bark, others with fire- wood, bf which
each animal carried fifty sticks of two feet by about three inches,
worth, on reaching the city, twenty -five cents the load.
One of the most pleasing interruptions to the monotony of our
return journey across the pampas was to meet vast tropas of these
animals waddhng along under loads of produce or merchandise,
and so completely enveloped in packs that nothing but heads and
legs were visible.
By a rough road we descended into another pretty valley, and
stopped at the dirty village of Cabo, where a little sugar is made
in the most primitive manner; and from the sugar-cane is pro-
duced a pleasant fermented drink called guarapi. The surround-
ing country was sparsely cultivated, but clothed with a luxuriant
indigenous vegetation.
After much delay in obtaining horses we started at sunset, and
by 8 o'clock A.M. had made our stopping-place for the night at
Simbola, four leagues from Cabo. The postas of Salta are the most
wretchedly comfortless places that can be imagined, and the horses
very indifierent ; for, at the period of our journey, they were but
little used save for the transmission of the mail. Those who can
afford it — which class includes all who travel — do so with their
own horses, servants, and cargaro animals. They select a shady
spot for the noonday meal and siesta, and stop for the night at the
pleasantest place they can find.
The ground around Simbola was so broken and rocky that we
could with difficulty find six feet of level upon which to spread
27
418 MILK A POISON.
our blankets. After a miserable night, started for Pasaje (nine
leagues), wbicli we made in two hours.
November 16th. Got off at 7 o'clock and crossed the Eiver Pasa-
je, which courses a few hundred yards from a posta of the same
name. I saw this river at low water, but its depth was from two
to ihree feet, with evidences of a rise when swollen of over twelve.
The road lay very much along its south bank, in an easterly di-
rection for nine leagues, when it turned more directly south, and
we crossed a narrow but rapid stream, " Las Piedras," which a
little beyond this empties into the Pasaje.
Learning from the post-master that the country bordering the
upper waters of the Salado was populous and well cultivated, I
sent Mr. Murdaugh from this place, with directions to follow the
course of that river from Miraflores — a capilla four leagues below
Las Piedras — to the Estancia Taboado,* and to rejoin me at Sant-
iago.
November 17th. From th*e Posta las Piedras we had a view —
north of the Pasaje — of the eastern termination of the sierra whose
spurs and valleys we had been passing since leaving Salta : from
this point the Pasaje enters the pampas.
The mountains were here behind us, and for some leagues our
way lay through a level country, extensively wooded with que-
bracho Colorado and cevil. There was no undergrowth in these
forests, and the earth was clothed with the freshest young turf.
At a distance of five leagues we made Pueblito Conchas, a little
posta on the north side of a stream of the same name. In this
neighborhood was some cultivation of sugar-cane ; and in the vil-
lage, to my astonishment, a large tannery in course of erection by
an enterprising Frenchman. I wished to purchase a bottle of
cana ; the price was one dollar for the liquor and fifty cents for
the bottle, from which I judged that both bottles and cana were
scarce articles in this district. We made a hearty breakfast on
bread and milk, the latter to me always a luxury, and in La Plata
not always obtainable.
In these pastoral regions nothing astonished me more than the
small use of milk, and even its avoidance in the preparation of
food. Among the cattle recaptured by the soldiers in their ex-
pedition against the Indians were some milch cows; but in all
that body of men — about one hundred and.fifty — Murdaugh and
Cornelius were the only individuals, besides myself, who tasted
* It will be remembered that our little boat was launched at this estancia.
AN ESTANCIERO. 419
milk. Upon one occasion I told a lady of Santiago that peaches
(they are excellent in the neighborhood of that city) served with
cream were a delicious and favorite dessert in the United States.
Had I assured her that a dish of rattlesnakes was with our peo-
ple the greatest table delicacy possible, her countenance could not
have expressed more perfect horror and astonishment as she ex-
claimed, '■'■ Senor Comniandante^ no es possible! Es venino (It is not
possible ! It is poison)." My pretty young friend was so ear-
nest that I laughed heartily, then discussed the subject with all
due gravity, and the fair senorita promised me that at the next
season of peaches she would try the smallest bit of one with cream.
From Conchas to Paso Grande the country was level, fertile,
and intersected by two small streams, the Mitan and Yatasto, nei-
ther of which reaches the Pasaje except during the rainy season,
which had now set in. In this district no artificial irrigation is
necessary for the sugar-cane. For many miles the road lay through
a magnificent forest of cevil, where trees of great size and unen-
cumbered by undergrowth or climbing plants were growing with
all the regularity and symmetry of plantations. The ground be-
neath, as far as the eye could reach, was clothed with the bright-
est, freshest, cleanest turf, upon which the sun, glancing through
the dense masses of foliage, fell in golden lines and many-tinted
figures, relieving the forest from all gloom, without detracting from
its imposing grandeur.
Before leaving the last posta I overtook a traveler with his
servants and cargaro mules. From his appearance and the style
of his equipments I at once recognized him as an esiandero (a
country gentleman). As if moved at the same moment by the
same impulse — a desire to join company — he quickened his pace
and I slackened mine, until we were side by side ambling along
through these magnificent natural parks. He seemed to know
who I was, introduced himself as Don Martin Gliemes, and invited
me to stop on the road at the Yatasto river, and join him in an
" asado of coiderd''' (roast kid). Sending Cornelius ahead with the
postillion to Yerde, the next posta, to -get his breakfast and have
fresh horses ready, I accepted the invitation. Having reached the
appointed spot, we seated ourselves upon the grass round quite
an elaborate repast, consisting of a well-cooked asado, cheese,
bread, and dulces fr(5m the stores of Don Martin, who presided
with all the dignified gravity of a hidalgo dispensing the hospital-
ities of an ancestral mansion. This gentleman was young, hand-
420
THE FIRST STAGE-COACH.
some, and, as I afterward learned, an estanciero of very large pos-
sessions. His mode of traveling illustrates that of the inhabitants
generally. At Verde I parted from my friend of an hour, and,
finding horses ready, mounted, and was off in a few minutes.
AN ESTANCIERO.
Two leagues from this crossed the Eosario, a small stream, show-
ing unmistakable marks of being a considerable river during the
rainy season. A league farther on was the pueblito of Eosario,
consisting of a few scattering houses, a plaza, and church ; and
three leagues beyond this was the estancia of my friend Don
Martin Giiemes. At eight o'clock we reached the Posta Arenal ;
the country in its vicinity sandy, as the name indicates. A few
minutes before I had met the stage-coach from Tucuman for Salta,
the first attempt at this description of conveyance as yet ever made
in this province, all travel between the two cities having hereto-
fore been made on horseback. This will necessarily lead to an-
other innovation and improvement, the establishment of a ferry-
boat at the Pasaje, for during the season of high water the river
can not be forded. I described to some persons at Salta the means
used where the current is made the motive power. The simplici-
ty of the contrivance seemed to please them much ; a ferry-boat
EETUEN TO TUCUMAN. 421
of sucli construction will probably supersede tbe unsafe bide balsa,
and make the Pasaje passable at all seasons of the year.
After an excellent supper we spread blankets and saddle-gear
on the young grass, and though spared the annoyance of musqui-
toes or posta vermin, found it so chilly that I could not sleep ;
for, notwithstanding the intense heat of the day, the nights were
very cool.
November 18ih. The air was deliciously fresh, and under its in-
vigorating influence we were astir at an early hour of the morn-
ing, and dashing at full speed over the lomas. Thence we passed
into a pretty green valley from which the lands rose west, with
the regularity of steps, in successive eminences to the sierra,
while a detached range bounded the valley east for a distance of
six miles. Here our road again led over broken lomas — to the
Posta Tala, the point of junction of the Camino de las Cuestas
and El Camino Carril; the first being the route taken on our
road to Salta, From this point we made directly for Tucuman,
where I arrived at 9 P.M., having ridden one hundred and five
miles since leaving Arenal in the morning. The distances were
generally six leagues, but twice during the day I rode from posta
to posta, eighteen miles, in one and a quarter hours.
I had imagined that I was beginning to like the wild indepen-
dence of the gaucho life — grassy bed, saddle-gear bedding, cano-
pied by the heavens — ^but I must confess that, after a ride of the
above distance for two successive days, most thankfully did I ap-
preciate and enjoy all the comforts of Dr. Priestly's house, and most
gratefally do I recall his cordial welcome.
November 19ih. At an early hour paid my respects to the gov-
ernor and minister, and when I returned to the doctor's found
that several citizens had already called, and in the course of the
morning came all the acquaintances made during my first visit to
welcome me back.
November 20th. Eeceived a visit from the governor and his
minister. I had been advised to return to Santiago through the
south of Tucuman, a district watered by the Dulce, and represent-
ed to me as not only beautiful in natural scenery, but as populous
and highly cultivated, and was told that if I would adopt this
route the government would provide me with horses and other
facilities for travel within the limit of its own province, and would
also arrange for them with that of Santiago. The governor now
expressed his regret that for want of time only these arrange-
422 SANTIAGO.
ments liad not been made, and gave me statistics of the popula-
tion, products, and a rough pen-sketch of the rivers and mountain
streams that empty into the Dulce within the limits of the prov-
ince. He also showed me a chart exhibiting the different dis-
tricts, which, though roughly made, gave a very fair idea of the
physical features of Tucuman.
November 21st. Yesterday said farewell to my friends, and this
morning, for the last time, shook the hand of Dr. Priestly, feeling
all the regret of parting with an old friend. At 8 o'clock A.M.
we dashed off from Tucuman at the rate of twelve miles an hour,
which speed we maintained from posta to posta throughout the
day. At sunset we had made one hundred and five miles, and
would have reached Santiago, only thirty-five miles distant, the
same evening but for the swollen state of the Dulce, which I
should have been compelled to cross in a hide balsa, and at that
hour would have found some difficulty in getting men from the
opposite side to ferry me over. I did not feel fatigued, which
may be attributed more to the exceeding purity of the air than to
the easy gait of the horses, and could have made the whole dis-
tance between the two cities, one hundred and forty miles, by sun-
down, had I left Tucuman at an earlier hour in the morning. I
was told that this ride had been made but once before, and then
in the transmission of some important political intelligence.
November 21d. The horses swam over, and we crossed the Dulce
at an early hour in the one boat of the western province — our pic-
nic yacht, the " Animal of the Salado^^ — the little craft in which
we had toiled so many days in descending the Salado from Estan-
cia Taboado. It had been brought back to Santiago from Sandia
Paso on a carreta. By 9 o'clock I was once more at the govern-
or's, where I was received, not as a stranger, but with the cordial-
ity and confidence of a member of the family.
On the 25th Mr. Murdaugh reached Santiago, having, according
to my instructions, followed the course of the Salado from Mira-
flores to Estancia Taboado. He thought that the fall of the land,
the consequent rapidity of the current, and many sand-banks, sim-
ilar to those in the Dulce, that intersect the bed of the Salado,
would impede navigation from Miraflores to San Miguel. From
San Miguel to Taboado — where it will be remembered my ex-
ploration of the river commenced — there was less current and
greater width than below ; the stream flowed tranquilly between
high and well- wooded banks ; the adjacent country being level,
HOSPITALITY OF THE TEOPLE. 423
tolerably well peopled, and cultivated to a limited extent; the
people were civil.
It thus appears that from Santa Fe, on the Parana, to San Mi-
guel, within the limits of Salta (for this village is claimed by that
province), there are no obstructions to the navigation of the Sa-
lado that could not be removed by manual labor at a small ex-
pense; and where the impediments are greatest, there is an am-
ple population in the immediate vicinity. The Santiaganians of
the poorer classes are more civil, as well as more industrious than
those of any other of the west provinces ; the Tucumanos resem-
ble them ; the Saltenos were perhaps less gracious, but at the pos-
tas of Cordova the manners of the people were particularly rough
and forbidding,
Novemher 11th. Last night we attended a farewell party at Senor
Archibal's, where was a fine gathering of senores and senoritas ;
and this morning at an early hour we were astir, eastward bound.
A number of inhabitants called to see us off, and we were ac-
companied to the river by the governor and his secretary. The
ladies of the Taboado family had not been unmindful of our com-
fort; a large bag was so amply filled with bread and other arti-
cles of food prepared by the governor's sister, that it was as much
as Cornelius could carry upon his ricado.
I can not too often bear testimony to the hospitality that char-
acterizes all classes in La Plata. Dread of exposing the pover-
ty or simple arrangements of their households never seemed to
check a kind impulse. At a ranch where a hide cot was the best
piece of furniture, and a wooden bowl of hominy the most luxu-
rious supper, we were always kindly welcomed. Our reception
in all the cities of the Argentine Confederation, the notices of the
press, the enthusiasm of the men and women in anticipation of
benefit to their country from a development of its river system,
were most grateful. Those few days of recreation repaid me for
many vexatious disappointments in carrying out the objects of the
work confided to me. With pleasure do I recall my intercourse
with these Spanish- American friends, and physically able as I was
to endure all the discomforts of an explorer's life, most refreshing
did I find the comforts of their city homes.
The governor, with his usual forethought, sent a messenger
ahead to have horses ready at the first posta ; and, by crossing the
Bulce near the town in the boat, we avoided the detention and
annoyance of any other mode of passing over the now swollen
424 ^ NARROW ESCAPE.
stream. We followed the same route in returning that I had be-
fore made between the two capitals.
It was the season of harvest, and hear the close of the day we
met a number of women, among them many a pretty dark-eyed
girl with a bundle of wheat daintily poised upon her head. As
I saw these women tripping along, I thought of some Euth from
a distant province who had " kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to
glean until the end of the barley harvest and of wheat harvest."
As soon as the grain is ripe, men, women, and children of the neigh-
borhood unite in gathering it in, and their compensation is the
gleaning of the fields. The laborers probably take care of their
own supplies, for each woman whom I saw carried more than the
" ephah" of Ruth. The harvest is here, as in all countries, a sea-
son of rejoicing and plenty, and at the close of the day's work ev-
ery Boaz feasts his laborers upon the best his means can afford.
Novemher SOth. Reached Posta Rosario after a day's ride of
ninety-six miles. Our speed was generally twelve miles an hour,
sometimes greater. In the course of the morning I made a nar-
row escape. I was alone, some distance ahead of my party, and
when at a full gallop observed a sudden turn in the road. Aware
of the danger — for the ground was wet and slippery — but know-
ing there was more risk in suddenly checking the horse, I dashed
on. It was too much ; the animal slipped all fours at the same
time, coming broadside to the ground, in which position he slid,
with the impetus of the fall, twice his length, and caught my left
leg under him ; fortunately it was protected by a heavy boot.
While the beast was rising I attempted to get off, but found my-
self a prisoner, with the left foot fast jammed in the stirrup-iron.
The horse, fortunately, was well broken ; and, fatigued from a long
gallop, he now moved off at a slow walk, carrying me by one leg,
while with the other, and my hands as a " drag," I in vain tried
to "bring him up," singing out first in English, then in Spanish,
but all to no purpose. Neither would the drag hold, though I
made deep furrows in the ground with my fingers. Mr. Murdaugh
and the postillion coming up, dismounted, and stopped his headway.
In the course of the same journey I met with a somewhat simi-
lar adventure, but on the second occasion the horse merely came
to the ground with his legs doubled under him — a movement that
did not much disturb me, for I quietly kept my seat, gaucho
style, until he regained his feet. The horses of the western prov-
inces are almost as sure-footed as mules, and never trip ; but, from
UNCOMFORTABLE QUARTERS. 425
not being shod, they sometimes fall during the rainy season when
the roads are wet and slippery.
December 1st. At the first posta of Cordova, even if ignorant of
the fact of having passed the dividing line, we should have been
reminded of it by the uncivil manners of the people, who are so
unlike the simple Santiaganians. We did not reach last
night until nine o'clock, but neither supper nor accommodation
for sleeping awaited us, for the family, who filled the ranch to its
utmost capacity, had retired, and would not be disturbed in their
rest. In the centre of what once might have been a dwelling, but
which now served as a stable, kitchen, and hen-roost, we kindled
a fire and prepared our mate, after which we spread blankets on
hide cots placed without under a tree, and lay down with the hope
of enjoying a sleep undisturbed by rain or vermin ; but the first
came in such torrents that we were obliged to retreat to the hovel.
We soon became aware that during bad weather it was the resort
of divers animals ; for by the time we lay down a second time
in rushed a flock of sheep, leaping over and upon us as we lay
concealed in the darkness, producing instantaneously a scene lu-
dicrous, but very annoying at the time to tired, sleepy travelers.
One half the flock had made sure their passage over us before
they could be arrested. We were now between two fires. What
with the bleating of those without, responded to by those with-
in, there was a serenade that defied all sleep. We succeeded in
dislodging the inside party that had taken position in the rear,
and at last got a few hours' sleep before dawn of day, when the
tramping of horses announced that the postillions were ready for
a start.
Early on the 20th of December we reached Cordova, having
made the distance — about three hundred and sixty miles, as es-
tablished by the postas — in less than four days.
Our reception here was less cordial than in any city of the Con-
federation— a fact which seemed to stir the patriotic feelings of
our countryman. Dr. Hawling, who threatened to inform the
governor of our being stopped and fined two dollars for fast rid-
ing within the city limits. I had reined in my horse to a walk
after passing the first suburb, but the postillion, perhaps glad to
get into town, or anxious to show off his riding to some maiden
of the place, kept up the same pace until he was suddenly stopped
by a policeman. I paid the two dollars, assuring the ofiicial that
I was anxious to show all respect to the laws of Cordova ; and
426 RETURN TO THE PARANA.
wliile lie was endeavoring to work up a fine dramatic rendition of
indignant feeling against the postillion, I ordered the lad to lead
the way to the fonda.
December 3d Failed in hiring horses from the posta ; but with
Dr. Hawliug's assistance procured them from a private source,
and started for Rosario by the main postal route, on which now
runs regularly once a fortnight a diUgencia (stage-coach). To look
at one of those ponderous unwieldy structures, we could well im-
agine it, unoccupied, a good load for four horses, but it is often
crowded and invariably moves at the rate of forty and forty-five
leagues per day, changing horses every four leagues.
The characteristics of pampa scenery are very unvarying ;
therefore I give but a few quotations from my journal of the
return to the Parana, though our route was very distant from
the one followed in reaching the western provinces.
" Eight leagues from Cordova crossed the Segundo by fording,
where it was two feet deep. This stream, which courses due east
and west, is one of the rivers lost in the pampas. Our road lay
very much along the route surveyed by our countryman, Mr.
Campbell, for the railway between Cordova and Rosario, and of
which he says: 'Probably, up to this time, there has not been
constructed a rail-road of equal length, about two hundred and
fifty miles, over a surface so level.' We had scarcely fixed our-
selves for the night at Disgraciada, after a travel of nineteen
leagues since 9 A.M., when a crowded galera, from Rosario for
Santiago and Tucuman, arrived. Soon every square inch of the
quarto was filled with these passengers and their baggage, which
embraced. an amount and variety of articles inconceivable: mat-
tresses, bedding, pillows, boots, hats, boxes, and baskets of eatables
and drinkables were strewed about in every direction, without
and within the house. The travelers on this occasion were all
men, and, hearing that we came directly from their respective
cities, were eager for a talk about home. These galeras, when
under way for a journey across the pampas, with their four and
six horses, each mounted by a gaucho-rigged postillion, and dash-
ing at half speed over a plain bounded only by the horizon, pre-
sent a spectacle as interesting as novel.
" Decemher 4:th. Detained until nearly the middle of the day by
a pouring rain. At last, after a miserable breakfast on a poor
coidero, we were off on fine horses and with a prospect of better
weather. Country open ; pampa grass abundant. At Tio Puijo
FACE OF THE COUNTRY. 427
met tlie diligencia, two days from Rosario, it having made yester-
day, the 3d, forty-six leagues. Preparation for our comfort was
suspended by the arrival of this public conveyance, to which all
things must give way at the stopping-places. It draws up, not at
the door of the posta, but at the corral, where in a minute four or
six panting animals are detached, and others fresh from the corral
are put in their places. The postillion, without even touching
stirrup, springs into the saddle, rolls his tongue, casts impudent but
gleeful glances at the people standing near, and dashes off at half
speed. After the coach was off we were famished with excellent
horses, which carried us at the usual rate — a full gallop — to Villa
Nueva, five leagues. Just before reaching this place we crossed
the Tercero, which was here three hundred yards wide ; water
low, two or three feet deep ; current, at this season, one and a
half miles the hour. Sjoent the night at this posta, the best we
had seen in the country. Master and family, kind and accom-
modating, furnished us with an excellent supper and abundance
of delicious milk.
" December bth. At sunrise on the road to Herradura, which is
on the south side of the Tercero — four leagues. Some little cul-
tivation of wheat ; but here, as in Tucuman, it is subject to the
pulvo. 'Met a tropa of sixty carretas from Rosario for Cordova.
At the little village of Ballesteras, twelve miles from Herradura,
the post-road for Mendoza branches off; and nine leagues beyond
we passed through the little pueblo Fraile Muerto, situated near
the river. The inhabitants of this village, as well as many Cor-
dovases, believe the Tercero navigable from Rosario to this point,
but no effort has been made to establish the fact.* It .could un-
doubtedly be descended by flat boats. At the posta we met a
tropa of mules from the Province of San Juan, bound to Rosario,
laden with flour, dried and preserved fruits, peaches, figs, raisins.
It made ten leagues per day, each little animal having a burden
of from fourteen to seventeen arobas. To Saladillo — eight leagues
— a desolate dilapidated village of mud houses, the banks of the
Tercero were sparsely wooded with algorroba, with long intervals
of a scrubby growth which marked its windings. This place is
surrounded by a mud wall and ditch, intended in years past as a
protection against Indians. The savages, however, no longer
make incursions into this district, for neither village nor surround-
* I have already stated the grounds on which Mr. Campbell based an opinion
that it is inipiucticable.
428 INHOSPITALITY.
ing country now offer any plunder. It is situated one mile from
tlie Eiver Quarto, here called the Arroyo Saladillo, and at this
time so much swollen that the postillions were obliged to carry
the saddle-bags with the instruments on their heads, while they
swam their horses over. Mounted on an animal tall enough to
wade, I knelt on the saddle by way of keeping dry, and plunged
in, expecting to be pitched head foremost at every step. How-
ever, much to our astonishment, we reached the opposite side
without accident or other inconvenience than wet knees; but
I was excessively provoked that the master of the neighboring
posta had not notified us of the state of the river, which would
have saved detention and confusion. It was quite dark by the
time we were under way for Lobaton, distant five leagues. Fol-
lowing the lead of the postillion we made it at a gallop, and ar-
rived safely, but, as may be well imagined, hungry and tired ;
for, from an early hour in the morning, with no refreshment but
a cup of coffee and a little bread, we had ridden one hundred and
five miles. On dismounting, guided by a dim light and the sound
of a guitar, we made our way to a part of the yard where, around
a fire, over which was placed an earthen vessel filled with corn,
was seated a party of men and women, dexterously catching the
toasted grains as they popped out, while a gaucho musician kept
up an active accompaniment upon his cracked half-stringed in-
strument. Our entrance did not at all disturb the party, for all
were intently watching the corn. I asked for something to eat,
and received an ungracious answer, delivered with a still more
ungracious manner. ' There was nothing to eat, and if there was,
there was no wood to make a fire.' Unable to make an impres-
sion, and apprehending rain during the night, we spread our blank-
ets in the hovel ; and to the gnawings of hunger were added the
torments of musquitoes and fleas.
^'■Decemher 6th. At dawn astir, in bad humor and bad plight for
horseback travel, but in a heavy rain rode on, five leagues, to Ca-
beza del Tigre, where we found in the domicil of the post-master
a kindly disposition to meet the wants of travelers. "We had an
excellent breakfast, with coffee and milk. As it was raining hard,
with a prospect of continuance, I determined to remain in our
snug quarters until the following day. Met at this place a tropa
of mules laden with merchandise from Eosario bound to San
Juan.
" December 7th. Left Cabeza del Tigre at an early hour, in a
EETUKN TO ROSAKIO. 429
slight mist, and four leagues beyond, at the little mud village of
Cruz Alta we reached the last posta in Cordova going east, or the
first west from Eosario, the line of division between the two prov-
inces, Cordova and Santa Fe, passing between this and Esquina
Grande a mud village four leagues east. Up to this point the
road follows very much the course of the Tercero, all the postas
bemg upon or near its south bank. From Cruz Alta the river,
having a previous direction southeast, takes a course of north-
east, under the name of Cacaranal, to its junction with the Para-
na. Its banks, which we have followed during the last two days,
are as clear of wood as the adjacent pampa, where scarce a tree is
to be seen, except a few planted for shade. After the superb
forests of the western provinces these looked but the shadows of
trees. At our next stopping-place, Arequita— five leagues — found
civil people, who gave us a good asado ; but again, four leagues
farther on, at Desmochedo, met with but a rude reception — noth-
ing to eat, not even a little hot water for mate procurable. The
country between the last places was undulating, uncultivated, and
bare of trees, but clothed with luxuriant grass. To Candelaria —
six leagues — ^face of the comitry unchanged. At this place, where
the people were civil, we procured hot water for mate. At Cor-
rea — five leagues — found a good two-story brick house, and its
owner largely engaged in raising sheep for the wool.
It was sunset when we started from El Estado for Eosario, and
it soon became excessively dark, but at a full gallop we followed
with confidence the lead of the postillion, until suddenly that in-
dividual and his steed lay broadside on the pamj^a, at some dis-
tance from each other — a manoeuvre I did not exactly care to fol-
low. No damage ensued ; the postillion was soon mounted again,
off we dashed at the same rate, and reached Eosario at 9 P.M. all
safe, after a day's ride, from Cabeza del Tigre, of one hundred and
five miles. The fonda was crowded, and after supper we gladly
accepted the hospitality of Mr. Dale, the British consul.
The growth of Eosario and the rapid increase of its population
and trade in three years are unprecedented in the history of
Spanish- American cities. I have in a previous chapter alluded
to its many advantages as a port of entry ; I now refer to it as an
important point for the residence of a consul ; for we should not
wait for trade before appointing such an ofiicer, but should place
one there to secure commercial advantages for our people. A
British consul was placed there at the earliest moment.
430 RECALL TO THE UNITED STATES.
In a few days a conveyance by steamer offered to Buenos
Ay res, where I arrived on the 12th of December. As the Water
Witch was still undergoing repairs to her engines, which would
occasion a detention of some weeks, I proceeded in the steamer off
San Isidro, and, with the two cutters and a large sail-boat hired
for the purpose, sounded out the channel-way, from the inner an-
chorage to the Arroyo Capitan, also the entrance to the Palma
-Pass. I found a depth gradually diminishing from twenty-four
feet within the Palmas to eight off its entrance, reduced to low
water, showing that vessels of six feet draught, bound up the Pa-
rana, may enter the pass at ordinary low water without appre-
hension of taking the bottom. The only 'difficulty in the naviga-
tion would arise from the want of discernible objects on shore,
the land being so low near the mouth of the river as to be indis-
tinctly seen at the distance of five miles from the deck of an or-
dinary ship.
This completed the work assigned me by my instructions, so
far as the means at my disposal, time, and the occurrences I have
related would allow. I leave the j)ublic to judge of the embarrass-
ments under which I sometimes acted. There were many others,
as well as manifold labors entirely foreign to my legitimate duties,
to which I have not deemed it necessary to allude.
On the 2-ith of January, 1856, with caulked decks, boilers
patched, and engines mended, the steamer descended the river to
Montevideo, where I had reason to suppose a letter of recall await-
ed me. This letter read thus :
" Navy Department, December 20th, 1855.
" Sir, — The Department is gratified at the energy displayed by you in
your endeavors to accomplish the explorations and surveys for which you
were sent out, in the midst of many difficulties.
" I am of opinion that the public interests require the return of the ex-
pedition. You will, therefore, so soon after the receipt of this as practi-
cable, return with the Water Witch to the United States and to the port
of Washington.
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"(Signed), J. C. DOBBIN.
"Commander Thos. J. Page, commanding U. S. Steamer )
Water Witch, Buenos Ayres, Rio de La Plata." >
When we remember merely the social and political changes of
one year, we may imagine what anxieties and fears, what hope
and happiness move the heart of the sailor, who after more than
EXTENT OF EXPLORATION. 4gl
a three years' cruise in foreign waters, at last hears the boatswain's
call, " All hands up anchor for home !"
The Water Witch was detained some days at Montevideo by the
necessity of additional repairs to her wheels, and it was not until
the 8d February, 1856, that we stood out of the harbor. Pass-
ing close under the stern of the sloop of war Germantown, we re-
ceived from her crew three hearty cheers — the sailor's " God-speed
homeward," Captain Lynch was on shore, but I recognized the
clear, shrill voice of the first lieutenant, who wished us " a pleasant
passage and a happy meeting with friends." It was my old friend
and shipmate Eidgely.
Homeward bound ! Once more the little craft was puffing free
over old ocean : she had done good service in a foreign clime, and
was now to bear to their native shore the crew of stout ready
hearts that had stood by her from the beginning to the end.
After an absence of three years and four months she came to
anchor, on the 8th of May, 1856, at the Washington Navy Yard,
the place of her original construction.
CHAPTER XXV.
Extent of Exploration. — Depth of Water in the Paraguay. — Sources of that River.
— Junction with the Parana. — The Parana River. — Tributaries of the Paraguay.
— The Confuse and Otuquis. — Expeditions up and down the Pileomayo. — North-
ern and Southern Branch. — Little Success at its Navigation. — The Vermejo. —
Its Navigability confirmed. — The Salado. — "River Bottom." — Falls of Apipe.
— The Gran Salto. — The River above. — Islands and Rapids. — The Uruguay. —
The Salto Grande. — Beauty of adjacent Country. — La Plata. — Its Mouth at the
Capes. — Structure of the Parana Banks. — Tosca. — Rock Formation on the Par-
aguay.— Entrance to a Mountain Region. — The Great Gulf. — Birth of Rivers.
— Callera de An-iola. — Retirement of the Sea. — Fossil Remains and Estuary
Mud. — Diluvial and Alluvial Periods. — Encroachments of Land and Water. —
Harbor of Buenos Ayres. — Fertility of Soil. — Fruits and Vegetation. — Medic-
inal Plants and Woods. — Climate. — Navigation of the Rivers. — Letter from th ;
Governor of Santiago. — Exclusive Privileges granted to Companies. — Suitable
Vessels. — Paraguay. — Products and Advantages for Trade. — Interests of Boli-
via.— Immigration. — Brossard. — Thiers and Guizot upon the Country of La Pla-
ta.— What foreign Governments have done. — What our Policy should be.
With my map and charts I present to the public, if not an in-
teresting, at least an unexaggerated account of my exploration of
countries bordering the fluvial avenues that intersect the basin of
La Plata.
We ascended from Buenos Ayres — the initial jDoint of our work
432 THE PARAGUAY.
—to Corumba, in latitude 18° 59' 4.S" south, longitude 57° 44' 36"
west, to which, jjlace the exploration of the Paraguay was at this
time limited by the Brazilian Government.* That settlement is
in a right line about one thousand miles from Buenos Ayres, and
by the course of the rivers two thousand from the ocean. The
first half of this distance was ascended at the season of low water
in the Parana without encountering shoals, rocks, or any obstacle
to a continuous navigation, in an ocean steamer of nine feet
draught.
In the Paraguay the depth of water was at that time not less
than twelve feet, and, according to our register kept at Asuncion,
at no season less than five. These rivers, augmented in volume
of water above their junction by a wonderful ramification of nav-
igable streams, form the central water-courses of La Plata.
From three small lakes in the northwestern mountains of Bra-
zil, between the parallels of 13° and 14°, the Payaguas Eiver — a
name euphonized to Paraguay by the Spanish conquerors — is
supposed to have its source. These mountains, which almost
meet the last spurs of the Peruvian ranges, are likewise the wa-
ter-sheds of several streams that swell the great tributaries of the
Amazon ; and, according to a generally received opinion, a short
portage alone intervenes between the navigable head waters of
these rivers. Flowing generally south, the Paraguay, in latitude
27° 17' 32," longitude 58° 39' 32," forms its junction with the
Parana, which also rises in the northwestern mountains of Brazil,
between the parallels of 17° 30' and 18° 30'. Coursing first west,
then south, its waters continually increased by the outpourings
of many large streams, the Parana is a mighty river, one and a
quarter miles wide when it enters Ifisswnes (a country so called
from having been the seat of the first Jesuit missions), from whence
it rolls again westward to the point at which it commingles its
waters with the Paraguay. The two rivers made one, under the
name of Parana, flow on to La Plata, or Parana Guazu (Great Pa-
rana), as it is still called by the Indians.
In ascending the Paraguay, while tributaries from the east are
constantly recurring, there are comparatively few from the west.
From the Confuso, in latitude 25° 8', to the latitude of 19°, a dis-
tance by the river of six hundred and fifty miles,' there is but one
affluent from the west, the Otuquis, or Bahia Negra. Between the
* Subsequently permission was granted to extend the exploration into all the
Brazilian tributaries of the Paraguay.
THE PILCOMAYO. 433
Confiiso and its junction with the Parana the Paraguay receives
the waters of two considerable rivers — the Pilcomayo and Ver-
mejo — the former in latitude 25° 16', the latter in 26° 52 'south.
The Otuquis, which is considered the northern limit of the Cha-
00, rises in the Sierras de Santiago, in the Province of Chiquitos,
and coursing through Bahia Negra, empties into the Paraguay in
latitude 20° 10' south, longitude 58° 17' west. Of the practica-
bility of its navigation I have not a doubt ; and when established,
it will open a channel of communication with Chiquitos, a region
of Bolivia, far removed from that watered by the Pilcomayo, but
equally rich in products.
Of the Pilcomayo I can give no information derived from my
own knowledge. Circumstances that have" been related closed
this river to the expedition ; all that we know of it, therefore, is
derived from several abortive attempts at its exploration: the
first, by Father Patino, in 1721 ; the second, by Casales, in 1735,
who gives but a vague account of his attempt to ascend through
what he terms the southern channel, the northern one being pro-
nounced by him impracticable ; the third, by Castanares, in 1741 ;
and a fourth by Colonel Magarinos and a Mr. Thompson, said to
have been an American.
This latter was an attempt to descend the river in 1844 under
the auspices of the Bolivian Government, General Bolivian being
President ; but it was likewise unsuccessful. Azara, who, so far
as he goes, gives the most reliable account, ascended this river
through the northern branch about forty miles, according to his
estimate of the distance, when. he returned under the apprehension
that he could not reach Potosi, the point aimed at, although the
least water given by him in the month of August was six feet.
His difficulties seem to have arisen from the strength of the cur-
rent ; but, like other explorers, he was illy provided with suitable
means.
The Pilcomayo has its source in a spur of the Cordillera de los
Andes, northwest of Potosi in Bolivia, and after receiving the
Cachimayo, which rises within a short distance of Chuquisaca, is
joined by the Pilaya from the southwest. This latter, fed by
numerous tributaries, greatly augments the volume of the Pilco-
mayo, which, at a short distance from this junction, enters the
Gran Chaco, and flowing under the general direction of southeast,
empties into the Paraguay at Asuncion. The only attempts at
navigation upon this stream which seemed to promise success, are
28
434 THE VERMEJO AND SALADO.
stated to liave been made through, the branch at or near Asun-
cion. Oar chart does not lay down the supposed southern mouth,
because we discovered no evidence of its existence near the lo-
cahty assigned it. Inasmuch, however, as it may discharge it-
self into some one of the numerous riachos, and thus be concealed
from view to one ascending the Paraguay, I would not pronounce
upon its non-existence.
The efforts that have been made to determine the navigability
of the Pilcomayo seemed to have failed — so far as we are able to
judge from the vague accounts given of them — more in conse-
quence of the want of proper boats and provision for such an un-
dertaking than from the opposition of the Indians or insurmounta-
ble obstacles in the river. The chief embarrassment seems to be in
the western portion of the Chaco, where the channel is reported as
losing itself in a vast laguna, offering no direct or navigable course.
The Vermejo flows from the northwestern provinces of the
Argentine Confederation, and notwithstanding the comparatively
short distance through which I ascended it in a steamer of twenty-
six inches draught, and at the season of low water, the point reach-
ed, according to my determination, is above the position given
the most difficult passes by Comejo and Loria. The last descent
of it, made in the corresponding month of the succeeding year by
Mr, Hickman, an enterprising citizen of the United States, then
a resident of Buenos Ayres, in a boat of three to four feet draught,
confirms my opinion of its navigability.
The Salado rises in the western Cordilleras of the Province of
Salta, and after a very tortuous course, under the general direc-
tion of southeast, empties into the Parana at Sante Fe, latitude
31° 38' 34" south, longitude 60° 89' 48'' west.
We ascertained and established the navigability of this river
for a distance of eight hundred miles, and exhibited upon it the
great lever of modern civilization, steam. It flows through a
country imequaled for pastoral and agricultural purposes, and
brings into communication with the Atlantic some of the richest
and most populous provinces — Santiago del Estero, Tucuman,
Salta, Jujuy, etc. — whose products have heretofore been convey-
ed to the port of Eosario by ox- wagons, occupying a period often
months to go and return ; but which can now, by boats, reach
the same port in fifteen days, and a return cargo of merchandise
be made in twenty -five.
Even the Indians, who have heretofore made hostile descents
THE PARANA. 435
upon the few settlements along its banks, may be made, by kind
and judicious treatment, powerful agents in developing the re-
sources of the country.*
Immediately adjacent to the river extends, from one to about
five miles in width, a " river bottom" well wooded and densely
covered with grass, from which the more elevated land, skirted
with timber of superior quality, rises gradually to a level with
the surrounding pampa. The wood on this bottom is of excel-
lent quality as fuel for steamers, and may be had in great abund-
ance. In its green state we experienced no difl6.culty in keeping
up the requisite quantity of steam.
In my visit to the western districts of Paraguay we touched
the Parana where it flowed through " Missiones," but my exami-
nation of this noble river extended only from the mouth to its
junction with the Paraguay. From all the information arrived at,
though unsatisfactory, I was induced to beheve that its navigation
would be found practicable to a considerable distance above Cor-
rientes. The falls of Apipe, situated in latitude 27° 27', longi-
tude 56° west, probably offer no serious obstruction at the pe-
riod of high water.f Hence for several hundred miles up to the
Curitiba, a large navigable river, its course is represented as per-
fectly free. Above this point begins a remarkable series of falls
and cataracts, which extend a distance of one hundred miles to
the Salto Grrande. Around this fall the Jesuits, with their twelve
thousand converts seeking a land of peace from the inhuman per-
secutions of their Portuguese foes, effected a toilsome, struggling
descent, in which many of their numbers perished. Azara, one of
the few fortunate and adventurous travelers who have ever reach-
ed this Salto, has pictured its sublimity in enthusiastic terms. The
river suddenly narrows from a width of over a mile to less than
forty yards, pouring its solid mass of waters over a height of six-
ty feet into a rocky basin.:j:
From what we glean in Jesuit writings the river above this
again becomes navigable, at least to the Parana Pane. Very lit-
tle is known of the upper waters of the Parana ; for beyond a cer-
tain point even the track of the intrepid missionary is lost, and
this great water-course, with a probable navigation of at least two
* See extract from letter of Governor Taboado, p. 444.
t In my narrative I have given in detail an account of the hostile interference
the expedition met with while proceeding to examine this point.
X Azara, vol. i., p. 71, 72.
436 TUE UKUGUAY.
thousand five hundred miles, flows for a great distance in undis-
turbed possession of the Indian.
From Missiones begins that series of islands which thence char-
acterize this river to its mouth. Some of these are small, others
embrace many square leagues ; some are low, of recent formation,
and frequently submerged ; others are high, well wooded, and add
much to the beauty of the scenery.
" The laws which govern the rise and fall of the Parana are in-
variable. Its inundations, like those of the Nile, are periodical,
and are blessings rather than causes of disquietude ; for, always
expected and progressively slow, they never surprise the vigilance
of the inhabitants, and decrease, leaving vegetation not only un-
harmed, but improved by their deposit."*
The Uruguay, which has its source in the Sierra Catalina, lati-
tude 27° 30', is also increased by numerous tributaries, many of
which, when they shall have been explored, may prove important
streams. It flows first west to the confines of the " Missiones,"
then south, and disembogues into La Plata immediately after its
junction with the Parana in latitude 84° south. It bounds Entre
Eios and Corrientes on the east, separates those two provinces
from the Banda Oriental and Brazil, and is navigable at all times
for a distance of two hundred and fifty miles up to the Sal to
Grande. Here is a ledge of rocks stretching across the river, pre-
senting more the character of rapids than of a fall, as its name
would indicate. For a very short time in the year, during the
month of October, the Uruguay rises to the height of from fifteen
to twenty feet, forming over the fall a raj)id current, but of suffi-
cient depth to allow of its ascent under an extraordinary steam
pressure. Beyond the " Sal to" it again becomes navigable for
small vessels of five feet draught to the distance of from one to
two hundred miles. When the population of the country above
shall have increased and have felt the want of water transporta-
tion, they will see the propriety and practicability of overcoming
this obstruction by means of locks.
The scenery on this river, especially on the left bank — the Ban-
da Oriental — is very fine. At the distance of one hundred miles
above its mouth the country on the right bank — Entre Eios —
changes from the flat wooded to the undulating grassy, with
skirts of quebracho and palm groves here and there fringing its
margin. The left bank — the Banda Oriental — is beautiful through-
* Ygnaoio Nunez.
EIVER BANKS. 437
out. The land is higli and rolling, with wooded ridges and grassy
hill-sides, gently sloping to meadows of surpassing verdure.
Now the reservoir of many streams, equaling in its mass of wa-
ters all the rivers of Europe, La Plata, at the narrowest point
twenty-five miles wide, flows on majestically until it commingles
its waters with those of the ocean between the Capes of Santa Ma-
ria and San Antonio, the hmits generally assigned to it by geog-
raphers ; for though it attains a width of one hundred and eighty
miles at its mouth, and has very much the appearance of an estu-
ary, it also retains to the capes many of the characteristics of a
river.
I have named but a few of the principal navigable tributaries
of the central water-courses. From the eastern slopes of the An-
des flow many others, which, after tortuous meanderings for hund-
reds of miles, are lost by filtration or evaporation during the heats
of simimer. Others form shallow lakes and become the sources
of streams of less magnitude.
From the west the Parana and ..Paraguay also receive the out-
pourings of a great number of minor rivers, many of which are
navigable to the very heart of some of the finest regions of the
basin. There are also innumerable riachos which wind through
estancias and forests, forming a perfect net- work of natural canal-
ization, and again find an outlet in the parent streams.
The structure of the lands forming the east and west banks of
the Parana up to the confluence of the Paraguay, and again iipon
those of this latter river up to the Appa exhibits a remarkable con-
trast. Beginning with the shores of the Banda Oriental and pro-
ceeding north we find clay slate, gneiss, and granite, as at Martin
Garcia, whose quarries furnish all the materials for building and
paving in Buenos Ayres. Here is a break in this chain by the
intervention of the flat lands of the Parana Delta. At Diamante
a calcareous formation is presented in a conglomerate of fossil
sea-shells, which continues for a long distance northward on a
range elevated from sixty to one hundred feet, and exhibiting at
some points crystallized carbonate of lime, of which we procured
very perfect specimens. A coarse reddish sandstone and indu-
rated argillaceous earth of the same color characterize the high
banks of the Province of Corrientes. Leavinsj the Parana River
where it turns abruptly eastward, and following the Paraguay, we
observe at some distance in the interior ridges and rolling lands ;
but bordering the banks of the river a level country offers no
438
TOSCA.
appearance of rock formation, until we reach tlie isolated Mount
Lambare, where basaltic rock shows itself. From Asuncion
throughout Paraguay up to the Kio Appa we find, at various
points, banks presenting argillaceous strata and precipitous sec-
tions of silex and limestone.
On the other hand, assuming Buenos Ayres as our starting-
point, and moving northward, on the west bank of the Parana and
Paraguay, we find a continuous pampa throughout the extent of
thirteen degrees of latitude, interrupted only at one point, and that
an isolated hill of mica schist one hundred feet in height, with a
base of not more than three hundred in diameter. This occurs at
the distance of about twelve miles above Asuncion, and contains
the quarry which is alluded to as furnishing a good quality of
stone for building.
The country south of the Salado is more elevated, and appar-
ently of older date than that north of this river, which we assume
as the southern boundary of the Chaco. But the nearest approach
SIERRA SIETE PtTNTA, IN THE CHAOO.
to rock formation throughout the whole extent of this region is
" tosca," which is found in great quantities on the shores of La
Plata, near the city of Buenos Ayres ; at various points in both the
Salado and Vermejo, it forms the beds of those rivers. Beyond,
or north of the Kio Appa, the country both east and west of the
KETIREMENT OF THE SEA. 439
Paraguay assumes very mucli the same claaracter, low and of re-
cent date, broken only by isolated hills, some of them rising al-
most to the proportions of mountains from the water's edge. At
Pan de Azucar the formation is syenite ; at Olimpo, basaltic rock ;
at Coimbra, limestone, white marble, and sandstone, with appar-
ent impressions of moss resembling arborescent marble ; at Co-
rumba, limestone.
Here we had evidently, however, entered upon a formation
differing from that of the Chaco. Detached spurs and isolated
ranges of mountains west of the river, divided and intersected by
low fiat lands, quite submerged at the season of high water, lead
the imagination to picture thera,^ at some anterior date, as islands
in what we may conceive this vast region of La Plata once to
have been — an inland sea.
From the north of Patagonia along the eastern slopes of the An-
dean range, skirting the pampa northward to within the Province
of Chiquitos, turning east, along the sierras which divide the val-
ley of the Amazon from that of La Plata, to the Paraguay, descend-
ing the latter to its tributary, the Appa, and ascending this to its
source, following the Cordillera de Maracayn to the Salto Grande
of the Parana ; descending this river to Missiones, thence across to
the Uruguay throughout its course, and to the capes by which
the great estuary pours its waters into the Atlantic, we trace out
what is supposed to have been the limits of a great gulf
Then came a gradual subsidence, and water-courses found their
beds in valleys and in the gentle lowlands of the Chaco. We
may regard this as a distinct period in the retirement of these
waters, for as yet we suppose the sea to be far above its present
shore-line. The rivers of La Plata were then born, and Sir
Woodbine Parrish finds their outlet in the Call era de Arriola, where
the fossil remains he procured for the British Museum were dis-
covered. From this point, in the lapse of time, as the earth en-
croached upon the sea, these riverine waters found a more ex-
tended course, and may yet, with the fiight of years or ages, over-
flow the limits assigned them by modern geography. Strata of
marine shells found at various depths attest the revolutions that
have been going on for ages. And upon a vast section of the
bed of this ancient sea has been formed the alluvial structure of
the pampas.
Near the shores of La Plata marine remains are frequently vis-
ible, but as we ascend from its mouth the alluvium increases in
440 THE FAMPA COUNTRY.
depth. Near Santa Fe, three hundred miles from the ocean, Mr.
Darwin discovered a stratum of marine shells, over which was an
alluvial bed, forty or fifty feet deep, containing remains of ex-
tinct mammalia. Then again, as he remarks, " On the cliflt-bound
shores of Entre Eios the line can be distinguished where the estu-
ary mud first encroached upon the deposits of the ocean."
But in no place is this alluvial deposit more distinctly marked
than upon the Yermejo, with its banks rising to the height of
thirty and forty feet in the level country of the Chaco. Three
beds or strata were always distinguishable; the upper and the
lower varying in color and character, while the centre was at all
points the same ; a vein of estuary mud, ordinarily at the depth
of fifteen or twenty feet below the surface, at times forming a
thick deposit, at others thinning out to a mere line. At one point
of the river I obtained, ten feet from the surface, from a stratum
of indurated clay, a specimen which has the appearance of roots
and grass, and at another we found fresh-water fossil shells of
very minute size.
The formation of the pampa country of La Plata has scarcely
received the consideration and analysis to which its peculiar fea-
tures may certainly lay claim. Travelers have noted and sur-
mised, and writers have surmised from these, but a satisfactory
treatise would seem still to be wanting, to establish with some re-
liability how and when occurred the physical changes in this great
alluvion, some of which are of very recent date. The origin of
its saline deposits is a subject of interesting inquiry. Bland, one
of the United States Commissioners in 1818 to Buenos Ayres,
says the pampa formation "may have been gently lifted just
above the level of the ocean, and left with a surface so unbroken
and so flat as not yet to have been sufiiciently purified of its salt
and acrid matter either by filtration or washing." It is admitted,
however, that a more reasonable hypothesis for the saline impreg-
nation of various portions of the Chaco may be found in the wash-
ing, during the season of rains, from the extensive salt-fields in the
valleys and on the eastern slopes of the Cordilleras. Hence flow
the head waters of the rivers, which, by filtration or evaporation,
impregnate the adjacent soil and form saline lagoons, the sources
of other streams of less magnitude. We know that salts on the
outer crusts of the earth have been continuously found in lowlands
and highlands, in springs and pools, at considerable elevations.
Shells and marine remains similar to those found throughout this
SEA AND LAND CHANGES. 441
vast basin liave been discovered from the tops of the Andes to
the mountains of China, All creation tells of a diluvial, and
again points out to us an alluvial period.
That the Chaco country is an alluvial formation rests beyond a
doubt. Mr. Darwin enumerates nine distinct quadrupeds, the re-
mains of which he discovered at Bahia Blanca in the province Of
Buenos Ayres. The state of preservation in which they were
found, and other minor circumstances, prove that they were not
tossed and swallowed up by some internal convulsion of nature,
but were slowly and gradually entombed by the earthy matter,
still encroaching upon the sea and rescuing from its waste of wa-
ters a land of fertility.
The physical revolutions the surface of the earth has been un-
dergoing were long ago proved from the accounts of Strabo, of
Herodotus, and a host of ancient writers. The land has contin-
uously encroached upon the sea, and in turn the sea has encroach-
ed upon the land. Herodotus thought that Egyj)t might once
have been a long and narrow galf There are certainly undoubted
proofs here, as in many places elsewhere, of the receding of the
water. Strabo discussed the possibility of the coast of Asia Minor
having in course of time considerably extended itself into the sea,
and Admiral Beaufort has pointed out the inlets that have been
filled up and the islands that have joined to the main land since
the days of that ancient geographer. Eavenna, Notre Dame des
Ports, and numerous other towns, which were once sea-ports, are
now several miles inland. The ancient town of Port Valois,
the Portus Valesise of the Romans, was once situated at the mouth
of the Rhine, but, from the extensive delta formed by the sedi-
ment brought down that river, now stands a mile and a half from
the water. On the other hand, the temple of Serapis and other
structures in the Bay of Baise are remarkable Evidences of the
fall o'f the earth and the rise of the sea.
The filling up of the River La Plata and the extension of the
delta of the Parana are changes that have not totally escaped ob-
servation, although they have not been noted with any degree of
accuracy. Buenos Ayres may yet, like the cities just mention-
ed, become an inland town.
The author of the Argentina, speaking of the depth of water
between San Gabriel and the present site of Buenos Ayres, says,
"De ancho nueve leguas o mas tiene
El rio pora qui y muy hondabte,
442 FERTILITY OF THE SOIL
La nave hasta aqui segura viene
Que como el ancho mar es navigable."
"The river 's here nine leagues or more,
And very deep 'twixt shore and shore,
So far the navigation's free,
As though 'twere an open sea. "
"We are left to conjecture what the poet's notions were of the
depth of water ; but it is not probable that he would have applied
the term " muy hondabk" to eighteen or twenty feet of water,* al-
most in an open sea ; and we may fairly infer that since the pe-
riod when Centenera ascended the river, about three centuries
ago, the detritus brought down by its current has gradually filled
up the bed to its present level. What the amount of this deposit
can have been we are left to imagine. Little doubt, however, can
be entertained but this filling up has been and still continues the
silent work of time, and that as each day La Plata pours its sea
of waters out into the ocean, layers of mud and vegetable matter
sift to its shallow bottom.
All the great rivers of La Plata flow from the finest mineral
districts of the world ; but this valley has yet richer mines in its
varied and fertile soil, and in the wealth of the vegetable king-
dom, which is marvelous. In ascending continuously from the
Capes of La Plata to Martin Garcia, from the fragrant isles of the
Parana to the fruitful wilds of Brazil, in river and land explora-
tions of over eight thousand miles, we found every indigenous va-
riety of trojiical vegetation ; passed forests of precious woods, in-
terrupted only by extended j^lains carpeted with vigorous grass-
es and capable of supporting an incalculable number of horned
cattle. Again : I entered populous districts, and witnessed a
demonstration of all the capabilities of the soil for agricultural
wealth; but the inhabitants of these districts, not stimulated to
exertion by exterior commerce, have heretofore pursued agricul-
ture only as a means of supplying the demand for home consump-
tion. When small fields of cotton, tobacco, and sugar are suf-
ficient for the wants of a few families, there is no inducement to
form great plantations; but having seen these articles grown to
the perfection of maturity, with but little culture, and even spon-
taneously, I can readily imagine that in a few years they would
become staples.
We brought home sections of a variety of woods, and of their
indestructible qualities I had some opportunity of judging in my
HEALTHFUL CLIMATE. 443
frequent visits to the abandoned missions of the Jesuits in Para-
guay, where the finest wood-work — columns, statuary, and roofing
— exposed to the action of the elements for more than two centu-
ries, were as untouched by time as granite or iron. " A ship built
of Paraguay wood," says Azara, " will outlast four of European
timber." The economy of nature also is most wonderful and beau-
tiful. In the edible fruits, foliage, barks, fibres, and juices of its
great forest trees, as well as in those of every species of minor
vegetation, we find farinaceous food, a stimulant, or tea, more
healthful than that afforded by the Chinese leaf, precious medi-
cines,* raw materials for the finest tissues and the most useful
fabrics, dye-stuffs offering varied and unfading tinges, gums, res-
ins. This exuberance of vegetable life is united with a climate
as delicious as it is salubrious.
The exposure incident to works of this character is calculated
generally to give a correct idea of the health of the country in
which they are prosecuted. And such was the unusual absence
of sickness among both officers and crew of the Water Witch, not-
withstanding the exposure to which they were subjected, that I
am constrained to pronounce Paraguay and those provinces of the
Argentine Confederation which constituted the field of our opera-
tions among the healthiest regions of the earth. Its j)roximity to
the tropics and physical character, judging from analogy, might,
on a superficial knowledge of it, convey a very different idea.
But, in giving this as an opinion, I do not judge solely from
the effects of the climate upon our exploring party, but from facts
indisputable. In Paraguay there is no practicing physician. It
is not an uncommon occurrence to meet with aged persons who
will say they have never been sick. In the Province of Santiago
del Estero there is no professional physician. One will often hear
the remark, " There has never occurred in Santiago a case of in-
termittent fever." It was in this province that I tested my own
power of endurance, and at the same time the salubrity of the at-
mosphere, by the exposure to which I was subjected both by day
and night. During the greater portion of the year the country
people sleep in the open air, never " in doors" unless driven in by
rain.
