POINT DE GALLE. 



115 



inhabitants are thus shut up within a close fortress, from which the sea breezes are almost 

 entirely excluded, and must suffer vejy much from the heat, which cannot be otherwise than 

 excessive, in a latitude almost under the equator. The heat, however, is not so intense as on 

 the neighboring coast of India. During the stay of the Mississippi th3 highest range of the 

 thermometer (Fahrenheit) was 85°, and the lowest was 82°. The ordinary range at Point de 

 Galle, however, is set down at from "70° to 87°. 



Point (le GiiUe, Ct-yluu. 



Fresh supplies of food of almost every description can be readily obtained at this port; bul- 

 locks, pigs, fruit, and vegetables, abound. The fish are abundant and good. Wood is plentiful 

 and tolerably good. Water can be obtained in reasonable quantities, but it is bad. 



The population of the town is composed of English officials and merchants, and a motley 

 collection of tradesmen and laborers of all varieties of color, from negro black to dingy brown. 



The Commodore and his officers were not a little mortified, as well as somewhat embarrassed, 

 by finding, on their arrival at Point de Galle, the United States commercial agent, a native of 

 Scotland, confined to his premises under an execution for debt. Various accounts of the circum- 

 stances connected with this unfortunate position of affairs were communicated to the Commo- 

 dore, but he studiously avoided any interference with the matter. It was no part of his business 

 or duty to interpose; and humiliating as was this state of things, he could not but feel that the 

 fault was in the former consular system of the United States. Our country had no right to 

 expect our consuls and commercial agents, many of whom were unfitted in every respect for 

 their stations, either to represent or sustain the commercial interests of the nation so long as the 



