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Show 20 SANTA CRUZ. hands of many of the resident proprietors. No denominations of Christians, besides the Danish Lutheran church, are there tolerated by law, except the Moravians, Roman Catholics, and Church of England ; but by the special leave of the Government, we held public meetings lor worship in both the towns, before we left the island. 'rhese were largely attended by persons of various colors, and conditions, and afforded an opportunity for the free promulgation of those essential principles of Christianity, which lie at the root of pure virtue, and permanent happiness. It is to be hoped that civil and religious freedom, without obstruction or distinction, will ere long exert its genial sway over the Danish Colonies. When such is the case, this delightful island, so remarkable for its even climate, and other natural advantages, may reasonably be expected to become as pleasant and desirable a residence as can any where be found. Even as matters now stand, we left Santa Cruz, after a visit of nearly three weeks, with feelings of regret, as well as of gratitude and affection towards many of its inhabitants. But it is time once more to conclude. I am, &c., &c. LETTER III. SAINT THOMAS AND TORTOLA. l\11" DBJ.R fRIBND, Flushing, L.l. Sixtlt-mont!t (June) 3d, 1840. Having performed the religious duties which devolved upon us in Santa Cruz, we took a hearty leave of our numerous friends, and sailed for St. Thomas, which port we reached on the morning of the 26th of the Twelfth-month (December.) As you approach St. Thomas from the South, and enter the harbor, (the island and town having the same name) the scene presented to the view, is one of the most strikino- in the West Indies. The harbor is formed by a narrow inl;t of the sea and a land-locked bay within, remarkably commodious as ~ station for shipping. It is a free port of great business-a little emporium of traffic- and we observed, on our arrival, a vast number of vessels, lying in the harbor, of various sizes, and belonging to different nations. On the left of the entrance is a lofty round hill on which the fort is built; and on two ele: vated spots to the right, arc seen, the remains of fortresses, once the strong holds of the Buccaneers, who, in days of yore, mfestcd the Vugm 1slands. The town is neatly built on three htlls, running in a parallel line at the northern or inland . ' ' ext~emtty of the bay ; and these are surmounted by picturesque comcal mountams; composeJ, (I believe) of primitive rock and covered with brushwood. One would have supposed tha; when once a vessel has entered this harbor, it must needs be ll1 perfect security; but this is far from being always the case. DllTmg the fearful hurricane which visited St. Thomas, in the etghth month of 1837, one hundred and seventy vessels in the bay, were, as I am informed, driven ashore. The loss of life und property, on that afflicting occasion, was very considerable. |
