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INTRODUCTION.



"Say, first of God above, or man below,
"What can we reason from, but what we know?"

Pope.


LET not the fair fame of this country be tarnished with an unnoticed appeal; in particular, an appeal of such magnitude as to involve, at once, the peace, the happiness, and the welfare of every individual. The author's design is by no means to contend for power, but protection for this oppressed people; imagining that to be the firmest basis on which to establish the happiness of both sexes.

It must be allowed, however, when custom has given permanency to any practice, however evil in its tendency, it is next to impossible to effect its removal, or to succeed in any reasonable claim; therefore I contend not