LETTERS FROM SPAIN. tsi in circulation : and as silver is the common medium of exchange, any person who has a considerable sum to receive must take porters, or a cart, to bring away the money. The dollars are generally kept by the merchants tied in bags, containing one thousand each, which, without much examination, pass from one to another. The commerce is regulated by a body called the Consulado, who have a very splendid hall, where they meet to regulate the affairs of trade. Tiie prior of the Consulado corresponds with the different branches of the administration ; and when the necessities of the government require a loan of money, which has been frequently the case of late, he convokes the general body of the merchants, states the wants of the king, and apportions to each the sum he ought to contribute, which is cheerfully complied with, as the money so ad vanced is allowed them in their payment of the duties. In the centre of the city there is a signal tower, with men con stantly looking out for the arrival of ships, one of whom has ac quired such accuracy that he immediately recognises any ship that has ever been in the port, and her name is speedily circulated in a printed paper through the city. This man knew the names, and had made drawings, of all the British ships of war that had been succes sively employed in blockading this port, and is never mistaken when, one of them appears in sight.