all fine intelligence, but that
in defiance of prejudices and disabilities which might turn any other
people into hordes of robbers, they are of the most honorable portion of
mankind.

POLICARPA LA SALVARIETTA,

THE HEROINE OF COLOMBIA.

There are not many subjects for poetry or romance in American history
more suggestive than that furnished in the following incidents,
translated from Restrepo's _Historia de la Revolucion de la Colombia_:

"After the standard of liberty had been raised in all the
provinces, and the people had struck a successful blow for
freedom, Morillo, with an overwhelming force, re-conquered the
country for Spain. During six months this fiendish savage held
undisputed sway over Colombia. The best men of the provinces
were by him seized and shot, and each of his officers had the
power of death over the inhabitants of the districts in which
they were stationed. It was during this period that the
barbarous execution of Policarpa La Salvarietta--a heroic girl
of New Granada--roused the Patriots once more to arms, and
produced in them a determination to expel their oppressors or
die. This young lady was enthusiastically attached to the cause
of liberty, and had, by her influence, rendered essential aid
to the Patriots. The wealth of her father, and her own superior
talents and education, early excited the hostility of the
Spanish commander against her and her family. She had promised
her hand in marriage to a young officer in the Patriot service,
who had been compelled by Morillo to join the Spanish army as a
private soldier. La Salvarietta, by means that were never
disclosed, obtained, through him an exact account of the
Spanish forces, and a plan of their fortifications. The
Patriots were preparing to strike a decisive blow, and this
intelligence was important to their success. She had induced
Sabarain, her lover, and eight others, to desert. They were
discovered, and apprehended. The letters of La Salvarietta,
found on the person of her lover, betrayed her to the vengeance
of the tyrant of her country. She was seized, brought to the
Spanish camp, and tried by court martial. The highest rewards
were promised her if she would disclose the names and plans of
her associates. The inducements proving of no avail, torture
was employed to wrin