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TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE WILLIAM BINGHAM, LORD ASHBURTON. MY DEAR LORD,
The writer of a book which copies the manners and language of Queen Anne’s time, must not omit the Dedication to the Patron; and I ask leave to inscribe this volume to your Lordship, for the sake of the great kindness and friendship which I owe to you and yours. My volume will reach you when the Author is on his voyage to a country where your name is as well known as here. Wherever I am, I shall gratefully regard you; and shall not be the less welcomed in America because I am,
Your obliged friend and servant,
W. M. THACKERAY.
LONDON, October 18, 1852.