Book - 
 
 / 
 
ORIGIN 
 
 OF THE 
 
 American antiquarian ^ociet^* 
 
 PETITION TO THE LEGISLATURE of MASSACHUSETTS, 
 
 October, 1812. 
 
 To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of 
 the Common-wealth of Massachusetts, in General Court as- 
 sembled* 
 
 THE subscribers, influenced by a desire to con- 
 tribute to the advancement of the Arts and Sciences, 
 and to aid, by their individual and united efforts, in 
 collecting and preserving such materials as may be 
 useful in marking their progress, not only in the 
 United States, but in other parts of the globe, and 
 wishing also to assist the researches of the future 
 historians of our country, respectfully represent to 
 the Legislature, that, in their opinion, the establish- 
 ment of an Antiquarian Society, within this Com- 
 monwealth, would conduce essentially to the attain- 
 
 * Application for an Act to incorporate this National Institution was 
 made to the Legislature of Massachusetts, from a belief, that the Con- 
 gress of the United States has not a constitutional power to grant Char- 
 ters to publick Societies without the District of Columbia. 
 
 
^m 
 ••/^^4 
 
 18 
 
 ment of these objects. At present there is no pub- 
 lick association for such purposes within the United 
 States, The rapid progress of science, and of the 
 useful and ornamental arts, in our country, may be 
 ascribed in a great degree to the numerous publick 
 institutions originated by patriotick individuals, but 
 deriving their countenance and support from legis- 
 lative authority. Such a society as is now contem- 
 plated, as its objects are essentially distinct from 
 any other in our country, it is believed, may advan- 
 tageously co-operate with, without in the slightest 
 degree impairing the utility of other institutions. 
 Its immediate and peculiar design is, to discover the 
 antiquities of our own continent ; and, by providing 
 a fixed and permanent place of deposit, to preserve 
 such relicks of American antiquity as are portable, 
 as well as to collect and preserve those of other 
 parts of the globe. By the long and successful la- 
 bours of the College of Antiquaries in Ireland, their 
 historians, it is said, have been enabled to trace the 
 history of that country to an earlier period than that 
 of any other nation of Europe. The researches of 
 a similar society in England, established at a later 
 period, at times discouraged, but now aided and 
 fostered by the patronage of the government, have 
 not merely furnished food for curiosity, but have 
 provided many valuable materials for the benefit of 
 history, the improvement o^ science, and the ad- 
 vancement of the arts of life. Almost every nation 
 indeed of the European world bears witness to the 
 utility of similar institutions. To the enlightened 
 Legislature of Massachusetts, the Subscribers do 
 not deem it necessary to exhibit more in detail the 
 
19 
 
 advantages which may be expected from such an es- 
 tablishment within this Commonwealth. They ask 
 for no other aid from the Commonwealth, than the 
 facilities which, in the pursuit of their objects, may 
 accrue from an Act of Incorporation. As an in- 
 ducement to the grant of these privileges, they beg 
 leave to state that one of their number is, at this 
 time, in possession of a valuable collection of books 
 obtained with great labour and expense, the value 
 of which may be fairly estimated at about five thou- 
 sand dollars, some of them more ancient than are to 
 be found in any other part of our country, and all of 
 which he intends to transfer to the proposed Society, 
 should their project receive the sanction and entjour- 
 agement of the Legislature. This grant, which is 
 designed as the foundation of a superstructure to be 
 hereafter erected, with such other conditions as may 
 be reasonably expected, the subscribers believe will 
 ensure the future growth and prosperity of the In- 
 sitution. 
 
 As no injury can at any rate be apprehended from 
 fjuch an experiment, even if it should prove unsuc- 
 cessful, and as it may be productive of much pub- 
 lick advantage, the petitioners flatter themselves their 
 project will not be discountenanced by the Govern- 
 ment of Massachusetts. 
 
 They therefore respectfully pray for leave to bring 
 in a bill for the incorporation of themselves, and 
 such persons as may hereafter associate with them, 
 into a Society by the name of the American An- 
 Tiq^UARiAN Society, with the privilege of hold- 
 ing real estate in perpetuity of the annual value cf 
 iitteen hundred dollars, and with such other privi- 
 
5X> 
 
 leges and immunities as are usually granted by acts 
 of incorporation to other publick societies establish- 
 ed within this Commonwealth. 
 
 ISAIAH THOMAS, 
 NATH'L. PAINE, 
 WM. PAINE, 
 LEVI LINCOLN, 
 AARON BANCROFT, 
 EDW'D. BANGS. 
 
 Sec^ry^s Office, 1 A true copy of the petition on 
 Dec, 3df 1812. 3 ^^^ i" this office. 
 
 Attest, 
 
 ALDEN BRADFORD, Scc'r7j Commonwealth. 
 
 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve. 
 
 An Act to incorporate the American Antiqua- 
 rian Society. 
 
 WHEREAS the collection and preservation of 
 the Antiquities of our country, and of curious and 
 valuable productions in Art and Nature, have a ten- 
 dency to enlarge the sphere of human knowledge, 
 aid the progress of science, to perpetuate the histo- 
 ry of moral and political events, and to improve and 
 interest posterity-— 
 Therefore, 
 
 Sec. I. Be it ejiacted by the Senate and House 
 of Representatives in General Court assembled, and 
 
21 
 
 by the authoritif of the same. That Isaiah Thomas, 
 Levi Lincoln, Harrison G. Otis, Timothy Bigclovv, 
 Nathaniel Paine, Edward Bangs, Esqrs. John T. 
 Kirkland, LL. D. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. Jona- 
 than H. Lyman, Elijah H. Mills, Elisha Hammond, 
 Timothy Williams, William D. Peck, John Low- 
 ell, Edmund Dwight, P^leazer James, Josiah Quincy, 
 William S. Shaw, Francis Blake, Levi Lincoln, jun. 
 Samuel M. Burnside and Benjamin Russell, Esq's. 
 Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, Redford Webster, 
 Thomas Walcut, Ebenezer T. Andrews, Isaiah 
 Thomas, jun. William Wells, and such others as 
 may associate with them for the purposes aforesaid, 
 be, and hereby are, formed into and constituted a so- 
 ciety, and body politick and corporate, by the name 
 of the American Antiquarian Society ; and that 
 they and their successors, and such other persons 
 as shall be legally elected by them, shall be and 
 continue a body politick and corporate, by that 
 name forever. 
 
 Sec. II. Beit Jurther enacted, That the mem- 
 bers of said Society shall have power to elect a Pres- 
 ident, Vicepresidents, and such other officers as 
 they may determine to be necessary ; and that the 
 said Society shall have one common seal, and the 
 same may break, change and renew at pleasure ; and 
 that the same Society, by the name aforesaid, as a 
 body politick and corporate, may sue and be sued, 
 prosecute and defend suits to final judgment and 
 execution. 
 
 Sec. III. Be it further enacted^ That the said 
 Society shall have power to make orders and by- 
 laws for governing its members and property, not 
 
22 
 
 repugnant to the laws of this Commonwealth ; and 
 may expel, disfranchise, or suspend an)'- member 
 who by misconduct shall be rendered unworthy. 
 
