" It may not be unimportant to add that, while the Colonial history of this State is seen to be thus fraught with local and general interest, it is characterized by the existence of the most singular relics of art, the origin of which has hitherto baffled the inquiries of the philosophic and curious, but which reveal the startling fact that, at a period long antecedent to all knowledge of our ancestors, it was signalized as the theatre of great aud strange events.

xvi GENERAL INTRODUCTION. " Many of these, like the chronicles of our own times now sought to be saved fronn the same oblivious fate, are fast disappearing before the modern ' march of improvement' and the destructive influence of lime, while others, if known to the early colonists, have sunk into ruin and forgetfulness. " It appears to the committee, from a review of the subject submitted to their examination and opinion, that it would be worthy of the pride and ambition of our citizens to encourage the enterprise of the memorialists, and to secure for the State the materials for its enlarged history. And your committee believe that no subject is calculated to inspire us with a stronger love of freedom and of country than the records of the times and the chivalric deeds of our fathers -- those who gave us life, liberty, and a country made sacred by their blood. Ingratitude alone must be our apology in failing to cherish the memory and the annals of their history. Nor is it less an obligation to our predecessors, than a duty to posterity, that we encourage the perpetuity of their examples of virtue and of patriotism. " In the execution of the purposes set forth by the memorialists, and commended by the Governor, it is represented that two years should be employed, and that an expenditure of $4000 may accomplish the work.