TO 



HENRY JAMES, Esq., of New York. 



My Dear James — 



This book is indebted to you for its appearance ; for, 

 without you, it would neither have been conceived nor exe- 

 cuted. I dedicate it to you as a feeble tribute of friendship 

 and gratitude that would gladly seek a better mode of 

 expressing themselves. It may remind you of happy hours 

 that we have spent together, and seem to continue some of 

 the tones of our long correspondence. Valeat quantum ! 

 It could not lay its head upon the shelf without a last 

 thought of affection directed to its foster parent. That 

 prosperity may live with you and yours, and your great 

 Commonwealth, is the prayer of, 



My dear James, 



Your faithful friend, 

 JAMES JOHN GARTH WILKINSON. 



St. John's Wood, London, 

 • May 25, 1851. 



