Preface.
So extraordinary are the adventures of my hero, Master Richard Cheveley,
son of the Reverend John Cheveley, vicar of the parish of S--, in the
county of D---, that it is possible some of my readers may be inclined
to consider them incredible, but that they are thoroughly probable the
following paragraph which appeared in the evening edition of the
_Standard_ early in the month of November, 1879, will, I think, amply
prove. I have no fear that any sensible boys will be inclined to follow
Dick's example; but if they will write to him at Liverpool, where he
resides, and ask his advice, as a young gentleman did mine lately, on
the subject of running away to sea, I am very sure that he will
earnestly advise them to stay at home; or, at all events, first to
consult their fathers or mothers, or guardians, or other relatives or
friends before they start, unless they desire to risk sharing the fate
of the hapless stowaway here mentioned:--
"A shocking discovery was made on board the National steamer
_England_, which arrived in New York from Liverpool on the 29th
October. In discharging the cargo in the forehold a stowaway was
found in a dying state. He had made the entire passage of thirteen
days without food or drink. He was carried to the vessel's deck,
where he died."
My young correspondent, in perfect honesty, asked me to tell him how he
could best manage to run away to sea. I advised him, as Mr Richard
Cheveley would have done, and I am happy to say that he wisely followed
my advice, for I have since frequently heard from him. When he first
wrote he was an entire stranger to me. He has had more to do with this
work than he supposes. I have the pleasure of dedicating it to him.