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to a may be thought superfluous, since the Object and Utility of it is too evident to require Illustration; yet the Compiler of the following Sheets, is unwilling that his Undertaking should be submitted to his Patrons and the Public, without a few prefatory Remarks, as usual, on the Publication of a Book.

An Epitaph, in many Instances, may be denominated a Biographical Sketch of the deceased's Life; since it often records their many Virtues and amiable Qualities, and is very justly considered, the last Tribute of Love and Respect, we can pay to a departed Friend. A Record of this kind may also frequently be found of Importance as a Reference in Cases where more immediate Information as to the Date and Place of the Demise is not obtainable, and this latter Consideration, operated as powerfully as any other, to induce the Compiler to undertake the Publication.

Some Years ago, a similar Work, entitled, was published by Mr. Hawkesworth; since when, the , by Mr. Urquhart, of Madras, has appeared; and the Compiler of the present Work, thus publicly offers his Acknowledgement for the great Assistance he has derived from both those Publications; the Contents of which, as far as corresponded with the Object of the , he has borrowed.