The aim of the publisher has been to establish a literary organ of communication amongst his numerous Subscribers and Friends, by inviting their correspondence, and throwing open his columns to their inquiries and suggestions, and thus by propounding queries, solving difficulties, and eliciting new facts, rendering some slight service to the cause of Historical and Literary Truth. So cordially have they responded to this invitation, that the task of selection has been sometimes a difficult, though always a pleasing one. If there have been any communications from Correspondents which have not met with due regard and consideration, it must be pleaded in apology that this miscellany of curious information necessarily embraces so wide a field, that in gathering in the harvest it is not surprising if a few ears of corn escape the gleaner's hand. If it be said that occasionally too much notice has been taken of "unconsidered trifles," and that the objects regarded were too minute and insignificant to justify the patient attention bestowed upon them; the saying of Dr. Johnson may be adopted as a justification, that "the man who removes the smallest obstacle in the pathway of Literature becomes its benefactor." History is built up of fragments as the pyramid is formed of single stones; and if we have only laid bare one doubtful point, or elucidated one novel fact,--if we have but stripped off the moss clinging to some ruined archway of the past, or decyphered one mouldering inscription,--then our work has been accomplished, and our toil repaid.
The publisher wishes it to be distinctly understood that he is not the author of any representations or opinions which may appear in the _Current Notes_. Every statement, therefore, is open to correction or discussion, and the writers of the several paragraphs must be considered alone responsible for their assertions. Holding himself aloof from the bias of all personal interest or party feeling, the publisher can make due allowance for difference of opinion, and like heralds in the tournament, after proclaiming the titles of the respective champions, quietly retires and awaits the issue of the fray. If in the heat of this literary joust of arms, the combatants have broken spears somewhat too hotly, let it be remembered that he is only a spectator of the chivalrous feud--which, after all, has for its sole object the rescue of Truth, in the words of the old knightly motto, "sans tache et sans reproche."