The vicinity of Lima is occasionally infested by banditti, carrying on
their operations in open day with so much system, that all who chance
to travel at that time are sure to be relieved of their valuables.
These robbers are composed chiefly of free mulattoes and others of a
mixed race. The evil has existed from time immemorial, and is of
purely Spanish origin; for Indian honesty, in retired villages, is so
great, that when a family for a time leaves its cage-like hut, the
latchless wicket is left ajar; a brush is placed on the sill, and it
would be worse than sacrilege for any one to cross the threshold under
any pretence. It has happened that the brigands, well armed and well
mounted, have assembled at distant and uncertain periods within a mile
of Callao. They direct their course towards Lima, stop all whom they
meet, and having very civilly lightened them of their purses, oblige
the plundered persons to accompany the robbers, till all arrive near
to the city gate, when the banditti disperse. Some ride boldly into
the town; many conceal themselves in the thickets of canes; whilst
others cut across the country, and return quietly to their homes, to
enjoy the spoil, or follow their usual occupations. The banditti, on
such extraordinary occasions, amount to twenty or thirty in number;
and it has happened that they have had about twenty carriages, besides
persons dismounted and made to lead their own horses, in the train,
which was regularly brought up by a rear-guard, while the advanced
scouts pushed on to secure fresh booty. They seldom commit murder; and
whenever it is possible, they avoid robbing officers of the army, or
civilians in the employment of government. Neither do they, when
acting in small parties, attack persons of note. Foreigners and
strangers are in general their usual victims.--_Memoir of General
Miller_.
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