works which combine moral instruction with amusement, than the French; I observed the sister of Mr. Frias reading a translation of Pamela, and I learned that the novels of Richardson are much esteemed among them.

Mr. Riglos is another of those whose acquaintance we found particularly agreeable. He is of a highly respectable family, and educated in England; he is also a specimen of the young South Americans, whose mind has been formed under the new order of things. He has nothing of the Spanish reserve and distrust in his deportment, his manners, like those of his countrymen, are highly polished, but without that fastidious attention to etiquette which is so troublesome to a stranger. This gentleman spoke the English remarkably well. The house of Madam Riglos, his mother, who is a widow, is considered one of the most genteel in the city; I have seen few ladies of more polished manners, and I had frequent opportunities of seeing here, the most fashionable people.

Soon after our arrival, we became acquainted with a number of strangers, and some Americans settled here. We were frequently visited by the British officer, at present commanding on that station, a man of free and obliging manners and address, but somewhat inclined to be caustic and severe in his remarks; so that considerable allowance was necessary to be made for this propensity, for at times he gave a much more favorable account of things, than at others. Mr. Staples, the British consul, or agent, though a much plainer man, appeared to be more solid and judicious, as well as consistent in his observations; and having been here several years, he was qualified to speak

with more confidence. He spoke highly of the natural good qualities of the people in general, but especially of the agricultural population in the neighborhood of the city, and in the villages; he thought them all easily susceptible of improvement, and stated many changes in their habits, and character, for the better. He said that the British officers bore testimony to their mildness and hospitality, when prisoners among them. The letters which passed between them and the different cabildos, were published at the time by the officers, in order to manifest their gratitude. A number of the soldiers settled in the country, and others were with difficulty persuaded to return. Some of the officers declared, that but for their sense of honor, they never would leave the country. The natives, in general, were delighted to see strangers, the very reverse of which was the case with the European Spaniards, who regarded all foreigners with a kind of growling jealousy, as if they had any better right to be here themselves.* Nothing more strongly evinced their mildness of character, than the rare occurrence of violence and bloodshed, in the course of the sudden changes and revolutions of their government. In being released from the shackles of their old system, and without any settled re-organization of government, it was natural to be expected, that during the sway of the passions, scenes such as occurred in France, would take place. The general equality which prevailed, seemed to bring men closer together, and to produce a stronger sympathy in each other's sufferings and misfortunes. The triumph of

* Since the revolution, they are themselves regarded as strangers, and the least favored of any.

one party over another, even after the most violent struggles, was at most, followed by the banishment of a few individuals; that in a few instances, where the proscribed were put to death, they produced the most lively sensations on the whole community, and its dis. pleasure was strongly expressed; that the vices of the people, were the vices of education only; that previous to the revolution, they were brought up in idleness, at least seldom induced to embrace useful and industrious callings. The sons of Europeans, were never employed in the business of their fathers, who preferred taking any kind of a lad, that happened to be born in Spain; there was a want of an interest on the part of the Spaniards, in the future welfare and advantage of their own offspring.* They left them to follow the billiard tables and gaming houses, in preference to initiating them into employments, which 'they appeared to think exclusively appertained to those born in Europe. The revolution was producing a sensible change throughout all society.

From these gentlemen, and several English merchants settled here, we received every mark of attention. Although few of them beside the consul, said much in favor of the people, they appeared all to en

* Azara declares, that such was the antipathy between the Europeans and Americans, that it was felt even in the relations of father and son, and an instance was related of a son, who impudently told his father, that he renounced the relationship; that the Pampas Indians were his parents! But such instances must have been rare. I saw in one instance, the daughter of a European Spaniard, very warmly resent some general expressions, unfavorable to the Europeans, although her father was on the side. of the revolution. I suspect that sons and daughters are not always on the same side.

tertain a sincere wish for their success, which was not at all surprising, considering the deep interest they have at stake. Most of them express doubts of their capacity to establish a solid government, from their want of information, and from their vicious habits; they held out the idea, that if they were placed under the guardianship of some other nation, for twenty or thirty years, so as to keep down their local dissentions, and prevent the recurrence of their internal revolutions, there would be no doubt of their ultimate success. At present, there was a want of stability, from their having no settled institutions, or possessing men among them of such weight and influence, as to be able to keep down factions. It was owing to this cause, that the state had been so frequently split up with feuds and parties. The drift of all this was not difficult to be discovered; I have seen the same idea of guardianship suggested in the Quarterly Review; it only means the guardianship of England. But the discovery of such a disposition on her part, would only serve to excite unfriendly feelings towards her; they discover great advantages in mutual inter course, and are very desirous of cultivating a good understanding with Great Britain, but would be indignant at the idea of any design to exercise a control over them.

Our acquaintance with Mr. Bonpland, the companion of Humboldt, was highly gratifying, especially to Dr. Baldwin. Mr. Bonpland removed to this place with his family, about a year ago, and is settled on a quinta, about two miles from town. Such a man, is a great acquisition to the country, in making known its resources and advantages. Several French officers

were also introduced to us; they had come here to seek their fortunes, but from their conversations, I discovered they had been somewhat disappointed in their expectations, which were not very moderate or rational. One of them had made up his mind to return to France; "this will be a fine country," said he, "quand nous serons bien sous terre, when we shall be well under ground." They complain of there being a good deal of jealousy on the part of the native officers, at seeing foreigners among them, at which I was not at all surprised. The Irish officers are better received than any others; but in general, those who enter the service, must calculate on meeting with a great many mortifications; the government is sufficiently disposed to be liberal, but they are not so well received in the army. It is highly probable that some cause for this has been given, by their indiscretion in betraying their feelings of superiority, whether real or false, and by their setting up pretensions they have not been able to realize. They do not reflect, that during this protracted war, many valuable officers have been found among the natives, and that the people of these countries, have a greater inclination to the profession of arms, than for any other pursuit.

I found with some regret, that the most unfavorable representations as to the state of things in this country, were made by some of our own countrymen; my observation is, however, by no means general. From these, I had expected something different; I had expected to find them,

"To their virtues very kind,

To their faults a little blind;"

but whether owing to the habit of indulging in party