JNTRODUCTION. ix 



Andrew Jackson, and other individuals in America, to all 

 our diplomatists and consuls in Europe and elsewhere. Thus, 

 reader, you will perceive that 1 had some foundation for the 

 hope that I should acquire friends in the great city. 



In May 1827, I reached that emporium of the productions 

 of all climes and nations. After gazing a day on all that I 

 saw of wonderful and interesting, I devoted the rest to visiting. 

 Guided by a map, 1 proceeded along the crowded streets, and 

 endeavoured to find my way through the vast labyrinth. From 

 one great man's door to another I went ; but judge of my sur- 

 prise, reader, when, after wandering the greater part of three 

 successive days, early and late, and at all hours, 1 had not found 

 a single individual at home ! 



Wearied and disappointed, I thought my only chance of get- 

 ting my letters delivered was to consign them to the post, and 

 accordingly I handed them all over to its care, excepting one, 

 which was addressed to " J. G. Children, Esq. British Mu- 

 seum." Thither I now betook myself, and was delighted to meet 

 with that kind and generous person, whose friendship I have en- 

 joyed ever since. He it was who pointed out to me the great 

 error I had committed in having put my letters into the post- 

 office, and the evil arising from this step is perhaps still hanging 

 over me, for it has probably deprived me of the acquaintance of 

 half of the persons to whom they were addressed. In the course 

 of a week, about half a dozen of the gentlemen who had read my 

 letters, left their cards at my rooms. By degrees I became ac- 

 quainted with a few of them, and my good friend of the Museum 

 introduced me to others. I renewed my acquaintance with the 

 benevolent I.,ord Stanley, and became known to other noble- 



