It; physical calamities augment
civil discord; nor does the aspect of a country bathed in tears and
blood appease the fury of the victorious party.
After the recital of so many calamities, the mind is soothed by
turning to consolatory remembrances. When the great catastrophe of
Caracas was known in the United States, the Congress, assembled at
Washington, unanimously decreed that five ships laden with flour
should be sent to the coast of Venezuela; their cargoes to be
distributed among the most needy of the inhabitants. The generous
contribution was received with the warmest gratitude; and this
solemn act of a free people, this mark of national interest, of
which the advanced civilization of the Old World affords but few
examples, seemed to be a valuable pledge of the mutual sympathy
which ought for ever to unite the nations of North and South
America.
CHAPTER 1.15.
DEPARTURE FROM CARACAS.
MOUNTAINS OF SAN PEDRO AND OF LOS TEQUES.
LA VICTORIA.
VALLEYS OF ARAGUA.
To take the shortest road from Caracas to the banks of the Orinoco,
we should have crossed the southern chain of mountains between
Baruta, Salamanca, and the savannahs of Ocumare, passed over the
steppes or llanos of Orituco, and embarked at Cabruta, near the
mouth of the Rio Guarico.
