As the author desired to act upon the suggestion he has mentioned, especially after it was given an official shape by the action of Con gress and the proclamations of the Governor and President, and as he was unwilling to confine himself to the meagre limits proposed by them, he has reconciled his own ideas as nearly as possible with theirs, and has produced this volume, which he hopes will reach a larger public than could any history prepared and delivered in strict accordance with the plan contemplated by the resolution.