He has been careful to search for the truth, and repress that spirit of exaggeration which is almost ever the effect of novelty on ignorance.
The nautical part of the work is comprized in as few pages as possible.
By the professional part of my readers this will be deemed judicious; and the rest will not, I believe, be dissatisfied at its brevity.

I beg leave, however, to say of the astronomical calculations, that they may be depended on with the greatest degree of security, as they were communicated by an officer, who was furnished with instruments, and commissioned by the Board of Longitude, to make observations during the voyage, and in the southern hemisphere.
An unpractised writer is generally anxious to bespeak public attention, and to solicit public indulgence.

Except on professional subjects, military men are, perhaps, too fearful of critical censure.

For the present narrative no other apology is attempted, than the intentions of its author, who has endeavoured not only to satisfy present curiosity, but to point out to future adventurers, the favourable, as well as adverse circumstances which will attend their settling here.

The candid, it is hoped, will overlook the inaccuracies of this imperfect sketch, drawn amidst the complicated duties of the service in which the Author is engaged, and make due allowance for the want of opportunity of gaining more extensive information.
Watkin Tench, Capt.