TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 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 these volumes to your Lordship for the sake of the great kindness and friendship which I owe to you and yours. My volumes 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, LONDON, October 18, 1852. W. M. THACKERAY. |