vi PREFACE. 



Such as it has really been, he lays it before 

 the world, ready to receive from the impartial 

 voice of the Public that praife or that cenfure 

 to which he may be found entitled. 



To the republic of letters he feels the ne- 

 ceflity of apologizing for any inaccuracies 

 which may be found in the compofition. Born 

 a foldier, though happy in an excellent edu- 

 cation, the profeflion of arms engaged his en- 

 tire foul; fomething muft, therefore, be al- 

 lowed for the produdiion of one no way in the 

 habit of writing beyond private correfpon- 

 dence or military orders. Befides, ever ac- 

 cuftomed to execute his ideas with rapidity, 

 he confefTes his want of patience to touch, re- 

 touch, and ponder, words and fyllables ; but 

 though his periods may want that harmonious 

 chime which amufes the car, they fhall never 

 be deficient in truth and candour. 



The many exalted charad;ers whofe names 

 are introduced in this work, will, the Author 

 trufts, excufe the freedom he has ufed with 

 them ; he has, indeed, had the honour of 

 ftanding by their fides in the field of battle 

 and in the drawing-room -, and he hopes, that 



not 



