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Show vi PREFACE. distinguished standing, had been already brought to public view; but garbled facts, and contradictory statements, had been so extensively ci1·culated, that none knew things truly as they should be; and all, with impatience, looked for the appear( l.nce of a work, which should dispel doubt, and bring forth facts, substantially as they we1·c. This anxiety in the public mind, added to a desire to have it published in time, to render the most essential service 1•ossiblc, to the children of tl1e deceased, has caused its appea1•ance earlier than was prompted by other considerations. He, then, who shall read what is written, with a determination not to be pleased, because it is not so perfect as he l1imself could have made it, is desired to remember, that there is every imaginable difference between him, who has been accustomed to such pursuits, and, from habit, is enabled to give a happy arrangement to thought, and correctness to expression; and one who carries with him no such aid. But those who desi•·e a correct view of those masterly exertions, which constantly hu••••ied their actor to the most brilliant and uninterrupted successes ;-who ran be pleased with bcnel·olencc and generosity; and strength, and nerve, and decision of char·actor, con centered in the same breast; -with a career, which, at every step, erinced an un4 shaken determination, to move forward for the benefit and exaltation of his country, at all hazards, and at every risk, will find IIIIlCh to admire. 'l'hey will sec the man, of whom they have already heard much, fearlessly encountering danger, and erecting himself in opposition to every design, that came in collision with the duty he owed to the station he occupied; and who, in moments of extreme difficulty, did not shrink from responsibility; but, bringing to his aid the slender resources within his reach, protected and saved an allimportant ami valuablepol'lion of his count.·y, at a time, wheq .PREFACE. vii her warmest votaries regarded the cause, in that quarter, as hopeless. Whether the work shall be flatteringly received, or shall "drop still-bol'll from the press," although of some concern to the author, is an event on which his JlCace and tranquillity of mind does not depend. A recollection, that the good Ollinion of the wol'ld is dCJlendent on a thousand accidental circumstances,- is often "obtained without merit, antl lost without crime," affords considerations, that neither hope nor fear can disturb. But that it shall be so far charitably received and patl'onizcd, as to afford advantages to the infant chil<h·en of a f•·iend, is desired. Their father is no more! but, as_ his t·epresentatives, they have claims of no common kind, on the liberality of the Jlublic. A character unstained by dishonour, and without l'C}H'Oach; a firmness unshaken, and a devotion to his cmmt1·y, arc the inheritance he has left them. He was no inactive spectator of the tr·ying scenes that a1·e Jlast. When danger threatened, he was foremost to meet it. Throughout the Jlrosecution of the southern war, in the capacity of aid to the commanding genera], he was active and valiant. Nor can any stronger evidence be furnished of his capacity, unquestion<'d mm·it, and distinguished services •·emlercd, than that dul'ing the whole pel'iod, he carried with him the entil'c confidence and friendship of his general. Of the proposals that were issued for it~ lJUhlication, few have been returned: an apprehension that the w01·k would die with the author, occasioned them to be ncglccte<l and lost: it has therefore been put to press without the aid of that patronage, which had at first been extended, resting for future success on the considm·aticms suggested, ~nd the mel'it it may he founll t~ contain. |