Letters to John Winthrop—organization of the government—vote of money
to Mr. Williams—agreement of several inhabitants of
Providence—dissentions—Indian troubles.
We have now the pleasure of presenting the first of a number of
unpublished letters, addressed to John Winthrop, the son of Governor
Winthrop, of Massachusetts.[255] Mr. Winthrop resided, for several
years, at Nameug, or Pequod, now New-London, in Connecticut. It appears
from one of the letters, that Mr. Williams became acquainted with him in
England; and the correspondence which we shall introduce, will show that
the friendship was strong and mutual. We cannot stay to offer comments
on the letters. They relate to politics, literature, agriculture, and
various other topics, while religion is diffused, like a grateful
fragrance, through them all.
This and other letters are dated at Narraganset, or Cawcawmqussick, (now
North-Kingstown,) where Mr. Williams, about this time, purchased an
estate, and built a trading house, which he afterwards sold, to obtain
money for his second visit to England.
“For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequod, these.
“_Nar. 22, 4, 45, (so called.)_[256]
“Sir,
“Best salutations, &c. William Cheesbrough, now come in, shall be
readily assisted, for yours and his own sake. Major Bourne is come
in. I have, by Providence, seen divers papers, (returning now yours
thankfully,) which are snatched from me again. I have, therefore,
been bold to send you the Medulla and the Magnalia Dei. Pardon me,
if I request you, in my name, to transfer the paper to Captain
Mason, who saith he loves me. God is love; in him only I desire to
be yours ever,
“ROGER WILLIAMS.
“Loving salutes to your dearest and kind sister.
“I have been very sick of cold and fever, but God hath been gracious
to me. I am not yet resolved of a course for my daughter. If your
powder, with directions, might be sent without trouble, I should
first wait upon God in that way: however, it is best to wait on him.
If the ingredients be costly, I shall thankfully account. I have
books that prescribe powders, &c. but yours is probatum in this
country.”
We know little of the condition of Providence at this time. We may
presume, however, that it continued to flourish. It is stated, that
about this period, there were, in Providence and its vicinity, one
hundred and one men, fit to bear arms.[257] This fact indicates a large
increase of population, in a period of less than ten years.
After a considerable lapse of time, the inhabitants of Providence,
Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick, agreed on a form of civil government.
This form, says Mr. Backus, provided for the election of “a President
and four Assistants annually, who had the executive power, were judges
in the courts of law and kept the peace. An Assembly, of six
commissioners, or representatives, from each town, made laws, and
ordered their general affairs; but their laws must be sent to every
town, to be deliberately considered in their town meetings, from whence
the clerk was to send an account of their votes to the General Recorder;
and, if the majority of the towns approved the law, it was confirmed, if
not, it was disannulled. The Assembly chose yearly a Treasurer and a
General Recorder and General Sergeant, which are only other names for a
Secretary and Sheriff. In each town, six persons were yearly chosen, who
were called the Town Council, who had the powers of a Court of Probate,
of granting licenses to inn-keepers and retailers, and the care of the
poor.”
The first General Assembly met at Portsmouth, May 19, 1647, when John
Coggshall was chosen President, Roger Williams assistant for Providence,
John Sanford for Portsmouth, William Coddington for Newport, and Randall
Holden for Warwick. William Dyer was chosen Recorder. They agreed upon a
body of laws, chiefly taken from the laws of England, with the addition
of a few suited to their particular circumstances. In the introduction
of this code, the form of government established is called
“democratical, that is to say, a government held by the free and
voluntary consent of all, or the greater part of the free inhabitants.”
The code, which contains nothing except civil regulations, concludes
thus: “Otherwise than thus, what is herein forbidden, all men may walk
as their consciences persuade them, every one in the name of his God.
And let the lambs of the Most High walk, in this colony, without
molestation, in the name of Jehovah, their God, forever and ever.” This
noble principle was thus established, as one of the fundamental laws, at
the first Assembly under the charter. It is indigenous to the
Rhode-Island soil, and is the glory of the state.
