University of Virginia Library


PREFACE.

Page PREFACE.

PREFACE.

The sole intention of the tales comprised in the following
pages is to convey accurate descriptions of
the scenery and population of the country in which
the author resides. The only merit he claims for
them is fidelity. It will be for others to decide
whether this claim is well supported.

The legends now presented to the public are entirely
fictitious; but they are founded upon incidents
which have been witnessed by the author
during a long residence in the western states, or
upon traditions preserved by the people, and have
received but little artificial embellishment. They
are given to the American reader with great diffidence,
and with a disposition to submit cheerfully
to any verdict which public opinion may award.


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