On reaching the interior of the fortification they found themselves in a large area. The captain of the yacht, who acted as their guide, informed them that twelve acres were enclosed, and three more were occupied by the walls. There were several workshops and a large dwelling-house within the enclosure. As they were examining the fine specimens of masonry which the walls presented, a gentleman wearing the uniform of an army officer came up to them, and politely offered to show them over the fortress. His offer was gratefully accepted.
“We will first ascend the parapets, if you please,” said the officer, leading the way towards a long flight of stone steps.
“Work seems to be suspended here,” remarked Mr. Davenport, as they passed several ox-carts that were covered with rust.
“Yes, sir,” replied the officer; “the appropriation is exhausted, and nothing has been done here for several months.”
“This place will have cost Uncle Sam some money, when it is finished,” continued Mr. Davenport.
“Something over a million of dollars, probably,” replied the officer.
“Well, perhaps it will be worth that money, in case of war,” said Mr. Davenport; “but it strikes me that fighting is a pretty costly business.”
“O, what a splendid view!” was the general exclamation, as the party reached the top of the parapet.
“You perceive that the whole harbor is completely commanded by the fort,” continued the officer. “Here, within a pistol shot, is the main channel, through which all large vessels must pass as they enter or leave the harbor. If an enemy’s ship were to try to pass here, after the fort is mounted, we could bring from a hundred to a hundred and fifty guns to bear upon her, at the same time, at any point.”
They continued their walk upon the top of the parapet for some minutes, enjoying the fine view to be had on every side. It is here that the heaviest guns are designed to be placed, in the open air. Large square stones are set for the guns to rest upon, and semi-circular ones for the gun carriages to traverse. There is also a wall, behind which the men can hide.