where we were detained several days in order to allow time for the money sent by the April "Conducta[1] to be shipped, we found most comfortable lodgings in a house which Colonel Dashwood had the goodness to engage for us, while his hospitality supplied all our other wants. We dined with him every day during our stay; and, under Mrs. Dashwood's direction, we made several delightful excursions in the environs of the town, the beauties of which seemed to grow upon us, as we explored them more narrowly.
On the 6th of May, having received intelligence that the Primrose was ready for sea, we slept at Plan del Rio, which we quitted at three o'clock on the morning of the 7th, in order to avoid the heat as much as possible. We breakfasted about seven at Puente del Rey, and reached the Boca del Potrero at two, where we passed the night. On the morning of the 8th we arrived at a very early hour at Veracruz, and embarked almost immediately, after taking some refreshment at Mr. Welsh's house, while our luggage was sending on board.
I rode almost all the way from Jalapa, notwithstanding the heat, which I did not find nearly so oppressive as I had expected. The rest of the party performed the journey in litters. Hilario and one other servant from the Table-land, accompanied us,
- ↑ "Conducta" implies the mules laden with silver, which leave the Capital once every two or three months for the coast, with a strong escort.
