Summary of News, foreign and do- Register of deaths; Instances of Meterological Journals, &c. A. 9, 17, 25. 33, 41, 49, 57, 73, 81, 89, 93, 101, 102 Character of the Fathers of New- The Old Boar chafes again, a story COLLECTIONS, Historical and Miscellaneous. JANUARY, 1823. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS AND PROSPECTUS. THE Editors of the "COLLECTIONS IN HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY," &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 NewHampshire, 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 softness 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 patriotism 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, I. 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. : II. Biographical Memoirs and Anecdotes of eminent and remarkable persons in New-Hampshire, or who have been |