рох were left Executors to the will of an Englishman who died some time since in that city. Among his effects was eight pounds of gold dust (which article by a law, issued since his death, is made contraband there), the executors, who say they were not aware of that law, sold the dust to raise funds to defray the funeral expenses. The Governor (Aldercrutz) having heard of this, sent to demand the dust, but they of course could not produce it and were thrown into prison. Richard R. Nicholson, who had been long sick, and then laboring under delirium, was, notwithstanding the remonstrances of several physicians against the rough treatment, carried off and as predicted died in a few hours. Traverse too was sick, and after this tragedy of Nicholson, was removed to his own house and left under charge of a guard. After trying every method to procure his release without effect, (the amount in money having been rejected by this Governor) was obliged to run the risk of being condemned to ten years imprisonment and the loss of the eight pounds of dust, by smuggling that amount in the place to satisfy the Governor's cupidity. Now allowing that fraud was intended by these Executors in the disposition of the dust, can any thing justify the brutal and tyrannical conduct towards the dying Nicholson on the part of Aldercrutz? No! nor is this a single case of such treatment towards foreigners, nor are the natives themselves exempt; they are often made to writhe under the power of these arbitrary officers who carry their oppressive measures to an infamous degree, and it is not at all remarkable that there are so many disaffected towards such a Government. This disaffection is wide and fast spreading over the whole country; there will no doubt be great political changes ere long, indeed rumor positively declares that the President Dictator intends assuming that power for life, under the name of Presidente Vitalicio or of Emperor. Rumor also says that De Bresson is here to pave the way for a Bourbon successor to Bolivar from France. These stories all tend to increase disaffection. A few nights since, placards were posted in the streets threatening De Bresson and the Duke de Montibello with assassination, if they did not desist from their intrigues to effect this object and leave the country. This proves the existence of a strong feeling and many fear more disturbances. The Goodings, who were here and witnessed the horrors of the riot last year, are collecting all the debts they can muster and the one brother, for fear of another event of that kind now leaves for the United States. The girls I hope will be more particular in their chit-chat intelligence, it is only through them I can expect to keep the trace of friends dear to me in youthful days. I suppose my old companion - Robert Jenkins is married by this time. I am glad that my young friends still think of me, the Misses Lansings among the rest, let me hear more of them. I am really happy to hear of Aunt Maria's marriage, she must know me well enough to be assured she has my best wishes. The note of Uncle Kilian gave me great pleasure, it is characteristic of the kind feeling he always possessed for every one; the enfeebled state he was in, when I left home, compelled me to think I would never see him again, and the news of his death was not unlooked for. If a practice of all the cardinal virtues of Christianity, without a profession of them, can secure the transient tenant of this life an after seat among the blessed, his soul is happy. The promise of my dear Mother, through the girls, that I should have a long letter from her as soon as she was completely well, is earnestly desired and looked for. Tell Adeline I have written twice to that fine fellow Dr. Van Rensselaer, and have also received two letters from him, I write again to him by this mail. I dare say Hat and Cat have grown very much and are studying hard, kiss them both for me. Remember me to all. Sincerely Yours. RENSS. VAN RENSSELAER. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Margaretta Van Rensselaer to her Sister. Dear Sister, Albany September 4, 1829. Your welcome letter found me at Mount Hope where I went last Wednesday and remained so as to be with our Dear Mother on her fiftyfourth birthday. I came in town to night with our dear Father. Yesterday afternoon (Thursday) a very sad accident befell our excellent townsman Dr. James McNaughten. He with a few other gentlemen dined at Drake's in company with some Southerners, after which they rode out to William Walsh's [one mile south of the city] at Nut Grove to view the fine prospect. On their return, in coming down the steep hill, some part of the harness gave way, and in consequence of which the horse became frightened, and in running stumbled, by which he upset the chaise, in which James Stevenson, Esq. and Dr. McNaughten were seated. It rolled (the gig) two or three times entirely over on the Doctor. Mr. Stevenson was also thrown out, but not much injured. Bill Walsh and George Brinckerhoof went immediately to town and brought out the Doctors. In the meantime Papa and Catherine came walking along on their way to the birth-day party at Mount Hope. They had just