Excerpt from Introduction to American Literature, or the Origin and Development of the English Language, With Gems of Poetry

The statement has been made thus explicit, inasmuch as it is believed the design of this work is original; and it would be a poor reward for the labor that has been expended upon this small volume, should it be considered in any other light than as an original production, whatever its style of execution may be. And it may not be altogether impertinent to state, that the maxim - it is unwise to publish, because it reveals the extent of one's knowledge, - does not rigidly refer to this, as but a small part of the matter is published which was prepared in the investigation of the subject, and it had been easier to have made a folio out of it than this small volume. The work was commenced at an early day, and continued till it became a passion; therefore distrusting its merit, it has been submit ted to the examination of men, whose names it would be need less to mention, who have commended it and advised its pub lication. A part of the manuscript, that particularly which treats of the origin and philosophy of the language, has been submitted to the examination of Mr. J. H. Perkins who has pointed out whatever he thought worthy of alteration in its matter and style.

It would be the dictate of a wise discretion to await the de cision of the public before making any disclosures with regard to any circumstances connected with the work, and the time that has been employed in its composition; but no desire is felt to escape the responsibility of the undertaking, and it is dcliv ered into the hands of an impartial community with the fullest confidence that it will be regarded with all the liberality that it deserves.

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