142 History. 



his fidelity, diligence, and literary taste. In 1792 

 the Reverend Dr. Jeremy Belknap completed his 

 History of New-Hampshire, a. work which will long 

 be considered as an honourable testimonial of the 

 industry and judgment of the author. 6 Two years 

 afterwards Dr. Samuel Williams gave to the 

 public his History of Vermont, which indicates an 

 ingenious and philosophical mind, and contains 

 much useful information. . The next American 

 history is that of the District of Maine, by James 

 Sullivan, Esquire, which affords a considerable 

 portion of interesting instruction to the student of 

 American history. In 1797 appeared the Civil 

 and Ecclesiastical History of Connecticut, by the 

 Reverend Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, a perform- 

 ance which, for the fulness of the information 

 which it exhibits, and the minute accuracy and fi- 

 delity manifested in every part of the narrative, 

 deserves high praise/ In the same year was 

 published a History of Pennsylvania, by Mr. 

 Robert Proud, which, though not distinguished 

 by much taste in the selection and arrangement of 

 its materials, nor by the correctness or elegance 

 of its style, is yet entitled to credit as a faithful 

 compilation of facts, especially as it presents a 

 concise view of the society of Friends, and a very 

 satisfactory account of the settlement and progress 

 of that denomination of Christians in Pennsylvania. 

 The last important work of this kind given to the 



b Dr. Belknap will long be respectfully remembered by the friends of 

 literature in Massachusetts, and in the United States. Besides presenting 

 the public with works which must be considered among the best specimens 

 of history and biography which our country has produced, there were few 

 men in America more learned, of more solid and useful talents, or more 

 devoted to the establishment and support of literary and scientific institu- 

 tions. He who shall attempt hereafter to give a view of the progress of 

 literature in New-England, and especially in Massachusetts, must assign 

 a conspicuous place to the character and labours of Dr. Belknap. 



c This gentleman is now engaged in compiling a History of the United 

 States, on which he has bestowed much time and labour, and of which those 

 who know his fidelity and accuracy, entertain high expectations. 



