ASPECT OF THE TOWN 7 . 7 1 



anything else. The water is always calm and fish is extremely 

 abundant. 



The town is small and built at the foot of the hills 

 which surround the bay. Excepting the military residence 

 and churches, very few good houses were to be seen, the bulk 

 of them being more like Indian huts than anything else, the 

 best made of adobes and covered with palm leaves. In 1852, 

 its population was about 3,000, but it had been rapidly increas 

 ing for the last few years, in consequence of its having been 

 selected as a port to put into, by the American company 

 of steamers plying between San Francisco, Nicaragua, and 

 Panama. 



During the domination of the Spaniards this port was 

 celebrated as the one from which all the Spanish galleons 

 went to, or returned from Mexico to the Philippine Islands. 

 It was also an important military station and the centre of the 

 pearl fisheries. Its population was composed of four classes 

 of inhabitants, white, black, Indian and Chinese, with all their 

 varieties. The blacks are robust, but very indolent, and the 

 others more so. There were four large American hotels 

 receiving the passengers, who were constantly passing through. 

 Gambling houses were also conspicuous. 



In the rainy season it is considered unhealthy, in conse 

 quence of the marshes which surround the town. Fevers are of 

 a bad character and common ; but I did not hear that the vomito, 

 or yellow fever had ever made an appearance. In the dry 

 season it is healthy enough, but always very warm. Close to 

 the town is a mountain called the Telegraph, in consequence 

 of one of those establishments built on the top of it. It is a 

 fine walk, and there is a splendid sea view from its summit. 

 This mountain has been partly cut by the Spaniards. If the 

 work had been completed, it is certain that the salubrity of 

 Acapulco would have greatly benefited by it, as it would have 

 been the means to bring over sea breeze to the town. Even 

 what has been done by the Spaniards is remarkable, and has 

 done some good. 



There is another fine walk, that of the town to the fort 

 which defends the entry of the harbour. It is planted with 

 fine trees and is a great resort for the population. 



Indian women have drinking stalls placed along this 

 walk and supply lemonade and other refreshing drinks at a 

 moderate price 



The market is well supplied with provisions, especially 

 chickens, eggs, and fruit of all descriptions. Plantains, 