Mr. Williams had a large share in thus organizing the government. His
services were gratefully recognized by the Assembly, who, at their first
session, adopted the following resolution:[258]
“That forasmuch as Mr. Roger Williams hath taken great pains, and
expended much time, in obtaining the charter for this province, of our
noble Lords and Governors, be it enacted and established, that, in
regard to his so great trouble, charges and good endeavors, we do freely
give and grant unto the said Mr. Roger Williams an hundred pounds, to be
levied out of the three towns, viz.: fifty pounds out of Newport, thirty
pounds of Portsmouth, twenty pounds out of Providence; which rate is to
be levied and paid in by the last of November.” Backus, vol. i. p. 199.
This grant of one hundred pounds was voted, but for some reason, Mr.
Williams never received it all.[259] It was, undoubtedly, a very
inadequate compensation for his toils and expenses, in procuring the
charter.
The following very characteristic letter belongs here. The seal is a
rude representation of a tulip, or other flower, the impression sunk,
and not raised:
“For his worshipful, and his much honored, kind friend, Mr. John
Winthrop, at Nameaug, these.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 28, 3, 47, (so called.)_
“Worthy Sir,
“Loving respects and salutations to your kind self and your kindest
companion. Some while since, you desired a word of direction about
the hay seed. I desired my brother to collect his own and other
neighbors’ observations about it, which (with his respects
presented) amounts to this.
“First, usually three bushels seed to one acre land.
“2. It hath been known to spread, to mat, &c. the Indian hills being
only scraped or levelled.
“3. This may be done at any time of the year, but the sooner the
better.
“4. It is best to sow it upon a rain preceding.
“5. Some say let the ripe grass stand until it seed, and the wind
disperse it (susque deque) up and down, for it is of that thriving
and homogeneal nature with the earth, that the very dung of cattle
that feeds on it will produce the grain.
“6. The offs, which can hardly be severed from the seed, hath the
same productive faculty.
“7. Sow it not in an orchard, near fruit trees, for it will steal,
and rob the trees, &c.
“Sir: Concerning Indian affairs, reports are various; lies are
frequent. Private interests, both with Indians and English, are
many; yet these things you may and must do. First, kiss truth where
you evidently, upon your soul, see it. 2. Advance justice, though
upon a child’s eyes. 3. Seek and make peace, if possible, with all
men. 4. Secure your own life from a revengeful, malicious arrow or
hatchet. I have been in danger of them, and delivered yet from them;
blessed be his holy name, in whom I desire to be
“Your worship’s, in all unfeigned
“respects and love,
“ROGER WILLIAMS.”
The following letter relates, probably, to the collection of the wampum
to be paid to the commissioners, by the Narragansets, in accordance with
the treaty.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 20, 6, 47, (so called.)_
“Sir,
“Due respects presented, &c. I am importuned by Ninigret,[260] in
express words, to present his respects and love to your honored
father, and to the honored President of the commissioners, giving
great thanks for the great favor and kindness showed him. Withal, he
prays you earnestly to present his humble suit, that since he, by
reason of his travel and illness, can, as yet, get no further
towards his own home, and finds he must have much work with the
natives of these parts, before he repair home, and time to spend
exceeding fast, it may be accounted no breach of faithfulness of his
promise, if he finish the contribution he is now about, within a few
days after the punctual time. The other sachems, upon agitations,
have promised their utmost concurrence, to finish all within a month
from the day of his promise, which time he earnestly requests may be
assented to, hoping to make payment before, but not questioning by
the expiration of that time. By this bearer, he humbly prays a word
of answer, that, with the more cheerful concurrence of the other
sachems, (who join with him in this request,) he may be the more
cheerful in the work. Sir, I discern nothing but reality and reason
in his request; otherwise, I should not dare to molest you, or those
honored persons whom it concerns; to whom, with my humble respects,
and to yourself presented, beseeching the Most High to be your
portion, I rest,
“Your worship’s unworthy
“ROGER WILLIAMS.
“Pesickosh desired me to present his great thanks for his child.
“Sir: Your man is with me at present writing, well, this last of the
week, and will be going instantly. Humble thanks for the sight of
papers from England. The sea will be the sea till it be no more.
Revel. 21.
“Respects to your dearest.”
The following agreement, written, evidently, by Mr. Williams, and signed
by himself and several of the citizens of Providence, is a proof of his
pacific principles, and of his desire for the peace and welfare of the
colony:
“Considering the great mercy afforded unto us, in this liberty thus
to meet together, being denied to many of our countrymen in most
parts, especially in our poor native country, now deploring their
distressed condition in most sad and bloody calamities: That
ingratitude and disacknowledgments for favors received, are just
causes for the deprivation of them, together with home divisions and
home conspiracies, the ruination of families, towns and countries.
