THE manuscript for this little work was written
soon after William's death, but for many reasons was
not printed at that time. Although years have passed,
his friends still feel that to have the story of his short
life before them in print will tend to strengthen and
comfort their still sorrowing hearts; that the words he
has spoken, the self-sacrificing spirit he manifested in
defense of his country, and, more than all, his earnest-
ness, zeal, and fidelity in the cause of his Divine Mas-
ter, may stir their hearts-influencing them more and
more to live as he lived, so far as he followed Christ,
thus becoming more and more ready to die as he died,
calmly, believing, trusting, saying as he said, " Now,
if it be the will of God."
NEW HAVEN, CT., March ist, 1876.