as it is usually called, but in reality village, or collection of huts,
is, as is well known, situated at the mouth of the river Chagres, where
it empties itself into the Atlantic ocean.
It is but a small village, and the harbor is likewise small, though
secure. It is formed by the jutting out of a narrow neck of land, and
is defended by the castle, which is built on a high bluff on the other
side. The village itself, as I have before said, is merely a collection
of huts, and is situated in the midst of a swamp--at least the ground
is low, and the continual rains which prevail at Chagres, keep it in a
swampy condition. Chagres is inhabited by colored people, entirely,
with the exception of some few officials at the castle and in the
custom-house. Its population, (I speak, of course, of it previous to
the influx,) was probably not more than 500 in all, if so much.