OF THIS EDITION. xxi 



and certainly the work of an accomplished sculptor, who had 

 a delicate perception of form and character. A faithful re- 

 presentation of it would be one of the most valuable con- 

 tributions which could be made to our collections of the faces 

 of memorable men. 



There are other portraits of Bacon in existence, but I have 

 not myself seen any which can be relied upon as authentic 

 or which appear to have any independent value. If the 

 foregoing remarks should be the means of bringing any such 

 out of their hiding-places, I shall think them well bestowed ; 

 and I need scarcely add that I should be most happy to 

 receive any communication on the subject, and to afford what 

 help I can towards putting them in their true light. 



JAMES SPEDDING. 



GO. Lincoln's Inn Fields, January, 1857. 



VOL. I 



