PREFATORY ADVERTISEMENT. Vll 



and prefixing to this edition "THE LIFE OF 

 THE AUTHOR, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF." The 

 time at which it was composed, and the compo- 

 sition itself, impress the editor with every feeling 

 of dear regard and of duty; and, (as a part of that 

 duty), with the propriety of submitting some fur- 

 ther remark on this last literary effort of his ex- 

 cellent friend. Those who knew and were inti- 

 mate with Mr. BRYAN EDWARDS, will recog- 

 nize in this short account of himself, the energy 

 of mind, the industry, and the truth, which cha- 

 racterized his conversations and his life; but all 

 must allow, and some must object, that much 

 therein is omitted, which has usual and proper 

 place in biography, and which the editor might 

 be presumed, or be called upon, to supply. Some 

 account might be required, of his literary essays, 

 and legislative acts, so efficient in the cause of 

 humanity towards the negroes, whilst a member 

 of the assembly in Jamaica: Some account 

 might be demanded, of this good and indepen- 

 dent man, whilst a member of the British par- 

 liament; and, especially in the posthumous life 

 of a literary man, some accurate detail of his lite- 

 rary pursuits and writings might be expected. 

 Of BRYAN ED WADS, of his correspondence, 



