NEW MEXICO. THIS extensive territory, which the Spaniards did not begin to explore till after the middle of the sixteenth century, is yet in a great measure unknown, and its northern boundaries are yet undetermined. It is almost superfluous to add, that the little knowledge which Europeans have obtained of this country, must confine within a narrow compass the limits of description. From the best maps, it seems to be pervaded by mountainous ridges, continued with some interruptions from the Mexican isthmus, and joining the stony mountains, which probably extend to the Arctic Ocean. Several considerable rivers pervade this extensive region, of which some discharge themselves into the Gulf of Mexico, and others into that of California. The largest of these rivers is the Rio Bravo, which discharges itself into the Gulf of Mexico nearly in the latitude of twenty-six degrees north; but its sources and its course, which appears to be scarcely less than 1200 miles, have not been ascertained. The Spaniards did not completely subdue this country till 1771, after a war of six years with the savages. During their marches, they discoverered at Cineguilla, in the province of Sonora, that singular plain of forty-two miles in extent, in which vast quantities of pure gold are found in large lumps at the depth of only about sixteen inches. Before the end of the year 1771, above 2000 persons, attracted by this brilliant prospect of wealth, were settled at Cineguilla, which must, in all probability, become an opulent and populous colony. Other rich mines have since been found in the provinces of Sonora and Cinaola; and the mineralogy of this newly-acquired territory promises to equal, if not to exceed in importance, that of Mexico and Peru. The soil, climate, and other particulars of this interesting region, have not been illustrated by scientific observers, and can only be inferred from the analogies of geographical position. The extensive peninsula of California, which may be considered as an appendage to New Mexico, was discovered by Cortez in 1536; but amidst the vast extent of acquisition it was afterwards neglected, and long regarded as an island. It was at length explored by the Jesuits, who acquired as complete a dominion here as in Paraguay. On their expulsion in 1766, it was found to contain some mines, with a valuable pearlfishery on the coast. The soil is said to be extremely fertile, and the climate mild, but foggy.* Of this country, as well as of New Mexico, there is little minute and authentic information. MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. THE religion, government, laws, ariny, navy, revenues, commerce, &c. of Mexico being at present identified with those of Spain and Spanish America in general, and composing only one compartment of a vast picture, I shall restrict my remarks to a few comparative particulars. After completing the view of the whole Spanish empire in South, as well as North America, it will be requisite to make some general observations on the political and moral state of this immense territory. In regard to the religion of Mexico, no particular remark can be made, except that the clergy are more numerous and rich, and the churches and monasteries more magnificent than in the other provinces. The government is vested in a viceroy, who is changed every three years. The vice-royalty of Mexico is the office of the greatest power and trust that the crown of Spain has at its disposal, and probably the most lucrative employ that is held by any subject in the world. Mexico is indeed the centre of the Spanish power in America. Being nearer to Europe and the West-Indies, it is more exposed to the attacks of an enemy than Peru; but as it is closely confined between the two seas, conspiracy and rebellion may be here more readily quelled than in South America, where the immense extent of territory affords ample means of retreat and security. It is therefore not very probable that Mexico, although the most powerful and populous of all the Spanish colonies, will be the first to shake off the European yoke, and assume independence. The jealousy of Spain in regard to her colonies, renders it difficult, or even impossible, to acquire any just ideas concerning the forces maintained in the different La Peyrouse, vol. 2. p. 203. stations; but from the position and importance of the country, it is reasonable to suppose that the military establishment of Mexico is more considerable than that of any of the other provinces. In regard to commerce, Mexico, from its central situation in respect of South America, the Phillippine islands, and Europe, possesses great advantages, and is undoubtedly the most opulent of all the Spanish provinces. From Dr. Robertson's statement, it may be inferred that Mexico yields a revenue of about 1,000,000l. sterling to the crown of Spain; but great deductions must be made for the public expenses. According to the recent travels of Helms, Mexico is far more populous than Peru, and considered in every point of view, is the most important portion of the Spanish empire in America." u [Estalla computes the present inhabitants of New Spain at three millions and a half. But Mr. Pinkerton, after stating the several different estimates, concludes that they do not exceed 3,000,000. Aм. ED.] SOUTH AMERICA. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. THE southern division of the new continent extends, as already observed, from about 12° north, to 54° south latitude; and from about 34° 30′ to about 80° west longitude. Its greatest length from north to south may therefore be computed at 3960, and its greatest breadth at 2880 geographical miles. The same geographical obscurity attends this as the northern division of this vast continent. Many parts of the interior yet remain unexplored; and it is only at a very recent period that any tolerable map of South America has been given to the public. This division of America is distinguished by the larg est rivers and the highest mountains on the face of the globe. The principal river is that of Amazons, so called from a female tribe inured to arms, said to have been discovered on its banks by the first navigators, although the whole story has probably originated in fiction, or at least in mistake. The native term by which it is designated is the Maranon; and by this it ought to be called, rather than by the ridiculous appellation imposed by ignorance. This is distinguished by geographers as the largest river in the world; and the estimate is undoubtedly just, when breadth as well as length is considered. Its source is not yet exactly ascertained, as two large rivers, the Maranon and the Ucaial, join in composing this vast body of water. Of these, the Maranon seems to make the greatest circuit; but the Ucaial appears to be the principal stream, and its sour. ces are more remote.* The Maranon issues from the lake of • Condamine Relation abregée, p. 69. Lauricocha, near the city of Guanuco, in the parallel of 11° south. The whole length of its course, before it falls into the Atlantic, is computed at about 3300 miles. The Apurimac, the remotest branch of the Ucaial, is represented as rising near the town of Arequipa, on the west of the lake of Titicaca, in 16° 30' south latitude. The course of the Ucaial lies through the unexplored forests of a remote region, and is consequently unknown to geography. The Maranon is better known, and has been repeatedly described. It was navigated by Condamine from near the town of Jaen, its remotest navigable extent. Proceeding north-east, it passes through the Andes at a place called Pongo, which displays a sublime and magnificent scenery: the river, which is there contracted from 500 to 50 yards in breadth, being confined within two parallel walls of almost perpendicular rock. The Apurimac also bursts through the Andes; but its passage, which must also exhibit striking scenes, yet remains unexplored. After the junction of the two great rivers, the Ucaical and Marenon, their united stream receives from the north and the south many other large rivers, which being likewise composed of a number of inferior streams, water a vast extent of country. The breadth of the Maranon at the Portuguese boundary is about a league, and it is seldom less than two miles. The depth is in many places more than 100 fathoms; and the swell of the tide is perceptible at the distance of 600 miles from the sea. The Rio de la Plata is, in magnitude and extent of course, the second river in South America. It is formed of the conjunct waters of the Paraguay, the Parana, the Pilcomayo, and the Urucuay, the two former of which are the principal streams. The Parana, which rises in the mountains of Brazil in latitude 19° south, appears to be the most considerable river, although the Paraguay seems little inferior. The Rio de la Plata is interspersed with numerous islands. The breadth of the æs tuary is such, that land cannot be discovered on either side from a ship in the middle of the stream; and vessels ascend * Ulloa Voyage, vol 1. p. 337. Traduction Francoise. |