Transcriber's Notes:
1. Page scan source: Google Books
https://books.google.com/books?id=5fZLAAAAcAAJ
2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
MY DEAR SIR,
In offering you a book, which I fear is little worthy of youracceptance, and a compliment which has become valueless, I cannot helpexpressing my regret at having no other means of testifying my esteemand respect for one, who has not only always shown a most kindlyfeeling towards myself and my works, but has ever advocated the trueinterests of literature. You will, nevertheless, I am sure, receive thetribute not unwillingly, however inadequate it may be to convey mythanks for many an act of kindness, or to express a feeling of highesteem founded on no light basis.
In the volumes I send, you will find many scenes with which you arefamiliar, both in history and in nature; but one thing, perhaps, willstrike you with some surprise. We have been so much accustomed, inballad and story, to see the hero of the forest, Robin Hood, placed inthe days of Richard I., that it will seem, perhaps, somewhat bold in meto depict him as living and acting in the reign of Henry III. But Ithink, if you will turn to those old historians, with whose writingsyou are not unfamiliar, you will find that he was, as I haverepresented, an English yeoman, of a very superior mind, living in thetimes in which I have placed him, outlawed, in all probability, for hisadherence to the popular party of the day, and taking a share in theimportant struggle between the weak and tyrannical, thoughaccomplished, Henry III., and that great and extraordinary leader,Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.
In regard to the conduct of my story, I have nothing to say, but that Iwish it were better. I think, however, that it will be found to containsome striking scenes of those times; and I trust that the struggle offeelings, depicted in the third volume, may afford you matter of someinterest.
Believe me to be,
My Dear Sir,
With the highest esteem,
Your most faithful servant,
G. P. R. JAMES.
Merry England!--Oh, merry England! What a difference has there alwaysbeen between thee and every other land! Wh