Mr. Henry Gearing, late citizen of London, who departed this life Jan.
4th, 1693, aged 61. Boston in New England, printed for Sam'l Phillips,
at the Brick Shop, 1704." Underneath is written, "Anno Domini, 1704,
Thomas Prince, Duke of Landwich, Earl of Pen^apog."

The taking down of the first Old South and "Ye day of laying foundation
of y^e South Church, New Meeting House, March 31, 1727," are duly
chronicled in books of those dates. All through his life Thomas Prince
showed a wonderful adaptability in noting the minutest as well as
greatest events, and we trace a thorough command of detail in his
published work, both lay and clerical. This, joined with enthusiasm and
unflagging zeal, caused him to master all difficulties, and to
accomplish tasks that would be appalling to an untrained or
undisciplined mind.

One of the cards used for reference in the Public Library contains the
following: "The Prince Library has some rare specimens of the earliest
typographical art in British America, and other books of peculiar
interest in the history of New England, though not printed in America.
The Bay Psalm Book, which was printed at Cambridge, Mass., in 1640,
being the first book ever printed in the British Possessions, 'The
Freeman's Oath' and a small almanac only preceding it. What is supposed
to be the original draught of the preface of this book, in the
handwriting of one of the editors, the Rev. Richard Mather, is among the
Prince MSS. Elliot's Indian Bible,--first edition printed at Cambridge,
1663,--also Eliot's Indian Primer, 1720, in original binding, and
thought in that style to be unique. Capt. John Smith's description of
New England, printed in London, 1616, with the early map. This copy
contains the old and new names, and has differences from most copies
that have been preserved."

Mr. Prince collected the original manuscripts of the "Mather Papers,"
and arranged them chronologically with notes. He seemed to know
intuitively that everything should be preserved that would be of the
least advantage to future historians. The salvation of the records of
this most important family, who, with extreme rigor and cruelty even, in
some cases, ruled the Puritans of their day, was a natural and
thoughtful act on Mr. Prince's part.

The "Hinckley Papers" are of great interest also. The catalogue of this
portion of the library has been very carefully prepared, as each letter
in all these manuscript collections is designated b