 points
exist, a little altered by civilization, but so nearly answering to the
descriptions, as to be easily recognised by all who are familiar with the
scenery of the particular region in question.
    As to the accuracy of the incidents, of this Tale, in whole or in part, it
is the intention of the author to stand on his rights, and say no more than he
deems to be necessary. In the great struggle for veracity, that is carrying on
between History and Fiction, the latter has so often the best of it, that he is
quite willing to refer the reader to his own researches, by way of settling this
particular point. Should it appear on inquiry, that any professed historian, the
public documents, or even the local traditions, contradict the statements of
this book, the writer is ready to admit that the circumstance has entirely
escaped his observation, and to confess his ignorance. On the other hand, should
it be found that the annals of America do not contain a syllable, in opposition
to what has been now laid before the world, as he firmly believes investigation
will show to be the case, he shall claim for his legend just as much authority
as it deserves.
    There is a respectable class of novel-readers - respectable for numbers,
quite as much as for every thing else - who have often been likened to the man
that sings when he reads, and reads when he sings. These persons are exceedingly
imaginative in all matters of fact, and as literal as a school boy's
translation, in every thing that relates to poetry. For the benefit of all such
persons, it is explicitly stated, that Judith Hutter is Judith Hutter, and not
Judith any one else; and, generally, that wherever a coincidence may occur in a
christian name, or in the color of hair, nothing more is meant than can properly
be inferred from a coincidence in a christian name, or in the color of hair.
Long experience has taught the writer, that this portion of his readers is much
the most difficult to please, and he would respectfully suggest, for the benefit
of both parties, that they try the experiment of reading works of the
imagination as if they were intended for matters of fact. Such a plan might
possibly enable them to believe in the possibility of fiction.
    There is another class of readers - less important certainly, in a
republican country, inasmuch as it is materially in the minority - which is
addicted to taking things as they are offered, and of understanding them as they
are meant. These persons are advised to
