Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/247

Rh, goods might be transported in carriages with trifling expense, little delay, and less risk of robberies. Even by mules, packages could be forwarded at the utmost in six days, and at an expense of not more than three reales an arroba (25 lb.) While by the northern ports, a lapse of six weeks and an expenditure of five times that sum, would at least be requisite. So great a difference would abundantly repay the extra freight round Cape Horn, and should the project be carried into effect, there can be little doubt but that the course of a few years will bring nearly all the foreign commerce of Guatimala, to the ports of the Pacific.

Nor would the advantage of such a change, be confined merely to the trade with the capital. Vessels leaving Europe in the month of June, and arriving at Independencia about the end of November, after leaving part of their cargo at this plaoe for Guatimala, might pass forward to Libertad and Conchagua; where goods might be landed for the states of San Salvador and Leon, and freights of indigo, or of the valuable woods of Nicaragua, all of which are on the spot, might be taken in before the approach of the stormy weather. That by this means, an immense saving both of labour and money, might be effected is certain, and it is not improbable that