It was the least of my intention, nor had I a distant thought, of ever undertaking a "reminescence" of my life, and "committing" it to paper; although, my "yongest" daughter had intimated a desire to know something of my history, and my son Robert had desired to know something of my "ancesters", yet, I had no thought of undertaking so unprofitable, uninteresting and such an entire failure! it looked better to bury my life in oblivion!!

Since I came to Portland, I find my work is finished! One day my thoughts reverted to my first family of children, and I knew that they had but very little knowledge of my life; and might at least, expect some "rememberance" from a father who had been in the land of gold so long! I concluded to write a synopsis of my life struggles, to let them see why I have made a failure, so complete!

After I finished this abridged acct of my life, and it being "considerd" a tolerable fair production by good judges, I came to the decision that I would undertake a more extensive reminiscence of my life for the benefit (or to show my ignorance) of my youngest children! Although I dedicate the following to my "yongest" daughter Gertrude, yet it is written for all my dear children, and as it is not intended for publication, and it would be too much for your old father to write out one for each, you if you approve of it, make it a circulating medium.

I have striven in the following pages to give a true and faithful reminiscence of my life from childhood up to the present; and as far back as anything I gathered from my Parents with regard to my great grandfather, long before the revolutionary war.

I know the readers of this manuscript will make due allowances for my imperfections, as before said it is only written for my dear children not for publication! Much may seem childish, but I'm sure my dear ones, wont look at it with a "criticks" Eye! I have had strong doubts whether I ought to have recorded some things in this work, but as I have set out to give a faithful and true history of my life, I have decided that my religious views is a part, of my life, that my history would not be complete without, but I have no desire, indeed, it would be almost heart rending, to think, that I had influenced any one of my dear ones, in the least!

No! my dear children!

It is a happy thought and will make a dying bed easy, to believe that you have led a Christian life, and fully in the faith, yes! faith, hope and charity! I know I'm far from being good, but I put my trust in God, the Creator, and I leave my fate in his hands! His will be done!!