SOURCE: Introduction to Salmagundi; or, The Whim-whams and Opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, Esq., and Others …, L. M. Richardson, 1811, pp. v-liv.

In the following essay, Lambert explains the nature of the essays in Salmagundi and the particular qualities of American culture.

So little is really known of the United States of America, on this side of the Atlantic, that it is not a matter of much surprise to find the most absurd and ridiculous prejudices existing with regard to every thing belonging to that country. The unfortunate revolution, which terminated in the emancipation of our colonies, is certainly the ostensible cause of the jealousy which exists between the two nations; and, of the two, I think our prejudices against the Americans are stronger than their animosity towards us.—I believe it is more difficult for a parent to pardon the undutiful behaviour of a child than for a child...