particular." This was the origin of the New -York Historical Society, which, on the 10th day of February, 1809, received a special Act of Incorporation from the Legislature. The members of the Society immediately took steps to accomplish the high purposes of their association, and soon collected a valuable library of printed books and manuscripts. At length the time came when it was thought that the attention of the State authorities might judiciously be drawn to the importance of the

objects for which, especially, the Society had been organized. At its request, De Witt Clii^ton, then its Vice-President, accordingly prepared the following memorial, which

was presented to the Legislature at its session in 1814:

" TO THE HONORABLE THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.

" The Memorial of the New -York Historical Society most respectfully represents " That this Institution was established for the purpose of acquiring and promoting a knowledge of the natural, civil, literary and ecclesiastical history of America, and more particularly of this State. The attainment of objects so various, comprehensive and important, requiring such extensiveness of information, such profundity of research, such exertion of industry and such liberality of expense, is unquestionably beyond the means and the faculties of any individual, however he may be endowed with the gifts of fortune and genius, and whatever may be the extent of his enterprise, activity and influence. Associations, comprehending a mass

:

GENERAL INTRODUCTION. vii

of information and talent, and embracing not only the disposition but the ability to promote knowledge, are essentially necessary to crown with success any important undertaking of this nature. With these motives, and for these objects, this society was formed. A liberal and enlightened Legislature, justly appreciating its importance, granted it a ciiarter of incorporation ; and it now only remains for them to complete the important work which has received their approving voice, by an extension to this society of a portion of that munificence which, we are proud to say, characterizes the legislation of this State.