Now that my story is done I see that it is the strangest fiction that I have ever written.
Because it is true. It actually happened. Every character in it is historic. I have not changed even a name. Every event took place. Therefore it is incredible. Yet I have in my possession the proofs establishing each character and each event as set forth. They are true beyond question.
THOMAS DIXON - CURRITUCK LODGE Munden, Va.

LEADING CHARACTERS OF THE STORY
ROBERT E. LEE The Southern Commander.
MRS. LEE His Wife.
CUSTIS His older Son.
MARY His Daughter.
MRS. MARSHALL Lee's Sister.
UNCLE BEN The Butler.
SAM A Slave.
J.E.B. STUART "The Flower of Cavaliers."
FLORA COOKE His Sweetheart.
PHIL SHERIDAN His Schoolmate.
FRANCIS PRESTON BLAIR Lincoln's Messenger.
SENATOR ROBERT TOOMBS of Georgia.
JOHN BROWN of Osawatomie.
JOHN E. COOK His Spy.
VIRGINIA KENNEDY Cook's Victim.
GERRIT SMITH A Philanthropist.