PREFACE.

THE materials of the following Sketches were principally collected during my travels, and while residing for several years in America. My pursuits afforded me the most favourable opportunities of be- coming acquainted with the regions least known in these kingdoms; and I have zealously endeavoured to describe whatever came under my own observa~ tion, and to form conclusions according to the in- formation communicated to me by others, Without any bias.

Every thing convinced me that the British Empire in North America was imperfectly known; and, con— sequently, that the just value of that vast territory was not understood. I was also convinced that nearly all the errors committed in treating with foreign powers concerning his Majesty’s colonies, as well as all the blunders which have occurred in our colonial policy, have been the results of the meagre inform- ation possessed by our government, and not, accord- ing to a prevalent opinion, the effects of intentional

neglect on the part of his Majesty’s ministers.