INTRODUCTION. IN introducing a work like the following to the public, but few words appear to be necessary: the only object of the author is to convey information respecting a country which now occupies a large share of general attention, and concerning which much that has been written is in a scanty and disjointed form. Having enjoyed unusual advantages for collecting his materials, the author offers them to the public without apology for their style or manner, though with every wish that his work may contribute to afford additional knowledge concerning the value and interests of the great empire possessed by the British in India. Where authorities have been consulted, the author acknowledges those of, "Pottinger's Bilúchistan," Captain M'Murdo in Journal of Asiatic Society," "Wood's Oxus," Third Volume of "Lieutenant Búrnes' Travels," "Dr. Búrnes' Visit to the Court of Sindh," and "Crow's Reports." The history of the country was originally published in a translation made from the Persian by the author. For the reports by those officers who have studied the peculiarities of the Indus and its navigation, the kindness of Rear Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm, late superintendant of the Indian navy, has been particularly acknowledged by the author in his Appendix. LONDON, July, 1843. |