This work has not been composed in that philosophic retirement which is so 

 favorable to investigation and reflection: on the contrary, you can bear witness 

 that I have pursued my course amidst the continued fatigue and anxiety of a 

 professional life; and this must be my apology, if the work I now submit to the 

 public does not embrace all the materials which are called for in such an under- 

 taking. 



I am, my dear sir. 



Your very obliged friend and servant, 



SAMUEL GEORGE MORTON. 



Philadelphia, October 1, 1839. 



