DRUNKEN COURIER. 



217 



need his assistance ; it only serves to prove what 

 I have before stated^ how necessary it is to 

 be very particular in engaging these men^ for 

 had [ not had a very good peon, and known my- 

 self what was requisite, I might have been half 

 starved in the Cordillera for all he cared about it. 



The next day was occupied in making prepa- 

 rations for entering the Cordillera, such as laying 

 in chaqui, bread, mate, sugar, onions, &c. &c. 

 all which articles may be procured at this place ; 

 I had a sheep killed and put on the top of the 

 cargo, preferring fresh meat as long as possible 

 to dried chaqui. About four in the afternoon, 

 after the heat of the day was gone off, the mules 

 were brought out and loaded ; picking out the 

 best from amongst a very bad set, and having 

 every thing ready to start, on looking for the 

 courier I found him again drunk, and not at all 

 prepared. I now strongly suspected that he had 

 no intention of going, and told him I should 

 write to my friends at Santiago, who would 

 represent his conduct to the governor, which 



