Two Female and Eight Male Figures.
Roger Williams was the first white man that settled in Rhode Island.
He was a clergyman, and lived in Boston; but he did not think exactly
as the other clergymen of Boston, and was therefore banished from
Massachusetts. He emigrated with his family to the woods. After
travelling a considerable time, he selected a beautiful spot, and
built him a house. Other settlers soon came that way, and founded
homes. This was the first settlement of Providence. Williams was
kindly treated by the Indians, who seemed pleased at his arrival among
them. Every Sabbath he would go into the village and preach to them.
The scene in this tableau represents him standing before a wigwam with
his Bible in hand, explaining the Holy Scriptures to a group of
savages who are gathered about him. A few spruce trees should be
placed in the background of the picture, a fire kindled in the centre
of the stage, which can be placed in an iron furnace, and surrounded
with stones. The floor must be covered with white cloth. Logs and
branches of trees should be scattered around the stage. At the left of
the stage is the wigwam, formed with rough poles, covered with
light-brown cloth, and ornamented with red hieroglyphics. In the
background, and at each side of the stage, are seated Indians. The
floor of the stage in the background should be raised one foot, on
which are placed the trees; in front of the wigwam stands Roger
Williams; he partially faces the audience; his left hand holds a
Bible, while his right is raised upward, his eyes directed towards the
Indians--countenance expressing animation. Costume consists of black
coat of ancient style, black breeches, black vest, white hose, ruffled
bosom, and white cravat, knee and shoe buckles, and a long white wig,
ending in a cue, and tied with a black ribbon. Costume of the Indians
is a short frock, made of and trimmed with a bright-colored cambric,
pants of dark buff cloth, fitting tightly so as to develop the form of
the leg, moccasins of red flannel, decorated with beads; a strip of
card-board, covered with red flannel, and ornamented with feathers of
any kind, should be worn around the head. A belt about the waist,
containing tomahawk and knife, both of which can be made of wood, and
painted in bright colors. A few squaws are interspersed in the scene.
Their costumes are similar to those of the men, with the addition of a
bright-colored blanket thrown over the shoulders, and hair loosely
flowing about the neck. The exposed portions of the bodies of the
Indians are stained of the same color as the pants. The position of
the figures must be varied, while all look with attention to Williams.
The scene should be lighted by a red fire, burned at the front side of
the stage. Music soft and of a sacred character.