JAMES RENWICK, LL.D.

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PREFACE.

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The Biography of Dewitt Clinton, which is now submitted to the public, was originally intended to have been a mere sketch, comprised within less that a third of its present extent. The subject, however, was found to present itself in so many new and important points of view, that it appeared probable that so meager an outline would have given but little satisfaction to the reader. In this state of the composition, the author was tendered the use of the manuscript papers of the subject of the biography, and various other materials, by the kindness of Charles A. Clinton, the worthy and estimable son of so distinguished a father. To this gentleman thanks are gratefully returned for this and various other assistance which he has rendered the author. Thus, while no undue influence has been exerted by any of the relatives or friends of the departed statesman, the work will have the merit, if it possess no other, of being drawn from the most authentic sources.

Columbia College, June, 1840.

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