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23. Havana being a garrisoned town there is much military regulation about it. Shipping are subjected to many forms in coming in and going out As we entered the harbour an unexpected sight greeted my vision. On the right south lay a city of some 150.000 inhabitants. The buildings all of new and unique appearance to me, on the left on the high bank the strong fortress of the Campanis. The notable place is large and of exceeding strength - requiring for to defense 30.000 men. On the South side a winding paved carriage way leads up to the fort. Before us lay at anchor many vessels - brigs - ships- H - while along the docks lay still greater numbers receiving their cargoes. The forcets of inastn surprised me for it devoted a Commerce and business much larger than I had expected We threaded our way along the narrow harbour - among the vessels - passing two armed vessels - who just as we passed - sent their men aloft to handle the sails - at the boatsun whistle away they crowded up the shrouds like so many monkeys - passing also a Spanish steamship on the right and an American Steamer the Isthmus - which had arrived the day before from Panama. Arrived at our anchorage - down fell the huge anchor - the chain rattled through the port hole - and we were still once more. The stairs were let down the side and in a few moments the government barge was seen pulling towards us. In the stern sheets were the military commandment - the harbour muster and the health officer. Our Captain went dwon the side and there was a general examination of papers - inquiries of the number of passengers - health &c. Then Mexicans passengers - handed over their pasports. The government scrutiny being satisfied away they went and another boat pulled up to take off the passengers and their luggage By this time their was a great crowd of shore boats alongside - the boat - men jabbering and swearing at each other in the strife to obtain customers -