Preface 



ures to be adopted by Government were at that time 

 under the deliberation of Parliament, it was thought 

 expedient to submit it to the Public, before any reso- 

 lutions were formed that might eventually be de- 

 cisive of the fate of the British Empire. There was 

 not time, therefore, to publish the Work in so full 

 and correct a manner, as the materials in the Author's 

 possession would otherwise have enabled him to do. 

 He confined himself to general, and what he judged 

 leading, circumstances; and postponed the insertion 

 of others to more favourable and tranquil times. 

 The two former Editions, however, being now en- 

 tirely out of print, he deems it expedient to publish 

 a third Edition, revised, corrected, and greatly en- 

 larged by the insertion of new matter; particularly 

 by several statistical tables referring to the Com- 

 merce of America; and some authentic Memoirs of 

 Thomas late Lord Fairfax, and of the several 

 branches of that noble house now domiciliated in 

 Virginia, both of which have been derived from the 

 best and most unquestionable authority. The 

 Work for these reasons, and from its being almost 

 the only account of the Middle Settlements, during 

 the period of their happiest and most flourishing 

 state, may possibly, notwithstanding the separation 

 that has since taken place, be still interesting, at 

 least to individuals: and the Author offers the present 

 Edition to the Public, with the same assurance as he 

 did the former ones; viz. that he believes the con- 



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