Before I had the pleasure of your personal acquaintance,
differing from you as I do on many political points, I imbibed
some of those impressions against you, which ever attach to an
exalted character, when he takes a decided stand in the
political arena.
Permit me, Sir, in acknowledging how much those impressions
were prejudices, to inscribe this volume to you, in testimony
of my admiration for your talents, and respect for your
virtues. And, moreover, as the first encouragement which I
received, for this my first literary attempt of any length,
proceeded from yourself; if it has merit, I know no one to
whom I should more properly inscribe it than to the one, who
being entitled to speak _ex cathedra_ on the subject, first
cheered me with the hope of its success. And if it shall be
found to be destitute of merit, while it shows that your
judgment has for once been wrong, it will also prove that the
error proceeded from a personal partiality, for which I am
anxious to express my gratitude.
I am, Sir,
With the greatest respect,
Your obliged friend and humble servant,
THE AUTHOR.
CINCINNATI, _April 23, 1833_.