PREFACE. ANOTHER, forming the eighth volume of the PUBLIC CHARACTERS, is now, with all due deference, submitted to the Public and it is hoped that the delay of a month, which has this year taken place in its publication, will not be considered as disadvantageous in respect either to the materials or the composition of the work. An attempt has been made, by an intermix. ture of men of rank, and men of letters, with civilians, gownsmen, and men of the sword, to engage attention, by diversifying the subjects. Several female characters also, rendered celebrated by their talents, as well as by their virtues, have been occasionally introduced; and such genuine sources of information have been opened, as it is hoped cannot fail to stamp the character of authenticity on this part of our work. Into an annual, indeed, into any periodical publication, some mistakes will occasionally creep; and, notwithstanding the Editors have been particularly anxious to acquire correct information, yet after the most strenuous exertions, they cannot flatter themselves with that entire exemption from error, which sel dom or never falls to the lot of humanity. They will therefore receive any emendations. with thanks; and prove, at least, by the readiness of their compliance, that they are not devoid of candour. of They may justly assert that they have never stooped to gratify personal resentments, or participated either in the bitterness theological or political rancour. On recurring to their pages, it is hoped that the purest patriotism will be found to have been inculcated, while morals have ever been contemplated as the master-link that necessarily connects the happiness of individuals with the welfare of society. It will be seen also that they have been eager, and have, indeed, seized every opportunity, to recall the attention of the public to those gallant officers who have fought the battles of their country, when the ardour of applause may have abated, and the shouts of the multitude are forgotten. They have also treated lieterary literary men with that deference so justly appertaining to a class, whose functions render them peculiarly important in a free and civilized state; while the SEX has ever been approached with a delicacy so justly its due. Deeply inpressed with these sentiments, and with these hopes, they now usher the PUBLIC CHARACTERS for 1805-6, into the world, trusting that increased exertions on their part, will not be followed by a diminution of interest on part of the Public. the The Appendix contains a list of errata, together with some additional facts. The embellishments, as usual, consist of portraits of distinguished personages; among which is that of Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire, by Caroline Watson, which was intended to have accompanied her memoirs in the preceding volume. CON. |