Upon this we got a very learned schoolmaster, who teaches our children, to prepare it for the press, which he accordingly has done; and has, moreover, added to it a number of notes of his own; and an engraving of the city, as it was at the time Mr.Knickerbocker writes about.
This, therefore, is a true statement of my reasons for having this work printed, without waiting for the consent of the author; and I here declare, that if he ever returns (though I much fear some unhappy accident has befallen him), I stand ready to account with him like a true and honest man.

Which is all at present---- From the public's humble servant, SETH HANDASIDE.
INDEPENDENT COLUMBIAN HOTEL, NEW YORK.
* * * * * The foregoing account of the author was prefixed to the first edition of this work.

Shortly after its publication, a letter was received from him, by Mr.Handaside, dated at a small Dutch village on the banks of the Hudson, whither he had traveled for the purpose of inspecting certain ancient records.

As this was one of those few and happy villages, into which newspapers never find their way, it is not a matter of surprise, that Mr.Knickerbocker should never have seen the numerous advertisements that were made concerning him; and that he should learn of the publication of his history by mere accident.
He expressed much concern at its premature appearance, as thereby he was prevented from making several important corrections and alterations: as well as from profiting by many curious hints which he had collected during his travels along the shores of the Tappan Sea, and his sojourn at Haverstraw and Esopus.
Finding that there was no longer any immediate necessity for his return to New York, he extended his journey up to the residence of his relations at Scaghtikoke.

On his way thither he stopped for some days at Albany, for which city he is known to have entertained a great partiality.