The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-12-01
r From the Pennsy lyanisn.
THE TOWNS AND COUNTRY ON THE
COAST or THE chi u or MEXICO


The recent operations OF ths navy an the Gulf Of
Mexico, the concentration Of the enemy at San Luis
Potos and the evident design Of the American army
10 move Ia the direction, will render informa-
ton respecting the population Of the various towns
along the coast the face Of the country in the de-
partments djoning, together with the products OF
the SOIL and the distances between these places and
San LUIS Potosi and the city Of Msxieo-added 10
the character Of the several harbors-of the highest
importance. The increased and commendable ac-
tiyy in the navy manifested Ia the late success
iul expeditions against Tabasco and Tampico will
render this information still more interesting and
important. Up IN this peeiod, little or nothing is
known on the subject; the best maps are very mpsr
feet; and we look IN vain for essential details
through books. There can indeed be no doubt
that the absence OF much necessary data in regard
to the coast and the various facilities important
10 squadron acting the offensive, has been one
the main causes Of the delay in the movements OF
Commodore Conner, now, as We are gratihed 10 OBJ
serve, about to be exchanged for a more vigorous
end energetic policy. Commodore Conner has
shown himself TO be capable Of the most perilous
Ierprises, and his skill fully proved
Ia the admirable and rapid passage to the Brazps,
several months ago, in the course OF which he sur
mounted all the difficulties growing out Of an I'M
known channel, and arrived in time TO be Of the
most essential service 10 General Taylor. Time,
therefore, while IL may have operated TO excite the
gallant spirits IN the navy, freting under delays
which they scarcely take the trouble 10 understand
and while IL may have slso served TO increase the
popular anxiety at home, has no doubt served also
TO increase his Information and to add to his faeii
ties We may consequently look for some Of the
most brilliant successes the part Of the navy IN
the course Of short time.
We began this article to say, however, that we
are enabled to lay before our readers some of the
very information 10 which we have alluded, be-
ing so universally and anxiously in demand. We
are indebted for this pleasure 10 gentleman who
writes Of what he personally knows, and who
speaks Of what he has II our readers are not
as much interested as we have been in his valuable
details and facts, wo shall be much surprised
Sisal and Csmpeaehy on the west coast Of Yucca
tan, are important only ports Of entry for Merida
and the interior towns Of Yucstan and as shipping
points for Iogwood, Sisal grass, &c. Yucatan does
not contribute to tho support Of the general govern
mont, and has no communication with Mexico by
land.
Laguna, at the southeast bottom Of the Gulf, has
a population Of about 3000-is healthy, lies on the
west end Of an island, and at the mouth Of Laguna
de ierminos IL is important to hostile force, a
depot and watering station, and cutting of cOmmu-
nieation between Yueatan and Mexico. HaTbOIs
safe and sheltered from all winds. The bar at the
mouth passabe with fifteen feet Of water. The
country bordering the various streams emptyng
into the Lagoon Is covered with forests Of ogvood,
and is spsrsely inhabited by wood cutters and much
cut up by water courses. 1t has an inland eommu-
nIcation with Tabasco, naygable by steamers. The
only defence is a block-house with two guns The
harbor is at all times accessible.
Tabasco river empues into the Gulf about fifty
miles west Of Lsguna. The mouth Of the river il
protected by a bar, shifting with gales and river
freshets-depth Of waller on the bar varying from
eight to ten feet
Froniera, a village of about 800 inhabitants, lies
at the mouth Of the river.
The city Of Tabasco lies about 10 miles from
the mouth OF the stream, which is rapid, and
only be assembled with the aid Of steam or a leading
breeze. The district Of Tabssco, in proper hands,
would be rich in agricultural products, having, for
the most part rich strong soil. Its chief products
are now cattle, dye-voods, and large quantity Of
cacao, which Is highly esteemed by the Mexicsns
and is shipped tn all parts Of the country. The
land communication with Vera Cruz district is very
difficult and tedious, and rarely attempted
the fishing boats and small coasters rendering water