This condition of climate prevails, although in a less degree,
throughout the Confederation. Had the great delineator and in-
* Amonf:^ the botanical specimens collected in Paraguay alone are sixty-six va-
rieties of medicinal plants, and yet the collection is incomplete in this branch.
444 RIVER NAVIGATION.
vestigator of South American nature visited La Plata, he would
have made it an exception in penning the following passage:
" Extreme fertility of soil and insalubrity of atmosphere are as in-
separably connected in South America as in Southern Asia."*
The progress made in those countries even during the short pe-
riod of the operations of this expedition — the Constitutional Gov-
ernment having been established in 1853 — was too manifest to
escape the most uninterested observer, and it has demonstrated
practically to the comprehension of the people the wonderful
blessings of peace and good government over civil wars and des-
potism.
A company, with a large grant of land from the General Govern-
ment, was soon formed for the navigation of the Salado, and Don
Manuel Taboado, Governor of Santiago del Estero, writes to me,
under date of September 1st, 1857 : " Two years have elapsed
since the exploration of the Salado, which, under your direction,
has given such good results. Yesterday — the anniversary of your
arrival in Santiago — came Captain Benetti, of the steamer Salado,
now aground at Monte Aguara, he having ascended the river in
a boat, which he left at Navicha.f .... Captain Benetti noted,
between Aguara and Navicha, about forty fallen trees, and it now
remains only to complete the work you began
" I have before advised you of our successes on the frontier
against the Indians. We have defeated them in several engage-
ments, and they, having since made peace and conducted them-
selves well, are now employed in the transmission of our corre-
spondences by canoes from Bracho to Aguara."
On the faith of evidence given that the Vermejo is navigable
in its ascent by steamers, a company, composed in part of some
enterprising Englishmen, was formed for this purpose ; and hav-
ing obtained from the government of the Argentine Confeder-
ation exclusive privileges, procured from England four small
steamers. Entertaining a deep interest in all such enterprises —
the fruits of our work — I strongly advised that the steamers re-
quired for the navigation, especially of the small tributaries of the
central rivers, should be procured in the United States ; for, apart
from a national feeling, and without reflecting upon the skill of
English ship-builders, I do not hesitate to assert that in no part
* Views of Nature.
t Distant from Bracho, the first military post in Santiago on the Salado, fifteen
miles.
INDUCEMENTS FOR IMMIGRATION. 445
of the world lias the construction of boats of small draught been
carried to the same extent or brought to such perfection as in
the United States ; and for the simple reason that here we have
an inland navigation of vast extent and of great value, which has
excited the ingenuity of ship-builders to devise such construction,
and so to apply the means of propulsion as to admit of the least
possible draught.
Paraguay promises a lucrative commerce to any people that
may become engaged in it ; producing tobacco, hides, yerba, cot-
ton, medicinal plants, dye-stuffs, indigo, and a variety of woods
for ship-building and ornamental purposes. So superior is the
quality of her tobacco, to which both climate and soil seem pecul-
iarly adapted, that it would alone become an article of extensive
trade. She would seek eagerly in return salt and manufactured
goods.
In ascending the Paraguay two thousand miles from the At-
lantic we reached the frontiers of some of the richest provinces of
Brazil, provinces whose products had before no outlets but the
port of Eio Janeiro — a port reached by a laborious, dangerous,
and costly land travel, over mountain paths accessible only to the
sure-footed mule.
A part of the ancient empire of the Incas — the State of Bolivia
— has vital interests in the results of this exploration. Possessing
but one indifferent port on the Pacific, Cobija, and from this sepa-
rated by the Cordilleras of the Andes, it is only by her rivers that
the wealth of her mines and the fruits of her forests, teeming with
many of the products of the Indies, can be brought into the trade
of the Atlantic.
From being one of the best populated as well as the richest of
the South American States, a field is at once opened for the manu-
factures of Europe and the United States. At simply a nominal
expense, when we look to the vastness of the interest involved,
might she effect this outlet into the Paraguay, through the river
Otuquis, now obstructed by a dense growth of grass.
With the navigability of her great interior water-courses once
established. La Plata will have received a development of cen-
turies, and we may safely anticipate the tide of immigration which
will set into that valley, and, without being visionary, we foresee a
future which, in the history of the world, will only be surpassed
by the growth of the United States of North America. In offer-
ing to immigrants the temptations of a country even richer in
446 EMIGRATION FROM EUROPE.
all natural, mineral, pastoral, and agricultural resources than the
great basins of the Orinoco and Amazon, we have shown that
she offers a climate genial and unrivaled for its salubrity, and a
population sufiiciently large and advanced in civility to form at
once the basis of extensive commercial operations.
Brossard, a French diplomatist, says, in writing on the immigra-
tion from France into that country: "In 1838 the number of
French registered at the French Consulate at Montevideo amount-
ed to five thousand ; at the end of 1812 it had increased to nine
thousand ; but it must be remembered that this register embraced
only adults ; and the best authorities compute the whole number,
inclusive of women and children, at not less than fifteen thousand.
During the first months of the year 1841 there arrived at Monte-
video more than thirty-five hundred persons from the Basque
Provinces, and it is estimated that not less than 28,245 EurojDean
iromigrants arrived from 1838 to the close of 1841." This tide
of immigration flowed in when these countries were distracted by
civil wars and revolutions, which have given place to more settled
governments and commercial treaties with the United States and
some of the great powers of Europe.
The leading governments of Europe have manifested for many
years an active interest in the affairs of La Plata, and my opinion
of its immense resources for commerce are more than sustained
by some of their most eminent statesmen. Austria, at an early
period, acknowledged the independence of the La Plata Eepub-
lics. Proverbially sagacious and far-seeing as her statesmen are
known to be, they have doubtless discovered in that region a
healthy outlet for the disaffected population of the Lombardo-Ve-
netian States.
M. Guizot comprehended the importance of opening the coun-
tries of this great basin to European enterprise. In a dispatch to
M. de St. Aulaire, then the French Ambassador at London, he
says, in writing of the intervention of France and England in the
affairs of La Plata: "We must ask, as an accessory consequence
of our intervention, the application of the principles established
by the Congress at Vienna for the free navigation of rivers, in re-
lation to those which, flowing from the frontiers of Brazil and
Paraguay, throw themselves into the Atlantic."
M. Thiers, in a speech before the legislative assembly of France,
delivered January 6th, 1850, says of the commerce and brilliant
future of La Plata: "Your trade with the two Americas is enor-
M. GUIZOT ON SOUTH AMERICA. 447
mous ; larger than with any other region of the globe. It repre-
sents nearly five hundred millions, of which North America ab-
sorbs the greater part. Of these five hundred millions North
America receives three hundred and fifty ; South America one
hundred and fifty, which is not quite a third ; but you deceive
yourselves strangely if you appreciate this hundred and fifty mil-
lions of commerce only by the cypher by which it is represented.
The trade of North America, which apparently presents such
great advantages, and which you regard with such solicitude, has
two great drawbacks : First, it is exposed to the tariff, which the
manufacturing classes {parti industriel) demand. Secondly, they
have the advantage of you in navigation
^'Now let us look at South America. You there trade with
nations whose growth surpasses even that of North America.
The census of North America represents the population as doub-
ling itself nearly in twenty years, I can prove to you that there
are states in South America where the population has tripled in
twelve years.
" The trade of Brazil has advanced in ten years from a little
less than thirty to sixty millions ; the trade of La Plata has ad-
vanced, in twelve years, from between four and five millions to
forty milhons.
" You may judge from this of the progress of trade in those
countries.
" I am profoundly convinced that without this war, which your
energy alone can terminate, the trade of South America — and I
speak without exaggeration — will reach to two hundred millions.
"Again: you encounter there no manufacturing party {parti
industriel). She can not menace you for a long period with the
industrial rivalry which now threatens you in the United States ;
the people of South America are at best an agricultural people.
And, lastly, you have the certainty that your flag will there de-
velop itself immensely ; and there is only that region for its de-
velopment {et il n^y a plus que cette region pour le deveIopper)J^
In a memorial addressed to the King of Prussia, advocating
the establishment of a line of steamers to South America, the
views of Thiers for France are apj^lied to Germany. The writers
say : " Brazil will never become a manufacturing country, and
the products of Germany will there, m all time, or forever, find an
assured outlet or market. After Brazil the states of the Rio de
la Plata merit the greatest attention among the countries of South
448 OUR TRUE POLICY.
America, and an extended commerce with Brazil will secure to
Germany relations with these states. The vast territories which
form the basin of the Parana, the Paraguay, and the Uruguay,
and their tributaries, contain the elements of a prosperity and
wealth the most varied. What a future do these countries not
offer!"
While benefiting these neighboring and weaker republics by
developing their river system, we have opened a vast field for
trade in all the products of temperate and tropical zones ; and
these, with the mineral treasures of the Andes, can find a rapid
and safe river-transit to the Atlantic. Protected by the flags of
the great maritime powers, this excess of wealth will be poured
into the lap of nations. WiU not our people seek a fair commer-
cial intercourse with these states of our own hemisphere ? We
can apply to ourselves with equal force the arguments of Thiers
and the (jerman memorialists. We are not there menaced by the
rivalry of a manufacturing people, and our flag may find a field
of extensive development. If the government of the United
States be true to its interest ; if it desire to cherish and maintain
a feeling of national friendship with those countries ; if it desire
to secure any benefits likely to arise from its commerce — destined
to be of inestimable value — it must step in while the " waters are
troubled," it must move ere alliances are made elsewhere.
The most flattering compliment has been paid this government
by the people of the Argentine Confederation, through their rep-
resentatives, that could possibly be bestowed by one nation upon
another. They have adopted our Constitution as the model of
theirs, in every particular, save some few where it would have
been totally inoperative. They point to our progress as an exam-
ple to their own people ; they copy and circulate the writings of
our statesmen ; they desire to imitate us so far as it may be pos-
sible, and to this end they look for a continuance of peace.
I have carefully noted in my narrative the reception of the ex-
pedition and the courtesies extended to myself and ofiicers by the
inhabitants of La Plata as an evidence of their disposition to fra-
ternize with our people. These countries are worthy of our high-
est consideration, and if, in diplomatic relations, we are not ably
represented, then we are not fairly represented, and we do injus-
tice to ourselves.
FIRST DISCOVERY OF LA PLATA. 449
CHAPTEE XXYI,
First Discovery of the River La Plata by Solis. — Death of Solis. — Sebastian Cabot.
— First Settlement in La Plata. — Explorations of Cabot. — Indian Hostilities. —
Highway to El Dorado. — Don Diego Garcia. — Cabot's Dispatch to the Emperor.
— Pizarro. — Cabot superseded. — Don Pedro de Mendoza. — His Expedition to La
Plata. — Founding of Buenos Ayres. — Hostility of the Indians. — Attack upon
Buenos Ayres. — Ayolas. — His Expedition up the River. — Death of Mendoza. —
Destruction of the Spaniards under Ayolas. — Don Dominguez Yrala. — Founding
of Asuncion. — Indian Conspiracy. — The Spaniards and the Natives. — Don Al-
varo Kunez de Vaca. — His Journey across the Continent. — Administration of
De Vaca. — He is sent back to Spain. — Yrala appointed Adelantado. — Asun-
cion erected into a Bishopric. — Disasters of the first Adventurers. — Successful
Administration of Trala. — Commanderies. — Death of Yrala. — Zarate and Garay.
— Victory over the Indians. — First export Cargo. — Death of Garay. — Final Con-
quest of La Plata. — Separation from Paraguay.
To the Narrative of the American Exploring Expedition I ap-
pend a few chapters giving an abstract of the early history of La
Plata and the proceedings of the Jesuits in that region.
The basin of La Plata is one of the three geographical divisions
of the southern section of our hemisphere, and takes its name from
the river discovered by Juan Diaz de Solis, great pilot of Castile,
who, having received from the Spanish Crown command of an
expedition to follow up the discoveries of Vincent Yannes Pinson
upon the Brazilian coast and southward, started in the month of
September, 1515, with three vessels, one of sixty and two of thirty
tons, all provisioned for two and a half years.
Solis, in the same year, reached the entrance of a supposed es-
tuary, which he ascended for some distance ; discovering it to be
a river, and finding the navigation intricate, he left his vessels, and
in a boat ranged the western shores as high as the island of Mar-
tin Garcia. Here, deceived by the submissive movements of In-
dians who placed at their feet provisions and other offerings, the
explorer, with a few men, ventured to land without due precau-
tionary measures to guard against the treachery of the savages,
"who," says Charlevoix, "killed him and all his attendants
and, stripping the dead carcasses, roasted and ate them in sight
of those who had remained in the boat, or had taken refuge in it,
and who had now no other course to take but to return to Spain,"
The right of Spain to one of the fairest regions of the earth was
29
450 SEBASTIAN CABOT.
thus sealed by tlie blood of tbe great pilot of Castile, wlio was,
according to Herrera, one of the boldest navigators of the day ;
but for some years no steps were taken to follow up bis discovery.
Sebastian Cabot, having left the service of England, entered that
of Spain in 1512. He was received with every mark of consid-
eration by Ferdinand, and in 1618 given the post oi piloto major.
It was reserved for this explorer to reveal the wonderful river
system of La Plata. Ten years after the death of De Solis he was
charged by Charles V. to pass through the Straits of Magellan
and open a communication with the Spice Islands. This expedi-
tion, consisting of four small vessels and a caravel, sailed from
San Lucar April 8d, 1526. Cabot lost his largest ship on the
coast of Brazil, and observing among his crew a spirit of disaffec-
tion, which soon ripened into an open mutiny, headed by Martin
Mendez and Michael Eoxas, two officers next to himself in rank,
he determined to abandon the voyage to the Moluccas.
Landing the mutineers at the island of St. Catharine, he, with
about two hundred brave followers, among them three brothers
of Vasco Nunez de Balboa, sailed for the Parana Guazu, which
he ascended to the scene of Solis's disaster. Leaving here his two
largest vessels, thirty men, and twelve soldiers, Cabot, on the 8th
of May, 1527, with a brig and caravel, passed through the chan-
nel which still bears the name he gave it — Las Palmas — and en-
tered the mouth of the Uruguay ; from thence a boat party was
sent up the river under the command of Juan Alvarez de Kamon,
who, after a navigation of three days, ran aground on a sand-bank,
where he was attacked by the savages, Eamon was killed, but a
few of the men escaped by swimming, and succeeded in rejoining
their ships. The expedition next entered the central river — the
Parana — and off the mouth of the Carcarana, or Zacarania, now
known as the Tercero, latitude 82° 50', came to anchor. Finding
the natives, who throughout his ascent flocked in crowds to the
shore, disposed to be friendly, and enchanted with the beauty of
the country, Cabot ordered up the remainder of his ships, and
commenced the first settlement of La Plata, San Espiritu, which
was, when completed, garrisoned by an officer and sixty men.
On the 22d of December, 1527, Cabot recommenced his explo-
ration of the Parana, which he ascended for nine hundred miles
to latitude 22° 27' 20", longitude 59°, at which point navigation
was obstructed by the Falls of Apipe. Here the expedition re-
mained for thirty days, during which time its commander fre-
DIEGO GAKCIA. 45I
quently communicated witli tile Indians of the bordering coun-
try, who exhibited an amicable spirit, and gave in exchange for
articles of little value pieces of gold and silver, which were brought,
they said, from lands to the west. The explorers next retraced
their steps to the confluence of the Parana and Paraguay, entered
the latter river, and ascended to the mouth of the Vermejo, where
they were attacked by several thousand Payaguas Indians, who
bore down upon them in three hundred canoes, and were only re-
pulsed with considerable loss on the part of the Spaniards. The
second in command, Michael Kifos, and the treasurer of the expe-
dition were both killed. Seeing the resolufe spirit of the invad-
ers, the savages next made pacific overtures by bringing to them
provisions and ornaments of precious metals, which, like the Pa-
rana Indians, they described as coming from the west. Herrera
says they were the spoils of war taken by the Payaguas in a re-
cent inroad into the dominions of Huana Capuc. Charlevoix be-
lieves them to have been part of the effects of the unfortunate
Portuguese adventurer, Alexis Garcia, who a short time before
this date had traversed the continent from Brazil to Peru, obtain-
ed a considerable treasure, and in returning reached the borders
of the Paraguay, where he was put to death by the Indians.
Cabot was at this time unaware of the journey of Garcia, but
Balboa's letters from the Pacific mentioning a region in the south
teeming with the precious metals, had reached Spain before the
saihng of this expedition, and he probably received from the sav-
ages some definite information of the existence of the Peruvian
empire. Undoubtedly believing the great river he was explor-
ing to be a highway to El Dorado, he named it " Eio de la Plata."
The jealousy of the conquerors, and the avarice of the mer-
chants of Seville and Lima, who afterward obtained a monopoly
of the trade of the Pacific provinces, the want of enterprise, and
the distracted state of the Plata republics since their separation
from Spain, have left the problem unsolved. It may be among
the developments of the nineteenth century to prove that Cabot's
conjectures were correct. The Paraguay may yet be established
as the most direct communication between Europe and the finest
districts of the Peruvian empire.
A rival now appeared in the field. At the mouth of the Ver-
mejo the explorers met Don Diego Garcia, who, uninformed of the
course taken by the expedition of Cabot, had intended to follow
up the discovery of Sohs. Agreeing to continue their work in
452 PIZARRO.
amity the two commanders return-ed to San Espiritu ; but having
afterward a misunderstanding, and Garcia's party being greatly
inferior in numbers, he left the river. Ferdinand Calderon and
George Barlowe (the latter an Englishman) were dispatched to
Spain with rich specimens of the precious metals and several Gua-
rani Indians, whom they were instructed to present to his Spanish
Majesty, and solicit aid and authority for Cabot to extend his ex-
plorations westward.
The messengers, with their human and metallic credentials,
were well received by the Emperor ; the course of their com-
mander was approved, and promises were given of assistance.
But their arrival was immediately followed by that of Francisco
Pizarro, who reached Spain in May 1528. Cabot had only offered
conjectures of a golden region west of the Paraguay. Pizarro,
after incredible hardships, the very recital of which moved his
Majesty to tears, had reached the borders of Dorado. One asked
both authority and means to continue his explorations ; the other
sought only the royal permission, relying upon his own resources.
He had brought with him material proof of his discoveries. Bal-
boa had sent home drawings of the lama ; Pizarro now exhibited
to the Spaniard the wonderful animal itself, with fine fabrics of its
wool. There were also valuable and artistically-wrought speci-
mens of the precious metals. The golden empire of the south was
no longer a chimera of the imaginative adventurers, for they had
entered the temple of Tumbez and could testify to its exceeding
riches ; its coating of gems, gold, and silver ; they had visited the
gardens of the Inca's brides, resplendent with the precious met-
als ; had actually seen and watched the artisans engaged in the
formation of its costly decorations.
Charles was on the eve of starting for Italy to receive the im-
perial crown from the Eoman Pontiff. Before his departure he
commended the cause of Pizarro to the General Council of the
Indies ; the promises made to the messengers from La Plata were
forgotten. Impatient for their return, uncertain even as to their
fate, Cabot determined to submit in person his cause to the em-
peror, and, leaving a garrison of one hundred and ten men at San
Espiritu, under the command of Nino de Lara,* he sailed for Spain,
* A cacique of one of the neighboring tribes, having conceived a passion for the
young and beautiful wife of a Spanish officer, carried her off in the absence of her
husband and a large part of the garrison of San Epiritu. This led to conflicts with
the Timbres, and San Espiritu was finally abandoned.
PEDKO DE MENDOZA. 453
■where lie arrived in 1530, after an absence of nearly five years,
only to learn the good fortune of Pizarro and his own disappoint-
ment. As some compensation, he was offered and accepted his
old post of pilot of Castile.
K fervently impressed with the value of his discovery, the great
navigator quietly abandoned to others the right of forther exami-
nation ; but we must remember that the whole future expense of
the discovery and settlement of these countries was borne by the
conquerors from their private resources, or those amassed in the
course of their explorations. Cabot was not rich, and is repre-
sented by contemporary writers as singularly gentle and disinter-
ested in character. He was doubtless totally unfitted for the in-
trigues of a court, and as the emperor was unwilling or unable
to afford him assistance, he probably found it difficult, if not im-
possible, to obtain credit from other sources for a sufficient sum,
especially when he could offer no proof of the existence of golden
regions in La Plata, or a connection with Peru more definite than
that afforded by the reports of the Indians, wto gave five hund-
red leagues as its distance from the Paraguay.
Don Pedro de Mendoza, a wealthy gentleman of Andalusia,
who was attached to the Emperor's household, and had served
with distinction in the Italian wars, next offered to defray all the
expenses of an expedition to La Plata of a thousand men furnish-
ed with provisions and equipments for one year. In return he
was to be endowed with the title of adelantado, and to have a ju-
risdiction limited only by tlje concessions already made to Pizarro
and Almagro. His salary of two thousand ducats was to be de-
frayed from the lands discovered by Cabot, or from the revenues
of new conquests; great privileges were likewise conceded to
those who should accompany him.
Not only was Mendoza impressed with the anticipation of find-
ing a direct route to Peru, but the terms of the asiento^ " If any
sovereign prince should fall into their hands the whole of his ran-
som was to be the reward of the conqueror after deducting the
royal fifth," suggested a hope of other and neighboring empires
of equal wealth and civilization.
A large number of individuals of distinction, among them thir-
ty noblemen, the eldest sons of their families, and several Flemish
ofiicers, joined the expedition ; there was, indeed, so great a mul-
titude of all classes* that, instead of a thousand, at the last it was
* Charlevoix.
454 INDIAN HOSTILITY.
found that the number composing it had increased to two thou-
sand five hundred Spaniards, and one hundred and fifty Germans.
Don Diego de Mendoza, brother to the adelantado, was appointed
admiral of the fleet; Don Juan de Osorio, an officer who had
greatly distinguished himself in Italy, was made commander of
the troops; and Don Juan de Ayolas. was appointed alguazil
major. Others went out with official appointments from the
crown, while many of high birth, among them Don Martin de
Yrala, a Biscayan hidalgo, who subsequently made a name in the
colony, were satisfied with merely volunteering their services.
A fleet of fourteen ships with their crews, carrying seventy-two
horses, completed the expedition, which sailed from San Lucar in
August, 1534, and after a favorable voyage entered La Plata in
January, 1535.
Ascending the river to the Isle of San Gabriel, the ships came
to anchor ; and on the 2d of February the Spaniards began their
first settlements on the banks of the Eiachuelo, which they called,
in honor of the day, and as an expression of their delight with the
fine climate, " Santa Maria de Buenos Ayres."
On disembarking the stores it was found that, owing to waste,
bad management, and the numbers who at the last moment had
been permitted to join the expedition, the supplies intended for one
year were nearly exhausted. The savages of the pampas, at first
allured by the presents of the invaders, brought them abundance
of provisions ; but as these were exhausted, and familiarity dissi-
pated the feelings of awe which their first appearance excited, or,
perhaps, wearied with the task of furnishing food for such num-
bers, they retired some leagues from the settlement. There was
but one alternative — to oblige them by force to continue what
they had voluntarily begun.
Unfortunately for the adventurers, the first movements to carry
out this resolution were characterized by neither prudence nor
sagacity. The admiral, Don Diego Mendoza, who was sent to
scour the country in command of a small body of cavalry and
three hundred foot, on the second day discovered a large body of
savages and essayed a parley ; but, finding that they declined to
listen to any pacific overtures, the admiral, despising their naked
strength and rude implements of war, rushed eagerly to the at-
tack without noting their admirable position on the borders of
a morass, in which the foot-soldiers soon became entangled, and
were for a time defenselessly exposed to the arrows of the Que-
EXPEDITION OF AYOLAS. 455
randis. The cavalry made a bold charge, and the battle ended in
the retreat of the savages leaving a thousand slain, but also with
a loss on the part of the Spaniards of one hundred and sixty men,
including Don Diego Mendoza, Don Pedro de Guzman, and five
other gentlemen of distinction — a sacrifice which led to no good
result. The Indians, for some months after this battle, kept at a
distance ; they neither brought provisions nor offered submission
to the invaders, who were soon reduced to the most fearful straits
through starvation and sickness.
Ships were ordered to the coast of Brazil for relief; and another
party, under the command of Ayolas, was sent up the Parana for
the same purpose. The first returned after poor success, but
reached Buenos Ayres in time to assist in defending it from the
attack of twenty thousand Indians, who boldly approached close
to the mud-walls, over which they threw bolas with matches at-
tached, threatening entire destruction to the hastily-erected and
thatched-roof huts within. Fortunately, the guns of several ves-
sels were brought to bear on the savages, and made such hav-
oc that they were forced to retreat ; not, however, before several
houses and vessels were destroyed.
The return of Ayolas from the Parana with a supply of maize
gave only temporary relief. This commander, like the great pi-
lot, was so charmed with the beauty of the upper country and the
seeming hospitality of the Timbii Indians that he left a hundred
men to build a new fort. Corpus Christi, near the site of San Es-
piritu, whither it was resolved by the adelantado to remove the
remainder of his followers, who were now too glad to abandon
the scene of so much suffering. From Corpus Christi Ayolas was
again ordered to explore the upper waters of the Paraguay, and
ascended to latitude 25° 88', where he .was attacked by a large
body of Payaguas in boats, whom he beat off, but with the loss
of fifteen of his men. Continuing his ascent for a few leagues,
but finding the natives neither disposed to treat nor bring pro-
visions, Ayolas determined to land and give them battle. A de-
cisive victory established the superiority of the Spaniards, and
the savages testified their submission, not only by promising fealty
and obedience, and bringing abundant supplies of provisions, but
by offering as presents a number of young Indian girls.
The conquerors commenced, August 15th, 1536, on the left
bank, the construction of a fortified house — the first of Asuncion.
Leaving in it a small garrison, Ayolas continued his exploration
456 MARTIN DE YRALA.
of the river to Puerto de Candelaria, in latitude 21° 05', where lie
disembarked and penetrated into the interior, with the hope of
reaching Peru.
Mendoza determined to return to Spain. Charging Francisco
Ruiz with the shipping and one hundred and fifty men left at
Buenos Ayres, and also with an appointment for Ayolas to act
as his lieutenant, the unfortunate adelantado, ill and broken-
hearted, sailed from La Plata. He died on the passage home,
but with his last breath urged those around him to have succor
sent to the suffering colonists.
Don Dominguez Yrala, who had been left at Candelaria in
charge of the vessels of Ayolas, after waiting nine months with-
out news from his commander, was forced by want of provisions
to return to Asuncion. While engaged in strengthening that
settlement, ships arrived with several hundred men and supplies
for two years. About the same time Francisco Ruiz left Buenos
Ayres to proceed up the river in search of Ayolas. Joined by
the garrison at Corpus Christi, which he found driven to great
straits by the repeated attacks of the Indians, he reached Asun-
cion soon after the arrival of the relief from Spain. Thus the
whole of the Spaniards of La Plata, in all six hundred souls,
were assembled there. The fate of Ayolas and his men had
been ascertained. Traversing the Chaco and Chiquitos, they had
reached the borders of Peru, obtained a quantity of the precious
metals, but in returning were massacred by a party of Payaguas
Indians near Candelaria.
The Emperor had ordered the colonists to elect a governor
should Ayolas not return. Their choice fell upon Yrala, who
was in all due form proclaimed Captain General of the Rio de la
Plata, August, 1538. He at once applied himself with energy
and ability to strengthening the settlement and completing the
subjugation of the neighboring Guarani tribes. The lines of a
city were drawn, each individual of the community receiving an
apportionment of land ; the whole was surrounded by a palisade.
Alcaldes and police were appointed, municipal laws framed, and
a church and several substantial buildings for public use erected.
Asuncion was the first, and remained for some time the most con-
siderable city of La Plata.
The Spaniards congratulated themselves upon their escape from
Buenos Ayres to Paraguay, that " blissful country," as Muratori
calls it, where the climate was benign and the aborigines more
EXrEDlTION OF DE VACA. • 457
docile and civilized than those of the pampas ; for the Guarani
industriously cultivated their land and raised large crops of
maize, cassava, and sweet potatoes, which, with honey, fish, fowl,
and wild animals, gave them abundance of food. They had also
a wild cotton, from which the women wove such light garments
as were needful in that climate.
Some of the natives took refuge with the fiercer tribes of the
Chaco, others made fruitless attempts at resistance, and, about a
year from the establishment of Asuncion, a conspiracy to massacre
the whites during Holy Week was revealed by an Indian girl.
The leaders were executed, and from this time the neighboring
tribes east of the river resigned themselves submissively to their
fate. The women became willingly, indeed eagerly, the wives
and concubines of the settlers, and a new generation rose, asserting
nature's claims on both races. The Guarani language was gener-
ally spoken, and to this day is more generally used than Spanish
in Paraguay. •
After the death of Mendoza, Don Alvaro Nunez Cabeza de
Vaca, who had been many years prisoner among the Indians of
Florida, volunteered to expend eight thousand ducats in equip-
ping an expedition for La Plata. His offer was accepted, and
with the title and privileges previously accorded to the deceased
adelantado, he sailed from San Lucar, November 2d, 1540, with
four hundred men and forty-six horses. At St. Catharine, March,
1541, he received the first intelligence of the death of Ayolas and
the removal of the colonists to Asuncion, and conceived the ex-
traordinary project of reaching that place by traveling across the
continent. Sending his vessels round to La Plata under the com-
mand of Don Philip de Carceres, De Vaca supplied himself with
beads, hatchets, knives, scissors, and other articles which his ex-
perience of Indian life had taught him would be useful accesso-
ries in a march through a country entirely in the possession of the
savages; and on the 2d November, 1541, accompanied by two
hundred and fifty men, and with only twenty horses — all that
had survived the voyage — he began this extraordinary journey.
After toiling through the forests of the mountainous regions of
the coast, the adelantado entered upon a magnificent plain, wa-
tered by the great river Curitiba, and covered, as far as the eye
could reach, with the villages and fields of Indians, who received
him with great hospitality, supplying his party with abundance
of provisions in return for trinkets of little value. Charmed with
458 . SUCCESSIVE GOVERNORS,
the beauty and fertility of the land, De Vaca took possession of
it, in right of discovery, for Spain, and called it Vera, from his
own family name. Continuing their journey without any discour-
aging incidents, the Spaniards reached Asuncion after a traverse
of more than a thousand miles, which was made in one hundred
and thirty days, and with the loss of only one man, who was
drowned by the upsetting of a canoe in crossing the Parana.
This was undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary exploits
of the conquest of La Plata ; but the administrative talents of the
new adelantado were not equal to the courage or address he had
shown in this journey, or rather not equal to the control of the
turbulent spirits of Asuncion. He became involved in difficulties
with them, which ended in their sending him home, after a close
imprisonment of ten months, upon charges of maladministration.
During the short period that he ruled over Paraguay De Vaca
succeeded in impressing several of the most warlike tribes of the
Chaco — the Guayc^rus and Agaces — with a due sense of the
power of Spain, and energetically sought to accomplish, what was
a prominent object with all the first governors, the opening of a
communication with Peru. He ascended the Paraguay to the
lagoons of Xarayes, but the periodical inundations obliged him to
retrace his course, after having penetrated some distance west.
It was upon his return from this expedition, in April, 1544, that
he first encountered the open hostility of a party who, during his'
absence, had assiduously endeavored to undermine his authority.
Taking advantage of the absence of Yrala, the most energetic and
popular man of the colony, who had always acquiesced in the
measures of De Vaca, they dragged the adelantado from a bed
of sickness, and placed him in irons until a vessel could be pre-
pared to send him to Spain for trial. The Council of the Indies,
to whom his case was submitted, after keeping him in suspense
for nearly eight years, acquitted De Vaca of the charges, but never
permitted him to return to La Plata.
Some fatality seemed to attend the governors of this region.
Don Diego Centino, who had assisted La Gasca in suppressing a
rebellion in Peru, next received the appointment as adelantado
of La Plata, when on his death-bed at Chiqusaca. Don Juan de
Sanabria, his successor, died while engaged in preparations for
his departure from Spain, and the son of Sanabria, who was next
appointed adelantado, perished by shipwreck after entering the
waters of La Plata.
BISHOPKIC FOUNDED. 459
The claims of Yrala could no longer be overlooked. Twice,
subsequent to the death of Ayolas and the deposition of De Vaca, he
had been chosen governor, and, when superseded, had shown him-
self a loyal subject by giving the new adelentado the benefit of
all his great experience. He was not without enemies. Some
accused him of abandoning Ayolas, without an energetic effort to
save him from the treachery of the Payaguas; others asserted
that he cunningly instigated the intrigues against De Vaca ; but
there is nothing to support these charges, and evidences of his
courage, administrative talent, and general popularity meet us on
all sides. He ascended the Paraguay four successive times; he
penetrated to the very borders of Peru, though not permitted by
La Gasca to enter the country ; and, returning from this memo-
rable journey after an absence of eighteen months, brought with
him twelve thousand Indian prisoners.
On the other side, he had traversed Paraguay, crossed the Pa-
rana above the great falls, and ascended its left shore to the Tiete,
whence he overran the Province of La Guayra, and gave a check
to the Mamelucos by founding the town Ontiveros.
The Portuguese had instigated the Tupi Indians to make de-
scents upon the less warlike tribes of Paraguay and carry off their
prisoners to be sold as slaves to the dealers on the coast. Yrala's
energetic measures had checked these iniquitous proceedings, and
from the borders of Peru to the confines of Brazil he made the
authority of Spain acknowledged and respected. The appoint-
ment which he received from the crown, in 1555, of adelantado,
by the hands of Father Pedro de la Torre, the first titular bishop
of Paraguay, was only a well-earned honor.
In a consistory held in July, 15-17, Asuncion was erected into
a bishopric, and Father Juan de Barros, of the order of St. Fran-
cis, was appointed to it. On his nomination to another see with-
out having entered upon the duties of that in La Plata, Pedro de
la Torre, of the same order, was named to succeed him and sailed
the following year. The arrival of the bishop was anticipated
with delight ; Yrala and the whole Spanish population of Asun-
cion, who went out to meet him, knelt as he approached and im-
plored his benediction. He was accompanied by a retinue of
priests and friars, who were as a " fountain in the desert to the
poor colonists," thirsty and perishing for spiritual refreshment.
A series of tragical occurrences marked the discovery and settle-
ment of La Plata. The bones of the noblest sons of Spain — the
460 PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT.
gallant cavaliers wlio had served with, distinction in the Italian
wars — were bleaching upon its pampas; massacres had ensan-
guined its soil ; disappointment, famine, and its consequence, pes-
tilence and death, had alone formed the burden of reports to the
mother country. These sacrifices were unrelieved by brilliant
conquests, or by the reports of auriferous regions. Gold ! was the
cry of the Spanish adventurers ; its discovery was with them the
great -incentive to action. The name, La Plata, was alluring, and
the wording of Mendoza's asiento shows that the band of cavaliers
who joined his expedition were perhaps animated by the expecta-
tion of finding such empires as
" Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezuma,
And Cusco, in Peru, the richer seat
Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoiled
Guiana, whose great city Geyron's sons
Call El Dorado,"
or royal captives, whose ransom would be rooms heaped with the
precious metal and gems of fabulous size. These hopes vanished
like the illusions of the mirage. But the climate was benign;
land and water teemed with animal life ; there were no inhospita-
ble elements to contend with, save the hostility of the aborigines ;
and when we remember that a few years later Cabeza de Vaca,
with a comparatively small party, traveled the continent from the
Brazilian coast to Asuncion, and passed through hordes of Indians
unharmed ; and that De Garay afterward, with so little loss, ob-
tained a decided victory over the Querandis, when aided by the
fiercest pampa tribes, we can readily believe that the disastrous
issue of the first attempt to settle Buenos Ayres arose from the in-
experience and mismanagement of Mendoza and his chief ofl&cers.
But, thanks to the vigorous administration of a Biscay an hi-
dalgo, a social and political fabric was at last permanently estab-
lished north of the confluence of the Parana and Paraguay, and a
brighter day dawned for the unfortunate settlers, who discovered
that in the products of the soil were their best and only resource ;
that its fertility, genial climate, and the exacted but comparatively
reasonable labor of the Indians promised them homes offering an
abundance of the comforts of life. As the earth yielded its fruits
with the smallest possible labor, there was no temptation to an
abuse of aboriginal labor.
Policy as well as duty dictated a considerate course toward the
Indians ; and the laws of Yrala, who was assisted by the counsels
TKEATMENT OF THE INDIANS. ^Ql
of the bishop, for their entire subjugation, though vigorous, were
made with all due regard for their physical and spiritual wel-
fare. Many voluntarily offered themselves to the Spaniards as
domestics ; others, prisoners of war, were divided into a class of
commanderies, called yanaconas ; each commander receiving the
control of a certain number of both sexes and all ages ; and in
accepting them he assumed the obligation to feed, clothe, and take
proper care of them when sick or disabled from labor by age or
infirmity, and to afford them due spiritual instruction. An ex-
amination was made into their condition each year by the govern-
ment, and where the Indian considered himself aggrieved he had
the right to be heard.
Another class, called mitayos^ was formed of such tribes as had
capitulated in war, or voluntarily offered their submission to the
government. These were collected in villages, controlled by mu-
nicipal laws and an alcalde, generally selected from among their
caciques. But the whole were subject to the supervision of Span-
ish officers. In these commanderies all females, caciques, eldest
sons, and children were exempt from forced labor; males only,
from eighteen to fifty-one, being compelled to "work one-sixth of
their time for the whites. Even this time was given in rotation.
The conquerors received this service for two lives only, during
which period the Indian could neither be sold nor alienated, and
at its expiration he was free. In 1612 a new code was promulgat-
ed, aboHshing all forced servitude.
The Governor of Asuncion extended his system to Guayra ; a
Spanish force was sent to take possession of the country, and forty
thousand Indian families were divided into commanderies. The
site of Ontiveras proving sickly, the town of Ciudad Keal was
founded higher up the river. On the Paraguay settlements were
made in the lands of the Xarayes to facilitate communication with
Peru ; and one was attempted — though afterward abandoned in
consequence of the hostility of the Charruas Indians — on the east
side of La Plata at its confluence with the St. Juan, nearly oppo-
site to the site of Buenos Ayres. In short the conquest of all
Paraguay was completed.
While Yrala was taking advantage of this happy healthful con-
dition of affairs, to devote his energies to the embellishment and
extension of the capital, Asuncion, he was carried off by a fever
(1557) at the ripe age of seventy, and lamented by the whole
population, aboriginal and Spanish. Twenty years of his life had
462 JUAN DE GARAY.
been spent in a series of enterprises for the conquest and settle-
ment of the country. Daring, generous, kind to his people, full
of resources, of extraordinary personal prowess — displayed on one
occasion by slaying twelve Payaguas Indians who at once attack-
ed him — Yrala is justly considered one of the ablest and most for-
tunate of the conquistadores.
After the death of this governor Paraguay was distracted for a
long time by the dissensions of parties who were striving to ob-
tain a controlling influence in the affairs of the colony ; but the
rivalries of factions rather stimulated than crushed the indomita-
ble spirit of enterprise that characterized the Spaniards of that
age, and towns and cities rose in the most distant corners of the
basin of La Plata. In 1560 Chaves founded Santa Cruz de la
Sierra, the farthest settlement northwest of the Paraguay; and
after the conquest of the Querandis of Buenos Ayres, Spanish do-
minion was established from the mouth of the Plata to Parana on
the Pacific Ocean.
In 1557 Don Juan de Garay, while founding a settlement at
Santa Fd, in the vicinity of Cabot's old fort, San Espiritu, heard
of the arrival on the coast of what is now the Banda Oriental of
the adelentado Don Juan Ortiz de Zarate, who, having received
the appointment from the Viceroy of Peru, had visited Spain for
the purpose of obtaining its confirmation. He had succeeded in
his mission, and sailed in 1572 with nearly five hundred volun-
teers, half of whom died before reaching La Plata from the priva-
tions and hardships of the voyage, while the remainder, having
landed on the east coast, were surrounded by the warlike Char-
ruas. De Garay, fighting his way through hostile tribes, at last
succeeded in giving assistance to the adelantado and his besieged
party, who, under his guidance, reached Paraguay in safety. Za-
rate died in 1575, a few months after his arrival at Asuncion,
but testified his gratitude to the bold De Garay by leaving him
guardian of his only daughter — who, in right of the law confer-
ring the adelantasgo for two lives, was his successor — and appoint-
ing him captain general and lieutenant governor during her mi-
nority. The honest zeal displayed by the lieutenant governor
for the welfare of Zarate's daughter, his success in reconciling
many rival parties, and the energy with which he promoted the
general interests of the people, proved that he was in every way
worthy of the trust reposed in him by the deceased adelantado.
After restoring peace among the colonists and successfully car-
FOUNDING OF BUENOS AYRES. 463
rying out many of Yrala's original projects for extending Spanish
authority over neighboring countries, by forming reductions and
founding villages and towns, De Garay, hearing that the Pampa
Indians were distracted by tribal dissensions, thought it a propi-
tious time to descend the river and found a town near the mouth
of La Plata. The frequent disasters to vessels from Spain had
shown the absolute necessity of a port where ships and boats as-
cending and descending the river might find a safe harbor, or rest
and refreshment after a long voyage. He effected a landing with-
out opposition near the Eiachuelo ; selected a site in the vicinity
of Mendoza's former settlement for the new city, which was com-
menced on the festival of the Holy Trinity, 1580, with the name
of " Cuidad de la Santissima Trinidad." For the port the name
given by Mendoza, of " Santa Maria de Buenos Ayres," was re-
tained.
It must not be supposed, however, that the works of the town
were continued without molestation from the savages. Though
absent when the expedition first arrived, the Querandis, when
they learned of this .fresh invasion of the white man, assembled
all the tribes in alliance with them from far and near; and, led
by Taboba, the greatest warrior of the country, bore down upon
the founders of the new city. De Garay's men boldly sallied forth
from their intrenchments, and a fierce sanguinary battle followed,
the savages only giving way when they saw the fall of their chief.
They then fled in every direction, closely pursued by the Span-
iards ; and so great was the slaughter, that the scene of the conflict,
near the Barracas, upon the Eiachuelo, is to this day known as
Matanza^ or the " Killing Ground." The lands on the river side,
from Buenos Ayres to Baradero on the Parana, with the neigh-
boring Indians, who soon gave in their submission, were divided
among sixty -five of De Garay's followers.
For three years the governor continued to occupy himself
with great energy in strengthening the new settlement and regu-
lating its affairs ; and before his return to Paraguay he had the
satisfaction of dispatching a vessel to Spain with an account of
his conquest ; but, above all, freighted with a cargo of the first
products ever exported from La Plata — hides and sugar ; the first
as an evidence of the extraordinary adaptation of the pampa
country for the raising of horned cattle, the original stock having
only been introduced thirty years before.
In returning to Asuncion in 1553, De Garay, having incautious-
464 SEPARATION FROM PARAGUAY.
\j ventured to sleep ashore, near the site of San Espiritu, was
murdered by a party of Minuas. His death was greatly deplored
throughout Paraguay, and his name is associated with that of
Yrala as one of the bravest, discreetest, and most beneficent of the
first rulers of that country. From the permanent establishment
of the town of Buenos Ayres the conquest of La Plata may be
regarded as achieved, the foundation of towns which still exist in
its various provinces having previously been made. But for
many years the colonists were disturbed by the open hostility or
treacherous attacks of the Indians.
Owing to the rapid increase of European population, all the
country south of the confluence of the Paraguay and Parana was
in 1620 separated from Paraguay, and the government of the
" Eio de la Plata" established, with Buenos Ayres for its capital.
At the same period Pope Paul V., at the request of the Spanish
sovereign, Philip III., made it the seat of a bishopric.
THE JESUITS.
465
IGNATIUS LOYOLA.
CHAPTEE XXYIL
Arrival of the Jesuits in South America. — A pious Fraud. — Early Missionaries. —
St. Francis Solano. — Chaco Indians. — Fathers Cataldino and Marcerata proceed
to Guayra. — Foundation of Loreto. — St. Ignatius, St. Thomas, and the twelye
Missions. — Establishment and Destruction of the Uruguay Reductions. — Mame-
lucos of St. Paul. — Persecutions of the Indians. — Attack upon Guayra. — Eetreat
of the twelve Thousand to the Salto Grande. — Descent of the Falls. — Peace at
last. — Renewal of the Uruguay Reductions. — Bickerings between Ecclesiastics
and Laymen. — Retreat of another twelve thousand. — Fathers De Montoya and
Tano are dispatched to the Continent : their Missions are crowned with Suc-
cess.— Fire-arms and papal Briefs. — Another Attack of the Mamelucos. — Battle
of Acaray. — Triumph of the Reduction Indians. — Don Bernardin de Cardenas. —
Excommunications. — Penitence of the Governor. — Deposition of the Bishop. —
Return to Asuncion. — The Dictator. — Cardenas is relieved of his assumed Au-
thority and retires to La Plata. — Defeat of the Mamelucos and Guaycurus. —
Services of the Reduction Indians.
The Frencli soldier who, at the siege of Pampeluna, brought
to the ground its gallant defender, little thought what a work he
80
^
466 THE JESUITS IN LA PLATA.
was consummating. The wounded, disabled, suffering founder of
the Jesuit order, while perusing the holy and miraculous life of
the Savior, instead of the adventures of knights-errant, could
have had but a faint consciousness how deeply the new spirit was
moving him, and how perfect a regeneration he was about to im-
part, not only to his own inner being, but to thousands and ten
thousands of God's unredeemed creatures. But the same voice
that arrested the persecutor on his way to Damascus here spoke
through the pages of Holy Writ, and converted a brave soldier
and his few followers into the most dauntless champions of Chris-
tianity the world has seen since the days of Paul. And thus Ig-
natius Loyola founded an order, probably the most complete and
united in itself on record, but into the history of which enter dif-
ferences, divisions, and disputes, inviting either to the partisan who
would unite in the enthusiasm or bitterness of one cause or the
other, or to the impartial writer who would censure or applaud in
an equal meastire of justice. For where one has found pious zeal,
unwearying devotion, and every worldly sacrifice wherewith to
stamp an imperishable glory upon the deeds of Loyola's sons, an-
other has presented a picture of selfish designs, base intrigues, se-
cret plottings, and inordinate ambition.
That portion of the history of the Jesuits to be considered here
conveys a very favorable sense of the mission marked out for many
of the fathers. Whatever their European wranglings may have
been, they scarcely extend to the reductions of South America.
How low soever may have been their court intrigue, according to
writers well informed or not, in the supplanting of ministers and
strife for offices of power, a lofty calling awaited the Jesuits in
the vast region of Paraguay. Pascal, Pombal, Choiseul, Aranda,
Louis XY., Madame de Pompadour, Charles III., and the like, may
have applied all the asperities of their respective languages to de-
preciate the Jesuit influence, but on this side of the Atlantic their
work was holy.
Montesquieu, in speaking of the company of Jesus, says : "It
is to its glory to have been the first to associate in those regions
the idea of religion with that of humanity ; in repairing the devas-
tations of the Spaniards it undertook to cure one of the greatest
sores that have ever infected the human race."*
Yoltaire admits, that, " The establishment in Paraguay of the
* Esprit des Lois, liv. iv., chap. vi.
PIOUS FRAUDS. 467
Spanisli Jesuits alone seems, in some respects, to be the triumph
of humanity."*
Then let the means serve the end, and though the fathers may
at times be found erring from a path strictly scrupulous, let it be
borne in mind that it is for purposes not unworthy of good men.
About half a century from the discovery of the western con-
tinent, and nine years after the followers of Loyola had been or-
ganized into a religious body, a few Portuguese Jesuits accom-
panying the expedition of Don Thomas de Soza, Governor of
Brazil, landed at Bahia de todos los Santos. They were the first
of that order destined to fulfill the duties of the missionary among
the aborigines of South America ; and, faithful to their vocation,
they were soon engaged in the arduous task of converting them to
Christianity. These fathers are supposed to have facilitated their
labors by a pious fraud. They came as the descendants of St.
Thomas, the apostle of Christ, as chosen delegates to proclaim
eternal peace and happiness to all those who would bow to the
cross and come within the pale of the great Mother Church.
The supernatural and the marvelous are alluring to minds
darkened by ignorance and superstition. Savonarola compre-
hended the springs of human impulse when he declared to a big-
oted multitude that he was gifted with something more than the
ordinary powers of man, for strange was the devotion of his fol-
lowers even to the fiery ordeal. So also did the Indians believe
that St. Thomas, the subject of every missionary's discourse, had
assumed the guardianship of the land. So did they credit and
adopt, as one always familiar to them, the tradition to which the
Jesuitic teachings gave rise — that St. Thomas had landed on the
coast of Brazil, journeyed throughout the vast country of the Grua-
rani race, preaching, cross in hand, Christianizing savages, and tam-
ing wild beasts ; then, that he traversed the grassy deserts of the
Grand Chaco ; and finally crossed the Andes into Peru, when he
must have descended, like the setting sun, into the Pacific, as we
hear of him no farther. There was still another mystery con-
nected with this mission of the apostle. It was taught and be-
lieved, that the cross he bore had been hidden by some uncon-
verted Indians in a lake near Chiquisaca, and there found by a
Padre Sarmiento.f
* Essai sur les Mceurs.
t Don Pedro Alvear, commissioner appointed for adjusting the boundary line
between Spanish America and Brazil.
468 ST. FRANCIS SOLANO.
Thus the Jesuits began their early teachings.- Physically, mor-
ally, and spiritually dauntless, their boldness of speech was soon
made practical in an equal boldness of action ; and so early did
they succeed in engaging the reverence of the natives that, from
the outset, not all the panoply of Mars could have given them
such sense of security as did their humble garb and sandal-shod
feet. A way was forced into the depths of the forest that stretch-
ed westward, and in this direction they pursued a perilous course
until the Parana rolled majestically before them, and the hardy
fathers found themselves in Spanish territory, brought into con-
tact with the settlers of La Plata, who received them with all the
marks of consideration their good intentions could claim.
We read much of the spiritual thirstings of the first conquista-
dores. The discovery of Peruvian gold never elicited more joy-
ous demonstrations than the arrival, during the early stages of
the conquest, of a few ecclesiastics. The slackened zeal of mod-
ern times conveys no sense of the religious spirit of that age,
and the Church was careful to make an early recognition of this
devotion in the elevation of Asuncion to the dignity of a bishop-
ric, an honor conferred upon the rising capital of La Plata by
Pope Paul III. Indeed similar appointments were soon after
made for Tucuman, Cordova, and several other cities of New Spain
noted for their fervency.
Yet, notwithstanding the establishment of these bishoprics, they
were at first but feebly sustained. Very few of the Jesuits who
had landed on the South American Continent had at that period
reached this interior portion of it, and as missionaries their want
was severely felt. The ecclesiastics who administered religious
instruction and the holy mysteries in the provinces of Paraguay*
up to the latter part of the 16th century were mainly of the Fran-
ciscan order ; men of zeal, but endowed with little of the nerve
and indomitable perseverance so conspicuous in the Jesuit, whose
advent in these times was soon to be the dawn of a new religious
era.
Among the Franciscans the most deservingly prominent is St.
Francis Solano. He came from Peru for the purpose of convert-
ing the wild nomads of the Chaco, a project attended with no lit-
tle success, notwithstanding its uninviting prospects. Solano's
career, according to Charlevoix, was that of " a saint whose zeal
knew no bounds, and whom God invested with the gift of mira-
* The name of Paraguay was then given to the whole of La Plata.
THE JESUITS AND THE INDIANS. 459
cles to sucli a degree that the inliabitants considered him as some-
thing more than a mortal being." His name grew into a watch-
word to those who languished in the service of the Church, and
many flocked eagerly to his banner ; but while unceasingly en-
gaged in this holy work he was recalled b}^ his superiors from the
field of his labors.* The soul of the enterprise for redeeming the
tribes of the Chaco, its existence ceased at his departure, and a
temporary check was given to any further advancement. The
Bishop of Tucuman, however, thought to give a new impulse to
the missionary work, and secure the conversions Solano had al-
ready made. There were evidences of a rich spiritual harvest
which needed but the reapers, and he judiciously concluded that
more faithful and more successful instruments could not be found
than the members of the Jesuit order. The experience of thirty
years had shown that they alone were in every way fitted for the
hardships and reverses of a missionary's life.
So the bishop sought in Brazil and Peru this much-needed as-
sistance, imploring them in somewhat vehement style, "by the
entrails of Jesus Christ" to grant the request. There was no dif-
ficulty in complying. Ee-enforcements from both countries arrived
in 1586 to appease the religious hunger of the land, the fathers
from Peru settling in Santiago, then a town of about 2500 inhab-
itants, and those from Brazil entering Cordova amid acclamations
that testified to their heartfelt welcome. The gushing of water
from the rock could not have been received more gratefully than
the arrival of these Jesuits. They came as " angels from heaven,"
says a writer of their order, hailed by the shouts of the people
and the Te Deum of the Church.
But there are schemes and designs lurking beneath the surface
which gradually develop themselves. The Jesuit's vocation be-
gins to stand out prominently before the world, and it is to ben-
efit the native, whose interests are early and faithfully taken to
heart. This course, as politic as just and generous, soon proved a
source of exacerbated feeling between the Spanish population and
the fathers.
The various tribes bordering on the Chaco had bidden fair to
receive the baptism of the Church under the teachings of Solano,
but their hostile disposition was found to permit of little success
after his departure. Living mostly on horseback, subsisting by
the chase, and continually wandering from one portion of the
* Charlevoix, vol. i., p. 194.
470 Opposition of the colonists.
country to the other, each lord of all he surveyed for the time be-
ing, they could not be led to settle quietly into a religious com-
munity. Other more favorable localities were sought and discov-
ered. The tribes east of the Parana and Paraguay, supposed to
be of Peruvian origin, and especially those in the neighborhood
of Asuncion, were found to be more docile and in the enjoyment
of comparative civilization. The attention of the fathers was
therefore given to this quarter of the continent as the most open
to the spiritual conquests they had been so long anticipating.
The Province of Guayra was looked upon as possessing inviting
prospects ; thither the chosen fathers, Ortega and Fields, the former
a Portuguese, the latter a Scotchman, directed their steps. Pro-
ceeding to Ciudad Eeal — founded first in 1557 by Eui Diaz Mel-
garejo, under command of Yrala — they boldly advanced into the
wildest districts of the country, and in a short time gathered
around them " two hundred thousand Indians quite ripe for the
kingdom of God."* Charlevoix must be in error with regard to
the number, but they doubtless laid extensive foundations for the
missions that ere long dotted the province.
The Jesuit name began in the mean time to grow in favor
among the natives, for most zealously did the order espouse their
interests, in doing which it could but incur the enmity of the
Spaniards. The larger portion of the population regarded it as a
right, a privilege in virtue of conquest, that they should enslave
the Indians or force them to their service, and would compromise
for nothing less. The fathers, to diminish this servitude, but un-
doubtedly aiming also to establish church communities which
should be separate from and independent of the cities, reasoned
against this right. Thus there was soon sufficient ground for the
growth of a fature contest. The two parties had been for some
time nursing this enmity, and on the arrival of the " Provincial"
did not hesitate to make open hostile advances the one against
the other.
