Departure.--Arrival at Merida.--Old Acquaintances.--Giraffes.--Aspect
of the Political Horizon.--The great Question of the Revolution
undecided.--Nomination of Deputies to the Mexican Congress.--Santa
Ana's Ultimatum.--Dissensions.--Pitiable Condition of the
State.--Cause of the Convulsions of the Southern Republics.--State
Rights.--Preparations for Departure from the Country.--Invasion of
Yucatan.--Parting with Friends.--Embarcation for Havana.--Arrival
there.--A Paseo.--The Tomb of Columbus.--Passage Home.--Conclusion.
At two o'clock we mounted for Merida, nine leagues distant. We did not
expect to reach it till night, and, from the unfortunate condition of
our travelling costume, did not care to enter the capital by daylight;
but, pushing on, and miscalculating the pace of our horses, we found
ourselves in the suburbs at that unlucky hour when, the excessive heat
being over, the inhabitants, in full dress, were sitting in the
doorways or along the side-walks, talking over the news of the day, and
particularly alive to the appearance of such a spectacle as our party
presented. We rode the whole length of the principal street, running
the gauntlet between long rows of eyes, and conscious that we were not
looked upon as making a very triumphal entry. Approaching the plaza, an
old acquaintance greeted us, and accompanied us to the Casa de las
Diligencias, a new establishment, opened since our departure, opposite
the convent, one of the largest and finest in the city, and equal to a
good hotel in Italy. Very soon we had the best apartments, and were
sitting down to _the du China_, in English, tea, and _pan Frances_, or
bread without sweetening. After our hard journey among Indian ranches
and unwholesome haciendas, at times all prostrated by illness, we had
returned to Merida, successful beyond our utmost hopes. Our rough work
was all over, and our satisfaction cannot easily be described.
While lingering over the table, we heard the loud ringing of the
porter's bell, followed by landlord and servants running and tumbling
along the corridor, all crying out "La Diligencia," and presently we
heard the tramp of horses and the rattling of the post-coach from
Campeachy, into the court-yard. The passengers came up, and among them
we greeted with lively satisfaction our old friend Mr. Fisher, that
citizen of the world, the last traces of whom we had seen on the
desolate island of Cozumel. Another passenger, whose voice we had heard
rising in English from the court-yard above the jargon of Spanish and
Indian, as if entirely on private account, and indifferent whether it
was understood or not, immediately accosted me as an acquaintance; said
that I had been the cause of his coming to that place, and if he did
not succeed, should come upon me for damages; but I soon learned that I
had nothing to fear. Mr. Clayton had already created, perhaps, a
greater sensation than any stranger who ever visited that country; he
had obtained a hold upon the feelings of the people that no explorers
could ever win, and will be remembered long after we are forgotten. He
had brought from the United States an entire circus company, with
spotted horses, a portable theatre, containing seats for a thousand
persons, riders, clowns, and monkeys, all complete. No such thing had
ever been seen before; it threw far into the shade Daguerreotype and
curing biscos. He had turned Campeachy upside down, and leaving his
company there to soothe the excitement and pick up the pesos, he had
come up to make arrangements for opening in Merida. And this was by no
means Mr. Clayton's first enterprise. He had brought the first giraffes
into the United States from the Cape of Good Hope, and his accounts of
penetrating fifteen hundred miles into the interior of Africa, of his
adventures among the Caffres, of shooting lions, and his high
excitement when, on a fleet horse, he ran down and shot his first
giraffe, made the exploration of ruins seem a rather tame business. He
reached the Cape with four giraffes, but two died after their arrival,
and with the others he embarked for New-York, where he expected to
deliver them over to the parties interested; but from the great care
required in their treatment, it became indispensable for him to travel
with them while they were exhibited. In one of the Western states he
encountered a travelling circus company, which undertook to run an
opposition on the same line of travel. The giraffes were rather too
strong for the horses, and a proposition was made to him to unite the
two and become director of both, which he accepted. He afterward bought
the latter out, and so became the manager of a strolling circus
company. With it he travelled all over the United States, but in Canada
his last giraffe died, and left him with a stock of horses and a
company on hand. He returned to New-York, chartered a brig, and after
touching and exhibiting at several West India Islands, sailed for
Campeachy, where he was received with such enthusiasm, that among the
benefits conferred upon mankind by authors, I rank high that of having
been the means of introducing a circus company into Yucatan, in the
belief that it may prove the first step toward breaking up the popular
taste for bull-fights.
The next morning we advertised for sale our horses and equipments, and
sallied out to visit our friends. Great changes had taken place since
our departure. Abroad the political horizon was stormy. News had been
received of increased difficulties, complicated and uncertain
negotiations, and apprehensions of war between our own country and
England; also of the failure of the Santa Fe expedition, the capture
and imprisonment of American citizens, and that Texas and the whole
valley of the Mississippi were in arms to carry the war into Mexico.
And black clouds were lowering, also, over Yucatan. The governor had
lost his popularity. The great question opened by the revolution two
years before was not yet decided. Independence was not declared; on the
contrary, during our absence a commissioner had arrived from Mexico,
and had negotiated a treaty for the return of Yucatan to the Mexican
confederacy, subject to the approval or disapproval of the Mexican
government. In the mean while, electors were called to nominate
deputies to the Mexican Congress, as if the treaty was approved, and at
the same time the Legislature was summoned in extraordinary session, to
provide for the protection of the state against invasion, in case the
treaty should be rejected. Both bodies were then sitting. Three days
after our return, a vessel arrived at Sisal, having on board a special
envoy, bearing Santa Ana's ultimatum. He was detained one day at the
port, while the government considered the expediency of permitting him
to visit the capital. Apartments were prepared for him at our hotel,
but he was taken to the house of the secretary of war, ostensibly to
save him from insult and violence by the populace, who were represented
as highly excited against Mexico, but in reality to prevent him from
holding communication with the partisans in favour of reunion. Great
dissensions had grown up. The revolution had been almost unanimous, but
two years of quasi independence bad produced a great change of feeling.
