After matin song on the morning of the 9th of December, Correliana
announced the near approach of couriers with letters. At noon the train
arrived having in charge Padre Simon as a special envoy from Captain
Greenwood. His convoy brought letters from Europe and Montevideo in
answer to those despatched by M. Hollydorf and Mr. Welson, also to the
other members of the corps. The padre, although looking jaded with
fatigue, was in his usual happy state of mental confusion, to which the
affectionate greetings of the Heracleans and Kyronese greatly added,
causing him to exclaim: “Well, I truly declare upon the soul of my
conscience, I believe you are truly glad to see me!” His mental
perplexity was increased by the nature of his mission, which will be
gradually developed in progressive relation. Mr. Welson received a large
budget of letters, many of which were from his correspondents in Panama,
who were anxious to learn the cause of his long delayed return. Those
relating to his business engagements were quickly despatched, his
interest being more directly enlisted in the perusal of letters from his
Montevidean and Buenos Ayrean correspondents. We will first offer the
transcript of M. Baudois’s letter.
BUENOS AYRES, _November 19, 182-_.
TO SEÑOR DON GUILLERMO WELSON:
_Heraclea of the Falls, Andean La Plata._
_My Dear Sir_,—Your letter was duly received, and I can truly say that
its contents taxed my credulity to its utmost stretch. The discovery of
remnant Latin and Asiatic races was quite sufficient for the rational
digestion of wondering admiration! But the revelation of Animalculan
representatives of humanity quite staggered and mazed my powers of
marvelous conception, until reason had with cool reflection weighed your
written evidences of sanity. Then, quite convinced that you did not
design to test the extent of my gullibility with the conjurations of
your imagination, I found within myself evidences of sustaining approval
that confirmed my believing reliance in the sincerity of your imparted
happiness. If the extinct Giga animal species are represented by living
Animalculan, it appears quite reasonable that the order of continuation
should embrace the human. With these deductive considerations my reason
became reconciled for the recognition of your Manatitlans as real
negotiable representatives of humanity. Again my wondering admiration
expanded from your description of their habits and educated power of
self control for the exampled reciprocation of good will. It is but
natural to conceive that affectionate confidence must result from self
government, for purity and goodness are the parents of unselfishness. In
comparative degree we have seen that the children of our race, who from
necessity have been trained for the exercise of self denial, are
reliable and affectionate in contributing to the associate happiness of
others. It is impossible for me to find adequate words suited for the
expression of the relief afforded from the light that dawned upon my
perception through the vista opened for the realization of Creative
intention! Dull, indeed, must be the faculties of a person unable to
realize, upon the moment, the certain effect that would result from
cultivating the germ of goodness for the control of instinctive
animality. In deference to the Manatitlans’ loving perspicacity, which
has enabled them almost innately to discover the impression of design in
cultivating from infancy the germ of goodness, my body seemed to shrink
with shame from its distended growth of fungus, emblematical of
stupidity, under the influence of their imparted intelligence. But with
a knowledge of cause my efforts for relief were attended with an
instinctive oppression from animality, so apparent in its selfishness,
that with my utmost effort I could only obtain partial relief, with the
resolve of affording, at most, an imperfect example for the benefit of
future generations. Under the presaged reality of the Heracleans’
affectionate and enduring sympathy, my hereditary infidelity, begot from
the adverse fatuity of sectarian delusions, faded like the Pampa mists
before the brightness and genial warmth of the morning sun. Now that the
Manatitlan system of education has revived my hopes, I look forward with
trustful desire that my life may be prolonged to witness the full
inauguration of self-legislation, for time and eternity, in freedom from
the proxied impositions of instinctive priestcraft, and politic
statesmen.
With regard to the search you wished to have me make for relic
information: I have succeeded in unearthing collateral evidence which
proves beyond a doubt that many galleys from the interior waters of the
eastern continent, connecting through the Mediterranean Sea with the
Atlantic Ocean, reached the shores of the La Plata estuary before the
advent of our Christian era. At different dates during the last two
centuries rumors have been rife attesting to the existence of a walled
city inhabited by a white race, situated in an Andean valley that gives
rise to the river Vermejo, or its tributary source. The reports, at
different periods, caused the Jesuits to make several attempts to
negotiate a favorable disposition on the part of the Indians to impart
knowledge in verification; but all their overtures were treated with an
evasive skill that involved the question of its real existence in
greater mystery. Their missionary attempts to penetrate the country of
the wild hordes, beyond the river chacas, were opposed with determined
and successful hostility. The community of Pompolio has been an
acknowledged fact for centuries. The ancestors of your Kyronese were the
reputed founders of Mendoza, from which they were driven by the mongrel
progenitors of the present inhabitants.
