220 



DESCENT TO THE COAST. 



defile. The acclivities are very steep, rocky, and mostly 

 covered with forest. The elevated promontory between 

 the two forks, forms a commanding, but not a very ten- 

 able position. It is fortified, if that term can apply to 

 the existence of a rude fort, with a few pieces of cannon* 

 without either soldiers or ammunition. It has, however, 

 been frequently squabbled for during the last twenty 

 years. 



A long, sleepy, broiling hot day was passed among 

 the palmetto-thatched cottages of the hamlet near the 

 bridge, which is far from being unpicturesque ; and at 

 five in the evening, we crept into our litters again, and 

 resumed our journey. Barren roads, covered w 7 ith low 

 bushes, conducted us to Santa Fe, which we reached at 

 two in the morning. Here, for the second time, pursu- 

 ant to the system of caution which terrible experience 

 has inculcated, our line came to a second halt within 

 three leagues of Vera Cruz. At Puente del Rey, we 

 had lost many of the hangers-on of the train ; and here 

 all who were not quite acclimated, or whom necessity 

 did not compel to enter within the infected border, took 

 their leave, as now farther advance would bring us 

 within the influence of the danger. 



At five we set forward again. The level surface of 

 the country became open, sandy> and steril ; and for- 

 bidding beyond all description— without a hut or patch 

 of cultivation — and the scenery glared upon us in a 

 ghastly manner in the white light of the newly risen sun. 



In the course of two hours, escaping from the long 

 ridges of sand with which the lower levels are covered, 

 we arrived upon the hot beach of the gulf, a little to the 

 north of the city. We straightway despatched a mes- 

 senger to the merchant to whom we were recommended* 

 and passing the gate, threaded a few deserted streets, and 

 heedless of anything but escape, alighted at a fonda on 

 the quay. Half of an hour sufficed to transact our busi- 

 ness. Our baggage had not arrived from the capital, and 

 we found we must sail without it. By nine or soon after, 

 on the first of May, we were already on board the New- 

 York packet, then lying in the roadstead— for port it cm 



