D E D I C A T I O N.

liberty, which is the glory of government, with that just allegiance to the sovereign, which is the security of all; so as to give us a view of that admirable original: amiable character of the ancient English nobility, which adorns every page of British history. Permit me the honor to declare original: profess myself

January 1, 1742-3. Until 1752, the English legal year began on March 25. "1742-3" indicates the year was 1742 by the old system but 1743 by the modern calendar.
William Stukeley.