THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 137 



of my stay, I met with several New Yorkers — men 

 who, though accustomed to the refinements of life, 

 were here habited in coarse pants and red flannel 

 shirts, with cowhide boots upon their feet, the legs of 

 which were drawn over their pants — away from home, 

 from friends, or luxury, or comforts, and, worse than 

 all, too often with the unmistakable marks of miasma 

 and fever. The only thing of interest about Obagres 

 is the old Spanish fortification. It is situated upon 

 a high, rocky point, and upon the left hand as the 

 mouth of the river is entered. Upon passing the 

 fort, the native town of Chagres is situated close 

 under it$ walls,- and consists of nothing more than a 

 collection of reed-huts thatched with palm leaves. 

 For two dimes I was taken across the river to the 

 native town, and passing through it commenced the 

 assent of the hill by a paved road which leads to a 

 level plat of ground in the rear of the fortification. 

 This road must have been built at the time the fort 

 was erected, yet it is in a good state of preservation, 

 and makes a pleasant although steep and circuitous 

 walk. Crossing the deep moat which separates the 

 front from the rear fort, upon the remnant of an 

 old draw-bridge, and then passing down a wide 

 flight of steps, the main plaza is reached between 

 the battlements which look off in three directions, 

 and are at least one hundred and fifty feet high from 

 the sea which breaks upon its foundations on the one 

 side, and the river on the other. Some thirty or 

 forty old Spanish guns are lying about, with their 

 carriages crumbled to dust beneath them, some 



