A civic and political history of New Jersey : embracing a compendious history of the state, from its early discovery and settlement by Europeans, brought down to the present time

Front matter

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S a.

Preface

But few words are necessary by way of preface as an introduction to the present volume. A fondness for historical pursuits, especially such as relate to our own country, was the motive that originally prompted the author to enter upon the undertaking - . A part of the material was collected and arranged, with scarcely any other object than the personal gratification and advantage to be derived from the engagement. At length the representations of some friends who were of opinion that such a work would be useful, and would be favorably received, led to its continuance and final completion. The suggestions thus made, were the more readily acceeded to by the writer, from a belief, that no such work if executed with a strict regard to truth and fact, could be entirely without value. If no new light should be shed upon the subject, renewed attention to it might yet be excited. It was also supposed that something might be done to aid and favor inquiry. Different works upon the history of New Jersey already exist, and are well known, and perhaps the principal part of the material that can be considered of much importance has already been collected; yet it may be doubted whether it is in such a situation or form, as to render it sufficiently easy of access. Some of these works are limited in period, some are local in their application, being confined, to certain parts of the State, and others are restricted in both these respects. Such as are more extended in scope are different in character and purpose from the present one. Hence it was conceived, that by bringing together from the several sources within reach, the principal circumstances and events of a civil and political character, and presenting them in one view, and

VI PREFACE.

in their natural order and relation, a service would be done, by shortening and lightening the labor of research in the most important department of history. Such has been the present design. The execution of such a work may give but little ground for a claim to originality or learning; no such claim is advanced. No attempt has been made to produce a speculative or philosophical history, but rather to give a simple and compendious narrative. It is hoped that the book may prove convenient and useful, and if so, the object of the author will be gained. Admiration has not been sought. But in justice to himself, the writer may state, that his labor has been conducted in the midst of the duties and calls of another and an engrossing pursuit, and under an engagemen, which was too restrictive in point of time; hence faults in manner, and also some inaccuracies will be found, which, under other circumstances, might possibly have been avoided or corrected. It may also be stated, that in order to meet the agreement which had been made in regard to the size of the volume, it was found necessary, especially toward the close, to resort to a greater degree of compression than was consistent with completeness, or with entire perspicuity; for the same reason, matter has been given in notes which properly belonged in the text, and the effect has been a kind of broken or disconnected appearance in several parts. It should also be mentioned, that in consequence of errors in punctuation (which are chiefly typographical,) the meaning of several passages is rendered obscure, and indeed is almost perverted. Some of these errors are noticed in an errata. With these explanations, the volume is submitted, and no doubt is felt that it will be received by the people of the State, and others who may be interested in its history, with a full measure of justice and liberality.

Camden, N. J., 5th month, 1848.

ERRATA.

Variations in Outhogkapht — Privilege has sometimes been printed privilege — enterprise, enterprize — and maintenance, maintenance. Page 14, line 35, for successor read successors.

" 15, line 16, the word it, to come between and, and is.

" 23, line 8, for is, read are.

In note 10, page 38, a semi-colon to be put after the word down. Note 10, page 53, line 3 from bottom, for this read thus.

" 10, page 72, for a period, put a comma after the word off.

" 20, page 79, for Huddle read Hudde.

Page 80, date of protest, for 1 683 read 1 638.

Note 6, page £8, a comma after the word case, and the word went, between case and by.

Note 16, page 105, for undemnified read undamnified. Page 134, line 6 from bottom, for continued read contained.

" 154, line 8 from bottom, for the, read a Note 10, page 158, the word Fort, to come before the words William Hendrick. Page 159, line 10 from bottom, for divested, read devested.

" 183, lines 4 and 5, for semi-colons put commas after colonel and general, In note 24, page 211, a comma to be put after the word officer, and Alderman, for Aderman.

Page 215, line 18, for administrated read administered.

" 218, line 12 from bottom, for been met, read seen meet. Nole 48, page 228, for discharges read discharge. Page 278, line 4, a semi-colon to be put after the word usage.

" 283, line 16, for freeholder, read householder. Note 13, page 291, for interests, read interest.

A very noticeable error occurs on page 304, line 16 — the words inhabitants freeholders should be inhabitants householders.

Page 391, line 27, for had, read has.

" 398, line 1, for made formally, read finally made.

" 496, line 18, the word of, to come between principle and composition.

HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.