WILLIAM ROBERTSON, D. D. VOLUME I. VIENNA, Printed for F. A. SCHRAMBL, corner in the Karnthner-Street, Nro. 1053. I 7 87. PREFACE. IN fulfilling the engagement which I had come under to the Publick with refpect to the Hiftory of America, it was my intention not to have publifhed any part of the work until the whole was completed. The prefent ftate of the Britifh Colonies has induced me to alter that refolution. While they are engaged in civil war with Great Britain, inquiries and fpeculations concerning their ancient forms of policy and laws, which exift no longer, cannot be interefting. The attention and expectation of mankind are now turned towards their future condition. In whatever manner this unhappy conteft may terminate, a new order of things muft arife in North America, and its affairs will affume another aspect. I wait, with the folicitude of a good citizen, until the ferment fub |