'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎18] (29/905)

The alternative of postponing for an indefinite period the
publication of the Work, or of going on half-pay, placed the
Author in a state of painful embarrassment. He had incurred
a serious outlay, which it was necessary to recover if possible;
and he was most anxious for the publication of the Work, in
furtherance of which part of the funds granted had been drawn
from the Treasury; while, on the other hand, his position as a
soldier of fortune would not justify him in making such a
sacrifice as that of quitting active service, particularly as he
had been serving without pay when commanding the Expe
dition ; and neither the Minute regarding an increase of Army
rank, nor the repayment of the expenses incurred previously to
the Expedition, had been realized by Government: the hope
also of assistance from the Board of Control Formally known as the Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India, it was established by an Act of Parliament in 1784 to supervise the activities of the East India Company. and India House
towards the expenses of the Work had been disappointed.^
The Author eventually set out for China; and about half
the first volume being printed, he availed himself of the oppor
tunity afforded by the leisure of the voyage to improve the
remaining portion of the work. The recent success in deci
phering the cuneiform character, has also led to the establish
ment of some facts which served to elucidate several important
points in the Persian history.
The manuscript was sent to England in portions as it was
prepared, and the printing of the first volume was completed.
Some difficulties caused by the Author's absence prevented
the completion of the Index Map and of the map of Arabia till
his return; when, the difficulties being removed, the maps were
finished, and the printing of the second volume proceeded.
By an accident which it is unnecessary to dwell on, the
* The East India Company had it appears declined the request, and the Soli
citor of the Board of Control Formally known as the Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India, it was established by an Act of Parliament in 1784 to supervise the activities of the East India Company. gave it as his opinion that their funds were not
applicable to such a purpose.