The remains of vessels of undoubted Phœnician, Egyptian, and Roman
construction have been found imbedded in the preserving guanic and
alluvial deposits that have filled with their accumulations the inlets
where they were moored. Of these Don Pedro Garcia will give you a
succinct written account. The following notice of a relict discovery I
have copied in translation from an old number of the “Gazette de
Bogota”:—
“Voice le passage tel qui le donnent les Nouvelles Annals des Voyages,
1st Tome, page 393, anne 1832. Au village de Dolores deux lieus de
Montevideo un plantuer decouvrier une pierre tumuliare des caracteres
inconuus. Relevant cette pierre il trouve un caceau de briques
renfermant, deux sabres antique bronze, un casque, et un boucler, tres
amphoræ par le huile, et une in terre de grand dimensions. Tout ces
debris emporter au savant pere Martinez Garcia, il est parvenir a lire
la pierre ces mots in caracteres grec. Voir ton Phillipi * * * * *.
Alexand fils to Macedon * * *. Vasi epi tes execui * * * *. k * * ty
* * * en * to * * top * * Pelatin. Ca est dire completement les mots.
Alexander fils de Phillipe etait de Macedon, vers la 63 Olimpiade in ces
lieux. Petolemie les reste manque. Sur le poignee des epies est grave un
portrait que commun etre celui de Alexandre, sur le casque on remarque
un circulure representant Achille trainant le cadavre Hector ante de
murs Troie. Fait il conclure de cette decouverte de contemporaire de
Aristotle a fouile de du sol Bresil. Est il probable que Ptolemie ce
clef bein conu de la plotte de Alexandre entraine par un tempte an
milieu dece las enciens appelaient les grand mur ait ete jette les cotes
du La Plata et y ait marque son passage pax ce memorial monument fait
dans trois les ces fort curieux les archeoloques.”—_Gazette Universelle
de Bogota._
At the period this relic discovery indicates, the proximate swiftness of
the current stream setting to and from the Strait of Gibraltar to the La
Plata estuary can be estimated by present calculation, which has been
rated at twenty miles an hour during the height of a monsoon gale. This
would give a surface speed to a floating object of four or five miles an
hour, under direct impetus; and with a due allowance for counter slips
from eddies, lack of direction, and other causes, a chance voyage might
be accomplished in from twenty to thirty days. With the square sails
used in Ptolomic vessels, with shallow prows made to imitate the breasts
and necks of water fowls, a swift passage could have been made with
intention and a favoring wind; but it was the superstitious custom of
the ancient mariners to rely upon the direction of fate. M. Hollydorf or
Dr. Baāhar could arrive at a proximate conjecture of the derivative
source of the Kyronese from the Syriac root and terminals, and by like
tests, if of Beberi or Morisco extraction. The fourth wonder of your
Arabian Knights’ discoveries is the fact that a savage of the wild
hordes can be favorably influenced by exampled goodness, or in any way
hold himself amenable to either reason or kindness. Yet I would urge the
necessity of impressing them with a knowledge of good and evil, with a
detective perception sufficient for your protection against their
revengeful instincts, that you may not become the victims of misplaced
confidence for the malicious injuries inflicted by our race.
In closing my epistle I will truthfully declare that I envy the meanest
capacity of your party his privilege of contributing to your common fund
of enjoyment. How I have longed, waited, and despaired, for the
irresistible charm of affectionate sincerity, that betokens in its reach
immortality. A note from Don Pedro advised me of his family’s desire
that I would visit them as a consulting aid in your behalf. You are but
too well aware of his past source of disquietude. Greatly to my relief I
found him with his two daughters, your little favorites, Lovieta and
Lavoca, filled to overflowing with an affectionate appreciation of the
manifold resources of your discovery. As our meeting, under the
circumstances, was characteristic, I will endeavor to render the mutual
impressions of the scene in enactment. In the place of the Teutonic
custodian, with the forbidding Cyclopean visage, Don Pedro received me
at the open puerta, evidently in waiting expectation of my arrival.
Confronting each other at the entrance we stood for a second regarding
each the other with the mutual reflection of wistful eyes, until the
rising flush of our united emotions bespoke like impressions; then with
an impulsive disregard for formalistic dignity, and greatly to the
surprise of watchful neighbors, we embraced with the allied warmth of
our new role of sympathy. Shrinking from the curious gaze of strangers
we entered, Don Pedro surrendering his post to the portress who received
from me, for the first time, a courteous greeting, which was returned in
kind. In the patio we were met by Lovieta and Lavoca who, with the quick
interpretation of infantile affection, discovered the prompted source of
our unusual cordiality. Receiving permission from their father they at
once commenced to unravel the tale of Don Guillermo’s wonderful
discoveries, with frequent halting questions for elucidation, and
commentaries upon the startling information imparted from your letter to
them, which was premised with the confidential acknowledgement: “Why, M.
