PREFACE.

Some explanation may be thought necessary of the object and nature of the "Memoirs,' which the Author now submits to the Public attention.

It can hardly be required that he should point out more particularly, or more personally, the Individual to whom the following sheets principally refer; since no one, in a history, founded upon facts, as this is, can fail to recognize a parallel to those striking incidents which the actual life of the persecuted Caroline of B.... presents to observation.

To humanity, to sympathy, this near resemblance might alone be sufficient apology for its obtrusion upon their notice; but, when the illustrious birth of that Individual;-her exalted rank;—her unmerited sufferings;—are considered, it is presumed that such memoirs will be read with increased interest.

Their principal value, however, (so far as their humble merit may be thought to go,) must result from political considerations. The

Princess, whose misfortunes, and trials, and wanderings they profess to record, is nearly allied to the first throne in the world. In the course of human events, each hour that fleets away may call her to partake it; while years have already elapsed, since the bonds of conjugal amity and affection, that bound her to the heir of regal diadems and mighty sceptres, were rudely torn asunder, by the arts of deep and desperate malice ;-the breath of secret calumny, and the frauds of unprincipled adventurers.

The awful crisis approaches;-and itremains to be ascertained, how far the people of a great Empire, may hope to see that example of domestic affection and felicity, which has long been peculiar to their throne, perpetuated in the conduct of its next possessors.

January 1st.

It is hardly necessary to state, that these lines were written immediately prior to a late most deeply-lamented event. The Illustrious Parties must feel that the eyes, not only of their own subjects, but of Europe, are upon them.