8 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



shape; but so little was the real solid mass 

 distinguishable, that we every minute ex- 

 pected to see it dissolve into the thin trans- 

 parent air, and " leave not a wreck behind." 



Expectation was now at its greatest height, 

 for we calculated on setting foot on land this 

 day, but unfortunately we were becalmed, 

 and that too upon a dangerous shore ; we 

 did not therefore see Vera Cruz till noon, 

 when its numerous towers, cupolas, domes, 

 battlements, &c. caught our view, as well as 

 the strong Spanish castle of St. Juan de 

 Ullua, and the shipping moored under its 

 guns. As we had still little wind, and were 

 uncertain into whose hands the government 

 of the country had fallen, caution was neces- 

 sary. Contradictory opinions were formed, 

 but most agreed that it was the Spanish flag 

 that was flying on the fort of St. Juan and 

 on the shipping. Our commodore, who had 

 approached nearer than ourselves, at length 



