NOTE TO THE PREFACE.
After what has been stated in the Preface, it will scarce be necessary to say that the _names_ and some of the _places_ mentioned in this book are fict.i.tious. Some of the scenes, and many of the characters that figure in these pages, are _real_, and there are those living who will recognise them.
The book is "founded" upon an actual experience. It was written many years ago, and would have been then published, but for the interference of a well-known work, which treated of similar scenes and subjects.
That work appeared just as the "Quadroon" was about to be put to press; and the author of the the latter, not willing to risk the chances of being considered an imitator had determined on keeping the "Quadroon"
from the public.
Circ.u.mstances have ruled it otherwise; and having re-written some parts of the work, he now presents it to the reader as a painting--somewhat coa.r.s.e and crude, perhaps--of life in Louisiana.
The author disclaims all "intention." The book has been written neither to aid the Abolitionist nor glorify the planter. The author does not believe that by such means he could benefit the slave, else he would not fear to avow it. On the other hand, he is too true a Republican, to be the instrument that would add one drop to the "bad blood" which, unfortunately for the cause of human freedom, has already arisen between "North" and "South." No; he will be the last man to aid European despots in this, their dearest wish and desperate hope.
_London, July_, 1856.