PREFACE. N writing this little book, it has been the aim of the IN author to tell the story of the late civil war so simply, that it might interest a class of youthful readers not hitherto reached. For this reason, and in order to present a clearer picture of the events narrated, it has been found necessary to describe many battles in definite outline merely, omitting thus, with however much regret, the mention of many names which would have adorned the page on which they were written. All the statements, however, which have been here made, have been carefully and even repeatedly verified; and in consulting authorities the accounts given by the earlier have been compared with those given by the more recent writers on their stirring theme. The author has great pleasure in acknowledging here her obligations to the several friends whose kindness has greatly aided her in her self-imposed task,a task the greater in the responsibility it involves, for that, even after the lapse of twenty years, there are yet living so many personal witnesses who bear with an honorable pride the scars of the conflict in which they shared. While it is not possible in these brief lines to mention the names of all whose memories of the war have thus rendered her aid, the author desires to acknowledge in particular her obligations to Lieutenant-General Philip H. Sheridan, who with great kindness placed at her disposal several private papers relating to his personal services in the war. To General William T. Sherman and to Major-General O.O. Howard also, she is indebted for transcribing incidents for her use in this connection. The Honorable John A. Logan generously placed important documents at her disposal; and General William E. Strong, with the same kind purpose in view, gave her permission to make extracts from a superb manuscript volume written by himself for the sake of his son, containing the rich harvest of his army experiences. Mr. Horatio L. Wait, in many ways which it is scarcely possible to recount, both aided and encouraged her in her work. Special mention should also be made of the permission, freely accorded her, to make use of Mr. L. C. Earle's faithful and spirited portrait of General Sheridan at the battle of Five Forks, an accurate copy of which the liberality of her publishers has enabled her to present to her readers. To Mr. William F. Poole, of the Chicago Public Library, it is pleasant to extend special thanks for the unfailing courtesy with which he granted the requests made for favors in the use of valuable historical records. C. E. C. |