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. " This amount, though less than that suggested by the inclination of the committee, has been deemed to be an adequate appropriation, which, while it may insure the successful issue of the enterprise, will not be thought unworthy the Empire State for the accomplishment of an object which cannot fail to prove honorable to iier fame. " With these views of the subject, the committee submit the accompanying bill."

The bill reported by the select committee, having duly passed both Houses of the Legislature, was signed by the Governor on the 2d of May, 1839, and is as follows:

"AN ACT TO APPOINT AN AGENT TO PROCURE AND TRANSCRIBE DOCUMENTS IN EUROPE RELATIVE TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF THIS STATE. " Passed Mat 2, 1839.

" The People of the Stale of Ncw-TorJc, represented in Senate and Assemhlrj, do enact as follows: " Section 1. An Agent shall be appointed by the Governor of this State, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to visit England, Holland and France, for the purpose of procuring, if possible, the originals, and if not, copies, of all such documents and papers, in the archives and offices of those governments relating to or in any way affecting the Colonial or other history of this State, as he may deem important to illustrate that history.