Baudois, it’s queer we love you so much this morning, and were so afraid
of you before, which kept us from liking you!” Then for an hour or more
they prattled of affection with such a clear perception of the
Manatitlan rendering, that I felt acutely the poverty of my own
resources. In testimony of affection’s inexhaustible attractions, I
remained with them three days before the prime object of the visit
engaged our attention, and then, with reluctance, we turned our vision
back to trace with our material guide-posts the progenitorial evidences
of Heraclean advent.
You urge me to visit Heraclea. I can assure you that there is not in the
wide range of thought a prospect that would afford me a tithe of the
pleasure; but I am ashamed to acknowledge that I feel within me the old
leaven of instinctive dislike for the members of the corps, from
nationality. For personally, as you are aware, I have no acquaintance
with them. From this cause I am so doubtful of self control within that
I cannot with sincerity venture the experiment of voluntary association
with them, even under Heraclean auspices. My feelings, as a Frenchman,
are still instinctively patriotic, notwithstanding the reproof
administered in every sentence of your letter. I am well aware of all
you would urge in favor of the trial, and my reason sanctions with
desire all you could say; and it is with humiliation that I am candidly
obliged to avow myself unfit for an association with the German members
of the corps, although they have received the prestige of Heraclean
adoption. If my disposition would allow me to enact the part of
affectionate sympathy, the treacherous disguise of hypocrisy would not
shield me from Manatitlan auramentation, with whom I would fain hold
myself, in sincerity, worthy, to the extent of my freedom from
instinctive disability. However much you may regret my lack of the noble
qualities, which allow your unbiased passions the privilege of repose, I
am certain that your native Gallic infusion of clannish prejudice, will,
even with your new light, appreciate the honesty of my motives. To merit
the esteem of the Manatitlans, I will use every possible means for the
subjugation of my sectional prejudices; having already been obliged to
acknowledge to myself, from the revolting impression still retained of
the commune massacres of Paris, that with the murderous spirit in train,
we should scarcely have shown as merciful a record as the Germans, if we
had been victorious. With better generals as players, in the deadly game
of war, the weak movements of our imbeciles were forestalled and
checkmated. This causes a furious undercurrent for reprisal, especially
as the war was precipitated by a tyrant without the provisionary tact to
foresee and provide for the tottering destiny of his throne. Of course,
the disastrous results of war reflect from the ruler to the subjects,
alike in imbecility and determined intelligence. Our soldiers were
driven like sheep to the slaughter. In fact, there was no real cause for
the war on either side, and great reason why it should have been firmly
opposed on the part of the French people, who have in the game enacted
the part of pawns and are paying the penalty. The victorious can afford
the dole of generosity to the defeated. This retrospective glance I
offer as a specimen of my instinctive forbearance, and until I feel the
sincerity of my self-control, I must avoid temptation likely to arouse
hatred and revenge, the chief constituents of patriotism. With sincere
gratitude for the happiness I have enjoyed from your intuition, you can
rest assured of its strong impression in reciprocation.
H. BAUDOIS.
N. B. Since the above conclusion of my letter, I have visited and opened
a tumulus raised over the remains of a Roman woman. The inscription
engraved upon a stone covered by the mound, had been rendered nearly
illegible from detrition, but we were enabled to decipher, with an
approach to certainty, the following detached words: COR. * * * *, * * *
AUGUSTA * *. IB UXOR ⛳ * * * * * * *. ALLISSUIS. * * *. The distaff was
an emblem used for the commemoration of industrious habits when graved
in an upright position, but when trailed from a spun thread, it
indicated a gad-about reputation. Don Pedro will write you a particular
description of our joint labors. I will now stay my still overburdened
pen, to give my thoughts maturity for better expression. H. B.
* * * * *
As Mr. Welson read M. Baudois’s letter aloud with a slow, clear, and
distinct accentuation, it was intelligible to all, and elicited warm
encomiums, with a strong desire to listen to the reading of Don Pedro
Garcia’s, which we transcribe.
BUENOS AYRES.
