A WORD TO THE READER

In putting forth the following pages, in continuation of his Reminiscences, the Author regrets that he has to speak so much of himself; but, circumstanced as he is, he has no alternative. There are some incidents in real life more romantic than romance itself; and this remark will be found to apply to many of the narratives which follow. He has no scruples on this head, however, in laying them before the public, being conscious of no deviation from the truth. He is merely anxious to excuse himself for that awkward- ness which always, more or less, attends a narrative of personal anecdotes and adventures, although they may be of a kind highly interesting to the public