When this work was commenced as a contribution to the columns of the Free Press, it was not with the expectation of making a book, nor were the difficulties, and labor, of gathering the materials and connecting the facts - determining what should be included in, and what excluded from such a work - fully realized. The first settlers in a new country find little time of inclination to record even the most stirring events in journals or diaries, and hence many are very reluctant when called upon to make statements in regard to circumstances with which they are known to have been perfectly familiar. Others took when applied to for information can remember nothing, except what pertained exclusively to themselves, and seem to consider all else as unworthy of record; and others still so modest that it has been difficult to prevail upon them to relate such things in their experiences as have been deemed essential to this work. Of the many parties appealed to, to furnish the data on which many of the facts herein set forth, are founded, I cannot withhold the names of Hiram S. Allen, of Chippewa Falls, and Reverend Dr. Alfred Brunson, of Prairie du Chien, as gentlemen, whose interest in, and efforts to promote the objects I had in view, have afforded me much satisfaction and encouragement, and whose kindness and assistance will ever be remembered with heart felt gratitude. The favorable notices in the Newspaper Press in this part of the State, and the flattering reception which the work found at the hands of the State Historical Society, and several of its learned members, together with numerous and repeated demands of the public, having responded liberally in subscribing for the work have induced me to republish it in a form better adapted to its preservation and the wants of the student of history. Trusting that some little service has been rendered to the cause of science, and that some events have been redeemed from oblivion which would otherwise have been lost to history for which posterity will feel grateful and conscious that in this my labor is not in vain. I submit this work to a generous public. THE AUTHOR

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