The Author respectfully submits to the general public of his native town
and district, this volume of poems, containing some of the chief results
of his musings for the past thirty years. He hopes that the volume,
which is in reality the production of a life-time, will in many ways be
deemed worthy of the kind and courteous approbation of his numerous
patrons and friends, as well as the indulgence of literary critics.
In launching forth the work, the Author begs to tender to his patrons and
the public generally, his most sincere and hearty thanks for the
assistance they have ever rendered him so as to enable him to acquire the
necessary leisure for the cultivation of his muse. The result now
achieved is not the comprehensive collection of the efforts of the
author, but it may he taken as a selection and a representation of his
more generally interesting productions from time to time.
Various reasons have operated in the time of the publication and the
curtailment of this volume; but it is now submitted with every respect to
the public for their perusal. Many of his poems, which are not found in
the present volume, the author trusts will be deemed worthy of being
treasured in the scrap books of his friends. Of the literary merits of
the composition, it would ill become the author in any way to descant
upon; but in regard to these he leaves himself entirely and absolutely in
the hands of a critical, and, he hopes, an indulgent public, feeling
assured that he may trust himself in the hands of his readers.
No formal dedication is here made to any particular patron, but the book
is submitted without the powerful influence of any conspicuous name or
the commendation of any well-known literary friend; and like Dr. Johnson
of old, failing patrons, he trusts that his work will, in the midst of
his numerous competitors, locally and generally, be thought worthy of the
attention of the various classes of the public.