IT was intended that this biography should be preceded by one of Charles Leslie's father, the Bishop of the Isles, Raphoe, and Clogher. Its publication, however, is delayed for, it is hoped, only a short time, owing to supply of letters and other new materials, which require the work to be recast and enlarged. A very long period has been occupied in preparing this volume, beyond what the contents might seem to demand perhaps, from the difficulty experienced in consulting various books and manuscripts, often at a great distance, and verifying references, whilst engaged in the regular duties of a remote country parish. My thanks, however, are therefore more eminently due to friends, who have kindly assisted me in accomplishing a task, which I could wish to have fallen into better hands, and which I have only venturedto undertake in despair of such appearing. I gratefully record my obligation in the first place to the Very Reverend Dr. Church, the learned and admirable Dean of S. Paul's, for his encouragement and introduction to the Bodleian and Sion College Libraries. To the Reverend Dr. Sparrow Simpson, for prompt and courteous replies and information on several points of inquiry. To the Reverend Henry W. Milman, Librarian of Sion College, for similar kindness. The Very Reverend Dr. Reeves, Dean of Armagh, whose reputation stands far above any praise of mine, will permit me at least to testify the esteem and affection with which the son of an old friend still regards him. The Reverend Canon Overton, Rector of Epworth, whose friendship has been a valued privilege for many years, will recognize in these pages some memorial of many interesting conversations. Yet neither he nor any other person, except myself, must be held responsible for the statements or sentiments which this book contains. They are the result of much consideration and extensive research, although I have purposely refrained from invading my pages with authorities. Last and most of all I am indebted to a kind wife for transcribing the manuscript, and other offices of affection, without which the work would not have been completed. Such as it is now, imperfect and inferior in execution to my own conception of what is due to the memory of a great and good man, I respectfully submit it to public consideration.

R. J. LESLIE.
HOLBEACH S. JOHN, December, 1884.

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