PREFACE
The formality of a preface to this little book might have been very well
omitted, if it were not to gratify the curiosity of some inquisitive people,
who, I foresee, will be apt to make objections against the reality of the
narrative.
Indeed the public has too often been imposed upon by fictitious stories,
and some of a very late date, so that I think myself obliged by the usual
respect which is paid to candid and impartial readers, to acquaint them, by
way of introduction, with what they are to expect, and what they may
depend upon, and yet with this caution too, that it is an indication of ill
nature or ill manners, if not both, to pry into a secret that is industriously
concealed.
However, that there may be nothing wanting on my part, I do hereby
assure the reader, that the papers from whence the following sheets were
extracted, are now in town, in the custody of a person of unquestionable
reputation, who, I will be bold to say, will not only be ready, but proud, to
produce them upon a good occasion, and that I think is as much
satisfaction as the nature of this case requires.