Ever since the publication of the first Edition of Tosse’ Spanish Grammar I have had a wish to present you with a copy, as the great and venerable patron of the arts and sciences in this splendid Republic, and more especially as the illustrious and undaunted asserter and supporter of the rights of man; but the fear of intruding my humble efforts at being useful to so high and dignified a character has hitherto deterred me from assenting to the incessant desire of my heart.

Having, however, lately published a collection of Spanish Extracts and shown this little volume to my excellent pupil Mrs Coolidge, your Grand Daughter, she was pleased to approve of the plan pursued in it; and having seized this opportunity to ask her whether you would not think it presumptuous if I were to address you a copy of it, together with one of the Grammar, she kindly judged it would not be displeasing to you.

Encouraged by so good an authority I take the liberty to forward to you by mail a copy of each of said publications with these few lines, requesting that you would condescend to accept of them as a feeble token of the profound respect and ineffable gratitude I have always entertained and shall ever entertain for the invaluable services you have rendered and still continue to render to your fellow citizens and the whole family of mankind.