In the January issue of the _Essex Institute Historical Collections_ is an article on “Captain John Manley of Marblehead, a Man of Irish Descent,” by Robert E. Peabody. RECOMMENDATIONS. It has been the custom of the Society since its organization to have one annual meeting and two or more field days each year. The annual meeting in each instance has been called for the early evening, and the business affairs finished in a few minutes; then a short reception would take place, followed by a dinner, on the completion of which some historical papers would be read and addresses of interest made. This proceeding is not calculated to sufficiently advance the interests of the Society, or enable it to truly do the work for which it is organized. Some historical associations have annual meetings at which there is a morning and afternoon session, followed by a dinner in the evening, while others have sessions lasting two or three days. It is impossible to crowd into a single evening, part of which has been taken up in partaking of a good dinner, any significant number of historical papers, much less to have a discussion on them. Valuable addresses have been made that have not been printed in the Journal, and all that is left of them in the minds of the members is hardly more than pleasant recollections of the speakers. All the leading historical associations procure valuable papers from members, and, after they are read, discussion upon the subject-matter is thrown open, the good points gathered, and all reported in print later for the use of the members. This Society could profitably take a day and an evening for its annual meeting. A morning session should be had, called to order at ten o’clock. Two or three papers could be read and discussion had upon each, followed by a recess from one to three p. m. Further papers and discussion might then be entertained and the meeting adjourned, with all the business completely transacted, in time for the dinner in the evening, at which short and interesting speeches, good music and general recreation after the day’s work would be in order. These annual conventions should take place in different parts of the country, and those interested in our work will be sure to be on hand. In looking over some of our old records, it appears that requests have been made by members for meetings to take place in Richmond, Va., Charleston, S. C., and Detroit, Mich. In neither of these places has an annual meeting or a field day of the Society taken place. Members of the Society are earnestly requested to furnish the Secretary-General with correct addresses. When a member removes or changes his address, the Secretary-General should be notified immediately, otherwise the publications and communications of the Society may be lost or fall into unauthorized hands.