CONTENTS
LIST OF PLATES
To Sir George Hamilton Seymour, G.C.H.
&c. &c.
My Dear Sir Hamilton,
If a feather will show how the wind blows, perhaps my dedicating to you even as light matter as these Confessions may in some measure prove how grateful I feel for the many kindnesses I have received from you in the course of our intimacy. While thus acknowledging a debt, I must also avow that another motive strongly prompts me upon this occasion. I am not aware of any one, to whom with such propriety a volume of anecdote and adventure should be inscribed, as to one, himself well known as an inimitable narrator. Could I have stolen for my story, any portion of the grace and humour with which I have heard you adorn many of your own, while I should deem this offering more worthy of your acceptance, I should also feel more confident of its reception by the public.
With every sentiment of esteem and regard,
Believe me very faithfully yours,
THE AUTHOR.
Bruxelles, December, 1839.