 | Memoir of Phillis Wheatley : |  |
TO THE PUBLIC
The Publisher, in presenting the following Memoir to
the public, ventures to call the attention of its readers to
the motives with which it has been prepared, and to the
design in the execution of which it has been intended as
the first step.
The Publisher now entertains the project of a series of
similar publications; and embraces, with great pleasure,
this occasion of announcing to that large and increasing
portion of the community who are benevolently interested
in the condition and prospects of our colored brethren,
that he has been able already to effect such arrangements
as will enable him, as he confidently trusts, to
render these publications equally instructive and interesting
to all of this class of readers, and especially to the
young, without giving just cause of dissatisfaction or
displeasure to any. It is intended, as far as possible, to
avoid every subject of a controversial nature, and to
concentrate the efforts of those concerned, wholly, upon
the grand object of presenting anecdotes and traits of
the history, biography, capacity and condition of the
race of which we speak, to the consideration of the
friends of that race, and to the study of the youthful
intellect, in such a manner as to promote, as far as may
be, clear, unprejudiced and enlightened views of the
whole subject.
Of the various subjects which will be treated of in this
series, it is unnecessary to speak more particularly, as
taste of the respective writers, with no other restriction
than may seem to be implied by the principles above
stated. In addition to the individual who has furnished
the first of the course, the Publisher is happy to announce
that he has secured the services of several distinguished
authors, both male and female, and he trusts that their
established character will be deemed to furnish a sufficient
guaranty of the faithful and able performance of so
much of his plan, at least, as shall depend upon their
contributions.
The Publisher would suppose it a work of supererogation
to point out the benefits which may be reasonably
expected to arise from these publications in their effect
on the young. It must be, under circumstances now existing
in the country, that a curiosity will be felt by this
class in the subjects which these essays will discuss.
How desirable is it that such curiosity should be gratified
by aliment which shall be, not only unexceptionable
in regard to its influence on both the heart and the head,
but shall possess also the merit of conveying information
of a valuable kind, selected, simplified, and prepared with
especial reference to the taste and necessities of this numerous
and important class of readers. Such an end, it is
confidently hoped, will be attained by the series of which
this Memoir is the commencement.
| Memoir of Phillis Wheatley : | |