QUERIDO DON GUILLERMO,—Since we received your letters describing your
marvelous adventures (which we believed, because we could not doubt the
truthful sincerity of your affection), we have been in a constant
flutter of joyous exhilaration, which has served to clear the murky
atmosphere of our household from its time-honored odors and rites of
instinctive religion. While bestirring ourselves for the relief of our
bodies with the labors of purification for domestic entertainment, we
(M. Baudois is now a member of our family) have employed our thoughts in
trying to anticipate the effect of your revelation in stemming the tide
of ritual selfishness. Also in measuring the extent of opposition and
consternation it will cause among the ceremonial adherents of sects
congregating for the worship of self-preservation while preying upon
each other. We have already felt a foreboding of its practical effect,
in demonstration, from our family incubus, Padre Molinero. By depriving
sects of their material heaven and hell,—upon which in positive and
negative entrance fee priestcraft has issued policies of insurance for
the soul of instinct from time out of date,—you will lay an eternal
embargo upon their selfish schemes of praying premiums. Indeed, in
sanguine forecast we can now see the gasping flutterings of saving grace
in its last ritualistic struggles for salvation from inevitable
oblivion, giving place to the glorious effulgence of an affectionate
immortality. As you can well imagine, I have but little to say in
extenuation for my past infatuation, other than that my reason and
reverence halted with the dullness of indifference, causing me to accept
forms, from the fact that my veneration could find no hopeful resting
place. We can now scarcely endure the reflection, that through life we
have remained so dull of apprehension, as not to have discovered from
self-intuition, that purity and goodness could alone fulfill the
indications of Creative intention for the assurance, in life, of an
affectionate immortality. From the moment I read your letter I became
subject to an awakening translation from self, and in relief from the
dread incubus, become overjoyed with the prospect of affording aid to
others. That you may more fully realize the effect of the transition, it
was quickly discovered by the watchful expectancy of your chiquita
favorites Lovieta and Lavoca, who were waiting for the confections of
love they knew you would not fail to send for their affectionate
regalement. When the rays of gladness began to dawn in my face, they
interrupted my reading by nestling their arms about my neck, while they
whispered, as if fearful of disturbing the joyful emotions, “O father,
how happy you look, there must be something good for us,—do let us kiss
you and then read it for we long to hear what Querido Don Guillermo has
written to make you look so alegre.” With this appeal, seconded by an
affectionate assault, I commenced from the beginning of your letter,—but
half unfolded to my own view,—and as I read explained to their wondering
comprehension the marvelous transitions of your experience. With the
introduction of Correliana my reading became interjectional from the
staccato inflection of kisses telegraphed to her goodness, with the
exclamations, “How beautiful,” “Marvilloso!” “Oh, if”—but the wish
remained unfinished in voiceful expression, yet the conscious flush of
momentary sadness plainly interpreted the burden of their thoughts in
hopeful appeal. These emotions, advocated in truthful sincerity the sway
of goodness, during the infantile period, if unprejudiced by deleterious
example,—when my unfortunates have retained its impression so perfectly,
notwithstanding their exposure to its adverse influence. With the ready
perception of such youthful neophytes the Manatitlans’ demonstration of
exampled direction in purity and goodness must succeed with our race.
For older appreciation, how could its truthful impression be more
clearly defined for the comprehension of common sense, or more agreeable
to loving veneration directed to the Supreme Source of all good, than
through the attractive avenue of infantile perception? Practical, or
exampled purity and goodness in attainment, are in substance, to my
understanding, the length and breadth of Manatitlan “theology,” if I may
be permitted to use a word so devoid of intrinsic meaning, for the
expression of the highest possible conceptions of realized achievement.
I feel certain that I have not misconstrued the Manatitlan “Code” from
the enthusiastic approval of the above named theologists known to your
loving sympathy.
How the sectaries will dispose of the Manatitlan method of perfecting
their children in loving affection cannot be solved by anticipation. But
my household has been “blessed” with a partial solution of the Catholic
method that will be adopted, by a demonstrative denunciation of you and
your Manatitlan exemplars as infernal innovators, by your old “friend”
Padre Molinero. Forgetting in his wrathful displeasure that anathemas
were vicarious oaths in fiendish transposition for priestly cursing, he
dispensed them freely for the final disposal of all innovators, and in
personal designation included those that I hold most dear in my
affectionate esteem. With a self-control, that made me feel for a moment
exultant, in view of my former frailties of temper, I coolly reminded
him of the formulistic rites established by society for association;
assuring him that I should sustain the sanctuary privileges, and stable
rights of my roof, recognized by civilized humanity, against the
intrusion of any and all persons refusing to hold themselves amenable to
the unobtrusive rules of instinctive propriety. This admonition so
enraged him, that his malignant intolerance burst forth in demoniacal
ebullition, heedless of my direct hints that he was overstepping the
limits of patient endurance. But as he continued to inveigh, I with
