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On the land side, the town is protected by forts, and other fortifications. Plenty of fruit can always be obtained, the best being the oranges, mangos, alligator pears, limes and bananas. Fish and vegetable are abundant. Coal (Cardiff) can be obtained in large quantities. We coaled for 5 lighters: each containing about 50 ton, and took in 350 ton in 3 days. A large number of natives (negro) half naked, some only wearing coats, come off in lighters, and handle the coal in small open baskets, about a foot in diameter – (just large enough for one shovel full of coal-) - a slow and primitive method of coaling. Several lines of railways connect Bahia with other parts of Brazil. Three lines of British steamers call here, also French, German, American, Spanish and Brazilian steamers. 12 in all. There is no dry dock here, but there is a Navy Yard where small repairs can be made. The Navy Yard joins the Arsenal. Certain anchorages are set apart for men of war, and also for merchant vessels.

February 17, 1899, Partly cloudy with occasional showers. British steamer left harbor. Received 4 coal lighters alongside. Began coaling at 9 AM. The Commanding Officer made an official visit to the Comd'g Officer of the Brazilian Corvette Parnahyba. A Brazilian steamer came in and anchored. The Comd'g Officer returned the call of the US Consul. An American schooner, and a French and English steamer, arrived. Emptied two, call lighters and sent ashore. Gentle breeze from East - d gentle – too hot for anything. Knocked off coaling at 5:30 PM – at 6:00 PM – half masted our colors, on account of the death of the Governor of the French Republic. British Steamer "Clyde" left the harbor. Wrote a sort of P.S. – in my letter to J. Read "Ivanhoe".