 Sec. IV. Be it further enncted^ That said So- 
 ciety may, from time to time, establish rules for e- 
 lecting officers and members, and also times and 
 places for holding meetings ; and shall be capable to 
 take and hold real or personal estate by gift, grant, 
 devise, or otherways, and the same, or any part 
 thereof, to alien and convey : provided, that the 
 annual income of any real estate by said Society 
 holden, shall never exceed the sum of fifteen hun- 
 dred dollars, and that the personal estate thereof, 
 exclusive of books, papers and articles in the muse- 
 um of said Society, shall never exceed the value of 
 seven thousand dollars. 
 
 Sec V. Be it further enacted^ That said So- 
 ciety may elect honorary members residing in, and 
 without, the limits of this Commonwealth. And 
 that Isaiah Thomas, Esq. be, and hereby is, author- 
 ized and empowered to notify and warn the first 
 meeting of said Society ; and that the said Society, 
 when met, shall agree upon a method for calling fu- 
 ture meetings, and have power to adjourn, from 
 time to time, as may be found necessary. 
 
 Sec VI. Be it further enacted^ That the Li- 
 brary and Museum of said Society shall be kept in 
 the town of Worcester, in the county of Worces- 
 ter. 
 
 In the House of Representatives, October 23, 1812. This 
 bill, having had three several readings, passed to be enacted. 
 
 TIMOTHY BIGELOW, Speaker. 
 
23 
 
 In Senate, October 24, 1812. This bill, having had two 
 several readings, passed to be enacted. 
 
 SAMUEL DANA, President. 
 
 October 2ith 1812. 1 CALEB STRONCx. 
 
 Approved, ^ 
 
 Secretary's Office^ Nov. 2, 1812. 
 A true copy. Attest, 
 
 ALDEN BRADFORD, Sec^ry Commonwealth. 
 
 NOTIFICATION AND WARNING 
 
 To the Members incorporatedy to attend the first Meeting. 
 
 American Society of Antiquaries. 
 
 WHEREAS by an Act of the Legislature of this 
 Commonwealth, passed October 24, 1812, Isaiah 
 Thomas, Levi Lincoln, H. G. Otis, Timothy Bige- 
 low, Nathaniel Paine and Edward Bangs, Esqrs. J. 
 T. Kirkland,LL. D. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. William 
 Paine, M. D. Jonathan H. Lyman, Elijah H. Mills, 
 Elisha Hammond, Timothy Williams, William D. 
 Peck, JohnLowell, Edmund Dwight,EIeazer James, 
 Josiah Quincy, William S. Shaw, Francis Blake, 
 Levi Lincoln, jun. Samuel M. Burnside, and Ben- 
 jamin Russell, Esqrs. Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, 
 Redford Webster, Thomas Walcut, Ebenezer T. 
 Andrews, William Wells, and Isaiah Thomas, jun. 
 and such others as may associate with them for the 
 purposes therein mentioned, were " formed into, 
 and constituted a Society, and body politick and 
 corporate, by the name of The American Anti- 
 quarian Society ^'^^ for die purposes therein specified. 
 
And whereas, by the fifth section of said Act, the 
 undersigned is " authorized and ennpowered to no- 
 tify and warn the first meeting of said Society ;" 
 therefore, in coiiformity thereto, he hereby notifies 
 and warns each and every of the persons above 
 n imed to meet at the Exchange Coffee House in 
 Boston, on Thursday the 19th day of November 
 instant, at 11 o'clock, in the forenoon, then and 
 there to take such measures as shall be necessary 
 for organizing said Society, establishing such Rules 
 and Regulations as shall be deemed expedient, 
 *' agree upon a method for calling future meet- 
 ings," and to act upon any other matter or thing re- 
 lating to the objects of said Institution. 
 
 ISAIAH THOMAS. 
 
 Worcester^ November 2, 1812. 
 
 (^5* The members met at the time and place ap- 
 pointed, and the Society was organized. 
 
 AN ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 \MERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 
 
 I At a Stated Meeting of the AmericAw AwxiauAKlAW Society, Sep- 
 tember 29, 1813, a Committee was appointed to draw up an account 
 of the nature of the Institution, with a detailed statement of its ob- 
 jects, for the purpose of publication. The Committee having attend- 
 ed to that duty, presented to the Society their Report, which was 
 read and accepted, and is as follows :] 
 
 THE great benefits arising to the civilized world 
 from associations of individuals for promoting 
 knowledge, industry, or virtue, are universally ac- 
 
25 
 
 kiiowledged. It is an obvious truth, that men, 
 without regard to nation, sect, or party, by united 
 exertions in one general pursuit, may effect more in 
 a few years, tlian could be accompHshed, individual- 
 ly, in ages. They are so constituted by nature, 
 that " human actions, and the events which befal 
 human beings, have more powerful influence than 
 any other objects, to engage and fix their atten- 
 tion," We cannot obtain a knowledge of those 
 who are to come after us, nor are we certain what 
 will be the events of future times ; as it is in our 
 power, so it should be our duty, to bestow on pos- 
 terity that, which they cannot give to us, but which 
 they may enlarge and improve, and transmit to 
 those, who shall succeed them. It is but paying a 
 debt we owe to our forefathers. 
 
 From combinations of this kind, the old conti- 
 nent, within the last century and an half, have re- 
 ceived and diffused more light and useful informa- 
 tion in the arts and sciences, and in the natural, civ- 
 il and religious history of the habitable globe, than 
 had been exhibited to ^nankind for thousands of 
 preceding years. 
 
 The first society of scientifick men among the 
 moderns, of which history gives us any certain in- 
 formation, was established near the close of th^ 
 eighth century, by Charlemagne, at his imperial 
 palace in France, by the recommendation of Alcui- 
 nus, one of the most learned men of the age. This 
 society in time was productive of many others j 
 few, however, appeared, which were of great advan- 
 tage to the publick, or gained a permanent establish- 
 4 
 
26 
 
 meat, till the middle of the seventeenth century. 
 Many literary and scientifick institutions were then 
 formed, and afterwards greatly increased and spread 
 through the several quarters of the globe. Wc 
 will take notice of that class only of those societies, 
 which had the same object in view, as the one of 
 which we are members. 
 
 Irish historians have asserted, that " there was an 
 ancient college of antiquaries erected in Ireland by 
 OUamh Fodhla, one of its kings, seven htindred 
 years before Christ, for the purpose of composing a 
 history of that country ;" and to this, say they, 
 *' it is owing, that the history and antiquities of this 
 kingdom may be traced back beyond that of most 
 other nations." But the first society of Antiqua- 
 ries, of which we have any authentick information, 
 is that which originated in England in 1572, under 
 the auspices of Archbishop Parker, Camden, Sir 
 Robert Cotton, and others. Although it was not 
 incorporated, its reputation gradually increased un- 
 til the reign of James I. who, in turbulent times, 
 " fearing it might canvass the secret transactions of 
 his government, suppressed it." It was revived in 
 the year 1717. From this time the importance of 
 the society increased, and in 1751, it was incorpo- 
 rated by the name of *' The President, Council and 
 Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries" in England. 
 " It is now in a very flourishing condition, consist- 
 ing of many learned and ingenious men of the no- 
 bility, gentry and clergy, whose business, as mem- 
 bers, is to discover the antiquities of their own, as 
 well as of other nations." Their council, says Mr. 
 Rees, *' consists of twenty one persons, ten of whom 
 
27 
 
 are annually chan[^ed ; the election of members is 
 by ballot, by a certificate signed by three or more 
 fellows being previously exhibited for six ordinary 
 successive meetings, except in the case of peers, 
 members of the privy council and judges, who 
 may be proposed by a single member and balloted 
 for the same day ; and the choice is determined by 
 a majority of two thirds. Every member pays an 
 admission fee of five guineas, and two guineas a 
 year ; or, as an equivalent, a sum of twenty-one 
 guineas. They have weekly meetings. This So- 
 ciety began to publish its discoveries in 1770, un- 
 der the title of Archoeologia." 
 
