PREFATORY. Something should be said by way of introducing the present volume to the attention of the public. It is published under the auspices of the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, and its first chapter contains a historical sketch of that society, by its historian, Rev. S. H. Gridley. Added to this sketch will be found a longer chapter containing a history of the Sullivan Centennial Celebration of Seneca County. The original committee to whom was entrusted the matter of publication, was allowed to secure the aid of Hon. Diedrich Willers, Jr., late Secretary of State, especially in preparing the history of the Centennial proceedings. He had served as one of the secretaries of the county committee in making arrangements for the celebration, and bore a prominent part in making it a success. His acquaintance with distinguished public men in the State, and, through them, with sources of information not equally accessible to his associates on the committee, gave him advantage which he used in furtherance of the enterprise to which he was committed, and to the credit of himself. It was natural that the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, through its committee of publication, should quite willingly rely on one to prepare the history of the Centennial proceedings, who had contributed so much to make those proceedings what they were. It is due to him, therefore, to say, that by his effort to honor the County of Seneca in the arrangements for the Sullivan Centennial Commemoration, and by his patient, diligent and exhaustive labors in preparing its history, he is justly entitled to the lasting gratitude of the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, and of his fellow citizens generally. Nor in this connexion should notice fail to be taken of Dr. S. R. Welles. In the preparation of the following pages, his place has not been that of a compiler, yet nothing has been written which has not been submitted to his inspection and counsel, and nothing has been deemed worthy of publication without his approval. In the details of this history, regard has been had to the sentiment of Ex-Governor Seymour, that "What is common-place now, will be curious and interesting in the future." Every fact and circumstance promising to interest the reader has been carefully preserved. To instruct as well as entertain has been the aim of the history. The address of Rev. David Craft, the centennial historian, as published, is believed to be the most complete and accurate history of Gen. Sullivan's Campaign, which has yet been given to the public. Other addresses and speeches of the occasion have been so revised by their authors and so published, as to secure to each, the honor which is due. The committee in preparing the following pages has been careful to make record of all names, so far as possible, representing such as specially contributed to the success of the Sullivan Commemoration; and where any fail to receive the honor they can justly claim, none will feel more profound regret than those who have this publication in charge. G. |