It is with great diffidence that the following volume, the first of a series upon the history of Massachusetts, is submitted to the public. So deeply is the author impressed with the importance of the subject upon which he has essayed to write, and so fully is he aware that to do it justice requires talents of the highest order, he has trembled, at times, for the consequences of his own temerity in engaging in such an undertaking. It is believed, however, that a work like the present is very much needed, and, if authentic in its details, will prove acceptable. Massachusetts has a history of which she may well be proud; and whoever shall succeed in perfectly delineating that history, will render a valuable service to the State. If this sketch falls short of what some other might furnish, no one will more sincerely rejoice than the author in the appearance of a better; but until such shall appear, it is hoped the present will not prove wholly unworthy of attention.
The historian, in our day, can lay little claim to originality in his labors. It is not his province to create facts, but to take those already furnished him, drawn from the best sources, printed and manuscript, contemporary with the events of which they treat. If, in these respects, the present work
