expedition about to be described, and which, having passed
the walls of their city, obtained better information of their internal
economy and condition than could have been acquired by any Indians at
all likely to hold communication with places so very remote from the
territory as Quiche or Chajul.

The effects of these extraordinary averments and recitals of the Padre,
upon the mind of Mr. Stevens, together with the deliberate conclusions
which he finally drew from them, is best expressed in his own language.

"The interest awakened in us, was the most thrilling I ever
experienced. One look at that city, was worth ten years of an every
day life. If he is right, a place is left where Indians and a city
exist, as Cortez and Alvarado found them; there are living men who
can solve the mystery that hangs over the ruined cities of America;
who can, perhaps, go to Copan and read the inscriptions on its
monuments. No subject more exciting and attractive presents itself
to any mind, and the deep impression in my mind, will never be
effaced.

"Can it be true? Being now in my sober senses, I do verily believe
there is much ground to suppose that what the Padre told us is
authentic. That the region referred to does not acknowledge the
government of Guatimala, and has never been explored, and that no
white man has ever pretended to have entered it; I am satisfied.
From other sources we heard that a large _ruined_ city was visible;
and we were told of another person who had climbed to the top of
the sierra, but on account of the dense clouds raising upon it,
he had not been able to see anything. At all events, the belief at
the village of Chajul is general, and a curiosity is aroused that
burns to be satisfied. We had a craving desire to reach the
mysterious city. No man if ever so willing to peril his life, could
undertake the enterprise, with any hope of success, without
hovering for one or two years on the borders of the country
studying the language and character of the adjoining Indians, and
making acquaintance with some of the natives. Five hundred men
could probably march directly to the city, and the invasion would
be more justifiable than any made by Spaniards; but the government
is too much occupied with its own wars, and the knowledge could not
be procured except at the price