PREFACE. IN the present volume will be found a record of the proceedings of the Society at its stated meetings, from June, 1886, to October, 1887, inclusive. Among the noteworthy papers which have been presented may be mentioned especially the report of a committee thoroughly exposing the audacious imposture which had deceived many prominent persons in other cities, and by which, with the aid of literary forgeries, it was sought to palm off upon the American people a fictitious likeness of Washington, and to displace the familiar one by Stuart. In consequence of this report, which was widely circulated, the attempt failed, and the author returned ignominiously to England. The reader will also find here the discussion and action of the Society with reference to the proposed erection by the State of a monument in honor of those who were killed in the affray which was subsequently known as the "Boston Massacre." There are nine Memoirs included in this book, those of the Hon. JOHN WELLES and the Rev. S. K. LOTHROP, D.D., by Dr. Peabody; that of the Hon. JOHN J. BABSON, by Mr. Smith; of the Hon. JAMES M. ROB |