44 Staten Island Association of Arts and Sciences 



Early History of Staten Island^- 



This modest brochure bears several evidences of. haste or 

 carelessness in its preparation. On the cover the title appears as 

 " A Short History of Staten Island " ; but the title page designates 

 the work as " Early History of Staten Island," while in his 

 kindly letter of transmittal the author refers to it under the title 

 first mentioned ; so that the question is an open one in regard to 

 the title under which it should be catalogued and cited. 



It is fittingly dedicated to Mr. Ira K. Morris, "whose history 

 of Staten Island has endeared him to all those who love Staten 

 Island, and whose indefatigable and painstaking historical re- 

 searches of many years have challenged the admiration of those 

 interested in the history of our Island." This dedication is dated 

 May 1918, which we may, therefore, assume to be approximately 

 the date of publication, although it does not appear on the title 

 page. 



The author states, in the introduction, that "the desire to 

 awaken in the hearts of the growing generations of Staten 

 Islanders an interest and a love for their native island have 

 induced the writer to present this short history." 



It is, frankly, a compilation of such events and incidents, 

 gleaned from general sources of information, as the author 

 deemed to be of special interest or significance. It is unfortu- 

 nate, however, that dates are omitted in connection with many 

 events of importance, thus detracting from their main historic 

 value and interest. The absence of pagination numbers is also 

 a drawback, so far as ease and accuracy of reference and citation 

 is concerned. 



A. H. 



12 Early | History | of | Staten Island | By | Cornelius G. Kolff. 8° pamph. 

 32 p. Mayi9i8(?). 



