_The many Fictions which have been lately imposed upon the World, under
the specious Titles of_ Secret Histories, Memoirs, &c. &c. _have given
but too much room to question the Veracity of every Thing that has the
least Tendency that way: We therefore think it highly necessary to
assure the Reader, that he will find nothing in the following Sheets,
but what has been collected from_ Original Letters, Private Memorandums,
_and the_ Accounts _we have been favoured with from the Mouths of
Persons too deeply concerned in many of the_ chief Transactions _not to
be perfectly acquainted with the Truth, and of too much Honour and
Integrity to put any false Colours upon it_.
_The Adventures are not so long passed as to be wholly forgotten by
many_ Living Witnesses, _nor yet so recent as to give any Reason to
suspect us of Flattery in the Relation given of them, the Motive of
their Publication being only to_ encourage Virtue _in both Sexes, by
showing the Amiableness of it in_ real Characters. _And if it be true
(as certainly it is) that_ Example has more Efficacy than_ Precept, _we
may be bold to say there are few fairer, or more worthy Imitation.--The
Sons and Daughters of the greatest Families may give additional Lustre
to their Nobility, by forming themselves by the Model here presented to
them; and those of lower Extraction, attain Qualities to attone for what
they want in Birth:--So that we flatter ourselves this Undertaking will
not fail of receiving the Approbation of all who wish well to a
Reformation of Manners, and more especially those who have Youth under
their Care.--As for such who may take it up merely as an Amusement, it
is possible they will find something, which, by interesting their
Affections, may make them better without designing to be so.--Either way
will fully recompense the Pains taken in the compiling by_
_The_ EDITORS.