The United States, in congress assembled, favored him with an inspection of such of their records as could with propriety be submitted to the perusal of a private person; and he was indulged by the late generals Washington, Gates, Greene, Lincoln, and Otho Williams, with a liberal examination of their papers, both of a public and more private nature. He had the opportunity of acquainting himself with the records of the first settlers in New-England; and examined those of the Massachusetts Bay, from their formation as a company to the close of the war, contained in near thirty folio manuscript volumes. Dr. Ramsay’s History of the War in Carolina, was communicated to him while in manuscript; and liberty was granted to make full use of it; the present opportunity is embraced for acknowledging the benefit received from it, and for returning grateful thanks to the Doctor. The Americans remarked, that Dodsley’s Annual Register contained the best foreign printed summary account of affairs: But it was not possible for writers on this side the Atlantic to avoid mistakes. That Register and other publications, have been of service to the compiler of the present work, who has frequently quoted from them, without varying the language, except for method and conciseness. He gathered from every source of intelligence in his power, while at the place of his residence near Boston; and since his return to his native country, in 1786, has improved the advantage arising from it. The accounts here given of American affairs, are so different in several respects from what have been the conceptions of many on each side the Atlantic, that it was necessary to insert a variety of letters, papers, and anecdotes, to authenticate the narrative. The publication of these, it is presumed, will obtain credit for such parts as could not with propriety be supported by the introduction of similar proofs. To write a history worthy the approbation of his friends, and (as far as his power extended) of the present age, and of posterity; and to convince mankind, that TRUTH _was his care, his search, and what his soul was engaged in_, have been the great objects of THE AUTHOR. _London, Oct. 28, 1788._ THE GENERAL CONTENTS OF THE SEVERAL LETTERS IN VOL. I. LETTER I. P. 13–72. The rise of the Puritans and Brownists, p. 14. The Brownists flee to Holland; remove to America; settle at New-Plymouth; and adopt the congregational mode of church government, p. 17. The Puritans purchase and settle the Massachusetts Bay, p. 22. Connecticut and New-Haven colonies settled, p, 32. The settling of Providence and Rhode-Island colony, p. 35. New-Hampshire and the Main settled, p. 36. New-York, p. 40. New-Jersey, p. 41. Virginia, p. 45. Maryland, p. 53. Carolina, p. 55. Pennsylvania and Delaware counties, p. 63. Georgia, p. 70.