PORTS.
The ports of this republic are, in the north, Izabal, Omoa, Truxillo, San Juan, and Matina; and in the south, Nicoya, Realejo, Conchagua, Acajutla, Libertad, and that of Istapa, or of Independence; the last two being made free ports by decrees of the 6th and 10th of February, 1824. History relates that Alvarado, the Conqueror, constructed vessels at the bar of Istapa, and that this was for a long time the port of Guatemala, being only eighteen leagues distant from the ancient capital.
The port of Culebra, in the state of Nicaragua, is not yet made free, but it has been reconnoitred by two engineers, who thus report of it. "Two hundred ships ride in it with safety; at fifty yards from shore it has from ten to twelve fathoms water with a good sandy bottom; being surrounded by fine woods, with plenty of fresh water, and having close to it farms of neat cattle; it is a league and a half
