146 



COLOMBIA. 



left those countries purely Spanish, and more ef- 

 fectually excluded by the ancient policy from fo- 

 reign intercourse. 



We had no letters of introduction, but this ap- 

 peared to be immaterial, for we had scarcely left 

 the boat before a gentleman, a native of the place, 

 but speaking English perfectly, introduced him- 

 self, and made us an offer of his house, and his 

 best services during our stay. This ready hospi- 

 tality would surprise a stranger landing at a Eu- 

 ropean port, but in distant regions, where few ships 

 of war are seen, the officers are always received 

 with attention and confidence : for as they can 

 have no views of a commercial nature, they are at 

 once admitted into society as persons quite disin- 

 terested. This cordial reception, which is univer- 

 sal in every part of the world remote from Eu- 

 rope, independently of being most agreeable, is 

 also highly convenient; and compensates, in a 

 great measure, to naval travellers for the inter- 

 ruptions to which they are always liable in their 

 researches, by the calls of professional duty . 



Our hospitable friend being connected with the 

 West Indies, as most of the Panama houses are. 



