VI PREFACE. 



thority of Mr. Anderfon and thofe whom he has followed. But for 

 the long period preceding 1492, and alfo for the fliort, but very 

 eventful and important, period between 1760 and 1801, I ftand 

 folely and entirely refponlible. 



I flatter myfelf that my labour has not been entirely unfuccefsful 

 in tracing the progrefs of the very important trade of the weftern 

 world with India, the moft antient commercial intercourfe between 

 far-diftant nations of which we have any knowlege, from the 

 carlieil dawn of hiftoric information, appearing in the books of 

 Mofes and other authentic writers, to its prefent fplendour and mag- 

 nitude, under the dire(5lion of the greatefl and moft illuftrious com- 

 pany that ever was alTociated for commercial purpofes fince the 

 creation of the world. And I truil that the feveral lights I have 

 brought to bear upon this great objedl have produced an authentic 

 dedudlion of its progrefs, as perfpicuous as my inaterials would 

 enable me to give, and as connected and circumftantial as the plan 

 and limits of my work wotild permit. 



This commerce was conducted in the earlieft ages by the South 

 Arabians, a people apparently more enlightened by fcience and com- 

 merce than any nation fituated farther weft, unlefs the Phoenicians 

 may be placed on a level with them.* 



The commerce next in importance, and apparently alfo in order 

 of time, was that of the Phoenicians and their colonies, particularly 

 their illuftrious colony of Carthage, and that of Gadir (or Cadiz), 

 with which is connedled the earlieft commercial hiftory (and indeed 

 notice of any kind) of our own Britifh illands. Unfortunately the 



* The extenfive aftive commerce and voyages afcribed to the antient Egyptians are merely 

 tike creation o£ modem fancy, as I hare, I truft; fufficiently demonftrated ia the note in p. 13 of 

 the firft volume. 3 



