GENTLEMEN: Concerning the biography of Officer McWatters, which
you requested me to supply, I am compelled to say that I am
unable to give you anything in the "form and order" which a
biography should--that it may be whole and symmetrical--present
to the reader. Officer McWatters belongs to the class of men
who _make_ history,--the actors and workers in life,--rather
than those who merely write history, or who so order their
lives, and keep diaries, that their biographers can readily
follow them from the cradle to the tomb.
Officer McWatters is widely known in New York. Everybody
recognizes him as an active philanthropist, of the practical
school; yet but a few of all, if any, if called upon as I am,
to make detail of the deeds of his life, could place his hand
upon this or that, and say, "This is McWatters' work," without
some investigation; and for the most part of what I have
collected, I have been obliged to search the public journals.
I am indebted, also, for sundry facts, to several of Officer
McWatters's personal acquaintances, and have also drawn upon my
own memory somewhat for facts which have come to my knowledge
during an acquaintanceship with Mr. McWatters of about sixteen
years. But I have not attempted to put things in their order,
to any great extent; for there is no such thing as a "_course_
of events" (the "Declaration of Independence" to the contrary
notwithstanding). Events are individuate, each a completion in
itself, and the great deeds of any man's life are usually
individual, and not dependently connected with each other.
But in the accompanying papers I send you such a hurriedly
executed biographical sketch of Officer McWatters as the short
time you have allowed me would permit, trusting that,
notwithstanding all its literary imperfections, it will not, so
far as it goes, be found wanting in due appreciation, at least,
of the noble career of a faithful, true man, who has done,
earnestly and with loving spirit, his share of good deeds; and
who merits both the respect and affection of all who prize what
is gentle, brave, honorable, and honest in life.
Very respectfully yours,