TO
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LORD STOWELL.
My Dear Lord,
The general approbation of a literary work must be highly gratifying to any Author. But the cordial approval of an eminent individual, whose grave, sound judgment, and profound erudition, give authenticity to his opinions, affords a gratification of an higher order.
Such was my feeling on your Lordship’s suggestion to me of a third volume of those Sketches, “composed of similar materials.” To have amused you gives me pleasure—to have informed you excites my vanity. My gratitude for your kindness (when in office) has met no alloy by retirement from a station where your repute will find no rivals. Your suggestion is in progress.
Time and declining health impair the vigour of men’s intellect,—in that point I must bow to Providence. But such as my coming volume may be, if it does not arrive at my own wishes, I hope it will not stop very short of your Lordship’s expectation.
I am, my Dear Lord,
With true regard and respect,
Your Lordship’s sincere Servant, &c.