Having said so much by way of explanation of the motives which led to the excursion, I feel called upon to account for the appearance of these pages, because I am aware that there was not in the extent of our journey nor in the nature of its incidents anything to justify my rushing into print, especially as several very excellent records of much more extensive and protracted tours in the Western World have been recently given to the public. My reasons, or perhaps it would be as well to write my excuses, for publishing this book are, that I was asked to do so by friends who were desirous of possessing a memorial of our rambles. When I left England I had not the least intention of writing anything for publication, but after I had embarked one of my companions, with whose wishes I was glad to comply, requested me to send letters now and then to the _Morning Post_, and some of the materials in them I shall incorporate in the following pages by the permission of the proprietors. I do not feel quite satisfied that the reasons I have given, or the excuses I have made, will be held to exonerate me from presumption in adding to the well-filled shelves of American travel when I have nothing new to tell of in the way of exploration, sporting, or scenery, but one favour I beseech of those who may be inclined to condemn me for dulness or to censure me for want of novelty, and that is that they will not attribute my faults to my fellow-travellers, whose originality, good humour, power of observation, practical knowledge, and kindness cast over our journey a charm that cannot be transferred in any degree to the pages which record its progress, and that they will not ascribe to my companions any responsibility for the opinions I have had occasion to express, which are entirely and altogether my own. WILLIAM HOWARD RUSSELL. FOOTNOTE: [1] The party consisted of the Duke of Sutherland, the Marquis of Stafford, M.P., Mr. Knowles, M.P., Directors L. & N. W. R., Mr. Bickersteth, Deputy Chairman L. & N. W. R., Mr. O. L. Stephen, Mr. G. Crosfield, Directors L. & N. W. R., Mr. H. Crosfield, Auditor L. & N. W. R., Mr. Neale, Superintendent L. & N. W. R., and Mr. Wright, the Duke's Private Secretary. Major-General Sir Henry and Lady Green, who were about to visit Canada, joined the party on the invitation of the Duke of Sutherland in London, and I embarked on board the "_Gallia_" at Queenstown, having left London the previous week to see some members of my family in the County Cork. CONTENTS OF VOL. I. CHAPTER I. VOYAGE TO NEW YORK. Mallow to Queenstown -- The steam tender -- The "_Gallia_" -- Our fellow-passengers -- The first night at sea -- Observations -- Marine inquiries -- A brilliant run -- A little stranger -- Approaches to New York -- Sandy Hook -- Friends on Shore -- New York interviewers -- First impressions Page 1