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PREFACE.

THE following letters were originally written for the American Traveller. They were commenced without the remotest expectation of their obtaining a circulation beyond that print. They have, however, been copied into other journals, and it has occurred to the writer, that their publication in a connected form, might prove interesting and useful to the thousands who travel for business or pleasure in the steamboats that daily navigate the Hudson River.

The letters, he is aware, possess no peculiar merit. They are plain, matter-of-fact epistles; embracing, however, a variety of geographical, historical, statistical, and other matter, connected with the noble river, and the flourishing villages on its borders.

As several important villages and towns on the river have been very briefly noticed, or altogether passed by, it is the purpose of the writer to continue his epistles to the Edi

tor of the Traveller; and should the present collection meet with encouragement, a second series, a volume of corresponding size and appearance, will, in the course of the coming fall, or ensuing spring, be published.

The writer would not omit this opportunity of acknowledging his obligations to Capt. Lathrop of the North America, A. J. Downing, Esq., P. Potter, Esq., and several other gentlemen, for the facilities afforded by them, severally, in procuring much valuable information.

New York, July 25th, 1836.

Strictures on Albany-The Clergy-Historical sketch of Al-

bany-Head-Quarters of Gen. Layfayette-Mrs. Grant's descrip-
tion of Albany in olden time-Manner of living there-Hermit-
age--Gentle treatment of slaves among the Albanians-Conse-
quent attachment of domestics, etc.

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