In selecting the writers for the various sketches, the publishers
have chosen those only whom they knew to be thoroughly qualified
for the particular tasks assigned them, and so interested in the sub-
jects of their sketches as to be prepared to do them full justice.
Great attention has been given to the collection of materials which
should be at once interesting and authentic. Variety and freshness
of interest are secured by obtaining sketches from a large number of
able writers, and by arranging their contributions so that no two con-
secutive chapters are the production of the same person. As it was
impossible, on account of the lack of space, to give extended sketch-
es of all who ought to be noticed in this volume, and in some cases,
also, the requisite materials for such sketches could not be procured,
briefer notices have been prepared of certain groups, which, it is
believed, will be no unacceptable addition to the more elaborate
chapters.

This work aims to present in its literary department, as well as in
its engravings, an attractive series of accurate and life-like pictures.
As a literary production, containing the best essays and finest
thoughts of many of the first writers of the day, it must be a source
of profit and pleasure to every reader of critical taste. The engrav-
ings, like the written sketches, are no creations of fancy, but trust-
worthy delineations of the features of those whom they profess to
represent.

The publishers have spared neither time nor expense in the prep-
aration of the present work, and they confidently believe that the
importance of the field which it occupies, the ability and reputation
of its writers, the freshness and reliableness of its facts, and the ex-
cellence of its engravings and typography, will justify the praises
already bestowed upon its plan and execution by men and women of
discernment, and insure to it a wide-spread and lasting popularity.

HATFORD, July 15, 1868.

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