no longer access to those sources, from which I formerly derived my information, the additions made in the present edition must be regarded as proceeding entirely from such public documents, as are within the reach of all, who feel a sufficient interest in Mexico to devote a little time to their perusal, or from the private communications of friends, some of whom are too deeply interested in the state of affairs to be very impartial judges of measures, or of men.
The difference between an opinion thus formed, and one resting upon official communications, collected with care, and rectified by personal observation, I need not point out; and if I was accused before of knowing too much to write with freedom, I fear that it may now be said that I know too little to write with success. I have endeavoured, however, to supply the want of former advantages by a diligent use of the materials within my reach; while, in relating what has past, I certainly feel less scruple in speaking as I think, from knowing that my opinion is merely the opinion of a distant observer, and not that of a man, to whose views the situation which he had the honour of holding might give a distinct, and almost undue, weight. I shall annex a translation of a few of the principal documents referred to, in order to enable my readers to make their own comments upon the views of the parties, whose collision has proved so fatal to New Spain; and to judge, at the same time, of the degree of stability, which the new government may be expected to attain. Until this point be decided, there is no hope
