AS IT WAS, AS IT IS, AND AS IT MAY BE T. HURST, 65, ST. PAUL's CHURCH YARD, DEDICATION. TO THE BRITISH PUBLIC. AMONG the various definitions enumerated of the word "Dedication," we find, by the learned Dr. Johnson, the following, "a complimentary address at the beginning of a book." This sentence evidently implies, that expressions of respect, or adulation, must be directed and applied to the person or persons whom the author has for some very cogent reasons fixed upon as the patron of his work. In compilations of fiction, it seems quite immaterial who, or of what sex, the individual may be, to whom the compliment is paid. In political writings, he must, of course, be sought among men entertaining the same opinions with the writer, and accordant with those he puts forth. In historical productions, the advocacy and support of an influential personage, particularly if holding high office, or of elevated rank, usually adds weight and importance to the volume, and stamps it with a certain degree of authenticity. As, however, in the present work, fiction has been entirely discarded, political opinions as cautiously and as generally avoided as the nature of the details will admit, and historical facts plainly stated, without regard to any party, the author cannot feel himself justified in making |