14 



THE COAST OF 



might be about twenty-four thoufand perfons j that is to fay about four thou- 

 fand Spaniards, and the reil Creoles, negroes, &c. 



The city is fituated on a fandy ifland, which forming a narrow paffage 

 on the S. W. opens a communication with that part called Tierra Bomba ; 

 as far as Boca Chica on the north fide, the land is fo narrow, that before 

 the wall was begun, the dlftance from fea to fea was only 30 fathoms, but 

 afterwards the land enlarging by means of the wall, forms another ifland 

 on this fide, and the whole city is, except in thefe two places, which are 

 very narrow, entirely furrounded with water ; it communicates by a wooden 

 bridge, with a large fuburb called Xemani, built on another ifland, which 

 is alfo annexed by a wooden bridge to the continent. The fortifica- 

 tions both of the city and fuburbs are confi:ru6led in the modern manner, 

 and lined with free-ftone. The garrifon in time of peace, confifl:s of ten 

 companies of regulars, each containing 77 men, officers included, befides 

 feveral companies of militia. The whole city and fuburbs are commanded 

 by the caflle of St. Lazaro, which lies on an eminence, from whence is 

 feen an enchanting view of the country and coafl: to a' great diftance. The 

 city and fuburbs are well laid out, the fi:reets fi:rait, broad, uniform, and 

 well paved. The houfes are moftly built of ftone, and have but one fi:ory. 

 All the churches and convents are of a proper architecture j but there appears 

 fomething of poverty in the ornamental part, and feme want what even de- 

 cency might require. Carthagena, together with its fuburbs, is equal to a city 

 of the third rank in Europe. It is well peopled, though moll of its inhabitants 

 are defcended from the Indian tribes. The governor refides in the city, which 

 till the year 1739 was independent of the military governments. In civil 

 affairs an appeal lies to the audience of Santa Fe ; and a viceroy of 

 Santa Fe being that year created, under the title of viceroy of New 

 Granada, the government of Carthagena became fubjeil to him alfo in 

 military affairs. The firfi: viceroy was lieutenant-general Don Sebajlian 

 de EJlava, who defended Carthagena againft the Englijh in 1741. 

 Carthagena has alfo a billiop, whofe fpiritual is of the fame extent with 

 the military and civil jurifdidions. The chapter is compofed of the bifliop 

 and prebends. Here is alfo a court of inquifidon whofe power is very extenfive. 



Befides^ 



