The first plan of this Memoir contemplated no larger audience than the little circle of Mr. Prentiss' own family and kindred. It was hoped that the sharpness of their grief, caused by his death, might be soothed by a few simple memorials of his life. But the materials were soon found to be ample for a biography; and, encouraged by many friendly voices, I resolved to attempt it. The task has proved far more serious than was anticipated. But it has been a most grateful labor; and were the result quite worthy of the theme, I should be well satisfied. The fact that the work has been written in odd moments, stolen from an exacting profession, may serve to explain, and perhaps to palliate, some of its imperfections.

In arranging the materials, my aim has been, as much as possible, to shape them into an autobiography. This has led to the insertion of the speeches . . .