The peaceful era through which the State has passed leaves scant material for the annalist. It is with the glowing incidents of war and turbulence that the' stately structure of history is reared. From what has transpired of such events the author has sifted the facts of most general interest. And the more striking features of the civil administration have also been winnowed from the mass with some care.

No book about Alabama would be tolerated which failed to note her wondrous natural advantages, and this has been done herein so far as general statements will convey ideas.

To swell out the volume with matter of interest, much memoranda is adduced relating to the public men of the State. Analysis, or delineation of character and talents, is not attempted, but the current and popular estimate of these persons is appended. There has been no invidious selection of individuals for remembrance in this way, but all have been included of any considerable prominence in the State, at any time, in any vocation. Notoriety being the guide ha the case, the more eminent personages could not be ignored even if such a desire had existed. Of many of these, only a meagre record could be obtained ; of others, very full sketches are at hand; but justice required that a procrustean bed should be made, and something approximating to equal space has been devoted to those of like prominence, with a due consideration of all the circumstances.

With considerable difficulty a record of the achievements, of Alabamians in war has been gathered ; a feature of the work which will be mentioned more at length in the latter part of the volume.

The mere entertainment of the reader's idle hour was not a consideration with the author. As a work of reference, however, he has striven to make it indispensable to the intelligent Alabamian. Being a collection of facts, its merit depends upon the variety and accuracy of its statements, and the taste with which they are arrayed. Errors have probably crept into such a large number of facts ; but, whatever else may be alleged of the volume, every effort has been made to perfect it that could reasonably be expected.