My great aim in the composition of this panorama of the tour of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was accuracy—to convey a true idea of the progress of the greatest and most auspicious event of the age ; and as I personally saw more of the scenes therein depicted than any other individual, not of the royal suite, I feel myself entitled to speak ; and this I have done from my own impartial convictions, founded on those observations, and not hearsay.

My connection with the New York Herald, with which journal I was in constant correspondence throughout the tour, procured me facilities for observation which, under other circumstances, I could not have enjoyed, and I think it proper to mention that I have here freely availed myself of my letters so published.

That the work may be considered an acceptable addition to the literature of, not only history, but travel, is my not inglorious wish.

Before this volume reaches the hands of the public, I, Deo volente, shall be on my way to India, but uncertain as the wind is the future, and I know not where on the earth's surface, after that, my love of travel may lead me on my passage to that bourne whence no traveler returns, where the wicked cease their troubling, and the weary are at rest.