( 141 ) 



the few coloured diamonds, one of the smallest was a beautiful pink, 

 one a fine blue, and several of a green tinge ; the yellow were the 

 most common and least esteemed. 



Having now finished my business, I took my leave of the treasurer, 

 with thanks for his polite attention, and on my return home wrote 

 a letter to the Conde de Linhares, stating the result of my visit. It 

 was no agreeable task for a stranger to have to announce that a 

 substance which had been considered as an inestimable addition to 

 the treasures of the state, was in reality, though singular in its ap- 

 pearance, of very trifling value, and this too in a letter which was 

 to be laid before the Prince. His Highness, however, was prepared 

 for the intelligence, and was too noble-minded to manifest any 

 chagrin at the disappointment. The poor negro who had presented 

 it was of course deeply afflicted by this unwelcome news ; instead of 

 being accompanied home by an escort, he had to find his way thither 

 as he could, and would, no doubt, have to encounter the ridicule 

 and contempt of those who had of late congratulated him on his 

 good fortune. 



When I had nearly completed my preparations for the journey, 

 Mr, Goodall, a most respectable merchant, expressed a desire to 

 accompany me to Villa Rica, which I readily acceded to, as he 

 was a most agreeable companion. Lord Strangford having pro- 

 cured him passports from the ministers, he was enabled to join me 

 without delay. On the 17th of August 1809, we set out on a 

 journey which no Englishman had ever before undertaken, nor had 

 any ever yet been permitted to pass the barrier of alpine mountains 

 that stretch along the coast. 



Having embarked in a large market-boat with our retinue, which 

 consisted of the two soldiers before- mentioned, and my servant, a 

 most trusty negro-boy, we made sail at mid-day with a sea-breeze, 

 and run down the bay about six leagues, where we passed the island 

 of Governador and various others, one of which was the beautiful 

 Cocoa-nut island. Proceeding along the strait, formed by it and 



