some of the children named are not afterwards noticed, which happens in cases only where no knowledge of them could be obtained.   Female ancestors, if inhabitants of the town, will be ascertained generally by a recurrence to the respective families to which they belong.

   Much labor and care have been bestowed to render the work correct, but after all it cannot be but many mistakes have been made.   The genealogy in particular is peculiarly liable to them.   In large families there are often the same christian names to be found in the different branches, and one may be often mistaken for another, and in this way, among others, no doubt much confusion may have happened.   Probable as it is, however, that many errors will be detected, it is still hoped those partial friends who have been most solicitous for its publication, and who anticipate both pleasure and profit from its perusal, may not be wholly disappointed.   Having labored for their gratification, it will be gratifying in turn to find the labor has not been in vain.

   In preparing the work the records of the town of Bridgewater, and of its several parishes and churches, have been the first and principal sources, whence the materials have been derived.   The Old Colony and Plymouth county records have furnished also valuable information.   Judge Davis' improved edition of Morton's New England Memorial, Farmer's Register, the Collections of the Mass. Hist. Society, and various local histories have also been advantageously consulted.   But so many and so various have been the sources, both public and private, from which information and facts have been obtained, that it would be difficult, if recollected, to enumerate them.   The loss of all the early records of Duxbury previous to 1654, which are said to have been burnt, is greatly to be regretted, as it was the parent town of Bridgewater, the first home and residence in this county of most of our fathers and original settlers in this then Plantation.   It may well be supposed those records would have furnished us with much valuable information.   The Colony records of births and deaths previous to 1647 are also lost, some of the first leaves by time or accident having been destroyed, which to the antiquarian is a deprivation much to be deplored.

   Some remarks on the old and new style with regard to time are here subjoined as not perhaps inappropriate.