RICHARD HURDIS: TALE OF ALABAMA. BY W. GILMORE SIMMS, AUTHOR OF THE YEMASSEE," "THE PARTISAN," "MELLICHAMPE-' 66 99.66 6 Sept. 44 g m Brown. 813 Si 4r 1889 ADVERTISEMENT. It might be of some use to such of our young authors as are just about to begin their career in letters, were I to state the reasons which governed me, some eighteen years ago, in giving this story, with several others of the same family to the public, anonymously. But I am not prepared, just yet, to enter the confessional. The matter is of a sort to keep. I treasure up much curious literary history, the fruit of a protracted experience, in reserve for a day and volume of greater leisure and deliberation. Enough now to say that I had my interest―ay, and my fun too—in the mystery with which the publication of the work was originally clothed; and, if I had one counsel, over all, to impart to the young beginner, it should be to cling to the anonymous in literature as long as it will afford him a decent cover. Were I now for the first time, beginning my own career, with the possession of the smallest part of my present experience, my left hand should never know what my right is doing. I should not only keep the public in ignorance of my peculiar labors, but I should, quite as religiously, keep the secret from my friends and associates. This is especially necessary, if you would be safe; if you have anything like fair play; if you would escape from a thousand impertinences; if you |