These chambers were entirely open to the area, so that the passer-by could easily be reminded of what he must soon become; that is, if he happened to be rich. But there was another process adopted for the poor, or for those who could not afford to hire a house for their remains, after they were dead. This we also had an opportunity of witnessing, while rambling round this final resting-place. The body was put into the grave entirely naked. It was then covered with quicklime, and immediately two stout negroes commenced with large pounders, pounding the body and the lime into one complete mass. They then threw in more lime, then filled up the grave with earth; so that if a poor fellow should happen to be buried alive, which has sometimes occurred, he would stand a poor chance of getting out again.
We got through with our sight-seeing at about four o'clock, P. M., and returned to Callao, settled for our horses, and went on board the ship. And I am certain, that our unfortunate young companion returned a wiser, but a "robbed" man, and will ever after be cautious how he goes out to " look round" on a very dark night, and in a Spanish port. We had now taken on board, lots of dollars, so that our ship sat as deep in the water as a collier, and being all ready, sailed for Valparaiso, where we arrived all well, and found the frigate Constellation, waiting for our arrival; and now we were to get all ready for going round Cape Horn.
It will be recollected that the Baron, to whom Captain Downes showed so much kindness, and who received so much attention from every officer in the ship, besides large sums of money, and many valuable articles, which he was to deliver to their several friends in the United States, this fellow it was now ascertained was a gross impostor, and a notorious swindler. Perhaps some may smile at the credulity manifested by Capt. Downes, in extending to him the hospitalities of his ship, besides doing everything to make him happy. The confidence with which these keepsakes were intrusted to him, together with the readiness manifested in cashing his draft; the respect shown him on all occasions, no one doubting his character; his deportment, being gentlemanly and respectful, any derogatory intimations would be immediately silenced.
But let only those smile who are blunted against the finest sensibilities of our nature, and who do not appreciate those noble traits of sympathy which formed so prominent a part of the character of Captain Downes, and which was so fully developed by every officer on board the ship. Here was what all supposed to be an Austrian officer of high rank, he had the confidence of the Supreme Director, at Chili, and also of many of the first officers of the Republic. He was introduced to Capt. Downes as such, and had evidently been very sick, but was sufficiently convalescent, when introduced to Capt. Downes, to accept his kind invitation to accompany him during a short cruise down the coast.
Now where was there any room for suspecting either his sincerity or honor? If we go upon the principle of rejecting every man until we have proved him, there would be but little commerce among men. No sensible man will withhold the hand of sympathy from what appears to be a deserving object on account of having been deceived once, twice, or even three times. The obloquy belongs to the deceiver, and not to the deceived. We will now let the Baron " slide," and commence another subject. There was an evident improvement in Valparaiso since we first arrived there. Many who had set up small places of entertainment and boarding houses, had become wealthy, and owners of large establishments.
Many mechanics who came there as adventurers, had now become possessed of much property. There was an old German blacksmith, who commenced in one corner of an old building, who did some iron work for our ship. He had no family, and was somewhat inclined to be miserly; he lived in his blacksmith's shop, and kept his money in an iron safe, under his bed. This old fellow had accumulated a large sum, which he kept in gold; intending, when he had got enough, to return to Germany. One morning he was found with his throat cut from ear to ear, and his safe was gone! Valparaiso was overrun with ninaway convicts from Botany Bay, and there were many precious villains among them.