If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book, if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness, and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that "old guard", you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us. Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend.
