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In: United States·Short Stories·American Literature
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #23155.
Western Characters; or, Types of Border Life in the Western States is a mid‑nineteenth‑century sketchbook that sets out to portray the archetypal figures of frontier society. The title page and prefatory note make clear that author J. L. McConnel intends to render “idealized” types rather than real individuals, arranging them chronologically by social stage rather than strict history. The work opens with an expansive meditation on the Mississippi River, using its vast, turbulent flow as a metaphor for the development of American character. From that grand introduction the book proceeds to a series of numbered sections, The Indian, The Voyageur, The Pioneer, and so on, each promising a portrait of a representative figure drawn from the life of the western states.
The prose is decidedly Victorian, marked by elaborate sentences, rich natural imagery, and a didactic tone that reflects the 1853 publication date. McConnel’s voice is scholarly yet imaginative, blending observation with philosophical reflection. Readers who enjoy detailed cultural studies, period‑specific social commentary, or the ornate style of ante‑bellum travel literature will find this collection rewarding, while those preferring brisk narrative or modern language may find it demanding.
The opening · free to read
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Southern District of New York.
STEREOTYPED BY C. C. SAVAGE, 13 Chambers Street, N. Y.
PREFATORY NOTE.
Attempts to delineate local character are always liable to misconstruction; for, the more truthful the sketch, the greater is the number of persons, to whom resemblance may be discovered; and thus, while in fact only describing the characteristics of a class, authors are frequently subjected, very unjustly, to the imputation of having invaded the privacy of individuals. Particularly is this so, when the class is idealized, and an imaginary type is taken, as the representative of the species.
I deem it proper, therefore, to say in advance, that no attempt has been made in the following pages, to portray any individual; and that--although I hope I have not been so unsuccessful, as to paint pictures which have no originals--if there be a portrait in any sketch, it consists, not in the likeness of the picture to the person, but of both to the type.
As originally projected, the book would have borne this explanation upon its face; but the circumstances which have reduced its dimensions, and changed its plan, have also rendered necessary a disclaimer, which would, otherwise, have been superfluous.
One or two of the sketches might have been made more complete had I been fortunate enough to meet with certain late publications, in time to use them. Such is the elaborate work of Mr. Schoolcraft upon Indian History and Character; and such, also, is that of Mr. Shea, upon the voyages and labors of Marquette--a book whose careful accuracy, clear style, and lucid statement, might have been of much service in writing the sketch entitled "_The Voyageur_." Unfortunately, however, I saw neither of these admirable publications, until my work had assumed its present shape--a fact which I regret as much for my reader's sake as my own.
J. L. McC. July 15, 1853.
CONTENTS.
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