Moreover, the many plots and present endeavors, at home and abroad,
not only to disturb our peace and liberties, but utterly to root up
both root and branch of this our being; that government held forth
through love, union and order, although by few in number and mean in
condition, yet (by experience) hath withstood and overcome mighty
opposers; and, above all, the several unexpected deliverances of
this poor plantation, by that mighty Providence who is still able to
deliver us, through love, union and order. Therefore, being sensible
of these great and weighty premises, and now met together to consult
about our peace and liberty, whereby our families and posterity may
still enjoy these favors; and that we may publicly declare unto all
the free discharge of all our consciences and duties, whereby it may
appear upon record that we are not wilfully opposite, nor careless
and senseless, and thereby the means of our own and others’ ruin and
destruction;—and especially in testimony of our fidelity and cordial
affection unto one another here present, that so there may be a
current placable proceeding, we do faithfully and unanimously, by
this our subscription, promise unto each other to keep unto these
ensuing particulars: First, that the foundation in love may appear
among us, what causes of difference have heretofore been given,
either by word or misbehavior, in public or private, concerning
particular or general affairs, by any of us here present, not to
mention or repeat them in the assembly, but that love shall cover
the multitude of them in the grave of oblivion. Secondly, that union
may proceed from love, we do promise to keep constant unto those
several engagements made by us, both unto our town and colony, and
that, to the uttermost of our powers and abilities to maintain our
lawful rights and privileges, and to uphold the government of this
plantation. Also, that love may appear in union, we desire to
abandon all causeless fears and jealousies of one another, only
aiming at the general and particular peace and union of this town
and colony. Lastly, for our more orderly proceeding in this
assembly, whereby love and union may appear in order, if in our
consultations differences in judgment shall arise, then moderately
in order, through argumentation, to agitate the same; considering
the cause, how far it may be hurtful, or conducing unto our union,
peace and liberty, and accordingly act, not after the will or person
of any, but unto the justice and righteousness of the cause. Again,
if such cause shall be presented, wherein such difficulties shall
appear, that evident arguments cannot be given for present
satisfaction, but that either town or colony, or both, shall suffer,
then to take into consideration a speech of a beloved friend,
“better to suffer an inconvenience than a mischief,” better to
suspend with a loss that may be inconvenient, than to be totally
disunited and bereaved of all rights and liberties, which will be a
mischief indeed. Moreover, that offences and distractions may be
prevented, that so the current of business may peaceably proceed in
this assembly, we do faithfully promise to carry ourselves, in words
and behavior, so moderately and orderly as the cause shall permit;
and if any of us shall fly out in provoking, scurrilous, exorbitant
speeches, and unsuitable behavior, that he or they so doing shall be
publicly declared, branded, and noted upon record, to be a covenant
violator, and disturber of the union, peace and liberty of this
plantation. We do here subscribe, without partiality. Dated
December, 1647.
ROBERT WILLIAMS,
ROGER WILLIAMS,
JOHN SMITH,
HUGH BEWIT,
WILLIAM WICKENDEN,
JOHN TRIPP,
THOMAS HOPKINS,
WILLIAM HAWKINS.”
It is a proof, that Mr. Williams was not a very ambitious man, that he
put himself entirely on a level with his fellow citizens, and was
willing to serve the colony in the subordinate situation of an
assistant. He was entitled, from his character and services, to be the
first President; but he was, doubtless, disposed to yield his own
claims, to conciliate the other towns. His services, as a peace-maker,
were often needed.
It could scarcely be expected, that towns, composed of so many
discordant materials, would coalesce quietly in one government. The
principle on which the colony was founded, made it the resort of many
uneasy spirits, who occasioned difficulties which disturbed its peace,
and brought undeserved odium on the better portion of the inhabitants.
In May, 1648, Mr. Coddington was elected President, and Jeremiah Clarke,
Roger Williams, William Baulstone, and John Smith, Assistants; Philip
Sherman, Recorder; and Alexander Partridge, General Sergeant.
