Читать книгу Travels Through North America, During the Years 1825 and 1826. v. 1-2 - Bernhard - Страница 2

The following journal was by no means originally designed for publication. I wrote it during my travels, partly to recall past incidents at a future period, partly to give, with more ease and certainty, information to my much-honoured parents, my relatives, and friends, on any subject, upon which inquiry might be made. After my return, the book was read by several, for whose perusal it had not been altogether intended. Many judicious persons imagined that it would be of interest to a larger number of readers, and variously and repeatedly requested its publication, in order to give it a more extensive circulation. As I could not easily withstand these solicitations, and besides met with an experienced and worthy person, Counsellor Luden, to whom, as editor, I might without hesitation entrust the whole manuscript, I yielded; whether with propriety or not, I cannot tell.

As to the voyage itself, I have nothing to say, either with regard to its cause or design. The idea of visiting America, occupied me, almost from my earliest years. Why this idea arose, or why it continued in my mind, is not a matter of much moment. The chief reason was, I wished to see the new world; the country; the people; their conditions and institutions; their customs and manners. The more I became acquainted with the old world, the more my desire to see the new increased.

The state and relations of the European countries, however, and the duties by which I deem myself bound, as a military man, to the country, to which I had dedicated my services, precluded the hope of an early accomplishment of my design. Still I made the necessary preparations as far as my situation and circumstances allowed, so that the voyage might not be made at a future time without some advantage. At last Europe appeared to have attained a degree of tranquillity which would permit an absence of a year or eighteen months, without a fear on my part that I should fail in any of my engagements. His majesty, the King of the Netherlands, whom I have the honour to serve, not only allowed me the requisite time, but also granted me a passage in the Pallas, a royal sloop of war, commanded by Captain-Lieutenant Ryk, a gallant, highly-esteemed, and experienced seaman.

Under which order of travellers I am to be ranked, according to poor Yorick’s classification, is submitted to the decision of the kind reader.

BERNHARD,

Duke of Saxe-Weimar.

Ghent, May 20, 1827.