It was in 1607 that the Father Diego de Torres, of Rome, at-
tended by fifteen clerical assistants, arrived in South America in
the quality of Provincial of Peru and Chili. He immediately
placed himself at the head of those who had opposed the cruelties
at all times exercised over the natives. He made it his chief aim
and duty to alleviate their sufferings and to put an end to the
bloody strifes that had year after year been waging between the
* Charlevoix, vol. i., p. 155.
DIEGO DE TORRES. 471
conquerors and tlie conquered. Oftentimes the taunted spirit of
the latter had goaded them on to some desperate act of revenge,
or carried fire and destruction into infant settlements. This, too,
the fathers sought to check.
" Nor would, with all their power, the King of Spain,
Austrian, or Bourbon, have at last availed
This torrent of destruction to restrain,
And save a people every where assailed
By men before whose face their courage quailed,
But for the virtuous agency of those
Who, with the cross alone, when arms had failed,
Achieved a peaceful triumph o'er the foes
And gave that weary land the blessings of repose."*
The Provincial crossed from Peru into the country now known
as the Argentine Confederation, passing through Jujuy, Salta,
Santiago, and visited all the important cities west of the Para-
guay. His arrival was every where hailed with the most enthu-
siastic demonstrations, and every grateful acknowledgment was
lavished upon him. But even the limited number of individu-
als composing his retinue, at first a subject of regret, was soon
found sufficient to create distrust, and indeed not a little startle
the people of Tucuman by the lenient and indulgent course they
proposed pursuing toward the much-aggrieved Indians. It was
not expected that De Torres should advocate such a cause, and
it proved too much at variance with their preconceived ideas of
the treatment due to these people to at all elevate the Provin-
cial in their good opinion. When, upon one occasion, he gave
pecuniary compensation to a number of native laborers who had
assisted in the erection of a church at Cordova, it was considered
a grievous offense, and met only with the most vehement clamors
against its injustice.
The Provincial, having made by such examples many enemies
on the west of the Paraguay, found his way to Asuncion ; but a
rumor of his preachings had preceded him, and roused a by no
means amicable spirit in his behalf Such indeed were the hostile
feelings entertained toward him, that he entered the city only by
the intercession of the governor and bishop.
These later demonstrations signally failed in their desired ef-
fects; for, about this time, that is, toward the latter part of 1609,
new instructions were received from his Spanish Majesty which
entirely conformed with the views of the Provincial. Commands
* Southey : Tale of Paraguay.
472 LABORS OF THE JESUITS.
for the conversion and liberation of the Indians were so urgently
conveyed that the authorities of Asuncion deemed it proper to
immediately comply, although they had not unfrequently disre-
garded such royal ordinances, trusting for security in their dis-
tant and isolated position. To carry into effect the new decree,
particular attention was, as heretofore, given to the Guarani race,
stretching over the immense tract of country lying between the
Parana and Paraguay Kivers and the Atlantic Ocean, and resem-
bling in nothing the warlike Charuas and Abipones in the vicinity
of the western cities.
Lewis de Bolanos, a disciple of Solano and translator of the
Catechism into the Guarani language, was among the first actively
engaged in the conversion of these natives. He had confined
himself, however, to the neighborhood of Asuncion. The Pro-
vincial proposed to extend the benign influence of the Church
into more interior regions, to immediately follow in the footsteps
of Ortega and Fields, and reap the reward that seemed there to
await them. For this duty were chosen Fathers Cataldino and
Marcerata. They consented to accept it under certain conditions,
and these conditions embodied the policy of the Jesuits : they
must be permitted to build churches and incorporate towns inde-
pendent of all Spanish influence or control, and the privilege
should moreover be extended to them of opposing in the king's
name all those who should attempt to reduce the natives to per-
sonal servitude. These demands were finally acceded to, though
at first somewhat ungraciously received.
The destination of the fathers was the Province of Guayra, at
that time, as now, after a lapse of two centuries and a half, very
little known. We can readily imagine that there were many im-
pediments of a very serious character in the journey of these two
Jesuits. Though passing through a country neither mountainous
nor inhospitable, as regards climate, it presented other features of
obstruction : its thickly -grown and trackless forests, its broad in-
undating rivers,* and hordes of uncivilized Indians, were alone
sufficient to daunt the boldest travelers. It may be noticed at
this point that intrigue and cunning are words familiarly and un-
hesitatingly associated with the Jesuit; but nothing is hazarded
in saying that in their labors among the La Plata savages an en-
ergy, piety, zeal, and perseverance worthy of the best cause are
* Several of Ortega's companions, when traveling among the Guarani, perished
by one of these sudden overflows of water, and the father barely saved his own life.
THEIR PREACHING. 473
eminently conspicuous. It may be safely added that no historical
church order can boast among its members of such activity, devo-
tion, and self-sacrifice as have distinguished the sons of Loyola
in their missionary labors over the entire surface of the globe.
There was in this order that unity of thought and action which
gave its every step an irresistible momentum — a secret, invisible,
but iron link, that bound all its parts into unison and harmony.
The same spirit moved and had its being in the Jesuit, whether as
keeper of kings' consciences and ruler in the councils of nations ;
whether superintending the observatory at Eome or that of Pekin,
in the mandarin's garb ; whether in Japan or Paraguay ; whether
engaged in heated controversy with Pascal and Pombal, or devot-
ing a life to the savages of Africa and America, in explanation
of the signs, symbols, and mysteries of the Holy Church, of the
rotation of the heavenly .bodies and the wonders of the universe.
Fathers Cataldino and Marcerata were equally in their proper
sphere, whether in the thickets and woods of Paraguay and the
pampas of the Chaco or at the court of Madrid. A buoyant un-
tiring zeal bore them on, as it did their predecessors and their
successors, in whatever duties and charges fell to their share,
Ciudad Eeal and Villa Rica lay in their way, but the inhabit-
tants of these two towns had grown as sensitive as the rest of the
Spanish population in the country with regard to the encroach-
ments of the fathers upon their imaginary rights, and so with-
drew their previously proffered assistance. They found little or
no sympathy among their own countrymen, but, thankful that
they were held in better esteem by the natives, they pushed on for
Guayra ; journeying by land until reaching the Paranapane, they
embarked upon this river (a beautiful and well-wooded stream),
and ascended to the mouth of the Pirape, one of its tributaries.
Like a vision, they now beheld the banks crowded with Indians
in expectation of their arrival, and prepared to welcome them in
their midst. Drawing their boats to shore, they landed.*
Entering into an explanation of their mission, no difficulties were
experienced in reconciling the natives to the destiny thus shaped
out for them. And
"Then the black-robe chief, the prophet,
Told his message to the people —
Told the purport of his mission ;
Told them of the Virgin Mary,
* Charlevoix, vol. i., p. 247.
474 THE FIRST MISSION.
And her blessed Son, the Saviour,
How in distant lands and ages
He had lived on earth as vee do ;
How He fasted, prayed, and labored ;
How the Jews, the tribe accursed.
Mocked Him, scourged Him, crucified Him;
How He rose from where they laid Him,
Walked again with his disciples,
And ascended into heaven."
No doubt
" The chiefs made answer, saying :
We have listened to your message,
We have heard your words of wisdom,
We will think on what you tell us :
It is well for us, 0 brothers !
That you came so far to see us."
They liad conceived a reverence for the missionaries, as unex-
pected as it was sincere ; and from the assurances that had been
held out, did not doubt but that life, under their guidance, would
be most happy. Voluntarily and eagerly yielding to their direc-
tion and commands, baptism was administered to young and old,
and the whole assembly, consisting of several hundred families,
submit in peaceful obedience to Christian rule. Means are de-
vised by which the wants of this new people may be supplied.
The immediate project is to lay out the foundations of a perma-
nent mission, and the present locality, hallowed by the scenes that
had just transpired, seemed suited to this purpose. It is chosen.
Here, then, at the mouth of the Pirape, the few workmen who had
accompanied the fathers, assisted by the natives, begin their labors
toward the construction of this Christian village ; it is called Lo-
reto, the first of the famed Paraguay missions, and stands out a
bright and redeeming spot in the savage country that surrounds it.
Huts were hastily erected to shelter the people from the inclem-
ency of the weather, and soon the church, and other public
buildings rose up in stately proportions from their foundations.
Loreto increased in wealth and prosperity ; it had well-cultivated
fields, a peaceful and diligent population, among whom were num-
bered agriculturists, mechanics, and artisans. The training of the
rising generation was not neglected ; it grew up impressed with a
perfect sense of the obligations due the missionary. Many were
the benefits bestowed, and there was no want of followers in re-
turn. The embassy of the fathers was one of peace ; they used
no arms but those of words ; they had apparently but one object,
and that was the welfare of the Indian.
PROGRESS OF MISSIONS. 475
Reports of this success reached Asuncion, and it was responded
to by the departure of several fathers and assistants for the new
field. Such were, in the mean time, the number of natives that
flocked to the mission or reduction, as it was styled, that the
fathers probably found it difficult to enforce the regulations that
entered into their peculiar government. It seems to have always
been their policy, and it may in most instances have arisen from
necessity, never to allow a larger population to accumulate in one
town than could be intrusted to the care of two or three of their
order; hence other localities were sought for new missions, and
the arrival of assistance hastened these measures. The second
reduction was called, in honor of the father of the order, St. Ig-
natius. Others followed in rapid succession until the province
counted no less than twelve. One received the name of St. Thom-
as, for by a tradition of the Indians or Jesuits — it would be dif-
ficult to say which — in the mound upon which it was built that
apostle had interred a number of Christians.
This success in Guayra awakened a missionary spirit in every
Spanish city and town. Besides some scattering reductions along
the Parana, we find them in 1627 rising on the banks of the Uru-
guay, amid warhke tribes of Indians who had again and again
baffled the arms of Spain, but appeared for the moment to lean to
the more moderate rule of the Church. Father Gonzalez is the
indefatigable character here presented to us. Attended by two
assistants he found his way to the Uruguay, and succeeded in
establishing two or three small missions with every prospect of
future prosperity. With rare enterprise he undertook at the same
time to survey the unknown regions of country that stretched far
around him ; he entered the Province of Tapey and would, had
not an untimely death sealed his fate, have extended his labors
throughout the Uruguay basin. It was while thus engaged, and
at the same time watchfully guarding his small but growing
towns, that he was called upon to battle with rebellious proselytes
and neighboring unfriendly tribes. Adherence to a determination
not to abandon his flock cost him his life. The reductions were
attacked and the inhabitants ruthlessly murdered. The fathers
aU perished — one was stoned to death. Gonzalez is regarded as
one of the missionary martyrs. He did indeed apply all his ener-
gies and devote his whole soul to the great work of conversion
which was illuminating the many dark places of Spanish and
Portuguese rule with the lights of Gospel truth. Every danger,
476 OPPOSITION OF THE MAMELUCOS.
every sacrifice seems to have been met by him witli a stoic calm
that marked him the divine instrument he was. Father Tanner,
in his Sucietas Jesu usque ad sanguinis et vitoe, profusionem^ enumer-
ates tersely the many trials of the father — " incredibile dictu est,"
says he, " quanta in hisce molitionibus dura atque ad versa tolera-
nt, edendi bibendique penuriam, lecti, testi ac vestium inopiam,
gestum, lassitudinem, sudorem et defectionem virium." He was
born in Asuncion, according to the same writer, "parentibus His-
panis et nobilitate et virtute claris."
This was the sad beginning of a succession of severe trials and
hardships, which required all Christian fortitude and Jesuit reso-
luteness to face. The warlike Indians proved unfortunately not
to be the only obstacles to the missionary's work : an ill-forbod-
ing storm arose in another quarter, the town of San Paulo, taking
us back to Guayra.
The city of San Paulo was at this time a den of pirates and
marauding gangs, the safe retreat of all outlawed Spanish or Por-
tuguese adventurers, who chanced to find their way to the Bra-
zilian coast. Slave-dealers by profession, they speedily overrode
the influence and power of the Church, and drove out its minis-
ters. Their town became the great slave-mart whence issued
thousands and ten thousands of Indians to be bartered away on
the public squares of the Atlantic cities. Here they assembled
day after day, as party after party returned from its inhuman ex-
pedition, the crowds of trembling, bleeding wretches that had
been hunted and captured in some distant wilds never before
trodden by the white man. Their passage was every where mark-
ed with destruction and depopulation without check or remon-
strance. The intricacies of the forest were pierced in their savage
pursuit, and the natives followed to their most secret hiding-
places.
These well-trained, well-armed, roaming, pillaging Paulistas or
Mamelucos, as they were popularly called, became the dread and
scourge of this beautiful land. Many of the persecuted Guarani
by good fortune found their way to the newly-established mis-
sions of Guayra, and took refuge under the government of the
Jesuit fathers ; indeed the tide of population, like a retreating
army, had gradually receded to this point, the hungry enemy
still hanging on its flank. The Jesuits embraced earnestly the
opportunity of affording these natives, under such trying circum-
stances, every assistance and protection, and so brought upon
MISCONDUCT OF CESPEDEZ. 477
themselves and their missions the Mamelucos' merciless revenge.
Notice soon arrived of their but too rapid advance, foreshadowing
a general onslaught upon the hapless reductions. The accounts
of coming danger were quickly confirmed by an attack upon the
two frontier missions, St. Anthony and St. Michael ; many inhab-
itants perished, but the greater number remained the prisoners
and property of the enemy. The retreating few fell back upon
the " Incarnation," which in turn underwent its ordeal of fire and
sword.
Unfortunately for the Jesuits and for Spain herself, Don Lewis
Cespedez was at this time Governor of Asuncion. His wife, a
Portuguese woman, bore an ill-will to the Spanish, which was only
surpassed by her hatred of Loyola's order. The governor, acting
under this influence, as well as from entertaining of his own oc-
cord no very amicable feelings for the fathers, turned a deaf ear
to their entreaties for succor against the invading bandits of St.
Paul. He showed in this matter a dereliction of duty as weak as
it was infamous — injurious to himself and treacherous to his gov-
ernment. Personal aversions were indulged, and personal dislikes
satisfied, that he might play away Spanish territory into the hands
of Spain's most inveterate rival and enemy on the southern con-
tinent. It was not a difficult game, and the loss and gain are
easily traced. To-day the Portuguese or Brazilians embrace with-
m the limits of their empire far more territory than they were
virtually entitled to, and all that they have acquired in addition
to their original possessions, was permitted to slip through Span-
ish fingers by the imbecility of Spanish governors. The whole
vast Province of Guayranow belongs to Brazil, and her possession
of it may be traced to this refusal of Cespedez to tender any assist-
ance to the missions in their present critical condition. It was
false to imagine that these reductions would not prove loyal to
Spain ; it was short-sighted, indeed, not to perceive that Jesuit
influence, in this its legitimate missionary sphere, more powerful
and more stable in itself than all the arms of the mother country
could have made it, was the proper instrument to permanently
secure the extension of the boundaries of New Spain.
Thus indirectly seconded, and even at times openly counte-
nanced by this faithful governor, fresh incentives were afforded
the Mamelucos for continuing their cruel and unwarranted depre-
dations upon peaceful missionaries and their still more unoffending
flocks. An extensive but secret expedition was in fact fitted out
478 CRUELTIES OF THE MAMELUCOS.
witli a view to complete the extinction of tlie Guajra. reductions.
Before proceeding to extreme measures the Paulistas resorted, ac-
cording Charlevoix, to a sacrilegious piece of trickery which met
with some success. Clothing themselves in the humble habili-
ments of the Jesuit, they dispersed, in various directions, to visit
those places which had been already frequented by the fathers,
distributed presents in more than necessary profusion, erected
crosses, and with mock piety, aided by a perfect fluency in the
Guarani language, explained the principal articles of the faith.
Then came in due form a proposition to add another to' the pres-
ent happy and prosperous reductions, by establishing themselves
into a settled and permanent body, to whom the blessings of per-
fect peace should not be wanting. The delusion was success-
ful, and vast numbers were entrapped. These wolves in sheep's
clothing bound or murdered the victims as best suited their con-
venience, summarily disposing of those that proved an encum-
brance, and driving the rest to the market.*
But this drama proved too slow a mode of procedure for the
Mamelucos, who soon doffed their gowns, and once more the steel-
clad pestilence swept the country. They made a sudden and un-
expected appearance at the mission of St. Paul, their leader's en-
tering the house of Father Suarez being the first announcement
of their arrival. This ungracious surprise, the fierce aspect of the
bandit chief, and his offensive weapons roused all the fears of the
good Jesuit, who fell upon his knees and implored, with tears, that
the few unoffending Christians under his guardianship might be
spared. But finding his supplication unheeded, he calmy bared
his breast and said he was satisfied to lay down his life for his
flock, but implored, in the name of Jesus, that it might be a pro-
pitiation for all ; that his people might be allowed to disperse in
peace. Saurez's resignation disarmed the Paulista, and saved his
own life, but the natives shared their usual miserable fate. It was
to them a choice between slavery or death. Some yielded to the
former, others preferred the latter, and a few only escaped to the
neighboring missions to tell their tale of despair. The marauders
passed to other settlements, and marked their steps with blood
and desolation. Emboldened by a reiterated refusal, on the part
of the Governors of Asuncion, to afford any assistance to the mis-
sions, they had little regard for any one or any thing ; their object
was to drive the Jesuits out of Guayra, and they had few scruples
* Charlevoix; Dobrizhofter, vol. i., ]>. I GO.
DESTRUCTION OF THE MISSIONS. 479
as to the means employed. St. Xavier and most of the reductions
were razed to the ground ; houses were ransacked, churches pil-
laged, altars polluted with innocent blood, and the whole given to
general conflagration when its treasures had enriched and over-
laden the successful enemy. Loreto and St. Ignatius, the first and
last of the Guayra missions, now stood alone in the enjoyment or
the misery of a momentary existence. Here a consultation was
held among the surviving fathers and natives, who had retreated
to this their last place of defense. Some proposed a united and
desperate attack upon the Mamelucos, trusting for victory to the
superiority of their numbers. Others, whether more judiciously
or not it would be difficult at this distance of time to say, advised
an immediate retreat from the dangers that surrounded them, sug-
gesting that there were brilliant hopes in other lands, and nothing
cheering in their present condition. This latter course was ap-
proved. Over twelve thousand people, men, women, and chil-
dren, were hastily assembled together, bearing with them whatever
portable property they had secured from the general wreck, and
provisioned as time and circumstances would permit. Organizing
themselves with that order to which they had been trained, and
entreated by the Provincial, who was in the country throughout
this contest, to obey their pastors, this motley army was marched
to the Parana. Meantime the Paulistas were in pursuit, for scarce-
ly had Loreto been abandoned when they entered the now de-
serted town. That mission and St. Ignatius were soon a heap of
ruins.
What fortunate traveler will be the first to find his way into
this old Province of Guayra, and, descending in his canoe the al-
most fabled river of Paranapane, gaze upon those interesting ruins
which tell of a civilization due to the sacrifices and Christian de-
votion of Jesuit missionaries? Or perhaps time may have effaced
every lingering vestige. It is sad that the servants of God should
have met with such rewards, and a foul blot to Spain and Por-
tugal to have permitted the inhuman depredations here practiced.
An industrious and peaceful population was in a moment of time
swept from the land. It has been estimated by several good au-
thorities that no less than sixty thousand Indians were sold in the
public square of Kio Janeiro between the years 1628 and 1630,
the period of this succession of invasions ; and it was not the sav-
age Indian that suffered thus, but men who had received the light
of the Gospel and come within the pale of Christianity.
480 SUFFERINGS OF THE FUGITIVES.
The retreating army reached the Parana in safety, startled now
and then by a false report of pursuit, A number of balsas or
rafts were there constructed to descend the river ; they reached
the Salto Grande, but here they were called upon to endure re-
newed hardships. These rapids extend for many miles down the
river, and the passage by land to their base is both difficult and
dangerous. As an experiment to test the force of the fall, some
of their boats were given to the current, and dashed to atoms in
descending. Then old and young, mothers and children, fatigued
by eight days' marching, slowly commenced the painful journey
by land. A scarcity of provisions next added to their trials ;
they subsisted as they could upon roots and upon whatever wild
fruits could be found in the surrounding country. Many deaths
occurred ; and, to avoid the horrors of a general starvation, they
were, for a short time, divided into four sections, and directed
to take different courses. A number, unable to proceed, were
left in the country on either side of the falls, where they remained
for upward of four months. Finally, Father Montoy a assembled
these scattering remnants of a once numerous population, and
formed them into two missions near a little river called Jubabur-
rus, flowing into the Parana on its left bank. These new mis-
sions were called Loreto and St. Ignatius.*
The unholy work was thus consummated. Though deplored
by many, it found favor among the usual enemies of the Jesuit
missionaries ; their exultation, however, was but short-lived. The
important fact at last revealed itself to their blinded and preju-
diced minds that they had been false to themselves; for the
Mamelucos, after every possible pillage and depredation had been
committed in Guayra, assembled their forces, marched successive-
ly upon the Spanish towns of Yilla Pica and Ciudad Keal, and
destroyed them both. To this startling news was soon added
that of the expected advance of the Portuguese upon Asuncion.
Much to the relief of that city, these dismal expectations were not
fulfilled, for other and more attractive inducements had given a
different course to their aims for the enslavement of the Indian.
The death of Gonzalez had by no means thwarted the indomit-
able purposes of the fathers. The country of the Uruguay, though
settled by warlike tribes, was found to be advantageous in many
respects for the establishment of missions. The places of those
who fell martyrs to their devotion were filled by others equally
* Charlevoix, vol. i., p. 350.
FURTHER OUTRAGES. 481
enthusiastic. Father Ranconnier was the soul of this new attempt,
and, under his direction, in one year four reductions* sprang up
as from some enchanter's wand. About the same time, in 1633,
as if to ruin every good project, the bickerings between laymen
and Jesuits were again renewed. The Bishop of Asuncion, con-
sidering the reductions as coming within his diocese, complacently
convinced himself that Franciscans, or rather ecclesiastics, would
better supply the places of the present Jesuit beneficiaries, and he
undertook to make known his impressions on this point some-
what energetically. The Governor of Buenos Ayres hazarded
next in turn to entertain the design of establishing a Spanish city
in the midst of the Uruguay reductions, but was speedily request-
ed by Philip lY. of Spain to banish all such thoughts from his
mind.
In revenge for such unexpected opposition to their schemes
against the Jesuits, governors and bishops declined assisting the
missions in. their continuous defense against the Pauhstas and un-
friendly Indians. From the Province of Guayra the attention of
both these latter had been turned to the Uruguay, The port of
San Pedro was one of the slave-markets of the Paulistas, and the
missions were so conveniently approachable from this point that
it required but short consultation to decide upon their annihila-
tion.
Father Romero had received early intelligence of the expected
attack upon the missions, and being stationed at Jesus Maria, the
most easterly, made every possible preparation for defense. The
hounds were soon upon him, and though his people gallantly
stood at bay for a while, they were eventually forced to cajjitu-
late. The church and houses were burnt, many Indians butch-
ered, and the rest taken prisoners. A general abandonment of all
the neighboring towns took place in consequence, for to resist the
Mamelucos was always looked upon as little short of madness ;
yet they smarted not a little under this new triumph. The mis-
sionaries with their Indians retreated in safety, and even burnt
some of their reductions in so doing, to prevent them from falling
into the hands of the enemy. The Provincial had in the mean
time been entreating for aid at Asuncion, but without success,
Buenos Ayres and Corrientes equally declined. Abandoned to
their own unaided ejQforts, the fathers, marshaling with all speed
whatever force they could bring together, obliged the Mamelucos
* St. Joseph, The Angels, St. Peter, and St. Paul.
31
482 EXPULSION OF THE JESUITS.
to retreat with their present rich booty. Spain never regained
this lost territory, as she never regained that of the Province of
Griiayra. They are both embraced within the Empire of Brazil,
both undoubtedly rich and fertile tracts of country, coursed by
broad and navigable streams, but uncultivated, without popula-
tion, and very little known.
The Paulistas, however, did not altogether retire from the
country ; a few sudden attacks and some considerable skirmish-
ing still warned the people that there was cause for alarm. In
the early part of 1638 the reductions of St. Charles and the
Apostles were abandoned, A slight success at first favored the
Indians in the field; the Mamelucos were for a moment check-
ed in their march, but, profiting by the indecision of the natives
— surprised at their own good fortune — they made a vigorous
attack that placed the whole country at their discretion. A gen-
eral evacuation of all the missions* took place ; twelve thousand
Indians, f exclusive of women and children, crossed the Uruguay,
settled in the country between that river and the Parana, and
were afterward numbered among the thirty Parana missions.
Thus after a contest of several years and the destruction of
twenty-one reductions, the Jesuit missionaries were gradually
forced and driven into the territory now called Missiones, hem-
med in on every side by Spanish, Portuguese, and Indians, and
pursued by the enmity of their own countrymen as by the arms
of the Paulistas. They had been engaged in a fearful and bloody
strife for the Church as well as for Spain, and yet found no relief
beyond the limits of their own reductions. A hundred thousand
Christian natives had been either butchered or enslaved, while
the governors of provinces and bishops of dioceses looked calmly
on, the latter threatening all the while, in the face of the king's
edict, to purge the land of Jesuits, the former ^proposing to lend
thereto the more substantial means at their command. Brothers
of the order had nobly perished at the hands of savages they
sought to convert, but outside sympathy was yet withheld. We
know that all their interests were at variance with those of the
Spaniard, and therefore the fathers keenly felt the want of more
faithful allies and more trustworthy friends. Thwarted in their
labors, and unnoticed in their earnest appeals for aid to the high-
* St. Joseph, the Angels, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Christopher, Jesus Maria, St.
Anne, St. Joachim, St. Theresa, St. Charles, the Apostles, and St. Nicholas,
f Charlevoix, book i., p. 382.
APPEAL TO THE KING. 433
est authorities on this side of the waters, abandoned to their own
resources, and left to carve out their own destiny, they had re-
course to the final tribunal — the Spanish monarch and the Pope.
For although fortune once more began to smile upon the reduc-
tions they had so industriously established out of the remnants
of the former missions, yet their late reverses were remembered
with grief and wounded spirits. Their present proximity to the
Spanish towns was a check upon all their movements and meas-
ures ; and to secure the prosperity, wealth, power, and independ-
ence they sought to attain, other privileges and immunities must
be first secured. The Spaniards had declined to assist them;
they would no longer succumb to this unnatural opposition. They
would now have arms of their own, and would fight their own
battles.
Fathers De Montoya — one of the most learned men of his day
— and Tano sailed for Europe, the former accredited to the court
of Spain, the latter to the Pope. Both were eminently successful
in their missions. De Montoya forcibly represented the necessi-
ties of the missionaries : they were laboring, he said, only for the
conversion of the Indians, for the success, prosperity, and safety
of their reductions ; and the king, favorably disposed to his In-
dian vassals, under the good and loyal guidance of the fathers,
granted his every request. The law of 1611, forbidding the Span-
ish settlers to enslave the natives unless captured in a just war,
had, like many others, been little heeded.
Often had kings essayed to check the ill
By edicts not so well enforced as meant ; ,
A present power was wanting to fulfill
Kemote authority's sincere intent.
De Montoya asked that it should be strictly carried into execu-
tion ; he also succeeded in obtaining from the king an edict which
not only commanded the Mamelucos to set at liberty those who
had been captured by them, but which was to find guilty of high
treason any who might attempt to renew this unlawful traffic.
This ordinance, though of a more humane character than that of
his grandfather, Philip II., when he condemned to death the whole
population of the Netherlands, rivaled it in its utter impractica-
bility. De Montoya did not blind himself to the fact that little
confidence could be placed in these parchment scrolls unless ac-
companied by a siuord of justice^ the unfailing instrument which
could alone sever the Gordian knots of future dissensions.
484 APPEAL TO THE POPE.
An all-important object was to obtain a grant wbicb should al-
low the reduction Indians to have fire-arms. This was the main
proposition made by the Jesuit envoy. It was objected that the
natives once finding themselves in the possession of such power,
would use it to endanger the stability of Spanish authority.
These fears were dissipated by the agreement that they should
not be permanently supplied with arms except in cases of urgent
necessity, and by the assurance furthermore that the fathers would
be responsible for their conduct. De Montoya overcame all ob-
stacles ; he received a grant, with the seal of Spain upon it, which
established the perfect independence and future power of the mis-
sions.
Tano had equal reason to be elated with his success. He was
received at Eome with every kindness and regard. His story of
the hardships, reverses, and sacrifices of the Jesuit brothers in the
wilds of South America, of the cruelties and butcheries of the
Mamelucos, and of the inimical disposition toward them even
of the Spanish settlers themselves, was full of thrilling interest
and the tenderest appeal. The sympathies of the Church were
with him. Pope Urban VIII. was much affected at his recital of
all that had transpired in the brief history of the missions, and
the anathemas of the Holy See went out against the actors and
abettors in the heinous offenses committed against Loyola's de-
voted sons. The Pope accorded all that could in any way tend
to the tranquillity and security of the new missions, and, says
Charlevoix, "would have made him (Tano) completely happy,
could that missionary answer for the thunders of the Vatican
being sufiicient to put an end to all the evils of which he had
given his Holiness an account."* But among the Mamelucos the
thunders of the Vatican, like the thunders of the heavens, rolled
on with an imposing noise and then died out, harming none.
Father Tano, on returning to Madrid from Eome, found a num-
ber of missionaries assembled at the instance of De Montoya, and
prepared to accompany him to the western continent. He sailed
shortly, but adverse winds forced him into Eio Janeiro. Here, mak-
ing known the edicts of the Spanish monarch and the papal briefs,
a shout of indignation, and even violent demonstrations, rose up
against him and his attendants. Spiritual condemnations bore
lightly upon the shoulders of the Mamelucos, but they were not
easily composed with regard to a law which so materially affected
* Vol. i., p. 391.
THE GUARANI ARMED. 435
tlieir temporal goods ; they lived by the slave-traffic, and it would
take a powerfnl^force to bring them to renounce it, to compel them,
at that late day, to give up the fruit of their bloody toils in Guayra
and Tape. Their exasperation was not slight nor to be disregard-
ed ; several tumultuous outbreaks convinced Father Tano that his
sacerdotal robes might not possibly prove a sufficient protection
to his person. At the same time, the revolution which had taken
place in Portugal, and which placed the Duke of Braganza on the
throne, warned him against a longer stay in his present perilous
position. He reached Buenos Ayres in safety in November of
1640. Father Montoya passed the rest of his days in Peru and
Tucuman, performing many important and useful duties in the
service of his order, and especially engaged in furnishing arms, for
the grant of which the missions owed him every indebtedness.
The Mamelucos were still gathering strength. They probably
never had a greater encouragement for renewing their inhuman
conquests than that offered by the late Portuguese revolution. A
declared hostility to Spain, arising from that event, only confirmed
them in a bold determination to reach the Paraguay. Considering
the countless hordes that composed the Guarani family, it is a mat-
ter of astonishment that this their mortal enemy ever should have
advanced with impunity so far as he had ; but gentleness, meek-
ness, and unwarlike habits were the characteristics of their nature.*
Yet a docile spirit may be spurred to despair. Pillaged churches
and burning houses would stir even stagnant blood. Mothers,
fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, and children mercilessly butchered,
or bound and carried off to be sold in the market of some distant
city, leaves its impress upon the Indian mind. To be pursued
from place to place, hunted from wood to wood, with the prospect
of eventual extermination, would make the dullest nature revolt.
The Indian felt at last that he had the sinews wherewith to fight ;
fight he must, or there was an end to him ; but his light lance and
erring shng might even at this time liave proved of no avail but
for the gunpowder about to greet the Paulistas.
Due notice had been received of the expedition that was ad-
* M. Cretineau Joly is in error when he asserts (Histoire de la Compagnie de
Jdsus, vol. iii., p. 312): "Les Jesuites avaient trouve les Guaranis cnjels, vin-
dictifs, enclins a tous les exees, sauvages par nature et avec volupte." Next to the
Peruvians they were probably the most civilized people in South America, and their
future amalgamation with the white race, while other tribes held their own in the
deserts of the Gran Chaco, shows conclusively that they were above the ordinary
level uf the savage.
486 DEFEAT OF THE MAMELUCOS.
vancing against the reductions. The fathers made every effort to
give their visitors a warm reception, and raised'^n army of four
thousand men, mostly armed with bows and shngs, for three hund-
red muskets were all that could possibly be obtained at the time ;
these were distributed among the chiefs, and they did effectual serv-
ice in the coming engagement. The Paulistas, numbering four
hundred, and joined by as many Tupis Indians, ascended the Aca-
ray River in a fleet of boats. Abiaru, chief of the native army, ad-
vanced to meet them, and, stationing himself at the head of a small
arm of the river, awaited their approach.
After a short and useless interview with the Paulista chief, he
retired to draw up his force ; soon the two boat fleets were seen
steadily advancing to the shock. The banks were lined with men,
women, and children, watching with intense anxiety this measur-
ing of strength, and "invoking with a loud voice the Apostle
of the Indies." The discharge of a small cannon, as unexpected
as a stroke of lightning to the Paulistas, sunk three of the enemy's
pirogues, and threw the rest into no little confusion. The three
hundred muskets were also used with such deadly effect that the
invaders pulled for the shore, determined to try their strength on
terra firma. Here again they were vigorously met ; a united at-
tack of the whole Guarani force for once broke their line and com-
pletely dispersed them. Hotly pursued, they skirmished for a
while, but finally secreted themselves in the thickets or sought
shelter in the neighboring forests. Collecting the next day their
scattered and much-diminished forces, and still despising the
clouds of Indians that now began exultingly to hover around, they
thought yet to drive them from the field, or at least gain time to
be re-enforced. A rapid and murderous charge made by the Gua-
rani exploded all these hopes. But few of the invaders escaped.*
For the first time the Mamelucos were worsted in their long-con-
tinued persecutions of the Indians. They had at last been checked
and beaten in open fight, forced back into their own territory, and
cut off almost to a man. It was a severe and withering blow, one
from which they were long in recovering. The cobweb defense
behind which the missions had heretofore fought was replaced by
a sterner front, and the scales of fortune were completely turned.
Hope and assurance relieved their old and habitual fears of the
Paulistas. Twenty-nine reductions, banded together and supplied
with arms, began to feel their power. The battle of Acaray made
* Cliarlevoix, vol. i., p. 407-8.
. BISHOP CARDENAS. 487
a liundred tliousand natives, all weak and trembling until now,
conscious of their strength. They now sprang, like the god, into
the panoply of war and might. Yet scarce had the dreaded foe
from without been vanquished when a domestic broil ensued —
the old clashing between Jesuits and laymen is renewed. The
Bishop of Asuncion wages war against them.
Don Bernardin de Cardenas is a prominent character in the
history of Spanish America. He was a native of La Plata (or
Chiquisaca), early distinguished himself as a preacher and a mis-
sionary, and when still young was elevated to the bishopric of
Asuncion. Here his excitable disposition and executive qualities
developed themselves. Looking upon himself as a head supreme
to the government of church and province, utterly regardless of
the separate and distinct powers vested in other officials associated
with him, all affairs brought to the consideration of the city au-
thorities underwent the ordeal of his consent or dissent. His was
a temporal as well as a spiritual administration — a combination
not unexampled, but inconsistent in this case, and injurious under
any circumstances. Those hazardous enough to thwart this am-
bitious prelate's designs learned the violence of his displeasure.
The bishop held within his grasp a mighty power — excommuni-
cation— one which he wielded mercilessly. From the governor
down, all underwent this mark of his resentment, not once, but
again and again. Day after day lengthened lists of excommuni-
cated individuals were framed, whole columns of condemned were
placarded about the town. No penitence was too severe to re-
move the mark of sin, though its blasting effect had been some-
what tempered here by its too frequent and continuous occurrence.
The anathematized grew bold in their numbers ; a rebellious
spirit showed itself; a din of tumult and disorder reached the
bishop's ears, and in the midst of it he wisely retired to Yaguaron,
a considerable Indian village about thirty miles distant. His last
instructions were that there should be no intercourse with the ex-
communicated, and that divine service should be performed in no
church in presence of the governor, Don Gregorio de Hinisti'osa.
Hinistrosa's devout head bore heavily and sadly the excommuni-
cation that rested upon him ; he calmed his anger and softened
his jealousies that he might undergo the necessary penalties for its
removal. For this purpose he found his way to Yaguaron, as an
humble pilgrim come to atone for his sins. There was not a door
but was closed against him, not a hand raised in his behalf He
488 THE BISHOP AND THE GOVERNOR. •
sought tlie presence of the haughty bishop, who received him
with a demeanor and in a manner worthy of Gregory VII. Hin-
istrosa fell at his feet and asked forgiveness ; it was purchased by
consenting to pay a heavy fine.
Cardenas, in this retreat at Yaguaron, while forcing the peni-
tent governor and people of Asuncion to humble themselves be-
fore him, was also engaged in concocting and planning schemes
by which he was to bring about the overthrow of the Jesuits.
Already had he forbidden many of the fathers to preach, and
closed their schools in Asuncion. He had probably, among ma,ny
other reasons, felt aggrieved because he lacked the power to exact
from them certain tithes ; for, through Jesuit influence at Madrid,
their payment of royal tribute was postponed until 1549. The
missions were increasing in wealth and power, independent of
outside control, and contributing nothing as yet either to the
king's coffers or to the Church. These were extreme privileges
which excited this bishop's wrath. Upon one occasion he thought
to drive them by force from their college in Asuncion, but desist-
ed on learning that his purpose was anticipated. Meantime an-
swers began to pour into the country to the numerous communi-
cations which at the outset of these difficulties had been forward-
ed to the viceroy and the Audience of Charcas. Cardenas was
severely censured. The governor, too, was greatly blamed for
allowing himself, the representative of his Majesty, to be outwit-
ted and overruled by a prelate whose business it was to attend to
his own spiritual affairs. Don Gregorio's confidence and courage
were restored; his devotion was temporarily laid aside that he
might strike an effectual blow to regain his legitimate authority.
Leaving Asuncion, attended by thirty men, he was met not far
from the city by a body of Indians, whom he had been expect-
ing. A night's march brought them to Yaguaron, and the bustle
of their arrival soon awakened the peaceful town. Cardenas,
startled at the disturbance, was hurriedly dressing when the gov-
ernor entered his apartment. Attempting to retreat by a private
door, he was quickly followed, until Don Gregorio found himself
standing upon the steps leading to the high altar of the church.
The excited people, soldiers and Indians, fast crowded in. Car-
denas, from his place in the sanctuary, inquired of the governor
the cause of his unexpected appearance, "To serve you, by or-
der of the viceroy, with a sentence of banishment from this prov-
ince, and a seizure of your goods, for having usurped the jurisdic-
THE BISHOP'S INTRIGUES.
489
tion which I hold from our sovereign lord the king," was the reply.
Cardenas answered, unmoved, " I promise to obey, and take this
congregation to witness my promise." Then, giving way to his
pent-up animosities, he violently denounced the governor and his
associates, and served them in turn with a renewed excommuni-
cation. He was forced to return to Asuncion, but there finding
his power lost and his personal liberty restrained, he writes with
exquisite disgust to the governor that he could not prevail upon
himself to remain in" a country inhabited almost entirely by an
excommunicated people. Amid public displays and ringing of
bells the humbled bishop took leave of the city and descended
the river to Corrientes.
The old spirit of authority and mania for anathematizing ac-
companied him in this banishment. Bishop of Paraguay he still
was and would be, but his thunders now fell comparatively harm-
less upon his offending children. The Jesuits haunted him ; he
bore them earnestly and perseveringly in mind, nursing the while
a fixed resolve that at some period, sooner or later, the order
should be driven from the country. He bitterly complains of
them in all his letters, and his epistolary correspondence increases
as his case grows desperate. To the Bishop of Tucuman he ap-
peals in the strongest language, pleading his commiseration in a
world of humble regard. The bishop's reply could not have
healed many wounds or afforded much satisfaction : his sympa-
thies were with the fathers, and he rejoiced that they had stemmed
the current of Don Bernardin's wrath. He writes that his power
does not consist " in splendore vestium sed morum, non ad iram
sed ad omnimodam patientiam." The deposed but overbearing
bishop had but little patience; his temper was superabundant;
his prejudices and perseverance were unfailing, and, though re-
pulsed in this quarter, he was more successful at La Plata and in
his influence with the Audience of Charcas. From the latter he
finally obtained permission to return to Asuncion under the plea
of settling his much-deranged affairs. He was enthusiastically re-
ceived by his friends in that city, for there was still a party in his
favor, and the governor deemed it impolitic to interfere, although
he could not have but foreseen that his welcomed guest might
prove a dangerous enemy. Judging from his prolonged stay, the
prelate's affairs must have been in a most deplorable condition.
He, however, declared his disinterestedness in all public measures :
spiritual, not temporal, matters engaged his thoughts. During
490 THE BISHOP AND THE JESUITS.
this visit tlie governor died (1649). Who shall succeed hiui?
Surely not the prelate, on a mere visit to the city, apparently lost
in the mazes of his pecuniary embarrassments. Yet it was so.
The people held a clamorous meeting to decide for themselves ;
for with them Cardenas was popular, and, under the shadow of
an ancient edict of Charles V. — a piece of parchment the bishop
had been hunting for all his life — they declared this their right.
Don Bernardin was proclaimed governor, bishop, captain-general
— dictator, in a word.
This power was wielded with crushing effect upon the Jes-
uits ; he held them in his grip, and they would have felt the hold
" through bars of brass and triple steel." The blow came at last.
Says the worthy bishop, while preaching in the cathedral, " Be
firmly persuaded that I have an order from the king to drive the
Jesuits out of this city."* He may have persuaded himself to this
effect, but certainly not the fathers. The only consideration with
him now was as to what were the most expedient and summary
means for ridding Asuncion of their presence. He issued an order
compelling all good citizens of the city capable of carrying arms,
under pain of excommunication, to join the standard of Villejo
Villasanti, lieutenant to the king, and obey his instructions. On
the 10th of March, 1649, this rabble marched to the college ; find-
ing it closed they summoned its inmates to open the gates, but
received no answer. Gates and doors were easily forced open and
the chapel abruptly entered. Here the lieutenant made known
the object of his mission. The rector stoutly replied that the col-
lege of Asuncion had been erected by permission of Philip II.,
that they exercised their privileges by grant of the king, and that,
of their own accord, they would neither abandon the one nor re-
linquish the other. Villasanti, being a man of action, not of words,
retorted by a signal to his men, who made a disorderly attack upon
every thing that came within their reach ; the fathers were driven
out of the college, the sick dragged from their beds ; all were hur-
ried to the boats that awaited them on the river, and, cast adrift
with few provisions, and many without oars, were exposed to the
mercy of the current.
The college was ransacked and plundered throughout, the plate
on the high altar stolen, and every thing of value pillaged from the
chapel. Two statues, representing St. Ignatius and St. Xavier, the
great missionary of Japan, after going through a sufficiently disfig-
* Charlevoix, vol. ii., p. 30.
DOWNFALL OF THE BISHOP. 49I
uring process, were thus converted into St, Paul and St. Peter, re-
maining about as resemblant, perhaps, as the antique busts of the
Roman emperors resemble their great originals. A picture of the
Savior, clothed in the habit of a Jesuit, a. fancy' which the writers
of the order excuse or account for by saying that he appeared so
" to the famous Donna Maria de Escobar, whose memory is still
held in veneration all over Spain" (Charlevoix), was severed at
the neck so as to preserve the head, and the rest burned. Finally,
after making a wreck of the interior of the building, an attempt
was made to pull down the wooden steeple, but they succeeded
no farther than in drawing it from its perpendicular position.
This triumph was very short-lived. Don Bernardin must an-
swer for these high-handed measures, a. consequence of which he
was perfectly aware, but no one knew better than himself how
to act under such circumstances. He was prompt in making his
own representations to the Audience of Charcas ; he wrote volu-
minously to that body, and so far fortified himself as to send a
special envoy to Madrid ; he had a voice in every assembly or de-
Hberation which was to pass censure or approval upon his conduct ;
but in this instance all his endeavors were futile. He was baffled
in every manoeuvre ; he failed in every attempt, and was sum-
moned to Peru ; while Don Sebastian de Leon was appointed to
see that the summons was obeyed. That functionary approached
Asuncion, followed by several thousand reduction Indians. Hear-
ing of this expected force sent against him, Don Bernardin was
rash enough to oppose it ; the two forces met, but the bishop lost
the day. It remained for him to yield, with the best possible grace,
at a time when he thousfht,
"Good, easy man, full surely
His greatness was a ripening."
But, like the cardinal, he had ventured in a sea of glory far be-
yond his depth. In March, 1651, he returned to La Plata, enter-
ing his native city in triumph. There, in retirement, he passed
the rest of his days, after a restless and scheming career, excused
by no wholesome purposes and attended with little ultimate suc-
cess.
The first step of the party now in power was to recall the Jes-
uits. The edicts fulminated against them by Don Bernardin were
publicly burnt; the censures passed upon them were removed;
their much-derange'd temporal affairs were restored to a more
healthy condition ; the college, almost a rum, underwent the nee-
492 TRIUMPH OF THE JESUITS.
essary repairs ; tlie statues, pictures, vases, candelabras, and col-
umns that had been carried off were restored ; all the pillages and
spoliations they had suffered were handsomely remunerated.
As one enemy disappeared another rose up against the perse-
cuted Jesuits. At this time Spain and Portugal were still at war.
King John, desperately fighting for a nation's independence and
a throne, was not scrupulous as to the means to be employed,
and so gave his nod of assent to the Mamelucos in a fresh attempt
they were about to make to reduce the missions. At the latter
part of 1651, this expedition, composed of four separate divisions,
was put in motion. The Spanish authorities, now conscious that it
was their best and only policy to oppose these bandits, prepared
to resist them, and sent word to the reductions to assist them with
whatever force they could collect. Happily the country was in a
state of internal quiet, and the authority of the Jesuits such as to
enable them to act promptly and decisively. Before any of the
government forces from Asuncion appeared in sight of the enemy
the fathers had assembled their neophytes, furnished them with
fire-arms, advanced against the Paulistas, and repulsed them in
every direction ; then, sharply wheeling upon the Guaycurus, who
had taken advantage of the occasion and thought to join in the
plunder, they annihilated them at a blow.
This was neither the first nor the last occasion upon which
these Guarani Indians rendered eminent services to the govern-
ment. They drew even from the gold-thirsty, fortune-seeking
Spaniards a tardy acknowledgment of their good and loyal con-
duct, and an acquiescence in whatever grants and privileges the
king may have been pleased to grant them. Indeed their services
were not to be despised, for they formed a strong defense along
the boundary of Spanish America most open to attack. Under
the strict discipline of the fathers many had conceived a fondness
for and become adepts in the art of war; in all their engagements
with the Paulistas since the return of the deputies they had been
successful. The last repulse settled the question of superiority,
and associated with the reductions quite a military prestige. At
later periods these natives distinguished themselves not a little as
allies of the Spanish. More than once the Portuguese, before
Buenos Ayres, had reason to admire their courage and the perfect
discipline under which they acted ; more than once they had been
worsted by them, and learned to dread them as much as they ever
feared the Spanish. At Montevideo, also, in the disputes about
THE REDUCTION INDIANS. 493
«
Nova Colonia and in many other instances, the reduction In-
dians rendered effectual assistance. In times of peace they never
decUned aid in the construction of public works. Upon the ca-
thedral of Buenos Ayres, the citadel, and fortifications of the port
they were diligently and perseveringly engaged; in other cities
and towns they likewise assisted in the erection of churches and
public buildings. Many forts and important military posts sprang
up from their labors, under the skillful direction of the mission-
aries, and many flourishing towns were built by them alone. Oft-
en had they defended these from the attacks of unfriendly In-
dians, or from the more alarming advances of an outside enemy.
Yet how small and uncharitable was the return they met with.
CHAPTEE XXYm.
Fathers placed in charge of the Missions : their Duties and Power. — Opinions and
Researches of Azara. — Foundation of St. Joachim and of Belen. — Means and
Measures adopted. — Jesuit Reduction. — College. — Dispensary, Gardens. — The
Arsenal and Soldiery. — Sham-fights. — The Church: its Splendor. — Music. —
Attendance at Church Service. — Fetes and Processions. — Clothing. — Schools.
Police System. — Daily Life. — Labor in the Fields. — Christian Republic. — Social
Equality. — Mercantile Restrictions. — God's Inheritance.
So far this brief review of incidents does not embrace what,
probably, with the generality of readers, most excites an interest
in the history of the Jesuit missions of South America. The dis-
putes of governors and bishops, the dissensions of rehgious and
laymen, the expulsion, at different times, of the order, the contin-
uous contest with the Paulistas, yield to a different phase of the
subject. A system is firmly established so marked, so peculiar
in itself, and yet rising to all appearances from so natural an or-
der of things as to claim at least some passing consideration.
What was a Jesuit reduction ? In what relation did the mis-
sionary stand toward his people, and they to one another ? What
was their political and social organization? Following these es-
tablishments in their advance to civilization and power, we pause
to note the means and causes of the ascendency which they at-
tained. Here we meet with contradictions not easily reconciled.
The only histories of the South American missions are by the
Jesuits employed in them, or by Spaniards — men of their own
faith, but who seem ever to have regarded the labors of the fa-
494 THE JESUIT SYSTEM.
thers witli distrust and enmity. Both parties present us witla a
picture of life, of a people, of a polity unexampled in history ;
and if simplicity of government conduces to the happiness of the
human family, we have here a wonderful example of it.
It is of primary importance that we should impress upon our-
selves the fact that this success was mainly due to the peculiar com-
position of the Jesuit missionary, the training which so fitted and
girded him for the life here portrayed ; but above all to that unity
of spirit and action visible in the whole order, how diverse so-
ever its pursuits or varied its acquirements. Priests, statesmen,
astronomers, captains, artisans, every profession, every art and
trade, are found represented among its members. It possessed
every natural element for settling and civilizing the wildest and
most distant countries. " The vast shore washed by the farthest
sea" was accessible to the Jesuit. Never have men, moreover,
discharged a duty or attained an end with more unflinching forti-
tude, or evinced a more lofty disregard of danger. It was not of
uncommon occurrence that the sermon should serve the purposes
of the general's proclamation, or the missionary lead from the
sanctuary to the battle, where in the hottest of the fight one father
might be seen binding up the hurts of the wounded, and another
administering the last sacrament to the dying. In time of peace
they planned towns, built churches, drew up municipal regula-
tions, instructed in the schools, drilled the soldiers — for every
able-bodied native was a soldier — and judged in all matters;
though there were nominal courts and tribunals presided over by
robed natives. Their authority was absolute, disputed by none,
unless occasionally by some governor or bishop of Asuncion or
Buenos Ayres. The master's power over the slave could not be
more unquestioned than that of the father in charge of a mission.
To each reduction, in proportion to its population, were attach-
ed two or three priests. In one, the chief, was vested all spiritual
control ; to the other was intrusted a necessary, watchful, and dil-
igent superintendence of its temporal concerns. At the head of
all the Paraguay missions — each of which was, according to Ulloa,
" like a family governed by a wise and affectionate parent"* — was
a superior, who resided at Candelaria,f and had the general super-
* A Voyage to South America, by Don Antonio de Ulloa : translated by John
Adams, Esq. London, 1806, vol. ii., p. 182.
t Founded 1627. Latitude 27° 26' 46", longitude 58° T 34" west of Paris.
Tableau des Peuplades forme'es par les Jesuites. Azara, vol. ii., p. 260.
THE JESUITS AND THE INDIANS. 495
vision of the Christian republic. He also exercised the power of
appointing the assistant Jesuits, under whom there were many
subordinate offices filled by the natives.
There are minor cogs and wheels to this machinery, and the
unison of all its parts is due to causes, circumstances, and appli-
ances worthy of note. Its perfect adaptation to the native popu-
lation must have arisen from wise and artful measures — a very
possible and very Jesuitic combination. So firm a footing in so
vast a country is not to be traced to weak brains or distrustful in-
struments. Many and different means tended to the accomplish-
ment of the one great work. Azara discusses the subject with
animosity against the fathers, much of which, though evidently
unjust and proceeding from a fixed prejudice, yet does not per-
mit us to totally disregard his opinions and observations. He is
slow to make any acknowledgment in favor of the missionaries ;
he mercilessly pursues and investigates all their labors, how de-
serving soever they may be apparently, and would attribute the
foundation of the reductions more to the fears inspired by the
Portuguese of St. Paul than to any persuasive powers of the fa-
thers themselves, or any merit in their system.
True it is, the establishment of the Paraguay missions took place
parti}'' at times when the Paulistas were devastating the country,
and we can readily infer that, exposed to this pursuit, the Indians
were rejoiced to find the shelter which the fathers afforded them.
This undoubtedly increased to an extent the population of the
reductions, but does not account for that strange influence which
Jesuit teachings seemed to bear with them upon the Indian's un-
tutored mind. Fear of the Mamulucos did not lay the founda-
tions of the early missions of Guayra, nor is any such agency to
be found in the rise of those of Chiquitos and Moxos. At the
same time there can be little doubt that numbers of the Guarani
race, persecuted on the one side by the Spanish and on the other
by the less clement Paulistas, clung to the Jesuits as an all-pro-
tecting safeguard and refuge. They might have retreated. for a
time to the inmost depths of their forests, and there sought the
peace which had been so ruthlessly disturbed ; but even those
wilds could not have afforded them the security they eventually
enjoyed in open day under the fathers. The Jesuits from the
first became their champions ; and we must believe that their pos-
session of and continuance in this power was due as much to the
self-sacrificing spirit of the order as to intrigue or accidental cir-
496 MEASURES OE THE JESUITS.
cumstances, thougli doubtless there were arts and policies best
known to the fathers that served the one end. We may or we
may not see dimly into these, for their writers have been accused
of being suspiciously silent as to the means employed in the es-
tablishment of these reductions ; but there may have been noth-
ing to disclose, there may be nothing now to drag out into the
light.
The missions rise throughout the country, increasing in wealth
and population and possessed of no ordinary civilization ; yet it
is difficult to follow them through all the phases of this progress.
We know that the efforts of the founders were crowned with suc-
cess, but the inner work of the fabric has been dimmed by time,
if not lost ; or is presented to us only through the exaggerations
or prejudices of Jesuits or Spaniards. The father finds his way
to some distant unknown tribe, unattended and unarmed. He
throws himself completely on their mercy ; but his mission is one
of peace ; he is a chosen successor of the great apostle, and soon
inspires a mysterious reverence for his person. There is some-
thing fearless and imposing in his speech that does not fall harsh-
ly upon the Indian's ear. Christian life and religion he depicts
with a marvelous eloquence that touches the heart of the savage.
