I have sometimes been in doubt whether a preface was necessary to thiswork; but have decided to write one, for the reason that in a preface theauthor is permitted to give the reader a “peep behind the scenes,” as he isnot permitted to do in the body of the book. Since the commencement of thepublication of this story, in a serial form, a few very good people have beenso kind as to tell me, that it is “too late in the day” to write upon the subjectof Rebel Prisons. My answer is: it is never too late to tell the story ofwhat patriotic men suffered in the defence of Constitutional liberty, and ofthe Union of States, which union was cemented by the blood of our Revolutionarysires. It is never too late to tell the story of,—
It is never too late to tell the truth, although the truth may be sharperthan a two-edged sword. It is never too late to inspire our young men tolove, and venerate, and defend, the Flag of their Country; to tell them howtheir fathers suffered in support of a PRINCIPLE. No, it is not too late to tellthis story, and I have no apologies to offer any man, living or dead, for tellingit. But, while I have no apologies to offer, I deem an explanation inorder.
Since I commenced writing this Story I have felt the want of a liberaleducation as I never felt it before. For, to tell the exact truth, I never enjoyedthe advantages of any school of higher grade than the common districtschool of thirty years ago. Therefore, kind reader,—you who have enjoyedthe advantages of better schools, and a more liberal education,—when youfind a mistake in this book, one which can not be laid at the door of theprinter, kindly, and for “Sweet Charity’s Sake,” overlook it; for I assure youI would be thus kind to you und