Alexandria Daily Advertiser

The following observations and remarks on the situation, climate, &c. of the port of La Guayra and the city of Caracas in Spanish America (furnished by a gentleman lately returned from a voyage to that country) cannot fail to interest every description of readers:

La Guayra is the principal sea port of the province of Caracas and is situated on the foot of an extensive chain of lofty mountains, running immediately along the coast. It lies in 10,37 N. lat. and in about 67, w. long. from the meridian of Greenwich. The high mountain that hangs almost over the town, is called the saddle of Caracas, and is 9230 Spanish feet high. It has been seen at the distance of 25 leagues at sea.

The thermometer is seldom as low as 75, and is generally from 80 to 85 throughout the year, and especially in the summer months, when it is very calm. The atmosphere is dry, notwithstanding the heat that prevails, its inhabitants are remarkably healthy. Putrid and malignant fevers do not make their appearance here as frequently as in most of the West India islands; and is a circumstance worthy of particular notice, that that class of people who are devoted to the hardest labor and greatest exposure are wonderfully strong and robust. The town and its environs contain about 12,000 inhabitants.

City of Caracas. This is the capital & seat of government of the province of the same name, and is perhaps one of the finest situations in the world. it stands in a most delightful valley immediately over the high mountain, at the foot of which La Guayra is situated, and is distant from that place probably not more than 10 leagues in a direct line south. The road to it over the mountains is 5 leagues, the elevation of this valley above the level of the sea is near 4000 feet. The climate is very even, mild and temperate, the thermometer seldom rising higher than 78 and never falls below 68. It is generally about 72, Fahrenheit. The atmosphere is rather humid: its inhabitants enjoy exceeding good health. There are several small rivers near the city where waters are found to be wholesome and very salutary for bathing. Nearly all the European and tropical fruits and vegetables are produced here, and even Indian corn and wheat might be cultivated in sufficient quantities to supply its inhabitants, or even all the West India islands. One may wear a broadcloth cloak all the year round in this delightful valley, without inconvenience and it very properly is denominated the Montpellier of the new world. The city and its environs contain about 45,000 inhabitants.

The province of Caracas extends from the river Orinoco to the lake of Maracaibo, which is nearly 200 miles of sea coast.

Exports from La Guayra Puerto Cavello, in 1803, according to custom house.

52,000 fanegas cocoa, 65,000 quintals coffee, 35,000 bales cotton, of 1 quintal each, 85,000 hides, 2,000 cow horns, 20,800 arroons of indigo, 100 lbs. each; 20,000 sarsaparilla, 850 jars balsam capivi, 5,000 pineapple canister tobacco, 800,000 lbs. copper, 200,000 lbs. fustic, 10,000 lbs. Jesuits bark, and various other small articles.