They were treacherous, cruel and merciless to the last degree.
It will be seen, therefore, that the task assigned to Captain Perry required quick decision, courage and discretion.

He possessed all those qualities in a high degree, and, in the performance of his duty, reached the mouth of the Orinoco in July, 1815, in command of three powerful ships.

The following extract from his journal will give a vivid idea of the discomforts which he and his men underwent in the performance of their work: "The sun, as soon as it shows itself in the morning, strikes almost through you.

Mosquitoes, sand flies and gnats cover you, and as the sun gets up higher it becomes entirely calm and the rays pour down a heat that is insufferable.

The fever that it creates, together with the irritation caused by the insects, produces a thirst which is insatiable, to quench which we drink water at a temperature of eighty-two degrees.
About four o'clock in the afternoon a rain squall, accompanied by a little wind, generally takes place.