The rich complained of profligate expenditures, merchants of the
breaking up of trade by the closing of the Mexican ports, and while
many asked what they had gained by a separation, a strong "independent"
party was more clamorous than ever for breaking the last link that
bound them to Mexico.
I was in the Senate Chamber when the ultimatum of Santa Ana was read. A
smile of derision flitted over the faces of senators, and it was
manifest that the terms would not be accepted, yet no man rose to offer
a declaration of independence. In the lobby, however, an open threat
was made to proclaim it _viva voce_ in the plaza on the coming Sunday,
and at the mouth of the cannon. The condition of the state was pitiable
in the extreme. It was a melancholy comment upon republican government,
and the most melancholy feature was that this condition did not proceed
from the ignorant and uneducated masses. The Indians were all quiet,
and, though doomed to fight the battles, knew nothing of the questions
involved. It is my firm conviction that the constant and unceasing
convulsions of the southern republics more than from any other cause
grow out of the non-recognition or the violation of that great saving
principle known among us as state rights. The general government aims
constantly at dominion over the states. Far removed by position,
ignorant of the wants of the people, and regardless of their feelings,
it sends from the capital its military commandant, places him above the
local authorities, cripples the strength of the state, and drains its
coffers to support a strong, consolidated power. Such were the
circumstances which had placed Yucatan in arms against the general
government, and such, ere this, might have been the condition of our
own republic, but for the triumphant assertion of the great republican
principle that the states are sovereign, and their rights sacred.
While the clouds were becoming darker and more portentous, we were
preparing for our departure from the country. A vessel was then at
Sisal ready to sail. It was one which we had hoped never to be on board
of again, being the old Alexandre, in which we made our former unlucky
voyage, but we had now no alternative, being advised that if we lost
that opportunity, it was entirely uncertain when another would present
itself. At the request of the governor, we delayed our departure a few
days, that he might communicate with a relative in Campeachy, who
wished a surgical operation performed by Doctor Cabot, and had passed
two months in Merida awaiting our return. In the mean time the governor
procured the detention of the vessel.
On Sunday, the sixteenth of May, early in the morning, we sent off our
luggage for the port, and in the afternoon we joined for the last time
in a paseo. All day we had received intimations that an outbreak was
apprehended; a volcano was burning and heaving with inward fires, but
there was the same cheerfulness, gayety, and prettiness as before,
producing on our minds the same pleasing impression, making us hope
that these scenes might be long continued, and, above all, that they
might not be transformed into scenes of blood. Alas! before these pages
were concluded, that country which we had looked upon as a picture of
peace, and in which we had met with so much kindness, was torn and
distracted by internal dissensions, the blast of civil war was sounding
through its borders, and an exasperated, hostile army had landed upon
its shores.
In the evening we rode to the house of Dona Joaquina Peon, said
farewell to our first, last, and best friends in Merida, and at ten
o'clock started for the port.
On Tuesday, the eighteenth, we embarked for Havana. The old Alexandre
had been altered and improved in her sailing, but not in her
accommodations. In fact, having on board eleven passengers, among whom
were three women and two children, these could not well have been
worse, and at one time our voyage threatened to be as long as the other
of unfortunate memory, but the captain, a surviver of the battle of
Trafalgar, was the same excellent fellow as before. On the second of
June we anchored under the walls of the Moro Castle. Before obtaining
passports to land, a barque entered, which we immediately recognised as
an American, and on landing, learned that she was the Ann Louisa,
Captain Clifford, one of a line of packets from Vera Cruz, had put in
short of water, and was to sail the next day for New-York. The yellow
fever had already broken out; there was no other vessel in port, and we
determined, if possible, to get on board, but we were met with a
difficulty, which at first threatened to be insuperable. By the
regulations of the port, it was necessary for all luggage to be carried
to the custom-house for inspection, and a list furnished beforehand of
every article. The last was utterly impossible, as we had on board the
whole miscellaneous collection made on our journey, with no such thing
as a memorandum of the items. But by the active kindness of our late
consul, Mr. Calhoun, and the courtesy of his excellency the governor, a
special order was procured for transferring the whole without
inspection from one vessel to the other. The next day was occupied in
the details of this business, and in the afternoon we joined in a
paseo, the style and show of which, for the moment, made us think
slightingly of the simple exhibition at Merida; and after dark, by the
light of a single candle, with heads uncovered, we stood before the
marble slab enclosing the bones of Columbus.
On the fourth we embarked on board the Ann Louisa. She was full of
passengers, principally Spaniards escaping from the convulsions of
Mexico, but Captain Clifford contrived to give us accommodations much
better than we were used to, and we found on board the comforts and
conveniences of Atlantic packets. On the seventeenth we reached
New-York. The reader and I must again part, and trusting that he will
find nothing in these pages to disturb the friendship that has hitherto
existed between us, I again return him my thanks for his kindness, and
bid him farewell.
APPENDIX TO VOL. II.
A MANUSCRIPT WRITTEN IN THE MAYA LANGUAGE, TREATING OF THE PRINCIPAL
EPOCHS OF THE HISTORY OF THE PENINSULA OF YUCATAN BEFORE THE CONQUEST.
WITH COMMENTS BY DON PIO PEREZ.
_Principal Epochs of the Ancient History of Yucatan._
Sec.1. _Maya._
Lai u tzolan Katun lukci ti cab ti yotoch Nonoual cante anilo Tutul
Xiu ti chikin Zuina; u luumil u talelob Tulapan chiconahthan. Cante bin
ti Katun lic u ximbalob ca uliob uaye yetel Holon Chantepeuh yetel u
cuchulob: ca hokiob ti petene uaxac Ahau bin yan cuchi, uac Ahau, can
Ahau, cabil Ahau, cankal haab catac hunppel haab, tumen hun piztun
oxlahun Ahua cuchie ca uliob uay ti petene cankal haab catac hunppel
haab tu pakteil yete cu xinbalob lukci tu luumilob ca talob uay ti
petene Chacnouitan lae.
