4 PREFACE. 



the strictly biographical form has been dropped; the 

 more immaterial and obscure portions of the lives of 

 the subjects of them are overlooked; and the narrative 

 is confined to those events which are most important 

 and historical. As the adventures of Dr. Kane were in 

 many respects more remarkable than those of his rivals, 

 a corresponding prominence has been given to his me- 

 moirs, both in the work itself and in its title. Some of 

 the heroes of the following pages are living, and some 

 are dead. In regard to all of them the writer has spoken 

 with impartial freedom and candor, without any refer- 

 ence to the approbation or the censure of those who 

 might be interested in the subject. 



The likeness of Dr. Kane contained in this volume, 

 is taken from a full-length portrait published at great 

 expense by the proprietors of the New York Albion, as 

 a premium to their subscribers. It is regarded by com- 

 petent judges as the best portrait of its distinguished 

 subject now extant, and as preserving the most accurate 

 resemblance to his features and expression. The pub- 

 lisher of this volume has been permitted, by the liberality 

 and courtesy of the proprietors of that valuable journal, 

 to use this plate as far as was necessary for the preset 

 purpose. 



S. M S. 



PHILADELPHIA, November, 1857. 