 An institution similar to that of the Antiquarian 
 Society in England, and for like purposes, was 
 founded in Scotland in 1780, and received the roy- 
 al charter in 1803. 
 
 There is a society of Antiquaries at Upsal in 
 Sweden, which owes its rise to Queen Christina, 
 but its establishment to her successor, Charles Gus- 
 tavus : its design is to collect and illustrate the an- 
 tiquities of that country, and the northern languages. 
 Another was instituted at Copenhagen, in Denmark, 
 in 1742 : its immediate object is to make research- 
 es into, and explain the antiquities and history of 
 that country : it is patronized by the king. An 
 Academy of Antiquities exists at Cortona, in Italy, 
 the members of which are very respectable, nu- 
 merous, and not confined to that country. It was 
 founded for the study, &c. of the Hctrurian Antiq- 
 uities ; the chief officer is called Lucumon, by which 
 name the ancient governours of Italy are said to 
 liave been distinguished. 
 
2B ^ 
 
 There are in Europe many other similar Institu- 
 tions ; all of which, having proper funds, have been 
 very useful. Many more for want of funds were of 
 short duration. 
 
 An institution of this kind was formed at Calcut- 
 ta in the East Indies, called the Asiatick Society, 
 by Sir William Jones, in 1784 ; the objects of 
 which are the antiquities, history, arts, and, litera- 
 ture of the continent of Asia. 
 
 Among the numerous societies formed in the 
 United States for the promotion of literature, the 
 useful and fine arts, and other valuable purposes, it 
 appeared that one more might be added, which 
 could also be truly beneficial, not only to the pres- 
 ent, but particularly to future generations — a socie- 
 ty not confined to local purposes — not intended for 
 the particular advantage of any one state or section 
 of the union, or for the benefit of a few individuals — 
 one whose rnembers rnay be found in every part of 
 our western continent and its adjacent islands^ and 
 who are citizens of all parts of this quarter of the 
 world. 
 
 Should it be asked, what are the intended objects 
 of this Society ?-— -We will answer in the words of 
 Sir William Jones to the mernbers of the Asiatick So- 
 ciety, ** Man and Nature— whatever is, or has beer^ 
 performed by the one, or produced by the other." 
 " Human knowledge," says he, " has been elegantly 
 analyzed according to the three great faculties of the 
 mind. Memory, Reason apd Imagination, which we 
 constantly find employed in arranging and retaining, 
 comparing and distinguishing, combining and di- 
 versifying, the ideas which we receive through our 
 
29 
 
 senses, or acquire by reflection : hence the three 
 main branches of Learning are History, Science, 
 and Art." 
 
 The chief objects of the inquiries and researches 
 of this Society will be American Antiquities, natu- 
 ral, artificial and literary ; not, however, excluding 
 those of other countries. It must be acknowledged 
 that the study of Antiquity offers to the curious and 
 inquisitive a large field for research, for sublime re- 
 flection, and for amusement. — Those who make in- 
 quiry, and those who make collections in this branch 
 of science, ** furnish the historian with his best ma- 
 terials, while he distinguishes from truth the fictions 
 of a bold invention, and ascertains the credibility of 
 facts ; and to the philosopher he presents a faithful 
 source of ingenious speculation, while he points out 
 to him the way of thinking, and the manners of 
 men, under all the varieties of aspect in which they 
 have appeared." 
 
 As all things, which are in their nature durable, if 
 preserved from casualty and the ravages of time, in 
 a course of years will become antique, it will be al- 
 so an object of this Society to deposit, from time to 
 time, such modern productions as will denote to 
 those who succeed us, the progress of literature, 
 the arts, manners, customs and discoveries in our 
 time, with accuracy. 
 
 Thus by an attention to these objects, which the 
 Society hope to promote by the exertion of its mem- 
 bers residing in various parts of this vast continent, 
 the utility of the Institution will speedily be realized, 
 and it may in time vie with those of a similar kind 
 in Europe, which are now so justly celebrated. — 
 
50 
 
 Each individual of die Society, we persuade our- 
 selves, will imbibe a belief, that its reputation, in a 
 great degree, depends on his individual efforts ; and 
 will feel an interest in collecting and forwarding to 
 the Librarian, the Secretaries, or to any officer of 
 the Institution, such antiquities of our country, 
 whether of nature or of art, as may be portable, and 
 which he can obtain ; and authentick accounts of 
 such as cannot be transported ; with such articles 
 of modern date, as are curious and interesting, and 
 will tend to aid the purposes of the establishment. 
 Justice will be done to the donor — his name will 
 live on the records. 
 
 Among the articles of deposit, books of every 
 description, including pamphlets and magazines, 
 especially those which were early printed either in 
 South or in North America ; files of Newspapers 
 of former times, or of the present day, are particu- 
 larly desirable — as are specimens, with written ac- 
 counts respecting them, of fossils, handicrafts of the 
 Aborigines, &c. ; manuscripts, ancient and modern, 
 on interesting subjects, particularly those which 
 give accounts of remarkable events, discoveries, or 
 th.e description of any part of the continent, or the 
 islands in the American seas; maps, charts, &c.* 
 
 The decline as well as the rise of nations is in the 
 course of nature — hke causes will produce like ef- 
 fects ; and, in some distant period, a decline may 
 be the state of our country. A depository like this, 
 
 I *Filfs of Newspapers, Magazines, or other periodical works, can be 
 sent annually^ or oftener, to the Receiving Officers in the State where 
 they are published, or to the Recording Secretary in Worcester, Mass. 
 •who will forward them to the place of deposit. 
 
31 
 
 may not only retard the ravages of time, but pre- 
 serve from other causes of destruction many pre- 
 cious relicks of antiquity, many specimens of the 
 work of nature, and those of modern art, which once 
 lost could never be restored. 
 
 For the better preservation from the destruction 
 so often experienced in large towns and cities by 
 fire, as well as from the ravages of an enemy, to 
 which seaports in particular are so much exposed 
 in times of war, it is universally agreed, that for a 
 place of deposit for articles intended to be pre- 
 served for ages, and of which many, if destroyed, or 
 carried away, could never be replaced by others of 
 the like kind, an inland situation is to be preferred; 
 this consideration, alone was judged sufficient for 
 placing the Library and Museum of this Society 
 forty miles distant from the nearest branch of the 
 sea, in the town of Worcester, Massachusetts, on 
 the great road from all the southern and western 
 states to'Boston, the capital of Newengland. 
 
