In the drama of our Colonial and National history, she was, and continues to be, proudly eminent. Her soil, her streams and her people are known to fame. History, faint as it is, reveals her crimsoned plains, her bulwarks of military and naval art, and the chivalry of her sons. The virtues, the heroism and the councils of her citizens were feltand appreciated during the primitive condition of our common country, and while our united energies were called forth in the cause of freedom. But, though History has not denied us the evidences of these truths, yet how much more may she not do for the honor of our State and the glory of our ancestors, when our own historians are admitted to all the sources of her historic treasures! "It is worthy of remark that the only ostensive history of the State of New -York was written by an Englishman, and dedicated to the Right Honorable George, Earl of Stanhope, Commissioner of Trade and Plantations, &c. The extent and character of this history may be estimated from the confession and announcement of the author, in his declaration that it was but a narrative,' and that it deserves not the name of history.' And further, in his ' '

dedication, that 'it was not presented for his Lordship's information,'' as 'all the world knows that the aSiiirs of the British Colonies have been for several years past under his principal direction, and the wisdom of the measures pursued for their prosperity and defence are indisputable arguments of his acquaintance with their condition.' "Thus were the details of our Colonial history, and all the 'wisdom' displayed in the government of the Colonies, presumed to have been condensed within the cranium of his right honorable lordship.