The Western World; or, Travels in the United States in 1846–47

A Scottish journalist's account, published in 1849, of the vibrant society and prosperous economy observed on his travels in America.

Alexander Mackay (Author)

9781108033305, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 September 2011

368 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.47 kg

Scottish-born Alexander Mackay (1808–52) spent much of his career as a journalist in North America. He was in Britain working for the Morning Chronicle when, in January 1846, he set sail again for the United States, this time to report on the debates over the Oregon question, relating to British and American claims to territory in the Pacific North-West. He spent several months in Washington, D.C. before travelling around the country as far south as the Mississippi, and west to the Great Lakes. This three-volume work, published in 1849, uses his journey to frame a general account of 'the political system, the social life, and the material progress of the Union'. Mackay observed a vibrant and prosperous country, and his work captures the energy of these boom years. In Volume 1, Mackay describes New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, and explains American society and the political and judiciary systems.

1. Introduction
2. A winter passage of the Atlantic
3. The capital of New England
4. A night between Boston and New York
5. New York, its situation and environs
6. Commerce and commercial policy of the United States
7. From New York to Philadelphia
8. Philadelphia
9. A journey from Philadelphia to Baltimore and Washington
10. The capital and the Capitol
11. Life in Washington
12. General view of American society
13. Political aspect of the United States
14. The federal legislation
15. The judiciary system of the United States.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]