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PREFACE
A Preface should be a
formal and friendly introduction of the Author to his reader. Why, then,
since I and my readers are already old friends, should my Publisher
insist on a Preface, merely to appear at the beginning of the first
volume of the “Reminiscences?” It may be that he is entitled to this
formality; but he cannot go farther—and so, while this is called a
“Preface,” it shall in truth be an Epilogue.
And first, let it be a hearty and warm acknowledgment of the favour with
which these garrulous and discursive Reminiscences have been received.
In this I have realised somewhat of that which should accompany old age,
and how can I be less than happy with my “troops of friends?” My once
fearless . "Weekly” - my well-loved “Old Loyal Reformers Gazette' — was
compelled like the brave Southern Confederacy, to yield to numbers. It
was literally smothered by the "Penny Dailies” and in the sere and
yellow leaf, I was cut off from my regular weekly communings with my
friends. But now I fight some of my battles o’er again; and, while the
past fleets like a diorama before my mind’s eye, and I seize the salient
points, and try to photograph them in print, the generous and ample
support of my friends—and many of the noblest and best in the land, I am
proud to say, are among them—sheds a silvery halo of peace and
contentment round my declining years, and soothes the pain of many an
aching wound. Thanks to you all!
Especially, the Author’s acknowledgments are here most justly due to the
kind and courteous criticisms of the Press, with which he was so long
associated; and even from the hands of strangers, to himself personally.
He fain hopes, that the succeeding numbers of these Reminiscences, which
will appear now in rapid succession, will not be received less
graciously than the portion now published.
The Author once more subscribes himself, with a lively sense of
gratitude and unfaltering duty,
PETER MACKENZIE.
Glasgow, October, 1865.
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