"Under these explanations, we descended to the parlour, my fond arm gently encircling the fairy form of my Charlotte, who blushed," (Don Jorge raised his eyes and his arms in a theatrical manner,) "with an ill-concealed joy. As we entered in this manner, the judge started to his feet, for a moment gazed upon us, and then, comprehending, with the quickness of lightning, all that had passed, he hastened to the spot on which we stood, bent his tall and majestic figure over us, and warmly and eloquently poured forth a blessing on our reciprocal love. Mrs. Holland, clasping her hands, raised her fine eyes to Heaven, while a tear of gratitude stole down her still beautiful cheek. The young Hollands and their sisters formed themselves into a group, and smiled on the consummation of the family's hopes. Oh tender and affecting scene, indelibly written on my heart, aye, never, never to be obliterated!"

Don Jorge's white mouchoir was here drawn forth, and applied with much effect to his eyes, which having dried, he resumed with a cheerful air.

"The day of my declaration and admission as the recognized suitor of Charlotte, ended in festivities in the house of Judge Holland, the members

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of that of Tuckerman being invited to partake of them. Readily they did so, and joy and happiness beamed in the countenance of every individual on

that ever memorable occasion.

"It was agreed that my voyage should still be undertaken, and that I should set forth, to gain by my own exertions, a competent provision for the woman of my choice. On that pursuit I am now here; and you may conceive with what ardour and longing I look forward to the thrice blessed day which is again to restore me to my adored Charlotte."

Such was Don Jorge Tuckerman's account of his engagement with the beauteous Charlotte; and I find it has drawn out my letter to such a length, that I must hasten to subscribe myself

Your's, &c.

W. P. R.

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LETTER XXIII.

J. P. R. to GENERAL MILLER.

Don Agustin Saenz, Captain of the Polacca-His Dainties-An Arrival-The Family of the Postlethwaites-Change in Domestic Habits-Don Ysidoro and Mr. Postlethwaite-Final Departure from Corrientes.

London, 1842.

I HAVE already made special mention of Don Agustin Saenz, who commanded the polacca Florentina, and made frequent voyages between Buenos Ayres and Corrientes. He was an Andalusian, of burly person, rubicund countenance, large mouth, twinkling eyes, dimpled chin, rather consequential gait, and, like most of his countrymen, had a considerable fund of broad humour. He was jovial, goodnatured, and hospitable, an unconscionable laugher at his own jokes, and though sometimes rather coarse in making his points, he was ever prepared to take two thrusts for one from his opponents. When dressed for mass of a Sunday, he was the fine and gaudy, but awkward sailor, all over. One could see in a moment that that was

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the only day on which he paid any attention to costume; and then his fine glossy coat and trowsers were made so badly, his buttons were so conspicuously Brummagem, and his whole dress put on so maladroitly, as to lead to the veritable conclusion that he was an animal of the amphibious race. The moment he came home from mass, he stripped himself of his cumbrous finery; and in a blue jacket and white trowsers, stood forward once more upon his quarter-deck, no longer amphibious, but a decided native of the deep.

Don Agustin was the man upon whom Don Ysidoro Martinez loved to crack his jokes, and the former was sometimes well pleased to be provoked to rather a hot rejoinder. Don Ysidoro was all hilarity, self-complacency, and good humour. Don Agustin was somewhat peppery, and inflated withal; but he soon cooled, and let the steam pressure of his momentary huff escape by the safety valves of his dimpled smiles and merry little twinkling

eyes.

Don Agustin was ever welcome to Corrientes; but, as I have already hinted, on no account so much as on that of his always bringing with him a rich supply of porter, ale, pickles, cheese, hams, and

Carlòn wine. For myself he always brought some special dainties from my Buenos Ayres friends; and so when Don Agustin was out a few days beyond his time, Don Ysidoro and I were for ever on St. Sebastian's point, looking out with our telescopes for the far-famed polacca.

When the Florentina was in port, moored close to the green banks of the river, we were wont on those beautiful evenings, when the Paraná is gliding down in her deep, quiet, and silvery expanse of waters, to hie on board, there to partake of the jolly little captain's hospitality, to smoke our segars, and I to listen to the wit of the two rival jokers. How Captain Saenz used to entertain other visitors, and with what object, I have already related.

One evening as we sat on the Florentina's deck, there appeared in the distance, slowly stemming the stream, a vessel which, by hoisting the English flag, I knew to be ours. It was the San José, which, having called at Goya a few days before, as I had learned from my brother, I daily looked for, and for the expected arrival of which I felt quite on the qui vive. She came freighted with Mr. and Mrs. Postlethwaite and their four young