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PREFACE.
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will not admit of such a waste of human life. There might possibly have been one or two hangings, to the manifest advantage of the "settlement," but then it would have been out of "keeping" with the humane laws of this compassionate country.
The "Pioneers" is now before the world, Mr. Wiley, and I shall look to you for the only true account of its reception. The critics may write as obscurely as they please, and look much wiser than they are; the papers may puff or abuse, as their changeful humours dictate; but if you meet me with a smiling face, I shall at once know that all is essentially well.
If you should ever have occasion for a preface, I beg you will let me hear from you in reply.
Yours, truly,
THE AUTHOR.
New-York, January 1st, 1823.
