Produced by Louise Hope [The text of _Alida_ is given twice. First it is presented "straight", as printed. This is followed by the same text, paragraph by paragraph, quoting its sources where known; some significant errors of fact are also noted. Footnotes are in the original. Typographical errors are listed after the first version of the text.] * * * * * * * * * Having read the new work entitled "ALIDA," or Miscellaneous Sketches of Occurrences during the late American War, which abounds with elegance of language, sublime poetry, and useful lessons--as an American, I have a pride in saying, that our press has seldom been honoured with a work as improving and interesting to the reader, and as well written as any to be found either among the older or modern authors. J. H. HARDENBROOK. It may be here proper to rectify a slight mistake in two of the complimentary pieces written on the contents of Alida, in which the work was innocently stated to have been expressly _written_ for the aid of benevolent purposes; instead of which it should have read [expressly _printed_] for the aid of benevolent purposes. The truth is, some part was written as a journal of incidents, and to amuse leisure hours somewhat usefully; other parts to commemorate some particular facts for the gratification of the author and near relatives, not expecting any other eye to meet a single line of it. But on being looked over by an affectionate pious friend, the author was solicited to allow it to be printed. It was at length acceded to, on the ground that the proceeds, however little over the expenses attending it, should be appropriated to charitable purposes. It is but just to embrace this opportunity to express the reciprocal kind feelings of the author, not only for the friendly and encouraging encomiums above alluded to, with other kind approvals which have appeared in print,--but for the _call_ of a third edition so soon, being within the _first_ year of its appearance. The favourable reception which the former editions of this work has met with from the public, in these trying times (when so many valuable works are permitted to lay useless on the shelves of the book-sellers,) encourages the editor to attempt the publication of another edition. The author has embraced the opportunity carefully to revise and correct the typographical mistakes in the former editions, and to enlarge the work with additional prose and poetry, which it is humbly hoped will be found both pleasing and useful. [Illustration: ALIDA. "Optimum vitæ genus eligito nam consuetudo faciet jucundissimum."] ALIDA: or, MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHES of INCIDENTS During the Late American War. Founded on Fact. WITH POEMS. By An Unknown Author.