All autobiographies are necessarily egotistical. If my pages are as plentifully sprinkled with “I’s” as was the chief ornament of Hood’s peacock, “who thought he had the eyes of Europe on his tail,” I can only say, that the “I’s” are essential to the story I have told. It has been my purpose to narrate, not the life of another, but that career in which I was the principal actor. There is an almost universal, and not unworthy curiosity to learn the methods and measures, the ups and downs, the strifes and victories, the mental and moral _personnel_ of those who have taken an active and prominent part in human affairs. But an autobiography has attractions and merits superior to those of a “Life” written by another, who, however intimate with its subject, cannot know all that helps to give interest and accuracy to the narrative, or completeness to the character. The story from the actor’s own lips has always a charm it can never have when told by another. That my narrative is interspersed with amusing incidents, and even the recital of some very practical jokes, is simply because my natural disposition impels me to look upon the brighter side of life, and I hope my humorous experiences will entertain my readers as much as they were enjoyed by myself. And if this record of trials and triumphs, struggles and successes, shall stimulate any to the exercise of that energy, industry, and courage in their callings, which will surely lead to happiness and prosperity, one main object I have in yielding to the solicitations of my friends and my publishers will have been accomplished. P. T. BARNUM. WALDEMERE, BRIDGEPORT, } Connecticut, July 5, 1869. } [Illustration: LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS BY FAY & COX 105 NASSAU ST. N.Y.] PAGE. 1. PORTRAIT OF P. T. BARNUM, _Frontispiece_ 2. MY PROPERTY AND MY TENANT, 32 3. MY DELIVERY FROM IMPRISONMENT, 65 4. BARNUM ON A RAIL, 84 5. THE COWARD AND THE “BRAVE,” 100 6. VICTORY OVER VESTRYMEN, 138 7. SQUALLS AND BREEZES, 146 8. BATTLE OF THE GIANTS, 162 9. THE GREAT DUKE AND THE LITTLE GENERAL, 184 10. ROYAL HONORS TO THE GENERAL, 192 11. MANURE CART EXPRESS, 217 12. PUT ME IN IRONS, 243 13. IRANISTAN, 263 14. WELCOME TO JENNY LIND, 288 15. J. G. BENNETT AND HIS MONKEY, 327