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connected with it; and by the second volume, containing my Foreign Correspondence, which, for the purpose of better elucidation, I propose shall be accompanied by a general view of my travels on the Conti

nent.

Some may be inclined to censure the apparent egotism of a publication, which has necessarily led to the mention of many anecdotes and circumstances, in which the Author was personally interested, and to a detail of whatever services to his country he conceived himself to have performed. But I was apprehensive, that no other individual, was likely to undertake the labour of arranging the correspondence of a life, now extended to seventy-seven years, or could do it with equal advantage; and I felt unwilling to risk the destruction of so many documents, expressing the opinions of a number of the most distinguished characters, both of the present and the last generation, on a variety of interesting topics, and containing several important facts and disclosures, which throw new light on the history of the times.

The extent to which I have enlarged upon my own public labours, will readily be excused by the candour of the reader, who will reflect, that being naturally led to touch upon this subject, I could not but be anxious to set forth, to the best advantage, any exertions I have made for promoting the national interests, during more

than half a century, and of submitting them, both to the consideration of my friends who are still living, and to the judgment of impartial posterity.

I shall only add, that it must be much more desirable to peruse a number of letters, written by a great variety of persons, than a collection which comes from the pen of the same individual. In the latter case, there must be a monotony in point of style and sentiment; whereas in the former, especially if accompanied by explanations of the character and history of the writers, and a detail of the circumstances which led to the transmission of each separate communication, there is likely to be found, a succession of topics, both novel and interesting.

It is hoped, therefore, that the plan of the present work, will meet with the approbation of the public.

133. George Street, Edinburgh,

June 1830.

JOHN SINCLAIR.

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