PREFACE.

IN fulfilling the engagement which I had come

under to the Publick with refpect to the Hiftory of America, it was my intention not to have published any part of the work until the whole was completed. The prefent ftate of the British Colonies has induced me to alter that refolution. While they are engaged in civil war with Great Britain, inquiries and fpeculations concerning their ancient forms of policy and, laws, which exift no longer, cannot be interefting. The attention and expectation of mankind are now turned towards their future condition. In whatever manner this unhappy contest may terminate, a new order of things muft arife in North America, and its affairs will affume another afpect. I wait, with the folicitude of a good citizen, until the ferment fub

fide, and regular government be reestablished, and then I fhall return to this part of my work, in which I had made fome progrefs. That, together with the hiftory of Portuguese America, and of the fettlements made by the feveral nations of Europe in the Weft India islands, will complete my plan.

The three volumes which I now publifh, contain an account of the discovery of the New World, and of the progrefs of the Spanish arms and colonies there. This is not only the most fplendid portion of the American story, but fo much detached, as, by itself, to form a perfect whole, remarkable for the unity of the fubject. As the principles and maxims of the Spaniards in planting colonies, which have been adopted in fome measure by every nation, are unfolded in this part of my work; it will ferve as a proper introduction to the history of all the European establishments in America, and convey fuch information concerning this important ar

ticle of policy, as may be deemed no lefs in

terefting than curious.

In defcribing the atchievements and inftitutions of the Spaniards in the New World, I have departed in many inftances. from the accounts of preceding hiftorians, and have often related facts which feem to have been unknown to them. It is a duty I owe the Publick, to mention the fources from which I have derived fuch intelligence, as juftifies me either in placing tranfactions in a new light, or in forming any new opinion with respect to their causes and effects. This duty I perform with greater fatisfaction, as it will afford an opportunity of expreffing my gratitude to thofe benefactors who have honoured me with their countenance and aid in my researches..

As it was from Spain that I had to expect the most important information, with regard to this part of my work, I confidered it as a very fortunate circumftance for me, when Lord

Grantham, to whom I had the honour of being perfonnally known, and with whofe liberality of fentiment, and difpofition to oblige, I was well acquainted, was appointed ambaffador to the court of Madrid. Upon applying to him, I met with fuch a reception as fatisfied me that his endeavours would be employed in the moft 'proper manner, in order to obtain the gratification of my wifhes; and I am perfectly fenfible, that what progrefs I have made in my inquiries among the Spaniards, ought to be afcribed chiefly to their knowing how much his Lordship interested himself in my fuccefs.

But did I owe nothing more to Lord Grantham, than the advantages which I have derived from his attention in engaging Mr. Waddilove, the chaplain of his embaffy, to take the conduct of my literary inquiries in Spain, the obligations I lie under to him would be very great. During five years, that gentleman has carried on researches for my behoof, with