Has been ever since.

This is a long introduction but it is the only way I can make myself known.

The favor I ask I feel assured your generous heart will grant: Give me some advice about a book I have written.

I do not claim anything for it only it is mostly true and as interesting as most of the books of the times.

I am unknown in the literary world and you know what that means unless one has some one of influence (like yourself) to help you by speaking a good word for you.