INTRODUCTION. « 



feeling and happy humor, however veiled in the medium of convey 

 wice, to recommend the work of this illiterate man. 



Sincerely your friend, 



F. P. Blaie. 



During a more recent visit to the mountains, I met with 

 ray friend Judge Thomas Perry, of the Fourth Judicial 

 District of this State — a gentleman not more widely 

 known than he is universally esteemed and respected. 

 Long personally acquainted with the author, aud familiar 

 with the recital of many of the startling scenes narrated by 

 him, the judge promptly and most cheerfully offered to 

 reply in writing to any queries I might propound to him 

 — he being then engaged on the Bench. I am well aware 

 that no letter or certificate will add to the fair fame of the 

 author where he is known ; but it is inserted as the free- 

 will offering of the writer, and with the kindest motives for 

 the benefit of an old and valued friend. 



CuMBERLAiTD, Md., March 7, 1859. 

 Dear Sir : 



Your note of this day has been received, and I with pleasure 

 reply to your inquiries. I have been acquainted with Meshach 

 Browning from my infancy, and I have never known of anything to 

 impair his character. 



I have the greatest confidence in his veracity, and you can rely 

 upon any statement he has made, or may make. In this community, 

 where he is well known, no one doubts the truth of the many inter- 

 esting incidents narrated by him. 



Respectfully yours, 



Thomas Perbt. 

 To Edward Stabler, Esq. 



This letter, comprehensive and complete within itself, is 

 all that appears necessary to perfect the "Introduction." 



