In the early part of February, 1920, I crossed into Russia through the Polish Front, as correspondent of the Baltimore Sun and the Associated Press, intending to remain for six weeks. I stayed for eighteen months, ten of which were spent in prison. This was due to the manner in which I entered the country, and my actions while there, which I shall describe fully in the following pages telling what happened to me as well as what I heard and saw in Russia. My treatment while in prison was no different from that accorded any other prisoners, native or foreign, and I can honestly say that I have come through it all with absolutely no personal bitterness and with what I believe to be a purely impartial view of conditions in the Soviet Republic. My account of my experiences is written entirely from memory, as I was permitted to take no notes out of the country when I was released on July 28, upon the acceptance by the Soviet government of the terms of the American Relief Association for famine relief in Russia, which was made conditional on the release of all American prisoners. - Foreword.