CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Midland Friends OF Cornell Endowment The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924006562841 PUBLICATIONS NARRAGANSETT CLUB {First Series.) Volume VI. PROVIDENCE, R. I. MDCCCLXXIV, SUBSCRIBERS' EDITION, ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY COPIES. 'r Entered according to an Act of Congrei's, in the year 1874, By George Taylor Paine, FOR THE NARRAGANSETT CLUB, In the Office of the Librarian of Congrefs, at Washington, D. C. Providence Prefs Co,, Printers. * of dofl^^^!i F 82.W72An874 """'"■"'"''' ' Letters of Roger Williams, 1 632-1 682. I 3 1924 006 562 841 .,„ [ The members of the Narragansett Club defire it to be underftood, that they are not anfwerable for any opinions or obfervations that may appear in their publications ; the Editors of the feveral works being alone refponfible for the fame. THE LETTERS OF ROGER WILLIAMS EDITED BY John Russell Bartlett. LETTERS OF ROGER WILLIAMS 1632-1682. NOW FIRST COLLECTED. EDITED BY JOHN RUSSELL BARTLETT. PROVIDENCE: PRINTED FOR THE NARRAGaNSETT CLUB. 1874. EDITOR'S PREFACE. In publifliing for the firll time, a]l the letters of Roger Williams, as far as they have come to the knowledge of the editor, it is proper to mention the fources from which they have been obtained. With the exception of a very few letters, printed in various controverfial books of the period when Williams lived and wrote, the firft which appeared in print were in Backus's Hiftory of New England with reference to the Baptifts, printed in 1777. A few ifolated letters next appeared in the early volumes of the Colledtions of the Maffachufetts Hiftorical Society, and a large number in Profeflbr Knowles' Life of Williams, publiflied at Bofton in 1834, few of which had before appeared in print. But the mod confiderable acceffion was in the " Winthrop Papers." Thefe let- ters were written by Williams to Governor Winthrop of Maffachufetts, and to his fon John Winthrop, Jr., Governor of Connefticut, and had remained in the poffeffion of the Winthrbp family until prefented to the Maffachufetts Hiflorical Society. They were publifhed by the Society at different times, as they came into its polfefEon ; hence, are not found in one volume, but in many ; the larger num- ber being in volume VI., of the fourth feries of its " Colleftions." Williams doubtlefs had other correfpondents, but his letters to fuch were un- known to thofe who have written upon his life, or who have edited the recent re- publications of his feveral works. The editor of the prefent compilation of thefe letters has made further fearch in various Hiflorical Colleftions and in other books, and he has alfo confulted gentlemen familiar with the writings of Williams ; but only in a fingle inflance has he been able to find a letter, not already in print. For this letter, which is an important one, the editor is indebted to Charles Deane, Efq., of Cambridge. In prefenting the letters of Williams, it was the defire of the editor to give them precifely as they were written, by preferving the language and the original orthog- raphy ; a plan which was found to be imprafticable. Had all been printed as thofe are in the later volumes of the Maffachufetts Hiflorical Society, where the language X. Editor s Preface. and orthography remain as originally written, this plan might have been carried out ; but, unfortunately, in nearly one-half the letters, the language, as well as the fpelling, had been modernized, fo that it was imprafticable to attempt a prefenta- tion of all the letters as originally written. Under thefe circumllances, the editor was compelled to modernize the whole, in order to preferve a uniformity. In doing this, he has printed all the letters found in Backus's Hiftory of the Baptifts ; in Knowles' Memoir of Williams ; in Elton's Life of Williams, and in fome of the Hiftorical Colledlions which had been modernized, precifely as they appear ; no al- teration being neceffary. Thofe among the " Winthrop Papers" printed in the later volumes of the Colleftions of the Maflachufetts Hiftorical Society, have been modernized in their fpelling, but preferve the original language. In fpelling the Indian names, no fyftem feems to have been followed either by Mr. Williams or other early New England writers. Thus we find Narraganfett fpelled Naniganjick, Nanihiggonfuk, Narrogonjett, Nariganfet, and Nanhiggonfet. For Connefticut, we have ^innihticut, ^nnticut. For Nyantic, we have Nayantakick, Nayantaquit, Nayantuqiut. For Mohawks, Mauquahogs, Mawquawogs, Mohowawogs, Mowhauogs, and Maw- hauogs. For Uncas, we have Okace, Ozuokace, Wocafe, Onkace, Onkas, and Oncas. For Mohegan, Monahiganench, Monahig, Monhiggin, Monahiggen. The fpellingof thefe and other Indian names have been changed into the orthog- raphy of the prefent day. Many of the letters of Williams are without dates; fome only bear the day of the week, while a majority of them are dated in the manner following: (Nar. i6. 12. 49. fo call'd) meaning Narraganfett, the i6th of the 12th month, i. e. the 1 6th February, 1649-50; according to the Old Style, then in vogue, when March was the firft month. Where the date is entirely wanting the editor has endeavored to fix upon the month and year, by the fubjeft of the letter, or by the endorfement of Gov. Winthrop when the letter was received by him. The editors of the " Win- throp Papers" have labored to afcertain the dates of many, which dates in almoft every inftance have been adopted ; but ftill fome remain, the contents of which are of fuch a general charafter, that it has not been poffible even to fix the probable year when they were written. The date of every letter, however obfcure, if it bore any, is given as it appears in the original, while the probable or affumed date is given in brackets. But with every effort to arrive at the truth, it is poffible that errors have been made. The notes which have been added are neceflkrily numerous, and might have been extended, but it was deemed advifable not to enter into any of the contro- verfies in which Mr. Williams was involved. Editor's Preface. xi. In the notes the fource has been given whence all the letters in the volume were obtained. The larger number is from the " Winthrop Papers," which papers in. elude letters from men prominent in New England during the feventeenth century, all being a portion of the correfpondence of three generations of the Winthrops. The public eftimate of fome men famous in hiftory has been leflened by the reading of their letters ; but no one can read thefe from the founder of Rhode Ifland in this volume without having his refpeft and admiration for him increafed. Mr. Knowles was the firft of Williams's biographers to introduce his letters. Even thefe tended to elevate his charafter ; but their were periods, relating to which no letters from his pen were known to be in exiftence The publication of the Win- throp papers brought letters to light, which tend to elucidate many events in Wil- liams's life. In fpeaking of the correfpondence of the Winthrop's, Mr. Lowell in his charm- ing effays (^'- Among my Books" p. 246) thus writes : — " Let me premife that there are two men above all others, for whom our ref- peft is heightened by their letters, — the elder John Winthrop and Roger Williams. Winthrop appears throughout as a truly magnanimous and noble man in an unobtru- five way, — a kind of greatnefs that makes lefs noife in the world, but is on the whole more folidly fatisfying to moil others." ..." Charity and tolerance flow fo noticeably from the pen of Williams that it is plain they were in his heart. He does not ftiow himfelf a ftrong or very wife man, but a thoroughly gentle and good one. His affeftion for the two Winthrops is evidently of the, warmeft." For the better underftanding of certain letters of Mr. Williams's in this volume, it has been deemed advifable to include a few from other perfons. Among thefe are the letters of Mrs. Sadlier, daughter of Sir Edward Coke, in reply to Wil- liams's letters to that lady during his vifit to England in 1653 — and two from Sir Henry Vane. J. R. B. Providence, Oftober, 1874. LETTERS OF ROGER WILLIAMS PUBLISHED IN THIS VOLUME. WITH THE PLACES FKOM WHERE WEITTE:N AND THE DATES. To John Winth ""OP' , Gov. of Mafs. ; Plymouth, 1672, Page I The Church at Salem to the Elders of the Church of Chrift at ] Bofton, after July, 1635. 71 To John Winth rop. Dep. Gov. of Mafs. ; 1636, 3 To do. do. Gov. ; Providence, Oct. 24 ., do. 7 To do. do. Gov. ; New Providence, 1637. H To do. do. Governor ; May, do. 16 To do. do. New Providence, do. do. 20 To do. do. do. do. 21 To Gov. Henry Vane, or Dep. Gov. John Winthrop, May 3, 1637, 23 To John Winthrop, New Providence, June 2, do. 27 To do. do. do. do. do. 21, do. 32 To do. do. do. do. July, do. 35 To do. do. do. do. do. 10, do. 37 To do. do. do. do. do. 10, do. 40 To do. do. do. 1 1, do. 45 To do. do. New Providence, do 15, do. 46 To do. do. do. do. do. 21, do. 49 To do. do. do. do. Aug. 20, do. 55 To do. do. .... 0 Governor of the Englijh in the Maffachufetts.^ Plymouth. 2 [1632. J Much honored and beloved in Christ Jesu, — Your Chriftian acceptation of our cup of cold water is a bleffed cup of wine, ftrong and pleafant to our wearied fpirits. Only let me crave a word of explanation : among other pleas for a young councellor (which I fear will be too light in the balance of the Holy One) you argue from twenty- five in a Church Elder : 'tis a riddle as yet to me whether ' John Winthrop, the friend and cor- refpondent of Roger Williams, came from England to Salem in 1630; but foon after removed to Charlellon, and felefted the fite where the city of Bofton ilands. He was annually elefted Governor of Maffachufetts Bay until 1634; again in 1637-40, 1642-44, and from 1646 to his death, March z6, I649. In 1636, when Sir Henry Vane was elefted gov- ernor, Winthrop was chofen Deputy- governor. Vane and Winthrop were on oppofite fides in the Hutchinfon con- troverfy. Winthrop was oppofed to an unlimited democracy ; and when the peo- ple of Connefticut were forming a gov- ernment, he wrote them a letter, in which he laid that " the bell part of a community is always the leaft, and of that leaft part the wifer are ftill lefs." His firm and decided management of af- fairs fometimes made him unpopular. His private charafter was moft amiable. His eldeft fon John was the founder of the Saybrook coMny, and governor of Connefticut. His valuable "Journal" of the public occurrences in the Mafla- chufetts Colony from March 29, 1630 to January 1 1, 1 649, was firft printed in 1790, and again with notes by James Savage, in 1826 and 1853. » 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 184. Moft of the letters of Roger Williams printed in this volume are without full 2 Letters of Roger Williams. you mean any elder in thefe New Englifh churches, or (which I believe not) old Englifh, — diforderly functions, from whence our Jehovah of armies more and more re- deemed his Ifrael, — or the Levites who ferved from twenty-five to fifty, Numb. 8., 24 ; or myfelf but a child in every thing, (though in Chrift called, and perfecuted even in and out of my father's houfe thefe 20 years), I am no Elder in any church, no more nor fo much as your worthy felf, nor ever fliall be, if the Lord pleafe to grant my defires that I may intend what I long after, the na- tives fouls, and yet if I at prefent were, I fhould be in the days of my vanity nearer upwards of 30 than 25 ;' or whether Timothy or Titus be in thought, &c., at your lei- fure I crave interpretation. Sorry I am fince Rationals fo much circumround and trouble you, that bejiiale quid (and mine efpecially) fhould come near you : but fince the Lord of heaven is Lord of earth alfo, and you follow him as a dear child, I thankfully acknowledge your care and love dates. Some give only the day of the Hijl.of Bofton,f. 140. Winthrop, ////?. week, and others only the day of the of N. Eng. vol. i, p. 108-109, month. In many, the year is omitted ; » This, with other authorities, has giv- while fome have neither the month or en the year 1 599 as the date of Williams' year. In moft of them the editor has birth. See Roger Williams' teftimony been able to affign dates which have in favor of Richard Smith's title to his been adopted by hillorians, or by the land at Narraganfett, 1679. This date biographers of Williams. 1 599 is now generally conceded as the This letter was probably written be- year of Williams' birth. — Arnold, Hiji. tween June and Oftober, 1632. The R. I. vol. i, p. 50. Guild, Mem. of queftion arofe in the " Congregation at Williams, Narr. Club, vol. I, pp. 5 Bofton" whether one perfon might be a and 6. civil magiftrate and a ruling elder at the The order for Williams's banilhment fame time. Nowell affigns his pofition was pafled Sept. 3, 1635. He is fup- as ruling elder, doubtlefs from that caufe. pofed to have left Salem about January, Gov. Winthrop vifited Plymouth in Oc- 1635-6; and to eftablilhed himfelf at tober, 1632. This letter was probably Providence in the following June, written between thofe dates, — Drake Letters of Roger Williams. 3 about the cattle, and further entreat if you may (as you give me encouragement) procure the whole of that fec- ond, and let me know how, and how much payment will be here accepted, or in money in England. The Lord Jefus be with your Spirit, and your deareft one, and mine, in their extremities. To you both and all the Saints our due remembrances. Yours in all unfeigned and brotherly afFedtions, Roger Williams. The brethren faluteyou. You lately fent mulic to our ears, when we heard you perfuaded (and that effedtually and fuccefsfully) our be- loved Mr. Nowell to furrender up one fword : and that you were preparing to feek the Lord further; a duty not fo fre- quent with Plymouth as formerly : but Spero meliora. For his much honored, Mr. "John Winthrop, Deputy Governor thefe. [1636 or 1637.]' Much honored Sir, — The frequent experience of your loving ear, ready and open toward me (in what your con- fcience hath permitted) as alfo of that excellent fpirit of wifdom and prudence wherewith the Father of Lights '4 Maf. mjl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 186. litical year ending May 17, 1637. It This letter, which is without date, is was evidently written fhortly after he- addreffed to Winthrop, as Deputy Gov- fettlement at Providence, which it is bet ernor, which office he held for the po- lieved was in June, 1636. The letter 4 Letters of Roger Williams. hath endued you, embolden me to requeft a word of pri- vate advife with the fooneft convenience, if it may be, by this meffenger. The condition of myfelf and thofe few families here planting with me, you know full well: we have no Patent: nor doth the face of Magiftracy fuit with our prefent con- dition. Hitherto, the mailers of families have ordinarily met once a fortnight and confulted about our common peace, watch, and planting ; and mutual confent have fin- ifhed all matters with fpeed and peace. Now of late fome young men, fingle perfons (of whom we had much need) being admitted to freedom of inhabi- tation, and promifing to be fubjed: to the orders made by the confent of the houfeholders, are difcontented with their eftate, and feek the freedom of vote alfo, and equali- ty, &c. Befide, our dangers (in the midft of thefe dens of lions) now efpecially, call upon us to be compadl in a civil way and power. I have therefore had thoughts of propounding to my neighbors a double fubfcription, concerning which I fhall humbly crave your help. The firft concerning ourfelves, the mafters of families : thus, refers to preparations againft the Pequots, refers to letters received by him from probably to Endicott's expedition which Williams, July 26th and 30th, and Aug. failed from Bofton the laft of Auguft of 26th, but neither allude to the matters that year. After deftroying the Indian fpoken of in the letter in queftion. (vol. fettlement on Block Ifland, it failed for i. p. 227-230.) The letter is intereft- Thames River. Endicott reached Bof- ing, inafmuch as it is the earlieft account ton on his return on the 14th of Sep- extant relating to the fettlement at Provi- tember. — Winthrop, Hiji. N. Ertg. p. dence and of the manner in v^fhich the 231-233. Drake, HiJi. Bojion, p. 201. civil affairs of the little community there The letter, therefore, was probably writ- were condufted. ten in Auguft or September. Winthrop Letters of Roger Williams. 5 We whofe names are hereunder written, late inhabi- tants of the Maflachufetts, (upon occaiion of fome differ- ence of confcience,) being permitted to depart from the limits of that Patent, under the which we came over into thefe parts, and being caft by the Providence of the God of Heaven, remote from others of our countrymen amongft the barbarians in this town of New Providence, do with free and joint confent promife each unto other, that, for our Common peace and welfare (until we hear further of the King's royal pleafure concerning ourfelves) we will from time to time fubjeft ourfelves in active or paffive obedience to fuch orders and agreements, as fhall be made by the greater number of the prefent houfeholders, and fuch as (hall be hereafter admitted by their confent into the fame privilege and covenant in our ordinary meeting. In witnefs whereof we hereunto fubfcribe, &c. Concerning thofe few young men, and any who fhall hereafter (by your favorable connivance) defire to plant with us, this, — We whofe names are hereunder written, being defirous to inhabit in this Town of New Providence, do promife to fubject ourfelves'in adtive or paffive obedience to fuch orders and agreements as fhall be made from time to time, by the greater number of the prefent houfeholders of this Town, and fuch whom they Ihall admit into the fame fel- lowfhip and privilege. In witnefs whereof, &c.' Hitherto we choofe one, (named the officer,) to call the • This agreement was afterwards pear. — R, I. Col. Records, yol.i. ■p. 14. adopted by the people of Providence, See alfo " Confirmatory Deed " of Rog- in much the fame language, bearing er Williams and his wife of lands tranf- thirteen fignatures, among which, how- ferred by him to his affociates in the ever, the name of Williams does not ap- year 1638. Ibid. vol. i. p. 22. 6 Letters of Roger Williams. meeting at the appointed time : now it is defired by fome of us that the houfeholders by courfe perform that work, as alfo gather votes and fee the watch go on, &c. I have not yet mentioned thefe things to my neighbors, but fhall as I fee caufe upon your loving counfel. As alfo fince the place I have purchafed, fecondly, at mine own charge and engagements, the inhabitants paying (by confent thirty fhillings a piece as they come, until my charge be out for their particular lots : and thirdly, that I never made any other covenant with any perfon, but that if I got a place he Ihould plant there with me : my query is this, — Whither I may not lawfully defire this of my neigh- bors, that as I freely fubjedt myfelf to common confent, and fhall not bring in any perfon into the town without their confent : fo alfo that againft my confent no perlon be violently brought in and received. I defire not to fleep in fecurity and dream of a neft which no hand can reach. I cannot but expedt changes, and the change of the laft enemy death, yet dare I not de- fpife a liberty, which the Lord feemeth to offer me, if for mine own or others peace : and therefore have I been thus bold to prefent my thoughts unto you. The Pequots hear of your preparations, &c., and com- fort themfelves in this, that a witch amongfl them will fink the pinnaces, by diving under water and making holes, &c., as alfo that they fhall now enrich themfelves with flore of guns, but I hope their dreams (through the mercy of the Lprd) fhall vanifh, and the devil and his ly- ing forcerers fhall be confounded. You may pleafe. Sir, to take notice that it is of main confequence to take fome courfe with the Wunnafhowa- Letters of Roger Williams. 7 tuckoogs^ and Wufquowhananawkits,^ who are the further- moft Neepnet men, for the Pequots driven from the fea coaft with eafe, yet there fecure and ftrengthen themfelves, and are then brought down fo much the nearer to you. Thus with my beft refpefts to your loving felf and Mrs. Winthrop, I reft. Your Worfhips unfeigned, praying to meet you in this vale of tears or hills of mercy above. R. Williams. Providence the 24th of the 8th. Sir, worthy and well beloved, — I was abroad about the Pequot bufinefs when your le'tter arrived, and lince meflengers have not fitted, &c. I therefore now thankfully acknowledge your wifdom and gentlenefs in receiving fo lovingly my late rude and foolifti lines : you bear with fools gladly becaufe you are wife. I ftill wait upon your love and faithfulnefs for thofe poor papers, and cannot but believe that your heart, tongue, and pen fhould be one, if I were Turk or Jew, &c. Your fix queries I welcome, my love forbidding me to furmife that a Pharifee, a Sadducee, an Herodian, &c., 'Or Showatuch. Perfons going by fowl breed abundantly." — Williams' land from Maflachusetts Bay Colony to Key, p. 176. This was in the northern Connefticut, paffed through the country part of the Nipmuck country, in what of this tribe. is now Worcefter County, Mafs. — '■ Wujkotohanan-auk-it " the pigeon Trumbull's notes to Williams's Key, country," The place "where thefe Narr. C/ai, vol. i. -p. 116. 8 Letters of Roger Williams. wrote them; but rather that your love and pity framed ' them as a phyfician to the fick, &c. He that made us thefe fouls and fearcheth them, that made the ear and eye, and therefore fees and hears I lie not, but in his prefence have fadly fequeftered myfelf to his holy tribunal, and your interrogatories, begging from his throne thofe feven fiery lamps and eyes, his holy Spirit, to help the fcrutiny, defirous to fufped: myfelf above the old ferpent himfelf, and remembering that he that trufteth in his ovi^n heart is a fool. Prov. 28. While I anfwer let me importune from your loving breaft that good opinion that you deal with one (however fo and fo, in your judgment yet) ferious, and defirous in the matters of God's Sanftuary to uf; (as the double weights of the Sandtuary teach us) double diligence. Your firfl; Querie then is this. What have you gained by your new-found pradtices? &c. I confefs my gains cafi: up in man's exchange are lofs ot friends, efteem, maintenance, &c., but what was gain in that refpedt I defire to count lofs for the excellency of the knowledge of Chrift Jefus my Lord : &c. To His all glorious Name I know I have gained the honor of one of his poor witnefl'es, though in fackcloth. To your beloved felves and others of God's people yet afleep, this witnefs in the Lord's feafon at your waking {hall be profperous, and the feed fown fhall arife to the greater purify of the kingdom and ordinances of the Prince of the kings of the earth. To myfelf (through his rich grace) my tribulation hath brought fome confolation and more evidence of his love, finging Mofes his fong and the Lambs, in that weak vidlory which (through His help) I have gotten over the beafl, his Letters of Roger Williams. g » pidture, his mark, and number of his name, Revel. 15. 2. 3. If you aflc for numbers, the witnefles are but two : Revel. II., and how^ many millions of Chriftians in name, and thoufands of Chriftians in heart, do call the truths (wherein yourfelf and I agree in witnefling^ new found practices ? Gideon's army was thirty-two thoufand ; but cowardice returned twenty-two thoufand back, and nine thoufand feven hundred worldlings fent but three hundred to the battle. I will not by prophecy exafperate, but wifh (in the black and flormy day) your company be not lefs than Gideon's, to fight (I mean with the Blood of the Lamb and Word of Witnefs) for what you profefs to fee. To your fecond, viz. : Is your fpirit as even as it was feven years fince ? I will not follow the fafhion either in commending or condemning of myfelf. You and I fland at one dreadful, dreadful tribunal : yet what is pafl I defire to forget, and to prefs forward towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Chrift. And for the evennefs of my fpirit. Toward the Lord, I hope I more long to know and do His holy pleafure only, and to be ready not only to be banifhed, but to die in New England for the name of the Lord Jefus. Towards yourfelves, I have hitherto begged of the Lord an even fpirit, and I hope ever (hall, as Firfl, reverently to efteem of, and tenderly to refpedt the perfons of many hundreds of you, &c. Secondly, To rejoice to fpend and be fpent in any fer- vice, (according to my confcience) for your welfares. lo Letters of Roger Williams. Thirdly, To rejoice to find out the leaft fwerving in judgment or pradlice from the help of any, even the leaft of you. Laftly, to mourn daily, heavily, unceffantly, till the Lord look down from Heaven, and bring all his precious living ftones into one New Jerufalem. To your third, viz. : Are you not grieved that you have grieved fo many ? I fay with Paul, I vehemently forrow for the forrow of any of Zion's daughters, who fliould ever rejoice in her King, &c., yet I muft (and O that I had not caufe) grieve be- caufe fo many of Zion's daughters fee not and grieve not for their fouls defilements, and that fo few bear John company in weeping after the unfolding of the feals, which only weepers are acquainted with. You thereupon propound a fourth, Do you think the Lord hath utterly forfaken us ? I anfwer Jehovah will not forfake His people for His great name's fake i. Sam. 12. That is, the fire of His love towards thofe whom once He loves is eternal, like Himfelf : and thus far be it from me to queftion His eternal love to- wards you, &c. Yet if you grant that ever you were as Abraham among the Chaldees, Lot among the Sodomites, the Kenites among the Amalekites, as Ifrael in Egypt or Babel, and that under pain of their plagues and judgments you were bound to leave them, depart, fly out, (not from the places as in the type,) but from the filthinefs, of their fins, &c., and if it prove, as I know aflxiredly it (hall, that though you have come far, yet you never came out of the wildernefs to this day : then, I befeech you, remember that yourfelves, and fo alfo many thoufands of God's peo- ple muft yet mournfully read the 74, 79, 80, and 89 Letters of Roger Williams. 1 1 Pfalms, the Lamentations, Daniel nth, and Revel, nth, 1 2th, 1 3th, and this. Sir, I befeech you do more ferioully then ever, and abftradt yourfelf w^ith a holy violence from the dung heap of this earth, the credit and comfort of it, and cry to Heaven to remove the {tumbling blocks, fuch idols, after which fometimes the Lord vs^ill give His own Ifrael an anfwer. Sir, You requeft me to be free with you, and therefore blame me not if I anfwer your requeft, defiring the like payment from your own dear hand, at any time, in any thing. And let me add, that amongft all the people of God,, wherefoever fcattered about Babel's banks, either in Rome or England, &c., your cafe is the worft by far, becaufe while others of God's Ifrael tenderly refpedl fuch as delire to fear the Lord, your very judgment and confcience leads you to fmite and beat your fellow fervants, expel them your coafts, &c., and therefore, though I know the ele6t (hall never finally be forfaken, yet Sodom's, Egypt's, Ama- lek's. Babel's judgments ought to drive us out, to make our calling out of this world to Chrift, and our eledtion fure in him. Sir, Your fifth is. From what fpirit, and to what end do you drive ? Concerning my fpirit, as I faid before, I could declaim againft it, but whether the fpirit of Chrift Jefus, for whofe vifible kingdom and ordinances I witnefs, &c, or the fpirit of Antichrift (i John 4) againft- whom only I conteft, do drive me, let the Father of Spirits be pleafed to fearch, and (worthy Sir) be you alfo pleafed by the word to fearch : and I hope you will find that as you fay you do, I alfo feek Jefus who was nailed to the gallows, I afk the 12 Letters of Roger Williams. way to loft Zion, I witnefs what I believe I fee patiently (the Lord affifting) in fackcloth, I long for the bright appearance of the Lord Jefus to confume the man of fin- I long for the appearance of the Lamb's wife alfo, New Jerufalem: I wifti heartily profperity to you all. Governor and people, in your civil way, and mourn that you fee not your poverty, nakednefs, &c., in fpirituals, and yet I re- joice in the hopes that as the way of the Lord to Apollo, fo within a few years (through, I fear though, many tribu- lations) the way of the Lord Jefus, the firft and moft ancient path, fhall be more plainly difcovered to you and me. Laftly, You afk whether my former condition would not have ftood with a gracious heart, &c. ? At this Query, Sir, I wonder much, becaufe you know what fins, yea ail manner of fins, (the fin unto death ex- cepted,) a child of God may lie in, inftance I need not. Secondly, When it comes to matter of confcience that the ftroke lies upon the very judgment, that the thing pradticed is lawful, &c., as the polygamy of the Saints, the building of the Temple, (if David had gone on,) the many falfe miniftries and miniftrations (like the ark upon the new cartj which from Luther's times to this day, God's children have confcientioufly pradliced. Who then can wonder (and yet indeed who can not but won- der) how a gracious heart, before the Lord's awakening, and calling, and drawing out, may lie in many abomina- tions ? Two inftances I fhall be bold to prefent you with. Firft, do you not hope Bifliop Uftier hath a gracious heart? and fecondly. Do you not judge that your own heart was gracious even when (with the poifoned fliirt on your back) you, &c. ? Letters of Roger Williams. 13 But while another judgeth the condition fair, the foul that fears, doubts, and feels a guilt hath broken bones, &c. Now, worthy Sir, I muft call up your wifdom, your love, your patience, your promife and faithfulnefs, candid inge- nuity, &c. My heart's defire is abundant, and exceeds my pen. My head and anions willing to live (as the Apoftle Paul) TLalihz iv naat. Where I err, Chrift be pleafed to re- ftore me, where I ftand, to eftablifh. If you pleafe I have alfo a few Queries to yourfelf, without your leave I will not : but will ever mourn, (the Lord affifting,) that I am no more (though I hope ever) yours, R : Will : Sir, Concerning natives : the Pequots and Nayantaquits refolve to live and die together, and not to yield up one. Laft night tidings came that the Mohawks, (the canni- bals,) have flain fome of our countrymen at Connediicut. I hope it is not true.' To John Winthrop, Governor, &c. « The editor of the "Winthrop Papers," between the Pequots and Mohawks, that (4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi.') does not the Pequots had " flain both Englifli and affign any date for this letter and the one natives at Connefticut Plantations." that follows. This one is dated " the This muft have been before the deftruc- 24th of the 8th month," (or Oftober tion of the fort at Myftic, which oc- 24th.) Williams begins by fimply allu- cured on the 26th of May, 1637, for ding to the " Pequot bufinefs." We in- the Pequots were fo completely annihi- fer from this that the Pequot war had lated in that fight, that there could have not begun. With the exception of this been no chance of making a league with paragraph, the letter relates wholly to the Mohawks ; and it is known that, from religious affairs : >vith replies to queries fear of the Englifli, the Mohawks des- put to him by Winthrop, about his " new troyed fuch of the Pequots as fought found praftices." May not this refer flielter among them. We think, therefore, to his entire freedom in the exercife of that the firll letter was written in Oc- his religious opinions in his new abode? tober, 1636, and the fecond foon after ; In the letter which follows, Williams or, at any rate, before the attack on the begins by fpeaking of reports of a league Pequot fort. 14 Letters of Roger Williams. To °John Winthrop} New Providence, zndo ymans, inftantis.^ [1637.] Sir, — I have nothing certain to acquaint you with at prefent: there have been reports thefe ten days, that the Pequots are entered league by the hire of three or four bufhels of beads, (black and white,) with the Mauquawogs or Mohawks which fignifies men-eaters in their lan- guage ; Thefe cannibals have been all the talk thefe ten days, and the Narraganfetts are much troubled at them. Two days fince came tidings that thefe Mohawks and Pequots have flain many, both Englifh and natives, at Connedlicut Plantations. As yet I believe it not, and hope in the Lord's mercy it is falfe, yet fince you pleafe to make fuch good ufe of (poifon) bad and lying news, (which tor that end to awaken people I confefs) I fent the laft: I would not conceal this : I hope to fend better in like man- ner after this; yet I fadly fear if the Lord pleafe to let loofe thefe mad dogs, their pradlice will render the Pequots cannibals too, and fecondly (at the leaft) cut off all hopes of fafe refidence at Connecticut, and yet they are one hun- dred miles to the weftward of Connedlicut Plantations. I hope it will pleafe the Mofl; High to put his hook into their nofe, &c., as alfo to give wifdom in the managing of the war, that if it be poflible a league may rather be firm- ly flruck with them : they are mofl: favage, their wea- pons more dangerous and their cruelty dreadful,- roaftiing alive, &c. Sir, I hear of the danger of the innovation of your Government, The God of Heaven be pleafed to give you faithfulnefs and courage in his fear : I fear not fo much ■ 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 239. ^ Secundu feptima. i. e. the 2d day of the prelent week. Letters of Roger Williams. 15 iron and fteel as the cutting of our throats with golden knives. I mean that under the pleafing baits of execution of juftice to the eaftward, and enlargement of authority, beyond all queftion, lies hid the hook to catch your invalu- able liberties. Better an honorable death than a flave's life. Sir, I may not forget due thanks for your intended re- quitals of my poor endeavors towards the barbarous : if it pleafe the Lord to ufe (with any good fuccefs) fo dull a tool, fatis fuperque, &c. One kindnefs (yet according to true juftice) let me be bold to requeft. I have not yet got a penny of thofe two unfaithful ones, James and Thomas Haukins, of Bofton, concerning whom myfelf and wife have formeily troubled you. Mr. Coxall hath long had their bills : agreement of mitigation hath been made lince by arbitratois but to no purpofe. Their great earnings (if I had not lovingly re- Ipafed them) were mine own : my own debts lie unpaid, daily called for, and I hear for certain (though they can flatter and lie) they have fpent laviflily and fared daintily of my purfe, while myfelf would have been glad of a cruft of their leavings, though yet I have not wanted, through his love that feeds the ravens, &c. John Throck- morton hath often demanded but in vain, he will now at- tend your loving helpfulnefs, and He who is moft holy and blefl'ed, all mercy and all pity, help you mercifully to fteer (by hib holy compafs and alfo with his own moft holy hand) in the ocean of troubles and trials wherein we fail. It is no fmall favor that once again (though the occafions are fad) we may fail and fpeak together, but the, Harbor (fafe and large) will pay for all. Thus praying for our j6 Letters of Roger Williams. meeting, with beft falutes to Mrs. Winthrop and all yours, and my true refpefts to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and other loving friends, I reft, Your worfhip's unfeigned, Roger Williams. For his much honored Mr. Governor, and Mr. Winthrop, Deputy Governor of the Majfachufetts, thefe. New Providence, this zd of the week.' [May, 1637.] Sir, — The latter end of the laft week I gave notice to our neighbor princes of your intentions and preparations againft the common enemy, the Pequots. At my firft coming to them Canonicus [morofus aque ac barbarex fenex) was very '3 Maff. Hiji. Coll. vol. i. p. 159- R. I. HiJi. Coll. vol. Hi. p. 137. Written probably a few days before the attack on the Pequot fort. May 26, 1637. On the loth of April, the au- thorities at Bofton concluded to fend Captain Underhill with twenty men to aid Connefticut Colony, in her attack againft the Pequots. To this Williams probably refers in his opening paragraph, and poffibly to the expedition under Captain Patrick. The Narraganfetts concluded a treaty at Bofton, in Oftober 1636, making tie Pequots a common enemy. In the third of Williams' " ob- fervations" in this letter, he recommends Niantic as a place of rendevouz. This was apparently adopted, as Mafon, Un- derhill and Gardiner, the leaders of the expedition, arrived there May 25, (by way of Narraganfett Bay, May 23,) and on the next day taking " Wequafh" for their guide, the Pequot fort at " Mis- tick " was reached. — Drake, Hift. of Boflon, p. 205-209. Book of the Indians, p. 105-106. Winthrop, HiJi. N. Eng. vol. 1. p. 268. Capt. Daniel Patrick in a letter of May 23, 1637, writes Gov. Winthrop, that " Mr. Williams informs your wor- fhip at large" about the expedition againft the Pequot fort, — poffibly referring to this letter. We are difpofed to believe that the date of this letter is May 22, which was Monday, from the apparent reference to it in Capt. Patrick's letter above quoted of fame date, and that the " rude view" was a copy of the above defcription, having been probably ex- plained to R. W. at the date of the previous letter. Letters of Roger Williams. 17 four, and accufed the Englifh and myfelf for fending the plague amongfl them, and threatening to kill him efpecially. Such tidings (it feems) were lately brought to his ears by fome of his flatterers and our ill-willers, I difcerned caufe of beftirring myfelf, and ftaid the longer, and at laft (through the mercy of the Moft High) I not only fweetened his fpirit, but poifefled him, that the plague and other ficknefles were alone in the hand of the one God, who made him and us, who being difpleafed with the Englifh for lying, ftealing, idlenefs and uncleannefs, (the natives' epidemical fins,) fmote many thoufands of us our- felves with general and late mortalities. Miantunnomu kept his barbarous court lately at my houfe, and with him I have far better dealing. He takes fome pleafure to vifit me, and fent me word of his coming over again fome eight days hence. They pafs not a week without fome fkirmifhings, though hitherto little lofs on either fide. They were glad of your preparations, and in much conference with themfelves and others, (fifhing de induflria for inflructions from them,) I gathered thefe obfervations, which you may pleafe (as caufe may be) to confider and take notice of: 1. They conceive that to do execution to purpofe on the Pequots, will require not two or three days and away, but a riding by it and following of the work to and again the fpace of three weeks or a month, that there be a fall- ing off and a retreat, as if you were departed, and a falling on again within three or four days, when they are returned again to their houfes fecurely from their flight. 2. That if any pinnaces come in ken, they prefently prepare for flight, women and old men and children, to a fwamp fome three or four miles on the back of them, a 3 1 8 Letters of Roger Williams. marvellous great and fecure fvvamp, which they called Ohomowauke,' which fignifies owl's neft, and by another name, Cuppacommock/ which lignifies a refuge or hiding place, as I conceive. 3. That therefore Nayantaquit,3 (which is Miantunno- mue's place of rendezvous,) to be thought 9n for the riding and retiring to of vefTel or velTels, which place is faithful to the Narraganfetts and at prefent enmity with the Pe- quots. 4. They alfo conceive it eafy for the Englifh, that the provilions and munitions firft arrive at Aquedneck, called by us Rhode Ifland, at the Narraganfett's mouth, and then a meffenger may be defpatched hither, and fo to the bay, for the foldiers to march up by land to the veffels, who otherwife might fpend long time about the cape and till more veffels than needs. 5. That the affault would be in the night, when they are commonly more fecure and at home, by which advantage the Englifh, being armed, may enter the houfes and do what execution they pleafe. 6. That before the affault be given, an ambufh be laid behind them, between them and the fwamp, to prevent their flight, &c. 7. That to that purpofe fuch guides as fhall be beft liked of to be taken along to diredt, efpecially two Pequots, viz. : Wequafh^ and Wuttackquiackommin, valiant men, efpeci- ' Koko'kehom, Oho'mous, An Owle. the fouthermoll portion of Rhode Ifland, Williams' Key, vol. i. p. 174. being feparated from the Pequots by the * Afterwards icnown as the Pine or Pawcatuck River. Their principal refi- Maft Swamp of Groton, Ct. — Caulkins' dence was at Wekapaug near Wefterly, Hift. of New London, note, p. 376. R. I. — Drake, Book of Indians, p. 67. 5 The Niantics were a tribe fubfidary 4 Wequafli died previous to 1643. He to the Narraganfetts. They occupied was a renegade Pequot fachem and as a Letters of Roger Williams. 1 9 ally the latter, who have lived thefe three or four years with the Narraganfetts, and know every pafs and paffage amongft them, who defire armor to enter their houfes. 8. That it would be pleafing to all natives, that women and children be fpared, &c. 9. That if there be any more land travel to Connedli- cut, fome courfe would alfo be taken with the Wunhowa- tuckoogs, who are confederates with and a refuge to the Pequots. Sir, if any thing be fent to the princes, I find that Ca- nonicus would gladly accept of a box of eight or ten pounds of sugar, and indeed he told me he would thank Mr. Governor for a box full. Sir, you may pleafe to take notice of a rude view, how the Pequots lie : River ConneSiicut. O a fort of the Nay an tie men, confederate with the Pequots, Mohigadic ' ozuauke, the swamp. River. Wein O shauks, where Ohom Sassaeus the chief Sachem is. three or four miles from- Mis O tick, where is Mamoho, another chief sachim. River. Nayantic, O where is Wepiteammock and our friends. River. Thus, with my beft falutes to your worthy felves guide did good fervice to the Englifti. Williams was not fo hopeful. Wequalh They attempted to convert him to chifti- is the Indian name for Swan. — Wil- anity, and according to fome authorities liams' Key, p. 17J. Mr. Trumbull's were evidently fuccefsful, but Roger notes to Key, pp. 26-27. 20 Letters of Roger Williams. and loving friends with you, and daily cries to the Father of mercies for a merciful iffue to all thefe enterprifes, I reft Your worfhip's ""unfeignedly refpedtive Roger Williams. 7o John Winthrop Governor of the Majfachufetts.^ New Providence, this laft of the week.^ [May, 1637.] Sir, — I am much defired by Yotaafti (the bearer here- of, Miantunnomue's brother) to interpret his meffage to you, viz. : that Miantunnomu requefts you to beftow^ a Pequot fquaw^ upon him. I objefl:, he had his ftiare fent him, he anfwers that Ca- nonicus received but a few women and keeps them : and yet he faith his brother hath more right: for, himfelf and his brother's men firft laid hold upon that company. I object that all are difpofed of, he anfwers, if fo, he defires to buy one or two of fome Engliftiman. I objedt that here are many run away, which I have de- fired himfelf might convey home to you : he replies, they have been this fortnight bufy (that is keeping of a kind of Chriftmas) : and fecondly, at prefent Miantunnomue's father-in-law lies a dying : as alfo that fome of the runa- ways periftied in the woods ; three are at the Narraganfett, and three within ten miles of this place; which I think • 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 241. were written juft before the attack on * This letter and the one that follows the Pequot fort. Letters of Roger Williams. 21 may beft be fetched by two or three MalTachufetts In- dians who may here get fome one or two more to accom- pany and help. Sir, you were pleafed fome while lince to intimate fome breach of league in Miantunnomu. I would not dif- hearten this man (from coming by my fpeech any way : but I could wifh you would pleafe to intimate your mind fully to him, as alfo that if there be any juft exception which they cannot well anfwer, that ufe be made of it, (if it may be with the fafety of the common peace,) to get the bits into their mouths,' efpecially if their be good af- furance from the Mohawks. So with my beft falutes and earneft fighs to heaven, I reft Your worftiip's unworthy Roger Williams. For his much honored, Mr. Governor of the Majfachufetts^ thefe.^ [May ,1637.] Much Honored Sir, — T was bold to prefent you with two letters by Thomas Holyway, fome weeks fince. I am occafioned again at prefent to write a word by this bearer Wequafti : whom (being a Pequot himfelf,) I commended for a guide in the Pequot expedition. I prefume he may fay fomething to yourfelf, or to fuch other of my loving friends as may report unto your wor- ship, what befel him at Cowefet.3 « " I mean the bit of awful refpeft, , » Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 242. that they fall not into mutinies at home." ' Ball Greenwich. Cowazoefuck, a Note by Williams. pine tree. 22 Letters of Roger Williams. He hath been five or fix days now at my houfe, in which time I have had much opportunity to fearch into particu- lars, and am able to prefent you with naked truth. He came from Monahiganick to Cowefet within night and lodged with his friend called Pananawokfhin. At Cowefit, an old man (Weeokamin,) hath made great lamentation for the death of two fons in the Pequot wars. This Weeokamun with divers of his conforts in the night time laid hold upon Wequafh, intending to bind him, charging him with the death of his two fons. Much bickering there was between them, but no hurt done, only Weeokamun flruggling with one of Wequafh his com- pany was fore bitten on the hand, and alfo bit the young man's fingers which are well again. So that their hofl kept peace in Canonicus his name, and brought them fafe to me the next day : yet in the fray they lofl a coat and other fmall things, which (coming forth before day) they left behind them. I fent up a meffenger to the Sachims to demand a rea- fon of fuch ufage and their goods. Canonicus fent his fon, and Miantunnomu his brother (Yotaafh) who went to Cowefet and demanded the reafon of fuch ufage, and the goods, and fo came to my houfe, caufing the goods to be reflored, profefling the Sachim's ignorance and forrow for fuch pafTages, and given charge to all natives for their fafe travel. Having thofe meffengers and Wequafh at my houfe, I caufed them folemnly to parley of what I knew was griev- ance betwixt them, and what elfe I could any way pick out from either of them, concerning ourfelves the Eng- lifh, or the Pequots, or themfelves. All which I carefully writ down the particulars, and fhall readily, at your . wor- Letters of Roger Williams. 23 fhip's pleafure, acquaint you with them : either concern- ing fome fquaws which Wequafh acknowledgeth he parted with (and juftly) to Canonicus and Miantunnomu, or other brablings which I thought not fit to trouble your worfhip with, without commiflion. Dear Sir, (notwithftanding our differences concerning the worfhip of God and the ordinances miniflred by Anti- chrifl's power) you have been always pleafed lovingly to anfwer my boldnefs in civil things : let me once more find favor in your eyes to gratify myfelf, Mr. James, and many or mofl of the townsmen combined, in advifing what to fay or do to one unruly perfon who openly in town meet- ing more then once, profeffeth to hope for and long for a better government then the country hath yet, and lets not to particularize, by a general Governor, &c. The white which such a fpeech or perfon levels at can be no other then the raifing of the fundamental liberties of the country, which ought to be dearer to us then our right eyes. But I am always too bold in prolixity, &c., therefore at prefent with humble refpeft remembered and cries to Heaven for mercy to you and yours, root and branches, and the whole country by your bleffing, I reft Your worfhip's moft unworthy Roger Williams. For his much honored Mr. Governor [Henry Fane,] or Mr. Deputy Governor, [John Winthrop,] thefe with f peed. This laftof the prefent week in the morning.' [May 13, 1637.] Sir, — Miantunnomu with a great train arrived the fame • 4 Mafu Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 189. vol. vi., gives the date of this letter, as The editors of 3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. perhaps May, 1637, and probably be- 24 Letters of Roger Williams. day that Anthony Dike' departed hence with his fad tidings, and confirmeth with the moft the report of An- thony. The Narraganfetts are at prefent doubtful of reality in all our promifes : I have alledged the beft argu- ments I have heard or could invent, to perfuade reality of purpofe and fpeedy performance, as alfo reafons of delay. Miantunnomu and his beft Council here with him, have requefted me earneftly to make this proffer to you. The Pequots are fcarce of provifion, and therefore (as ufually fo now efpecially) they are in fome numbers come down to the fealide (and two Iflands, by name Munnawtawkit^ and fore the 17th of that month. We think the date of the letter is previous to the attacks on the Pequot fort, or rather prior to the march of the Narrangan- fetts to Niantic, May 22. The letter gives information of the Indians (Pe- quots,) having gone down to the iflands to fifti. Winthrop, under date of iVIay 17, fpeaks (p. 265,) of having " received intelligence from Miantunnomo, that the Pequots had fent their women and chil- dren to an ifland for their fafety," &c. Roger Williams, under probable date of May — , fays, " Miantunomo lately at my houfe held his barbarous court. — Drake, {Hift. of Bojion, p. 212,) fays. May 22, a company of forty men under Capt. Patrick was haftened away becaufe of intelligence received from Miantunnomo about the Indians having "fent their wo- men to an ifland." A miftake in its date, as Patrick mufl have been at Providence on that day. — See 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vii. p. 328. The letter was probably written Sat- urday, May 13, the bearer in accord- ance with Puritan cuftoms not leaving un- til Monday 15, would poffibly not reach Winthrop until after the 17th, on which day the eleftion took place, promoting Winthrop from Deputy Governor to Governor. As this eleftion was very im- portant it probably had been thoroughly canvafled, and Williams converfant with the faft addrefles Winthrop. ■ Anthony Dike or Dick, came to Bof- ton in 1623, and was loft on Cape Cod in a very cold ftorm Decembei 15, 1638. Winthrop, Hift. N. Eng. vol. i. p. 345. "Anthony Dike mafter of a bark, hav- ing his bark at Rhode Ifland in the win- ter, was fent for by Mr. Vane, then Governor. Anthony came to Rhode Ifland by land, and from thence he came with his bark to me with a letter, where- in was defired that I fliould confider the beft way I could to quell thefe Pe- quots, which I also did, and with my letter fent the man's rib as a token." Gardiner's Pequot fVarres, 3 Mafs. Hili. Coll. vol. iii. p. 144. The news brought by Dike was probably the at- tacks by the Indians on the fettlements at Saybrook and Weathersfield, on the Connefticut River. — 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. p. 7-398. ^ Munawtazvkit, Montauk Point, for- merly Montauket, Montacut, and by Letters of Roger Williams. 25 Manlttuwond efpecially) to take fturgeon and other fifh, as alfo to make new fields of corn, in cafe the Englifli ftiould deftroy their fields at home. Miantunnomu defires to go himfelf with one Wequafli' here at prefent with him, in this pinnace here left by An- thony, or any other that fhall take him in at the Narra- ganfett. He will put in forty or fifty or more as the veflel will ftow. He will put in vidtuals himfelf for his men. He will dired the pinnace to the places, and in the night land his men, defpoil them of their canoes, cut off the men he finds, (the greateft number being women and children, which for the moft of them he would cut off,) as alfo fpoil their fields : and this he proffers to do without land- ing an Englifhman, with whom he will remain on board in Englifli clothes which he defires for himfelf. John, a feaman aboard, calls the Ifland, Plum Ifland, and is very willing to go on the defign, and thinks, as alfo Mian- tunnomu doth, that if within two or three days they went forth, they would be here again within four or five or lefs. Sir, for myfelf I dare not advife : but if my thoughts be afked I fhall (with all due fubmiflion) fay this : — It will at prefent wedge them in from any flarting afide until your forces fhall follow. If they fpeed it will weaken the enemy and diflrefs them, being put by their hopes : as alfo much enrage the Pequots for ever againfl them, a thing much defirable. Roger Williams Munnawtawkit, is of the Iflanders. — Conn. Hift. Coll. vol. probably from Manati,auke, andzV loca- ii. p. 23. tive ; in the Ifland country, or country ' "The Pequot of whom I have for- merly wrote." — Williams' note. 26 Letters of Roger Williams. Befide, the charge or danger of the Englifli will be none, unlefs Miantunnomue's coarfe clothes and a large coat for Wequafh, the Pequot guide, a man of great ufe. The Moft Holy and only Wife be pleafed to fmile upon the face of the Englifh that be his : (we have all, if ever, caufe to examine ourfelves, our errands and work) in the face of Jefus Chrift. While I write, a MefTenger is come to Miantunnomu from Neepemut, reporting a far greater flaughter then that Anthony brought word of, and fince the former a great number at the Plantations, and fome perfons are mentioned, but I will not name either, but hope and long to. hear it countermanded. In cafe that Anthony or other feamen cannot be gotten fuddenly, here is one with us willing to make up a third man, (to the other two left with the pinnace,) to carry the veflel, though I judge Anthony himfelf the iitteft. Sir, Miantunnomu delired me to give you a hint that the fix fathom of beads which he gave for the flaying of Audfah' be repaid him, and fent now if it may be; his wars keep him bare. Your worship's unfeignedly refpedtive Roger Williams. For any gratuities or tokens Canonicus defires fugar; Miantunnomu powder. My humble refpedls to all my loving friends. Sar, Miantunnomu is clofe in this his projedt, and there- fore I think the meflenger is fent only for the beads : it is very convenient that Miantunnomue's clothes and Wequafh his coat be fent by him. > " Audfah the chiefe murtherer" of Oldham.— 4 Ma/s. Hijl. Coll. vol, vi. p. 208, Z14, Z16. Letters of Roger Williams. 27 To his much honored Governor "John Winthrop} New Providence, this 6th of the prefent week, towards midnight. [June 2, 1637.] * Sir, — By John Throckmorton3 I was bold to advertife of the late merciful fuccefs it hath pleafed the Father of Mercies to vouchfafe to the firft attempts of our country- men againft thefe barbarians. After his departure toward you, I went over to the Nar- raganfett, partly for intelligence and partly to encourage the Narraganfetts in cafe the fad news of all their men and yours defeated were true. I found the firft news of the cutting off the whole Fort of the Pequots at Myftic to be certain and unqueftionably true, as I fent, with little or no variation, of which here- after. The news of the cutting off three hundred Narraganfetts and all the FJnglifh held ftill for current and confirmed that they were opprefl*ed with multitudes, their provifion being fpent and the Engliih wanting powder and fhot and the Narraganfetts arrows.'^ • 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 191. time and for the fame offences as Williams, * Probably Friday, June 2, 1637, juft and was one of the original thirteen firft one week after the deftruftion of the Pe- fettlers of Providence. Removed to quot fort. May z6, 1637. — Winthrop, Monmouth, N. J., and died before 1687. HiJl. of N. Eng. vol. i.p. 268. Savage, Genealog. Die. vol. iv. p. 294. 3 Probably Mr. Williams fent by John R.I, Col. Ru. vol. i. pp. 17-22 and Throckmorton news of the capture of 299. the fort at Myftic, and the fubfequent 4 " Prefently upon this came news from tidings of the " cutting off three hun- Narraganfett, that all the Englifli, and dred Narraganfetts and all the Englifli." two hundred of the Indians were cut off This letter is to correft the laft " fad in their retreat, for want of powder and news." John Throckmorton came to viftuals. Three days after, this was con- America with Roger Williams in 1630, firmed by a poft from Plymouth, with was excommunicated at Salem at the fame fuch probable circumftances, as it was gen- 28 Letters of Roger Williams. I gave the beft reafons I could to perfuade that they were all either gone together to Connedticut for provilion, or upon fome lecond affault upon the other of the Pequot Forts. As alfo I was bold to promife (in Mr. Governor's name) that although all thefe or more were cut off, yet there fhould be frefh fupplies of the Englifh who would never fheathe their swords, &c. This fifth day paft toward night I have received tidings (bleffed for ever be the Lord of Hofts,) that the Narra- ganfetts are all came fafe home yefternight, (at noon I came from thence,) and brought word that the Englifh were all fafe, but the three firft flain at the Fort with two of their own. As alfo that indeed they fought thrice that day of their firft vid:ory with no lofs of their fide, and with the lofs of two Pequots more. That themfelves and the Englilh prepared next day after for their other Forts, found all fled, made themfelves lords of one, in which both Englifh and Narraganfetts now keep. That Maumanadtuck' one of their biggeft, with great troops, (as before he gave out he could) is gone to Wun- nafhowatuckqut (the further Neepmucks.) erally believed. But three days after, the next week join in feeing what we can Mr. Williams having gone to the Narra- do againft Saffacus, and another great Saga- ganfetts to difcover the truth, found them more, Momorrattuck." — Drake, Hiji. of mourning as being confident of it; but Bojlon, p. 215. This is probably the that night fome came from the army, fame, Indian names being varioufly writ- and affured them all was well, and that ten by different perfons. Capt. Daniel all the Pequots were fled and had for- Patrick, writes July 6, 1637 to Increafe faken their forts." — Winthrop, HiJl. Nowell, " Mamenatucke is at Quenepi- iV. Eng. vol. i. p. 269. age, or lately gone to the Mohawks." — 4 ' In a letter from Capt. Stoughton to Majs. HiJl. Coll. vol. vii. p. 326. Gov. Winthrop, he writes: "We ftiall Letters of Roger Williams. 29 That Safacus' faid he would go to Long Ifland, and thither is gone or hid in the fwamps, but not a Pequot is to be found. That Miantunnomu is come from Pequot to Nayanta- quit, and was refolved homeward to fend out to Wunnaf- howatuckqut where the enemy fhelters and have Forts. Now Sir, confidering the work is effedted (through the mercy of the Moft High) in thefe parts, and that the Con- nedticut Englifh, together with Capt. Patrick^ and his, are fufficient to maintain what they have gotten, and purfue Safacus in all his motions thereabouts : I conceived (with fubmiflion) that it might fave the country no fmall charge, and hazard, and lofs, timely to advertife and give intelli- gence. The Wunnafhowatuckoogs and Pequots with them are about the diftance from you that we are : on them I con- ceive and underftand the Narraganfetts next fall. If you fee caufe and grounds to make a flop for a day or two, if the Lord pleafe, the fecond day or third of the next week I hope to acquaint you with Miantunnomues and Caunonicus their advice and defire, which it may be well to meet his companions at the hither Nipmucks and none to come this way, or fome the one way and fome ' " Saffacufe chief fachem of the Pe- ca in 1630, and fettled in Watertown, quots." •' This Saffacufe, (the Pequots and was there admitted a freeman. His chief fachem) having fled to the Mo- manner of life was very unpuritanic, and hawks, they cutt off his head, with fome he therefore removed to " within twenty other of ye chiefs of them, whether to miles of the Dutch and put himfelf un- fatisfy the Englilh, or rather the Narra- der their proteftion." His death in ganfetts (who as I have fince heard, hired 1643 was occaiioned by being fhot by a them to do it,) or for their own advant- Dutchman; who had charged him with age I now icnow not ; but it was thus this treacherous dealings between the Dutch war took end." — Bradford, Hiti, of Ply- and Indians. — Winthrop, vol. ii. p. l8z, v/outh Plantations, p. 361. 