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Show PREFACE. ^ T^ HE Scriptures tell us that the truth should not be ^ spoken at all times. Does this imply that a false-hood should ever be told? I think not, but simply means that silence is often profitable. In answer to the solicitation of many friends, I have concluded to write something of my personal history and experience in frontier life, especially relating to thatpor- 2 tion spent among the Indians and Mexicans. In doing o= this I shall aim to write the plain, simple truth. I have OB 22 to trust mainly to my memory, never having kept ajour- I nal. I have preserved a few letters that will aid me, but 63 the greater part of this history will be given as it comes to my mind, just as it occurred to me at the time, modi-fied or strengthened, as the case may be, by after circum-stances. One rule I shall endeavor to follow to speak the truth without malice toward anyone. This will doubtless be hard for me to carry through, but I make a record of the desire, that it may be continually before me. If the educated reader should find any mistakes in this book, please do not spend much time or money in 279973 |