Chapter 16

The City of Vera Cruz.--Defective Harbor.--The Dreaded and also Welcome Norther.--San Juan d'Ulloa.--Landing of Cortez.--His Expedition Piratical.--View of the City from the Sea.-- Cortez's Destruction of his Ships.--Anecdote of Charles V.--A Sickly Capital.--Street Scenes.--Trade.--The Mantilla.--Plaza de la Constitucion.--Typical Characters.--Brilliant Fireflies. --Well-To-Do Beggars.--Principal Edifices.--The Campo Santo. --City Dwelling-Houses.--The Dark-Plumed Buzzards.--A City Fountain.--A Varied History.--Medillin.--State of Vera Cruz 301