The aim of the author has been to give a correct account of the facts involved, and leave them to convey their own lesson and inspiration. Revolting details have been omitted. All important statements are made upon the authority of eye-witnesses, where such testimony was accessible, and in most cases by the collation of a number of independent accounts.

The author takes pleasure in acknowledging his indebtedness for various services and courtesies, the loan of photographs, the furnishing of information, and many valuable aids and suggestions, to the following persons among others:—Messrs. G. M. Phillips, A. R. Manning, F. J. Wilcox, S. Trussell, H. S. French, Rev. J. W. Strong, D. D., and Miss M. J. Evans, of Northfield, Minnesota; Messrs. W. W. Murphy, C. A. Pomeroy, G. A. Bradford, W. J. McCarthy, of Madelia, Minnesota; Mr. S. J. Severson, of Brookings, South Dakota; Col. T. L. Vought and Mr. T. L. Vought, [pg v] Jr., of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Mr. A. E. Bunker, of Chicago, Illinois; Dr. H. M. Wheeler, of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Mr. H. M. Serkland, of St. James, Minnesota; Messrs. S. L. Heywood, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and J. C. Heywood, of Alta, Iowa; Hon. W. D. Rice and G. S. Thompson, Esq., of Sioux City, Iowa; and Marshall W. K. Holmes, of Spokane, Wash. Hearty acknowledgment is also made of the important assistance derived from Rev. D. L. Leonard's funeral discourse on Mr. Heywood, from files of the Pioneer Press and Tribune of the time of the raid, and from the excellent and accurate history of it and its related events, entitled “The Northfield Tragedy,” by Mr. John Jay Lemon.

It only remains to say that the book herewith presented to the public is intended both as a memorial of Mr. Heywood and as a tribute to the valor and heroic endeavor of all those who helped or tried to help in resisting, pursuing or capturing his assailants and their confederates. Whatever pecuniary profits may accrue from it sale will be sacredly devoted to the erection of a monument to the memory of Mr. Heywood.

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