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vii. p. 412. * Capt. Daniel Patrick came to Ameri- 30 Letters of Roger Williams. the other. This morning, I go over (if the Lord pleafe) to confult with them, hoping to be at home (if poffible) to-morrow evening, and fo to difpatch fome meflenger the fecond in the morning. Sir, your late meflage to the Nipmucks (through the Loid's mercy) have wrought this effedt, that whereas they ftaggered as neuters, they brought this prefent week divers bafkets of their nokehick and cheftnuts to Canonicus to- wards his wars. Sir, I underftand that the caufe why the Englifh hurt fo many of the Narraganfetts, was want of iigns or marks. You may pleafe therefore to provide fome yellow or red for their heads : The Connecticut Englifh had yellow but not enough.' Thus befeeching the God of Peace to be at peace with us, that all the fruit may be the taking away of our fin, (which if not removed will unftop worfe vials) to guide your confultations and profper your expeditions to the praife of His own moft holy name, I reft Your worfhip's faithful and afFe<3:ionate in all civil bonds, Roger Williams. Sir, for the young man that accompanies my man, the country may pleafe to recompenfe his time, or I fhall. Our beft refped:s to Mrs. Winthrop and all your and our loving friends. ' Divers of the Indian friends were Note on the Pequot War. With- hurt by the Englifh, becaufe they had out entering into the particulars of the not fome marlc to diftinguifli them from caufes which led to the war between the the Pequods as fome of them had. — Win- Englifli and the Pequots, it is fufficient throp, Hiji. N. England, vol. i. p. 268. to Hate, that, in conlequence of the many murders of the colonifts, committed by Letters of Roger Williams. this tribe, the Governor and Council of Maflachufetts declared war againft the In- dians on Maniffes, (Block Ifland). and late in September, 1636, fent Capt. John Endecott there with a force to subdue them. The Pequots now commenced more ferious depredations, fo that the Connefticut government determined to fend a force againft them. In May, 1637, Capt. John Mafon, with a command of ninety men ; and Uncas, the Mohigan chief, with a body of Indians failed down the Connefticut. The latter en- countered the Pequots near Saybrook lort and defeated them. They were now joined by Capt. John Underhill with nineteen men, when the two Captains at once refolved to make an attack upon one of the forts of Saffachus, the Pequot chief, fituate in or neat the prefent town of Myftic. The Englifti, with their In- dian allies, about five hundred in number, arrived in the vicinity of the fort on the zjth of May, where they were joined by a party of Narraganfetts. Before day- light the following morning they had completely inverted the fort. Both the Mohegans and Narraganfetts manifefted great alarm in attacking this ftronghold of the Pequots and their fuperior force ; and the Englifti had reafon to fear that they would be abandoned by their In- dian allies. The Englifti having fent a portion of their force from Saybrook back to Hart- ford, were now reduced to feventy-leven men. Thefe were divided into two com- panies, one led by Capt. Mafon, the other by Capt. Underhill. The fort had two entrances on oppofite fides, into which each party were led, fword in hand. The enemy being afleep were aroufed by the barking of a dog, and were heard to cry out Ozoanux (Englifli- men.) Their wigwams were now fet on fire, while the poor creatures with their fimple weapons, could make lit- tle defenfe, and in vain, 1 attempted to efcape. They were purfued from wig- wam to wigwani, and flaughtered in every fecret place. Men, women and children were alike cut to pieces or con- fumed by the flames, which foon en- veloped the entire enclofure. Such as fucceeded in getting outfide the pallifade were ftiot down by the foldiers polled there. "And thus" writes Mafon " in a little more than one hour's fpace was their impregnable Fort, with themfelves, utterly deftroyed, to the number of fix or feven hundred, as fome of themfelves confefled. There were only feven taken captive and about feven efcaped." — Hiji. of the Pequot War, p. 10. Of the Englifti, two were killed and about twenty wounded. "All our In- dians" fays Mafon, " except Uncas, de- ferted us." Saflachus was in another fort, and hearing of the fuccefs of the Englifti, deftroyed his fort, and, with about eighty of his followers, efcaped to the Mohawks, who beheaded him and fent his fcalp to the Englifti. The Pequot war was a memorable event in the early hiftory of New Eng- land, refulting in the annihilation of this powerful tribe. Befides what is faid by Winthrop aud other hiftorians, there are four feparate works in relation to it as follows : 1. John Underbill's News from America; or a New and Experimentall Difcoverie of New England, containing a True relation of their warlike prooeedings thefe two yeares laft pajl, with a figure of the Indian Fort or Palazado. London, 1638. 2. P. Vincent. A True Relation of the late Bat tell fought in New Eng- land, between the Englijh and the Pequot Salvages . In which wereflaine and taken pr if oners about ^ 00 of the Salvages, ana 2 2 Letters of Roger Williams. For his much honored Mr. Governor thefe. Mr. Sfoughton or Capt. Trajke, on their way, may pleafe to read this. New Providence, this 4th of the week. [June zi, 1637.]! Sir, — John Gallop (blefled be the Lord) is fafely arrived at our doors, and hath brought from the Lord and you a merciful refrefhing to us. He be gracioufly pleafed to recompenfe it a thoufand fold to the whole land and your- felves efpecially. tbofe which efcaped had their heads cut off by the Mohocks : with the prefent ftate of things there. London, 1638. 3. Major John Mason. A Brief Hijiory of the Pequot War; efpecially of the memorable Taking of their Fort at Mijiick, in Conneilicut in 1637. Boston, 1736. 4. Leift Lyon Gardiner. His Relation of the Pequot Warres. (1660.) A manufcript. Printed in 3d feries Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. iii. Underhill, Mafon and Gardiner vyere prominent aftors in the w^ar. Of Vin- cent nothing is known. I4 Maff. Uijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 194. This letter muft be of later date than June 19, 1637, as Capt. Daniel Patrick writing to Winthrop from Providence on that day, fays " William Quicke has been here this ten days, but none but he has yet come." Probably written in the latter part of June, 1637, either 21st or 28th; more likely zist, as Drake, (p. 214) concludes that Stoughton muft have arrived at the mouth of the river before June 26. Trumbull, (pp. 1-35) fays " the party arrived at Pequot harbor the latter part of June. Mafon, fays "About a fortnight after our return home which was about one month after the fight at Miftick, there arrived in Pequot Riyer feveral veffels from the Maffachufetts, Captain Ifrael Stoughton being Com- mander-in-Chief, and with him about one hundred and twenty men ; being fent by that colony to purfue the war againft the tequots. — HiJi. of Pequot War, p. 14. John Gallup was with his pinnace at the Pequot River at the time when Stoughton's force was there. Hubbard, (p. 127) fays of the capture of fome hundred Pequots, "The men among them to the number of thirty were turned prefently into Charon's Ferry, but un- der the command of Skipper Gallop, who difpatched them a little without the harbor." Probably Gallop was on his way to join Stoughton, or poffibly he was in command of one of the veffels of Stoughton's fquadron. Stoughton having "failed" from Bofton, this letter was probably fent by water conveyance to Winthrop. John Gallop was of Dorchefter, in 1630, and afterwards removed to Bofton. He was a filherman and pilot, and alfo an Indian trader. On one of his expe- ditions he difcovered the murder of John Oldham by the Indians and bravely cap- tured Oldham's boat and all the mur- derers. A ftorm coming up, he was obliged to let them go, taking only one Letters of Roger Williams. 33 He relates that there is now riding below three pinnaces, (the names of the mafters. Quick,' Jigles and Robinfon,) and the two Shallops, as alfo that the other, whereof Jackfon^ of Salem, is mafter, was in company with them the night before, and weighed anchor together, but being not able to turn about was fain to chop to an anchor again, but they hope is in by this time. Sir, I hear our loving friends, Mr. Stoughton,3 Mr. Trafke,4 &c., are on their way, and one hundred and fixty (the intended number) with them. I hope the continu- ance of the number will be feafonable, if not for purfuit of Safacous and the Pequots, (of whom it is faid that they are gone far and finally,) yet for the quelling of their con- Indian to Bofton. He and his fon John rendered valuable fervices during the Pe- quot wars, and after the death of the father in 1650, the fon received " vyith refpeft unto fuch fervices," grants of land amounting to four hundred and fifty acres. Gallop's Ifland and Gallop's Point in Maflkchufetts Bay vyere probably named for thofe men. — Caulkins' Hift. of New London. Savagk, Genealog. Die. ■ William Quick, mariner, vyas of Charleftown in 1636, and afterwards removed to Newport, where he was ad- mitted a freeman, Dec. zy, 1638. — Sav- age, Genealog. Die. vol. iii. p. 499. * John Jackfon, of Salem, who came to New England in 1635, from London. His houfe was deftroyed by fire Oftober, 1636; he died June, 1656. — Savage, Genealog. Diet. vol. ii. p. 529. Win- THROP, vol. i. p. 239. " a goodly man and experienced feaman." — vol. ii. p. 23. 3 " We alfo provided to fend one hun- dred and fixty more men after them to profecute the war ; and Mr. Stough- ton, one of the magiftrates, was fent with them." — WiNTHROP, Ntw Eng. vol. i. p. 263. Col. Ifrael Stoughton, an early fettler of Dorchefter. Member of the firft General Court convened 1634, and again in 1635, 1636 and 1637; difabled from holding office for three yesrs for pub- liftiing a pamphlet denying to the Gover- nor and Affiflants fome of the powers they claimed, but was reftored in I636. He returned to England and there died 1645. — Drake's Die. Am. Biog. 4 William Tra& one of the early fet- tlers of Salem, and a reprefentative from that town a number of years. He was an important man in the colony, and one on whom Gov. Endicott greatly relied. In this expedition he commanded the Effex men, having Richard Davenport as his Lieutenant. He died in 1666, aged 77 34 Letters of Roger Williams. federates the Wunnafhowatuckoogs and Mona(hackotoogs, &c., who live nearer to you on the weftward, &c. Some two hundred of thefe (fince the flaughter at the Fort) came in revenge upon the Narraganfetts : which the Narragan- fetts themfelves knew not until three Pequots (now fallen to them) related it : for it pleafed the Lord to fend a great mill that morning that they durft not fight, and fo returned : fo that there is caufe to take fome courfe with them, and efpecially if it be poffible for the clearing of land paflage to Connedticut. I underftand it would be very grateful to our neighbors, that fuch Pequots as fall to them be not enflaved, like thole which are taken in war : but (as they fay is their general cuftom) be ufed kindly, have houfes, and goods, and fields given them : becaufe they voluntarily choofe to come into them, and if not received, will go to the enemy or turn wild Irifh themfelves : but of this more as I fhall under- ftand ; thus in hafte with beft falutations to Mrs. Win- throp and all yours, with my poor defires to the Lord for yours, I reft Your worfhip's unfeigned, Roger Williams. My beft refpefts to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, theirs, and other loving friends. Letters of Roger Williams. 35 For his much honored Mr. Governor, [John Winthrop.] New Providence, this 6th inftantis. [July, 1637. J ' Much honored Sir, — It having again pleafed the Moft High to put into your hands another miferable drone of Adam's degenerate feed, and our brethren by nature, I am bold (if I may not offend in it) to requeft the keeping and bringing up of one of the children. I have fixed mine eye on this little one with the red about his neck, but I vv^ill not be peremptory in my choice, but will reft in your loving pleafure for him or any, &c. Sir, Capt. Patrick gives me a hint of the likely return of moft of your forces (Safacous and about a fcore of men with him and other companies, four fcore in one, furviving,) I (hall humbly piopound whether it be not confiderable, that better now then hereafter the purfuit be continued. ist, Becaufe it may ftop a conglomeration between them and the Mohawks, which longer time is like to make. 2ndly, Longer time will put many opportunities of oc- cafional revenge into their hand, as we fee in the three laft cut off upon the Connedticut river, after the fort cut off.^ Capt. Patrick alfo informs me of a great itch upon the soldiers to fall foul upon our neighbors. Little fparks '4 Ma/s. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 195, Drake fays, it appears by a letter from Capt. Stoughton received in Bofton, Ju- ly 6, that Mr. Haynes and Mr. Ludlow were at Pequot River with the colonial forces.. The letter was probably carried by Jiglies, (previoufly mentioned) whofe pinnace arrived at Bofton, on the fixth of July, with forty-eight Indian prifoners. Poffibly Williams may have received his letter from Capt. Patrick by this pin- nace and then felefted the "little one with the red about his neck." — HiJi. of Bofton, p. Z14. " There were fent to Bofton, forty- eight women and children. There were eighty taken as before is exprefled. They were difpofed of to particular perfons in the country." — Winthrop, Hift. N, Eng. vol. i. p. 278. ^ "Saflachus, flying towards Conetticot plantations, quartered by the river fide ; there he met with a Ihallop fent down to Seabrooke fort, which had in it three men ; they let fly upon them, fliot many arrows into them. Courageous were the Englifli, and died in their hands, but with a great deal of valor." — Underbill, News from America. London : 1638. 36 Letters of Roger Williams. prove great fires. The God of Peace who is only wise be pleafed to guide us. Capt. Patrick confefleth that they were the chief adors in the laft captives, and had taken all by a wile and flain two before the Englifh came. I hear no speech at prefent about inequality, but content and af- feftion towards us. I much rejoice that (as he fayeth) fome of the chiefs at Connedticut (Mr. Heynes' and Mr. Ludlow,^) are almoft adverfe from killing women and children. Mercy out- fhines all the works and attributes of him who is the Father of Mercies, unto whom with earneft fupplications for you and yours, I reft Your worfliip's unfeigned Roger Williams. My beft refpefts to good Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and theirs. 'John Haynes came to New England in 1633 with the Rev. Mr. Hooker. He was one of the beft educated of the early fettlers of the country, and during Jiis life was always in prominent official po- fitions. Affiftant in 1634 and 1636, he was in 1635 Governor of Mafs. In 1637 he removed to Connefticut, was elefted Governor in 1639, and was re- elefted every alternate year until his death in 1654. ^ Roger Ludlow, Deputy Governor of Maflachufetts and Connefticut, emigrated from England in 1630 and was one of the firft fettlers of Dorchefter. He was an affiftant judge for four years, having received his appointment in England. Failing to be elefted Governor in 1634, he complained of .the eleftion as having been a fraud. He removed to Windfor, Connefticut, in 1635, where he was, for nineteen years one of the mott ufeful and diftinguiflied men. He was every year elefted either a magiftrate or Depu- ty Governor, and was alfo one of the Commiffioners of the United Colonies, In 1653, the Commiffioners, in conle- quence of an alleged plot of the Dutch, voted to make war againft them ; but MaiTachufetts refufed to concur. At this period the inhabitants of Fairfield determined to make war upon Manha- does, and chofe Mr. Ludlow commander- in-chief. The General Court of New Haven, difcountenanced the proceedings and puniftied his officers for attempting to create an infurreftion. In confe- quence of this affair he removed to Vir- ginia with his family in 1654. He com- piled the firft code of laws adopted in Connefticut, which was printed in 1672. Ludlow was brother-in-law of John En- decott. — Blake, Biog. Die. Letters of Roger Williams. " ij For his much honored 'John Winthrop, Governor of the MaJJachufetts. New Providence, this 2d 7 nae, [July 10, 1637.] ' Sir, — Concerning your prifoners taken at Block Ifland, I have informed the Sachems of your care not to injure them and defire to have them cleared ; accordingly Cut- (hamaquene^ ^^now come from purfuing Saflacous w^ho is fled Southerly, far out of reach,) I fay he hath received teflimony from the Sachems Princes that they are Nayan- taquit men, (Wepiteammocks^ men) and fb all are Narra- ganfett men, and fo indeed Sir, I had thought to fend you v7ord at this prefent, had I not received your letter, for it was continually affirmed to me for truth by all the Narra- ganfett men occafionally being here. Sir, the lafl mefl!enger that carried letters from you to Pequot, related to the Sachems at Narraganfett, that you vs^ere difpleafed that the captives brought to the Bay lately, were taken by the Englifh from the Narraganfetts, as alfo the • 4 Ma/}. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 197. people of Dorchefter, Uncatquiflet, be- zel Septimanae ; or fecond day of the ing the part of that town, fince called week. Probably Monday, July 10. Milton. This it appears was at feme » "A pinnace returning (from Capt, period his refidence." — Drake, Book of Stoughton's expedition) took a canoe Indians, p. 52. with four Indians near Block Ifland. We " The Bay Men killed not a man, fave fent to Miantonomoh to know what they that one Kichomiquin, an Indian Sachem were, and after we difcharged all fave of the Bay, killed a Pequit ; and thus be- one, who was a Pequot, whom we gave gan the war between the Indians and us Mr. Cutting to carry into England. — in thefe parts." — Gardiner. Pequot Winthrop, vol. i . p. 277. Warres.^Mafs. HiJl. Coll, vol. iii. p. 140. i <'Kuchamakin, Cutfliamoquin, who This man was often employed as an in- was the firft fachem, and his people to terpreter, he being " acquainted with whom Mr. Elliot preached." — i Mafe. the Englifli language," and alfo as a guide Hiji. Coll. vol. i. p. 166. in the various expeditions of the colo- " In 1636, Kutihamakin fold to the nifts. 38 Letters of Roger Williams. fpoil upon them, which was given to the Englifh foldiers.' I have anfwered that I think it was not fo, but I fhall un- derftand the truth fhortly ; and therefore. Sir, be pleafed in your next to intimate a word, that I may latisfy them, for though I would not fear a jar with them yet I would fend off from being foul, and deal with them wifely as with wolves endowed with men's brains. The laft week is a battle fought between the hither Neepmucks and the further, the Wunnafhowatuckoogs, &c., the fuccefs is not yet known : it will be of confe- quence, for it is faid they fortify, joining with fcattered Pequots. Sir, The laft day of the week Wequafh the Pequot guide, near hand, flew his countryman Saflawwaw, a Pequot, alfo Miantunnomue's fpecial darling, ^ and a kind of General ' Wepiteamock, was Miantunnomu's brother-in-law The '• Eaftern Nian- tics" were located about Wefterly, R. I., and were tributary to the Narragan- fetts. The " Weftern Niantics " were located between the Connefticut and Ni- antic Rivers, and were allies or tributa- ries of the Pequots. Early in the feven- teenth century before the Englifli came to New England, the Pequots migrated from the North to the country about New London, feparating the Niantics, who until that time had probably been one tribe. The confanguinity of the tribes was well known to the Englifli at the time. » Saflawwaw, otherwife known as So- foa or Socho. He did not die at this time but was living in 1662. In 1660, he fold a traft of land called Mifquami- coke, what is now known as Wefterly, R. I., to fome Newport parties, which land having been claimed by Ninigret, a number of depofitions were taken to prove Sofoa the rightful owner. All thefe teftimonies proved that before the Englifli " had any warr with the Pequots, the Pequots, crofling the Pawcatuck, feated themfelves on the neck called Mif- quamicook, which were the Narragan- fett lands and territories : whereupon the Narraganfett Sachims, Canonicus and Miantonumy, employed a captain of thofe parts, their fubjeft, to dellroy or beat off thofe intruding Pequots, and in cafe he fo did, they gave to him and his forever the faid land Mifquamicook." — " and that the aforefaid Sachim was named Sofoa ; and is ftill living." — Trumbull, note to Williams' Key, p. 79. Potter's Narraganfett, p. 243. Letters of Roger Williams. 39 of his forces. There was yefterday fome tumult about it, becaufe Wequafh lives with Canonicus, and Miantunnomu purfues the revenge and juljtice, &c. By the way, although Wequafli it may be have treach- eroufly almoft flain him, yet I fee the righteous hand of the moft High Judge, thus : Saffawwaw turned to the Narraganfetts and again pretends a return to the Pequots, gets them forth the laft: year againft the Narraganfetts and fpying advantage, flew the chief Pequot Captain and whips off his head, and fo again to the Narraganfett : their treach- eries exceeds Machiavelli's, &c. Sir, Captain Stoughton, left fick at my houfe one fol- dier, a Bofton man, Thomas Roberts,' his mafl:er is abfent, and Mr. Harding hath charge of him. I have fent to him, &c. The man was near death. Through the Lord's mercy my wife hath got him upon his legs, though very weak, only his hearing is quite gone, and I fhould be glad to receive any help for him in that great lofs. So with my refpedlive falutations to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, yours and theirs, and other loving friends and my poor fighs to heaven to meet you there if not here below, I reft Your Worfhip's unworthy yet unfeigned Roger Williams. 'Thomas Roberts was afterwards a William Harris, and died 1676. Poffi- freeman of Providence, holding honora- bly he may have been the fame, although ble pofitions. He married a fister of a Thomas Roberts died in Bofton, 1654. 40 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor "John Winthrop, thefe. New Providence, 2ndo Septimanze. [July lo, 1637.] ' Sir, — In the morning I wrote to John Throckmorton, what I heard and thought in general. It hath pleafed the Lord now this afternoon to fend this meffenger, (Affote- muit)^ with variety and plenty, and ftrangenefs of news and tidings, I hope true, and for ought I can difcern, true, blefled be the holy name of the moft High, who breaks the bow and cuts the fpear, &c. Pfal. 46. This man was fent this morning from Miantunnomu and Canonicus (as I conceive alfo from all their chiefs in council) with charge to bring relation to myfelf of what hath lately happened amongft the Pequots : as alfo that with my letter he fliould make fpeed to yourfelf with tidings. He relates that a Pequot man and fome five Pequot women came two days fince to the Narraganfett,3 and with their ordinary fubmiffion begged their lives, and lib- erty to declare in the name of many others what had hap- pened amongft them : before that Pequot came one fquaw, and a fecond came, but was queftioned much for their truth ; but upon the coming and report of the old Pequot, he faith, they all take his report for true. This man himfelf, Aflbtemuit, is a noted meffenger from • 4 Maft. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 198. sin a depofition made in l682,Mr.WiI- Probably written on the fame day as Hams faid, "that being inquifitive of what the preceding letter. root the title or denomination Nahigan- »I find no other notice of this man, fet Ihould come," he heard that it was "fo except that his name appears as witnefs named from a little ifland, between Put- to Deed of Canonicus and Miantunno- tiquomfett and Mufquomacuk, on the fea mue of Acquedneck lands to William and frefh water fide." For further re- Coddington and others. — R. I. Col. Rec. marks on this name fee Mr. Trumbull's vol. i. p. 46. note to Williams' Key to the Language of America, Narr. Clua Pub. vol. i. p. 22. Letters of Roger Williams. 41 the Sachems, and one whom Mlantunnomu hath com- mended to me for an efpecial meffenger from him. This Pequot and the women report that (as I alfo heard before) all the Pequots were alfembled fome ten days fince with Safacous in council : fomeperfuaded to fight and fall firft upon the Narraganfetts, (this alfo I heard before) the greater part difTented and were for removal : Safacous and about four fcore' refolved for Mauquowkit, alias Waukheggannick, where the men eaters are ; a hundred more for Long Ifland ; another company, the leaft, for Connedlicut, fome part of it, with purpofe to take final leave of their country. Seventy men, women, and child- ren, (of men between twenty and thirty,) refolved for the Narraganfetts to beg their lives, &c. Safacous and his company were wroth with thefe re- folved for the Narraganfett, and a fkirmifli paft between them where fome were wounded, but away they got, and each company packed up and departed their intended journeys.^ ' " The Pequots having received fo fudden and deadly blows they ftrike ; terrible a blow and being much affrighted what advantage they have of their pieces with the deftruftion of fo many, the next to us, which are not able to reach them day fell into confultation. Affembling with our arrows at diftance. They are their moll ableft men together, pro- fupplied with everything neceffary ; they pounded thefe three things : Firft, whe- are flote and heartened in their viftory. ther they would fet upon a fudden re- To what end fliall we ftand it out with venge upon the Narraganfetts, or attempt them ? We are not able ; therefore let us an enterprife upon the Englilh, or fly. rather fave fome than lofe all. This pre- They were in great difpute, one amongft vailed. Suddenly after, they fpoiled all another. Safachus, their chief com- thofe goods they could not carry with mander, was all for blood ; the reft for them, broke up their tents and wigwams flight, alledging thefe arguments : We and betook themfelves to flight." — UN- are a people bereaved of courage, our derhill, A'^wj/row^w^nVa, Lond. 1638. hearts are fadded with the death of fo »"The news of the flight of Safl"a- many of our dear friends ; we fee upon chus, their fagamore is confirmed. He what advantage the Englifli lie ; what went with forty men to the Mohocks, 42 Letters of Roger Williams. Miantunnomu fent word to this company remaining in the midway between Pequatit and Nayantakick, that he was in league with Mr. Governor, and therefore of him- felf would fay nothing, but defired them there to reft (at Cuppunaugunnit) in the midway, until he fent to Mr. Governor, and what he faid that he would affent unto. They told Miantunnomu that they had brought three guns with them. He fent the women for the guns, who fetched them from that place, Cuppunnaugunnit, and there they are with him. Only he claims a promife of one to himfelf, which he delires may be out of thefe three, as alfo fome powder and (hot to it, as indeed was promifed.^ I have much labored with this man to find, if it were poffible, any deceit or falfehood, but as he himfelf and the Sachems queftion not the Pequot man and women, fo I cannot queftion him. I afk him (in difcourfe) what he thinks were beft to be done, he anfwereth that as Miantunnomu himfelf when he fent to Canonicus to fpeak his mind, and Canonicus re- fufing, fent him to fpeak firft, Miantunnomu would fay nothing, but would fay as Mr. Governor faid fo himfelf would likewife fay nothing. Yet in difcourfe I fiftied out divers hints of their own defire and good liking. As firft, that there is not amongft thefe any Sachem or which are cruel, bloody canibals." — own advantage, I well know not; but Vincent, Pequot War, 3 Mafs. Hiji. this their warr tooke end." — Bradford, Call, vol. vi. p. 40. "This Saflachus, HiJi. Plymouth Plantations, p. 361. (the Pequots chiefe fachem) being fled to '"When Mr. Vane was Governor." the Mowhakes, they cutt off his head, Williams' note. Probably at the time with some other ,of ye chiefe of them, of the treaty when Miantonomy, at the whether to fatisfie the Englifh, or rather requeft of the authorities, Oct. 21, 1636, the Narraganfetts, (who I have fince went to Bofton. heard hired ttiem to do it,) or for their Letters of Roger Williams. 43 any of thofe who were murderers of the Englifh ; if there were they fhould die. 2. That if Mr. Governor were fo minded, they incline to mercy and to give them their lives : and I doubt not but your own breafts are far more tender, like the merci- ful Kings of Ifrael. 3. That divers more befide thefe remain in the woods, and resolve to come in and fubmit if thefe be accepted. 4. For the difpofing of them, I propounded what if Mr. Governor did delire to fend for fome of them into the Bay ; leave fome at the Narraganfett and fo fcatter and difperfe them : this he liked well, that they fhould live with the Englifli and themfelves as flaves. I then pro- pounded that if they lived amongft the Englifh or them- felves, they might hereafter be falfe to the Englifh, &c., and what if therefore they were appointed and limited to live upon Nayantacawnick or fome other Ifland : and this he thought alfo well of, if not befl, becaufe they were mofl of them families. 5. That they delire you would pleafe to fend fome Eng- lifh to take pofTeflion of the Pequot country and there to inhabit.' 6. That for their own hunting fake, Miantunnomu de- fires that the Englifh would inhabit that part nearefl Con- nedticut, and that Myflic^ and thereabout might be free I ««Captain Stoughton and his Com- referved two Sachems, hoping by them pany having purfued the Pequots beyond to get Saflachus, (which they promifed.) Connefticut, and miffing of them, re- All the reft were women and children, turned to Pequot River, where they of whom they gave the Narraganfetts were advertized, that one hundred of thirty, and our Maffachufetts Indians them were newly come back to a place three, and the reft they fent hither." — fome twelve miles off. So they marched Winthrop, Hiji. N. Eng. vol. i. p. 277. thither by night and furprifed them all. »" Which is neareft, and where the They put to death twenty-two men, and flaughter was." — Williams' note. 44 Letters of Roger Williams. for them. I told him that they might hunt in the woods as they do at Maffachufetts and here, notwithftanding the Englifh did generally inhabit : and this fatisfied [him].' 7. That they defire the Pequot's corn might be enjoyed by the Englifh and themfelves, as Mr. Governor pleafe. 8. That the Wunnalhowatuckoogs are alfo afraid and fled, fo that there is hope of a fafe paflage to Connedicut by land. 9. That there is no hope that the Mohawks or any other people will ever aflift Safacous, or any of the Pequots, againft the Englifh, becaufe he is now, as it were, turned flave to beg his life. If all this be true (as I hope it is) we may all fee the God of Heaven delights in mercy, and to draw by love and pity than by fury and wrath. I hope Sir, now that trou- bles may arife from other parts, his holy Majefty is pleafed to quench thefe nearer fires. He be pleafed to confirm this news, and tune all hearts to his prayers in the ordering of our converfation aright. So I reft praying Your worfhip's unfeigned, Roger Williams. This man relates that yeflerday, the Lord's day in the morning, a Pinnace arrived, but he knows not yet what fhe is. I pray Sir, forget not to reward this meffenger with a coat, as alfo fome powder for Miantunnomu. My loving refpedls to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and theirs, &c. ■Thefe propofitions met with favor with lors. Pequot town was fubfequently fet- the Englifti, and the lands of the Pequots led and called London, but afterwards were divided among the foldiers and fai- changed to New London. Letters of Roger Williams. 45 To his much honored John Winthrop, Governor of the Majachufetts} This 3rd. jae. [July 11, 1637.]^ Sir, — Yefterday by our neighbor Throckmorton I wrote concerning thofe Nayantaquit men your pinnace took. This bearer, Juanemo,3 (one of the chief Sachems of that place and chief foldier) came laft night with near a fcore of his men to enquire after them. He was 1 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 202. ^ The third day of the week ; proba- bly July II, 1637. 3 Alias "Ninigret," Sachem of Nian- tick. A portrait of this chief is in pof- feffion of the Winthrop Family, from a copy of which (made for the late Lieut. Gov. Winthrop) an engraving was made for Drake's Hillory of Bofton. There is an interefting tradition that the life of John Winthrop, Jr., was once faved by him. Winthrop records the arrival of "Ayanemo " at Bofton, on the 1 2th Ju- ly, with feventeen men. This was Wed- nesday. Williams's letter was written on Tuefday, "3rd 7ae" (that is, 3d fepti- manse) : probably the day before, or July II. It appears by the letter which follows, that the bearer had returned to Williams by the next " Lord's day ;" which fell on the i6th. — Note, 4 Mafs. Hi/l. Coll. vol. vi. p. 202. Winthrop under date of July 12th, 1637, fays "Ayanemo, the fachem of Niantick, came to Bofton with (eventeen men. He made divers propofitions,, which we promifed to give anfwer unto the next day ; and then, underftanding he had received many of the Pequots, fubmitting to him fince the former de- feat, we lirft demanded the delivery of them, which he fticking at, we refufed further conference with him ; but the next morning, he came and oifered what we defired. So the Governor referred him to treat with our captains at the Pe- quot, and wrote inftruftions to them how to deal with him, and received his pre- fent of ten fathom of wampum. He was lovingly difmiffed with fome fmall things given him." — Hiji. of New Eng- land, vol. i. p. 278. He returned to Williams on the next Lord's day, July 17. See fucceeding letter. This Indian is better known as Nini- gret. He was coufin to Miantunnomo, and his residence was at Wekapaug, now Wefterly, R. I. Having vifited the Weftern Indians and the Dutch Gover- nor, Stuy vefant, he was fufpefted of plot- ting with them for the deftruftion of the Englilh ; and Sept. 1653, the Commif- , fioners for the United Colonies declared war with him, but owing to oppofition from Maflachufetts it was not profecuted. War was afterwards (1654) again de- clared. Major Willard leading the expe- dition, who captured one hundred Pe- quots; but Ninigret had fled. He joined in the war known as " King Philip's War," and died prior to 1680. 46 Letters of Roger Williams. very defirous of a letter to you : I told him I hoped he would find his men at liberty. He hath brought a mus- ket and a barrel of a leve [lever ?] piece which his men took from the Pequots. There was a fpeech that three of thefe men were Na- yantakoogs, and one a Pequot : it feems he is a Pequot born, but hath long fince been theirs, fallen to them, and done good fervice in their wars againft the Pequots. Sir, this Juanemo is a notable inftrument amongft them, &c., your wifdom, I know therefore, will lay hold of this his vifit, to engage him the rr^ore to you. Thus humbly begging mercies from the God of hfeaven for you and yours in all affairs, I reft, in hafte. Your worfhip's unfeigned Roger Williams, All due refpe(5bs and falutations, &c. To John Winthrop, Governor of Maffachufetts. New Providence, this 15th of the Jth. [July 15, 1637. J' Sir, — For the captives and booty, I never heard any of thefe Natives queftion the Adts of the Englifh, only that Native who brought letters to you from Capt. Patrick, and was twice at Bofton, related fo much as I wrote of in my former, at his return to the Narraganfett, viz. : that yourfelf fhould be angry with the Englifh, &c. I met ^4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 203. Letters of Roger Williams. 47 fince with Him, and he faith he had it not from yourfelf, but an Englifli man at Roxbury. I thought good to clear your name, and remove fufpicions from Mr. Stoughton, &c. Wequafh is aHve, fo is alfo the other like to recover of his vs^ound : I never heard that Miantunnomu was dif- pleafed with Wequafh, for any fervice to the Englilh, but that Wequafh was fufpefted to deal falfely when he went to hunt for the Pequots at the rivers mouth. 'Tis true there is no fear of God before their eyes, and all the cords that ever bound the Barbarians to Foreigners were made of felf and covetoufnefs : yet, if I miflake not, I obferve in Miantunnomu fome fparks of true friendfhip, could it be deeply imprinted into him that the Englifli never in- tended to .defpoil him of the country, I probably conjec- ture his friendfhip would appear in attending of us with 500 men (in cafe [he is wanted]) againfl any foreign enemy. The Neepmucks are returned with three heads of the Wunnafhoatuckoogs, they flew fix, wounded many, and brought home twenty captives. Thofe Inlanders are fled up toward the Mohawks : fo they fay is Safacous : our friends at Connedlicut are to cafl a jealous eye at that people; they fay (unlefs they are be- lied) that they are to war with the Englifh, &c. Truely Sir, to fpeak my thoughts in your ear freely, I blefs the Lord for your merciful dealing, &c., but fear that fome innocent blood cries at Connedlicut, Many things may be fpoken to prove the Lord's perpetual war with Amalek extraordinary and myftical ; but the 2 Kings, xiv. 5. 6. is a bright light difcovering the ordinary path where- in to walk and pleafe him. If the Pequots were murder- ers (though pretending revenge for Safacous his father's death, which the Dutch affirmed was from Mr. Governor) 48 Letters of Roger Williams. yet not comparable to thofe treacherous fervants that flew their lord and king, Jofhua, King of Judah, and type of Jefus, yet the fathers only perifh in their fin, in the place quoted, &c. The blefled Lamb of God wafh away in- iquity and receive us gracioufly. Thus with beft falutes to your loving felf and yours, Mr. Deputy, Mr Bellingham, and other loving friends with them, and daily cries to the Father of Mercies for you, I reft your worftiip's unfeigned Roger Williams. Poftscript. — Sir, to yours brought by Juanemo on the Lord's day I could have little fpeech with him ; but con- cerning Miantunnomu I have not heard as yet of any un- faithfulnefs towards us ; I know they belie each other ; and I obferve our countrymen have almoft quite forgotten our great pretences to King and State, and all the world, concerning their fouls, &c. I fhall defire to attend with my poor help to difcover any perfidious dealing, and fhall defire the revenge of it for a common good and peace, though myfelf and mine fhould perifh by it : yet I fear the Lord's quarrel is not ended for which the war began, viz. : the little fenfe, (I fpeak for the general that I can hear of) of their foul's condition, and our large protefta- tions that way, &c. The general fpeech is, all muft be rooted out, &c. The body of the Pequot men yet live, and are only removed from their dens. The good Lord grant, that the Mohawks and they and the whole at the laft unite not. For mine own part I cannot be without fulpicions of it. Sir, I thankfully expedt a little of your help (in a way of juftice and equity) concerning another unjuft debtor of Letters of Roger Williams. 49 mine, Mr. Ludlow,' from whom alfo (in mine abfence) I have much fufFered. The good Lord fmile upon you and yours in the face of his anointed. Your worship's unworthy Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor yohn Winthrop. New Providence, 21 of 5th monthe.* [July 21, 1637.] Much honored Sir, — My unfeigned love and refpedt to your foul's eternal comfort, and firm perfuafion of your leveling at the higheft white,3 have emboldened me once more to tell you of fome poor thoughts of mine own, penned and fent to ibme friends amongft you ; which happily, (if the good Lord fo pleafe) may fome way conduce to your foul's fatisfadtion in the midfl of all your troubles. ^ George Ludlow is fuppofed to have increafe of her is mine. 2°*''^- Upwards been a kinfman of Roger Ludlow, as of 4 fcore weight of tobacco. 3 '*''^- con- before appears. He applied to be ad- fideration above 8" for 3 goats due to me mitted a freeman of Maflachufetts Colo- when they were almoft z yeare lince, ny in 1630 ; but does not appear to have about 4" a goate ; as allfo their increafe. fettled in New England. Roger Wil- 4"">'' an houfe watch, s'""'- Another new Hams complains frequently of him as will gown of my wives, new come forth of be feen by feveral fubfequent letters. England, and coft between 40 and 50 In 5 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. i. p. 250, is fhillings." By Coxall, is doubtlefs meant printed a letter from Ludlow to Roger the name of Coggejhall. Williams, to which is appended a note * 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 205. by Williams, which is as follows : "Mr. '" Higheft white." Mark at which an Coxall hath a letter of particulars, but arrow is ftiot, which ufed to be painted in this Mr. Ludlow acknowledgeth i'' an white, heifor, which was mine 4 years fince, the 7 5° Letters of Roger Williams. I have been long requefted to write my grounds againft the Englifh preaching, &c., and efpecially my anfwers to fome reafons of Mr. Robinfon's' for hearing. In the midft of a multitude of barbarous diftradtions, I have fitted fomething to that purpofe : and being not able at prefent to tranfcribe the-vs^hole ; yet having been long folicited by Mr. Buckley^ (from whom I received fome objections,) and by many others, and of late by my wor- thy friend Mr. Peters,^ who had fight of them, I have 'Rev. John Robinfon of Leyden, born in England, 1575, was educated at Cam- bridge. Removed to Holland ihortly after 1608, was paftor of the church at Leyden, remaining there until his death in 1625. He was very aftive in pro- moting the emigration in the Mayflower in 1620, intending ftiortly to follow, but died before the confent of the affociation of Englifli merchants who controlled the enterprife could be obtained. His widow and children came out in 1630. He publiftied a number of his writings, but the one to which this probably re- fers is "A treatife of the lawfulnefs of hearing of the minifters in the Church of England," was not printed until 1634, nine years after his death and three years prior to the date of this letter. A com- plete edition of his writings was pub- liftied at Bofton, in 185 1 in 3 vols. ^Rev. Peter Bulk/e;', of Concord, Mafs., one of its founders in 1636. He was a nonconformift in England and was therefore removed by Archbifhop Land. He was the author of fome Latin poems contained in Cotton Mather's Hiftory of New England, and alfo of " The Gof- pel Covenant Opened." London: 1646. '"Hugh Peters, born in 1599, ar- rived in America in Augull, 1635, with Richard Mather ; and in the following year, took charge of the church in Sa- lem, as Cucceffor of Roger Williams. Such was his fuccefs as a preacher, that during the five years of his miniftry in this place, one hundred and fixty perfons joined his communion. He was, at the fame time, occupied in mercantile pur- fuits, alfo engaged in political matters, and was one of the moft diftinguiftied citizens of that period in America. In 1 64 1 he failed tor, England, with a view of procuring fome alteration in the laws of excife and trade ; but he did not again return to America. During the civil wars in England he advocated the caufe of Parliament, and contributed much to its aid by his preaching. He was accufed of great violence in urging the King's condemnation, but he affirmed that he was oppofed to it. Be that as it may, Cromwell appointed him to feveral public trufls. After the reftoration he was tried for confpiring with Cromwell, and compafling the King's death. His trial terminated in his condemnation ; and he was executed on December 16) 1660, at the age oC 61 years. His elo- quence was of a peculiar and ftriking charafter, was calculated to gain the at- tention of the lower clafs. He had thoufands of hearers in London." — Drake, Biog. Dictionary. Letters of Roger Williams. 51 thought good to fend fo much as I have tranfcribed, to the hand of my loving friend, Mr. Buckley. Sir, I am bold to give you this intimation, becaufe in thefe firft loofe leaves, handling the ftate of a National church, from the thirty-eight page I have enlarged the differences between Ilrael and all other ftates. I know and am perfuaded that your mifguidings are great and la- mentable, and the further you pafs in your way, the fur- ther you wander, and have the further to come back, and the end of one vexation will be but the beginning of another, till confcience be permitted (though erroneous) to be free amongft you. I am forry my ftraits are fuch that I cannot tranfcribe the remainder, and efpecially what concerns the matter moft concerning your dear felf, and therein efpecially the aflbiling of fome objections, but if the Lord pleafe I live I {hall endeavor the reft, and thankfully receive any inti- mation from yourfelf, yea from the leaft, whereby I might myfelf return from any wanderings. The Lord Jefus be to you and me the Way, the Truth, and he will be the Life alfo. So prays Your worfhip's moft unfeigned Roger Williams. I have no news, but from Connedticut, the receiving of Safacous, his prefent and company by the Mohawks, and fome promifes of theirs to him to fettle him again at Pequot. This week Souwonckquawfir,' old Sequin's^ fon, 'William Pynchon of Springfield, in » "Sequin (in 1635) gave the Englifti 1648, fpells this name Sowoquaffe. — land there, (Weathersfield,) upon con- WiNTHROP, vol. ii. Appendix P. traft that he might fit down by them. 52 Letters of Roger Williams. cut ofF twenty Pequot women and children in their paf- fage to the Mohawks, alio one Sachem who three years ago was with you in the Bay with a prefent.' For his much honored Mr. Governor, John Winthrop. New Providence, this znd of prefent weeke.* [J"ly 3'j 1637.J Much honored Sir, — I am bold to interpole (in all humble refped:) a word or two concerning the bearer, Mr. Greene.3 Being at Salem this laft week to take order and be protefted, etc. When he came to Weathersfield and had fet down his wigwams, they drove him away by force." — Winthrop, vol. i. p. 312. This chief was otherwife known as Sow- heag. ' Under date of Nov. 6, 1634, Win- throp, vol. i. p. 176, writes "There came to the Deputy Governor about fourteen days fince, a meffenger from the Pequot fachem, to defire our friend- ftiip He brought a fmall pre- fent with him, which the deputy re- ceived," » 4 M/j/}. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 212, 3 Auguft I, 1637, "Mr. John Greene, of New Providence, having fpoken againll the magiftrates contemptuoufly, ilands bound in too marks to appear at next quarter court to be held the firft Tuefday of the 7th month enfuini"." — Mafs. Col. Rec. vol. i. p. 200. " The quarter court was adjourned from Sep- tember 5 to September 19, becaufe of the Synod meeting at Newtown," at that time. — ibid, vol. i, p. 202. September 19, 1637, "Mr. John Greene, of New Providence, was fined 20 pounds, and committed until the fine of £20, be payed, and enjoyned not to come into this jurisdiftion upon paine of fine or im- prifonment at the pJeafure of the court, for Ipeaking contemptuoufly of the mag- iftrates. — Mafs. Col. Rec. vol. i. p. 203. We differ from the editors of the Williams' letters {i^th Mafs. Hi/i. Coll. vi. 212, note,) as to the date of this let- ter. It cannot be of Sept. i8th as there ftated, as the General Court, as .appears by the MaflTachufetts Records, was held Tuefday, Auguft i. As Greene, doubt- lefs attended the court, the letter is prob- ably of the Monday previous, or July 31ft. "One of the inhabitants of Warwick, was John Green, furgeon, a native of Sal- iftjury, England, who coming over in the next company after Roger Williams, with his wife and five children, had followed Williams to Providence, and Gorton to Shawomet, thus becoming an original proprietor in both places. — Geo. W. Greene, Life of Gen'l Nath'l Greene, vol. i. p. 4. Letters of Roger Williams. 53 about the fale of his houfe, and coming away an ancient acquaintance meets him (Ed. Batter) and queftions whe- ther he would come and live there again, unto which he anfwered, how could he unlefs he might enjoy the freedom of his foul and confcience. Ed. Batter* replied, he might fo, to which he again replied he knew that could not be, for the power of the Lord Jefus was in the hand of civil authority ; upon this came by Mr. Endecott,^ calls Ed. Batter and queftions him (as himfelf related to Mr, Greene) what was their conference : the fum whereof being told, Mr. Endecott warned Mr. Greene to appear at this Gene- ral Court. Sir, for myfelf I have no partial refpedt to Mr. Greene nor relation, but of neighbors together : only for the better following of peace, (even when it flies from us), I am bold to acquaint with pafTages of truth (as I cannot but hope) before hand : I fhall grieve much that any molefta- tion or trouble fhould arife unto you from hence, or that there be the appearance of any further jar. Sir, I know to whom I fpeak. Mr. Endecott had need, have a true ' Edmund Batter, maltfter, came from the government of the colony to New fame place and in fame veffel with John England ; and John Winthrop, who ar- Greene. rived in the following year was appointed *John Endecott, Governor of Mafla- Governor. In 1636 Mr, Endecott was chufetts, who was fent to America by a fent on an expedition againll the Indians company in England, as their agent, to fu- on Block Ifland and in the Pequot coun- perintend the plantation of Naumkeag, or try. He continued at Salem until 1 644, Salem, arrived in September, 1628, and when he was elefted Governor of Maf- there laid the foundation of the firft per- fachufetts, and removed to Bofton. He manent town in within the limits of Mafla- was alfo Governor from 1649 to 1664, chufetts patent. In April, 1629, the com- excepting in 1650, and from 1655 to pany chofe him the Governor of "Lon- 1665. He died in 1665, in his 77th don's Plantation" ; but in Auguft it was year.' — Blake, Biog. Diiiionary. determined to transfer the charter and 54 Letters of Roger Williams. compafs for he makes great way, &c. : the Father of Lights and Spirits merciful be pleafed to guide all our fteerings. Mr. Greene here is peaceable, a peacemaker, and a lover of all Englifh that vifits us. I conceive he would not difturb peace in relating his judgment to his friend, (if I may fo call him) demanding it firft alfo of him, or elfe I prefume he (hould not have heard a word of fuch mat- ters, if 1 know Mr. Greene. Sir, I hear yet nothing of any of the runaway captives amongft our neighbors, Yefterday I heard that two efcaped from them to the Pequots. If any be or do come amongft them I fuppofe they fhall be fpeedily returned, or I fhall certify where the default is. Sir, I defire to be truly thankful for the boy intended : his father was of Safquankit, where the laft fight was : and fought not with the Englifh, as his mother (who is with you and two children more) certified me : I fhall endeavor his good and the common, in him. I fhall appoint fome to fetch him, only I requeft that you would pleafe to give a name to him. Sir, concerning captives (pardon my wonted boldnefs) the Scripture is full of myftery and the old Teftament of types. If they have deferved death 'tis fin to fpare : If they have not deferved death then what punifhments ? Whether perpetual flavery. I doubt not but the enemy may lawfully be weakened and defpoiled of all comfort of wife and children, &c., but I befeech you well weigh it after a due time of train- ing up to labor, and reftraint, they ought not to be fet Letters of Roger Williams. ^^ free : yet fo as without danger of adjoining to the ene-' my. Thus earneftly looking up to heaven for you and all yours, I reft Your worfhip's unfeigned, Roger Williams. My beft refpe6ts to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c. To his much honored Governor, "John Winthrop. New Providence, zoth of the 6th.' [Auguft 20, 1637.] Much honored Sir, — Yours by Yotaafh^ (Miantun- nomue's brother) received, I accompanied him to the Narraganfetts, and having got Canonicus and Miantunno- mu vs'ith their council together, I acquainted them faith- fully with the contents of your letter, both grievances and threatnings ; and to demonftrate, I produced the copy of the league, (which Mr. Vane fent me,) and with breaking of a ftraw in two or three places, I ftiowed them what they had done.3 ' 3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. i. p. 162. fion of a treaty of peace," — which the Knov^les. Mem. R. Williams, p. 134. Governor fubfcribed, and they alfo fub- * Othervirife Otalh and Yotnefti. This fcribed with their marks, and Outlhama- chief and Roger Williams were witneffes kins alfo. But becaufe we could not to the deed of the ifland of Rhode Is- make them underftand the articles per- land to William Coddington and others, feftly, we agreed to fend a copy to Mr. March, 1636-7. Williams, who could beft interpret it to 3 October zi, 1636, Winthrop "no- them. — Winthrov, Hill. 0/ N. Eng, vol. tices the arrival of Miantunnomoh and i. p. 237. other Indians at Bofton, and the conclu- 56 Letters of Roger Williams. In fome their anfwer was, that they thought they fhould prove themfelves honeft and faithful, when Mr. Governor underftood their anfwers ; and that (although they would not contend with their friends) yet they could relate many particulars, wherein the Englifh had broken (fince thefe wars) their promifes, &c. Firft then, concerning the Pequot fquaws, Canonicus anfwered, that he never ^w any, but heard of fome that came into thefe parts, and he bade carry them back to Mr. Governor, but fince he never heard of them 'till I came, and now he would have the country fearched for them. Miantunnomu anfwered, that he never heard of but fix, and four he faw which were brought to him, at which he was angry, and afked'why they did not carry them to me, that I might convey them home again. Then he bid the natives that brought them to carry them to me, who de- parting brought him word, that the fquaws were lame, and they could not travel. Whereupon he fent me word, that I fhould fend for them. This I mufl: acknowledge, that this meflage I received from him, and fent him word, that we were but few here, and could not fetch them, nor con- vey them, and therefore defired him to fend men with them and to feek out the reft:. Then, faith he, we were bufy ten or twelve days together, as indeed they were in a flirange kind of folemnity, wherein the Sachems eat nothing but at night, and all the natives round about the country were feaflred. In which time, faith he, I wifhed fome to look to them, which notwithftianding, in this time, they efcaped ; and now he would employ men in- ftantly to fearch all places for them, and within two or three days to convey them home. Befides, he profefi"ed that he defired them not, and was forry the Governor Letters of Roger Williams. ^j fhould think he did. I objedled, that he fent to beg one. He anfwered, that SafTamun, being fent by the Governor with letters to Pequot, fell lame, and, lying at his houfe, told him of a fquaw he faw, which was a Sachem's daugh- ter, who while he lived was his, Miantunnomue's great friend. He therefore defired, in kindnefs to his dead friend, to beg her, or redeem her. Concerning his departure from the Englifh, and leaving them without guides, he anfwered, firft, that they had been faithful, many hundreds of them, (though they were folicited to the contrary,) that they fluck to the Englilh in life or death, without which they were perfuaded that Uncas and the Mohigans had proved falfe, (as he fears they will yet,) as alfo that they never had found a Pequot, and therefore, faith he, fure there was fome caufe. I de- fired to know it. He replied in thefe words, Chenock eiufe wetompatimucks .? that is. Did ever friends deal fo with friends ? I urging wherein, he told me this tale : that his brother, Yotaalh, had feized upon Puttaquppuunck, Quame and twenty Pequots and three-fcore fquaws, they killed three and bound the reft, watching them all night, and fending for the Englifh, delivered them to them in the morning. I\/Iiantunnomu (who, according to promife came by land with two hundred men, killing ten Pequots in their march) was defirous to fee the great Sachem, whom his brother had taken, being now in the Englifh houfes,but (faith he) I was thruft at with a pike many times, that I durft not come near the door. I objected, he was not known. He and others affirmed, he was, and afked, if they fhould have dealt fo with Mr. Governor. I ftill de- nied, that he was known, &c. Upon this, he faith, all my company were difheartened, and they all and Cutfhamo- 8 58 Letters of Roger Williams. quene defired to be gone ; and yet, faith he, two of my men (Wagonckwhut and Maunamoh) were their guides to Seiquankit from the river's mouth. Sir, I dare not ftir coals, but I faw them to be much difregarded by many, which their ignorance imputed to all, and thence came the mifprifon, and bleffed be the Lord, things were not worfe. I objedled, they received Pequots and wampum without Mr. Governor's confent. Canonicus replied, that although he and Miantunnomu had paid many hundred fathom of wampum to their foldiers, as Mr. Governor did, yet he had not received one yard of beads nor a Pequot. Ndr, faith Miantunnomu, did I but one fmall prefent from four women of Long Ifland, which were no Pequots, but of that ifle, being afraid, defired to put themfelves under my protedlion.* By the next I fhall add fomething more of confequence, and which muft caufe our loving friends at Connedlicut to be very watchful, as alfo, if you pleafe, their grievances, which I have labored already to anfwer, to preferve the Englifli name ; but now end abruptly with beft falutes and earneft prayers for your peace with the God of peace and all men. So praying, I reft Your worfhip's unfeigned Roger Williams. All loving refpedts to Mrs. Winthrop and yours, as alfo to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, theirs, and Mr. Wil- fon, &c. " Under date of July 26, 1637, Win- antunnomoh fent here fome Pequot throp (voi. i. p. 283) writes "and Wi- fquaws which had run from us." Letters of Roger Williams. 59 To his kind friend, Mr. Richard Collicutt, thefe.^ This 12th of the 7th mon. (commonly called) 1637. [September 1 2. J , Kind Friend, — I lately wrote unto you: once when I fent home your boy, and again when I fent the girl : concerning either of them, if you be minded to put either of them away, I delire to give you your defire : otherwife I wifh you much comfort in the keeping of them. As I am many ways indebted, fo I have many debts coming to me. I take it very lovingly that you pleafe to help me concerning Mr. Ludlow.^ I have accordingly fent you power to deal in it. In three refpedts I requeft you to be ferious and pundtual. I ft. It is now an old debt, efpecially my cow was mine, left behind four years ago, for me in Virginia, and fome goats.3 2ndly. I have requefted the laft year divers to help me and gave them power, but all failed me, fo that I fhall have caufe to be thankful to you above others. 3rdly, If his payment like you, I fliall requeft you firft to fatisfy yourfelf, and ftiall remain Yours moft unfeigned Roger Williams. I ftiall gladly fatisfy not only your charge, but alfo your time and pains in dealing with M. Ludlow. ■4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 211. ther he removed before 1656. He died * Richard Collicott or Colcott, fettled in 1686, aged 83. Winthrop, who ap- in Dorchefter before 1633, and was a fer- parently believed in the dodlrine of fpe- geant in the Pequot war. He was one cial Providence, reports (vol. ii. p. 336,) of the twenty-three original or charter his prefervation from drowning by the members of the "Ancient and Honora- influence of prayer in 1648. ble Artillery Company" of Boilon, whi- 3 See note to Letter of July 15th. 6o Letters of Roger Williams. [POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM ROGER WILLIAMS TO RICHARD COLLICUT.] Memorand : that I, Roger Williams of New Provi- dence, doe conftitute & ordaine Richard Collicut of Dor- chefter my true & lawfull Atturney, for me and in my name to afke or demaund, fue or arreft, acquit or releafe George Ludlow of all fuch fummes of money or goods as are due unto me from him. per me Roger Williams. To his much honored "John Winthrop, Governor of the Majfachufetts} [No date; probably Oftober or November, 1637.] Much honored Sir, — I was fearful that thofe dead hands were no pleafing fight (otherwife than a remarkable vengeance had feized upon the firfi: murderer of the Eng- li(h, Wauphanck,)^ yet I was willing to permit what I could not approve, leaft if I had buried the prefent myfelf, I fhould have incurred fufpicion of pride and wronged my betters, in the natives and others eyes : I have always fhown diflike to fuch difmembering the dead, and now the more, (according to your defire) in your name. I was alfo fearful that mine own hand (having no com- miffion from my heart (which is not in mine hand but in '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 207. of thofe virho murdered Capt. Stone," ^"The Narraganfetts fent us the Auguft 31, 1637.— Winthrop, vol. i. hands of three Pequots ; one the chief p. 283. Letters of Roger Williams. 