A SUMMER ON THE BORDERS OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA. BY J. DENNIS HARRIS. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS. NEW YORK: A. B. BURDICK, PUBLISHER, No. 145 NASSAU STREET. 1860. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by J. DENNIS HARRIS, In the clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. ADVERTISEMENT. Through the columns of leading journals in New York, St. Louis, and other localities, we have had occasion to acknowledge the fact that the political views which gave rise to the present volume, though comparatively new, have generally met the approval of distinguished statesmen and philanthropists, North and South.[A] The following note from the venerable Mr. Giddings indicating the proposition, is but one of a large number which we have received from various parts of the country:-- _Jefferson, Ohio, July 13, 1859._ MY DEAR SIR:--I am heartily in favor of Mr. Blair’s plan of furnishing territory in Central America for the use of such of our African brethren as wish to settle in a climate more congenial to the colored race than any that our government possesses. I hope and trust you may be successful in your efforts. Very truly, J. D. HARRIS, ESQ. J. R. GIDDINGS. The subjoined, respecting the work itself, is from Mr. William Cullen Bryant, by whom, in addition to Mr. George W. Curtis, a portion of these communications was reviewed:-- _Roslyn, Long Island, August 26, 1860._ DEAR SIR:--I have looked over with attention the letters you left with me, and return them herewith. It appears to me it will be very well to publish them. Of the Spanish part of the island of San Domingo very little is known--much less than of the French part; and the information you give of the country and its people is valuable and interesting. I am, Sir, Respectfully yours, W. C. BRYANT. MR. J. D. HARRIS. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION.....vii DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. LETTER I. From New York to Puerto de Plata--Smoothness of the Voyage--Hayti in the Distance--The Custom-House Officers--Description of the Standing Army--Unparalleled Scenic Beauty.....13-19 LETTER II. Want of Information--One side of a Question--The other side--Causes of the decline of the Spanish Colony--Subsequent history.....20-30 LETTER III. Corpus Christi--The Farm of the Fugitive Slave.....31-35 LETTER IV. First Ride in the Country--Pastorisa Place.....36-41 LETTER V. Valley of the Isabella--Customs of the People--A Call for Dinner.....42-50 LETTER VI.