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191 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I n writing a research-intensive multistate book of this nature, I had to rely on assistance from archives, historical societies, and public and university libraries across the country, and I am most appreciative to the many staff people who went out their way to provide help. The “Primary Sources” section of the bibliography (coupled with the photographic credits) references more than twenty such institutions from Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Virginia, Washington D.C., Oregon, and Texas. I would particularly like to express my appreciation to Laurie Verge and Sandra Walia of the Surratt Society for their help, which went well beyond the call of duty. Other helpful institutions not referenced in the bibliography include the Filson Society of Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky History Center (and particularly Stuart Sanders), Central and Murray State Universities, the Norfolk, Virginia, Public Library, and the Universities of Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In addition to out-of-state institutions, I must also thank those closer to my home in eastern Pennsylvania, including the Allentown Public Library (and especially their interlibrary loan specialist, Diana DeFanti), Cedar Crest College, Desales University, Kutztown University, Lafayette College (especially archivist Diane Shaw), Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, as well as my alma mater, Gettysburg College, and the U.S. Army Military Institute at Carlisle. They have an astounding collection of historical resources, and their staffs have been universally willing to help me. In this regard, I must specially note Dr. Daniel J. Wilson from Muhlenberg College, who was willing to read an early draft of the manuscript and con- 192 acknowledgments vinced me to focus on the Knights in the first place. Bob Locke, Attorney Malcolm Gross, and Joe Garrera, Director of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, furnished helpful comments and support along the way. I also wish to thank those at LSU Press. These include Dr. T. Michael Parrish from Baylor University, who encouraged me to proceed with a book on the KGC and provided useful articles, editing, and primarysource material during the four years it took to finish. My second reader, Dr. Robert E. May, provided perceptive suggestions and corrections. And my editor, Rand Dodson, was always there with helpful and timely responses . In addition, I’d like to recognize those historians who blazed the trail—Ollinger Crenshaw and Roy Sylvan Dunn, for their seminal journal articles; and William H. Bell and Linda S. Hudson, whose diligent work in digging out information on the powerful Texas Knights convinced me to take a closer look at other areas of the country. Finally, there are those special people who were willing to pitch in and help out with research in various locations. These include my boyhood friend Glenn Rambo, who helped out during our many research trips; Chris Lyons from Carrollton, Texas, who traveled all over the Lone Star State to dig out hard-to-find items; and Jim Chrismer, a historian and independent researcher from Harford County, Maryland. Of course, I can’t forget my two daughters: Alison helped with research around Boston and edited the final manuscript, and Molly helped with research in Kentucky and Massachusetts. While in Kentucky, we benefited from the gracious hospitality of our relatives Jim and Louise Miller. Last and foremost is my cherished wife, Sally, who not only put up with me during this lengthy process, but also provided ongoing help and encouragement. ...

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