6i the hand of its Maker, the Moft High) to write you ought of mine own return in fpirituals,) I fay fearful that mine own might not be fo grateful and pleafing to you : but being called upon by your meffage and your love, (your paper), I am emboldened. Concerning the Pequots, the foldiers here' related to me that Uncas^ the Mohiganie Sachem had about three hundred men with him on the Pequot river,3 fome fixteen miles from the houfe, which I believe are moft of them Pequots and their confederates the Wunnafhowatuckoogs and their Inlanders (whom he charged under pain of death not to come to Canonicus) and with whom he hath made himfelf great. This man is but a little Sachem, and hath not above forty or fifty Mohigans, which as the Englifh told me were all he could make. It is generally confirmed that Thomas Stanton,^ (as him- felf alfo confeffed to me at my houfe) was gioflly cou- ' Winthrop under date of Aug. 26, records " The captain and foldiers re- turned all from Pequot," (vol. i. p. 283:) Oft. 12, "A day of thankfgivingkept in all the churches for our viftories againft the Pequods." — Ibid, vol. 1, p. 290. '■ JJncas, was originally a Pequot. He revolted from Saffacous in 1634, became friendly to the Englifli, and was made chief of the Mohegans. His authority being fo recent, perhaps is the occafion for the flighting remark of Williams at the clofe of the paragraph. He has been charafterized as treacherous, vicious and " an old and wicked wilful man." He died in 1683 at a great age. Drake, in his Book of the Indians, (p '49') g'vss the following epitaph from a tombftone of one of JJncas' fons : Here lies the body of Sunseeto Own son to Uncas grandson to Oneko Who were the famous sachems of Mohegan But now they're all dead, I think it is Wer- heegan. 3 " The reft of the Pequots were wholly driven from this place, and fome of them fubmitted themfelves to the Nar- iganfetts and lived under them : others of them betqoke themfelves to the Mon- higgs under Uncas their fachem, with the approbation of the Englifli at Con- ighteecutt, under whofe proteftion Un- cafs lived." — Bradford, Hiji. Plymouth Plant. Bofton : 1856. p. 361. 4 Thomas Stanton at the age of 20, emigrated in 1635 from London to Vir- ginia. He afterwards removed to Con- nefticut, and was one of the original pro- 02 Letters of Roger Williams. fened and deluded by one Wequafhcuck' (a Nayantaquit Sachem) who (heltered four Pequot Sachems and fixty Pe- quots at Long Ifland, where now they are, where peace was made with promife from the natives not to permit one Pequot ; yet Wequafhcuck marrying SafTacous his mother hath thus deceived you. This Wequafhcuck was the man (to my knowledge) that fheltered Audfah, the murderer of Mr. Oldham, and kept his head fo upon his fhoulders : yet to this man Thomas Stanton (as it appears) did too much liften, flighting I fear, too much the Narraganfetts. I find our Neighbors very eager to purfue thefe four Sachems and the fixty Pequots there, I prefixed them to pa- tience till Mr. Governor's mind be known, and Miantunno- mu (to my knowledge) doth all he can to reftrain them, or elfe long fince they had been there. They plead that Mr. Governor may pleafe to accompany, or fend himfelf againfl: them, but cannot by any article in the league bind them to fufi*er fo many of their enemies in a knot fo near them. I prefs them to humane confideration of fo much blood fpilt, they anfwer if they have the Sachems heads they will make the refl; Narraganfetts, and for the Long Ifland- ers themfelves and Wequafhcuck, they will not meddle with them, becaufe of the peace Mr. Stoughton made with them. Concerning the kettles : Miantunnomu anfwers, that he prietors of Hartford, and in later years with Wequafh. Winthrop in fpeaking was of Stonington, where he died in of the death of the latter, calls him We- 1678. He is many times mentioned in quafh Cook; Williams is more accurate, thefe letters, and was conftantly employed He was living in 1648, while Wequafh during his life as an Indian interpreter. died prior to 1643. ' This man has often been confounded Letters of Roger Williams. 63 hath been much wronged by the reports of enemies and falfe friends to whom fome of us (as he faith) hath heark- ened before himfelf. He faith he never knew of more than two, one of which the Englifh ufed at the houfe, and the other as he hears is at the Fort ftill : he faith, he hath many of his own, and indeed when I came firft hither I faw near ten or twelve which himfelf or Canonicus had. He repaid me with a grievance about a Pequot canoe which he defired might be ordered by your own hearing, but it was denied him : his plea feems very fair : thus this brother Yoteafh having taken the great Sachem (Putta- quappuonckquame who was was kept in the pinnace alive fometime) took his canoe, which, faith he, the Englifh Captains fitting all together were very willing unto : this canoe Mr. Stoughton afterwards brought about homeward : Miantunnomu and his brother claim it : 'twas denied : he requefted that it might be left at my houfe till Mr. Gov- ernor's mind was known. Capt. Stoughton would not yield, but defired him to go along to me, but faith he, I would not truft myfelf with him, feeing he would not ftand to Mr. Governor's determination about the canoe : I would not have mentioned this lead it might provoke Mr. Stoughton or any : but I know to whom I intimate it : and I have pretty well appeafed the matter already. He anfwers, all I can object to him with this : let Mr. Governor have the hearing of it : I will reft in his word, and objedting to him in the particular before divers, that the Englifli complain he was proud, he defired that I would prefent to Mr. Governor thefe particulars, that he had caufe to maintain his right, becaufe the Connedticut Eng- lifh equalled Uncas and the Mohigans with himfelf and his men 64 Letters of Roger Williams. Whereas faith he, thefe Mohigans are but as a twig, we are as a great tree. They fell to the Engli(h butlaft year, we have been ever friends, &c. Uncas and his men had a hand in the death of all the Englifh and fought againft the Rivers mouth (at Connec- ticut) we never killed nor confented to the death of an Englifh man. When the Dutchmen and we fought with the Pequots the Mohigans joined againft us. When Capt. Endicott came againft the Pequots the Mohigans received the Pequot women and children and kept them, while the men fought with him, &c. Uncas brought prefents to Canonicus, and Miantunno- mu, yet at the fame time killed two of his women treach- eroufly. They fell to the Englifti this year in fear or other policy, and we, (faith he) have continued friendfliip and love ever fince they landed. Thus he pleaded, &c., and yet proud and covetous and filthy they are, &c., only I was willing to gratify him in this, becaufe as I know your own heart ftudies peace, and their foul's good, iij your wifdom may make ufe of it unto others who happily take fome more pleafure in wars : The blefled God of Peace be pleafed to give you peace within, at home, and round about you abroad. So prays Your worftiip's unfeignedly refpedtive Roger Williams. To Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c., all refpedtive falutations. Letters of Roger Williams. 65 I have at prefent returned Richard Collicut's Pequot girl which Miantunnomu found out, and defired me to fend home, with promife of further enquiring. To his much honored Governor "John Winthrop.^ [No date.]2 Sir, — Having ufed many means and many Attornies (in my abfence) to recover a debt of Mr. George Ludlow, and failed by all, and now laft of all by Richard Collicut who undertook ferioufly, but comes off weakly in it: let me humbly beg what help in a righteous way may be afforded (now in his departure) to caufe him to deal honeftly with me who have many years and in many wants been patient toward him. The debt was for mine own and wife's bet- ter apparel put off to him at Plymouth. My bills are loft, but his own hand which the bearer will deliver is teftimo- ny fufficient. He hath ufed fo many flights and told fo many falfehoods, that Sir, if you believe more than you fee, I muft patiently give my debt for defperate : however with my beft refpedls to your kind felf and Mrs. Winthrop, and lighs to heaven for you, I reft Your worfliip's unfeignedly faithful till death, Roger Williams. •4 Mafs. Hijl. Call. vol. vi. p. 2iz. from George Ludlow, and which is ^ This letter is of later date than the printed in full in 5 Mafs. Hifl. Coll. one preceding, as it evidently refers to it. vol. i. p. 250. To this R. W. has ad- It probably enclofed a letter received ded a note. (See previous letter.) 66 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor yohn Winthrop.^ [No date; probably Oftober, 1637.] Sir, — Some while fince you were pleafed to delire me to fignify to the Sachems, the promife of the Block Ifland- ders to yourfelves, and therefore their exemption from all other fubmiffion and tribute. Their anfwer was, that as they had left them to Mr. Governor formerly upon Mr. Oldames death, fo have they done fince, and have had no other dealing with them then for the getting of the head of Audfah the chief murderer : as alio that they under- ftand the one hundred fathom of beads to be yearly paid to Mr. Governor, in which refpedt they have been far from desiring a bead from them, and do acknowledge them to be wholly Mr. Governor's fubjedts. Sir, I hear that there is now at Pequot with the Mohe- gans,^ one William (Baker3 I think his name is) who was ■4 Mafs. Hi/}. Coll. vol. vi. p. 214. Moheag or Mohegan, fell generally un- In this letter Roger Williams men- der his dominion, and extended from near tions the probability of Miantonomo the Connefticut River on the fouth, to a going to Bofton in a day or two. The place of disputed country on the north, letter of November loth, reports the next the Narraganfetts. return of this "big Indian." Win- '"William Baker, Plymouth, 1643, THROP, (vol. i. p. 291) records under may I think, have been firft of Rhode If- date of November ill, "Miantonomo land, as early as 1638, and probably vyent the Narraganfett Sachem came to Bof- thither again, being counted among the ton." He alfo reports that Miantono- freemen 1655 at Portfmouth " Savage, mo acknowledged that "all the Pequot vol. i. p. 100. R. I. Col. Rec. vol. i. country and Block Ifland were ours." Williams in fubfequent letters fpeaks of He was alfo given " leave to right him- him as of Plymouth, and that he was felf for the wrongs which Janemoh and whipped at Hartford in the fame year. Wequafli Cook had done him." The The next year November 12th, 1638, letter is probably of a date not later than he was admitted an inhabitant of New- October 28, and perhaps not much ear- port. There was in Plymouth in 1632 lier. a William Baker an apprentice to Rich- ^ Monahiganeucks — Mohegans. By ard Church, and poffibly this was the the revolt of Uncas, the Pequot territo- man to whom Roger Williams refers, ries became divided, and that part called Letters of Roger Williams. 67 purfued, as is faid by the Englifti of Connedicut for un- cleannefs with an Indian fquaw, who is now with child by him. He hath there gotten another fquaw and lies clofe, unknown to the Englifli. They fay he came from a trad- ing houfe which Plymouth men have at Conneilicut, and can fpeak much Indian., If it be he, when I lived at Ply- mouth, I heard the Plymouth men fpeak much of his evil course that way with the natives. The occafion that our neighbors know of him was this : fome eight days lince, fix Narraganfett men were coming from Connecticut, and by the way fell upon fome Pequots, who were refcued out of their hands by the Mohegans, who alfo bound thofe fix Narraganfetts many days toge- ther at Monahiganick (upon Pequot river, where this William was) and fpoiled them of their coats and what elfe they had. The Sachems and the men are greatly incenfed, affirm- ing that they can not but revenge this abufe offered to their men ; yet I have got this promife that they will not do ought without Mr. Governor's advice. Sir, I have long heard, and thefe fix men affirm, that there are many of the fcattered Pequots rendezvoufed with Uncas the Mohegan Sachem and Wequafh the Pequot, who being employed as one of the guides to the Englifh in their late wars, is grown rich, and a Sachem with the Pequots : and hath five or fix runaways. There are all the Runaways harbored (which upon long and diligent inquiry) I am certain and confident of, and can give good afliirance that there is not one amongft all the Narragansetts. Mr. Stoughton hath been long afllired that Meikfah, Canonicus' eldeft fon hath his fquaw, but having enquired it out, I find fhe was never at the Narraganfetts, but is mar- 68 Letters of Roger Williams. ried to one Meikfomp a Sachem of Nayantick, which being nearer to Pequot is more friendly to the Pequots : and where as I hear that Wequafhcuck ^who long fhel- tered Audfah and fo groflly deluded Tho : Stanton in the late wars) hath filled many bafkets with beads from Pe- quots Sachems and one hundred and twenty Pequots which he fheltereth now at Nayantick. Uncas the Mohegan and Wequafhcuck were lately at Long Ifland, from whence fome few days fince, Uncas car- ried away forty Pequots to Monahiganick, and Wequafh- cuck thirty to Nayantick. While I write, Miantunnomu is come to my houfe and afhrmeth the fame; profefTmg if I would advife him, he would go over to Mr. Governor to acquaint the Governor that Canonicus"^ and himfelf hath no hand in thefe paf- fages. He afks me often if he may fafely go, and I affure him if he have an honefl: heart he need not fear any de- ceit or treachery amongfl: the Englifh ; fo I think within a day or two he will be coming towards you. He tells me what I had not heard that of thofe Pequots to whom at the firft by my hand you were pleafed to give ' "Canonicus, aNarraganfett chief, un- the Pequots and Narraganfetts, about the cle of Miantonomoh, was born about ownerlhip of lands lying between Paw- 1565; died June 4, 1647; was the firm catuck River and Wecapang Brook. Ca- friend of the Englifli, efpecially of Ro- nonicus, after lofing his fon, burned his ger Williams. From him Williams ob- own refidence and all his goods in it. tained, March 24, 1638, the grant of Roger Williams calls him " A wile and land for his fettlement of the future peaceful prince." During his life, the State of Rhode Ifland. In 1622, two Narraganfetts, though engaged in war years after the Pilgrims landed at Ply- with other Indians, remained at peace mouth, Canonicus fent as a challenge a with the whites. Many years after his bundle of arrows tied with a fnake-fein. death, however, under the famous King The fkin was returned filled with powder Philip, they made war on the Englilh and ball ; but the peace was unbroken, and were exterminated." — Drake. Die. In 1632-35, there was a war between American Bipgraphy. Letters of Roger Williams. 69 life, but feven came to them, of which five alfo long fince are gone to Monahiganick. Sir, I forget not your loving remembrance of me con- cerning Mr. Ludlow's debt. I yet know not where that tobacco is : but defire if Mr. Craddock's agent, Mr. Jolly would accept it, that it may be delivered to him in part of fome payments for which I have made over my houfe to Mr. Mayhew. Sir, your fervant Reprieve lodged here two nights, and Miantunnomu' tells me that five days fince he lay a night with him and is gone to Block Ifland. He is very hope- fully improved fince I firft faw him : and am bold to wifh that he might now take his lafl: farewell of his friends, to whom you would be rather pleafed to give leave to vifit him at Bofl:on, for you cannot believe how hard it is for him to efcape much evil, and efpecially uncleannefs while he is with them. The good Lord be pleafed to blefs him to you and to make you a blefling to him and many others. . . . run headlong (without once hearing of it,) into ever- lafl:ing burnings. So prays daily Your worfhip's unfeigned, Roger Williams. To Mrs. Winthrup, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and theirs, refpedtive falutations. ' Miantonomo, Sachem of the Narra- with Uncas, Sachem of the Mohegans, ganfetts, was the nephew and fucceffor not to make war upon one another with- of Canonicus, and affumed the govern- out firft appealing to the Englifti., Cited ment in 1636. He was the friend and in 1642, upon a mere rumor of intended benefadlor of the fettlers in Rhode Is- hoftilities to appear at Bofton before the land, to whom he gave their territory. Governor and Council, he declared his In 1638 he entered into an agreement innocence, and called upon the Englifli 70 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop ' The laft of the week, I think the 28th of the 8th. [Oft. z8, 1637.] Sir, — This bearer, Miantunnomu, refolving to go on his vifit, I am bold to requeft a word of advice from you concerning a propofition made by Canonicus and himlelf to me fome half year lince. Canonicus gave an ifland in this bay to Mr. Oldham, by name Chibachuw^efe, upon condition as it (hould feem, that he would dwell there near unto them. The Lord (in whofe hands all hearts are) turning their affeflions towards myfelf, they delired me to remove thither and dwell nearer to them. I have anfwered once and again, that for prefent T mind not to remove; but if I have it from them, I would give them to produce his accufers. None appear- ing, he was difmifled with honor. Gov. Winthrop, in his Journal, teftifies to the refpeft in which the ability of the great chief was held. The rivalry between the IVlohegans and Narraganfetts, which it was the policy of the Englifli to fo- ment, produced its inevitable refults. Driven by the infults and injuries of the unprincipled Uncas, he attacked him, but was defeated and made prifoner ; and by the advice and confent of the Englilh magiilrates and elders, was executed. Brave and magnanimous, he was doubt- lefs the moft able of the Indians of New England. Drake. Biog. Di{lionary. « 3d Ser. Mafs. HiJi.CoU. vol. i. p. 165, affigns Oftober 28, 1637, as the proba- ble date of this letter ; in which opinion Arnold, in his HiJIory of Rhode IJland agrees. Vol. i. p. 105. Knowles, and R. I. Col. Records copv from the Mafs. Hiji. Coll. ^The R. I. Col. Records, (vol. i. p. 45) quotes the Deed from Canonicus and Miantonomo of the ifland of Aqued- neck to William Coddington and others, under date of March 24, 1637, "ex- cepting CKyhachxxviedi, formerly fold Mnto Mr. Winthrop the now Governor of the Maffachufetts and Mr. Williams of Provi- dence." We cannot reconcile the difference of dates, except that Winthrop's date refers poffibly to the time Gov. Vane lent for Miantonomoh. Miantonomoh alfo was at Boilon on Nov. I, 1637, (Winthrop, vol. i. p. 291.) If the date of the deed above mentioned is correft, and the for- merly fold is the "whole truth" this let- ter is probably of 1636, if otherwife, probably 1637. We incline to the lat- ter date. Winthrop retained his half of the ifland leaving it by will to his fon Stephen. Williams fold his half with other lands to pay his expenfes in Eng- land when on fervice for the colony. Letters of Roger Williams. 71 fatisfaction for it, and build a little house and put in fome fwine, as underftanding the place to have ftore of fifh and good feeding for fwine. Of late I have heard, that Mr. Gibbons, upon occafion, motioned your defire and his own of putting fome fwine on fome of thefe iflands, which hath made me fince more delire to obtain it, becaufe I might thereby not only benefit myself, but alfo pleafure yourfelf whom I more defire to pleafure and honor. I fpake of it now to this Sachem, and he tells me, that becaufe of the ftore of fifh, Canonicus defires that I would accept half, (it being fped:acle-wife, and between a mile or two in cir- cuit, as I guefs,) and he would referve the other ; but I think, if I go over, I fhall obtain the whole. Your loving counfel, how far it may be inoffenfive, becaufe it was once (upon a condition not kept) Mr. Oldham's. So, with re- fpedlive falutes to your kind felf and Mrs. Winthrop, I refl; Your worfhip's unfeigned, in all I may, Roger Williams. [No date. Probably written foon after July, 1635.] the Church of Jefus Chrift at Salem, to our dearly beloved and much ejieemed in Jefus, the Elders of the Church of Chriji at Bojion. Your letters (dear and well beloved in Chrifl:) dated the 22 of this 5th month, have been read openly before us, wherein we underfl:and you fee not your way clear before you, for delivering of our humble complaint unto the 72 Letters of Roger Williams. Church of Chrift with you ; as alfo your reafons why you dare not publifh to the body our letters. Our dear Breth- ren, according to your loving and Chriftian defire, we dare not but gently and tenderly interpret this your delay as fpringing from your holy care and fear lefl dishonor fhould redound to our Lord and King, in thefe weighty affairs of his holy government. We give you many and hearty thanks for your loving and faithful dealing in re- turning us a reafon of your holy fears and jealouiies. And we befeech you [in the bow]els of Chriftian tendernefs to bear with us while we firft add a word unto your felves, and afterwards to your reafons. We have not yet appre- hended it to be the choice of the officers of a Church, when public letters are fent from fifter Churches, to deliver or not to deliver the letters unto the body ; we acknowledge it their liberty and duty to order wifely for convenience and due feason of prefenting the Church with them, but wholly to conceal or fupprefs the letters of the Church, we yet fee not. Our reafons are, amongft others, thefe two: I ft, becaufe they are the Church's, not the officers'. The Church hath the right which the officers may not affiime unto themfelves, and therefore it hath been queftioned whether public letters fent to [a Church of] Chrift, ought not to be delivered publicly to the elders in the face of the Church met together according to what is written, [Adts] 15. 30, when they had gathered the multitude (that is, the Church) together, then they [delivjered the letters. If this be the power and liberty of the officers, for ought we fee [if there] be but one elder in the Church that he may pri- vately put up the public letters of the whole. Our 2d rea- fon is, becaufe the prefence of our Lord Jefus is moft efpecially promifed and .... to the whole body Letters of Roger Williams. 73 met together in his name, than to one or all the elders'; and therefore in folemn feeking of God's face by the whole Church (his fpoufe and wife) we conceive a more clear and diftindt apprehenfion of the mind of Chrift concerning an anfwer to be returned back doth ordinarily arife, than from the officers apart from [the Church.] For however it hath been the Prelate['s p]lea, the people are wea[k .... giddy and raih, and therefore fhould not enjoy fuch liber- ties, we con[ceive per]fons truly gathered in his name {hall find a wifdom great[er than theirs] in the midft amongft them even Jefus Chrift, who himfelf is made their wif[dom] I Cor. i. 30. [Y]our reafons of not reading are three; two againft reading a[t all, the third,] againft reading on the Lord's day. The firft, more expreffly concerning . . . . our admonition, you fay is a gift which fhould not be offered up [until we have] reconciled ourfelves to our much honored and beloved the majiftrates [who are] againft us. Now we befeech you humbly, our dear brethren, con- fider . . . a gift ; our prayers and thanks and offerings, are alfo gifts. Mat. v. [23, 24.], and then if no gift may be offered while a cafe of offence de[pendeth, then furely] I. a brother, yea, a whole Church muft intermit their holy meet[ings, and] for a while the ordinances, yea, for the prefent, be un-churched. 2. And fo fecondly, if we fhould meet together to confider about, and find out the offence, we {h[ould not] offer up the incenfe of our prayers to the Lord for the difcovery of the offence unto [our brethren.] 3. Further, for ought we fee we fhould not at all come to- gether, for the prefence of our fouls and bodies together in the prefence of the Lord is a gift. 4. Nay more, by that rule no Church in her members might have fellow fhip with us, nor ourfelves with them, in cafe we have not pow- 74 Letters of Roger Williams. er to offer up a gift while a matter of offence dependeth, though ourfelves are ready to receive light from our brethren concerning the offence. 5thly. If this rule be abfolute ye have failed (o far to communicate with us as to fend us thefe your letters, if [we cannot] meet together to read them and confider and feek the face of our God in Chrifl for anfwer. 6th. Since that fome times brethren may be offended at a good and righteous adt, pleafing to Chrifl, as fome were, A6l:s xi. [17, 18 J, by this ground it will follow that the Churches (Lall offer up no gift to God nor man until they have repented of their duties and confeffed them as fin, both to God and man, in cafe others be offended. Laflly, be you pleafed to remember that hitherto in a church way (the way of Chrift for Church failings) we have not heard of any one brother offended with us, which fhould have been in might any way have held forth .... argument unto us ; our reafon is . . [grejat difference between a Church way, and the pro- ceeding of a Commonweal. Your fecond argument feems to be, the adt of the majiflrates gave . . [pubjlic offence, and befide that, a public adtion offenfive may be but private offence: unto this with all due fubmiflion we conceive the Court of Juf- tice is as public [as the gate of the city.] Amos. v. 12: "They turn afide the poor from their right in the gate." 2dly, we acknowledge in fome obfcure and dark paffages, one or two may fpy a blemifh where thoufands do not ; this is a fecret, and we defire to walk by the rule, Prov. XXV. 9., "debate the caufe with thy neighbor himfelf, and difcover not a fecret to another;" but to \_punijh befor\e Jhe hath been conve\ri\ted, to deal nsoith a church out of a church way. Letters of Roger Williams. 75 {to'] puni(h two or three hundred of our town for the conceived failing of the Church, we fee [not] how any cloud of obfcurity can hide this evil from the eyes of all ; and therefore not two or three of ourfelves, but many of the prefent court, and many others, and ourfelves [of the] Church of Chrift who cry to the Lord for mercy to ex .... fee a failing, yea fome hundreds of the whole town fmarting in t^^ij" .... and the whole land may, and other lands hearing of it cannot choofe [but be blijnded, weak- ened, ftumbled ; and therefore we conceive as the fun [can- not] be fhut up in a chamber, public finnings muft be openly [complained] of: i Tim. v. 20. "Them that fin rebuke before all, that others may fear." [Yo]u fay you cannot judge of our right and title, for our matters are only [ftjayed; we fignify thus much to your felves and humbly req'ueft if there be caufe you will fignify fo much to the brethren, that we are far from arguing our right with any in a church way. We hoped the proof that was defired by the court would have given fatisfadtion might they have had leave to fpeak ; and furthermore the delay of a petition in cases of prefent necefllty (as ye well know) may be as grievous by the delay of a few months (fuch flood the prefent flate of the town) as if it was a whole year ; and therefore the Lord provides againfl delays of a poor man's wages, Deut. xxiv. 14 15, not only becaufe of his prefent need, but alfo becaufe of the grief of his fpirit, which will make him cry unto God for redrefs againfl the injurious. We doubt not but a petition may be both delayed and re- jedled, but we must needs profefs our exceeding grief that a Church of Chrifl fhall undergo a punifhment before convented, be punifhed (if there were due caufe) before ex- horted to repentance in a rule of Chrift, and hundreds of 76 Letters of Roger Wilhams. innocents punifhed of the town .... as the con- ceived nocents of the Church. This, to our apprehenfion, is fuch an evil as which (whether we refpe6t the perfons, or the public nature of the evil, as) God is not wont to expiate without fome public ftroke of jealoufly and difplea- fure. We hope we fhall ever be with the foremoft in all humble refpecft and fervice to all higher powers, accord- ing to God. We fpeak now of our much honored breth- ren as brethren, whofe fouls are dear and precious to us in holy covenant, and therein conceive the only way to honor them in the Lord, is to befeech them to wafli away the diflionor of the moft high, by true, godly forrow and repentance; and in this your fervice we conceive in the e[nd] you will find that moft true which the fpirit of G[od] writes, " open rebuke is better than fecret love." Your 3d argument is, that you dare not upon the Lord's day deal in a wordly bufinefs, no[r bring aj civil bufinefs in the Church. Firft, pleafe you to remember (our dear and well beloved in Chrifl) that for any civil matter we open not our mouth. We fpeak of a fpiritual oflTence againft our Lord Jefus, and againft the holy covenant of brethren, and fo we dojubt not though unclean .... oppref- fion be offences againft the c[ivil ftjate which the Church meddles [not] with, yet the Church deals with members lawfully for their breach [of covejnant, and difobedience againft the Lord Jefus. Again, we are not bold to limit you (our beloved) to the Lord's day ; we leave [it to your] wifdom and the wifdom of the Church, when to confider of the matter : yet hither[to] we have conceived that the kingly office of our Lord Jefus ought to be as well adminiftered on the Lord's day, as his Prieftly and Prophetic [office,] and [alfo] that he Letters of Roger Williams. yy is as much honored in the [ad of] cenfuring or 'par- doning of finners from his throne, Zach. vi. 13, in cafe of tranfgreffion againft his crown, as againftthe adminiftra- tion of other his fweet and blefled ordinances. _ Now our bleffed C[hrift Jef]us, who holdeth his ftars in his right hand, and out of whofe mouth goes a £h[arp two-] edged fword, and whofe countenance fhines as the fun in his ftrength. Rev., fhine mercifully and clearly upon your fouls in all holy . . . confolations and . . . Iva- tions. Your moft unworthy brethren, unfeignedly refpedtive and affed:ionate in Chrift Jefus. Roger Williams. Samuel Sharpe. This letter for which we are indebted to Charles Deane, Esq., of Cambridge, was not received in time to infert it in its proper place, according to its date. It was accompanied by the following note from that gentlemen : Note. — I copied this letter fome years July, 1635, that the "Salem men had ago from the original, in Roger Wil- preferred a petition, at the laft General liams's hand, belonging to the Prince col- Court, for fome land in Marblehead leftion in the keeping of the Maffachu- Neck, which they did challenge as be- fetts Hillorical Society. The letter was longing to their town ; but becaufe they confiderably imperfeft, many of the Had chofen Mr. Williams their teacher, words quite obliterated and gone, fo while he flood under queftion of authori- that the meaning is in many places quite ty, and fo offered contempt to the majif- obfcure. Enough however is pre- trates, &c., their petition was refufed, till ferved to fliew the general thought of &c. Upon this, the Church of Salem the writer, and to indicate the occafion wrote to other Churches, to admonilh on which it was written. It bears no the majiftrates of this as a heinous fin, date, but muft have been written in and likewife the deputies ; for which at l635,andwasa reply to a letter from the next General Court, their deputies the elders of the Church of Bofton, were not received until they fliould give dated "ye 22 of this 5th month" — ie. fatisfaftion about the letter." (Vol. i p. the 22d July. I apprehend the occafion 164.) It would appear that the letter on which the letter was written was this: fent to the Bofton Church was retained We learn from Winthrop, under date by the elders and not laid before the 7 8 Letters of Roger Williams. For his much honored Mr. Governor, John Wlnthrop. loth of 9th. [November 10, 1637.]' Sir, — I acquainted this Indian Miantunnomu,^ with the contents of your letter fent by him, who refts well perfuaded that if it break not firft with them, the league is firm and lafting, and the English are unfeigned. I have bought and paid for the Ifland,3 and becaufe I defired the beft confirmation of the purchafe to yourfelf that I could, I was bold to infert your name iji the original here enclofed. The ten fathom of beads and one coat you may pleafe at leifure to deliver to Mr. Throckmorton : who will alfo be ferviceable in the conveyance of fwine this way. Your native, Reprive,+ requefts me to write a word for himfelf and another for the Sachem of Block Ifland, Jac- quontu. For himfelf he tells me when he departed hence, being alone, he wandered toward Neepmuck: At Nayantick, Juanemo faid he was a fpy from Mr. Governor, and threat- ened to kill him, denied that there were Pequots, faying Church, they giving their reafons for fo » See previous letters. This letter was doing in their reply to the Salem Church, probably written fliortly after Miantun- The letter from the Bollon elders called nomoh's vifit, Nov. I, to Bofton. — Win- forth, as I fuppofe, this letter from Wil- thrqp, vol. i. p. 291. liams, figned by himfelf as teacher, and 3 The deed of Prudence Ifland, is Samuel Sharp, as ruling elder, of Salem dated Nov. 10, 1637, the fame day of Church. Sharpe was foonafterward called this letter. (See R. I. Hi/l, Coll. vol. 'ii. to account by the General Court for his p. 29.) The confideration paid Mian- hand. in this bufinefs. In copying this tunnomoh and Canonicus was twenty letter of Williams, I have indicated the fathom of wampum and two coats, which omiffions by ... I have modern- Williams paid, and now aiks to be reim- ized the orthography in this copy. c. d. burfed one-half. 4 Reprive, an Indian fervant of Gov. '4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 217. Winthrop. See letter of Oftober. Letters of Roger Williams. 79 though Reprive faw many himfelf) that they were all gone to Monahiganick. So he came back in fear of his life to Wepiteammock (Miantunnomue's brother-in-law) who lent him a canoe to Block Ifland where he ftaid but fix days. From Jacquauntu,' Block Ifland Sachem, that he is pre- paring thirteen fathom of white, and two of blue to pre- fent you with about the firft month. That they are greatly in fear of the Nayantick men who threaten them, in cafe the Englifli fall upon Nayan- tick. I am glad to fee this poor fellow Reprive careful to pleafe you, for he faid you gave him leave for twenty-eight days and though he could flay but fix days where he ,de- fired to fi:ay longefl:, yet he will not lie. He fays his brother goes along with him to flay fome while, till the fpring. Sir, There are two Pequot fquaws, brought by the Nar- raganfetts, almofl flarved ; viz. : Mr. Coles his native, and one girl from Winilimmit : there was a third (I think Mr. Blackflone'Sj) who had efcaped before to Nayantick. I promifed thefe, if they would flay at my houfe and not run away, I would write that they might be ufed kindly. The biggefl, Mr. Cole his native, complains that (he of all ' Referring to the tribute as required thence to Cumberland, R. I., near the by treaty made by Jaquauntu, the Block river iince called Blackftone River, in Ifland Sachem. referepce to his name. He died juft be- » His name in fome of the records of fore King Philip's vfav, when his refi- the period is fpelled Blaxton. William dence and his fine library were con- Blackftone or Blaxton, firft fettled on fumed. See note to letter of June 13, the peninfula, now the city of Bofton ; 1675. removed to Rehoboth in 1633, and 8o Letters of Roger Williams. natives in Bofton is the worle ufed : is beaten with fire- fticks, and efpecially by fome of the i'ervants. The little one makes no complaint of ufage, but fays fhe was enticed by that other fquaw, which I think was Mr. Blackftone's. I a{ked the biggeft, who burnt her and why, fhe told me Mr. Penn' becaufe a fellow lay with her, but fhe faid, for her part fhe refufed. My humble defire is that all that have thofe poor wretches might be exhorted as to walk wifely and juflly towards the,m, fo as to make mercy eminent, for in that attribute the Father of mercy moft fhines to Adam's mif- erable offspring. Sir, I fear I am tedious, yet muft I crave leave for a line more : I received a letter from fome in Charleftown, (in fpecial from one Benjamin Hubbard)^ intimating his and others defire (with my help and furtherance) to be my neighbors in fome place near adjoining : Mr. James3 hath not declared himfelf to be one, t>ut I guefs he is inclining to accompany them. On the Narraganfett fide the natives are populous, on the fide to MafTachufetward Plymouth men challenge, fo that I prefume if they come to the place where firft I was, Plymouth will call them theirs.^ I 'James Penn who at this time was one of the overfeers or magiftrates of the town of Bofton. ^ Benjamin Hubbard came to Charlef- town in 1633, was a prominent man, poffibly removed, fays Savage, to Bof- ton, but he is known to have returned to England, and probably never returned to America. 3 Thomas James, probably one of the thirteen original proprietors of Provi- dence, being firft mentioned in the " in- itial deed," fo called in 1638, and then more fully in the confirmatory deed of 1666 which bears his name. Bradford, calls him " a phifitian." — Hijl. of Ply- mouth, p. 364. * No deed has ever been difcovered, we think, of the lands of Seekonk and Rehobothj but a depofition of John Ha- fell, taken in 1642, confirms fuch a pur chafe. "John Hafell affirmeth that Af- famequime chofe out ten fathom of beads at Mr. Williams's and put them in a baf- ket, and affirmed that he was fully fatif- fied therewith for his land at Seacunck ; Letters of Roger Williams. 8 1 know not the perfons, yet in general could wifh (if it be either with countenance or connivance) that thefe ways might be more trod into thefe inland parts, and that amongft the multitudes of the barbarous, the neighbor- hood of fome Englifh Plantation (efpecially of men defi- ring to fear God) might help and ftrengthen. I fhall be thankful for a word of advice, and befeeching the Moft Holy and only Wife in mercy and goodnefs to know and guide the fouls of his in this remote wildernefs, and in this material defert, to difcover gracioufly the myftical where twelve hundred and three fcore days his faints are hid. Revel. 12. I rest Your Worfhip's, forry that I am not more yours and neither of us more the Lord's. Roger Williams. To Mrs. Winthrop all refpedive remembrance. I fhall beg (this winter in fome leifure) your help with my bad debtors, James and Tho : Haukins, from whom as yet I get nought but words. but he flood upon it that he would have a pofed to go to Seekonk, but afterwards coat more, and left the beads with Mr. gave it up, and the lands were then taken Williams, and wiftied him to keep them in 1641 by Rev. Samuel Newman and until Mr. Hubbard came up." — ■Plymouth others of Weymouth and Hingham. We Col. Rec. vol. ii. p. 87. Our impreffion can trace no fettlement near Providence is that the Charleftown men firft pro- to Charlellown men. II 82 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. zoth of the 9th. [November zo, 1637.]' Sir, — I reft thankfully fatisfied in your propounding of my motion to the Court, and the anfwer. (The earth is Jehovah's, and the plenitude of it.) I am not a little glad that the lot is fallen upon a branch of that root, in whofe good (prefent and eternal both of root and branches) I rejoice. For his lake I wifti it ground, and grafs, and trees ; yet what ufe fo ever he pleafe to make of it, I de- fire he would not fpare to make ufe of me in any fervice towards the natives on it or about it. Miantunnomu in his relations of paflages in the Bay with you, thankfully acknowledges to myfelf and others your loving carriage to him, and promifeth to fend forth word to all natives to ceafe from Prudence, trees, &c. Since your letter I travelled up to Nayantick by land where I heard Reprive was : there the Sachem (to whom he ad- heres, Wepiteammock) and the people related that he was gone to his wife at Mohegan : alfo that he, Wepiteam- mock, had fent to Uncas advifing and urging their return, but he could not prevail, and that if Reprive come within his reach he will fend him (though alone without his wife) however. I traveled to Mohegan and underftood that they were all at Pequot, Nayantick, but Uncas not being at home (but at New Haven) I could not do ought. Sir, I have often called upon your debtor, Joftiua,^ but his ill advifenefs of refufing my fervice and fpending of his time upon a houfe and ground hath difabled him. ' 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 220. of land was adjoining Mr. Williams's ^ Probably Jofhua Verin, whofe grant Letters of Roger Williams. 83 Upon this occafion of your loving proffer of the half of the debt (8//) to myfelf, I (hall be urgent with him to feek fome courfe of payment of the whole to yourfelf, from whom in recompenfe of any pains, &c., I defire no other fatisfadtion but your loving and wonted acceptation, yea, although the bufinefs had been effecSed. Sir, I had almoft been bold to fay my thoughts what I would do in this cafe, were the runaways' mine, but I will not more at prefent. If you fhall pleafe to require account of what my obfer- vation hath taught me, I ihall readily yield it in my next, ever begging mercy and truth to you and yours, and my loving friends with you. The Lord Jefus return us all (poor runaways) with weeping and fupplications to feek him that was nailed to the gallows ; in him I defire to be (and mourn I am not) more Your worfliip's unfeigned Roger Williams. Sir, I received fix fathom of beads from Mr. Throck- morton, which though I will not return, yet I account them yours in my keeping. Sir, I pray my refpedtive remembrance to Mrs. Win- throp. 5 Poffibly refers to Reprive and other Indian fervants. before mentioned. 84 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. Providence, loth of the nth month. [January 10, 1637-8.]' Much honored Sir, — It having pleafed the Mofl High to befiege us all with his white legions,^ I rejoice at this occafion from Connedticut (thefe letters fent to me by Mr. Hooker)3 that I may hear of your welfare and health, which I wifli and beg unfeignedly of the Lord. Mr. Hooker intimates a report to me that they hear from the Monahiganeucks that Miantunnomu intends Tho : Stanton's death. I have taken fome pains in it, and other pafTages fent me, finding them flanders : and fince (for many good ends and) for keeping a paffage open between yourfelves and Connedlicut by natives, fummer and win- ter, a peace is much to be defired between the Mohegan and the Narraganfett. I have proffered my pains in pro- curing a meeting of the adverfe Sachems, if it pleafe the Magiftrates of Connefticut to order Owokace (the Mohe- gan Sachem) to touch in at the Narraganfett mouth, where I hope to get the Narraganfett Sachems aboard, and it may pleafe the God of Peace to fave much blood and evil, &c. Only it behooves our friends of Connedticut, as I have writ to them, to look to the two or three hundred Pe- '4 MaJ's. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 221. the following month became pallor of *Snow. Winthrop fays, " This was the church in Newton. In 1636, with a very hard winter. The fnow lay from his whole congregation, he removed to November 4 to March 23 half a yard the banks of the Connefticut river, where deep about the Maflachufetts," &c., vol. they founded Hartford. In this new i. p. 317. colony. Hooker was very influential in 3 The Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hart- eftablifliing churches. He died in 1647, ford, to whom Williams here alludes, aged 61. He was the author of feveral was an eminent divine, and one of the volumes, the moft celebrated of which is founders of the colony of Connedlicut. A Survey of the Sum of Church Difcipline, He arrived at Bofton in company with printed at London, in 1648. John Cotton, September 3, 1633, and Letters of Roger Williams. 85 quots harbored by Wocafe' the Moheganj as alfo William Baker^ of Plymouth, (of whom formerly I wrote) who is there hid, is turned Indian in nakednefs and cutting of hair, and after many whoredoms, is there married : this fire-brand with thofe Pequots may fire whole towns : I have intimated how they may with eafe take him. Sir, let me be humbly bold to requeft a favor of you : I am at prefent deftitute of a man fervant, and much de- fire, if you light on one that defires to fear the Lord, re- member me. I have a lufty canoe, and (hall have occafion to run down often to your Iflands (near twenty miles from us) both with mine own and (I defire alfo freely) your worship's fwine, fo that my want is great. I would fpare no charge, either out of thofe beads and coat in your own hand: the tobacco from Mr. Ludlow, and 8 or 10// in James and Tho : Hawkins hand of which I hear not yet. Sir, if any letters from yourfelf or other friends are for Connecticut, I intreat you make hafte and fpeed by this mefl*enger, for I caufed four natives who came from Con- necticut to ftay his coming : I have already paid him, fo that his expectation is not great. Thus longing to hear of your healths, and with earneft and daily wifhes for that peace which this world cannot give nor take from you, and my poor wife's and mine own beft falutes to your deareft companion, I reft Your worfhip's to my power faithful Roger Williams. My due refpedts to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, theirs, and other loving friends, &c. 'Probably Uncas. ceding, relative to William Baker. ^ See note to letter of Oftober pre- J Prudence Ifland. 86 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. Providence, z8th of the izth. [February 28, 1637-8.]' Sir, — Some few days fince I received letters from Mr. Hooker, who had fafely received your packet with thanks, 6cc. He intimated that according to Miantunnomue's infor- mation by myfelf, WilKam Baker was hid at Mohegan, but they had made Uncas and Wequafh to bring him in. Since which time (Seargeant Holmes bailing him) he is again efcaped. He alio iignified the defire of the Magiftrates at Con- necticut that there the meeting fhould be : as alfo that in the mean feafon they had charged the Mohegans not to moleft any natives in their pafTage and travel, &c., requir- ing the fame of the Narraganfetts towards the Mohegans. Accordingly I have been lince at Narraganfett^ and find Miantunnomu willing to go to Connecticut by the time limited, the end of the next month ; only firft he defired to know Mr. Governor's mind : fecondly, in cafe his father- in-law Canonicus his brother, (whom I faw near death with above a thoufand men mourning and praying about him) in cafe he recover, otherwife it is unlawful for them (as they conceive,) to go far from home till toward mid- fummer. Thirdly, he defires earneftly my company, as being not fo confident of the Englifh at Connecticut, who have been (I fear) to full of threatnings : fecondly, he can- not be confident of Tho : Stanton's faithfulnefs in point of ^\Mafs. Hi/I. Coll. vol. vi. p. 223. fmall portion lying caft of Pawcatuck ^ The Narraganfett country which oc- river ; and extended a little north of the cupied much the fame diftrift as Wafli- prefent line of Kent County. ington County novir embraces, except a Letters of Roger Williams. 87 interpretation. Thefe things make me much defire (as I have written back) that you would both pleafe by fome deputed to make my poor houfe the centre where feems to be the faireft offer of convenience, and I hope no queftion of welcome. Vifiting Canonicus, lately recovered from the pit's brink this winter, he afked how Mr. Governor and the Englifh did, requefting me to fend him two words : firft, that he would be thankful to Mr. Governor for fome fu- gar (for I had fent him mine own in the depth of the win- ter and his licknefs.) Secondly, he called for his fword, which faid he, Mr. Governor did fend me by you and others of the Englifh, faying Mr. Governor protefted he would not put up his fword, nor would he have us put up ours, till the Pequots were fubdued, and yet faith he, at Mohegan there are near three hundred, who have bound and robbed our men (even of the very covering of their fecret parts) as they have paft from Connedticut hither : after much more to this purpofe, I told him that Mr. Governor had promifed him to fet all in order this fpring. Sir, I underftand that Uncas the Mohegan hath Safacous his lifter to wife, and one of the wives of Safacous his father Tattoapaine, and that is one reafon, befide his am- bition and nearnefs, that he hath drawn all the fcattered Pequots to himfelf and drawn much wealth from them : more I could trouble you with, &c. Canonicus and Miantunnomu both delired that there might be a divilion made of thefe furviving Pequots (ex- cept the Sachems and murderers) and let their {hare be at your own wifdom. I fliall be humbly bold to prefent mine own thoughts concerning a divifion and difpofal of them : fince the Moft High delights in mercy, and great revenge hath been 88 Letters of Roger Williams. already taken, what if (the murderers being executed) the reft be divided and difperfed, (according to their num- bers Ihall arife, and divifion be thought fit) to become fub- jects to yourfelves in the Bay and at Connedticut, which they will more ealily do in cafe they may be fufFered to incorporate with the natives in either places : as alfo that as once Edgar the Peaceable did with the Welfti in North Wales, a tribute of wolves heads be impofed on them, &c., which (with fubmiffion) I conceive an incomparable way to fave much cattle alive in the land. Sir, I hope fhortly to fend you good news of great hopes the Lord hath fprung up in mine eye, of many a poor In- dian foul enquiring after God. I have convinced hundreds at home and abroad that in point of religion they are all wandering, &c. I find what I could never hear before, that they have plenty of Gods or divine powers : the Sun, Moon, Fire, Water, Snow, Earth, the Deer, the Bear, &c., are divine powers. I brought home lately from the Nar- raganfetts the names of thirty-eight of their Gods, all they could remember, and had I not with fear and caution with- drew, they would have fallen to worfhip, O God, (as they fpeak) one day in feven, but I hope the time is not long that fome fhall truely blefs the God of Heaven that ever they faw the face of Englifli men. So waiting for your pleafure and advice to our neighbors concerning this in- tended meeting for the eftablifhing of peace through all the bowels of the country, and befeeching the Moft High to vouchfafe his peace and truth through all your quarters, with my due refpedis to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr.' Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c., I reft Your worfhip's in all true refpedt and afFedlion Roger Williams. Letters of Roger Williams. 89 Sir, I heard no more as yet from Charleftown men coming this way. Mr. Coxall and Mr. AfpinwalP have fent to me about fome of thefe parts, and in cafe for ihel- ter for their wives and children. Indorfed by Gov. Winthrop, " Provifions to be fent by the Salem Bark to Mr. Williams and Mr. Throckmorton, Mr. Harlackenden knows more." To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. Providence, i6th of this 2d. [April 16, 1638.]^ Much honored Sir, — I kindly thank you for your loving inclination to receive my late proteftation concern- ing myfelf, ignorant of Mr. Greene's letter,3 &c. I de- fire unfeignedly, to reft in my appeal to the Moft High in what we differ, as I dare not but hope you do : it is no ' William Afpinwrall, was one of the figners of the compaft at Portfmouth in 1638, and was chofen Secretary. The following year he had lands affigned him in that town. Savage, fays he moved to New Haven and afterwards returned to Bofton. — Genealogical DiB. vol. i. p. 71. It is to be inferred from this letter that fome of the family were ftill in the colo- ny of Rhode Ifland. »4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 226. 3 March 12, 1638. "Whereas a let- ter was fent to this Court, fubfcribed by John Greene, dated from New Provi- dence, wherein thfe Court is charged with ufurping the power of Chrift over the Churches and men's confciences, notwithftanding he had formerly ac- knowledged his fault in fuch fpeeches ; 12 it is now ordered, that faid John Greene fliall not come into this jurifdiftion upon paine of imprifonment and further cen- fure : and becaufe it appears to this Courte that fome other of the fame place are confident in the fame corrupt judgment and praftice ; it is ordered, that if any other of the inhabitants ot the faid plantation of Providence fliall come within this jurifdiftion, they fliall be apprehended and brought before fome of the magiftrates ; and if they will not difclaime the faid corrupt opinion and cenfure, they fliall be commanded pre- fently to depart," etc. — Mafs. Col. Rec. vol. i. p. 224 ; fee alfo Winthrop, Jour- nal, vol. i, p. 307 ; fee alfo note to letter of July 31, 1637.' 9° Letters of Roger Williams. fmall grief that I am otherwife perfuaded, and that fome- times you fay (and I can fay no lefs^ that we differ : the fire will try your works and mine : the Lord Jefus help us to make fure of our perfons that we feek Jefus that was crucified : however it is and ever fhall be (the Lord affifl- ing) my endeavor to pacify and allay, where I meet with rigid and cenforious ipirits, who not only blame your adlions but doom your perions : and indeed it was one of the firft grounds of my diflike of John Smith' the miller, and efpecially of his wife, viz.: their judging of your per- fons as [devel's]^ &c. I alfo humbly thank you for that fad relation of the monfl:er,3 &c. The Lord fpeaks once and twice : he be pleafed to open all our ears to his difcipline. 'John Smith one of the earlieft fet- tlers in Providence. He is on the lift of thofe who received a "home lot" in 1638, and was one of the committee, with Ro- ger Williams and others, appointed May 16, 1647, to organize a government. — if. /. Lol. Records, vol, i. pp. 24 and 42. He was one of the moft prominent men in the colony for many years ; but it feems that he incurred the diflike of Williams. ^ The word in brackets is expunged in the original manufcript. 3 This " monfter" was the deformed child of the wife of William Dyer, " a very proper and fair woman. The child was buried, (being ftill-born) and viewed of none but Mrs Hutchinfon and the midwife." A particular account of this " monfter" is given by Winthrop under date of March 27, 1638. — Journal, yo\. i. p. 226. Winthrop fays that Dyer and his wife " were notorioufly infefted with Mrs. Hutchinfon's errors, (flie being much addifted to revelations.)" Mrs. Hutch- infon endeavored to conceal the faft of the birth of the child, by advice, as flie faid of Mr. Cotton. " The Governour, fpeaking with Mr. Cotton about it, told him the reafon why he advifed them to conceal it : I. Becaufe he faw a provi- dence of God in it," etc., which apology was accepted. — Hift. of N. Eng. vol. i. P- 313- This ftrange affair feems to have cre- ated a fenfation in the colony, and the midwife fuspefted of being a witch, was obliged to leave the jurifdiftion. Gov. Bradford, of Plymouth, in a let- ter to Winthrop, fays '■ I thank you for your letter touching Mrs. Hutchinfon : I heard fince of a monftrous and pro- digious birth which flie ftiould difown amongft yon. — Winthrop Papers, \ Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 156, Letters of Roger Williams. 9« Mrs. Hutchinfon' (with whom and others of them I have had much difcourfe) makes her apology for the con- cealment of the monfter, that (he did nothing in it with- out Mr. Cotton's^ advice, though I cannot believe that he ' Anne Hutchinfon, founder of the Antinomian party in New England. Be- ing interelled in the preachings of John Cotton, came to Bofton in 1634. " ^^^ foon acquired efteem and influence. She inllituted meetings of the women of the Church tu difcufs fermons and doftrines, in which Ihe difplayed great familiarity with fcripture, but made enemies by her nnovating theories. Two years after her arrival, the llrife between her fup- porters and opponents broke out into public aftion. ' The difpute' fays Ban- croft, • infufed its fpirit into every thing ; it interfered with the levy of troops for the Pequot war ; it influenced the ref- peft fliown to the magiftrates, the diftri- bution of town lots, the aiTeflment of taxes, and at laft the continued exiftence of the two oppofing parties was con- fidered inconfillent with the public peace.' Her peculiar tenents were condemned by the ecclefiaftical fynod in 1637, and after a two days trial before the General Court, Ihe was fentenced to banifhment. She joined her friends, who, under John Clarke and Wm. Coddington, fettled in Rhode Ifland."— Drake, Biog. Dia. Mrs. Hutchinfon " was a woman of rare endowments of intelleft, and bril- liant qualities of both perfon and char- after. Her mind, tinged with a fliade of fanaticifm, was of that impaffioned and fervid call, which enabled her to clothe her peculiar doftrines in the charms of a fafcinating eloquence, and eafily to fubjeft to her fway the opinions of thofe, who were not entirely quiefcent beneath the defpotifm of the prevailing theology of the times The quef- tions at iflue were, in moft refpefts, the fame as have perplexed the minds and divided the opinions of Chrillians in every age of the church, and about which uniformity of fentiment is never to be hoped for." — Gammell, Life of Roger Williams, p. g6. In 1642, on the death of her hufband, Mrs. Hutchinfon removed to Weftchef- ter County, New York, and took up her refidence near Hell Gate. The follow- ing year her houfe was attacked by the Indians, who fet it on fire, and murdered her whole family, comprifing fixteen perfons, with the exception of one daugh- ter who was carried away into an un- known captivity. " Her tragical death and the extinftion of her family," writes Profeflbr Gammell, "ferved but to con- firm her enemies in Maffachufetts in their conviftions of her wickednefs, and the juftice of their proceedings againft her. They were confidently regarded as a revelation of the judgment of God. ^John Cotton, with whom Williams afterwards had a controverfy upon theo- logical matters. For the voluminous writings of thefe eminent men, fee the "Bloody Tenent" dind. other works, in the third and fourth volumes of the pub- lications of the Narraganfett Club. 92 Letters of Roger Williams. fubfcribes to her applications of the parts of it. The Lord mercifully redeem them, and all of us from all our delu- lions, and pity the defolations of Zion and the ftones thereof., I find their longings great after Mr. Vane,' although they think he can not return this year : the eyes of fome are fo earneftly fixed upon him that Mrs. Hutchinfon profefi"eth if he come not to New, fhe muft to Old England. I have endeavored by many arguments to beat off their defires of Mr. Vane as G. G. and the chief are fatisfied unlefs he come fo for his life, but I have endeavored to difcover the fnare in that alfo. Sir, concerning your intended meeting for reconciling of thefe natives our friends, and dividing of the Pequots our enemies, I have engaged your name, and mine own; and if no courfe be taken, the name of that God of Truth whom we all profefs to honor will fuffer not a little, it be- ing an ordinary and common thing with our neighbors, if they apprehend any Ihow of breach of promife in myfelf, thus to objed:: do you know God, and will you lie ? &c. The Pequots are gathered into one, and plant their old fields, Wequafh and Uncas carrying away the people and their treafure, which belong to yourfelves : I fhould be bold to prefs my former motion, or elfe that with the next convenience they might be sent for other parts, &c. » Sir Henry Vane, Governor of Maf- other Maflachufetts people who were fachufetts the previous year, had juft re- perfecuting her. She and her followers, turned to England. While in Bofton, therefore, looked to him for proteftion. he had befriended Mrs. Hutchinfon, See an extended note to letter of Ofto- having no fympathy with the clergy and ber 25, 1649, on Sir Henry Vane. Letters of Roger Williams. 93 I hope it will never be interpreted that I prels this out of fear of any revenge upon myfelf by any of them. I ever yet (in point of reafon to fay no more] conceived this place the fafeft of the land, and can make it appear, &c., but out of defire to clear your names and the name of the moft High, which will be ill reported of in cafe (accord- ing to fo many promifes) an honorable and peaceable iflue of the Pequot war be not eftabhfhed. Sir, the bearer hereof (not daring either to bring my letter or attend for an anfwer) I muft requeft you to fend your letter to Richard Collicut's, that fo a native may con- vey it, or elfe to Nicholas Upfhall's : and I fliould be bold humbly to propound to the country whether in cafe there be a neceffity of keeping league with the natives, and fo confequently many occafions incident, (and fome which I will not write of) as alfo a conveniency of infor- mation this way, how matters may ftand with you on the fea-fbore, as I fay,, whither it be not requifite fo far to dif- penfe with the late order of reftraint as to permit a mef- ienger freely, 'Tis true I may hire an Indian : yet not always, nor fure, for thefe two things I have found in them : fome- times long keeping of a letter : fecondly, if a fear take them that the letter concerns themfelves they fupprefs it, as they did with one of fpecial information which I fent to Mr. Vane. Sir, there will be new Heavens and a new Earth fhortly but no more Sea. (Revel. 