I beg to forward to you the enclosed volume, the very first that is published, and to express a hope that it may not unpleasantly remind you of a person who experienced much gratification in meeting you at Mr. Brockedon’s. Permit me to add that on the success of this book depend almost entirely my professional prospects, which have suffered severely through the connection of my name with ‘The Diary of a late Physician’; a circumstance which has set afloat the notion that I am not a practical lawyer. I wish I could show those who think thus how heavily they wrong me. The effect of it is that though I am one of the most laborious members of the profession, I sit from morning to night at my chambers neglected. May I hope that, if you should think it worth while to cast your eye over these pages, they may satisfy you that I do not deserve such treatment?
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I think you will find that this book is one calculated for general readers; and it is certainly the only one extant that exhibits a complete picture of the present state of the English Bar, the qualifications required in those who seek to become members of it, and the nature of legal studies.
If, in short, I may, without presumption, hope for a favourable notice of it in the Quarterly—and I trust your kindness will forgive the anxiety with which I mention such a thing—I shall consider myself ever under the very greatest obligation to you.
I intended to write a note to Mr. Lockhart, but as I have not the honour of any personal acquaintance with him, I have chosen rather to throw myself entirely on your good nature.
