To the Reader
History of Orange County
To the Reader
We have now completed our review of the county, and with doubt and hesitation submit it to public inspection; aware of its imperfections, if not inaccuracies. We can really assure you we have aimed at truth and accuracy, but doubtless have come short of both, in some instances. We ardently hope, that it may be deemed satisfactory, as it is the first instance in the State, where the History of a County has been written. It could not have been reasonably expected by you, that we could surround our paper with that interest, variety and richness of material, which you would have a right to claim, at the hands of one, who was privileged to roam over the bosom of the State and gather up his materials from a field, so wide and bountiful. Our path was comparatively confined and circumscribed to narrow limits, previously untrod by the historic traveller, and where scarcely a foot print was seen by us, throughout the lonely way. The fragments found, perhaps not of the most ancient and interesting character, we have placed before you, dressed in a plain and popular garb. Though there should be but little found in our pages to instruct the reader and compensate for the trouble of perusing them, yet we are confident, that there is not one line which a lady may not read. Though we have endeavored to make it a readable paper, where old and young, the serious and the gay, might find something to instruct and amuse, yet we have throughout studiously avoided catering to a vitiated taste.
We are pleased to say, that there is an increasing and virtuous taste for historic writing rapidly growing up in the community at this day, which we are persuaded is ominous of future good to the rising generation; and that the day is not far distant, when the history of every old county in the State will be written, with all those local particulars, which cluster around them, and which are so well calculated to impart a pleasure and a gratification as yet generally unexperienced by the American reader. To forward and hasten on such desirable result, we submit our humble effort, in the expectation of soon seeing it followed by one, if not by many, of the same character, but of far superior execution. To us, the task, though pleasant and instructive, has been laborious.
In conclusion, we ask a careful perusal of our paper, for it must all be read, as noone part is connected with, or dependent upon another. In doing which, the reader will please to note carefully all or errors of time, place, and person; and if lie be in possession of any interesting facts relating to early settlements, by whom and when made; or of Indian traditions, revolutionary incidents, family record, or any other fact, worthy a place in the history of the county, we would esteem it a personal favor, if he would communicate them to the writer. We wish to make our paper as perfect and comprehensive as possible, in these and in other respects, and we pray the public favor to enable us to make it so.
The typographical errors relating to dates and names of persons, etc., will be found in a **table affixed to the volume.
**Transcriber note--instead of including the errata I have included a footnote at the bottom of appropriate page with the corrections.