Letters from an Artist, Sojourning on the Continent

After the letters had appeared in the columns of the newspaper, the present volume was printed, from the same type; a limited impression being struck off, not for publication, but chiefly for the private gratification of Mr. Horner's and my own personal friends.

After the earlier part of the series had appeared in print, additional illustrations of some of the matters touched on, fell in my way; and such of them as I have thought it either important or interesting to add, I have thrown into Supplementary Chapters, -a form which I consider preferable to that of Notes, or of an Appendix.

It was satisfactory to know that, at the time of their first appearance, the letters attracted, within the sphere of their circulation, a more than ordinary degree of attention and approval. To myself, their preparation for the press was a grateful relief from the dry details and the angry strifes of the political arena; for, could I consult entirely the dictates of my own taste, I prefer to wander by the gentle waters of Helicon, or to stroll through the still groves of Academus, rather than to fight the battles, and to mingle in the factious conflicts, of selfish and self-interested parties. I have had experience of the latter, as well as of the former; and can feelingly exclaim, with Horace, Beatus ille qui procul negotiis.

My connexion with the newspaper press has now ceased, under circumstances of a painful character; and it is yet very uncertain whether I shall continue to

reside in Halifax, or shall have to remove to some other town, there to form new friendships, and to seek, perhaps in some other kind of employment, the opportunity, denied me here, of earning an honest livelihood, by the exercise of such talents as I may possess. Wherever my lot may be cast,-to whatever distance I may have to travel, I shall always retain a lively and grateful recollection of many happy hours spent in Halifax, and of some valuable friendships formed amongst its inhabitants. In the number of these friends I have the pleasure of counting Mr. John Horner and his son, Joshua; and, through an intimacy with them, I am proud to add your name to the list; not from any particular personal kindness shown to myself, but, first, because you had the sagacity to perceive merit, and the generosity to patronize it; and secondly, because you have been the long tried and much valued friend of those whose friendship I value, and whose good opinion I treasure up as worthy of my highest esteem.

Livros