After the delays that usually accompany such an undertaking, the third volume of the Collections of the Manchester Historic Association is herewith presented to the public. With one or two exceptions, the articles have been prepared expressly for publication, and it is believed will prove interesting, if not valuable reading for a considerable number. For the first time an index has been prepared, which seems essential to the completeness of a work of this kind. While the association has been occupying pleasant rooms for some time as its headquarters and repository for its growing library, it feels the need of more funds with which to carry on the work of publication. In truth, the thanks of the society are due those who have so generously contributed toward defraying the expense of this volume. The undersigned take this opportunity to acknowledge their indebtedness to those who have so kindly assisted them in the preparation of the different papers given here. There are still others of quite as great value awaiting their turn, and it is the hope of the committee that the matter of publication may be continued more regularly than it has in the past. Respectfully submitted. GEORGE W. BROWNE, J. ARTHUR WILLIAMS, Publication Committee. A PAPER BY HON. JAMES F. BRIGGS, READ BEFORE THE MANCHESTER HISTORIC ASSOCIATION, OCTOBER 3, 1900. MR. PRESIDENT: I regret that the duty of furnishing a sketch of the life and public services of Hon. James Wilson, late of Keene, N. H., had not been assigned to some one better qualified to do justice to the memory of this remarkable man. By way of introduction, with your permission, I desire to say a few words of his father, James Wilson, to show the seed from which he sprang. James Wilson, the father of James Wilson, Jr., was born in Peterboro, N. H., in 1757. He fitted for college at Phillips Academy, at Andover, Mass.; entered Harvard in 1785; and graduated in 1789. He was reputed to be one of the most skillful wrestlers in college, which was then the test of championship. He took the badge in his Freshman year and retained it during his whole course: His distinction in this particular was justified by the remark of John Quincy Adams to his son, "Long Jim," when he learned his parentage, "Your father was the best wrestler in college." On his graduation he entered the office of Judge Lincoln of Worcester, Mass., as a student of the law. He remained with Judge Lincoln until December, 1790, when he was called home on account of the death of his father. He remained in Peterboro from that time, completing his studies with Judge Jeremiah Smith then in practice in the town of Peterboro. He was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar in 1792. Judge Smith having been elected to Congress from New Hampshire, and continuing in that office for several succeeding years finally, removed to Exeter and Mr. Wilson continued his practice in his # |