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In the composition of the work, the materials have been drawn, from conversations with the first settlers-my own observations and experience— Burck's History of Virginia--Boone's Narrative of 1784, by Filson; and public documents of various descriptions, to which I have had access.

The part relative to the late war, relies principally for the facts, on M'Afee's "History of the Late War in the Western Country." Other satisfactory documents supply the rest of the narrative with ample authority.

The epitome of the ancient history, and antiquities, of Kentucky, &c. introduced into the first volume, is the production of Professor Rafinesque; and which it is hoped will more than recompence for the matter it has displaced-without diminishing the interest in the history of recent, and present, times

In relation to the individuals implicated in the different intrigues, carried on in Kentucky, their exposure was demanded, by every right of justice, and every principle of utility. While care has been taken, to introduce no name not previously before the public-nor of those which were, has means been used to render any conspicuous, against whom the alleged offences could not be established in the plenitude of historical evidence.

Hence the developments commenced in the first volume, have been concluded in the second.

It remains only to say, that whosoever would form an impartial opinion of the work, or profit by its contents, should first read it, and then estimate it, as a whole design, rather than try its several paris-by the matter, more than the manner--not omitting to include its main object, REFORMATION, in the estimate: and then, before he heartily condemns it, assure himself, that he could write a better, on the same subjects, and under similar circumstances,

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INTRODUCTION.

Ir is now thirty-seven years since the first permanent settlements were made in Kentucky. Many of the early adventurers, and first inhabitants, have disappeared, by the ordinary operations of nature, or the incidents of Indian hostility; and others best acquainted with the origin, rise, and progress, of its improvement, verging fast to the silent grave. Facts, and circumstances, which may now be attested by the living, in a few years, could only be reported upon the faith of tradition. It is always desirable, that the historian should be able to ascend to the sources of evidence, and thence to deduce his details. An important advantage, which a history of Kentucky, now writ ten, will have over one that should be deferred for a number of years, is, that its narratives may be attested or corrected, by LIVING WITNESSES.

Being myself a resident of Kentucky for more than thirty years, and having occasion to witness, or to be well informed of, passing events; considering that it may be useful for the present, and future ages, to perpetuate the memory of the most important of those events; and not knowing that any other individual, with the same means of information, has it in contemplation to write a history of Kentucky-I have determined, with my feeble, but best abilities, to present my countrymen with one, which may be characterized, topographical, biographical, political, civil, and military. These topics are, it is believed, sufficiently copious to embrace the great objects of history; and to admit of all that variety, and detail, which constitute the amusement, and the utility, of historical composition.

There is not, probably, any thing which more distinctly marks the diffe rence between savage, and civilized states, than the want, or possession of history. Mere savages, have no historical records—while nations, the least civilized, seem to possess some. The desire of preserving memorials of interesting events, must be one of the most universal emotions of the human heart; since we are taught to believe, that all nations, in proportion to the information which they have acquired, and the means of display which they possessed, have exhibited evidences of its existence. Some in the knotting of a string; some in the coarse painting, or rude sculpture, found in council houses, their places of worship, on their warlike instruments, or domestic utensils. Some have been seen to raise up huge piles of stones, destitute of art; some to rear simple pillars; others to erect obelisks, towers, pyramids; and (to denote subsequent, or less important events,) inscribe on these, hieroglyphic characters-the first rude essays, it is thought, in the art of writing. The invention of alphabetical letters may well be considered, as one of the most important events in the progress of the arts, were they only used in the composition of history: because they so far surpass in facility of fabrication, accuracy of delineation, and durability of existence, (including the ease of renewal) all other modes of transmitting to future times, the memory of past events. Hence all nations who have learned the use of letters, have written histories.

The number, and species, of these, have been greatly multiplied, as letters have been more and more cultivated, and a freer expression of knowledge obtained, by the improvement of paper, and the invention of the printing press. History, to be useful, should be authentic. It should also preserve the series of the events, which it records-and it should record all those, which are susceptible of a moral, religious, or political application.

To those who have been accustomed to read the histories of ancient, long existing, or great and populous states, or empires, the history of Kentucky for the space of thirty-seven years only, may seem a subject equally unworthy of the author, and the reader. But when we reflect, that the little all of one man, is as dear to him, as the multiplied treasures of another; we may reasonably expect that to the people of Keutucky, at least, the history of their own country, will be an object of no common interest, or faint solicitude.

How far the history about to be offered to them, will answer their expectations, meet their wishes, or gratify their love of country, will depend essentially on the materials employed, as well as on the skill and judgment of the workman. When the author turns his attention to the ancient republics of Greece and of Rome, or contemplates the modern empires of the world, his mind is filled with a crowd of interesting, important, and brilliant figures; the mere investigation and display of which, would give animation to genius, sublimity to thought, and eloquence to style.

Should he trace the revolutions of ancient states, and develope their causes; should he single out the ambitious demagogue, who from time to time, deluded the credulous people, under the mask of patriotism, and the name of REPUBLI CAN, and thence pursue him to the usurper, and the despot, he would have full scope for moral reflection, and political admonition: while the picture, made to glow with the most ardent passions of the human heart, could not fail to produce in the spectator, a coincidence of sensations and emotions.

Again, when we review the pride and pomp of authority, and the insolence of power, in the kings and emperors of countries once free, and happy ; and contrast the present, with the former state of the people; the master with the slave; indignation, pity and contempt, successively take their turn; and require but the simple delineation of a faithful pencil, to give interest to the portrait, and reputation to the painter.

To this scene, add the sound of the trumpet-the parade of arms-the clangor of battle, and the triumph of victory—and you have subjects for the historian and the poet, of themselves sufficiently affecting, and potent, to create talents, brighten genius, inspire the historian, and fire the epic muse. But Kentucky! brought forth in obscurity; lapped in simple industry; raised up in peace, after a few predatory alarms, and simple invasions of savages; what has she in common with the countries just reviewed? What splendid subjects for history does her short period of existence display? How shall the historian fill his empty page? How shall he give interest to his narrative? How shall he attract attention? How reward his reader?

Cease, inconsiderate enquirer; nor think the field barren, which has produced an independent state, encircled in the American union. Deem not the subject destitute of interest, which involves the birth and infancy of a growing nation, who may justly claim a high destiny in the federal galaxy of North American constellations. Nor has Kentucky been without her wars, revolutions, conspiracies: She, too, has had her generals, statesmen, patriots -and traitors!!!

The progress of improvement is here strongly marked--the face of nature has been changed. The recent forest is now the cultivated field; the bark hut has given place to the elegant farm house; and many parts of bare creation are now covered with populous towns. Here learning is encouraged; science cultivated; the useful arts cherished; and labour crowned with plenty,its best hope, and just reward.

Kentucky has her moral, religious, and political character; themes, equally worthy the laborious investigation of the statesman, and the faithful record of the historian. These shall receive my most sedulous attention, in the produce tion of the following work.

May 1st, 1812.

ANCIENT ANNALS OF KENTUCKY;

OR,

INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE

STATE OF KENTUCKY.

BY C. S. RAFINESQUE, A. M.-PH. D. PROFESSOR IN TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY, MEMBER OF THE KENTUCKY INSTITUTE, AND 15 OTHER SCIENTIFIC OR LITERARY SOCIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND IN EUROPE..

(Nunquam otiosus.)

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