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 circum- 
stances under which its author was placed, in respect to materi- 
als, are detailed; there is, therefore, no need of repeating them. 
It has been thought proper to augment the volume, by a se- 
lection 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 maybe, 
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 employments, 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 which they in- 
trusted 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 expression of confidence and regard which characterize 
these letters, will afford a proof of how much of the writer’s hap- 
piness was derived from this amiable intercourse. The reader’s 
obligations to Colonel Carr will not be lessened, when it is sta- 
