218 



SrX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



in the wet season, as there are no materials 

 near to raise it above the surrounding swamp. 

 After getting through it, the road became 

 better, and the mosquitoes which had annoyed 

 us disappeared. We halted at Santa Fe to 

 breakfast, and a short ride brought us to a 

 sudden opening of the road, and gave us a 

 view of the sea, Vera Cruz, and the castle of 

 St. Juan de Ullua, with his Majesty's frigate 

 Phaeton lying between them. My Indian 

 servant was surprised at the appearance of the 

 calm unruffled surface of the ocean, and 

 eagerly inquired if that was the blue water, 

 and exclaimed, " What a beautiful country !" 

 comparing the frigate, to which his whole at- 

 tention was directed, to a palace. We reached 

 the city gates about one o'clock, an hour at 

 which they are closed ; after some little diffi- 

 culty we obtained admission, and arrived at 

 the house of Mr. Stuart, where Dr. Mackie 

 was to remain. I was recommended to the 