21. 2.) the moft holy God be pleafed to make us willing now to bear the toflings, dangers and calamities of this fea, and to feal up to ufe upon his own grounds, a great lot in the glorious ftate approaching. So craving pardon for prolixity, with mine 94 Letters of Roger Williams. and wife's due refpedl to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c., I reft Your worfhip's defirous to be ever yours unfeigned Roger Williams. Endorfed by Gov. Winthrop, "2. 16. 1638." To his much honored Governor "John Winthrop.'^ Providence, the 22 of 3d mon. [May 22, 1638.] Sir, — BlefTed be the Father of Spirits, in whofe hand our breath and ways are, that once irore I may be bold to falute you and congratulate your return from the brink, of the pit of rottennefs.^ What is man that thou fhouldeft viiit him and try him? &c. Job 7th You are put off to this tempeftuous fea again, more ftorms await you, the good Lord repair our leaks, frefhen up the gales of his bleffed Spirit, fteady our courfe by the compafs of his own truth, refcue us from all our fpiritual adverfaries, not only men, but fiends of war, and affure us of an harbor at laft, even the bofom of the Lord Jefus. Sir, you have many an eye (I prefume) lifted up to the hills of mercy for you : mine might feem fuperfluous : yet privately and publicly you have not been forgotten, and I hope fhall not while thefe eyes have fight. ' 4 Mafi. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 244. which brought him near death. — Hift. » Alluding to the illnefs of Winthrop, of New England, vol. i. p. 318. Letters of Roger Williams. 95 Sir, this laft night Mr. Allen of Hartford, and Lieutenant Holmes lodged with me, and relate that Mr. Haynes' or fome chief refolved to be with you this week. So that you may pleafe a little ftop till their coming. Lieutenant Holmes relates that William Baker, who lay hid fo long among the Mohegans and Pequots, for whom he gave bail, &c., was hid again the fecond time among the fame by Uncas, but the Lieutenant, by a Providence, heard of him and returned him to Hartford, where he hath fuffered for his much uncleannefs two leveral whippings. This fellow, notorious in villiany, and ftrongly affecSed by thofe wretches, both ftudying revenge, is worthy to be watched even by the whole country, and to be difperfed from the Pe- quots, and they each from other, according as I have been bold to motion formerly. Sir, we have been long afflicted by a young man boifte- rous and defperate, Philip Verin's fon of Salem,^ who as he hath refufed to hear the word with us (which we mo- lefted him not for) this twelve month, fo becaufe he could not draw his wife, a gracious and modeft woman, to the fame ungodlinefs with him, he hath trodden her under foot 'John Haynes, Governor of Connec- by nature tolerant and a friend to free- ticut. He came from England with dom." He was one of the beft educated Thomas Hooker in 1633. In 1637 he of the early fettlers of this country. — was prominent among the founders of Drake, Biog. Diliionary. Connefticut, and was chofen its firft ^ Philip Verin's fon, of Salem. Proba- Governor in 1639, and every alternate bly one of the family of Jofliua Verin, year afterward till his death. He was one of the firll fettlers of Providence, one of the five who, in 1638, drew up a who accompanied Roger Williams when written conftitution for the colony. Ban- he paddled acrofs Seekonk River in his CROFT fpeaks of him as a man " of large log canoe, but who foon after removed eftate, and larger affeftions : of heavenly to Salem. See letter following that of mind, and fpotlefs life ; of rare fagacity, Odlober loth, for a note on Joftiua Verin. and accurate but unalTuming judgment ; 96 Letters of Roger Williams . tyrannically and brutiftily : which Ihe and we long bear- ing, though with his furious blows fhe went in danger of life, at the laft the major vote of us difcard him from our civil freedom, or disfranchife, &c. : he will have juftice (as he clamors) at other Courts : I wifh he might, for a foul and flanderous and brutifh carriage, which God hath de- livered him up unto ; he will [haul] his wife with ropes to Salem, where fhe muft needs be troubled and troublefome, as differences yet fland. She is willing to flay and live with him or elfewhere, where fhe may not offend, &c. I fhall humbly requeft that this item be accepted, and he no way countenanced, until (if need be) I further trouble you : So with due refpedts to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Depu- ty, Mr. Bellingham, &c., I refl, Your worfhip's unfeigned Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor yohn Winthrop.^ Providence, 27th of 3d. [May 27, 1638.] Much honored Sir, — I have prefumed to fend this Narraganfett man, to attend your pleafure concerning the Pequots, and Canonicus and Miantunnomue's complaint againfl them and their proted:ors. The fum of their defire I lately acquainted you with, viz. : that you would pleafe (even all the Englifh) to fit flill and let themfelves alone with them according to con- ■ 4 Mafs. Hifi, Coll. vol. vi. p. 246. Letters of Roger Williams. 97 fent, when Miantunnomu was laft with you, who coming home, fell upon Nayantick men who fheltered the Pequots, but was flopped by our friends of Connecticut. Or, fecondly, that fome other courfe (in confultation) m'ight be taken for difperiion of them : even as far as Old England or elfewhere, as they fpeak. Sir, I do conceive either courfe will be difficult, becaufe our friends at Connecticut are ftrangely bewitched with the fubjeClion of thefe Pequots to themfelves, and are alfo as ftrangely refolved upon fighting and violent courfes, (as I underftand by letters, and otherwife by fpeech) unlefs Mi- antunnomu come over perfonally to them to anfwer for proud fpeeches which they hear of. Miantunnomu hath long fince promifed, and ftill waits to go any whither you fhall pleafe to make anfwer, to meet, &c. Some from Connecticut write me word, that Indians will teftify fuch fpeeches to Miantunnomu's teeth : and it may be fo whether true or falfe. I alfo, in cafe I fhould liften to Indian reports, fhall bring many who will affirm that Tho : Stanton hath received mighty bribes (whence origo mali) that Uncas the Mohe- gan hath received little lefs than a thoufand fathom of beads, whence he carries out fome prefent to our friends at Connecticut, but I fay I will not believe it. But this I know, that according to league in two articles, that the Pequots fhall not be fheltered nor difpofed of without mutual confent of the Englifh and the two Narra- ganfett Sachems. Secondly, that if the Pequots be fuffered in the land to congregate and unite into four or five hundred together (as Lieutenant Howe confeft to me) it will coft more blood 13 98 Letters of Roger Williams. on all fides then yet hath been fpilt ; for on the one part, the Narraganfetts can no more forbear them than a wolf his prey, and on the other fide for the Pequots upon all advantage the Englifli fhall find, that Vindicta levis vita in- candior ipfd eji. Thirdly, that our friends at Connedticut are marvelloufly deluded by the Mohegans, as to be fo confident of them, that Mr. Hooker writes no proof can be brought againft them for word or deed : when it is clear they were Pe- quots, and lately hid, (once and the fecond time) Wil- liam Baker from the Englifh, and that upon pain of death to any that {hould reveal him, as Lieutenant Holmes told me. Sir, my defire is that it would therefore pleafe the Lord to guide you all to make a prudent difpofal and dif- perfion of the Pequots, which the Narraganfetts will fur- ther by peace or war. So with all due falutations I hum- bly reft, unfeigned in all defire of your prefent and eternal peace. Roger Williams. Mr. Allen told me that there were numbers of the Pe- quots at Narraganfett, but I fatisfied him that they were at Nayantick, (whence if themfelves had not flopped) they had long fince been removed. Letters of Roger Williams. 99 For his much honored Mr. Governor, "John Winthrop. Providence, [June, 1638.]" Sir, — I fometimes fear that my lines are as thick and over bufy as the mufketoes, &c., but your wifdom will con- nive, and your love will cover, &c. Two things at prefent for information. Firft in the affairs of the Moft High; his late dreadful voice and hand : that audible and fenlible voice, the Earth- quake.^ All thefe parts felt it, (whether beyond the Narraganfett I yet learn not), for myfelf I fcarce perceived ought but a kind of thunder and a gentle moving, &c., and yet it was no more this way to many of our own and the natives ap- prehenlions, and but one fudden fhort motion. The younger natives are ignorant of the like : but the elder inform me that this is the fifth within thefe four fcore years in the land : the firfl about three fcore and ten years fince : the fecond fome three fcore and four years fince, the third fome fifty-four years fince, the fourth fome forty-fix fince : and they always obferved either plague or pox or fome other epidemical difeafe followed ; three, four or five years after the Earthquake, (or Naunaumemoauke, as they fpeak). He be mercifully pleafed himfelf to interpret and open ■ 4 Mafs. HiJI. Coll. vol. vi. p. 229. at Narraganfett, at Pifcataquack, and all ^Winthrop, under date of June 1, parts round about. It ftiook the fhips, thus records this event : " Betvyeen three w^hich rode in the harbour, and all the and four in the afternoon, being clear, iflands, etc. The noife and the fliakings vyarm weather, the wind weflerly, there continued about four minutes. The was a great earthquake. It came with a earth was unquiet twenty days after, by noife like a continued thunder or the times.— Htjl. of New England, vol. i. p. rattling of coaches in London, but was 319. prefently gone. It was at Connefticut, loo Letters of Roger Williams. his own riddles, and grant if it be pleafing in his eyes) it may not be for deftrudtion.and but (as the Earthquake be- fore the Jailor's converfion) a means of fhaking and turn- ing of all hearts, (which are his,) Englifh or Indian, to him. To further this (if the Lord pleafe) the Earthquake fenfibly took about a thoufand of the natives in a moft folemn meeting for play, &c. Secondly, a word in mine own particular, only for infor- mation. I owe between 50 and 60// to Mr. Cradock' for commodities received from Mr. Mayhew.^ Mr. Mayhew will teftify that (being Mr. Cradock's agent) he was content to take payment, what (and when) my houfe at Salem yielded : accordingly I long fince put it into his hand, and he into Mr. Jollies',3 who befide my voluntary adl and his attachment fince, fues as I hear for damages, which I quef- tion : fince I have not failed againfl: contradt and content of the firft agent, but the holy pleafure of the Lord be done : unto whofe merciful arms (with all due refpedts) I leave you, wifhing heartily that mercy and goodneis may ever follow you and yours. Roger Williams. Sir, to your dear companion, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Belling- ham, and theirs, all refpedtive falutes, &c. " Mathew Cradock, Governor of the Thomas Mayhew hath and doth fo much Maflkchufetts Company. difquiet my mind, as I thank God never ^ Thomas Mayhew was a member of any thing did in the lyke manner. The the General Court of Maflkchufetts, and Lord in mercy free me from this, I ab- probably a merchant. Others befides folutely forbad charging moneys from Williams feem to have had trouble with thence, or buying any goods there." — him, for Cradock, whofe agent he was, Winthrop Papers : 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. in a letter to Winthrop, January 13th, vol. vi. p. 122. 1636, fays "The greyffe I have been sjollies or, Joliffe, an agent of Mr. put to by the moft vyle bad dealing of Cradock, fee previous letter. Letters of Roger Williams. loi To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. [No date; June, 1638.] Sir, — I perceive by thefe your laft thoughts, that you have received many accufations and hard conceits of this poor native Miantunnomu, wherein I fee the vain and empty puff of all terrene promotions, his barbarous birth or greatnefs being much honored, confirmed and aug- mented (in his own conceit) by the folemnity of his league with the Englifli and his more than ordinary entertain- ment, &c., now all dafhed in a moment in the frowns of fuch in whofe friendfhip and love lay his chief advance- ment. Sir, of the particulars, fome concern him only, fome Canonicus and the reft of the Sachems, fome all the na- tives, fome myfelf. For the Sachems, I fhall go over fpeedily, and acquaint them with particulars. At prefent, let me ftill find this favor in your eyes, as to obtain an hearing, for that your love hath never denied me, which way foever your judg- ment hath been (I hope and I know you will one day fee it) and been carried. Sir, let this barbarian be proud and angry and covetous and filthy, hating and hateful, (as we ourfelves have been till kindnefs from heaven pitied us, &c.,) yet let me hum- bly beg relief, that for myfelf, I am not yet turned Indian, to believe all barbarians tell me, nor fo bafely prefumptu- ous as to trouble the eyes and hands of fuch (and fo hon- ored and dear) with fliadows and fables. I commonly guefs (hrewdly at what a native utters, and, to my remem- ' 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll.yol. i. p. 166. Knowles's Mem. of Roger Williams, p. 149. I02 Letters of Roger Williams. brance, never wrote particular, but either I know the bot- lom of it, or elfe I am bold to give a hint of my fufpenfc. Sir, therefore in fome things at prefent (begging your wonted gentlenefs toward my folly) give me leave to fhow you how I clear myfelf from fuch a lightnefs. I wrote lately (for that you pleafe to begin with) that fome Pequots, (and fome of them adlual murderers of the Englifh, and that alfo after the fort cut off) were now in your hands. Not only love, but confcience, forced me to fend, and fpeedily, on purpofe, by a native, mine own fer- vant, I faw not, fpake not with Miantunnomu, nor any from him. I write before the All-feeing Eye. But thus it was. A Narraganfett man (Awetipimo) coming from the bay with cloth, turned in (as they ufed to do) to me for lodging. I queftioned of Indian paffages, &c. He tells me Uncas was come with near upon forty natives. I afked what prefent he brought. He told me, that Cut- ihamoquene had four fathom and odd* of him, and forty was for Mr. Governor. I afked him, how many Pequots. He told me fix. I alked him, if they were known. He faid Uncas denied that there were any Pequots, and faid they were Mohegans all, I afked, if himfelf knew any of them. He anfwered, he did, and fo did other Indians of Narraganfett. I afked, if the murderer of whom I wrote, Pametefick, were there. He anfwered, he was, and (I fur- ther enquiring) he was confident it was he, for he knew him as well as me, &c. All this news (by this providence) I knew before it came to Narraganfett. Upon this I fent, indeed fearing guilt to I " Four fathom and odd " of wampum, by the yard or fathom. See note on or peage, which in firings, was meafured wampum. Letters of Roger Williams. 103 mine own foul, both againft the Lord and my countrymen. But fee a ftranger hand of the Moft and Only Wife. Two days after, Uncas paffeth by within a mile of me (though he fhould have been kindly welcome ) One of his com- pany (Wequaumugs) having hurt his foot, and difabled from travel, turns into me ; whom lodging, I queftioned, andfind him by father a Narraganfett, by mother a Mohe- gan, and fo freely entertained by both. I, further enquiring, he told me he went from Mohegan to the Bay with Uncas. He told me how he had prefented forty fathom to (my re- membrance) to Mr. Governor, (four and upwards to Cut- (hamoquene,) who would not receive them, but afked twice for Pequots. At laft, at Newtown, Mr. Governor received them, and was willing that the Pequots ftiould live, fuch as were at Mohegan, fubjedt to the Englifh Sach- ems at Connedticut, to whom they (hould carry tribute, and fuch Pequots as were at Narraganfett to Mr. Governor, and all the runaways at Mohegan to be fent back. I afked him, how many Pequots were at Narraganfett. He laid, but two, who were Miantunnomue's captives, and that at Nayantick with Wequafli Cook were about three fcore. I afked, why he faid the Indians at Narraganfett were to be the Governor's fubjefts. He faid, becaufe Nayantick was fometimes fo called, although there had been of late no coming of Narraganfett men thither. I afked him, if he heard all this. He faid, that himfelf and the body of the company flaid about Cutfhamoquene's. I afked, how many Pequots were amongfl them. He faid fix. I defired him to name them, which he did thus : Pametefick, Wee- augonhick, (another of thofe murderers) Makunnete, Kifh- kontuckqua, Saufawpona, QufTaumpowan, which names I prefently wrote down, and {pace veftra dixerim) I am as 104 Letters of Roger Williams. ' confident of the truth, as that I breathe. Again, (not to be too bold in all the particulars at this time,) what a grofs and rnonftrous untruth is that concerning myfelf, which your love and wifdom to myfelf a little efpy, and I hope fee malice and falfehood (far from the fear of God) whif- pering together? I have long held it will-worfhip to doff and don to the Moft High in worfliip ; and I wifh alfo that, in civil worfhip, others were as far from fuch a vanity, though I hold it not utterly unlawful in fome places. Yet furely, amongft the barbarians, (the highest in the world,) I would rather lofe my head than fo practice, becaufe I judge it my duty to fet them better copies, and fhould fin againft mine own perfuafions and relolutions. Sir, concerning the iflands Prudence and (Patmos, if fome had not hindered) Aquednick,' be pleafed to under- ftand your great miftake : neither of them were fold pro- perly, for a thoufand fathom would not have bought either, by flrangers. The truth is, not a penny was demanded for either, and what was paid was only gratuity, though I choofe, for better afllirance and form, to call it fale. And, alas! (though I cannot conceive you can aim at the Sachems) they have ever conceived, that myfelf and Mr. Coddington^ (whom they knew fo many years a Sachem ■ Aquetneck, Aquidneck, the Ifland of eft in all the public charges and a princi- Rhode Ifland. pal merchant in Bofton, where he built ^ William Coddington was a native of the firft brick houfe." He came to Lincolnfhire, England, and was there ap- Rhode Ifland with a few friends, and his pointed an afliftant judge for the colony name Hands firft among thofe who incor- of Maflachul'etts Bay, in 1629. He porated themfelves into a body politic in came over with the Governor and the the year 1638. They choofe him to Charter in 1630, and was feveral times be their judge, or chief ruler, and con- re-elefted to that office. He was alfo, tinued to eleft him Governor until the for fome time, treafurer of that colony, patent was received, and the ifland incor- as was alfo, fays Callender, " the chief- porated with Providence Plantations. In Letters of Roger Williams. 105 at Bofton), were far from being rejefted by yourfelves, as you pleafe to write, for if the Lord had not hid it from their eyes, I am fure you had not been thus troubled by myfelf at prefent. Yet the earth is the Lord's and the full- nefs thereof His infinite wifdom and pity be pleafed to help you all, and all that defire to fear his name and trem- ble at his word in this country, to remember that we all are rejedled of our native foil, and more to mind the many ftrong bands, with which we are all tied, than any particu- lar diftafte each againfl other, and to remember that excel- lent precept, Prov. 25, If thine enemy hunger, feed him, &c. ; for thou {halt heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah fhall reward thee ; unto whofe mercy and tender compaffions I daily commend you, defirous to be more and ever Your worship's unfeigned and faithful Roger Williams. his depofition he dates that he was one of thofe who made a peace with Canoni- cus and Miantoriomi in the colony's be- half with all the Narraganfett Indians, and by order of Maflachufetts Bay, be- fore they made war with the Pequots. It was fubfequent to this that he removed to Rhode Ifland. In 1647 he affifted in framing the body of laws which has fince been the bafis of our conftitution and government. In 165 1 he had a commiflion from the fupreme authority in England to be Gov- ernor of the Ifland, feparate from the reft of the colony, purfuant to a power referved in the patent, but the peo- ple being jealous that " the commiflion might affeft their laws and liberties, as fecured to them by the patent," — " he readily laid it down " fays Callender, 14 " on the iirft notice from England that he might do fo." Many of the colonifts embraced the fentiments of the Society of Friends, among whom was Governor Coddington. Their yearly meeting was held at his houfe until his death. Coddington appears to have enjoyed a high reputation, and was ever aftive in promoting the welfare of the common, wealth which he had aflifted in founding. He was a warm advocate for liberty of confcience, as was fliown in his afts, and as may be feen from his writings. 'I'wo lay letters from him on religious matters as preferved in Besse's Sufferings of the fakers, London, 1753 : z vols, folio; and in a traft entitled " Demonftration of True Love unto Tou the rulers of the colony of Maffachufetts " in New England. London, 1674. io6 Letters of Roger Williams. Sir, mine own and wife's refpedtive falutes to your dear companion and all yours ; as alfo to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and other loving friends. I am bold to enclofe this paper, although the pafTages may not be new, yet they may refrefh your memories in thefe Englifli-Scotch diftrad:ions,' &c. To his much honored Governor "John Winthrop. Providence, this 5th of theprefent weeke. [June, 1638.]^ Much honored Sir, — Blefled be the Father of mer- cies that once again I received your hand the laft night by the melTengers by whom I fent. By them I underftand that according as you pleafe to intimate your expectation, Mr. Haynes is come: with Un- cas, thirty-four Mohegans, and fix Pequots.3 One of the fix Pequots is Pametefick, who was one of the murderers that cut off the three Englifh, going in ■"Scotch diftraftions." " The trou- and tendered the Governor a prefent of bles which arofe in Scotland about ths twenty fathom of wampom. This was book of Common Prayer, and the at the Court, and it was thought fit by canons, which the King would have the council to refule it, till he had given forced upon the Scotch churches, did fo fatisfaftion about the Pequods, etc. But take up the King and council, that they two days after, having received good had neither heart or leifure to look after fatisfaftion of his innocency, etc., and the affairs of New England." — Win- he promifing to fubmit to the order of THROP, Hiji. of New England, vol. i. p. the Englilh touching the Pequods he had, 320. and the differences between the Narra- »4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 230. ganfetts and him, we accepted his pre- 3 Winthrop, under date of June 5, lents. . . . The Governcr gave him a fays " Unkas the Monahegan Sachem in red coat, and defrayed his and his men's the twill of Pequot River, came to Bof- diet, and a letter of proteftion to all ton with thirty-feven men. He came men, etc.. and he departed very joyful." from Connefticut with Mr. Haynes, HiJi. of New England, yoX.'i. ^i. ^ig. Letters of Roger Williams. 1 07 a boat for clay upon Conned:icut river, after the Fort was cut off. They not only fpilt their blood, but exercifed inhuman and tormenting revenge upon two of them, which cries for vengeance to heaven. So that I refer it humbly to your wifdom whether (although I defire not the deftrudtion of the furviving Pe- quots, but a fafe difperfion of them, yet) the actual mur- derers be not to be furrendered up, and this Pametefick (I am partly confident this is he) at prefent apprehended : Our loving friends of Connedticut reported that fome Mo- hegan women were wronged (as their hair cut off, &c.,) by the Narraganfetts : but Uncas knows it was done by Wequafhcuck of Nayantick, to whom Uncas fent for a Pequot queen. They two have got in the Pequots (though Uncas have the harveft.) Againft Wequafhcuck, Canoni- cus or Miantunnomu had long fince proceeded, but our loving friends of Connedticut interpofed : I hope for the beft to fave blood. So befeeching the great Councillor and Prince of Peace to guide your councils, I reft your Worship's moft unworthy yet unfeigned Roger Williams. All refpedtive falutes, &c. io8 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. Providence, 2jd, 5th. [July 23, 1638.]' Two days lince I was bold to prefent you with a line, and ftill (fo it pleafeth the moft High,) I am occafioned again to be a conftant trouble, &c, Thefe your Worfhip's fervants vifiting m-e in their tra- vel, 1 enquire after your runaways. The man faith he hath much to relate to yourfelf, and wanting utterance, defires me to write. He faith he hath enquired much after the runaways, and underftands for certain that they are all at Mohegan. That the flight was long fince plotted, for he hath now heard by a Pequot that came from Mohegan, that the ten Mohegans which came to your Worfliip in the fpring to buy one of the maidens, and offered ten fathom of beads, came from Uncas, who intended that maid for his wife. That he gave order to thofe ten men, that, (in cafe they could not buy her) they fhould leave one man there at your houfe, to perfuade and work their efcape. That man was the Pequot Robin, who hath effedted his bulinefs, for which (as he hears) Uncas promifed him and hath given him the ten fathom of Wampum.^ ■4 Mafs. Hill. Coll. vol. vi. p. 231. fliell is broken oiF . . . The fecond » Wampum. Strings, or ftrings of is black, inclining to blue, wrhich is made fliells, ufed by the Indians as money, of the fliell of a fifti; and of this fort Thefe, when united, formed a broad three make a penny. Their white mo- belt, which was worn as a ornament or ney they call wampam, which fignifies girdle. It was fometimes called wam- white ; their black, funkahock fignifying pumpeage or peage. black." — Williams' Key to the Indian " The Indians are ignorant of Eu- Language, London, 1643 : Chap. xxvi. rope's coin. Their own is of two forts : "A Sagamore with a humbird in his one white, which they make of the Item ears for a pendant, a black hawk in his or ftock of the periwinkle, when all the occipit for a plume, good ftore of wam- Letters of Roger Williams. 109 Uncas hath taken the two daughters, Marie and Jane both to wife, and fayth that now he hath done fending of prefents to MafTachufetts. Reprive was promifed Joane by the Old Squaw for the furtherance of the bufinefs and hath her. He advifed their efcape by Neepmuck, becaufe once before, efcaping through the Narraganfett country, himfelf was fent back by the IS) arraganfett Sachems. This man thinks alfo that no Indian means will be able to effedt their return, but that the Englifh muft fetch them. It will be your worfhip's wifdom to forecaft fo much, and to prepare (Captain Patrick and many more may be occa- fioned to fetch theirs alfo.) Yet I requeft your Worfhip's patience a few days. Sir, this young man who comes along, is this woman's nephew, an ingenious, fober fellow, one of my long acquain- tance, whom I call Oldway, as his Indian name (Necaw- nimeyat) fignifies; he tells me he hath a good mind to abide one year with thefe his friends in your worfhip's fer- vice. I encourage him and prefent him to your wifdom and pity, not knowing but that the purpofe of the Only Wife and mofl pityful God may be toward him for good. Unto the everflowing ftreams of the mofl holy Fountain of living waters, (whofe drops are able to refrefh and fave worlds of wandering fouls), I heartily recommend your worfhip, your dearefl companion, and all yours, grieving that I dare be no more your worfhip's Roger Williams. fum-peage begirting his loins, his bow in "And there the fallen chief is laid, hand, his quiver at his back, with fix In taflell'd garb of (kins arrayed naked fpatterlafties at his heels for his And girdled with his w,7W/a«(-braid." guard, thinks he is one with King Whittibr, The Funeral Tree. Charles." — Wood's New England, Lon- don, 1634, p. 66. 1 1 o Letters of Roger Williams. 'To his much honored Governor John Winthrop.^ [Providence, Auguft, 1638.]' Much honored Sir, — The bearer lodging with me, I am bold to write an hafty advertifement concerning late paflages. For himfelf, it feems he was fearful to go far- ther than forty miles about us, efpecially confidering that no natives are willing to accompany him to Pequot or Mohegan, being told by two Pequots (the all of Mian- tunnomu's captives which are not run from him) what he might expedt, &c. Sir, Captain Mafon^ and Thomas Stanton landing at Narraganfett, and at Miantunnomu's announcing war within fix days againft Juanemo, for they fay that Miantunnomu hath been fair in all the pafTages with them, Juanemo fent two meffengers to myfelf, requefting counfel. I advifed him to go over with beads to fatisfy, &c. He fent four Indians. By them Mr. Haynes writes me, that they confelfed fifteen fathom there received at Long Ifland. Thereabout they confefi'ed to me, (four being taken of Pequots by force, and reftored again,) as alfo that ' 3 Mafs. Hill. Coll. vol. i. p. 170. ticut forces, virhich office he held to his Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 153. death. He vyas a magiftrate from 1642 ^. /. ^//?. Co//, vol. iii. p. 148, abridged, to 1648, and Deputy-Governor from *Capt. John Mafon born in England 1660 to 1670. In 1659 he took up his about 1600, died at Norwich, Conn., refidence in Norwich. — Mafon' s Life by 1672. He was one of the firft fettlers Geo. E. Ellis, is in Sparks' Amer. Biogra- of Dorchefter, Mafs., in 1630, but re- pi>y, vol. iii. new feries. Mason drew moved to Windfor, Conn., in 1635. In up a hiftory of the Pequot war, which the celebrated attack on the Pequot fort, was printed in Increase Mathers' Re (mentioned in previous letters) Mafon lation of Troubles with the Indians, 1677. led the force, the Indians being under Reprinted, with notes by T. Prince, the command of Uncas and Miantono- Bofton, 1736; again by J. Sabin, New moh. Soon after this event he was ap- York, 1869. pointed Major General of the Connec- Letters of Roger Williams. 1 1 1 the iflanders fay fifty-one fathom, which fum he demanded, as alfo that the Nayantick mefTengers laid down twenty-fix fathom and a half, which was received in part, with decla- ration that Juanemo fliould within ten days bring the reft himfelf, or elfe they were refolved for war, &c. I have therefore fent once and again to Juanemo, to perfuade himfelf to venture, &c. Canonicus fent a principal man laft night to me, in hafte and fecrecy, relating that We- quafh had fent word that, if Juanemo went over, he ftiould be killed, but I afliire them the contrary, and perfuade Ca- nonicus to importune and haften Juanemo within his time, ten days, withal hoping and writing back perfuafions of better things to Mr. Haynes, profi^ering myfelf, (in cafe that Juanemo through fear or folly fail) to take a journey and negotiate their bufinefs, and lave blood, whether the natives' or my countrymen's. Sir, there hath been great hubbub in all thefe parts, as a general perfuafion that the time was come of a general flaughter of natives, by reafon of a murder committed upon a native within twelve miles of us, four days fince, by four defperate Englifh. I prefume particulars have fcarce as yet been prefented to your hand. The laft fifth day, toward evening; a native, pafling through us, brought me word, that at Pawtuckqut, a riverfour miles from us to- ward the bay, four Engliftimen were almoft famifhed. I fent inftantly provifions and ftrong water, with invitation, &c. The mefl*engers brought word, that they were one Arthur Peach of Plymouth, an Iriftiman, John Barnes, his man, and two others come from Pafcataquack, travel- ling to Connedticut ; that they had been loft five days, and fell into our path but fix miles. Whereas they were im- portuned to come home, &c., they pleaded forenefs in trav- elling, and therefore their defire to reft there. 1 1 2 Letters of Roger Williams. The next morning they came to me by break of day, relating that the old man at Pawtuckqut had put them forth the laft night, becaufe that fome Indians faid, that they had hurt an Englishmen, and therefore that they lay between us and Pawtuckqut. I was bufy in writing letters and getting them a guide to Connecticut, and enquired no more, they having told me, that they came from Plymouth on the laft of the week in the evening, and lay ftill in the woods the Lord's day, and then loft their way to Weymouth, from whence they loft their way again towards us, and came in again fix miles off Pawtuckqut. After they were gone, an old native comes to me, and tells me; that the natives round about us were fled, relating that thofe four had flain a native, who had carried three beaver ikins and beads for Canonicus' fon, and came home with five fathom and three coats ; that three natives which came after him found him groaning in the path ; that he told them that four Englifhmen had flain him. They came to Pawtuckqut, and enquired after the Englifli, which when Arthur and his company heard, they got on hofe and ftioes and departed in the night. I fent after them to Narraganfett, and went myfelf with two or three more to the wounded in the woods. The natives at firft were fliy of us, conceiving a general flaughter, but (through the Lord's mercy) I afl*ured them that Mr. Governor knew nothing, &c. and that I have fent to appre- hend the men. So we found that he had been run through the leg and the belly with one thruft. We dreflled him and got him to town next day, where Mr. James and Mr. Greene endeavored, all they could, to iave his life ; but his wound in the belly, and blood loft, and fever following, cut his life's thread. Letters of Roger Williams. 113 Before he died, he told me that the four English had flain him, and that (being faint and not able to fpeak) he had related the truth to the natives who firft came to him, viz. : that they, viz. : the Englifli, faw him in the Bay and his beads : that fitting in the fide of a fwamp a little way out of the path, (I went to fee the plaqe, fit for an evil pur- pofe,) Arthur called him to drink tobacco, who coming and taking the pipe of Arthur, Arthur run him through the leg into the belly, when, fpringing back, he, Arthur, made the fecond thruft, but miffed him ; that another of them fl:ruck at him, but miffed him, and his weapon run into the ground ; that getting from them a little way into the fwamp, they purfued him, till he fell down, when they miffed him, and getting up again, when he heard them clofe by him, he run to and again in the fwamp, till he fell down again, when they loft him quite ; afterwards, towards night, he came and lay in the path, that fome paf- fenger might help him as aforefaid. Whereas they faid, they wandered Plymouth-way, Ar- thur knew the path, having gone it twice ; and befide, Mr. Throckmorton met them about Naponfet River in the path, who, riding roundly upon a fudden by them, was glad he had paft them, fufpedling them. They denied that they met Mr. Throckmorton. The meffenger that I fent to Narraganfett, purfuing after them, returned the next day, declarmg that they ftiowed Miantunnomu letters to Aquednick, (which were mine to Connedicut,) and fo to Aquednick they paft, whither I fent information of them, and fo they were taken. Their fudden examination they fent me, a copy of which I am bold to fend your worlhip enclofed. The iflanders (Mr, Coddington being abfent) refolved to IS 1 1 4 Letters of Roger Williams. fend them to us, fome thought, by us to Plymouth, from whence they came. Sir, I (hall humbly crave your judg- ment, whether they ought not to be tried where they are taken. If they be fent any way, whether not to Ply- mouth.' In cafe Plymouth refufe, and the iflanders fend them to us, what anfwers we may give, if others unjuftly fhift them unto us. I know that every man, quatenus man, and fon of Adam, is his brother's keeper or avenger ; but I defire to do bonum bene, &c. Thus, befeeching the God of heaven, moft holy and only wife, to make the interpretation of his own holy meaning in all occurrences, to bring us all by thefe bloody paflages to an higher price of the blood of the Son of God, yea of God, by which the chofen are redeemed, with all due refpedts to your dear felf and dear companion, I ceafe. Your worfhip's moft unworthy Roger Williams. This native. Will, my fervant, fliall attend your worfhip for anfwer. My due refpedt to Mr, Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c. ' Governor Winthrop advifed that the of the natives, and in promoting the prifoners be fent to Plymouth ; wrho be- ■ peace and happinefs of all the inhabitants ing brought there and examined did all of the country, did not fail to fecure confefs the murder, and that they did it the abiding confidence of the Indian to get the Wampum ; but all the queftion chiefs. In every queftion that arofe be- vyas about the death of the Indian. — Hiji. tvyeen them and the Englifli, Williams of New Eng., Savage's ed. vol. i. p. 323. was made their advifer, and often became " Conduft like this " obferves Prof, the mediator betvsreen the parties." Life Gammell, "in vindication of the rights of Williams, p. 106. Letters of Roger Williams. 1 1 5 To his much honored and beloved Mr. Governor of Maffa- chufetts. Providence, 14th of the 6th. [Auguft 14th, 1638.]' Sir, — Since my laft (unto which you were pleafed to give anfwer with kind advice concerning the murder of the native) I have received divers letters from Connedti- cut : the fum of all is this ; that it hath pleafed the Lord to incline all hearts to peace. Juanemo was perfuaded to go over in perfon and give that fatisfadtion which was de- manded : only concerning a mare killed by fome Nayan- ticks, (others fay by Pequots,) but as yet no proof; our triends have taken his promife to inquire and inform, and fo they difmifled him. It hath pleafed the Magiftrates at Connecticut to invite Miantunnomu over to them to difcover fome Pequot paf- fages and murderers, which are denied, and to enter upon fome Articles with themfelves :^ denying themfelves to be obliged in the Articles of the Bay. I have conceived that all the Englifh in the land were wrapped up in that Agreement (a copy of which you were pleafed Sir, to fend me,): nevertheless I perfuade him to go over. His defire was (which Agowaun Sachem Maf- quanominity had in charge to exprefs to you) that Mr. Governor would pleafe to fpare four Englifh from himfelf as witnelles of paffages ; as alfo myfelf with Cutfhamo- quene and Mafquanominit. I have formerly engaged my promife to Miantunnomu : and refolve to take two or three Englifli from hence, and 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. iv. p. 248. to fettle their perfonal difficulties and to •* This has reference to a meeting to have an underftanding regarding the Pe- be held at Hartford, at which the Nar- quots. raganfetts and Mohegans were to appear 1 1 6 Letters of Roger Williams. hope (through the Lord's mercy) that the journey may be for peace. Sir, unlefs any pafs by accident to Connedicut (if fo you fhall fee good) that defire of three or four Englifh may be denied, and yet granted in effedl by the going of fome, freely with myfelf. Only fir, be pleafed to give an hint of your pleafure in any matter confiderable, which we fhall endeavor to effedt. The natives, friends of the flain had confultation to kill an Englifhman in revenge: Miantunnomu heard of it, and defired that the Englifh would be careful on the high- ways, and fent himfelf exprefs threatenings to them, &c., and informed them that Mr. Governor would fee juflice done. Oufamequin coming from Plymouth told me that the four men were all guilty ; I anfwered, but one ; he replied, true, one wounded him, but all lay in wait two days, and aflifled. In conclufion : he told me that the principal muft not die, for he was Mr. Winflow's man : and alfo that the man' was by birth a Neepmuck man; fo not worthy another man fhould die for him : I anfwered what I thought fit, but conceive there will be need of wif- dom and zeal in fome, and remembrance of that Vox Coeli: He that doth violence to the blood of any perfon, let him flee to the pit : let none deliver him. The Lord merci- fully cleanfe the land from blood, and make the blood of his fon Jefus more precious in all our eyes. So prays Your Worfhip's mofl unworthy Roger Williams. To Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputie and his, all yours, befl refpedts, &c. ' In reference to the Indian killed by the fame Engliihmen, of which mention is made in the preceding letter. Letters of Roger Williams. 1 1 7 For the right Worjhipful and his much honored friend Mr. Governor of the Majfachufetts, thefe. At NarragansetTj the loth of the yth, early. [September lo, 1638.]' Much honored Sir, — Thefe Sachems with myfelf con- fulting the laft Lord's day as foon as I here arrived ; I difpatched a letter to meet our Connedticut friends at Mohegan : defiring a fpeedy word from Captain Mafon (according as he found the bufinefs eafy or difficult) to give direction for the courfe of the Narraganfetts, either to Mohegan or Pequot. With all, the Meffenger had charge to deal with Uncas, from us all, Canonicus, Mian- tunnomu, &c., to be wife and faithful to us in what we fhould propofe to him.^ The meffenger returned the laft night (and being a difcreet man to obferve paffages) he related that coming near the town, viz. : to wit, Mohegan, he heard fix guns, which perfuaded him that Englifh were come, but ^4 Mafs. Hiji, Coll. vol. vi. p. 250. venge them, but fliall appeal to the Eng- This letter chiefly relates to the dif- lifh, who (hall decide between them. If ficulties between the Narraganfetts and either party refufe to abide by the de- Mohegans, growing out of the difper- cifion, the Englifli may compel them to fion of the Pequots. -. do fo. ^From the vifit to Connefticut here 3. The tribes mentioned agree to alluded to, refulted " A Covenant and bring in the chief Sachem of the Pe- Agreement made between the Englifh quots; and for the murderers known to and the Indians ;" Miantonomi repre- have killed the Englifh " they fliall as renting the Narraganfetts, and Uncas foon as they can poflibly take off their the Mohegans. Thefe articles were heads." fignedat Hartford, on the 21ft of Sep- 4. Provides for the divifion of the tember, 1638. They provide Pequot prifoners, who "Ihall no more 1. That there Ihall be peace between be called Pequots, but Narraganfetts and the tribes and " all former injuries and Mohegans." wrongs offered each other remitted and The agreement bears the fignatures buried." of Miantonomi, Uncas, Gov. Haines, 2. That if further wrongs he com- Roger Ludlow and Edward Hopkins. — mitted by either party, they Ihall not re- Potter's HiJl. of Narraganfett, p. 177. 1 1 8 Letters of Roger Williams. drawing nearer, he found they were the guns which for- merly the Pequots had got from the Enghfh ! Enter- ing the court, he found the houfe mingled full of Mo- hegans and Pequots, who defired his news, but he filent! They told him that they heard that the Englifh were coming againft them, and they had fent up two chief men who found the Englilh training. They were examined of two things, viz. : why they had lately let go two of the murderers at Nayantick, whom they had bound, and why they had feized upon all the corn at Pequot, belonging to hither Nayantick Pequots : fo they were imprifoned and bound : word whereof coming to Uncas, forty men were fent up with their bead girdles to redeem them. The meffenger got Uncas private, who would not be drawn to yield up any of his Pequots, but alledging that he had bought them with his money of the Englifh (as the Na- yantick Sachems faid, for which purpofe I am bold to en- clofe Mr. Haynes his anfwerj he faid they found the Eng- lifh fo falfe, that the lafl night in a general meeting they were refolved to fight it out, and for himfelf although the Englifh bound him and killed him he would not yield. He related that Mr. Haynes had given him a letter of fecurity to lie by him, in cafe that any Englifh fhould injure him, but in this purfuing his Pequots and binding his men, he had thrown away his letter, &c. Sir, your wifdom (I know) catcheth at my requeft before I make it, viz. : that in cafe I am directed from our friends of Con- nedticut to fend for aid, you would pleafe to caufe a readi- nefs at little warning. I could make true relation of the brags of the chief of thefe wretches, viz. : that the Maf- fachufetts Englifh did but glean after the Connedticut men, &c., in the wars : but I am confident you defire their good, Letters of Roger Williams. 119 with the fafety of your own ftate : therefore I reft with a defcription brief of the Pequot towns, now again under Uncas and the Nayantick Sachems eftabliihed : At Pe- quot Nayantick are upwards of twenty houfes, up the river at Mangunckakuck eight, up ftill at Sauquonckac- kock ten, up ftill at Paupattoklhick fifteen, up ftill at Tatuppequauog twenty, three or [ ] mile further with Uncas at his town Mohegan, a great number mingled, which are all under Uncas, befides thofe at Quinnipiuck,' and others of Long Ifland, and Safacous his confede- rates. At Nayantaquit^ the hither, upwards of twenty houfes, all under Nayantaquit Sachems, except fix or feven men unto whom your worftiip was pleafed to give life, upon Miantunnomue's motion, by my letter, upon their fubmiffion, Thefe are ftill Miantunnomue's fubjedts, yet refufing to live with him at Narraganfett, , he difclaims them, in cafe according to promife, they aflift not in this bufinefs. The moft HigKgracioully fandtify all his holy pleafure to us, profper thefe our prefent enterprifes to his praife, but efpecially againft thofe enemies (i. Pet. 2. 11.) lufts which fight againft our fouls : in him I defire to be Your worfliip's more and to eternity, Roger Williams. ' ^nnepiuck. New Haven. » Nayantaquit, Nianttc. Wefterly and Charleftown. 120 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. [September or Oftober, 1638.]' Much honored Sir, — Through the mercy of the Moft High, I am newly returned from a double journey to Con- nedticut and Plymouth. I fhall prefume on your wonted love and gentlenefs to prefent you with a fhort relation of what iflue it pleafed the Lord to produce out of them, efpccially fince your worship's name was fome way en- gaged in both. I went up to Connedticut with Miantunnomu,^ who had a guard of upwards of one hundred and fifty men, and many Sachems, and his wife and children, with him. By the way (lodging from his houfe three nights in the woods) we met divers Narraganfett men complaining of robbery and violence, which they had fuftained from the Pequots and Mohegans in their travel from Connedticut ; as alfo fome of the Wunnafhowatuckoogs (fubjedt to Canonicus) came to us and advertifed, that two days before, about fix hundred and fixty Pequots, Mohegans and their confede- rates had robbed them, and fpoiled about twenty-three fields of corn, and rifled four Narraganfett men amongfl them ; as alfo that they lay in way and wait to flop Mian- tunnomue's pafTage to Connedticut, and divers of them threatened to boil him in the kettle. These tidings being many ways confirmed, my company, ^'K.iiO-wht.s^ Mem. of Williams, 'p.i^y. gans, and was doubtlefs inftrumental in 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. i. p. 173. Pot- eiFefting the "Covenant and Agreement" ter's Hiji. of Narraganfett, p. 145. made on the zift of September, before »It appears from this letter that Wil- noticed. From Hartford, he went to liams accompanied Miantonomo to Hart- Plymouth to attend the trial of the four ford, for the purpofe of effefting a peace Englifhmen for killing the Indian be- between the Narraganfetts and Mohe- fore mentioned. Letters of Roger Williams. izi Mr. Scott (a Suffolk man) and Mr. Cope, advifed our ftop and turn back ; unto which I alfo advifed the whole com- pany, to prevent bloodflied, refolving to get up to Connec- ticut by water, hoping there to ftop fuch courfes. But Miantunnomu and his council refolved (being then about fifty miles, half-way, on our journey) that not a man fhould turn back, refolving rather all to die, keeping ftridt watch by night, and in dangerous places a guard by day about the Sachems, Miantunnomu and his wife, who kept the path, myfelf and company always firft, and on either fide of the path forty or fifty men to prevent fudden furprifals. This was their Indian march. But it pleafed the Father of mercies, that (as we fince heard) we came not by till two days after the time given out by Miantunnomu, (by reafon of ftaying for me until the Lord's day was over,) as alfo the Lord fent a ru- mor of great numbers of the Englifti in company with the Narraganfetts, fo that we came fafe to Connecticut. Being arrived, Uncas had fent mefl'engers that he was lame, and could not come. Mr Haynes faid, it was a lame excufe, and fent earneftly for him, who at laft came, and being charged by Mr. Haynes with the late outrages, one of his company faid, they were but an hundred men. He faid, he was with them, but did not fee all that was done, and they did but roaft corn, &c. So there being affirmations and negations concerning the numbers of men and the fpoil, not having eye-witnefles of our own, thai fell, as alfo many other mutual complaints of rifling each other, which were heard at large to give vent and breathing to both parts. At laft we drew them to ftiake hands, Miantunnomu and Uncas ; and Miantunnomu invited (twice earneftly) i6 122 Letters of Roger Williams. Uncas to fup and dine with him, he and all his company (his men having killed fome venifon;) but he would not yield, although the magiftrates perfuaded him alfo to it. In a private conference, Miantunnomu, from Canonicus and himfelf, gave in the names of all the Pequots Sachems and murderers of the Englifh. The names of the Sach- ems were acknowledged by Uncas, as alfo the places, which only I {hall be bold to fet down: Naufipouck, Puttaquappuonckquame his fon, now on Long Ifland. Nanafquiouwut, Puttaquappuonckquame his brother, at Mohegan. Puppompogs, Safacous his brother, at Mohegan. Maufaumpous, at Nayantick. Kithanfh, at Mohegan. Attayakitch, at Pequot or Mohegan. Thefe, with the murderers, the magiftrates defired to cut off, the reft to divide, and to abolifh their names. An inquifition was made; and it was affirmed from Canonicus, that he had not one. Miantunnomu gave in the names of ten or eleven, which were the remainders of near feventy, which at the firft fubjedled themfelves, of which I adver- tifed your worfhip, but all again departed, or never came to him ; fo that two or three of thefe he had with him ; the reft were at Mohegan and Pequot. Uncas was defired to give in the names of his. He anfwered, that he knew not their names. He faid there were forty on Long Ifland ; and that Juanemo and three Nayantick Sachems had Pequots, and that he himfelf had but twenty. Thomas Stanton told him and the magif- trates, that he dealt very falfely; and it was affirmed by others, that he fetched thirty or forty from Long Ifland at Letters of Roger Williams. i 23 one time. Then he acknowledged, that he had thirty, but the names he could not give. It plealed the magiftrates to requeft me to fend to Nayantick, that the names of their Pequots might be fent to Connedicut ; as alfo to give Uncas ten days to bring in the number and names of his Pequots and their runaways, Mr. Haynes threatening alfo (in cafe of failing) to fetch them. Sir, at Plymouth, it pleafed the Lord to force the prifo- ners to confefs, that they all complotted and intended murder ; and they were, three of them, (the fourth having efcaped, by a pinnace, from Aquedneck,) executed in the prefence of the natives who went with me. Our friends confeffed, that they received much quickening trom your own hand. O that they might alfo in a cafe more weighty, wherein they need much, viz.: the flanding to their pre- fent government and liberties, to which I find them weakly refolved. They have requefted me to enquire out a murder five years fince committed upon a Plymouth man (as they now hear) by two Narraganfett Indians, between Plymouth and Sowwams. I hope (if true) the Lord will difcover it. Sir, I underftand that there hath been fome Englifhmen of late come over, who hath told much to Cutfhamo- quene's Indians (I think Auhaudin) of a great Sachem in England (ufing the King's name) to whom all the Sach- ems in this land are and fhall be nothing, and where his fhips ere long fhall land ; and this is much news at prefent amongft natives. I hope to enquire out the men. Mr. Vane' hath alfo written to Mr. Coddington and » Sir Henry Vane left Bofton for Eng- feared troubles in Bofton, and advifed and in 1637. It would appear bv this Coddington's early removal. The lat- remark of Williams's that Sir Henry ter purchafed the Ifland of Aquidnerlt 124 Letters of Roger Williams. others on the ifland of late, to remove from Bofton as fpeedily as they might, becaufe fome evil was ripening, &c. The moft holy and mighty One blaft all mifchievous buds and bloffoms, and prepare us for tears in the valley of tears, help you and us to trample on the dunghill of this prefent world, and to fet affedtions and caft anchor above thefe heavens and earth, which are referved for burning. Sir, I hear, that two malicious perfons, one I was bold to trouble your worfhip with not long lince,) Jofhua Verin,' and another yet with us, William Arnold, have moft falfely and llanderoufly (as I hope it fhall appear) complotted together (even as Gardiner did againft your- felves) many odious accufatiohs in writing. It may be, they may fome way come to your loving hand. I pre- fume the end is, to render me odious both to the King's majefty, as alfo to yourfelves. I fhall requeft humbly your in 1637, and in March 1638 the firft covenant was entered into by the pur- chafers, and Coddington chofen Judge. " Jofliua Verin was one of the five who accompanied Williams to Providence in 1636, but removed foon after to Salem, in confequence of a vote of cenfure "for a breach of a covenant for reftraining liberty of confcience." — R. I. Col. Re- cords, vol. i. p. 16. He now feems to be giving Williams fome trouble, as ap- pears from this letter, which is thus men- tioned by Winthrop : "At Providence, alfo, the devil was not idle. For whereas at their firft coming thither, Mr. Williams and the reft did make an order, that no man ftiould be molefted for his confcience, now men's wives and children, claiming to go to all religious meetings, though never fo often, or though private, upon the week days ; and becaufe one Verin refufed to let his wife go to Mr. Wil- liams fo oft as flie was called for, they required to have him cenfured. But there ftood up one Arnold, a witty man of their own company and withftood it, telling them that, when he confented to that order, he never intended it ftiould extend to the breach of any ordinance of God, fuch as the fubjeftion of wives to their hufljands. Then one Greene replied, that if they ftiould reftrain their wives, all the women in the country would cry out of them, &c In conclufion, when they would have cen- fured Verin, Arnold told them, that it was againft their own order, for Verin did that he did out of confcience ; and their order was, that no man ftiould be cenfured for his confcience. — Savage's Winthrop, Hi/i. of New England, vol. \. P- 340 Letters of Roger Williams. 125 wonted love and gentlenefs (if it come to your worfhip's hand) to help me with the fight of it, and I am confident yourfelf fhall be the judge of the. notorious wickednefs and malicious falfehoods therein, and that there hath not paft aught from me, either concerning the maintaining of our liberties in this land, or any difference with yourfelves, which fhall not manifeft loyalty's reverence, modefty and tender affedtion. The Lord Jefus the Son of righteoufnefs, (hine brightly and eternally on you and yours, and all that feek him that was crucified. In him, I defire ever to be Yours worlhip's moft unfeigned Roger Williams. All refpedtive falutations to kind Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and theirs. For his much honored Mr. Governor^ John Winthrop. [September, 1638.]' Much honored Sir, — Some while fince I wrote to you a (hort narration^ of the ifliie of my voyage to Connedticut and Plymouth. I defire only to know whether it came to hand. I have been carefully fearching into that rumor of the Plymouth man flain four years fince. The perfons to whom I was diredted by our Plymouth friends for informa- tion are yet abfent on hunting : and Miantunnomu is but new returned from Connedticut, yet with what inftrudtion I have already gotten I am this morning taking a journey to the Sachems about it. • 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 252- ^^Y ^e feen in 3 Mafs Hiji. Coll. vol. i. * The communication here referred to p. 173 ; of ^ate about September, 1638. 1 26 Letters of Roger Williams. I hear of three Cowefet' men in hold about Mr. Ha- thorne's^ cow. The Sachems affirm they cannot difcover the party. Thefe three were three of fix then there hunt- ing, yet they fay two things : Firft, that many Northern and Sauguft3 Indians hunt there; alfo and fecondly, it may be that fome adverfe perfon might, out of fubtle envy, fhoot the beaft, to render them odious to the Ehglifh, and to caufe their deferting of the place, which they would have done but that Englifh were very defirous (elpecially Mr. Endicott) that they fhould kill and fell venifon, &c. For myfelf, I fhall faithfully enquire and difclofe : al- though divers underftanding perfons of Salem have affirmed that the cow dying about three months after, when fo many head of cattle died, it is very queflionable whether the arrow occafioned the death, &c. Sir, this is the occafion of this enclofed : I underftand that a fervant of yours, Jofhua is fome trouble to yourfelf, as alfo to others, and confequently cannot (if he defire to fear the Lord) but himfelf be troubled and grieved in his condition, though otherwife I know not where under Heaven he could be better. If it may feem good in your eyes (wanting a fervant) I fhall defire him (not fimply from you) but for your peace and his. I {hall defire your befl: and full fatisfadtion in payment, and what fum you pitch on, to accept it either from this bill, or if you better like from that debt of Mr. Ludlow, for which he promifed your worfhip to pay me eight hundred weight of tobacco but did not, and I pre- fume your worfhip may with eafe procure it; but I fub- • Cowefet. Eaft Greenwich. ^ Mr. Hathorne, of Salem. 5 Saugus. Lynn, Maflachfuetts. Letters of Roger Williams. i 27 fcribe ex animo to your choice, and with refpedtive faluta- tions and continued fighs to Heaven for you and yours, reft defirous to be ^ y » Your worfhip's unfeigned though unworthy Roger Williams. Sir, I am loath, but I prefume once more to trouble vou with that deceitful man James Hawkings, craving that you would pleafe to lend a hand that by yourfelf or the Court at Bofton, I may find mercy againft fuch injuftice. Sir, my wife (together with her beft refpeds) to Mrs. Winthrop, requefts her acceptance of an handfull of chef- nuts, intending her (if Mrs. Winthrop love them) a bigger baflcet of them at the return of Jigles. For his much honored and beloved Mr. John Winthrop at his houfe at Bojlon. Providence. loth, 30. [December 30, 1638.]' Sir, — Hoping of your health this dead feafon, with refpedtive falutations : I am bold to requeft a little help, and I hope the laft, concerning mine old and bad debtor about whom I have formerly troubled your worfhip, Mr. George Ludlow. I hear of a pinnace to put into Newport, bound for Vir- ginia, and I underftand that if you pleafe to teilify what you remember in the cafe, I may have fome hope at laft to get fomething. • 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 256. 1 28 Letters of Roger Williams. You were pleafed, after dealing with him at Boflon, to certify me that he had promifed to difcharge unto me 800// of tobacco, which you afterwards thought to have been dif- charged : but he failing, although my due came to much more, I requeft if you can remember in a line or two to teftify : and I fhall defire to blefs the Lord for you, and to beg of him a merciful requital into your bofom, even from his holy left and right hand efpecially : my writings are (from hand to hand about the bulinefs) loft; fo that all my evidence will be from your hand, of his acknowledgment and promife. Sir, I reft unceflantly mourning that I am no more Your worftiip's unfeigned Roger Williams. Sir, I may not omit my thankful acknowledgment of that counfel of peace you were pleafed to give to a young man who (when I was at Block Ifland) repaired to your worfhip for advice in fome jar between him and his neigh- bors : your counfel was profperous, and I defire you may have the joy of it. For fo faith the Lord, to the counfel- lors of peace and joy. Sir, I purpofe within twenty days (if God will) to tra- vel up to Mohegan : at my return I (hall trouble you with a line from Uncas, if I can fpeak with him about your Pequots. Sir, I pray let your fervant diredt the native with this letter to Mr. David Yale,' Mrs. Eaton's fon. > David Yale of Bofton, fon-in-law of land, vol. i. p. 273. Note. He was Governor Eaton of New Haven, men- the anceilor of Elihu Yale from whom tioned in the will of Edward Hopkins. Yale College takes its name. Savage, Savage's Winthrop, Hiji. of New Eng- Genealogical Dia. vol, iv. p. 666. Letters of Roger Williams. 