THE FINDING OF THE MANUSCRIPT.
SHOTTSVILLE, DELEFERO COUNTY, TEXAS, April 1, 1877.
Returning to my home in the evening after a hard day's work on my quarter-section farm, I saw in the twilight an object dangling in the air, and apparently fast to a young walnut sapling. I approached it and found that it was a small balloon of about three feet in diameter, made, I should think, of some kind of delicate skins of beasts or birds sewed cunningly together. Attached in the place where the car should be, I found the manuscript herewith submitted, written on some kind of parchment, which, being taken home and read, I found of such startling interest that I have, although poor, ordered the same published at my expense in hopes that some action may be taken by those whom it may concern to move further in the matter. I further depose that the accompanying manuscript is the original one found by me attached to the balloon, and that it has never been tampered with or allowed to leave my possession till this moment. It can be examined, as well as the balloon, at any time, by any responsible person, by calling upon me.
[Signed] REUBEN STANLEY.
STATE OF TEXAS, SHOTTSVILLE, DELEFERO COUNTY, S.S.
April 1, 1877.
Then personally appeared before me the said Reuben Stanley, to me well known, and made oath that the above deposition made by him is true.
[Signed] RICHARD HILLANDIER, _Justice of the Peace_.
CHART OF PERSEVERANCE ISLAND.]
PERSEVERANCE ISLAND;
OR,
THE ROBINSON CRUSOE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.