 It is almost needless to observe, that a society of 
 this kind cannot be supported with any degree of 
 respectability or usefulness without funds. Dona- 
 tions, legacies, contributions, and royal patronage, 
 are the support of those in Europe, and have raised 
 them to a state of eminence ; and it is not doubted 
 that there are persons in America, who are as pub- 
 lick spirited as those in Europe, by whose aid this 
 Society will be enabled to pursue those researches, 
 so desirable, into the antiquities of our country — to 
 make valuable collections of them, and of other ar- 
 ticles proper for this Institution, and to deposit them 
 in a suitable, permanent building, which it is in^ 
 
32 
 
 tended shall somi be erected for their safe keeping ; 
 where they may at all times be found, and be, not 
 only pleasing, but useful to the members of histori- 
 cal, philosophical, and, perhaps, of other societies, 
 as well as to individuals. 
 
 ISAIAH THOMAS, fier orders 
 fForcester, October, 1813, 
 
 ABSTRACT 
 
 OF A 
 
 COMMUNICATION 
 
 Made to the Society by lAc President, at the Annual Meeting 
 in Boston, 1814. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 
 
 IN consequence of the relation in which I now 
 stand with the Society, until some further provision 
 shall be made for regular meetings of the Standing 
 Council, and their powers and duties are extended, 
 I have deemed it not inconsistent with official du- 
 ties to take into consideration the general state and 
 affairs of the Institution ; to receive the suggestions 
 of any of its members for its benefit ; and to present 
 them, under existing circumstances, to you, that 
 such notice may be taken of them as shall appear to 
 be expedient. 
 
 Our Society is in its infancy ; but it has a legal 
 existence, and by proper exertions will become use- 
 ful to our country. Similar institutions in Europe, 
 which now rank high in publick estimation, for 
 many years after their formation, were not of more 
 
33 
 
 consequence to the countries wherein they were 
 established, than the American Antiquarian Society- 
 is, at this time, to the United States, 
 
 The Books on our Catalogue will not bear com- 
 parison with those of the long established Libraries 
 of Antiquaries in Europe. 
 
 You will, Gentlemen, see by the records, that, 
 durinp^ the past year, the Library has considerably 
 increased ; and that, within this period, many arti- 
 cles have been presented for the Cabinet, Our 
 Library now consists of nearly three thousand vol- 
 umes.* 
 
 When we consider, that the vast Libraries, and 
 the splendid Museums, possessed by similar insti- 
 tutions on the elder continent, had an origin as 
 humble as ours, we may with confidence indulge 
 the hope, that when this Institution shall have ar- 
 rived at the respectable age which those now bear, 
 its means for extensive usefulness will not be ex- 
 ceeded by any of the like kind in any section of the 
 globe. But, 
 
 A Society cannot become extensively useful, 
 unless the objects for which it is instituted, are 
 pursued with some degree of energy. It will not 
 be expected that we should individually devote a 
 
 ^ Sbon after tlii^ R^p6rt was made, about 900 volumes, being the 
 remains of the Library, formerly belonging to Drs. Increase and Cotton 
 Mather, the most ancient in Massachusetts, if not in the United States, 
 were presented to the Society. At this date, January 1820, the Li- 
 brary consists of more than five thousand volumes, beside which a 
 Very valuable addition has been made to the Library and Cabinet by 
 the Legacy of the late Rev. William Bentley, D. D. of Salem, Massa- 
 chusetts, who was a valuable member, and an officer of this Institution. 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 very considerable part of our time to the affairs of 
 this Institution ; yet, without injury to himself, 
 every member may do something- for its benefit.— 
 There are various ways by which we may contribute 
 to its prosperity ;— ^some may bestow a little personal 
 attention to the management of its local concerns ; — • 
 others may devise projects, by which its interest 
 and its usefulness may be essentially promoted ; — 
 and others collect, as convenience and opportunity 
 permit, articles for its Cabinet, and donations of 
 books, files of newspapers or other periodical works, 
 maps, charts, manuscripts, and various articles prop- 
 er for the Institution. If each member would, at 
 his leisure, collect and send, at least annually, some- 
 thing worth preserving to the Library or Museum, 
 although the value of the gift be small, the stock of 
 books and of articles in our Cabinet, would, in a 
 few years, appear highly worthy of the inspection 
 of the most profound Antiquary of this or any other 
 country. 
 
 At this day, there are numberless old books, 
 newspapers and magazines, and many relicks of 
 antiquity, crowded together in garrets and store- 
 houses, of no use to any one, and hastening to de- 
 struction by means of the weather and vermin ; but, 
 if they were deposited with this Society, many arti- 
 cles might be selected from them worthy of pres- 
 ervation, and interesting to posterity. 
 
 It would seem, at first view, a well founded 
 observation, that by printing, and its multiplicity of 
 copies, society was forever relieved from all danger 
 of the total loss of any work which has been through 
 the press; experience, however, teaches, that of 
 
35 
 
 thousands of editions of printed books, not a copy 
 of them is now to be found ; and if, of others, there 
 may remain here and there a copy among rubbish, 
 they are of no use, for no one knows where to search 
 for them. 
 
 Some method should be adopted to procure, 
 and deposit in the Library, the publications which 
 from time to time issue from the press. Tiiis can 
 be effected, in a great measure, if each member will 
 enjoin on himself, annually, to present to the Society 
 one or more volumes. 
 
 Thousands of newspapers, and other periodical 
 works, are destroyed after they have had the usual 
 reading. Instead of perniitting this destruction, if 
 the members would direct these publications^ after 
 having been perused in their families^ to be careful- 
 ly laid aside ; and, if such members^ once \n six 
 months, or yearly, would send tliem tp the Society's 
 Library, or places of temporary deposit, it would 
 afford a sufficient supply of this necessary article for 
 preservation. 
 
 There are but few who do not wish their labours 
 to be known to posterity. Every author, every 
 printer or publisher of a book J or pubUck journal, 
 by sending a copy of each of the works they write, 
 print or publish, to the Library of this Society, may 
 have their works recorded, and deposited in the best 
 place possible for security and preservation ; and, 
 this not being a circulating library, they will remain 
 for centuries subject to the inspection of historians 
 and scientifick men, and be a source of high grati- 
 fication to Antiquaries of succeeding ages. 
 
36 
 
 It has been remarked, and I believe correctly, 
 that well informed printers and the best painters, in 
 all countries, receive more pleasure in vievvinj^ and 
 examining the labours of those of their professions 
 who have preceded them, than is common to those 
 who practise other arts ; and we all know that au- 
 thors who write on any particular subject, which has 
 already been before the publick, are always desirous 
 of ascertaining how it has been treated by those 
 who have previously taken it into consideration. — - 
 To all such, the Library of this Society will, un- 
 doubtedly, ere long, afford much gratification. 
 
 Several things have been suggested to me by 
 members of this Society, tending to its interest. — r 
 Permit me to mention some of them. 
 
 1. That we may make the Institution better 
 comport with the name it bears — " A?nerican An- 
 tiquarian Society" — and more readily effect the pur- 
 poses intended, it will be expedient to have a suita- 
 ble number of respectable and useful members in 
 all the principal cities and towns in the United 
 States, and some in the interiour of every state. 
 
