I am fearful of having been led into an error by my friends, when
taught by them to believe that I could write something which would
interest and please; and it was chiefly with a view to ascertain what
confidence I might place in their kind assurances on this subject, that
I collected and consented, though reluctantly, to the publication of
these letters.
Should a less partial public give them a favourable reception, and
allow them to possess some merit, it would encourage me to endeavour to
obtain their further approbation by a little work already planned and
in some forwardness.