96 RIONEGRO. 



All this accounted for the reconnoitring that we had observed, and 

 our not being able to obtain a pilot. What still more alarmed them 

 was the different vessels firing whilst surveying, and our making the 

 attempt to force the passage in the small vessels. 



The captain of the coast guard now afforded all facilities, and a 

 pilot for the schooner was sent on board to take her up the river, and 

 horses and guides were furnished for a party to visit the town. 



The next morning a detachment of lancers arrived from the 

 governor, with orders not to allow our vessels to proceed up, and that the 

 pilot should come on shore, which effectually put a stop to our plans ; 

 when Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold determined to go by land. 



It caused much alarm to the pilot, who entreated the officers to 

 intercede with the governor in his behalf, and for that of the captain 

 of the coast guard, stating that their lives would be forfeited for having 

 attempted to pilot a vessel without the governor's orders. After some 

 delay, a party proceeded to Carmen, under the escort of Guachos, to 

 wait on the governor or commandant. On their way they met with 

 a cordial welcome from all they passed, as the minds of all were now 

 entirely relieved from fear, and great delight was expressed at seeing 

 the North Americans. 



These Guachos are generally well made, tall and muscular, with 

 swarthy complexions, black eyes, and long hair, very large mustachios 

 and remarkably small feet. Their costume is a red striped shirt, and 

 white drawers, large, loose, and fringed at the bottom of the leg, called 

 cahoncillas. Their trousers (chilipa) consist of two yards of scarlet 

 cloth, which is sometimes ornamented at the corners; to form this 

 into any thing like a garment appeared strange enough ; yet, when it 

 is on the wearer, it has the appearance of a pair of Turkish trousers. 

 The mode in which it is put on is to confine the ends round the waist 

 by a girdle (triando), the middle of the cloth passing down between 

 the legs, while the ends fall over the girdle. On the head was worn a 

 red conical cap surmounted by a tassel. 



Their riding boots or leggings are made of the hide from the leg of 

 a horse. This is stripped off and put on the leg while yet green, 

 where it is suffered to dry, and remain until worn out. They fit very 

 closely to the foot, like a stocking. The two largest toes of each foot 

 were uncovered, for the convenience of putting them into the stirrup, 

 which is only large enough to admit them. A long knife in the girdle 

 completes the dress. 



During the time of our stay, the naturalists ranged the country in 

 the vicinity, and the officers were engaged in making a survey of the 

 roadstead and bar. 



