When we come to know the real facts, we see that the Auto biography does not so much misstate as understate we, who can read between the lines, perceive that it errs more from want of sharpness of relief and precision of detail than from positive misrepresentation. Controlled by contemporary evi dence, it furnishes one great source for the story of the early years; and I greatly regret there is not more contemporary evidence to furnish more details.