A thumb-nail history of the city of Houston, Texas, from its founding in 1836 to the year 1912 Page: 3

A WORD IN ADVANCE.
In presenting this little volume to the people of
Houston for their consideration, I feel that a word
of explanation is due. I wrote the book to supply
a badly needed "need," of course, but I wrote it
more for my own pleasure than for anything else.
I have made no attempt at fine writing and have
given no thought to literary excellence. My sole object
has been to attain accuracy, and every precaution
has been taken to guard against error. Whereever
possible I have consulted original documents
and newspapers. Yet, in spite of this, I fear that
some errors have crept in and that the readers will
find many statements which they may think erroneous.
I say this because there are some stories and
traditions that have been repeated so often that
many suppose them to be true.
If the readers derive as much pleasure from perusing
these pages as I have from writing them, I
shall feel content. I have enjoyed writing every
line, and add "The End" with regret.
S. O. YOUNG.
Houston, June 5th, 1912.