Page:History of Cumberland, Maryland 2.djvu/22

14 Of these, I may mention the purpose of recording the family history of the first, or earlier, settlers of the town. Satisfactory data as to but few of these families can now be obtained, despite most strenuous efforts made in that direction. Consequently this purpose could not be carried out without laying the author open to the charge of invidious discrimination.

To make this history perfect, the careful perusal of old manuscripts and newspapers, volumes of history, local and general, records of Legislative, court and council proceedings, miscellaneous collections of notes and memoranda, as well as private papers, became necessary; and in many instances these were so imperfect as to seem to baffle the most dilligent research. The labor of interviewing the oldest citizens was conscientiously performed, and many missing links thus obtained. Their recollections form part of the chain connecting the earlier and latter existence of Cumberland, and binding the story of the settlement to the town's birth.

The impossibility of making such a work perfect, in every detail, must be apparent to every one; and is certainly fully comprehended by the author. I have, however, striven in good faith, and without stint of labor, to lift the veil which has so long shrouded the past of our city, and to give a faithful and accurate record of the march of events, from the traditionary period ante-dating the establishment of the "King's Fort," through the years of bloodshed when the banner of England was borne over these hills in the face of a savage foe, up to the present day and generation. While asking for its imperfections