Many unavoidable delays have prevented the earlier publication of this volume. I can no longer appeal, as in the preface of my former work, to the indulgence of my readers on the score of complete literary inexperience; but I can express heartfelt gratitude for the kind and generous reception given, both by the press and the public, to my first labors. I will merely add, that the following pages were written at different periods, and amidst numerous interruptions but little favorable to literary occupations. This must be my apology, to a certain extent, for the many defects they contain.

Since the publication of my first work on the discoveries at Nineveh much progress has been made in deciphering the cuneiform character, and the contents of many highly interesting and important inscriptions have been given to the public. For these additions to our knowledge we are mainly indebted to the sagacity and learning of two English scholars, Col. Rawlinson and the Rev. Dr. Hincks. In making use of the results of their researches, I have not omitted to own the sources from which my information has been derived. I trust, also, that I have in no instance availed myself of the labors of other writers, or of the help of friends, without due acknowledgments. I have endeavored to assign to every one his proper share in the discoveries recorded in these pages.