208 Miscelianies. 
three thousand tons; the veins continue about the same, but the quality 
of the coal is much improved. We now find that the consumption is 
but little greater than the common English coal, and it is so favorable 
to our boilers and fire bars, that on the whole I consider it preferable 
for our purposes to any coal from England. 
Iam now expecting some miners from England, and intend opening 
some new mines as soon as they arrive, so that in case of accident my 
resources will not fail me. With the exception of a sad accident which 
occurred to this steamer, which I have since had repaired, our steam 
operations haye gone on very prosperous I have now the line ex- 
tended to Guayaquil, and a sailing thi up the space to Panama 
until another steamer arrives from England;.of which I am in Mixious 
expectation, when the whole line will be completed, and a steam — 
munication established between Great Britain, ne and Peru. 
It would be difficult to form an estimate of 
this coast. On my recent return from Guaya 
us, and was twenty five days, which I consider the.average passage of 
sailing ships from Guayaquil to Lima. From Aric 
ploy two days. A ship which sailed from the former es we passed 
on the passage ;—she finally arrived in twenty two 
ships versus steam ships, can be found on the Pacifie. c. 
For some years past, the subject of opening a road across the Isthmis 
has been constantly before the public, but not a single step has been 
taken as yet to effect it. I have written to the government of New Gre- 
nada, offering to take the contract,—which, if I suceeed in obtaining, . 
hope to fender effective. I have the honor to reniain, respectful 
your most obedient servant, mM. WHEELWRIGHT. 
_ 5. U.S. Exploring Expedition.—The U. S. _ Vincennes, — 
flag ship of the exploring expedition, arrived at New York, June 13, 
from a cruise of nearly four years—officers and crew all well. 
pea U. 8. — i | 
