History of pioneer Kentucky

Preface

The History of Pioneer Kentucky is submitted to the reader with many misgivings on the part of its author. As the work has progressed he has come to realize more and more clearly the greatness of the undertaking and his own deficiencies as a historian. Seven years ago, when this little book was begun, he had, if the truth be told, but scant suspicion of either. Perhaps the only good thing that can be said of it is, that the author has searched diligently for the truth and told it without prejudice when he found it.

The preparation of the book has gone forward in the midst of constant duties as a teacher, and this fact has affected the plan of the work. It was a State history that was first in mind. But the fleetness of time and the rarity of opportunities for research soon made it necessary to limit the period under investigation. It is the author’s hope to carry on the history of the State in succeeding volumes as leisure, and the public, permits.

Most of the material used has been obtained from the Draper Collection now housed in the Historical Library at the University of Wisconsin, and from the Durrett Collection now distributed in the Library of the University of Chicago. Much of this material, especially in the Draper Collection, is in manuscript, uncalendared and practically inaccessible save after most patient searching. No claim is made of having exhausted this ; a thorough investiga-

IV

PREFACE.

tion would require constant effort over a long period of time, and this the writer was not able to make.

The author tenders his warmest thanks to his present and former pupils for their constant aid and encouragement. Except for the untiring efforts of Miss Bessie Conkwright the book would hardly have seen the light of day. For the faithful assistance of Miss Eloise Somerlatt in revision and proof-reading the author is entirely unable to express an adequate appreciation.