though I have twice or thrice set out much in a similar manner upon my own crook and hook, I have either not filled any important post, or have had some person or other to superintend my movements. But here I am now perfectly alone, holding a situation of some responsibility, but which suits me well, – at least I like it – sent forth by myself, – or having cast away the apron-strings, as some would say, but which I think are at times comfortable things for one to nestle under, – to battle against the potent and overpowering stream of the world, but which, if a higher Hand upholds me, I hope to oppose.

I do not intend writing it as an amusement, or to give it away after having filled a book for anybody's pleasure or perusal, but always to keep it by me to serve as a reference. I think I shall also put down any information that I may pick up, thus making it also serve the office of a Memorandum Book: as far as matters relating to trade, it will be official, and in fact I mean to make something useful of it, a regular multum in parvo [much in a little]. It will doubtless be dry and stiff enough, and of no use to anybody but myself, but that will be a good fault.