PREFACE 
TO 
THE LIFE OF WILSON. 
In the preface to the first edition of this biographical sketch, the 
motives of the publication are stated, and the peculiar circumstances 
under which its author was placed, in respect to materials, are detailed ; 
there is, therefore, no need of repeating them. 
It has been thought proper to augment the volume, by a selection 
from the series of interesting letters, which were put into the writer's 
hands by some of Wilson's personal friends, who were anxious that these 
memorials should not be lost. It may be, perhaps, objected, that some 
of them are of too trifling a nature for publication ; but let it be 
observed that they all, more or less, tend to throw light upon the em- 
ployments, and peculiarities of character, of an individual of no every 
day occurrence ; one of those to whose genius we would render homage, 
and the memory of whom we delight to cherish. 
For the particulars of Wilson's early life, the writer has been indebted 
to a narrative, in manuscript, which was communicated to him by Mr. 
William Duncan. This information, coming from a nephew of Wilson's, 
and his confidential friend for many years, must be deemed authentic ; 
and we have to regret that the plan and limits of our publication, did 
not allow us to make a freer use of what was so kindly placed at our 
disposal. 
To Mr. Duncan, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Lawson, the writer owes many 
obligations, for the promptitude with Avhich they intrusted to him their 
letters ; and his acknowledgments are equally due to Colonel Robert 
Carr, who furnished him with the letters to the late William Bartram. 
The friendship which subsisted between Wilson and the latter was of the 
most exalted kind ; and the warm expressions of confidence and regard 
which characterize these letters, will afford a proof of how much of the 
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