JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA. 



21 



reform : a new one, of vast dimensions, was accordingly 

 commenced in the suburbs of the city, and in an airy situ- 

 ation ; the lower part, capable of containing two thousand 

 persons, to be occupied by the prisoners — the sexes in 

 separate divisions — and the safe-keeping of the whole to be 

 made compatible with a reasonable degree of comfort ; 

 the upper part, to serve as a barracks, calculated to accom- 

 modate twelve hundred soldiers. 



The necessity of an adequate mole, or wharf, for the 

 exclusive use of persons landing or embarking, had been 

 often represented. The work was immediately com- 

 menced, and, with the aid of a voluntary contribution of 

 four thousand dollars by the merchants, was successfully 

 brought to a close. 



The enclosure of a large space of ground for the exer- 

 cise of the troops, was another of his public works. This 

 is denominated " El Campo de Marte ;" and is in the form 

 of a parallelogram, encompassed by an iron railing, repre- 

 senting lances. At each of the four sides is a conspicuous 

 iron gate, surmounted by military trophies, which serve as 

 ornaments, while they designate the nature of the place. 



The principal access to the city being through a gate, 

 called " Puerta de Monserrate," which had a mean appear- 

 ance, a new gate was erected in the best style of architec- 

 ture ; and over the moat, in front of it, was thrown a fine 

 stone bridge of eleven arches, with a raised pavement on 

 each side for the use of passengers. 



Of the Theatre and the Paseo, both which he construct- 

 ed and allowed to be called by his name, mention has been 

 already made. 



These, and other objects of public utility, both in the 

 capital and in other parts of the Island, as well as the 

 Governor's numerous other reforms and improvements, 

 were accomplished without any addition of expense to the 

 public, but simply by a right administration and applica- 

 tion of the ordinary resources. 



If credit is due to him for this, it is equally so for his 



