in the notes, and any one may refer to them. Whenever an opinion,
a political custom, or a remark on the manners of the country was
concerned, I endeavoured to consult the most enlightened men I met
with. If the point in question was important or doubtful, I was
not satisfied with one testimony, but I formed my opinion on the
evidence of several witnesses. Here the reader must necessarily
believe me upon my word. I could frequently have quoted names
which are either known to him, or which deserve to be so, in proof
of what I advance; but I have carefully abstained from this
practice. A stranger frequently hears important truths at the fireside of
his host, which the latter would perhaps conceal from the ear
of friendship; he consoles himself with his guest for the silence to
which he is restricted, and the shortness of the traveller's stay takes
away all fear of his indiscretion. I carefully noted every conversation
of this nature as soon as it occurred, but these notes will never
leave my writing-case; I had rather injure the success of my statements
than add my name to the list of those strangers who repay
the generous hospitality they have received by subsequent chagrin
and annoyance.
I am aware that, notwithstanding my care, nothing will be easier than to criticise this book, if any one ever chooses to criticise it.
Those readers who may examine it closely will discover the fundamental idea which connects the several parts together. But the diversity of the subjects I have had to treat is exceedingly great, and it will not be difficult to oppose an isolated fact to the body of facts which I quote, or an isolated idea to the body of ideas I put forth. I hope to be read in the spirit which has guided my labours, and that my book may be judged by the general impression it leaves, as I have formed my own judgement not on any single reason, but upon the mass of evidence.
It must not be forgotten that the author who wishes to be understood is obliged to push all his ideas to their utmost theoretical consequences, and often to the verge of what is false or impracticable; for if it be necessary sometimes to quit the rules of logic in active
greater part of the documents I possess relative to the federal government. Mr. Livingston is one of those rare individuals whom one loves, respects, and admires from their writings, and to whom one is happy to incur the debt of gratitude on farther acquaintance.