1 29 For the right Worjhipful and his much honored friend Mr. Governor of the Majfachufetts, thefe. Providence. [No date.]' Sir, — Upon the receipt of your laft (anfwering my que- ries) I have acquainted the Sachems with the bufinefs : I am not yet furnifhed with anlwer fufficient : what I have at preleat I (hall humbly and faithfully fubmit to confid- eration : one from them, two from myfelf. From them : upon folemn confultation with them about the 1 00// demanded of themfelves, they fay — Firft, that they remember not that either in the firft Agreement and League (in the beginning of the Pequot wars) or fincCj in any expreffion, that ever they undertook to anfwer in their own perfons or purfes what their fub- jefts (hould fail in. Second. Nor do they believe that the Englifli Magif- trates do fo pradtice, and therefore they hope that what is righteous amongft ourfelves we will accept of from them. Third. Therefore they profefs that what evil foever fhall appear to be done by any (fubjedt to them) againft the bodies or goods of the Englifh, fatisfadtion (hall readily be made out of the bodies or goods of the delinquents. For the 100// demanded, they fay concerning the Salem cow, they have to this day enquired, and can difcover no guilt either in the perfons imprifoned or the reft, but do believe that it was falfely laid upon them by fuch northern natives whofe traps they were, who themfelves were guilty. For the horfes, they have fent for Wuttattaaquegin who hath not been with them thefe three years, but keeps at • 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 254. 17 I 30 Letters of Roger Williams. Maffachufetts : they intend alfo to call a general meeting of the Country at his coming, within a few days, when I {hall have further anfwer from them. Sir, a word more from myfelf : I have long lince be- lieved that as it is with the Moft High (Prov. 21. 3.) fo with yourfelves. To do judgment and juftice is more acceptable then facrifice. And therefore that it fhall not be ungrateful in your eyes, that I humbly requeft leave to fay that I fee the bufinefs is ravelled, and needs a patient and gentle hand to re6lify mifunderftanding of each other and mifprifons. The Sachems to prevent the fears of their men in hunting or traveling, &c., earneftly defired me to fatisfy the Engli(h, that if the bearers of a writing from me fhould offend any ways, that they, the Sachems, would upon information from myfelf, caufe the delinquents to make fatisfadlion out of their goods or bodies; to the end that the Englifh might not imprifon or tranfport away their perfons, (which the natives fufpedt,) two of their men having been not long lince carried away in an Englifh fhip from the Bay, and two of their women the laft fummer from Conanicut in this Bay. In two particulars (as I conceive) neither the natives or myfelf were rightly underftood. Firft, in the fcope of the writing, which was not to afk leave to hunt as before. Secondly, in the promife, which was not to pay off them- felves (I mean the Sachems) but to caufe their men to deal juftly and to give fatisfadtion for offences committed out of their goods or bodies. I hope it will pleafe the Lord to perfuade your hearts to believe what I affirm, and again to review the writing. However, rather than any labor or pains of mine (well meant to preferve peace) (hall caufe or occalion diffention. Letters of Roger Williams. 1 3 1 I relblve to be yet poorer, and out of my poverty to en- deavor and further fatisfadlion. (The earth is the Lord's and the fullnefs of it.) To the Everlafting Arms of his mercy I daily recommend you and yours, and reft Your Worfliip's moft unworthy Roger Williams. My refpedtive falutes to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c. Sir, I have heretofore been bold to requeft your help in recovering an old debt from Mr. George Ludlow : and you were pleafed after dealing with him, to fignify that he had promifed to deliver afliore for me eight hundred pounds weight of tobacco : I ihall now humbly requeft that if Mr. Stratton defire it, or if he be again bound for Virginia, that you would pleafe to teftify fo much as you remember in a line or two, which may be of great ufe for my recovering of the debt, and I ftiall defire to be thankful. For his much honored and beloved Mr. Gotiernor of the Maf- fachufetts, thefe. Providence, 2d, 3d. [May 3, 1639.]^ Sir, — In my laft I gave intimation of another anfwer, which from the Sachems is this. Firft, that although they remember not any agreements that have pafled about the natives yielding up their hunting places, advantages, &c., within prefcribed limits, &c., yet, becaule fatisfadiory agreements may have been unknown I4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 257. 132 Letters of Roger Williams. to them, between yourfelves and the natives about you, they have fent for this man, Wuttattaaguegin, (who keeps moft at Mairachufetts with Cutfhamoquene,' and hath not been this three years with them.) This man Wuttattaaguegin hath promifed to fatisfy in wampam, beaver and venilon what it comes to. But he believes not the damage can be fo great, for thus he relates : having laid his traps, intending daily to tend them, Cutfhamoquene fent for him to be a guide for him in a hunting match about the Bay, where other natives were ignorant. He went, yet fent a youth to view his traps, who faith that he faw the Englishmen loofe three horfes out of the traps, and rode away upon two of them, the third only was lamed. Upon this he defij-ed liberty to return to the Bay, to in- quire more perfedlly the damage : and being not come back as yet, they have this prefent fent again for him. Yet becaufe they fee not that Wuttattaaguegin broke any known covenant in laying his traps in that place, nor wil- lingly wrought evil againft the Englifh, they conceive it would be very fair and honorable in all natives eyes, that it would pleafe the Englifh to make known as well their moderation as their juftice in the cafe. And for themfelves they refolve if this man fliould not be faithful or able to latisfy your demand, they promife (upon perfuafions and fome offers of mine to them) to contribute themfelves out of their own, and to draw in help, that may in wampum, beaver, and venifon make up the whole fum before the next hunting be over. * Cutfhamoquene, Sagamore of Maflachufetts. Letters of Roger Williams. 133 So craving humbly your loving acceptation of my poor fervice herein, or whatever elfe you fhall pleafe to ufe me in, I reft Your w^orfhip's moft unw^orthy Roger Williams. My due refpedt to my honored friends Mr. Deputy and the reft of the Council. For his much honored and beloved Mr. John Winthrop, Gov- ernor of Mafj'achufetts, thefe. Providence, this pth of the 3rd. [May 9th, 1639.]' Sir, — I am requefted by Canonicus and Miantunnomu to prefent you with their love and refpedt (which they alfo defire may be remembered to all the Englifti Sachems) as alfo with this expreflion of the continuance of their love unto you, viz. : thirty fathom of beads, (ten from Canoni- cus, and twenty from Miantunnomu)^ and the bafket a prefent from Miantunnomu's wife to your dear companion Mrs. Winthrop : three things they requeft me to delire of you. Firft, the continuance of your ancient and conftant friend- Ihip toward them, and good opinion of their lincere affec- tion to the Englifti. I objected again ft this, that I lately heard that two boats of Englifti were cut oft" by Pequots, and that Miantunno- mu knew of the adt, &c. , 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 259. annual tribute from the Indians of Block »Winthrop in his Journal of May 2, Ifland. — HiJi. of New Eng. vol. i. p. 355. notices the reception of wampum, the I 34 Letters of Roger Williams. To this they anfwered, that they have not fo much as heard of any mifcarriage of the Englifh this way of late, and that two days fince a Narraganfett man came from Long Ifland and brought no fuch tidings. That they have always (and Hiall ftill) fiiccor the Eng- lifh in any fuch diftrelTes : and that if but a lingle Eng- lifhman, woman, or child be found in the woods by any of theirs, they fhould punifh feverely that man that fhould not fafely condud: them and fuccor them, &c. Secondly, That you would pleafe to ratify that promife made to them after the wars, viz. : the free ufe of the Pe- quot country for their hunting, 6cc. Thirdly, That fince there are many Pequot Sachems and Captains furviving, many of whom have been adlual mur- derers of the Englifh, and (three of them) which have flain fome of their Sachems. And that fince the Agreement the laflyear at Connecti- cut with Mr. Haynes and the Magiflirates, you have not yet pleafed come to adtion.' And that the Pequots being many hundreds of them may with thefe their Sachems do more mifchief to us and them. They therefore requefl: that you would pleafe to write by them at prefent to Mr. Haynes that fo upon your joint Agreement they may themfelves freely purfue thofe Pe- quot Princes and Captains, whom Mr. Haynes (who had the lift of them from me the laft year) fhall name unto them. I objedled the report of great numbers of Pequots among themfelves, &c. 3 The " Covenant and Agreement " en- 1638. See note to Letter of the loth tered into at Hartford, September 21, September, 1638. Letters of Roger Williams. 135 They anfwer as formerly, that to clear themfelves from that, and to make it appear how both the Mohegans and the Nayantick men have received the Pequots and their prefents (when they refufed them) and fo have made pre- fents to the Englifh with the Pequot beads, which them- felves never did nor could: they will now fall upon this fervice, and if the Mohegans and Nayantick men will not join with them in it, they will themfelves purfue the per- fons that fhall be named to them wherefoever they find them, although at Mohegan or Nayantick, without touch- ing a Mohegan or Nayantick man further than you fhall pleafe to advife them. More they fay, but T fhould be tedious, and therefore with all due refpedt to your loving felf, Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, &c., I refl Yours worfhip's faithful and unfeigned Roger Williams. Canonicus begs of you a little fugar. For his much honored Mr. Governor, John Winthrop. [Auguft, 1639.]' Much honored Sir, — You were pleafed fome while fince to refer me to Mr. Haynes for a lifl of fuch Pequots as were authors and chief adtors in the late murders upon the Englifh. Accordingly I have fent up once and again to Mr. '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 261. 1 36 Letters of Roger Williams. Haynes, and we are come to a period : the child is come to the birth : a little ftrength from your loving hand (the Lord fo pleafing, and bleffing) will bring it forth. This lift here enclofed (which I requeft may be returned) was drawn by my beft enquiry and Tho. Stanton in the prefence of the Magiftrates at Connediicut the laft year. This lift he was pleafed to fend me with the addition of feven more under his own hand. Some queries I made upon fome of the feven : as alfo [torn] Safacous his brother Puppompogs (now upon Long Ifland) whom Mr. Haynes defired might be fpared, and I applauded the defire in many refpedls, only I delired for many other refpedts that he might be fent to fome other part of the world. Alfo lince that the Nayantick Sachems who harbor many of thefe, and Uncas, Canonicus and Miantunnomu re- quefted that a pinnace might lie fome few days at Pequot, to promote and countenance the work while Miantunnomu purfued them. Unto all which Mr Haynes in this laft is pleafed to anfwer, fo that we are come to a period. This week I went up to the Narraganfett about other bufinefs : there I found a bar, which I thought good to requeft your wor- (hip to remove by a word or two. Your captive (which was Maumanadtuck's wife) now at Pequot, prefuming upon your experimented kindnefs to- ward her, informs all Pequots and Nayanticks that Mr. Governor's mind is, that no Pequot man ftiould die, that her two fons ftiall ere long be Sachems there, &c. Your wifdom (now by a frefla line or two) declaring that none but thefe (who by the beft of intelligence appear to be deeply guilty,) shall die, may facilitate the execution, to Letters of Roger Williams. 1 37 the honor of your mercy and juftice, and the clearing of the land from blood, either that of our countrymen already fpilt, or that may be hazarded by thefe wretches. I might but will not trouble your worfhip with fome prefump- tions that way: the Lord be pleafed to further and blefs: and help your precious foul and mine to remember that vengeance, and to long and expedt for it upon the enemies of Jefus, when blood fhall flow out of the wine prefs to the horfe bridles by the fpace of fixteen hundred furlongs. Your worfhip's unfeigned hitherto Roger Williams. Mine humble and true refpedts to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Dudley,' Mr. Bellingham, &c. The meffenger is ignorant of the matter, and is fatif- fied.2 To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. Providence, 21. 5. [July 21, i640.]3 Much honored Sir, — Your runaways (as I before fur- mifed) are at Mohegan, and the Squa Sachem's daughter is married to the Sachem Uncas. I know the match hath been long defired (although the Sachem have five or fix wives already) which makes me fear that all Indian means will not reach your jufl defires. May you pleafe to reft a 'Mr. Dudley; fee note to the follow- killed, (6), 1639." (i.e. Auguft, the ing letter. 6th mo.) ^Endorfed by Governor Winthrop, ^ ^ Mafs. Hiji. Co//, vol. vi. p. 26^. " Mr. Williams about the Pequods to be 18 I 38 Letters of Roger Williams. little, for Miantunnomu (as he pretends out of love and refpedt to your perfon) is very diligent about a peaceable return of them, that he may bring them w^ith him, and as many more of the runaways as he can get. Uncas was gone to Connedicut, fo that a little patience is requifite. Sir, this you may pleafe to lignify to your much honored brother, Mr. Governor,' that this bufinefs only hinders Miantunnomu's coming. He is (not fatisfied but) per- suaded to truft to interpreters whom he fears to truft, and to come without myfelf. As alfo may you pleafe to underftand that the Nayantick Sachems ftill refuiing to yield up any of thofe Pequots to death to whom they had promifed life ; our friends of Connedlicut (as I have heard by two letters from Tho. Stanton) intend prefent revenge upon them. Canonicus and Miantunnomu ftill perfuade (to mine own knowledge) the Sachems at laft to be wife, and yield up their Pequots, but in vain, for the Nayantick Sachems refolve that for fo many lives as are taken away by the Englifh, or the Mo- hegans and Pequots with them, they will take revenge up- on Mr. Throckmorton at Prudence, or Mr. Coddington,^ &c., or Providence, or elfewhere. I have dealt with Canonicus and Miantunuomu to defert the Nayanticks in this bufinefs. They anfwer they would if they had fhed the blood of the Englifh, but as they are their brethren, fo they never hurt the Englifh, but joined with them againft the Pequots, &c., only they have been greedy upon the prey againft the Englifti mind : and laftly ' Dudley, who was brother to Win- antonomo, who is mentioned in this let- throp by the marriage of their children, ter. — Eds. Winthrop Papers. was Governor in 1640 ; and did not hold ^ William Coddington, of Newport, the ofEce again till after the death of Mi- Letters of Roger Williams. 139 they fay the Englifti partiality to all the Pequots at Mohe- gan is fo great, and the confequences fo grievous upon the abufe of the Englifh love, that all their arguments return back (which they ufe to the Nayantick Sachems) as arrov^^s from a ftone wall. Tho. Stanton informs me of another caufe of war upon the Nayanticks, viz. : Wequafh' affirms that one of the petty Sachems of Nayantick was aboard Mr. Oldham's pinnace, and that fome goods and gold are at Nayantick. Gold I never heard of, but the pinnace, fkifF and other luggage and fmall particulars I had word of at firft, which were (by reafon of diftance) let alone : and in cafe that any one of the Sachems or more knew of Mr. Oldham's death, and that due evidence be found, I yet doubt (now fince the coming of the Lord Jefus and the period of the National Church,) whether any other ufe of war and arms be law- ful to the profefTors of the Lord Jefus, but in execution of juftice upon malefactors at home : or preferving of life and lives in defenfive war, as was upon the Pequots, &c. Ifai. 2. Mic. 4. If the fword rage in Old or New England : I know who gives out the commiffion, and can arm frogs, flies, lice, &c. He be pleafed to give us peace which earth neither gives nor takes. In him I ever defire to be more unfeigned and faithfull Your Worfhip's Roger Williams. 1 This is the laft time the name of We- lay very fick : I defired to fee him, and quajh appears in Williams's letters. He himfelfe was pleafed to be my guide two died in the fummer of 1642. " Two mile where Wequajh lay." — Key, Intro- days before his death" fays Williams, duilion. "as I paffed up Connedlicut River, it Wequajhcuck or Wequajh Cook, was pleafed my worthy friend Mr Fenwick, another Indian, who lived many years to tell me that my old friend Wequajh after the death of Wequafh. 140 Letters of Roger Williams. To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. Providence, 7. 6. (fo called) 40. [Auguft 7, 1640.]^ Sir, — About (from Portfmouth' I received yours. As I lately advertifed to Mr. Governor, [Dudley]^ the hurries of the natives thoughts and confultations fo continue, about the three Nayanticks, prifoners with our friends at Connec- ticut ; that your runaw^ays are longer fecure in their efcape then otherw^ife they fhould be. The Mohegan Sachem, Uncas, refufeth to part with his prey: And whereas Miantunnomu was going up to Mo- hegan himfelf with a fufficient company for the runaways, Uncas fent word that it was your worfhip's plot to bring him into the fnare at Mohegan, that there the Conned:i- cut Englifh might fall upon him. Miantunnomu ftill promifeth me to come over to you, and his purpofe (to his utmoft) to bring them with him. My occafions lead me within thefe four or five days to Connedticut, when (the Lord fo permitting) I purpofe to go up to Mohegan and try the utmoft myfelf. The iffue of all is in that Everlafting Hand, in which is our breath and our ways, in whom I defire to be ftill Your worftiip's unfeigned Roger Williams. ' 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 265. as Deputy Governor with his fon-in-law ^ IDudley, Governor of Maflachufetts. Simon Bradftreet, and held that ofBce He was a principal member of the Mas- twelve years, and the office of Governor fachufetts Company which fettled Bofton in the years 1634, 1640, 1645 and 1650. and its vicinity. He came over in 1630 He died in 1652. Letters of Roger Williams. 141 I thank your worfhip for the Scotch intelligence :' The iflue (I fear) will be general and grievous perfecution of all Saints, Mine and my poor wife's beft falutes to Mrs. Winthrop and all yours. To Mr. Winthrop concerning Samuel Gorton, Providence. 8th. ift. 1646. [8th March.]^ Mafter Gortons having foully abufed high and low at Aquidnick, is now bewitching and bemadding poor Provi- dence, both with his unclean and foul cenfures of all the minifters of this country, (for which myfelf have in Chrift's name withftood him), and alfo denying all vifible and ex- ternal Ordinances in depth of Familifm, againft which I have a little dilputed and written, and fhall (the moft High ' "Scotch intelligence." This doubt- would require more fpace than is given lefs alludes to the rebellion in Scotland, to all thefe letters. Winslow, in his and the defeat of the royal army by the Dedicatory epiftle to the Earl of War- Scots which took place in the fummer of wick, prefixed to his book entitled Hy- 1640. pocri/ie Unmajked: by a true Relation of * Winslow, Hypocrajie Unmajked. Lon- the Proeeedings of the Governor and Com- don, 1646. pp. 55-56. pany of the Majfachufetts againfl Samuel 3 In this letter is the firft mention by Gorton, and his Accomplices ; t\m&vir\tss: Williams of Samuel Gorton. It opens a controverfy between the firft fettlers of "And yet Right Honorable, it will Warwick, including Gordon, Williams and doth appear in the following Trea- and many others, both of the colonies of tife, that Samuel Gorton was profecuted Rhode Ifland and Maflachufetts. It got againft, Firft at Plymouth as a grofs dif- into the Courts, and agitated both the turber of the Civill peace and quiet of colonial governments. The hiftorians that government, in an open, faftious and of the time wrote much about it, but to feditious manner. Secondly, he was no enter fully into a hiftory of the quarrel leffe troublefome, but much more at 142 Letters of Roger Williams. affenting,) to death. As Paul faid of Afia, I, of Provi- dence, (almoft) all fuck in his poifon, as at hrft they did at Aquidnick. Some few and myfelf withftand his inhabita- tion, and town privileges, without confeffion and reformation of his uncivil and inhuman practices at Portfmouth : Yet the tide is too ftrong again ft us, and I fear (if the framer of Hearts help not) it will force me to little Patience, a little Ifle next to your Prudence. Jehovah himfelf be pleafed to be a fanctuary to all whofe hearts are perfedt with him ; in him I defire unfeignedly to be Your worfhip's true and affedlionate Roger Williams. Rhode Ifland, having gotten a ftrong party to adhere unto him, affronting that gov- ernment (as Plymouth) in their publique adminiftration of Juilice fo foully and groffely, as mine eares never heard the like of any. Gorton being there whipt in his perfon, and thence baniflied with fome of his principal* adherents ; they went next to Providence, where Mr. Williams and fome others have built a fmall towne. This people receiving them with all humanity in a cold leafon, when the former places could no longer beare his infolencies ; he foone under- mined their government, gained a ftrong party amongft them to his owne, to the great diftraftion of Mr. Williams, and the better party there, contending againft their Laws and the execution of Juftice, to the efFufion of bloud, which made Mr. Williams and the reft fadly complaine to the Government of the Maflachufetts, and divers of them to take proteftion of that Government, to defend their per- fons and eftates. But when they faw Mr. Williams refolve rather to lofe the bene- fit of his labours, than to live with fuch ill-affefted people, and the neighbour governments become afFefted with Gor- ton's mifrule there alfo, he (and his com- panions in evill) began to think of buy- ing a place of a Sachem, or Indian Prince," &c. See alfo Gorton's Simplicite's Defence againft Seven-headed Policy. London 1646; alfo in R. I. Hijl. Coll. vol. ii. Hutchinson's Hift. Majfachufetts Bay Arnold, Hift. of Rhode Ifland^ vol. i ch. vi.; R. I. Colonial Records, vol. i. WiNTHROP, Hift. of New England. Letters of Roger Williams. H3 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop,-" at Pequot, thefe. Nar. 22. 4. 45, (fo called.) [Narragansett, 22 June, 1645. j^ Sir : — Beft falutations, &c. William Cheefbrough,3 now come in, fliall be readily aflifted, for yours and his owne fake. Major Bourne is come in. I have (by Providence,) feen divers papers, (returning now yours thankfully,) which are fnatched from me againe. I have, therefore, been bold to fend you the Medulla and the Magnalia Dei. Pardon me, if I requeft you, in my name, to transfer the paper to • With the exception of the letter of June 25, 1645, which follows this, no others appear in this volume from Gov. Winthrop, Senior, of Maflachufetts, to whom all the previous letters are ad- dreffed. John Winthrop, Jr., fon of Gov. Win- throp, of Maflachuletts, followed his father to America in 1631 ; and in 1633 returned to England. In 1635 he re- turned to Bollon, with authority to make a fettlement in Connefticut, and foon after fent a party to build a fort at Say- brook. In 1646, he founded the city of New London ; was chofen Governor in 1657 ; again in 1659, ^""^ annually from that period until his death which took place at Boflon, in 1676. In 1 66 1, he went to England and procured a charter, incorporating New Haven and Connec- ticut into one colony. He was an accom- pliftied fcholar, was particularly flcilled in chemiftry andphyfics, and was one of the founders of the Royal Society, of London. He was the author of a number of pa- pers in the " Philofophical Tranfaaions." It appears from one of the letters that Mr. Williams became acquainted with Winthrop in England, and the corref- pondence will Jhow that the friendlhip between them was ftrong and mutual. The letters here printed, which are from the " Winthrop Papers" in the CoUec- :ion of the MaiTachufetts Hillorical So- ciety, relate to politics, literature, agri- culture and other topics, through which, like thofe to the elder Winthrop, runs a religious vein. ^ Knowles, Mem, R. Williams, p. 207. 3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. ix. p. 268. 8 William Chefbrough occupiea cer- tain lands in Southertown, eafl. of Paw- catuck River, over which Connefticut claimed jurifdiftion, as a portion of the Pequot country, and about which ferious troubles arofe in 1 661. Probably he may have been in trouble at the time this letter was written, and that Winthrop had alked the good offices of Williams in Chefbrough's behalf. 144 Letters of Roger Williams. Captain Mafon, who faith he loves me. God is love ; in Him only I defire to be yours ever, Roger Williams. Loving falutes to your deareft and kind lifter. I have been very lick of cold and fever, but God hath been gracious to me. I am not yet refolved of a courfe for my daughter. If youre powder, with diredtions, might be fent without trouble, I Ihould firft wait upon God in that way: however 'tis beft to wait upon Him. If the ingredients be coftly, I Ihall thankfully account. I have books that prefcribe powders, &c., but yours is probatum in this country. For his much honored Mr. Governor, John Winthrop. Providence, 25th of 4th, 1645, (fo called.) [June 25.]' Much honored Sir, — Though I Ihould fear that all the fparks of former love are now extind:, &c., yet I am con- fident that your large talents of wifdom and experience of the affairs of men will not lightly condemn my endeavor to give information and fatisfadlion, as now I have done in this poor apology, with all due refpedls prefented to your honor, and the hands of my worthy friends with you. ' 4 Miifs. Hift. Coll. vol vi. p. 266. Williams from England, in September, This is the laft letter of Williams, in 1 644, whither he had gone in the fum- the "Winthrop Papers," addreffed to mer of 1643. The fruits of his vifit Gov. Winthrop of Maflachufetts, pub- were the Charter of Rhode Ifland, bear - liftied by the Maflachufetts Hiftorical ing date of the 14th March, 1643-4. Society, and the only one preferved Eds. Winthrop Papers.. which was written after the return of Letters of Roger Williams. 145 Sir, for tidings concerning the public, three days fince I received a letter from the Dutch Governor reporting fome nev7 hopes of peace. For ourfelves, the flame of war rageth next door unto us. The Narraganfetts and Mohe- gans, w^ith their refpedlive confederates, have deeply im- plunged themfelves in barbarous flaughters. For myfelf I have (to my utmoft) difuaded our neighbors, high and low^, from arms, &c., but there is a fpirit of defperation fallen upon them, refolved to revenge the death of their prince, and recover their ranfom for his life, &c., or to perifli vs^ith him. Sir, I was requefted by both parties, yourfelves and the Narraganfetts, to keep the fubfcribed league between yourfelves and them, and yours and their pofterity. Sir, that, and the common bonds of humanity move me to pray yourfelves and our friends of Connecticut to improve all interefts and opportunities to quench thefe flames. My humble requefl;s are to the God of Peace that no Eng- lifh blood be further fpilt in America: it is one way to pre- vent it by loving mediation or prudent neutrality. Sir, (excepting the matters of my foul and confcience to God, the Father of Spirits) you have not a truer friend and fer- vant to your worthy perfon and yours, nor to the peace and welfare of the whole country, then the mofl: defpifed and mofl: unworthy Roger Williams. 19 146 Letters of Roger Williams. For his JVorJhipful, and his much honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameaug,"- thefe. Cawcawmsqussick,^ 28. 3. 47. (fo called) [z8 May, 1647.]' Worthy Sir, — Loving refpedts and falutations to your kind felf and your kindeft companion. Some while fince, you defired a word of direftion about the hay feed. I de- fired my brother to colled: his own and other neighbors' obfervations about it, which (with his refpedts prefented) amounts to this. Firft. Ufually three bufhels of feed to one acre of land. Second. It hath been known to fpread, to mat, &;c., the Indian hills being only fcraped or levelled. Third. This may be done at any time of the year, but the fooner the better. Fourth. It is beft to sow it upon a rain preceding. Fifth. Some fay let the ripe grafs ftand until it feed, and the wind difperfe it (fufque 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. ^Nameaug. New London. The traft portation, have thought fit, to call the was originally called Pequot, and com- laid plantation New London. The name prifed what is now known as New Lon- of the river was alfo changed, and called don and Groton. In 1658 theAffembly the Thames." — Tkvmbvll, Hi/J. of Con- of Connefticut enafted that "This court, neSicut. confidering that there hath yet no place * Cawcawmfquffick, CocumfcuJJuc. The in any ot the colonies, been named in country around and weft and northweft memory of the city of London, there of Wickford. Williams about this time being a new plantation, in the Pequot purchafed an eftate and built a trading country, with an excellent harbour, and houfe here, which he afterwards fold the only place which the Englifli in thefe to Richard Smith in order to obtain parts have poflefled by conqueft .... money for his fecond vifit to England. — that therefore they might leave to pofteri- Knowles. ty the memory of that renowned city of ! Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. Z09. London, from whence we had our tranf- 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. z68. Letters of Roger Williams. 147 Sixth. The offs, which can hardly be fevered from the feed, hath the fame produftive faculty. Seventh. Sow^ it not in an orchard, near fruit trees, for it w^ill fteal and rob the trees, &c. Sir : Concerning Indian affairs, reports are various ; lies are frequent. Private interefts, both vs^ith Indians and Eng- liih, are many ; yet thefe things you may and muft do. Firft, kifs truth where you evidently, upon your foul, fee it. 2. Advance juftice, though upon a child's eyes. 3. Seek and make peace, if poffible, with all men. 4. Se- cure your own life from a revengeful, malicious arrow or hatchet. I have been in danger of them, and delivered yet from them ; blelfed be His holy name, in whom I defire to be Your worfhip's, in all unfeigned refpedts and love, Roger Williams. To John Winthrop, Jr. For the Governor I have fent thefe lines. Cawcawmsqussick, 20. 6. 47. (fo call'd) [Auguft 20, 1647.]' Sir, — Due refpedls prefented, &c. I am importuned by Ninigret, in exprefs words, to prefent his refpeThe farm adjoining Field's Point, rafter with the ftudies of Williams, three miles from Providence. With his praftice of abbreviating words, ^"Triall of wits." We have fought in Mr. Williams may have meant « Trial of vain, for a book bearing this title, and Witneffes,' fimilar to a popular book of think a work of humor or wit could not Biihop Shirley's entitled 'Trial of Wtt- have been meant, fuch not being in cha- nejfes^ of the Refurreaiotr.' 1 68 Letters of Roger Williams. fpare it me a few days. However, ftudy, as the Lord com- mands, your quietnefs, for which I fhall ever pray and en- deavor. Your worfLip's unfeigned Roger Williams. For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameug. Cawcawmsqussick, 29. II. 48. (fij called) [29th January, 1648-49.]' Sir, — Beft falutations and wiflies to the Father of mer- cies for your worthy felf, yoke-fellow, fifler, &c. It muft be fo in this world's fea. Sicut jluBus JluBum, Jic luSlus luBum fequitur. And every day hath his fufficiency or fuUnefs of evil to all the children of the firft iinful man ; no perfons, no places, exempted from the reach of the firft curfe. My humble delire is to the moft righteous and only wife Judge, that the wood of Chrift's gallows (as in Mo- fes' aft) may be caft into all your and our bitter waters, that they be fweet and wholefome inftrudtors of the fruits of fin, the forrows of others abroad, (in our England's Aceldama,) our own defervings to feel upon ourfelves, bod- ies and fouls, (wives and children alfo) not by barbarians, but devils, and that enternally, forrows inexpreflible, in- conceivable, and yet, if Chrift's religion be true, unavoida- ble, but by the blood of a Saviour, &c. Sir, pardon me, this is not the matter. Sir, your letters I fpeedily def- patched by a meffenger on purpofe. For a place, I know indeed of one in Plymouth claim, and would fpecify, but ' Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 228. 3 Mafs. Hifl. Coll. vol. ix. p. 279. Letters of Roger Williams. \ 69 that your fpirit being troubled, countermanded it again, in your poftfcript concerning Elderkin, whom I will, if God will, efFedtually labor with, and write the iflue with fpeed. All our neighbors, the barbarians, run up and down, and confult ; partly fufpedting like dealings ; partly ready to fall upon the Mohegans, at your word, and a world of foolifh agitations, I could trouble you with, but I told the chiefeft yefterday, that it is not our manner to be rafli, and that you will be filent till your father and other ancient Sachems fpeak firft, &c. Sir, concerning the bags of ore, it is of Rhode Ifland, where it is certainly affirmed to be both gold and filver' ore, upon trial. Mr. Coddington went to the Bay, with his daughter, for England,^ and left Cap- tain Partridge in truft with all, the laft week, at Newport. George Wright alias Captain Wright, ftabbed with a pike, Walter Lettice at Newport, and is in prifon ; the other, if not dead, is not like to live. Sir, yours ever, in all unfeigned refpedt, &c. Roger Williams. I want wax to feal, otherwife I would have expreffed fome- thing, which I referve till another feafon, if the Lord will. ' " The colony was thrown into great for that purpofe, for want of a Herald-at- excitement, by the difcovery of a gold arms, and the arms of England, and of mine on the Ifland. Mr. Williams fent the Lord High Admiral, were fet up at fome bags of the ore to Mr. Winthrop, the mine. Fortunately a more accurate and writes ' it is certainly affirmed to be examination diffipated the golden dreams both gold and filver ore. upon trial.' of the colonifts by proving the report The Aflembly pafled an aft, taking pof- unfounded." — Staples, Annals of Provi- feflion of the mine in the name of the dence,-^. 72. State of England, and iflued a procla- ^ The purpose for which Coddington mation forbidding all perfons to inter- went to England is ftated in a note to the meddle with any of the ore. This was preceding letter, publiftied by William Dyre, appointed 22 170 Letters of Roger Williams. For the worpipful, and kind friend, Mr. John JVinthrop, at Nameug. Cawcawmsqussick, I. 48. (fo called.) [March, 1648-9.]' Sir, — Beft refpefts and love prefented,and thanks hearty for your letters, former and latter, all now received. I am again importuned by our neighbor Sachems, having heard of Wequafhcook's carrying off peag to Captain Mafon, to pray you to inform them w^hether that peag be part of the payment ; becaufe Wequafhcook and his company refufe to pay. They delire me alfo to write to the Bay about it, which I defer to do until their payments go, which are fomething delayed becaufe of the death of Ninigret's wife's mother, which is the fame you write of, Wequafhcook's mother, and it is now qunnantacaun, that is, lamentation. Sir, fince I wrote to you, our four towns met by deputies, fix out of a town. This Court laft week wrote to me infor- mation of their choice of myfelf as Deputy Prefident,^ in the abfence of the Prefident, who, whether they have fixed on yourfelf, or Mr. Coddington's fad:ion prevail to keep his name in, now gone for England, I cannot yet learn, but I have excufed myfelf for fome reafons, and I hope they have chofen better. I wrote to them about an act of ob- livion, which, bleffed be the God of peace, they have paft, and have appointed a Court of eledtion in the third month, at Warwick. Sir, I am exceeding glad of your beginnings at Pawcatuck. I pray fail not to enquire whether from there, or from Mohegan or Connedlicut, you can help me to one »3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. ix. p. 282 ; Prefident of the colony was the refult Knowles, Mem. of Roger Williams, p. of his letter to the town of Providence. 230. See note to Letter of Auguft 31, pre ^ This appointment of Williams as ceding. Letters of Roger Williams. 171 hundred bufhels of Indian corn. To your dear yokefel- low and fifter refpedtive falutation. The fun of righteouf- nefs gracioufly fhine on you. I defire, unfeignedly, to be your worfhip's unfeigned in love. Roger Williams. The Sachems pray you to tell them whether their peag' will be fold at under rates, as Punhommin, coming two days fince from the Bay, informs them, viz. : that they muft pay great black at thirteen to the penny, and fmall black at fifteen, and white eight to the penny. I tell them the laft year it was meafured, and fo word was fent to me they fliould pay it by meafure. For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. [Probably March or April, 1649.]^ Sir,' — I am the more eafily perfuaded by this barbarian prince, Ninigret, to trouble you fo often, that I may the oftener hear of your welfare, and at prefent how it pleafed God to bring you home to yours again. Upon your word, ■ Peag pafled among the early fettlers ganfetts, Niantics and Mohegans, has as money. There was a law of the colo- reference to the debt or tribute, which, ny regulating its value. " No one fliall by an agreement entered into at Bofton, take any black peage of the Indians, but they were required to deliver, at four a penny; and if any fhall take ^3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 283; black peage undfer four a penny, he fhall Knowles' Mem. of Roger Williams, p. forfeit faid peage, one- half to the inform- Z3 1 . er, the other half to the State."— Z/jo-/ This letter is without date. It was of Rhode Ipnd, 1648. probably written in March, or early in The frequent mention in thefe letters April, 1649. of peag carried to Bofton by the Narra- 172 Letters of Roger Williams. Ninigret prays you to fend him word, whether within ten days, of this 5th of the week prefent, you will pleafe to meet him at Wequatucket, fo it be when Mr. Stanton is prefent. He would confer about Mr. Eliot's' letter and coat, about Wequaflicook's ufurping at Pawcatuck, about his prefent hunting, about the prefent difpofal of the Pe- quot fields, about his letters to the Bay, which, in your name, I have almoft perfuaded to fufpend until the meet- ing of the commiffioners^ at Bofton. Here is now a great hurry made by Anquontis, one of thofe petty Sachems, of whom Mr. Eliot wrote to you and me He hath offered great abufe to one of the chiefs, and Ninigret is now going to Conanicut about him. I perfuade not to engage them- felves, but to fend him to the Bay with my letter- Sir, loving refpedts to Mrs. Winthrop, Mrs. Lake, whom God gracioully, with your loving felf and yours, bind up in the bundle of that life, which is eternal in Chrift Jefus, in whom I defire to be. Yours ever, Roger Williams. 'JohnEliot, commonly called the Apof- to the interefts of thofe embraced in it, tie of the Indians ; the tranflator of the and may be regarded as in fome fort, the Old and New Teftament in the Indian germ of the fubfequent confederations language and of various works relating to which have marked the hiftory of the the Indians. American people. The objefts which » Mention has before been made of were propofed in its formation were neu- the "Commiffioners of the United Colo- tral proteftion againft the depredations nies," fome notice of which feems necef- of the Indian tribes, who were now be- fary. The colonies fo united confifted coming more formidable by the acquili- of Plymouth, Maffachufetts Bay, Con- tion of fire-arms, and againft the en- nefticut and New Haven, and was the croachments ol the Dutch and French, earlieft confederacy among the New Eng- together with the prefervation of the land colonies. " It was " fays Profeflbr liberty and peace of the gofpel, and the Gammell, "a union of great importance advancement of the Kingdom of Chrift. Letters of Roger Williams. 173 For my honored kind friend Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. Nar. 15. z. 49. (fo called.) [Narragansett, April 15, 1649.]^ Sir, — Beft refpeds and love to you both. By this bear- er (Nath. Waller) I received your book,^ and had by the fame returned it, but that I defire to read it over once more, finding it pleafant and profitable, and crave the fight of any other of that fubjedt at your leifure, kindly thanking you for this enclofed. As yet no tidings further from Eng- land. Here the Dutch Governor threatens fome trouble about the Dutch prize3 w^hich Captain Clarke, Bened and others bought, which he defires to be reftored, as being no prize, as taken contrary to the peace v^^ith Spain. If not reftored he threatens to take all vefi"els from hence, to which end it may be it is, that Jacob Curlow (whom the Indians call Yaupiick) have lately bought of fome of the Narraganfett Sachems the little liland^ in the mouth of this Bay (called Aquedenefick and Dutch Ifland), intend- ing to build and trade there, contrary to an order of this Colony againft foreigners, as alfo againft the agreement between the Commifiioners and the Sachems, not to fell any land without their confent. We are borne to trouble . . . The colony at Providence, formed ' The Dutch were, by law, forbidden as it had been, principally of the outcaft to trade with the Indians within the ju- and baniflied from the fettlements of rifdiftion of the colony upon pain of New England, was not invited to join forfeiture of fliip and goods. Probably the confederacy ; and her fubfequent ap- one of their veffels engaged in trade had plication for admiffion, like that of the been captured. fettlers on Rhode Ifland was fternly re- 4The fmall ifland weft of the ifland of fufed. — Life of Roger Williams, p. 114. Conanicut at the entrance to Narraganfett ^ \Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 267. Bay, now under the jurifdiftion of the ^ Probably the book called " Triall of government of the United States, and Wits" fent for in a preceding letter, upon which a fortiiication has recently page 167, fee note. been erefted. 174 Letters of Roger Williams. as the fparks fly upward. Above the fun is our reft, in the Alpha and Omega of" all bleflednefs, unto whofe arms of everlafting mercy I commend you, defirous to be yours even in him. Roger Williams. My loving refpedt to your loving lifter. I hope it vs^ill pleafe God to fend you a mill. For the Worjhipful his very loving friend Mr. John Win- throp, at Bojion, or elfewhere. [No date; probably April or May, 1649.]^ Sir, — Beft falutes, &c. I long to hear of your refrefti- ing after fo much fighing, &c. Our neighbor Sachems (having fent two natives this morning to my houfe inftead of Caufafenamont, to attend your coming,) are importu- nate with me to write to you, and to pray you (if this meffenger Safepunnuit meet you on the way) to write a word to the Bay, concerning the late bufinefs of Uncas' pretended death at Mohegan. For preface, this Mr. Smith's pinnace (that rode here at your being with us) went forth the fame morning to Newport, bound for Block Ifland, and Long Ifland, and Nayantick for corn : with them went a Narraganfett man, Cuttaquene, an ufual tra- der for Mr. Smith : the wind being (after three or four '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 268. nor of Maflachufetts in place of Gover- Probably written in the Spring of nor Winthrop, who died on the 26th of 1649, before May 10, at which time March of this year. — Note by Savage to Governor Endicot was elefted Gover- Winthrop Papers. Letters of Roger Williams. 175 days ftay at Newport,) northeaft and ftrong, they put into your river and fo to Mohegan. Uncas came aboard, on a fudden groaned and cried out that the Narraganfett had killed him : the Narraganfett man denied it, and Uncas Jhowed a wound on his breaji which bled afrejh, &c.^ Many circum- ftances palled. In fine Uncas caufed the man's two fore- fingers to be cut oflTand fent to Capt. Mafon, who being come, caufed the man to be unbound, and took him along with himfelf to Hartford. Our neighbor Sachems now pray you and the Magiftrates of the Bay, and of the whole country, that the matter may be thoroughly fearched out with all diligence, for two caufes : Firft, for the clearing of themfelves, who all profefs moft folemnly to be alto- gether innocent, &c., and they fay it had been childifh, now they are fo near finifhing their payment, to have prevented the Englifh juftice againft Uncas, which they are in great hopes of when matters fhall be heard, &c. They hear that Cuttaquene, the man in hold, being threatened death by a hatchet over his head, to' confefs his complotters, au- thors, &c., he named (as they fay) themfelves to fave his own life. The fecond caufe, that Uncas might be dif- covered, for they fuppofe he (knowing how near he is to a trial (after the payment finiftied) according to the Englilh Sachems promife,) projedled this vilainy, &c., to render the Narraganfetts ftill odious to the Englifh, and prevent his trial. I was bold to write your deareft for a word of Englifh information ; which I think will come by the Englifh (who went to fee your parts.) By natives I hear that your fames went to Uncas and charged him with projeB- ' "The complaint of Uncas againft the United Colonies, at their feffion, at Bof- Narraganfett man, here related, was con- ton, in July, 1649." — See Hazard, ii. fidered by the Commiffioners of the p. 130. 'Hott to PTinthrop Papers. 176 Letters of Roger Williams. ing himfelf and aBing himfelf a fmall Jiab on his breajl in a fafe place, &c. Many circumjiances look earnejily toward a plot of JJncas, both at this time, and in the manner,^ of the fadt of which you will hear more. He that is the Father of Lights, and Judge of the whole world will fhortly bring all fecret things to light. At prefent two things make me (if all things elfe were clear) to fufpend belief to Uncas' words : Firft, that the going forth of Cuttaquene in Mr. Smith's veffel was on an inftant, and accidental, and never intended (that I can hear yet of) for Mohegan ; how- ever if the Englifh had thoughts of it (which will be known upon their landing) yet they never mentioned it to the native, who, it is like, would never have confented, for this fecond confideration. This man Cuttaquene (without a miracle) could not attempt this thing, for I know him, and all men know him, to be of a gentle and peaceable fpirit, and was never forth with them in their wars ; and no way like to ftop fuch a man at noonday, in the midft of his own, &c. Sir, I am forry I have no horfe, nor boat fit to ferve you at this time. My canoe with a wind fair would quickly fet you here with eafe : I have writ to my wife that it may attend you : and I humble beg of the God of Heaven that his holy Angels may attend you in all his ways, in whom I defire to be your worfhip's refpedtive and affedtionate Roger Williams. Sir, if this meet you at Providence, I pray impart it to my brother and friends to whom I cannot now write. ^This paragraph is fomewhatobfcured, by an attempted erafure, by an another hand. See note to Winthrop Papers. Letters of Roger Williams. \jj To Mrs. "John Winthrop, Jr. Narragansett, [no date, probably April, 1649.]^ Mrs. Winthrop, — Loving refpedls to your kind felf and dear fifter. I am importuned by our neighbor Sachems to write to your dear hufband in the Bay, that whereas they hear that Uncas is hurt by a Narraganfett man, that went in Richard Smith's^ pinnace, they pray him to be aflured that whatever is done, more or lefs, they are ignorant of it, and will ufe no other means againft him than the Eng- lifh juftice in a legal way. They pray me alfo to write to you, that by yourfelf or fome of our loving friends with you, this meffenger may bring word of the truth of mat- ters among them : I believe nothing of any of the barba- rians on either fide, but what I have eye fight for, or Eng- lilh teftimony. I am the more willing to write, becaufe I might hereby hear of your health, and of your children and neigbors, to whom I wifli eternal peace in the Son of God, in whom I defire to be Your loving friend, Roger Williams. I pray caufe a line to be lent back by this bearer, what the matter is. ■4 Mafs. Hift. Coll.\o\. vi. p. 270. was one of the party with Gov. Win- i" Richard Smith, fen'r," fays Wil- throp, of Connefticut, and .others to liams in his letter of zift July, 1679, whom the Narraganfett Sachefti Cogina- " for his confcience to God left fair pof- quon, granted the " Northern Traft " in feffions in Glocellerfliire, and adventured the Narraganfett country. The title to with his relations ana eftate to New this land was afterwards confirmed to England, and was a moft acceptable in- Smith and his aflbciates by an order habitant, and a prime leading man in from King Charles zd. — R. I. Col. Rec. Taunton and Plymouth colony." He vol. i. pp. 464-466. Richard Smith, m 23 1^8 Letters of Roger Williams. To the Worjhipful Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. Narragansett, 9. 3. 49, (fo called.) [May 9, 1649.]' Sir, — Beft falutations and wifhes prefented to your dear- eft with yourfelf, &c. Thefe enclofed came to my hand in two feveral letters from the Bay enclofed, your brother in a letter from him, requefting my help, &c. I have therefore, fpeeded them by the Sachems, who will, there- fore, expedt fome word of tiding from the Bay, which you may pleafe to fignify, in one line to me. Whatever you hear, or can well collect, will be any word of tidings, &c., by which occalion (if you have occafion) you may well refcribe. Benedidl was defired by the magiftrates in the Bay to take fpecial care to charge Wequafhcook, concern- ing^ . He hath requefted this tafk from me, which this morning I purpofe to do (with God's help) carefully. Sir, two days fince, my boat not being fitted, coming from Providence, I was (in articulo temporis) fnatched by a mer- ciful, and, fome fay, a miraculous hand, from the jaws of death. The canoe being overfet, fome goods, to fome val- ue, were funk, fome whereof I hope, if God pleafe, to re- cover. However, bleffed be God, and blefled are fuch whom he corredteth and teacheth in him. Yours he gra - cioufly make me, though unworthy. Roger Williams. the autumn of 165 1, purchafed of Roger the barbarians the firft Englifh houfe Williams his eftate at Cawcumquffick, among them." This would carry the (now Wickford), from which place fo fettlement back to 1639. many of thefe letters were written. In 1 Knowles' Mem. Roger WicUams p. his teftimony in favor of Smith's title to 232; 3 Mafs. Hiji. Co//, vol. ix. p. 284. the Wickford lands, dated July 21, 1679, ^"Concerning." Though the origi- Williams fays, that forty years from this nal of this letter is much torn, the blank date. Smith " put up in the thickell of following the above word is the only one Letters of Roger Williams. ij() To my much refpeBed friend Mr. John Winthrof, at Pequot. 13- 3-49. (fo called.) [May 9th, 1649.]' Sir, — Salutations, &c. Your laft letter, which you men- tion, I fent by way of the Englifh, fince I came hither from Providence. I know of no letter of yours, that came back, as you write. One of mine to yourfelf, when you were in the Bay, was met by the peag meflengers from the Bay, and brought by them again to my hand, becaufe, as they conceived, the whole about Uncas, his wounding, was not yet, as then, known, which, at your coming hither, by the Englifli relation was perfected. Tidings from Uncas are, that the English come from the Bay to Hartford about Uncas, and are appointed to take this way, and to take Ninigret with them. Aquawoce (Wepiteammock) is at the point of death. ExpeSlat nos mors ubique ; cur non nos mor- tem? In life and death the Son of God {hine on us. In him. Yours I defire to be, ever unfeigned, Roger Williams. which I was not able fatisfaftorily to deficiency of paper and other articles, make out or fupply. The fragments of which the exclufion from intercoufe with a few letters look more like parts of the Bofton occafioned. This letter was writ- word "Nenekunat" (Ninigret) than any ten on the envelope, or blank fide of other. Between that Sachem and We- one addrefled to the writer, as is evident quafticook, as appears from another let- from the direftion, which flood originally ter of Roger Williams, there was a mif- thus : " To my much refpefted friend, underftanding. — l^ote by Prof. Knowles. Mr. Roger Williams." Mr. Williams ^Knowles, Mem. R. Williams, p. 233 ; ftruck out his own name, and put in the 3 Mafs Hift. Coll. vol, ix. p. 285. place of it,l, "John Winthrop, at Pequot," " This letter is worthy of notice, as in a blacker ink. — Note by Prof. Knowles. affording a flight intimation of that i8o Letters of Roger Williams. For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameug, thefe. Nar, 26. 3. 49. (fo called) [May 26th, 1649.]' Sir, — Loving refpedls to your dear felf, and deareft, &c. This laft of the week, in the morning, your man and all his charge are come juft now to me in fafety. I, mylelf, alfo came hither late laft night, and wet, from Warwick, where this colony met and upon difcharge of my service, we chofe Mr. Jofeph Smith,^ of Warwick, (the merchant or fhop-keeper that lived at Bofton) for this year, Prefident. Some were bold (though Captain Clarke was gone to the Bay and abfent) to ufe your name, and generally applauded and earneftly defired, in cafe of any poffible ftretching our bounds to you, or your drawing near to us, though but to Pawcatuck. One law palled, that the natives fhould no longer abufe us, but that their blacks fhould go with us, as with themfelves, at four per penny. All wines and ftrong waters forbidden the natives throughout the colony, only a privilege betrufted in my hand, to fpare a little for neceflities, &c.4 Sir, tidings are high from England ; many fhips from ' Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 234 ; were deferred, probably, in confequence 3 Mafi. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 286. of the abfence of Mr. Coddington. »In May, 1649, the General Aflembly ' Black, i. e. black peage. met at Warwick, when Mr. Williams ■* The law regarding the Tale of intoxi- having declined a reeleftion, Mr. Jofeph eating liquors was as rigid at this period Smith was chofen Prefident. Among as it is now among the prohibitionlTls. the alTiftants chofen was Samuel Gorton. At the May feffion of the General Af- Mr. Williams was chofen "to take a fembly, 1650. a refolution was paffed in view of the records delivered unto the which it was ♦' granted unto Mr. Roger Court by William Dyre," referring, Williams to have leave to fell a little probably, to his complaints againft Cod- wine or ftrong water to the natives in dington. Thefe complaints were again their ficknefs." — R. I. Col. Records, vol. prefented to the General Aflembly, but i. p. 219. Letters of Roger Williams. i8i many parts fay, and a Briftol fhip, come to the Ifle of Shoals within a few days, confirms, that the King and many great Lords and Parliament men are beheaded. Lon- don was fhut up on the day of execution, not a door to be opened, &c. The States of Holland and the Prince of Orange (forced by them) confented to proceedings. It is faid Mr. Peters' preached (after the fafhion of England) the funeral fermon to the King, after fentence, out of the terrible denunciation to the King of Babylon. Ela. 14: 18, &c. Your letter to your brother I delivered to Mr, Gold, (going to Bofton;) this weather, I prefume hinders. Mr. Andrews,^ a gentleman of Warwick, told me, that he came from the Bay, where he heard that the Bay had proclaimed war with the Narraganfetts. I hope it is but miftaken ; and yet all under, and while we are under the fan, nothing but vanity and vexation. The moft glorious Sun of Righteoufnefs fhine gracioufly on us. In him I defire to be, Sir, ever yours, Roger Williams. To his honored friend, Mr. John Winthrop. Cawcawmsqussick, 13. 4. 49, (fo called ") [June 13th, 1649.]' Sir, — Beft falutations, &c. The laft night one of We- quafhcook's Pequots brought me, very privately, letters from Capt. Mafon, (and as he faid, from Uncas and We- ' Hugh Peters ; fee note to letter of wick. — R. I. Col. Records., vol. i. p. 302. July 21, 1637. '3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. xi. p. 287; i Edward Andrews, a freeman of War- Knowles' Memoir ofR. Williams, p. 23 5. 1 82 Letters of Roger Williams. quafhcook.) The letters are kind to myfelf, acknowledg- ing loving letters (and tokens, which upon burning of his houfe,) he had received from me, &c. ; but terrible to all thefe natives, efpecially to the Sachems, and moft of all, to Ninigret. The purport of the letters and concurrence of circumftances, feem to me to imply fome prefent conclu- fions (from Connefticut) of hoftility,i and I queftion whe- ther or no prefent and fpeedy, before the meeting of com- miffioners, which I faw lately from the court, under Mr. Nowell's hand, was not to be till the feventh month. The murdering of Uncas is alleged by ftabbing, and fince at- tempted by witches, &c. The conclufion is therefore ruin. The words of the letter are : " If nothing but blood will fa- tisfy them, I doubt not but they may have their fill ; and again I perceive fuch an obftinate willfullnefs, joined with del- perate malicious pradtices, that I think and believe they are fealed to deJiruBion." Sir, there are many devices in a man's heart, but the counfel of Jehovah fhall ftand. If he have ' " The hoftile attitude of the Indians, cattle, abufed their fervants, entered their occafioned by the determination of the houfes by force, maltreating the occu- United Colonies to proteft Uncas at every pants, and ftealing their goods, and de- hazard, from the punilhment due to his fired advice on thefubjeft." * * * The crime at the hands of the Narraganfetts, Commiffioners wrote a letter to the cauied more ferious alarm than ever be- Sachems, advifing them to abftain from fore. The diflentions prevailing among fuch conduft in future, and telling them them thofe of Shawomet and Pavs'tuxet that, if they received any injury from ovi'ing allegiance to Maffachufetts, and the Englifh, fatisfaftion fhould be given viewing as enemies all Englilhmen whom them, as the like would be expefted fhe denounced, while the Niantics and from them. Scarcely had this milTive Nipmucks remained true to their proper been fent, when letters were received princes, made the fituation of Rhode If- from Roger Williams and others, warn- land, furrounded as fhe was by thefe dif- ing the United Colonies of preparations trafted and exafperated tribes extremely making by the Narraganfetts to renew perilous. The inhabitants of Warwick the war on Uncas." — Arnold, Hijl. of fufFered from this caufe. They com- Rhode IJland, vol. i. p. 222-23. plained that the Indians had killed their Letters of Roger Williams. 