 2. That it may be advisable to alter the laws so 
 far as to have an additional number of Counsellors, 
 not exceeding thirty — of these, to elect annually as 
 many as may be thought requisite, and to add others 
 when it shall appear necessary — to choose five from 
 Boston or its vicinity, as a Subcouncil, three to 
 form a quorum — also five in the vicinity of the Li- 
 brary and Cabinet, as a Subcouncil, three of whom 
 to form a quorum— both of which Subcouncils to 
 meet monthly, or oftencr, one in Boston, the other 
 in Worcester, to consult on measures for the benefit 
 
37 
 
 of the Institution, and that each Subcouncil should 
 make report of their doings to the General Council, 
 to be holden at regular times and places, and also on 
 each day of the stated meetings of the Society ;— - 
 the two Subcouncils, with such other Counsellors 
 as may meet with them, to form the General Coun- 
 cil, four of whom to constitute a q\iorum for trans- 
 acting the business assigned to them in Art. 2, of 
 the laws ; — one Counsellor to be appointed for the 
 county of Plymouth [which was the first New^ 
 England colony] and one in each of the states 
 wherein there shall reside not less than ten mem- 
 bers ; each of these Counsellors to receive commu- 
 nications from the members in the state in which 
 he resides, or from those of another state wherein 
 no Counsellor may have been appointed, and for- 
 ward them to the President, or to either of the Cor- 
 responding or Recording Secretaries, to be laid be- 
 fore the General Council at their then next meeting. 
 The Counsellors chosen for other states than Mas- 
 sachusetts, to advise by letter, or otherwise, on any 
 matters for the benefit of the Institution, especially 
 such as respect the members, &c. in the states 
 wherein such Counsellors reside. The Counsellors 
 of every state to have a seat, and to vote at the 
 meetings of the General Council. 
 
 3. To appoint some member in every capital or 
 ehief town in the United States, and in other parts 
 of the continent, and wherever it may be thought 
 by the Council to be necessary, to receive articles 
 presented to the Society, or purchased for them, 
 and to take the charge of them until they can be 
 forwarded to the Library or Cabinet. 
 
38 
 
 4. To have more frequent stated meetings of 
 the Society, by which means many things may be 
 suggested and receive dehberation, and plans adop- 
 ted that may essentially benefit the Institution. It 
 has been already observed, that when the members 
 of a society meet but seldom, and only for a few 
 hours, but little business can be done, and they are 
 thus rendered more indifferent to the concerns of the 
 Institution than they otherwise would be ; the so- 
 ciety thereby becomes inactive, and of course of 
 less importance to the community. The stated 
 meetings of the Antiquarian Society in England 
 are weekly. Some of the most celebrated literary 
 clubs of England, France and Germany, usually 
 held their meetings weekly, and some oftener. — 
 Several of them have been highly beneficial to the 
 world. The great Locke, Newton, and other scien- 
 tifick luminaries, were members of such clubs. It 
 was in them they caught ideas M^hich led to an ex- 
 planation of those mysteries in science which, tiH 
 then, had not been comprehended by the mind of 
 man. 
 
 5. I am requested, also, to suggest, for your 
 consideration, the expedience of admitting, as mem- 
 bers of this Societ}'', some gentlemen who reside in 
 various parts of Europe, the Eastindies and China. 
 And, should it not be one of our first endeavours to 
 extend membership to gentlemen of distinguished 
 characters in Spanish and Portuguese America, par- 
 ticularly in the dominions of the former, where, it is 
 believed, many valuable Antiquities of this continent 
 may be procured ? — Time and inquiry will un- 
 doubtedly furnish us with the names of suitable 
 
39 
 
 persons. If our Secretaries should be requested, 
 when opportunity permits, to open a correspondence 
 with Societies similar to our own, in Europe, we 
 may thereby obtain such information on this subject 
 as will be satisfactory.* 
 
 Every measure that can be adopted to make the 
 Society appear respectable as a National Institution, 
 must be desirable. Cunnot a sanction in some way 
 be given to it by the National Legislature? Perhaps, 
 by a petition to the National Government, it would 
 permit newspapers, and other periodical works, to 
 be sent to the Society in the mails, free of postage ; 
 and it may resolve to send the Laws, &c. of the 
 United States, to be deposited and preserved in our 
 Library, f 
 
 As our principal objects are to COLLECT and 
 PRESERVE — that which demands our first atten- 
 tion, and on which the prosperity, if not the exist- 
 ence of this Institution depends, is to provide means 
 for, and to erect a suitable edifice for deposits. At 
 a late meeting, we voted to choose a Committee of 
 Ways and Means to effect these purposes. As 
 much depends on the choice of this Committee, it 
 has been deferred till this time. J 
 
 ♦Most of the measures recommended in the foregoing articles have 
 been adopted. 
 
 t Since this Communication was made, the National Government has 
 ordered its Laws, &c. to be sent to the Society ; and the Legislature of 
 Massachusetts have directed the Secretary of the State to furnish the 
 Institution with two copies of all their laws and other publications which 
 they now have, or may hereafter have. The Society have experienced 
 like indulgence from the Legislatures of most of the other States. 
 
 if. 1820. A building suitable for the purpose is erected. 
 
40 
 
 The location of a spot for a Library and Cabinet 
 cannot be of so much consequence as their safety. 
 An inland situation, experience convinces us, is 
 more secure than a town accessible by sea ; and in 
 a small town they will not be so much exposed to 
 destruction by fire as they would be in a large one. 
 Many valuable Libraries have been destroyed by 
 fire in large cities ; and niHiiy, so placed, are at this 
 time greatly exposed to the like fatality ! The phi- 
 losopher and the historian, or any to whom the Li- 
 brary and Cabinet of this Society may be useful,, 
 will not greatly regret the distance which separates 
 them from the objects of their pursuit, if they can 
 but eventually obtain in one place, what, otherwise^ 
 they would have to seek in many. 
 
 I cannot presume that I have stated the best 
 methods to be adopted for making this Society what- 
 we all wish it to be ; but, from a variety of sugges- 
 tions for the benefit of the Institution, some may be 
 matured so as to be productive of usefulness. 
 
 I have the honour to be. 
 
 The Society's faithful Servant, 
 
 ISAIAH THOMAS. 
 
 Boston, October 24, 1814. 
 
41 
 
 American antiquarian 'Societiv 
 
 Extract from tl^e Journal of live Subfiouncil. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Subcouncil of this Institution, at Wor- 
 cester, Massachusetts, January 15th, 1819, 
 
 Voted, That a Committee be chosen to draft an Address 
 to the Members of this Society, giving a brief sketch of its 
 objects, its progress, and its present state ; and to solicit 
 their aid in promoting the purposes of the Institution. A 
 Committee was chosen accordingly. . 
 
 In Subcouncil^ February Isf, 1819. 
 The Committee above mentioned made a Report, which, 
 being read, was accepted. 
 
 Attest, Rejoice Newton, Rec. Sec^ry^ 
 
 ■www*^ 
 
 ABSTRACT 
 
 OF AN 
 
 ADDRESS 
 
 TO THE MEMBERS OB THE 
 
 AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 
 
 • 
 
 THERE having been a large accession of 
 Members of the American Antic^uarian So- 
 ciety, since its objects were communicated, the 
 Government of this National Institution, residing 
 in Massachusetts, have judged it to Be their duty 
 to address a summary account of its principles and 
 progress to all vv^bo have been elected. This meas- 
 ure is adopted with a confidence, that those Mem- 
 6 
 
42 
 
 bcrs, if any, who may have become languid, will be 
 reanimated in its service ; and that those who are 
 unapprized of its views and concerns, will discharge 
 their duty with cheerful ardour, when they know 
 what service they can perform. 
 
