317 



peans. Their character, with some slight dif- 

 ference, proceeding from climate or government, 

 is precisclj 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, ^vhich 

 furnishes much subject for reflection, has never 

 yet been considered by any philosopher in its 

 full extent. Whatever intelligent and unpre- 

 judiced travellers have observed respecting the 

 characters of the French and English Creoles^ 

 will perfectly apply to that of- the Chilian.* 



* Tlje Creoles are generally well made. Those deformities 

 ^o common in other countries are very rarely to be fouud 

 among them. Their courage has frequently signalized itself 

 in war by a scries of brilliant actions ; nor would there be 

 any better soldiers in the world if they were less averse to 

 discipline. Their history furnishes no traits of that cowardice, 

 treachery, and base conduct, which dishonour 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 

 suspicion. Possessing gre^it frankness and vivacity, and a high 

 opinion of themselves, their intercourse is wholly free from 

 that mystery and reserve which obscure ainiableness of cha- 

 racter, depress the socKil spirit, and chill sensibility. 



An ardent imagination, which admits of no restraint, ren- 

 ders them independent aud inconstant in their inclinations. It 

 impels them to the jnirsuit of pleasure with an eagerness to 

 which they sacrifice their fortunes and their very existence. A 

 keen penetration, a remarkable quickness in conceiving and in 

 eypressing their ideas with force,, the talent of combining 



