Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-22
vermOnt's Documentary History.

RECORDS OF rHE COUNCIL SAFETY AND GOVERNOR
Documents on the Early History q the state Edited
and Published by Hon. E. 4. Walton.
The recently published eighth volume completes
the most elaborate documentary history OF the
state from the earliest period to the Inauguration
OF the state senate in 1886, since which event the
records Of both branches of the legislature and
the official state documents have been printed.
This work has cost the state about $50 900 in ALL
or about one-tenth the sum expended by New
York for a similar but less voluminous work,
though far more deliberately illustrated by por-
traits, maps, and other costly engravings. The
completion and cost OF this contribution to the
history of the state makes 1t fit now to note its
history and character. Ia 1872, when completing
his excellent history Of the town Of Pttsford, the
late DIR. Abial NJ. Caverly found in the office OF
the secretary Of state the manuscript records Of
the governor and council and some thirty volumes
OF other historical manuscripts ohich had nerer
been printed. The good doctor appreciated the
historical value OF these papers and conceived the
plan OF printing all that were OF value, together
with all other historical papers that could be found
elsewhere, and specially such as were liable to be
lost. He was member of the house Of repre-
sentatives, and after consultation with brother
members and other citizens interested in the his
tory Of the state. the plan was brought forward
and an act was passed authorizing the governor
to appoint some person to edit and print these and
other historical papers, not exceeding one volume
a year Governor Converse appointed Hon. 4, p.
Walton to discharge this duty, and Governor
Converse and all the succeeding governors have
construed the act literally and given its editor
every facility desired In the discharge Of his duty.
The body Of the work in the several volumes
embraces history Of the several conventions
which governed the state previous to the appoint
ment OF the committee Of safety in 1777; the
record Of that committee; the first constitution
and It's history; the records Of the governor and
council from 1878 TO 1896; and biographical no
tees Of state officers, councillors and other his
torcal persons. In the appendices, however, is
embraced vast amount OF matter which will be
useful to every student Of the history of the state
and In Volume VIII. chronological index OF these
is given as guide to the chronology of historical
items Portraits of all the governors are given
from 1878 to 1886, Governor Butler alone ex-
cepted, OF whom no portrait was ever taken; and
of Lieutenant Governor Joseph Marsh, the first
and Lieutenant Governor Paul Brigham, who held
office the longest. A few other portraits and en-
cravings are also given, and a map OF Vermont
| and vicinity In about 1873.
| In all the work the editor has had the aid and
hearty approval OF vermonts best historian, ex-
Governor Hiand Hall, and as further testimony
| to Mr.. watons fidelity and success we are per-
mitted to give the following testimonial from one
who ranks very high as an antiquarian and his
torian;
| The RIDGE, DovKR PLAINS New York, June Is. 1851
| HosoRABLE L. =. WALTON
M Dear Sfr.I have the honor TO acknowledge the
eept from you OF Volume VII OF the Records OF the
Governor and Council OF the state Of Vermont" which
| completes the series. . -
By your Industry, vigilance ability and good Judgment
you secured the people OF your state for all time
come an invaluable treasure Not only to the people OF
Vermont precious Possession but also 10 the people OF
whole Union the result OF abors Of abdiag
teTest and value documentary history OF OF the
states which compose the republic.
rejoice that your life and health have been spared to
enable you complete your task 50 we'll and congratu
late you upon the OF undertaking we'll de-
vsed beginning You have given an amount OF local
Biographies aad of historical documents which might have
lost forever. As final labor your appendix Is of in
trinsc value II candle that viii light tile student of the
history Vermont 10 the precious OF that history
The people state ought To feel grateful 10 you for
the suggestion and the admirable execution OF the work.
| am dear sir, your Obliged and sincere fiiend,
| BKssos J. LossRG.