Reminiscences - Personal and Other Incidents; Early Settlement of Otsego County; Notices and Anecdotes of Public Men; Judicial, Legal, and Legislative Matters; Field Sports; Dissertations and Discussions #228442

To my children I dedicate the following work; because when it was commenced, I had no design beyond preparing a manuscript for their perusal, and for such confidential friends as might feel an interest in looking over the lucubrations of idle hours, employed in this way, for my own amusement. It can the more appropriately be dedicated to them, from the fact that so many personal and family matters are interwoven; and from the additional, though painful reflection, that it is, probably, the only bequest they can expect.<br><br>If, therefore, they shall find by its perusal, anything that shall incite them to an industrious, honorable, and virtuous course of life, a course that shall render them good citizens, exemplary members of society, respectable in their day and generation, and worthy patterns for those who come after them, my purposes in reference to them, so far as present views are concerned, will be mainly answered.<br><br>They will, I trust, pursue such course through life, as shall square with the most rigid rules of morality, in the estimation of men; and as shall look to a future state of responsibility, where the actions, motives, and principles that swayed and governed here, shall bear the scrutiny of an after, and all-wise and impartial judgment.<br><br>To the public in general, who have thus far patronized and sustained me, by giving countenance to my efforts; and to those who may honor me with a perusal of what I submit to public scrutiny, I owe an apology, that so large a portion relates to personal and family matters; and that so much egotism should pervade the work.<br><br>I am aware that it is subject to this criticism; and perhaps to such an extent, as to prejudice it in the estimation of many, whose approval I should be proud to merit.