Pioneer Collections

Among the other papers obtained from the same source, the present volume contains:

"Father Marquette and the Early Jesuits of Michigan," by C. I. Walker, of Detroit; "Extracts from a Manuscript Journal of Rev. David Jones," Chaplain of U. S. Troops under General Wayne during Indian Wars in 1794-6; "Sources of Our Early History," (author's name not given); "Plot for Obtaining the Lower Peninsula of Michigan," by Judge J. V. Campbell; and other papers. All of these are of great value and importance, and we bespeak for them, as well as for the entire contents of the volume, careful perusal and study.

It will be observed that, in the more antiquated papers presented, especial care has been taken to preserve, as closely as possible, the exact orthography, capitalization, punctuation, etc., of the original copies.

The committee feel justified in saying that each of the eight volumes now issued contains much of historical interest and value; and while the various subjects are necessarily treated in an unconnected and fragmentary manner, these volumes, and those soon to follow, will prove mines of wealth to historical and antiquarian students.

The work of the Committee of Historians has constantly grown upon their hands. New sources of information have been discovered, and records relating to the earlier historical events transpiring within the limits of what is now Michigan, have been found in Canada, Wisconsin and elsewhere, and are being carefully examined, transcribed and translated, and such portions as relate to what is now Michigan, or in any way throw light on its his tory or institutions, prepared for publication in ensuing volumes.

The Committee are sometimes embarrassed by the very wealth of materials at their disposal. It is their design not to duplicate the publication of historical facts and incidents, leading to important results, but to rescue from dust, decay and long concealment in monasteries and antiquarian depositories, such, and only such, as are of historical interest, and have not heretofore been published.

The living sources of information, the hardy and venerated Pioneers of

our State, are rapidly passing away. At each annual gathering the forms and voices of venerable fathers and mothers, seen and heard at the preceding meeting, are missed, and soon only their children, and their children's children, will be left to enjoy and rejoice in the grand Michigan they have builded.

In presenting this volume of the Michigan State Pioneer Collections, the Committee desire to express their obligations to Mr. Rudolph Worch and Dr. F. Krusty, of Jackson, for their faithful transcript and translation of the faded and partially defaced manuscripts of the Pontiac conspiracy and other like papers, which required not only learning, but also the exercise of great patience and skill. Also to Mr. W. L. Smith, of Lansing, who was engaged to read the proof, and who has been unwearied in his efforts, devoting time and service far beyond the requirements or expectations of the Committee.

Books