8 



ROUTE TO CARACCAS. 



lasted an hour longer. Although the for- 

 tifications are strong, they have often 

 changed masters during the civil war: the 

 garrison is at present small. Notwithstand- 

 ing the disadvantages I have mentioned, this 

 place enjoys a considerable trade, chiefly 

 with the English. 



Immediately on landing I waited on the 

 commandant, Colonel Avendano, who in- 

 formed me that the Spanish general Morales 

 was closely blockaded in Maracaybo, that 

 Puerto Cabello was invested, and both 

 places expected to fall speedily, as the 

 Patriots commanded by sea. 



Between five and six aclock on the fol- 

 lowing morning I set out for Caraccas, 

 mounted on a mule. The distance is about 

 five leagues; the road difficult, lying across 

 a part of the Andes at the elevation of six 

 thousand four hundred feet from the level o ' 



J 



