Soon after Mr. Burr's death, four years ago, the subject of preparing a biography of him was mentioned to me. In consequence of other engagements the work was deferred, but on my return to New England after an absence of several months, I determined that it should receive my first attention. Believing the presentation of simply representative facts and incidents to be the true method of writing biography, I have found materials so abundant that it has been my constant aim to contract rather than dilute. Indebted to numerous sources for assistance, I shall make special mention of none of them, as they will all become apparent to the thoughtful reader. Having undertaken the labor as one of love for him whose memory I revere, I have pursued it with growing satisfaction. My task being now completed, I offer this little volume to the public, hoping and praying that it may be of some service in the cause of the Great Master. j. H. B. Nov. 1, 1870.