What does this paragraph mean in Dickens' American Notes? I came across the following paragraph in Dickens' _American Notes_ : > I have made no reference to my reception, nor have I suffered it to influence me in what I have written; for, in either case, I should have offered but a sorry acknowledgment, compared with that I bear within my breast, towards those partial readers of my former books, across the Water, who met me with an open hand, and not with one that closed upon an iron muzzle. What does this mean? I would appreciate a paraphrase to help understand it.

He's basically saying that he hasn't referred to the way he was received, or allowed the way he was received to influence what he has written.

He says that if he had done either of those things he would have failed to express the real depth of the appreciation he really felt toward the people he met.

He describes the people as having been generous towards him and not threatened him with guns.

In this sense 'sorry' means 'inadequate'

'Partial' means 'having a predilection for something', so they are fond of his books.

'Open handed' means 'Liberal and generous'

'Muzzle' means ' The mouth or the end for entrance or discharge of a gun, pistol etc.' though it does make on wonder how Dickens had been received in other places if it seems a generosity for people not to greet him with guns!