To the Public.

The flattering reception that has been given, by the public, to Arthur Mervyn [Brown’s earlier novel], has prompted the writer to solicit a continuance of the same favour, and to offer to the world a new performance [another novel].

America has opened new views to the naturalist and politician, but has seldom furnished themes to the moral painter. That new springs [sources] of action [dramatic situations] and new motives to curiosity [interest] should operate,—that the field of investigation, opened to us by our own country, should differ essentially from those which exist in Europe,—may be readily conceived. The sources of amusement to the fancy and instruction to the heart, that are peculiar to ourselves [Americans], are equally numerous and inexhaustible. It is the purpose of this work to profit by some of these sources; to exhibit a series of adventures, growing out of the condition of our country, and connected with one of the most common and most wonderful diseases or affections of the human frame. [Somnambulism or Sleep-walking (as in the novel’s subtitle) was then thought to be a state of creative madness in which the sleepwalker might act out repressed aggressions.]

One merit the writer may at least claim:—that of calling forth the passions and engaging the sympathy of the reader by means hitherto unemployed by preceding authors. Puerile [childish] superstition and exploded manners, Gothic castles and chimeras [fantasies], are the materials usually employed for this end. The incidents of Indian hostility, and the perils of the Western wilderness, are far more suitable; and for a native of America to overlook these would admit of no apology. These, therefore, are, in part, the ingredients of this tale, and these he has been ambitious of depicting in vivid and faithful colours. The success of his efforts must be estimated by the liberal [open-minded] and candid reader.

C. B. B. [Charles Brockden Brown]