xiv 



PREFACE, 



we are able to be free — then we shall be free." 

 It is a common sentiment that nothing more 

 is necessary for a people to be free, than to will 

 it — but if, in addition, they exceed their oppres- 

 sors in physical strength, they may be said "to 

 hold a bond of fate. 



"By oppression's woes and pains! 

 By your sons in servile chains! 

 We will drain our dearest veins. 

 But they shall be free!" — Burns. 



I cannot flatter myself with the hope that 

 these volumes are free from errors in point of 

 fact and inferrence — there must necessarily be 

 many, and I hope they will be corrected by those 

 who possess better information. My ambition 

 will be gratified, if my work shall be found to aid 

 in producing a spirit of inquiry. The fact thtit 

 we pay too little attention to South America, 

 ought to be repeated again and again, until we 

 shall be roused from our state of apathy. On the 

 part of the United States, as well as of Great 

 Britain, it would be inexcusable to be inattentive 

 to what is going forward, in that quarter of the 

 world. They are capable of defending them- 

 selves, of governing themselves, and of being 

 free, in spite of all that may be said by narrow 

 minded self-sufficient men. They expect friend- 

 ship and good will from us, and have a right 

 to expect it. If we cannot speak favorably of 

 them, at least we ought not studiously to di3- 