raised the Dr. out of the gully, and he laid on the grass with his head on John Walsh's lap. Papa felt his hands and then sent Catharine to Cherry Hill for a cot, which Grandma soon sent as also a mattress. Dr. McN. seemed in great pain, and told Papa it was useless sending for the doctors as it was "all over with him," he said his "back was broken." As he wished Papa to remain till the physicians came he did so, and after he was laid on the bed and being carefully moved to Albany, they came on to Mount Hope. James Stevenson certainly had a most miraculous escape, his greatest damage being torn clothes. On examination it was found his back was not broken; his ribs, however are, and his leg so badly fractured — the bone is mashed they still fear it will have to be amputated, however it is set, and though still in a critical condition is doing better than expected. Rensselaer's letters were sent for you. The Patroon was here and so anxious to see them, that Papa promised he should read them when they were returned; he expected that Richard would have brought them home with him. The Patroon has again inquired for them and Papa wishes you to send them up at once with the mail. Mama's cold is better. The weather here is also very changeable; yesterday and to day quite cold enough to sit by the fire. Tuesday and Wednesday were the warmest days we have had during the Summer. I regret that the Doctor and Cousin Charlotte have suffered from the change. That God may bless and protect you, and all those who are near and dear to you is the sincere prayer of your sister— MARGARETTA. Miss Adeline Van Rensselaer. Care of Jer. Van Rensselaer, M. D., New York. Hon. Daniel Webster to Gen. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Sir, business which it is not practicable to postpone. So long an interval had occurred since I saw you, that I had been led to think you had concluded that it would be best to leave our meeting to accident. I hope, very sincerely, it may yet so happen, that I may see the General before I go South. The last week in October, and the two first weeks in Novr. I expect to pass in New York. It would gratify me if circumstances should call him to the City about that time. The opinions which I expressed to you, especially such as relate to the state of things in this part of the Country, have been much confirmed by events which have since occurred. It will not be possible to repress, for many months longer, some public demonstration of the General Sentiment. I am, Dr. Sir, with very sincere regard Yours, DANL. WEBSTER. Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y. Muy señor mio, It is Gen. Harrison's intention to leave this as soon as possible, after transferring his office over, in order that he may pursue his route towards Carthagena at his leisure. He expects there the arrival of the Sloop of War "Natchez", (that brought out his successor) from Brazil, to which place she has gone to carry Capt. Cassin, and expects to be able to sail for the United States about the middle of November. Gen. Harrison will leave South America, carrying with him the best wishes, not only of his own countrymen, but of all the Colombians and Foreigners, who had the honor of his acquaintance. He is heartily sick of this tropical America, and were he not, he would have no reason to regret his recall, as I am satisfied that the ill-advised measure will have the contrary effect of honoring him. He will have the largest escort that ever graced the departure of any foreigner from this Capital; not a military escort, but a cavalcade of sorrowing friends. For my own part I shall not leave the noble man, at any rate, until I see him borne, away from the store houses in Honda, by the waters of the Magdalena. Mr. Moore writes he will take the General's furniture, if he does so, with the house and garden, he will not only acquire a supply of what he must other wise procure here, but a fine variety of first rate vegetables, and this arrangement will relieve the General of much trouble. Mr. Moore also mentions in his letter that he has in his possession Dispatches from the Department for General Harrison. They undoubtedly contain the official notice of the General's recall; we will therefore witness here the novel sight of the Presentation of a Minister Plenipotentiary at Bogota by his predecessor. I am doubtful if this letter finds a passage home, before the General leaves this Country, but will forward it on to Carthagena in hopes that it may. I am anxious that such should be the case, as I see published in the United States papers, the rumors and contradictory statements growing out of a war between this Colombia and Peru, which may possibly give rise to some uneasiness among my friends at home; but they need not be under any apprehension. The War is an offensive one on the part of Colombia, and is about sixty days journey for light mules from this; then too any occurrence there, produces just about as much interest among foreigners here, as does the war in Eastern Europe. Even the little interest we lately received from the military operations in that remote quarter of the Republic, must take another turn, for Bolivar having obtained