The History of Wisconsin: Historical

e-Obstinacy of Black Reynolds demands aid fuses to go back-The jor Stillman's attack, overnor Reynolds dervices-Talk with the 1 Dodge writes to Gosembles volunteersor defence-Massacre n, Hawley, and others ttle-Attack at Apple h the Winnebagoes; Hall delivered upt-Dodge's volunteers Hawley, and others-Inson's camp-Dodge farm-Dodge assem -Battle of the Pecand return-Force and -y's command--Dispo-General Atkinson at Lo Black Hawk's camp o Fort Winnebago for h in search of Black Indian trail, which is sin Heights-General f Black Hawk-They -Battle of Bad Axe-General Scott's rapid cholera-Loss of the Hawk, and reflections in the mining counilitary road opened---Hamilton-Farnsrie du Chien-Causes -Michigan about to t-Jealousy as to the cion of Congress esta

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INTRODUCTORY.

THE object of the present work is sufficiently appa from its title; the cause and manner of its having undertaken by the compiler may deserve explana In January, 1849, the "State Historical Society of Wis sin" was formed, through the efforts of a few citi whose sanguine anticipations of immediate succe results were unfortunately disappointed. Beyond annual addresses, the first by the compiler, the secon the Honourable MORGAN L. MARTIN, both by appointm of the Society, no practical labours in the region of consin history were laid before its annual meetings deed, the Society appeared to languish, and all attemp restore energy to it, or to render it of utility to the S in conformity with its original design, appeared fruitl‹

By the constitution of the Society, the governor of State was ex-officio its president. Soon after the ina tion of Governor FARWELL, in 1852, the compiler was r gratified to find, from conversations with his excelle how deep an interest he felt in all which, in any de

State Historical Society were less regarded, attended to, than they merited to be; and him the idea that it might not be a difficu industry properly directed, to obtain from residents of each county in the State, su statistics as, when digested and compiled form, would make a valuable local hist spoke of the propriety of collecting, at an ea matter of historical interest depending on t individuals, or on perishable records, so tha might be laid for a State history on whi might be placed for its authenticity. On the requested the compiler to reflect, and give of his thoughts in such shape as that it mi tageously used, if considered of sufficien Accordingly, in a few days afterward, the fo was addressed to the governor.

Madison, Febr

TO LEONARD J. FARWELL, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF W

SIR-Within a period of time not long which embraces the political existence of W attention of many of the States of the Uni directed to the collection and preservation o shedding light upon, or in any manner proper to their own history-colonial, revolutionary, The importance of their action on such sub be denied, and the example is worthy to be Wisconsin.

It is due to ourselves-to the enlightened

ded, or at least less

and suggested to fficult matter, with -om the prominent , such annals and piled in a correct history. He also an early day, every on the memory of o that a foundation which a reliance n these matters he give him the result it might be advan icient importance. he following letter

■, February 2d, 1852. E OF WISCONSIN.

longer than that of Wisconsin, the e Union has been ion of all matters properly belonging mary, and federate. subjects will not to be followed in

we live,—it is more especially due to posterity, that w should gather and preserve every evidence within ou reach, of such events and transactions, public and indi vidual, as may properly be considered as forming our his tory, social and political. Much of such evidence is now in our power, but time cannot replace or restore tha which his own hand is hourly removing and destroying.

To collect and arrange the documentary history of Wis consin, from its earliest settlement to the present time will require much labour and research, and, consequently considerable expense, independent of the value of the tim employed in the work;-expenditure in the collection o records, books, and papers, and in travelling for the de sired purpose, will form a considerable portion of the a count. The undivided time and attention of the collato must be occupied, and a year or more may elapse befor his labours could, in any likelihood, be completed.

I have addressed you, sir, as the executive of the State to whom properly belongs the superintendence of th general welfare of the community. I am desirous of com piling such matters as will serve as a Documentary Histor of Wisconsin; comprising, not only public records, bu also narratives of private enterprise, the history of the set tlement of counties, and their past and present statistics In the prosecution of this design I would require legisla tive encouragement; and should my proposed action mee with your approval, I would respectfully ask you to com municate my design and wishes to the legislature. I have the honour to be your obedient servant, WM. R. SMITH.

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