An affair which might be deemed worthy of a note of a few lines in any general history has been here expanded to the size of a volume or large pamphlet. The smallness of the scale and the singularity of the manners and events and many of the characters considered it is hoped that in spite of its outlandish subject the sketch may find readers. It has been a task of difficulty. Speed was essential or it might come too late to be of any service to a distracted country. Truth in the midst of conflicting rumours and in the dearth of printed material was often hard to ascertain and since most of those engaged were of my personal acquaintance it was often more than delicate to express. I must certainly have erred often and much; it is not for want of trouble taken nor of an impartial temper. And if my plain speaking shall cost me any of the friends that I still count I shall be sorry but I need not be ashamed.