TO THE READER.
In this little tale the writer has attempted to sketch
in outline, some of the personages, and modes of life and
thought in Virginia, at the commencement of the present
century. The chief character, who gives his name to the
book, and around whom the other actors group themselves,
had like many of the rest a real existence, and is
drawn with as near an approach to life in personal and
characteristic traits, as the writer found it possible.
One who knew him well, testifies to the accuracy of the
delineation in all its material points.
It is only necessary to add, that the story is sunny
rather than gloomy—comedy rather than tragedy;—
dealing rather with peculiarities and humors, than with
those profound passions of the soul which excite so terrible
an interest in the reader. If the book be found
entertaining, and (above all else) the spirit of it pure,
the writer will be more than satisfied.
