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Show TO TI-lE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE U. S. M. P. S. -·- l 'ELI:OW SOLDIJW.S AND ri'1'1ZENS, IN presuming to claim your protection and patronage for the following production, I feel less diffidence, knowing, that the very institution of the society will plead in my favor, it being avowedly formed for the promotion 0f military knowledge. The work is Inercly a volume of details, and if it should be found that in the relation, I have delivered Inysclf with perspicuity and exactitude, it is the highest xnccd of praise that I claim. When I touched on abstract subjects, or presumed to hypothesize, I have merely suggested doubts without conclusions, which, if deemed worthy, may hereafter be analyzed by xnen of genius and science. It being a work which has arisen from the events of youthful military exertions, the author, perhaps, has tho most just and well founded ground for a hope that it may receive the solicited approbation of your honorable institution. I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect and high 'onsideration, Your obedient servant, Z. M. PlKE, Major, 6th Regt. infantry., l\1. lJ. S. M.P. Societ\. |