[260] George H. Moore, LL.D., for many years librarian of the New-York Historical Society, but at present the efficient superintendent of the Lenox Library, in his “Notes on the History of Slavery in Massachusetts,” has summoned nearly all the orators and historians of Massachusetts to the bar of history.  He leaves them open to one of three charges, viz., evading the truth, ignorance of it, or falsifying the record.  And in addition to this work, which is authority, his “Additional Notes” glow with an energy and perspicuity of style which lead me to conclude that Dr. Moore works admirably under the spur, and that his refined sarcasm, unanswerable logic, and critical accuracy give him undisputed place amongst the ablest writers of our times.

[261] Wood’s New-England Prospect, 1634, p. 77.

[262] Slavery in Mass., p. 7.

[263] Ibid., pp. 4, 5, and 6.

[264] Elliott’s New-England Hist., pp. 167-205.

[265] Winthrop’s Journal, Feb. 26, 1638, vol. i. p. 254; see, also, Felt, vol. ii. p. 230.

[266] Dr. Moore backs his statement as to the time The Desire was built by quoting from Winthrop, vol. i. p. 193.  But there is a mistake somewhere as to the correct date.  Winthrop says she was built in 1636; but I find in Mr. Drake’s “Founders of New England,” pp. 31, 32, this entry:  “More (June) XXth, 1635.  In the Desire de Lond.  Pearce, and bond for New Eng. p’r cert, fro ij Justices of Peace and ministers of All Saints lionian in Northampton.”  If she sailed in 1635, she must have been built earlier.

[267] Dr. George H. Moore says Josselyn’s Voyages were printed in 1664.  This is an error.  They were not published until ten years later, in 1674.  In 1833 the Massachusetts Historical Society printed the work in the third volume and third series of their collection.

[268] Josselyn, p. 28.

[269] Ibid., p. 250.

[270] Ibid., p. 258.

[271] Slavery in Mass., p. 9.

[272] Mass.  Hist Coll., vol. iv. 4th Series, p. 333, sq.

[273] Mr. Bancroft (Centenary Edition, vol. i. p. 137) says, “The earliest importation of Negro slaves into New England was made in 1637, from Providence Isle, in the Salem ship Desire.”  But Winthrop (vol. i. p. 254, under date of the 26th of February, 1638) says, “The Desire returned from the West Indies after seven months.”  He also states (ibid., p. 193) that The Desire was “built at Marblehead in 1636.”  But this may or may not be true according to the old method of keeping time.

[274] Palfrey’s Hist. of N.E., vol. ii. p. 30, note.

[275] Josselyn, p. 257.

[276] Elliott’s New-England Hist., vol. ii. pp. 57, 58.

[277] Hildreth, vol. i, p. 270, sq.

[278] Ancient Charters and Laws of Mass., pp. 52, 23.

[279] Slavery in Mass., p. 13, note.

[280] Slavery in Mass., pp. 18, 19.

[281] Ibid., p. 12.