PREFACE
The biographer or historian, in writing for the public, may choose one of two methods.

I
"DEAR FRIENDS AND GENTLE HEARTS
I
Ward II, Sephen Foster, Died January 13.
Coat, pants, vest, hat, shoes, overcoat, January 10, 1864
 
Recd. of Mr. Foster [a brother] ten shillings charge for Stephen C. Foster while in Hospital, Jany. 16, 1864.
Wm. E. White, Warden, Bellevue Hospital
 
So read the inventory of personal possessions, and the receipt for hospital charges of the late Stephen Foster, almost unrecognized, a patient in a charity hospital.