The Author of the following work being now about three score and ten years old, and nearly done with the affairs of this world, having some knowledge of the first settlement of Colchester, the names of the first settlers and their descendants, especially of the Townships of Truro and Onslow, as well as with many circumstances connected with the early settlement of the County, obtained by tradition and otherwise, was induced to note down, from time to time, some of them, in order that his children, and others who may come after, might know some thing about their forefathers, and the hardships they underwent in settling a new country.
It was his intention at first to write only about his own kindred; but, having begun, he was led on to mention nearly all the Grantees of the Townships of Truro, and some of Onslow and Londonderry, with their descendants, as far as he could gather information. By the persuasion of a number of his friends, he has been induced to place it before the public. In doing so, it is with a great amount of diffidence, knowing his want of fitness for the work--being illiterate and ill-qualified for the task.
If the dates in this work are not correct, the author here claims the forbearance of those interested, as he has expended a large amount of time and labour to get them as nearly correct as possible.
To all those who have given me information by letter or otherwise, I hereby tender my warm and hearty thanks for these favours.
