Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/439

Rh tacking about and making our way slowly towards Havana, in a zig-zag line. Yesterday evening the moon rose in the form of a large heart, of a red gold color. This morning, about four o'clock, a fine fresh breeze sprung up from the north-east, and we are going on our course at a great rate, with some hopes of anchoring below the Morro this evening. To-day being Sunday, we had prayers on deck, which the weather had not before permitted;—the sailors all clean and attentive, as English sailors are. Last night they sang "Rule Britannia," with great enthusiasm.

2em

Last evening we once more saw the beautiful bay of Havana, once more passed the Morro, and our arrival was no sooner known, than the Captain-General, Don Geromino Valdés, sent his falua to bring us to the city, and even wished us to go to his palace; but Don Bo Ha, who gave us so hospitable a reception on our first visit, came on board, and kindly insisted on taking us to his house, where we found everything as elegant and comfortable as before, and from whence I now write these few lines.

In the midst of our pleasure at being once more on dry land, surrounded by our former friends, and at receiving letters from home, we were shocked and distressed to hear of the unexpected death of our friend, the Señora de Gutierrez Estrada, who had followed her husband to Havana in his exile. What a blow to him, to her mother, to all her friends!. .

I shall send off this letter by the first opportunity, that you may know of our safe arrival.