ADVERTISEMENT.
Reading edition
In committing the following sheets to the press, I have acted in compliance with the partial wishes of a few friends. I am aware that my story has many imperfections; but it being a first essay, and having been written solely for my own amusement, during a winter season, I trust, will plead with a liberal public, to soften the severity of criticism: and if, whilst I furnish a few hours entertainment to my readers, I may hope to have implanted a generous sentiment—or to have checked the tendency to a vicious one—I shall esteem myself happy, and feel my labours amply rewarded.
THE AUTHOR.
Feb. 1, 1807.