and Western Africa; their avenues of trade and articles of commerce; the present state of the slave-trade; the influence of colonies on that traffic, and on efforts to enlighten and elevate the native tribes; the modes of life, superstitions, forms of trial and punishment, and religious rites and usages of the natives.
The fact, that most writers on the Navy of the United States have been so connected with that branch of service as to cause some delicacy and restraint in speaking freely of existing abuses, has led the author to attempt, in a kind, but faithful manner, to present such defects as attracted his own attention, and have also caused deep regret to wise and good men who have been long in the Navy.
In speaking of the vices of common seamen, the author has wished in some degree to disabuse the public mind of those impressions, that have been made by inflated and injudicious eulogies on the noble traits of seamen, which have lessened and misdirected public sympathy in their behalf, by wholly or in part concealing the deep moral degradation which often marks their character, and presenting them, rather as objects of admiration and envy, than of commiseration and relief. Many of those most actively engaged in benevolent efforts for the good of common seamen, have, in a great degree, failed of securing the confidence and respect of intelligent shipmasters, and others familiar with this class of men, by the false and distorted views of their character, which, through ignorance or from interested motives, have been industriously urged upon the public. It is as true in morals as in medicine, that he who