dices or predilections have operated upon his mind, they have been unknown to himself.

Praise bestowed upon known political adversaries, and disapproval of occasional conduct in the history of members of the writer's own party, will be taken as evidence of general impartiality. I feel, too, that I have now reached that autumnal period when a retrospect of men and events is no longer disturbed by the prejudices of the hour, for years have softened to a mellow tone the occurrences of the past.

The preparation of this work has been something more than the amusement of literary leisure seeking an agreeable occupation for a disengaged mind. I have humbly conceived it to be a duty to the state to record, from personal knowledge, matters which might otherwise perish. It should be understood that the Minnesota Historical Society has long urged me to this performance, and is largely responsible for thus trespassing upon the indulgence of the public. It was thought that the writer's personal knowledge of all our governors should be made available for public use.

I have filled some interstices with pen sketches of some other public men, who were prominent actors in the passing drama; but found it necessary to omit many equally worthy of a place in this gallery, or where would the volume end?

The portraits in this volume are from accepted family photographs taken at the time when each governor was filling the executive chair, or as near it as was possible.

I am indebted to many friends for important assistance throughout this book. The vast archives of the Minnesota Historical Society, by the aid of its librarians, have been sources from which abundant information has been received. I would be wanting in courtesy if I failed publicly to thank the secretary, Dr. Warren Upham, and Mrs. Rose Barteau Dunlap, for their constant and intelligent assistance.

It also is just and proper that I should mention, as authorities carefully consulted, Eugene V. Smalley's excellent volume, "A History of the Republican Party,” and other kindred papers; and "The Ancestry, Life, and Times of Hon. Henry Hastings Sibley," by Rev. Nathaniel West.

With well nigh fourscore years pressing upon me. I have yet enjoyed the literary work of this volume. Such as these sketches are, I bequeath them to my fellow citizens, as the last of my intellectual efforts, and as a final testimonial of my love and devotion to my adopted state.

JAMES H. BAKER.

Mankato, Minn., August, 1908.

PORTRAITS.

The biography of each governor is preceded by his portrait; and the frontispiece of this volume is a portrait of the author.