formed by comparing the different accounts, there is no one, so far as my information extends, which gives under general heads those particulars that are the most interesting to common readers. To supply this deficiency has been my object. The reader therefore is not to expect to find in this book, profound disquisitions on statistics or politics. I have rather endeavoured to give a popular sketch of a variety of subjects, hoping that all may find something to please, while few will have reason to complain of being tired. Much of the information will I doubt not be novel to most, as it is on subjects but little adverted to by the writers who have preceded

me.

As I have ventured to draw general conclusions, it is needful for me to state, that my travels though extensive, were confined to the following States: Massachusetts, Rhode

Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Perhaps if I had gone further west and south, I might have arrived at some conclusions different to those which I have now formed; but as my engagements were of a kind offering me considerable leisure, of which I endeavoured to make good use, I trust that few errors of consequence will be found. My range was certainly sufficiently wide for the formation of correct opinions, as it enabled me to see the difference between the old and newly settled parts, and between those where slavery prevails and where it is abolished. It was in 1823, and part of the preceding year, that my journey was made.

Some apology seems necessary for the occasional repetitions of particular facts and opinions. It will I think be found that they seldom or never occur except in illus

tration of something different to what preceded. They are certainly not introduced for the purpose of swelling the volume; and if they contribute to clearness of conception, they are surely excusable.

If I had been writing for my own countrymen only, some of the paragraphs would never have appeared; but as it is probable, and indeed almost certain, that my book, if of any value, will obtain readers in America, I have been willing to call their attention to several objects particularly deserving of it. Some of these however, may be equally useful to English readers, by leading them to examine into matters of a similar nature at home. Should such be their effect, a double purpose will be answered, and I shall have the satisfaction of believing that I have not written in vain.