consumption, containing about thirty thousand inhabitants; but the distance from the port (thirty leagues) and the difficulty of communication, the roads being passable in the dry season only, naturally augment the expenses on any mercantile transaction, to such a degree that it scarcely pays — as any cargo which could be introduced, would be merely to supply the district of Colima. Such drawbacks, added to the detention, deter vessels from touching at Manzanilla.
"Another cause which must divert the maritime trade from Colima and Manzanilla, is the preferable market at the capital of Guadalaxara, for its produce of sugar, maize, coffee, cocoa, indigo, &c.; and as these articles are not eligible for exportation, on account of the high cost prices, the foreign merchant could only deal in cash payments, whilst Guadalaxara, which is generally overstocked with goods, via Tampico on the east, and San Blas on the west, can supply Colima with the necessary merchandize by barter.
"The articles saleable at Colima are linens, cotton goods, woollens, and a little hardware; but, as already stated, in small quantities, calculated perhaps for the the consumption of about ten to fifteen thousand souls."
The captain of the port had previously received full instructions to afford us every facility that the country could offer, and to repair to the beach on our
