The great esteem Perry’s pronouncing English Dictionary is held in by some of the first literary characters in this Commonwealth has induced me, at my own risque and expense, to reprint an Edition of it. I have endeavoured to make it every way equal, at least, to the British Editions, although the Author’s peculiarity in pointing out his mode of pronouncing, by typographical characters, your Excellency will perceive, has inhanced the care and labour of the work.

It is true the Dictionary is small compared with some others, yet, I presume, it is the first in the English Language that has been reprinted in America; my design in now addressing your Excellency, is to request you would indulge me with permission, as Editor of this American Edition, to dedicate it to you. The very great Respect I bear you, prompts me to make this application, especially as the Edition will be the production of your native State, and being persuaded that nothing can give your Excellency greater satisfaction than to see the Arts and Sciences bud and blossom in the United States—that of Printing in particular.

The Book makes 600 pages, and will be completed in about four weeks. Permit me to hope for your Excellency’s favourable indulgence; and suffer me to express my most unfeigned wish, that every felicity may be yours. I have the honour to be, with the greatest Respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s very humble Servant