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1838.] thence proceeding on to Callao or Valparaiso for provisions, of which he stood much in need. Wine in particular he had not been able to obtain, nor had we at this time spirits for our crew. The duties here on imports are so exorbitant, that they amount almost to an entire prohibition. At California sixty dollars were demanded for fifteen imperial gallons of indifferent rum, and no doubt at San Blas or Acapulco not under twenty would have been asked.

On the 28th of December I despatched the Starling to Panama, to obtain any letters, officers, or despatches which might arrive for us, and to rejoin us at our rendezvous, Realejo. We remained until the 5th of January for the last mail, but nothing arriving for the Sulphur, we bore away for Acapulco. Unfortunately we were drifted outside the land and sea breeze limits, and did not reach it until the evening of the 12th of January.

We made the high paps of Coyuca to the westward of Acapulco, but I cannot persuade myself that they are good landmarks for making the port. In the offing they may be useful if not obscured.

Acapulco may be approached from the southward or westward, by keeping the western cone open of the land, which will lead up to the Boca Chica entrance, or until Acapulco port is so close under the lee, that no further marks are necessary. There is not any hidden danger in the entrance to Acapulco. Keep a moderate distance from either shore, five