Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Writing verses I had no thought of putting out a book. The thoughts came to me in quiet hours, and I put them down in rhyme, partly for pastime, and partly to please my own fancy. The importunities of some of my intimate friends are responsible for their publication. The work makes no pretensions to literary merit.' It is merely a collection of reminisences, anticipations, and my own ideals of personal character. The sentiments expressed are from my experiences and observations. If its perusal affords consolation, or lightens the burdens of sorrow, or inspires any one with higher aspirations or loftier purposes, 1 shall.