SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 11 



had been sacrificed the day before he arrived, 

 — hence its appellation. There are still ves- 

 tiges of the ruins. The island is strewed with 

 the bones of British subjects who have pe- 

 rished in this unhealthy climate, and whose 

 remains are not allowed to be buried in con- 

 secrated ground. Yet, u one frail memorial 

 still erected nigh," indicated the spot where a 

 recent interment had taken place (only a few 

 months since). 



When the vessel was secured, the boat was 

 lowered, and several of the passengers, myself 

 among the number, left the ship and pro- 

 ceeded for the town, about three miles distant. 

 On our way we were met by the boat of the 

 port-officer, bearing Spanish colours, who, in 

 rather a peremptory manner, ordered us to 

 the Castle of St. Juan, for which we steered, 

 though against our inclination. We passed 

 round the guns of the front facing the town, 

 and landed on the north-west ; and were im- 



