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Online Texts for Craig White's Literature Courses
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selections from NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF MRS. MARY JEMISON
Selections from Preface |
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. . . The following is a piece of
biography, that shows what changes may be effected in the animal and mental
constitution of man; what trials may be surmounted; what cruelties perpetrated,
and what pain endured, when stern necessity holds the reins, and drives the car
of fate.
As books of this kind are sought and read with avidity, especially by children,
and are well calculated to excite their attention, inform their understanding,
and improve them in the art of reading, the greatest care has been observed to
render the style easy, the language comprehensive, and the description natural.
Prolixity
[wordiness]
has been studiously avoided. The line of distinction between virtue and vice has
been rendered distinctly visible . . . . Without the aid of fiction, what was
received as matter of fact, only has been recorded.
It will be observed that the subject of this narrative has arrived at least to
the advanced age of eighty years; that she is destitute of education; and that
her journey of life, throughout its texture, has been interwoven with troubles,
which ordinarily are calculated to impair the faculties of the mind; and it will
be remembered, that there are but few old people who can recollect with
precision the circumstances of their lives, (particularly those circumstances
which transpired after middle age.) If, therefore, any error shall be discovered
in the narration in respect to time, it will be overlooked by the kind reader,
or charitably placed to the narrator's account, and not imputed to neglect, or
to the want of attention in the compiler.
The appendix is principally taken from the words of Mrs. Jemison's statements.
Those parts which were not derived from her, are deserving equal credit, having
been obtained from authentic sources.
For the accommodation of the reader, the work has been divided into chapters,
and a copious table of contents affixed. The introduction will facilitate the
understanding of what follows; and as it contains matter that could not be
inserted with propriety in any other place, will be read with interest and
satisfaction. . . .
THE AUTHOR.
[i.e., James E. Seaver]
Pembroke, March 1, 1824.
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