Ida May : a story of things actual and possible

Preface

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This story, which embodies ideas and impressions ^ received by the writer during a residence in the South, is given to the public, in the belief that it will be recog- 1 nized and accepted as a true picture of that phase of social life which it represents.

In the various combinations of society existing in tl e 0 slave States, there may be brighter, and there certainly • are darker scenes, than any here depicted; but I have preferred to take the medium tones most commonly met W’ith, and have earnestly endeavored to

“ nothing exaggerate.

Nor set down aught in malice.”

I have not written in vain, if the thoughts suggested , j by the perusal of this book shall arouse in any heart a more intense love of freedom, or bring from any bp a e more firm protest against the extension of that system which, abke for master and servant, poisons the springs

IV

PREFACE.

of life, subverts the noblest instincts of humanity, and, even in the most favorable circumstances, entails an amount of moral and physical injury to which no lan¬ guage can do justice M. L.

IDA MAY.