[21] WORK OF STEAMER ALBATROSS. 23 



proacli, perfectly protected from the prevailing wiuds, aud of ample size 

 for the present or future commerce of the port. This, it seems to me, is 

 the most j)racticable aud economical method of solving (what is to Bar- 

 ranquilla in particular) a vital problem, the total estimated expense 

 for extension and pier being only about $1,000,000. 



The trades were blowing fresh during our stay, getting up a consid- 

 erable swell between the anchorage and railway terminus, thus making 

 communication with ordinary ship's boats very tedious. Here again we 

 had reason to appreciate our admirable little steam-cutter, which en- 

 abled us to come and go at pleasure. 



On the 19th instant, accompanied by the United States consul and 

 vice-consul, I made official visits to the President of the State (who was 

 in Barrauquilla at the time), the governor, and military commandant. 



We left Savanillaat 8.15 a. m. on the 22d, and ran a line of soundings 

 W. f N. (mag.) 52' to the position in which the U. S. S. Powhatan 

 reported shoal water, latitude 11° 11' 00" N., longitude 75° 50' 30" W., 

 where we found 1,175 fathoms, the water having deepened regularly 

 since leaving j)ort. From this point we ran a line S. ^ E. (mag.) 40', 

 and being then IC W. by N. (mag.) from Cartagena light-house, in 825 

 fathoms, we stood offshore WSW. (mag.) 43', then SSE. (mag.) 51' to 

 a point 7' NW. ^ N. of Fuerte Island, where we found 38 fathoms. 

 Soundings were taken at intervals of 10' to 15' since leaving Savanilla, 

 and in running the traverses off and on shore, the change in the depth 

 was gradual, making it extremely improbable that shoals exist outside 

 of the shore reefs. 



At 3.30 p. m. we started on a line W. ^ N. (mag.), sounding at inter- 

 vals of 5' to 20' while crossing the bay at the south of which lies the 

 Gulf of Darien. At 4 p. m. we cast the trawl in 42 fathoms, green mud, 

 latitude 9° 30' 15" K, longitude 76° 20' 30" W.; and at 4.55 another 

 haul was made in 155 fathoms, green mud, latitude 9° 30' 45" N., longi- 

 tude 76° 25' 30" W., both hauls furnishing us a small number of good 

 specimens. 



Strong trades and a heavy sea followed us till we passed Cartagena, 

 when the wind died out and the sea moderated, causing a marked 

 change in the motions of the vessel, which was duly appreciated by all 

 on board. 



The line was continued sounding at various intervals to Aspinwall, 

 where we arrived at 2.55 p. m. March 26. A boat was sent for the 

 United States consul, but the dispatching of a steamer which was to 

 sail during the afternoon prevented his coming on board. He sent off 

 word, however, that several deaths had occurred recently from what 

 had been called malignant malarial fever, but which, in his opinion, 

 was yellow fever. Pending further investigations orders were given 

 that there should be no communication with the shore, except when it 

 was absolutely necessary in carrying on the shij/s duties. 



