She says:--"There are points in the book of which I think very highly. The style is simple and unambitious--the characters, most of them faithfully drawn from real life, are quite fresh, and the incident, which is also much of it fact, is often deeply interesting. "I shall do what I can with the preface. I would not do as much unless I thought the book of worth _in itself_. It shows what I long have wanted to show; what the _free people of colour do attain_, and what they can do in spite of all social obstacles." I hope and trust that Mr. Webb's book will meet with all the success to which its own merit, and the great interest of the subject, so well entitle it. On this, Mrs. Stowe's authority is naturally of the greatest weight; and I can only lament that this prefatory notice does not come accompanied with her further remarks and illustrations. 4, Grafton-street, _July_ 29, 1857. * * * * * Note.--Since the above was written, the preface by Mrs. Stowe has been received. It was deemed best, however, to still retain the introduction so kindly given by Lord Brougham, whose deep interest in the freedom and welfare of the African race none feel more grateful for than does the author of the following pages. CONTENTS 1.--In which the Reader is introduced to a Family of Peculiar Construction 2.--A Glance at the Ellis Family 3.--Charlie's Trials 4.--In which Mr. Winston finds an Old Friend 5.--The Garies decide on a Change 6.--Pleasant News 7.--Mrs. Thomas has her Troubles 8.--Trouble in the Ellis Family 9.--Breaking up 10.--Another Parting 11.--The New Home 12.--Mr. Garie's Neighbour 13.--Hopes consummated 14.--Charlie at Warmouth 15.--Mrs. Stevens gains a Triumph 16.--Mr. Stevens makes a Discovery 17.--Plotting 18.--Mr. Stevens falls into Bad Hands 19.--The Alarm 20.--The Attack 21.--More Horrors 22.--An Anxious Day 23.--The Lost One Found 24.--Charlie distinguishes himself 25.--The Heir 26.--Home again 27.--Sudbury 28.--Charlie seeks Employment 29.--Clouds and Sunshine 30.--Many Years after 31.--The Thorn rankles 32.--Dear Old Ess again 33.--The Fatal Discovery 34.--"Murder will out" 35.--The Wedding 36.--And the Last CHAPTER I. In which the Reader is introduced to a Family of peculiar Construction.