authority withheld his further speech, with a determination that
overawed him, and then, while directing his way to the outer gates,
stated in plain terms my desire to hear him express a determination to
absent himself from my house henceforth and forever. This final
ultimatum, after years of undisputed sway, caused his former expression
of vengeful hate to appear, in comparison, like the mild gleams of
summer electricity, in contrast with the fierce flashes uttered with the
deep mutterings of the full charged thunder cloud. Indeed, when the
portera discharged him with her absolution, his visage became visibly
expanded with a toadish expression of ire, and his throat with a sack
constriction resembling the cobra’s when about to strike for venomed
injection. Failing in speech to intimidate, he had recourse to the
fierce ritually crossings of excommunication, which formerly caused
kings and emperors to tremble with instinctive fear. This impotent
effort must have summoned to my face a contemptuous expression, for
Teudschen, the portera, made a significant gesture of questioning
inquiry with her foot, as he passed over the threshold, which I
negatived with a decisive shake of the head, else, I should now have to
bear the stigma of sanctioning an act of celerity she was desirous of
communicating to Padre Molinero to expedite his exit. Instead of denying
her impulsive intention of rendering pedal acceleration to the padre’s
outward movement, when I reproved her for the meditated unfeminine act,
which in consummation would have given rise to great scandal, she
innocently asked, “what else could a woman do when there was no broom
handy?” Then she continued, in extenuation, “If men come into the houses
of good peoples, dressed like women in petticoats, and don’t behave
properly, as they ought, it’s right that they should be served by a
woman as a man would treat them if he dared!” This Hibernic style of
pleading, with its touch upon the mild nature and lack of decision in my
exercise of authority, at once dispelled my ill humor; and I questioned
her, whether as a good Lutheran she was familiar with the text that
taught the returns that were to be made for despiteful treatment? After
a little thoughtful hesitation, she said, “I don’t exactly remember, but
I believe they were kicked out of the house.” This answer closed my
catechismal interview, but however remote its orthodoxy was from the
inculcation of the text, its validity was loyal in the sound doctrinal
expression of instinct. For the humorous method of Teudschen’s style of
speaking, with the broken wabbling tones of her voice, in variation from
Low Dutch guttural to the harsh grating rasp of High German, I will
refer you to your memory of the gratification you derived from
conversing with her. Leaving the patio with my feelings of anger
unruffled by Teudschen’s patriotic simplicity, which had long been
aggravated by Padre Molinero’s French sympathies, I returned falteringly
to the salon, fearing that the mother of my children might view the
expulsion of her confessor as an unpardonable sin; still I could not
help congratulating myself upon the manner in which I had rid my
household of the traitorous fomenter of misrule and family discord.
Entering her apartment fully prepared to meet her scornful and defiant
glances, ill masked under the disguise of indifference, I was startled
out of my assumed composure by the unexpected greeting of tearful eyes,
and soft pleading glances bespeaking self-deprecation. These
premonitions of repentant affection brought back, with the loving glow
of gladness, the happy impressions of our early wedded life when I was
all sufficient as a confessor without the aid of priest or mother-in-
law. Determined to make good the step I had taken for freeing my family
from the prying curiosity and dictation of droning priests, I met her
advances with affectionate warmth; but after listening to her
expressions of revived sympathy, I with conscious power, never before
realized, asked her if she was willing to seek another priestly adviser;
if she still considered it necessary to bar her husband from his
affectionate privilege? Feeling a sympathetic tremor in full assent with
my wishes, as she silently embraced me, I expressed, with endearments,
the hope that I had proved myself worthy of her love and confidence,
except from occasional displays of temper provoked by the influence that
had caused her estrangement. An answering sob, with its regretful
pressure, confirming the favorable advantage of the moment, I questioned
whether her unbiased perception had ever discovered in me a willful
deficiency, or one of indifference, that I could correct for enhancing
her present happiness, or advancing her preparation for a future state.
If I had been so unfortunate or neglectful in my intention, with her
affectionate reciprocation, I would make it my constant text for
amendment. In vain she tried to give expression in words to the welling
revival of loving emotions, but, although in voiceful effort she failed,
her lips with truthful impression absolved me. Blinded with repentant
tears she indicated her desire to be left alone; obedient to the
unexpressed wish I left her.
Lovieta and Lavoca, who had witnessed the scene of happy reconciliation,
sat with arms entwined about each other’s necks, mingling their tears in
grateful sympathy, otherwise holding themselves aloof with wonderful
discretion, as if with the understanding that their participation would
divert the full measure of love’s revived reciprocation. But as the door
closed upon their mother, I felt their hands caressingly raise mine to
their lips, while in relieved vent of consolation and childish
dislike, they exclaimed in sobbing accents, first Lovieta,
“The—the—ugly—o—old zopilote!” [carrion vulture] to which Lavoca
appended, “Who—who—comes—to—to—our—house,—when—he—he—knows—we—we—ain’t
dead.”
