PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE. 185 



Lagoon of Guatavita, I had often promised 

 to spend some time with him there, in 

 giving every assistance to his undertaking; 

 finding myself now at leisure, I commu* 

 nicated to my friend my readiness to ac- 

 company him. He named the following 

 day ; in consequence of which we each pre- 

 pared a baggage-mule, and sent them oif 

 early on the morning of the second. At 

 nine o'clock we ourselves went to break- 

 fast, and take leave of our friends. Colonel 

 Johnston, and Mr. Thompson, who were 

 this morning to depart on their way back 

 to old England. What pleasure the idea 

 of once more reaching home spread over 

 their countenances ! The worthy Colonel 

 had much distinguished himself as an officer 

 of the Albions, under the immediate com- 

 mand of Colonel Mackintosh, an English- 

 man, who mainly contributed to the gain- 

 ing of the celebrated battles of Carabobo and 

 Boyaca ; both Colonels were intimate friends 



