PEEFACE 



I HAVE given to the following volumes the title of 

 " Notes," because I am conscious of the imperfect 

 and hurried character of some of the observations 

 thej contain, and that mistakes, generally trivial 

 I hope, and always unintentional, may be dis- 

 covered in them bj natives of North America. 



In recording my remarks and impressions, while 

 I am sensible that I have regarded objects with the 

 eyes and feelings of a " Britisher," and have gene- 

 rally written as if I were addressing British readers 

 only ; yet I have endeavoured to speak fairly and 

 with candour, both of the institutions and of the 

 social condition of the States and Provinces through 

 which it was my fortune to travel. While I have 

 expressed my opinions freely, I have endeavoured 

 to avoid either ridicule or causeless reproach. And 

 although I cannot hope that my remarks will be 

 always agreeable to my friends in the United States, 

 yet I hope none will accuse me of a desire either 

 to violate confidence, or to return bitterness of 



