PRINTED FOR WILLIAM BAYNES AND SON, AND AND H. S. BAYNES AND CO., EDINBURGH. 1823. PREFACE. In the year 1795, I was chosen president of Yale college. The business of this office is chiefly of a sedentary nature, and requires exertions of the mind almost without interruption. In 1774, when a tutor in the same seminary, I was very near losing my life by inaction, and too intense application to study. A long course of unremitted exercise restored my health. These facts, together with subsequent experience, had taught me, that it could not be preserved by any other means. I determined, therefore, to devote the vacations, particularly that in the autumn, which includes six weeks, to a regular course of travelling. In September, 1796, the execution of my design was commenced; and the first journey mentioned in these Letters was accomplished. Before its commencement, it occured to me, that a description of such interesting things, as I might meet with in my excursions, would probably furnish amusement to my family. I therefore put a note book into my pocket, with an intention to set down in it whatever should suit my inclination. The following September, when my journey lay along the Connecticut river, and thence through the Notch of the White Mountains to Portland, I enlarged my scheme; and determined to keep |
