* * * * *
I have now devoted five years and a half to collecting material for the
history of the Battle of Gettysburg, but until quite recently I have
felt unwilling to commence to write, knowing that other matter existed
which it was important for me to have, and which, when obtained, might
make a material change in the account. This reason no longer exists,
though I shall still thankfully receive suggestions from any participant
in the battle.
Within another year the Government will have completed the Topographical
Map of the field, by which time I hope to be ready to publish my work.
As a publisher I would have done so long ago, but as a historian not
until I feel that I have written the truth--the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth.