“In the general sympathy excited by the untoward events
which darkened your prospects at the commencement of this year, the idea of the
dispersion of your library was a subject of painful contemplation to many of
your friends. By some of these, plans were suggested to me for the retaining of
it in your possession, the discussion of which, I well knew, you would not,
were you apprised of them, allow to be for a moment entertained. An arrangement
was, however, proposed which met with my concurrence, and in the promoting of
which, though well knowing the various responsibility which I took upon myself,
I have ventured to act. At the earnest solicitation of a select few of your
most intimate acquaintances, I marked in your
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 121 |
