PREFACE. Is this volume we have endeavoured shortly to present the life-career, and writings, of BRYANT the Poet-who was also editor, traveller, citizen, and philanthropist; and who, though younger than Dana, was, nevertheless, the patriarch of American poetical literature. Wherever possible, we have left him to speak for himself, quoting freely from his correspondence and writings, including in the former several of his letters which now appear in print for the first time. To friends who have given us valuable aid, we acknowledge obligations; especially to General James Grant Wilson, who, having enjoyed Bryant's friendship for more than a quarter of a century, has kindly furnished us with much information regarding him both from personal and manuscript sources. We have also consulted, or quoted from, the published writings or addresses of Godwin, Bigelow, Curtis, Stedman, Stoddard, Dana, Ray Palmer, Mark Hopkins, Jones, Osgood, Bellows, Munger, Hill, Miller, and others; to each and all of whom we respectfully acknowledge indebtedness. We earnestly hope that what we have here lovingly written of William Cullen Bryant, may induce some, who are passing by on the dusty roads of life, to drink of the clear, cool, perennial spring, which wells up, for their refreshment, in his pure and elevating poetry. LANGSIDE, GLASGOW: March, 1880. A. J. S. |