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1801.

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1

PREFACE.

NDER the title of "Public Cha

UNDER the ti

racters," to convey such an idea of the eminent or remarkable men among us, as might satisfy curiosity without gratifying malevolence, was the fair and honest object that originally gave birth to this work.

The first volume was published in 1798, and an annual one has since made its appearance, in a regular and uninterrupted series. As to the question of merit, it would be highly indecorous in the Editors even to express a hint; it is no more than justice however to remark, that if public approbation can be inferred either from the eagerness with which this work has been perused, or the demand for new editions, its reception can no longer be considered as equivocal.