THE

GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY, AND STATISTICS,

OF

AMERICA,

AND THE

WEST INDIES;

EXHIBITING

A CORRECT ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERY, SETTLEMENT, AND PROGRESS OF THE VARIOUS KINGDOMS, STATES, AND PROVINCES OF

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE Publishers respectfully submit this work to the notice of the British public, as containing a greater body of information relative to the Western Continent, and its adjacent Islands, than is to be found in any other single volume. The work from which it has been reprinted has received the approbation of several eminent literary characters in this country. Its materials were derived from the latest and best authorities, and the statistical matter frequently compiled from official documents and surveys made by order of the government of the United States. To render their digest of these materials as perfect as possible, the original Publishers obtained the assistance of several persons distinguished by their attainments in the various departments of knowledge embraced by the work; and, that nothing essential might be omitted, which its re-publication in this country has afforded an opportunity of introducing, a gentleman, well known for his geographical acquirements, has been engaged to supply what either the plan, or other circumstances connected with the American work, had induced its editors to omit: these particularly relate to the new states of South America, and the late Spanish dominions in Mexico. The additional matter is, in general, included between brackets, and followed by the word EDIT. The Publishers found it impossible to include all the Maps of the original in the present volume, without greatly increasing its price, and limiting its

utility. They have therefore only given such as were deemed most essential; and the utmost care has been taken to render them, both in style of execution and authenticity of materials, such as may be consulted with pleasure, and referred to with confidence. To enhance the value of the work still more, they have also added several views of important or remarkable objects, which were not in the original.

Under these circumstances the Publishers feel confident in the work they now offer, as presenting a clear, comprehensive, and correct view of THE WESTERN WORLD; and when they contemplate the importance of the subject, in reference to present events and future prospects, they hesitate not to rely upon the patronage of the Public for that success which their exertions have merited.

In this volume the longitudes of the United States of America are given from the meridian of Washington, and those of the other territories from that of Greenwich, the difference of which is seventyseven degrees.-The Publishers think it right to remark that they do not hold themselves responsible for the asperity of expression, relative to England, which sometimes occurs in the following pages: but they beg their readers to remember that it was dictated by American feeling before the effects of the late struggle had time to subside.