In September following, Mr. Coddington and Mr. Partridge applied, in
person, to the commissioners of the united colonies, requesting that the
island of Rhode-Island might be received as a member of the league,
alleging it to be the desire of a majority of the inhabitants. But the
commissioners refused to admit them, unless the island were placed under
the jurisdiction of Plymouth. It was a happy event for Rhode-Island,
that this request was refused, for had it been granted, the effect might
have been the separation of the island from the rest of the colony.
In this posture of affairs, Mr. Williams again tried his influence as a
peace-maker. In August, 1648, he addressed the following letter to the
town of Providence:
“Worthy friends, that ourselves and all men are apt and prone to differ,
it is no new thing. In all former ages, in all parts of the world, in
these parts, and in our dear native country and mournful state of
England, that either part or party is most right in his own eyes, his
cause right, his carriage right, his arguments right, his answers right,
is as wofully and constantly true as the former. And experience tells
us, that when the God of peace hath taken peace from the earth, one
spark of action, word or carriage is too powerful to kindle such a fire
as burns up towns, cities, armies, navies, nations and kingdoms. And
since, dear friends, it is an honor for men to cease from strife; since
the life of love is sweet, and union is as strong as sweet; and since
you have been lately pleased to call me to some public service and my
soul hath been long musing how I might bring water to quench, and not
oil or fuel to the flame, I am now humbly bold to beseech you, by all
those comforts of earth and heaven which a placable and peaceable spirit
will bring to you, and by all those dreadful alarms and warnings, either
amongst ourselves, in deaths and sicknesses, or abroad in the raging
calamities of the sword, death and pestilence; I say humbly and
earnestly beseech you to be willing to be pacifiable, willing to be
reconcilable, willing to be sociable, and to listen to the (I hope not
unreasonable) motion following: To try out matters by disputes and
writings, is sometimes endless; to try out arguments by arms and swords,
is cruel and merciless; to trouble the state and Lords of England, is
most unreasonable, most chargeable; to trouble our neighbors of other
colonies, seems neither safe nor honorable. Methinks, dear friends, the
colony now looks with the torn face of two parties, and that the greater
number of Portsmouth, with other loving friends adhering to them, appear
as one grieved party; the other three towns, or greater part of them,
appear to be another: Let each party choose and nominate three;
Portsmouth and friends adhering three, the other party three, one out of
each town; let authority be given to them to examine every public
difference, grievance and obstruction of justice, peace and common
safety: let them, by one final sentence of all or the greater part of
them, end all, and set the whole into an unanimous posture and order,
and let them set a censure upon any that shall oppose their sentence.
One log, without your gentle help, I cannot stir; it is this: How shall
the minds of the towns be known? How shall the persons chosen be called?
Time and place appointed in any expedition? For myself I can thankfully
embrace the help of Mr. Coddington or Mr. Clarke, joined or apart, but
how many are there who will attend, (as our distempers are) to neither?
It is, gentlemen, in the power of the body to require the help of any of
her members, and both King and Parliament plead, that in extraordinary
cases they have been forced to extraordinary ways for common safety. Let
me be friendly construed, if (for expedition) I am bold to be too
forward in this service, and to say, that if within twenty days of the
date hereof, you please to send to my house, at Providence, the name of
him whom you please to nominate, at your desire I will acquaint all the
persons chosen with place and time, unto which in your name I shall
desire their meeting within ten days, or thereabouts, after the receipt
of your letter. I am your mournful and unworthy
ROGER WILLIAMS.”
“This address,” says Mr. Backus, “had such an effect, that Mr. Williams
was received to act as President of the colony, till their election at
Warwick, May 22, 1649.”
The following letter to Mr. Winthrop, throws some light on the state of
things at that time:
“For my much honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at his house,
at Nameug, these.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 23, 7, 48, (so called.)_
“Kind Sir,
“Best salutations to your dear selves and loving sister. I am bold
and yet glad to trouble you, that by this occasion I may hear of
your welfare. Capt. Mason lately requested me to forbid the
Narragansets to hunt at Pequod, and to assure them of his visiting
of them if they so did. I have written now an answer, which I am
bold to request you to send at your next opportunity. Two days since
I was at Providence, and then Mr. Brown was not returned, only he
had wrote home some angry passage against the Narragansets, who are
now in expectation of some assault from the English. Sir, whether it
please God to visit us with peace or war, in life and death I desire
to be
“Yours ever in Christ Jesus,
“ROGER WILLIAMS.
