Throughout Men and Manners in America, Thomas Hamilton (1789–1842 ) describes with scathing honesty, and a sometimes sarcastic wit, the political and social structures of the newly independent United States. Hamilton journeyed to America in 1830, determined to write a conclusive and impartial account of its democracy. On his return, however, he was desperately aware that this impartiality had produced writings with the potential to deeply offend. His book was published almost a year later (1833) when Hamilton finally felt duty-bound to speak the truth. Volume 1 describes his experiences of New York, Boston, New England, and Philadelphia, whilst volume 2 describes Hamilton's experiences in Washington, New Orleans, Charleston, Niagara, and Quebec, continuing his exploration of their political circumstances and elaborating on matters including climate and religion.