Nor does he forget that it is well to be wary; he is mindful of
temporal advantages, and avails himself of a knowledge of savage
instincts. His promises are profuse ; he is willing to accord much,
and only asks in return obedience to the cross. So were the old
Loreto and the new Loreto founded ; San Ignatius, San Xavier,
and St. Thomas sprung into existence, and were soon numbered
among thirty prosperous reductions. They are populous, power-
ful, and civilized. Their future history is well defined ; the early
stages only are obscure.
We have referred to Azara, whose information of these mis-
sions was obtained while in the country itself, and associating
with men whose recollections of the Jesuit rule were still fresh
in their memories. He relates as follows of the founding of St.
Joachim :
Wishing to establish a mission among this branch of the Gua-
rani family, the fathers first sent them, by Indians of their own
reductions, offerings of some trifling value, pleasing to Indian
fancy. This preliminary treating was repeated several times be-
fore taking more decisive steps. These gifts, they were told,
came from a Jesuit who loved them much and was desirous of
FOUNDING OF SAN JOACHIM. 497
living among tliem ; that, if so permitted, the father would bestow
upon them things of far greater price, that they might live with-
out labor. He would bring them cattle, iron, and every useful
article ; he would build them houses, give them clothing, attend
to the sick, and extend to the whole people every care. Such
conditions were tempting ; they flattered too much the natural
indolence of the Guarani to be disregarded. Thus a way was
opened to some apparently good and generous Jesuit, who, at-
tended by a number of Christian natives, started on this expedi-
tion, bearing presents, and driving before them cattle for the use
of the expected converts. Arrived in the midst of his newly-
adopted children, the plans for a town were laid, the fathers at
• the same time keeping a vigilant watch over the cattle. They
soon disappeared, however, as the Indians thought of nothing but
eating.* Provisions must needs be abundant, for to satisfy the
palate was indispensable in view of successfully administering a
healthful spiritual food. He who was fed the best was generally
the most speedily converted to the true faith, and made the best
Christian — at least in the way of telling beads and in submitting
to Jesuit authority. He who was neglected in this respect pre-
ferred aboriginal independence, and subsistence obtained by his
bow and arrows. Hence the flocks and fields required the same
constant watchfulness as those of the Church. Says Dobrizhoffer,
quaintly: "If, according to St. Paul, among other natives faith
enters by the ear, with the savages of Paraguay it can only be
thrust in by the mouth."
St. Joachim grew and prospered ; numerous houses were built,
and soon a church faced the great square. An abundance of corn
and cotton followed a general and diligent cultivation of the land.
The Indians were elated with the change beyond all expectation ;
they were for the present in the enjoyment of an easy, indolent
kind of life, as unlooked for as it was novel. But it was never
understood that the treasury should be drained by too long a con-
tinuation of this course. The necessary advances had already been
made; it was now time to halt, that the Indians might be im-
pressed with the necessity of working for themselves. Azara again
explains : " Assembling them one day the father appealed to their
sense of right ; it was neither just nor proper that their friends and
brothers, the Guarani, brought from other reductions, should con-
tinue to labor for them ; they should begin to assist themselves ;
* Azara, vol. ii., p. 228.
32
498 FOUNDING OF BELEN.
there was much need of cultivation in the fields ; some simple
trade could be easily acquired, and the women could learn to spin
cotton." They were probably at the same time impressed with the
fact that all these were most agreeable and Christian-like occupa-
tions, such as were commanded by the Church. The converted
Indians were instructed to make similar entreaties. Some re-
turned to their wilds, many yielded, and from that time St. Jo-
achim became one of the most important of the missions.
These gentle measures, though comporting with the docile Gua-
rani character, proved impotent in other quarters, where fiercer
dispositions had to be encountered ; and hence led to more strin-
gent measures for the success of the proposed reduction. The
foundation of Belen,'* in all but the preliminaries, is a different »
story from that of St. Joachim. The gifts were sent, and the Jes-
uit, numerously attended, arrived at his destination among the
Mbayas — a warlike race who discovered no charms in the mission
"community" life. The father's eloquence neither moved their
hearts, nor did his material offerings affect their senses. The chase,
as" a means of subsistence, was preferable to agricultural labor.
The caciques, moreover, declined assigning to others the power
they exercised over their respective districts — a power, it is well
known, which the Jesuits were never willing to share. So the
father's schemes must have been thwarted but for a well-timed
stratagem, which seemed at once to remove all difficulties. There
was every facility for carrying it into effect. Under the plea of
concluding a treaty with the Chiquitos, among whom there were
at this time numerous missions, the fierce chiefs opposed to the
cause of the Church were enticed beyond the confines of their ter-
ritories. The most cordial reception awaited them on the part of
the reduction Indians. Numbers of friendly allies flocked to greet
them ; bands of music were in continuous attendance, and every
kind of native amusement or festivity was called into requisition,
that the welcome might admit of no distrust. Thus the snares
were well laid. The unsuspecting chiefs manifested unbounded
gratification, while the secret plans of the Jesuits for securing their
persons were being brought to maturity. Suddenly, in the night,
and at the sound of a bell, their universal signal, the Mbaya ca-
ciques were attacked, bound hand and foot, thrown into prison,
and not released until the final expulsion of the order. But,
* Founded in 1760.
ECONOMY OF A REDUCTION. 499
though the chief obstacles were thus removed, Belen never rose to
the full dignity of a mission.*
These are the two examples cited by Azara, and thus, according
to him, were the Paraguay reductions established. It is not gen-
erally understood, however, that coercion was ever employed in
the great work of conversion ; at least we have no evidence of it,
nor any declaration to that effect except from our previously-men-
tioned author, who may have been too happily confident in the
success of his researches ; or he may have confounded the in-
human occurrences among the lay reductions with those of the
fathers. If not governed by principle, the sagacity of the Jesuit
discovered that, with the Indian, persuasion effected more than-
force ; the Spaniard never essayed the former and ever abused the
latter. It was of necessity a duty and an object with the fathers
to overcome prejudices, to dispel distrust, to soothe all latent fears
by constant assurances of kindly feelings and by manifesting a pa-
ternal watchfulness over all affairs that came under their direc-
tion. In Christian charity they did not offer a stone for bread,
nor a serpent for a fish, but opened to those who knocked, and ex-
tended hospitality to all who entered. Unlike the Spanish adven-
turers their goal was not hastily-acquired wealth ; their declared
ambition was to serve God and the order ; an assertion reversed
by their enemies, who say the "order was first considered, and
then God. They had neither impracticable schemes nor dazzling
projects, and so seldom failed in the more rational aims they
proposed to further.
A Jesuit reduction was a model of order and regularity ; per-
fect uniformity was observed in its long, comfortably -built rows
of houses, and the small circuit of the town offered every facility
for preserving its domestic tranquillity, or insuring a ready de-
fense against any outside danger. The great square was the cen-
tre point, the public resort and general rendezvous of the people ;
upon it were erected the church, the college, the arsenal, the
stores, the workshops of carpenters, joiners, weavers, and smiths,
together with other important public buildings, all assembled un-
der the close and unsleeping vigilance of the fathers.f The mis-
sions of Moxos among other things were noted for their hospitals
* Azara, vol. ii., p. 230-1-2. This information was obtained by Azara from the
caciques referred to, who were still livinp at the time of his stay in South America.
Dohrizhoffer, however, relates nothing of the kind. Vide vol. i., p. 97-98.
t Charlevoix, vol. i., p. 269.
500 MILITARY ORGANIZATION.
and medicines ; those of Paraguay enjoyed tliis advantage only
partially,* but they needed them less. Moxos is a marshy, fever-
ish, sickly country, while the climate of Missiones is highly salu-
brious. At Concepcion, however, was established a very exten-
sive dispensary. The gardens attached to the colleges were cul-
tivated with every care, and may still be traced in neglected yer-
ba groves, or some struggling growth of fruit and flowers.
The church and arsenal were generally placed at opposite ex-
tremities of the square. The military depot of the mission be-
came a point of considerable importance after De Montoya's re-
turn from Madrid, though the provisions of the grant were strict-
. ly enforced, and no such dangerous weapon as a fire-arm was ever
intrusted to the entire keeping of a Guarani. Arms were dis-
tributed only at stated times, and returned when the occasion for
their use had passed ; but this caution did not prevent a frequent
and regular drill, or even constant practice at shooting. Each
reduction had its body of cavalry and infantry and military insig-
nia. The foot-soldiers were variously armed with the marcana,
the bow and arrow, the sling, sword, and musket ; the horsemen
with the sabre, lance, and carbine. In the use of the sling and
lance these Indians, as all the Indians of La Plata, were most
skillful; prizes were frequently awarded to the successful com-
petitor in trials with native weapons or fire-arms. The great
square was the Campus Martins for all such exercises, and there
every Monday the corregidor reviewed his troops, the ofiicers be-
ing distinguished by their uniforms, richly laced with gold and
silver, and embroidered with the device of the town.f These
weekly evolutions terminated usually with a sham-fight. Equal
parties were formed and stationed at opposite extremities of the
square. A flag of truce was first forwarded, to prevent, if possi-
ble, the coming disastrous struggle, but, being treated with con-
tempt, signal to battle was given, and the combatants rushed to the
midway shock. Always enthusiastic, and even impetuous upon
such occasions, the fight often waxed so warm as to render neces-
sary a forcible separation. This was never difficult, for the fa-
thers had carefully soothed and quelled all domestic or tribal dis-
sension. It was thus that they acquired that experience and dis-
cipline which finally enabled them to compete successfully with
the bandits of St. Paul ; it was this constant training that made
their co-operation so effectual at Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, and
* Charlevoix, vol. i., p. 272. f U^oa, vol. ii., p. 177.
THE CHUKCH. 501
otlier places. And there was another element in this military
schooling, in that they were taught to turn in the same cheerful
obedient spirit from a long and doubtful struggle to the peaceful
cultivation of their fields, or again to leave the plow and grasp
the sword in defense of the missions — a cause as sacred in their
eyes as the rescue of the Holy Sepulchre from the infidel to the
crusader.
The mission church, a building of considerable and often vast
proportions, was constructed with an eye to symmetry, taste, and
splendor, and was in no respect inferior to those of the Spanish
cities. Its decorations rivaled the " richest of Peru." No ex-
penditure, no time or labor was too great to be devoted to this
sacred edified; vast amounts were lavished upon it, and artists
and artisans continually engaged to add to its magnificence. The
surplus funds that remained in the mission coffers were conse-
crated to the high altar, which shone with gold and silver vessels
richly and elaborately chased ; frescoes and paintings, busts and
statues, illustrative of scripture history or the lives of the saints,
covered the walls and ceiling, lined the aisles, or were grouped
around the altars ; but, above all, their wood- work was brought to
a perfection which may still be traced in the missions of Santa
Eosa, Santiago, and others. All bespoke a wealth and civiliza-
tion unsurpassed in Spanish America.
The pomp and display of the Komish Church were brought to
bear upon the simple minds here instructed and developed. The
gorgeous ceremonies of high mass perhaps drew numbers within
the pale of Christianity under circumstances that might have ren-
dered of no avail the exhortations of a St. Bernardin. K there
was no choir of stout, sonorous-voiced monks, there was one of
neophytes, who chanted with feeling and perfect intonation the
anthems of the Church. This important addition to the sacred
service was never neglected. The Guarani had a fine musical
organization — an ear delicately sensitive to sound. He display-
ed grace and power in the. use of the voice, and was taught to
perform with facility upon various instruments of modern in-
vention, but of his own manufacture. The Jesuit found in
him a natural, instinctive love of the art, which needed but the
cultivation he was able to impart, and each town, in the course
of time, had its bands and its choirs, and every habitable spot
resounded the day long with their music. Charlevoix thus
quaintly alludes to the power of song over the Ouarani : " The
502 EITES AND CEREMONIES.
Jesuits having observed, in their journeys by water, that as soon
as, to recreate themselves in an innocent and holy manner, they
began to sing any spiritual canticle, crowds of Indians flocked to
the banks, and seemed to take a particular liking to their music :
they improved the opportunity to explain to them the subject
of their songs, when, as if the melody had changed their hearts,
and rendered them susceptible of the sentiments with which they
longed to inspire them, they easily prevailed upon the poor crea-
tures to follow, and gradually insinuated into their hearts the
most elevated sentiments of religion, thus realizing in these sav-
age countries what fable relates of Amphion and Orpheus." We
know not whether the analogy will hold good, but it is certain
that music was a powerful instrument in the work df the missions.
The attendance at church service was exactingly regular. On
such occasions the men and women never mingled together. A
line of separation was drawn down the middle aisle, and the two
sexes respectively occupied the thus divided sections. Their at-
tention to the service, their pious observance of all religious du-
ties and the minor formalities of prayer, have elicited the praise
of most writers of that and subsequent periods. But Azara, al-
ways ready to criticise the aims and labors of the fathers, attrib-
utes it to a grave, quiet, and peaceful disposition. The first evi-
dences of coming day found the children of the reduction assem-
bled for morning prayer, when they chanted until the " rejoicing
in the east" signaled the whole town to be present at early mass.
Baptisms took place in the afternoon ; vespers and the evening
prayer completed the duties of the day, when each one retired to
his house. Marriages were celebrated only on festive days.
Fond of music and the dance, given to martial display, gay and
lively in disposition, as were the Guarani, it is not astonishing that
the fetes of the Church should have been events in the Paraguay
reductions, celebrated by long and dazzling processions, and by
the rejoicings of the whole people. That of the sacrament ap-
pears to have eclipsed all others. The zoology and the botany
of these fruitful regions of creation were represented on such oc-
casions. The matting which covered the way was strewn with
evergreens; arches were erected at short distances apart, not
decked with banners and devices, but green branches ; tropical
plants and superb flowers enriched the atmosphere with their
fragrance ; attached to these were birds of every kind and color,
with sufficient scope allowed them to fly free in the air. " Nature
SCHOOLS. 503
appeared, if I may so speak," says Charlevoix, by way of a re-
sume, " all life and soul upon the occasion." To render the pa-
geant more imposing, they assembled wild beasts from the forests
and fishes from the neighboring rivers. Lions* and tigers were
chained at different points, and huge vases of piscatory specimens
added to the general enlivenment. The public buildings and
houses of the town were hung with tapestry — in the embroidering
of which the women excelled — covered with wreaths and flowers,
the most superb of any in the world.
The musicians, dancers, and choir-boys led the procession ; the
priest followed, wafer in hand, covered by a canopy carried by
the cacique and corregidors, resplendent in the costly apparel
worn during these festive displays. Behind the sacrament was
borne the royal standard, and the military, all brilliantly capari-
soned, brought up the rear. In this order they paraded through
the mission, and after mass partook of a public banquet. Ulloa,
one of the best authorities in this connection, and frequently quot-
ed by Charlevoix, says : '' In short, these neophytes omit no cir-
cumstance either of festivity or devotion practiced in the most
opulent cities of old Spain."
The chief article of clothing was cotton, for the genial climate
of Paraguay rendered necessary no heavy vesture. Short breech-
es and shirts were made for the men, loose gowns for the women,
and with the latter a cotton cap was not uncommon as a covering
for the head.
Much attention was paid to the schools. Early training was
very properly regarded as the key to all future success. That
the Spanish language should never have been taught is considered
by many a sufficient evidence that the Jesuits were not looking
dimly into the future. Excuses were not unfrequently offered for
this omission in their course of instruction by the fathers. They
pleaded the simplicity of the Guarani's mind, the impossibility
of his ever acquiring a language possessed of such difficulties, al-
though they succeeded in making the Latin of the Church very
familiar to him. If the establishment of a hierocracy were con-
templated, it is but another evidence of Jesuit sagacity ; for isola-
tion is always essential to success, and ignorance of the Spanish
tongue was the most formidable obstacle that could be placed be-
tween the Indian and the Spaniard.
* It would seem needless to remark that the so-called lion of South America is
an altogether different animal from the African.^
I
504 DAILY LIFE.
Finally there grew into existence among the missions an insti-
tution for which there was never any actual necessity, and which
foreshadowed further evil consequences. It was the police. It
first consisted merely of a nightly watch for the purpose of pre-
venting dissensions or wanderings from the reductions ; but it was
enlarged to a passport system, stringent in all its acts and hostile
to the stranger. The Jesuit writers speak in high terms of this
police. It may have tended to preserve the order and discipline
for which the missions were noted ; but it was one of the causes
that precipitated them to their iinal ruin.
Daily life among the Guarani was one of military order and reg-
ularity. Alfred divided the day into three equal parts, assigning
to each the duties which were to engage his mind; bat here we
have a whole population, extending over a vast tract of country,
subjected to restrictions and regulations timed like the rising and
setting of the sun. To the most insignificant occupation was at-
tached a stated time. There were hours marked for laboring in
the field, for working in town, for retiring at night, for rising in
the morning, and they were most rigidly enforced. The reduc-
tion moved and had its being, as it were, with the precision of
clock-work. The people prayed, toiled, ate, and slept so long and
no longer ; from one duty or employment they passed to another
like soldiers changing guard, equally participating in the charges
of the day, each one undergoing his measure of fatigue for the one
and common family. In going to the fields natural indolence was
no excuse for straggling parties or lounging assemblages ; a life of
military discipline did not permit of habits which their otherwise
monotonous existence might have probably brought about. The
moral rigor of the Jesuit was by every possible means infused
into the bodily members of the Guarani. Formed in march-
ing order on the great square, enlivened by music, and bearing
a favorite statuette in lieu of a banner, they proceeded to the
working-ground. There arrived, the first care was to erect an
arbor for the patron figure, a tasteful covering of leaves and flow-
ers ; then to each man was assigned by the capitan his duty for the
day. The return was equally lively, and executed ift the same
orderly manner.
These missions have been spoken of as forming what was termed
a " Christian Eepublic." The republicanism seems to have had
no other existence than in the institution of social equality among
the natives, that the powe^ of the actual rulers might be the more
STRICT GOVERNMENT. 505
absolute. Some Indians were necessarily endowed with titles and
nominal powers, and were distinguished by carrying silver apple-
headed canes as symbolic thereof; but they were the mere exec-
utors of Jesuit will. Azara, on the one hand, offers his objections
to this polity, because he attributes to it on the part of the native
a general inert state of mind and body, and regards it as having
offered no incentives to excellence in any art ; while Charlevoix,
with other fathers, found in it all the admirable principles and re-
sults which might exist in and proceed from a political formation
of that nominal and actual character. Not that there was in real-
ity any such political formation, but that the fathers would most
felicitously overlook every consideration urged against the un-
questioned rule vested in themselves, and present it to the world
as in no wise interfering with the so-called republicanism of the
reductions. The Indian, thus subjected to the moral influence as
well as to the forcible control of the Jesuit, may have attained a
higher degree of civilization than would have been possible under
a less restraining government ; but, at the same time, this system,
so skillfully grafted in the native's mind, after a few generations
of time brought his race to that childish dependency which the
missionaries, when in danger of being driven from their old and
proper field, argued as unfitting it for actual sustenance under self-
government. In every relation of life the Guarani felt the finger
of the Jesuit father resting upon him, or acted unconsciously under
its guiding influence. There was no sensible burden, however, to
awaken a disaffection, and amusements or festive displays added
to the general contentment. If conscious that there were chains
gently riveted upon him, the native laughed and danced off the
sense of enslavement. The fathers were always politic ; if their
government was absolute and unquestioned, it was administered in
a paternal spirit and faced with a semblance of liberty. They ac-
corded to the natives two or three days of the week to be devoted
to their private interest or advantage. There was very little actual
profit to be derived from this apparent generosity, for it was never
the intention of the fathers in granting these opportunities for free
labor, that the Indians should become free merchants and trade
according to their interest or pleasure. They could sell all their
produce to the Church, but very strict prohibition prevented it
ever passing the confines of the missions, except under instructions
from a Jesuit superior. The fathers' reasons for this regulation
506 TAEIJA MISSIONS.
are specious or just, as we may be inclined to consider all acts of
this character."
This contact with an outer world could not but have recoiled
with a ruinous effect upon the reductions. Spanish corruption —
a term of strong meaning — would creep in among a virtuous, spot-
less people. Spanish avarice and deceit were bugbears ever to be
dreaded in a Christian republic of this character, where no Indian
could lay claim to this or that object, for every spot was com-
mon neutral ground, and what natural obstructions or climatic in-
fluences did not permit them to till, was called God's inheritance.
"Mine and thine" were unknown words ; they were cautiously
avoided upon all occasions. Men worked for the community, and
every thing belonged to the community or its embodiment, the
Jesuits — a difference regarded as immaterial. The Indian labored
for his spiritual guardian and looked to him for a material return.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Tarija Missions. — Failures. — Confided to Franciscan Friars. — Spanish Settlement
in the Province of Chiquitos. — Foundation and Removal of Santa Cruz Missions.
— First Establishment by Father Arce. — Successive Reductions. — Native Of-
ficials.— Jesuit System. — Abipones. — Concepcion and the Rosary. — Dobrizhoffer.
— Voyage along the Coast of Patagonia. — Patagonia Missions. — Revolt of In-
dians.— Cangapol. *
A Jesuit convent was erected at Tarija in 1574, the year of
the foundation of the city. The Chiriguanos — a fierce, warlike
tribe that had resisted the arms of Incas and Spaniards — occupied
this region of country. Although their welfare was pronounced
to be the all-absorbing object of the fathers, the mere announce-
ment of disinterested motives was found' insufficient to bend the
children of the land to this nominally spiritual rule. Caciques
who, in their native strength, recognized no earthly superior,
scorned submission to men in long black frocks and of meek de-
meanor. On the other hand difficulties were promptly met and,
to a certain extent, removed. A Jesuit missionary never quailed
before the perils of duty or the hazards, how imminent soever, of
his vocation — a sublime indifference to danger associated him with
the wildest and most ferocious tribes on the continent.
At a very early period after the foundation of Tarija, an at-
FAILURES. 507
tempt was made to establish, a mission on a small brancli of the
Kio Grande and upon the present site of Piray. Its existence
was but brief. The natives were not made up of sufficiently
credulous elements to place a necessary confidence in the alleged
purposes of the fathers. These they drove out. They burned
the church, pulled down the cross, and threw the image of St.
Rosa, their patron saint, into a neighboring lake. Potrero — such
was its name — remained a heap of ruins until 1768, when the
mission was built anew, and intrusted to the only remaining re-
ligious in the country, the Franciscan friars. It was then called
Mission de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion del Piray, which for
brevity sake is known at present as Piray. Not far from this
town, and on the Rio Grrande, the Jesuits also founded at an early
period the Santissima Trinidad de Abapo, but again they were
constrained to seek safety in flight. Abapo, restored shortly aft-
er the expulsion of the order, still stands.
In 1690 Father Arce, a zealous and indefatigable missionary,
extended his labors into the valley of Salinas, east of Tarija. His
efforts were at first partially successful. But neither the Mata-
guayos nor the Chiriguanos could be induced to submit to the
quiet and repose of a more civilized and hence a more stationary
life. The fathers faced every obstacle and incurred every risk
that the lost sheep might be found, and then had the mortification
of seeing them dispersed as fast as they were collected together.
Houses and churches were built, but the natives poured in and
out like the water through the bottomless barrel ; until, wearied
of the untiring perseverance of the missionaries, the Chiquiacas
and Tariqueas resolved to rid themselves of their presence in sum-
mary style. For this purpose they rose up in revolt, burned the
missions, and massacred several of the fathers, threatening the
rest with destruction if intrusion were again made into their ter-
ritory. Frequent warlike demonstrations of this character gave
an offensive and defensive aspect to the whole country, to all its
little towns, hamlets, and missions. The Tarija reduction resem-
bled an outpost or frontier fort — a safe retreat for foraging parties
rather than a home for converted natives. Indeed, repeated and
murderous assaults from outside Indians had rendered necessary
the erection of strong fortifications and numerous guards to de-
fend them.
But the Tarija missions, properly speaking, do not belong to
the Jesuit period. The numerous reductions founded in that
508
LIST OF MISSIONS.
province date from a time subsequent to tlae expulsion of the or-
der and were confided to Franciscan friars. They are inclosed in
the annexed table as they were in 1799, with their respective po-
sitions in latitude, population, and number of head of cattle. The
authority is Fra Antonio Tomajuncosa.
Name of Mission.
Tribe.
Latitude.
Population
in 1799.
Number of
Head of Cattle.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Piray
Chiriguanos
{(
((
11
((
((
it
<(
((
((
u
((
(1
i(
Chaneses
18" 40'
18 42
18 58
19 —
19 24
19 26
19 28
19 31
19 36
19 38
19 39
19 42
19 45
19 58
19 20
19 22
19 28
19 16
}■ 21 37
21 18
j 23 15
1,630
493
1,440
1,648
1,384
550
313
877
553
1,431
719
798
874
756
362
1,014
67
485
375
• 387
520
1,293
1,195
2,784
2,000
387
216
273
609
593
100
354
312
487
666
562
843
435
1,835
4,727
916
2,566
Florida
Cabezas
Abapo
Mazavi
Ignuri
Tacuru
ZavDuru
Tapuita
Tacuarembo
Boracupiti
Piriti
Ubay
Parabiti
Tayarenda
Iti
La Tapera
Azero
Chiriguanos
Chaneses
Salinas ■
Itan
Chiriguanos and
Mataguayos...
Chiriguanos
Mataguayos et
Vejoses
Centa -j
16,576
23,183
From Tarija we pass to Chiquitos.
Before giving particular and immediate attention to the mis-
sions established in this latter province, it might not be relaxing
too much the thread of our narrative to glance at the first early
attempts at Spanish settlement among the natives of that country.
But eleven years after Solis had steered his ship into the broad
estuary of La Plata, instead of the waters of the Indies, and in the
same year that Cabot sailed from Spain for a similar Dorado des-
tination, Alexis Garcia, who had been expedited from St. Vincent
— on the coast of Brazil — to explore the interior of Paraguay ad-
joining the territory of the Portuguese countship, conceived the
bold project of reaching the Andes and the golden land of Peru
across the wilds of the Gran Chaco. A perfect familiarity with
the Guarani language gave him every advantage in its execution.
But the few Spanish explorers who had accompanied him thus
far were too feeble an escort for this perilous journey ; so he ad-
dressed himself for assistance to the natives with whom he had
of late been brought into contact. He spoke of the wealth of this
EXPEDITION OF GAKCIA. 509
distant land, of the conquests he was about to achieve, and of the
share of plunder that would fall to their lot. Two thousand In-
dians gathered around him to enlist in the enterprise and ac-
knowledge him their leader.'^ Re-enforced by this band of nu-
merous and apparently eager followers, the adventurous Portu-
guese pushed forward with the usual reckless daring of the early
conquistadores. In dim perspective, down a long vista of savage
dangers, a golden prospect drew him on.
What his exact course was it would be difl&cult to say. He
probably reached the Paraguay above Asuncion, descending in so
doing, it is said, a river called Paray,f and then, entering the
Chaco, he passed in a northwesterly direction through the south-
ern portion of Chiquitos, fighting his way through hordes of sav-
ages, until he finally hailed the lofty mountains of present Bolivia
or the ancient district of Charcas. Garcia, pursuing the policy of
the Conquistadores, robbed and plundered in the name of the au-
thority under which he acted. He ravaged the whole frontier of
Alto Peru, bafiied the force the Inca (probably Atahuallpa:}:) had
sent against him, and when heavily laden with booty retraced his
steps to the Paraguay. Here he dispatched back to St. Vincent
two of his three Portuguese companions to give an account of all
that had transpired in his remarkable journey. Soon after their
departure he was treacherously murdered by the Indians who had
accompanied him.§
He perished, as did the unfortunate Solis, by an inglorious
death, and when on the eve of reaping the laurels he had so
dauntlessly won. He had made no maritime discovery to rival,
in the annals of Spanish America, those of the chivalrous Balboa,
or that " good old man" Sebastian Cabot, and their historical asso-
ciates. But he accompUshed an inland journey which must be
looked upon as a bold and adventurous feat even in the age of
daring to which it belongs. Pizarro was lingering on the little
island of Gallo, when Garcia, almost alone with his Indian escort,
first came in view of the lofty ridges and snow-clad peaks of Alto
Peru; and when the conqueror of Peru landed at Tumbez, in the
Bay of Guayaquil, this Portuguese hero had met with an untime-
ly death, or we should probably have seen his name and deeds
* Argentina, book i., chap, v., by Ruidiaz de Guzman, conquistador el auo de
1612. t Argentina, book i., chap, v., p. 24.
t It is impossible to say at what period of 1526 Huascar Capue divided his
kingdom between the two Inca brothers. § Argentina, book i., chap. v. ^
510 FAKTHER EXPEDITIONS.
enrolled on tlie brightest pages of the Conquest. These lesser
lights have grown dim since Prescott wrote of Mexico and Peru,
but should not be permitted to pass away from us. If we miss
in the Plata conquest that advanced civilization among the abo-
rigines which the great Inca roads will record to all time, the tale
is replete with early adventure and thrilhng withal. It enters
but meagrely into our subject.
In 1537, as we have seen, Juan d'Ayolas ascended the Para-
guay, in search of some brilliant conquest, to latitude 21°. Here
leaving his ships with Yrala, he marched for the country of the
Incas, the golden land. Like Garcia, he reached his proposed
destination, and returned, elated with his triumph and enriched
with spoils, to perish at the hands of Payaguas Indians.* Such
was the fate of the two early adventurers who crossed into Boli-
via ; tragic incidents which conveyed in themselves, however, no
discouragement to the hardy explorers of the day.
It was five years later that Nunez Cabeza de Yaca placed
Yrala in charge of an expedition to extend into Peru across Chi-
quitos. His lieutenant failed to reach the diflEicult goal. Nunez
himself, making a similar effort in the following year, met with
no better success. Yrala, again, after being appointed to the
governorship of Asuncion, renewed his heretofore fatile attempts
to unite the eastern and western districts of the king's large do-
main. The new governor, with qualities which stamped him for
that age and field of life, was so far successful upon this occasion
as to reach the frontier of the Chuquisaca province. Thence he
sent Nuflo de Chaves to wait upon the viceroy ; but, on account
of a rising discontent among his soldiers, he was forced to return
before hearing from his lieutenant. Eventually Chaves proved to
be the fortunate conquistador who was to first couple his name
with the establishment of a colony, intermediate between the al-
ready conquered territories of Paraguay and Peru.
On his return to Asuncion this ofl&cer again embarked with
two hundred Spaniards and several thousand Indians, with in-
structions from Yrala to ascend the Paraguay and found a city
near its supposed head waters on the lake of Xarayes. ' This con-
siderable command awakened ambitious motives in the breast of
Chaves ; for what might not such a force accomplish in the beau-
tiful and fertile country of Chiquitos ? The death of Yrala, which
happened shortly after his departure, confirmed him in his de-
* Argentina, book i., chap. xiii.
SANTA CRUZ. 511
signs. But while on this high road to fame, indulging in flat-
tering expectations, and building already in air the castles of his
new territory, he is suddenly accosted by a party from Peru,
headed by Andes Manso, not unlike his own in numbers and ap-
pearance, and apparently pursuing similar objects. Mutual salu-
tations could not dispel the diiferences that might arise from this
contact, and as the coffers of neither one were sufficiently replen-
ished to buy off the other, the expanded and expanding views of
the two commanders brought them to the very broad conclusion
that the vast interior of the South American continent was not of
sufficient dimensions to contain them both. They consequently
referred the matter to the Marquis de Camette, Viceroy of Peru.
Chaves here had the advantage, for the viceroy was a connection,
and had always entertained, we are told, an affection for him,
though from reputation alone, as they had never met. Upon
him he conferred the territory of Chiquitos and a grant for the
foundation of a city, much to the discomfiture of the less fortunate
Manso. Hence, in 1560, were laid the foundations of the old city
of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Chaves' government was wise and
peaceful, but short-lived. He was assassinated by his native sub-
jects.
The site of Santa Cruz was for many reasons pronounced objec-
tionable. Situated in the heart of a densely -populated Indian
country, grave impediments presented themselves for a free in-
tercourse either with Paraguay or Peru. Moreover, it lay at too
great a distance from Bolivia. Communication with Asuncion
was not so important as with Tarija, Tucuman, Cordova, and other
westerly cities, so that in 1592 the city was removed several hund-
red miles westward, to where it now stands. At this distance of
time, with all the implements of modern civilization at command,
we can perceive that Chaves' position was the more judicious of
the two ; for did the population of the Santa Cruz department
centre at present on the waters of the Paraguay, it is probable that
the vast resources of that interior country, rich in natural products
and mineral wealth, would have been developed to a very great
extent. We should not need be told that a broad and naviga-
ble stream runs its course of nine hundred miles through as fer-
tile a country as ever the sun shone upon, and yet undisturbed
for the uses of man. This city of Chaves would have been the
great mart of the interior of South America, connecting with the
tributaries of the Amazon and the cities of Bolivia ; not a mere
512 FATHER ARCE.
point of distribution for the daily wants of a slowly-growing iso-
lated population, but the head and fountain of a commercial ac-
tivity, which even Spanish indolence could not have restrained.
We shall see what was accomplished on a smaller scale by the
Jesuit missions, following, from necessity, the direction of the re-
moved city; and, judging from their success, we can conjecture
what would have been at the present time the old Santa Cruz,
with an easy outlet to the products which must have poured into
its lap.
A year before this change in the locality of Santa Cruz the Jes-
uits entered the country. The governor had written entreatingly
to Tarija, requesting the unfailing services of the order in the
long-neglected spiritual instruction of the natives throughout his
province. This led to the appointment of Father Arce, whose
long experience well qualified him for the calling he so eagerly
embraced as missionary among the Chiquitos. His arrival was
viewed with suspicion ; no enthusiasm from the people, who had
an innate distrust .of and dislike for the Jesuit, inaugurated his
good work. The slave-traffic generally ceased its existence wher-
ever a father made his appearance ; and though a mother and her
child could at that time have been bartered for a sheep and lamb,^
even this was a sufficient consideration with the many dependent
upon the traffic to insist upon its continuation. Father Arcd,
however, without farther exordium than to secure his own per-
sonal safety as best he could, entered heart and hand upon his
newly-assigned duties. We can imagine the difficulties and dan-
gers that beset this father, and, at the same time, his perfect disre-
gard of them ; for, schooled in the failures and reverses of the Ta-
rija missions, his composure was not now to be disturbed nor his
courage to fail.
The Chiquitos Indians were a comparatively intelligent and in-
dependent race. The more peaceful and stationary habits of the
Guarani were unknown to them, so that the fathers did not meet
with the same pliant submission to the rule proposed to be estab-
lished over them. They had warlike instincts, were brave, and
excelled in all manly exercises. " A young man found it a hard
task to get a wife until he had given proofs of his courage, or skill
in hunting."f Long-established religious rites and settled super-
stitions were found existing among them. They neither feared
nor worshiped a Supreme Deity, but lived in great dread of dev-
* Charlevoix, vol. ii., p. 103. f Id., vol. ii., p. 97.
THE CHIQUITOS. 513
ils. They believed in tlie immortality of the soul or tlie body,
and interred provisions with the dead, together with arms to sup-
ply themselves when these should have been consumed. They
called the moon their mother. On occasion of an eclipse they
imagined her to be bitten by dogs, and would arm themselves
with bows and arrows, shooting into the air until the satellite re-
sumed its wonted brightness. Thunder and lightning were to
them occasioned by quarrelings among the departed of the tribe
and the heavenly bodies, among which they were supposed to take
up their final abode. They took omens from the howls of wild
beasts and chattering of parrots.*
Here was an open field for the missionary ; these mists Father
Arce was called upon to dispel. Astronomy, among her sister sci-
ences, has always been awarded the preference by the Jesuits —
Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei. It has enabled them in their peculiar
vocation to associate in a more religious spirit things visible with
the invisible, what we see by day or by night in the firmament
with what may lie beyond. And we can picture to ourselves this
father engaged with unusual zeal in removing the superstitions
that had clustered around the darkened souls of the tribe, and ex-
plaining to them in simple language the wondrous mechanism of
the heavens, tracing the whole to a mighty spiritual power, in
whom he would have them believe and put their trust.
The first fruit of his labors was the establishment of San Xavier,
in 1691. Yet scarce had this much been accomplished when the
Mamelucos of St. Paul, the Bedouins of South America, were an-
nounced as pursuing the direction of his people. Defeated in
Paraguay and on the Uruguay, they had extended their atrocities
even to the distant territory of Chiquitos, and already depopulat-
ed, at one fell swoop, whole villages, men, women, and children.
The energetic measures of Father Arce soon put an end to these
incursions. As the Chiquitos lived mostly apart in families or
squads, a want of unity had at first given great advantage to the
enemy, who leisurely overawed and captured the small parties
that fell in their way. But, well trained in martial exercises, the
natives presented a formidable appearance when banded together
into one force and led on to the fight by their missionary. A few
Spaniards also tendered them some assistance. The Mamelucos
were defeated, driven across the Paraguay, and never appeared on
its western banks again.
* CharlevoLx, vol. ii., p. 98-9. D'Oibigny, vol. iii., p. 32-S.
33
514 MISSIONS AMONG THE CHIQUITOS.
From this time until the period of their expulsion the Jesuits
were supreme in power in this province. Many other missions
followed that of San Xavier. In 1696 San Eaphael was built;
in 1706 San Jose and San Juan ; in 1707 Concepcion and San
Ignacio. The foundations of Santiago* were not laid until the
year 1740, nor those of Santa Corazon until 1751. Santa Anna
and San Miguel were founded at an earlier period.* These were
the most important of the Chiquitos Missions. They were not
unsettled masses of people attracted by beads and trinkets to hst-
en to the declamation of a missionary, but well-organized com-
munities, possessing every element of civilization and all the feat-
ures of an orderly government. They offered, moreover, very
peculiar advantages for a perfect development of this Jesuit sys-
tem, and, consequently, to arrive at its actual and reliable results,
to balance its faults against its virtues, we are led to give them
the preference over all others in our research. They occupied an
isolated position, one which made them independent of Spanish
manufactories and of Spanish products, as it freed them from the
suspicions, jealousies, and animosities of governors and bishops.
After the chastisement of the Paulistas they had, in the enjoy-
ment of a peaceful and harmonious existence, been enabled to ac-
quire and practice many industrial arts. "While wranglings, dis-
turbances, and revolts were upturning Paraguay, and the Parana
missions bristled with arms, the neophytes of Chiquitos were cul-
tivating their fields, establishing manufactories, and carrying on a
remunerative trade with Bolivia and Peru. The Jesuits' views,
plans, and operations were here untrammeled and unchecked.
Santa Cruz was too distant and too weak to hold over them the
rule so often exercised by Asuncion elsewhere, and thus their sys-
tem was probably brought to whatever perfection the age and
country would admit of One thing we know, that since the de-
parture of the fathers the Chiquitos have been gradually receding
to their original rude haunts. It may be well to note the various
divisions and ofl&ces of employment throwing light upon their
condition.
As in the Parana reductions, there were attached to each Chi-
quitos mission two fathers, the one charged with the spiritual, the
other with its temporal affairs. The correjidor was the native
chief, but exercised no authority of his own. He was the mere
* D'Orbigny, vol. iii., p. 40: Fernandez. Fernandez wrote a history of the Chi-
quitos Missions up to 1723. His work was published in 1726.
NATIVE OFFICIALS. 515
executor of his superior's orders, assisted bj a ieniente, alferes, and
alcaldes, all subordinate military officers. Added to these, a chief-
justice and a sergeant-major formed what was termed the "ca-
bildo," or tribunal — the Jesuit's privy council. Every morning
these members of the cabildo, bearing a cane headed by a silver
apple as emblematic of their position, waited upon the fathers to
receive their daily instructions.* Though the missionary's power
and will were arbitrary, he was cautious to call this tribunal for
the consideration of all matters of importance, and aided by their
advice to adapt himself and his measures to the wants and wishes
of the people. There was no clashing of opinion or purpose. If
the fathers found themselves in the wrong they gradually, imper-
ceptibly yielded their ground. In all private occupations, in ev-
ery art and trade, there was adopted a similar system of order and
control. To every branch of manual labor or mental training, to
every parcialidad or division, there was a master — a capitan, as he
was called.
. We have already seen that the Indians were led out in military
procession to work in the fields. The overseers or captains were
styled Jiscales. The ofl&ce of cruceros was an important one, gen-
erally filled by men of supposed experience, who were known and
recognized by their wearing a black cross.f They were the phy-
sicians, the medical stewards, and nurses, and were also charged
to give notice of births and deaths, to prepare for marriages and
confessions.:}:
The Mayor domo de Colegio was a kind of commissary general.
He was intrusted with the granaries, the stores, and provisions of
the mission, and distributed the weekly allowances.
The Capitan de Carpinteria was literally the captain of carpen-
try, the constructor general, "commissioner of public buildings."
He had in charge not only the erection of churches and other
public edifices, but the construction of every house in the town,
the manufacture of farniture and other wood- work. Great skill
was attained in this art^ giving rise to a considerable commerce
with Santa Cruz and other Spanish cities. The Chiquitos Indians
* D'Orbigny, vol. iii., p. 44.
t A party of Spaniards once ascending the Paraguay noticed that a huge cross
had been erected in a small Indian village situated on the river, and having in-
quired into the cause of it were told that the natives had heard from the fathers so
much of the protecting influence of the cross that they had hoped it would keep
off the jaguars infesting the neighborhood. — Chaklevoix.
X D'Orbigny, vol. iii., p. 44.
516 COMMUNITY OF LABOR.
also excelled in turning. The turners liad their Capitan de Ro-
sarios, and their manufactures were sold at considerable cost
throughout Peru.*
The Capitan de Herreros was the captain of the blacksmiths.
He was master of the iron-works, provided iron for building
purposes, working implements, and every description of utensil.
Hatchets, locks, and the like were not unfrequently exported.
Another important of&ce was that of the Capitan de Teyederos^
or captain of the weavers. The Jesuits grew cotton extensively,
and manufactured it not only for their own domestic purposes,
but exported yearly a large quantity of hammocks, table-cloths,
ponchos, and similar articles.
The wax department had likewise a director. The mule-driv-
ers, or transporters, and shoemakers were headed respectively by
a captain. The Capitan de Plateros had charge of the sacred
vases, candelabras, and all decorations of the church. He direct-
ed the manufacture of the crosses and apple-headed canes already
mentioned, and was chief of all the gold, silver, and copper smiths.
Another ofiice belonging to the church was that of the Maestro de
Capilla, the master of the chapel. He had charge of the church-
choirs, taught music, singing, and dancing, instructed also in read-
ing, writing, and deciphering music, and had mainly under his
care the schools of the mission.
These are some of the offices established by the Jesuit fathers
to which we are led to refer as proof of the advanced civilization
they had been enabled here to introduce, and as affording an illus-
tration of the workings of their system. In fifty years from the
arrival of the sons of Loyola the scattered squads of Chiquitos
and other neighboring Indians had been formed into one and a
marked people, adopting a Christian mode of life and worshiping
in churches that rivaled the finest in Spanish America, indeed
often surpassing them in the costliness of their decorations. Writ-
ers do not hesitate to place these Indian towns in advance of the
Spanish.f Their manufactures were finer and better, the produce
of their lands superior and more abundant. The circulation of
money was dispensed with, as the Indians worked for the com-
munity and had in turn every want supplied. Dii laborihus om-
nia vendunt. Their treasury was annually filled, we read, with a
surplus of $60,000, all of which was lavished upon the churches,
the public buildings, and necessary mission improvements.
* D'Orbiguy, vol. iii., p. 45. t Id., Viedma, etc.
THE CHIQUITOS LANGUAGE. 517
Painting and sculpture were not neglected. Marble statues by
Eoman sculptors found their way to the Chiquitos missions,* and
paintings of merit adorned the walls of the churches. The In-
dians themselves were highly skilled in the art of wood sculpture,
which chiefly supplied the place of stone.
"We can well wonder at this rapid change in the tide of the
Chiquitos' existence, and the future development of his capabil-
ities subjected to this religious government ; and we become deep-
ly impressed in favor of the latter, whatever Spanish writers may
regard as its ultimate tendency and aim. One of the many tri-
umphs of the Jesuit in this province should be especially record-
ed— a work worthy of his highest efforts, I refer to the language
of the country. A knowledge of the language spoken by the
tribe among whom the missionary proposes to establish himself is
certainly an essential acquirement. The Jesuits were thorough
linguists and understood many Indian dialects, but the most
famed polyglot among them might have stood aj)palled at the
unmeaning sounds that grated upon his ear on entering the terri-
tory of Chiquitos. Up to the latter part of the seventeenth cen-
tury thirteen languages as distinct as English and French were
there spoken — so trifling was the intercourse between the respect-
ive tribes. The Chiquitos tongue, however, was happily the most
universal ; the other twelve were each embraced in a compara-
tively narrow compass. To acquire all these bordered on an im-
possibility. They must be moulded into one ; there must be one
language for the whole Indian race to be settled into these west-
ern missions. This was the project the fathers had conceived,
and they adopted every means for its execution. Chiquitos In-
dians and instructors were largely disseminated among their neigh-
bors. They taught in their schools and conversed in none but
the Chiquitos language. Prayers were said in that tongue, and
in it also all business was transacted. Gradually, with time, these
efforts became successful. Every year added new affinities to the
varied patois. They are at present one and the same Chiquitos
language, and it is a living monument to the labors of the Jesuit,
rising above the meaner things writers would attribute to his
ambition and self-interest.
Yet all the wealth and splendor of Chiquitos were rivaled in
the more northern and marshy province of Moxos, notwithstand-
ing its sickly atmosphere and continuous subjection to riverine
* Vide D'Orbigny, Chiquitos, vol. iii.
518 MOXOS MISSIONS.
inundations. Moxos was under the more direct supervision of
tlie Audience of Cliarcas. That body made several unsuccessful
attempts, toward the middle of the seventeenth century, to civil-
ize its inhospitable haunts. It was not until the year 1686 that
the foundations of a mission were here laid, called Loreto — the
name given, it will be remembered, to the most early of all these
missionary settlements, the ill-fated town that fell into the merci-
less hands of the Paulistas. This triumph was followed up by a
succession of similar acquisitions. Trinidad was standing in 1687,
San Ignacio in 4689, San Xavier in 1690, San Jose in 1691, San
Borjia in 1693, six reductions containing, according to Father
Equiluz, the historian of the Moxos missions, nearly 20,000 in-
habitants. Toward the period of the Jesuit expulsion eight oth-
ers* were added to this number. San Pedro was regarded as the
capital city, although in 1691 the population of Loreto was in-
creased to 4000 souls.
These Moxos missions were but a repetition of those of Chiqui-
tos. Both had their parcialidads and capiians, similar in every
respect. The Chiquitos reductions, though founded at a later
period generally than the Moxos, seem to have served as a model
for the latter, who, observing the excellence of their wood and
iron work, did not hesitate to derive every advantage from se-
curing Chiquitos workmen and imitating Chiquitos art. Cattle
were brought from Santa Cruz, tradesmen from Peru and Chiqui-
tos. Moxos had its cotton factories, its iron-works, and soon ex-
celled in various kinds of domestic manufacture. Its towns aver-
aged three thousand souls, with churches unsurpassed on this con-
tinent for their vast proportions and lavish expenditure in deco-
rations and votaries. The church of San Pedro alone contained
two thousand pounds of massive silver, and valuable works of
art.f
There was this difference between these two converted tribes,
that among the Moxos Indians there existed a social distinction
peculiarly defined. This, as we have seen, was studiously avoid-
ed in all the previous missionary establishments which have come
under our observation. There must be no rule but that of the
missionary, and, to render it the more absolute, there must be no
* San Pedro, Santa Anna, Exaltacion, Magdalena, Concepcion de Baures, San
Simon, Joaquim, and San Martin.
t D'Orbigny, vol. iii., p. 233. In this sum are not contained the offerings to
the Virgin.
THE ABIPONES. 519
improved rank or grade among the natives. This perfect equal-
ity was a fundamental principle in both the Guayra and Parana
missions, and hence they were called Christian republics. Along
the Marmore and San Miguel, however, we find an aristocracy
and a commons as distinct as old Egyptian castes. The former
were called Las Familias^ the latter, very expressively. El Pueblo.
The families were the capitans and higher order of artisans, the
people composed the soldiery and lower class of laborers. The
superiority of the one was duly recognized over that of the other,
nor did the Jesuits seek to remove the line thus drawn between
the two classes of people. They were all religious enthusiasts,
submitting themselves cheerfully to self-torture and persecution
if chancing in any way to offend the Deity.*
Such was the Jesuit empire in part toward the period of its
fall. Now expanding with the march of civilization, now a bea-
con to this, it had known no decline. With a hundred arms it
swayed the native population of Santiago, Tucimian, the Parana,
the Uruguay, and Paraguay. Thence ascending the Paraguay
River, or skirting along the last slopes of the Andes, we have
seen Chiquitos and Moxos yielding with superstitious reverence
to its rule. We have traversed almost the whole basin of La
Plata, we have stej)ped beyond it, failing to discover any termi-
nus to this rehgious government. In the whole extent of this
portion of the continent there was scarcely a tribe that had not at
some period yielded to its genial influence, though not unfre-
quently this success proved a mere temporary check of barbarous
habits and customs, to fall back with merciless penalty upon the
authors of the good work. No tribe had been found more diffi-
cult of persuasion than the Abipones.
This race covered that portion of the Gran Chaco which lies
south of the Vermejo. They were among the most warlike and
ferocious Indians of the southern continent, exhibiting none of the
sedentary habits and docile manner of life which so fitted the Gua-
rani for Jesuit rule — a bold, equestrian people, roving and wander-
ing from place to place, and, like the Getulians, making that spot
their home where the night chanced to find them. Fond of war,
endlessly engaged in strife with their neighbors, and practiced in
the destructive use of their native weapons, they had preferred,
we are told, the enmity of the Spaniards to their friendship ; they
would rather excite their fears than their love — a sanguinary pref-
* D'Oibigny, vol. iii., p. 230.
520 FATHER PASTOR.
erence which they had every opportunity of gratifying. The name
of Abipone became one of terror. Their plunderings, massacres,
and devastations have been recorded by a missionary who lived
long among them.* The people of Santa Fe considered at one
time the proposition of abandoning their city, so completely was
it at the mercy of these besiegers. Not until a peace concluded
in 1747 were Corrientes and the neighboring missions freed from
the same relentless pursuers. In the course of time every Indian
town and hamlet was swept from the country watered by the Sa-
lado, and the panic more than once spread to Santiago and Cor-
dova. Missionaries, since the days of St. Francis Solano, had suc-
ceeded in appeasing none of this revengeful, bloody, inhuman
spirit. Fears and anxieties were as much alive and as keenly felt
as they had been for ages back.
With the name of Solano are associated those of Barzana and
Anasco.f But their endeavors, whatever they may have been,
gave rise to few practical results. The Spanish population in the
country was not sufficient to daunt so vigorous and unyielding a
tribe as the Abipones. At a much later period these efforts were
renewed by Fathers Pastor and Cerqueira. Pastor advanced a
great distance into the heart of the Abiponian territory. For this
perilous mission he had yielded up the mastership of the college
of Santiago, probably feeling himself fitted for its difiiculties from
his indomitable energy and large experience among the native
tribes. From Matara, on the Salado, he passed into the Chaco,
and, before completing his journey, found himself close to the wa-
ters of the Yermejo. Meeting here a band of two hundred men,
he addressed them in the Tonocote language, and succeeded in
gaining their good wishes.
Caliguila was the name of the chief here encountered. He in-
vited the missionary to instruct his people. He further showed
his complete confidence in Pastor by extending to him the hberty
of erecting a church. But, true to his warlike instincts, he enter-
ed a provision that the young men should not be detained at long
prayers and tedious ceremonies, lest inactivity and sedentary hab-
its should damp their martial ardor and lessen their dexterity in the
use of arms ;:j: and, moreover, that they should be allowed to carry
their bows and arrows during the service of the Church. These
were Caliguila's only conditions. Pastor erected a huge cross,
as his first step, and dedicated the land to Christ. One by one he
* Dobrizhoffer, vol. iii. f Id., vol. iii., p. 103. J Id., vol. iii., p. 109.
PASTOR'S LABORS. 521
led the Indians before the crucifix, and there made them kneel.
He explained and expounded, with unceasing enthusiasm ; party
after party, passing that way, joined his congregation. Solano's
spirit seemed to have descended upon him. To calm Abiponian
fury and in any wise subject it, was regarded as something super-
human. This Pastor did ; and, as an evidence of his extreme
good fortune, he found the quiet and leisure for arranging a vo-
cabulary of the native language. But, a century ago, the memory
of it alone survived.* He excited the reverence, and, to a certain
extent, the love of this newly -baptized people, though he some-
what failed to inspire the necessary fears of a dread evil spirit.
He, upon one occasion, as related by Dobrizhoffer, desired to bap-
tize an old female conjurer, who was about passing to another
world. She resolutely declined to submit. The father pictured to
her eternal joys on the one hand and eternal torments on the other.
He threatened her with the evil spirit and strove to bring to her
comprehension that her soul would perish unless she reformed
before passing from time to eternity. He was but httle heeded.
Laughing at his earnestness she replied that she had too long held
connection with the demon to think of fearing him now ; and so
she died.
Pastor, like St. Francis Solano, was prematurely recalled, though
his ultimate aim was to return with a number of fathers for the
purpose of missionizing the territory of the Abipones. According
to Father Sigano, he was sent to treat at Madrid and Rome in be-
half of his province. When about to sail with the desired number
of Jesuits, assembled from all parts of Europe, he was informed
that no foreign missionaries could enter Paraguay or the Plata
country, which makes the worthy father disappear. This prohi-
bition was revoked at a later period ; the reason of its origin can
be readily conceived. Fears of Jesuit independence were not
much regarded so long as Spanish missionaries governed the re-
ductions. But once intrusted to men from all quarters of the
globe, the Spanish monarch was alarmed that they might at some
time refuse allegiance to his crown, and acknowledge that author-
ity to which their local inclinations might lead them, or acknowl-
edge none at all.
A considerable space of time elapsed before any advantage was
taken of Pastor's successfal efforts in converting the Abipones.
Old feuds were revived. A fearless attack upon some Spanish
* Dobrizhoffer, vol. iii., p. 110.
522 CHRISTOPHER ALMARAZ.
city was followed up bj an active pursuit of the offenders. There
seemed to be no preventive to the constant collision of the two
races. Upon one occasion a Spanish boy — Christopher Almaraz
— was taken captive by the natives and carried into the interior
of the country. Almaraz lived to be the founder of a mission.