_Translation._
This is the series of "Katunes," or epochs, that elapsed from the time
of their departure from the land and house of Nonoual, in which were
the four Tutul Xiu, lying to the west of Zuina, going out of the
country of Tulapan. Four epochs were spent in travelling before they
arrived here, with Tolonchantepeuj and his followers. When they began
their journey toward this island, it was the 8th Ajau, and the 6th,
4th, and 2d were spent in travelling; because in the first year of the
13th Ajau they arrived at this island, making together eighty-one years
they were travelling, between their departure from their country and
their arrival at this island of Chacnouitan.
Sec.2. _Maya._
Uaxac Ahua, uac Ahua, cabil Ahua kuchci Chacnouitan Ahmekat Tutul Xiu
hunppel haab minan ti hokal haab cuchi yanob Chacnouitan lae.
_Translation._
In the 8th Ajau arrived Ajmekat Tutul Xiu, and ninety-nine years they
remained in Chacnouitan.
Sec.3. _Maya._
Laitun uchci u chicpahal Tzucubte Ziyan-caan lae Bakhalal, can Ahua,
cabil Ahua, oxlahun Ahua oxkal haab cu tepalob Ziyan-caan ca emob uay
lae: lai u haabil cu tepalob Bakhalal chuulte laitun chicpahi Chichen
Itza lae.
_Translation._
Then took place the discovery of the province of Ziyan-caan, or
Bacalar; the 4th Ajau, the 2d, and the 13th, or sixty years, they ruled
in Ziyan-caan, when they came here. During these years of their
government of the province of Bacalar occurred the discovery of Chichen
Itza.
Sec.4. _Maya._
Buluc Ahau, bolon Ajau, uuc Ahau, ho Ahau, ox Ahau, hun Ahau uac kal
haab cu tepalob Chichen Itza ca paxi Chichen Itza, ca binob cahtal
Chanputun ti yanhi u yotochob ah Ytzaob kuyen uincob lae.
_Translation._
The 11th Ajau, 9th, 7th, 5th, 3d, and 1st Ajau, or 120 years, they
ruled in Chichen Itza, when it was abandoned, and they emigrated to
Champoton, where the Ytzaes, holy men, had houses.
Sec.5. _Maya._
Uac Ahau, chucuc u luumil Chanputun, can Ahau, cabil Ahau, oxlahun
Ahau, buluc Ahau, bolon Ahau, uuc Ahau, ho Ahau, ox Ahau, hun Ahau,
lahca Ahau, lahun Ahau; uaxac Ahau paxci Chanputun, oxlahun kaal haab
cu tepalob Chanputun tumenel Ytza uinicob ca talob u tzacle u yotochob
tu caten, laix tun u katunil binciob ah Ytzaob yalan che yalan aban
yalan ak ti numyaob lae.
_Translation._
The 6th Ajau they took possession of the territory of Champoton; the
4th Ajau, 2d, 13th, 11th, 9th, 7th, 5th, 3d, 1st, 12th, 10th, and the
8th, Champoton was destroyed or abandoned. Two hundred and sixty years
reigned the Ytzaes in Champoton, when they returned in search of their
homes, and then they lived for several epochs under the uninhabited
mountains.
Sec.6. _Maya._
Uac Ahau, can Ahau, ca kal haab catalob u hecob yotoch tu caten ca tu
zatahob Chakanputun.
_Translation._
The 6th Ajau, 4th Ajau, after 40 years, they returned to their homes
once more, and Champoton was lost to them.
Sec.7. _Maya._
Lai u katunil cabil Ahau, u hecci cab Ahcuitok Tutul Xiu Uxmal. Cabil
Ahau, oxlahun Ahau, buluc Ahau, bolon Ahau, uuc Ahau, ho Ahau, ox Ahau,
hun Ahau, lahca Ahau, lahun Ahau, lahun kal haab cu tepalob yetel u
halach uinicil Chichen Itza yetel Mayalpan.
_Translation._
In this Katun of 2d Ajau, Ajcuitok Tutul Xiu established himself in
Uxmal; the 2d Ajau, the 13th, 11th, 9th, 7th, 5th, 3d, 1st, the 12th
and the 10th Ajau, equal to 200 years, they governed and reigned in
Uxmal, with the governors of Chichen Itza and of Mayapan.
Sec.8. _Maya._
Lai u katunil buluc Ajau, bolon Ahau, uac Ahau, uaxac Ahau, paxci u
halach uinicil Chichen Itza tumenel u kebanthan Hunac-eel, ca uch ti
Chacxib-chac Chichen Itza tu kebanthan Hunac-eel u halach uinicil
Mayalpan ichpac. Cankal haab catac lahun piz haab, tu lahun tun uaxac
Ahau cuchie; lai u haabil paxci tumenel Ahzinteyutchan yetel
Tzunte-cum, yetel Taxcal, yetel Pantemit, Xuch-ucuet, yetel Ytzcuat,
yetel Kakaltecat lay u kaba uinicilob lae nuctulob ahmayapanob lae.
_Translation._
After the lapse of the Ajau Katunes of 11th, 9th, 6th Ajau, in the 8th
the Governor of Chichen Itza was deposed, because he murmured
disrespectfully against Tunac-eel; this happened to Chacxibchac of
Chichen Itza, who had spoken against Tunac-eel, governor of the
fortress of Mayalpan. Ninety years had elapsed, but the 10th of the 8th
Ajau was the year in which he was overthrown by Ajzinte-yutchan, with
Tzunte-cum, Taxcal, Pantemit, Xuch-ucuet, Ytzcuat, and Kakaltecat;
these are the names of the 7 Mayalpanes.
Sec.9. _Maya._
Laili u katunil uaxac Ahua, lai ca binob u pa ah Ulmil Ahua tumenel u
uahal-uahob yetel ah Ytzmal Ulil Ahua lae Oxlahun uuc u katunilob ca
paxob tumen Hunac-eel tumenel u cabal u naatob; uac Ahua ca coci:
hunkal haab catac can lahun pizi.
_Translation._
In this same period, or Katun, of the 8th Ajau, they attacked King
Ulmil, in consequence of his quarrel with Ulil, king of Yzamal;
thirteen divisions of troops had he when he was routed by Tunac-eel; in
the 6th Ajau the war was over, after 34 years.
