Knox who though he could bring away
nothing almost upon his Back or in his Purse, did yet Transport the
whole Kingdom of Cande Uda in his Head, and by Writing and Publishing
this his Knowledge, has freely given it to his Countrey, and to You
Reader in, particular.

'Twas not I confess without the earnest Solicitations and Endeavours
of my self, and some others of his Friends obtain'd from him, but
this uneasiness of parting with it was not for want of Generosity and
Freedom enough in Communicating whatever he knew or had observed, but
from that usual Prejudice of Modesty, and too mean an Opinion of his
own Knowledge and Abilities of doing any thing should be worthy the
view of the Publick. And had he found leisure to Compose it, he could
have filled a much greater Volume with useful and pertinent, as well
as unusual and strange Observations. He could have inrich't it with a
more particular Description of many of their curious Plants, Fruits,
Birds, Fishes, Insects, Minerals, Stones; and told you many more of the
Medicinal and other uses of them in Trades and Manufactures. He could
have given you a compleat Dictionary of their Language, understanding
and speaking it as well as his Mother Tongue. But his Occasions would
not permit him to do more at present. Yet the Civil Usage this his
First-born meets with among his Countreymen, may 'tis hoped oblige
him to gratifie them with further Discoveries and Observations in
his future Travels.

To conclude, He has in this History given you a tast of his
Observations. In which most Readers, though of very differing Gusts,
may find somewhat very pleasant to their Pallat. The Statesman,
Divine, Physitian, Lawyet, Merchant, Mechanick, Husbandman, may select
something for their Entertainment. The Philosopher and Historian much
more. I believe at least all that love Truth will be pleas'd; for from
that little Conversation I had with him I conceive him to be no ways
prejudiced of byassed by Interest, affection, or hatred, fear or hopes,
or the vain-glory of telling Strange Things, so as to make him swarve
from the truth of Matter of Fact: And for his opportunity of being
informed, any one may satisfie himself when he understands his almost
20 years Abode and Converse among them. His Skill in the Language and
Customs of the People, his way of Employment in Travelling and Trading
over all Parts of the Kingdom; add to this his Breeding till 19 years
of Age under his Father a Captain for