TO THE Hon. JAMES BOWDOIN, Esq. L. L. D. F. R. S. PRESIDENT of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and late GOVERNOR of the Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS.
SIR,
THE veneration, which your literary
and public character demands, and the
esteem, which your private and domestic
virtues universally receive, are a sufficient
apology for the freedom, I now take in laying
the following production, which is wholly
American, at your feet; convinced,
while from your judgment and taste I
have much to apprehend, from your candor
and benevolence I have every thing to hope.
I have the honor to be, with every sentiment
of respect and esteem.
Sir,
Your very obliged and
Humble Servant,
PHILENIA.