Sec.10. _Maya._
Uac Ahua, can Ahua, cabil Ahua, oxlahun Ahua, buluc ahua, chucuc u
luumil ich pa Mayalpan, tumenel u pach tulum, tumenel multepal ich cah
Mayalpan, tumenel Ytza uinicob yetel ah Ulmil Ahua lae, can kaal haab
catac oxppel haab; yocol buluc Ahua cuchie paxci Mayalpan tumenel
ahuitzil cul, tan cah Mayalpan.
_Translation._
In the 6th Ajau, 4th Ajau, 2d Ajau, 13th Ajau, 11th Ajau, the fortified
territory of Mayalpan was invaded by the men of Ytza, under their King
Ulmil, because they had walls, and governed in common the people of
Mayalpan; eighty-three years elapsed after this event, and at the
beginning of the 11th Ajau Mayalpan was destroyed by strangers of the
Uitzes, or Highlanders, as was also Tancaj of Mayalpan.
Sec.11. _Maya._
Uaxac Ahua lay paxci Mayalpan lai u katunil uac Ahua, can Ahua, cabil
Ahua, lai haab ca yax mani upanoles u yaxilci caa luumi Yucatan
tzucubte lae, oxkal haab paxac ich pa cuchie.
_Translation._
In the 6th Ajau Mayalpan was destroyed; the epochs of 6th Ajau, 4th and
2d Ajau, elapsed, and at this period the Spaniards, for the first time,
arrived, and gave the name of _Yucatan_ to this province, sixty years
after the destruction of the fortress.
Sec.12. _Maya._
Oxlahun Ahua, buluc Ahua, uchci mayacimil ich pa yetel nohkakil:
oxlahun Ahua cimci Ahpula uacppel haab u binel ma cococ u xocol oxlahun
Ahua cuchie, ti yanil u xocol haab ti lakin cuchie, canil kan cumlahi
pop, tu holhun Zip catac oxppeli, bolon Ymix u kinil lai cimci Ahpula;
laitun ano cu ximbal cuchi lae ca oheltabac lay u xoc numeroil anos lae
1536 anos cuchie, oxkal haab paaxac ich pa cuchi lae.
_Translation._
The 13th Ajau, 11th Ajau, pestilence and smallpox were in the castles.
In the 13th Ajau Ajpula died; six years were wanting to the completion
of the 13th Ajau; this year was counted toward the east of the wheel,
and began on the 4th "Kan." Ajpula died on the 18th day of the month
Zip, in the 9th Ymix; and that it may be known in numbers, it was the
year 1536, sixty years after the demolition of the fortress.
Sec.13. _Maya._
Laili ma cococ u xocol buluc Ahua lae lai ulci erpanoles kul uincob ti
lakin u talob ca uliob uay tac hurmil lae bolon Ahua hoppci cristianoil
uchci caputzihil: laili ichil u katunil lae ulci yax obispo Toroba u
kaba.
_Translation._
Before the termination of the 11th Ajau the Spaniards arrived; holy men
from the East came with them when they reached this land. The 9th Ajau
was the commencement of baptism and Christianity; and in this year was
the arrival of Toral, the first bishop.
Thus far only from the Maya manuscript, because the other events cited
are posterior to the conquest, and of little historical interest.
Although this manuscript may contain some errors which should be
rectified, still, as these are committed in the numeration of the
epochs, or Ajaues, which do not keep a correlative numerical order, it
was very easy for the author, who wrote from memory, to transpose them,
preserving solely the number of periods which elapsed between the
occurrence of one and the other event, without designating correctly
the sign of the period. I repeat that the writer of this epitome did it
from memory, because it was done long after the conquest: the
histories, paintings, and hieroglyphics of the Indians had about this
period been collected by order of Bishop Landa, as is related by
Cogolludo in his history; and likewise because his historical narrative
is so succinct, that it appears rather a list than a circumstantial
detail of the events. But, notwithstanding these defects, as the
manuscript is the only one which has been found treating of this
matter, it is well worthy the trouble of correcting and analyzing it,
on account of the ideas which it communicates respecting the ancient
history and establishment of the principal peoples of that time, whose
ruins are admired at the present day, such as those of Chichen and
Uxmal; deducing from these, what were the others which the traveller
encounters, and whose origin is unknown.
The manuscript may be abridged in the following manner: "Four epochs
were expended by the Toltecos between their departure from their city
under the direction of Tolonchante Peech, and their arrival at
Chacnouitan.[5] They arrived at this province of Chacnouitan in the
first year of the following epoch, and remained in the same place with
their captain Ajmekat Tutul Xiu during the space of four epochs
more.[6] They discovered Ziyancan, or Bacalar, and governed in it three
epochs, until they came to Chichen Itza.[7] They remained here until
their departure to colonize Champoton, a period of six epochs.[8] From
the discovery of Champoton, where they settled and reigned until it was
destroyed, and they lost it, thirteen epochs elapsed.[9] They were
wanderers among the hills during two epochs, when they established
themselves for the second time at Chichen Itza.[10] In the following
epoch, Ajcuitok Tutul Xiu colonized Uxmal, and reigned with the
governor of Mayapan during ten epochs.[11] After a farther lapse of
three epochs, and on the tenth year of the one following, Chacxibchac,
governor of Chichen Itza, was defeated by Tunac-eel, governor of
Mayapan, and his seven generals.[12] In this same epoch of the defeat
of the Governor of Chichen, they marched to attack Ulmil, king of
Chichen, because he had made war against Ulil, king of Yzamal, and the
object was effected by Tunac-eel in the following epoch.[13] After this
epoch, Ulmil, king of Chichen, recovering from his defeat, invaded the
territory of Mayapan in the following epoch, and, after the lapse of
two more, and in the third year of the one following, Mayapan was
destroyed by the strangers, inhabitants of the hills.[14] After the
lapse of three more epochs, the Spaniards arrived for the first time,
and gave to this province the name of Yucatan.[15] In the following
epoch occurred the plague, which visited even the temples and castles;
and in its sixth year Ajpula died, on the 11th of September, 1493.[16]
In the eleventh epoch, and the last of this record, was the arrival of
the conquerors; this happened in 1527.[17] In the following epoch the
conquest was finished, and the first bishop reached the province: the
first occurred in January, 1541, and the other in 1560."
