GORGONA, Jan 5, 1849.
[5½ A. M.]
_James Gordon Bennett_: I thank God that I have arrived at this
infernal place, because it is the least odious of all the mud holes
between this and Chagres. Ours was the first canoe into Gorgona. Money
made our men work for their lives. We are about to take breakfast on
the shore, and then pass on to Cruces, and will, doubtless be the
first canoe in, and then we will try our luck over the mountains to
Panama. We have had a truly awful time. The current ran against us in
some places at the rate of eight miles, and we came near upsetting
several times. The thermometer is 99 this morning. I must close and
run to the canoe. I will write you when I get to Panama, but doubt if
you will get my letters, as every thing is uncertain. I have not eaten
for twenty-two hours, and have been lying wet in my canoe nearly ever
since I left Chagres. My health is good, but irregularity, fatigue,
and loss of sleep, affect me adversely, but I shall strive to vanquish
all impediments. I have acquired more practical knowledge of animate
and inanimate nature, since I left you, than I have attained in all
my travels, but I have paid dearly for my information. Poor Columbus,
Vespucius, Robinson Crusoe, and Daniel Boon are constantly before my
vision, with whom I can truly sympathise, being like them, a pioneer
in the exploration of the Western Hemisphere, and its adjacent isles.
I could drop a tear to-day, my feelings are so extremely pensive, and
yet I wont, but, if necessary, I’ll yet brave tigers in their dens. So,
good bye.