 Our Institution, in all its objects and concernSj 
 is intended and considered as National^ although it 
 derives its charter and its national appellation from 
 the Legislature of Massachusetts, by an act passed 
 October 12, 1812. This local authority was re- 
 sorted to from doubts having been expressed, 
 whether Congress had the power to grant a charter 
 without the District of Columbia. Its Members 
 are selected from all parts of the Union. Its re- 
 spectability is inferred from its numbers, and from 
 its comprising men of the first standing and intelli- 
 pence in the nation, and some of the first distinction 
 in other countries. Most other societies, although 
 of a benevolent and useful character, are necessarily 
 limited in their views and duration. The objects 
 of this Institution are commensurate with the lapse 
 of time, and its benefits will be more and more 
 accumulating in the progression of ages. As the 
 antiquities of our country, by various means, are 
 rapidly decreasing, an Institution whose business 
 will be to collect and preserve such as remain^ 
 and can be obtained, must be viewed as highly im- 
 portant. 
 
 The chief objects of the inquiries and researches 
 of this Society, which cannot too soon arrest its 
 attention, will be American Antiquities, natural, 
 artificial and literary. As all things v/hich in their 
 nature are durable, if preserved from casualty and 
 
die ravages of time, in a course of years will be 
 antique^ it will also be an object of this Society to 
 deposit, from time to time, such modern produc- 
 tions, as will, with accuracy, denote to those who 
 succeed us, the progress of literature, the arts, 
 manners, customs, and discoveries of the passing 
 age. 
 
 Thus, by an attention to tliese objects, which 
 the Society hope to promote by the exertion of its 
 Members residing in various sections of this vast 
 continent, the utility of the Institution will speedily 
 be realized, and may in time vie with similar insti- 
 tutions in Europe, 
 
 Each individual of the Society, we persuade 
 ourselves, will imbibe a belief, that much of its 
 reputation and usefulness depends on his individual 
 efforts. Members in our own country, particularly, 
 are not considered as honourary, so far as to exempt 
 them from acting in the promotion of the honour 
 and prosperity of the Institution. All, we trust, 
 will feel an interest in collecting and forwarding to 
 the President, Vicepresidents, Counsellors, Secre- 
 taries, Librarian, or other Receiving Officers of the 
 Institution, such antiquities of our country, whether 
 of nature or of art, as may be portable, and which 
 they can obtain ; and authentick accounts of such as 
 cannot be transported ; widi such articles of modern 
 date as are curious and interesting, and will tend to 
 aid the establishment. 
 
 It is requested that articles of Indian fabrication 
 may be accompanied with some account of the place 
 of their deposit, probable age, supposed use, and 
 any other matter which may elucidate their history. 
 
44 
 
 Authentick accounts of Indian mounds, fortifica. 
 tions, and other monuments and remains, commu- 
 nicated by mail, or through the Receiving Officers, 
 to either of the Secretaries, are particularly desira- 
 ble. Information of this kind, published under the 
 sanction of the Society, will prevent much publick 
 imposition, and seems appropriate to the Institu- 
 tion. This request is particularly addressed to 
 Members residing in the Western States, where it 
 is supposed such remains are the most numerous 
 and perfect. A Committee for publication are now 
 preparing, and will commit a volume to the press, 
 as soon as they can be furnished with sufficient orig- 
 inal materials for the purpose. 
 
 Although the Society is in its infancy, we are 
 happy to announce, that it is expanding into manly 
 growth ; and, with due patronage and exertion, will 
 become preeminently useful. The Cabinet is not 
 yet extensive ; but the Members, we trust, will soon 
 make it highly respectable and useful, by their oc- 
 casional contributions. Funds are about to be pro- 
 cured, from the interest of which a Librarian and 
 Cabinet Keeper may be supported, whose business 
 shall be to attend to the property of the Society, 
 and to keep it in a state of Preservation. 
 
 The catalogue of our Books is already respecta- 
 ble. Our Library, of about 5000 volumes, con- 
 sists principally of books printed in the three last 
 and present centuries. Some are of the fifteenth 
 century. Many of these are peculiarly valuable, 
 particularly American authors ; as by them we 
 learn the state of religion and literature at the peri- 
 od of their date. We have also files of the first 
 
45 
 
 Newspapers published in British North America, 
 which, probably, are the earliest printed in this 
 Western world ; also, some of the first periodical 
 works which appeared in Europe. Congress, and 
 most of the State Legislatures, have passed acts and 
 resolves for furnishing the Society with a copy of 
 all their printed statutes, and such as hereafter shall 
 be printed, together with their other printed docu- 
 ments. These, so far as they have been printed, 
 have been deposited in the Library. This liberali- 
 ty, it may be presumed, will become general. 
 
 With a view to the safety of the Library and 
 Cabinet, an inland situation has been preferred. — 
 By the liberality of the President, a suitable build- 
 ing will speedily be erected in Worcester. A site 
 sufficiently spacious and commodious has been ob- 
 tained, and the materials for building are nearly pre- 
 pared.* 
 
 It may be thought superfluous to observe, that a 
 Society of this kind cannot be supported without 
 some permanent funds. The munificence of the 
 founders has given a name and standing to our In- 
 stitution ; but further agency is necessary for its fu- 
 ture nourishment and support. Bodies of this cast, 
 however well formed ar.d fashioned their structure, 
 require some inherent stamina, or self renovating 
 power ^ as the spring of perpetual life and action. 
 Donations, legacies, contributions, and royal pat- 
 ronage, are the support of those in Europe, and 
 have raised them to a state of eminence. And it is 
 not doubted that there are persons in this country, 
 
 * The building, of permanent materials, handsome and eyery way 
 snitable for the purpose is now [January, 1820] erected. 
 
by whose aid the American ANxiqirABiA^ So- 
 ciety will be enabled to pursue those researches, 
 so desirable, into the antiquities of this New World, 
 and to rescue thera from the ravages of time, for 
 the use and improvement of the Historian, the Phi- 
 losopher, and all scientifick men of our country, of 
 the present age, and of posterity. 
 
 OLIVER FISKE, per order. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 Of the Committee^ chosen by the Government of the Awericak 
 Antiquarian Society, to exhibit an Account of the PRO- 
 GRESS and PRESENT STATE of the Institution, at the 
 Annual Meeting in Boston^ Oct. 23, 1819, 
 
 Read and accepted, &c. 
 
 THE Committee appointed to investigate and 
 report on the general progress and state of the So- 
 ciety, ask leave to report — 
 
 That they find the present situation of the Socie- 
 ty much more promising than they could have an- 
 ticipated. And when the scattered situation of its 
 members, the small numbers who appear to have 
 been actively engaged in promoting its objects, and 
 that those objects are for the benefit of posterity, and 
 little calculated to excite the feelings of those con- 
 cerned in its present transactions, are taken into 
 view, it is believed that no Society, labouring under 
 similar embarrassments, has so rapidly risen into 
 honourable standing, or received more flattering at- 
 tentions from the most respectable portion of the 
 
47 
 
 tommunity. There is, however, much remaining to 
 be done, and which calls loudly for immediate exer- 
 tion. The Antiquities of our country are fast disap- 
 pearing, and the ravages of time are sweeping off 
 many valuable relicks which may yet be saved by 
 seasonable attention. Would the members, dis- 
 persed as they are through the whole United States, 
 watch over the sections of country in which they 
 reside, many curiosities which are already antique, 
 and which develop the early history of our country, 
 may be preserved from destruction, and secured in 
 this National Depository. But without this indi- 
 vidual exertion, much, very much of our early his- 
 tory must soon be irretrievably lost. 
 
