SOUTH AMERICA. 



S79 



as no shipping can approach within gun-shot, it can 

 be of little importance in a military point of view; it 

 is, in fact, without a garrison, and the buildings with- 

 in have been occupied for public offices, and the resi- 

 dence of the viceroys under the old regime, and of the 

 directors since the revolution; while the cannon are 

 used only in firing salutes. Centinels, however, are 

 seen pacing the walls, and the blue and white flag, 

 waving over their heads. About a mile below this, 

 the high bank suddenly trends inward, leaving a vast 

 level plain, which seems to be partly in cultivation, 

 and partly in pasture grounds, inclosed in the manner 

 of the country, and through which a stream, as large 

 a« the Christiana, at Wilmington, enters the river, af- 

 fording a good harbor for the smaller craft, as also at 

 its mouth, where there is a kind of circular basin. In 

 looking up the river to our right, the city terminates in 

 detached seats and gardens. 



Our boat having been prepared, I embarked with 

 lieutenant Clack, Mr. Breeze, the purser. Dr. Bald- 

 win, and the owner of the malacabada. It was neces- 

 sary to make some arrangements at the custom-house, 

 with respect to our baggage, to prevent unpleasant de- 

 tention: Mr. Rodney and commodore Sinclair, de- 

 clined going on shore. As it was low water, it was 

 so shallow, that our boat, though small, could not ap- 

 proach, we were therefore compelled to get into a cart, 

 according to custom, and to be thus ferried to shore, 

 at least a hundred yards. These carts would appear 

 in our country, of a most awkward and clumsy struc- 

 ture. They are drawn by two horses; the wheels are 

 of an enormous size, and the quantity of wood employ- 

 ed in the structure of the vehicle, one might suppose^ 



