THE COAST OF CHILI. 131 



were illuminated with lamps, and, at the entrance 

 of the ball-room, was exhibited a transparency. 

 The cypher of Alexander I. appeared in the 

 middle, over which a flying genius held a crown 

 of laurel ; in the back-ground a second transpa- 

 rency represented the alliance of the two monarchs, 

 by a pair of clasped hands, over which were the 

 cyphers of Alexander and Ferdinand. The way 

 to the house where we supped, led through the 

 garden, where I had fireworks displayed as we 

 passed, which gave great pleasure to our guests, to 

 whom this was quite a new sight : the illumination 

 also excited universal wonder, as they generally 

 burn no more than five or six lights at their 

 most splendid balls. At table, amidst a salute of 

 artillery, the health of both the monarchs was 

 drunk, and then that of the author of the expe- 

 dition. The company remained till sunrise, the 

 Governor not retiring till that time. 



March 8th. The examination of the South Sea, 

 prescribed by my instructions, would not permit a 

 longer stay in this convenient bay ; all the ship's 

 repairs being finished, the instruments were 

 brought on board, and I took advantage of the 

 favourable wind to reach the sea. The com- 

 mandant of Talcaguano, Don Miguel de Privas, 

 who had been daily in our company, and had 

 taken a liking to the Russians, staid with us to- 

 day, on board the Rurick, till the moment of our 

 departure, when he took leave of us with tears. I 



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