 | The pilot |  |
PREFACE.
The privileges of the Historian and of
the writer of Romances are very different,
and it behooves them equally to respect
each other's rights. The latter is permitted
to garnish a probable fiction, while he is
sternly prohibited from dwelling on improbable
truths; but it is the duty of the former
to record facts as they have occurred,
without a reference to consequences, resting
his reputation on a firm foundation of
realities, and vindicating his integrity by
his authorities. How far and how well the
Author has adhered to this distinction between
the prerogatives of truth and fiction,
his readers must decide; but he cannot
forbear desiring the curious inquirers
into our annals to persevere, until they
shall find good poetical authority for every
material incident in this veritable legend.
As to the Critics, he has the advantage
of including them all in that extensive
class, which is known by the sweeping
appellation of “Lubbers.” If they have
common discretion, they will beware of
exposing their ignorance.
If, however, some old seaman should
happen to detect any trifling anachronisms
in marine usages, or mechanical improvements,
the Author begs leave to say to
him, with a proper deference for his
experience, that it was not so much his
intention to describe the customs of a
particular age, as to paint those scenes
which belong only to the ocean, and to
exhibit, in his imperfect manner, a few
traits of a people who, from the nature of
things, can never be much known.
He will probably be told, that Smollet
has done all this, before him, and in a
much better manner. It will be seen,
however, that though he has navigated
the same sea as Smollet, he has steered
a different course; or, in other words,
that he has considered what Smollet has
painted as a picture which is finished,
and which is not to be daubed over by
pencil on marine subjects.
The Author wishes to express his regret,
that the daring and useful services of a
great portion of our marine in the old war
should be suffered to remain in the obscurity
under which it is now buried. Every
one has heard of the victory of the Bon-Homme
Richard, but how little is known
of the rest of the life, and of the important
services of the remarkable man
who commanded, in our behalf, in that memorable
combat. How little is known of
his actions with the Milford, and the Solebay;
of his captures of the Drake and
Triumph; and of his repeated and desperate
projects to carry the war into the
`island home' of our powerful enemy. Very
many of the officers who served in that
contest were to be found, afterwards, in
the navy of the confederation; and it is
fair to presume that it owes no small part
of its present character to the spirit that
descended from the heroes of the revolution.
One of the last officers reared in that
school died, not long since, at the head of
his profession; and now, that nothing but
we should become more tenacious of their
glory.
If his book has the least tendency to
excite some attention to this interesting
portion of our history, one of the objects
of the writer will be accomplished.
The Author now takes his leave of his
readers, wishing them all happiness.
| The pilot | |