THE PAPA. 



46^ 



by La Papa, a height which likewise com- 

 mands the town, but is not fortified, which is 

 imaccountable, as it has several times been the 

 cause of the fall of Carthagena, without almost 

 a single shot being fired. The Colombians 

 have now some idea of fortifying it ; but at 

 present there is a monastery at the top. — Oblig- 

 ed to return very early from our ride, as the 

 outer gate shuts about half-past six : the com- 

 munication between the two towns is, how- 

 ever, left open all night. — Played whist with 

 the Consul in the evening. 



March 31st. Rose at daylight, and accom- 

 panied a party to see the Papa — a very agree- 

 able ride. The height of the Papa is about 

 five hundred and sixty feet above the sea, 

 and its summit is reached by a winding road 

 through brushwood. On arriving we dis- 

 mounted. I found a large brass eighteen- 

 pounder lying there, that had been brought 

 by Morillo ; the remains of a fascine, and mud 

 battery, erected by Bolivar, when he attacked 

 Carthagena. The position is most command- 

 ing, and easily to be defended by a small 

 force. Had Admiral Vernon landed a few 

 caiinon, and had them dragged here by a body 



