A HISTORY OF THE GREAT NARRATICON EXPLORING EXPEDITION OF 1866.
BYCAPT. COOK
ACCOMPANIED BY A MAGNIFICENT MAP, An Extended and Exhaustive INDEX, A CAREFULLY PREPARED AND VALUABLE APPENDIX, AND ILLUSTRATED WITH TWENTY-FIVE CHOICE ENGRAVINGS.
SWEDESBORO' N. J. Published by the Expedition.
1867.Entered according to Act of Congress, A. D, 1867, by THE PUBLISHERS, In the Department of Extended Surveys of the Great Narraticon Exploring Expedition.
PREFACE.
The publishers of the following work feel assured that its great scientific importance will excuse the lack of an extended introduction.
The Great Narraticon Exploring Expedition was an undertaking of such magnitude, that the public cannot fail to be impressed with a deep sense of its immense value. It was subject to the reverses that attend all vast enterprises; but, these once surmounted, a brilliant success crowned its efforts. That any one should doubt the veracity of its details, or smile at the toils and misfortunes of the lavigators, is painful, no less than incredible.
Attention is called to the copious and valuable index which has been laboriously prepared
The engravings are believed to be executed in the highest style of art. No expense was spared in their production.
An apology is, perhaps, necessary for the typographical execution of the work. Impressed with the necessity of encouraging home manufactures, native, rather than foreign talent, was engaged. The result is not what we were led to expect, and we crave pardon for the errors that exist.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CORRESPONDENCE.
Swedesboro' Jan. 20th 1807 CAPT. COOK,SIR:—
An intense wish to perpetuate a chronicle of perhaps the most important achievement of the age,—the Great Narraticon Exploring Expedition, impels us to beg of you the performance of a service that would forever make the world your debtor. No other pen is worthy this; no other man could have sustained the toils, the perils, the adversities; no other mind could have surmounted the difficulties that beset the Narraticon Explorers. We feel, therefore, a deep sense of what we already owe to you as the projector of the noble work, in thus earnestly requesting you to write a History of the Expedition.
[Signed] L. S. Allen, Capt. &c.
Lieut. M. T. Puddles.
And Twenty-seven Others.
RESPECTED SIRS:—
It is, indeed, with emotions to which this bosom has seldom been subjected, that I scan your highly flattering and intelligent note. I feel myself unfit for the great duty which you wish me to undertake; and were it not that I am animated with the desire to leave to a perhaps ungrateful posterity, an account of the privations, sufferings and perseverance of the brave men who explored the Narraticon, I would indeed decline. But, influenced by such feelings, it seems my duty; and, however humbly I may perform the task, I hope it may, in part, accomplish the purpose I desire.
To L. S. Allen, whose guidance, wisdom and energy carried the Expedition through so many difficulties, despite obstacles that never before confronted human skill; To Lieut. Puddles, A. Spooney and the gallant command who so heroically followed the great Allen, these pages are inscribed.
THE AUTHOR.
Witherspoon Terrace, March 2nd, '67.