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ORNITHOLOGY OF YUCATAN.
The genus Accipitres, including eagles, falcons, buzzards, &c., is very
numerous, and of these three or four new varieties were obtained. One,
a beautiful hawk, resembling in its markings the goshawk (Falco
Atricapillus), differing, however, in its form, in the bill, colour of
its eyes (dark brown), in not having the white line over the eyes, and
in the bands on the tail. The first specimen was killed at Uxmal, but
afterward many others were procured, and two were brought home. Another
new and beautiful species is a falcon of a very noble character in the
form of its bill and head, and in its habits; of which two specimens
were obtained at Chichen Itza, the male being shot over the senote
during a heavy shower. No others but this pair were seen. Another is
undescribed, or, if described, imperfectly so, under the name of the
mingled buzzard of Latham (La Buse Mixte Noire. Voy. d'Azara, vol.
iii., No. 20). It is a large black hawk, and was obtained, the female
at Punta Francaise, and the male at the island of Cozumel, where a nest
also was found, but was destroyed, together with the eggs, in
consequence of Dr. Cabot's being obliged to have the tree felled. He
afterward procured an egg from a nest between Silan and Las Bockas de
Silan. Another very beautiful hawk is shaped much like the little
corporal of Audubon, and belongs to the same division of hawks as the
hobby falcon of Europe. It is a bold hawk, and is met with about the
rains and on the tops of the churches. It is quite abundant in Yucatan,
though only one specimen was obtained, which was shot from the top of
the cross over the gateway at the hacienda of the senote (Mucuyche), as
we rode up on our way to Uxmal. There does not appear to be any
published description of this hawk. Still another hawk was procured,
which also seems not to have been described; but, as it appears to be
in immature plumage, it may be the young of some known bird. Besides
these, among the specimens is the laughing falcon (Falco Cachinnans of
Lin.). It is called by the natives koss, and was shot at Chichen Itza
near the Castillo, and was stuffed. Another specimen of the same bird
was procured on the way from Nohcacab to Uxmal, after our first attack
of sickness. These birds are quite numerous throughout Yucatan.
Of the genus Strix but three varieties were seen, and of those two were
preserved, both of which are believed to be undescribed. The first, a
little owl, about six inches and a half long, of a tawny colour,
lighter beneath, which was shot near Merida. The second is about six
inches long, of a brown above and lighter beneath, called by the
natives tiquim thohca. Several specimens of both these owls were seen.
The third was caught in one of the ruined buildings, and kept alive for
a little while, but afterward escaped. It resembled somewhat the Strix
Aluco of Europe. One was afterward shot at Sabachshe, but was so much
injured that it could not be stuffed.
Of the genus Corvus were procured three species, two of which are
apparently not described. The first is a very beautiful jay, the head
and belly black; back, wings, and tail of a beautiful blue; the bill of
the male is yellow, and of the female black; the legs yellow. It was
first seen and shot near Sisal, on the way up to Merida, and afterward
several other specimens were obtained in different parts of the
country, for they are numerous throughout Yucatan. The other was first
met with at Uxmal, where a female was shot, and afterward two males.
They are of a dark brown on the head, neck, back, and tail; belly
white; bill of male black, and female yellow; they have a most singular
formation of the trachea, there being a sort of membranous sack or bag
coming off in front of the trachea at about the middle of its length,
and intimately connected with the skin of the neck; this formation,
together with the great muscularity of the larynx, may account for
their excessively loud and disagreeable cry. The other jay is the
Corvus Peruvianus, Peruvian jay. (Shaw, vol. viii., plate 27.) This
most beautiful bird is found in great abundance in almost all parts of
Yucatan, which is probably its native country, as it is mentioned as
rare in Peru.
Of the genus Psittacus were procured four species, three of which have
been described, and perhaps the fourth also; but, as the specimen is
bad, it is not easy to ascertain positively whether it has or not. One,
the Psittacus Albifrons (Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 119), white-crowned
parrot (Shaw vol. viii., p. 519), is very numerous throughout Yucatan.
It is a beautiful bird, coloured with green, blue, red, white, and
yellow. Another, supposed to be the Psittacus Guianensis (Gen. Lil.,
vol. i., p. 323), the green parrot of Guiana (Gen. Syn., i., 231), is
not so abundant as the last, but still quite numerous. The specimens
were procured at Ticul, and some were afterward shot near Iturbide. The
third species was not seen in the wild state, the only specimen
procured being given to Dr. Cabot, alive, by the padre Curillo, of
Ticul. It is the Psittacus Macao (Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 82), red and
blue macaw (Gen. Syn., i., 199).
Of the genus Ramphastos one specimen was procured, the yellow-breasted
toucan (Gen. Syn., vol. i., p. 326), Ramphastos Tucanus (Ind. Orn.,
vol. i., p. 136). This specimen does not agree with the description in
Latham, but is the same as the one described by Mr. Edwards from a
living specimen in Lord Spencer's collection. It was procured at Uxmal
on the day when Dr. Cabot went down to the hacienda to operate on an
Indian's leg. Two or three different species were afterward seen at
Macoba, but Dr. C. did not succeed in killing any of them.
Of the genus Momotus were obtained two species: the first, the common
Brazilian or blue-headed motmot; this was quite common in Yucatan, but
not so common as the other, as to which it is doubtful whether it has
been described. It is about the same length as the blue-headed, but the
tail is longer in proportion to the body. The markings on the plumage
are very different from those of the Brazilian; there is a black stripe
extending down from the chin to the middle of the breast, bordered on
each side with light blue; a broad, light blue, almost white, stripe
extends over the eye from the base of the bill almost to the hind head.
The general colour is a sort of greenish bay; primaries and tail light
green, tipped with black; the two central feathers of the tail much
longer than in the Brazilian, having the shaft bare to a much greater
degree, and the feather at the tip is bright pale green, tipped broadly
with black.
