GENERAL SUMMARY. 
115 
of magnitude. The following extracts from a letter written by 
Capt. R. W. Foster, of the steamer " Alabama," who crossed 
the bar several times, and subsequently sounded it, furnish some 
interesting details. 
" Sailing vessels bound for the Coatzacoalcos ought to make the land to the 
eastward. This precaution is necessary on account of the prevailing trade- 
winds which cause a strong westerly current, also in case of a norther, to have 
the advantage of sea-room. The entrance to the river may be known by the 
Vigia or tower, situated upon the western side, likewise from the sand cliffs 
extending from that point to the westward. 
" The best mark for crossing the bar is to bring the Tower to bear S. f W. 
by compass. Having passed the bar, haul up to the eastward of south, and 
steer in midway between the two points that form the entrance to the river. 
The wind, after crossing the bar, often falls to calm ; for this reason it is ne- 
cessary to have the anchor ready to let go, as the current on the ebb, even in 
the dry season, sets out strong. 
" The extent of the bar east and west is about 220 fathoms, and the breadth 
by actual measurement 108 feet. The bottom, composed of sand and clay, is 
hard, on which account it is not liable to shift. At high water, on the full and 
change, the depth is about 13 feet, and falls as low as 11 feet. The general 
depth, however, is 12 feet, from which, in sailing, it deepens gradually to five 
and six fathoms. Except in heavy northers, there is a regular land and sea 
breeze : the latter sets in between the hours of 9 A. M. and nT)on. 
April, 1851. R. W. Foster. 
" N. B. The bar, being composed of sand and clay, as already stated, and 
only 108 feet in width, could easily be deepened for vessels of the largest 
draught to enter." 
In view of all the testimony, it is presumed that no one will 
now question the practicability or security of this harbor. Sec- 
ond, with regard to the capacity of the river itself : From Mr. 
Temple's report, the head of ship navigation is placed at thirty 
miles from the mouth, and ten above Mina-titlan. In other 
words, any depth not exceeding twelve and a half feet, which is 
the maximum draught admissible over the bar at the lowest tides, 
may be carried to within a short distance of the junction of the 
Brazos Apotzongo and Mistan. By deepening the bar to admit 
vessels drawing eighteen feet this depth may be brought, with- 
out difficulty, to Mina-titlan ; thus forming a secure harbor for 
nearly thirty miles, along which the track may be laid to any 
