Captain Marryat (1792 - 1848) was a contemporary of Charles Dickens noted for his sea stories. Marryat began writing after a distinguished career in the British Navy. His time and personal experience in the Navy enhance his stories. Marryat visited America in 1830 after becoming an established writer. He wrote his observations in six books printed in England. Later the series was printed in two volumes in the Unites States. This is the second volume. Marryat begins by saying that native born citizens do not see their country in the same way that someone visiting is able to observe things.