Histories

See Book. Historical facts, of general and public notoriety, may be proved by reputation; and that reputation may be established by historical works of known character and accuracy. But evidence of this sort is confined in a great measure to ancient facts, which do not presuppose better evidence in existence; and where, from the nature of the transaction, or the remoteness of the period, or the public and general reception of the facts, a just f oimdation is laid for general confidence. The work of a living author who is within reach of process is not of this nature. He may be called as a witness, and examined as to the sources and accuracy of his information. If the facts are of recent date, and within the knowledge of many persons living, from whom he derived his materials, his book is not the best evidence. ^