INTRODUCTION

This little volume is launched upon the sea of public favor. If it should stem the tide of criticism and reach a haven, my object in the writing of it will be accomplished. Being partially blind and physically unable to labor, I have adopted this as a means by which I might gain an honest assistance, a double object presented itself:

1st. That I might give to its readers some idea of the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond as they were and as they now are.

2d. That I may from the sale of my book receive an amount that will place me beyond penury. The work will contain some interesting incidents, and in many instances will give the real names of persons now living who will be acquainted with the subject of which I write. Having said this much introductory of my book, I will now proceed with my task.

When I determined to indite the lines which compose this volume, I had, as has been stated, a double purpose in view. I thought I could not employ a portion of my leisure hours more profitably, certainly not more pleasantly, than by recounting some of the scenes, incidents and associations which carries my mind back to the days of "Auld Lang Syne." What more natural, then, than that my thoughts should revert to the friend of my early manhood—one who, by the uprightness of his character, geniality of his disposition, the chivalric impulses of his nature, deserves, as it is my greatest pleasure to accord, the dedication of this little volume; and I have said all when I mention the name of my esteemed friend Robert Riddick, Esq., of Suffolk, Va.

Suffolk, Va., January 1, 1888. The Author.

CHAPTER		PAGE
I.	DESCRIPTION AND SITUATION OF THE SWAMP—WASHINGTON THE OWNER.	[5]
II.	TO GROW UP AGAIN IN A JUNGLE.	[8]
III.	HEALTHFULNESS AT THE SWAMP.	[10]
IV.	ORIGIN OF THE LAKE DISCUSSED.	[16]
V.	THE VISIT OF TOM. MOORE, AS RELATED BY TONY.	[20]
VI.	PORTE CRAYON'S VISIT, INCIDENTS, ETC.	[22]
VII.	MANY CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE.	[30]
VIII.	THE FUTURE FOR THE DISMAL SWAMP.	[35]
IX.	SUFFOLK AND EARLY DAYS.	[45]
X.	ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY.	[50]
XI.	THE OLD BRICK CHURCH AT BENN'S—SUFFOLK'S FIRST RAILROAD, ETC.	[52]
XII.	BEAR HUNTING IN THE DISMAL SWAMP—COLONEL GODFREY'S VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON.	[56]
XIII.	THE ADVENTURES OF SMITH, JONES AND BROWN—JONES, HEARING THAT A SNAKE IS IN THE BOAT, JUMPS INTO THE CANAL.	[76]

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS