Honda, Colombia: a wooden bridge over the river Gualí. Coloured etching by C. Empson, 1836.

"The earthquake of 1812 laid prostrate many of the cities of Venezuela, and destroyed nearly every house in Honda. They were never entirely rebuilt; but some of the buildings, which were only partially repaired, have experienced many successive shocks. There are but few habitations which have an appearance of security: the churches and convents are in a fearful state of dilapidation. The noble stone bridge built by the Spaniards across the Guale, and the adjoining monastery of San Juan De Dios, were thrown down at a later period; and falling into the bed of the river, the navigation became so dangerous, that the temporary bridge, represented in the sketch, was constructed from the ruins of the convent. This picturesque structure is in a very dangerous condition, and many lives have been lost in attempting to cross it. Upon one occasion, while a procession in honour of Santa Veronica was upon the bridge, a portion of the timber gave way, precipitating thirteen persons, all of whom were either drowned or crushed to death " (Empson. loc. cit.)