University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

These sketches of character, tales, &c., were
written as the occasions presented themselves.

In some instances they were published at the
time, and in others they were retained in MS., with
the view to a publication like this. Part of the
article on the “Development of Mind and Character,”
is taken from an address delivered before
the Miami University, of Ohio.

The differences made by dates, and particularly
by deaths, the reader will detect in more than one
instance. They are occurring as the proof-sheets
pass through the press. For instance, Judge Burnet,
of Cincinnati, who, in the sketch of John Randolph,
is mentioned as among the living, is numbered,
as I write this preface, with the dead. He
reached an advanced age, full of honors, and he
possessed one of the brightest intellects in the

whole West. The second bust, I believe, that
Powers ever moulded, was of this gentleman, and it
is as life-like a presentment as I have ever seen.
But the author merely meant to say that these
papers are presented to the reader as they were
written, when his mind impelled him to the task;
and he would express the hope that they may interest
innocently whatever time may be bestowed
upon their perusal.