460 



PRAISEWORTHY DECISION RETURN. 



June 



On this trying occasion Captain Seymour animadverted on 

 the thoughtless conduct of a few who talked of what ought 

 to be done, as if they were on equal terms with those whose 

 authority at such a time was more than ever necessary ; and 

 who, in their unguarded conversations, heeded not who was 

 listening, or which of their inferiors might be influenced by 

 their opinions. He reminded them of the treacherous and 

 often hostile disposition of those Indians who then surrounded 

 them, and were daily increasing in numbers ; and made known 

 not only his own determination to stay by the stores, at all 

 hazards, but that those who attempted to desert should do so 

 at the peril of their lives. He well knew that the majority 

 (and that majority included all the worthiest and best) would 

 stand by him to the last, and think little of difficulties or 

 dangers incurred in doing their duty. 



After this well-timed public admonition not a word more 

 was heard about " abandoning the stores, and making the best 

 of the way to Concepcion.*" Neither was there again occasion 

 to inflict punishment. This one act of necessary justice, exe- 

 cuted so properly and decidedly, was probably the means of 

 saving much property, of upholding character, and even of 

 preserving many lives : for when once anarchy begins, who can 

 foretel all its consequences ? 



Anxious to return as soon as possible to tell the Commodore 

 how easily the Blonde might take ofl* both people and stores, 

 at the mouth of the Lelibu, that he might lose no time in 

 effecting the embarkation — I recrossed the river and was gallop- 

 ing towards Quiapo, before noon (on the 24th) hoping to reach 

 Arauco ere midnight ; and, certain of fresh horses, I and my 

 two companions spared neither whip nor spur. Our guide 

 dropped behind, but as we could find the path by our tracks of 

 the previous day, we did not wait for him. Such ravines 

 (quebradas) as we passed : how we got through them during 

 the black darkness of the preceding night astonished me, for 

 we could hardly scramble along in broad daylight : and had 

 I known the nature of those passes, I certainly should not 

 have tried to get through, excepting by day. 



