MORRISANIA, N. Y.:
1869.
TO
Henry B. Dawson, Esq.,
PROPRIETOR AND EDITOR
OF
THE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE,
THIS REPRINT FROM ITS PAGES
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY
ITS AUTHOR.
Salem, Mass., December 10, 1869.
The Editors of the North American Review would, under the circumstances, I have no reasonto doubt, have opened its columns to a reply to the article that has led to the preparation ofthe following statement. But its length has forbidden my asking such a favor.
All interested in the department of American literature to which the Historical Magazinebelongs, must appreciate the ability with which it is conducted, and the laborious and indefatigablezeal of its Editor, in collecting and placing on its pages, beyond the reach of oblivionand loss, the scattered and perishing materials necessary to the elucidation of historicaland biographical topics, whether relating to particular localities or the country at large; andit was as gratifying as unexpected to receive the proffer, without limitation, of the use of thatpublication for this occasion.
The spirited discussion, by earnest scholars, of special questions, although occasionally assumingthe aspect of controversy, will be not only tolerated but welcomed by liberal minds. Letchampions arise, in all sections of the Republic, to defend their respective rightful claims toshare in a common glorious inheritance and to inscribe their several records in our Annals.Feeling the deepest interest in the Historical, Antiquarian, and Genealogical Societies of Massachusetts,and yielding to none in keen sensibility to all that concerns the ancient honors of theOld Bay State and New England, generally, I rejoice to witness the spirit of a commemorativeage kindling the public mind, every where, in the Middle, Western and Southern States.
The courtesy extended to me is evidence that while, by a jealous scrutiny and, sometimes, perhaps,a sharp conflict, we are reciprocally imposing checks upon loose exaggerations and overweeningpretensions, a comprehensive good feeling predominates over all; truth in its purity isgetting eliminated; and characters and occurrences, in all parts of the country, brought underthe clear light of justice.
The aid I have received, in the following discussion, from the publications and depositories ofhistorical associations and the contributions of individuals, like Mr. Goodell, Doctor Moore, andothers, engaged in procuring from the mother country and preserving all original tracts anddocuments, whenever found, belonging to our Colonial period, demonstrate the importance ofsuch efforts, whether of Societies or single persons. In this way, our history will stand on a solidfoundation, and have the lineaments of complete and exact truth.
Notwithstanding the distance f