New-York, June 13, 1817.

Sir,

I had noticed your work on the late war long before I had the pleasure of your acquaintance. It seems to be a plain and popular mode of exhibiting the transactions of which it treats.

One of the defects in the literature of our country is that of good historians. That class of our citizens which is called to act, shows unparalleled atchievement and enterprize. The other sections, to whom is allotted the business of narrating and recording events, are not so far advanced, the reason is evident; there must be deeds to describe and perpetuate, before there can be historians. In process of time, writers duly qualified, will make their appearance.

Your Chronicle of events deserves to be mentioned in the list of useful publications. It will answer as a document of constant and ready reference. The reception of it into schools, will render familiar to children the chief actions in the contest, and teach them, at the same time, to respect their country and its institutions.

It seems to me one of the best attempts to imitate the biblical style; and if the perusal of it can induce young persons to relish and love the sacred books whose language you have imitated, it will be the strongest of all recommendations.

Your's respectfully,

SAMUEL L. MITCHILL.