272 



form the greater number, are the descendants of 

 Europeans. Their character, with some slight dif- 

 ference, proceeding from climate or government, is 

 precisely similar to that of the other American Creoles 

 of European origin. The same modes of thinking, 

 and the same moral qualities are discernible in them 

 all. This uniformity, which furnishes much subject 

 for reflection, has never yet been considered by any 

 philosopher in its full extent. Whatever intelligent 

 and unprejudiced travellers have observed respect- 

 ing the characters of the French and English Creoles, 

 will perfectly apply to that of the Chilian.* 



* The Creoles are generally well made. Those deformities so 

 common in other countries are very rarely to be found among them. 

 Their coui'age has frequently signalised itself in war by a series of 

 brilliant actions ; nor would there be any better soldiers in the 

 world if they were less averse to discipline. Their history furnishes 

 notraitsof tiiat cowardice, treachery and base conduct which dis- 

 honours the annals of all nations, and scarcely can an instance be 

 adduced of a Creole having committed a disgraceful act. 



Their minds are untainted with dissimulation, artifice or suspi- 

 cion. Possessing great frankness and vivacity, and a high opinion 

 of themselves, their intercourse is wholly free from that mystery 

 and reserve which obscures aniiableness of character, depresses 

 the social spirit, and chills sensibility. 



An ardent imagination, which admits of no restraint, renders 

 ^em independent and inconstant in their inclinations. It impels 

 them to the pursuit of pleasure v.itli an eagerness to which they 

 sacrifice their fortunes and their very existence. A keen penetra- 

 tion, a remarcable quickness in conceiving and in expressing their 

 Ideas with force, the talent of combining added to that of observa- 

 tion, and a happy mixture of all the qualities of mind and of cha- 

 racter that render man capable of the greatest performances, 

 prompts them to the boldest undertaking?, when stimulated by op- 

 jíres-íion Jf.ayval''s Hj.iîorv of the Indies^ vol. v. lib. iL 



