то

RICHARD K. HOFFMAN, M.D.,

A VALUED FRIEND, AN AFFECTIONATE PRECEPTOR,

A LEARNED AND HONOURED PHYSICIAN,

This Work is Xnscribed.

PREFACE.

THIS small volume needs but little preface. Suffice it to say that, having, in the course of a European tour, pursued a route not often travelled, and witnessed a ceremony yet more seldom seen, I have availed myself of some moments of leisure to give my notes their present form.

This work is not written with a sectarian object. Touching so nearly on religious matters, I have carefully refrained from indulging in reflections into which neither my age nor my knowledge qualify me to enter, and have rigidly confined myself to a narration of what passed under my eyes.

With regard to the remainder of the book, I at once acknowledge my indebtedness to various local works for many of the historical facts and details which I here introduce. These books being, without exception, written in the French or German languages, and many of them altogether unknown beyond the place of their publication, the materials which I have drawn from them may, perhaps, interest by their novelty.

Of the ordinary class of guide-books I have,

in general, made no use, except as indices to more responsible sources of information.

The task which I have prescribed to myself has not been a difficult one, yet it is not without diffidence that I offer its result to the public, and I would ask for all the indulgence which youth and a first attempt may claim.

CHARLES EDWARD ANTHON.

Berlin, December 25th, 1844.