Of the genus Crotophaga one species was procured, the lesser ani
(Crotophagi Ani. Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 448). These were very abundant
in all parts of the country.
Of the genus Oriolus, including under this denomination Icterus and
Cassicus, were procured five species, one of which is supposed to be
new, three doubtful, and one known. The male of the new species is nine
inches and a half long; head, neck, cheeks, breast, belly, rump,
tertiaries, and nearly the whole length of the outer tail feathers and
the lower part of the third, and occasionally a stripe on the fourth,
bright chrome yellow; face, throat, primaries, secondaries, back, and
four, and sometimes six tail feathers, black; legs bluish; bill black,
except the base of lower mandible, which is bluish; sings finely.
Female eight inches and seventh eighths long; marked like the male, but
not so brilliant; irides hazel. One of the doubtful comes very near to
Latham's description of the lesser Bonana bird (Oriolus Xanthornus.
Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 181), but is an Icterus, and differs in some
particulars of plumage. Another of the doubtful resembles closely the
black oriole, and another the black cassican, but is smaller. The known
species is the St. Domingo oriole (Oriolus Dominicensis. Ind. Orn.,
vol. i., p. 182). Two specimens of this bird were procured, being the
only two that were seen.
Of the genus Cuculus, including Polophilus, were procured two species.
One resembles somewhat the bird described by Latham as the variegated
coucal (Polophilus Variegatus); the other the Cayenne cuckoo (Cuculus
Cayanus. Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 221). These were both quite abundant
throughout the country.
Of the genus Picus were procured three species, two of which are
perhaps new. One of these resembles the little woodpecker of Europe
(Picus Minor) very closely. The other resembles Latham's description of
the Brazilian woodpecker (Picus Braziliensis). The known one is the
lineated woodpecker (Picus Lineatus. Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 226).
Of the genus Certhia were obtained two species, of one of which no
description has been found, though Dr. Cabot was under the impression
that he had seen specimens of it in some of the cabinets of Europe. It
is three inches and seven eighths long; top of head, neck, and back,
dark brown, each feather having a light, buff-coloured, pear-shaped
mark in the centre; chin light buff colour; breast and belly light
brown, each feather having also a light buff-coloured mark down the
centre; primaries, secondaries, tertiaries, and tail dun-coloured; bill
one inch and three eighths along the ridge, and one inch and five
eighths along the gap, bent in its whole length, and horn-coloured.
They were not numerous. The other species is the yellow-bellied
nectarinia (Nectarinia Flaveola. Vieill., Ois. Dor. Certh., plate 51,
p. 102). They were quite numerous at Cozumel, where two specimens were
procured. They were not seen in any other part of the country.
Of the genus Trochilus were procured two or three species, one of which
is undescribed; another is probably the young of the same, and one is
described. The undescribed, male, is four inches long; bill six eighths
of an inch, yellowish, tipped with black; upper parts of head and back
dull green; throat and upper part of breast bright emerald green in
scales, with metallic lustre; lower part of breast, belly, and tail dun
or bay colour; the feathers of the tail fringed and tipped with black;
primaries dark brown, with some purplish reflections. The four middle
tail feathers have greenish reflections on them. The female is rather
less, and wants the bright emerald throat, the whole under parts being
bay-coloured; the male had some white about the thighs. The known
species is the Ourissia humming-bird (Trochilus Maugeri. Lesson.).
Of the genus Turdus were procured two species, thought to be new. One
agrees very nearly with Le Merle de Paraguai, or Calandra, as described
in Vieillot, but it wants the white on the wings. The other is a good
deal like the Turdus Plumbeus, as described by the same author. The
first is quite common throughout Yucatan, but the second is rather
rare.
Of the genus Loxia were obtained four species, three of which are in
immature plumage, and cannot, therefore, be placed with certainty. The
other does not appear to have been described, though there are some
descriptions which come near it. The male is nearly ten inches long;
head and chin, extending down the sides of the neck, and in a crescent
across the upper part of the breast, black; cheeks very dark steel
gray; a white line extending from the bill over the eye almost to the
hind head; hind head, back, secondaries, outer edge of the primaries,
yellow olive; also the tail; the shafts of the feathers are black; part
of the chin and throat pure white; breast, belly, and thighs cinereous;
vent, and under the tail coverts, light bay; bill quite stout, nearly
an inch long, and black; the female is about nine inches long, having
dark cinereous brown in place of the olive; the other markings much the
same as the male, but not so vivid. They are very common throughout
Yucatan, and said to be very destructive in the fields and gardens:
called by the Indians _tsapin_.
Of the genus Emberiza one was procured, in immature plumage; probably
the painted bunting.
Of the genus Pipra one: the blue and yellow manakin, not common in
Yucatan.
Of the genus Tanagra were procured two species, one of which is the
red-crested tanager of Latham. But one pair was seen. The other is
believed to be undescribed. The specimen was a male, six inches and a
quarter long; bill inflated, and strongly toothed; at about the middle
of the upper mandible, six eighths of an inch along the gap, top of the
head, wings, and tail, of a deep raspberry, approaching maroon colour;
back cinereous, tinged with red; chin and throat bright rose colour;
breast and belly light cinereous; vent and under tail coverts light
rosy red.
Of the genus Fringilla was procured one species, believed to be
described in Latham as the cinereous finch (Fringilla Cinerea); they
were quite common about Merida in the latter part of May.
Of the genus Lanius three species were obtained, all of which have been
described. They are the Cayenne shrike (L. Cayanus. Ind. Orn., vol. i.,
p. 80), the rusty shrike (L. Rubiginosus), and the gray-headed shrike
(Tanagra Guianensis. Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 427), more properly the
Lanius G. This bird sings quite prettily, and is rather common in
Yucatan. The other two were rarer, especially the second.
Of the genus Muscicapa were obtained five species, four of which have
been described. The specimen procured of the fifth was a male. It is
six inches and a half long; bill one inch along the gap quite stout and
broad; top of the head and nape black; back, wings, and tail very dark,
slaty brown; breast, belly, cheeks, and chin light cinereous; throat
and upper part of the breast bright rose colour; legs black. This was
the only specimen seen in the country. The others were Muscicapa
Coronata (round-crested flycatcher. Shaw, vol. v., pl. 13). This is
quite common throughout Yucatan. Muscicapa Sulphuratus, not rare; M.
