'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.' [‎19] (30/905)

preface.
xix
Author, on his return to England, after an absence of four
years, had the misfortune to lose, together with other valuable
effects, a large portion of the manuscript; and the time since
spent in making good the deficiency led to a still further delay
in the publication of the Work.
It is hoped, however, that these circumstances have rendered
the Work as it now appears more worthy of the public favour
than when it was first written; though the Author must still rely
on their indulgence for the faults which may yet be found in it.
In extenuation, he can only plead that he has used his utmost
endeavours under the disadvantages of his situation; and he
cannot reproach himself with having lost a day in the prosecu
tion of the Work.
Though the publication of the narrative of the Expedition
will offer a more fitting place to acknowledge the many kind
nesses experienced from public men at home and abroad, the
Author cannot deny Mmself the grateful duty of expressing his
sincere acknowledgments to Yiscount Ponsonby, when Her
Majesty's Ambassador at the Porte, for his successful exertions
and untiring support of the enterprise.
And even for the portion of the work which now appears, a
large debt of gratitude is due, and felt. To the kindness and
industry of the Kev. R. Sheepshanks, the Author is indebted
for the calculations of the valuable astronomical observations
made by the astronomer of the Expedition, the late Lieutenant
Murphy, R.E.; and also for giving the triangulations and other
materials for the maps. On these much time and care have
been bestowed by Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort and Mr.
Walker, as well as by the gentlemen in the Hydrographer's
Office. Without the assistance of these his fellow-labourers
the Author could not have hoped to place before the public,