TO THE PUBLIC.
The flattering reception that has been
given, by the public, to Arthur Mervyn, has prompted the
writer to solicit a continuance of the same favor, and to
offer to the world a new performance.
America has opened new views to the naturalist and politician,
but has seldom furnished themes to the moral painter.
That new springs of action, and new motives to curiosity
should operate; that the field of investigation, opened to
us by our own country, should differ essentially from those
which exist in Europe, may be readily conceived. The
sources of amusement to the fancy and instruction to the
heart, that are peculiar to ourselves, are equally numerous
and inexhaustible. It is the purpose of this work to profit
by some of these sources; to exhibit a series of adventures,
growing out of the condition of our country, and connected
with one of the most common and most wonderful diseases
or affections of the human frame.
One merit the writer may at least claim; that of calling
forth the passions and engaging the sympathy of the reader,
by means hitherto unemployed by preceding authors. Puerile
superstition and exploded manners; Gothic castles and
chimeras, are the materials usually employed for this end.
The incidents of Indian hostility, and the perils of the
western wilderness, are far more suitable; and, for a native
of America to overlook these, would admit of no apology.
These, therefore, are, in part, the ingredients of this tale,
and these he has been ambitious of depicting in vivid and
faithful colors. The success of his efforts must be estimated
by the liberal and candid reader.