“Sir, our neighbors Mr. Coddington and Capt. Partridge, ten days
since, returned from Plymouth with propositions for Rhode-Island to
subject to Plymouth; to which himself and Portsmouth incline; our
other three towns decline, and Mr. Holden and Mr. Warner, of
Warwick, came from thence also, and they say, gave satisfaction why
they dare not (the other three towns) depart from the charter. Sir,
in this division of our neighbors, I have kept myself unengaged, and
presented motions of pacification, amongst which I was bold to
propose a reference to your worthy self and some other friend to be
chosen; our town yields to it, and Mr. Boston (though opposite) and
possibly you may have the trouble and honor of a peace-maker.
“Sir, pray seal the enclosed.”
It appears by this letter, and by other evidence, that Plymouth was
desirous to add the beautiful island to her territory. Three years
before, she claimed it as belonging to her jurisdiction; and
Massachusetts insisted on her title to the allegiance of the inhabitants
of Pawtuxet and Warwick.[261] Winthrop says, under the date of May,
1645:[262] “The government of Plymouth sent one of their magistrates,
Mr. Brown, to Aquetneck island, to forbid Mr. Williams, &c. to exercise
any of their pretended authority upon the island, claiming it to be
within their jurisdiction. Our Court also sent to forbid them to
exercise any authority within that part of our jurisdiction at Pawtuxet
and Shawomet, and although they had boasted to do great matters there,
by virtue of their charter, yet they dared not to attempt any thing.”
Connecticut afterwards laid claim to a part of the western territory of
Rhode-Island. Thus was the little colony pressed on each side by her
more powerful neighbors, who would gladly have enacted, at that early
day, the same scene which was long afterwards presented in Poland,
though the wrong would certainly have been less flagrant, and the motive
less criminal. Thanks to the protection of God, and to the prudent
firmness of Mr. Williams and others, the colony escaped all the designs
of her neighbors, and has continued till this day, small in territory,
but strong in her love of freedom, and consistent in her maintenance of
the principles of her founder.
The Indians again disturbed the colonies. “In August, 1648,” says Mr.
Backus,[263] “about one thousand Indians from various parts were
collected in Connecticut, with three hundred guns among them, and it was
reported that they were hired by the Narragansets to fight with Uncas.
The magistrates of Hartford sent three horsemen to inquire what they
designed, and to let them know, that if they made war with him, the
English must defend him, upon which they dispersed. When the
commissioners met at Plymouth the next month, they ordered four men to
be sent to the Narragansets, with instructions how to treat with them,
both concerning their hiring other Indians to war upon Uncas, and also
about the tribute of wampum that was behind. Captain Atherton and
Captain Prichard undertook the service, and going to Mr. Williams, they
procured the sachems to be sent for, but they, hearing that many
horsemen were come to take them, shifted for themselves. Passacus fled
to Rhode-Island, but soon after, they were, by Mr. Williams’ means,
delivered of their fears, and came to the messengers as they were
desired, and denied their hiring the Mohawks to war against Uncas,
though they owned that they had sent them a present.”
The following letters to Mr. Winthrop, relating to the concerns of the
Indians, with occasional references to the important events which were
then transpiring in England, may be properly introduced here:
“For his much honored and beloved Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameug.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 10, 8, 48_, (_so called_.)
“Sir,
“Best salutations to your dear selves and loving sister. In my last
I intimated a promise of presenting you with what here passeth.
Captain Atherton, Captain Prichard, Richard Wood and Strong Tuchell,
have been with me (as also Wm. Arnold, instead of his son Benedict,
who withdrew himself, though sent unto,) these six or seven days.
They were at Niantick two nights. Captain Atherton purposed to visit
you, but they appointing their meeting with all the sachems at my
house, they came back; and this morning, (the fourth day of the
week,) they are departed with good content toward the Bay. From the
commissioners they brought several articles, but the main were
three; concerning the Mohawks, &c.; 2d, the payment; 3d, Uncas’
future safety. To the first, they sent answer (and that they
confirmed with many asseverations, and one of them voluntarily took
the Englishmen’s God to witness) that they gave not a penny to hire
the Mohawks against the Mohegans, but that it was wholly wrought by
Wussoonkquassin, (which they discovered as a secret) who being bound
by Uncas, and Wuttouwuttauoum, Uncas his cousin, having attempted to
shoot a Mohawk sachem at that time, resolved with the Mohawks (to
whom he also gave peag) to take revenge upon Uncas; Wussoonkquassin
sent them word and desired peag of them in the spring, but they
profess they consented not, nor sent not a penny, afterwards they
sent Waupinhommin up to inquire to Pawcatuck and however they have
given some of the Mohegans peag this year, (as they have always
done) yet they say they are clear from giving a penny in hire, &c.