183 a holy and righteous purpofe to make us drink of our mother's cup, the holinefs nor power, nor policy of New England, can flop his hand : He be pleafed to prevent it, if not to fweeten it. Sir, I pray, if you have aught, fignify in a line, and you fhall not fail of my poor papers and prayers. Your unfeigned, Roger Williams. Your letters and friends were here fome days with me. This laft choice at Warwick (according to my foul's wifh and endeavor) hath given me reft. Others are chofen, Mr. John Clarke,' at Newport, to whom, and all my friends on the ifland, I wrote effedlually. Thither they went. I have heard nothing lince. If power had been with me, fuch a work of mercy, (although to ftrangers) I hope, by the Lord's afliftance, fhall not efcape me ; and I 'John Clarke, the founder and paflor Old England is becoming Nezo, New Eng- of the firft Baptift Church in Newport, land is becoming Old; Sec, &c. London, was one of the moft prominent men in 1652. To no man, except Roger Wil- the colony. In 1651, he was fent to Hams, is Rhode Ifland more indebted England with Roger Williams, to pro- than to him. He was the original pro- mote the interefts of the colony. He jeftor of the fettlement on the Ifland, remained there, until he procured the and one of its ableft legiflators. Dr. El- charter of 1663. After his return, he ton, in fpeaking of Clarke, fays "He was elefted three years, fucceflively, was a faithful and ufeful minifter, cour- Deputy Governor. He died April 26, teous and amiable in all relations of life, 1676, in the 67th year ol his age. and an ornament to his profeflion and to Having no children, he gave moft of the feveral offices which he fuftained. his property to charitable purpofes. — His memory is deferving of lafting hon- While in London, he publifhed a book, or for his efforts towards eftablifliing the entitled, "/// Neais from New England, firft goverment in the world which gave or a narrative of New England's Perfe- to all equal, civil and religious liberty." cution ; wherein it is declared, that while Note to Callenber's Hiji. Diil. p. 212. 184 Letters of Roger Williams. have promifed my affiftance to Mr. Clarke and others, at Newport, if any blame or damage befall them from the colony or elfewhere. Sir,' I forgot to thank you for the pamphlets, although (not having been lately at Providence] I have them not ; but I have fent for them. I have here now^ w^ith me, my eldeft daughter, of feventeen. Her younger lifter of fif- teen, hath had nature's courfe before her, which fhe want- ing, a flux of rheum hath much affedled her head and right eye ; flie hath taken much phyfic, and been let blood, but yet no change. She is advifed by fome to the Bay. I pray advife me to whom you judge fitteft to addrefs unto of the Bay phyficians. Sir, I hear a fmith of your town hath left you, and faith I fent for him. It is moft untrue, though we want one at Providence, yet I fhould condemn in myfelf, or any, to invite any convenience or commodity from our friends. I know him not, nor ever fpake (to my knowledge) about him. Mr. Throckmorton hath lately brought in fome corn from Hemftead and thofe parts, but extraordinary dear. I pay him 6s. for Indian, and 8j-. for wheat. Thefe rains if God pleafe to give peace, promife hopes of plenty. Two days fince, letters from my brother. He faith a a ftiip was come to the Bay from England. She was not come yet in the river. A lighter went aboard, and brought the confirmation of the King's death, but no other par- ticulars. The everlafting King of kings Ihine on us, &c. Letters of Roger Williams. 185 To the Worjhipful his kind friend Mr. John JVinthrop, Efq., at Pequot. Nar. 26, 6, 49. (fo called.) [Narragansett, Auguft 26th, 1649.]' Sir, — Beft refpects to you both, with hearty defires of your peace and ours, if the God of Peace fo mercifully pleafe. Upon this late hubbub, (of an affault upon the Pequots by the Mohegans, and one of thofe Mohegans purfued and flain by the Pequots,) the Sachems have fent to me for my thoughts, their men being impatient of mak- ing an affault alfo upon the Mohegans. I tell them the Englifh will not regard their complaints until the debt is paid. But that (at this time) will not flop them : I tell them the Mohegans have now killed but an old woman (if dead) : they have killed a Captain, that makes them confider. Further, whereas they defire I would write to the Bay, I anfwer, it is better firft that I write to you to pray you to fend to Hartford, to know whether the Magiftrates and Englifh have fet on Uncas, and what their refolution is, then upon receipt of their mind fhall yourfelf and I know better what to write to the Bay for them. With this I have fatisfied them, and conceive it very requifite that (if you have not already) you would pleafe to requeft a word from honored friends of Hartford. If God pleafe, this fire may yet be quenched, which humbly defires Your worfhip's unworthy Roger Williams. Sir, I pray feal and fend this to Efq. Mafon. > 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 271. 24 1 86 Letters of Roger Williams. For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. Nar : 25, 8, 49, (fo called,) [Oftober 25, 1649.]' Loving Sir, — To yourfelf and your dear companion beft falutation and defires of your hearts defire, and more then your hearts can defire in the knowledge and love of the Son of the living God : This paffing hand calls for this line only of neighborly falutation and information. Our neighbors meffengers are gone to (not returned from) MalTachufetts, with about 20// or upwards of peag. I had promifed to write for them, but the peag being brought me, and fo little, and they quarrelling amongft themfelves, and foolifhly charging inferior Sachems of non- payment, I was not free. I advifed them (according to your advice) to compell Wequafhcook to contribute, as alfo the Block Iflanders and fome petty Sachems about the great pond (who follow Wequafhcook to fave their money) but they fay it is a new thing fo to do, &c., and they defire rather the Englifh would do it, which difcovery of their weaknefs, Sir, in my poor thoughts, holds out a great Providence of God for the onenefs and fecurity of the Eng- lifh (while the barbarians are in their fradiions) and fome door of hope to me of fome preparations to draw them nearer to civility, and that according to your own dear father's opinion and defire. Our natives fay the Mauqua- wogs have defired the Englifh to flay from going to war againfl the Dutch Indians, but a Dutchman tells me he heard (at Munnadoes) of five hundred Englifh coming againfl them. If the Father of Mercies mercifully pre- vent not, it may prove a devouring fire. Bluefield is come to Newport and is carrying the fhip (his prize) to Munna- ' \Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 272. Letters of Roger Williams. 187 does, having promifed the Governor to anfwer it to the Spaniard if demanded, becaufe fhe is taken againft the Treves.' Only the feamen (being of feveral nations) are divided and quarrel, and will hardly be pacified but by the weak power of the Ifland, where a General Court is fud" denly called this next (2d) day at Portfmouth. If you have any printed relations from England, I fhall thank you for the fight. I have received a large and pious letter from the Lady Vane, (which I will fhortly prefent you with). Sir Henry's opinion is, perfecution approaching. Tis the portion of Chrift Jefus and his to pais through fuf- fering to Glory : In Him delirous to be ever yours, Roger Williams. For Mr. "John Winthrop, thefe. Nar. 9, 10, 49, (fo called,) [Narragansett, Dec. 10, 1649.]^ Sir, — Praifed be God for your healths and peace, which I humbly defire he may pleafe to continue and fandtify to Himfelf. Thefe letters Mr. Arnold importuned me to fend, although by an hired mefTenger. This bearer (al- though a thief and muft be looked to) is careful, and I have promifed, upon a note received from you, a pair of • Treve, a " truce," or " armiftice." ry of New Netherland, i. 296, as coin- It may be conjeftured that the writer re- mander of a privateer upon our coaft a fers to the Treaty of Munfter, con- few years before. See alfo Documents eluded between Spain and the States- relative to the Colonial Hiftory of the General in 1648. This Bluefield is State of New York, i. 397-399.— Ed. probably the Capt. " BlauveJt," a Dutch- Winthrop Papers. man, mentioned in O'Callaghan's Hifto- '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi, p. 273. 1 88 Letters of Roger Williams. breeches. We have here notice of conclufions for the war from Bofton, and preparations of a fet number in each town. Truely, Sir, I have heard little concerning thofe murders by Englifh or natives, but fear that the Lord is kindling fires amongft us. I humbly conceive the cafe of a man murdered need not hazard the Englifh in winter hoftilities, nor the plantations, by the certain and experi- enced revenges of thofe Dutch Indians, and am confident that within a year's compafs, &c., by filent and watchful courfes, the murderer or murderers may be taken in Eng- lifti towns However, David would rather wink at mur- derous Joab all his days, then hazard the lofs of more blood for the revenging of fome. At Seekonk a great many have lately concurred with Mr. John Clarke and our Providence men about the point of a new Baptifm, and the manner by dipping : and Mr. John Clarke hath been there lately (^and Mr. Lucar) and hath dipped them. I believe their praftice comes nearer the firft pradlice of our great Founder Chrift Jefus, then other pradlices of religion do, and yet I have not fatisfadlion neither in the authority by which it is done, nor in the manner ; nor in the pro- phecies concerning the rifing of Chrift's Kingdom after the defolations by Rome, &c. It is here faid that the Bay hath lately decreed to profecute fuch, and hath writ to Plymouth to profecute at Seekonk, with overtures that if Plymouth do not, &c. Here hath been great bickerings about Bluefield's fhip at Newport, there arrefted by fome of his company, and ordered to be fold and payments made, although he ftand deeply bound to repay all to the Span- iard upon demand, becaufe taken againft the Treves. This {hip and other veflTels, and great and fmall ordinance going off, caufed high reports (almoft to my belief as I wrote to Letters of Roger Williams. 189 you) of Tome Irifli pirates, whom we have caufe to fear, and (feeking to God) prepare alfo for. I have heard of a book from England importing another high cafe on foot touching a more equal divifion of lands among brethren, and provifion for the younger brethren. I thankfully ac- knowledge your love concerning my daughter.' My wife (here with me) informs me of a courfe of phyfic (he has entered into with Mr. Clarke^ of Bofton, where fhe hath been lately, and is better. We are encompafTed with mo- tions about her ; but neither I nor fhe can entertain thoughts of fo early a marriage. She, as my wife tells me, defires to fpend fome time in fervice, and liked much Mrs. Brenton, \^who wanted) ; but I trouble you with fuch paf- fages, &c. My wife prays a little of your powder for Mrs. Weekes' daughter, of Warwick, who is every winter great- ly afflidled by occafion of fuch obllrudtions, and breaks forth to lamentable effedls. The condition (although the parents offer payment with thanks,) I queflion not but will prevail with your loving breaft, wherein God gra- cioufly dwell, as in a palace of his delights In him I defire to be Ever yours unfeigned Roger Williams, Your fervant, Poft, lay with me two nights, earneftly importuning me to fend his thankful remembrance and fervice. I am troubled about Nenekunat's hunting, to whom ^Probably his daughter Mary, who is bury and Bofton, who died in January, faid to have been born at Plymouth, in 1664-5. A good portrait of him is in Auguft, in 1633, now fixteen years of the cabinet of the Maflachufetts Hiftori- age. — Eds. Winthrop Papers. cal Society. — Eds. Winthrop Papers. » Dr. John Clarke, phyfician of New- 190 Letters of Roger Williams. Wequafhcodk fends threatening of Captain Mafon's vifit. They have importuned me to write to Captain Mafon, which I have done. On the laft firft day was a great fray between Warwick men and thofe Indians, and blood fpilt, and many cuts and hurts on both fides : who both on the third day fent for me, who went, and (by God's mercy) compofed not only the prefent, but have begun a treaty of full agreement with the natives about their land, if the Bay pleafe. Sir, my love to Mr. Brewfter,^ to whom I thought now to write; but by the next if God pleafe. For the Worjhipful his kind friend Mr. "John Winthrop, Efq. at Pequot. Nar. 16, 12, 49, (fo called.) [Narragansett, l6th February, 1649-50.]^ Sir, — I rejoiced exceedingly from your own loving hand (by Robin Caufafenamont) to receive tidings' of your laealths after this fharp time. BlefTed be God, who hath provided warm lodging, food, and clothing, and fo feafona- ble and admirable an element of fire for his poor creatures againfl: fuch times ; the fame bleifed Lord make us learn of his little ants, (Prov. 6.) to provide timely againfl: eter- nal bitternefs. Hoc momentum vnde pendet ceternitas. For expedition I advifed Robin to get over to Rhode Ifland himfelf, which I think he did, but I have not fince heard •Jonathan Brewfter, was the eldeft the Mayflower, in 1620. fon of Elder William Brewfter, the dif- ^4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 276. tinguiftied Puritan, who came over in Letters of Roger Williams. 1 9 1 of him. I am forry for this affliftion to Mr. Smith in his daughter's hufband, and we fear Richard Smith his fon, alfo, but hope it will pleafe God to give us tidings of de- liverance : however, it is not fafe for duft and aflies to tempt the Moft High in fighting with his winter ftorms without neceffity. I grieve that my dear countrymen of Connedticut are fo troubled with that filthy devil of whor- ifh pradlices, and more that yet they are perfuaded of fuch courfes to caft him out. Adultery is a fire which will root out, but the gentiles, the nations of the world, will never be proved capable of fuch laws and punifhments as that holy nation, bred up and fed with miraculous dif- penfations, were fit for. Sir, I humbly blefs God that hath vouchfafed you light and power to witnefs againft many evils of your countrymen, to His Honor and yours. As yet we have not tidings from our mother. God merci- fully fit us for his holy pleafure in hearing, doing, fufFering, living, dying : He gracioufly guide you and your deareft by his counfel to his glory : So prays Your unfeigned, Roger Williams. Mr. Throckmorton is preparing and waiting daily for a reafon to vifit you. 192 Letters of Roger Williams. Roger Williams to John Winthrop, Jr. Nar. 24, 12, 49, (fo called.) [Narragansett, z4th February, 1649-50.]' Kind Sir, — Beft falutations, &c. In my laft, by Con- lider, I forgot a paflage about that letter to the Commif- fioners which you were pleafed to take from me. Mr. Browne lately told me that he cannot call to mind that ever it was produced ; he conceives, if you forgot not, that the Prefident did, or that it was fuppreffed. I crave one line about it. Mr. Browne hath often profefled liberty of confcience, but now the way of new baptifm Ipreads at Seekonk as well as at Providence and the Ifland. I have been fo bold as to tell him that he perfecutes his fon and the people, and on the other fide Mr. Newman^ alfo. Sir, if you have Carpenter's Geography,3 or other difcourfe about the Earth's diurnal motion, fpare it a little to Yours moft unworthy Roger Williams. Sir, I pray if the Long Ifland man be not gone, aik for a book I lent him. ^4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 277. had before appeared. It was printed in ^Samuel Newman, born in England London in 1643, — Blake, Bkg. Diil. in 1600, and educated at Oxford. Emi- His defcendants are ftill found in Re- grated to Maflachufetts in 1638, and af- hoboth and Seekonk. ter fpending feveral years at Dorchefter 3 " Carpenter's Geography." Na- and Weymouth, fettled at Rehoboth, thaniel Carpenter born 1588 died 1635, where he refided till his death in 1663, was an Englifh clergyman. Rewrote greatly efteemed for his talents and pie- feveral volumes confiding of fermons, ty. He compiled a Concordance of the philofophical works and a Geography De- Bible, which was fuperior to any that lineated, Oxford, 1625. 410. 2d edition, 1635. — Watts, Bio. Britannica. Letters of Roger Williams. 193 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot."- Sir, — Yours received and fent. I pray in your next a word about Earle's paper ; a word of the war againft the natives. I cannot yet get particulars touching Cromwell in Ireland,^ yet hope ftill that God will honor him, whom I hope he truly defires to honor. I grieve to underftand from your former that Mofes is not underftood in New England, touching what he did to that one nonefuch typical and miraculous people of Ifrael ; yet furely, licentioufnefs of all forts needs a Iharpe [/orw] though too fharp, and more then God requires or ever did in all nations equal to Ifrael, is deftrudtive, &c. Sir, in hafte Yours ever unfeigned Roger Williams. Sir, if you have occafion to deal with Thomas Stanton, or any up to Connecticut for corn of any fort, I pray re- member me if it were 500^//: I purpofe to write to my old friend Pynchon,3 and pray you if you have occafion, intimate a word to him. '4 Mafs. Hiji. Co//, vol. vi. p. 279. doings at Drogheda and Wexford, in ^This letter has no date; but the wri- September and Oftober of 1649. — Eds, ter, although he had not yet got the Winthrop Papers. " particulars touching Cromwell in Ire- 3 William Pynchon. See note to let- land," poffibly had heard rumors of his ter of Odlober 17, 1650. 25 194 Letters of Roger Williams. For the worjhipful, his kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Nameug. Nar. 20, I, 49. (fo called.) [20th March, 1649.]' Sir, — Loving refped:s and beft wiflies to you both, &c. By Nenekunat I received your laft, relating a found of more bloody fhowers about Old, and faid trials at our doors in New. 'Tis mercy that we have not our perfonal {hares in them, 'tis mercy we are not confumed. The Father of Lights vouchfafe us fympathifing hearts and pre- pared to follow the Lamb through all tribulations into Glory. Nenekunat now with me importunes me to write this to you, to pray you to take notice of a meflage that Kaufa Senamon (your Robin lately brought to him from Connedticut, viz. : that he flbould difcharge and fend to Long Ifland that young Sachem Taufaquonawhut, who hath lately married his eldeft daughter, becaufe as Captain Mafon and the Magiftrates fay, he is a Pequot. He pre- fents this anfwer to yourfelf, and prays you to prefent it to the Englifh Sachems as you find occafion. He faith that this Taufaquonawhut was fought to by Uncas to marry his daughter, but he not affedting her (becaufe of her fore eyes) came to his daughter, who falling in love, he, and the mother, and daughter, and himfelf (Nenekunat) defire they might live near together, which they do a fmall dif- tance off. He fays fome bring him word that the Englifh will divorce them: others that his daughter may follow him to Long Ifland if (he will. He fays that the young man was a child when the Pe- quot wars were, and had no hand in oppofition, &c. That he was not the fon of any of thofe Sachems who fought ' 4 Mafs. Hi/i, Coll. vol. vi. d. 277. Letters of Roger Williams. \ 95 againft the Englifh, but of Tattaopame, whom the Dutch flew. That his mother alfo is Wequafticook's wife. That there is no other color of his being hurtful to the Englifli, but by (howing them kindnefs as they travel by his houfe : which to my knowledge he is free to. He prays you not to lofe your right, but fend for a flcin of a moofe which was killed upon one of your hummocks by Filher's Ifland, lately, and carried to Wequafhcook, as the lord. Sir, I gladly expert your book, and one of the Parlia- ment's Declarations which I lent the Long Ifland Englifli- man who part: hereby in winter. Sir, I defire to be ever yours unfeigned Roger Williams. For the worjhipful kind friend Mr. Winthrop, at Pequot.^ [No date; probably May, 1650.] Sir, — Loving refpedts, &c. Thefe inclofed Mr. Throck- morton yefl:erday delivered to Mr. He: and Thomas Doxey, two days fince put forth from Newport, but Mi. Throckmorton being a league the foremofl:, met upon Point Judith with a guft: from the fouthwefl:, which brought ^4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 279. with you, this is to entreat you to fend The following note from John El- me this letter to Pequot, as fpeedily as derkin is written upon the fame page, you can, and if you be at charges about and preceding this letter of Williams, in the fending of it, I willingly will pay the original. — Y.^%. Winthrop Papers. you. Your fervant to my power. Mr. Williams,— After my love re- 1°"" Elderkin. membered to you, being thankful to you Prov. 12th May, 1650. for your kindnefs to me, when I was 196 Letters of Roger Williams. him on backftays, laid his vefTel on one lide, in much dan- ger, his canoe fell over from him, and was loft, his oars, &c., but God brought him mercifully fafe in hither, and Thomas Doxey back to Newport, whither he hath now fent for his wife and Mrs. Arnold : Benedid;' having now bought houfe and land at Newport, propofing thither to remove. Sir, Thomas Doxey told me of your thoughts for England : this bearer, Mr. Thatcher, tells me he fpake with fome of the Briftol fhips, which fay that twenty to one are for the Prince throughout the land, and wait for a change of wind, which (if God pleafe to alter) is doubt- lefs like to be very dreadful, yet would I not difcourage you from liftening to any evident call of that God who is able to carry whom he fends, through men and devils. Our Colonies General Court is now at Newport, where (upon a frefh report of wars with France) our Englifh is in demur of fuffering the Frenchmen (who came in Blue- field's prize, flufhed with blood, and have bought a Frigate of Capt. Clarke,) to go out upon their voyage to the Weft Indies, leaft they pradlice their trade upon their own coaft. Yet one of them having lain with Mr. Amies' daughter, (of Portfmouth,) is like now to marry her. The parents of the EngliHi are troubled greatly. God mercifully bring good out of thefe evils. Sir, it hath pleafed God to quicken (by a Dutchman ' Benedia Arnold, one of the found- At the General Eleftion in 1657, he was ers of Providence. His name appears chofen Prefident, and in 1663 Governor in the town records under date of Au- of the Colony, to which office he was guft, 1636. The following year he was annually elefted to 1666; again from afTociated with William Coddington in 1669 to 1672, and from 1677 to 1678. the purchafe of the Illand of Conanicut, He died on the 20th of June of the lat- and figned the firft compadl in 1640. He ter year. He filled many ofiices of truil removed to Newport in 1653, and the at various periods, and was one of the following yeai was chofen an "Affiftant." moft prominent men in the colony. Letters of Roger Williams. 197 fkipper, Lorence, now following fifhing here about us,) fome Englifli that way, and Bened :' defires to buy my {hallop and further that work, which I heartily defire ^if God fo pleafe to favor us) may profper with you and us. The Natives have taken abundance of fturgeon, and cod, and bafs this year. Nawfet Englifh (where Mr. Prince is) putting forth feven or eight boats to fifh this Spring, by the overfetting of one boat, and lofs of two men in the going out of the harbor's mouth, were for the prefent dif- couraged. The Lord ufeth to temper great defires and hopes with fuch fharps, I hope they will on again. Sir, I want paper, reft yours, Roger Williams. There is a found of the Narraganfetts warring upon Rhode Ifland (which thereupon keep watch,) but it is founded on a lie, as I ftiall inform vou. To Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. [No date. June, 1650.]^ Sir, — Dear refpedts to your dear felves and loving lifter, rejoicing in your peace, which may well with us (after the Hebrew idiom) comprife the reft, &c. The meflenger tells me you have that tidings about Prince Rupert,^ whofe 'Probably, Benedift Arnold. for three years he acquitted hirafelf with '^ \Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 281. honor. In idji.the great parliamenta- 5 Prince Rupert, nephew of Charles rian Admiral Blake, attacked the Prince's I. having been unfuccefsful as an officer fquadron and funk or dellroyed it. It is in the Royal Army, was appointed to the doubtlefs to this reverfe in the fortunes command of the fleet, in which capacity of Prince Rupert that Williams refers. 198 Letters of Roger Williams. name in thefe parts found as a north-eaft ftorm of fnow. The Father of Mercies gracioufly avert, or (if he fees good for us to bring it) fhelter us under the wings of his mercies, and gather us under them by true humiliation. Our peace here this laft night founds very uncertain. In- dian news have doubtlefs fomething in it, of a hundred Englifli from the Bay coming to Warwick and the Narra- ganfett : to Warwick about controverfies between Warwick men and Mr. Arnold : to Narraganfett for peag. They tell of their inftant approach. Mr. Throckmorton laft night from Providence writes that Plymouth men were lately in great and hot debates about yielding their claim of thefe parts to the Bay, which, after much heat in vot- ing, was by a committee caft to the Bay, whence I con- jedrure they now adl.' God gracioufly turn it to his praife however, whatever becomes of our peace. Sir, we have great caufe to figh at the filthinefs in this land, and alfo at the unchriftian ways of puniftiments. You may pleafe to remember that I have been large (in the Bloodie Ten- ent),^ in the difference between that land of Ifrael and all others. It is in difcufTing of the model. Mr. Cotton re- fers the anfwer to the reft of the elders, whofe anfwer or reply I yet hear not of, and pray you if you do, to inti- mate. 'Tis a controverfy wherein I am deeply engaged, of which you will (if God pleafe) fee more. For your- 'At the General Court heldatBofton, ^Williams's well-known book entitled June loth, 1650, the commiffioners on " The Bloody Tenent of Perfecution,for the controverfy concerning the title to the caufe of Confcience,diJcuJfed,in u con- and jurifdiftion of lands on Shawomet, ference betweene Truth and Peace, etc., (Warwick) and Pawtuxet made their re- London, 1644 : " and Cotton's " Reply port. The refult was, that Plymouth to Williams's Examination" etc. — Pub. relinquiftied to Maflachufetts all claims Narraganfett Club, vols. ii. and iii. to the jurifdiftion of thefe lands. — Ply- mouth Records, vol. ii. p. 158-159. Letters of Roger Williams. 199 felf, dear fir, you do I prefume (as in confcience to God and man, you can no lefs) propofe your queries to your friends, of note for authority and ability : whofe anfwers I fliould thank you to fee. Newton's cafe is imminent : poor man. God gracioufly arm him againft the laft great trial approaching, where millions of men and devils number- lefs would joy eternally to fwone without returning. God gracioufly fit him and us for that battle by thefe flight vifi- tations, &c. For Saybroke, fir, you know I rejoice and mourn : rejoice that the Lord Jefus his name is more founded, and mourn that not after the firft pattern, in which I find no Churches extant framed, but all (by a dreadful fate) oppofling, difliblving, &c., and Perez Uzzah, the breaches and divifions wonderful. The Portraiture,' I guefs is Bifhop Hall's, the fl:yle is pious and acute, very like his, and J, H. fubfcribes the Epitaph : probably he prefented thefe pafl"ages to the King in the times of his refl:raint, for he was truly the Bifhop's King and breathed from rirfl: to laft abfolute Monarchy and Epifcopacy. Doubtlefs {yiis and modis) he was guilty of much blood. All that feems weighty in my eye are the popular tumults ^Eikon Balilike. The Portraiture of rate work to prove that the King wrote bts facred Majejly, King Charles I. in it ; while Sir James Mackintofh makes his Solitudes and Sufferings. London, equal efforts to fliow that Dr. CJauden 1648. This remarkable book caufed a was its author. Mr. Hallam, in fpeak- great fenfation at the time it was pub- ing of the Eikon Bafilike fays, "If we liftied, no lefs than fifty editions, accord- could truft its panegyrills, few books in ing to Lowndes, having appeared in our language have\done it more credit 1648-9; and it has been aflerted that if by dignity of fentiment and beauty of it had appeared a week fooner, it might ftyle. It can hardly be neceffary for me have faved the life of the King. Bifhop to exprefs my unhefitating conviftion Hall was not the author, as Williams that it was folely written by Biftiop Gau- furmifes ; this honor has been awarded den, who, after the Reftoration claimed alike to Charles I. and to Bifhop Gau- it as his own." — Literature of Europe. den. Mr. Wordfworth wrote an elabo- London: vol. iii. p. 152. 200 Letters of Roger Williams alledged as the artifice of the Parliament : 'Tis true it is a dangerous remedy, yet that which God ufed againft Baal's priefts. The people as well as King, were ftirred up for their death. The people for Jonathan againft King Saul. The people held the Pharifees in awe, thirfting after Chrift's and the Apoftle's blood. Sir, pardon my paper in all its defeats, and let me truly mourn that I am not more. Yours unfeigned in Chrift Jefus, Roger Williams. Sir, I am bold to add my mite, &c., thefe enclofed. Sir, hearing want of pins, I crave Mrs. Winthrop's ac- ceptance of two fmall papers, that if fhe want not herfelf, yet fhe may pleafure a neighbor. Roger Williams to John Winthrop, Jr. Nar. 9. 8. 50, (fo called.) [Narragansett, 9th Oftober, 1650.]' Sir, — Beft refpedts and love prefented to yourfelf and deareft. My houfe is now filled with foldiers and therefore in hafte I write in an Indian houfe : It hath pleafed God to give me, and the Englifli, and the Natives that were met together and the whole land I believe a gracious deliver- ance from the plague of war : On the laft day laft came to my houfe Capt. Atherton with above twenty foldiers and three horfes : The Captain requefted me presently to travel to the Sachems (met together in mourning for Wepiteam- mock's dead fon within three or four miles of my houfe) 1 3 Mafi. Hiji. Coll. vol. ix. p. 289. Letters of Roger Williams. 201 and to demand the reft of the pay three hundred and eight fathom :' and two hundred more for thefe charges, &c. I went alone and drew them out of the mourning houfe, who anfwered they were ever refolved to pay, but they were diftradted by that peace broke by the Mohegans in that Hoftility begun upon them at Pequot which they anfwered not becaufe of the Englifh ; but expefted fatisfadtion, but receive none, &c. Yet they refufed not to pay : I returned and the Captain with me went to them and two or three foldiers as was agreed, and after a little difcourfe we agreed in the fame place to meet on the fecond day: We did and all day till night, the Captain demanded the peag or two Sachems, the natives promifed peag within a little time : the Captain would have one or two prefent, and in the eve- ning drew up his men (unknown to me fent for) round about the Sachems in a hole, and the Indians (twenty for one of us) armed and ready with guns and bows about us, the Captain delired me to tell the Sachems he would take by force Nenekunat and Peficcofh ; then I protefted to the Captain before Indians and Englifh, I was betrayed for firft I would not have hazarded life or blood for a little money ; fecond, if my caufe and call were right, I would not be defperate with fo few men to affault Kings in the midft of fuch guards about us, and I had not fo much as knife or ftick about me : After long Agitations upon the ticklifh point of a great flaughter (as all the foldiers now confefs,) the God of mercy appeared. I perfuaded the Captain to ftay at my houfe four days, and the natives within four days to bring in the peag and I would lay down ten fathom: (as formerly I had done twenty (God knows beyond my ability.) 'Fathoms of peage. 26 202 Letters of Roger Williams. Sir, to-morrow the peag is to come, I hope fuch a quan- tity as will flop proceedings : I told the Captain he had defperately betrayed me and himfelf : he tells me he will give me good fatisfaction before he depart : I prelume he fears God in the main, but fear he can never fatisfy me nor his own confcience, which I hope the Lord will fhow him, and (how the Country what dangerous Councils the Commiffioners produce : which makes me fear God is pre- paring a War in the Country, Juft now a letter from Rhode Ifland comes for my voyage for England : but as yet I refolve not. God gracioufly be pleafed to fet our af- fedtions on another Country and himfelf above in his dear Son. Sir, yours in him I delire to be unfeigned Roger Williams. John Winthrop, Jr., to Roger Williams, in reply to the foregoing. PEguoT, November lo, 1650. Sir, — I received your letter this morning, and muft w^rite back in hafte, the mel- fengers being haftily to return, thanking you for the intelligence of this matter, which neither from the Commiffioners or from any of the Government or any other way I have had the lead intimatiom either by meflage, or letter. I thank you chiefly for your endeavors of bringing the Indians to a peaceable conclufion of mat- ters. The whole country are much obliged to you for your care herein, as former- ly for your labors and travails in this kind which they cannot be fo fenfible of, who do not fully underlland the nature and manner of the Indians who are brought to a right \_cet. defunt.'\ [This fragment feems to be the anfwer of Governor Winthrop to the preceding letter. Upon the back in Governor's W.'s hand, — "Copy of my letter to Mr. Williams in anfwer to his of 8. 9. 49."] Gov. Winthrop makes a miftake in the year, which Ihould be 1650. — Ed. Win- hrop Papers. Letters of Roger Williams. 203 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. Nar. 17. 8. 50. (fo called.) [Narragansett, Oftober 17, 1650.]' Kind Sir, — Loving refpedts, &c. The Captain's de- mand was three hundred and eight fathom for the debt, and two hundred for this expedition. Thev paid one hundred and forty, and faid it was the whole, and that the difference was made by the meafure. They alfo brought two hun- dred and forty for this Expedition : and upon the Captain's motion I prevailed with them to fend two natives, with a petition writ by myfelf to have all cancelled. The Cap- tain promifed to fecond the petition, which they faid your loving felf and Captain Gibbons and Mr. Stanton had for- merly prefented in their behalf. I was ^if not too) warm, infifting on the partiality againft the Narraganfetts and towards Uncas, and affirmed that Un- cas might better fteal many horfes then Wenekunat look over the hedge. I urged Uncas his villainous dealing againft your poor town, yourfelf, &c. There is a myftery in it, of which formerly. Sir, yourfelf and I had fome hints, and may, if it pleafe the Lord to bring us together before winter. The Captain told me the bufinels was de- ligned by the Commiffioners, and that (as he perceived) they were refolved to hazard a war upon it, &c. But praifed be the moft holy, gracious, and only wife, who not only watched over you and us ; but if I miftake not over the whole country, while the watchmen flept; for to me it is certain, a war between the Englifti and the Mauquawogs, or between the Englifh and the Narraganfetts, will, if not difpoffefs many a planter and difplant plantations ,» yet haz- ' 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 283. 204 Letters of Roger Williams. ard much blood, and flaughter, and ruin to both Englifh and Indian ; and when foever this fore plague of God comes, though upon never fo juft a caufe in the laft way of remedy and extremity, yet it is one of his three moft dreadful earthly and temporal judgments upon the children of men. Sir, Thomas Doxie came in almoft three weeks fince, he had no mind for Providence, but flood away for Martin's Vineyard, and left a letter for his wife here to meet him, who came here this day, fome few hours fince from Providence, but we hear not of Thomas ; fo that the poor woman is much difconfolate, for to get from Providence fhe was forced to promife to come back, if Thomas would not come up ; yet Benedict writes to me and to her here ex- ceeding lovingly. I fear he has gone to Munnadoes to finifh this voyage with the two Dutchmen with him. Katherine prefents fervice and prays advice. The Father of mercies gracioufly blefs thefe trials to her, that it may be for her good in the latter end, which I fhall (through his grace) endeavor to further. Sir, I am your unworthy Roger Williams. Letters of Roger Williams. 205 For his honored kind friend Mr. Winthrop, at Pequot, thefe. [No date ; Oftober, 1650.]' Sir, — Beft falutation, &c. Yours by Elderkin (who predi- cates your juft praife in many refpedls, &c.,) common, phi- lofophical modern virtue, laudata crefcit, — how much more (hould true, heavenly, and eternal ? I wrote you largely the iffue of things, and hope you have received, &c. In fum, that the Captain had one hundred and forty fathom for the debt, (which was all, fay the Indians, but three hundred and eight fay the Englifli) alfo two hundred and forty for this charge. A petition I wrote to the Court for the Natives touching the difference, and this bearer, Mr. Caukin, tells me it was accepted in the Court of Deputies (of which he vv^as one). He tells me of a book lately come over in Mr. Pynchon's name,^ wherein isfome dero- gation to the blood of Chrift. The book was therefore burnt in the Market place at Bofton, and Mr. Pynchon to be cited to the Court. If it come to your hand, I may hope to fee it ; however the Moft High and only Wife will by this cafe difcover what liberty confcience hath in this land. Sir, as I wrote, Katherine came in hither the day I wrote to feek Thomas Doxey, and he came in the next day after, and the next day to Providence together. She tells me (to give Benedifts content) fhe let Bened: "^ \Mafs. Hijl, Coll. vol. vi. p. 284. books. The one here alluded to is proba- This letter is without date ; but from bly "The Meritorious Price of Man's Re- Mr. Winthrop's endorfement of "Ofto. demption, etc. London: 1650. It was 23," it may be inferred that it was writ- received in Bofton during the feffion of ten a few days before. the General Court in Oftober following, » William Pynchon fettled at Rox- which body ordered the book to be burnt bury, Mafs.,in 1630; at Springfield, the next day "after the Lefture." A about 1637, and returned to England in fecond edition was printed in 1655. 1652. He was the author of feveral sBenedift Arnold. 2o6 Letters of Roger Williams. write to her uncle : but fhe herfelf writ privately that if anything were fent, it might be in houfehold ftufF. I hope (yet fear) thofe trials may take off Thomas from company, Ipending, &c., unto which your help will not be wanting. I think he will bring her to Pequot or Long Ifland. Your tidings of God's renewed mercy again to Cromwell is con- firmed : Sir, in his mercy reft you and yours, and in him I defire to be ever yours Roger Williams. Endorfed by John Winthrop, jr., "Mr. Williams, Ofto : 23:" For my well-beloved and much refpeSied, the inhabitants of the Town of Providence. To Mr. Robert Williams and Mr. Thomas Harris, or either of them. Nar. 22, II, 50. (fo called.) [Narragansett, 22d February, 1651.]' Well beloved friends, — Loving refpedls to each of you prefented, with hearty defires of your prefent and eter- nal peace. I am forry that I am occafioned to trouble you in the midft of many your other troubles, yet upon the experience of your wanted loving-kindnefs and gentlenefs toward all men and myfelf alfo, I pray you hear me pa- tiently. I had propofed to have perfonally attended this Court, and to have prefented, myfelf, thefe few requefts following, but being much lamed and broken with fuch 'Knowles, Mem. R. Williams, n. 4.02. Letters of Roger Williams. 207 travels, I am forced to prefent you in writing thefe five re- quefts. The firft four concern others living and dead amongft us ; the fifth, concerns myfelf Firft, then, I pray be pleafed to review^ the propofitions between us and our dead friend, John Smith ; and fince it hath pleafed the God of all mercies, to vouchfafe this town and others fuch a mercy, by his means, I befeech you uftdy how to put an end to that controverfy depending between us and him, (as I may fo fpeak) and his ; 'tis true, you have referred that bufinefs to fome of our loving neighbors amongft you ; but fince there are fome obftrudtions, I be- feech you put forth your wifdoms, who know more ways to the wood than one, Eafe the firft, and appoint others, or fome other courfe, than the dead clamor not from his grave againft us, but that the country about us may fay, that Providence is not only a wife, but a grateful people to the God of mercies, and all his inftruments of mercy to- wards us. My fecond requeft Concerns the dead ftill. I underftand, that one of the orphans of our dead friend, Daniel Ab- bott,* is likely (as ftie herfelf told me) to be difpofed of in marriage. 'Tis true (he is now come to fome years, but who knows not what need the poor maid hath of your fatherly care, counfel and direilion. I would not dispar- age the young man (for I hear he hath been laborious) yet with your leave, I might fay, I doubt not you will not give your daughters in marriage to fuch, whofe lives have been in fuch a courfe, without fome good afi"urance and certifi- cate of his not being engaged to other women, or other- ' Daniel Abbott, one of the eaf ly fet- the firft divifion of lands purchafed by lers of Providence, whofe name is found Williams from Canonicus and Mianto- among thofe who received a town lot in nomi. 2o8 Letters of Roger Williams. ways criminous, as alfoof his refolution to forfake his former courfe, left (this enquiry being neglefted) the maid and ourlelves repent when mifery hath befallen her, and a juft reproof and charges befall ourfelves, of which we have no need. For, thirdly, I crave your confideration of that lamenta- ble objedl (what fhall I fay, of all our cenfure or pity, I am fure) of all our wonder and aftoniftiment, Mrs. Wefton.' My experience of the diftempers of perfons elfewhere, makes me confident, that although not in all things, yet in a great meafure, fhe is a diftra(fted woman. My requeft is, that you would be pleafed to take what is left of hers into your own hands, and appoint fome to order it for her fup- ply, and if it may be, let fome public ad: of mercy to her neceflities, ftand upon record amongft the merciful afts of a merciful town, that hath received many mercies from heaven, and remember that we know not how foon our wives may be widows, and our children orphans, yea, and ourfelves be deprived of all or moft of our reafon, before we go from hence, except mercy from the God of mercies prevent it. Fourthly. Let me crave your patience, while once more I lead your confideration to the grave, amongft the dead, the widows and the fatherlefs. From fome neighbors and the widow Mann^ herfelf, I underftand, that notwithftand- ing her motherly affedlion, which will make all burthens lighter for her children's good, yet flie is not without fears, that if the town be not favorable to her in after times, fome ' Mrs. Wefton, probably the widow ^ Widow Man, whofe hufband Wil- of Francis or Mathew Weflon, both of Ham Man received one of the original whom received original town lots as town lots, above. Letters of Roger Williams. 209 hard meafure and preflures may befall her. My requeft is, therefore, that it would pleafe you to appoint fome of your- felves to review the will, and to conlider whether the pains of the father, deceafed, or want of time, hath not occa- fioned him to leave fome of his purpofes and defires im- perfed:, as alfo to propofe to the town wherein, according to the rules of juftice and mercy, what the deceafed in- tended, may be perfedted, for the greater comfort both of his widow and orphans. Fifth. My laft requeft concerns myfelf. I cannot be fo unthankful to you, and fo infenfible of mine own and fami- ly's comfort, as not to take notice of your continued and conftant love and care in your many public and folemn or- ders for th€ payment of that money due unto me about the charter : 'tis true I have never demanded it ; yea, I have been truly defirous that it might have been laid out lor fome further public benefit in each town, but obferving your loving resolution to the contrary, I have at laft- re- folved to write unto you (as I have alfo lately done to Portfmouth and Newport) about the better ordering it to my advantage. I have here (through God's providence) convenience of improving fome goats; my requeft is, therefore, that if it may be without much trouble, you would pleafe to order the payment of it in cattle of that kind. I have been folicited and have promifed my help, about iron works, when the matter is ripe, earneftly de- firous every way to further the good of the town of Provi- dence, to which I am fo much engaged, and to yourfelves the loving inhabitants thereof, to whom I defire to be Your truly loving and ever faithful, Roger Williams. 27 2IO Letters of Roger Williams. To Mr. John Winthrop, "Jr. [Auguft, 1651.] ' Sir, — Loving refpefts to you both, with Mrs. Lake and yours By this opportunity I am bold to inform you, that from the Bay I hear of the fentence on Mr. Clarke,^ to be whipt or pay twenty pounds, Obadiah Holmes whipt or ■ 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 291 ; Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 241. ^ The tranfaftion here referred to, ftiowing the vigor with which the fa- mous law of 1644, levelled oftenfibly againft Ana-baptifts, was executed, is fo remarkable, that it deferves more than a paffing notice. It appears that the Rev. John Clarke, one of Rhode Ifland's moftdiftinguifhed men, with Obadiah Holmes and John Crandall were deputed by the Baptill Church in Newport, to vifit William Witter, an aged member of that church, living at Lynn, at his requeft The next day being Sunday, it was thought proper to fpend it in religious worfhip at Mr. Witter's houfe, about two miles from the town. In the midft of Mr. Clarke's I'ermon, " two conftables entered, who, by their clamorous tongues " writes Mr. Clarke, "made an interruption in my difcourfe, and more uncivilly difturbed us than the purfuivants of the old Eng- liih biftiops were wont to do, telling us they were come with authority from the magiftrate to apprehend us. I defired to fee the authority by which they pro- ceeded, whereupon they plucked forth their warrant and read it to us : the fub- ftance whereof was as foUoweth :" "By virtue hereof you are required to go to the houfe of William Witter, and fo fearch from houfe to houfe, for certain erroneous perfons, being ftrang- ers, and them to apprehend, and in fafe cuf- tody to keep, and to-morrow morning bring them before me." Robert Bridges. The conftables carried Mr. Clarke and his companions to the Congrega- tional meeting. At the clofe of the fer- vice Mr Clarke rofe and addrefled the affembly, but was fpeedily filenced, and the next day the three " heretics " were committed to prifin in Bofton. A few days after they were tried before a Court of Affiftants, and Mr. Clarke was fen- tenced to pay a fine of £20, Mr. Holmes £30, and Mr. Crandall £5 ; or, in de- fault of payment, each was to be whipped. They refufed to pay the fine, as it would be an acknowledgment of guilt, and were accordingly committed to prifon. On the trial Mr. Clarke defended him- felf and his companions fo ably, that the Court were fomewhat embarraffed. "At length," fays Mr. Clarke " the Governor [John Endicott] ftepped up and told us we had denied infant baptifm, and being fomewhat tranfported, told me I had de- ferved death, and faid he would not have fuchtrafh brought into their jurifdiftion." ■From the prifon Mr. Clarke lent to the Court a propofition to meet with any of the minifters, and hold a public dif- cuflion. This propofal was at firft ac- cepted and a day fixed ; but the clergy probably thought that a public debate Letters of Roger Williams. 21 I thirty pounds, on John Crandall, whipt or five pounds. This bearer hears of no payment nor execution, but rather a demur, and fome kind of conference. The Fa- ther of Lights gracioufly guide them and us in fuch paths ; for other fuccor than that (in his mouth) Chrift Jefus walks not among the churches, (Rev. i.) Sir, upon thofe provocations that lately (as in my laft I hinted) Auguontis gave the Sachems, Ninigret, Pitammock and Peficcofli, went in perfon to their town, (Chaubutick) and upon Pummakommins telling the Sachems that he was as great a Sachem as they, they all fell together about infant baptifm with (o able an an- tagonift would be inexpedient. Mr. Clarke's fine was paid without his knowl- edge or conlent, and he was releafed from priion. Mr. Crandall was a!fo releafed on condition of appearing at the next Court. Before leaving, Mr. Clarke left a declaration with the magif- trates, that he would be ready at any time, to vifit Bofton and maintain his fenti- ments. Mr. Holmes was kept in prifon till the Court met in September, and then, after their public jefture in Bofton, the fen- tence of the Court was executed on him with fuch feverity that for a confiderable time, he could take no reft, except by fupporting himfelf on his knees and el- bows. Backus, prints a letter from Holmes giving a full account of his cafe, and the particulars of the manner in which the whipping was inflifted upon him. He alfo gives the propofitions which Clarke fubmitted to the Court for difcuflion, with the reply of the Governor and Council. — Hijiory of the Baptijls, vol. i. pp. 229-238. John Spur and John Hazel, the latter an aged man, a friend and neighbor of Holmes, from Rehoboth, who had tra- velled fifty miles to fee him, were arrett- ed, imprifoned and fined for expreffing fympathy for Ciarke and his affociates. "The recital of thefe tranfaftions " writes Knowles "is painful, but wemuft compel ourfelves to contemplate fuch fcenes, if we would fuitably feel the con- traft between the policy of Maflachufetts at that day, and the tolerant principles of Roger Williams. To that policy it muft be afcribed, that wife and good men could thus treat their fellow Chriftians." Memoir of Roger IVilliams, p. 244. Much more might be faid of thefe ftrange franfaftions, did fpace admit. They are fully treated of by Backus in his HiJlory of the Baptijis, and by Knowles in his Memoir of Williams ; alfo by John Clarke himfelf in his "/// N ewes from New England ; or, a Narra- tive of New England's Perfecution." Lon- don : 1652. 212 Letters of Roger Williams. by the ears ; yet no blood fpilt. The Chaubatick In- dians fend to the Bay ; they fay Auguontis is fent for and Ninigret, but I know no certain other than meifengers paffing to and again from Chaubatick to the Bay. Here was laft week Mr. Sellick, of Bofton, and Mr. Gardiner, a young merchant, to fetch my corn, and more, from Mr. Paine, of Seekonk ; they are bound to the French, unlefs diverted. They tell me of a {hip of three hundred, come from Barbadoes. Mr. Wall, the mafter, flood upon his guard while he ftaid there ; he brought fome pafTengers, former inhabitants from London, whofe cafe was fad there, becaufe of the pofture of the ifland (where as I have by letter from a godly friend there) they force all to fwear to religion and laws. This Mr. Wall hath a new and great defign, viz'. : from hence to the Eaft Indies. The frigates defigned for Barbadoes were ordered for Scilly, which they affaulted, and took forts and ordnance and fri- gates, and drove the Governor into his laft fort. It hath pleafed God to bring your ancient acquaintance and mine, Mr. Coddington, in Mr. Carwithy his {hip of five hun- dred; he is made Governor of this colony for his life. General Cromwell was not wounded nor defeated, (as is faid) but fick of flux and fever, and mending, and had a vidtory over the Scots. Sir, this world pafTeth away and the {<^x^f^a) faftiion, fhape and form of it, only the word of Jehovah remains That word literal is fweet, as it is the field where the myftical word or treafure, Chrift Jefus, lies hid. HIn im I hope to be yours, Roger Williams. Sir, to Mr. Blindman loving falutations. Letters of Roger Williams. z 1 3 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. . [No date; probably Auguft 1 65 1.]* Sir, — Loving refpedts, &c. Yours received and the loj. from your neighbor Elderkin, and letters, which fliall care- fully be fent. I came from Providence laft night, and was able, by God's merciful providence, fo to order it, that I was their pilot to my houfe here, from whence I have provided a native, who, with Jofeph Foffeker, I hope will bring them fafe to you. The merciful Lord help you and me to fay, as Solomon, all that comes is vanity : all cattle, all goods, all friends, all children, &c. I met Mr. John Clarke, at Providence, recens. e carcere.- There was great hammer^ ing about the difputation, but they could not hit, and al- though (my much lamented friend) the Governor told him, that he was worthy to be hanged, &c., yet he was as good as thruft out without pay or whipping, &c. ; but Obadiah Holmes remains. Mr. Carwithy is gone with his fhip to the eaftward for mafts, and returns, three weeks hence, to fet fail for England, Sir, I have a great fuit to you, that at your leifure you would fit and fend fomething that you find fuitable to thefe Indian bodies, in way of purge or vomit ; as alfo, fome drawing plafter, and if the charge rife to one or two crowns, I fhall thankfully fend it; and commend- ing you and yours to the only great and good Phyfician,^ de- fire. Sir, to be ever Yours in Him, Roger Williams, 'Knowles' Mem. Roger Williams, p. in medicine. The benevolent zeal of 243 ; 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. xi. 293. Mr. Williams for the virelfare of the In- »Mr. Winthrop had confiderable (kill dians, fhows itfelf on all occafions. 214 Letters of Roger Williams. The copy of a letter of Roger Williams, of Providence, in New England, to Major Endicot, Governor of the Majfachufetts, upon occafon oj the late perfecution againji Mr. Clarke and Obadiah Holmes, and others, at Bojion, the chief town of the Majfachufetts in New England. Auguft, 1651. ' Sir, — Having done with our tranfitory earthly affairs (as touching the Englifh and the Indians) which in com- parifon of heavenly and eternal, you will fay are but as dung and drofs, &c. Let me now be humbly bold to re- member that humanity and piety, which I and others have formerly obferved in you, and in that hopeful remem- brance to crave your gentle audience with patience and mildnefs, with ingenuity, equanimity and candor, to him that ever truly and deeply loved you and vours, and as in the awful prefence of His holy eye, whofe dreadful hand hath formed us to the praife of His mercy or juftice to all eternity. Sir, I have often feared and faid within my foul, have I fo deeply loved and refpedted ? Was I alfo fo well be- loved ? Or was all counterfeit, and but gilded o'er with earthly refpedls, wordly ends, &c. Why am I filent ? my letters are not banifhed ! may be welcome, may be feen and heard, and if neither, yet will back again (together with my prayers and cries) into my bofom- Thus while I have fometimes mufed and refolved 1 ob- jedtions, obftrudlions, and a thoufand hindrances (I fear from Satan as Paul faid) hath prelfed in, held my hand, &c. Sir, it hath pleased the Father of Spirits at this prefent 'Roger Williams. The Bloody Tenent yet More Bloody. London, 1652, p. 303. Letters of Roger Williams. 2 1 5 to fmite my heart in the very breaking up of your letter : This Death's Head' tells that loving hand that fealed it, and mine that opens your letter, that our eyes, our hands, our tongues, our brains are flying hence to the hole or pit of rottennefs: Why (hould not therefore fuch our letters, fuch our fpeeches, fuch our adtings be, as may become our laft minutes, our death-beds, &c. If fo, how meek and humble, how^ plain and ferious, how faithful and zealous, and yet how tender and loving fhould the fpirits and fpeeches be of dying and departing men? Sir, while fomething of this nature I mufe over your Death's head, I meet (in the entrance of your letter) with this paiTage, " Were I as free in my f pit it as formerly I have been to write unto you, you Jhould have received another manner of Salutation then now with a good Confcience I can Exprefs ; However God knoweth who are his, and what he is pleafed to hide from fnful man in this life^ Jhall in that great Day be manifejled to All'' Sir, at the reading of this line, (I cannot but hope I have your leave to tell you.) The fpeech of that wife woman of Tekoah unto David came frefh unto my thoughts : Speaks not the King this thing as one that is guilty ? For will my honored and beloved friend not know me for fear of being difowned by his confcience ? Shall the goodnefs and integrity of his confcience to God cauie him to forget me ? Doth he quiet his mind with this; [Go^ knoweth who are his? God hides from finful man, Godwin reveal before All?] Oh how comes it then that • Endicott's feal was a death's head and is given in 4 Mafs. HiJI. Coll. vi. Appen croff-bones, with the name of John Gar- dix-ii. vad in a circle around it. A fac-fimile 2i6 Letters of Roger Williams. I have heard fo often, and heard lb lately, and heard fo much, that he that fpeaks fo tenderly for his own, hath yet fo little refped:, mercy or pity to the like confcientious perfuafibns of other men? Are all the thoufands of mil- lions of millions of confciences, at home and abroad, fuel only for a prifon, for a whip, for a ftake, for a gallows ? Are no confciences to breathe the air, but fuch as fuit and fample his ? May not the moft High be pleafed to hide from his as well as from the eyes of his fellow-fervants, fellow-mankind, fellow-Pinglifh ? And if God hide from his, from any, who can difcover ? Who can fhut when he will open ? and who can open when he that hath the key of David will (hut ? All this and more (honored Sir) your words will warrant me to fay, without any juft offence or flraining. ObjeB. But what makes this to Heretics, Blafphemers, Seducers, to make them that fin againft their confcience (as Mr. Cotton fayth) after conviction ? What makes this to flabbers of Kings and Princes, to blowers up of Parlia- ments out of confcience ? Firft, I anfwer. He was a tyrant that put an innocent man into a bear's fkin, and (o caufed him as a wild beafl to be baited to death. Secondly, I fay this is the common cry of Hunters or perfecutors [heretics, heretics, blafphemers, &c.,] and why, but for crofiiing the perfecutors confciences, (it may be bu^ their fuperititions, &c.,) whether Turkifh, Popifh, Pro- teffant, &c. This is the outcry of the Pope and Prelates, and of the Scotch Prefbyterians, who would fire all the world, to be avenged on the feftarian Heretics, the blafphemous Here- tics, the feducing Heretics, &c., had it not pleafed the Letters of Roger Williams. 217 God of Heaven who bounds the infolent rage of the furi- ous ocean, to raife up a fecond Cromwell (like a mighty and merciful wall or bulwark) to ftay the fury of the op- preflbr, whether Englifh, Scottifh, Popifh, Prefbyterian, Independent, &c. Laftly, I have faid much and lately, and given particu- lar anfwers to all fuch pleas, in my Second Reply or Anf- wer to Mr. Cotton's wafhing of the Bloody Tenent in the Lamb's blood, which it may be is not yet come to your fight and hand. 'Tis true, I have to fay elfewhere about the caufes of my banifhment : as to the calling of natural men to the exer- cife of thofe holy Ordinances of prayers, oaths, &c. As to the frequenting of Parifli Churches, under the pretence of hearing fome Minifters : As to the matter of the Pa- tent, and King James his Chriftianity and Title to thefe parts, and beftowing it on his fubjedls by virtue of his be- ing a Chriftian King, &c. At prefent, let it not be ofFenfive in your eyes, that I fingle out another, a fourth point, a caufe of my banifli- ment alfo, wherein I greatly fear one or two fad evils, which hath befallen your Soul and Confcience.' The point is that of the civil Magiftrates dealing in mat- ters of Confcience and Religion, as alfo of perfecuting and hunting any for any matter merely Spiritual and Religious. • Mr. Cotton's Letter examined and ment," the fecond and fourth named anfwered, pp. 4, 5. Pub. Nar,r. Cluh, i : above, " were no caules at all, as he ex- 40, 41. Cotton gives his verfion of the preffeth them. There are many knowne caufes of Williams' banifhment in his to hold both thefe opinions, and yet they Anfwer 27-31. Pub. Narr. Club, ii. 44- are tolerated not only to live in the Com- 52. He fays, "It is evident the two lat- monwealth, but alfo in the fellowfliip of ter caufes which he giveth of his Banifh- the Churches." 28 21 8 Letters of Roger Williams. The two evils intimated are thefe : Firft, I fear you can not after lo much Light, and fo much profeffion to the con- trary (not only to myfelf, and fo often in private, but) be- fore fo many vs^itnefTes; I fay, I fear you cannot lay and aft fo much, againfl fo many feveral Confciences, former and later, but with great checks, great threatenings, great blows and throws of inward confcience. Secondly, If you fhall thank God, that it is not fo with you, but that you do what Confcience bids you in God's prel- ence, upon God's warrant, I muft then be humbly faithful to tell you, that I fear your underprizing of holy Light, hath put out the candle, and the eye of confcience in thefe particulars, and that delufions, ftrong delufions, and that from God (by Satan's fubtleties) hath feized upon your very Soul's belief, becaufe you prized not, loved not the endan- gered perfecuted Son of God in his defpifed truths and fervants. Sir, with man (as the Lord Jefus faid of the rich man) I know it is impoflible for the (otherwife piercing eye) of your underftanding to fee into thefe things, for it is dif- colored, as in fome difeafes and glaffes. It is impoffible for your Will to be willing to fee, for that's in a thouf- and chains refolved (as once you fpake heroically and heavenly in a better way) to fpend your deareft heart's blood in your way, &c. Yet with God all things are polTible, and they that laughed the Lord Jefus to fcorn when he faid, the Damfel is not dead but fleepeth, were afterwards confounded, when they faw her raifed by his heavenly voice. His holy pleafure I know not, nor do I know which way the Glory of his great Name will more appear, either in finally fufFering fo great a fall and ruin of fo ftrong a Letter! of Roger Williams. 