The History of Wisconsin: v. 1. Historical

THE object of the present work is sufficiently apparent from its title; the cause and manner of its having been undertaken by the compiler may deserve explanation. In January, 1849, the "State Historical Society of Wisconsin" was formed, through the efforts of a few citizens, whose sanguine anticipations of immediate successful results were unfortunately disappointed. Beyond two annual addresses, the first by the compiler, the second by the Honourable MORGAN L. MARTIN, both by appointments of the Society, no practical labours in the region of Wisconsin history were laid before its annual meetings; indeed, the Society appeared to languish, and all attempts to restore energy to it, or to render it of utility to the State, in conformity with its original design, appeared fruitless.

By the constitution of the Society, the governor of the State was ex-officio its president. Soon after the inaugution of Governor FARWELL, in 1852, the compiler was much gratified to find, from conversations with his excellency, how deep an interest he felt in all which, in any degree, related to the development of the actual condition and resources of the State of Wisconsin. The governor expressed to the compiler his regrets that the objects of the

State Historical Society were less regarded, or at least less attended to, than they merited to be; and suggested to him the idea that it might not be a difficult matter, with industry properly directed, to obtain from the prominent residents of each county in the State, such annals and statistics as, when digested and compiled in a correct form, would make a valuable local history. He also spoke of the propriety of collecting, at an early day, every matter of historical interest depending on the memory of individuals, or on perishable records, so that a foundation might be laid for a State history on which a reliance might be placed for its authenticity. On these matters he requested the compiler to reflect, and give him the result of his thoughts in such shape as that it might be advantageously used, if considered of sufficient importance. Accordingly, in a few days afterward, the following letter was addressed to the governor.

Madison, February 2d, 1852.

TO LEONARD J. FARWELL, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. SIR-Within a period of time not longer than that which embraces the political existence of Wisconsin, the attention of many of the States of the Union has been. directed to the collection and preservation of all matters shedding light upon, or in any manner properly belonging to their own history-colonial, revolutionary, and federate. The importance of their action on such subjects will not be denied, and the example is worthy to be followed in Wisconsin.

It is due to ourselves-to the enlightened age in which

we live,—it is more especially due to posterity, that we should gather and preserve every evidence within our reach, of such events and transactions, public and individual, as may properly be considered as forming our history, social and political. Much of such evidence is now in our power, but time cannot replace or restore that which his own hand is hourly removing and destroying.

To collect and arrange the documentary history of Wisconsin, from its earliest settlement to the present time, will require much labour and research, and, consequently, considerable expense, independent of the value of the time employed in the work;-expenditure in the collection of records, books, and papers, and in travelling for the desired purpose, will form a considerable portion of the account. The undivided time and attention of the collator must be occupied, and a year or more may elapse before his labours could, in any likelihood, be completed.

I have addressed you, sir, as the executive of the State, to whom properly belongs the superintendence of the general welfare of the community. I am desirous of compiling such matters as will serve as a Documentary History of Wisconsin; comprising, not only public records, but also narratives of private enterprise, the history of the settlement of counties, and their past and present statistics. In the prosecution of this design I would require legislative encouragement; and should my proposed action meet with your approval, I would respectfully ask you to communicate my design and wishes to the legislature.

I have the honour to be your obedient servant,
WM. R. SMITH.

The journal of the Senate, of February 5th, 1852, exhibits the following proceedings, which conclusively show the deep interest which Governor Farwell felt in the accomplishment of the projected undertaking.

"The following communication from his excellency the governor, and accompanying communication from General William R. Smith, was read, and, on motion of Mr. Stewart, it was referred to the Committee on State Affairs."

Executive Department, Madison Feb. 4th, 1852.

TO THE SENATE AND ASSEmbly.

I have the honour herewith to present a communication from General William R. Smith, on the subject of "collecting and arranging the documentary history of Wiscon

sin."

I most fully concur in the views and suggestions of General Smith upon this subject, and take pleasure in most earnestly commending them to your consideration.

Such a documentary history of Wisconsin would most obviously be a work of immense value to the people of our times, and of still greater value to posterity. We cannot, in my opinion, too soon, rescue and save the elements of early history, which year by year are constantly perishing from the records and memories of the past.

Many valuable manuscripts and facts, and much important information now in the possession of the living pioneers of our State, can only in this way be saved; which, after a few more years, can never be reclaimed.

« Anterior Continua »

Llibres