He grew up among the savage Abipones and became a savage
himself in all their ways of life. The very fact of his origin
seemed to have rendered him the most hostile of his tribe toward
the white race. In many a plundering expedition and cold-
blooded massacre he was the foremost. He " was an Abipone in
the eyes of the Abipones themselves."* He became wedded to
an Indian woman. In an unsuccessfal defense against a strong
Spanish force this woman was taken prisoner and conducted to
Santiago. Almaraz's affections were strong ; he sought to recov-
er his wife. Shut up in that distant city he saw no hope of effect-
ing his object except by some peaceful means. He bethought
himself of founding a colony, that the many captives who had
been taken from them might be returned to their homes. For
this purpose he addressed himself to his cacique, Alaykin, and the
project met with his approbation. Almaraz offered himself as
negotiator in the matter. He reached Santiago in safety and his
petition was granted. The captured wife was returned and Con-
cepcion was built. Azara situates it upon a lake two hundred
miles from the Parana and about midway between the Vermejo
and Salado. Azara is good authority for all the Paraguay coun-
try, but Dobrizhoffer only can be here relied upon. He says it
was nine leagues from the Parana, sixty from Santa Fe, and one
hundred and seventy from Santiago. This position is easily de-
termined. Dobrizhoffer was at one time appointed to this mis-
sion, and states all the vicissitudes to which it was subjected.
Though Alaykin's authority was supreme, he proved false to his
promises and Jesuit interests by abandoning the reduction and
carrying off most of the cattle. Its present locality was to be de-
sired in every respect for its natural advantages, but the unfortu-
nate hostility and insubordination of the Indians compelled a
change. After a perilous journey to Santiago and back, Dobriz-
hoffer removed the mission to the Salado, but a want of fresh wa-
ter drove them from place to place until their final settlement on
the Eio Dulce.
There are three other important missions to be noted, St. Je-
* Dobrizhoffer, vol. iii., p. 213.
MISSION OF THE ROSAKY. ' 52,3
ronymo, St. Ferdinando, and the Eosary. Father Hobezozo found-
ed the first of these. Dobrizhoffer places it on the northern bank
of the Kio Rey, ten leagues from Concepcion. St. Ferdinando
was established under the auspices of the Governor of Corrientes,
and situated across the river, opposite to that city. The founda-
tion of the Rosary took place in 1763. Dobrizhoffer, who was its
founder, has given its history minutely. He had no exalted ap-
preciation of his mission. He compares its inhabitants to the
generation of one thing from the corruption of another, to the
creation of "insects from putrid substances, because they were
already the outcasts of the Church and other ruined reductions."
He next finds fault with the name, and, with a poor jest, calls it
" the most thorny of all the colonies." The advent of the Rosary
among the sisterhood of missions was attended with more than
usual military effect. The known warlike habits of the Abipones
rendered this necessary. Four hundred soldiers accompanied the
governor and Dobrizhoffer in descending the river from Corrien-
tes. With extreme caution they landed every night on the left
bank of the river, until their final arrival at the proposed site of
the new mission. The governor was a brave man, but had learned
to live in no little fear of an Abipone. The most vigilant watches
day and night, a strong guard in continual attendance upon his
person, four pieces of cannon planted at the entrance to his house,
and " forty large muskets" within, could not calm his unstrung
nerves in the face of this Indian tribe about to embrace the Chris-
tian religion. If we can trust our author, who jokes at all his
movements, he took every fly for an enemy. At last a most pre-
cipitous and unlooked-for decampment of the whole force left
Dobrizhoffer alone in his glory. Some friendly Indians rushed
to the banks to wish the party farewell, but the rapid execution
of the governor's orders did not permit of this pleasure.
On the other hand Dobrizhoffer's equanimity was not for once
disturbed. With cross in hand, freely and undisturbed he made
his way among the Indians, counseled and commanded, and some-
times acted as mediator. Left alone in the power of the Abi-
pones, entirely isolated from the other missions, badly armed
against the desperate tribes that infested the neighborhood, with
the smoke of their fires curling in sight, it required no small
amount of fortitude to remain at his dangerous post. " Yet," says
he, " depending on the protection of the Almighty alone, I never
felt myself more secure."
524 DOBRIZHOFFER.
While relating this Christian resignation to the perils of his sit-
uation, Dobrizhoffer does not omit to strongly depict its disadvan-
tages and its miseries. According to his account, never was such
mean provision made for the establishment of a mission ; and
the little he did possess was either scattered or stolen. The en-
mity of neighboring Indians did not permit of the enjoyment of
the least quiet to the Eosary. Macobios and Tobas made sudden
and frequent descents upon the defenseless village to plunder it
of horses and cattle, if not to massacre the inhabitants. Sleep-
less nights and harassing cares preyed upon the disconsolate fa-
ther, whom long experience alone among the savages could have
nerved to such endurance. A successful expedition of Spanish
horsemen against the Tobas Indians brought upon his reduc-
tion the final revenge of the latter. In due time six hundred
mounted Tobas surrounded the mission ; but, after a doubtful
struggle, they retreated with whatever booty had chanced to faU
into their possession. Dobrizhoffer, upon this occasion, was se-
verely wounded by an arrow. The discharge of his arms had
thrown the enemy into a panic, without waiting to experience to
any degree their deadly effect. The father faithfully fulfilled his
many and arduous duties; long years had he devoted to this
little-remunerative cause, and there was no sacrifice to which he
had not cheerfully submitted. He was a type of the stern and
unflinching qualities of the Jesuit missionary. At the same time
he was no stranger to learning or literature and the amenities of
life, notwithstanding eighteen years' stay among the Abipones.
On his return to Vienna the Empress Queen Maria Theresa often
engaged his company in " discourse both pleasurable and sage."
And here it was that
" He the years of his old age employed,
A faithful chronicler, in handing down
Names which he loved and things well worthy to be known."
Southey has still farther thus preserved his name :
" He was a man of rarest qualities,
Who to this barbarous age had confined
A spirit with the learned and the wise
Worthy to take its place, and from mankind
Receive their homage, to the immortal mind
Paid in its just inheritance of fame :
But he to humbler thoughts his heart inclined.
From Gratz, amid the Styrian hills, he came,
And Dobrizhoffer was the good man's name."
\
MISSIONS IN PATAGONIA. 525
A remote region still remained open to Jesuit enterprise and
adventure. The discoverers of many an unknown land, from Af-
rica to China, and from China to Peru and Paraguay, the fathers
were planning anew, in the middle of the last century, an expedi-
tion destined to extend into the desert promontory of Patagonia.
The Spanish government l)eing at the same time anxious to ex-
plore its coast, a joint party left Buenos Ay res in 1745, during
the reign of Philip V. The Jesuits attending the expedition were
Fathers Quiraga, Cardiel, and Strobl. The Straits of Magellan
were reached by them. They probably made a faithful survey
of the coast, its harbors and advantages ; but on returning bronght
reports of a cold, bleak, barren, and unpopulated country. The
three missionaries landed upon several occasions and undertook
journeys into the interior, but scarcely met with a sign of life or
living creature. This failure had only the effect of awakening
new energies in the Patagonian cause.
The town of Concepcion had already been built, and its prospects
satisfied every expectation. It was situated among the Pampas
Indians, who cover that extensive region to the south of Buenos
Ayres, and served as a midway point and barrier for the city
against the hordes that infested that district of country. Father
Strobl, an Austrian, and Querini, a Venetian of noble family,
were chosen to take it in charge. By gentle rule and indulgent
treatment they gained over to their spiritual government many of
the Patagonian Indians who came to visit the settlement. Dis-
covering the peculiar benefits that might arise from an establish-
ment of this character in their own midst, they did not hesitate to
make expressions of a desire that the fathers should visit their
country and there build towns. This proposition was embraced
with avidity. Fathers Falconer and Cardiel undertook m 1746 to
satisfy the spiritual cravings of the suj^posed giant Patagonians.*
Traveling some distance southwest, they first " felt the pulse of
the people," according to Dobrizhoflfer. Settling in a favorable
location they founded a mission, to which was given the name of
Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Shortly afterward the erection of an-
other took place in the same neighborhood. It was called Nuest'ra
Senora de los Desamparados, but why its inhabitants were termed
deserters it is not easy to conceive. And, in addition to these,
many others would have followed in quick succession, until they
overlooked the Straits of Magellan, had not a certain cacique come
* DobrizhofFer did not find them of remarkable stature.
526 MISSIONS ABANDONED.
finally to tlie reasonable conclusion that his territory and his power
were being alike too rapidly encroached upon. Cangapol was the
great cacique. He planned a dark conspiracy against the few and
defenseless missions that lay wathin his reach. Gathering around
him all his warriors and such as were willing to follow him to
battle, he led them to a murderous assault of the Eeduction de
los Desamparados. Emboldened by unlooked-for success in this
quarter, he pushed on to the next mission and compelled it to
share a similar fate. Though all his preparations and movements
had been anticipated by Father Strobl — who made the most earnest
entreaties to Buenos Ayres for mihtary succor, yet only to suffer
a sad disappointment in the reception of any such — his advance
upon Concepcion was not in the least impeded. And so, ravag-
ing the country, he approached this flourishing mission. The fa-
thers were without difficulty driven from this their last retreat,
and Cangapol resumed his sway. The abandonment of Concep-
cion in 1753 was not long in being followed up by the total ex-
pulsion of the Jesuit order from Spanish and Portuguese territories.
CHAPTER XXX.
Stability of the Christian Church. — Contest for the Governorship of Asuacion. —
Antequera. — Expulsion of the Jesuits. — Defeat of Don Balthazar Garcia Rosas. —
Zavala. — Flight of Antequera, his Arrest and Execution. — Appointment of Don
John de Barua. — Return of the Jesuits. — Rebellion in Paraguay. — Communeros
and Contrabandos. — APresident. — Another Expulsion of the Jesuits. — Don Man-
uel de Ruiloba, Governor of Asuncion. — A Defender. — Zavala enters Asuncion.
— Contest at the Court of Madrid. — Triumph of the Jesuits. — Their exclusive
Policy. — Suspicions revived. — The Contest renewed. — Sebastian Carvalho, Mar-
quis of Pombal. — The boundary Line. — Attempt to assassinate King Joseph. —
Expulsion of the Order from Portugal and France. — Squillaci. — Charles III. —
Aranda. — The Jesuits driven from Spain. — A Cruise at Sea. — Final Landing at
Corsica. — Letter of the Pope. — Bucareli. — Viceroy of Buenos Ayres, his Mes-
sengers and Dispatches. — Plans thwarted. — Sudden Arrest of the Fathers. —
Destruction of the Cordova Library. — Memorial of the Indians in behalf of the
Order. — Alarms of the Viceroy. — Expedition against the Parana and Uruguay
Reductions. — The Fathers shipped for Europe. — Fate of the Missions.
We left the Jesuits in favor and in power at Asuncion, their
missions along the Parana and Uruguay victorious at last in their
bloody strifes with the Mamelucos, and in the enjoyment of a
peace that promised to be enduring. The seventeenth century
glided out with nothing to disturb the calm of their existence.
THE JESUITS IN LA PLATA. 527
A rigid observance of each, day's routine faltered not for a mo-
ment. Fathers passed away and their posts were filled as if
the vacancies had never taken place, so semblant were they in
life, thought, and action. No one Jesuit differed from another.
Nearly the whole Indian population east of the Paraguay was
now included within the reductions, lay and Jesuitic, and the
Christian republic had grown into an imposing fabric. The ris-
ing generation of Indians, impressed with a profound sense of
gratitude for the temporal and spiritual benefits to which Jesuit
teaching had advanced them, contemplated, without doubt, its
permanency. Time had perfected that peculiar development to
which the missionary desired to bring the Indian mmd. The
system was complete and matured after passing through the
ordeal of a century's trial, and commanded the admiration as
well as the restless attention of the world. We meet with no
serious revulsion until the year 1723 ; it is then that old wran-
glings are renewed, and we trace them as usual to a dispute for
the governorship or the exercise of power. Don Joseph de An-
tequera and Don Diego de los Eeyes are the contending parties.
The Jesuits, seemingly unable as ever to keep aloof from these
disturbances, are either forced or enter voluntarily into the con-
test, so that they soon find themselves engaged in entanglements
and perplexities from which the experience gained in the past
career of Don Bernardin de Cardenas should have saved them.
Don Diego, whose cause seems to have been just, found sympathy
among the fathers. Each champion had his claims, the merit
thereof, however, effecting little against him who could best wield
his sword and best pay his followers. Antequera had this good
fortune. He attempted, though unsuccessfully, to seize upon his
opponent's person in Asuncion, and then pursued him through
every reduction by which the fugitive successively passed ; but
the faithful Indians baffled his every step. In return for the
fruitlessness of this expedition, he vented his angry spirit against
the Jesuits of the city, believing that he discovered in them a very
serious obstacle to his ambitious designs. "He determined upon
their expulsion from Asuncion ; three hours' notice was regarded
by some as too much for the victims ; but the governor, in his
clemency, insisted on this point. In three hours, therefore, the
order was once more driven from the capital, not with the violence
applied upon a former occasion, but with equal certainty of their
departure.
528 ANTEQUERA.
Antequera was a bold and intractable character. Positive in-
structions from the viceroy bad been most unpardonablj disre-
garded by bim, and orders to lay down bis power as Governor of
Asuncion met with sovereign contempt. Confidently trusting in
the support be found immediately around bim, be drew upon him-
self the ultima ratio of force. Don Balthazar Garcia Kosas, ap-
pointed by the Viceroy of Peru to the duty of quelhng the rebel-
lion in Paraguay and removing its present chief magistrate, as-
sembled for tjiis purpose a Spanish force and several thousand
reduction Indians. With these he quietly crossed the Tibiquari,
when, suddenly meeting Antequera at the head of three thousand
men, he was completely routed and forced back into the mission
territory. The victorious governor next proceeded to inflict sum-
mary punishment upon the missionaries and T;heir reductions.
He began the work of destruction by attacking several of the
towns in the neighborhood of the city, when he was checked by
the report that five thousand natives were advancing upon him,
and wisely retreated to Asuncion, as his force was mconsiderable.
The Guarani were no longer the ill-clad, unarmed, unwarlike,
persecuted natives of former days. Now organized into well-
trained, well-armed bodies, and led by not unskillful ofiicers, it
required consideration before engaging under the disadvantage
of such great numerical inferiority.
The governor was as resolved as ever, notwithstanding this lit-
tle reverse, in his purpose of opposing any force sent against bim,
and the triumphal greetings that awaited him on his return to
Asuncion still farther excited his ambition. Great was the sur-
prise when the news of these events reached Lima. The Jesuits
banished, Don Balthazar beaten, and Paraguay in open rebellion :
here was a rapid succession of difficulties that fell with the force
of a united blow upon the Audience of Charcas and the viceroy.
Orders were immediately forwarded to Zavala, Governor of Bue-
nos Ayres, to march upon Asuncion, seize Antequera, and punish
the rebels accordingly as they deserved.
Zavala left Buenos Ayres in January of 1725, and entered
Asuncion in April of the same year. Antequera and' bis accom-
plices had taken the safe course of -^abandoning the city in good
time, so that every thing was peaceably secured. By by-roads
and almost alone the ex-governor found his way to Cordova,
where he shortly learned that a price had been set upon bis per-
son by the Audience of Charcas. He proceeded secretly to La
DEATH OF ANTEQUERA. 529
Plata, was arrested, brouglit before the Audience, found guilty,
and after a short imprisonment dispatched under guard to Lima,
where he was closely confined. The viceroy, the Marquis del
Fuerte, anxious to rid himself of the responsibility of bringing his
prisoner to trial, wrote to Spain that he might be conveyed thith-
er. The king, however, commanded that he should be tried
where he was, and if found guilty executed as a rebel, Ante-
quera was consequently brought before the Audience of Lima.
Ris trial, lasting several years, excited much interest ; the charges
against him were gross and undeniable, but he had the cheering
sympathies of the people. A commissioner was dispatched to
Asuncion to secure all possible evidence either in his favor or
against him, and this evidence sealed the fate of the unfortunate
governor. He was found guilty of high treason by the Audience,
and was sentenced to be taken from prison clothed in a cloak and
hood, placed upon a horse caparisoned in black, and, preceded by
a herald, whose duty it was to proclaim the crimes of which the
condemned had been convicted, to be thus conducted to the great
square, there to be executed on a scaffold by the side of a lower
one on which his accomphce, Don John de Mena, was to be stran-
gled,*
This announcement roused the people of Lima, The condemn-
ed rebel, on leaving his prison on the 5th of July, 1731, found
himself surrounded by a devoted and enthusiastic populace, mad-
dened at the sentence that had been passed upon him. They
thronged the streets, the balconies, and windows. Cries of " Mer-
cy! mercy !" were mingled with the more threatening sounds of
" Injustice ! injustice !" The herald, in the midst of the tumult,
delivered his proclamation, but it produced no effect. Even the"
appearance of a body of soldiers and horsemen failed to appease the
tumult. There were fears of the prisoner being released, when
the viceroy, attended by a guard, rode to the spot; his presence
only infuriated the people the more. He retorted fiercely by an
order to fire upon the prisoner. Antequera fell dead, and it was
supposed that the two friars who attended him perished similarly
by the volley. In regard to this Charlevoix introduces a remark
rather singular for its uningenuity: "Two of the religious who
assisted the criminal might have fallen (from their horses) through
fear, and been afterward trampled to death." Antequera's body
was placed upon the scaffold and his head dissevered. More than
* Charlevoix, book ii., p. 260.
34
530 KETUEN OF THE JESUITS.
once he had rebelled against the highest authority in Spanish
America, and according to the laws of the day, met with a de-
serving fate ; but it would be difficult to discover any thing more
reprehensible in his conduct than in that of Bishop Cardenas.
Both had neglected the viceroy's orders, and opposed those sent
to enforce them ; both had expelled the Jesuits. Cardenas, in-
deed, was less considerate than Antequera, for he seized upon
both the temporal and the spiritual power of the province. The
governor paid the penalty with his head ; the bishop was even
honored by the Pope with a removal of the censures that had
been at first imposed upon him.
Zavala did not remain longer at Asuncion than was necessary
for the purpose of appointing a governor : his choice fell upon
Don John de Barua.
A marked policy is observable in the course of every Governor
of Asuncion — to favor the Jesuits or oppose them. The sequel
to the many contests for governorship was either ill treatment of
the order and their expulsion from the city, or a still greater en-
largement of their power. One commotion confiscated all their
property and reduced them to beggary, the next gave them com-
plete control over the affairs of the province. We might suppose
that the flight of Antequera would be followed by their restora-
tion ; but the disposition of Barua toward them was not friendly,
and he avoided, as best he could, the viceroy's instructions to that
effect, until a more peremptory command put an end to his inde-
cision. The Jesuits must return to Asuncion, and with all the
honors and marks of respect due to that distinguished order. It
was in accordance with these instructions that, in March of 1728,
the whole military force of Asuncion was drilled early in the
morning of the 18th, and marched out of the city, followed by the
governor, bishop, the chief officers of the government, and an at-
tendant cavalcade of horsemen, on their way to welcome the fa-
thers, at a distance of twelve miles, and escort them back to their
college. The two parties re-entered the city under salutes ; and
prayers and Te Deums completed the excitement of the day.
We pass rapidly from this act of peace to another of trouble.
The people of Paraguay were growing each day more restless.
We begin already to discover, at the end of a long succession of tu-
mults and popular commotions, faintly depicted, a future attempt
to doff the control of a power beyond the Paraguay and Parana.
In 1730 matters were brought to a chmax. Barua's governorship
COMMUNEKOS AND CONTRABANDOS. 531
was only intended to be temporary, and his removal was followed
by the appointment of D. Ignatius Saroeta. The new governor
met with open opposition in the city, and hopelessly abandoned
it after a very short visit. A declared rebellion rose throughout
the country ; the will of the people was overtly preached to be
paramount to that of the king; they must have a ruler suited
to their own views. Two parties, Communeros and Contrahandos^
the former for the people, the latter for the king, now distracted
the country with their opposing arms. Barua, in the mean time,
thought it best to " be not too bold." Wily enough to publicly
reprimand the disturbers of the peace, he adopted a very different
tone in his private intercourse with them, and secretly seconded
all their measures so long as they did not directly aim at the es-
tablishment of an independent power. Brought to this point, he
hesitated, and being unwilling to endanger his life by such ex-
treme action, he took the safe course of resigning.
After deposing all the king's ofl6.cers, and throwing many into
prison, the Communeros bethought themselves of some head to
their government. A junta was formed, and, having grown some-
what weary of the title of governor, a president was chosen to
preside over that body. The first-elected chief was Don -Josef
Lewis de Barreyro, who, having shown himself to incline to the
Contrabandos and the service of the king, was speedily disposed
of, that a stauncher republican might be put in his place. A wild
ferment followed the news of Antequera's death, which was re-
ceived about this time. - If Antequera were a rebel, so were all
the actors in the present movement rebels ; they, too, if captured,
must necessarily perish on the scaffold, and with this fear they
grew strong in their rebellion. This feeling foreshadowed an-
other attack upon the Jesuits. Antequera was the arch-enemy
of Loyola's order, so the Communeros also became violent in their
opposition, and quickly decided upon their expulsion. In 1732
the college was attacked, its inmates driven out and the building
pillaged. Once more the fathers mournfully plodded their weary
way to the nearest missions.
Soon an alarm spread to the reductions that those nearest to
Asuncion were in danger. They presented at this period quite a
belhcose aspect, for the fathers had kept in the field for some time
past a standing army of several thousand natives, in daily ex-
pectation of coming in contact with the Communeros. As a
guard to the frontier missions, seven thousand men were sta-
532 NEW TROUBLES.
tioned on tlie Tibiquari, prepared for any emergency. They
were well armed, well equiped, and sufficiently experienced to
render them not a little formidable. But the appointment of Don
Manuel de Kuiloba to the governorship of Asuncion somewhat
abated this military uproar and painful suspense. Well aware,
however, that he would require considerable force to establish his
authority, or even enter that volcanic city, he sought successfully
this assistance among the Jesuit missions, and on the banks of the
Aguapay found encamped a large and well-organized body of In-
dians ready to act at his command. First, and wisely, making
overtures to the rebel authorities, with the hope of settling the dis-
pute in a peaceable manner, he was met by them at the Tibiquari,
and to his great astonishment received assurances of their willing
obedience.
A few days' journey brought him to the capital, where he took
up his residence in the governor's house ; but from that moment
affairs presented a different aspect. In an attempt to disband the
Communeros and quench the independent spirit of parties that
raged throughout the city, he was most hopelessly foiled ; resist-
ed, too, in other measures, abandoned by those in whom he had
been led to place the greatest confidence at the most critical mo-
ment, his gubernatorial existence soon drew to a close.
The removal of the Junta, or General Junta, was the work of
a day ; the title of President being changed to that of Defender.
Grown bolder than ever, the Communeros essayed to bring the
■king's party to terms by a sweeping confiscation of all their prop-
erty ; they then proceeded to inflict a similar punishment upon
the Jesuits. Finally, in order to have the fathers and their mis-
sions at a safer distance, they forced the Defender to sign an edict
which imposed upon the Jesuits the obligation of removing all
their reductions to the other side of the river. The people of
Asuncion, too obstinate to retreat, looked forward with uncon-
cerned boldness to an open rupture with the king's force, and
Zavala was not slow in making them feel its power. His many
years of faithful services had been lately rewarded by an appoint-
ment to the presidency of Charcas, but before entering upon his
new duties he proceeded to restore peace and order in this long-
troubled and disordered province. He was clement where clem-
ency could be of avail ; but upon this occasion saw that severe
and forcible measures alone would enable him to accomplish his
object. Strong garrisons were placed along the frontier of Para-
INTRIGUES IN SPAIN. 533
guay, in addition to a considerable force stationed on the Tibiqua-
ri, the Eubicon that had so often separated the rebels of Asuncion
from the king's good subjects of Buenos Ay res and the missions.
The Communeros made a desperate effort to raise an adequate
opposing force. Scouring the country they forced Indians and
Spaniards alike to take up arms; the jails were opened that their
inmates might be enlisted into the new army, but all to no pur-
pose. Neither in numbers or efiiciency could they match with
the cautious governor of Buenos Ayres. In every fight and skir-
mish they were unsuccessful. Zavala entered the city in triumph.
It would seem needless to add that the Jesuits, amid Te Deums
and church celebrations, returned to their college, which, strange
to say, escaped the general demolition of property.
Finally, after passing through this ordeal of trials and adver-
sities, of a triumph here and a defeat there, the gladdening beams
of good fortune shone once more upon the Jesuits and their mis-
sions. Their usually well cultivated fields, neglected during those
two or three years of alarm and contest with the Communeros,
waved and bloomed as ever. The natives, long drilled to arms
and kept on the alert, returned to their more peaceful occupations,
and never had they appeared to enjoy greater security from with-
out or within. But the enemy had only changed his field of ac-
tion. Baffled in Paraguay and driven from Asuncion, the nest of
factious disturbances, they had recourse to a more subtle mode of
procedure at the court of Madrid. The seed of Jesuit influence
and power, which, in the middle of the sixteenth century, had been
planted in Spanish America, was now the expanded and over-
shadowing growth of a century, nipped, it is true, from time to
time, by the frosts of Spanish jealousy, or stunted by the inhuman
depredations of Portuguese bandits, but alive and strong withal.
That independence and isolation from outside social intercourse
as well as government control which successive Spanish monarchs
had sanctioned and decreed rendered the Jesuits, in their missions
at least, safe from any force that could be brought against them
on this side of the waters. To strike then at the very root of the
institution it was necessary to poison the king's ear, the only su-
preme authority recognized by the Paraguay missions. The order
bore the burden of too long a catalogue of enemies to escape the
defamatory pamphlets and libelous writings, under every form,
that soon swarmed throughout the continent, but particularly in
Spain. Men who had httle or no knowledge of the state and con-
534 LETTER OF PHILIP V.
dition of the missionary reductions, dotted down tlie grossest
misrepresentations. Jesuit ambition, Jesuit aspirations, Jesuit dis-
loyalty and dishonesty were penned in every shape in all the con-
ceits of language. As David said of himself, it was not one sin
they had committed, but they were " shapen in iniquity." It
would be dangerous to the Spanish empire to allow the existence
of so continually spreading and grasping an independency. The
establishment of a hierocracy upon the American continent was
contemplated with horror and alarm. Essays, poems, petitions,
and letters inflamed all minds for the contest. The Jesuits must
be removed to avert the like startling prospects that were fore-
shadowed in a thousand forms. Barua played an important part
in this literary drama. He wrote much in favor of the anti- Jes-
uit party, but was ably answered by Father D'Aguilar — a defense*
that met with the approbation of Philip V., who evinced neither
enmity for nor fear of the Jesuits. He was unmoved by the viru-
lent antagonism of many in high authority, and, as a manifestation
of kindly feelings for the missionaries and his Indian subjects, took
occasion to write them a most approving letter. The following
occurs in it :
" In fine, as it is easy to see by all the pieces already referred
to, and by other ancient and modern papers which have been ex-
amined in my council with all the attention an affair of this im-
portance required, that I have not in any part of my dominions
vassals who better acknowledge my sovereignty, the duties of the
vassalage due to me and my royal patronage, or among whom civil
and ecclesiastical jurisdiction is better established, as evidently ap-
pears by the continual visits of bishops and governors ; or who
pay a blinder obedience to my orders * * * * I have re-
solved to address a schedule to the Provincial to let him know
what pleasure it gives me to see the calumnies and impostures of
Aldimate and Barua refuted by so many justifications," etc.f-
Thus, the attacks of their enemies in Spain had, so far, availed
nothing against them. In the year 1743 the missions were in the
enjoyment of unparalleled prosperity and power. Jesuit suprem-
* Vol. ii., book 13. This defense of Father D'Aguilar fell into the hands of Don
Cajetan Buonconipagni, Duke of Sota, a Neapolitan, and was carried by him to
Italy. He presented it to Muratori, and thus gave rise to a work from that famous
antiquarian chronicler entitled, "II Christianesimo felice nelle missioni, des padri
della compagnia de Jesu nel Paraguay."— Charlevoix, vol. ii., p. 335.
t Charlevoix, vol. ii., p. 360-1. The translatioji of Charlevoix's important work
is by no means an elegant one.
STATISTICS OF THE MISSIONS. 535
acy was firmly established in South America and recognized by
the world. With the right, they were otherwise quite competent
to hold this sway ; they were perfectly indej)endent in possessing
every species of manufacture or produce which might be of use or
necessity to the reductions, and they were enabled to adopt such
exclusive policy as would best serve their own interests. They
availed themselves of this advantage, as we shall now see.
We have, from several authorities,* statistics of the population
of the missions from 1730 to 1740. That of the missions of the
Parana and Uruguay amounted to 140,000 Christian souls. The
population of the Chiquitos reductions was estimated at 24,000.
Others among the Abipones, the Pampas Indians of Patagonia,
and in the Province of Tarija, added 6000, if not more, to this
number. Don Joseph de Peralto, Bishop of Buenos Ayres, tells
us that they could raise an army of from twelve to fourteen thou-
sand men, provided with horses, arms, and ammunition, ready to
act at any time and in any service. Nearly that number had been
for a long time kept on a war footing, as we have seen, on account
of the fears the Communeros inspired. The Tibiquari and the
frontier had been for years more or less vigilantly guarded. There
was, consequently, little ingress or egress into or from the mission
territory ; indeed, visits to the reductions were almost entirely
suspended in consequence of the dangers that menaced them.
That is the tone of Jesuit writings ; but Azara pretends to have
obtained a farther insight into the state of the country.
According to him there resounded throughout the missions a
louder din of warlike preparation. Upon every road ditches were
dug and strong palisades erected to prevent any, unprovided with
a special permit, from passing in or out. The whole boundary of
Missiones was girt with these defenses ; while at the entrance to
each town a gate and a guard obstructed all unlawful passage.
The natives were not allowed to pass from one reduction to an-
other, unless in carrying orders or performing some special duty :
the most restricted intercourse was enforced. At the same time,
not only were Spanish merchants and other interested persons
forbidden entrance into this sacred land, bift requests from bish-
ops and governors to visit it repeatedly declined. Antequera sub-
mitted this charge against the Jesuits when on his trial, and it had
its weight : at present there was no doubt of it. Moreover, the
missionaries had been of late providing themselves with an unu-
* Dobrizhoffcr, Aguilar, Charlevoix, etc., etc.
536 DECLINE OF THE JESUITS.
sual supply of field-pieces, muskets, and ammunition, for defense,
it was said, against hostile Indians.* These movements revived
the old suspicions of a desire to establish an independent power.
The tale was again wafted across the Atlantic ; the strife was re-
newed at the court of Madrid, but this time with very different
success. Father Eobago, confessor to the king, writes to his
brothers in South America "that the complaints received against
them at the court were so numerous and of so grave a character
that he had found it impossible to prevent the effect they pro-
duced, although he had the king, whose confessor he was, at his
complete control, "f
But neither Spain, France, nor Austria were destined to be the
first and chief instigators toward active and violent measures
against the Jesuit order. Its influence had diminished beyond a
hope of recovery at the respective courts of each of those nations ;
but an initiatory movement for expelling Loyola's sons, or entire-
ly suppressing the institution, appalled the boldest. It was Portu-
gal that first gave birth to a man of sufficient nerve to take a step
beyond the writing of " Provinciales" — to strangle the victim with
iron grip, and not torture it to a slow and lingering death. Se-
bastian Carvalho, Marquis of Pombal, with all his cruelty, vindic-
tiveness, jealousy, avarice, and ambition, had the courage, the pa-
tience, the energy, the subtlety, and combination of talent requisite
for a project so unprecedented, and, to all appearances, fraught
with such perils. After his return from a mission to London he
was sent to Vienna to settle, if possible, the difficulties that had
arisen between Maria Theresa and the Pope with regard to the
patriarchate of Aquilejia. " Here," says Cardinal Pacca, " in the
focus of Protestantism, he learned to hate the Church and the re-
ligious order." Whether or not he imbibed at the court of Vien-
na the antipathies or prejudices that there prevailed, he was in no
wise actuated by them alone. For two centuries had the Jesuits
governed Portugal. From the time they entered the country
they instructed at the University of Coimbra, drew up the tariff-
bills, presided in the king's council, and established inquisitions
on the ruins of older ones : and though they may have carried the
* Azara, vol. ii., chap, xiii., French edition. Don Antonio d'TJlIoa mentions
none of the facts here gathered from Azara. He has, however, omitted many oth-
er interesting and important details, so that credit may be given to this account of
Azara, as he had every means of acquiring correct information.
t Azara, vol. ii., chap, xiii., p. 217.
EXPULSION FROM PORTUGAL. 537
Portuguese name into the heart of China, Portugal declined under
their rule. Pombal had observed and studied their institution
and sifted their measures. He owed his rise and place to the
Jesuits ; so that, when he turned against them, it was policy, and
not personal feeling, that dictated the course. He thought he saw
in their removal the revival of Portugal's energies, the opening of
her long-closed channels. Pombal was king in all but name ; he
needed but the necessary pretexts to make the move that agitated
all Europe and extended to the western hemisphere. His first
pretext for assuming this defiant attitude toward Rome arose from
an incident that transpired on this side of the Atlantic. The bound-
ary between the Spanish and Portuguese possessions in South
America had never been well defined. Disputes had on several
occasions arisen as to its course ; but in 1751 the two nations came
to a mutual understanding ; the long-disputed colony of Nova
Colonia was to be retained by Spain, and the Uruguay missions
in return attached to Brazil. Commissioners were sent out to ar-
range the matter satisfactorily, but soon found that their decision,
unaccompanied by the sanction of the missionaries, had been too
hastily made. Indeed, the Jesuits most peremptorily declined sub-
mitting to any such bartering, in which their interests were so great-
ly concerned and so liable to injury. JSTothing, then, was effected,
since the boundary line was disputed by the missions. Pombal
seized upon this opportunity to represent the fathers in an odious
light at the Pontifical See, and to threaten them for their disobedi-
ence. He did not wait long for the consummation of his design
against them. The unsuccessful attempt to assassinate King Jo-
seph, a few years afterward, in which the Jesuits were found to be
implicated, sealed the fate of Loyola's order in Portugal. In 1759
the marquis addressed Clement XIII. a letter to inform him that
the Portuguese government had decided upon the total expulsion
of the Jesuits from the country, and, without waiting for an answer
from his Holiness, most precipitately landed them at Civita Vec-
chia — an expensive donation to the Church.
Pombal immediately entered into negotiation with all the Eu-
ropean courts. France was the first to follow in his footsteps.
Choiseul, however, had an aversion for the Portuguese minister,
and probably did not lead Louis XV., as usual, in this matter.
On the contrary, in his correspondence he says : " Your Majesty
knows well, although it has been said I have labored for the ex-
pulsion of the Jesuits, that neither at home or abroad, in pubhc
538 FRANCE AND SPAIN.
or private life, have I ever taken any steps to effect this object."*
Could an original idea have emanated from the bram of the French
monarch ? Was the expulsion of the Jesuits his own decree ? It
is most probable that he acted under the influence and at the in-
stance of Madame de Pompadour, who, it will be remembered,
found, more than once, difficulty in obtaining a Jesuit confessor so
long as she should remain in the king's household. It was in
1764 that this suppression took place throughout France. Louis
pronounced an obituary notice, which has been recorded. It
would have been gratifying to him to have seen Father Perisseau
made an abbot ! Choiseul, who, after this event, thought it best
that the Jesuits should exist in France or not exist at all — sint
ut sunt^ aut non sint — was the first to move in the secularization
of the whole body. But it is in Spain and the Spanish monarch
that we are most concerned.
Charles III. occupied at this time the Spanish throne. On his
removal from Naples he caused Squillaci, a Neapolitan, to ac-
company him, and soon elevated this favorite to the post of prime
minister. Squillaci, however, was not popular ; he succeeded only
in making himself odious to the Spaniards. Arrogant and over-
bearing, he failed entirely to conciliate the high-spirited and ill-
brooking people he was called upon to govern. His attempt to
suppress the fashion of flapped hats and long cloaks, so prevalent
at that time throughout Spain, occasioned a popular revolt that
threw the Spanish capital into a state of wild excitement. Squil-
laci was forced to flee the city, and the Walloon Guards, ordered
out to quell the commotion, were either cut to pieces or complete-
ly routed. The king appeared in person and addressed his sub-
jects ; he promised to remove the much-hated minister ; he was
willing to make every reasonable concession ; but nothing could
restore the peace until a few Jesuits, appearing in the midst of
this troubled mass of people, exhorted them to calm their pas-
sions and disperse to their homes.
It was strange indeed that none but these fathers should have
been able to quell this commotion at Madrid. Could they have
possibly occasioned the tumult? "Charles thought so, and did
not forget it," says Saint Priest. Probably they only sought to re-
move the Neapolitan favorite — monopolizer of the king's thoughts
and counsel — and once more force themselves into those strong-
holds around the throne which had on previous occasions given
* Saint Priest, Chute iles Jesiiites, p. 32. Paris, 1844.
EXPULSION FROM SPAIN. 539
them sucli weight and control in the affairs of the nation. But
the order had passed the culmination of its power in Spain ; it
was no longer to furnish keepers of the king's conscience, though
it seemed yet to possess sufficient vitality to stem the current of
prejudice and misfortune that was setting against it. Their ex-
pulsion in 1759 from Portugal, and in 1764 from France, may
have occasioned no great surprise, but news of a similar move-
ment in Spain was startling beyond all conception. The Jesuits
imagined that, though persecuted by Pombal and Louis, they
might at least find a safe retreat under the government of the
good and pious Charles, the most cherished son of the Pope;
but the Spanish monarch had found them, as he remarked to the
French embassador, "a dangerous body;" he might banish them,
and still be a good Catholic. Aranda, his minister, thought like-
wise, and counseled immediate and energetic action. On the 27th
of February, 1767, about a year after the-" hat revolt," Charles
issued a decree banishing the Jesuits from au his dominions, never
to return, nor even hold intercourse by letter or otherwise with
his people. The colleges were surrounded at midnight ; the bells
secured ; each brother allowed his breviary, linen, chocolate,
snuff, and money ; then, surrounded by an escort of dragoons,
they were conducted to the coast and as speedily shipped. They
sailed for Italy. Father Ricci, general of the order, determined
not to receive his brothers. Charles insisted; but powder and
shot soon drove them from Civita Vecchia. They put to sea
again, touching at Leghorn and Genoa, where the same inhospi-
table reception awaited them. Thus for six months were upward
of six thousand Jesuits — among them many men of worth and
learning — tossed about the Mediterranean, with every prospect of
a continuous sea-faring life. Finally, after much dispute, they
were permitted to land in Corsica, and there subsisted as best
they could. A month after the issuing of the decree of expulsion
Charles wrote to the Pope :
" Most Holy Father,— Your Holiness is well aware that the first duty
of a sovereign is to watch over the peace and preservation of his state, and
provide for the good government and tranquilhty of his subjects. In com-
pliance with this principle I have been under the imperious necessity of re-
solving upon the immediate expulsion of all the Jesuits who are established
in my kingdom and dominions, and to send them to the States of the Church,
under the immediate, wise, and holy direction of your most holy beatitude,
most worthy father and master of all faithful.
640 FEELINGS OF THE POPE.
" I should fall under the obloquy of throwing a heavy charge upon the
Apostolic Privy Council, by obliging it to exhaust its treasures in the sup-
porting of those poor Jesuits who happen to have been my vassals, had I not
made previous provision, as I have, for the payment to each individual of a
sum sufficient to maintain him for life.
" On such understanding I pray your Holiness to view this my determin-
ation simply as an indispensable step of political economy, taken only after
mature examination and the most profoimd reflection.
" Doing me the justice to believe this, as I pray you will, your Holiness
will surely grant your holy and apostolic benediction on this measure as well
as on all my actions which have for their object, in the same way, the pro-
motion of the honor and glory of God. YO EL KEY."*
This letter could liave brought but one consolation to Clement
XIII., and that was the pecuniary provision it announced. In-
deed he shed many a bitter tear over this decision of one to whom
he writes, " To our dearest son in Jesus Christ, health and apos-
tolic benediction." The blow fell heavily upon him in his old
age. In his answer to Charles he says :
" Is it the Catholic Charles HI., whom we so much love, that is to fill to
the brim the cup of our bitter afflictions, to ovei^whelm our unhappy old age
with grief and tears, and finally precipitate us into the tomb ?"t
Then, in an altogether different strain :
" We say it in the presence of God and man that the body, the institu-
tion, the spirit of the Company of Jesus is absolutely innocent, and not only
innocent, but that it is pious, it is useful, it is holy ; and all this whether
considered with reference to its laws, to its maxims, or to its objects. Those
who have attempted to detract from its merits have only called down upon
their lies and contradictions the contempt and detestation of all good and
impartial men."
Without digressing farther, it would seem proper to turn our
particular attention to the immediate effects and consequences of
this suppression throughout Spanish America. We have just
seen that Pombal made the opposition of the missionaries to the
boundary treaty of 1751 one of his chief grounds of complaint to
the Pope. Skeptic minds, who never study the substance and
truth of any thing, had been for years looking forward to the self-
announced independence of the Christian republic on the Parana
and Uruguay. Their power and prosperity had, moreover, aroused
the suspicions of even sensible minds. The council of Charles
* Kobertson's Letters from Paraguay, taken from MSS. of Sir Woodbine Parrish.
t Ibid.
PROCEEDINGS IN AMERICA. 541
III,, to wliom was referred the Pope's letter, remark in their re-
port : " It is proven against them by the undeniable testimony of
their own papei's* that in Paraguay they took the field with or-
ganized armies to oppose themselves to the crown ; and now at
this very time have they not been in Spain endeavoring to change
the whole government, to modify it according to their own pleas-
ure, and to promulgate and put into practice doctrines the most
horrible ?" Whatever credit may be attached to this declaration
it was sufficient to initiate proceedings against these disloyal sub-
jects and promulgators of horrid doctrines.
Bucareli was Viceroy of Buenos Ayres at this important period.
He seems to have entertained a most lively sense of the import-
ance and virtual power of the Jesuits on the South American con-
tinent. His whole conception of one of these religious amounted
to a disloyal vassal and a dangerous rebel watching for the mo-
ment of his independence ; and he shaped his conduct toward him
as if dealing with a warlike and treacherous Ghana or Abipone.
He imagined the wealth of mines to be somewhere concealed in
the missions, and a standing army of natives, furnished with aU
the implements of war, ever on the alert to protect it. The meas-
ures he took for the suppression of the order conformed perfectly
with the alarming state of his mind.
On the 7th of June, 1767, the Prince, ship of war, arrived at
Buenos Ayres, conveying to the viceroy notice of Eang Charles's
decree. He was instructed to carry his orders into effect with the
greatest secrecy, and so arrange his plans that the arrestation
might take place simultaneously over as great a space of country
as possible. Aranda thought, as Bucareli, that the Jesuits would
not yield peaceably, and hence a union of their missions and col-
leges into one collective force must at least be prevented. Had
the missionaries, for it was in their power notwithstanding this
caution, taken some such steps toward the united action of the
whole body, the contest might have proved long and doubtful.
The viceroy, pursuant to these instructions, forwarded his mes-
sengers to the farthest limits of the vast territory committed to his
administration. His dispatches were solemn and ponderous docu-
ments, heavily sealed, and mysterious, for they were not to be
opened until the 21st of July. Thus at one and the same time
and hour this sudden blow was to fall upon every member of the
* These are mysterious papers, and should be brought to light if in actual exist-
ence.
542 AKRESTS IN BUENOS AYRES.
order. The colleges of Cordova, of Tucuman, and Asuncion were
to be surrounded at night, their inmates awakened, dragged forth,
and dispatched in the darkness to Buenos Ayres. A hundred
devoted missionaries, who had performed the religious duties of
the day toward native but Christian populations, and, after the
chanting of vespers throughout that broad Indian land, retired to
their evening devotions and a quiet repose among a good and
peaceful people that had, through the trials, labors, and self-denials
of Jesuit brothers, been redeemed from their original rude and un-
tutored state, were, at a moment of time, to be forced from their
missions, and, ere conscious of their situation, speeded down the
Parana to the general imprisonment at Buenos Ayres.
Every village, highway, and by-road resounded day and night
with the clattering advance of Bucareli's swift messengers. But
these plans and directions which had so much engaged his restless
and untiring zeal in an unworthy cause were now, by unforeseen
events, partly frustrated.
On the 3d day of July information was received at Buenos
Ayres of the expulsion of the order from the Peninsula. Buca-
reli, fearful that the news might spread, rouse the missions and the
clergy, and, like the dragon's teeth, grow warriors in the Parana
reductions, resolved not to wait for the nineteen days that had yet
to elapse, but to immediately follow up the course that had been
pursued on the other side of the waters. About midnight he held
a consultation with his friends and advisers, and at an early hour
in the morning, long before the sun arose, had dispatched his ofii-
cers and couriers to their respective duties. The fathers were to
be unconditionally and indiscriminately arrested wherever they
should chance to find them. Scouting parties were at the same
time sent out to intercept all messengers and communications
whatever, and the viceroy kept a stout body-guard around him-
self ready to act at a moment's notice. His dreams of missionary
wealth kept him fully reminded of the necessity of stringent in-
structions concerning it. The goods and chattels of every Jesuit,
the gold and silver decorations of the churches, the massive can-
delabras and hidden treasures, if there were any, the paintings and
statuary, must pass safely into his hands ; and he allowed three
days for forwarding to the capital every thing of this description.
With all this anxiety and foresight, could they under any circum-
stances fail to come into his possession ? What if the riches and
stores he had pictured to himself and others on both sides of the
THE MISSION AT CORDOVA. 543
Atlantic should never be realized? Such a thought creeping
into his mind was sufficient to cause the rankest suspicions, which
he located wherever the occasion rendered it most convenient.
Many in consequence were thrown into prison or suffered severe-
ly at his hands.*
But the imaginary rapidity with which the work was to have
been done soon subsided and gave place to a more just apprecia-
tion of the difficult task assigned him. Not that there was any
evidence of opposition to his orders ; but great distances were to
be gone over, the missions were to be tracked to their isolated po-
sitions, broad rivers crossed, and huge forests traversed. This was
not the work of a night, how dark soever. The couriers dispatch-
ed in the night of the 2d of July effected but little. They arrest-
ed a few missionaries here and there at no great distance from
Buenos Ayres, and so terminated their labors. Bucareh seemed
for a moment brought to stand, his activity paralyzed. Cordova,
the Parana missions (the Chiquitos came within the jurisdiction
of the Viceroy of Peru), had not been reached ; time was passing,
and the viceroy remained a prey to miserable disappointments
and ill forebodings. At last, in the month of August, a body of
troops headed by Don Ferdinando Fabro appeared on the heights
of Cordova. They entered the city without resistance, plundered
the college, the most important and learned institution in Spanish
America, and made prisoners of all the fathers that came within
their reach. To root out the heretic doctrines King Charles's
council had spoken of, they thought proper to destroy the famous
hbrary situated upon the Estancia de Santa Catalina, the home
of the historian Guevara. The most valuable works and rarest
collection of manuscripts on the western continent were here irre-
trievably lost in the promiscuous piles of printed and written mat-
ter thrown up for destruction by Bucareh's illiterate soldiery.f
Though but/ew relics of this great library ever reached Buenos
Ayres, there was no failure in forwarding every Jesuit that had
been found. Two hundred and seventy-one fathers were now se-
cured in that city. Bucareli, thinking he might dispense with
them, shipped two hundred and twenty-two for Cadiz. Having
done this, he fell into some repose, and took- no farther measures
until the Spring of 1768.
"We have no proofs, and doubtless there are none, that would
* Funes' Ensayo, book v., chap. 9.
t lb. The second volume of Guevara's history was destroyed.
544 MEMOKIAL IN FAVOR OF THE JESUITS.
lead us to credit tlie report often spread by Bucareli that tlie Jes-
uits gave evidences of and were determined upon a stout resistance
should the Spanish ever attempt to rob them of their missions.
Much grieved, without question, they may have been, and peace-
ful efforts to retain the hold they had in the Parana reductions may
not have been neglected by them ; but this was all. A letter was
now sent by the caciques and chief native ofl&cers of the missions
to Bucareli, praying that the fathers might be retained. The Jes-
uits are accused of being the authors of this document ; but, if
true, Bucareli acted likewise subsequent to their expulsion.
Translation of a Memorial addressed hy the People of the Mission of
San Luis to the Governor of Buenos Ayres, praying that the Jes-
uits may remain among them instead of the Friars sent to replace
them*
« (I. H. S.)
" God preserve your Excellency, say we, the Cabildo, and all the caciques
and Indians, men, women, and children, of San Luis, as your Excellency is
our father. The Corregidor Santiago Pindo and Don Pantaleon Cayuari,
in their love for us, have written for certain birds which they desire we will
send them for the king. We a»e very sorry not to have them to send, in-
asmuch as they live where God made them, in the forests, and fly far away
from us, so that we can not catch them. Withal we are the vassals of God
and the king, and always desirous to fulfill the wishes of his ministers in
what they desire of us. Have we not been three times as far as Colonia
with our aid ? and do we not labor in order to pay tribute ? And now we
pray God that that best of birds, the Holy Ghost, may descend upon the
king and enlighten him, and may the Holy Ghost preserve him. So, con-
fiding in your Excellency, Senor Governor, oiu- proper father, with all hu-
mility and tears we beg that the sons of St. Ignatius, the fathers of the So-
ciety of Jesus, may continue to live with us and remain always among us.
This we beg your Excellency to supplicate the king for us for the love of
God. All this people — men, women, and young persons, and especially the
poor — pray for the same with tears in their eyes.
" As for the friars and priests sent to replace them, we love them not.
The Apostle St. Thomas,| the minister of God, so taught our forefathers in
these same parts, for these friars and priests have no care for us. The sons
of St. Ignatius, yes, they from the first took care of our forefathers, and
taught them, and baptized them, and preserved them for God and the king ;
but for these friars and priests, in no manner do we wish for them.
* Sir Woodbine Parrish : Buenos Aj'res from the Conquest, p. 267.
t The natives firmly believed that St. Thomas had landed on the coast of Brazil
and passed over to the Pacific.
EFFECTS OF THE MEMORIAL. 545
" The Fathers of the Society of Jesus know how to hear with our weak-
nesses, and we are happy under them for God's sake and the king's. If
your Excellency, good Senor Governor, will listen to our prayer and grant
our request, we will pay larger tribute in the yerba caar nhni.*
" We are not slaves, and we desire to say that the Spanish custom is not
to our liking — for every one to take care of himself, instead of assisting one
another in their daily labors. This is the plain truth which we say to your
Excellency, that it may be attended to : if it is not, this people, like the
rest, will be lost. This to your Excellency, to the king, and to God — we
shall go to the devil ! and at the hour of our death where will be our
help?
" Our children, who are in the country and in the towns, when they re-
tiu-n and find not the sons of St. Ignatius, will flee away to the deserts and
to the forests to do evil. Already it would seem that the people of St.
Joaquim, St. Estanislaus, St. Ferdinand, and Tymbo, are lost. We know it
well, and we say so to your Excellency ; neither can the Cabildos ever re-
store these people for God and the king as they were. So, good governor,
grant us what we ask, and may God help and keep you. This is what we
say, in the name of the people of San Luis, this 28th of February, 1*168.
" Your humble servants and children."
Here follow tlie signatures of the h^d mayor , judges of the first
and second court of the first and second brotherhood, four alder-
men, secretary of the court in the name of forty-one caciques and
others.
This petition fell like a thunderbolt in the Council of Bucareli.
The sensitive and timorous viceroy viewed it as the forerunner to
some more violent remonstrance. He so wrote to Aranda. The
pacific intention to which he had brought himself, of a simple re-
call of the missionaries, was dissipated at the receipt of this gentle
and loyal epistolary production. Failing heretofore to catch at
the faintest glimpse of rebellious opposition to the king's decree,
he had ceased all warlike preparations for carrying it out; but
this letter revealed to his distempered imagination an outbreak
and consequent campaign of no small magnitude. Quiet, cau-
tious, and circumspect as ever, the details of his present and fu-
ture operations were incessantly considered ; he burdened his
mind with the labors of a Sisyphus ; the world's weight rested
upon his Atlas shoulders in this duty of expelling the Jesuits.
Behind the shield of a numerous and well-provided native army
he thought their lurked motives and objects dark and disloyal.
Unable himself to see through the impenetrable mystery that
* An annual tribute was paid to the crown in yerba or Paraguay tea.
85
546 A COUNTER MEMORIAL.
hung arcnind the missions, and consequently ill qualified to judge
what action they might take in the coming imaginary death-strife,
he provided for the worst. We, after a century of time, impar-
tial and disinterested, either for pi'aise or censure, pass through
these reductions, see and study the people, and fathom as we can
whatever may have been the aims or intentions of their paternal
and all-powerful guardians, but fail to discover the broodings of
rebellion which the viceroy's gloomy letters depicted to the court
of Madrid. We find a peaceful, Christian, and loyal spirit resting
upon a numerous and happy people, who paid their tribute to
the king and revered the men under whose wise and exemplary
administration they had grown up in the grace of God and to
a wondrous civilization, claiming nothing, asking nothing, and
harming none. It is true that strict discipline and military exer-
cise had rendered them formidable in the field upon several occa-
sions, either in avenging wrongs and persecutions inflicted upon
themselves or in sustaining the lawful authority of the land. But
the same discipline checked all turbulence now.
Bucareli carried out his views and, as a preparatory step, occu-
pied the Pass of Tibiquari, so frequently referred to, with two
hundred men, stationed an equal number at San Miguel, and then,
embarking at Buenos Ayres, attended by three companies of gren-
adiers* and sixty dragoons, sailed up the Uruguay as far as the
Salto Grande. Here he dispatched Don Juan Francisco de la
Riva Herrera with two hundred men to execute his orders in the
missions bordering upon the Parana, and Don Francisco Biuna de
Zavala to effect the same among the Uruguay reductions. Leav-
ing his ships at the fall he advanced farther up the river, and made
Tapeya his head-quarters. With the conquest of these missions
there could be associated but meagre fame, to make the most of
it, but to find them unresisting and submitting even in tears
throws out in bright relief their truly peaceable and Christian
character. Seventy-eight fathers were found in the reductions,
and the expedition, with its prisoners, returned to Buenos Ayres in
September, after an absence of four months.f
The viceroy had in the mean time taken occasion to draw up
an address to Charles III., signed by the Indian chiefs, to coun-
teract the effect of the petition mad^ in favor of the Jesuits.
There was no difficulty in forcing the Indians to afiix their sig-
natures to this document, which was forwarded as their own,
* Eunes. t Eunes, book v., chap. viii.
COMPLETE EXPULSION OF THE JESUITS. 547
though diametrically different in tone, spirit, and feeling from the
former. It is addressed to " Our good King Charles III." The
following occurs in it:_
" With our whole heart do we spread this letter out before your royal
throne. We have already seen enough to assure us, good king, that the
Lord in his mercy has enlightened you as to our pitiable condition, and
moved you to relieve us from the arduous life to which we were doomed.
