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242 CITY AND BAY OF PANAMA. [1824. 



modate in its area any three of our churches which could be 

 selected. 



" The streets are paved, and are remarkably cleanly. It is a pleasure 

 to promenade them in the cool of the day, particularly as your well- 

 bred native invariably extends to the stranger on passing the most 

 courteous and withal graceful salutation. I am true breed, awkward, 

 and diffident, but anxious to observe and conform to etiquette. I know 

 not what would be the behaviour, or rather how it would be viewed, 

 of some of our countrymen when offering or receiving the light of a 

 segar from a courtly don or equally polite signor. In the action of 

 tendering and receiving a segar, simple, even vulgar, as some may 

 consider it, they add a charm to grace itself. 



" You must of course know the latitude and longitude of the place, 

 but as it will take only a line I will give it : 8° 58 / north latitude, 

 longitude 79° 37' west. 



" I would give you an idea of the pearl-fishery here, but must defer 

 it. It is being extensively carried on, and is likely to become a source 

 of wealth. I am informed that the pearls obtained here surpass in 

 form and brilliancy the oriental. 



" The tide rises and falls some twenty feet, and the appearance of 

 the bay at high and low water varies so much as entirely to change 

 its aspect. Flats which extend several miles into the gulf are alter- 

 nately covered and bare at high and low water. Vessels cannot ap- 

 proach the quay in consequence, and the cargoes are discharged at 

 high water in flat-bottomed lighters. The roadstead is exposed to 

 violent north winds, but the anchorage is safe. The commerce is not 

 what it was. but it must ultimately be great. The whole coast of 

 California and St. Bias, abounding in hides, cochineal, and indigo, the 

 cost of which is extremely low, presents a fine market for our cottons, 

 affording a profit beyond any thing in my commercial experience. 

 Jamaica has been vastly benefited ; its contiguity and its colonial facili- 

 ties give it important advantages. The English have fully availed 

 themselves of the opportunities for advantageous commerce which have 

 occurred along the whole line of this almost boundless coast. We 

 however are likely to participate, and largely. An immense fortune 

 to your humble servant is within reach, if favoured with health. 



" I will address you again ere I leave, and without requesting any 

 extension of courtesy to this imperfect epistle, I am most truly yours, 



" John J. Adams." 



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