

TO JOHN LLOYD STEPHENS. 



Years ago, when I first read your books on Central America, [ felt 

 that I had made a new acquaintance, who introduced me to a better 

 knowledge of a strange land, and a peculiar people, with air that was 

 known of a still more remarkable race, who left but tottering monu- 

 ments to tell us that they have existed. 



I little thought then that it would ever be my privilege to know you, 

 except as my- instructor through your writings ; and much less did I 

 think it were possible that I should ever sit down with you beneath 

 the shade of the Palm, in the same sunny clime, bordering on the field 

 of your former investigations, and there listen while you taught me 

 many things which I was so glad to learn. 



Since commencing the preparation of these pages for the press, there 

 is no name that has been more familiar in my thoughts than yours — ■ 

 not that we ever spoke one word together upon the subject, for I had 

 not the task in contemplation when I saw you last — but because I re- 

 gard more earnestly the authors of works on facts, than of fiction ; and, 

 as a slight tribute to one of the most useful among the living writers, I 

 crave the permission to dedicate this unpretending volume to you. 



ClIAUXCEY D. GPvTSWOLD. 



22 Warren street, [ 



New York, December, 1851. ) 



