PREFACE. The author of the Reminiscences contained in this volume has little to say in regard to them by way of proem. They were written to amuse a few hours of the summer and autumn of the present year, and appeared almost daily in the columns of the WASHINGTON CHRONICLE precisely as they were originally thrown off from his pen. Though very sensible of their deficiencies in point of literary finish, he has not judged it expedient to modify them in any essential particular; and he will, indeed, be highly gratified if they shall now be read by those into whose hands they may chance to fall with as much interest as they seemed originally to awaken. He has no apology to make for certain rather unkind strictures indulged in regard to several individuals upon whose character and conduct he has undertaken to remark. He has chosen to speak the unvar nished truth, both as to men and things; and he is quite well satisfied that, sooner or later, all considerate and impartial men will come to the conclusion that in doing so he is not justly subject to censure. Should there be those who shall choose to join issue with him as to facts herein narrated they will now have it in their power to do so under circumstances altogether convenient to them. |