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These recollections were written during the leisure hours of the last two or three years of my father's life, and were intended only for his family, especially his grandchildren. We have decided, however, to share our pleasure in them with those old friends who we believe will take a personal interest in his early history. It was his intention to continue his reminiscences to about the year 1860, perhaps further, but they stop abruptly where his work was interrupted by his last illness, telling only the story of his childhood and youth.
E. W. R.
