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expand1997 (1)
1Author:  Ingraham J. H. (Joseph Holt) 1809-1860Add
 Title:  Leisler, or, The rebel and king's man  
 Published:  1997 
 Subjects:  University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 
 Description: Bits of history in a novel, especially at the outset, we very well know, are by no means relished by novel-readers, who generally like to open at once upon the action of the story. But it is sometimes necessary, particularly when a romance is based upon an interesting historical incident, to lay before the reader a brief outline of the events upon which the tale hangs. It is better, we think, to do this at the outset, in a fair and above-board manner, than open with an interesting scene, and before the reader has got half a dozen pages, smuggle in two or three solid pages of history, through which he must flounder, or take them at a flying leap. We don't like this mode of cheating our friends, so we place our history in the fore-ground, that it may be fairly met at the outset. Sir: Knowing that you possess no little influence and the confidence of the Protestant citizens, and believing that a communication to you will be the same as to them in the aggregate, I proceed to inform you that Lieutenant Colonel Nictolson; late acting Governor of this Province, under a commission from King James II, having refused to acknowledge the authority of William, the Prince of Orange, has seen fit to abdicate his government. He has this night past embarked on board a Swedish ship now in the harbor, and will sail at once for Europe. It was his desire that I should accompany him; but as it does not suit my purposes to quit the Province just now, I remain. Now herewith I propose to surrender the post and all appertaining to it to you, for the sum of ten thousand pounds; otherwise I shall defend it with the soldiers that are in it, against you and yours to to the last extremity. `You perceive, gentleman,' he said as they read the address, at the begining, `that I have anticipated your suggestion. I was interrupted, by your calling, in the composition of a solemn remonstrance to their Majesties, against Leisler's government. I will read to you, what I have written.' If you have a secure shelter, do not quit it, for your life is in danger. For my sake do not venture to town again, as no disguise will protect you.— Have you repented—will you become a protestant? I think of you momently.— My father has told me to-day, that I must positively marry the burgomaster, on pain of his displeasure. Oh, that you were a protestant! I know not what or how to address you. In a word, if you would have me, you must come and take me! It is in vain for me so resist my father and Van Vow conjointly. I must fly from the fort, or before eight o'clock to-night be the wife of this hateful simpleton. I have no escape unless I take poison or fly to you. I think nothing of your being a Roman, for I know when I am your wife you will isten to me. I think only of my love for you! of avoiding this horrible fate that awaits me. My father is stern and unbending. Van Vow is resolute. I have thrown myself upon the mercy of the former in vain; I have entreated the latter to spare me. I have told him I love him not, that I cannot love him. He is without feeling. He has finally, within the last half-hour said if I will pay him back the thousand dollars he will release me. I am mortified to allude to this, since you have not done so. But what can I do? I am in his power. If you can send the money to me do so at once and let me return it to him; for if he should inform my father I shall have to confess all, and I know not what will be my fate. You see I write with frankness to you as one in whom I trust my heart and happiness, for I believe you truthful and noble, and that you love me even as I love you. This is a crisis when it would be weak and foolish in me to disguise any thing I feel; and I have not done so. Send the money, if you can, or let me hear from you. Forgive the step I have taken.— I could NOT become the wife of Mynheer Van Vow.—I write to assure you of my safety.
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