Excerpt from The History of Woburn: Middlesex County, Mass;, From the Grant of Its Territory to Charlestown, in 1640, to the Year 1680

The History of Woburn, which has been for years in a state of preparation, and long expected by the inhabitants of that town, for whose use it was principally intended, is at last finished, and ready for the press.

Before proceeding to the work itself, it seems proper to state briefly what led me to undertake it, and some of the causes, which have since, for so great a length of time, delayed its completion.

This History originated in a series of historical lectures upon Woburn, begun many years ago, and delivered in that town, at different intervals of time. They were at first undertaken at the suggestion, and under the influence of the friendly, persevering persuasion of the late Dr. Benjamin Cutter, a gentleman eminent in this vicinity for his antiquarian taste, his extensive acquaintance with the localities and ancient affairs of Woburn, and his zeal for advancing its credit and welfare. The first two lectures were delivered on two successive evenings in February and March 1842, in the vestry of Rev. Mr. Bennett's meeting-house, before a large and attentive audience. And so well were they apparently received, that I was encouraged to attempt, from time to time, as I was able, the preparation of others on the same theme. The two lectures just referred to were followed in several succeeding years by seven others, delivered in the same place. And in 1859, a tenth lecture was prepared by special request, and given in Lyceum Hall, bring mg down the history to the commencement of the Revolutionary War in 1775.

In 1862, the town of Woburn proposed to me, by a committee, to finish, and make ready for the press, the history I had proceeded in thus far, for a liberal pecuniary compensation. This proposal was agreed to, with the understanding, that the town would take charge of publishing the work, and provide for the expense, and that I should have the inspection of the proof-sheets.

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