" As we would receive the person of your Majesty, so with the greatest
delight have we received the priests and friars whom you ha.ve appointed to
rule over us. Many and repeated thanks do we give your Majesty for hav-
ing sent such a person to govern us as his Excellency the Captain-general
Don Francisco Paulo Bucareli. With pity he looked upon our poverty and
did all he could for its alleviation. His kindness has been made manifest
to the whole world. He has clothed us with garments, behaved to us and
invited us to his board as if we were gentlemen. He has gratified the
highest aspirations of our hearts. We have received this saint, the creature
of your Majesty, as at the hands of God."*
The greater part of it is a eulogy upon the saintly Bucareli,
whose modesty did not deter him from thus attempting to raise
himself in his Majesty's estimation. In the same year the Audience
of Charcas executed its charge by removing the Jesuits from Chi-
quitos. And thus two hundred and twenty years from the time
when the first Jesuits landed upon the Brazilian coast not one of
Loyola's sons remained upon the South American continent, the
great field of their missionary labors and imperishable glory.
Thus the reported standing armies, the supplies of fire-arms, the
field-pieces and muskets, and the stores of ammunition which had
so startled the outside world of Spanish America in contemplation
of resistance to the king's decree vanished like so much smoke.
Not a warlike demonstration was made. Meekly obedient to their
pastors, the natives gathered around the missionaries in quiet
submission to their decision, and awaited without a sign of resist-
ance the approach of Bucareli's advancing pajrties. Without a
murmur, they committed to their charge every possession that had
fallen to their lot, unresistingly yielding the last temporal and
spiritual gains that had been amassed by their labors — amassed at
the price of blood and Christian self-denial — to be devoted to the
decoration of churches, the increase and improvement of missions
and schools, never to their own personal gratification. A mourn-
fal destiny awaited them: they were to be eventually repulsed
* Translated by Robertson from MS. of Sir Woodbine Parrish,
548 LOYALTY OF THE JESUITS.
by their general, and not allowed to find a refage from tlie world-
wide persecution that followed them, even in the States of the
Pope.
There can scarcely be a doubt that a formidable resistance
might have been made by the Jesuits against Bucareh had they
seen fit or felt disposed to pursue that course. It has already
been remarked that an army of fourteen thousand men, completely
equipped, could have been raised, in case of emergency, through-
out the missions. Though not the most warlike of the aborigines,
the Guarani of the reductions were brave and well disciplined.
Had they taken possession of the fastnesses in the wilds of a coun-
try so little known to any but themselves, they might have enter-
tained every hope of the success that had previously attended
their arms against the Paulistas, than whom no enemy could be
more fearless and daring, none more rightly dreaded. And we
may reasonably suppose that in the face of this force the viceroy
would probably either have retreated or been repulsed. They
might have judged that their success could only be temporary,
and that their ruin in the end would only be the more overwhelm-
ing, but there was even here a ray of hope to persevering minds
such as theirs. They had declined on a previous occasion to rec-
ognize the boundary treaty of 1751, and the king had yielded;
they might beat off Bucareli, declare their loyalty, and yet be
pardoned. Nor are we inclined to suppose that the meshes of
Buca:^eli were so well laid as to have forced upon them the alter-
native of tame submission. The Jesuits were not out-Jesuited and
checkmated at last ; they had all the prudence, the foresight and
sagacity and natural means that they ever had, and, more, a large
and considerable force to sustain the power that had so long con-
tinued in their grasp. No coup-de-main or diplomatic trickery
on the part of the viceroy brought them to the humble terms
under which they yielded up their persons and their goods. We
conceive their whole conduct to have been governed by a sense of
simple obedience to a decree of the Spanish monarch, and we must
with justice incline to their cause, and sympathize in their misfor-
tunes. From the outset we discover no evidence of any contrary
movement. In their whole history we meet with scarcely a dis-
loyal act, though we trace their course through a succession of
popular commotions and revolts among a wildly-scheming and
adventurous people. Often had they taken up arms in the service
of the king, never against him ; and it may be safely added that
INFLUENCE OF THE JESUITS. 549
by no other people, order, or body of men were Spanisb interests
ever so advanced on the American continent.
Their removal was neither wise nor politic. It served neither
the means nor interests of the Spanish people, or the Spanish
monarch. The missionary's life was pre-eminently the sphere of
the Jesuit. The genius, the acquirement, the aims that made his
presence dangerous at Continental courts, made him eminently
useful in the wilds of La Plata. In driving them from the mis-
sions of Chiquitos, of the Parana, of the Uruguay, and all others,
we perceive an inconsiderate, uncharitable, unchristian aim at
their complete extinction, almost without a purpose. The aged
Pope Clement designated the order as useful, pious, and holy, and
these three quahties were to be found in the missionary reductions
of South America, however wanting elsewhere.
Azara pursues them with unrelenting enmity in all their meas-
ures. He approves of the comvianderies^ first instituted by Yrala
as a last resort for extending the territory of his governorship ;
he considered the latter means as the most applicable for enlarg-
ing the boundaries of Spanish America, and yet inconsistently
depreciates the benefits of Jesuit missionaries. No conquistador
ever fought with such success as did the fathers, and no greater
expanse of country ever fell to his lot. But Paulistas and Com-
muneros, enemies themselves of the crown, gradually completed
the work of their destruction.
And again : we are led to inquire whether the Jesuit teachings
tended more than any other to benefit the state temporal and
spiritual of the many indigenous tribes that had beeii released by
them from their original barbarism. There are those who con-
demn— not arguing always — Jesuit interestedness, Jesuit ambi-
tion, and the condition of pupilage in which, to the last, the Indians
were held. K there were nothing in the Jesuitic rule to excite
emulation, yet the natives lived happily under it, attained a con-
siderable civilization, and relapsed rapidly into barbarism under
the temporal and spiritual rule which replaced that of the fathers.
We doubt whether a more enlarged system of instruction could
have been substituted in that age ; and humanity must deplore the
destruction of that Christian foundation upon which might have
been reared, at a later period, a noble superstructure of Indian
civilization, a development of Indian intellect yet unknown to us.
It is no matter of astonishment that the Conquistadores and their
descendants should have exhibited little good feeling for the order
550 EESULTS OF THEIR EXPULSION.
and for its works, for tlie interests of the two were utterly at va-
riance. One was a sublimely insurmountable obstacle to the self-
ish designs of the other, for we know that the Jesuits invariably
checked the merciless cruelties which disgrace the early annals of
Spanish conquest.
It is not to be denied that the Indians in entering the reduc-
tions merely underwent a change of masters, but it was a change
from bondage under a heartless, unfeeling Spaniard, adventurer,
and gold-seeker, to a mild and Christian government. On the
one hand it was a life dragged out in beastly drudgery ; on the
other, pious, cheerful, and elevating.
The commandantes worked their slaves to death; the Jesuits
made every provision that could render their neophytes happy
and contented. The one was an instrument of present civilization
and future enhghtenment ; the other a blight upon progress and
humanity. Never overtaxed in the field, and even there enliven-
ed by strains of music, with every want supplied, without a care,
instructed by the Jesuits themselves, admitted to the "mysteries"
of the Church, taught the use of arms and the art of war — whence
else could they have obtained all this but from the energy, sagaci-
ty, self-denial, and unity of Loyola's order ? It was this very civ-
ilization that, with some reason, inspired such groundless fears
among the Spanish, and in proportion makes the Jesuit mission-
ary system the more beautiful and the more to be admired. The
numerous Guarani tribes would have long since been on the verge
of extinction but for the establishment of these missions ; between
the cross-fires of Spaniards, Portuguese, and Paulistas, there was
eventually but little hope of existence. That great race, of which
the shadow remains to-day, would have been swept from the earth
centuries ago. The lay and the Jesuit system admit of no ques-
tion ; and even under that of the Franciscan friars, wliich fol-
lowed, the same falling off in population and general receding
from their former advanced state, shows most conclusively that
the Jesuit order, however objectionable in the centres of Euroj^ean
civilization, was here in its proper element.
On the retirement of the fathers the missions were thrown into
the most irremediable confusion ; the very heart and soul of the
Christian republic was gone; it lay like a dead chaotic mass.
The miserable government and bad administration that followed
presents only differences and disputes among the newly-vested
authorities. There was unity in nothmg. The spiritual and
FATE OF THE MISSIONS. 551
clerical governor — for there was now a very broad distinction —
seldom or never agreed. All their purposes clashed. But by
mutual consent the unfortiinate natives generally bore the conse-
quent burdens of their quarrels. Says Doblas,
" The curates wanted the Indians to attend mass and the count-
ing of their beads every day at whatever hour the priests might
choose. This was often purposely made a very inconvenient hour.
Hereupon the laymen interposed to prevent compliance, some-
times with reason and sometimes without it. The result was that
the curate ordered the Indians who obeyed the administrator to
be flogged, and the administrator awarded stripes to those who
obeyed the curate. Both chastisements fell upon the miserable
Indians, without farther delinquency on their part than that of not
knowing exactly which party to obey, or of obeying the party they
liked best."*
Jesuit harmony and discipline, without which no mission could
be formed, were wanting. The Indian fled to the forest, and a
fearful consequence, already referred to, arose from this present
organization. In 1801 a census of the Indian population was made
by Don Joaquim de Soria. At that time there were in the thirty
missions 45,639 souls, less by 98,898 than in the year 1767. In
this space of thirty-four years more than two thirds of the original
number had disappeared ; cattle, sheep, and horses were destroy-
ed ; the old energies of the Christian republic were wasted away,
until there remained scarcely the skeleton of those flourishing Jes-
uit missions. Here and there a spacious but crumbhng church,
with fading frescoes, speaks for this departed wealth and civiliza-
tion.
* Translated by Kobertson, vol. ii., p. 109
552 SPANISH COLONIAL POLICY.
CHAPTEE XXXI.
False Policy of Spain toward the Colonies. — Treaty of Utrecht. — Foundation of
Montevideo. — Contrabandists. — Treaty of 1750. — Viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres.
— Treaty of St. Ildefonso. — Final Concessions of the Mother Country. — Expedi-
tion nnder Sir Home Popham. — Capture of Buenos Ayres. — Assault of Monte-
video.— Defeat of General Whitelock. — Liniers. — Joseph Bonaparte. — A Portu-
guese Pretender. — Cisneros. — Assembly of July 9th, 1816. — Independence of
Paraguay, Bolivia, and Buenos Ayres. — Disadvantages the South American
People labored under for forming a good Government. — The Banda Oriental. —
Urquiza. — Oribe. — Battle of Monte Caseros. — Convention at St. Nicolas. —
Courtesy extended to our Minister. — Disaffection of Buenos Ayres. — Siege of
that City.
The policy of tlie motlier country was not only neglectful, but
absolutely hostile to tbe interests of La Plata. Fifty years after
tlie foundation of Buenos Ayres one million of cattle covered tbe
pampas ; but Spain had not the forecast to see in this extraordi-
nary multiplication, in the fertility of a soil producing with the
smallest possible labor the fruits, cereals, and vegetables of tem-
perate and tropical regions, the elements of a greatness that would
make it the prize-jewel of her crown, and the seat of a future
trade that might yield larger revenues than her mines.
The merchants of Seville and Lima obtained the monopoly of
the trade of Peru, and through their influence prohibitory edicts
were issued against that of La Plata, lest it should become, as Ca-
bot hoped and foresaw, the most popular and available channel of
communication between Europe and the colonies of the South and
West. In vain the Buenos Ayreans appealed to the home gov-
ernment. Their only concession was leave to export annually to
the Portuguese settlements of Brazil 2000 fanegas of wheat, 500
quintals of jerked beef, and 500 of tallow; to which in 1618 the
the farther privilege was extended of sending annually to Spain
two vessels of one hundred tons burden each, freighted with the
products of the country. At the instigation of the merchants of
Seville, a custom-house was established at Cordova, to levy fifty
per cent, upon all goods which these vessels might be the means
of introducing into the country, while at the same time the trans-
mission of the precious metals by this route was entirely inter-
dicted.
EESTRICTIONS UPON COMMERCE. 553
For nearly a century after tlie settlement of Buenos Ayres all
commercial intercourse with Spanish colonies of the same hemi-
sphere was forbidden under severe penalties, and two ships repre-
sented the whole legalized trade of the country with Europe. It
was the foimdation of a vast debt of grievances, only canceled by
the movement that released her from the control of so unnatural
a mother. Though jealously guarding what she considered her
interests in all laws for the government of the colonies, Spain
seems to have shown but little sagacity in her transactions with
foreign powers. She permitted both the Portuguese and English
to obtain a footing in La Plata, which became the seat of an enor-
mous contraband trade. The governor in vain endeavored to
check what ministered less to the luxury or avarice of the people
than to their necessities, and found its chief strength in the unjust
policy which for more than a century had been imposed upon
them.
In 1715 the treaty of Utrecht secured to Portugal the settlement
of Colonia del Sacramento, immediately opposite to Buenos Ayres.
The same treaty conceded to the English an " asiento" or contract
to supply the Spanish colonies of America with slaves, and Bue-
nos Ayres was one of the points at which she was allowed to form
an establishment : here they were to send four ships annually,
with twelve hundred negroes, their value to be received in the
products of the country. Both parties bound themselves not to
transgress the laws which forbade the introduction of European
goods, but the moral force of these stipulations was weakened by
the injustice of the mother country and the wants of the Spanish
Americans, which excused, if they did not justify, the introduction
of articles forbidden them by more legal channels, or obtained at
the ruinous prices fixed upon them by the monopolists of Spain.
So boldly was illegal trade carried on that vessels constantly ar-
rived freighted with manufactured goods, that supplied not only
Buenos Ayres, Paraguay, and Tucuman, but, spite of the vigilance
of Cordova officials, found their way into Peru, where they were
sold at lower prices than those sent by the merchants of Seville
via Panama. Both Portuguese and English were equally active,
and the former attempted to extend their possessions by a new
settlement near the mouth of La Plata. From this they were
promptly dislodged by Zavala, Governor of Buenos Ayres, who
immediately commenced the foundation of San FeHpe Puerto de
Monte Video. Important privileges were granted to the first set-
554 VICEROYALTY OF BUENOS AYRES.
tiers, wliicli induced immigration ftom tlie Canaries and otlier
places; the viceroy sent large sums from Potosi, the Guarani
Indians worked steadily, and Zavala vainly hoped that with the
erection of Montevideo, and Maldanado on the same shore seventy
miles east, he had permanently checked the progress of Portuguese
colonization. Contrary to these expectations, they became more
active than ever, and established themselves on the Eio Grande,
carrying on their trade with such spirit that it is said to have been
worth to them two millions annually. The success of the English
was yet greater. One of their ships about this time sailed from
the river with two millions in specie and hides valued at seventy
thousand dollars, and this too not in return for negroes, but a rich
cargo of European goods.
Such was the condition of commercial affairs in La Plata for
nearly a quarter of a century. Spain awakened at last to the re-
sult of her selfish and suicidal policy, and attempted to check the
activity of the contrabandists by her guarda costas, which led to
open hostihties with England. In 1750, by a new treaty, Portu-
gal agreed to cede her settlements on the river for the seven mis-
sionary towns of the Uruguay. The poor Indians, happy and
prosperous under the rule of the Jesuits, and knowing the Portu-
guese only as the cruel slave-hunters who had driven them from
their homes into the folds of these shepherds, revolted with hor-
ror from this arrangement, and resisted what they considered a
new effort to enslave them. After destroying the missions and
slaying several thousand Indians, the Portuguese refused to take
possession of their lands, and made the opposition of the aborig-
ines a new pretext for continuing to hold Colonia.
We have seen that this resistance on the part of the Indians
was ascribed to the influence of the Jesuits. From that time their
rule was doomed in La Plata.
The impunity with which contraband trade had been pursued,
the increased insolence and continuous aggressions of her trouble-
some neighbor, left Spain the alternative of a more generous pol-
icy or the ruin and perhaps the loss of her colonies in this region.
She determined to form a new viceroyalty, with Buenos Ayres as
the capital. It was to comprise the province of the same name,
Paraguay, Cordova, Salta, Potosi, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, La Paz,
La Plata, Montevideo, Moxos, Chiquitos, and the missions of the
Uruguay and Parana. A formidable force of ten thousand men,
in one hundred and sixteen vessels, and convoyed by twelve
COMMERCIAL CONCESSIONS. 555
ships of war, was sent out to sustain tlie autlioritj of tlie new
viceroy, Don Pedro Cevallos, a. man who had distinguished him-
self, while Governor of Buenos Ayres, for his opposition to all for-
eign encroachment. His first movement was against St. Cath-
arine, which surrendered with scarcely a show of resistance. He
next sailed up La Plata to Colonia ; it capitulated, the fortifica-
tions were destroyed, and the Portuguese driven from all their
settlements on the eastern shore of La Plata.
The death of their sovereign, the retirement of Pombal, and
the accession of the Princess Maria, who earnestly desired peace,
checked these hostilities, and the treaty of St. Ildefonso, which
finally settled all questions at issue between the two governments,
was signed in the autumn of 1777. By its stipulations St. Cath-
erine was restored to Portugal, who in return relinquished all
her settlements in La Plata, and commissioners — among whom
was Azares — were appointed to settle definitely their respective
boundaries.
Spain now projected important commercial concessions to the
colonies. Since' 1759 some relaxations had been made from the
old system, and in 1778, through the influence of Don Joseph de
Galvez, at that time minister for the Indies, a new code was pro-
mulgated, known as the " Free Trade Eegulations." This title
did not impose upon the people, who saw that it was intended less
to benefit them than to repair the injury to royal interests, which
had suffered under the late system of monopoly. Manufactured
goods were to be admitted for ten years free of duty, and in return
the raw products of La Plata could enter nine ports of SjDain ex-
empt from tariff; but the trade was confined to Spaniards and
Spanish ships, and not only the manufacture, but the culture of
all articles that could interfere with those of the mother country
were strictly prohibited ; even the vicuiia wool was to be sent to
the royal factory of Guadalaxara. There was yet another heavy
grievance : Creoles, or natives of the country, were perseveringly
and entirely excluded from all places of trust and responsibility.
Spite of the sordid, shallow policy which had dictated these
new laws, they were an advance upon the old system, and such
commercial activity followed their promulgation that Buenos
Ayres, as the mart of La Plata, became the most considerable
city of Spanish America. So great was the tide of immigration
into the country that in eighteen years the population had more
than doubled ; and the export of hides, the great staple, increased
556 BEITISH EXPEDITION TO BUENOS AYRES.
from 150,009 annually to 700,000 or 800,000, and in 1783 it
reached the amount of 1,400,000.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century such exaggerated
reports had gone abroad of the disaffection of the colonists of La
Plata to the Spanish monarchy as to induce an attempt on the
part of the English to obtain possession of the country. In June,
1806, Sir Home Popham entered the river with a squadron of five
ships of war and several transports, having on board a detach-
ment of troops under the command of Major-general Beresford,
who, on the 27th of the same month, with only 1630 men, inclu-
sive of a battalion of 340 marines, landed and advanced upon the
city of Buenos Ayres, which capitulated — the viceroy, Sobremonte,
having previously retired to Cordova.
This success excited much enthusiasm in England. The public
treasure taken was said to exceed one and a half million of dol-
lars. Peru and her mines, the tropical regions of Paraguay, the
pampas of Buenos Ayres, with their millions of cattle, were new
fields to British enterprise ; in short, an incredible conquest was
achieved, and the people were represented as satisfied with the
change of rulers. It was a brief triumph, and after-events proved
that it could be attributed more to the force of surprise than to
inability or courage on the part of the Portenos to defend their
city. The people of the country rallied, and, led by Don Santiago
Liniers de Bremont, regained possession of their capital only six
weeks after the entrance of Beresford, who was in turn forced to
capitulate, and, at the close of the year 1806, the village of Mal-
danado was the only possession of the English in La Plata. Re-en-
forcements soon after arrived under the command of Sir Samuel
Auchmuty, who invested Montevideo, which, after an obstinate
resistance, was carried by assault, February the 3d, 1807.
An attempt made the same year by General Whitelock, with
11,000 men, to retake Buenos Ayres was a complete failure, and
issued in a convention, by which was stipulated the entire aban-
donment of La Plata in less than two months by the whole British
force.
After General Beresford's attack, the colonists, in expectation of
its being repeated by a larger force, had earnestly, but in vain,
appealed for assistance to the mother country. This last unaided
defense of the capital against an army officered by some of the
best men in the British service, and the consequent retirement of
the invaders from the waters of La Plata, first awakened them to a
LOYALTY TO SPAIN. 557
consciousness of their own strength, and impressed a lesson of
self-reliance more fatal to the Spanish empire in this quarter than
the armies and fleets of England.
During the occupation of Spain by the French the first unmis-
takable evidences of disaffection were shown in South America,
and Buenos Ayres stands prominently in the foreground of revo-
lutionary movement. Three centuries of oppression under a crush-
ing pohcy antagonistic to all their interests seemed to confer on
the people a sacred right to better their pohtical condition. After
the abdication of Charles lY., and at the commencement of the
struggle in the mother country, they had given striking proofs
of allegiance to their royal house. In 1808 M. de Sastenay, the
agent of Napoleon, was sent out to induce them to swear fealty to
Joseph Bonaparte. His language was specious, and such as we
might suppose he would address to a people prepared, as he
thought, by a long political thraldom, to submit, with the hope
of bettering their condition, to a change of rulers. " It would be
better for them," he said, "to follow the example of their ances-
tors in the succession war, and await the fate of the mother coun-
try— to obey that authority which should possess itself of the sov-
ereign power." What was their reply ? The French envoy was
placed under arrest, and Ferdinand VII. proclaimed successor to
Charles IV. The same year another claimant appeared.
This was the Prince Regent of Portugal, who, on his arrival at
Rio Janeiro, caused a note to be addressed to the Viceroy and
Cabildo of Buenos Ayres claiming their allegiance upon the
grounds of the alleged dissolution of the Spanish monarchy, and
the rights accruing to his wife, the Princess Carlota, from the ab-
dication of her father, Charles IV., and the captivity of her brother
Ferdinand VII., threatening them, in the event of refusal, with
hostilities from Portugal aided by her alhes, the English. A spir-
ited answer from the Cabildo quieted the action of the Portuguese
pretender.
Don Santiago de Liniers had received the appointment of vice-
roy in reward for the gallantry with which he had headed the re-
sistance to English invasion ; but he was a Frenchman by birth,
and, in the present excited state of feeling against his country, this
was a crime. Accused or suspected of favoring the designs of
Bonaparte became the excuse for demonstrations against his au-
thority. Elio, Governor of Montevideo, convoked the inhabitants
of the city, and established an independent junta. The Portenos,
558 BEGINNING OF THE KEVOLUTION.
in attempting the same, were promptly put down by Liniers, who
sent their leaders to Patagonia.
After the abdication of the king the Supreme Junta of Seville
recognized the colonies of Spain as " integral parts of the mon-
archy, with the same privileges as the states of the Peninsula," and
yet, when they heard of the demonstrations against Liniers, they
sent Cisneros (who was a weak, incompetent, vacillating individ-
ual— at best unfit for the of&ce), without permission, to make good
their own declaration, and without money or troops to support
his authority. He found the people with an enormous accumula-
tion of produce, and clamorous for the opening of their ports to
foreign trade. Forced to accede to these demands, he declared at
the same time that nothing but the "most urgent necessity could
have induced him to adopt a measure so discountenanced by the
laws of the Indies." Eeports of a crisis in the affairs of Spain
reached La Plata. Joseph Bonaparte was sweeping every thing
before him ; the " Supreme Central Junta" was dissolved, and re-
placed by a regency which gave little evidence of stability in au-
thority. The power from which Cisneros had received his ap-
pointment was no longer in existence, and with its dissolution the
dissatisfied colonists saw that the moment for the initiation of a
more liberal policy had arrived.
The viceroy was informed that the order of government was
about to be changed ; the Supreme Court of Justice and the munic-
ipal authorities received the same announcement, which was fol-
lowed by the immediate establishment of a provisional junta in the
name of Ferdinand YII. Cisneros was even forced to become a
member, and for a few days his name was appended to all orders
issued to the troops and provincial towns to recognize its authority.
I have before alluded to one of the greatest grievances of the
colonists, the monopoly by the Spaniards of all places of trust or
emolument, which created so strong a feeling of dislike on the
part of the Creole or native population, that, according to Azara,
it divided families, and even estranged husband and wife, where
both were not of Spanish birth. Some of the iahabitants at-
tempted to establish this influence in the Junta by naming Cis-
neros its president ; a movement exciting much angry feeling on
the part of the Creoles, who retaliated by arresting the viceroy and
his adherents and sending them off in a small vessel the same
night.
Although the political independence of the North American
THE CONGRESS OF TUCUMAN. 559
colonies had been completely established, and the question of
rights, which had agitated all the governments of Europe, may
have found an echo in the hearts of many intelligent Spanish
Americans ; though the enfeebled condition of Spain exhibited but
too glaringly the decadence of her political power ; the action of
the Provisional Government, even so late as 1815, in sending
plenipotentiaries to Europe to solicit Charles IV. to come himself,
or send his son, Don Francisco de Paulo, to assume the sovereignty
of the country, shows that, though all were sincere in the desire to
ameliorate their condition, there was a diversity of opinion as to
the safest means of attaining this end, some still inclining to a mon-
archy, while others were for an entirely new organization, with a
free system as basis. They were only a unit in the resolution
never to submit to the authority of Ferdinand VII., whose only
reply to their petitions for impartial government, after all the
proofs they had given of loyalty to his person, was, upon his ele-
vation to the throne, to call them rebels, and send fresh bodies of
troops for their subjugation. The struggle was at last consum-
mated by the assembling, July 9th, 1816, of representatives from
all the provinces at Tucuman, where they drew up a declaration
of independence.
Liberty achieved — at least so far as this action of the Congress
at Tucuman could make it so — the sympathies that had united
the different sections of La Plata were merged into local interests,
and four governments were formed from the viceroyalty of Bue-
nos Ayres — Paraguay, Alto Peru, or Bolivia, the Banda Oriental,
and the United Provinces of La Plata, the latter composed of thir-
teen states, which, again, may be geographically divided into three
districts: 1st, the Riverine Provinces on the Parana; Buenos
Ayres and Santa Fe on the right bank, Entre Rios and Corrien-
tes on the left ; 2d, the Upper Provinces, Cordova, Santiago del
Estero, Tucuman and Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca and La Riojo;
3d, west of Buenos Ayres and approaching the Cordillera of the
Andes, San Luis, Mendoza, San Juan, and Rioja, which had been
detached from the government of Chili.
Paraguay was the first province to assert her right to self-gov-
ernment; indeed, some years before the "declaration" of 1816,
she was not only free from the authority of Spain, but had de-
clared her independence of the other states of La Plata. Buenos
Ayres sent an army under the command of Belgrano to assist her
people in throwing off the Spanish authority, or rather to compel
560 POLITICAL CONDITION.
them to join the general cause. Yegros and Cavallero, acting
under the orders of Velasco, the last Spanish governor, defeated
Belgrano, but soon after, almost without a struggle, succeeded in
setting aside the authority of the governor and in asserting their
complete independence, which was recognized by Buenos Ayres
as early as 1811.
In the northwest the struggle in the southern hemisphere was
prolonged, and it was not until after the battle of Ayacucho
that Alto Peru was wrested from Spain and established into an
independent government, taking its present name, Bolivia, from
that of the hero of the Revolution, Bolivar.
I considered an outline sketch of the settlement and history of
a country so little known as La Plata a necessary introduction to
my narrative ; but to penetrate the confusion of her political sys-
tems since the estabhshment of the republics would be a task of
time and difficulty for which I am wholly unprepared.
Her unaided resistance of English invasion, the reception of
M. de Sastenfiy, and the spirited reply of the Cabildo of Buenos
Ayres to the pretensions of the Prince Regent of Portugal, a
complete emancipation from Spain and freedom up to this time
from any foreign influence which could affect permanently her
political or territorial integrity, show at least a physical capacity
for independent government. Again : unanimity of action in the
first step of the crisis is the best evidence of the sincerity of the
people in a struggle to improve their condition, though for many
years there were elements of discordance and diversity of opinion
as to the best means of attainiag the desired end, that totally
checked all social or political organizations. Pretenders to thrones,
royal scions of the houses of Braganza, Orleans, Bourbon, were
quite ready to establish dynasties upon that part of the American
continent, and all may have found favorists among the perplexed
revolutionists, for few really understood the first principles of
civil liberty. The policy of Spain and the wide-awake spirit of
the Inquisition had secluded them from a knowledge of the work-
ing of other systems ; their moral energies had been corrupted ;
they were profoundly ignorant of political economy ; there were
no national materials, no previous struggles for enfranchisement ;
there was nothing in the traditions of the past ; in the colonial
system, not one principle of civil administration as a model or
basis on which to construct a new fabric. It was a great ship
afloat without rudder or compass. One of their own writers thus
ANAKCHY AND CIVIL WARS. 561
alludes to tlie men who considered a monarchy expedient: "With
them that notion did not originate in an intimate conviction ; far
otherwise. On the one hand, it arose from the want of individual
capacity to prosecute the Eevolution to its close, and after that to
present the country with a stable and enlightened organization ;
and on the other, it was occasioned by the discomfort, or, if you
prefer the term, the vexation which the tardy progress of the Eev-
olution brouglrt upon them."*
Ten years after the first cry of liberty was heard in Buenos
Ayres, Spain could no longer degrade the United Provinces of
La Plata by her enactments ; but the swords that had repelled
foreign invasion and avenged pohtical wrongs became fratricidal.
The provinces acknowledged for a time the governments succes-
sively established at Buenos Ayres, based upon a system of cen-
tralization, which gave the executive, who was to reside at that
city, extensive civil and military jurisdiction, even to the appoint-
ment of governors for the provinces. But an opposition showed
itself in a large party favoring a federation. The capital was in-
vaded and the government or central party accused of aiming to
establish a monarchy under the protection of France, with the
young Duke of Lucca as its head ; a charge followed by the pub-
lication of the correspondence of Don Valentine Gromez, their
agent at Paris, containing the particulars of a scheme to that ef-
fect which had been proposed by the French ministry. The dis-
location was general, v What was before considered a nation sub-
divided itself into many independent states, each declaring its
own independence. Province rose against province ; cities, vil-
lages, famihes, individuals warred against each other. In the
struggle the darkness of anarchy settled upon the new rCpubhc.
At last, in the first months of 1821, some light appeared in
the re-establishment and consolidation "of order in Buenos Ayres.
Leaving the interior provinces to the control of their own leaders,
{he Portenos proceeded to form an independent government. In
this effort they adopted a wise principle of action : " that all the-
ory should be proscribed in the organization of a country, and its
demonstration left to practice." By the stipulations of commer-
cial treaties she, in this phase of her political existence, sought and
obtained the support of foreign powers.
The interior provinces gained no strength by isolation. Their
history presents nothing but a chronicle of desolating strifes, fac-
* Nunez.
36
562 ■ THE STATES OF LA PLATA.
tions, endless intrigues of military chieftains and political aspir-
ants, aiming at much, effecting nothing. It has been until very
recently the struggle of a brave people, dreaming of free institu-
tions, but grasping in the dark for their prosperity. It is true,
the theory of liberty has found able advocates, who, in the elegant
diction of the Spanish language, have with eloquence and fire ex-
patiated upon its blessings in their legislative assemblies. Some
of their military chiefs have fh)wn genius, fertilfty of resource,
and personal courage ; but generally, in the history of their prom-
inent men, we seek in vain for the patient, self-sacrificing spirit of
the heroes of North American independence. •
Sir "Woodbine Parrish, who witnessed the progress of their po-
litical history for nearly a quarter of a century, says, in speaking
of the interior provinces, " Without any defined league or general
engagement among themselves, even to guarantee the integrity of
the republic, or any thing like a Congress or representative body
to watch over their common interests since the dissolution of that
in 1827, they have been obliged to delegate to the executive gov-
ernment of Buenos Ayres, the sole and entire charge of their na-
tional concerns, their defense in war, the maintainance of their
foreign relations, the management of the public debt, and of all
matters of common interest to the republic at large, a trust which,
in virtue of the unlimited power conferred upon Greneral Kosas,
the present Governor of Buenos Ayres, has become, de facto, vested,
with all its duties and responsibilities, in one single individual, a
strange ending of a struggle for Federalism."
Bohvia, an inland state, from her geographical position, as well
as from the disturbances of political factions, has been deprived of
all stimulus to commercial enterprise. Paraguay ended her strug-
gle for civil liberty by submitting, in less than five years, to the
dictatorship of Francia. The Banda Oriental, erected into an in-
dependent state in 1828, has been depopulated and desolated by
civil contests, foreign occupation, and interference brought upon
her by the intemperate conduct of her own chiefs.
I forbear to pursue the domestic or foreign policy of Kosas, a
policy in contradiction to all theory or practice of constitutional
government. But there was a spirit of intelligence in the country
he governed, dormant but not annihilated ; a leader of ability and
integrity was alone needed to give it activity. This individual
appeared in the person of Justo J. Urquiza, Governor of Entre
Rios and Corrientes, a man of admitted military genius, and known
EOSAS AND URQUIZA. 553
at one time as an able supporter of Rosas, but wbo, at last, disgusted
with his administration and moved by noble and enlightened
views for the future of " La Plata," raised the standard of opposi-
tion. The Governor of Buenos Ayres was in the habit of resign-
ing his authority at stated periods, upon the score of broken health
or age, relying, and for a long time with success, upon his knowl-
edge of and influence over the members of the assembly, none of
whom dared accept the proffered resignation. They generally
urged his retention of office with adulatory expressions which
were duly pubhshed and sent forth to foreign powers as expres-
sive of the public voice. On one of these occasions, Urquiza, by
proclamation, released Rosas from executive responsibilities, and
placed himself at the head of a party favoring the opening of the
rivers of La Plata to commerce, and the union of the states com-
posing the " United Provinces of La Plata" into a confederation.
The rivers which have their rise in the northwestern provinces
of Brazil give access from the Atlantic to a large and valuable
part of her territories. Their free navigation is essential to her
interests, and to obtain this concession from Rosas she had in vain
exhausted the arts of diplomacy. The traditional antagonism of
Spaniard and Portuguese was now merged in the policy of union
for the purpose of opening the Parana, Paraguay, and Uruguay,
with their tributaries, to the commerce of the world. Urquiza
found a powerful ally in Brazil.
Their first combined movement was against Oribe, who had,
with troops partly furnished by Rosas, held Montevideo in a
state of siege until a town, "Restoracion," of eight or ten thou-
sand inhabitants had actually grown up around his encampment.
But for the interference of England and France, who recognized
an'd supported the inside party, the city would have fallen into
his hands. A considerable body of Entre Rians and Corrientinos,
under the command of Urquiza, a Brazilian squadron in the
river, and a force of infantry and artillery under Baron Caxias, at
last brought Oribe to terms, almost without striking a blow.
Consummate address marked the conduct of Urquiza. He pro-
claimed, on entering the country, a desire to avoid the shedding
of blood. His mission, he announced, was patriotic. Thousands
joined his standard. Deserted by whole detachments of troops,
with but a hmited supply of provisions, and cut off from both the
resources of the interior and river by the allied army and Brazil-
ian squadron, Oribe surrendered unconditionally.
564 SUCCESS OF URQUIZA.
Thus, after a siege of nine years, tlie relief of Montevideo was
accomplislied, and Urquiza withdrew to his own province only to
prepare for a more direct blow at the power of Eosas. In Janu-
ary, 1852, he recrossed the Parana at the head of a large force,
and without encountering opposition reached Monte Caseros, with-
in fifteen miles of Buenos Ayres, where he was met by the Dicta-
tor at the head of an army of twenty thousand men. The great
battle of the 3d of February, 1852, ended in the total defeat and
flight of Eosas, and secured the future independence of the Argen-
tine States.
The Dictator sought and obtained the protection of an English
man-of-war in the " Eoads ;" Urquiza, at the head of a large body
of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, made a triumphal entry into the
city, established his head-quarters at Palermo, and appointed Don
Vincente Lopez, a man advanced in years, but greatly beloved and
respected for his intelligence and amiability. Governor of Buenos
Ayres.
On the first of May Urquiza was named " Provisional Directoi,"
and the 25th of the same month the governors and delegates of
fourteen provinces assembled at St. Nicolas for the purpose of
forming a government. As a manifestation of respect for the
United States, General Urquiza invited our representative, the
Honorable John Pendleton of Virginia, to accompany him to San
Nicolas, where on the 1st of June the delegates from the Argen-
tine States agreed upon the terms of a provisional administration,
and a Congress to convene at an early day and form a constitution
for a permanent federal government. A copy of the proceedings
of this convention was put into the hands of Mr. Pendleton upon
the day of their passage, by the order of General Urquiza, that he
might send it by dispatch to Buenos Ayres, so as to arrive before
the departure of the British mail-packet. The messenger was au-
thorized to say that no other government had been thus favored,
and that it was the desire of the Provisional Director to signify by
this act a special consideration for the United States of America.
On the 14th of June General Urquiza returned to Buenos Ayres,
to find the city in turmoil and confusion, arising from the disaffec-
tion of the members of the Provisional Assembly (the " Sala").
Grave exceptions were taken to the proceedings of the Provision-
al Congress at San Nicolas, and among them the most prominent
was, that too much power had been conferred by it upon the Pro-
visional Director. Don Vincente Lopez, who had represented the
DISAFFECTION AT BUENOS AYRES. 565
Province of Buenos Ayres, appeared before tlie Sala, and attempt-
ed to defend his course, but lie was hooted at and hissed. He re-
signed his position as governor of the city, and poHtical affairs as-
sumed rather a gloomy aspect. Either a new convention must be
called to revise the proceedings of the Provisional Congress, for
the pacification of the Sala, or its disaffection must be arrested ;
in other words, either the thirteen provinces must be governed ac-
cording to their own provisions or by those of the Sala at Buenos
Ayres.
General Urquiza was not the man to deliberate long as to which
of the two courses he should adopt. The Sala, without soldiers
or money, and an enraged populace at its back, adjourned in con-
fusion, and the Provisional Director, with the strong arm of the
military to sustain him, restored order by banishing five leading
members, and reappointing Vincente Lopez governor. He then
withdrew the forces from the city, dispatched them to the various
provinces from which they came, leaving only the military of the
Province of Buenos Ayres to defend their own capital, and retired
on the 8th of September to Santa Fe, where the convention
charged to prepare a constitution for the Confederation had met
August the 20th. This Congress was composed of two delegates
from each of the thirteen provinces, Entre Eios, Corrientes, Santa
Fe, Cordova, Mendoza, Santiago del Estero, Tucuman, Salta, Jujuy,
Catamarca, Rioja, San Luis, and San Juan.
Many exiles who had joined Urquiza for the purpose of putting
down Rosas, but without any intention of elevating the former to
the same position, now took advantage of the withdrawal of the
troops to conspire against his authority, and, being natives of Bue-
nos Ayres, drew to their side a number of the people and soldiers of
the province. Their opportunities to create a revolution were am-
ple, and their plans and designs well conceived and ably executed.
It broke out on the 11th of September, and General Galan, at the
time acting as governor by appointment of the Provisional Direc-
tor, retired with such of the troops as remained faithfiil. The in-
surgents made a pretended pursuit, but neither fight nor skirmish
ensued, and the " Director," informed by rapid expresses of the
events that had occurred, marched without delay at the head of
such troops as were at Santa F<^, and joined General Galan at San
Nicolas.
His first impulse was to advance against Buenos Ayres, but of
this he thought .better, and, issuing a proclamation, in which he
566 SIEGE OF BUENOS AYRES.
announced his determination to leave that city to its own course,
he returned to Parana to await the action of the Congress.
The ruhng spirits of the Eevolution were not content to be let
alone, or quietly remain the citizens of an independent state.
They wished to break up the Confederation by sowing broadcast
the seeds of discord in the western provinces. Faihng in this,
they dispatched the best part of the force at their disposal under
the command of Generals Madariaga and Honos to invade Entre
Eios. Urquiza assembled a large body of troops, and led them in
person to meet the invaders, who were defeated and driven from
the province.
Here, then, collecting an army of twelve thousand men from
the different states, he marched once more against Buenos Ayres,
and, in conjunction with General Largos and a small naval force
consisting of three steamers, a brig, a three-masted schooner, and
several smaller vessels, besieged and blockaded the city and har-
bor. Such was the condition of political affairs in La Plata when
the Water Witch arrived at Buenos Ayres.
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX A (Page (26).
INSTRUCTIONS FROM HON. JOHN P. KENNEDY, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, TO
THOMAS J. PAGE, LIEUTENANT COMMANDING.
By a decree of the Provisional Director of the Argentine Confederation, the
long-sealed and excluded country lying upon the ti'ibutaries of the Rio de la Plata
has been thrown open to navigation, and the Uruguay and Parana have become
accessible to all nations who may choose to seek the new associations which they
offer to the spirit of adventure.
The importance, in a commercial point of view, which is attached to this new
field of operations has invited the enterprise of our country as well as of other na-
tions ; and, with a view to gratify and please the emulous ambition of the nation,
and to secure the great advantages of its trade, the President has directed a small
steamer to be dispatched to the La Plata for the purpose of exploration and survey
of the upper streams above their falls, and to which seiwice you have been assigned
in command of the United States steamer "Water Witch."
The principal objects to which your attention is directed are to explore the rivers
Plata, Paraguay, and Parana, and all their tributaries worthy of exploration ; to
determine the practicability of navigating them, their course, extent, productions in
fish, etc. ; to examine not only the country bordering on the rivers, but also, to some
extent, the interior beyond the water-courses, so as to acquire correct information
touching the nature and extent of agriculture, and, consequently, the probable ex-
tent to which commercial intercourse may be desirable ; to make collections for the
advancement of knowledge in natural history, botany, mineralogy, and other de-
partments of natural science ; to make astronomical, meteorological, and magnetic
obsei-vations ; to determine latitude and longitude, and to make a series of sketches
in Daguerrean and camera impressions illustrative of the scenery, Indians, and ge-
ological formations of the country.
Although the primary objects of the expedition are the promotion of the great in-
terests of commerce and navigation, yet you will take all occasions, not incompati-
ble with the great pm-pose of the undertaking, to extend the bounds of science, and
promote the acquisition of knowledge.
No special directions are thought necessary in regard to the mode of conducting
the researches and experiments which you are enjoined to prosecute, nor is it in-
tended to limit the officers who accompany you each to a particular sphere ; aU are
expected to co-operate harmoniously in all the details of the expedition.
You will adopt the most elFective measures within your control to prepare and
preserve all specimens of natural history that may be collected, and, as opportuni-
ties offer, send them to the United States to be delivered to the Secretary of the
Navy, in order that they may be lodged for safe keeping at the Smithsonian Insti-
tution. You will also avail yourself of such occasions to forward copies of charts,
details of your doings, duplicates of specimens, or any other materials you may deem
it important to preserve from the reach of future accident, at the same time strictly
568 APPENDIX A. •
prohibiting all communications, except to the Department, from any person under
your cominand referring to any circumstances connected with the progress of the
enterprise.
Among savage nations, unacquainted with or possessing but vague ideas of the
right of property, the most common cause of collision with civilized visitors is the
offense and punishment of theft. You will therefore adopt every possible precau-
tion against this practice, and in the recovery of stolen property, as well as in pun-
ishing the offense, use all due moderation and forbearance.
You will permit no trade to be carried on by any under your command with the
countries you may visit, either civilized or savage, except for necessaries or curiosities,
and that under express regulations to be established by yourself, in which the rights
of the natives must be scrupulously respected and carefully guarded.
You will neither interfere, nor permit any wanton interference, with the customs,
habits, manners, or prejudices of the natives of such countries as you may visit, nor
take part in their disputes except as a mediator, nor commit any act of hostility un-
less in self-defense, or to protect or rescue the property of those under you, or those
whom circumstances may place within reach of your protection.
You will carefully inculcate on all who accompany you that courtesy and kindness
toward the natives which is understood and felt by all classes of mankind ; to dis-
play neither arrogance nor contempt, and to appeal to their good-will rather than
to their fears, until it becomes manifest that they can only be restrained from vio-
lence from fear or force.
You will on all occasions avoid risking the officers and men unnecessarily on shore
at the mercy of the natives. Treachery is one of the invariable characteristics of
savages, and very many of the fatal disasters which have befallen the navigator and
explorer have arisen from too great reliance in savage professions of friendship, or
overweening confidence in themselves.
It is the nature of the savage to remember benefits, and never to forgive injuries ;
you will therefore use your best endeavors, wherever you may go, to leave behind a
favorable impression of your country and countrymen.
The expedition is not for conquest, but discovery.
Its objects are all peaceful ; they are to extend the empire of commerce and of
science, in which all enlightened nations are equally interested, and we have a right
to expect the good-will and good offices of the whole civilized world.
You will bear in mind that though you may be carried beyond the sphere of so-
cial life and the restraint of law, yet the obligations of justice and humanity are al-
ways and every where equally imperative, in your intercourse with men, and most
especially savages ; that we seek them, not they us ; and that, if we expect to derive
advantages from the intercourse, we should endeavor to confer benefits in return.
You will carefully refrain from the exercise of undue prejudice or partiality to-
ward any under your command.
An observance of strict impartiality toward all will best promote the harmony and
efficiency of the expedition.
On entering any harbor, or meeting with any public vessel bearing the flag of a
nation in amity with the United States, you will be careful to obsei've the usual
courtesies. You will enjoin all under your command to abstain from violating the
commercial or municipal laws or regulations of the places they may visit, and to
a"oid, as far as possible, giving any the least ground of complaint. The policy of
the United Sates is avowedly pacific, and, while studious to maintain the honor and
guard the interests of their country, it is the duty of its officers to abstain from vio-
lating the laws or rights of other nations, and, by conciliating the good-will and fa-
APPENDIX B. 569
vorable opinion of the people they may visit in the course of the cruise, to strengthen
the bond of commercial intercfturse, and increase the disposition to more intimate
relations.
Should any violation of the persons or property of American citizens be commit-
ted or attempted, you will seek reparation or restitution by persuasive yet firm
measures ; and you will not resort to force unless in the last extremity, and when
no doubt can exist that right and justice are on your side.
The maintenance of discipline is an object requiring your unwearied solicitude.
The character of our country is only known and judged by remote and savage tribes,
and even by semi-civilized nations, by the personal deportment of its ofScers, who
are, to a certain extent, its representatives. The high standard which is within
their reach, and should be the aim of every one, is the best calculated to command
respect and confidence from all with whom intercoui-se is held.
All officers are enjoined by law, by regulation, and by regard to their own honor
to maintain, in all respects, a correct deportment toward superiors, inferiors, and
equals. A general obsei'vance of this salutary rule will render each one more happy
in his own person, more zealous in the discharge of his duty, and more useful to the
service of which he is a member.
You will not allow any under your command, if you can prevent it, to incm' debts
and leave them unpaid in any port or place they may visit.
If any be heedless of this order, you will report the circumstance to the Depart-
ment.
It is hoped and believed that every officer associated with you will zealously co-
operate with you in preserving the strictest discipline.
In conducting the exploration intrusted to you it may be found necessary to call
to your aid means which can not be provided for in a small steamer of the capacity
of the " Water "Witch, " such as horses, mules, and other resom-ces for the transport-
ation of small parties for shore operations, you are therefore authorized to employ
aU such means as you may deem essential to accomplish the objects of the expedi-
tion, keeping in view at all times the security and safety of your ofScers, crew, and
vessel, and a rigid economy in your expenditures.
You will communicate your proceedings at regular intervals direct to the Depart-
ment, forwarding a duplicate of each letter by the earliest opportunity to be found
after the original shall have been transmitted.
* * * * You will report by letter to the Commander of the United States Squad-
ron on the coast of Brazil, as a part of his command, but assigned to special duty
under the orders of the Department, with which he will not interfere except under
the most imperative circumstances, and he will be instructed to furnish such aid and
facilities as you may require in conducting the exploration.
APPENDIX B (Page 29).
CORRESPONDENCE OF MESSRS. SCHENCK AND TROUSDALE IN RELATION TO THE
EXPLORATION OF THE PARAGUAY.
This and the following letter are introduced to show the grounds on which their
author advocated the application for permission to explore the Brazilian waters :
Mr. Sclienck to Senor de Souza.
Legation of the United States, Rio de Janeiro, August 20, 1853.
The imdersigned. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States, desires to recall the attention of His Excellency Paulino Jose Soares
570 APPENDIX B.
de Soiiza, of the Council of His Majesty the Emperor, Minister and Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs, to an application which was made to the imperial gov-
ernment a few months ago.
On the 26th of April last, in the absence of the ttndersigned, a note was addressed
to his Excellency by Mr. Coxe, the Secretaiy of this Legation, inclosing a copy of
a letter from Lieutenant Thomas J. Page, of the United States Navy, commanding
the United States steamer "Water Witch," a vessel which had just then arrived in
this port on her way to survey the River Plate and its various tributaries. The ob-
ject was to obtain the friendly co-operation of the imperial government in aid of
that expedition, by orders to the authorities of those of her provinces in which are
any of the navigable waters of the rivers to be explored.
In reply to this note, on the Ith of May, his Excellency was pleased to say that
the imperial government, having opened to foreign commerce, in the River Para-
guay, the port of Albuquerque, would make no objection to Lieutenant Page carry-
ing his explorations to that point, but would send the necessary orders to the Pres-
ident of the Province of Matto Grosso, and to other imperial agents, that they might
give him all the co-operation in their power ; but that the imperial government, not
having yet opened to foreign nations other ports above Albuquerque, and not having
yet agreed as to the navigation of those rivers with other riverine states, could not
permit foreign vessels to enter them, and thus establish an example and precedent
which might be prejudicial to the empire, the right of navigation of those rivers not
having been settled.
This correspondence was immediately communicated to the commander of the
expedition, who had already proceeded to the River Plate ; and the answer of the
imperial government and the license thus accorded are duly appreciated.
But the undersigned, being then upon the eve of going himself on his special mis-
sion to the La Platine States, had little opportunity to advert to the limitations and
qualifications of tlie permission expressed.
On reflection since and now, the undersigned has believed it proper to state to his
Excellency that the limited privilege, conceded in answer to the request, is not as
liberal as the United States and their agents had a right to expect from a govern-
ment as enlightened as this. It can scarcely be that the restriction as to the point
to which the imperial government is willing, on its part, that tbe "Water Witch"
should ascend the River Paraguay, and the refusal altogether to permit her to en-
ter other rivers, would be insisted on if the nature and objects of the expedition were
fully understood and considered.
Otherwise the undersigned is unable to comprehend why such an enterprise, pure-
ly national in its character, projected for a simple and peculiar purpose, and that
purpose the advancement of science, should have been put upon a footing with in-
dividual commercial pursuits, and subjected to reasoning that can apply only to ordi-
nai7 voyages. Nothing is proposed which could be regarded as an example or prec-
edent for the voyage of a merchant or trading ship, or even of a vessel of war only.
To remove any possible misapprehension, however, the undersigned will now re-
peat that the "Water Witch" has been commissioned and fitted out expressly for
an exploration and careful survey of the River Plate and its tributaries ; that the
officers and crew have been selected and detailed with a view to that specific and
only duty ; and that, in short, the object is one purely scientific, looking to the ex-
amination of all that may be interesting in the productions and capabilities of the
countries bordering upon their waters ; and also, and more particularly, to an accu-
rate sounding of the channels to ascertain their fitness for navigation by steam-boats
and other vessels.
APPENDIX B. 571
And as the history and results of this exploration and survey — the descriptions
and charts which may be produced — will be made public to the world, for the com-
mon information of all, surely not the least interest and benefit may be expected to
accrue to those governments and their inhabitants who have possessions through
which the ditferent rivers flow. No questions of rights of navigation or transit can
possibly be involved in this work.
But the undersigned will not argue the subject farther. If, with this simple ex-
planation repeated, the expedition thus sent out by the United States does not at
once commend itself to the good wishes and favor of Brazil to the fullest extent, but
if, on the contrary, she interposes objections to its objects being pursued in any case
above a certain point on one of the rivers, becatise she has opened nothing beyond
that or elsewhere on the streams within her jurisdiction to foreign commerce, he
can only regret that he must report so unexpected a disposition of the imperial gov-
ernment to his government at liome, who will not fail to contrast it with the prompt,
cordial, and unrestricted encouragement and aid which have been extended to the
enterprise by the other states and territories having possessions on the different riv-
ers in question.
In the confidence that, upon a reconsideration of this subject, a farther and more
favorable and liberal answer to the application will be made by his Excellency, the
undersigned avails himself of the occasion to renew to his Excellency the assurances
of his high respect and distinguished consideration. Eobekt C. Schenck.
To His Excellency Paulino Jose Scares de Souza.
Mr. Schenck to Senor de Abreo.
Legation of the United States, Rio de Janeiro, September 21, 1S53.
The undersigned. Envoy Extraordinaiy and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United
States, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of note No. 28, dated the 16th in-
stant, from his Excellency Antonio Paulino Limpo de Abreo, of the Council of His
Majesty the Emperor, Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in reply
to that which was addressed by the undersigned to the predecessor of his Excellency
on the 20th of August last, in relation to the scientific and exploring expedition sent
by the government of the United States, under the command of Lieixtenant Page,
into the waters of the River La Plata and its tributaries.
The undersigned regrets to learn from his Excellency that the imperial govern-
ment persists in its determination not to consent that the steamer "Water Witch,"
commissioned for this survey, shall be permitted to ascend any of the rivers within
the territory and jurisdiction of Brazil, except the River Paraguay, and that river
only as far as the port of Albuquerque.
This resolution of the imperial government appearing to be decided and final, the
undersigned does not propose to repeat or enlarge farther upon the reasons and sug-
gestions which he has before presented for consideration, and which he supposed
might have elicited a different answer. He will content himself with communicat-
ing to the President of the United States an account of the application which it has
been his duty to make to the national authorities of Brazil, and the want of success
which has attended that application. The sovereignty of Brazil must, of course, be
fully recognized ; and any rule that she may think proper to establish will be re-
spectfully observed by the United States, in regard to that portion of any river which,
having its sources within her territory, flows entirely within her jurisdiction.
And the undersigned would not now deem it necessary to extend the correspond-
ence on this subject, or to reply to the note of his Excellency, but for the farther re-
marks of his Excellency which accompany the communication of this decision.
572 APPENDIX B.
His Excellency observes that the undersigned is perfectly aware that, above the
port of Albuquerque, there is no other in the River Paraguay which has been opened
by the imperial government to foreign commerce. That from this arrangement it
results, as is obvious, that to no foreign vessel can the river be accessible above that
port. That this was a principle established in very clear and express terms by de-
cree of the imperial government. No. 1140, on the 11th of April of this year. And
that the argument, therefore, that the "Water Witch," of which Lieutenant Page
is commander, has for its sole object to explore the River Paraguay and its tribu-
taries, can not avail, in the opinion of the imperial government, to change in favor
of that vessel the general principle which that decree established, and which would
be abandoned by the ascent of the "Water Witch" beyond the port of Albuquerque.
