[The Luneta.] Three nights in each week they have music in the plaza, in front of the governor’s palace, by the bands of four different regiments, who collect there after the evening parade.  Most of the better class resort here, for the pleasure of enjoying it.  We went thither to see the people as well as to hear the music.  This is the great resort of the haut ton, who usually have their carriages in waiting, and promenade in groups backwards and forwards during the time the music is playing.  This is by far the best opportunity that one can have for viewing the society of Manila, which seems as easy and unrestrained as the peculiar gravity and ceremonious mode of intercourse among the old Spaniards can admit.  Before the present governor took office, it had been the custom to allow the bands to play on the Prado every fine evening, when all the inhabitants could enjoy it until a late hour; but he has interdicted this practice, and of course given much dissatisfaction; he is said to have done this in a fit of ill temper, and although importuned to restore this amusement to the common people, he pertinaciously refuses.

The bands of the regiments are under the direction of Frenchmen and Spaniards:  the musicians are all natives, and play with a correct ear.

Our afternoons were spent in drives on the Prado, where all the fashion and rank of Manila are to be met, and where it is exceedingly agreeable to partake of the fresh and pure air after a heated day in the city.  The extreme end of the Prado lies along the shore of the bay of Manila, having the roadstead and ships on one side, and the city proper with its fortifications and moats on the other.  This drive usually lasts for an hour, and all sorts of vehicles are shown off, from the governor’s coach and six, surrounded by his lancers, to the sorry chaise and limping nag.  The carriage most used is a four-wheeled biloche, with a gig top, quite low, and drawn by two horses, on one of which is a postilion; these vehicles are exceedingly comfortable for two persons.  The horses are small, but spirited, and are said to be able to undergo great fatigue, although their appearance does not promise it.  This drive is enlivened by the music of the different regiments, who are at this time to be seen manoeuvering on the Prado.  The soldiers have a very neat and clean appearance; great attention is paid to them, and the whole are well appointed.  The force stationed in Manila is six thousand, and the army in the Philippines amounts to twenty thousand men.  The officers are all Spaniards, generally the relations and friends of those in the administration of the government.  The pay of the soldiers is four dollars a month, and a ration, which is equal to six cents a day.  As troops I was told, they acquitted themselves well.  The Prado is laid out in many avenues, leading in various directions to the suburbs, and these are planted with wild almond trees, which afford a pleasant shade.  It is well kept, and creditable to the city.