Howdy, Another of my sea stuff postings from some time ago on another list. As I say in the posting, it is taken from "The Emigrant's Guide to California" by Joseph E. WARE, . St. Louis,(1849.) Also, J.E. SHERWOOD includes it in his "The Pocket Guide to Calfirnia" NY(1849). Even if you have read it, it's still sorta fun:-)), CROSSING THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA IN 1849 - Practical Instructions. "Howdy, As a companion to my Short Cuts to CA in 1849 posting, I offer the brave souls who still want to cross the Isthmus of Panama, these practical directions, which were furnished by TAMMY<[email protected]> [and are from]."The Emigrant's Guide to California" by Joseph E. WARE, <snip> for which I really thank her" {Here tis]: "PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS to persons about to cross the Isthmus of Panama[late 1849] 1. Ascertain from the Consul of New Grenada, in this city, whether a passport is necessary. About three years ago the Grenadian government issued a circular to all its agents abroad, stating that such a document was indispensable to a foreigner wishing to land in the Republic. 2. Upon your arrival at Chagres, take your baggage at once to the custom house, where you will experience but little delay. Then hurry out of the village, which is pestilential. Hire your canoe, which for expedition ought to be of small size. This called a 'piragua,' [bungo?] is about 25 feet long, and navigated by a steersman and two rowers. The cost of boat-hire and men to Cruces ought not to exceed $12, unless, indeed, an increased traffic may have had the effect of raising the prices[it did:-)] 3. Before leaving the vessel in which you arrive at Chagres, get the Stewart to provide you with a basket of provisions, sufficient for two or three[5/6?] days - such as cold fowls, or other poultry, hard boiled eggs, fresh meat, bread, a little tea, sugar, salt &c. Milk may be procured at the huts on the river. Take with you an 'Etna,' or machine for boiling water, a tin cup, a knife and fork - in fact, bear in mind that you are to be wholly dependent upon you own resources. 4. Avoid spiritous liquors and salted meats. A few glasses of good wine, to those who have been in the habit of using it, can do no harm [whew!] 5. I would recommend every one to take from two to four grains of sulphate of quinine, the first thing in the morning, in a glass of wine, while on the river. Should you be detained in Panama, take a similar dose once or twice a week. This is the advice of the most eminent physicians in England. 6. Do not sleep out of your boat, unless you happen to reach a settlement at night; bear the heat, bear the musquitoes, do anything rather than expose yourself to the night air, which is the source of every illness in that climate. 7. There are two places on the river Chagres, from whence a road leads to Panama. Gorgona is the first at which you will arrive. Cruces is about five[4?] miles higher up. Your boatman will probably try to induce you to disembark at the former place; do not be persuaded to do so. It is further from Panama - the road is worse - the beasts are worse[?] and dearer[??] - make them take you to Cruces. 8. Take special care that your baggage be reduced into its smallest possible compass. A mule load consists of two trunks, one on each side ot the animal, and you can put a bag or case between the two. The whole weight of the cargo not exceed 230 pounds. Do not take large chests; they have to be placed crossways on the mule; cost double, and from the narrowness of the path, stand a fair chance of being knocked to pieces against the rocky sides. 9. The riding mules will be hired to you with saddle and briddle, and the cargo beasts with their packs; so that you need not provide yourself with either. The proper price is $4.50 for the one, and $4 for the latter; resist giving more. 10. There is but one hotel[???] in Panama; the accomodation it affords is wretched and ruinously dear, the first charge being $4 a day; there are, however, many families who receive lodgers for $2 per diem, or even for less; these you will find out by inquiry of any respectabled foreign resident, of whom there are several. Do not attempt to camp out, or live under tents; they have no idea of the climate who suggest such a proceeding. Even during the months of January, February, and March, which are dry and comparatively pleasant, the attempt would amount to madness. 11. The Patriotic doubloon is worth at least $19 in Panama; do not take less for it; the integral parts of the coin, of course, are valuable in the same proportion. 12. Bear in mind these GENERAL RULES: Avoid the sun; keep within the house[????] during the day; eschew fruits, even when ripe; oranges in moderation may be excepted. Do not TOUCH the oysters; they are very tempting; but from an intermixture of copper[see!!], are almost certain to produce cholic. Wear flannel next to the skin, by day and night. Be civil and courteous to the natives, and they will do anything for you.'. <snip>" Going to see if I can fix up a little more old or new sea stuff, then back to my mules:-))) Bob Norris in Dallas BNorris166aol.com>