Permit an obscure individual to present a copy of the alphabetically arranged Catalogue of Graduate’s at Harvard College to the Chief Magistrate of the nation.

An idea, that an alphabetical arrangement of the names of those, who have received the honors of this antient university, would be of general utility to the sons of science, and to those especially, who were more immediately interested, induced me to undertake a task, which, however arduous, has been in some degree its own reward; having afforded me the satisfaction of reflecting, that I have rendered some small service to a very respectable portion of the community.

To you, Sir, as a patron of science, and a promoter of useful attempts, I send the copy accompanying this; with the sincerest wishes, that you may enjoy the highest happiness, of which human nature is capable, a consciousness of having done well, and a pleasing and well founded hope of an immortal reward.

The day of this date brings to a reflecting mind the times when your illustrious Predecessors and yourself respectively came into the highest office in the power of the American people to bestow, and the commencement of our present constitution of national government; which constitution has been productive of happiness and prosperity to these United States, without a parallel; and which, if wisely administered, will, under the smiles of a kind Providence, will be the ark of political safety to this nation for ages to come.

With sentiments of respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant,