Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by PHILLIPS, SAMPSON & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. Stereotyped by HOBART & ROBBINS, New England Type and Stereotype Foundery, BOSTON. THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS of the MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, This Work, prepared at their request is respectfully dedicated, by their associate, JOSIAH QUINCY. Boston , June 1, 1858 ....

The ensuing Memoir comprises the most important events in the life of a statesman second to none of his contemporaries in laborious and faithful devotion to the service of his country. The light attempted to be thrown on his course has been derived from personal acquaintance, from his public works, and from authentic unpublished materials. The chief endeavor has been to render him the expositor of his own motives, principles, and character, without fear or favor,—in the spirit neither of critici