away ; and their imme-
diate descendants, who are the next best witnesses, will soon follow
them. It is known to all, who have any knowledge of the subject,
that no histories are so interesting to residents, especially descend-
ants of the early inhabitants, as the history of the perils and hard-
ships of the first settlement in their respective towns. Yet this
subject had been everywhere too much neglected, and was likely to
be neglected, unless some exterior influence should be brought to
bear upon it. The subject was, therefore, brought more distinctly
before the Society, at their annual meeting on the 29th day of De-
cember, 1846. At this time a committee was appointed to consider
the subject and make report at the next meeting. At a subsequent
meeting, on the 23d of February, Professor Stoddard, one ofthe
committee, made a report, which was accepted, and the plan recom-
mended was adopted, and a committee appointed to carry it into
effect. This committee appointed competent agents in the several
towns, and sent to them circulars, embracing the plan recoiamended
C HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.
by the society. But the committee have found it a more difficult
task than they had anticipated to accomplish so desirable an object.
Some of the agents declined the undertaking, and others, who had
given encouragement, neglected the task so long that all hope from
them was given up. In many of the towns new agents were ap-
pointed, and requested to perform the service. In two of the most
important towns, gentlemen, fully competent to the undertaking,
had collected materials, and made progress in the work ; but in the
midst of their labors,