In the brief Preface, Trollope explains her intent to “excite fresh attention” about America rather than “furnish complete information upon it” (7). Her approach will be descriptive and personal, concentrating on “the daily aspect of ordinary life” and “the moral and religious condition of the people” rather than politics or government (7-8). However, by doing so Trollope hopes to shed light on the shortcomings of a democratic society.

Trollope sails from London with her son and two daughters, along with the French artist August Hervieu and the liberal reformer Fanny Wright. After a “favourable, though somewhat tedious voyage” (9), they arrive at the mouth of the Mississippi River on Christmas Day.

The Mississippi presents a “desolate” scene of mud, driftwood (from the frequent hurricanes), and occasional “crocodiles” (actually alligators). After two days of travel, Trollope and her companions reach New Orleans.

New Orleans presents “much of novelty and interest for a newly arrived European” (12). Trollope visits a refined milliner’s shop and is introduced to William Maclure, a utopian reformer like Fanny Wright. It is Wright’s idealistic settlement at Nashoba, Tennessee, that is Trollope’s next destination; here Wright hopes to establish a school to educate African Americans.