Upon you, my dear Don Guillermo, rests this irreverent title, and
knowledge of vocation in application, and as you see the retentive
rendering my children have made of it, I hope that you will not sin away
the day of grace offered for repentance! If you, a stranger, found
yourself unable to resist the pleadings of their affectionate natures,
you can judge of a fond father’s partiality, and will excuse his
frequent introduction of their quaint comparisons, especially as they
are largely indebted to you for their capital ideas? They have proved
the choicest of our blessings, and in love’s arbitrations have ever been
the pure mediums of affectionate reunion. After a sufficient season had
been allowed from my anxious desire, the children were sent to add their
weight to the favoring balance of their mother’s affection. Quickly
returning, with guarded steps prompted for affectionate surprise, they
approached silently,—as I sat with bowed head, hopefully musing, with
the desire that Consolata might be changed into unwavering semblance of
your Heraclean matrons,—and the velvety wreath of their arms again
encircled my neck, while Lovieta and Lavoca’s Manatitlan voices
whispered, in joyous emulation, “Go to mamma!” Dear Don Guillermo, you
will rejoice to know that she met me at the door with a fond embrace,
and the sobbing supplication, “Pedro, can you forgive me? If you can,
and will let me love you again, your desires shall ever be mine!” The
coveted appeal required no repetition, for there was in her words an
expression of anguished regret, that surprised conviction with the
assurance of our mutual amendment. You will, I am sure, forgive me for
obtruding my uxorious prolixity, in giving vent to the expression of our
united happiness, a boon long coveted without the hopeful expectation of
realization. Consolata (I trust that I shall never again have occasion
to revive the old name of Malaspina, as a household term of endearment
addressed to my wife, once so painfully familiar to your ears), rejoices
that your forced adventure has terminated so happily, for she insists
that her willful vagaries caused you to accept Captain Greenwood’s
invitation. In delegating our representative pen to ask your forgiveness
for the discomfort she caused, she promises an amendment that shall be
addressed in requital to the comfort of others. Should you return, you
will be surprised with the change wrought in the appearance of our
household, even with the advantage this will afford you for
anticipation. Could you but note the placid enjoyment of Lovieta and
Lavoca, imparted from the blending and calm repose of parental example,
your present joys would be greatly enhanced. Even Teudschen, in the
wondering admiration of her phlegmatic stolidity, clasps her hands with
surprised inertia, while subject to the active direction of Consolata in
the busy avocations that ever delight the tidy housekeeper. In truth,
there is a strange mystery, which puzzles us in accounting for her
inventive resources, and their apt adaptability for the conservation of
purity and comfort. In the style of her own and childrens’ dresses,
which in apparent devisement originated within herself, we discover
prompted aid, as well as in the selection and preparation of material.
But for comfort, cleanliness, and beauty of adaptation, they are a
constant source of congratulatory admiration, although _outrê_ in regard
to the prevailing fashions; but as they bear a strong resemblance to the
Heraclean costumes, description would prove gratuitous. If this great
change in Consolata has been wrought through the reproving self
conviction of the unlovely contrast she presented to the description you
gave of Correliana Adinope, I can almost feel grateful that her ill
temper, under the sway of her confessor, was carried to the extremity of
forcing upon itself a remedy that has proved so salutary in effect; and
the fear of a relapse, which was at first entertained, is gradually
passing away. M. Baudois, without hesitation, suggests Manatitlan
influence. If it is possible that they have vouchsafed us direction, as
guides and instructors in our extremity, they are certainly aware of our
grateful emotions. Impressed with this belief, without fully
understanding the process by which auramental thought-substitution is
effected, Lovieta and Lavoca, when subject to transient scintillations
of temper, will firmly close their mouths to guard against the utterance
of words prompted by anger. The change in M. Baudois presents many
features equally remarkable with those of Consolata. You will recollect
that he excelled as a pianist, but of that class whose talent resides in
the mechanical use of the fingers and eyes in execution; now he holds
you enrapt with the pathos of harmonized sympathy. He often exclaims
that his seemingly impromptu compositions are a marvel to himself. Has
it not amazed you greatly, from the ready realization of immortal
impressions through the avenue of unselfish goodness, that humanity has
continued heedless through the lapse of so many ages, blinded with will
o’wisp infatuations? Although still full to overflowing with grateful
reciprocations of happy experience, we will forego their written
expression for the present, to give place for the description of our
discoveries of relict mementoes brought by the ocean currents and wind
wafts from the Eastern continent, decades of centuries ago. They will
certainly afford Mr. Dow material aid upon which to found his
conjectural history.
While dredging the Laguna Fecal in the year 1852, for ammoniacal guano
in its crystalized and mixed combinations, the sieve grapnel brought to
the surface several pieces of fashioned wood of remarkable appearance.
From their shape and peculiar method of union, the curiosity of the
laborers became excited; and as my devotion to antiquarian research was
known to the Padrone, a message was sent to me expressing the desire
that I would attend personally and direct the labors of the workmen in
accordance with my judgment. Before my arrival, an anchor of hard copper
alloy was raised. After carefully removing the ammoniacal incrustations,
a clear impress of its form was found stamped on the shank beneath the
ring. This indenture was the maritime seal of the early Phœnician
cities. Knowing the high scientific value that I placed upon the relict
vestiges of past ages, the Padrone and workmen voluntarily surrendered
all that had been recovered.
