COLLECTIONS, Historical and Miscellaneous. JANUARY, 1823. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS AND PROSPECTUS. THE Editors of the " COLLECTIONS IN HISTORY, BIOGRA PHY," &c. one volume of which has now been completedunwilling to discontinue their labors while their mass of valuable materials is undiminished--have resolved to enlarge the plan of their publication, in the hope, that by presenting to the public a greater variety of matter, they may receive a more extended patronage. They are fully aware that no literary journal can so flourish in this cold northern region, as to drop its matured fruit into the hands of those who plant and water it. Still it is to be hoped the pride of our citizens will encourage attempts, however humble, to preserve the memorials of the past, now too rapidly perishing; and to cultivate a taste for literary reading and speculation-too much neglected! It is useless, at this period of time, to point out the intimate relation between knowledge and happiness. Many nations, in their advance to glory and renown, have realized the truth of the maxim, that "Knowledge is power." And the people of all countries will agree that it sustains the fabric of their government-fits them to enjoy, or nerves them to defend it cheers where it visits the remotest and darkest corners of the earth--and of that little kingdom, the human heart. Few countries, perhaps none, enjoy the advantages of the United States: there is none,where knowledge is so easily and cheaply diffused--where that guardian of the people's rights, the PRESS, has such free and deserved influence. Though still a youth, our country can boast of many improvements in the arts and economy of life. But in the great fields of science and literature, our advance has been slow and timid; we are too fearful of the watch-dogs of London and Edinburghand dread their howlings even from beyond the great waters Almost every state in the Union, however, has its literary magazines and reviews: some of which have been extensively patronized, and have risen to exalted reputation. In New-Hampshire, we have not a single publication devoted to literary purposes! Not a single sheet goes abroad into the world, to vindicate our claims, or defend us against the charge of barbarism. Still we have many writers capable of honoring themselves and, benefitting the world-many whose poetic breathings have been wafted to other lands, and admired for their Eolian softuess and harmony. Could not such men be induced to impart some of their literary treasures? Would they not delight to scatter abroad in this, healthy region of frost and independence, those evergreens of poesy and learning which flourish in their hands,and would honor any clime? Nothing, we are persuaded, would deter them, but the dreaded prospect of writing, without being READ! --Who talks to the clouds that pass on heedlessly, or to the winds that rush furiously by ? Demosthenes might appeal to the roaring ocean-and attain his object: but were the orator now alive, he might sadly choose to address old Neptune, rather than speak to the inattentive ears of the modern public. Patronage only is wanted to bring out into open gaze and admiration, those “gems, of purest ray serene, The dark, unfathom'd caves of ocean bear." A liberal and enlightened patronage would not fail, even here, to call forth literary talent and enterprize. And we cannot but indulge the hope, however delusive it may prove, that the citizens of New Hampshire--among the first in pat riotism and moral virtue--will also distinguish themselves ere long as the friends and patrons of learning. In announcing the proposed alteration in the plan of their work, the Editors would observe, that the original design will still be pursued, so far as to preserve all important papers which may fall into their hands relating to the early history of New-England. The work is intended to embrace, 1. Historical Sketches of Indian wars, battles and exploits --of the adventures and sufferings of captives among the Indians also, the civil and ecclesiastical history of different towns and places in New-England, more particularly in this state. I Biographical Memoirs and Anecdotes of eminent and remarkable persons in New-Hampshire, or who have been concerned in its settlement and history; with notices of distinguished individuals in other states. III. Original Essays on literary and moral subjects; the "Lights and Shadows" of New-England life; Sketches of Domestic Scenery and of National Character; Reviews of New Publications, and notices of Old and valuable neglected Works. IV. Facts and Observations on any subject connected with the Useful Arts; Experiments in Agriculture, and Improvements in Machinery; Inventions, Curiosities, &c. V. The History of New-Hampshire--being a continuation of Dr. Belknap's excellent work; also, a History of the Government of this. State, with sundry important documents, copied by permission from the originals in the office of the Secretary of State. In the history of our State government, we shall present all the Messages and Speeches of the several Governors to the Legislature; and an impartial review of the proceedings of each Legislature, since the adop tion of the Constitution. VI. Poetry-original and selected; Anecdotes, &c. VII. Statistical Tables; Meteorological Observations,and Facts relating to Climate. VIII. AN APPENDIX: containing a faithful record of po litical events, and occurrences at home and abroad, which may interest or concern the people. Also, a monthly regis ter of Marriages, Deaths, Casualties, &c. Of the manner in which the work shall be conducted, it becomes us not to speak. We are assured of such assistance and aids, that we can confidently promise an interesting, if not a valuable miscellany. Of our own labors we would raise no expectations as we make no pretensions. We shall proceed with diligence and care, trusting that while we sustain the burthen of the experiment, willing and active pens will not be wanting. Our own exertions will be much directed to the preservation of the memorials of "olden time," and of those valuable historical and other documents which have been rescued from or yet remain in dust and obscurity amid the rubbish of private families. Whether we succeed in continuing the work, depends upon the will of the people. Five hundred subscribers, punctual in their pay, |