The author would like to gratefully acknowledge the help of Dr. Daniel
Szechi, Professor of History at Auburn University, who so unselfishly
read, and made historical notations upon the entire work, without
thought of acknowledgement or reward. While for artistic reasons I was
not always able to correct the inaccuracies he pointed out, I am aware
of them, and remain deeply grateful for his assistance in making the
book as authentic as the needs of the storyteller would allow.