OR, A

GENERAL SURVEY

OF

THE PRESENT SITUATION

OF THE

Principal Powers,

WITH

CONJECTURES ON THEIR FUTURE PROSPECTS.

BY

ALEXANDER H. EVERETT,

CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT THE COURT OF

THE NETHERLANDS.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:

JOHN MILLER, 69, FLEET STREET.

1823.

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

It was not my original intention to appear as the author of the following work. I find, however, that it has been generally attributed to me in the United States; and the German translator has taken the liberty to print my name upon the title-page. Under these circumstances I have no alternative left but to assume the responsibility of it, or to disavow it in a public manner: and although the form of it is not perhaps in every respect precisely the same as it would have been if I had published it at first with my name, I have preferred the former course, as it gives me the opportunity of furnishing explanations in regard to one or two points upon which my views have been misunderstood. I may add, that the indulgence with which the work has been received by the public of Europe and America, has encouraged me to take a step, which the diffidence I felt in regard to the success of so imperfect an attempt would before have been sufficient of itself to prevent.