Excerpt from A Moral Picture of Philadelphia: The Virtues and Frauds and Follies of the City Delineated

This small work is respectfully dedicated to the people of Philadelphia. The author has had a pleasant home in your midst the last eight years, and has received much kindness from many of you. Your free institutions and rising greatness drew me from afar. I have rejoiced in the success and prosperity of the United States. Though horn in a foreign land, I have ever deemed myself a Republican in principle. It was chiefly my preference for republicanism that brought me hither from beyond the Atlantic. Whilst I commend you for much, I hope you will excuse me while I point out some of your faults. Many, indeed, among you deserve no censure. I point out errors that they may be removed, and tell of frauds and impositions, that the innocent and confiding may be on their guard. When I speak of faults, it is more in sorrow than in anger. My heart and soul are with America. Your star of liberty has guided me hither. I have renounced the titles that I bore among the proudest sons of England, and have sworn allegiance to your government. This work is devoted chiefly to Philadelphia, I love your fair city, and have spent many thousands for its improvement. Here I have been happy, though living in comparative obscurity. At some future period I may write a work of a more general character. Your most obedient servant, The Author.

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