moment of some pecuniary embarrassment,[1] have given up, for three months, so large a sum as seven hundred thousand dollars, which were almost within its grasp.
The fairness with which I have stated, in this Section, the disadvantages under which the commerce with Mexico is, at present, carried on, may be regarded as some proof that I have not, intentionally, overrated its importance. Many of the present abuses will, I trust, be gradually removed, for, in the reports of the Commissioners who have been employed by the Government to inspect the Custom-house establishments upon the coast, I observe that most of the grievances mentioned in this Section, are noted as requiring immediate redress. This is more particularly the case in a printed report lately published by Mr. Valdez, who was sent, as a Special Inspector to San Blas, and whose opinion concurs entirely with that of His Majesty's Consul, Mr. Barron, with regard to the causes which have reduced the trade of that port, in two years, from 500,000 to 94,000 dollars. It is from such investigations as these, originating at home, and conducted by natives, that conviction and improvement may be expected; but time is necessary to bring them to maturity, and on this account I
- ↑ The dividends for the July quarter, remitted by the Primrose, were then making up, and the government was very anxious, on this account, to augment, as much as possible, the funds at its disposal upon the coast.
