To Washington Irbing, Esq.
Dear Irving:—
With some little misgiving upon the score of having wasted time
and paper both, which might have been better employed, I feel a real
consolation in turning to you, as having, by your success, furnished our
idle craft an argument to justify our vocation.
You have convinced our wise ones at home that a man may sometimes
write a volume without losing his character—and have shown to the
incredulous abroad, that an American book may be richly worth the
reading.
In grateful acknowledgment of these services, as well as to indulge the
expression of a sincere private regard, I have ventured to inscribe your
name upon the front of the imperfect work which is now submitted to the
public.
Very truly, yours, &c.,
JOHN P. KENNEDY.
Baltimore, May 1, 1835.
