The three sides of this square, or plaza, are now bounded by as many streets, fronting on which are the public buildings. The Government House, now used as a hall of justice, and for public offices, stands on the west front. On the east, near to the water, are the market buildings. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, surmounted with the vertical section of a bell-shaped pyramid, which supports a chime of bells, and which terminates in a small cross, stands on the north; and on the opposite south front is the Episcopal Church, a neat, well-proportioned Gothic edifice, having a spire and bell. The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, the former north and the latter south from the common, on the same street, are well-built, substantial houses of worship, of [Illustration: CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. AUGUSTINE E.F.] [Illustration: FORT MARION, ST. AUGUSTINE. E.F.] simple Grecian style of architecture and neat American finish. PUBLIC WORKS. St. Francis Barracks, on the southern extreme of the city; Fort Marion, on the north, with its water-battery and the sea-wall, are among the objects of historical and military interest within the city. The sea-wall is erected of the native coquina rock. The upper stratum is granite flagging stone. This important work is more than a mile in extent, and of sufficient width for two to walk on it abreast. As a public promenade, as well as a fortification against the encroachments of the sea, it is of great use; and it is also a place of universal and of delightful resort. This wall incloses two beautiful basins, furnished also with stone steps. These are the points of embarkation and of debarkation for the numerous boatmen who navigate the neighboring waters for pleasure and for profit. The Castle is a fortress of great strength, covering several acres, and built entirely of stone from the neighboring coquina quarries, and according to the most approved principles of military science. It is said to be a “good specimen of military architecture.” Its walls are twenty-one feet high, terminating in four bastioned angles, at the several corners, each of which is surmounted with towers corresponding. “The whole is casemated and bomb-proof.” This work is inclosed in a wide and deep ditch, with perpendicular walls of mason-work, over which is thrown a bridge, originally protected by a draw. Within its massive walls are numerous cells. On the north side, opposite the main entrance, is one fitted up as a Romish church. It has now become converted into a storehouse for military fixtures. These rooms are at best dark, dungeon-like abodes; and, by natural association, they revive the recollection of scenes characteristic of a dark and cruel age. Some of these gloomy retreats, though like Bunyan’s giant Despair they now can only grin in ghastly silence at the Pilgrim stranger, yet look as if they were once the strong-holds of despotic power. With this character the gossip of common fame also charges them.