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THE

AMERICAN

QUARTERLY REGISTER.

CONDUCTED BY

B. B. EDWARDS AND W. COGSWELL.

VOL. X.

PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.

BOSTON:

PRINTED BY PERKINS & MARVIN.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by WILLIAM COGSWELL,

Secretary of the American Education Society, in behalf of said Society, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

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THERE are various associations in this country which have for their principal object to promote the study of the antiquities of the United States; to collect, embody and diffuse information on a great variety of important subjects. Among the foremost of these are the Historical Societies which have been formed in a number of States, and some of which enjoy a vigorous existence, and are producing the happiest results. The American Antiquarian Society at Worcester are enlarging their sphere of operations, and augmenting the precious relics of former times. The State of Massachusetts, under the auspices of the present enlightened governor, are doing much to rescue the records of the past from neglect and decay. The Rev. Joseph B. Felt, a learned antiquary, who has been compelled by infirmity to desist from his ministerial functions, has been for many months employed upon the time-worn documents in the State House. A large number of ponderous folios, with papers well classified and arranged, and substantially bound, attest his industry and good judgment. The labors of the Secretary of State, John P. Bigelow, Esq., are particularly valuable, both as it respects the direct results of his own investigations, and the urbane manner in which he assists other inquirers. In the mean time the government of the United States are not idle, though much less has been accomplished than is desirable. An elaborate memorial on the subject of statistics was presented to the Senate of the United States some months since, by professor Lieber of the College of South Carolina. We do not learn that there has yet been any action on the memorial. The Hon. Henry L. Ellsworth, commissioner of patents, has presented to Congress some valuable papers. Various committees of both branches have occasionally done themselves the honor of elucidating important subjects of general statistical interest. In the same field there are a few individuals scattered over the country, whose solitary and unaided toils are worthy of all praise and encouragement.

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