2 1 9 pillar, that flefh may not Glory, but that his ftrength and glory only may be feen in weaknefs. Or elfe in your holy riling and reviving from the bed of fo much fpiritual fil- thinefs, and from fo bloody a mind, and lip, and hand, againft all withftanders or difturbers in it. That fo the fhort remainder of your candle may hold out to the world, the riches of His mercy, at whofe word the holi- eft of his fervants ought to tremble, and to work out their falvation with fear and trembling : I fay, I defire to fay it, tremblingly and mournfully (I know not which way He will pleafe to raife His glory) only I know my duty, my confcience, my love, all which enforce me to knock to call, to cry at the Gate of Heaven, and at yours, and to prefent you with this loving, though loud and faithful noife and found of a few grounds of deeper examination of both our Souls and Confciences uprightly and impartially at the holy and dreadful tribunal of Him that is appointed the Judge of all the Living and the Dead. Be pleafed then (honored Sir) to remember that, that thing which we call Confcience is of fuch a nature, (efpeci- ally in Englifhmen) as once a Pope of Rome at the fuffer- ing of an Englifhman in Rome, himfelf obferved) that although it be groundlefs, falfe, and deluded, yet it is not by any arguments or torments eafily removed. I fpeak not of the ftream of the multitude of all na- tions, which have their ebbings and flowings in religion, (as the longeft fword, and ftrongeft arm of flefh carries it.) But I fpeak of Confcience, a perfuafion fixed in the mind and heart of a man, which enforceth him to judge (as Paul faid of himfelf a perfecutor) and to do fo and fo, with ro- fpe William Hartley was of St. John's books. He was imprifoned, and being College, Oxford, and a Roman Catholic releafed in 1584, left the Kingdom. — Prieft. When Champian, the Jefuit Wood, Athena Oxonienjis, i. p. 474. emiffary, came to England in 1580, Hart- Note by Dr. Caldwell, Pub. Narr. ley engaged in diftributing one of his Club, iv. p. 509. Letters of Roger Williams. 221 fcience to punifh (and it may be) to hang or burn, if they tranfgrefs againft your Confcience, and that becaufe (accord- ing to Mr. Cotton's monftrous diftindtion (as fome of his chief brethren to my knowledge hath called it) not be- caufe they fin in matters of Confcience, (which he denies the Magiftrate to deal in,) but becaufe they fin againfl: their Confcience. Secondly, It is fo notorioufly known, that the Confciences of the mofl: holy men, zealous for God and his Chrift to death and admiration, yea, even in our own country, and in Queen Mary's days especially, have been fo groflly mif- lead by miftaken Confciences in matters concerning the worfliip of God, the coming out of the Antichriftian Ba- bel, and the rebuilding of the fpiritual Jerufalem that I need but hint who were they that penned the Com- mon Prayer (in its time, as glorious an idol, and as much adored by Godly perfons, as any invention now extant.) I fay who they were that lived and died (five in the flames) zealous for their Bifhopricks, yea, and fome too too zeal- ous for their Popifli ceremonies, againfl: the doubting Con- fciences of their Brethren : At which and more, we that now have rifen in our Father's ftead, wonder and admire how fuch piercing eyes could be deceived, fuch Watchmen blinded and deluded. But Thirdly, We fliall not fo much wonder when we lift up our trembling eyes to Heaven, and lemember ourfelves (poor dufl:) that our thoughts are not as the thoughts of our Maker, that, that which in the eyes of man (as the Lord Jefus tells us, Luc. 16.) is of high and fweet efteem, it ftinks and is abomination with God : Hence fuch Wor- ships, fuch Churches, fuch glorious profeffions and prac- tices may be, as may ravifli themfelves and the beholders. 222 Letters of Roger Williams when with the piercing eyes of the moft High, they may look counterfeit and ugly, and be found but (fpiritually) Whores and Abominations. Fourthly, Wife men ufed to enquire, what Motives, what Occafions, what Snares, what Temptations were there, which moved, which drew, which allured, &c. This is the Apology which the five Apologifts (Mr, Goodwin, Mr. Nye, &c.,) made to the Parliament, to wit. That they were not tempted with the moulding of New Commonwealths, after which they might be moved to frame their religion, &c.' Surely, Sir, the baits, the temptations, the fnares laid to catch you, were not few, nor common, nor laid to every foot. Saul pretended zeal to the name of God, and love to Ifrael in perfecuting the poor Gibeonites to death, but honor me before the people, was the main engine that turned the wheels of all his adtions and devotions. What fet Jeroboam's brains to confult and plot the invention of a new Religion, Worfhip, Priefts, &c., but honor, and the fear of the lofs of his gained honor ? What moved Jehu to be falfe and halting with God after fo much glorious zeal in the Reformation ? Yea, I had almoft faid, what moved David to flab Uriah (the fire of God) with his pen, but the fear of dilhonor in the difcovery of his fin, though doubtlefs there was fome mixtures of the fear of his God's difpleafure and difhonor, alfo ? Sir, it is no fmall offer, the choice and applaufe and rule ' The five apologifts, Thomas Good- publiflied his ^eries of Higheft Confid- win, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpfon, Je- eration, propofed to thefe perfons and to remiah Burroughs and William Bridge, the Scotch Commiffiioners in the Well- prepared An Apologetical Narration to minfter Aflembly. — Note by Dr. Cald- Parliamentin 1643. In 1644, Williams well. Pub. Narr. Club, iv. p. 511. Letters of Roger Williams. 223 over fo many towns, fo many holy, of many wife, in fuch a holy way as you believe you are in : To fay nothing of ftrong drinks and wines, the fat and fvveet of this and other lands : Thefe and others are fnares which without abund- ant ftrength from God will catch and hold the ftrongeft feet: Sir, I have known you ftrong, in repelling ftrong temptations, but I cannot but fear and lament, that fome of thefe and others have been too ftrong and potent for you. Fifthly, We not only ufed to fay proverbially, but the Spirit of God expreftly tells, us, that there is a mind-be- witching, a bewitching of the very confciences and fpirits of men. That as in witchcraft, a ftronger and fupernatu- ral power lays hold upon the powers of Nature, with a fup- preffing or elevating of those powers beneath or above themfelves : So is it with the very Spirits and Confciences of the moft intelligent and confcientious, when the Father of Spirits is pleafed in his righteous difpleafure and jeal- oufly, fo to fuffer it to be with ours. Sir, I from my Soul honor and love the perfons of fuch, whom I, you, and themfelves may fee have been inftru- mental in your bewitching. Why fliould it be thought inconfiftent with the holy wifdom of God, to permit wife and holy and learned perfons to wander themfelves and miflead others; when the holy Scripture and experience tells us of the dangerous counfels and ways of as wife and learned and holy as now breathe in either Old or New Englifti air ? Sir, I had thought to have named one or two, who may juftly be fufpedted (though otherwife worthily beloved) but I have chofe rather to prefent an hint, for that is enough for fo intelligent a breaft, if but willing to make an impar- tial review and examination of pafTages between the moft High and your inmoft Soul in fecret. 224 Letters of Roger Williams. Therefore, fixthly, for a fixed ground of fufpedting your Soul and Spirit and Confcience in this particular of perfecution, which I now inftance in, may you pleafe, Sir, without offence to remember, that as it is in fuch as have exceeded in Wine, their fpeech will betray them : So is it in Spiritual cups and intoxications. The Maker and Searcher of our hearts knows with what bitternefs I write, as with bitternefs of Soul I have heard fuch language as to proceed from yourfelf and others, who formerly have fled from (with crying out againfl perfecu- tors ! [you will fay, this is your confcien■ i^Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 292. tribunal by vsrhich Charles I. w^as tried. '■Fauter, a favourer, a fupporter. In the conteft between the king and the i Cavaliers. The name given to the people, Bradfhawr efpoufed the caufe of party which adhered to King Charles I. the latter. Cromwell, to whofe ufurpa- in oppofition to the Roundheads or Lev- tion he was hoftile, deprived him of ellen, who were the adherents' of Par- office. He died iii 1659; and at the liament. Reftoration, his remains were difinterred 4 John Bradfhaw was Prefident of the and hanged at Tyburn. 288 Letters of Roger Williams. ment of Bradfliaw and Hazelrig, &c., and it is faid here (by Dutch news) two beheaded. The Proted:or in his fpeech told them he had fettled the three Nations, had made peace with Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and entered far into a treaty with France, &c. The fea preparations of the Englifli rendered others jealous: fo that (and the troubles of the Dutch among themfelves, which caufe them to keep a guard of eight hundred at the Hague) that caufed new orders to the Admiralty, for careful ftriking to the Englifli : Gen. Blake' with his fleet was bound for the Southward : Gen. Pen^ and Mr. Winflow with him for the Weft. , It is feared that his poor wife will mifs him. He writes to N. Plymouth that (except the Parliament prohibited) they were ready to fet fail : he hath new fitted himfelf and fent over his former apparel. The Portugal embafTadorS hath been beheaded for a murder in the Exchange, and Mrs. Mohun and her maid ftood in the pillory before the Exchange, for attempt- ing his efcape by women's apparel. Mr. Marfhall, and •Robert Blake a celebrated Englifli » Admiral Wm. Penn, Commander of Admiral. In the ftruggle between King the Englifli fleet in the deftruftion of Ja- Charles I. and his people, he efpoufed maica. He was a member of Parlia- the caufe of liberty. After diftinguifli- ment, and after the Reftoration obtained ing himfelf in the army, he was placed a high command under the Duke of in command of the fleet, when he de- York. He was knighted by Charles II. ftroyed the Royal fquadron under Prince for his fervices. Edward Winflow, of Rupert, at Malaga. In 1653 he de- Plymouth, probably accompanied Admi- feated the Dutch fleet, under Van Tromp, ral Penn, as it is ftated in the previous and the following year gained a viftory letter that he had gone to the Weft In- over the Spanifli fleet in the Medite- dies. He was one of the three Com- ranean. He died in 1657 and was bu- miflioners appointed by Cromwell to fu- rled with great honors in Henry Vllths perintend the operations there, chapel At the reftoration his body was ' Dom Pantaleon, brother of the torn from its refting place and buried in Portuguefe ambafliador, was executed Ju- a pit in St. Martin's Church yard. — Bio- ly 10, 1654, ^°^ ^^^ murder of Mr. graphia Britannica. Greenway, at the Exchange. Letters of Roger Williams. 289 Viner, and Mr. Tho. Goodwin,' minifter to the Parliament. Mr. Goodwin preffed the inflance of Pharaoh and the let- ting of God's people free to worfhip, lead the Lord fend new plagues and breaches. Sir, your meffenger calls : I end. Yours unworthy Roger Williams. I fhall be thankful for the Jefuits Maxims, of which I have heard, but faw them not. We hear from the Bay that Capt. Leverett^ took a Dutch fhip lately upon the Act for Trade: whether it be for that or words, he is bound to appear at the General Court. For my honored kind friend Mr, John Winthrop, at Pequot, thefe. [Providence, i, i, 55. (fo called.) [March i, 1655.]? Sir, — Loving refpedts and beft wifhes, &c. I lately pre- fented you with a line by Mr. White : iince I received more letters from England, confirming the tidings of two great fleets ready to fet fail from England the beginning of ■ Thomas Goodwin, a Puritan divine, in London until his deceafe in 1679. — born in 1600. In 1630, to avoid perfe- Blake, Biog. Diilionary. cution he went to Arnheim, in Holland, ^John Leverett, a Delegate to the where he fettled. During the civil wars General Court ; afterwards Speaker, and he returned to London and was appointed from 1673 to 1679 Governor ^f Mafla- by Cromwell, Prefident of Magdalen chufetts. College, Oxford. He attended the Pro- i^ Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 294. teftor in his lall illnefs, and was ejefted This letter was evidently written after from Oxford after the Reftoration. He that which next precedes it, and it is preached to an affembly of Independents probable that the date fliould be I, z, 55, i. e. April i, 1655. 37 290 Letters of Roger Williams. September. The one with Gen. Blake for the Southward ; the other with Gen. Pen for the Weft Indies. To him was joined Mr. Winflow, as Counfellor, defigned Gover- nor of what part fhould be conquered. The Parliament fat, and after three days debate about the laft change of government, the Lord Protedtor fent for the Parliament into the Painted Chamber, and told them that there was a reciprocation, and that the fame power which made him Protedlor had called the Parliament, and therefore before they jfhould fit again, he muft require a teft or recogni- tion by fubfcription to his negative voice, as to the prefent government by a Protedior and a Parliament, as to the not fitting of the Parliament above five months, as to the mi- litia, and as to perfecution for religion. To this purpofe a table was fet near the Parliament door, whereon the recog- nition was prefented in parchment, unto which Mr. Len- thall, the Speaker, and one hundred and foity fubfcribed prefently and entered : fome diflented, among whom were Bradfhaw and Hazelrig,' who, (it is faid) are in the Tow- er. The Portugal Embafl*ador's brother was beheaded for a murder, and one Coll : whofe name I yet know not. One Mrs. Mohun ftood on the pillory, for attempting the Portugal's efcape in woman's apparel. The 3rd of beptember, the day of the Parliament's firft fit- ting, was feen in the heavens over Hull, two armies fight- ing : the one from the northweft which worfted the other from the eaft, both red : then a black army from the north- 'Sir Arthur Hazelrig. An Englifh of treafon. During the Civil War he puritan who took a prominent part in ferved in the army of Parliament as the oppofition to Charles I. He was a Colonel. He was created a peer by member of the Long Parliament, and Cromwell, but preferred to retain his one of the five members whom the king feat in Parliament. He died in 1660. — attempted to arreft in 1642 on a charge Thomas, Dk. of Biography. Letters of Roger Williams, 291 weft which worfted the red from the eaft, and remained vidtor. Some that faw it faid they law the like at the be- ginning of the late Long Parliament. Holland had great trouble with Zealand, and the Oren- gian fadlion, fo that the Hague and Amfterdam were ftrongly guarded. New orders were fent to their Admi- ralty for careful ftriking to the Englifh.' Sir, with prayers for your health and eternal peace, I reft yours in all fer- vices of love. Roger Williams. 'To my honored kind friend Mr. Winthrop, at Pequot, thefe prefent. Providence, the 26, z, 55. [April 26th, 1655.]^ Sir, — Loving refpefts to you both prefented, wifhing you a joyful fpring after all your fad and gloomy, ftiarp and bitter winter blafts and fnows. Sir, one of your friends among the Narraganfett Sachems, Mexham, fends this mef- fenger unto me and prays me to write to you for your help about a gun, which Kittatteafh, Uncas his fon, hath lately taken from this bearer, Ahauanfquatuck, out of his houfe at Pawchauquet. He will not own any offence he gave him, but that he is fubjeft to Mexham, though poffibly Kittat- teafh may allege other caufes, yea and true alfo. I doubt not of your loving eye on the matter, as God fhall pleafe ' In the treaty between Great Britain war in the Britifli feas, ftiould ftrike the and the States-General, concluded at flag and lower the topfail. Weftminller, April 5, 1654, it was iTLiioyi\,i.s' Mem. of Roger Williams, agreed that the Ihips of the United p. 281 ; 'i Mafs. Hijl. Co//, vol. x. p. 10. Provinces, meeting any Englilh ftiip-of- 292 Letters of Roger Williams. to give you opportunity. Sir, the laft firft day divers of Bofton merchants were with me, (about Sergeant Holfey run from Bofton hither, and a woman after him, who lays her great belly to him.) They tell me, that by a bark come from Virgmia, they are informed of God's merciful hand in the fafe arrival of Major Sedgwick and that fleet in the weft of England, and that General Penn was not yet gone out, but riding (all things ready) in Torbay, wait- ing for the word ; and by letters from good and great friends in England, I underftand there are like to be great agitations in this country, if that fleet fucceed. Sir, a hue and cry came to my hand lately from the Governor at Bofton, after two youths, one run from Cap- tain Oliver, whom I lighted on and have returned ; another from James Bill of Bofton, who I hear paft through our town, and faid he was bound for Pequot. His name is James Pitnie ; he hath on a blackifti coat and hat, and a pair of greenifti breeches and green knit ftockings. I would now (with very many thanks) have returned you your Jefuit's Maxims, but I was loth to truft them in fo wild a hand, nor fome tidings which I have from England. Thefe merchants tell me, that Blake was gone againft the Duke of Leghorn,' and had fent for ten frigates more. Sir, the God of peace fill your foul with that ftrange kind of peace which pafl"eth all underftanding. So prays. Sir, your unworthy Roger Williams. lAdmiral Blake was at this time in the Mediteranean making great havoc among the Spanilh veflels. Letters of Roger Williams. 293 To the General Court of Magiftrates and Deputies Affembled at Bojion. Providence, 15, 9 mo. 55. (fo called.) [15th Nov. 1655. J' Much honored Sirs, — It is my humble and earneft petition unto God and you, that you may To be pleafed to exercife command over your own fpirits, that you may not mind myfelf nor the Englifh of thefe parts (unworthy with myfelf of your eye) but only that face of equity (Engliih and Chriftian) which I humbly hope may appear in thefe reprefentations following. Firft, may it pleafe you to remember, that concerning the town of Warwick, (in this colony,) there lies a fuit of ^62000 damages againft you before his Highnefs and the Lords of his Council ; I duubt not, if you fo pleafe, but that (as Mr. Winflow and myfelf had well nigh ordered it) fome gentlemen from yourfelves and fome from War- wick, deputed, may friendly and eafily determine that af- fair between you. Secondly, the Indians which pretend your name at War- wick and Pawtuxet, (and yet live as barbaroufly, if not more than any in the country) pleafe you to know their infolencies upon ourfelves and cattle (unto £20 damages per annum) are infufferable by Englifli fpirits; and pleafe you to give credence, that to all thefe they pretend your name, and affirm that they dare not (for offending you) agree with us, nor come to rules of righteous neighbor- hood, only they know you favor us not and therefore fent us for redrefs unto you. Thirdly, concerning four Englifh families at Pawtuxet, may it pleafe you to remember that two controverfies they •Hutchinfon Papers, Bofton, 1769, p. 275. 294 Letters of Roger Williams. have long (under your name) maintained with us, to a conftant obftrudiing of all order and authority amongft us. To our complaint about our lands, they lately have pro- feffed a willingnefs to arbitrate, but to obey his Highnefs' authority in this charter, they fay, they dare not for your fakes, though they live not by your laws nor bear your common charges, nor ours, but evade both under color of your authority.' ■ It appears by this letter that the quarrels and diforders were continued at Warwick and Pawtuxet, and that they were countenanced if not fomented by Maflachufetts. By a letter received by Mr. Williams from Cromwell, the Proteftor,it appears that he had been advifed by the colony's agent in England, (John Clarke,) " of fome particulars concerning the govern- ment " This letter being prefented to the Aflembly at its June feffion, at Portf- mouth, it was enafted that " Whereas, we have been rent and torn with di- vifions, and his Highnefs has fent unto us an exprefs command, to provide againft internal commotions, by which his High- nefs noteth, that not only ourfelves are diftionored and endangered, but alfo dif- honor and detriment redounds to the commonwealth of England: It is order- ed, that if any perfon be found by the examination of the General Court of Commiffioners, to be a ringleader of faftions or divifions among us, he Ihall be fent over at his own charges, as a prifo- ner, to receive his trial or fentence at the pleafure of his Highnefs and the Lords of the Council." — R. I. Colonial Records, vol. i, p. 318. This adlion of the General Aflembly had its efFeft, and appears to have re- fulted in a reconciliation between fome of the prominent men of the Colony. In a volume of Records in the office of the Secretarv of State, is the following memorandum in the handwriting of Mr. Williams : "I, William Coddington do freely fubmit to the authority of his Highnefs in the colony as it is now united, and that with all my heart. " Whereas there have been differences depending between William Coddington, Esq., and Mr. William Dyre, both of Newport, we declare joyfully for our- felves and heirs by this prefent record, that a full agreement and conclufion is made between us, by our worthy friends Mr. Baulfton, Mr. Gorton, Mr. John Smith, of Warwick, Mr. John Greene, jun., of Warwick, and Mr. John Eafton ; and in witnefs whereof, we fubfcribe our hands, and defire this to be recorded, this prefent 14th of March, 1655-1656. William Coddington, William Dyre. In prefence of Roger Williams, Prejident, John Roome, Benedift Arnold, John Greene, jr. Letters of Roger Williams. 295 Honored Sirs, I cordially profefs it before the Moft High, that I believe it, if not only they but ourfelves and all the whole country, by joint confent, were iubjed: to your gov- ernment, it might be a rich mercy ; but as things yet arc, and fince it pleafed firft the Parliamejit, and then the Lord Admiral and Committee for Foreign Plantations, and lince the Council of State, and laftly the Lord Proteftor and his Council, to continue us as a diftindl colony, yea, and fince it hath pleafed yourfelves, by public letters and references to us from your public courts, to own the authority of his Highnefs amongft us; be pleafed to confider how unfuita- ble it is for yourfelves (if thefe families at Pawtuxet plead truth) to be the inftrudiors of all orderly proceedings amongft us ; for I humbly appeal to your own wifdom and experience, how unlikely it is for a people to be compelled to order and common charges, when others in their bofoms, are by fuch ^^feeming) partiality exempted from both. And, therefore, (laftly) be pleafed to know, that there are (upon the point) but two families which are fo ob- ftrudtive and deftrudlive to an equal proceeding of civil order amongft us ; for one of thele four families, Stephen Arnold, defires to be uniform with us ; a fecond, Zacha- rie Rhodes,' being in the way of dipping is (potentially) baniftied by you. Only William Arnold and William Carpenter, (very far, alfo in religion, from you, if you knew all) they have fome color, yet in a late conference, they all plead that all the obftacle is their offending of yourfelves. ' Stephen Arnold and Zacharie Rhodes James T. Rhodes of Providence. Wil- were admitted freemen of Providence in liam Arnold and William Carpenter 1658, but had, for fome years previous,- were among the earlier fettlers at Provi- lived in Pawtuxet. The latter was the dence, and in 1638 received from Mr. anceftor of the late Chriftopher and Williams a transfer of land bought by William Rhodes, and many others of him from Miantonomo and Canonicus. the name in Pawtuxet ; alfo of the late 296 Letters of Roger Williams. Fourthly, whereas, (I humbly conceive) with the peo- ple of this colony your commerce is as great as with any in the country, and our dangers (being a frontier people to the barbarians) are greater than thofe of other colonies, and the ill confequences to yourfelves would be not a few nor fmall, and to the whole land, were we firft maflacred or maftered by them. I pray your equal and favorable re- fledlion upon that your law, which prohibits us to buy of you all means of our necefTary defence of our lives and families, (yea in this moft bloody and maffacreing time.) We are informed that tickets have rarely been denied to any Englifh of the country ; yea, the barbarians (though notorious in lies) if they profefs fubjedtion, they are fur- nilhed ; only ourfelves, by former and later denial, feem to be devoted to the Indian fhambles and maffacres. The barbarians all the land over,^are filled with artillery and ammunition from the Dutch, openly and horridly, and from all the Englifh over the country, (by ftealth.) I know they abound fo wonderfully, that their adlivity and infolence is grown fo high that they daily confult, and hope, and threaten to render us flaves, as they long fince (and now moft horribly) have made the Dutch. For myfelf (as through God's goodnefs) I have refufed the gain of thoufands by fuch a murderous trade, and think no law yet extant, among yourfelves or us, fecure enough againft fuch villainly ; fo am I loth to fee fo many hundreds (if not fome thoufands) in this colony, deftroyed like fools and hearts without refiftance. I grieve that fo much blood fhould cry againft yourfelves, yea, and I grieve that (at this inftant by thefe fhips) this cry and the premifes (hould now trouble his Highnefs and his Council. For the feafonable preventing of which. Letters of Roger Williams. 297 is this humble addrefs prefented to your wifdom, by him who defires to be Your unfeigned and faithful fervant, Roger Williams, Of Providence Plantations, Preftdent. Hon. Sirs, fince my letter, it comes into my heart to pray your leave to add a word as to myfelf, viz. : at my laft return from England I prefented your then honored Governor, Mr. Bellingham, with an order of the Lords of the Council for my free taking fhip or landing at your ports, unto which it pleafed Mr. Bellingham to fend me his affent in writing ; I humbly crave the recording of it by yourfelves, left forgetfulnefs hereafter, again put me upon fuch diftrefles as, God knows, I fuffered when I laft paft through your colony to our native country. For his much honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot or elfewhere, thefe prefents. Providence, zi, 12, 55, 56. (fo called.) [February 21, 1656.]' Sir, — This opportunity makes me venture this falutation, though we hear queftion of your being at Pequot. Thefe friends can fay more of affairs than I can write. I have letters from England of proceedings there, which yet are not come; fome I have received, which tell me, that the Lord hath yet created peace, although the fword is yet ' Knowles, Memoirs of Roger Williams, p. 287 ; 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. x. p. 18. 38 298 Letters of Roger Williams. forced (by garrifons) to enforce it. I cannot hear of open wars with France, but only with Spain, and that the profe- cution of that Weft India expedition is ftill with all po- ffible vigor on both fides intended. This diverfion againft the Spaniards hath turned the face and thoughts of many Englifh, fo that the faying of thoufands now is, crown the Protestor with gold, though the fullen yet cry, crown him with thorns. The former two or three years with plenty unthankfully received in England; the Lord fent abund- ance of waters this laft fummer, which ipoiled their corn over moft parts of the land. Sir Henry Vane being retired to his own private, in Lincolnfhire, hath now published his obfervations as to religion ;' he hath fent me one of his books, (though yet at Bofton.) His father is dead, and the inheritance falls to him, and ten or twelve thoufand more than ftiould if his father had lived but a month longer ; but though his father caft him off, yet he hath not loft in tem- porals, by being caft off for God. Our acquaintance Ma- jor Sedgwick, is faid to be fuccelfor to unfuccefsful Vena- bles, caft into the tower. Your brother Stephen fucceeds Major General Harrifon.^ The Pope endeavors the uni- ' Sir H. Vane was the author of " The confcience. He was put to death in the Retired Man's Meditations," London, moft perfidious manner." — Sir J. Mack- 1655. Two Treatifes : I. On the Myf- intosh : Converfations with A. H. Ever- tical Body of Chrift on Earth. II. The ett. North American Review, xxxv. p. Face of the Times. London : 1662 ^and 448, n. others. " Sir Henry Vane was one of zj^hn Harrifon, a republican general the moft profound mmds that ever ex- ferved in the parliamentary armv, and ifted,— not inferior perhaps to Bacon, was one of the judges of the court Which Milton has a fine fonnet addrefled to tried Charles I. He became a member ^''"' of the council of State in 1653. Crom •'Vane, young in yearB, in sage experience old." well endeavored to gain his fupport by His works difplay aftoniftiing powers, the offer of an exalted pofition, but he They are remarkable as containing the refufed to co-operate with the "ufurper" firft direft aflertion of the liberty of as he called him. In 1657 he was de- Letters of Roger Williams. 299 ting of all his Haves for his guard, fearing the heretics. The Lord knows whether Archer' (upon the reign of Chrift) faid true, ' that yet the Pope before his downfall, muft re- cover England ; and the proteftant countries revolted from him." Sir, we are fare all flefh is grafs, and only the word of the Lord endures forever. Sir, you once kindly in- tended to quench a fire between Mr. Coddington and others, but now it is come to public trial. We hear the Dutch fire is not quenched. I fear this year will be ftormy ; only may the moft gracious Lord by all drive and draw us to himfelf, in whom. Sir, I defire to be ever Yours, Roger Williams. To the General Court of MaJJ'achufetts. Providence, 12, 3, 56. (fo called.) [May izth, 1656.]^ May it pleafe this much honored AfTembly to remem- ber, that, as an officer and in the name of Providence colony, I prefented you with our humble requefts before winter, unto which not receiving anfwer, I addrelTed my- felf this fpring, to your much honored Governor, who was pleafed to advife our fending of fome of Providence to your AfTembly. prived of his command and imprifoned. The letter of November 15th, to the Three years after he was executed for General Court of Maflachufetts, did not his fliare in the death of the king. — produce any favorable change in her Thomas, DiB. of Biography. meafures. Mr. Williams afterwards ■ John Archer, wrote a book on the wrote to Governor Endicott, who invited Perfonal Reign of Chriji. Lond : 1643. him to vifit Bofton. In the prel'ent let- * Hutchinson, Maffachufetts Papers, ter fome of the fame topics are again Bofton, 1769, p. 278; R. I. Colonial referred to. Records, vol. i. p. 341. 300 Letters of Roger Williams. Honored Sirs, our firfl requeft (in fhort) was and is, for your favorable confideration of the long and lamentable condition of the town of Warwick, which hath been thus : they are fo dangeroufly and fo vexatioufly intermingled with the barbarians, that I have long admired the wonder- ful power of God in reftraining and preventing very great fires of mutual flaughters, breaking forth between them. Your wifdoms know the inhuman infultations of thefe wild creatures, and you may be pleafed, alfo, to imagine, that they have not been fparing of your name as the patron of all their wickednefs againft our Englifli men, women and children, and cattle to the yearly damage of fixty, eighty and one hundred pounds. The remedy is (under God) only your pleafure, that Pumham fhall come to an agreement with the town or colony, and that fome covenient way and time be fet for their removal.^ And that your wifdom may fee juft grounds for fuch your willingnefs, be pleafed to be informed of a reality of a folemn covenant between this town of Warwick and Pum- ham, unto which, notwithftanding that he pleads his being drawn to it by the awe of his fuperior Sachems, yet I humbly offer that what was done, was according to the law and tenor of the natives, (I take it) in all New Eng- land and America, viz. : that the inferior Sachems and fub- ' Pumham, a diftinguifhed Narragan- Pumham under their government. The fett chief ''was a mighty man of valor." journal of Winthrop fhows, that before He was the Sachem of Shawomet, or they received him and his people under Warwick, which town he claimed. He their proteftion, the court made them was thus brought into confiderable diffi- promife to keep the fabbath, and to ob- culty with the Englilh as early as 16-15, ferve other religious rules. — Backus, which continued to this time. The peo- Hiji. of the Baptifts,vo\.\. p. 306. pie of Warwick now endeavored to bring Letters of Roger Williams. 301 jeds fhall plant and remove at the pleafure of the highefl: and fupreme Sachems, and I humbly conceive that it pleafeth the Moft High and Only Wife to make ufe of fuch a bond of authority over them, without which, they could not long fubfift in human fociety, in this wild con- dition wherein they are. Pleafe you not to be infenfible of the flippery and dan- gerous condition of this their intermingled cohabitation. I am humbly confident, that all the Englifh towns and plantations in all New England, put together, fufl^er not fuch moleftation from the natives, as this one town and people. It is {o great and fo oppreffive, that I have daily feared the tidings of lome public fire and mifchief 3. Be pleafed to review this copy from the Dord Ad- miral, and that this Englifli town of Warwick fhould pro- ceed, alfo that if any of yours were there planted, they fhould, bv your authority, be removed. And we humbly conceive, that if the Englifh (whofe removes are difficult and chargeable) how much more thefe wild ones, who re- move with little more trouble and damage than the wild beafts of the wildernefs. 4. Pleafe you to be informed, that this fmall neck (wherein they keep and mingle fields with the Englifh) is a very den of wickednefs, where they not only prad:ice the horrid barbarifms of all kinds of whoredoms, idolatries, conjurations, but living without all exercife of actual au- thority, and getting ftore of liquors (to our grief) there is a confluence and rendezvous of all the wildeft and moft licentious natives and praftices of the whole country. 5. Befide fatisfaftion to Pumham and the former inhabi- tants of this neck, there is a competitor who muft alfo be fatisfied ; another Sachem, one Nawwuihawfuck, who 302 Letters of Roger Williams. (living with Oufamaquin) lays claim to this place, and are at daily feud with Pumham (to my knowledge) about the title and lordfhip of it.' Hoftility is daily threatened. Our fecond requeft concerns two or three Englifli fami- lies at Pawtuxet, who before our charter fubjedted them- felves unto your jurifdiftion.^ It is true there are many grievances between many of the town of Providence and them, and thefe I humbly conceive, may beft be ordered to be compofed by reference. But fecondly, we have formerly made our addrefles and now do, for your prudent removal of this great and long obftrudlion to all due order and regular proceedings among us, viz.: the refufal of thefe families (pretending your name) to conform with us unto his Highnefs' authority amongft us. 3. Your wifdom experimentally knows how apt men are to ftumble at fuch an exemption from all duties and fer- vices, from all rates and charges, either with yourfelves or us. 4. This obftrudlion is fo great and conftant, that (with- out your prudent removal of it, it is impoflible that either his Highnefs or yourfelves can expe Gen. George Monk, Duke of Albe- wife of Richard Scott, one of the ear- marle, was diftinguilhed for the part he lieft fettlers of the colony who received took in the reftoration of Charles II. a lot in Providence in 1636. Richard During the Commonweath he had been Scott, who afterwards turned to the an adherent of Cromwell, whofe au- Quakers, fays, " I walked with [Wil- thority he maintained in Scotland, where liams] in the Baptiils way about three he was intimately conneded with the or four months, in which' time he broke Prefbyterians. — Gorton, Biographical up the Society, and declared at large the Diaionary. reafons for it."— Backus, Hiji. of the » Mrs. Scott. This was doubtlefs the Baptijis, vol. i. p. 108. Letters of Roger Williams. 313 meafure drawn her from the Quakers, and wholly from their meetings. Try the fpirits. There are many abroad, and muft be, but the Lord will be glorious, in plucking up whatever his holy hand hath not planted. My brother runs ftrongly to Origen's notion of univerfal mercy at laft, againft an eternal fentence.' Our times will call upon us for thorough difcuffioris. The fire is like to try us. It is a wonderful mercy the barbarians are yet fo quiet. A por- tion of our neighbors are juft now come home, re infeBa. The Mohegans would not fally, and the Narraganfetts would not fpoil the corn, for fear of offending the Eng- lifh. The Lord mercifully guide the councils of the com- miffioners. Mr. Arnold, Mr. Brenton, and others, flrug- gle againft your interefl at Narraganfett;^ but I hope your prefence might do much good amongft us in a few days. Sir, I am, unworthy, yours, Roger Williams. ' Origen, of Alexandria, one of the moft eminent of the Chriftian Fathers who lived in the fecond and third cen- turies. He was deprived of his prieftly office, and excommunicated, the princi- pal charge againft him being his denial of eternal punilhment. Origen is called the father of Biblical criticifm, and was a voluminous writer. ^ Major Humphrey Atherton with others of Maffachufetts, and John Win- throp, of Connefticut, had purchafed lands in Narraganfett. At the May fef- fion of the General Aflembly, 1660, it was voted " that William Brenton, Bene- dift Arnold, and others, are chofena com- mittee to ripen the matter concerning the purchafe made by the gentlemen of the Bay in Narraganfett, and draw up their refult thereon." In Oftober following, it was ordered 40 " that a committee be chofen to treat with thofe gentlemen that have made purchafes of lands in Narraganfett, with power to treat and fully agree with them in the prefent difference about their coming into our colony. . . . And that the commiffioners take care to write unto the gentlemen, viz. : Major Atherton and his aflbciates to defire them to ap- point Commiffioners to treat with the aforefaid Commiffioners upon all the dif- ferences depending about their coming into, or poffeffing lands from the Indians within this colony's bounds." — R. I. Col. Records, vol. i., pages 429 and 435. The lands purchafed as above, known as the " Neck purchafe " and " Boilon Neck," in the Narraganfett country, are fully defcribed in Potter's Narragan- fett, p. 269. 3 1 4 Letters of Roger Williams. For his much honored kind friend Mr. John Winthrop, at hts houfe, in Nameag, thefe. 27, 8, 6o. (fo called.) [27th Oftober, 1660.]' Loving Friends and Neighbors, — Divers of your- felves have fo cried out, of the contentions of your late meetings, that ^^ftudying my quietnefs) I thought fit to prefent you w^ith thefe few lines. Two words I pray you to confider. Firft, as to this plantation of Providence : then as to fome new plantation, if it fhall pleafe the fame God of mercies who provided this, to provide another in mercy for us. 1. As to this town, although I have been called out, of late, to declare my underflanding as to the bounds of Providence and Pawtuxet ; and, although di- vers have lands and meadows in pofleffion beyond thefe bounds, yet I hope that none of you think me fo fenfelefs as to put on any barbarian to moleft an Englifhman, or to demand a farthing of any of you. 2. If any do (as formerly fome have done, and divers have given gratuities, as Mr. Field, about Notaquoncanot and others,) I promife, that as I have been affiftant to fatisfy and pacify the natives round about us, fo I hope I lliall ftill while I live be helpful to any of you that may have occafion to ufe me. Now, as to ioipe new plantation, I defire to propofe that which may quench contention, may accommodate fuch who want, and may alfo return moneys unto fuch as have of late difburfed. To this purpofe, I defire that we be patient, and torment not ourfelves and the natives, (Sachems and people,) put- ^R. I. Colonial Records, vol. i. p. 39 ; Knowles, Memoirs Roger Williams, p. 440. Letters of Roger Williams. 315 ting them upon mifchievous remedies, with the great noife of twenty miles new or old purchafe. Let us confider, ifNifwofak.it and Wayunckeke, and the land thereabout, may not afford a new and comfortable plantation, which we may go through with an effedtual endeavor for true public good. To this end, I pray you confider, that the inhabitants of thefe parts, with mofl of the Cowefet and Nipmucks, have long fince forfaken the Narraganfett Sachems and fubjedted themfelves to the Maffachufetts. And yet they are free to fell their lands to any whom the Maffachufetts fhall not proteft againfl. To this end (obferving their often flights, and to flop their running to the Maffachufetts) I have parlied with them, and find that about thirty pounds will caufe them to leave thofe parts, and yield peaceable poffeflion. I fuppofe, then, that the town may do well to give leave to about twenty of your inhabitants (of which I offer to be one, and know others willing) to lay down thirty fhillings a man toward the purchafe. Let every one of this number have liberty to remove himfelf, or to place a child or friend there. Let every perfon who fhall afterward be received into the pur- chafe lay down thirty fhillings, as hath been done in Provi- dence, which may be paid (by fome order agreed on) to fuch as lately have difburfed moneys unto the effedting of this. I offer, gratis, my time and pains, in hope that fuch as want may have a comfortable fupply amongft us, and others made room for, who may be glad of fhelter alfo. Yours to ferve you, Roger Williams. 3 1 6 Letters of Roger Williams. Tejlimony of Roger Williams relative to the pur chafe of lands at Seekonk and Providence. Providence, 13, 10, 1661. [13th December.]' 1. I teftify and declare, in the holy prefence of God, that when at my firft coming into thel'e parts, I obtained the lands of Seekonk of Oufamaquin, the then chief Sach- em on that fide, the Governor of Plymouth (Mr. Winflow) wrote to me, in the name of their government, their claim of Seekonk to be in their jurifdiftion, as alfo their advice to remove but over the river unto this fide, (where now, by God's merciful providence, we are,) and then I fhould be out of their claim, and be as free themfelves, and loving neighbors together.^ 2. After I had obtained this place, now called Provi- dence, of Canonicus and Miantinomo, the chief Narra- ganfett Sachems deceafed, Oufamaquin, the Sachem afore- faid, alfo deceased, laid his claim to this place alfo. This forced me to repair to the Narraganfett Sachems aforefaid, who declared that Oufamaquin was their fubjedt, and had folemnly himfelf, in perfon, with ten men, fubjefted him- felf and his lands unto them at the Narraganfett : only now he feemed to revolt from his loyalties under the fhel- ter of the Engliflh at Plymouth.3 1 Backus, Hift. of the Baptijls, vol. i. people, the fpring after their firft com- p. 73. Baclcus fays "copied from the ing, and of the Narraganfett's threaten- original in his own handw^riting." ings on that account. — Prince's Chro- ^This ftiovys a great difference between noJi/gy, pp. ioz-116. the temper of Plymouth and Maffachu- This ftatement, it will be perceived, fetts rulers, and of which we fhall fee was made twenty-five years after Wil. more. — Backus, vol. i. p. 73. Hams crofTed the Seekonk river, and ef- sThis perfeftly agrees with the ac- tablilhed himfelf and his affociates at count we have of Maffafoit or Oufama- Providence, quin's league made with the Plymouth Letters of Roger Williams. 317 3. This I declared from the Narraganfett Sachems to Oufamaqiiin, who, without any ftick, acknowledged it to be true that he had lb fubjedled as the Narraganfett Sach- ems affirmed ; but withal, he affirmed that he was not fub- dued by war, which himfelf and his father had maintained againfl the Narraganfetts, but God, he faid, fubdued me by a plague, which fwept away my people, and forced me to yield. 4. This convidtion and confeffion of his, together with gratuities to himfelf and brethren and followers, made him often profefs, that he was pleafed that I fhould here be his neighbor, and that rather becaufe he and I had been great friends at Plymouth, and alfo becaufe that his and my friends at Plymouth advifed him to be at peace and friend- fhip with me, and he hoped that our children after us would be good friends together. 5. And whereas, there hath been often fpeech of Provi- dence falling within Plymouth jurifdidtion, by virtue of Oufamaquin's claims, I add unto the teftimony abovefaid, that the Governor, Mr. Bradford, and other of their mag- iflrates, defcribed unto me, both by conference and writing, that they and their government were fatisfied, and refolved never to moleft Providence, nor to claim beyond Seekonk, but to continue loving friends and neighbors (amongft the barbarians) together. This is the true fum and fubflance of many pafTages be- tween our countrymen of Plymouth and Oufamaquin and me. Roger Williams. 31 8 Letters of Roger Williams, To the Town of Providence. [No date.]' Loving Friends and Neighbors, — I have again con- fidered on thefe papers, and find many confiderable things in both of them. My defire is, that after a friendly de- bate of particulars, every man may fit down and reft in quiet with the final fentence and determination of the town, for all experience tells us that public peace and love is better than abundance of corn and cattle, &c. I have one only motion and petition, which I earneftly pray the town to lay to heart, as ever they look for a blefling from God on the town, on your families, your corn and cattle, and your children after you ; it is this, that after you have got over the black brook of fome foul bondage yourfelves, you tear not down the bridge after you, by leaving no fmall pittance for diftrefl^ed fouls that may come after you. What though your divifion or allotment be never fo fmall, yet ourfelves know that fome men's diftreflies are fuch, that a piece of a dry cruft and a difti of cold water, is fweet, which, if this town will give fincerely unto God, (fetting afide fome little portions for other diftrefl!ed fouls to get bread on) you know who hath engaged His heavenly word for your reward and recompenfe. Yours, Roger Williams. ' Knowles' Mem. of Roger Williams, themfelves certain common lands, out of p. 402. which Roger Williams wanted fome to This letter was copied for Mr. Back- remain ftill common, for the town after- us, by the late Judge Howell, of Provi- wards to give occafionally to fuch as fled dence, and was accompanied by the fol- to them, or were baniflied for confcience lowing note in his handwriting: " This fake, as he at firft gave it all to them." — remonftrance was fent in to the town, Knowles, p. 402. upon their concluding to divide among Letters of Roger Williams. 319 To my honored kind friend Mr. Winthrop, Governor, at Hartford, prefent. Providence, 28, 3, 64. (fo called.) [May 28, 1664. J' Sir, — Meeting (this inftant before fun-rife, as I went to my field, &c.,) an Indian running back for a glafs, bound for your parts, I thought (lince nihil fne Providentia) that an Higher Spirit then his own, might purpofely (like Jonathan's bovj fend him back for this hafly falutation to your kind felf and your dear companion. Sir, I waited for a gale to return you many cordial thanks lor your many cordial expreffions of ancient kindnefs to myfelf, and the public peace and wellfare : I have fince been occafioned and drawn (being nominated in the Char- ter to appear again upon the deck,) from my beloved pri- vacy; my humble deiires are to contribute my poor mite (as I have ever, and I hope ever fhall) to preferve planta- tion and public intereft of the whole New England and not intereft of this or that town, colony, opinion, &c. Sir, when we that have been the eldeft, and are rotting, (to-morrow or next day) a generation will adt, I fear, far unlike the firft Winthrops and their Models of Love :^ I fear that the common Trinity of the world, (Profit, Pre- ferment, Pleafure) will here be the Tria omnia, as in all the world befide : that Prelacy and Papacy too will in this wildernefs predominate that God Land will be (as now it is) as great a God with us Englifh as God Gold was with the Spaniards, &c. While we are here, noble Sir, let us Viriliter hoc agere, rem agere humanam, divinam, Chrijlianam, which I believe is all of a moft public genius. ^4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll.yol. vi. p. 295. a fermon written on board the "Arbel- "■ This may be a reference to Gov. la." See 3 Mafs. HiJi. Coll., vol. vii., Winthrop's Model of Chriftian Charity, p. 33. ¥As. Winthrop Papers. 320 Letters of Roger Williams. Sir, thofe words in our Charter concerning the Narra- ganfett (notwithftanding a late grant to the colony of Con- nedicut,) &c., are fo taking with my neighbors, that Refo- lutions were up (this laft Court) of fetching old Mr. Smith prefently, becaufe of his new engagement to Con- nediicut : it pleafed God to help me to flop that council, and to prevail that only a boat was fent, with a loving letter to invite him, and he came not, but faid well, viz. : that when the Colonies were agreed, he would fubmit. Sir, three days hence Major Denifon and Mr. Damport meet from the Bay with Mr. Greene of Warwick, and Mr Torrey of Newport,' at Seekonk, to compofe the ftrife between us ; I hope your honored felf and Major Mafon, and fome of the grave Elders, &c. will help on fuch work between yourfelves and us, alfo unto which I hope the Father of mercies will help me to be your and the country's fervant in all refped:, and faithfulnefs. Roger Williams. Raptim. On the outfide in Williams' handwriting. Juft now I find this bearer to be Miantonomo's fon. Indorfed by Gov. Winthrop, of Connefticut, " Mr. Rog : Williams rec : Satur- day Jun : 25, 1664." 'Maffachul'etts having appointed two bound over in the fum of four hundred agents to treat with Rhode Ifland in re- pounds each ; and John Hicks and John gard to Block Ifland and the Pequot Wood, of Newport, for two hundred country, John Greene and Jofeph Tor- pounds each, to appear when called for, rey were commiffioned to meet them at upon the charge of feeking to bring in a Rehoboth, on the laft day of the month, foreign jurifdiftion within the limits of Roger Williams was one of the commit- the colony. 'I'hefe bonds were after- tee to prepare the inftruftions for the wards releafed. A warrant for the fame commiffioners. Richard Smith, jr., and offence was iffued againfl John Greene, Thomas Gould, of Narraganfett, were fen'r., who appeared and confeffed his Letters of Roger Williams. 321 To the Right Honorable Sir Robert Carr, one of His Majejly's Honorable Commifjioners for New England^ prefent. Providence, i March, 1665.' Sir, — My humble and hearty refpedts prefented, with humble and hearty defires of your prefent and eternal felicity. Having heaad of a late confederacy among great num- bers of thefe barbarians to affift Pumham, &c., I thought it my duty to wait upon your Honor with thefe humble falutations, and appreciations of the fafety of your perfon, not to be ealily hazarded amongft fuch a barbarous fcum and ofFscouring of mankind. Befides, Sir, this is an old ulcerous bufinefs, wherein I have been many years engaged, and have (in the behalf of my loving friends at Warwick) pleaded this caufe with the whole General Court of the MafTachufetts magiftrates and deputies, and prevailed with them to yield, that if I and Pumham would agree, they would ratify an agreement. But Pumham would not part with that Neck^ on any terms. I crave leave to add (for the excufe of this boldnefs,) that the natives in this Bay do (by promife to them at my firft breaking of the ice in amongft them) expedt my endeavors of preferving the pub- lic peace, which it hath pleafed God, mercifully to help fault. Upon petition he was pardoned, occafion and the aftion of the General and received again under proteftion as a Affembly of Rhode Ifland on the fub- freeman of the colony. Richard Smith, jeft, fee the R. I. Col. Records, vol. ii. fen'r., was written to, to appear before pp. 44-49. the court on a fimilar charge. He made 'J. Carter Brown's Manufcripts, yo\. no reply to the letter, but enclofed it to I, No. 72. Capt. Hutchinfon,defiring him to inform ^ Warwick Neck. Gorton and others Connefticut of the aiFair, which he did. of the early fettlers called it " The Arnold, Hijt. of Rhode IJland, vol. i.. Neck." p. 307. For the letters written on the 322 Letters of Roger Williams. me to do many times (with my great hazard and charge), when all the colonies and the Maflachufetts, in efpecial, have meditated, prepared and been (fometimes many hun- dreds) among the march for war againft: the natives in this colony. Of this my promife and duty, and conftant prac- tice, mine own heart and confcience before God; as alfo fome natives put me in mind at prefent. 1. Firft then (although I know another claim laid to this land yet,) Pumham being the ancient pofleflbr of this Lordfhip, I humbly query whether it will be juft to difpof- fefs him (not only without confent, which fear may extort, but without fome fatisfying confideration.) I had a com- miffion from my friends at Warwick, to promise a good round value, and I know fome of them have defired the natives, I thought it coft them fome hundred pounds.* 2. Your Honor will never effedt by force a fafe and lad- ing conclufion until you have firft reduced the Malfachu- fetts to. the obedience of his Majefty, and then thefe ap- pendants (towed at their ftern) will eafily (and not before) wind about alfo. 'The Commiffioner's of the United obey of the order of the Commiffioners, Colonies vifited Pettaquamfcut and War- relying ftill upon the proteftion of Maf- wick for the purpofe of fettling the long lachufetts. exifting controverfies between the inhabi- John Eliot, the Apoftle of the Indians, tants and the Indians. Pumham, the wrote to Sir Robert Carr in behalf of fubjeft of Maflachufetts, who ftill re- Pumham, who, he fays, had " fufFered fufed to leave Warwick Neck, although much hard and ill dealings from fome the land had been fairly purchafed of Englifli," and begs him to " deal honor- his fuperior Sachem many years before, ably by them." The correfpondence, was ordered by the Commiffioners to with other papers on this fubjeft, are remove within a year to fome place to contained in the Rhode Ifland manu- be provided for him either in Maflachu- fcripts, copied from the originals in the fetts or by Pefficus. Warwick was to Britifti State Paper Office, in the collec- pay him £20. but when he had received tion of John Carter Brown, Efq., vol. i., it, he refufed to fulfil his contraft or to Nos. 64 to 73. Letters of Roger Williams. 323 3. The bufinefs as circumftantiated will not be efFefted without bloodfhed ; barbarians are barbarians. There be old grudges betwixt our countrymen of Warwick, and them. They are a melancholy people, and judge them- felves (by the former Sachem and thefe Englifti) oppreffed and wronged ; you may knock out their brains, and yet not make them peaceably to furrender, even as fome oxen will die before they will rile ; yet with patience, and gentle means will rife and draw, and do good fer- vice. 4. Thefe barbarians know that it is but one party in Warwick, which claim this Neck ; the greateft part of the town cry out againft the other to my knowledge, and that of the natives alfo. 5. The natives know that this party in Warwick are not only deftitute of help, from their own townfmen, but of the other towns of this colony alfo. 6. They know that it would pleafe the MafTachufetts, and moft of the other colonies, that Mr. Gorton and his friends had been long ere this deftroyed. 7. They know that Ninigret and Peflicus are barbarians, and if it come to blood, and that at the firft, the worft be to the Englifli (in any appearances,) they will join to further the prey. However, if King Philip keep his promife, they will be too great a party againft the two Sachems. 8. Laftly, Sir, we profefs Chriftianity, which commends a little with peace ; a dinner of green herbs with quietnefs ; and if it be poffible, commands peace with all men. I therefore humbly offer, if it be not advifable (in this juncture of time) to lay all the blame on me, and on my interceffion and mediation, for a little further breathing to 324 Letters of Roger Williams. the barbarians until harveft, in which time a peaceable and loving agreement may be wrought, to mutual confent and fatisfadlion." Sir, I humbly crave your Honor's gracious pardon to this great boldnefs. Your moft obedient and bounden fervants, Roger Williams. To my much refpeBed the Inhabitants of the Town of Providence. Providence, loth February, 1667-8.]' Loving Friends and Neighbors, — Unto this day, it pleafed the town to adjourn for the anfwering of the bill for the bridge and others. I have conferred with Shad- rach Manton and Nathaniel Waterman, about their pro- pofal, and their result is, that they cannot obtain fuch a number as will join with them, to undertake the bridge upon the hopes of meadow. I am, therefore, bold, after fo many anchors come home, and fo much trouble and long debates and deliberations, to offer, that if you pleafe, I will, with God's help, take this bridge unto my care, by that moderate toll of flrangers of all forts, which hath been mentioned ; will maintain it fo long that it pleafeth God that I live in this town.* 'Knowles, Memoirs of Roger Wil- houfe, which order was not accomplilhed. liams,- Gregory Dexter was one of the ear- Williams condemned the conduit of Mr. lieft fettlers of Providence. He received Dexter, though an intimate friend ; and one of the home lots in 1637, and figned approved, in part, at leaft, that of Mr. the firft compaft in 1640. Was fubfe- Harris, though a bitter hollility exifted quently one of the committee from between them. Providence to form a government. For Mr. Dexter had been a printer and many years he was a commiffioner for that ftationer in London, and was the pub- town, and a deputy in the AiTembly. lilher of IViiliams' Key into the \_Indian'\ The reference to Mr. Dexter's refufal Language of America. London: 1643. to pay his taxes, from confcientious fcru- As he was in Providence feveral years pies fhows that Mr. Williams accurately before, his printing bufinefs may have difcriminated between the rights of con- been carried on after he left. Savage, fcience, and aperverfion of thofe rights, fays he died in 1700, at the age of nine- It is worthy of notice, too, that Mr. ty .— Genealogical Diii. \o\.\\. Letters of Roger Williams. 