Thomason Collection in the British Museum. Professor C. W. Alvord of the University of Illi nois has read the essay in manuscript with a view to its literary form, and has offered valuable eriti cisms and suggestions. My brother has aided me greatly in improving the style and manner of presen tation. Dr. H. Barrett Learned, chairman of the Publication Committee of the American Historical Association, has made himself responsible for the reading of the proof with copy and for the con sistency of the printer's style in the volume; I have further to thank him for assistance in seeing the volume through the press. Miss Lucille M. Allen has assisted in the preparation of the index. Theodore C. Pease. Urbana, Illinois, October 4, 1916.