Scan of dedication.Text of Dedication:
"This volume is dedicated to Lutie as a slight memorial of a father's affection for an only daughter."
INTRODUCTION."We desire to say to you, before you read this work, that it is not all original, for a great part has been compiled from the best histories of Mexico, and also from the diary of my grandfather, who traveled over a large part of the territory which my hero travels. You will find that we have interwoven with these historical facts, fiction enough to give it the form of a story; thinking that by so doing, it will be more interesting. And believing that personal experience is always more attractive when related by the principal actor. we have assumed in this work, that he is giving a history of his own life.
"But while you notice the acts of our hero, we wish you to look into the conditions of that country, one of the brightest portions of the American continent, rich in minerals, vegetation and natural resources; but a pauper in everything that makes a nation. then see if you cannot find a parallel in the condition of every country where tyranny has ruled.
"However this may be, if we can entertain, instruct, and make you better by what we have here written, we will have done all that we have attempted. J.E.B."
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