One of a Thousand/Preface
Preface.
The History and Art of Book-Making have ordained a Preface,—no well-regulated Book appearing now without the proper porte-cochère preceding the literary structure beyond. It would appear to be "the correct thing," and yet one is disposed in many cases to enquire, "Cui Bono?" For the present volume there appears to be no absolute necessity for an Introduction, and yet to confess the truth, so strong a hold has custom upon the eye, that were this feature lacking, there would be wanting upon the free of the returns, an important factor in the tout ensemble of the work. But as Daniel Webster anticipated us in saying, "I shall enter upon no encomium on Massachusetts;—she needs none. There she is,— behold her and judge for yourselves. There is her history,—the world knows it by heart. The past, at least, is secure."
Those who have patiently borne with the diligent work of the compiler will remember our aim was to present biographical sketches of one thousand of the representative citizens of the Commonwealth who in different parts of the State are engaged in Professional, Political, Mercantile, Agricultural and Industrial pursuits. These have been selected from those, who, from Press, Pulpit, Field, Bar and the Exchange control the destinies of finance and trade, and give Massachusetts her proud preeminence in Philanthropy, Literature, Science and Commercial Prosperity. The old Bay-State stands to-day among her sister states of the Nation seventh in population, fourth in wealth, third in manufactures, first in education, and foremost in the formation of the intelligent and patriotic public conscience so keenly alive to the welfare of the whole country.
It was intended in "One of a Thousand" to briefly portray the principal events of the lives of those who have contributed to this end.
How faithfully this task has been performed is for you to say. Few realize the amount of labor and volume of Correspondence requisite to prefect so exhaustive an enterprise. Multiply the pains taken to secure so full and accurate a record of your own life by one thousand and even then there remains a large margin of patient research and necessary verification, not at first apprehended. However, "Finis coronat Opus."
Let this humble Preface, then, act the part of the "Salve" engraved upon the entrance to the old Norman houses. With a hearty grasp of the hand, I bid you enter and become my guest trusting you will derive as much enjoyment in the partaking as I have taken satisfaction in the preparation of the feast to which you are now cordially invited by your host and friend,
To my Subscribers.