I am going to unfold for you a chapter of unwritten history; to tell you
in a brief way the story of the part played by men of Erin in the early
life of this city—from the time of its settlement in the year 1630 down
to the opening of the Revolution.
Historical works do not touch the narrative, Cullen’s _Story of the
Irish in Boston_ excepted. Yet even that, admirable as it is and much as
it contains, falls far short of giving a complete account. I know not
the reasons for this inexcusable neglect of historians, but I have my
opinions on the matter.
The story should have been written for two reasons at least; (1) because
the Irish were here in large numbers at the period of which I am
treating; and (2) they rendered important services to the community.
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