shewn in permitting both myself and Mr. J. P. NEALE, our Artist, to enrich and embellish the Work with views and descriptions of descriptions of your own House, and of such other places as are immediately under your care and government, have heightened that hope into an assurance, that your wonted liberality will be exercised in excusing whatever imperfections may appear to your culti vated taste, The HISTORY and ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUITIES OF WESTMINSTER are closely connected with all that is great and durable in the British Constitution. May I venture to presume, that this humble delineation of them will be acceptable during the leisure hours of a Statesman, whose life has been devoted to the preservation of that Constitution; and who, in the midst of contradictory opinions and sometimes jarring interests, has constantly obtained, from all parties, the appellation of an honest, upright, and impartial Servant of the State; alike faithful to his trust, as a Representative of the People, and as Speaker of the House of Commons, and dignified in his support of of the Crown, as a loyal subject of a virtuous and beloved Monarch? In perfect reliance on your candour, I remain, Right honourable Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, JOSEPH NIGHTINGALE. Skinner Street, July 28th, 1816. THE |