Transatlantic Sketches
Comprising Visits to the Most Interesting Scenes in North and South America, and the West Indies

A two-volume account, published in 1833, of a well-travelled British Army officer's insights into diverse landscapes, peoples and practices.

James Edward Alexander (Author)

9781108051897, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 June 2012

348 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 2 x 14 cm, 0.44 kg

Sir James Edward Alexander (1803–85), an officer in the British Army, travelled the world extensively and published over a dozen fascinating accounts of his journeys. A passionate and intrepid explorer, Alexander was instrumental in ensuring the safe transfer of Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt to England in 1877. Demonstrating the same humour with which his writing is imbued, he later buried pictures of the twelve most beautiful English women of the time at the base of the Needle. Published in 1833, this two-volume work offers insights into the landscapes, peoples and practices of the Americas. With wit and eloquence, Alexander takes the reader with him on his adventures, but also provides significant commentary on the slave populations he encountered. Volume 2 covers Alexander's journey through North America and his return to England.

1. Passengers in the Aurora, bound to New Orleans
2. Detention in New Orleans
3. Leave New Orleans
4. Memphis, in Tennessee
5. Nashville hotel
6. Cincinnati in Ohio
7. The last days of Francis Abbott
8. Colonel By, R. E.
9. Enquiries regarding emigration
10. Leave New York to see Congress opened
11. Leave Washington
12. Leave New York to visit West Point
13. Leave the military academy
14. Connecticut.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]