It was the Author's original intention to publish his work in two volumes, one of which was to contain the whole of his first voyage to the Levant, with his return to Italy, describing all the places he visited previous to his departure from Palermo, whence he set out on his second voyage to Turkey. This voyage would have formed the second volume, but finding the time allowed him on leave of absence insufficient The Author during his first voyage, treated but slightly on the manners and government of the Turks. The customs of those people being totally different from any other nation he had visited, his respect for the public would not permit him to offer a particular description on so slight an acquaintance, especially as he was to return to Turkey immediately, and to pass near a twelvemonth in that country. He therefore desires to have himself considered as being now on the point of leaving Palermo, on his return to the Archipelago; and if the indulgence of the Public should give him sufficient encouragement to appear before them once more, he will endeavour If the Author has not been so copious as he might on Italy and Sicily, it is out of deference to Mr. Moore and Mr. Brydone, whose elegant works have been so universally read and admired, that but little can now be said on the same subject. The very liberal and distinguished patronage with which the Author has been honored, merits his warmest acknowledgment; and he has only to add, that it now rests with the public, either to encourage him to appear before them again, or by their silence, to command his. FINIS. |