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Preface.
the Preface of a book is usually written after the book is finished, and is as usually left unread.
It is not as a rule, therefore, either a convenience or a necessity.
I venture, however, to use it at the outset as a vehicle for conveying the purposes of writing this book at all.
Having lived through and taken part in a war, the greatest of the many centuries, and carried on by armies rivalling in numbers the fabled hosts of
Xerxes, and having been personally conversant with almost all, if not all, the distinguished personages having charge and direction of the battles fought, and with the political management which has established the
American Republic in power, prosperity, glory, and stability unequalled by that of any nation of the earth, I have been very frequently called upon by those who are, in their relations to me, personal friends, and to whom I am endeared by life-long kindnesses, to give what knowledge I have of the course of conduct in the action of national politics and the causes which led up to so great results.
I have also had my attention called to consider whether it might not be well for me to give a somewhat connected narrative of matters of which I had personal cognizance, and of some of the more important of which I had personal conduct.
I have been asked to give memories and reminiscences of those matters which concern in part my private life which would interest them, and to set forth many facts and occurrences which would throw light upon the history of the country, especially during the momentous period 1860-1880.
The real influences by which many were governed have not, in several instances, been exhibited to the country,
Purchasers are requested to read the publishers' guarantee contained on pages 7, 8, 9, and 10.
The removal or tampering with these pages is violation of copyright law. Purchasers noticing this will kindly refuse acceptance and at once notify the publishers.
