208 PROCEEDINGS OF 



pend upon it, that if time is suffered to exercise its never-failing influence on our 

 noble Institution, it will rise, in perhaps less than half a century, to an equality 

 with the most admired institutions of tlie same khid in Europe ; but if economy is 

 lost sight of, it will experience the fate of other great undertakings which have 

 failed from want of a duo regard to this principle. I hope I shall bo pardoned this 

 involuntary effusion, for which I am well convinced, nothing but the perhaps ex- 

 cessive zeal which I feel for the permanency of our great Institution can afford an 

 excuse. Old age, perhaps, may also afford an apology. 



I am, respectfully, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, 



I'ETER S. DU PONCEAU. 



CIRCULAR. 



TuE Department of American History and ANTiauiTiES of the National Insti- 

 tution for the Promotion of Science, established at the seat of the General Govern- 

 ment, respectfully invites public attention to its objects. These are " to discover, 

 procure, and preserve, whatever may relate to the Civil, Literary, and Ecclesiasti- 

 cal History of America in general, and of the United States in particular." In 

 conceiving and attempting to execute so comprehensive a plan, the Institution anti- 

 cipates the approval of the friends of literature and science, and the cooperation of 

 all who feel particular interest in subjects connected with American History. The 

 topics embraced by the plan are so various, that almost every individual of liberal 

 studies is competent to promote, iu some manner or degree, its successful ope- 

 ration. 



A full enumeration of the topics, in relation to which contributions are desired, 

 would lead to details of inconvenient lengtii, and is made unnecessary by the ex- 

 tensive range of the general plan. The most important may bo included under the 

 following heads : 



1. Facts relating to the discovery and settlement of America, to the Colonial 

 and Revolutionary history of tho North American Colonies, and Biographical 

 notices of persons connected with such discovery, settlement, or history. 



2. Biograpliical notices of persons distinguished in the Aboriginal history of 

 America, or distinguished in tho history of tho United States, as Ministers of tho 

 Gospel, Politicians, Lawyers, Physicians, Mechanics, &c. 



3. Facts illustrating the History, Manners, Customs, Language, and Traditions 

 of tho Indian tribes, and manners of tho early Settlers. 



4. Indian names of Towns, Villages, Rivers, Islands, Bays, and other romark- 

 ablo places and objects. 



5. Statistics of Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, and Population. 



G. Topographical sketches of Cities, Towns, Villages, and their vicinities, with 

 Statistical details concerning them. 



7. Roads, Canals, Bridges, &.C. 



8. Religious, Benevolent, Scientific, and Literary Institutions and Associations. 



9. Colleges, Schools, and all Inslituliuiia for promoting i:^ducalion. 



