VISIT A TEEXULIA. 
197 
a frigate, Don Jose del Elo, who had long resided on that 
spot; but that he marked the latitude ot the town at 
21“ 42' 40". . ^ j ^ , 
The Lieutenant -&overnor (Temente Governadore) of 
Trinidad, whose jurisdiction then exteuaed to v ilia t^*ara_, 
Principe, and Santo Espiritu, was nephew to the celebrated 
astronomer Don Antonio Dlloa. He gave us a grand enter- 
tainment, at w'hich we met some French emigrants from San 
Domingo, who had brought their talents and industry to 
Spanish America. The expoi’tation of the sugar of Trinidad, 
by the registers of the custom-house, did not then exceed 
4000 chests. . , .. , . 
The advantage of having two ports is often discussed at 
Trinidad. The distance of the town from Puerto de Oasilda 
and Puerto Guaurabo is nearly equal ; yet the expense ot 
transport is greatest in the former port. 1 he Boca del liio 
Guaurabo, defended by a new battery, furnishes safe 
anchorage, although less sheltered than that of Puerto 
Casilda. Vessels that draw little water, or are lightened to 
pass the bar, can go up the river and approach the town 
within a mile. The packet-boats (correos) that touch at - 
Trinidad de Cuba, prefer, in general, the Eio Guaurabo, 
where they find safe anchorage without needing a pilot, i he 
Puerto Casilda is more inclosed, and goes lurthcr back 
in-land ; but cannot be entered without a pilot, on account 
of the breakers (arrecifes) and the Mulas and Mulattas. 
The great mole, constructed with wood, and very nsc ii o 
commerce, was damaged in discharging pieces of artulerj. 
It is entirely destroyed, and it wnis undecided w le ler i 
Would be best to reconstruct it with masonry, according o 
the project of Don Luis de Bassecourt, or to open the bar 
of Gumirabo by dredging it. The great disadvantage ot 
Puerto de Casilda is the want of fresh water, which vessels 
i'ave to procure at the distance of a league. 
We passed a very agreeable evening in the house o one 
of the richest inhabitants, Don Antonio Padron, wheie wo 
found assembled at a tertulia all the good company ot trim- 
ilad V'c were again struck with the gaiety and vivacity that 
distinguish the women of Cuba. These are happy gi s o 
nature, to which the refinements of European civiliza ion 
anight lend additional charms, but which, nevertheless, please 
