Annals of Pennsylvania: From the Discovery of the Delaware. E-book. Formato PDF - 9780243759873

Another desirable object of research connected with this early period, was the arrival and settlement of the English on our river, respecting which but little was known. As the first attempts were made by New Haven and other parts of New England, the author, (notwithstanding the records of the United Colonies had been generally examined by his father, and published in his Historical Collections,) supposing that some facts could be found which had not attracted his attention, carefully examined the records in New Haven, Hart ford, Boston, and Plymouth, as well in the public oiiices as in possession of Historical Societies there, and in New York; which research, though not very fruitful, furnished some documents, which appear in their proper places in this work. Besides these, the records at New Castle and Dover have been put under requisition for information respecting the English, after the dis appearance of the Dutch and Swedes. Much valuable matter was thence obtained, especially at the former place, respecting the courts, (which then, under the governors at New York, managed affairs of both church and state,) early grants of land, the landing, and taking possession by Penn, &c. The records in our own public ofiices have not furnished much information rela tive to this period, though they no doubt will be of value for the subsequent portion of the work. From these, and all other promising sources, the author has endeavoured, with much labour, time, and expense, to obtain the most authentic infor mation Of this early period, in which but little assistance could be derived from books or individuals. Only they who have been in the practice of examining ancient records, can appreciate the difficulty frequently attend ing it, in deciphering the names of persons and places, &c. This is men tioned to account, in part, for the variety, used in printing names, it being often impossible to ascertain the correct mode of spelling, as well as the person or place intended. In general, the mode adopted by the writers has been employed. Many places cannot, at the present time, be identified by the name.