Sir: I have received your letter of yesterday, in which, as Chairman of the Committee of the Regents of the University having the subject in charge, you request me to prepare an Introduction to the " Colonial History " of this State -- commonly so called -- to be prefixed to the first volume. The Committee, in making this request, have done me an honor which I highly appreciate, and for which I beg you to express to them my acknowledgments. Feeling, as is very natural under all the circumstances, a peculiar interest in the publication of this work, I shall not decline the flattering duty you have asked me to perform. It

seems to me that the most satisfactory Introduction to the work would be, mainly, a detailed account of the origin, progress and results of the Historical Agency by which the Documents forming the publication were procured. With this understanding, I shall set myself about its preparation at once, and execute my pleasant task as promptly as other engagements will permit. With high regard, I am, Sir, Sincerely yours, JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD. John V. L. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Albany.

GENERAL INTEODUCTION.

The Public Records of the State of New -York are, chiefly, in the office of the

Secretary of State at Albany. They are as various in their character as they are voluminous in their extent. Most of them relate to and illustrate the History of the State ; and without them no accurate or detailed knowledge of that history can be gained.