Page:Narrative of an Official Visit to Guatemala.djvu/159

CH. X.] furred and frogged, seemed much engaged in contemplating my habiliments: they were far from correct. I had on a blue frock dress coat, with canary silk linings, which, I need not add, is, by no means, a morning dress; but I happened to have no other, as all my baggage was swamped and spoilt in landing at Sonsonate. I was glad to escape from the scrutinizing gaze of this comptroller of Guatemalian costume.

In returning, I looked in at the Aduana, or Custom-house, to inquire about my baggage, when Don Nicholas Rivera, the administrator, informed me that a free permit had been already sent down to the office from the minister of Relations. The house itself is a large square building with cellars abutting from the inner sides, for the deposit of goods and merchandize. The courtyard was occupied with bales of cochineal, indigo, hides, and other articles of traffic: there was an apparent health and activity in the trade of this little republic, which filled the mind with pleasing anticipations