Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-04-17

This city was built in 1919, Afterwards caP.ui
ed and sacked by pirates, then burnt; 10 io~o
WAS rebuilt. but all that remains oil It's iormef
splendor is crumbing ruins and PROSTATE wits
II is surrounded by massive wall, ana ior.ineu
at every point But walls, fortincaliops'
churches and most of the private dwellings, o..
hibt the ravages of time, particularly tue urs'
named, upon which no repairs seem 10 nave
been expended.
The Cathedral, Jesuit College and Church OF
Santa Anna in their first splendor must hdse
been really beautiful edihces, but they are no"
in a state of diap alton, especially the coliese,
OF which nothing remains butts outer wars
The Cathedral still realms much OF lis eaiY
splendor. Ii has Two lowers, eacn Containing
twelve bells, and such ringing as they 60 keep
IN one hever heard. Ii is an Immense ouilulhs,
and very imposing, though curious compound
OF stability and fragiliiy, oil cosIiness and pow
erly. The ornaments and religious emb!ems are
like chidrens toys, except the Virgin, which IS
maenifceny dressed, having pearl necklace
OF great value.
The clergy here are said 10 be immensely rich.
being supplied from European sources annually
with large sums Their dress is curious IN Inc
extreme; they wear lons black sa'in coats, lined
with scarlet silk-iull whie trowsers 10 The knee,
and long black silk stockings, black velvet slip
pefs sombrero hat about iou: ieet in clEcumie-
renee, turned up Al the sides. You ought 10 see
them sailing along The slseels. They lock queer,
and quitediferen from any Thing ever saw or
imagined.
The private residences are built IN M span
ish style; very large rooms and well ventilated.
Through The first Story leads the passage % the
enclosed court. Each house has us balcony
front AMI rear; thr floors brick and marble even
~ ~ tha tnurth stn,y Tine nrirPiD2l street
that OF Gale ce la Metcet, On which Is situated
The Holel Americana and French Resianfa.
The Plaza is in The GENRE u The CITY, bounded
by churches and seiainaries. There \ also
monastery but nothing now remains OF Il pui tie
walls, the monks having long since deserted u,
though while wandering through IL runs ea-
pectcd al every tnIn 10 encounter some co"isu
Benedictine cling his beads among me iuihs o.
the sanctuary. All is 80 calm, SO sun, 20 nosy
that the very Ginning OF the neishoofins chufch
bells seems a disturbance. There Is also Con-
vent o the Conception, ~herea lew nuns ies'ue
10 maintain the tu.es oi The slsIrlhooc.
The barber is beautiful, studded wiih ISLANDS.
In the distance i. Tobosa, rearing lis trowning
height 10 the sky. This 'slanc supplies 'he ~
habants OF the city win all the lfuiI aud Vese-
tables consumed, AMI is delightful place Tor
residences.
view Of the BAY from The walls OF the ci!Y IS
like the vision OF cream. All the sea shore IS
covered with The palm hats Of The natives Inc
bay sketches of into The sea, do.Ied wih 'sahds
while the lofty mountains afaf Of are rearing
their SUBMITS together in The distant heavens
This bay is said 10 yield two hundred thousand
pearls annually and assure you did NOT know |
what pearls were until came here. They par
take Of The hrllancy Of diamond. pearl |
merchant here has necklace each pearl OF which |
is quite as large as The arses! sized pea.
/ have seen much elegance here, particularly |
in jewery. Bul enough have not LET; you an |
atom OF patience, but vii make no apology Tor |
the length of my letter or lis in ohercncy; you musi
take my thoughts as DO the ribbons from my
box-lhe first that comes 10 hand.
We stop al the Americano-chocolale ii 8,
breakias al 10, dine a. A. tea al 9-the fare good.
For Gods sake send me ,etter; il will b. like
a voice from home. You will hear from me- again
al San Francisco. Adieu. LOU.