University of Virginia Library

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

The design of the Legendary has been made very generally
known. There still exists, however, a degree of misunderstanding
with regard to it, which induces us to repeat,
here, that it is intended as a vehicle for detached passages
of history, romance, and vivid description of scenery and manners,
materials for which exist so abundantly in our country.
As far as can be discovered, the plan has met universal approbation.

After a series of unavoidable delays we are enabled to
offer the first volume to the public. It is hoped that it will be
found interesting. Some things have been admitted which
are not exactly relevant to the design of the work. This is
owing partly to misapprehension by contributors, and a consequent
difficulty in procuring materials of the required description;
but, more especially, to the failure of several distinguished
writers, whose delinquencies we were obliged to
supply at an advanced state of publication.

We have received but little descriptive national poetry.
This department is, consequently, almost wholly miscellaneous.
We regret it the less, however, that it gives a variety
to the work, the want of which might otherwise have been
felt.

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iv

The tale of `The Palisadoes' was, with the permission of
the author, taken from a volume now in press, and it is hoped,
that, though thus given in anticipation to the public, it will not
diminish the interest in the forthcoming series. The article
upon `Vermont' is merely introductory to some legends of
that State, which will appear in future numbers. The irregularity
of other resources must be the editor's apology for the
frequent occurrence of his own productions.

It will readily be seen that the difficulties attending the
production of the first number of a work so entirely original,
will hardly allow of its being a fair specimen. The highly
respectable support promised, and a better understanding of
our intentions will enable us to present our future numbers
with a more specific character, and, we trust, with stronger
claims upon the good opinion of the public.

We should be pleased to receive well written articles illustrating
the history, manners, and scenery of the West Indies,
South America, and the Canadas; traditions of the Western
and Southern States; and, for our poetical department, national
ballads, descriptions of scenery, traditions in verse, and
good poetry of every description. It is particularly requested
that contributions for the second volume may be sent to the publisher
within the month of June next. We wish also that all
who contribute to the work would give us liberty to attach
their names to their productions.

We render a grateful acknowledgement to our friendly
contributors, and hope for a repetition of their kind offices.

With a single wish, that the national character of the Legendary
may secure for it the candor and good feeling of its
readers, we submit the first volume to the public.