While It is remarkable that so important and intermting a field of historiml investigation should have been neglected in these latter days of keen and deep research into the individu alities, the environment, the motives, the labors and the rewards of the pmple who laid the foundations and elected the superstructures of the American commonwealth, it any be summed that in the use of Delaware, the dificulties of a complete and erulitable work seemed even more insurmountable, than the temptation to enter this almost unexplored domain was attractive. To undertake an exhaustive inquiry and carry it to successful completion has been a task that enlisted patient determination, thorough sympathy with the subject, minute scrutiny and that liberal enterprise which the publishers have generously furnished. Now, after many months of toil, in which the lore of Delaware, the fragmentary records left by its pioneers, the stages of its progress and the collections of European and American writers bearing upon its establishment and growth, have been compelled to yield their 14c or open treasures, this history is put forth with full confidence that no means have been unem. Ployed'to secure its accuracy and completeness in detail or as a whole.
