Steamers do not touch at the ports of Campeche and Frontera on every trip. (See time-table for exact dates of arrival.) The vessels anchor about five miles from the shore, and only stop long enough to transfer passengers, mail, and cargo to a small tender, and then continue on the direct route to Vera Cruz, reaching this port in about ten days out from New York, including stoppages.
Approaching Vera Cruz, the snow-clad peak of Orizaba may be distinctly seen at a distance of 50 miles on a clear day, and the Cofre de Perote, another snow-capped mountain, is also visible.
The Mexican coast is dangerous for navigators, on account of coral reefs. Just before reaching Vera Cruz, we pass an island on the south side of the town. It is the Isla de los Sacrificios, and is said to have been used by the Aztecs for sacrificing a youth on a certain day in every year.
The other island directly opposite the city of Vera Cruz is San Juan de Uloa. It was so named by Grijalva. This islet is covered with a fort, which was begun by the Spaniards in 1569, and finished in 1633. Hernando Cortes landed here on April 21, 1519. The fort is now used as a prison. Presently the steamer drops anchor. As soon as the health-officer has examined the vessel, and given the captain a clean bill of health, a large number of boats surround her, and the owners rush on board, offering their services to the passengers who are about to go ashore.
There is no fixed price for disembarking at Vera Cruz, and the traveler should make a bargain with a boatman before leaving the steamer, to pay him so much for taking his baggage ashore, and also to the custom-house and hotel. A boatman will take a single passenger for a Mexican dollar, including the conveyance of his baggage to the hotel; and, if a large party go in the same boat, an arrangement at a reduced price can be made pro rata.