repossession of Guayaquil by capitulation, seems disposed, if not obliged for want of funds, to end this famous war in negotiation. An armistice between the contending powers has taken place, in May last for sixty days, since which we have just heard that Commissioners on part of Peru were, in the Colombian camp, treating for Peace. Should this attempt for peace prove abortive, and should the Peruvian forces be able to defeat Gen. Bolivar in the South and make way through all the impenetrable passes to this City. I would look on the events as an uninterested spectator. Our Flag is held in such respect here, that any person under its protection would find security even in a civil commotion. An Ambassador and his family have always been considered sacred, even in the most barbarous nations. I hope therefore no one will give way to useless apprehensions on my account. Rumor, they say, grows in its travels, if that is the case any rumor relating to this country must be a monster by the time it reaches you. You have had, and undoubtedly will receive more exaggerated accounts from this new Republic, but again, I say, let my situation here, be a sufficient guarantee to you of my personal security, and let me find contentment in knowing you have no anxiety on my account. The General now in daily expectation of the arrival of Mr. Moore, his successor, has just sent his son off to Guaduas (the village of his own selection, perhaps because his crony, before my arrival, D. O. Carr is stationed there) in order to acquire as much knowledge of the language as possible, before leaving the country. In a few weeks the Hendersons will also leave the city; their ostensible reason for it, is to give the workmen an opportunity to repair damages, caused by the earthquake, on their house. When they have gone we propose to make a trip to the Falls of Tequendama, one of the most remarkable cataracts in the world about 15 or 16 miles south west of this city, on the river Bogota, a branch of the Meta. This river, which passes through the Capital, is compressed (just above the falls) from 140 to 35 feet in width, and rushes down a perpendicular rock at two bounds, to the depth of 574 feet, into an unfathomable gulf.” Three or four of us escorted Consul Henderson and family a few miles out of town and returned by the light of the moon. In the suburbs we met a patrol of twenty men, by whom we were instantly hailed with "Quién vivo" (who lives)? "Colombia" was answered by Dr. Cheyene. "Quién es (who is there)? "Ciudadáno" (citizen), was the reply, and we passed on unmolested. While on the subject of the military, a word or two for future reminiscence is well enough. There are about 1000 soldiers quartered in this city, and more or less in every place of any consequence throughout the republic. The aggregate number of the regular army is 40,000 with 70 generals, 200 colonels, and other officers in proportion. This immense standing army engrosses all the revenue of the country for its support, nor is that sufficient; forced loans are frequently resorted to, in order to maintain them and to raise funds for other current expenses. The common soldiers here in the capital get one reál-12 cents per diem, without rations, which is quite enough to support them here; but they are poorly clad; very few have blankets, none shoes. In other places the pay is more or less, according to the abundance or scarcity of provisions. The common soldiers are caught on market days, by a press gang, and driven to the cantonment in chains-where they are enrolled for a number of years and called voluntario — volunteers. The dissatisfaction against the Government has now become so manifest that those in authority begin to perceive it and suspicions are awakened. They have arrested Tenorio under a charge of fomenting disturbances in the capital, and have thrown him into prison. It is supposed that advantage will be taken of Bolivar's advance in Peru, on the part of the Liberals or Constitutionalists to overcome his friends and those in favor of a monarchy in every part of the country. Such suppositions and Tenorio's imprisonment, is the cause of a great deal of distrust in the city. Cash people bury their riches, and visits are scarce; people are fearful of committing themselves by unintentionally visiting a liberal and of course Bogota is now a dreary hole. Carter and the Hendersons are very much missed by all at our Legation. Sept. 21st. A little before dinner to day Commodore De Kay of the Brazilian service, the avant courier, sent on to announce the approach of Major Thomas P. Moore, Minister Plenipotentiary to Bogata and Mr. Pickett, arrived. After dinner Mr. Tayloe, myself and one or two of the General's guests, to day at dinner. rode out on the Alaméda, the north avenue from the city and escorted them in. They had been forty days traveling from Maracaybo exclusive of resting, were completely worn out with fatigue, and shivering under their Kentucky cloaks with the cold. While the party are telling over their perils by sea and land, I haste to bring this letter to a close. Mr. Moore mentions having seen you and two of my sisters in New York and that your health was good, those two |