University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

This book is merely a collection of sundry sketches,
recently published in the newspapers and magazines
of California. They were received with approval, separately,
and it is to be hoped they may meet with it
on their appearance in a collected form. When first
published, the Author supposed he had seen and heard
the last of them, but circumstances entirely beyond
his control have led to their republication.

The Author does not flatter himself that he has
made any very great addition to the literature of the
age, by this performance; but if his book turns out to
be a very bad one, he will be consoled by the reflection
that it is by no means the first, and probably will
not be the last of that kind, that has been given to
the Public. Meanwhile, this is, by the blessing of

Divine Providence, and through the exertions of the
Immortal Washington, a free country; and no man
can be compelled to read any thing against his inclination.
With unbounded respect for every body,