Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-05-08
A. THOMAS, w. L.


with the samencss and with doing nothing but
fiddng themselves of themselves, and begin to
wish for change 10 other scenes that will interest
more and afford material for fresh amusement--
This is as it should be. Individuals can receive
but little benefit from further residence in place
after they are once thoroughly tired Of it. num-
Der therefore, influenced by the wish TO leave the
place Of our winters residence, and diversity OF
lesser motives determined TO leave the Island OF
st. Crox-the principal rendezvous for Americans,
spending the colder months in the West Indies,
for home by way Of the Leewaid isles. Its the
middle of March, and we are bounding before the
breeze towards st. Thomas. What can be more
delieh,til--wiih stout ship, fast >ailer and
good, with fine sun-shny weather and an agree
able company, what is there to prevent our voyage
from being pleasant one. From ST. Crox 10 ST.
Thomas it is 40 mics-af,er delightful passage
of six hours, we are at o'clock p M, safely an
chored in its harbor ships are lying everywhere
about US, the town lies before, cleudess sky
above, and the still sea beneath us-whle every
thing around is lit up by clear moon, shining
bright enough 10 read print Of The finest descrip-
ton. Fearing the effects of the dew, which in the
West Indias falls heavy and fast, deferred going
ashore till the following morning, here always
from the GOODNESS and the fresh air the peasan,est
par, of the day. Exposure 10 evening dampness
10 avoided even by the accmated, it is considered
hazardous 10 strangers. Being pretty well beat
out with running around in the morning before
leaving ST. Crox, retire early TO my state room
and despite the mosquitoes-close air and narrow
uneven birth, mapped it out quietly till morning.
The principal town Of St. Thomas, the capital of
the Danish West India possessions, and bearing
the same name as the island, is built on three hills
ranging in line to the east and west, and facing
the south. Most Of the business Is done on one
street, which is roomy, well paved, and has good
side. walks. II has several times within a few
years suffered severely from large fires, burning
blocks and whole districts. The ruin Of many of
her heaviest merchants. The frequent disastrous
losses from this cause, has gradually led in re-
building TO the construction Of fire proof stores,
brick being substituted for the wooden roofs, which
is q cheap material and affords an efficient protec-
ton s-sinst the devouring element. The princi-
pal ST. occupied mostly by merchants and shop
keeper east and west with the town and is
about in extent. The stores, though they
are 10 Lhave not the handsome appearance Of
the same class Of buildings in the states, are sub
s,an,ia, and in their great depth capable ofhousing
immense quantities of goods. The houses are of
one and two stories principally, are also con-
IL a fhA IS1a nd ic
subject 10 frequent shocks from earthquakes, and
at intervals TO a violent storm in the hurricane
ecason, which dashing along in its progress takes
Off roofs, tears up trees by the roots and sweep,
every impeachment before it. St. Thomas being
free port, has from IFS location its easy access and
good anchorage, an immense trade; the average
number of vessels which annually enters its port
being not less than three thousand. Formerly it
wasa great resort for pirates, who until within few
years were so troublesome to our intercourse with
the West Indies. The remains of two of their for
ilfcatons orstrong holds, called Blue Boards and
Black Boards Castles, still standing at the outer
edge Of the town, in runous aud crumblng con.
dnion. St. Thomas has good and spacious harbor
which takes the form Of circle, the two points
ofwhich at its entrance approaching to within
half mile, are strengthened by forufcations ca
pable of commanding the whole entrance to the
harbor, while on the top of hill, on the left near
by, is a telegraph for conveyance Of information
20 the port or principal fertilization within, and the
citizens ofthe town. The Importance of St. Thorn
as and its interest TO strangers lies wholly in the
r,t, loin bo
whole island contains only 33 stock or grazing
estates, and but 25 small sugar plantations, which
together never yield for expectation over 800 hogs
heads, quantity not equal TO that annually made
on many of the larger estates of ST. Croiz. The
population Of the whole island is about 2O,OOo-of
this number the town has 10000, which are as
might he supposed from It's beng a free port, an
assemblage from all parts OF the world, and pre-
sents novel sight, an eptome Of The inhabitants
customs and languages of all nations.
ST. JUAN, Porto Rico.-At A. NJ, we are of
the coasts of Porto Rico, which on its North side
from east TO west as far the eye can reach is one
continued series Oranges, of high hills and clouc
capped mountains. We are SLOWLY approaching
the town, the Notifications of which, thru tn.
transparent air, are clearly to be seen, then W.
are more than ten miles distant at IL A. NJ
After an easy sail of 10 miles before the breeze
we are safe anchored in the port Of ST. Juan
(also called Porto Rco) under the walls of tn,
\, Aoro--having been fifteen hours from St. Thomas
the health officer was among the first from tn,
place who made his appearance aongside-aI
having assembled, as is usual in such cases--th,
WI company, ladies and gentlemen .tandin.
inc inately-ranged themselves according Il
ins ms in line along the deck IN the waist o
III q, showing their faces over the side of tn
d. = o have their coun,enanccs inspected. Havn.
glanced a, the gentlemen, he took long look a