After carefully sounding to obtain a knowledge of the imbedded extent of
the detached portions, and to learn the dimensions of the vessel, if its
planks and timbers were yet retained in position by their fastenings, it
was inclosed in a coffer-dam, and the retained guanic admixture with
water was pumped out for evaporation. When cleared, the trove, with the
aid of dredge and shovels, was in a few days fully exposed to view. As
we had anticipated, the prize proved to be the remains of an ancient
galley. Calculating from the keel, which remained nearly entire, the
extreme length from its heel to the stem of the prow must have exceeded,
free from overworks, seventy feet. The keel was stepped for prow, main,
and stern masts. The former and latter were respectively placed within a
few feet of the extreme ends of the keelson, or its semblance, which
strengthened the true step in the keel. The septum support of the main-
mast united the after and forward decks, separating the banks of
oarsmen, with ample space between for passage fore and aft. Beneath the
lower bank-pits a portion of the deck remained, showing the foot-wear of
the rowers in their forward and backward steps of reach. The hold
beneath was of sufficient capacity for the storage of provisions for a
long voyage. The run-planking on the starboard side was sufficiently
well preserved to show the columbares for a single bank of eight oars,
as well as those in the stern designed for the rudder blades. The fact
of there being only a single bank of oars in the true planking, afforded
presumptive evidence of commercial intention, as in a vessel so large
their propelling power would have proved insufficient for ordinary
progression, but as adjuvantic aids to the sails, in light winds, they
would prove valuable. The seams between the planks still retained the
papyrus with which they had been caulked; this had been introduced with
pitch or melted resin; the combined effects of age and ammonia had
changed the paying substance, so that in appearance it resembled amber.
The remains of the galley presented for the study of the antiquarian a
double interest, historical and mechanical, the latter, with its
material indications of skill in art adaptation, affording a clue to the
periodic stages of progression as the head and hand mark of coeval
intelligence. The wood used in its construction was the red, aromatic
cedar of Lebanon, which gave indications of large growth, many of the
planks reaching the entire length of the hull, perhaps determining at
the time the size of the vessel. During the early ascendancy of Roman
rule, the Appenine pine, or fir, was brought into requisition for ship
building; but the cedar of Lebanon still retained its reputation founded
upon intrinsic value, as it exceeded all other woods in elastic
toughness, lightness, durability, and unattractive freedom from
parasitic accumulations peculiar to the Mediterranean and ocean. The
rostrum or beak had been detached from the prow and set upon an altar
aft, among other memorial lares. In form it blended the graceful curve
of the swan’s neck with the repulsive rugæ of the serpent’s expansive
skin, characteristically sustained with the mythical “figure-head” of a
dragon. In addition to the holes mortised in the true keel for the
reception of the ribs, they were secured in place and rendered steadfast
by a clamp attachment to an overlaying substitute for the modern
keelson, to which they were firmly bolted, with a workmanlike precision
that had defied the lapse of time, and decomposing agency of salts and
exposure, a chance portion only of the metal being exposed. But to the
lost art of hardening copper with a non-erosive alloy, its preservation
was chiefly to be attributed. The larboard portion of the prow’s
planking still retained the eye, consecrated as the watchful guardian of
course and detector of danger.
When the hull was raised from its long repose in the bed of the lagoon,
which had formerly been an inlet of the La Plata, and thoroughly dried,
it was restored, in a measure, to its former lightness, from which it
was easy to conceive its swift progress over the waters when impelled by
oars or a favoring gale, as it but slightly taxed the strength of twenty
men to bear it upon their shoulders to its present resting place, in the
outer patio of my museum built for its reception.
Your description of the Kyronese lineaments favors a descent from the
primal union of the Phœnician with the North African races. I have
relics exhumed remote from the shores of the La Plata, of undoubted
Morisco fabrication, some of which bear a date corresponding with the
second century of our era. From these material evidences, we have
conclusive proof that the currents evoked from the disgorgements of the
Mediterranean’s tidal surplus, through the Strait of Gibraltar, and the
large river-drains of South America, by the La Plata estuary, in monsoon
reciprocation, have proved the accidental highway of tempest-sped
vessels, from the period when they were first built with a carrying
capacity sufficient for the transportation of merchandise, and the free
navigation of the inland seas with sails. The diversity of color, facial
contour, and structural art of fabrication, plainly bespeak an
intermixture of European, Asiatic, and African races with the aborigines
of America. That the supply was accidental, and limited to the
recurrence of causes happening after the lapse of long intervals, is
apparent from the numerous depopulated cities, whose inhabitants, like
those of old Heraclea, presumed upon their ritual intelligence to
enslave the natives and barbarously treat them, until the arrogance of
folly and over-indulgence opened a way for retributive judgment in total
annihilation. Hence the mottled appearance of the natives in the
neighborhood of the ruined cities of Mexico and Yucatan, derived from a
relapse after a sparse inoculation of the lighter shades of color. The
same effects are apparent in all the coast eddies confluent with the
inter-oceanic currents from the disemboguement of large rivers, as in
the fruitful valleys of their interior tributaries, ruins indicating
exotic races are generally found.
