Of narratives compiled from these authorities it is needless to speak.
The numerous and scattered sources from which the facts contained in the following pages have been derived, are pointed out in their proper places whenever they could be clearly ascertained. Addison's own correspondence, never before collected and applied to the illustration of his biography, has been the best guide of the writer, and will no doubt be regarded by the reader as the most interesting part of the work. A large proportion of the letters have never before appeared in print. And here the writer cannot deny herself the satisfaction of repeating her grateful acknowledgments to Edward Tickell, Esq., Q. C. of Dublin, through whose eminent liberality and kindness exerted towards a stranger, she has been enabled to lay before the public letters and private papers of Addison's which, passing into the hands of his executor, have been carefully preserved ever since in the Tickell family, and now appear with the freshness of novelty. Her cordial thanks must also be extended to her friend and kinsman the Rev. Charles Strong, prebendary of St. Patrick's, for his valuable services on this occasion.
To Mr. Bolton Corney she has likewise been indebted for much useful information and many good offices of various kinds.