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These volumes [next three words interlined above cancelled form a selection] are drawn from from the various [collections of cancelled; volumes interlined and cancelled; next two words interlined] collections of verse which I have [next word interlined above cancelled written] printed. As the greater number of these were printed rather for private distribution — than for sale — printed, in fact, without being published — they are not now to be had; and frequent applications for them, have persuaded my publisher to believe that a complete edition, in a compact form, of all those poems which I am willing to leave on record [next two words interlined with caret] in connection with my name, will be acceptable to the public. In preparing this collection I have endeavoured to repair the defects [expressive cancelled; of an interlined with caret and cancelled] of [next word interlined above cancelled carelessness] heedlessness & haste in the previous volumes. A voluminous writer is apt to be [next word interlined above cancelled reckless] careless of his costume, [the cancelled; a careless interlined with caret and cancelled; next four words interlined] and to send forth his thoughts with a [next two words interlined above cancelled degree of] certain unwise recklessness which is characteristic of the temperament, rather than the mind. It is a fault perhaps inseparable from voluminousness; [next word interlined above cancelled and] though usually supposed to be more than atoned for, by a [next word interlined with caret] corresponding [interlined posses cancelled] degree of force and earnestness, the very possession of which makes the writer regardless of much nicety of finish & detail. In the collection which follows I have sought to repair some of these faults of taste & temperament, and have [next two words interlined with caret] made my selection of contents carefully from my metrical writings, of such as I deem the best. Some of the smaller pieces are reclaimed fugitives, who having become favourites, while unknown, and brought credit to their owner, may now properly be made to wear his badge.
Woodlands, S. C. Decr. 19, 1852
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