or wilful misrepresentation.

The Notes at the bottom of the pages were introduced to elucidate
obscure passages; and I have been tempted occasionally to insert
short Biographical Sketches of the principal persons who are
named, accompanied by such references as will enable the curious
reader to inform himself more fully respecting them. In some
instances I experienced considerable difficulty in identifying
the individuals; but I trust that the notices will be found, on
the whole, sufficiently correct to answer the object intended.

In justice to the Reverend John Smith, (with whom I am not
personally acquainted,) it may be added, that he appears to have
performed the task allotted to him, of deciphering the short-hand
Diary, with diligence and fidelity, and to have spared neither
time nor trouble in the undertaking.

The best account of Mr. Pepys occurs in the Supplement to
Collier's Historical Dictionary, published soon after his death,
and written, as I have reason to believe, by his relative Roger
Gale. Some particulars may also be obtained from Knight's Life
of Dean Colet; Chalmers's Biographical Dictionary; Cole's MSS. in
the British Museum: the MSS in the Bodleian and Pepysian
Libraries, and the Cockerell Papers.

BRAYBROOKE. Audley End, May 14th, 1825