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Contributed by Smithsonian Institution Archives.
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Transcription
20 Sighted Cape San Fuego
on the Ecuador coast
about 9 AM. At noon we
passed within 2 miles of it.
The coast here rises as a
high bluff 1000 or 500 feet covered
by green bushes + some pines trees.
South of the cape was a small
village, a wide sand beach
+ deep anchorage. Above the
village on the escarpments
were light green cane fields +
other crops. Further south we
passed between the coast +
Plata Island a brushwooded
island some 3 or 4 miles long
where a hut or two could be seen.
The sea was filled with life today.
Many porpoises came up
+ played about the steamers bow.
They were dark slate olivewith
white belly patch + chins.
Many diamond fish or giant
sharks were seen jumping
near the boat. Also off to starboard
were seen in schools alone which