PREFACE



T     HE history of the Southern Appalachian coal field
       is yet to be written, and data for the work are
       exceptionally lacking. For that part of the field
which lies within Eastern Kentucky there is, from an eco-
nomic standpoint, an abundance of material to be found
in the early State Journals and in the State reports of
Internal Improvement and of Geological Surveys. But
these records are scattered through many volumes and are
nowhere complete. The Library of the State at Frankfort,
of Congress in Washington, and of Colonel Reuben T.
Durrett in Louisville, afford the best opportunity for
research. The records of the United States War Depart-
ment, some of which exist only in manuscript form, are
also valuable. The material is being constantly increased
by annual State and Federal reports.
   This study, based on such primary sources, will it is
hoped throw considerable light on the economic develop-
ment of the mountain region of Kentucky, and serve as a
basis of further investigation.
   I wish to express my indebtedness to Colonel Reuben T.
Durrett, the honored and beloved President of The Filson
Club, for many courtesies extended to me; to Colonel



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