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COPYRIGHT, 1887,

BY GEORGE S. BOUTWELL.

E176

B7

INTRODUCTION.

THE preparation of these sketches is due to the circumstance that it is my fortune to have had the acquaintance of the persons to whom the sketches relate. These pages may show the marks of friendship rather than the skill of the biographer or the research of the historian. I have written in obedience to the rule or maxim that we value a man by the measure of his strength at the place where he is strongest. Human errors and weaknesses, from which none of us are exempt, can not be set off properly against great thoughts expressed or great acts performed. Errors and weaknesses mar the man, but they can not qualify the greatness achieved.

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