a considerable town and port in Mexico, on a bay of the South sea, distant from the city of Mexico south-east 210 miles. It has a fine harbour, from whence a ship annually sails to Manila in the Philippine islands, near the coast of China in Asia; and another returns annually from thence with all the treasures of the East Indies, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones; the rich carpets of Persia; the camphire of Borneo; the benjamin and ivory of Pegu and Cambodia; the silks, muslins, and calicoes, of the Mogul’s country; the gold dust, tea, china ware, silk, and cabinets, of China and Japan; besides cinnamon, cloves, mace, nutmegs, and pepper; infomuch that this single ship contains more riches than many whole fleets. The goods brought to Acapulco are carried to the city of Mexico by mules and pack horses; and from thence to Vera Cruz on the North sea, in order to be shipped for Europe. Acapulco itself is a small place, consisting of about 200 or 300 thatched houses. Ships arrive at the port by two inlets, separated from each other by a small island; the entrance into them in the day time is by means of a sea breeze, as the failing out in the night time is effected by a land breeze. A wretched fort, 42 pieces of cannon, and a garrison of 60 men, defend it. It is equally extensive, safe, and commodious. The basin which constitutes this harbour is surrounded by lofty mountains, which are so dry, that they are even destitute of water. The air here is hot, heavy, and unwholesome; to which none can habituate themselves, except certain negroes that are born under a similar climate, or some mulattos. This feeble and miserable colony is crowded with a vast accession to its numbers upon the arrival of the galleons; traders flocking here from all the provinces of Mexico, who come to exchange European toys, their own cochineal, and about ten millions of silver (437,500l. sterling) for spices, muslins, printed linens, silk, perfumes, and the gold works of Asia. W. Long. 102. 20. N. Lat. 17. 22.