Barbata, quite common; M. Ferox, very common.
Of the genus Sylvia one was obtained, in young plumage, and, therefore,
uncertain whether new or not.
Of the genus Caprimulgus one species was obtained; the specimen so poor
that nothing can be made of it.
Of the genus Columba were procured two species, one of which is in such
imperfect plumage that its character cannot be made out. The other
agrees very nearly with the blue pigeon (Columba Caerulea. Ind. Orn.,
vol. ii., p. 601). Both are common in Yucatan.
Of the genus Meleagris was procured one species (Meleagris Ocellata),
the ocellated turkey, Cuv. This most magnificent bird is common
throughout Yucatan.
Of the genus Penelope were procured two species; one the crested guan
(P. Crestata. Ind. Orn., vol. ii., p. 619). These are called kosh by
the natives; the only specimen seen was given to Dr. Cabot by the
brother of the padrecito at Ticul, and was still alive in November,
1842. The other is the Penelope, or Phasianus Paragua (Ind. Orn., vol.
ii., p. 632). They are common in all parts of Yucatan, where they are
called chachalacha, from the noise they make, which is perfectly
astounding, and also bach by the Indians. They have a most remarkable
arrangement of the trachea, which passes down on the external surface
of the muscles, between them and the skin, in a long loop as low as the
pubis, and then passes up on the other side, and enters the thorax.
Of the genus Crax two species were obtained; the red curassow (Crax
Rubra, Lin., vol. i., p. 270), and C. Globicera (globose curassow).
They are found throughout the country, and are called by the natives
kambool.
Of the genus Tinamus one species was obtained, the variegated tinamou
(T. Variegatus). They are quite common throughout Yucatan, where they
are called by the natives partridges. They are kept tame in many of the
houses, being very useful in destroying scorpions, &c.
Of the genus Onyx one species was obtained, which, as far as the
plumage and size go, is undescribed, but it has the same note, habits,
&c., as our quail or partridge. It is smaller; the throat of the male
is jet black, and most of the markings are different, though having a
general resemblance to the Ortyx or Perdix Virginianus. They are very
numerous in all parts of Yucatan.
Of the genus Cancroma one specimen was procured, the cinereous
boatbill, which was killed at the senote at Chichen.
Of the genus Jacana also one species was obtained, the variable jacana
(Parra or Jacana Variabilis. Ind. Orn., vol. i., p. 763). It was killed
at Uxmal, at one of the small aguadas, and was the only one seen in the
country.
Of the genus Gallinula Dr. Cabot procured two species, the Cayenne
gallinule (G. Cayanensis. Ind. Orn., vol. ii., p. 767) and the
black-bellied gallinule (G. Ruficollis. Ind. Orn., vol. ii., p. 767).
Of the long-billed wren one specimen only was seen. The violet-headed
trogon was more common, several having been procured in different
places.
Besides the birds enumerated above, the following list comprises those
which were procured in Yucatan, and which are found also in the United
States, and have been well described by different naturalists.
_Birds observed in Yucatan during the winter of_ 1811, '2, _between the
months of October and June, which are also found in the United States,
and have been figured and described by Wilson, Audubon, Bonaparte, and
Nuttall_.
Cathartes Jota, all parts.
Cathartes Papa, at Labphak.
Cathartes Aura, all parts; less numerous than the C. Jota.
Aquila (?) Caracara, all parts.
Falco Pennsylvanicus.
Falco Haliaetos.
Falco Cyaneus.
Falco Sparverius.
Icterus Spurius.
Quiscalus Major.
Quiscalus Versicolor.
Muscicapa Crinita.
Muscicapa Virens.
Muscicapa Atra.
Muscicapa Ruticilla.
Muscicapa Verticatis. (?)
Turdus Polyglottus.
Turdus Noveboracensis.
Turdus Lividus, Felisox.
Sylvia Virens.
Sylvia Mitrata.
Sylvia Trichas.
Sylvia Protonotarius.
Sylvia Maculosa. (?)
Sylvia AEstiva.
Sylvia Americana.
Sylvia Coronata.
Tanagra AEstiva.
Tanagra Rubra.
Fringilla Ludoviciana.
Fringilla Ciris.
Fringilla Cyanea.
Loxia C[oe]rulea.
Loxia Cardinalis.
Picus Carolinensis.
Trochilus Colubris.
Trochilus Mango.
Alcedo Alcyon.
Hirundo Rufa.
Hirundo Lunifrons. (?)
Hirundo Riparia.
Cypselus Pelasgius.
Caprimulgus Carolinensis.
Columba Passerina.
Columba Leucocephala.
Columba Zenaida.
Calidris Arenaria.
Himantopus Nigricollis.
Haematopus Ostralagus.
Charadrius Melodus.
Charadrius Wilsonius. (?)
Charadrius Semipalmatus. (?)
Charadrius Helveticus.
Strepsilus Interpres.
Ardea Herodias.
Ardea Rufescens.
Ardea Egretta.
Ardea Candidissima.
Ardea Ludoviciana. (?)
Ardea Nycticorax.
Ardea C[oe]rulea.
Ardea Lentiginosa.
Ardea Virescens.
Ardea Exilis.
Aramus Scolopaceus.
Ph[oe]nicopterus Ruber.
Platalea Ajaja.
Ibis Alba.
Numenius Longirostris.
Tringa Wilsonii.
Tringa Semipalmata.
Totanus Semipalmatus.
Totanus Vociferus.
Totanus Flavipes.
Totanus Chloropygius.
Totanus Macularius.
Totanus Bartramius.
Limosa Fedoa.
Scolopax Grisea.
Scolopax Wilsonii.
Gallinula Martinica.
Podiceps Minor.
Sterna Cayana.
Sterna Boysii.
Larus Atricilla.
Thalassidroma Wilsonii.
Anas Boschas.
Anas Strepera.
Anas Acuta.
Anas Americana.
Anas Discors.