They confess their enmity against Uncas, and they (to the 2d) will
not rest until they have finished their payments, that they may
present their complaints against Uncas, who (they say) and other
Indians, within these three years, have committed thirteen murders
with impunity, being out of their reach in the English protection.
This last year they pleaded they were near starved, and, therefore,
sent but a small quantity. Now they promise, upon return of their
men from hunting this winter, to make a contribution, the next
spring another, and so according as they can draw the people to it,
will not cease to furnish, and if they die, their children shall
fulfil, and that it is their sore grief, &c. with much to this
purpose. For Uncas they profess neither directly nor indirectly, to
have to do with him, yet hope the English will not deal partially
with him. They desired the English receipt of their peag; I produced
the note you sent me, which, because it was not signed with your
father’s hand or the Treasurer’s, &c. the messengers promised to
send them one from the Bay. Ninigret, made great lamentation that
you had entertained hard thoughts of him in this business, and all
the sachems here professed their sorrow and that you had hearkened
to Wequashcook, who they say never contributed nor joined in the
Pequod wars, and now flatters to draw his neck out of the payments
to the English. They hope you will not countenance him to rob
Ninigret of those hunting places which the commissioners gave him
leave to make use of, and he with the English had fought for with
the expense of much treasure and hazard of his life. They desire
that he may and Causasenamon and the rest of the Pequods, be as your
little dogs, but not as your confederates, which they say is
unworthy yourself, &c. Sir, I perceive the English about the Bay
inquire after new places. Captain Atherton prays me shortly to
convey a letter to you. I forgot one passage that the sachems
discovered, that Wussoonkquassin gave peag to the Mohawks to
retreat. It seems they are (Switzer like) mercenary, and were hired
on and off; these sachems I believe desire cordially to hold
friendship with both the English and the Mohawks together; I am
confident (whether they lie or not, about Wussoonkquassin) that they
never intended hurt against the English nor yourself and yours
especially, to whom they profess great respect, and jointly they
desire that Wequashcook may come back to Connecticut from whence he
went, for if he join with Uncas they suspect he will secretly be a
means of some of their deaths. Lastly, whereas they heard that the
women with you were something fearful, Ninigret prays Mrs. Winthrop
to be assured, that there never was, nor never shall be, to his
knowledge, the least offence given to her or her neighbors, by any
of his (though he hath learnt it partly by your just abhorring of
Uncas his outrageous carriage among you, and of which I have not
softly told these messengers and the admired partiality in the
case.) For a token of his fidelity to Mrs. Winthrop, Ninigret he
prays me to write, that all the women of his town shall present Mrs.
Winthrop with a present of corn at Pawcatuck, if she please to send
in any conveyance to Pawcatuck for it.
“Sir, to gratify them, I am thus bold with you, and desiring your
eternal peace, I rest
“Your worship’s unworthy
“ROGER WILLIAMS.
“Sir, I formerly wrote to you and now still crave your help with
Wequashcook, who keeps basely from me for five or six coats, and can
neither get peag nor cloth.”
“For his much honored and beloved Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameug.
“_Cawcawmsqussick, 7, 9, 48_.
“Kind Sir,
“Best salutations, &c. I am requested by letter of Captain Atherton,
to certify what I can advise about Block-Island, whether it might be
had of the natives, for divers of the English (it seems to my
conjecture) upon some agitations at the last Court, have thoughts
this way. Sir, because God hath pitched your tent these ways, and
you know much among the natives of these parts, I judged it not
unfit to pray you help me with a word of your information, before I
write what otherwise I can, from the barbarians. The counsels of the
Most High are deep concerning us poor grasshoppers, hopping and
skipping from branch to twig in this vale of tears. Wm. Peacock hath
had a very heavy task in carrying Joseph with cattle from you; six
or seven days and nights the poor fellow was seeking them (being
lost and scattered from Niantick.) Then he brought six to my house,
four being finally lost; I took what pains I could to get them
sought again, and three I hear are found, after which Wm. Peacock is
now out, and I look for him this night with those three; Ninigret
did his part honestly, but the youths and boys thereabouts (by some
occasion hallooing) the cattle thence took the woods. Joseph Wild
hath written to me, and I acquaint him with the cause, that one man
alone cannot well drive cattle amongst barbarians, especially
without an Indian guide. It were exceeding well that three or four
poles were enclosed at Niantick, to keep cattle there at night, for
if God vouchsafe peace and plantations (prosperity) there is great
needs of it.
