Q PREFACE. 
will be enabled to judge to what extent the faith of Mexico has 
been plighted, and how far the Tehuantepec Kailroad Company 
of New Orleans have been justified in the outlay they have 
made. 
For many valuable suggestions, and for much of the details 
embraced in the statistical part of the work, I am indebted to 
Mr. John McLeod Murphy of the Navy, and to Mr. J. C. Avery, 
1st Assistant Engineer. 
My acknowledgments are likewise due to Dr. Antisell, of New 
York, for the assistance rendered me in preparing the articles 
on Geology and Climate. 
J. J. Williams. 
New York, Feb. 10, 1852. 
