An Original Belle

An Original Belle

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Title: An Original Belle
Author: E. P. Roe
Release Date: April, 2004 [EBook #5437] [Yes, we are more than one
year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on July 18, 2002]
Edition: 10

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ORIGINAL BELLE ***

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An Original Belle
By: E. P. Roe
1900

PREFACE.

No race of men, scarcely an individual, is so devoid of intelligence as
not to recognize power. Few gifts are more courted. Power is almost as
varied as character, and the kind of power most desired or appreciated
is a good measure of character. The pre-eminence furnished by thew
and muscle is most generally recognized; but, as men reach levels
above the animal, other qualities take the lead. It is seen that the
immaterial spirit wins the greater triumphs,--that the brainless giant,
compared with the dwarf of trained intelligence, can accomplish little.
The scale runs on into the moral qualities, until at last humanity has
given its sanction to the Divine words, "Whosoever will be chief
among you, let him be your servant." The few who have successfully
grasped the lever of which Archimedes dreamed are those who have
attained the highest power to serve the world.
Among the myriad phases of power, perhaps that of a gifted and
beautiful woman is the most subtile and hard to define. It is not the
result of mere beauty, although that may be an important element; and
if wit, intelligence, learning, accomplishments, and goodness are added,
all combined cannot wholly explain the power that some women
possess. Deeper, perhaps more potent, than all else, is an individuality
which distinguishes one woman from all others, and imparts her own
peculiar fascination. Of course, such words do not apply to those who

are content to be commonplace themselves, and who are satisfied with
the ordinary homage of ordinary minds, or the conventional attention of
men who are incited to nothing better.
One of the purposes of this story is to illustrate the power of a young
girl not so beautiful or so good as many of her sisters. She was rather
commonplace at first, but circumstances led her to the endeavor to be
true to her own nature and conscience and to adopt a very simple
scheme of life. She achieved no marvellous success, nothing beyond
the ability of multitudes like herself.
I have also sought to reproduce with some color of life and reality a
critical period in our civil war. The scenes and events of the story
culminate practically in the summer of 1863. The novel was not written
for the sake of the scenes or events. They are employed merely to
illustrate character at the time and to indicate its development.
The reader in the South must be bitter and prejudiced indeed if he does
not discover that I have sought to be fair to the impulses and motives of
its people.
In touching upon the Battle of Gettysburg and other historical events, I
will briefly say that I have carefully consulted authentic sources of
information. For the graphic suggestion of certain details I am indebted
to the "History of the 124th Regt. N.Y.S.V.," by Col. Charles H.
Weygant, to the recollections of Capt. Thomas Taft and other veterans
now living.
Lieut.-Col. H. C. Hasbrouck, commandant of Cadets at West Point, has
kindly read the proof of chapters relating to the battle of Gettysburgh.
My story is also related to the New York Draft Riots of 1863, an
historical record not dwelt upon before in fiction to my knowledge. It is
almost impossible to impart an adequate impression of that reign of
terror. I have not hoped to do this, or to give