“Sir, I desire to be your worship’s unfeigned,
“ROGER WILLIAMS.”
“_Nar._[264]
“Sir,
“Loving respects to yourself and dearest, and Mrs. Lake, premised.
Two days since, Ninigret came to me and requested me to write two
letters; the one, in answer to Captain Atherton’s motion for some
English planting on Block-Island, and on a neck at Niantick; the
other, to yourself, in which protesting his innocence as to the
death of his son-in-law, with which Uncas and the Pequods charge
him. He prays you (as of yourself) to signify (as much as you can)
items to the Pequods, that they be quiet and attempt nothing (at
least, treacherously,) against him, which he suspects, from words
from Uncas, that it will be pleasing to the English. He prays you
also to be mindful of endeavoring to remove Wequashcook, so constant
a provocation before him; and, at present, he prays you to send for
some skins, which lately, as lord of the place, he hath received. I
hope the English sachems, as I tell him, in the spring will hear and
gratify him in his just desires, the want of which, I guess, is the
cause that he is not free, as yet, for Block-Island, &c.; but
expresseth much, if the English do him justice against his enemies.
Oh, sir, how far from nature is the spirit of Christ Jesus, that
loves and pities, prays for and doth good to enemies? Sir, it is
like he will request a line of answer, which, if you please to give,
I pray, sir, write when either of those ships you write of are for
England, and by which you write yourself; also where Mr. Throgmorton
is, and whether he desires I should trouble you with the peag of
which I wrote, which I propose, if God please, (unless countermanded
by either of you) to send immediately upon hearing from you.
“Sir, yours,
“R. W.
“Sir, since I wrote this, it pleased God to send a Dutchman for an
old debt, and the same night Mr. Goodyear also, to whom and his wife
(for her former husband) I am indebted, and so was necessitated to
make satisfaction to Mr. Goodyear also. These providences of God so
falling will necessarily cause me to be preparing some few days more
that peag for Mr. Throgmorton. But most certainly it, (God please I
live) notwithstanding ways and weather, shall be sent; this I write,
that although Mr. Throgmorton should depart, or come home, yet he
may presume on your faithfulness and love to dispose of it, as he
requesteth.
“Sir, your unworthy,
“R. W.
“Captain Underhill, now here in a Dutch vessel, presents loving
respects.”
“For the worshipful Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameug, these.[265]
“Sir,
“Respective salutations to you both, and sister Lake. At this
instant (the first of the week, toward noon,) I received yours, and
shall be glad, (if God will,) you may gain a seasonable passage by
us, before the hardest of winter, although I cannot advise you (but
to pray against winter flights and journies,) yet if the necessity
of God’s providence so cast it, I shall be glad that we might have
you prisoner in these parts, yet once in a few days (though in deep
snow) here is a beaten path, &c. Sir, Ninigret again importunes me
to write to your father and yourself, about his and hunting at
Pequod, that you would also be pleased to write to your father. I
have endeavored to satisfy him what I can, and shall, yet I am
willing at present to write to you, not so much concerning that you
can further gratify him at this time, but that I may by this
opportunity, salute you with the tidings from the Bay the last
night. Skipper Isaack and Moline, are come into the Bay with a Dutch
ship, and (as it is said) have brought letters from the States to
call home this present Dutch Governor to answer many complaints,
both from Dutch and English, against him. In this ship are come
English passengers, and they bring word of the great trials it
pleaseth the Most High and Only Wise, to exercise both our native
England and these parts also.
“The Prince is said to be strong at sea, and among other mischiefs
hath taken Mr. Trevice his ship which went from hence, and sent it
for France, it seems their rendezvous.
