Editor's Preface

       Table of Contents

      The remarkable history of Nelson Lee, to be found in the following pages, has been prepared for publication at the request of numerous citizens of respectability who, having listened to his oral relation of it, have expressed the opinion that it would form a work, if properly executed, acceptable to the reading public. The inducements that led Mr. Lee to consent to the publication were two fold: first, the hope that it might be the means of improving, in some measure, his present impoverished condition, the misfortune which made him a captive having, at the same time, stripped him of all he possessed ; and secondly, to bring to the serious attention of his fellow countrymen the unparalleled sufferings of a large number of white persons, principally females, now in captivity among the various Camanche tribes, with the view of inciting the benevolent and humane to adopt measures for their relief.

      The narrative has been recorded, as received from his lips, from day to day, not precisely in his own words, inasmuch as he is not an educated, though an intelligent man, but his history is told substantially as he relates it. Of the entire truth of his statements, however marvelous many of them may appear, or however much the incredulous may be inclined to dispute, there can be no reasonable doubt. Evidences corroborating them are abundant. He bears upon his person the visible scars of all the wounds he is represented as having received in the border wars of Texas, and while a prisoner among the savages. He is familiar, to the minutest detail, with the history of those stirring times when Jack Hays, and Ben McCullough, and Ewen Cameron, at the head of the hardy Rangers were wont to sally forth from the grand square of San Antonio, to uphold the banner of the "lone star'' against Mexican domination.

      In addition to this evidence, testimony is not wanting of a more positive description. General Barrett, a distinguished citizen now resident of Washington County, who knew him in early life, vouches for his former character for integrity; while Mr. Charles Lee, of the highly respectable Law firm of Lee & Pratt of this city, writes to the Editor that he "is acquainted with Nelson Lee, and with his family and relatives in Jefferson County, in this State, and has no hesitancy in asserting his entire confidence in the accuracy and truthfulness of the statements made in his narrative."

      Colonel Samuel Smith, of Otsego, was a resident of Texas during the period covering the incidents connected with his life as a Ranger, and held, himself, a commission in the army of the Young Republic. Though not personally acquainted with Nelson Lee, he knew him by reputation, especially in connection with the descent of the guerillas upon Seguin, and the tragical death of the robber, Christolphe Ruble, at his hands. The narrative having be:n submitted to his examination. Col. Smith pronounces it, in all its main features, so far as it relates to affairs in Texas, to be correct of his own knowledge.

      The Hon. ELI PERRY, Mayor of Albany, writes as follows: "Since the arrival of Nelson Lee in this city, I have had the opportunity of listening to his strange and interesting history, and from the manner and appearance of the man, have entire confidence in the truth of his statements. I take pleasure in commending liim and his Narrative to the favorable consideration of the Public."

      With the above evidences of its genuineness, this volume is respectfully submitted to the reader.

      Albany, January 1,1859.