PREFACE. 



THE favorable reception given to the volume of this work for the preceding 

 year has induced the publishers to make special efforts in the preparation of 

 this one. It is their aim to make an Annual Supplement not only to the Xew 

 American Cyclopaedia, but to all others, which shall embrace contemporaneous 

 events, and the progress attained in the various branches of knowledge. 

 Such a work is addressed to all classes of readers, since it includes in its 

 contents whatever transpires in political, military, civil, and social affairs, 

 commerce, finance, literature, science, agriculture, art, and mechanical industry. 



The year 1862 will probably be looked upon as the most important in a 

 period of great events. It witnessed the struggles of great armies ; the numer- 

 ous battles and ceaseless skirmishes in the United States ; the expedition against 

 Mexico ; the disgraceful flight of King Otho of Greece ; the unfortunate conflict 

 at Aspromonte, in Italy ; the enkindling of the Polish revolution ; the French 

 war in Cochin China ; the recognition in Russia of the rights of man, by the 

 approaching emancipation of the serfs ; the Tae-ping rebellion in China ; and, 

 not least, the distress in Lancashire, and the stoppage of the looms of Lyons. 

 Of scarcely less note were the naval conflict below New Orleans ; the contest 

 between the Monitor and Merrimac, and the destructive exploits of the Ala- 

 bama. Among the peaceful events were the debates and proceedings in the 

 Federal Congress on confiscation and emancipation ; the triumph of anti- 

 slavery views in the Government of the United States, and its measures for 

 emancipation ; the silent revolution shown by the ballot-box ; and the measures 

 of the seceded States to secure their independent organization. 



The relation of these events, especially those of a military character, it is 

 hoped, will be found truthful and just. It is a detailed statement, day by day 

 and step by step, of the movements of the armies, the objects of those move- 

 ments, and their consequences. It has been prepared chiefly from official 

 papers, and is accompanied with corresponding maps and plans of battles. 

 Important documents and reports are also given. 



