VI DEDICATION. 



wantonly cast in the way, I have admitted and shown ; I have 

 also endeavoured to point out such as can be traced to the influ- 

 ence of former social institutions. Nevertheless, on a careful 

 review of our present social condition, you have no cause for 

 despondency ; but let my earnest advice prevail with you to 

 sever all connection with the past by a steady advance in moral 

 and industrial improvement ; or if the events of the past cannot 

 but be reverted to, if its trials and struggles, its sufferings and 

 humiliations will, of necessity, intrude let them rather serve as 

 beacons by which to avoid the shoals, and to steer onward in the 

 current of the future, than as provocations to disunion, or pre- 

 cedents for error. 



In conclusion, my opinions on many topics I give up to dis- 

 cussion, but I ask and expect a fair and impartial discussion. 

 Your friend and devoted servant, 



L. A. A. DE VERTEUIL. 



PORT-OF-SPAIN, May, 1856. 



