PRELIMINARY CORRESPONDENCE. Hon. JOSEPH T. BUCKINGHAM: Boston, March 10, 1852. DEAR SIR,The undersigned have been appointed by the government of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, a committee, with full powers, to confer with you respecting a history of that institution. They gladly acceded to your request, some time since, for the loan of our records, for the purpose of collecting the materials for an historical work in a manuscript form. We have recently understood that you have made some progress in that compilation, and we have been instructed, by the board, to invite you to change somewhat your original design, and to furnish us the work in such a form that it may be published by the association, for the use of the members. The government would have reason for congratulation should you comply with our wishes, that one who is so eminently fitted, by experience in our affairs and his peculiar literary gifts, should be willing to devote his services to the subject. The awakened interest recently evinced in our community, in all historical matters, particularly as connected with the prominent actors in public affairs within the last half century, 95569 many of whom were members of our association, will render the work of some regard even out of our own ranks, while to our own members and their families it will be invaluable, as presenting, in a tangible form, an honorable record of the past usefulness of the association, and be also an incentive to still greater efficiency in those who shall hereafter have the control of its affairs. We therefore trust that you will add one more favor to the many benefits you have already conferred upon your associates, and will devote a portion of that leisure, which your well-spent life has richly earned, in a detailed retrospect of the men and events, and the progress of an institution, which have exerted no inconsiderable influence in the community in which we live. We remain truly yours, &c. FREDERIC W. LINCOLN, JUN. JOSEPH M. WIGHTMAN, Committee. |