Admitting the premises, the undersigned can not yet assent to the conclusion ar-
rived at by this reasoning. It seems to him a non sequitur that the exclusion of " for-
eign commerce" should shut out from the privilege of a higher ascent of the river a
national vessel, engaged in no commercial pursuit or enterprise whatever, but sent
by a friendly power upon the peaceful and disinterested errand of scientific explo-
ration and survey. But the undersigned recognizes the full right of the imperial
government to give inteipretation to its own decrees, and is only led into this com-
ment on the position taken, because his Excellency has seemed, from the form of ex-
pression used, to appeal to the undersigned to admit the justice and the logic of the
proposition, which the undersigned is unable to do.
His Excellency informs the undersigned, however, that the resolution of the im-
' perial government does not prevent such explorations as the commandant of the
steamer may be instructed to make in the River Paraguay and its tributaries above
the port indicated, but that for this purpose he can employ boats of the country,
which he will easily find there. And it is added, that there are reasons for sup-
posing that these boats will be the best adapted for the ascent of the River Paraguay
beyond Albuquerque, which will perhaps not be practicable for the "Water Witch."
The undersigned duly appreciates this explanation of the action and views of the
imperial government, and thanks his Excellency for the suggestion as to the man-
ner in which the objects of the expedition may be accomplished above the point in
question. His Excellency's note will be communicated to Lieutenant Page, who is
charged with the service, and that officer will exercise his discretion, under such in-
structions as he may receive from the government at Washington, in regard to pur-
suing the survey in the way proposed to him. At present, and perhaps for the next
year or two, the surveying and mapping of the lower parts of the Parana and Para-
guay, and of the Rivers Pilcomayo and Vermejo, will sufficiently occupy his atten-
tion. It is not probable, however, that he will at any time avail himself of a per-
mission, on the Paraguay, to employ the boats of the country as recommended ; for
the undersigned begs leave to state that the government of the United States has
not sent out such an expedition without providing all the necessary means for its
prosecution. Lieutenant Page has with him not only all the boats that would be
ordinarily supplied for carrying out properly the examinations and surveys to be
made, but has been furnished also with the boilers, engine, and machinery for the
construction of a small steamer, with a draught of only a foot or fourteen inches, by
means of which those waters and channels may be sufficiently explored and meas-
ured which may be found too shallow to admit a vessel as large as the "Water
Witch." This small auxiliary steam-boat Lieutenant Page is now about building
and putting together, it is understood, at Assumpcion, in Paraguay. As to the doubt
expressed whether the "Water Witch" herself could ascend above Albuquerque, the
undersigned must be permitted to remark that that is a question to be detei-mined
APPENDIX B. 573
only by one of those practical experiments which are among the objects of the ex-
pedition.
The undersigned appreciates and has pleasure in acknowledging the expression
of the sentiments of friendly consideration which are entertained by the imperial
government toward the government of the United States, and the assurances that
orders shall be repeated that the commandant of the " Water Witch" may not fail
of any co-operation or aid which he may need for the accomplishment and happy
issue of the duty intrusted to him. The undersigned, in behalf of his government,
sincerely reciprocates these friendly sentiments ; and avails himself of the occasion
to renew to his Excellency the assurances of his perfect esteem and distinguished
consideration. Robert C. Schenck.
Mr. Trousdale to Lieutenant Page.
Legation of the United States, Rio de Janeiro, August 8th, 1854.
Lieut. Thomas Jefferson Page, Commanding U. S. Steamer " Water Witch."
Sir, — I received your communication, without date, through Robert G. Scott,
Junior, Esq., Acting Consul of the United States at this port, on the 1st of July
last, and on the 3d of that month I addressed a note to the Secretary of Foreign
Relations of the Government of Brazil, inviting the attention of his Excellency to
the correspondence of my predecessor, the Hon. Robert C. Schenck, with the Sec-
retary of Foreign Relations on the subject of the exploration of the tributaries of the
Rio de la Plata, and asking again the sanction and co-operation of the imperial
government to the expedition of the "Water Witch," and the privilege of ascend-
ing the River Paraguay to the head of navigation.
I am now in possession of the answer of the imperial government to that note, as
furnished through the Secretary of Foreign Relations, from which it appears that,
on more mature reflection, the imperial government has granted the privilege asked
for, of exploring the River Paraguay to the head of navigation, and has given in-
structions to the President of the Province of Matto Grosso, and the other agents
of the government in that quarter, to facilitate the expedition to the full accomplish-
ment of the original design ; herewith inclosed you will find copies of my notes to
the Secretary of Foreign Relations, and of his answers, marked A*, B*, C, D^.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. Tkousdale.
Inclosures.
A». Mr. Trousdale to Foreign Office, July 3d, 1854.
B«. Foreign Office to Mr. Trousdale, August 2d, 18r>4.
C*. Mr. Trousdale to Foreign Office, August 4th, 1854.
D^ Foreign Office to Mr. Trousdale, August 7th, 1854.
3Ir. Trousdale to Senor de Ahreo.
Legation of the United States, Eio de Janeiro, 3d July, 1854.
The undersigned. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States, has the honor to inform his Excellency Antonio Paulino Limpo de
Abreo, of the Council of his Majesty the Emperor, Minister and Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs, that it has become his duty to invite the attention of the govern-
ment of Brazil to the subject of the exploration of the tributaries of the Rio de la
Plata, and to bring the question of the privilege of ascending the River Paraguay
to the head of navigation again to the notice of the same, and to solicit once more
the approbation and co-operation of the imperial government to that enterjjrise.
This subject has been ably presented by my predecessor in repeated communications
574: APPENDIX B.
to the government of Brazil, to which the attention of his Excellency is particularly
invited ; the undersigned deems it useless at present to attempt farther argument
on the subject.
It will be remembered that the expedition on which the "Water Witch" has been
ordered by the President of the United States has purely for its object the advance-
ment of commerce and promotion of science ; and the enteqirising commander of
fhe "Water Witch," Captain Thomas Jefferson Page, having advanced as far, in
the discharge of his arduous duties, into the territory of Brazil as that government
has consented to co-operate with said exploration, it now becomes necessary to ask
the Brazilian government to co-operate with this enterprise to its consummation,
by at least extending the facilities heretofore given to the termination of the navi-
gation of the Paraguay.
The undersigned hopes for an answer at an early day, and renews to his Excel-
lency the assurances of his high esteem and distinguished consideration.
(Signed) W. Trousdale.
To his Excellency Antonio Paulino Limpo de Abreo, etc., etc., etc.
Legation of the United States, Eio de Janeiro, 4th August, 1854.
The undersigned. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States, presents his compliments to his Excellency Antonio Paulino Limpo
de Abreo, of the Council of his Majesty the Emperor, Minister and Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs, and has the honor to acknowledge receipt of his Excel-
lency's communication of the 2d instant, which contains the information that his
Majesty the Emperor and the government of Brazil, to whom the note of the under-
signed of the 3d ultimo had been presented, which asks the privilege for the United
States steamer "Water Witch" to explore the River Paraguay to the head of navi-
gation, and to obtain the sanction and co-operation of the government of Brazil to
the full accomplishment of the original design of that expedition, had consented to
the objects asked for in said note, on the condition that the undersigned should re-
ply to the communication of his Excellency of the 2d instant, confirming the state-
ments made by the Hon. Robert C. Schenck, in his notes to the Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs of the government of Brazil, on the subject of the exploration by
the steamer "Water Witch" of the tributaries of the Rio de la Plata,
The undersigned will here state that he has not been furnished with a copy of
the instructions given by the President of the United States to Lieutenant Thomas
Jefferson Page, commanding the United States steamer "Water Witch," in rela-
tion to the exploration of the tributaries of the Rio de la Plata ; all the information
the undersigned has on that subject is obtained from the statements of others : The
letter of Lieutenant Thomas Jefferson Page to Ferdinand Coxe, Esq., Secretary of
Legation of the United States at the Court of Brazil, of the 26th April, 1853, in
which he states the expedition has purely for its object the advancement of com-
merce and the promotion of science ; Mr. Coxe, in his note of the same date, 26th
April, 1853, to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, speaking of Lieutenant Page, says:
"This officer has been ordered by the President of the United States upon the highly
interesting and important duty of exploring and surveying all the rivers running into
the La Plata, and it is not doubted that the results of the expedition will be of the
highest importance to the commercial and scientific world." It will be seen that
Mr. Schenck, in his communication to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, of the 20th
August, 1853, uses this language : " Otherwise the undersigned is unable to compre-
hend why such an expedition, purely national in its character, projected for a sim-
ple and peculiar purpose, and that purpose for the advancement of science, should
APPENDIX C. 575
have been put qn a footing with individual commercial pursuits, and subjected to
reasoning that can apply only to ordinary vessels;" and, again, Mr. Schenck, in
his note to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, of the 7th October, 1853, speaking of
the action of the government of Brazil, says : ." She will therefore not consent that
the steamer ' Water Witch, ' sent by the United States on a purely scientific expe-
dition, shall ascend above that point;" and, again. Lieutenant Thomas Jefferson
Page, in a late communication to the undersigned, speaking of the refusal of the
Imperial government to permit him to explore the tributaries of the Rio de la Plata,
says: " It can not be the fixed, determined object of the government to arrest an
expedition having for its object solely the promotion oi science."
From the foregoing statements the undersigned feels authorized to say that the
object of the expedition of the "Water Witch" in the tributaries of the Rio de la
Plata is intended to promote the cause of science, and should not be construed into
a precedent for vessels of either war or commerce to navigate those streams.
The government of the United States will duly appreciate this act of kindness
and friendship toward it by the government of Brazil, and it will doubtless strength-
en the cords of friendship which now bind together those governments.
The undersigned hopes for a speedy consummation of this matter, and avails him-
self of this opportunity to renew to his Excellency assurances of his high esteem and
distinguished consideration. (Signed) W. Tkousdai.e.
To hia Excellency Antonio Paulino Limpo de Abreo, etc., etc., etc.
APPENDIX C (Page 59).
FROM THE DISPATCHES OF MR. ROBERT C. SCHENCK, UNITED STATES MINISTER
TO BRAZIL, ON THE POLITICAL EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE TIME OF
GENERAL URQUIZA'S ABANDONMENT OF THE SIEGE OF BUENOS AYRES.
By my last dispatch you were informed that I had returned here, bringing the
two treaties which Mi-. Pendleton and I have had the good fortune to conclude with
the Argentine Confederation. I send them now, with other original papers, as
follows :
1st. The Treaty of San Jose de Flores, for the free navigation of the rivers Pa-
rana and Uruguay, made July 10th, 1853 ; accompanying which is a Notice of the
Ratification of the same, on the 12th of July, by General Justo Jose de Urquiza, the
Provisional Director.
2d. The Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation, made at San Jose,
July 27th, 1853; accompanied by the Certificate of Powers of the Plenipotentiaries
of the Confederation of the same date ; and the Notice of Ratification by the Pro-
visional Director, on the 30th of July.
In the case of the Treaty of San Jose' de Flores, there was but one general power
given to the Argentine plenipotentiaries, authorizing them to treat alike with the
United States, Great Britain, and France ; and as there could not be an exchange
with each, the original was left in custody of the French plenipotentiary.
It would not be necessary to add much to what has already been reported to you
of the circumstances attending oui- negotiations and the signing of these treaties.
On my arrival at Buenos Ayres, on the 21st May last, I found the city in a state
of close siege and blockade. The conferences between the two belligerent parties,
which were initiated and conducted under the auspices and mediation of the minis-
ters of Brazil and Bolivia, had been broken off; and I was accordingly disappoint-
ed in my expectation of finding peace, and with it the government of the Confed-
eration established and prepared to treat. For two months the prospect of making
576 APPENDIX C.
my mission effective seemed to be no better; and, at the close of, June, I bad de-
termined and was prepared to return to my post here, abandoning for the present
all idea of a treaty, general or special, and leaving farther negotiations on the part
of our government to a more promising time, and to whomsoever might be hereafter
appointed to the duty.
But just at that contingency I obtained such reliable information of a crisis at
hand as induced me to change my purpose, and I resolved to remain another month.
I became satisfied that in the new aspect of affairs would be found the first and best
opportunity that was likely to present itself for concluding treaty stipulations, which
should not only embrace, as far as the United States were concerned, the general
provisions for reciprocal commerce and friendship, but that with these, or in advance
of these, might be obtained the great object of the special missions of England and
France, as well as what we sought ourselves — security for the free navigation of the
rivers. To this latter object particularly, in conjunction with the British and French
ministers, we first applied ourselves, and the result is the treaty of the 10th of July.
So far as the Argentine Confederation is concerned, or has jurisdiction in the
rivers La Plata, Parana, and Uruguay, not only the principle, but the fact is now
fixed and perpetual.
A free passage for the commerce of all the world on those waters will no longer
depend on laws or decrees, which may be repealed, or even on a constitutional pro-
vision, which may be changed, but is safe hencefo'rth under the solemn guarantees
of international contract.
A similar treaty precisely in all its terms was signed on the same day by the pleni-
potentiaries of Great Britain and France.
Mr. Pendleton has already given you an account of the base and treacherous
transfer of the blockading squadron of the Confederation by Coe, their chief naval
commander; tke disastrous influence that that surrender had upon the besieging
army, and other particulars of the cotirse of events, which led General Urquiza to de-
termine finally to abandon all farther forcible measures toward Buenos Ayres. It
is sufiicient, with reference to our diplomatic duties and services in the midst of
these occurrences, to state that we had to go back and through the lines of the bel-
ligerent parties, with such degree of safe-conduct as their passes and escorts could
secure to us, seeking actively and discreetly as we could to provide for the interests
we had in charge, and not always, perhaps, without exposure to some little peril.
It was, in truth, a duty somewhat anomalous, and in proportion exciting, for a ci-
vilian to be engaged in.
The mediation which was undertaken by Sir Charles Hotham, the Chevalier St.
Georges, and myself, at the instance of both parties, has been also explained to you ;
and its abrupt conclusion, the final breaking up of the siege, the retiring of Urquiza
with the troops of the Confederation, and the dispersion of the outside chiefs of
Buenos Ayres.
General Urquiza, as Provisional Director, with approval of the Constituent Con-
gress, took at length the course which should have been, I think, his policy, and the
policy of the Thirteen Provinces, from the beginning — that was to leave Buenos
Ayres to herself, to unite or not with them as she might elect under the Constitution.
It was in this view of the subject that we mutually agreed with the Provisional
Director that the time had come for treating with the Confederation under his aus-
pices.
Buenos Ayres may deny, in her present anomalous position, refusing as she does
to be represented in the Constituent Congress, that treaties thus made are binding
upon her. I have no apprehension, however, that she will to the end continue to
APPENDIX C. 577
disregard their obligations. But if she should attempt to do so, she will be ulti-
mately, and soon, in one way or another, compelled to abide by them.
She is either in the Confederation or out of it. If in it, she must be made to con-
form to its international duties ; if out of it, and hereafter^recognized as a separate
nationality, she will be constrained, by the opening of the rivers and ports above,
and for her own self-preservation, to enter into similar treaties on her own account.
The time has passed by when a single state or province, upon her pretensions of
her superior wealth, and population, and strength, can dominate over all others, ob-
structing their progress, and hindering the friendly relations they would establish
with other countries. She will learn, of necessity, the republican lesson of political
equality with her sister provinces, and that she must not expect them to submit to
no organization but one which would leave all the power and rule with her.
I may here add that the Constitution ^o identical almost with our own) which
was adopted at Santa Fe, and submitted, through the Provisional Director, to the
people of the provinces for their acceptance, has been received enthusiastically every
where out of Buenos Ayres ;' and I' presume that the next step of the Constituent
Congress which framed it, and which remains in session until the complete organi-
zation under it, will be the appointment of a day for the election of President and
Vice-President.
Urquiza will undoubtedly be elected President, if he is willing to acept the office.
His elevation to that position will confirm still more the hostility of Buenos Ayres.
• But she would be almost equally averse to the election of any one, being a native
and resident of an interior province.
But, leaving these speculations as to the future of the Confederation, I present,
with brief remark, the treaties as we have actually made them, and which, I trust,
will receive the sanction of the President and the Senate.
The treaty of San Jose de Flores is a success, you will observe, quite exceeding
what Mr. Webster, in his instructions to me of the 28th of April, 1852, expected we
should be able to accomplish. It was hardly hoped then that a negotiation for the
free navigation of the rivers could terminate thus favorably.
This treaty embodies the principle of General Urquiza's decree of the 3d October,
1852 ; and will be in entire accord with Article 26, first part of the Constitution
of the Confederation. The constitutional declaration is in these terms :
" Article 26. La navigacion de los rios interiores de la Confederacion es libra para todas las ban-
deros, con sujeclon unicamente a los reglamentos que dicta la autoridad Nacional."
It was at first objected, on behalf of the Confederation, that this provision of their
constitution removed the whole subject from the treaty-making power, and would
leave it only within the jurisdiction of the Congress. The legislative power, it was
claimed, could alone be the national authority to prescribe the needful regulations
for such free navigation.
After much discussion we overcame this position, by satisfying the plenipoten-
tiaries as to what must be the interpretation of their own constitution, to wit, that
treaties regularly concluded, either by the present Provisional Executive, or made
by the President and approved by Congress, after the organization under the consti-
tution, are to be taken, as in the United States, as "the supreme law of the land;"
and that "regulations" established by treaty must be considered as much sanction-
ed by "national authority" as if enacted in the shape of statute law. This radical
and essential point was yielded to us upon the argument which was devolved upon
me to make in behalf of the three powers.
I do not know that more than one or two of the particular articles or clauses of
this treaty require comment. The others all clearly explain themselves.
37
578 APPENDIX C.
Article V. is an important stipulation. The Island Martin Garcia being at the
head of the River Plata, and commanding the whole channel by which vessels must
pass to and from the mouths of the Parana and Uruguay, an unfriendly power in
possession of that point niight obstruct the whole navigation. Hence the necessity
of some guard against such possible interpretation. The Province of Buenos Ayres
at present claims and holds the island.
Mr. Pendleton and I would not agree, on behalf of our government, to any strong-
er obligation of resistance than is conveyed by the phrase "use their influence."
That is an expression which will admit of great latitude of interpretation. Some
such clause, however, in the treaty, you will at once perceive, was essentially neces-
sary for its certain efficiency.
So far as the Confederation is concerned, it is to be fairly claimed, I think, that
the ratification of this treaty, as well as that subsequently made at San Jose', is com-
plete. But General Urquiza, at the same time that he, in the exercise of his plenary
powers as Provisional Director, was willing to give, and has given his absolute con-
firmation to them both, has yet, out of respectful deference to the Congress, whose
sanction will be required to treaties made ixnder the constitution which is so soon to
come into force, declared also his purpose to submit these to the approval of that
body.
This explanation might remove some ambiguity that you might otherwise find in
the respective ratifying clauses.
Our co-operation with the British and French plenipotentiaries ceased after the
execution of the River Treaty.
Mr. Pendleton proceeded, as he has informed you, on the 22d of July, to Entre
Rios, to procure our farther negotiation on account of the United States alone. The
treaty we agreed on there, on the 27th, is substantially the same as that which Great
Britain at present enjoys, hers being made in the time of Rosas at Buenos Ayres ;
and France has intrusted the duty of endeavoring to obtain a similar one to a new
Minister Plenipotentiary, who had just arrived in the river at the time of my leaving.
You will find that in all the articles there is no material alteration in any respect
from the ordinaiy form and provisions of these reciprocal treaties which we were in-
structed to adopt. In some parts only I sought to simplify, condense, and make a
little clearer, and trust I, in some small degree, succeeded.
In one important particular, however, we have obtained an advantage quite be-
yond any thing secured in other treaties of this class. This with the Argentine
Confederation is perpetual. Considering the principles of reciprocity established by
it, and the comparative amount of commercial and other interests of the two coun-
tries and their citizens to be benefited in their relations with each other, our gov-
ernment has all the gain, and loses nothing by the absence of any limitation of time.
It is not probable that such a perpetual treaty would have been obtained by us
now, but from the fact that the existing treaty with England is without limit.
But we have not found General Urquiza, or any of those associated with him in
the present government of the Confederation, disposed to prefer any other country
or its interests to those of the United States. Indeed, there is entertained for us, I
may say, a decided partiality. They look at present with especial interest for the
public opinion of our people upon the experiment they are about to make with our
Federal Constitution.
In the journey made by Mr. Pendleton and myself to Entre Rios, to meet Gen-
eral Urquiza and conclude the general treaty, we were received and entertained
with marks of the most distinguished and flattering respect to our countiy. We
were made at all points the guests of the government ; the American flag was dis-
APPENDIX D. 579
played at ever}' opporttinity ; and, in short, every testimonial and attention exhib-
ited which could indicate the high consideration in which we were held as repre-
sentatives of an admired nation.
Mr. Pendleton being unfortunately taken sick by the wiay, and unable to proceed
farther than Gualaguaychu, I had to go on to San Jose and agree upon the treaty
alone ; but General Urquiza kindly and promptly met this difficulty by sending a
confidential messenger back with me, a distance of seventy miles, to bring and take
the copy for the Confederation, so that my colleague should also have opportunity
to affix to it his seal and signature.
This partiality toward the United States is more to be regarded, when it is con-
sidered that the recent treachery of our countryman Coe, and the very reprehensible
conduct in that connection of one of our naval officers of high rank, and perhaps of
other American citizens, had tended, just at that time, to excite a prejudice to our
general disadvantage and discredit.
I have thought it not impertinent to the subject of my dispatch to mention this
continued favor toward our government and people, as it may avail something here-
after to cultivate and encourage such a disposition for the benefit of American com-
mercial and other interests that may be expected to spring up and increase in that
quarter.
I must not close this dispatch without bearing testimony to the veiy friendly co-
operation that Mr. Pendleton and I have had throughout the negotiations with Sir
Charles Hotham and the Chevalier St. Georges, the British and French Ministers,
in all that related to the objects and interests of our three governments that were in
common.
We found both those gentlemen on all occasions liberal and frank in the highest
degree. I believe it will be admitted all around that we labored together, when it
was necessary or expedient, with joint and mutual benefit.
I desire also to express to you a very high sense of the important services render-
ed to us by Lieutenant Thomas J. Page, commanding the United States steamer
"Water Witch." Without his various services in carrying General Urquiza and
his staflF when they retired from Buenos Ayres ; in conveying Mr. Pendleton and
myself afterward to Entre Rios, and other duties which he with his ship was able to
perform, I hardly know how we could have succeeded in bringing our negotiations
to a successful conclusion. The presence of the "Water Witch" for several weeks
at that particular juncture was invaluable ; and all her movements strikingly ex-
emplified the necessity of having a vessel of her kind and class, on almost all occa-
sions, on the River Plate.
Will you please communicate to the Secretary of the Navy this expression of our
appreciation of the services of Lieutenant Page.
I have the honor, etc. Robekt C. Schenck.
APPENDIX D (Page 59).
MEMORANDUM AS TO THE "PROTEST" OF BUENOS AYRES AGAINST THE TREATY
OF SAN JOSE' DE FLORES (5™ SEPTEMBER, 1853), BY ROBERT C. SCHENCK, MINIS-
TER PLENIPOTENIARY.
The first thing that demands attention in this paper is the extremely unfair, un-
candid, and, in some particulars, false statement which is made in regard to the cir-
cumstances existing at the time the treaty was signed.
My government has already been informed as to the history of the mediation
580 APPENDIX D.
which was conducted under the ausjnces of the Ministers Plenipotentiary of En-
gland, France, and the United States, and of the condition of aifairs which attend-
ed the withdrawal of General Urquiza from the siege, and his retirement to Entre
Rios. It is not necessary to repeat that history. But it is well to remark how stu-
diously the government of Buenos Ayres attempts to confuse and mix together mat-
ters which have no connection.
The Understanding in regard to the retirement of General Urquiza, for the rea-
sons stated in his proclamation, and without obstruction, was one thing ; the terms
which should be made with General Lagos and the provincial troops outside, was
altogether another affair. General Urquiza, by the arrangement that had been
made, was at liberty to retire, and might have retired with all the forces of the other
provinces unmolested at any time for two days before he did go. But he magnani-
mously remained to see what agreement the two Buenos Ayrean parties, inside and
outside, were going to make between themselves, what terms would be granted to
General Lagos, if he would raise the si«ge, and what he would accept. General
Urquiza apprehended that if he were the first to go with the troops of the Confed-
eration, the city would not keep faith with Lagos. And the result proved that there
was but too miich reason to doubt the sincerity of the inside party. For my-
self, I had no confidence in the ministers of the inside from the beginning ; and I
thought General Urquiza was right in waiting as long as he did for the event. The
delays that were interposed, day after day, to avoid a final arrangement, were re-
sorted to by the city party, I believed then, and am certain now, only for the pur-
pose of exciting doubt and disorganization among the troops outside, and not with
any intention of making a fair and honest peace.
It is false to say, as their "Protest" does, that the mediating ministers were at the
Government House in the city on the 13th of July, laboring to make terms for the
safety of General Urquiza. The question as to General Urquiza's movements was
disposed of. They were then only trying to adjust the terms of peace to be made
with Lagos and his provincial force. It is equally untrue the statement that that
long interview was broken up by news of the abandonment of the siege by Urquiza
and Lagos. The discussion was protracted by Torres and his fellow-ministers, and
eveiy sort of new delay and objection interposed by them, to the surprise of the
mediating ministers, after every point as to Lagos and his chiefs had been the day
previous substantially agreed upon and settled. But before that interview was over,
the terms in relation to Lagos and his provincial force were at last signed by the
Buenos Ayrean ministers, and not communicated that night to him only because
it was too late. The departure of General Urquiza was not known by the medi-
ating ministers nor heard of in the city until next morning ; nor did they learn un-
til then of the breaking up of the siege of Lagos.
General Lagos took that course evidently yielding to the disorganization of his
forces produced by the delays and false dealing of the inside government — delays
cunningly and basely resorted to after every thing had been virtually and in good
faith arranged.
I have not a doubt but that while the mediating ministers were discussing for
hours the plan of an honorable peace with the ministers of the city on the 13th, at
that very time the authorities were sending out the reports, which became current
in the camp, that the mediating ministers had confederated with General Urquiza
to betray Lagos and his troops.
I will not, however, as I said, repeat this history. It is only of any consequence
to refer to it again, because it shows that General Urquiza, in making the treaty,
acted under no such imminent danger, or apprehension, or in any such state of alarm
APPENDIX D. 531
as this "Protest" imputes to him. If there was any truth or good faith in the in-
side party, he had no cause to feel any apprehension on the day the treaty was
made, for his understanding with them was ah-eady complete, and they had gladly
conciu'red in the arrangement that he should retire, with the troops of the Confed-
eration under his immediate command, in the foreign men-of-war. In order to
make it otherwise appear now, they are forced to deny and discredit their own prop-
ositions and solemn promises. They had even three days before requested of Gen-
eral Urquiza, through the mediating ministers, as a favor, that when he did with-
draAv to Entre Rios he would go up the River Uruguay instead of the Parana — a
request which he had acceded to as suiting his own purposes.
But, suppose it were true that General Urquiza was beaten, defeated, driven from
Buenos Ayres, how coiild that affect the validity of the treaty he had made ? It
does not in the least touch the question.
This "Protest" proceeds throughout on the mistaken assumption that a govern-
ment negotiating with the Argentine Confederation is going to take notice of the
domestic broil or civil war existing in Buenos Ayres, one of the provinces of that
republic. But that is wholly an affair of their own. It matters not whether the
war was between different parts of that province or different portions of its people ;
or between that province and the rest of the Confederation.
Buenos Ayres is not known to foreign powers in this question. She has never,
in fact, separated herself from the Confederation, and declared her independence ;
and if she had done so, the recognition of her nationality is an act and right which
belongs exclusively to governments. And until such recognition has been made,
either by her own government or the government to which the province belonged,
we are bound to consider her ancient relations as unaltered. This principle has
been distinctly declared by an American judicial court, in Gelston versus Hoyt — 3
Wheaton, 324.
It is of no consequence whether the Provisional Director, when he made his
treaty, was marching out of that province, or into that province, or had never been
near that province at all. It is of no consequence whether Buenos Ayres was at
peace within her own borders, or distracted by war ; or at peace or at war with the
rest of the Confederation. We have nothing to do with those domestic affairs.
The question is. Whether ice have a treaty with the Argentine Confederation ? Not
'■'■What the Argentine Confederation is f Buenos Ayres may belong to it, or not be-
long to it ; be bound to its treaties, or not bound ; and so may any other province.
Those are questions to be considered hereafter.
Bat the "Protest" says that General Urquiza was not a free agent, but was act-
ing under compulsion when he treated.
The best answer for that is that General Urquiza still adheres to the treaty, and has
ratified, and asks for it the approbation and sanction of the Congress of the Confeder-
ation. And the constituted authorities of the national government ixnder the Constitu-
tion will probably be as well satisfied with it as the Provisional Director. He report-
ed the whole negotiation and its conclusion to the Constituent Congress ; and his
communication, with exact copies of all the treaties, was published in full in the Na-
ciojud, the official newspaper at Parana, the capital of Entre Rios, on the 22d of Au-
gust. It was through that publication that the authorities of Buenos Ayres must
have possessed themselves of the copies which, with so much parade, they pretend-
ed to have "discovered" on the 31st of August. Discovered a secret plot against
Buenos Ayres in the public newspapers ! It really seems that they can not be other-
wise than disingenuous about every thing.
The sympathy for General Urquiza, in the coercion and abuse of his situation to
which it is pretended he was subjected, seems to be entirely uncalled for.
582 APPENDIX D.
Besides, to show that there was no surprise or imposition on the Provisional Di-
rector, it must be i-emembered that he had been, for almost a year before, consider-
ing the making of this very treaty.
All the terms of it, I am informed by the English and French plenipotentiaries,
had been virtually agreed to with them months previously to its being concluded ;
and two weeks before he had signified to me his willingness to make a treaty with
the United States, in the very words of this which was signed.
But the "Protest" objects that General Urquiza had no power to treat.
It is rather late to claim now that General Urquiza did not represent the Confed-
eration in its foreign relations, when such powers had not only been conferred upon
him by the Acuerdo of San Nicetas, and confirmed subsequently by the Congress of
Delegates at Santa Fe', in which thirteen of the fourteen provinces were represent-
ed, but when he had been actually exercising such functions in repeated ways and
instances. He concluded a treaty, by his plenipotentiary, with Paraguay on the 15th
July, 1852. He received these very ministers of England, France, and the United
States, who signed the treaties of San Jose de Flores, in July and August, 1853
— ministers who came with letters of credence, and with powers to treat on the very
subject of this treaty — the free navigation of the rivers. Buenos Ayres had no ob-
jection to make to his powers then. It is with her now evidently an after-thought.
But Buenos Ayres complains that she was not represented in the Congress which
confirmed the powers of the Provisional Director. That is a pity ; it is, perhaps,
her misfortune. The other thirteen provinces were all there ; and, it seems, by the
adoption of a constitution, that the Argentine Confederation will go on even with-
out her concurrence, notwithstanding Buenos Ayres is impressed with the idea that
that is impossible !
It is to be hoped, however, that so important a member of the Confederation as
she is will reconsider her ground, and not hold out any longer in her anomalous po-
sition. It is desirable that she could continue in the republic, because, in addition
to other advantages, her capital city will be a convenient and suitable place for the
federal capital.
It is pretended that the powers of the Provisional Director have ceased with the
adoption of the Constitution. If that were admitted, it would follow, as a conse-
quence, that there is no government of the Confederation ; because the elections for
President and Congress, under the Constitution, not yet having taken place, there
has been nobody to whom the provisional government could surrender its powers.
It is, on the contrary, obvious that tlie provisional government — that is to say, the
provisional directorship, continues in the person of General Urquiza, or some one
else ; or else there must be some other form of government to represent the sover-
eignty and nationality of the republic until the organization shall have taken place
under the Constitution.
There is no force in the objection that the 5th article contains an agreement in
regard to the Island of Martin Garcia, and is void, because that island belongs to
Buenos Ayres, and she was not consulted. Admit, for the sake of argument, that
the island is her territory ; and also admit (which she does not dare to claim) that
she is no longer in the Confederation ; even then the agreement about it is good be-
tweeii the parties to the treaty.
Did not England and France invite the United States to enter into a treaty in re-
gard to the Island of Cuba? and yet Cuba belonged to neither of the contracting
parties ; and, more than that, the very object of such a treaty was that it never
should belong to either. The government of the United States did not in that case
decline because there was any doubt about its power and right, or the power and
APPENDIX D. 583
right of the other parties to treat upon the subject, but because it did not suit
our policy to tie up our hands, or to be drawn into any such negotiation about that
island.
The Protest says that the 6th article would deprive Buenos Ayres of her right of
blockade, in time of war with any nation on the river above her. Not at all. This
article expressly recognizes the right of blockade and search, in proper cases, by de-
claring what articles of a cargo shall be considered contraband.
But "a blockade to be acknowledged as valid must be confined to particular
ports, each having a force stationed before it sufficient to interrupt the entry of ves-
sels." Such is the law of nations ; and it is only intended by this article that nei-
ther Buenos Ayres nor any other state, under claim of right of blockade, shall shut
up the rivers and stop the commerce and navigation of all the countries above ; but
shall be confined, in'the exercise of her hostile right, to a strict and legitimate block-
ade of the particular port or ports of the nation with which she may be at war.
The pretense that this treaty was made merely as a means by wTiich General
Urquiza might avenge himself on Buenos Ayres, does not deserve notice or reply.
Nor will I answer the base insinuation that the ministers of the three governments
bargained for the treaty with General Urquiza, as the condition of their acknowl-
edging the blockade of the port of Buenos Ayres, farther than by reference to the
fact that that blockade was recognized as legitimate, in May, not by the diplomatic
agents, but as a question pertaining to them by the naval commanders, not only of
England, France, and the United States, but also of Brazil, Sardinia, Spain, and
all other countries having vessels of war on the station.
The declaration of Buenos Ayres that she first opened the rivers to free navigation
by her law of the 18th October, 1852, is a mere impudent pretension. It is such a
statement as could only be expected in a paper which represents the squadron, sold
by the traitor Coe, as " having gone over and submitted voluntarily to the orders of
the Buenos Ayrean inside party, simply because it recognized the justice of that
cause."
The fact is that General Urquiza, to whom the world is indebted for his liberal
policy, after the fall of Rosas, made the first decree opening the rivei's on the 2Sth
of August, 1852; and afterward confirmed that again by his other decree made at
Parana, October 3d, 1852. And this last mentioned decree was issued, as declared
in the preamble to it, ' ' in view of the opposition taken by the Province of Buenos
Ayres," that is because Buenos Ayres had shown a disposition to obstruct that free
navigation.
But whether the rivers are open or not — by decrees of Urquiza, by the law of
Buenos Ayres (and how could her sala legislate for the waters of the whole Confed-
eration?), or by the declaration contained in the Constitution of the Confederation ;
in either case, there was still the same necessity for a treaty. Now this free navi-
gation will not be subjected to changing legislation, amendments of a constitution,
revolutions, or caprice of the Confederation, or of any of its states ; but it is estab-
lished and perpetually secured by solemn compact between sovereign nations.
And here I would stop. But, looking at the treaties as published with this "Pro-
test," I can not forbear calling attention to another small matter — a petty trick and
cheat to which these Buenos Ayrean ministers have descended, in order to make
it seem that General Urquiza was usurping a title and office which could only be
conferred under the Constitution. They have falsified the ratifying clause in each
of the treaties by substituting the word "President" (Presidente de la Confeckracion)
for "Provisional Director" {Director Provisario).
Rio de Janeiro, 1S53.
584 APPENDIX E.
APPENDIX E (Page 137).
EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF LIEUTENANT POWELL ON HIS TOUR
THROUGH THE YERBALES OF PARAGUAY.
The general plan adopted for the execution of my instructions was to take the
sides of an imaginary triangle, one angle of which rested at the city of Asuncion,
another among the " Yerbales," near the town of San Estanislado, and a third at
the town of San Cosme on the River Parana, as the route of travel to be followed as
nearly as practicable, to fix the important features, astronomically or by bearing and
distance, to collect specimens of productions, and to show the present condition of
the country.
The party under my charge for this service consisted of two of the crew of the
Water Witch and a native, who acted as guide and Guarani interpreter. Our means
of transportation were horses, one of which carried, as a pack, two tents, cooking
utensils, etc. The instruments consisted of a sextant and artificial horizon, a pock-
et-chronometer, a compass, a mountain barometer, and thermometers. The chro-
nometer and compass were carried upon my person, the barometer on that of the
guide.
These arrangements being completed, we left Asuncion on the 31st of May, 1854,
and commenced our route to the northward and eastward for the Yerbales. Fol-
lowing this route as shown by the map, we spent our first night out at the village of
Lugue, thence passed on to the more considerable town of Ytagua.
Leaving Ytagua on the 7th of June, we passed around the head of the Lake Ypa-
caray, and after visiting the villages of Atira, Tobat}^, and Caraguatay, reached
San Estanislado on the 17th, where we were hospitably received and comfortably
housed by the Juez de Paz, Don Jose de Ricaldi.
A glance at the map shows the Lake Ypacaray lying between the slight sierras of
Paraguayri and Piraju. It is a beautiful sheet of water of twelve or thirteen miles in
length and from one to three miles in width. It receives its waters from the neigh-
boring sierras and the valley to the eastward, and discharges them into the Paraguay
through the little river Salado. Herds of cattle graze upon its banks, but its surface
is only disturbed by numerous wild fowls, and its depths as yet only sounded by the
nutria, the alligator, and other of its indigenous occupants.
The face of the country between the Sierra of Piraju and the River Aguay is gen-
erally low, and, though interseced by the considerable stream of the Piribeby and
some small tributaries of it and the Aguay, is not sufficiently well drained to prevent
its being wet and sometimes marshy, except about the occasional wooded knolls
which rise from 50 to 75 feet above the general level. The villages of Atira and
Tobaty, situated on the slope of the Sierra of Piraju, are but small collections of in-
different Indian huts, standing around their little churches and inhabited by rem-
nants of the once numerous Guarani tribe.
The town of Caraguatay contains 120 houses, and upon our entering it on the
morning of the 9th the people were celebrating a "fiesta," in honor of the re-elec-
tion to the Presidency of his Excellency Don Carlos Antonio Lopez, and I estimat-
ed the number in the place at one thousand. So many of these crowded around
the tents as to prevent me from using the instruments or doing any thing else than
gratify their curiosity, and to force me to surrender at discretion and await a better
time. By meridian of the 12th I found but three families in it. The "fiesta" was
over, and they all had returned to their usual residences in the neighboring country.
The River Aguay was only about thirty yards wide, and, like most of the other
APPENDIX E. 535
Btreams of this low section of the country, has but little current, though the depth
was such as to make it necessary to swim our horses and pass the luggage in canoes.
As shown by the map, it discharges into the Paraguay ; and near where we crossed
it there was in course of construction a large raft of timber, to be floated down to
Asuncion.
On the northern bank of the Aguay lies the estancia of the state, Ygazanri, wliich
is one of many large tracts of land, stocked with cattle and horses, owned by the
state, and managed, under the direction of the government, by a capitaz and liis as-
sistants. In extent it is said to be twenty miles square, and the stock upon it num-
ber eighty thousand head. The number of cattle owned by the government of this
countiy on these different estancias is estimated at one million.
Between the River Aguay and the Sierra of San Miguel lies the Estero of Agua-
racatj', an extensive marsh in which are lost several considerable streams, among
which is the Rio Hondo.
As we advanced over Ygazauri our route lay over marshes and through lagoons,
in which the mud and sand was frequently above the girths of our saddles, causing
considerable difficulty in our progress and great fatigue to our horses. At the dis-
tance of five miles from the Hondo we reached the estancia of the state, San Miguel,
situated on the slope of the sierra of that name. And, having passed over this sierra,
we found the face of the country between that and San Estanislado broken and un-
even, and the forest growth diversified by the palm.
Having learned that the nearest yerbales at which work was being carried on at
the time were thirty miles distant in the mountains, I determined to visit them, ac-
companied by a guide, who acted as interpreter. After a ride of twenty-five miles
over a fair mountain road we reached the Yerbale of Santa Rosa, where we were
welcomed to his ranch by the patron, Don Falkcncia Pcriedo, who hospitably sup-
plied us with the best he had, and to whom I am indebted for most of the following
information relative to gathering and preparing of the "Paraguay Tea."
The Yerha Mate, or Ilex Paraguay ensis, is, as designated by its botanical name, a
shrub of the same class as our holly. Its Spanish name is derived from the word
mate, a gourd, in which it is prepared as a beverage. It is found in the sierras of
the northern part of this and in similar localities of the neighboring countries. Con-
siderable quantities of it, as prepared for commerce, are now used in the different
countries of South America. That of Paraguay is most esteemed, and is one of
the principal articles of her export trade. The rethe lands in which the yerbales
are found belong to the state, and the trade in it is a government monojioly.
It is gathered and cured, sometimes under the superintendence of the government
officials of the departments in which it is found, at others by private individuals who
receive permission to work it on prescribed conditions. Wlien worked by the of-
ficials the workmen are drafted from the neighborhood, as if for any other public
work, and are paid in cured yei-ba or in goods, such as wearing apparel, etc., with
which the government keeps itself supplied for such purposes, and on which it gains
the usual percentage. When worked by individuals the general rule is to allow them
one third of the yerba cured, they paying all expenses.
On commencing the work of gathering and curing the yerba, the patron or super-
intendent selects his location — having in view the quantity of the material and the
facility of transportation — and erects the necessary buildings, consisting generally of
a shed of fifty or sixty feet in length for storing the goods, provisions, etc., that he
may have and the yerba that he collects, a number of small huts as dwellings for the
workmen, and the harhracuas, or frames \\\mn which the material is dried. The
former are constructed in a rude manner and thatched with dry grass. The latter
586 APPENDIX E.
are more firmly constructed of poles and withes, are in size fifteen or twenty feet
square, have arched or angular roofs, and firm even floors made of clay, extending
six or eight feet beyond the frames on all sides, for the convenience of pulverizing
the material after it is dried.
Near each barbracua is erected (if there is no tree convenient for the purpose) a
stand from which the uru, or foreman, may watch the drying material and go to the
top of the barbracua to make such changes in its disposition as he may deem neces-
sary. The yerba sometimes reaches the size of a tree, growing to the height of
twenty-five or thirty feet ; but in collecting it for curing, the bushes of from six to
twelve feet in height, and from one to two and a half inches in diameter of stem, are
preferred. These, having been passed through the flames of a flre built near the
place of cutting for the purpose, are stripped of their half-dried leaves and tender
twigs, which are then carried to the barbracuas to be thoroughly toasted.
For the purpose of transportation the raydo (a net-work of hide thongs of four or
five feet square, having long thongs to pass over the leaves and twigs upon it, and
secure at its diagonal corners) is used, and is carried upon the head and shoulders
of a workman. Having been struck by the quantity carried by one man in this man-
ner, I had the packed raydo weighed as it was taken off of the carrier, and found its
weight to be fourteen Spanish arobas, of twenty-five English pounds each, or three
hundred and fifty English pounds.
The half-dried material is carefully placed over the top and partly down the sides
of the barbracua, in quantities of from fifty to one hundred arobas, and in such a
manner as to permit the heat to reach every part of it. A fire, from which the ob-
ject is to get heat with as little flame and smoke as possible, is then built under it,
and taken charge of by one of the workmen. The foreman mounts the guard-stand
and the other workmen go to the collection of more half-dried leaves and twigs to
take the place of those now being toasted. From thuty-six to forty-eight hours, the
fires being kept up from daylight to 7 or 8 P. M. , are occupied in the toasting process.
If it rains upon the material upon the barbracua, it is necessary to repack and dry
it again. And yerba which has been so made is not considered good for prese^-va-
tion, and is never sent to the government agents for shipment, but is sold for home
consumption.
The toasting process being completed, the fire is removed, the floor swept off, and
the dry material, being worked through the frame, falls to the floor, and is pounded
with wooden instruments in the shape of wood swords, until reduced to the condition
' of a coarse powder, and gradually removed to the store-house as it becomes so.
The yerba is packed in hide bales, made by cutting the edges of a raw hide even,
moistening it, doubling it lengthwise, and sewing up the sides with hide thongs.
The packing is done by putting in small quantities at a time while the hide is moist,
settling it well with a heavy wooden pestle, and gradually closing the open end, until
the bale will contain no more. The hide then contracting as it dries, adds to the
compactness of the whole, and it is ready for transportation. These bales are termed
tercios, and those made of the larger hides contain two hundred English pounds.
The workmen are paid at the rate of 25 cents the aroba for the cured yerba, as it is
brought from the barbracua, and a packer gains about six cents the aroba, the hide
being found by the employer.
Having passed 24 hours at Santa Eosa, I returned to San Estanislado, accompa-
nied by the Senor Periedo, and on June 24th, it being the Feast of St. John, we had
a grand^esto. The chief amusement of the day was horse-racing, which appeared
to be entered into with considerable sjjirit by the crowd, though the bets rarely went
beyond a silver dollar. The horses were but ordinary in appearance or speed, and
APPENDIX E. 587
were ritlden generally bare-back and with the riendas, which consist of a simple pair
of leather reins secured by a leather thong to the lower jaw of the horse. This form
of bridle is the ordinary one of the country, and I noticed that those who ordinarily
used an iron bit preferred running their horses with the riendas.
Our route to the River Tibiquari-Mini, Ipng within the edge of the series of
sierras and mountains which, commencing mth those of San Miguel, Ymbutuy, and
Cauguazu, stretches over toward the River Parana, presented a great variety in the
face of the countiy passed over. Until we reached San Joaquim it generally varied
from deep grassy valleys to bluff wooded sierras. After leaving Yhu it was more
regularly high and rolling, well covered with grass, and having large clusters of
woods scattered over it. Throughout this portion of our route there is but a thin
population, the uneven and broken country between San Estanislado and Yhu offer-
ing but few advantages for agriculture, and the grass country beyond Yhu not af-
fording a sufficiency of saline matter in the composition to keep cattle in a healthy
condition.
At the estancia of Don Manuel Antonio Vera, however, distant fifteen miles from
San Estanislado, we found a fine crop of sugar growing, and also a mill for grind-
ing the cane. This mill, as the representative of the only kind of labor-saving ma-
chinery kno\vn in the intei'ior of the country, deserves some notice here. It consisted
of three wooden cylinders of about five feet in length and t^vo and a half feet in diam-
eter, set perpendicularly and in a line in a frame, so as to revolve horizontally. On
the head of the middle cylinder, which projected above the frame-work, was set with
a mortice one end of a pole, which was inclined to the gi'ound at such an angle as
to admit oxen or horses to be attached to the other end, as the motive power. This
cylinder communicated motion to the other two by means of cogs and mortices.
One of the outer cylinders was set at sirch a distance from the middle one as to take
in the full-sized cane and crtish it ; the other somewhat closer, so as to give it a sec-
ond pressure. Near the mill was a shed, under which several large copper kettles
were set in stone-work for boiling the juice.
In this simple manner quantities of sugar and molasses are made in different
parts of the country. And the adaptation of the soil and climate of the greater part
of Paraguay to the production of this article of commerce is undoubtedly very good.
Having reached the village of San Joaquim, I' handed my letter of introduction
from the Seiior Ricaldi to the jefe, who kindly put a good house at my disposition,
and, requesting that I might make known any farther wants I might have, excused
himself from being much with me, as he was vciy busy in preparing an expedition
for cutting a road from that ])lace to the Parana, in order to collect some informa-
tion of that portion of the country for his government, and more particularly to en-
deavor to discover the valuable yerbale of Carema, which had been lost in the time
of Francia. San Joaquim contains about thirty houses, and the inhabitants are all
Indians, except the jefe and his household.
Leaving San Joaquim on the 6th, in company with Padre Sosa, who had again
joined us, we went to Yhu, another Indian village rather smaller than San Joaquim,
but numbering rather more whites in its population. Here my friend the padre,
who had to say mass on the morning of the 8th at San Joaquim, took his final leave
of us on the 9th.
After lea\'ing Yhu we found our route leading over a different "water-shed," the
streams now all passing off to the eastward and paying tribute to the Parana. Upon
reaching the considerable stream of Taruma we met a party of fifteen men, which
the jefe of Yhu, Seiior Alonzo Benitcs, had collected here to show us the mode of
hunting the venadillo — a small deer of the country — with the bolas.
588 APPENDIX E.
The temptation was strong to join this party, as it started at full speed in pursuit
of a herd of deer watching us from a little distance, and compare the carbine with
the bolas. But a reflection upon my chronometer and traveling-horse determined
me to move on with the train, and to be satisfied with occasional sights of the chase
from a distance.
By sunset we had reached the stream of Guirahugua and pitched the tents upon
its banks, at a sufficient distance from a neighboring wood to be able to guard the
horses from the jaguars, which are here the lords of the country, it being uninhabit-
ed by the Paraguayans and only occasionally visited by the Indians of the mount-
ains to the eastward. The tracks of these animals crossed our route in every direc-
tion, and frequently they were so fresh, or the animal Ijing concealed so close, that
the horses would start back at the scent, and it was with considerable difficulty that
we could force them by some parts of the route. The stealthiness of the animal is
such and the undei-growth so thick that though constantly on the look-out for a shot
I did not get a clear sight of one of them. The jaguar often preys upon horses and
cattle, and sometimes attacks a man, but boldness not being one of its characteris-
tics, such prey is only attacked by surprise.
On the evening of the 9th, I had an opportunity of letting the guide compare the
rifle and the bolas. The deer were plenty around at a distance, and my dog was
standing partridges every fifty or a hundred yards. After several ineffectual efforts
to get a shot at the deer, which were alarmed by the size of our party, I got within
fifty yards of two of them, and, firing my rifle, one of them fell. The guide, upon
examining it, found that the ball had entered just back of the left ear, and passed
out of the right eye. He was consequently very strongly impressed with the effect
of the rifle, and the skill with which it was used.
The village of Cauguazu we found to be a recent settlement — the church having
been finished in 1852 — and containing but seven houses. It was a penal settle-
ment, too, most of the inhabitants having been forced to it, in carrying out one of
the means which this government uses for settling the wild portions of its territory ;
which is to make such individuals or families as have offended against the laws of
the older communities move out of them, and establish new ones in such places as
it may designate. Leaving Cauguazu on the evening of the 10th, we passed that
night with the Jefe Don Diego Villaba, about two miles from the village, in order
to effect an exchange of another broken-down horse for a mule of one of his neigh-
bors, which was done by paying nearly the value of the mule in money.
Making an early start on the 11th, we passed through the "Monte Caugauzu,"
an elevated piece of wooded land of fifteen miles in extent, by the road, and which
effected a change in the -water-shed in our roiite again ; the north fork of the River
Tibiquari-Mini crossed near its southern limit, having its course to the westward.
This is a stream of twenty yards in width, and having considerable current.
Some five miles farther on we reach the main body of the Tibiquari-Mini, which
is seventy-five or eighty yards wide, and which the guide pronounced to be in such
a condition as to make it necessary to swim the horses over, and pass the luggage
in canoes. Our trouble in preparing for this we found to be useless however, and,
having lost some time at it, encamped for the night on a rich grass-plain a short
distance from the southern bank.
After leaving the Tibiquari-Mini we found ourselves again in the low lands, the
face of the country between it and the town of Villa Rica being variegated with
rich grass-plains and slightly elevated hills ; the latter were ornamented with quite
thickly scattered houses and their chacras, in which were cultivated principally to-
bacco and mandioca, of which this section of the country gives an abundant yield,
while over the former were seen numerous herds of fine cattle and horses.
APPENDIX F. 580
APPENDIX F (Page 274).
NOTES FROM COMMANDER PAGE TO MR. JOSE' FALCON.
Asuncion, Paraguay, Sept. 28, 1854
The undersigned, lieutenant commanding the United States steamer Water
Witch, has the honor to inform his Excellency Jose' Falcon, Minister and Secretary
of State of the Republic of Paraguay, that he has received from the Envoy Ex-
traordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Court of Brazil,
a communication informing the undersigned that his Imperial Majesty has conced-
ed the privilege to the U. S. steamer Water Witch to ascend and explore the up-
per waters of the Paraguay River, and those tributaries within the dominions of the
empire of Brazil. Accompanying the coinmunication above referred to is a copy
of the correspondence on this subject between his Excellency the Envoy Extraor-
dinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, William Trousdale, and
his Excellency Antonio Paulino Limpo de Abreo.
The undersigned desires to bring this subject to the notice of his Excellency, and
indulges the hope that his Excellency the President of the Republic of Paraguay,
actuated by the same enlightened policy as that which has influenced his Imperial
Majesty, will concede to the undersigned the privilege of passing in the Water
Witch through that portion of the territory of Paraguay which lies between Asun-
cion and the territory of Brazil.
Tour Excellency is aware that the object had in view by the explorations of the
Water Witch is to extend the bounds of science and geographical knowledge. To
the attainment of this end, the undersigned feels assured that his Excellency the
President of Paraguay, will grant every facility.
The undersigned appends an extract from the note of his Excellency Antonio
Limpo de Abreo, of the 7th August, 1854, to his Excellency William Trousdale,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States.
"A vista pois da Seguran^a que da o Senior William Trousdale, o abaixo assig-
nado tem a houra de communiciar the, em reshosta a sua Nota de 4 de instuie-
96es ao Presidente de Provincia de Matto Grosso, para permittir e felicitar as ex-
plora96es do Commandante do Water Witch no rio Paraguay, acima de Albu-
querque e nos suis tributarios, que pertercen ao Brazil."
The undersigned requests an answer at an early day, and takes the occasion to
renew to his Excellency the assurances of his distinguished consideration.
(Signed) Thos. J. Page,
Asuncion, Sept. 28, 1854
The undersigned, lieutenant commanding the United States steamer Water
Witch, has the honor to address his Excellency Jose Falcon, Minister and Secreta-
ry of State of the Republic of Paraguay, in relation to the departure from this
country of the American citizens now residing in Asuncion.
During an interview with his Excellency the President of the Republic on the
22d inst., the undersigned was assured that to the departure of the American citi-
zens above alluded to, together with their effects and merchandise, there was no
objection ; and that it would only be necessary for them to be supplied with pass-
ports, and have their merchandise dispatched through the custom-house in accord-
ance with the usual forms. Under this assurance vessels have been provided for
their departure, their passports taken out, and on the application made through the
secretary of the undersigned for the permit for the merchandise, the undersigned is
informed that the permit can not be granted until the surrender by Mr. Hopkins, to
590 APPENDIX F.
the Collector of Customs, of the papers relating to the purchase of land at San An-
tonio. The undersigned does not perceive any relevancy of the two questions one
to the other — the taking out of a permit for goods and the demand of the Collector
for the papers alluded to. The papers are the private property of the American
company of which Mi-. Hopkins is agent, which is sufficient reason that he should
retain them, and as such can not be surrendered to the Collector of Customs.
The undersigned desires that his position in relation to citizens of the United
States may be distinctly understood by your Excellency, and to this end he assumes
the medium of a written communication.
