SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



215 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Journey from Xalapa to Vera Cruz.— Road to Mexico. 

 — Duties and Expenses on Merchandise. — Contraband 

 Trade. — Mines. 



Having received advice of the arrival of the 

 Phaeton, I left Xalapa with Dr. Mackie, on 

 the morning of the 22d of August, in a litter 

 carried between two mules, something in the 

 manner of a sedan chair : these are of sufficient 

 length to lie down in, and when two persons 



travel together, they place themselves opposite 

 each other. The litter has a roof and curtains 

 of strong canvas to exclude the sun or rain : 

 we had two sets of mules, which relieved each 

 other, and baggage-mules for our servants and 

 luggage, besides three drivers, and a person 



