American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-06-30
THE CITY OF HAVANA

THE CITY OF HAVANA
II was on beautiful afternoon that We approach
ed close to the rocky coast Of Cuba, and distinct,
saw the towers Of Havana, its capital city. Ih
rainy season OF the tropics had recently terminated
and the sky brilliant the all balmy and the fac
of nature glowing with the richest and most varied
hues. 1t blew a fresh and steady breeze-darl
heecy masses of cloud often obscured the sun tor
few moments, and dashed forth impetuous but tran
STORY showers they were hurried along the iacs
OF heaven. When they passed off, sunshine and {
glorious rainbow would succeed, and we could dis
cover their shadows flying over the groves and fields
of the island and plunging into the valleys and en-
veloping the tops OF the distant hills Lofty cocoa
nut trees grew along the shore and negro hu.s rear
ed their humble roofs among the brushwood in va
| rious directions. Some were situated in the midst
of small cultivated spots, and others on the out.
skirts Of tracts oil land intended Tor coffee and su
gar plantations. / observed boats Of on uncommon
form sailing close to the beach, aud padding up
the little creeks that intersected il. Birds OF radl.
ant plumage and strange notes huttered around our
! ship, the breezes were loaded with deDsc and ex
otto fragrance, such had never fell before, and
every thing saw told me had reached new and
peculiar cline. We continued course parallel
with the coast till we reached the mouth OF the
Havana harbor, which we entered AMIDST the pic
turesqueness of splendid sunset
| The city OF Havana lies near the western extrem
ity Of Cuba; its fine harbor, extensive trade, pro-
dgous wealth, and great population. render it the
| most important and interesting town in the West
Indies, and the key OF the rich and noble island
on which it is situated. Havana is fortified in
such manner as to be imp egnabe, except at its
back part, which, however, is accessible only by
clrcullous route through the woods. In 1862 the
city taken by Lord Able marie, after siege of 20
days; but several new batteries have been erected
since that time, and it now seems doubtful whether
on enemy could get possession of it, except by
treachery.
The entrance TO the harbor is defended by two
forts and is morrow, that not more than one yes
sci can pass al a time. The fort on the east side
Is named the Moro and that on the west the Panta,
and both mount large number OF heavy guns and
completely command the adjacent seas. On the
top of the former is light house and watch tower
in which person stands from sunset to sunrise,
and halls every vessel that approaches, demanding
OF what nation she is, whence she comes, and Of
what her cargo consists; and any hip-maser who
does not hoist his Gag, OF refuses to answer these
questions is fired upon and severely fined For.
mery during war, very strong iron chain was
drawn across the mouth of the harbor. and the
stanchions to which its extremites were attached
still remain.
On rounding the Moro Castle, and entering the
haroor, an interesting scene presents ITSELF In
Ioht, ono sees forest OF maSts, surmountcd with
the flags OF all nations, and vessels of every descrip.
ton, from the ship Of war to the coasling sloop,
lie at anchor around him. On one side high
ridge OF rocks, crowned with formidable batteries,
extends along the waters edge ; and on the other
are clusers of houses iancilully painted and adorp-
ed with verandas, Terraces and balconies where
groups OF Spanish ladies' sit enjoying the sea breeze
and slaves stroll idly, awaiting their masters call
A little way off the antique towers of convent
rlse, with sober majesty, and in the distance spires
OF various architecture proJec. into the clear,
balmy atmosphere above, while the deep olling OF
their bells comes upon the ear with varying loud.
ness. Small boats with painted awnings glide abou,
IN every direction, conveying people to and from
the different vessels; and the snatches of barbarous
Spaniards which reach the car as they pass and
repass, forcibly remind the stranger that he is in
foreign land. But the vessel in which he is pas
senger has scarcely time to let down her anchor,
before the custom house barge, decorated by the
national tag, and manned by ten rowers, comes
alongside. Her commander stcps ON board, end
requests the manifest and iirt Of the crew, talks
broken English, asks the latest foreign news and
struts about IN caualiere, while his dark complex.
Toned attendants remain in the boat, and direct sig
nincant gances 10 the captain of the ship, until he
orders them their usual gratuiy. The health off
Ger next makes his appearance. and inquiries if
tnere are any sick persons on board, and examines
the passports, and finally declares tha, the whole
SHIPS company are at liberty to SO on shore.
the wharyes at Havana are very extensive and