I'o the critical reader, great defects will doubtless appear in the style of the
work ; for the author lays no claims to skill in literary composition. Indeed in
looking it over in 'print ^ he finds many places susceptible of amendemnts. For these
defects, the following is offered as an apology. The work does not aspire to the
dignity of a regular History, but to researches into the antiquities of our country ;
and as a complete History of New England is still a desideratum, an accumulation
of facts^ however unskilfully given, will not be considered as unimportant. If
then, the work shall add any of importance to the present stock, and afford en-
tertainment to those who feel an interest in the recital of the hardships and ex-
ploits of our forefathers, and at the same time aid the future historian in his re-
searches, the author will rest satisfied ; — for he deems it of more importance, that
facts should accumulate, than that he should be thought even a passable writer.
Durjkld^ December 1824.
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTION— Containing brief accounts of the voyages to
North America^ prior to the arrival of the settlers at Pljonouth.
CHAPTER I.
