A Vacation Tour in the United States and Canada

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Charles Weld's best-known work, A History of the Royal Society with Memoirs of the Presidents, appeared in two volumes in 1848. This travel volume is dedicated to his half brother, Isaac Weld, an Irish topographical writer, explorer, and artist who is better known than Charles. Weld describes the U.S. and Canada in the 1850s and, like most English visitors of his time, gives his impressions of Niagara Falls (which he likes) and slavery (which he doesn't). He visits a slave auction in Richmond and expresses disgust with this "abomination in the sight of God and man." On a lighter note, he visits an African church, accidently sits in the choir loft during the service, and apologies for this mistake to a choir member. The man assures him that they are "delighted to see Englishmen anywhere." Show more