Notes on the Mineralogy, Government and Condition of the British West India Islands and North-American Maritime Colonies

Naval officer Thomas Cochrane (1775–1860) published this work in 1851. Containing notes on an 1849 voyage around the West Indies and North America, it offers descriptions of peoples and geography, is progressive on the ending of slavery, and makes criticisms of plantation owners. It remains of historical value.

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The most renowned naval officer of the mid-nineteenth century, Thomas Cochrane, Tenth Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860), served in wars against Spain and France, retiring as an admiral in the Royal Navy. He was also an M.P., vociferously calling for naval reform in Parliament. Due to a financial scandal, he left the Royal Navy for a period and became a celebrated mercenary, commanding naval forces in the wars of independence of Chile, Peru, Brazil and Greece. First published in 1851, this work contains notes on a voyage of 1849 around the West Indies and North America. Describing the peoples and geography encountered, it offers progressive remarks on the end of slavery, criticisms of plantation owners, and suggestions for commercial improvements. The book remains of enduring interest to scholars of naval, colonial and Caribbean history.