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It remains to state, that the present work was undertaken at the particular request of the distinguished officer to whom it is, with permission, dedicated. His literary talent, high attainments, and superior knowledge of the province, render him by far the best qualified individual to write on the topics contained in the following pages. His more important duties, however, left him but little leisure for prosecuting such a task. Under these circumstances, the author, in complying with his request, was of opinion, that if no one appeared with higher qualifications to undertake the work, it was better it should be done imperfectly, better it should be done even as he might be capable of doing it, than not be done at all.
The author here begs publicly to acknowledge the obligations he is under to Major Jenkins, for the unreserved communication with him he at all times enjoyed when in quest of information; for the obliging manner in which he was allowed free access to the materials in his possession, as well as to the public documents contained in his office; and likewise for the considerable aid afforded by him in procuring information from other quarters.
His acknowledgments are also due to Mr. C. K. Hudson, for the kind assistance invariably afforded by him. To him he is particularly
