To the Right Worshipful,
The Governour and Fellowship of English Merchants, for discovery of New Trades, in Muscovy, Russia, &c.
Right Worshipful,
Ad these been the Travels of some private person I should have contented my self with a personal Dedication thereof. But being the accompt of a Solemn Embassy, sent to two of the greatest Princes of Europe and Asia, upon so Publick and Noble a Design as that of the Silk-Trade, carried on with vast charge and many difficulties, for several years, the address of my Endeavours herein is most proversly due to that Body of Merchants, to whom the advancement of our Trade into those Parts is particularly recommended. It is not unknown to you, what opposition this Negotiation met with all from the several Parties therein concern’d; and consequently, you can best judge, what advantages may be made thereof in order to the Interest of this Nation. The Travels of particular Persons have their benefit and delight; hut those of Ambassadors have this further recommendation, that they contain such Discoveries, as having been made to Them, out of a deference to their Publick and Sacred Charachter, were not to be expected by any others, Travelling only Upon a Private Accompt. They were first pub-