 Since the last report on the state of the Society, 
 many valuable additions have been made, both to 
 the Library and Cabinet, the former of which now 
 contains nearly six thousand volumes, and the lat- 
 ter is respectable. The Library contains many rare 
 and valuable works ; some of which, it is believed, 
 cannot be found elsewhere in the country, It must 
 soon become a profitable resort for the Antiquarian 
 and Historian, from which they may derivfe much 
 gratification and instruction. But although the 
 Books have been preserved with care, yet the Li- 
 brary and Cabinet are at present in so disordered a 
 state from the want of a suitable place of deposit, 
 that their utility is in a great degree lost. This we 
 hope will not long be its situation. 
 
 Within the last year our venerable and cnterpriz- 
 ing President, in praise of whose munificence too 
 much cannot be said, has erected, at great expense, 
 a handsome, commodious and substantial buildino- 
 
for the use and benefit of the Society. It will prob- 
 ably be ready for the reception of the Library and 
 Cabinet at some time during the next summer. It is 
 sufficiently large to answer all the purposes of the 
 Society for many years, and is so built, that when- 
 ever more room shall be wanted, additions may be 
 made without disfiguring, but would rather increase 
 the elegance of the edifice. The President has also 
 procured to be engraved, at his own expense, a 
 beautiful and appropriate Diploma, and a Seal for the 
 use of the Society. The diploma has frequently 
 been called for by distant and other members. The 
 manner in which it shall be distributed, will un- 
 doubtedly receive the immediate attention of the 
 Society. 
 
 Presents have been made, in a very honourable 
 manner, by the General Government, the several 
 States of Massachusetts, Newhampshire, Vermont, 
 Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, 
 Missisippi and Louisiana, of their respective laws 
 and the journals of the different branches of their 
 Legislatures, from the fir-^t organization of their 
 governments. Could we obtain similar donations 
 from the other States of the Union, it would be- 
 come a valuable collection of an important portion 
 of the history of each State. It is to be hoped that 
 the respectable members of this Society, residing 
 within the several States which have not complied 
 with our request to be furnished with their Laws, 
 &c. will have influence enough with their respec- 
 tive Legislatures to persuade them to enable us i& 
 complete this collection* 
 
49 
 
 The Historian might then find in a single roonij 
 arranged for his convenient use, what he would oth- 
 erwise be under the necessity of travelling from 
 Maine to Louisiana to procure. 
 
 Within the last year, several communications 
 have been made to the Society, which are thought 
 worthy of publication. Among them are minute 
 and accurate surveys of many of the ancient mounds 
 and fortifications of the Western Country, by Ca- 
 leb At WATER, Esq. of Circleville, Ohio, done at 
 the request and pecuniary assistance of the Presi- 
 dent. These are accompanied with drawings, and 
 particular descriptions of these wonders of ancient 
 days. Mr. At water discovers an intimate ac- 
 quaintance with the objects of his research, and 
 great zeal in the pursuit. Could the Society find 
 means to publish these papers, it is believed that 
 much light might be thrown on a subject which 
 has long remained in obscurity, or has only been 
 brought to view in small and detached parts. 
 
 Whenever the building, which is now in a state 
 of forwardness, shall be completed, it will be highly 
 important that the Society should have a Librarian 
 and Cabinet Keeper, who can devote a considerable 
 portion of his time to the arrangement and care of 
 the Library and Cabinet. To enable the Society to 
 avail themselves of the assistance of such a person 
 as would be conipctent to the task, a considerable 
 compensation will undoubtedly be required. But 
 the state of the treasury, at present, forbids e very- 
 undertaking which shall subject the Society to ex- 
 pense. 
 
 7 
 
50 
 
 The plan heretofore adopted for raising funds, 
 has altogether disappointed those who projected it. 
 The largeness of the admission fee for life, and 
 the difficulty attending the collection of an an- 
 nual tax from persons dispersed over so great an ex- 
 tent of territory, will probably continue to keep our 
 treasury empty. Would it not be advisable to di- 
 minish the admission fee, and abolish the annual 
 tax ? Your Committee believe, that every mem- 
 ber would cheerfully pay such a fee as would soon 
 place the treasury in a situation which would meet 
 all the common expenses of the Society.* Its 
 principal expenses thus far incurred, have been 
 defrayed by our worthy President, who has cherish- 
 ed this darling child with paternal affection. Should 
 his support be withheld, the Society would soon be 
 in a bad condition, unless some other resource could 
 be found. 
 
 The business of the Society has heretofore de- 
 volved on a small number, though most of its mem- 
 bers have contributed something towards increasing 
 our collections. There does not appear to be that 
 interest generally taken in its prosperity, which is 
 necessary to insure its constant growth, and that 
 degree of usefulness, which its founders anticipat- 
 ed. Yet there are many members in the different 
 sections of the United States, who manifest a zeal 
 in its pursuits which the acknowledged importance 
 of the Institution demands, and which a better op- 
 
 * Since this report was made, the Society have abolished the annual 
 tax. Every member who has paid, or shall pay to the Treasurer the 
 sum of six dollars, is excused from paying an annual tax, and is enti- 
 tled to a diploma. [See the Laws, Article IX, as published in this vol- 
 ume.] 
 
51 
 
 portunity would render productive of much good. 
 Indeed, it is believed that the time is not far distant, 
 when the purposes for which the Society was insti- 
 tuted, will be thought of so much importance to the 
 country as to claim the active cooperation of most 
 ©f its members, and will ensure its success. 
 
 REJOICE NEWTON. 
 
 EDWARD D. BANGS. 
 
 LAWS 
 
 OB THE 
 
 AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 
 
 At a Meeting of the American Antiquarian Society, holdec 
 by adjournment at the Exchange CclTee House, in Boston, 
 on the third Wednesday of January, 1815 — 
 
 ON the report of the Committee for revising the 
 Laws, 
 
 Voted, That the fundamental Laws contained 
 in ten articles, be and are hereby repealed ; and the 
 following substituted as the Laws of the 3mCti« 
 
 can SntiQuarian ^odetp, viz. 
 
 Article I. 
 There shall be a President and two Vicepresi- 
 dents. It shall be the duty of the President, and in 
 his absence of one of the Vicepresidents, to preside 
 in the meetings of the Society, and of the Council, 
 and to regulate their debates ; to call meetings of 
 the Council and Subcouncils, and extraordinary 
 
52 
 
 meetings of the Society, by advice of the Council, 
 or either of the Subcouncils. The President or 
 presiding officer shall vote in Council, and in either 
 of the Subcouncils, and also have a casting vote. — 
 The Vicepresidents shall, ex officio, be members of 
 the Council, and of each of the Subcouncils. If at 
 any meeting of the Society, the President or Vice- 
 presidents be absent, the oldest Counsellor present 
 shall preside ; if no Counsellor be present, the old- 
 est member shall preside. 
 