Pelecanus Onocrotalus.
Phalacrocorax Carbo.
Phalacrocorax Graculus.
Trachypetes Aquilus.
Phaeton AEthereus. (?)
COMMUNICATION FROM MR. SCHOOLCRAFT.
THE RED HAND.
The figure of the human hand is used by the North American Indians to
denote supplication to the Deity or Great Spirit; and it stands in the
system of picture writing as the symbol for strength, power, or
mastery, thus derived. In a great number of instances which I have met
with of its being employed, both in the ceremonial observances of their
dances and in their pictorial records, I do not recollect a single one
in which this sacred character is not assigned to it. Their priests are
usually drawn with outstretched and uplifted hands. Sometimes one hand
and one arm, but more commonly both are uplifted. It is not uncommon
for those among them who profess the arts of medicine, magic, and
prophecy (the three are sometimes united and sometimes not) to draw or
depict a series of representative or symbolical figures on bark, skins
of animals, or even tabular pieces of wood, which are a kind of
notation, and the characters are intended to aid the memory in singing
the sacred songs and choruses. When the inscriptions are found to be on
wood, as they often are in the region of Lake Superior and the sources
of the Mississippi, they have been sometimes called "music boards." I
induced a noted meta, or priest, to part with one of these figured
boards, many years ago, and afterward obtained impressions from it in
this city by passing it through Mr. Maverick's rolling press. It was
covered with figures on both sides, one side containing forty principal
figures; six embrace the symbol of the uplifted hand, four of which had
also the arm, but no other part of the body, attached. Their import,
which the man also imparted to me, is given in the general remark
above. On the reverse of this board, consisting of thirty eight
characters, nine embrace the uplifted hand, in one case from a headless
trunk, but in the eight others connected with the whole frame.
The design of the hand is uniformly the same with our tribes, whether
it be used disjunctively or alone, or connected with the arm alone, or
with the whole body. In the latter cases it is a compound symbol, and
reveals some farther particular or associated idea of the action. The
former is the most mysterious use of it, precisely because there are no
accessories to help out the meaning, and it is, I think, in such
isolated cases, to be regarded as a general sign of devotion.
In the course of many years' residence on the frontiers, including
various journeyings among the tribes, I have had frequent occasion to
remark the use of the _hand alone_ as a symbol, but it has generally
been a symbol applied to the naked body after its preparation and
decoration for sacred or festive dances. And the fact deserves farther
consideration, from these preparations being generally made in the
arcanum of the medicine, or secret lodge, or some other private place,
and with all the skill of the priest's, the medicine man's, or the
juggler's art. The mode of applying it in these cases is by smearing
the hand of the operator with white or coloured clay, and impressing it
on the breast, the shoulder, or other part of the body. The idea is
thus conveyed, that a secret influence, a charm, a mystic power is
given to the dancer, arising from his sanctity or his proficiency in
the occult arts. This use of the hand is not confined to a single tribe
or people. I have noticed it alike among the Dacotahs, the Winnebagoes,
and other Western tribes, as among the numerous branches of the red
race still located east of the Mississippi River, above the latitude of
42 deg., who speak dialects of the Algonquin language.
A single additional fact appears to me to be pertinent to your inquiry.
In an excursion which I made in the year 1831 into the more
unfrequented and interior parts of the Chippewa country, lying between
the group of the Twelve Apostles' Islands in Lake Superior and the
Falls of St. Anthony, I came to a curious edifice, situated in the edge
of the forest, on the elevated banks of a fine lake, which was
exclusively used as the village temple. It was built of stout posts,
describing a circle, firmly and well sheathed with thick bark, fastened
on transverse pieces. It constituted a peculiarity in this structure
that there was a circular building within, or, rather, it was arranged
after the manner of the whorls of a sea-shell, so that a person could,
as it were, involve himself in a labyrinth. It had a single door,
subject to the entrance of the priest only. As this person was the
political chief of the band, and a man of more than ordinary intellect,
he appeared to have adopted this mode of exhibiting his skill and
securing and extending his power. He permitted me to inspect the
building. Drums, rattles, and other insignia of the priest's art, were
hung up on the wall. Heads of men were rudely carved or inscribed, and
numerous marks of the hand, as in the case of naked dancers, were
impressed on the involutions of the inner walls.
I have expressed the opinion that the human hand denotes strength, or
power, or mastery arising from devotional acts. The want or absence of
the hand or arm, therefore, in these symbolical figures, should imply
impotence, weakness, or cowardice, arising from fright, subjugation, or
other causes; and such is found to be the import of the armless figure
of the human body in two of the symbols of the ancient hieroglyphic
inscription on the Assonet, or Dighton Rock, as explained by the
well-known American chief Chingerauk.
THE END.
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82 _Cliff Street, New York, Nov._, 1847.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 1: See Appendix to vol. i.]
[Footnote 2: See Appendix to vol. i.]
[Footnote 3: Undoubtedly caoutchouc, or India-rubber.]
[Footnote 4: While these pages were passing through the press the
author had an opportunity of conferring with Mr. Schoolcraft, a
gentleman well known for his researches into the character and habits
of our North American Indians, and was favoured by him with an
interesting communication on the subject of the print of the red hand,
which will be found in the Appendix, and for which the author here
takes occasion to offer his acknowledgments.]
[Footnote 5: From the year 144 of the vulgar era up to 217.]
[Footnote 6: From 218 until 360.]
[Footnote 7: From 260 until 432.]
[Footnote 8: From 432 until 576.]
[Footnote 9: From 576 until 888.]
[Footnote 10: From 888 until 936.]
[Footnote 11: From 926 until 1176.]
[Footnote 12: From 1176 until 1258, in which was the defeat.]
[Footnote 13: From 1258 until 1272.]
[Footnote 14: From 1272 until 1368, the date of the destruction of
Mayapan. And the following, from 1368 to 1392.]
[Footnote 15: From 1392 until 1488.]
[Footnote 16: From 1488 until 1512.]
[Footnote 17: From 1512 until 1536, which concluded the eleventh epoch;
the following one beginning in 1536, and concluding in the year 1560.]