PREFACE. A desire to present a fair and impartial history of the public career of one of the greatest of American Statesmen, has prompted the compilation of the following pages. However great may be the difference of opinion, politically regarded, between the reader and the distinguished subject of the work, the former cannot but feel a just and honorable pride, in the successful career, the commanding position, and the statesmanship of his countryman. Whether he be viewed at the bar, on the battle field, as civil governor, in the cabinet, at the foreign court, or in the senate, he stands forth a noble monument of the rewards of industry, integrity and patriotism,-a cheering example to the young men of the Union, to strive to follow in his path. The writer prefers no claim to originality in the production of this work. The history of Lewis Cass is to be found in the public records of the country; the effect of his services, in her progressive prosperity at home, and in her unstained reputation abroad. To collect the scattered history of his many and valuable services, has been the object most in view. The appearance of this book, at this time of political excitement, when we are just on the eve of a Presidential election, may be considered as stamping the work with a partisan character; but such is not its tenor, or the purpose of its publication. |