Though some of the personages, and a portion of the incidents
of the following tale, are either historical or traditionary,
it makes no pretensions to the dignity of a historical romance.
The design was, to convey to the mind of the reader some
idea of the spirit, the sufferings, and the sacrifices of a class
of people who are seldom, if ever, individualized in history,
yet who always bear the brunt of war and invasion. The hero
of the piece once actually existed, and exhibited in his youth
many of the qualities here ascribed to him. Some of the adventures
detailed were well remembered by the old people of
the neighborhood; few, if any, of whom are now living.
Others took place in different parts of the country, at various
times; and the whole may suffice to give at least a faint picture
of the price paid by our fathers and mothers for the freedom
we enjoy. The value of the blessing may in some measure
be estimated by the sacrifices by which it was obtained.
The tale was substantially written several years ago; and the
author, after keeping it more than the period prescribed by
Horace, has now given it a last revision.
