CARTIIAGENA. 467 



several ships, which blocked it up, only allow- 

 ing sufficient depth for row-boats. There is 

 no doubt that the Colombians will now re- 

 move these impediments to the entrance, by 

 the use of proper machinery to raise the stones 

 and weigh the vessels which contain them ; 

 which being done, the current will soon carry 

 off the accumulation of sand, and afford easy 

 access to the city, by the Boca Grande, to ves- 

 sels bound to the port. In consequence of the 

 blocking up of this entrance, ships are com- 

 pelled to go round by Boca Chica, a circuit of 

 thirty miles, to gain the usual roadstead for fri- 

 gates, and which is three or four miles from the 

 town. If a jetty were thrown out, or a chain- 

 pier erected, on the north side of the city, 

 which is very feasible, constant communica- 

 tion might be kept up between vessels lying at 

 anchor on that side of the town, and landing 

 easily effected. 



Returned to breakfast, much pleased with 

 my ride. At five o'clock went to the palace, 

 accompanied by Mr. Rennie, and Mr. George 

 Watts, the consul's son. We were received 

 very politely by General Montilla, who was 

 dressed in plain clothes. Several of the first 

 2 H 2 



