CHRONICLES 

PREFACE 

Common Usage is Law, and Usage says, that he who writes a book must write a Preface. 

The book which is here presented to the reader, gives an epitome or outline of the Great Rebellion.  To enter into detail, would make the work quite voluminous; and it was considered, that at a time like the present, when momentous events are almost daily occurring, the great public cannot detain to listen to a minute detail of incidents. 

At first, the author did not design to give the labors of his pen to the public.  He was amid the stirring scenes of the Rebellion, and though a civilian and an old man, often has he, within the last two years, heard the roar of artillery, and witnessed the evolutions of soldiers going fort to battle.  He commenced the “Chronicles” with no other motive than to beguile the hours of leisure, that, with the loss of business incident to the war, lay heavily upon him.  A few friends saw some of the chapters, and express much pleasure at their perusal.  He was afterwards induced to allow their publication in a Memphis daily paper, and it was soon apparent, that the style was pleasing to the masses, for it was impossible to supply the demand for the numbers of the paper containing these chapters.  Influenced by the anxiety of the populace as thus manifested, the author has revised the “Chronicles,” and added many chapters, and now in the form here presented gives them to the public. 

“Why have they been written in Scripture style?” inquires some honest and inquisitive reader.  I answer, Because the style is quaint, unusual, and from its novelty, calculated to make a lasting impression of the mind. 

But perhaps, it is suggested, that the style is that of the Holy Scriptures, and they its use at the present day, is sacrilegious.  In answer, I will say, that the style was anciently not confined to the Holy Scriptures, but generally adopted in profane as well as sacred writings, and it is yet used in law forms and documents, and no one, I presume, would venture to say that the language in a deed or mortgage, although of the ancient or solemn style, is sacrilegious.  The author venerates the Holy Bible, and takes it as the man of his council, and the guide of his life, and no one would be more averse to sacrilege than himself. 

If it would be sacrilegious to use the form of speech that Moses, and the prophets, and the apostles used, it would be equally sacrilegious to wear sandals or turbans because they wore them. 

In conclusion, the author would express the hope, that this cruel war of brothers—this war against the government of our fathers and the old flag that waved over us in the past, may soon be succeeded by a lasting peace, and that the wonted prosperity and happiness may ere long be fully restored. 

                                                ALLEN M. SCOTT 

Memphis, Tenn., October, 1863.

CONTENTS.

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