individual contributions, letters, etc., to examine, sift and make use of, in order to attain accuracy as to facts and details, and sound views in regard to the causes, immediate and proximate, which led to secession and attempted revolution; yet, after all, I am confident in the trust that the narrative of this deeply important portion of our country's history will be found to be both I accurate, candid and reliable in every respect. I venture also to express the conviction, that the story of the great struggle through which we have been passing, in its origin, progress and results will bring out into clear light the I foundation principles on which our national greatness is built, and on which | our perpetuity as a people—if it please God—must ever rest in all time to come.
In respect to the general appearance and execution of the work, the volumes will speak for themselves. The enterprising publishers, I may say in their behalf, have zealously labored to secure the best service possible, and to present to the American public a work which, they believe, is unequalled in the spirit and beauty of its illustrations, and the elegance of its typography.
With these brief introductory remarks and statements, the present History of the United States is submitted to the consideration of our countrymen; in the hope that its merits—as they are—may give it favor in the eyes of all good and true men, and all honest lovers of our highly favored land.
J. A. SPENCER.
The years immediately succeeding the close of the Civil War and ending with the national Centennial, constitute a very important period in our history—a period of social changes and national development more conspicuous than any which has preceded it in our experience as a nation. In giving an outline history of that period, I have endeavored to conform to the general plan and spirit of Dr. Spencer's labors, so that the work may present an unity in design and equal truthfulness and fairness in its execution.
