When Stack mentioned his errand, the major reached for the manuscript; and looking very solemn, he said, "Mr.Stack, I don't think I can accept this story.

In some respects it is really wonderful; but I am afraid that if I published it, it would attract almost too much attention.

People would get too wild over it.
We have to be careful.

For instance, here in the first chapter you mention the death of Mrs.McGinnis, the hero's mother.

She dies; you inter Mrs.McGinnis in the cemetery; you give an affecting scene at the funeral; you run up a monument over her and plant honeysuckle upon her grave.