" The history of our country, since the commencement of the Revolutionary war, is in a better state of preservation ; but even here,how many interesting events are passing into oblivion, how many important facts are distorted and misrepresented, how many illustrious achievements are forgotten or neglected. Documents that may illuminate the obscure, explain the doubtful, and embalm the memories of the good and the great, may now be drawn from their dark abodes, where in a few years they will be forgotten or lost. Letters of distinguished

GENERAL INTRODUCTION. ix

individuals, fugitive pamphlets, perishable manuscripts, ought now to be obtained and preserved. The time is precious, and not a moment should be lost. " The only history of this member of the Confederacy is that of William Smith, which is brought down to the year 17;32. Is is too much to say that the most important is the worst or least described part of the Union? "Anxious, as we are, to explore these sources of intelligence, and to collect these ample materials, yet we feel that the want of funds presents an obstacle that can only be surmounted by the liberality and public spirit of the Legislature. We have done much, and we are willing to do more, in order to preserve the history of the State from oblivion. We are influenced by no other motive than that of elevating the character and promoting the prosperity of a community to which we are bound by every tie that is deemed precious and sacred among men. And let it not be said that the exigencies of the times and the pressure of a foreign war render it inexpedient to apply the public bounty to this object. The State is rich in funds, rich in creditand rich in resources; and she ought to be rich in liberality and public spirit.