LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
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uughtto have them. She owes it to herself to collect this proper patrimony of her sons, in the record of an early history abounding in vivid incident, and illustrated with a display of the noblest traits of man's nature. New York has sot a good example in the large appropriation that enabled our present Secretary of Legation, Mr. Brod-Iiead, to pursue his researches for four years in France, England, and the Hague. He who would now write a history of that State must Login by complimenting the enlightened spirit that places all his materials in the hall of her Historical Society. Massachusetts two years since made a similar collection at the instance of Messrs. Sparks ¦ind Everett, whose personal examination of the different foreign archives taught them the value of manuscripts, now fortunately within the reach of every student of Harvard. If the memoranda I send can assist in any way the Historical Society of Louisiana, in accomplishing the purpose of its institution, and in attracting attention to the interest of our early history, I shall be gratified, and shall feel that I have acknowledged in some sort, the politeness of Gov. Johnson's note calling my attention to the subject.
With much regard, your friend,
JOHN PERKINS. J. D. B. De Bow, Esq.
The Louisiana Historical Society has yet scarcely more than passed its infancy. It will be for those who come after us to adorn and complete the edifice whose foundation we have but barely laid.
I. annex a list of regular and honorary members, but few of whom have taken any active part in the business of the Society.
Your obedient servant,
J. D. B. DE BOW, Secretary.