As all these conjectural evolutions of deductive thought, relative to
the transition events of the past, are unprofitable, in comparison with
the cultivation of the conscious elements of goodness, for the
prospective happiness of future generations, through the avenue of
educated self-legislation, you must excuse the little attention that I
have devoted to research for the elucidation of Heraclean derivation.
Our desire to see you, under the impressions imparted from Heraclean
example, has increased with our happiness, until it has become almost
irresistible. Strange as it may appear to you, Consolata consulted me
this morning upon the feasibility of making a trip to Heraclea. The idea
was an infinite source of pleasure to us all, M. Baudois alone
expressing regretful sorrow that there was a prejudiced obstacle in the
way over which he held doubtful control, and until he had reduced it to
kindly subjugation he would not adventure himself as the possible cause
of a lack of freedom to the genial flow of sincerity. The nature of this
“lion,” still at large, barring his way to Heraclean enjoyment, we can
surmise, but we think from the present cordial relations existing
between him and Teudschen that it would prove a whimsical prejudice
rather than a reality. Lovieta and Lavoca have set their little heads
together in council, with our consent and approval, to solicit your aid
and intercession for their admission into the Heraclean school.
Notwithstanding our children are to us the solacing light and warmth of
affection in personification, we wish to advance their happiness, for
transmission, upon a sure basis, even if we shall be obliged to defer
our own visit for a season; for we have full faith in their increasing
love, and shall find ample consolation for our temporary bereavement in
the prospect of a joyful reunion. In the meantime,—if our petition
should prove agreeable to the prætor and tribunes,—while waiting for
Captain Greenwood, the children specially desire that you will extend to
the Manatitlan volantaphs an invitation for them to make our house their
abiding place whenever they visit Buenos Ayres. M. Baudois is now
engaged in devising means for their accommodation on our roof, having
already completed the architectural designs for the falcon mews, and
colemena for the phaeton bees. As yet his invention halts in calculating
the furnishing requirements suited in capacity for the size of our
anticipated guests. Lovieta and Lavoca jointly solicit one or more of
the Manatitlan donecellita giantescoes to act as auramental governantes
in preparation for their entrance into the Heraclean school, if the
Dosch approves and will favor them with a suspension of their school
regulations. “If the request is granted, they promise to attend
personally to their comfort, and will try to prove obedient to their
direction in everything.” Consolata hopes that your present powers of
self-control will enable you to banish from your memory the remembrance
of her unworthiness, promising, with the opportunity, to give full
expression to the sincerity of her supplication with practical evidences
of her amendment. Our endeavors to impress “our little folks” with the
relative size of the Manatitlan giantescoes, mediums, and tits, has been
but partially successful, from our own deficiency of subject
comprehension. At present they seize upon representative minutiæ, in
suggestive similitude, for mental comparison. For the material
illustration of head capacity, pins of different sizes have been brought
into requisition, and for the eyes those of needles; still there is a
lingering vagueness in all of our conceptions of Manatitlan proportions
in bodily endowment.
If consistent with Manatitlan propriety, in the economy of time, it
would afford us great satisfaction if they would permit us to entertain
a sufficient number of their people to keep us well directed, for we
have become vividly conscious of our instinctive frailties. In
anticipation of a favorable answer to our joint requests I have had a
flag-staff raised upon our roof surmounted with the letters P. G. In
closing we wish to inquire if, as with us, in our household association,
you, in your intercourse with the Heracleans are disinclined to speak
unless you have something useful, solacing, or mirthful to say? We have
certainly grown chary in speech, but with a flowing increase in the
current of loving communication, with the prospect of reducing language
to a nearer approximation to the truthful intention of its manifest
devisement. With gratitude for the inexpressible happiness you have been
the means of conferring, we shall ever esteem it a favor if you will
permit us to supply your material wants, foreign to the resources of
Heraclea.
PEDRO GARCIA,
_for household adherents_.
P. S. Will it surprise you to learn that Pedro Garcia, whose vanity
delighted in being esteemed learned in past usages under the patronizing
titles conferred by the garnered wisdom of colleges and societies, and
M. Baudois, the corresponding savan of the French Academy, have
consigned to the elementary combustion of fire all their theoretical
works? On the 27th prox. the uniformly bound works of my library,
expatiating upon the theory and practice of theology, medicine, and law,
in company with those of M. Baudois treating on glacial and other
theories of the earth’s transitions and destiny, were carted to my
quinta and consigned to the flames. P. G.