PREFACE.

THE purpose and scope of this book have been explained in the preface to an earlier volume. I have however deviated from the plan there laid down, in that I have given two volumes to a portion of my subject which I hoped to dispose of in one. I shall probably make a still further deviation, and instead of concluding my work with one more volume, give one to New York and the Quaker colonies, and one to the whole body of colonies while under the first and second Georges. In this I propose to deal chiefly with the relations which existed between the colonists and the English government.

It may not be amiss to say a word as to the sources from which I have taken my materials. I have endeavoured throughout to act on the sound legal principle of never adducing inferior testimony where better could be had. On that principle I have endeavoured invariably to consult an original authority where such could be found. But where, as sometimes has been the case, writers who cannot claim to be

original authorities have used materials which are now
lost or inaccessible, I have not scrupled to rely upon
them, if I could satisfy myself that they were to be
trusted. A writer who does so no doubt runs the risk
of being called a compiler. It appears to me that
he is blameworthy only if he uses the work of other
men to save his own trouble, not if he uses it as the
only means of giving completeness to his work, with-
out sacrificing accuracy. If a writer is fit to deal with.
a historical subject, he is also fit to judge how far
his predecessors on that subject may be trusted.

In the preface to my earlier volume I acknowledged

the debt of gratitude which I owed to Mr. NOEL

SAINSBURY. I can only now add that during the

preparation of these volumes that debt has constantly

increased.

In referring to my earlier book I have called it

Virginia &c.'

ALL SOULS COLLEGE, OXFORD:

Sept. 27, 1880.