he encountered the remnants of French civilization, whose picturesque mingling with American backwoods life presented startling contrasts. "Here may be seen in the same crowd Creoles, Quadroons, mulattoes, Samboes, Mustizos, Indians, and Negroes; and there are other combinations not yet classified." Evans viewed the dissipations, pleasures, and excitements of the Southern metropolis with the eye of a New England Puritan, broadened, however, by his contact with French philosophy and liberalism. "The wonderful wealth and physical force of the United States" makes a strong impression on his mind; and looking forward with the eye of a prophet, he foresees the development which a hundred years will bring, and the power that will make all Europe tremble.
From New Orleans, Evans returned to New Hampshire by sea, having had, perchance, his fill of travels in the wilderness, and having found "amidst the solitude and grandeur of the Western wilds more correct views of human nature and of the true interests of man." His book is both diverting and informing, and fills its place in the chronicles of the early West.
Louise Phelps Kellogg, Ph.D., Edith Kathryn Lyle, Ph.D., and Mr. Archer Butler Hulbert have assisted the Editor in the annotation of this volume.
Madison, Wis., September, 1904.
