HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS, 13 GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1864. The English Copyright of this work is the exclusive property of the Publishers. 250. S. 24. PREFACE. "WHAT is this book-this 'Peculiar,' that seems to be flashing through the United States like a new 'Uncle Tom,' by its thousands and tens of thousands?" asks a lady entering with a New York newspaper in her hand. "Peculiar' here, 'Peculiar' there, Peculiar' everywhere!" Cutting the string of a smooth, yellow American parcel, I read: "Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition!" "So it seems," I said, "Peculiar everywhere. Let us see." I sit down and read. At once I am in Secessia; sailing on steam-boats, riding through cotton plantations, listening in drawing-rooms and boardinghouses. What a crowd of people! What a host of new characters! How strangely they talk! If such a thing as a kaleidoscopical photograph were possible, here it is! Gentlemen, and men |