it is now a mere ruin, so indeed are all the fortifications, which must formerly have been the strongest
in the world, there still remains on the principal battery, 20 brass cannons, carrying 32 pounders in
perfect preservation; the Monastry is likewise in ruins, and so is the slave market; the whipping post
still remains, firm and sound, the wood is so hard (I forget the name of it) my Father cut it to see,
he took a sketch of this place and the surrounding scenery, besides the fort etc. etc. the Governor
treated my Father ('tho an enemy) with every possible respect, asked him to dinner and showd him the
room out of which General McGregor jumpt into the sea, and swam to a brig in the Offing;
My Father
brought away a candle and some papers which Gr.McGregor left behind him, there were balls and dancing
every day and night; the Governor and his lady made my Father stay up on New Years day untill 4 Oclock
in the morning the Captn. gave a magnificent dinner on board to the principal officers and gentry of
Porto Bello; our ship was covered with flags. I never enjoyed any thing so much in my life.
On the
2nd. January 1837 we left Porto Bello after remaining 8 days and proceeded on our voyage, which was
as some historians would write (the same ground) we went over in the Chatham, only this difference,
we kept outside the Keys of San Blas, at about 6 leagues from the Mainland. My Father took drawings
and bearings of all the coast, he had the assistance of 4 intelligent Captains who knew the names of
all the Islands (called Keys), the Mountains, Rivers etc. with their bearings and soundings; when off
La Popa we stretched across the Caribbean, N by W.½W. in crossing this celebrated Sea my Father lost
1 hat, Col. Johnston 2 and the Captn. 3!! the ladies tied theirs under their chins, but their
handkerchieves blew over board, this was owing to sky–larking.
Sailed over the Pedro shoals, made the Pedro bluff Jamaica; beat up to Port Royal and anchored :
13th January in KINGSTON for the 3rd. time!
Friday again, now comes a woeful tale!!