The New York Historical Society is pleased to present this series of publications, generously funded by John Watts De Peyster. Covering a wide range of topics related to New York State history and culture, this collection is an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the history of the Empire State. From the early colonial period to the present day, the John Watts De Peyster Publication Fund Series offers a comprehensive look at the people, places, and events that have shaped our great state.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.