BOLIVAR. 457 



which we were sometimes enabled to make 

 a bridge ; at other times tliey were used to 

 carry over the troops, arms, Sec, whilst those 

 soldiers who had learnt the art of swimming, 

 swam through the water. Upon all these 

 occasions. Bolivar was very active, himself 

 setting the example of labour, and frequent- 

 ly working harder than any common soldier. 

 On passing rapid rivers where there were 

 fords, he was constantly to be seen assisting 

 the men over, to prevent their being carried 

 away by the force of the torrent ; and car- 

 rying on his own horse ammunition, arms, 

 and pouches. Whenever, in short, there 

 was any obstacle to be overcome, he was 

 constantly on the spot, both directing others, 

 and affording the example of his own per- 

 sonal exertions, which always had the de- 

 sired effect." 



Bolivar is a good swimmer, an elegant 

 dancer, and fond of music : he is a very 

 pleasant companion at table ; neither smokes 