The obligations enjoined on the undersigned by the Government of the United
States make it his imperative duty to protect from violation the persons and prop-
erty of American citizens, to the discharge of which duty the undersigned, recogniz-
ing the full force of the obligation, feels confident that he shall never be delinquent.
The rule of conduct prescribed for the undersigned by his sense of duty to the
American citizens in the city of Asuncion is this, that, failing to receive the neces-
sary permit for their departure in the usual mode and means of conveyance, they
will embark on board the United States steamer Water Witch for safe conduct to
Corrientes. The undersigned trusts that his Excellency will appreciate the sense'
of duty under which the undersigned finds himself placed, when he assures his Ex-
cellency that he indulges the hope that the good relations which have characterized
his intercourse with the government of Paraguay may long subsist. Desiring an
answer at an early day, the undersigned avails himself, etc.,
(Signed) Tnos. J. Page.
Asuncion, Sept. 20, 1854
The undersigned, lieutenant commmanding the United States steamer Water
Witch, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication of this date
■from his Excellency the Secretary of State and Minister of Foreign Relations, re-
turning his two communications of yesterday without a reply to either. This con-
tempt of official communications, unknown to the civilization of the age, deprives
the undersigned of the means of arriving at the designs and purposes of this gov-
ernment toward forbidding or permitting the prosecution of the exploration in-
trusted to his charge by the government of the United States, so far as the territory
of Paraguay is concerned. Furthermore, it deprives the undersigned of the means
of arriving at the fact whether or not will this government permit the American
citizens now residing in Asuncion, held bound under such painful circumstances, to
leave this country in the conveyance usually adopted. One of the communications
related to this point especially.
To this the undersigned receives the return of his letter, instead of a reply to his
question. The duty now devolves on the undersigned to receive on board of the
Water Witch the American citizens aUuded to, for their protection and safe con-
duct out of the dominions of Paraguay. The question of translating the communi-
cation above alluded to into Spanish, is one the undersigned does not permit him-
self to entertain. With equal right might he claim of this government the transla-
tion of its communications into English. The undersigned is cognizant to the fact
that the government has received other communications in the English language,
and has had them translated into the Spanish. The government of Paraguay is
therefore not in such a state of dependency as to require that the undersigned shall
supply it mth a translator.
The undersigned desires to inform his Excellency that the circumstances involved
will be reported to the government of the United States, for its action and instruc-
APPENDIX G. 591
tions. In tlie mean time lie will relieve the American citizens of their painful po-
sition by removing them to a country of their own selection.
The undersigned takes the occasion to renew, etc.,
(Signed) Thos. J. Page.
APPENDIX G (Page 299).
CONTRACT OF COLONIZATION FOR THE PROVINCE OF CORRIENTES.
In the city of Corrientes, capital of the province of the same name, on the 29th
January, 1853, before me, the undersigned. Notary Public of the Government, and
the undersigned witnesses, appeared Secretary Don Gregorio Valdez and Dr. Don
Augusto Brouges, of Caixon Department "de las Altas Pireneos," in France, who
said : the first, that, as the representative of his Excellency the Governor and Cap-
tain-General of the Province, Don Juan Pujol, to make with Sefior Brouges a sol-
emn contract for the establishment of colonies in the country, and to reduce the
same to a public instmment of writing; and the second, that it was true, as had
been announced by the Secretary, and that he recognized it as a legitimate con-
tract. In virtue of which, and by the present writing entered into by both parties,
they bind themselves in the following articles of agreement :
1st. The secretary declared that the government of his country, desiring to pro-
mote and unfold in the province that which the industry of the people demanded,
and especially the agricultural interest, as a sure fountain of the wealth of a coun-
try, permits Senor Brouges to bring to the country one thousand families for the
purpose indicated, each family to be composed of five persons, whose transit will be
at the expense of Senor Brouges ; with the understanding that, should the govern-
ment of Corrientes have a steamer in any port of the Argentine Confederation, the
property of the province, on the arrival of these families in the Eio de la Plata, it
shall be placed at the disposition of Sefior Brouges, or his agent, for the purpose of
towing the vessel containing the emigrants up to the point of their disembarkation.
2d. The major part of these five persons who compose each agricultural family
will be of the male sex, capable of working, and not under ten years of age ; chil-
dren of less age, of the same family, being admissible as supernumeraries.
3d. Two distinct families, united by an authentic agreement, and making the
number of five persons, will be accepted as one, and in this sense will enjoy priv-
ileges above stipulated.
4th. Senor Brouges is bound to effect the transportation of the one thousand fam-
ilies by groups of two hundred each in the space of two years, and the entire num-
ber in the space of ten, which will count from the day of the arrival of the first group
at the place of their destiny.
5th. Each group shall be from a colony, under the direction of Sefior Brouges,
or his competent agent, the agreement of each individual family being an affair in-
trusted to him.
6th. The locations of the colonies granted by the government will be on the Eiver
Parana and Uruguay, in what is called the "Missiones," and they will be selected
by Senor Brouges from the public lands.
7th. The government of Corrientes, in the name of the province, adjudges to each
family, of the lands selected by Sefior Brouges, twenty* "cuadras" square, of one
hundred and fifty "varas" a side, whose lot and portion of land shall be, at the end
of five years from the arrival of each group of families, the absolute property of each
* " Veiente cuadras cuadradas de ciento cinquenta vases por cada lado."
592 APPENDIX G.
one of the families, in consideration of the advantages accruing to the country from
their industry.
8th. Each colony will locate in two sections, of one hundred families to each
fronting each other, leaving an intermediate space of a hundred "cuadras" one from
the other, of three "cuadras" in breadth, which intermediate space may be sold by
the government of Corrientes to those who may wish to build on it, with the view
of increasing the population of the colony, it being understood that one half of the
proceeds of such sale shall go into the public treasury of the province, and the other
half into the common depository of the colony, for the public benefit, and declaring
of the same character those lands between the possessions of the colonists and the
river's banks.
9th. The government of Corrientes grants, at the same time, for the common
benefit of each colony, four leagues square of land, in addition, adjoining the pos-
session of the colonies, extending into the interior of the province, whose right of
possession shall be alienated by no one.
10th. In addition to the above, the government of Corrientes will provide for the
establishment of each family a house or "ranche" of wood, consisting of two rooms,
of five " varas" square, one of them to have a door, and the other a window, the
whole of the value of fifty dollars ("patac ones"); it will also furnish six barrels
of flour, of eight arobas each (200 pounds), cotton and tobacco seed for sowing a
"quadra" (150 yards) each; four " fanegas" of wheat, and one of corn for the
proper use, and plants of sugar-cane sufficient to plant one "cuadra" of land; also
twelve head of cattle, two oxen for cultivating the ground, eight cows for breeding,
and two horses for work.
11th. The agricultural families will establish themselves under the following con-
ditions : the articles above mentioned will revert to the government at the expiration
of two years from the date of their delivery ; provided that, should the crops of the
colonists have been bad during these two years, then the time of reversion shall be
extended to three years ; but this operation wOl not take effect with the succeeding
group of families in two years, but at the expiration of three, because it is advisable
that the advances made to the first colony will serve .as elements for the establish-
ment of the second ; those of this for the third, and so on, until the state has been
reimbursed to the last amount expended, which shall be at the rate of two hundred
dollars ("patac ones") to each family.
12th. The colonists will clear the lands granted them. Each family will culti-
vate one half of the land in cotton, tobacco, sugar-cane, whe%t, and corn, leaving the
other half for the cultivation of any thing that may please the colonist.
13th. The colonists who are thus established in this province will be a dependency
of it, and in no manner whatsoever of any other state or nation. They will have
an administration, civil and judicial, discharged by a judge of the peace ("juez de
paz"), appointed by the government from among the colonists, or a native of the
countiy, whose administration shall he conformable with the laws of the province.
Idth. The colonists will have the right to appoint a colonial commission of ten
persons from the same colony, whose duty will be to serve as a council to the judge
of the peace, in certain cases, to vote the necessary sum of money for the benefit of
the colony, and to represent to the government the propriety or necessity of better
measures.
15th. The colonists will practice industry freely, under subjection, nevertheless, to
the laws of the country.
16th. During the term of five years from the establishment of each colony, the
colonists will be exempted from all personal tax on articles both movable and im-
movable.
APPENDIX H. 593
17th. The duties arising from exportation and importation shall be the same in
the colonies as the rest of the province.
18th. The colonists will be exempted from military service, being competent only
to organize a civil national guard, for then- proper defense and the maintenance of
good order in each colony, whose service will be confined to the colony alone ; and
the colonists will not present themselves, in an armed body, at a greater distance
from the confines of the colony than one league.
19th. Mr. Brouges will advise the government of Corrientes four months before
the expected arrival of the colonists, to the end that the government may have the
necessary time to construct houses of wood, and make other necessary arrangements.
20th. This contract will be submitted to the approval of the government, repre-
sented in the person of the secretary, from which A'ill be obtained a full ratification,
rendering effective all these obligations ; it will be observed and complied with, ex-
actly and legally, without modification, alteration, or interpretation in any manner
diff"cring from the triie intent of its stipulations.
To M'hich appeared as witnesses Don Bartolome Lcscano, Don Manuel Jose Ruda,
and Don Jose Ezequiel Madeyi'o, before me, Notary of the Public and Government,
Gregorio Valdez,
Don Augusta Brouges.
C Bartolome Lescano,
Witnesses, \ Manuel Jose' Ruda,
' Jose Ezequiel Madeyro.
Corrientes, January 12th, 1853.
En virtud de la ley de 25 Corriente, que encabeza este contrato, lo apruebo y ra-
tifico en todas sus partes. Juan Pujol, Gobernador.
APPENDIX H (Page 384).
THE ATTACK UPON THE WATER WITCH.
Commander Page to Mr. Dobbin.
United States Steamer Water Witch, Parana River, February 5, 1855.
Sir, — I have the honor to forward to the Department the inclosed report from
Lieutenant Jeff"ers, from which it will be seen that a most unprovoked, unwarrant-
able, and dastardly attack has been made on the "Water Witch" while she was in
the peaceable and rightfid discharge of duty assigned me by the Department.
On the 31st of last month I left Corrientes, with the small steamer and two boats,
taking with me three of the olficers and sixteen men, with the design of ascending
the River Salado, in boats, if possible, should the small steamer prove inadequate.
This force would have been necessary, in the event of using either the small steamer
or the boats. Lieutenant Jeff'ers I left in charge of the Water Witch, with instruc-
tions to ascend the Parana River, so far as her draught would allow. This, I sup-
posed, would be less than two hundred mOes.
He saUed from the town of Corrientes on the 1st instant, and, as will be seen from
his report, had not gone more than three miles from where the river forms the com-
mon boundary between Corrientes (one of the provinces of the Argentine Confedera-
tion) and Paraguay, when the Water Witch was fired into from a fort on the Para-
guay side of the river.
The Water Witch was in the act of exploring a river which is the common bound-
ary between these two countries. The right of each to navigate this river up to the
38
594 APPENDIX H.
limit of the Province of Corrientes has never been questioned by either, and I liad
never heard that Paraguay presumed to exercise the power of preventing its naviga-
tion.
To the exploration of this portion of the Parana I had not only obtained the per-
mission of the Argentine Confederation, and especially of the Province of Corrientes
but an expression of earnest solicitude on the part of both the President of the Con-
federation and the Governor of Corrientes had been made that I should estabhsh
the fact that the river is navigable to a much greater extent than that to which it is
now known to be, of which they had some hope, but not the means of proving.
The navigation of this river to the extent of the territory of Corrientes is already
secured to the flag of the United States by treaty with the Argentine Confederation.
That government, so far from objecting to the Water Witch's ascending the river,
had furnished me with an order, enjoining upon every province into whose waters I
should enter the obligation to afford me every facility.
On what ground and for what reason the government of Paraguay has presumed
to commit such an act I am unable to conjecture. So far from the Water Witch
making any hostile demonstration, she attempted to pass up the river through a
channel way which was more on the Corrientes side, and, in doing so, was "run
aground" by the pilot. This was seen from the fort. It was well known to the
government of Paraguay, and, doubtless, to the commander of the fort, that the
Water Witch was with a very reduced complement of both officers and men, and,
consequently, it could not have been her design to make an attack. The act of fir-
ing into the vessel can not, therefore, receive the shadow of justification on the
grounds of anticipating an attack. It is consequently a wanton outrage ; the act of
a government beyond the pale of civilization, and seemingly unconscious of the re-
sponsibility of such an outrage. This is, nevertheless, no palliation for so grave an
offense.
Lieutenant Jeffers was in the act of executing instructions which he had received
from me when the steamer was fired into. His covirse and conduct on the occasion
I highly approve and commend, and I hope they will meet with the approval of the
Department.
It is with pain and regret that I report the death of Samuel Chancy, quartermas-
ter. He died in two hours from the effects of wounds received from a ball and
splinters. There were a few slight wounds received by others from splinters, which
were so slight as not to prevent the discharge of the usual duties.
The vessel was hulled ten times, but in no point of any importance. The repairs
can be readily made. I now proceed to Montevideo with the hope of obtaining
from the commodore or senior officer two jr three guns of suitable callibre and an
addition of a few men. With this force I shall feel confident of the ability of the
Water Witch to avenge the outrage which has been perpetrated on the flag of the
United States.
I indulge in the sanguine hope that the commodore will act in this matter with all
the promptness which the exigencies of the case require, and that such a course will
receive the approval of the Department.
I have the honor, sir, to be, very respectfully, yotir obedient servant,
Thos. J. Page, Lieut. Com'g U. S. Steamer Water Witch.
Hon. James C. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D, C.
Lieutenant Jeffers to Commander Page.
United States Steamer Water Witch, Corrientes, February 2, 1855.
SiE, — In pursuance of your instructions, and vrith the consent of the Governor of
APPENDIX H. 595
the Pro\ince of Corrientes, at 7 A.M. on yesterday, February 1, weighed anchor
and stood up the Eiver Parana for the purpose of making an exploration of its upper
course so far as navigable, and rectifying the chart of the river up to the mouth of the
Paraguay in all places where the channel had changed since the chart was made.
Nothing particular occurred until 11 A.M., when we entered the Parana above the
mouth of the Paraguay (observing some movements at the Guai-dia "Cerito"), and
continued our course diagonally across the stream toward the Corrientes shore, in-
tending to pass between that and an island about four miles above the mouth of the
Paraguay, Guardia "Carracha," at the Paso del Key, in sight on the right bank.
At ll"* 26"" opened this station, a semicircular brick fort on an elevation of about 30
feet above the river, mounting, as well as I could ascertain, six guns "c» harhette,'"
and shortly afterward ran aground, about half a mile from the fort, on a sand-bank
making up suddenly out of deep water, one fathom under the bows, 3^ at the wheel-
house. A boat was sent from the guardia, which laid off observing our motions.
I immediately laid out a kedge astern, and about \2^ IS"" hauled off and let go
our anchor ; attempted to weigh the kedge, but lost it. Wliile the men were at their
dinner I observed the Paraguayans getting their guns ready. I shifted starboard
gun to forward port, on port side of quarter-deck, cleared for action, filled forty
shrapnel! and twelve shells, and got up thirty stand of gi-ape ; but not supposing
that any thing serious would result, did not cut the rail over the port to which the
gun had been shifted.
I then stationed Mr. Potts at the bell, and in charge of the deck, to assist the
pilot, with directions to proceed at all hazards, unless the machinerj' should be dis-
abled. Mr. Lamdin I placed in charge of the after guns, and Mr. Taylor at the
engine. We mustered at quarters but twenty-eight, of whom two were sick, and
five cooks and stewards.
At l^" 20"" weighed ; while weighing the anchor, the Paraguayan canoe which had
been observing our movements came alongside, and a man offered me a paper print-
ed in Spanish, which I declined to receive on the ground that I cotdd not read it.
As soon as the anchor was aweigh, I stood up the river, the crew at quarters. The
pilot informed me that the only practicable channel was close to the fort, and this
channel I directed him to take. On arriving within three hundred yards, I was
hailed by a person, who, I am informed, was the Paraguayan admiral ; but I did
not understand the import of the hail. Two blank cartridges were then fired from
the fort in quick succession, and followed by a shot. I had given particular orders
that no shot should be fired except in return, and then only by my directions ; and
on receiving this first fire, I directed a general fire in return.
The first shot of the enemy carried away the wheel, cut the ropes, and mortally
wounded Samuel Chaney, the helmsman. A bar was soon shipped, and the vessel
steered by it, but with some difl[iculty on account of the rapidity of the current. In
a couple of minutes after the action had commenced the pilot deserted his station,
and hid himself behind the engine-house. Dragged up thence by Mr. Potts, on
looking around him he exclaimed, "We shall certainly ground, as thei'e is not suf-
ficient water in the channel." By this time we had run past all the guns of the
battery except one ; and on learning the state of things, I left the bow gun, which I
had been directing, which was no longer serviceable, and took the deck. The pilot,
whom I had again to force x;p to his station, in a high state of excitement, repeatedly
exclaimed, "We shall be aground in a moment," insisting that we could not pass
up. The vessel being then in ten feet water — drawing nine — I was reluctantly
compelled to back down past the battery, exposed to a severe fire, which, from the
position of the vessel being nearly bows on, I could not return. On getting out of
596 APPENDIX I.
range I anchored, repaired damages, and filled more ammunition, having observed
the Paraguayan war steamer "Taquari" firing up.
I am satisfied the pilot was not in the channel ; but in his state of fright nothing
could be done with him, and to have grounded would have been to insure the loss
of the vessel, as it is said that the Paraguayans have at this point six thousand men
and a numerous artillery to arrest the passage of the Brazilian fleet. The ' ' Taquari, "
with their gim-boats, would alone have been an overwhelming force. At 3 P.M.
weighed anchor and returned to Corrientes.
It had been my intention to attack the Guardia "Cerito," where a gun-boat was
lying. The "Taquari" dropped down and anchored there for its defense, which
made the odds too great for any hope of a successful attack with my little crew of 28
men, and the armament one 24 and two 12 pound howitzer boat-guns. Although
so superior in force, the "Taquari" made no demonstration of following us.
The amount of damage sustained by the enemy it is difficult to estimate. Mr.
Bushcll, the clerk, who was directed by me to take notes of the action, states that
one of their giins was dismounted, and, from the good explosions of several of the
shrapnell, some execution must have taken place. A battery of this nature exposes
so few men that I can not estimate their loss as veiy great. I am confident that,
had all the officers and men been on board, we should have killed or driven them
from their guns, and taken the battery; but I must do them the justice to say that I
saw no signs of flinching. The fire was slow but remarkably well directed.
It will, I hope, be evident, from the preceding details, that this attack was as un-
provoked as it was unexpected ;, but, following the dictates of prudence, I was not
unprepared for such a result. It is not a little remarkable that at no time, either
before or after the engagement, was any flag displayed.
In conclusion, I must fulfill an agreeable duty in bearing witness to the zealous
manner in which the engineers of this ship supported me on this occasion. Mi'. Potts
was in charge of the deck ; Mr. Lamdin of a division of guns ; and the latter assisted
personally in loading after some of his men had deserted from their quarters. The
engine was worked by Mr. Taylor with as much promptitude as on ordinary occasions.
I have the honor, sir, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
William N. Jeffers, Lieutenant in Command.
Lieutenant-Commander Thomas J. Page.
APPENDIX I (Page xxii.).
MEMORIAL OP THE AMERICAN GEOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL SOCIETY.
American Geographical and Statistical Society, New York, May 11, 1S53.
Mr. De Witt Bloodgood, to whom was intrusted the preparation of a memorial to
the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of a survey of the Eio de la Plata and its
tributaries, presented the following, which being read, was adopted, and ordered to
be forwarded to the Secretaiy of the Navy :
The American Geographical and Statistical Society of New York having recently
had its attention called to the great commercial imiiortance of the countries border-
ing on the Eio de la Plata and its tributaries, by the written and verbal reports of
E. A. Hopkins, Esq., for many years a resident in Paraguay, and now on his re-
turn to that country as United States Consul, has endeavored, under a deep convic-
tion of the importance of the subject, to awaken a spirit of inquiry among our coun-
trymen, and to turn the attention of our commercial classes to the vast regions now
opened to their enterprise.
APPENDIX I. 597
To that gentleman the Society is indehted for vahiablc information, not to be
found in the latest geographies, and for the correct delineations of several rivers and
lakes, not yet adopted even in the best maps of South America. The Society, hav-
ing given as much publicity as possible, through the press of New York, to informa-
tion so valuable and opportune, deems it to be within the proper sphere of its duty
to invoke the aid of at least one department of the government to a subject daily
growing more and more important.
The late political events at Buenos Ayres, and the downfall of a policy, which, to
say the least of it, has been destructive of the free navigation of the Plata River for
veiy many years, preceded as it was, also, by a similar isolating policy of the cele-
brated Dictator of Paraguay, have at length opened to the commercial states of Eu-
rope and North America a field of commercial adventure of boundless extent and
endless fertility. Already the leading statesmen of England and France have ex-
changed notes on the propriety of securing the trade of these newly emancipated
countries, by pi'oposing the guarantees of a full diplomatic recognition. Our own,
as we fear, has as yet done nothing, even for the very governments who prefer our
friendship to that of all other nations.
The extent of the territory watered by the Plata and its tributaries, the variety
and value of its natm^al products, the anxiety which its political riders and the peo-
ple themselves have manifested to seek and establish friendly relations with the
United States haye deeply impressed the Society; and it desires, as its first and
most signal effort, to obtain the assistance of your Department in the development
and successful accomplishment of its design, to make those countries which have
had no commerce by sea for a long series of years friends of our flag and customers
for our products.
It is the earnest wish of the Society to procm-e, through your official power and
influence, an immediate survey of the River Plata, its affluents and confluejits, and
of the shores that are washed and made prolific by these great rivers. It is to ob-
tain such information, by actual and scientific observation, as will enable our navi-
gators and merchants to enter those rivers for the purposes of trade, for the ad-
vancement of civilization, and the promotion of the best interests of humanity.
It must be well known to your Department that a large part of Brazil and Bolivia,
all Paraguay, the upper provinces of the Argentine Republic, and a portion of
Uruguay, have for many years been cut off from any direct and active commercial
intercourse with the rest of the world ; and that the productions of their soils, rich,
varied, and inexhaustible, have been of little benefit to themselves or to those
countries which most desired to obtain them. It is needless, therefore, for the So-
ciety to enter into details upon this branch of the subject farther than to refer your
Department to the fact that at least one quarter of the whole of South America is
now, for the first time, within the reach of our enterprise, offering positive and far
more profitable results than we have gained or can gain from many old countries
where, at a large expense, we have kept up formal diplomatic arrangements, and
where our squadrons ride at anchor in courteous idleness; older countries, who
■warily guard their ports by restrictive or reciprocal customs against our too success-
ful trade, or in the end heap up balances against us which scarcely the gold of Cali-
fornia can liquidate.
The marts now opened to us in South America, by the change in the government
of Buenos Ayres, are as yet almost without limit. The commerce of our country
has but to enter them to be enriched.
The inhabitants of the countries upon the upper waters of La Plata have for a
long time scarcely enjoyed the comforts of civilized life.
598 APPENDIX I.
They have a fine climate, they have abundant means, they are, in fact, wealthy,
but of our beautiful and useful fabrics, the comfortable furniture, the latest and
most useful agricultural and mechanical implements, the clothing, the works of art,
the axe, the saw, the steam-engine, they know but little. In order to introduce
them into those countries, and to bring back their rare and valuable woods, their
drugs, their hemp, their tobacco, and their precious minerals, the way must first be
explored and pointed out. Large vessels are quite imknown in the upper waters.
The small trade which Paraguay carries on shorewise with itself, or occasionally
with Buenos Ayres and Montevideo, is by means of small water-craft that float
downward with the current, or slowly re-ascend it by the aid of their rude sails.
And so sensible^ are the governments of Bolivia and Paraguay of the necessity of a
change in the navigation of those rivers, they have oiFered large bounties in money
and lands to whoever will first ascend those rivers by steam. On good authority
the Society is assured that any expedition undertaken for this purpose will receive
their most cordial welcome.
, Your Department, then, is solicited to take the first step in bringing about a com-
mercial intercourse between those countries and the United States, through these
internal and flmaal avenues. It respectfully asks that you will immediately select
one of the small government steamers carrying about five feet water to proceed to
the upper tributaries of La Plata, certainly as far as Assumption, to make a geo-
graphical rcconnoissance, and a hydrographical sui-vey. This steamer, being made
a part of the Brazilian squadron, will not require any particular appropriation from
Congress, and the Society will be most happy to procure the services of two or three
scientific persons, to assist in the objects of the inquiry, if the Department will recog-
nize them as attached to the expedition. It would also engage to furnish them a
full set of instructions, geographical and statistical, as a guide to those intrusted with
its particular portion of the investigations. Thus, in an ample and economical
manner, one of the most important and attractive subjects of the day would be illus-
trated and explained through the Department, greatly to its own honor and the ad-
vantage of our maritime interests. ,
Nor does the Society deem this appeal to your Department an improper one.
Great as has been the glory acquired by our navy, noble as have been its triumphs,
dear to us as is its renown, we believe its mission is not the less a noble one when
it bears around the world the flag of a peaceful, united, and happy nation ; when it
rescues our shipwrecked mariners from the horrors of some desolate or barbarous
coast ; when it gives to the American citizen in far-distant countries the " assurance
doubly sure," that even there his property and his life will find protection ; when it
convoys safely through the squadrons of adverse and contending parties our own
richly-laden merchant fleets, and when it curiously explores the newly discovered
rivers, the icebound inlets, and dangerous coasts, where American enterprise may
gather wealth in security.
These are some of the services, already happily rendered, which have made our
navy so popular, and that induce such liberal appropriations for its support in time
of peace, and almost without a murmur.
Our army when not engaged in war sinks into comparative inutility, but the navy
is ever on the wing, the messenger of peace, of commerce, and of civilization, our
proudest representative, armed, except in the last resort, only with good will and
chivalric courtesy.
Most of the great commercial and scientific explorations of the last hundred years "
have been conducted by naval officers, under the patronage of their respective gov-
ernments. England, France, Holland, Kussia, and the United States, have names
APPENDIX J. 599
on their naval lists which have gathered their brightest laurels from the peaceful
fields of laborious research.
Our own government has distinguished itself by its admirable coast-surveys, its
Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, and is now directing its attention to the seas and
shores of Japan. In this latter expedition it may necessarily be that force is to be
an element of success ; but in the proposition we make to the Department, to ex-
plore the River Plata, no such element will be necessaiy. The small steamer which
it will send there, where one was never before seen, will be welcomed by an enthu-
siastic population, and received with gratitude. Eveiy where her commander will
be hailed with joy, and the blessings of millions of Christian people will be showered
upon our country when her mission is proclaimed.
Every where her officers, savants, and crew, will be received with open arms,
and the records of her exploring parties will brighten the pages of our commercial
history.
Our Naval Department has before this shown a similar intelligent spirjt. The
National Observatory at Washington, under its fostering care, has already become
famous throughout the world. Its chief has already essentially benefited navigation
and commerce by his profound theories and observations on the currents of the
"ocean, as well as by those accurate nautical tables from which the mariner learns to
trace his daily course upon the deep.
In conclusion, the Society most i-espectfully asks the aid of your Department in
carrying out the objects expressed in this memorial, the scientific exploration of the
Eiver Plata and its tributaries, a proceeding clearly within its acknowledged prov-
ince, conducive to the prosperity of an immense territory that seeks our friendship
and our trade, to the interests of American commerce and manufactures, and those
of the human race.
Shoidd the Society be so fortunate as to have presented in this brief memorial
sufficient reasons to induce the Department to approve and forward the project
wliich it advocates, it respectfully suggests that no time is to be lost in carrying it
thi-ough. The Americans are at this moment in high favor with Brazil, and the
states bordering upon these rivers. Our products will be the first they receive under
the new order of things. Such is their habit that whatever articles are now sent
them from our looms and factories will pi'obably be preferred to all others. Circum-
stances greatly favor our obtaining the largest share of their trade, and we can not
doubt that the enlightened views by which the administration of the Department
has been directed hitherto will continue to be the source of increased prosperity to
all those interests it was established to protect and advance.
The recent appointment of English and French diplomatic agents, now on their
way to this new theatre of commercial enterprise, affords the most positive evidence
of the propriety of the measures suggested by your memorialists.
All which is resjjectfully submitted.
The Hon. 'Win. A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
APPENDIX J.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS COLLECTED BY THE LA PLATA EXPEDITION.
By John Cassin, of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, Novemher 11th, 1856.
Sir, — The collection of birds made during the survey and exploration of the Rio
Parana by the United States steamer Water Witch, under your command, has been
received for examination at the Academy of Natural Sciences of this city.
600 APPENDIX J.
•
This collection is one of the most interesting ever made in South America, on ac-
count of the countries in which it was obtained being so seldom visited by travelers
or naturalists, and my impression is that it contains numerous birds never before
known, and certainly not in any museum or collection in this country.
I hope to have, at an early day, the honor of reporting to you, sir, the results of
a more extended and careful examination, especially of the many remarkable birds
in this collection.
The volumes relating to natural history have, within a few years, been completed
by two European expeditions to South America. The more important is the voy-
age of her Majesty's ship 'Beagle, performed by order of the British government.
The other is D'Orbigny's voyage to South America, peiformed imder the auspices
of the government of France. In both of these, the natural history is very carefully
published. Your collections are certainly not inferior to those of either of these ex-
peditions, and, judging from the notes of officers which I have seen, my opinion is
that an American contribution to the natural history of South America can be made
very much superior to both.
So long as the condition or progress of the arts and sciences properly characterizes
nations, the publication of the results in natural histoiy of your expedition must be
regarded not only as important to zoological science, but even in a national aspect.
I am, sir, very respectfully, John Cassix.
Captain. Page, United States Navy.
The collection of birds brought by Captain Page's party is of high interest on
account of having been made in countries of South America little visited by voya-
gers or naturalists. In fact, Paraguay may be said to be the least explored country
of South America which is readily accessible. Mainly, of course, this collection
was made in that and other countries bordering on the rivei's Parana and Paraguay ;
and the great distance to which this expedition ascended the latter afforded it an
almost peculiar, and certainly a very little explored field of operation in natural his-
tory. That part of the collection made in Paraguay is, for reasons here indicated,
most valuable and interesting.
The expedition, having been designed and dispatched for the performance of a
special duty only, was not provided with naturalists nor facilities for making collec-
tions. This omission, however, was compensated for by the fact that great interest
was taken in the profuse natural productions of the countries visited, and large col-
lections made by officers attached to the expedition. The collection of birds was
made under the immediate direction of Captain Page, mainly by Lieutenant Wil-
liam H. Powell and Dr. Robert Carter.
I. Raptores — Rapacious Birds.
The collection contains twelve species, all of which are of the family of Falcons,
the most interesting of which are, perhaps, Falco sparverius, or the common Sparrow
Hawk of the United States, remarkable for being one of the very few birds tliat in-
habit the entire continent of America. Numerous specimens of Buteo pterocles and
nigricollis and the curious short-toed Falcon known as Geranospizd heviidacttjhs.
Falco femoralis,\s, also in this collection, a bird which has been found in New Mexico.
1 . Falco sparverius.
2. Falco femoralis.
3. Geranospiza hemidactylus.
4. Asturina cinerea.
5. Asturina insectivora.
6. Buteo pterocles.
7. Buteo nigricollis.
8. Morphnus urubitinga.
9. Morphnus meridionalis.
10. Ictinia plumbea.
11. Circus macropterus.
12. Polyborus tharus.
APPENDIX J.
601
II. Insessores, or Pekching Birds.
The collection contains numerous beautiful species of the families of Parrots, Jays,
Tanagers, Kingfishers, Fly-catchers and others of the groups which are csj)ccially
South American. Numerous specimens of the Great-billed Toucan, Ramphastos
toco, all of which are of smaller size than the same bird of more northern countries
of South America, showing clearly the prevalence of a smaller race in Paraguay.
Several of the largest known species of Parrots or Macaws are in the collection,
and also several specimens of the handsome small species recently described by the
Prince Bonaparte as Pionus coralinus. Of the gigantic Kingfisher of the South
American rivers, Ceryle torquata, there are several specimens, also of the Amazon
Kingfisher, Ceryle Amazona.
One of the most interesting birds in the collection is the beautiful black Wood-
pecker first described by D'Orbigny as Picus melanogaster. We recognize the fol-
lowing species of the group of perching birds in this collection, in addition to which
are numerous others which at pi-esent we have not determined :
1. Cyanocorax pileatus.
2. Cyanocorax cyanomelas.
3. Amblyramphus ruber.
4. Leiestes viridis.
5. Tanagra striata.
6. Tanagra cana.
7. Lophospiza cristata.
8. Zonotrichia matutina.
9. Gubernetes yetapa.
10. Saurophagus sulphuratus.
11. Lichenops perspicillata.
12. Taenioptera coronatus.
13. Taenioptera nivea.
14. P}Tocephalus rubineus.
16. Anodorhynchus cinereus.
17. Macroccrcus Brasiliensis.
18. Conurus nenday.
19. Pionus coralinus.
20. Ceryle torquata.
21. Ceryle Amazona.
Eamphastos toco.
Crotophaga ani.
Crotophaga major.
25. Picus robustus.
26. Picus melanogaster.
Trogon surucura.
Cuculus guira.
22
23,
24,
27
28,
29. Piaya macroura.
15. Ara maracana.
Among those not examined are several species of Saltator, Molothrus, Furnarius,
Cekus, and others.
III. Rasores, or Gallinaceous Birds.
In the birds of this group in the collection, the two supposed species of Crojc
known to naturalists as Crax Yarrellii and Crax fasciohta are labeled as male and
female of the same bird.
1. Columba gymnopthalmus.
2. Columba mcridionalis.
3. Northura major.
4. Crax Yarrellii.
5. Crax fasciolata.
G. Penelope pipile.
In addition to which are several species of Tinarm/s and some beautiful specimens
of Penehjie that we can not name without more extended examination.
IV. Grallatores — Wading Birds.
The present having been an exploration principally by water, the collection con-
tains numerous birds of the classes that habitually frequent rivers of South America
and their shores. We especially notice fine specimens of the gigantic storks, ^f|Jc-
teria Americana and Ckoiiia pillus ; also of the South American Ibises, Geronticus
nudifrons and cocrulescens.
602 APPENDIX K.
10. Geronticus cscrulescens.
11. Aramus scolopaceus.
12. Vanellus Cayannensis.
13. Limosa Hudsonica ?
14. Rallus gigas.
15. Gallinula crassirostris.
16. Parra jacana.
17. Hiaticula Azarse.
1. Ardea cocoi.
2. Egretta galatea.
3. Egretta scapularis.
4. Tigrosoma Brasiliense.
5. Ciconia pillus.
6. Mycteria Americana.
7. Nycticorax sibilatrix.
8. Ibis melanopsis.
9. Ibis uudifrons.
Numerous specimens of Totamts, Tringa, Calidris, and Cliaradrius have not been
examined, some of which are, however, apparently identical with bii'ds of the Unit-
ed States.
Natatores — Swimming Bikds.
The country passed through by the expedition appears to be particularly the na-
tive locality of the Musk Duck, Anas moschata, the parent stock from which has been
derived the domestic musk, or Muscovy Duck. Numerous specimens of this bird
are in the collection obtained at various localities on the Rio Parana and tributaries.
The Black-necked Swan, Cygnus nigricollis, is also in the collection obtained far up
the Parana, thus showing a range of locality hitherto unknown to naturalists. The
same is the case with the Flamingo of the western coast, Phamicopterus ignipaUiatns,
previously best knoVn as a bird of Chili.
We may note especially also fine specimens of the beautiful Shoveler Diick of
South America, Spatula maculata, little known to naturalists. Also numerous
specimens of the very handsome Teals, Querquedula torquata, versicolor, ipimtiri, and
cyanoptera, the last of which has been found in the western countries of North
America. We recognize the following :
1. Phcenicopterus ignipalliatus.
2. Cygnus nigricollis.
3. Cygnus coscoroba.
4. Fuligula metopias.
5. Cairina moschata.
6. Spatula maculata.
7. Querquedula torquata.
8. Querquedula versicolor.
9. Querquedula cyanoptera.
10. Querquedula ipicutiri.
11. Rhynchops nigra.
12. Carbo Brasiliensis.
18. Podiceps leucopterus.
14. Sterna magnirostris.
Also various other species of Podiceps, Sterna, and Larus.
■ All the specimens in this collection are in unusually fine plumage and condition,
and form a very beautiful and important addition to the National Museum.
APPENDIX K.
NOTE ON FISHES AND REPTILES.
By C. GlEAED.
"Washington, D. C, November 25, 1856.
Dear Sir, — The preliminary survey which I have made of the fishes and reptiles
collected by you in Paraguay fully anticipates the expectation we might have enter-
tained in that respect while you were yet in the field.
Of the fishes, two families are especially well represented — the siluroid and the
characini. The first embracing fis^hes akin to the catfish of our fresh waters and
the sea-cat of our coast. It is especially numerous in South America, where its
various types assume diversified aspects. The second is almost exclusively proper
APPENDIX L. 603
to the southern hemisphere, since its northernmost representative is an inhabitant
of the waters of the valley of the Kio Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo), and southwest
portion of Texas.
I perceive already several species entirely new to science, and I am satisfied that,
on a more critical examination of the whole collection, many more will turn out to
be so. But the accession of new species is not the sole point of interest in the col-
lection we owe to your exertions. Its study will touch to other problems as yet but
little understood. And first and foremost is the problem of the natural affinities of
these fishes with the types now extinct, and which have peopled the waters of geo-
logical eras in times gone by. Next comes the problem of the zoological affinities
with the ichthyic fauna now living upon the present surface of the earth.
I could readily point out to you some of the results, cursorily obtained, were I not
reluctant to write fragments of a history which will make the subject of a general
report to you, so soon as Congress shall have decided upon its publication.
I have a few words to say about the reptiles. There are but few saurians, or lizards,
in the collection; some of them I have had an opportunity to examine from other
sources.
The ophidians, or snakes, are well represented ; several are moccasinlike, the oth-
ers belong to the inoffensive colubrida;, both of land and water habits.
I see no frogs. A series of tree-frogs and tree-toads, however, make me think
that many interesting results will be obtained from theu' investigation.
The same is true with regard to the toads, properly so called, of which there are
several kinds. Their history will fill up a gap in the natural history of South Amer-
ica, and complete the results I have obtained a few years since while examining
other collections. I remain sincerely yours, C. Gikakd.
Captain T. J. Page, United States Navy.
APPENDIX L.
LIST OP MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES OBTAINED BY THE EXPEDITION.
By J. Carson, Professor of Materia Medica, etc., in the University of Pennsylvania.
Philadelpliia, December 1, 1S56.
De.\ii Sir, — I have seen and cursorily examined a portion of the specimens in
natural history which have been brought from the interior of South America, the
acquisitions of the expedition for exploration recently under your command, and am
impressed with the importance to science and the industrial arts of all the informa-
tion acquired by you. There can be no hesitation in declaring that you should be
enabled, by an appropriation on the part of government, to make known the result
of your labors, and thus secure, for the benefit of mankind, what has been deemed
of sufficient consequence to authorize a special commission to obtain. With the
hope that you will speedily be enabled to proceed with the work of publication, I am,
very truly, your obedient servant, J. Carson.
Captain Page, United States Navy, Washington.
CixcHONA BicoLORATA (Guibourt. Hist. Nat. des Drogues Simples; Carson,
American Journal of Pharmacy.) The true botanical source of this bark has not
been accurately determined. Its locality was supposed to be the West Indies.
Its presence in the collection proves it to be a native of the interior of South
America. It is desirable to determine the true plant from which it is derived. A
good tonic.
60-1 APPENDIX L.
SniARouBA OFFiciXALis (De Candolle). — The bark of this tree is analagous to
Quassia. It is the Simarouba bark of commerce.
GtTAiACUH OFFICINALE (Lin.). — Specimens of the bark and resin {Besina gvaiaci)
are in the collection.
Co>'TRATERVA ; the root of the Dorstenia Brasiltensis, described by Guibourt
{Hist. Nat. des Drag. Simp.'). — There are several specimens of the Dorstenia enu-
merated by Martius in his Si/stema Materia Medicce Yegetabilis Brasiliensis.
Mechoaca>"s'a. — A species of Mechoacan Root, probably from the Piptastegia
/)json!s (Martius, Mat. Med.) The specimens resemble the Mechoacan Root of the
United States. It is purgative, owing its properties to a resin like that of Jalap.
Sarsapaeilla. — There are several species of the snulax growing in South Amer-
ica. The stems of two species are in the collection, but it is impossible to deter-
mine which they are. The expedition evidently opens a new source for this drug.
Keajieria, Rhataxt. — The root of the Krameria triandria (Ruiz & Pavon). It
was first discovered by them in Peru. The specimen in the collection may pos-
sibly be the K. Ixina. It is a powerful and valuable astringent, and of value as
a drug.
ALSTE.E3IEEIA. — The roots of two species under the names Battatilla and Robano.
These roots are probably demulcent, as is the case with many of the species of that
genus. One is known to aiford a fecula similar to arrow-root.
ScHixrs MOLLE. — The stems of the plant*v-hich, according to Martius, belongs
to the family of Axacardiacej:. They are resinous and heating, possibly useful
as a stimidating diaphoretic, etc.
Xan-thoxvlu^i Laxosdorfh (Martius). — The stems, under the name of Tembetaru.
The properties of this plant, like those of its congeners, appear to be stimulant and
tonic.
Geexadtlla. — The stems of a species of Passiflora. There are several of them
mentioned as medicinal by Martius. These are astringent, etc.
Jatheopha ccrcas. — The seeds, which afford a purgative oil. They are called
Pinon purgatiro. The plant belongs to the family of Euphorbiacece .
Veebexa. — Two species are said to be emetic, the other a flavorer. The first
goes by the name Berbena carriotado solidago. It may be the S. vulneraria of ilar-
tius, tised for the purpose indicated by its name.
RosMARrscs. — The R. officinalis, or an allied species, apparently R. Chilensis.
Rosa. — The buds of a rose either native or introduced. Astringent.
Salvia {Sage). — It may be a new species, or one of those mentioned by Ruiz &
Pavon, growing in Chili. It has the well-marked character of the genus.
Eqosett:3i. — A species of Horsetail used in syphilis; probably, like the class,
tonic and astringent.
Rita, Rue. — Rnta graveolens {officinalis, Martius) ; according to this author, every
where cultivated.
Absixthitm. — Probably the Baccaris triptera. D. C. and Martius.
Mate. — The leaves of the Hex Paraguayensis (St. Hilaire, var. obtusi folia Mart.);
an interesting plant from which is obtained a substitute for tea.
Coca. — The leaves of the Erythroxylon coca (Lam.); an important article to the
natives of South America as a stimulant and soother. It has been placed with
narcotics, but its effects differ.
Malva. — There are many species belonging to the Malvacece in South America
{see Martius), whose properties are demidcent.
Pteris. — This plant belongs to the Filiccs. There are three species mentioned
by Martius, viz., P. leptophjlla, P. pedata, P. palinata. They are astringent. The
APPENDIX M.
605
native namo, Doradalia cuspa, is given to this medicine. It is said to be a purifier
of tlie blood.
Elemi. — A resin from the Idea icicariba (D. C, Martins, or /. altissima, And.,
D. C.) It is a fine balsamic resin, used for the same purposes as the Terebinihince.
The family is Anacardiacece.
GuARANA. — An astringent substance of dark brown color, in rolls of various sizes.
Martins supposes it to be prepared from the extract of the Paulina sortilis. It has
somewhat of a chocolate taste, and the fruit of the cacao is supposed to be mixed
with it. It has been analyzed by Cadet and Batka. The latter has reported the
existence of an alkaloid principle in it. It is stated that it is used as a substitute
for tea or coffee, and has somewhat of their refreshing eff'ects.
Copaiba. — The species submitted corresponds to the Copaifera coriacea CHayne).
It affords the true drug and may be of importance in the commerce of the countiy
explored by the expedition.
GuJi angico. — The product of the Acacia angico, or A. pirema (Martins). It re-
sembles one of the forms of Senegal Gum. See paper by J. Carson, M.D., in
American Journal ofJr'harmacy, vol. xvii.
Bergajiot. — A species of Monarda, resembling M. Bergamii.
MiXT. — Mentha jnjKrita.
Gnaphalium. — A species oi Life everlasting.
APPENDIX M.
METHODS OF WORK.
By Lieutenant William H. Powell,
\IS/,Z'*I S/,z'*l SI, ZAI 5'y 3-*— 3 0 2, 5'-
s"
? 0 2,5'—-*-/ 5'/.J-*/5/,J'-*/ 51.Z-*J5l,2 '**5
SECTION OF ErVEB PARAGUAY, AT ABtJNCION.
(Scale : For Tiorizontal measurements, i inch to 100 feet; for sotmdings, 1 inch to 100 feet.)
The instruments used were a piece of well-stretched and waxed cotton cord, for
measuring the base ; a sextant, for establishing the ranges and measuring the angles ;
a watch with a second-hand, and
the float (Fig. F) for obtaining the
surface-current ; and a lead-line, di-
vided into feet and five tenths of a
foot, for taking the soundings.
The method of work was as fol-
lows : On a line taken parallel to
the course of the current by the eye,
a base of 151.8 feet, as a multiple
of 50.6 feet, which bears the same
proportion to a sea mile (taken as
6075.56 feet) that 30 seconds does
to an hour, was measured and staked
as AB.
M^ afAdl si'xb
606
APPENDIX M,
_.2__ §1,.
-t J?.
The ranges A a and B b were then established by staking the points (a) and (6)
at 90 degrees from B and A respectively, and B b extended across the river to C.
The angle BAG was then observed=85° 20', the distance B c measured =44:. 5
feet, and C c calculated.
C c being known, the points 1 and 2, dividing it into three equal sections, and the
points S, S', and S", marking the middle of each of these sections, were fixed, and
the angles ASB, AlB, etc., calculated.
The i^oints S, 1, S', 2, and S", of the line C c, were then taken up in a boat by
means of the range B b, and the angles ASB, AlB, etc. (previously calculated), on
the sextant, and sounded, the intervening points of the 1st and 8d sections being as-
sumed by the eye.
The velocity of the surface-current at the stations S, S' and S" was found by anchor-
ing the boat above the range B b, and dropping it by the anchor-rope, until the stern
was exactly on the range. A float, represented by Fig. F, was put overboard from
the bows then, and the instant of its leaving the stern made known to an observer
at (a) by signal, who noted the exact time of its passage of each range.
With the difference of these times represented by t, 3 representing the number of
times 50.6 feet was contained in the " base," s representing the surface-current in
30 X 3
miles per hour, was obtained by formula No. 1, s= .
By means of the soundings and the distances on the line C c — the mean of the
soundings of each section being taken as its altitude — the transverse section of the
river was obtained, and the square smface of it calculated by its subdivisions.
The surface-currents s, s', and s" being known, the velocity of the mass of each
section was found by formula No. 2, y=
{Vs--[r+s
2
(from Jackson's "What to
Observe"), y representing velocity of mass, and s the surface-current, and,' conse-
quently, the cubic feet of each and all the sections calculated.
From these data and this method we have the following results :
C c 1815.1-^3=605 feet, length of section.
605 ^2=302.5 "
" half section.
The altitude of 1st section =14 feet.
" " " 2d " =42.6 "
" " " 3d " =25.4 "
Surface-cni-rent of 1st section 1.12 miles per hour.
(( (( u 9^ (1 2 30 " " "
" " " 3d " 2.33 " " "
Velocity of mass of 1st section 0.56 miles, or 3402.31 feet per hour.
" " " " 2d " 1.28 " " 7776.71 " " "
" " " " 3d " 1.30 " " 7898.22 " " "
350618351.9, total number of cubic feet passed per hour.
APPENDIX N.
607
APPENDIX N.
POINTS AND ELEVATIONS DETERMINED ON THE RIVER PAR^VNA.
Lat. S. Long. W.
Martin Garcia 34 11 40 5S 15 28.J
1 34 00 3S
li 33 53 00 59 00 31
2 38 47 00 59 13 26
3 33 40 00 59 27 28
4 Near San Pedro 33 41 00 59 39 34
4i 33 31 23 59 52 38
5 33 15 17 60 15 21
Rosario 32 56 44 60 30 04
6 D. K. 32 10 00 60 41 33
Lat. S.
6| Diamante 82 04 04
7 i of a mile W. of Pa-
rana— the Bajada. . 31 42 54
8 31 24 00
9 30 59 00
10 La Paz 30 44 08
11 30 10 21
12 Near Goya 29 07 00
13 Bella Vista 28 29 00
14 (Jorrientes 27 27 31
Long. W.
^ 60 38 56
60 32 39
60 OS 25
59 53 03
59 38 42
59 39 39.5
59 21 20.6
59 07 01.6
58 52 51
ASCENDING THE RIVER BALABO.
Lat. S. Long. W.
1 Santa Fe 31 38 34 60 39 48
2 31 21 24 60 50 27
3 31 06 21 60 44 50
4 31 00 48 60 4S 18
5 30 52 58 60 44 44
Lat. S.
6 30 46 18
7 30 33 57
8 30 13 48
9 30 12 48
10 30 10 50
DESCENDING FROM THE UPPER WATEK8.
Lat. S.
Estancia Taboado 27 20 35
Figaroa 27 42 33
JIatara 28 07 14
Estancia del Estado 28 19 54
Sause Esquina 28 26 27
Fortin Bracho 28 31 15
Long. W.
64 OS 25
63 '43 is
63 28 58
63 18 07'
63 12 00
Lat. S.
Navicha 28 43 08
Doi'ia Lorenzo 29 05 13
Paso Coria 29 13 42
Monte Tigre 29 22 32
Paso Mistol 29 16 03
EIVEE VERMEJO.
1 May 26, 1857
2 " 28, "
3 June 3, "
4 " 6, "
5 " 10, "
Variation.
7° 32' E.
8" 42' E.
Variation.
Lat. S.
26 44 45
26 35 57
26 21 23
26 20 44
26 17 09
Long. W.
5S 41 32
58 50 09
59 06 38
59 10 47
59 13 50
Variation.
6 June 14, 1857
7 " 19, " 10° 53' E.
S " 22, "
9 " 24, "
Guardia Vermejo
INTERIOR OF PARAGXTAY.
Asuncion
Ytagua
Head of Lake
Ypacaray. . . .
Tobaty
Caraguataj' ... 6° 51' E.
Est. !S. Miguel.
S. Estanislado . 6° 56' E.
San Joaquim . . 7° 42' E.
Yhu 6° 50' E.
Caaguazu 5° 00' E.
Lat. S.
25 16 29
25 23 54
25 22 03
25 15 26
25 14 00
24 55 49
24 40 00.'
25 01 49
25 03 13
25 28 33
Long. W.
57 42 42
57 24 42
67 16 50
57 06 05
56 53 09
56 34 47
56 32 00
56 05 09
55 58 55
56 05 35
Variation.
Villa Rica 7° 34' E.
Yuty T°4S'E.
San Pedro
C'amgo
Carmen
San Cosmo 7° 35' E.
Santiago 7° 04' E.
S. Maria de Fu
San Jliguel. ... 7° 12' E.
Iron Works,
"Fabrica" ..
Lat. S.
26 20 16
26 12 13
26 09 23
26 10 09
26 51 52
Lat. S.
25 47 10
26 37 05
26 50 05
20 55 47
27 12 30
27 19 09
27 07 39
26 46 51
26 31 59
Long. W.
60 39 44
60 37 no
60 40 50
60 38 00
60 38 47
Long. W.
62 58 00
66 48 00
62 34 30
62 22 00
61 49 15
Long. W.
59 20 53
59 29 57
59 31 59
59 39 03
58 28 21
Long. W.
56 30 20
56 18 42
56 16 47
56 17 47
56 14 21
56 24 43
56 50 21
57 05 17
57 09 24
26 05 32 57 57 27
ELEVATIONS BT BAROMETRICAL MEASUREMENTS.
Asuncion, above Buenos Ayres 182 feet.
Villa Rica, " " 580.7 "
Villa Rica, above Asuncion 398. 7 "
Wisner's estancia, above B. Ayres . .
" " " Asuncion. .
RIVER URUGUAY.
Lat. S.
Higueritas 33 52 25.
Mouth of the Rio Negro 33 21 33
At Cerito Estan. " 33 18 38
Mercedes, Rio Negro. . . 33 15 40
Point Diamante 33 10 40
Frey Bentoa 33 07 13.
Long. W.
58 25 55.5
58 25 37
58 13 37.5
57 59 40
58 23 00
58 20 25
Lat. S.
Gualagnaychu 33 00 35
Concepcion del Uruguay 32 29 32
Paisandu 32 18 24
Estancia Campbell 32 04 45
Concordia 31 24 44
Salto del Uniguay 31 23 20
328 feet.
146 "
Long. W.
5S 32 16
58 14 55
58 07 27.7
53 10 06.7
58 01 28.5
57 59 39
ENTRE BIOS.
Lat. S. Long. W.
Victoria (Puerto de las Sauses) 32 39 53 60 12 07.5
Island in the Palm Riacho 33 14 28 59 46 46
Gualaguay (Bierto de Ruiz) 33 13 37 59 21 10
City OF Cordova 3124 00 64 09 00
" Tucuman 26 51 00 66 00 00
" Santiago del Estero 27 46 20 64 22 15
608
APPENDIX O.
APPENDIX O.
METEOEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
EXPLANATIONS OF TABLES.
The barometric and thermometric computations are the result of eight daily ob-
servations made at 3 A.M., 6 A.M., 9 A.M,, noon, 3 P.M., 6 P.M., 9 P.M., and
midnight; and the mean ranges given only for some prominent places, such as
Asuncion, Buenos Ayres, etc., where the steamer remained long enough to admit
of a series of observations being made.
The direction smA force of the wind were also noted at those times, and the name
and strength of that most prevalent set down in the column, according to the fol-
lowing scale :
SCALE OP WINDS.
Number.
Miles per hour.
Technical description.
1
2
Very light breeze.
2
4
Gentle breeze.
3
12
Fresh breeze.
4
25
Strong wind.
5
35
High wind.
6
45
Gale.
7
60
Strong gale.
8
75
Violent gale.
9 ^
90
Hurricane.
10
100
Most violent hurricane.
Similar observations were made of the state of the weather. By clear days is
meant that at least two thirds of the sky is unclouded ; by cloudy, a larger part
cloudy than clear ; and by rainy days, that more or less rain then fell, without ref-
erence to quantity.
Letters are used to designate the state of the weather, and denote as follows :
f. foggy; F. thick fog; 1. lightning; m. misty; q. squally; t. thunder; h. hazy.
A * appended to any letter indicates an extraordinary degree.
The altitude above the sea, given in the column headed Alt., is that of the river
at that place.
The observations at Buenos Ayres were made by Dr. Kennedy in connection
with those taken at other points of the exploration. Altitude of the observatory,
sixty feet above the sea.
APPENDIX O.
609
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