"Each side of the altar represents four individuals. On the West-side are the two principal personages, chiefs, or warriors, with their faces opposite to each other, and apparently engaged in argument or _negotiation_. The other fourteen (figures) are divided into two equal parties, and seem to be following their leaders. Each of the two principal figures is seated _cross-legged_, in the _Oriental_ fashion, on an _hieroglyphic_, which probably designated his name and office, or character; and on _two_ of which the _Serpent_ forms part." The description reads "three," the engraving shews only _two_ Serpents; the later will be received as correct, from the accuracy ascribed to the drawings by Mr. Stephens, and already quoted. "Between the two principal personages, is a remarkable cartouche, containing two _hieroglyphics_, well preserved, which reminded us _strongly of the Egyptian method_ of giving the names of the _kings and heroes in whose honour monuments were erected_. The head-dresses are remarkable for their curious and complicated form. The figures have all breastplates, and one of the two principal characters holds in his hand an instrument, which perhaps may be considered a sceptre,--each of the others holds an _object_, which can be only (?) a subject for speculation and conjecture." We believe them to be (judging from the engravings) _spiral shells_; the application will be found in the important chapter devoted to the Analogies. "It [the "object"] may be a weapon of war, and if so, it is the only thing of the kind found at Copan. In other countries, battle scenes, warriors, and weapons of war are among the most prominent subjects of sculpture; and from the entire absence of them here, there is reason to believe, _that the people were not warlike, but peaceable and easily subdued_." Are not the Sculptures, the Idols, and Altars, the ornaments of a _Temple_?--and as a consequence, should be devoid of the weapons of war. A false conclusion is arrived at by Mr. Stephens, when, from the absence of battle-axes, shields, and helms, in a Religious Temple, it must follow as a necessity, that those worshipping there, must be devoid of courage. Our own Altars might be so regarded if his reasoning was admitted, yet few persons would have the temerity to say, because the Christian Altars are devoid of warlike weapons, that the Anglo-Saxon race are "easily subdued." The hands that built those Temples on the Western Continent, could also defend them. The military position and strength of Copan, prove the builders to be of a race far from cowards, and not easily to be conquered. In these remarks we would not confound the previous distinction drawn between the courage of these Aborigines and those of the North. The Mexicans were courageous in quick assault, but had not the indomitable endurance and persevering fortitude of the Northerns.