Few great men have passed from the stage of action,
who have not left in the history of their lives indelible
marks of ambition or folly, which produced insurmountable
reverses, and rendered the whole a mere caricature,
that can be examined only with disgust and regret.
Such pictures, however, are profitable, for “by
others’ faults wise men correct their own.”
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 has been studiously avoided. The line
of distinction between virtue and vice has been rendered
distinctly visible; and chastity of expression and
sentiment have received due attention. Strict
fidelity has been observed in the composition:
consequently, no circumstance has been intentionally
exaggerated by the paintings of fancy, nor by fine
flashes of rhetoric: neither has the picture
been rendered more dull than the original. 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.
Having finished my undertaking, the subsequent pages
are cheerfully submitted to the perusal and approbation
or animadversion of a candid, generous and indulgent
public. At the same time it is fondly hoped that
the lessons of distress that are portrayed, may have
a direct tendency to increase our love of liberty;
to enlarge our views of the blessings that are derived
from our liberal institutions; and to excite in our
breasts sentiments of devotion and gratitude to the
great Author and finisher of our happiness.
