The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2, May, 1851Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2, May, 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
Documentary History of New-York.--The forthcoming (third) volume of this
State contribution to our historical literature will well sustain the
reputation of its predecessors and of its zealous editor. Dr.
O'CALLAGHAN is an enthusiast in his zeal for lighting up "the dark ages
of our history," as Verplanck called the Dutch period; and he has done
as much as any man living to rescue the fast perishing memorials of the
founders of the Empire State. It is fortunate for the State that his
industry and patient research are secured for the proper arrangement of
the Archives--too long neglected and subject to loss and mutilation. The
new volume has come to hand too late for any elaborate notice or review
of its contents; but a glance at the list of papers and illustrations
alone warrants the opinion we have expressed. We notice particularly the
account of Champlain's explorations in Northern New-York, &c., from 1609
to 1615--translated from the edition of 1632. The historical student
cannot fail to note the coincidence of discovery and exploration by the
Dutch and French; and the credit due to the "Founder of New France;" to
which we have alluded in the article on the Jesuit Relations. The
translations of the extracts from Wassenaar (1624, etc.), give an
interesting cotemporaneous view of the progress of the European
discoveries and settlements in America. A chapter on Medals and Coins
contains attractive matter, particularly that portion which relates to
the "Rosa Americana coins," connected as they are with the "Wood's
half-pence," immortalized by Dean Swift. The notes and biographical
sketches by the editor, scattered through the volume, add materially to
its value--as also the numerous maps and engravings. We have heard hints
that some small suggestions of disinterested economists of the public
money, or other considerations less creditable, have been brought to
bear against the continuation of this publication--but we trust that
they will end when they begin. New-York owes it to her own great history
to make its material accessible to all.
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