First published in 1832
Entrance of the Mississippi—Balize
On the 4th of November, 1827, I sailed from London, accompanied by my son andtwo daughters; and after a favourable, though somewhat tedious voyage, arrivedon Christmas-day at the mouth of the Mississippi.
The first indication of our approach to land was the appearance of this mightyriver pouring forth its muddy mass of waters, and mingling with the deep blueof the Mexican Gulf. The shores of this river are so utterly flat, that noobject upon them is perceptible at sea, and we gazed with pleasure on the muddyocean that met us, for it told us we were arrived, and seven weeks of sailinghad wearied us; yet it was not without a feeling like regret that we passedfrom the bright blue waves, whose varying aspect had so long furnished ourchief amusement, into the murky stream which now received us.
Large flights of pelicans were seen standing upon the long masses of