The principle upon which I started, though not rigidly adhered to, was to bring the results of my personal observa tions up to a period when contemporary events would probably be more familiar to a younger generation than to myself. After the death of my dear wife we found a package containing the letters of our courting days. Thinking that they would be valued by our children and immediate relations, I printed a few copies for private distribution. The letters being accompanied by some explanatory and other notes, of which I have availed myself in preparing the present volume.