PREFACE. In the following letters I have related what I have seen. Of the anecdotes with which they abound, there are none of which I myself doubt the authenticity. There are no disquisitions on commerce and politics; I have given facts, and the Reader may comment for himself. The book is written with scrupulous veracity; I have never in the slightest instance enlivened the narrative by deviating from plain truth. I have represented things as they appeared to me. If any one better informed than I am should find me erroneous, I shall beg him to apply this story: |