“It is said that after Cromwell had discomfited the Welch, with six
thousand, he was forced to encounter nineteen thousand Scots, of
whom he took nine hundred prisoners, &c. Great store of Scots and
Welch are sent and sold as slaves into other parts. Cromwell wrote
to the Parliament that he hoped to be at Edinburgh in a few days. A
commission was sent from the Parliament, to try the King in the Isle
of Wight, lately prevented from escape.
“The Prince of Orange and the States are falling, if not already
fallen, into wars, which makes some of the States to tender
Manhattoes, as place of retreat.
“Sir, to Him in whose favor is life, I leave you, desiring in Him to
be
“Your worship’s unworthy
“ROGER WILLIAMS.
“John prays you to be earnest with Mr. Hollet about his house,
hoping to be back in a fortnight.”
“_Nar._ (_probably towards the close of Dec. 1648._)
“Sir,
“Best salutations to your worthy self and yours, premised. I am glad
for your sake, that it hath pleased God to prevent your winter
travel; though I gladly, also, this last week, expected your
passage, and being at Providence, hastened purposely to attend you
here. Our candle burns out day and night, we need not hasten its end
(by swaling) in unnecessary miseries, unless God call us for him to
suffer, whose our breath is, and hath promised to such as hate life
for him, an eternal. Sir, this last week, I read an ordinance of
both houses, (dated third month, May last) decreeing death to some
consciences, but imprisonment to far more, ever (upon the point) to
all but Presbyterians. We have a sound, that Fairfax and Cromwell
are proclaimed traitors, but I rather credit that report, that
Cromwell only was sent for by the Parliament, which, it seems,
inclines with the king, and the city all against the army. The Earl
of Warwick was gone for Holland with twenty-two ships pursuing the
Prince. Mr. Foot and others went to Holland, (whither Mr. Trevice
his ship was carried) and were offered the ship for two thousand
pounds, but I cannot hear of their agreement. About forty from the
Parliament went to the King, to the Isle of Wight, (who was lately
and strangely prevented of escape) to treat, but could not agree
upon the first, viz. that the King should acknowledge the beginning
of the war to be his. Sir, this is the chief of matters told me few
days since, by Mr. Throgmorton, who came ten days since from the
Bay, and came well in a full laden vessel to anchor by Saconet
rocks, but it pleased God his new cable was cut by the rocks, and he
drove upon Rhode-Island shore, where it is feared the vessel is
spoiled, but (through God’s mercy) he saved his goods. Sir, Mr.
Brewster, (by letter) requests me to convey three letters and bags
of metal to you. I wish they may have worth in them, especially to
draw us up to dig into the heavens for true treasure. Sir, (though
Mr. Brewster wrote me not word of it) yet in private, I am bold to
tell you, that I hear it hath pleased God greatly to afflict him in
the thorns of this life. He was intended for Virginia; his creditors
in the Bay came to Portsmouth and unhung his rudder, carried him to
the Bay, where he was forced to make over all, house, land, cattle,
and part with all to his chest. Oh how sweet is a dry morsel and a
handful, with quietness from earth and heaven. Sane nescio de quo
scribis furti suspecto. John Jones is thought here to be false or
faulty. He said he was your servant, that you gave him 10_s._ in
peag to bear his charges, which being stolen out of his pocket, he
borrowed so much of me here in your name, promising to pay me at his
return, being to receive money for you in the Bay; he had, also,
10_s._ more, to buy, for me, two or three necessaries. He took
27_s._ 6_d._ of Valentine, Mr. Smith’s man, my neighbor at the
trading house, for a drum, which he said he left at my house at
Providence, which drum cost him 48_s._, and he promised to send it
by an Indian, but refused, and offered to sell it again at
Providence; it is now attached.
“Mr. Brewster requested me to pay the Bay carriers, which I have
thus ordered, that six awl blades I pay to a native to carry to
Ninigret, and pray you to pay six more to him that brings them to
you. I am sorry you had no more corn from Ninigret, yet glad you had
so much, for I am forced to pay 4_s._ the bushel for all I spend.
Sir, I have not known the like of Indian madness. The Father of
lights cause us to bless him for and with our reason, remembering
Nebuchadnezzar.
“Sir, I desire to be yours ever in Christ Jesus,
“ROGER WILLIAMS.”
In March, 1648–9, the town of Providence obtained a charter of
incorporation from the General Assembly. [See Appendix F.]