 Article II. 
 Sec. 1. There shall be a Council, which shall be 
 composed of the two Subcouncils, and of the Coun- 
 stellors chosen for the several states, and for Ply- 
 mouth and Maine ; any four of whom shall consti- 
 tute a quorum. The Council shall meet twice in 
 every year, one of Avhich meetings shall be on the 
 day next preceding the annual meeting of the Soci- 
 ety in October ; and when this shall be on Monday, 
 the meeting of the Council shall be on Saturday 
 next preceding. The other meeting shall be hold- 
 en on the Wednesday next preceding the last Thurs- 
 day in June, in Worcester, The hour and place of 
 assembling to be appointed by the Council. It shall 
 be the duty of the Counsellors to direct the Corres- 
 ponding Secretaries in the performance of their du- 
 ty ; to present to the Society such regulations and 
 by laws as shall be thought expedient ; to receive 
 donations, and, with the President, to purchase, sell 
 or lease, for the benefit of the Society, real or per- 
 sonal estate ; to draw orders on the treasury for nec- 
 essary monies ; and in general to manage the pru- 
 dentials of the Society. 
 
Sec. 2. There shall be five Counsellors residuig 
 in the vicinity of the Library and Cabinet, consti- 
 tuting a Subcouncil, for managing the immediate 
 concerns of the Library and Cabinet, and also to 
 consult on measures for the benefit of the Institu- 
 tion. This Subcouncil shall meet once in every 
 month, at such time and place as they shall appoint. 
 Three shall form a quorum. Once in every three 
 months they shall examine the Library and Cabinet, 
 and critically inspect the condition of the articles 
 contained therein ; and shall report their proceed- 
 ings to the Council. 
 
 Sec. 3. There shall be five Counsellors whose 
 residence shall be in Boston, or its vicinity, who 
 shall form another Subcouncil, and meet once in 
 every month, to consult and advise on the general 
 concerns of the Institution ; three of whom shall 
 form a quorum. They shall report their proceed^ 
 ings to the Council. 
 
 Sec. 4. There shall be one Counsellor resident in 
 each of the United States, and one in Plymouth Old 
 Colony, and one in Maine, with a right to a seat, and 
 with power to act, in the meetings of the ' Council. 
 It shall be the duty of these as well as of the other 
 Counsellors to receive communications from mem- 
 bers of the Society and others, and forward them to 
 the President. These Counsellors are also to re- 
 ceive such communications to its members as may 
 be sent to their care by the officers of the Society, 
 and dispose of them as may be requested. They 
 are likewise to advise by letter to the President, or 
 one of the Corresponding Secretaries, concerning 
 any matters interesting to the Society ; to use their 
 
54 
 
 efforts to gain information of the antiquities of the 
 country, receive such articles as can be obtained, 
 and forward them to the President, or one of the 
 officers appointed to receive and forward articles 
 presented to the Society. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 Sec. 1. There shall be one Recording Secretary, 
 one or more Assistant Recording Secretaries, and 
 three Corresponding Secretaries. 
 
 Sec. 2. The Recording Secretary shall be Keep- 
 er of the Seal, the Charter, and Records. It shall 
 be his duty to attend all the meetings of the Society 
 and Council, and to make records of all their pro- 
 ceedings ; and he shall keep on file all letters and 
 papers respecting the Society, under the direction 
 of the Council. 
 
 Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Corresponding 
 Secretaries to receive and read all communications 
 made to the Society ; and to manage, under the 
 direction of the Council, or either of the Subcoun- 
 cils, all the correspondence of the Society. They 
 shall, in books provided for the purpose, keep cop- 
 ies of all letters written for the Society ; and shall 
 file all letters and papers for the Society, to them 
 directed, and deliver over the same, with the letter 
 books, when filled, to the Librarian, under the di- 
 rection of the Council. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 There shall be a Treasurer, who shall give such 
 
 security as the President and Council shall require, 
 
 for the faithful performance of his trust. It shall be 
 
 his duty to call on the members and others for all 
 
5S 
 
 dues to the Society ; to receive and keep all monies 
 and evidences of property belonging to the Society ; 
 to pay out to the order of the President and Coun- 
 cil ; to keep a record of his receipts and payments, 
 exhibit the same, and settle with a Committee which 
 shall be annually appointed for this purpose : And 
 he shall put the money out to interest, under the 
 direction of the Council. 
 
 Article V. 
 There shall be a Librarian and Cabinet Keeper, 
 who shall give bonds to the satisfaction of the Presi- 
 dent and Council for the faithful performance of his 
 trust. He shall receive and have in his custody all 
 books, papers, and productions of nature and art, 
 the property of the Society. These he shall ar- 
 range in classes, and register in a book, with a 
 proper description of each article, and the donor's 
 name, when the same shall be a present ; frequently 
 examine the whole, and keep the same in good or- 
 der. No book or article shall ever, on any ccca^ 
 sion, be loaned or taken from the Library or Cabi- 
 net, except by vote of the Council ; and then the 
 loan of such article shall be recorded, and a receipt 
 given therefor by the borrower, to return the same 
 within four weeks, or pay a forfeiture, such as by a 
 vote of the Council shall be prescribed. No person 
 shall be permitted to enter or remain in the Libra- 
 ry, except in the presence of the Librarian or a 
 member of the Council. 
 
 Article VL 
 There shall be appointed by the Society from its 
 members, Officers, one or more in eac!) of the Uni- 
 
5d 
 
 of the Secretaries, or the Treasurer, or Librarian;, 
 the Council, or either of the Subcouncils, shall take 
 charge of the official books, papers and effects, be- 
 longing to the vacated office^ one or more of them 
 giving a receipt for the same ; which books, &c. 
 they may deliver to some member w^hom they may 
 appoint to fill the office until the next meeting of 
 the Society, when there shall be ^ new choice. 
 
 Article XII. 
 No new law, or alteration of a standing law, shall 
 hereafter be made, until it has been submitted tO 
 the Council, and by them proposed to the Society, 
 
 BY LAWS. 
 
 I. THE ballots for the election of officers, and 
 for the admission of members, shall be collected by 
 a committee chosen by nomination, who shall as- 
 sort and count the votes, and make report to the 
 presiding officer, and he shall declare the result to 
 the Society. 
 
 II. The Secretary shall record, in a book for 
 this purpose, the names of the members, and the 
 times of their admission. 
 
 III. Every officer chosen at a meeting in which 
 he was not present, shall be notified of his election 
 by the Recording Secretary. 
 
 IV. The books in the Library shall be num- 
 bered, and marked with the words " American An- 
 tiquarian Society J*^ 
 
59 
 
 V. All books and other articles belonging to 
 the Society shall be appraised, and the price of 
 each article shall be mentioned in the catalogue. 
 
 VI. A correct copy of the catalogue of books 
 and other articles, shall be made out by the Libra- 
 rian and Cabinet Keeper, or by a committee chosen 
 by the Society for this purpose, which copy shall 
 be kept by the President for the time being. And 
 as additions are made to the Library and Cabinet, 
 they shall be entered on the catalogue and on the 
 copy thereof. 
 
 Vn. Every deed to which the common seal of 
 the Society is affixed, shall be passed and sealed in 
 Council, signed by the President, and attested by 
 the Recording Secretary, 
 
 Vin. There shall be a temporary place of de- 
 posit in Boston, and in such other places as the 
 Council shall hereafter direct, for the convenience 
 of those who may be disposed to present to the So- 
 ciety any articles for its Library or Cabinet. Eve- 
 ry article so deposited, shall, as soon after as circum- 
 stances will permit, be forwarded to the Library and 
 Cabinet in Worcester. 
 
/I 
 
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