The sailing of the vessel is so ingeniously managed, that you arrive at the harbour's mouth just after sunset, and are consequently allowed the privilege of waiting outside all night, no vessels except men-of-war being allowed to enter between sunset and daybreak.

The hopes of the morrow were our only consolation, until at early dawn we ran through the narrow battery-girt entrance, and dropped anchor in the land-locked harbour of Havana.
[Illustration] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote T: This was written in January, 1853 .-- The bale may be roughly estimated at 450 lbs.] [Footnote U: This hotel has long since been re-opened.] [Footnote V: All large cities in America must of necessity be democratic.] [Footnote W: I have since heard that the Charleston authorities allow the captains of vessels to keep their coloured crew on board, under penalty of a heavy fine in case they land.].