PREFACE.

Tins work, written from notes and documents authenticated by me, furnishes a correct account of my military services and conduct prior to and during the recent war between the States. It is offered as a guide to the future historian of that momentous period.

In developing the truth of history, and fortifying it with evi dence beyond dispute, I desire to express my appreciation of the earnest, able, and judicial manner in which the author has per formed his arduous undertaking; and I fully endorse all his statements and comments, excepting only such encomiums as he has thought proper to bestow upon me.

To General Thomas Jordan, formerly my Chief of Staff, and to Mr. W. J. Marrin, of Xew York, I am indebted for valuable assistance in the obtaining of many facts and data; also to Lieu tenant-Colonel R. X. Scott, U. S. A., in charge, at Washington, of the publication office of the War Records of 1861-C5,and to Gen eral Marcus J. Wright, agent of the War Department in the col lection of Confederate Records, for copies of important papers furnished by them.

G. T. EEAUEEGAKD.