329 not lie, nor be drunk, nor be contentious, nor fteal, nor be covetous, nor voluptuous, nor ambitious, nor lazy-bodies, nor bufy-bodies, nor dare difpleale God by omitting either fervice or fufFering, though of reproach, imprifonment, banifhment and death, becaule of the fear and love of God. If W. Wickenden' received a beaft of W. Field, for ground of the fame hold, I knew it not, and fo fpake the truth, as I underftood it. 2. Though I have not fpoke with him, yet I hear it was not of that hold or tenure, for we have had four forts of bounds at leaft. Firft, the grant of as large acQommodations as any Eng- lifh in New England had. This the Sachems always promifed me, and they had caufe, for I was as a right hand unio them, to my great coft and travail. Hence I was fure of the Tocekeuhquinit meadows, and what could with any (how of reafon have been defired; but fome, (that never did this town or colony good, and, it is feared, never will,) cried out, when Roger Williams had laid himfelf down as a flone in the duft, for after comers to ftep on in town and colony, " What is Roger Williams ? We know the Indians and the Sachems as well as he. We will truft Roger Wil- liams no longer. We will have our bounds confirmed us under the Sachems' hands before us." 2. Hence arofe, to my foul cutting and grief, the fecond fort of bounds, viz. : the bounds fet under the hands of thofe great Sachems Canonicus and Miantonomo, and were fet fo (hort (as to Mafliapaug and Pawtucket, and at that ' William Wickenden, removed to the Baptift Church. — He died February, Providence from Salem, previous to Au- 23, 1670. — Staples' note to Gorto.i's guft zo, 1637, and was a colleague with Simplicity's Defence, p. 109. Chad Brown in the palloral charge of 42 330 Letters of Roger Williams, time,) becaufe they would not intrench upon the Indians inhabiting round about us, for the prevention of ftrife between us. The third fort of bounds were of favor and grace, in- vented, as I think, and profecuted by that noble fpirit, now with God, Chad Brown.' Prefuming upon the Sach- ems' grant to me, they exceeded the letter of the Sachem's deed, fo far as reafonably they judged, and with this pro- mile of fatisfadlion to any native who fhould reafonably defire it. In this third fort of bounds, lay this piece of meadow hard by Capt. Fenner's grounds, which, with two hogs, William Wickenden gave to W. Field for a fmall beaft, &c. Befides thefe three forts of bounds, there arofe a fourth, (like the fourth beaft in Daniel) exceeding dreadful and terrible, unto which the Spirit of God gave no name nor bounds, nor can we in the firft rife of ours, only boundlefs bounds, or a monftrous beaft, above all other beafts or monfters. Now, as from this fourth wild beaft in Daniel, in the greater world, have arifen all the ftorms and tem- pefts, fadtions and divifions, in our little world amongft us, and what the tearing confequences it will be, is only known to the Moft Holy and Only Wife. 'Chad Brown was anaflbciate of Ro- Obadiah Holmes; Daniel, who married ger Williams, and one of the founders of a Herenden ; James, Jeremiah, and Ju- Providence, having come from Maffa- dah. The lait two removed to Rhode chufetts in 1636. His name is among Ifland. — Staples' note to Gorton's 5/;w- thofe who received a "home lot," and plicity's Defence, p. 108. one of the four chofen in 1640 to pre- The defcendants of Chad Brown have pare a form of government. — Col. Re- ever been among the moft enterprifing jords, so\.\. ■p'p 14 and 27. and public fpirited men of the State. He was paftor of the Baptift Church They are equally diftinguiftied for their in 1642. He had children, John, who liberal benefaftions to the literary and married a Holmes, daughter of the Rev. charitable inftitutions in Providence. Letters of Roger Williams. 3 3 1 You conclude with your innocence and patience under my clamorous tongue, but I pray you not to forget that there are two baiins. David had one, Pilate another. David wafhed his hands in innocence, and fo did Pilate, and fo do all parties, all the world over. As to Innocence, my former paper faith fomething. As to patience, how can you fay you are patient under my clamorous tongue, when that very fpeech is moft impatient and unchriftian ? My clamor and crying fhall be to God and men (I hope without revenge or wrath) but for a little eafe, and that yourfelves, and they that fcorn and hate me moft, may, (if the Eternal pleafe,) find cooling in that hot, eter- nal day that is near approaching. This fhall be the con- tinual clamor or cry of Your unworthy friend and neighbor, Roger Williams. 'To my honored friend, Mr. fohn Winthrop, Governor of Con- neBicut, &c., thefe, at Bojion or elfewhere. Leave this at Major Leverett's. Providence, Auguft 19th, 1669. (fo called.)' Sir, — Loving refpefts to yourfelf and your deareft and other friends, &c. I have no tidings (upon my enquiry) of that poor dog, about which you fent to me. I fear he is run wild into the woods, though it is poffible that Eng- lifh or Indians have him. Oh, Sir, what is that word that fparrows and hairs are provided for and numbered by '5 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. i. p. 414. 332 Letters of Roger Williams. God ? then certainly your dog and all dogs and beafts. How much more mankind. (He faveth man and beaft.) How much more his fons and daughters, and heirs of his crown and kingdom. Sir, I have encouraged Mr. Dexter to fend you a lime- flone, and to falute you with this enclofed. He is an in- telligent man, a mafler printer of London, and confciona- ble (though a Baptift), therefore maligned and traduced by William Harris (a doleful generalift.) Sir, if there be any occafion of yourfelf (or others) to ufe any of this ftone, Mr. Dexter hath a lufty team and lufty fons, and very wil- ling heart, (being a fanguine, cheerful man) to do your- felf or any (at your word efpecially,) fervice upon my honeft and cheap confiderations ; and if there be any oc- cafion. Sir, you may be confident of all ready fervice from your old unworthy fervant, Roger Williams. While you were at Mr. Smith's that bloody liquor trade (which Richard Smith' hath of old driven) fired the coun- try about your lodging. The Indians would have more liquor, and it came to blows. The Indians complained to Richard Smith. He told them he was bufy about your departure. Next day the Englilh complained of fome hurt and went with twen.ty-eight horfe (and more men) to • Richard Smith's name firft appears deeded the "Northern traft" in the Nar- among the " inhabitants of Newport, ad- raganfett country in 1659. They had a mitted fince May 20, 1638," and pre- large trading houfe in Wicliford. Both vious to 1639. — R. 1. Col. Records, vol. father and fon were among the promi- i. p. 92. He and his fon Richard inent men of that part of the colony. It Smith, jr., " traders, of Cocumcofuck," would appear from Mr. Williams's let- and Gov. Winthrop of Connefticut were ter, that they dealt largely in fpirituous among thofe to whom Coganiquant, liquors. Letters of Roger Williams. 3^3 fetch in the Sachem. The Indians with a fliout routed thefe horfes, and caufed their return, and are more infolent by this repulfe ; yet they are willing to be peaceable, were It not for that devil of liquor. I might have gained thoufands (as much as any) by that trade, but God hath gracioufly given me rather to choofe a dry morfel, &c. Sir, fince I faw you I have read Morton's Memorial,' and rejoice at the encomiums upon your father and other precious worthies, though I be a reprobate, contemptd vitior ^k^- R. W. Providence, June 22, 1670, {ut vulgo.)'- Major Mason, — My honored, dear and ancient friend, my due refped:s and earneft delires to God, for your eter- nal peace, Sec. I crave your leave and patience to prefent you with fome few confiderations, occasioned by the late tranfadtions be- tween your colony and ours. The laft year you were pleafed, in one of your lines to me, to tell me that you longed to fee my face once more before you died. I em- braced your love, though I feared my old lame bones, and yours, had arrefted traveling in this world, and therefore I was and am ready to lay hold on all occafions of writing, as I do at prefent. The occafion, I confefs, is forrowful, becaufe I fee your- ^New England's Memorial; or a Brief ^ Mafs. Hift. Coll., vol. i. p. 275; Relation of the moji Memorable and Re- Knovcles, Memoirs of Roger Williams, markahle paffages in the Providence of God p. 393. manifelied in the Planters of New Eng- land in America, etc., Cambridge, 1669. 334 Letters of Roger Williams. felves, with others, embarked in a refolution to invade and defpoil your poor countrymen, in a wildernefs, and your ancient friends, of our temporal and foul liberties.' It is forrowful, alfo, becaufe mine eye beholds a black and doleful train of grievous, and, I fear, bloody confe- quences, at the heel of this bulinefs, both to you and us. The Lord is righteous in all our afHidlions, that is a max- im ; the Lord is gracious to all opprefled, that is another ; he is moft gracious to the foul that cries and waits on him; that is lilver, tried in the fire feven times. Sir, I am not out of hopes, but that while your aged eyes and mine are yet in their orbs, and not yet lunk down into their holes of rottennefs, we fhall leave our friends and countrymen, our children and relations, and this land, in peace, behind us. To this end. Sir, pleafe you with a calm and fleady and a Chriftian hand, to hold the balance and to weigh thefe few confiderations, in much love and due refpedt prefented : ^ Thfi queftion of jurifdiftion in the officers were arrelled and fent to New- fouthweftetn part of the colony led to port jail. To add to the troubles, Har- the appointment of a committee by vard College fet up a claim to land in Connefticut, in May of this year, to Wefterly. Arrefts were made on both confer with the authorities of Rhode If- fides, and another fpecial feffion of the land, and if the latter refufed to treat, Affembly took place in June, when agents they were authorized to reduce the peo- wei'e appointed to proceed to England, pie of Wefterly and Narraganfett to there to defend the charter againft the fubmiffion. A fpecial feffion of the Af- invafions of Connefticut. It was at this fembly of Rhode Ifland was called, and junfture that Mr. Williams wrote this a committee appointed to confider the letter to Major Mafon, who enclofed it fubjeft. The two committees met at to the Connefticut Commiffioners. Mr. New London, but failed to agree upon Arnold in his Hijiory of Rhode IJland, terms of fettlement. The Connefticut gives a lucid account of the controverfy men, the following day, formally pro- in queftion ; vol. i. pp. 341-348 ; while claimed the authority of their govern- the documentary hiilory of it may be ment over Wefterly, and fent officers found at length in the ^. /. Colonial. Re- warning the inhabitants eaft of Pawca- cords, vol. ii. pp. 309-328. tuck river to appear at Stonington. The Letters of Roger Williams. 335 Firft. When I was unkindly and unchriftianly, as I be- lieve, driven from my houfe and land and wife and chil- dren, (in the midft of a New England winter, now about thirty-five years paft,) at Salem, that ever honored Gover- nor, Mr. Winthrop, privately wrote to me to fleer my courfe to Narraganfett Bay and Indians, for many high and heavenly and public ends, encouraging me, from the free- nefs of the place from any Englifh claims or patents. I took his prudent motion as a hint and voice from God, and waving all other thoughts and motions, I fleered my courfe from Salem (though in winter fnow, which I feel yet) unto thefe parts, wherein I may fay Peniel, that is, I have feen the face of God. Second, I firft pitched, and began to build and plant at Seekonk, now Rehoboth, but I received a letter from my ancient friend, Mr. Winflow, then Governor of Plymouth, profefling his own and others love and refpedt to me, yet lovingly advifing me, fince I was fallen into the edge of their bounds, and they were loath to difpleafe the Bay, to remove but to the other fide of the water, and then, he faid, I had the country free before me, and might be as free as themfelves, and we fliould be loving neighbors toge- ther. Thefe were the joint underflandings of thefe two eminently wife and Chriflian Governors and others, in their day, together with their counfel and advice as to the free- dom and vacancy of this place, which in this refpedt, and many other Providences of the Mofl Holy and Only Wife, I called Providence.^ • Finding himfelf upon lands claimed John Smith, miller ; Jofhua Verin, Tho- by Maffachufetts and Plymouth, Wil- mas Angell and Francis Wickes. (^Mofes liams embarked from Seekonk in a canoe. Brown in R. I. Regijler for 1828.) with five others, viz. : William Harris; They are believed to have crofled See- 336 Letters of Roger Williams. Third. Sometime after, the Plymouth great Sachem, (Oufamaquin,) upon occafion, affirming that Providence was his land, and therefore Plymouth's land, and fome re- fenting it, the then prudent and godly Governor, Mr. Bradford,' and others of his godly council, anfwered, that if, after due examination, it rfaould be found true what the barbarian faid, yet having to my lofs of a harveft that year, been now (though by their gentle advice) as good as ban- ifhed from Plymouth as from the Malfachufetts, and I had quietly and patiently departed from them, at their motion to the place where now I was, I fhould not be molefted and tofled up and down again, while they had breath in their bodies; and furely, between thofe, my friends of the Bay and Plymouth, I was forely tofled, for one fourteen weeks, in a bitter winter feafon,^ not knowing what bread or bed did mean, befide the yearly lofs of no fmall matter in my trading with Englifh and natives, being debarred from Bofton, the chief mart and port of New England. konk river near where Central Bridge ' William Bradford was the fecond now crofles. As they approached the Governor of Plymouth, John Carver, oppofite fhore, they were accoiled by being the firll. He was one of the "May- the Indians, with the friendly interroga- flower" Pilgrims. Was elefted Gover- tion of "Whatcheer" a common Eng- nor in i6zi, and annually re-elefted un- lifh phrafe, which they had learned from til hi? death in 1657, excepting five the colonifts, equivalent to " How do years, when he declined the offer. He you do." (Knowles, p. 102.) Others wrote a hiftory of Plymouth Colony fay this word meant " iVelcome" They from 1620 to 1647, which, after remain- probably landed on the rock which here ing inmanufcript for more than two hun- juts out into the river, and remained for dred years, was printed by the Maffa- a fhort time. They then paffed round chufetts Hillorical Society, with notes India Point and Fox Point, and pro- by Charles Deane, in 1856. ceeded up the river to a fpot near the ^"Mr. Roger Williams," fays Gov. entrance of the Mofliafliack river, where Bradford, "(a man godly and zealous the party landed. Tradition, fays, the having many precious parts, but very un- landing place was near the fpring in the fettled in judgment) came over firft to rear of the refidence of the late Gov. the Maflachufetts, but upon fome difcon- Philip Allen. tent left that place, and came hither. Letters of Roger Williams. 337 God knows that many thoufand pounds cannot repay the very temporary lofles I have fuftained. It lies upon the Maflachufetts and me, yea, and other colonies joining with them, to examine, with fear and trembling, before the eyes of flaming fire, the true caufe of all my forrows and fuf- ferings. It pleafed the Father of fpirits to touch many hearts, dear to him, with fome relentings; amongft which. (where he was friendly entertained, ac- cording to their poor ability,) and exer- cifed his gifts amongft them, and after some time was admitted a member of the church; and his teachings well approved, for the benefit whereof I ftill blefs God. , . . He this year began to fall into ftrange opinions, and from opinions to praftife, which caufed fome controverfy between the church and him, and in the end to fome difcontent on his part, by occalion whereof he left them fomething abrupt- ly. Yet afterwards fued for his difmif- fion to the church in Salem, which was granted. . . . But he foon fell into more things there, both to their and the gov- ernments trouble and difturbance. I fliall not need to name particulars, they are too well known to all. . . . But he is to be pitied, and prayed for, and fo I ftiall leave the matter, and defire the Lord to ftiew him his errors, and reduce him in the way of truth, and give him a fettled judgment and conftancy in the fame ; for I hope he belongs to the Lord and that he will Ihow him mercy." — Hijl. of Plymouth Plantation, p. 310. In connexion with this fubjedl, and the remarks of Gov. Bradford, we quote an extraft from a letter of Sir William Martin to Gov. Winthrop, of MafTachu- fetts, enquiring about the ftate of the colony : 43 ..." I am forry to hear of Mr. Wil- liams's reparation from you. His for- mer good affeftions to you and the Plan- tations, were well known unto me and make me wonder now at his proceed- ings. I have wrote to him eiFeftually to fubmit to better judgments, efpecially to thofe whom he formerly revered and ad- mired ; at leaft to keep the bond of peace inviolable. This hath always been my advice ; and nothing conduceth more to the good of plantations. I pray Ihow him what lawful favor you can, which may ftand with the common good. He is paffionate and precipitate, which may tranfport him into error, but I hope his integrity and good intentions will bring him at laft into the way of truth, and confirm him therein. In the meantime, I pray God to give him a right ufe of this affliftion." — Hutchinfon Papers, vol. i. p. 106. There has been a queftion as to time when Williams left Salem ; but it is now generally acknowledged that it was in January, 1636. He was fourteen weeks journeying through the wildernefs, until he pitched his tent and began to plant at Seekonk. This was probably in May. The firft entry in the Providence records is dated the i6th of the 4th month, i'. e. June [1636.] 33^ Letters of Roger Williams. that great and pious foul, Mr. Winllow, melted, and kindly vifited me, at Providence, and put a piece of gold into the hands of mv wife, for our fupply. Fourth. When the next year after my banifliment, the Lord drew the bow of the Pequod war againft the coun- try, in which, Sir, the Lord made yourfelf, with others, a blelTed inftrument of peace to all New England, I had my fhare of fervice to the whole land in that Pequod bufinefs, inferior to very few that adled, for,' 1. Upon letters received from the Governor and Coun- cil at Bofton, requefting me to ufe my utmoft and fpeedieft endeavors to break and hinder the league labored for by the Pequods againft the Mohegans, and Pequods againft the Engliih, (excufing the not fending of company and fupplies, by the hafte of the bufinefs,) the Lord helped me immediately to put my life into my hand, and, fcarce ac- quainting my wife, to (hip myfelf, all alone, in a poor ca- noe, and to cut through a ftormy wind, with great feas, every minute in hazard of life, to the Sachem's houfe. 2. Three days and nights my bufinefs forced me to lodge and mix with the bloody Pequod ambafladors, whofe hands and arms, methought, wreaked with the blood of my countrymen, murdered and maffacred by them on Connec- ticut river, and from whom I could not but nightly look for their bloody knives at my own throat alfo. 3. When God wondroufly preferved me, and helped me to break to pieces the Pequods' negotiation and defign, and to make, and promote and finifh, by many travels and charges, the Englifh league with the Narraganfetts and Mo- • Gov. Bradford acknowledges the in pacifying the Pequots at this time. — great fervice rendered by Mr. Williams HiJIory of Plymouth, p. 364. Letters of Roger Williams. 339 hegans againft the Pequods, and that the Englifli forces marched up to the Narraganfett country againft the Pe- quods, I gladly entertained, at my houfe in Providence, the General Stoughton' and his officers and ufed my utmoft care that all his officers and Ibldiers ffiould be well ac- commodated with us. 4. I marched up with them to the Narraganfett Sach- ems, and brought my countrymen and the barbarians. Sachems and captains, to a mutual confidence and com- placence, each in other. 5. Though I was ready to have marched further, yet, upon agreement that I fhould keep at Providence, as an agent between the Bay and the army, I returned, and was interpreter and intelligencer, conftantly receiving and fend- ing letters to the Governor and Council at Bofton, &c., in which work I judge it no impertinent digreffion to re- cite (out of the many fcores of letters, at times, from Mr. Winthrop,) this one pious and heavenly prophecy, touch- ing all New England, of that gallant man, viz.: " If the Lord turn away his face from our fins, and blefs our en- deavors and yours, at this time againft our bloody enemy, we and our children ftiall long enjoy peace, in this, our wildernefs condition." And himfelf and fome other of the Council motioned and it was debated, whether or no I had not merited, not only to be recalled from baniftiment, but alfo to be honored with fome remark of favor. It is known who hindered, who never promoted the liberty of other men's confciences. Thefe things, and ten times more, I could relate, to fhow that I am not a ftranger to the Pe- 'IfraelStoughtorijOfDorchefter, Mafs., the government of New Hamplhire. commanded the Maffachufetts troops fent He was the father of Wm. Stoughton, againft the Pequots. Was Captain of the the celebrated ftatefman, who was Lieu Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com- tenant-Governor and Chief Juftice of pany, and a commiffioner to adminifter Mafs. — Drake, Biog. Didionary. 340 Letters of Roger Williams. quod wars and lands, and poffibly not far from the merit of a foot of land in either country, which I have nut. 5. Confidering (upon frequent exceptions againft Provi- dence men) that we had no authority for civil government, I went purpofely to England, and upon my report and pe- tition, the Parliament granted us a charter of government for thele parts, fo judged vacant on all hands. And upon this, the country about us was more friendly, and wrote to us, and treated us as an authorized colony ; only the differ- ence of our confciences much obftrudted. The bounds of this, our firft charter, I (having ocular knowledge of perfons, places and tranfadtions) did honeftly and confcien- tioufly, as in the holy prefence of God, draw up from Pawcatuck river, which I then believed, and ftill do, is free from all Englifh claims and conquefts ; for although there were fome Pequods on this fide the river, who, by reafon of fome Sachems' marriages with fome on this fide, lived in a kind of neutrality with both fides, yet, upon the breaking out of the war, they relinquifhed their land to the pofl'efilon of their enemies, the Narraganfetts and Ni- antics, and their land never came into the condition of the lands on the other fide, which the Englifh, by conquefl:, challenged ; fo that I muft ftill affirm, as in God's holy prefence, I tenderly waved to touch a foot of land in which I knew the Pequod wars were maintained and were properly Pequod, being a gallant country ; and from Paw- catuck river hitherward, being but a patch of ground, full of troublefome inhabitants, I did, as I judged, inoffenfive- ly, draw our poor and inconfiderable line. It is true, when at Portfmouth, on Rhode Ifland, fome of ours, in a General Affembly, motioned their planting on this fide Pawcatuck. I, hearing that fome of the Mafia- Letters of Roge^' JVilliams. 341 chufetts reckoned this land theirs, by conqueft, difTuaded from the motion, until the matter fhould be amicably de- bated and compofed ; for though I queflioned not our right, &c., yet I feared it would be inexpedient ajid offen- five, and procreative of thefe heats and fires, to the dif- honoring of the King's Majefty, and the difhonoring and blafpheming of God and of religion in the eyes of the Englifh and barbarians about us. 6. Some time after the Pequod war and our charter from the Parliament, the goverment of MafTachufetts wrote to myfelf (then chief officer in this colony) of their receiving of a patent from the Parliament for thefe vacant lands, as an addition to the MafTachufetts, &c., and there- upon requefting me to exercife no more authority, &c., for they wrote, their charter was granted fome few weeks before ours. I returned, what I believed righteous and weighty, to the hands of my true friend, Mr. Winthrop, the hrft mover of my coming into thefe parts, and to that anfwer of mine I never received the leaft reply ; only it is certain, that, at Mr. Gorton's complaint againft the MafTachufetts, the Lord High Admiral, Prefident, faid, openly, in a full meeting of the commifTioners, that he knew no other charter for thefe parts than what Mr. Wil- liams had obtained, and he was fure that charter, which the MafTachufetts Englifhmen pretended, had never pafTed the table. 7. Upon our humble addrefs, by our agent, Mr. Clarke, to his Majefly, and his gracious promife of renewing our former charter, Mr. Winthrop, upon fome miflake, had entrenched upon our line, and not only fo, but, as it is faid, upon the lines of other charters alfo. Upon Mr. Clarke's complaint, your grant was called in again, and it had never 342 Letters of Roger Williams. been returned, but upon a report that the agents, Mr. Win- throp and Mr. Clarke, were agreed, by mediation of friends, (and it is true, they came to a folemn agreement, under hands and feals,) which agreement was never vio- lated on our part. 8. But the King's Majefty fending his commiffioners among other of his royal purpofes) to reconcile the dif- ferences of, and to fettle the bounds between the colonies, yourfelves know how the King himfelf therefore hath given a decilion to this controverfy. Accordingly, the King's Majefty's aforefaid commiffioners at Rhode Illand, (where, as a commiffioner for this colony, I tranlacfted with them, as did alfo commiffioners from Plymouth,) they compofed a controverfy between Plymouth and us, and fettled the bounds between us, in which we reft. 9. However you fatisfy yourfelves with the Pequod conqueft, with the fealing of your charter fome weeks be- fore ours; with the complaints of particular men to your colony ; yet upon a due and ferious examination of the matter, in the light of God, you will find the bufinefs at bottom to be, Firft, a depraved appetite after the great vanities, dreams and (hadows of this vanifhing life, great portions of land, land in this wildernefs, as if men were in as great neceffity and danger for want of great portions of land, as podr, hungry, thirfty feamen have, after a fick and ftormy, a long and ftarving paffage. This is one of the gods of New England, which the living and moft high Eternal will deftroy and famifh. 2. An unneighborly and unchriftian intrufion upon us, as being the weaker, contrary to your laws, as well as ours, concerning purchasing of lands without the confent of the Letters of Roger Williams. 343 General Court. This I told Major Atherton, at his firft going up to the Narraganfett about this bufinefs. I refufed all their proffers of land, and refufed to interpret for them to the Sachems. 3. From thefe violations and intrufions arife the com- plaint of many privateers, not dealing as they would be dealt with, according to law of nature, the law of the prophets and Chrift Jefus, complaining againfl: others, in a delign, which they themfelves are delinquents and wrong doers. I could aggravate this many ways with Scripture rhetoric and limilitude, but I fee need of anodynes, (as phyficians fpeak,) and not of irritations. Only this I muft crave leave to fay, that it looks like a prodigy or monfter, that countrymen among favages in a wildernefs; that pro- feffors of God and one Mediator, of an eternal life, and that this is like a dream, fhould not be content with thole vaft and large tradls which all the other colonies have, (like platters and tables full of dainties,) but pull and fnatch away their poor neighbors' bit or cruft ; and a cruft it is, and a dry, hard one, too, becaufe of the natives' con- tinual troubles, trials and vexations. 10. Alas! Sir, in calm midnight thoughts, what are thefe leaves and flowers, and fmoke and fliadows, and dreams of earthly nothings, about which we poor fools and children, as David faith, difquiet ourfelves in vain ? Alas? what is all the fcuffling of this world for, but, come, will you fmoke it? What are all the contentions and wars of this world about, generally, but for greater diflies and bowls of porridge, of which, if we believe God's Spirit in Scripture, Efau and Jacob were types ? Efau will part with the heavenly birthright for his fupping, after his hunting, for god belly; and Jacob will part with por- 344 Letters of Roger Williams. ridge for an eternal inheritance. O Lord, give me to make Jacob's and Mary's choice, which {hall never be taken from me. II. How much fweeter is the counfel of the Son of God, to mind firft the matters of his kingdom ; to take no care for to-morrow ; to pluck out, cut off and fling away right eyes, hands and feet, rather than to be caft whole into hell-fire ; to confider the ravens and the lilies, whom a heavenly Father fo clothes and feeds ; and the counfel of his fervant Paul, to roll our cares, for this life alfo, upon the moft high Lord, fteward of his people, the eternal God; to be content with food and raiment; to mind not our own, but every man the things of another; yea, and to fuffer wrong, and part with what we judge is right, yea, our lives, and (as poor women martyrs have faid) as many as there be hairs upon our heads, for the name of God and the fon of God his fake. This is humanity, yea, this is Chriftianity. The reft is but formality and pidture, courteous idolatry and Jewifh and Popiili blafphemy againfi: the Chriftian religion, the Father of fpirits and his Son, the Lord Jeius. Befides, Sir, the matter with us is not about thefe children's toys of land, meadows, cattle, government, &c. But here, all over this colony, a great num- ber of weak and diftreffed fouls, fcattered, are flying hither from Old and.New England, the Moft High and Only Wife hath, in his infinite wifdom, provided this country and this corner as a fhelter for the poor and perfecuted, accord- ing to their feveral perfuafions. And thus that heavenly man, Mr. Haynes, Governor of Conned:icut, though he pronounced the fentence of my long banifhment againft me, at Cambridge, then Newtown, yet faid unto me, in his own houfe at Hartford, being then in fome difference Letters of Roger Williams. 345 with the Bay: "I think, Mr. Williams, I muft now con- fefs to you, that the moft wife God hath provided and cut out this part of his world for a refuge and receptacle for all forts of confciences. I atn now under a cloud, and my brother Hooker, with the Bay, as you have been, we have removed from them thus far, and yet they are not fatisfied."' Thus, Sir, the King's Majefty, though his father's and his own confcience favored Lord Bifliops, which their father and grandfather King James, whom I have fpoke with, fore againft his will, alfo did, yet all the world may fee, by his Majefty's declarations and engagements before his return, and his declarations and Parliament fpeeches fince, and many fuitable adtings, how the Father of fpirits hath mightily imprefled and touched his royal fpirit, though the Bifhop's much difturbed him, with deep incli- nation of favor and gentlenefs to different confciences and apprehenfions as to the invilible King and way of his wor- fhip. Hence he hath vouchfafed his royal promife under his hand and broad feal, that no perfon in this colony fhall be molefted or queftioned for the matters of his confcience to God, fo he be loyal and keep the civil peace.^ Sir, we muft part with lands and lives before we part with fuch a jewel, I judge you may yield fome land and the govern- ' The Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hart- ford, refpefting whom fee note on p. 84. ^The paffage alluded to in the char- ter reads as follows : " That no perfon within the faid colony, Ihall be anywife molefted, punilhed or difquieted, or called in queftion, for any dijtferences in opinion in matters of religion, who do noit aftually difturb the civil peace of our 44 faid colony ; but that all and every per- fon and perfons may, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, freely and fully have and enjoy his own and their judgments and confciences, in matters of religious concernments, they behaving themfelves peaceably and quietly," etc., etc. 346 Letters of Roger Williams. ment of it to us, and we for peace fake, the like to you, as being but fubjeds to one king, &c., and I think the King's Majefty would thank us, for many reafons. But to part with this jewel, we may as foon do it as the Jews with the favor of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes. Yourfelves pre- tend liberty of confcience, but alas ! it is but felf, the great god felf, only to yourfelves. The King's Majefty winks at Barbadoes, where Jews and all forts of Chriftian and Antichriftian perfuafions are free, but our grant, fome few weeks after yours fealed, though granted as foon, if not before yours, is crowned with the King's extraordi- nary favor to this colony, as being abanifhed one, in which his Majefty declared himfelf that he would experiment, whether civil government could confift with fuch liberty of confcience. This his Majefty 's grant was ftartled at by his Majefty's high officers of State, who were to view it in courfe before the fealing, but tearing the lion's roaring, they couched, againft their wills, in obedience to his Ma- jefty's pleafure. Some of yours, as I heard lately, told tales to the Arch- bifliop of Canterbury, viz. : that we are a profane people, and do not keep the Sabbath, but fome do plough, &c. But, firft, you told him not how we fuffer freely all other perfuafions, yea, the common prayer, which yourfelves will not fuffer. If you fay you will, you confefs you muft fuf- fer more, as we do. 2. You know this is but a color to your defign, for, firft, you know that all England itfelf (after the formality and fuptrftition of morning and evening prayer) play away their Sabbath. 2d. You know yourfelves do not keep the Sabbath, that is the feventh day, &c. 3. You know that famous Calvin and thoufands more Letters of Roger Williams. 347 held it but ceremonial and figurative from Coloffians 2,' &c., and vanished ; and that the day of worfliip was alter- able at the churches' pleafure. Thus alfo all the Roman- ifts confefs, faying, viz. : that there is no exprefs fcripture, firft, for infants' baptifm ; nor, fecond, for abolishing the feventh day, and inftituting of the eighth day worfliip, but that it is at the churches' pleafure. 4. You know, that generally, all this v^hole colony ob- ferve the firft day, only here and there one out of con- fcience, another out of covetoufnefs, make no confcience of it. 5. You know the greatest part of the world make no confcience of a feventh day. The next part of the world, Turks, Jews and Chriftians, keep three different days, Fri- day, Saturday, Sunday for their Sabbath and day of wor- fhip, and every one maintains his own by the longeft fword. 6. 1 have offered, and do, by thefe prefents, to difcufs by difputation, writing or printing, among other points of differences, thefe three pofitions; firft, that forced worfhip ftinks in God's noftrils. 2d. That it denies Chrift Jefus yet to be come, and makes the church yet national, figu- rative and ceremonial. 3d. That in thefe flames about religion, as his Majefty, his father and grandfather have yielded, there is no other prudent, Chriftian way of pre- ferving peace in the world, but by permiflion of differ- ing confciences. Accordingly, I do now offer to difpute thefe points and other points of difference, if you pleafe, at Hartford, Bofton and Plymouth. For the manner of the difpute and the difcuffion, if you think fit, one whole day each month in fummer, at each place, by courfe, I am ' " Let no man judge you in meat, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath in drink, or in refpeft of an holyday, or days." — Coloffians, ii. i6. 348 Letters of Roger Williams. ready, if the Lord permit, and, as I humbly hope, affifl me. It is faid, that you intend not to invade our fpiritual or civil liberties, but only (under the advantage of firft feal- ing your charter) to right the privateers that petition to you. It is faid, alfo, that if you had but Mifliquomacuck and Narraganfett lands quietly yielded, you would flop at Cowefet, &c,^ Oh, Sir, what do thefe thoughts preach, but that private cabins rule all, whatever become of the fhip of common fafety and religion, which is fo much pre- tended in New England ? Sir, I have heard further, and by fome that fay they know, that fomething deeper than all which hath been mentioned lies in the three colonies' breafts and confultations. I judge it not lit to commit fuch matter to the truft of paper, &c., but only befeech the Father of fpirits to guide our poor bewildered fpirits, for his name and mercy fake. 15. Whereas our cafe feems to be the cafe of Paul ap- pealing to Caefar againft; the plots of his religious, zeal- ous adverfaries, I hear you pafs not of our petitions and appeals to his Majefty, for partly you think the King will not own a profane people that do not keep the Sab- bath ; partly you think that the King is an incompetent judge, but you will force him to law alfo, to confirm your firft born Efau, though Jacob had him by the heels, and in God's holy time muft carry the birth- right and inheritance. I judge your furmife is a dangerous miftake, for patents, grants and charters, and fuch like royal favors, are not laws of England, and afts of Parlia- ment, nor matters of propriety and meum and tuum between ' With Connefticut's claim to Cowe- Ifland, to maintain a feparate exiftence. fet, i. e. to Eaft Greenwich Bay, and Maffachufetts alfo claimed a ftrip ot Maflachufetts and Plymouth clamoring territory eaft of Pawcatuck river, five or for territory on the north, it was no eafy fix miles wide as her fhare in the divifion matter for the little colony of Rhode of the Fequot territory. Letters of Roger Williams. 349 the King and his fubjefts, which, as the times have been, have been fometimes triable in inferior Courts ; but fuch kind of grants have been like high offices in England, of high honor, and ten, yea twenty thoufand pounds gain per annum, yet revocable or curtable upon pleafure, according to the King's better information, or upon his Majefty's fight, or mifbehavior, ingratefulnefs, or defigns fraudu- lently plotted, private and diftindt from him 16. Sir, I lament that fuch defigns fhould be carried on at fuch a time, while we are ftripped and whipped, and are ftill under (the whole country) the dreadful rods of God, in our wheat, hay, corn, cattle, {hipping, trading, bodies and lives ; when on the other fide of the water, all forts of confciences (yours and ours) are frying in the Biftiops' pan and furnace ; when the French and Romifh Jefuits, the firebrands of the world for their god belly fake, are kindling at our back, in this country, efpecially with the Mohawks and Mohegans, againft us, of which I know and have daily information.' 17. If any pleafe to fay, is there no medicine for this malady ? Mufi: the nakednefs of New England, like fome notorious fl:rumpet, be proftituted to the blafpheming eyes of all nations ? Mufi: we be put to plead before his Ma- jeft:y, and confequently the Lord Bifliops, our common enemies, &c. I anfwer, the Father of mercies and God of all confolations hath gracioufly difcovered to me, as I believe, a remedy, which, if taken, will quiet all minds, yours and ours, will keep yours and ours in quiet pofl'effion and en- joyrnent of their lands, which you all have fo dearly • This allufion is doubtlefs to tlie la- dian tribes in the northern parts of New bors of the Jefuit miffionaries in Canada England, and in what is now the State of and among the Mohawks and other In- New York. 350 Letters of Roger Williams. bought and purchafed in this barbarous country, and fo long poffeiTed amongfl thefe wild favages; will preferve you both in the liberties and honors of your charters and governments, without the leaft impeachment of yielding one to another ; with a ftrong curb alfo to thofe wild bar- barians and all the barbarians of this country, without troubling of compromifers and arbitrators between you ; without any delay, or long and chargeable and grievous addrefs to our King's Maiefty, whofe gentle and ferene foul muft needs be afflidled to be troubled again with us. If you pleafe to afk me what my prefcription is, I will not put you off to Chriftian moderation or Chriftian hu.mility, or Chriftian prudence, or Chriftian love, or Chriftian felf- denial, or Chriftian contention or patience. For I deftgn a civil, a humane and political medicine, which, if the God of Heaven pleafe to blefs, you will find it efFedual to all the ends I have propofed. Only I muft crave your pardon, both parties of you, if I judge it not fit to difcover it at prefent. I know you are both of you hot ; I fear myfelf, alfo. If both defire, in a loving and calm fpirit, to enjoy your rights, I promife you, with God's help, to help you to them, in a fair, and fweet and eafy way. My re- ceipt will not pleafe you all. If it fhould fo pleafe God to frown upon us that you ftiould not like it, I can but humbly mourn, and fay with the prophet, that which muft perifti muft perifti. And as to myfelf, in endeavoring after your temporal and fpiritual peace, I humbly defire to fay, if I perilh, I perifh. It is but a fhadow vaniihed, a bub- ble broke, a dream finifhed. Eternity will pay for all. Sir, I am your old and true friend and fervant, Roger Williams. Letters of Roger Williams. 351 To my honored and ancient friend, Mr. Thomas Prince,"^ Governor of Plymouth Colony, thefe prefent. And by his honored hand this copy, fent to Connedticut, whom it moft concerneth, I humbly prefent to the Gen- eral Court of Plymouth, when next aflembled. Roger Williams to "John Cotton, of Plymouth. Providence, 25 March, 1671. (fo called,)' Sir, — Loving refpefts premifed. About three weeks fince, I received yours, dated in December, and wonder not that prejudice, intereft, and paflion have lift up your feet thus to trample on me as on fome Mahometan, Jew, or Papift ; fome common thief or fwearer, drunkard or adulterer; imputing to me the odious crimes of blafphe- mies, reproaches, flanders, idolatries ; to be in the Devil's kingdom ; a gracelefs man, &c. ; and all this without any Scripture, realbn, or argument, which might enlighten my conscience as to any error or offence to God or your dear father. I have now much above fifty years humbly and earneftly begged of God to make me as Vile as a dead dog in my own eye, fo that I might not fear what men {hould falfely fay or cruelly do againft me ; and I have had long ' Thomas Prince came to America in Rev. John Cotton vyith whom Roger 1621 ; was elefted Governor of Ply- Williams had had a controverfy. He mouth in 1644; was again elefted in was minifter at Plymouth, and was con- different years until 1657, and was then nefted with the printing of Eliot's In- chofen without intermiffion until 1672. dian Bible, at Cambridge, in 1685, He died in 1673, aged 73 years. — Blake, which he revifed and correfted. Biog. Dia. i Mafs. Hift. Soc. Proceedings, 1858, ^This John Cotton was the fon of the p. 313. 352 Letters of Roger Williams. experience of his merciful anfwer to me in men's falfe charges and cruelties againfl: me to this hour. My great offence (you fo often repeat) is my wrong to your dear father, — your glorified father, &c. But the truth is, the love and honor which I have always fhowed (in fpeech and writing) to that excellently learned and ho- ly man, your father, have been fo great, that I have been cenfured by divers for it. God knows, that, for God's, fake, I tenderly loved and honored his perfon (as I did the perfons of the magiftrates, minifters, and members whom I knew in Old England, and knew their holy afFedlions. and upright aims, and great felf- denial, to enjoy more of God in this wildernefs) ; and I have therefore defired to waive all perfonal failings, and rather mention their beau- ties, to prevent the infultings of the Papifts or profane Proteftants, who ufed to feoff at the weakneffes — yea, and at the divifions — of thofe they ufe to brand for Puritans. The holy eye of God hath feen this the caufe why I have not faid nor writ what abundantly I could have done, but have rather chofe to bear all cenfures, loffes, and hard- fhips, &c. This made that honored father of the Bay, Mr. Win- throp, to give me the teftimony, not only of exemplary diligence in the miniftry (when I was fatisfied in it), but of patience alfo, in thefe words in a letter to me: "Sir, we have often tried your patience, but could never conquer it." My humble defire is ftill to bear, not only what you fay, but, when power is added to your will, an hanging or burning from you, as you plainly intimate you would long fince have ferved my book, had it been your own, as not being fit to be in the poffeffion of any Chriftian, as you write. Letters of Roger Williams. 353 Alas ! Sir, what hath this book merited, above all the many thoufands full of old Romifh idols' names, &c., and new Popifh idolatries, which are in Chriftians' libraries, and ufe to be alleged in teftimony, argument, and con- futation? What is there in this book but prelfeth holinefs of heart, holinefs of life, holinefs of worfhip, and pity to poor finners, and patience toward them while they break not the civil peace ? ' Tis true, my firft book, the " Bloody Tenent," was burnt by the Prefbyterian party (then pre- vailing) ; but this book whereof we now fpeak (being my Reply to your father's Anfwer)' was received with ap- plaufe and thanks by the army, by the Parliament, profefs- ing that, of neceffity, — yea, of Chriftian equity, — there could be no reconciliation, pacification, or living together, but by permitting of diffenting confciences to live amongft them ; infomuch that that excellent fervant of God, Mr. John Owen^ (called Dr. Owen), told me before the Gene- ral ^^who fent for me about that very bufinefs), that before I landed, himfelf and many others had anfwered Mr. Cot- ton's book already. The firft book, and the point of per- mitting DifTenters, his Majefty's royal father aflented to; and how often hath the fon, our fovereign, declared him- felf indulgent toward DifTenters, notwithftanding the cla- mors and plottings of his felf-feeking bifhops ! And, Sir, ^ "■The Bloody Tenent yet more Bloody ;" 8vo. " His devotional and praftical, and by Mr. Cotton's endeavour towajhit white expofitory works are an invaluable trea- in the Blood of the Lambe . London, fure of divinity. . . . They are eminent- 1652. Reprinted by Narraganfett Club, ly fpiritual, devotional, edifying. He is vol. iv. ' full of Biblical learning, found expofi- ^ Dr. Owen was the author of more tion of doftrine, acutenefs and informa- than eighty publications, all theological, tion." Bickerstith, C^r. 5?a<2'^»^, 1844, A collefted edition of thefe was pub- p. z68. liihed in 1850-55 in twenty-four vols. 45 354 Letters of Roger Williams. (as before and formerly), I add, if yourfelf, or any in pub- lic or private, {how me any failing againfl: God or your father in that book, you fhall find me diligent and faithful in weighing and in confeffing or replying in love and meeknefs. Oh ! you fay, wrong to a father made a dumb child fpeak, &c. Sir, I pray forget not that your father was not God, but man, — finful, and failing in many things, as we all do, faith the Holy Scripture. I prefume you know the fcheme of Mr. Cotton's Contradidtions (about Church-dif- cipline), prefented to the world by Mr, Daniel Caw- drey,' a man of name and note. Alfo, Sir, take heed you prefer not the earthen pot (though your excellent father) before his mod high eternal Maker and Potter. Blefled that you were born and proceeded from him, if you honor him more for his humility and holinefs than for outward refpedt, which fome (and none fhall juftly more than my- felf ) put upon him. Sir, you call my three propofals, &c., abominable, falfe, and wicked; but, as before, thoufands (high and holy, too, fome of them) will wonder at you. Captain Gookins,^ from Cambridge, writes me word that he will not be my antagonift in them, being candidly underftood. Your honored Governor tells me there is no foundation for any difpute with Plymouth about thofe propofals ; for you • Daniel Cawdry, a non-Conformift intendent of the Maflachufetts Indians, divine, ejefted from his living in North- and flood forth as their friend and pro- amptonftiire. He was the author of feve- teftor in all the wars and difficulties be- ral theological treatifes. — Allibone, Z)/V- tween them and the whites. He was tionary. _ the author of the Hiftorical Colkakm of 2 Daniel Gookins came to Maflachu- the Indians of New England. He died fetts in 1621, of which colony he be- in 1687, aged 75. came Major-General. He was Super- Letters of Roger Williams. 355 force no men's confcience. But, Sir, you have your liberty to prove them abominable, falfe, and wricked, and to dis- prove that which I have prefented in the book concerning the New England churches to be but parochial and na- tional, though lifted with a finer fieve, and painted with finer colors. You are pleafed to count me excommunicate ; and therein you deal more cruelly with -me than with all the profane, and Proteftants and Papifts too, with whom you hold communion in the parifhes, to which (as you know) all are forced by the biftiops. . And yet you count me a flave to the Devil, becaufe, in confcience to God, and love to God and you, I have told you of it. But, Sir, the truth is (I will not fay I excommunicate vou, but), I firft with- drew communion from yourfelves for halting between Chrift and Antichrift, — the parifh churches and Chriftian congregations. Long after, when you had confultations of killing me, but fome rather advifed a dry pit of banifh- ment, Mr. Peters advifed an excommunication to be fent me (after the manner of Popiih bulls, &c.); but this fame man, in London, embraced me, and told me he was for liberty of confcience, and preached it ; and complained to me of Salem for excommunicating his diftracted wife, and for wronging him in his goods which he left behind him. Sir, you tell me my time is loft, &c., becaufe (as I con- ceive you) not in the fundtion of miniftry. I confefs the offices of Chrift Jefus are the beft callings ; but generally they are the worft trades in the world, as they are practifed only for a maintenance, a place, a living, a benefice, &c. God hath many employments for hisfervants. Mofes for- ty years, and the Lord Jefus thirty years, were not idle, though little known what they did as to any miniftry ; and 356 Letters of Roger Williams. the two prophets prophefy in fackcloth, and are Chrift Jefus his minifters, though not owned by the public ordi- nations, God knows, I have much and long and confcien • tioufly and mournfully weighed and digged into the dif- ferences of the Proteflants themfelves about the miniftry. He knows what gains and preferments I have refufed in univerfities, city, country, and court, in Old England, and fomething in New England, &c., to keep my foul unde- filed in this point, and not to adt with a doubting con- fcience, &c. God was pleafed to fhow me much of this in Old England ; and in New, being unanimoully chofen teacher at Bofton (before your dear father came, divers years), I confcientioufly refufed, and withdrew to Ply- mouth, becaufe I durfl not officiate to an unfeparated peo- ple, as, upon examination and conference, I found them to be. At Plymouth, I fpake on the Lord's days and week days, and wrought hard at the hoe for my bread (and fo afterward at Salem), until I found them both profeffing to be a feparated people in New England (not admitting the moft godly to communion without a covenant), and yet communicating with the pariflies in Old by their members repairing on frequent occafions thither.' Sir, I heartily thank you for your conclufion, — wifhing my converfion and falvation ; without which, furely vain are our privileges of being Abraham's fons, enjoying the 'Dr. Palfrey in fpeaking of this let- in any record of the time. The records ter fays, " It is hard to fuppofe that, of the Bofton church cannot be appealed when Williams made this ftatement, (for- to in the cafe. The only entry they ty years after this tranfaftion, and when contain previous to Oftober, 1632, is he was fixty-five years old,) his memory that of the covenant of church-mem- was milled by his imagination. But on bers." — Hifl. of New England, vol. i. p. the oppofie fuppofition, it is very extra- 406, note, ordinary that the faft is not mentioned Letters of Roger Williams. 357 covenant, holy education, holy worfhip, holy church or temple; of being adorned with deep underftanding, mi- raculous faith, angelical parts and utterance; the titles of paftors or apoftles; yea, of being facrifices in the fire to God. Sir, I am unworthy (though delirous to be). Your friend and fervant, Roger Williams. Providence, y" 15th of the 5, [15 July.J 1672.^ To George Fox or any other of my Countrymen at Newport, who fay they are the Apofles and Meffengers of Chrijl Jefus:— In humble confidence of the help of the Moft High, I offer to maintain in public, againft all comers, thefe four- teen Propofitions following, to wit : the firft i^s^n at New- port, and the other feven at Providence. For the time when, I refer it to G. Fox and his friends at Newport. Only I defire 1. To have three days notice, before the day you fix on. ^Hiji. Mag. New York, 1858, p. 56 ; As the fubjeft matter of this letter and George Fox digged out of his Burrowes, the difcuffion that grew out of it forms 1676, p. 2. the principal fubjeft of the celebrated The date of this letter is not given, book of Williams' called "-George Fox where it appears in Williams's book, Digg'd out of his Burrowes," wi\'\ch was but is found in the original manufcript reprinted by the Narraganfett Club, preferved among the archives of Con- (vol. v.) accompanied by an Introduc- nedlicut, from which it was printed in tion and Notes by Profeflbr Diman, it the Hiftorical Magazine. feems hardly neceflary to enlarge upon 358 Letters of Roger Williams. 2. That without interruption (or many fpeaking at once) the Conference may continue from nine in the morning till about four in the afternoon ; and 3. That if either of the feven Proportions be not tin- ifhed in one day, the Conference may continue and go on fome few hours the next day. it here. We can add nothing to that which the Profeflbr has fo well faid in his introdudlion. It appears that the letter, which was enclofed to Deputy Governor Cranfton, was not delivered to him until the 26th of July, feveral hours after George Fox had left. Williams charges Fox with having purpofely avoided him, which Fox denies in the moft emphatic lan- guage. Prof. Diman thinks there is no ground for the charge made by Williams that Fox " flily departed." '■ No cha- rafteriftic of Fox " he adds " was more marked than felf-confidence. At no time* did he ever flirink from meeting an ad- verfary ; he was now in the prime of life, and in the full flufh of his career as prophet of a new fedl. No reafon can be conceived why he fhould be unwilling to meafure his ftrength with Roger Wil- liams, a man pafled three fcore and ten, and wielding at this time but little influ- ence." — Introduiiion, p. xvi. The departure of Fox did not inter- fere with the propofed difculTion. Stubbs, Burnyeat and other Quakers went to Providence, where they faw Williams and made an agreement to meet him at Newport, on the 9th of Auguil, " and God," he fays, " gracioufly affilled me in rowing all day with my old bones, fo that I got to Newport toward the mid- night before the morning appointed." When Williams made his appear. ance at the hour appointed, he found his three opponents fitting together on an high bench. The diftinftive charafter- iftics of thefe whom he terms " able and noted preachers" are fketched in a few words. He had heard that John Stubbs " was learned in Hebrew and Greek," and he found him fo. Burnyeat he found " to be a moderate fpirit, and very able fpeaker." But Edmundfon feems to have aroufed his fpecial diflike. While Stubbs and Burnyeat were "civil and ingenious," Edmundfon " was nothing but a bundle of Ignorance and Boifteroufnefs," etc. — Prof. Diman, IntroduSlion, p. xxx. The debate which confumed three days on the firft feven propofitions drew together a great number of hearers, who eagerly watched the fortunes of the ftrife. The parties then adjourned to Providence, where the remaining propofitions were difcufled ; ending in much the fame way as thofe at Newport, each fide apparently well fatisfied with the refult. Many ac- counts of the remarkable debate have been printed by contemporary writers; but thofe interefted in it who will not undertake to wade through the five hun- dred pages of Williams's book "George Fox Digg'd out of his Burrowes," will find a clear and condenfed account of it in Prof. Diman's Introduftion to that work in the fifth volume of the publications ot the Narraganlett Club. Letters of Roger Williams. 359 4. That either of us difputing, fhall have free uninter- rupted liberty to fpeak (in Anfwers and RepHes) as much and as long as we pleafe, and thus give the oppofite the fame liberty. That the vs^hole may be managed with that ingenuity and humanity, as fuch an exercife, by fuch perfons in fuch conditions, at fuch a time, ought to be managed and per- formed, the Propoiitions are thefe that follow : Firft. That the people called Quakers', are not true Qua- kers according to the Holy Scriptures. 2. That the Chrift they profefs is not the true Lord Jefus Chrift. 3. That the Spirit by which they are ad:ed, is not the Spirit of God. 4. That they do not own the Holy Scriptures. 5. Their principles and profeflions, are full of contra- diftions and hypocrifies 6. That their religion is not only an herefy in the mat- ters of worfhip, but alfo in the dodlrines of Repentance, Faith, &c. 7. Their Religion is but a confufed mixture of Popery, Armineanifme. Socineanifme, Judaifme, &c. 8. The people called Quakers (in effedt) hold no God, no Chrift, no Spirit, no Angel, no Devil, no Refurredtion, no Judgment, no Heaven, no Hell, but what is in man. 9. All that their Religion requires (external and inter- nal) to make converts and profelites, amounts to no more than what a reprobate may eafily attain unto, and perform. 10. That the Popes of Rome do not fwell with, and exercife a greater pride, then the Quakers Spirit have exprefled, and doth afpire unto, although many truly hum- ble fouls may be captivated amongft them, as may be in other Religions. 360 Letters of Roger IVilliams. 11. The Quakers' Religion is more obftrudtive and de- ftrudtive to the converfion and falvation of the fouls of people, then mofl of the Religions this day extant in the world. 12. The fufFerings of the Quakers are no true evidence of the Truth of their Religion. 13. That their many books and writings are extremely poor, lame, naked, and fwelled up only with high titles and words of boafting and vapor. 14. That the fpirit of their Religion tends mainly, 1. To reduce perfons from civility to barbarifm. 2. To an arbitrary goverment, and the dictates and de- crees of that fudden Spirit that adls them. 3. To a fudden cutting off of people, yea of Kings and Princes oppofiiig them. 4. To as fiery perfecutions for matters of Religion and Confcience, as hath been or can be pradiifed by any Hun- ters or Perfecutors in the world. Under thefe forementioned heads (if the Spirit of the Quakers dare civilly to argue) will be opened many of the Popifh, Proteftant, Jewifh and Quakers Pofitions, which cannot here be mentioned, in the Difpute (if God pleafe) they muft be alledged, and the examination left to every perfon's confcience, as they will anfwer to God, (at their own perils) in the great day approaching. Roger Williams. Letters of Roger Williams. 361 Roger Williams to Samuel Hubbard.^ My Dear Friend, Samuel Hubbard, — To yourfelf and aged companion, my loving refpefts in the Lord Jefus, who ought to be our hope of glory, begun in this life, and enjoyed to all eternity. I have herein returned your little, yet great remembrance of the hand of the Lord to your- felf and your fon, late departed. I praife the Lord for your humble kiffing of his holy rod, and acknow^ledging his juft and righteous, together vv^ith his gracious and mer- ciful difpenfation to you. I rejoice, alfo, to read your hea- venly defires and endeavors, that your trials may be gain to your ow^n fouls and the fouls of the youth of the place, and all of us. You are not unvs^illing, I judge, that I deal plainly and friendly -with you. After all that I have feen and read and compared about the feventh day, (and I have earneftly and carefully read and w^eighed all I could come at in God's holy prefence) I cannot be removed from Calvin's mind, and indeed Paul's mind. Col. ii. that all thofe fabbaths of feven days w^ere figures, types and fhadovs^s, and forerunners of the Son of God, and that the change is made from the remembrance of the firft crea- tion, and that (figurative) reft on the feventh day, to the remembrance of the fecond creation on the firft, on which •Backus, Hijl. of the Baptijls, vol. i. to the Baptift communion at Newport, p. 510. in 1648, where he lived to a great age. Samuel Hubbard came to Salem in His only fon, Samuel, died late in 167 1. 1633; removed to Springfield, and was Savage, Gen. Di£l.vo\. ii. p. 485. As one of the five founders of the Baptift it is to thq death of this fon that Mr. Church there. His name appears in Williams refers, we may place the date the roll of freemen of Newport, in of this letter fometime in 1672, after the 1655. In 1664 he was chofen " Solici- difpute with the Quakers at Newport, tor." Backus fays he was received in- in Auguft of that year. 46 362 Letters of Roger Williams. our Lord arofe conqueror from the dead. Accordingly, I have read many, but fee no fatisfying anfwer to thofe three Scriptures, chiefly Ads 20, i Cor. 16, Rev. i,in con- fcience to which I make fome poor confcience to God as to the reft day. As for thoughts for England, I humbly hope the Lord hath fhovs^ed me to vt'rite a large narrative of all thofe four days' agitation betw^een the Quakers' and myfelf ; if it pleafe God I cannot get it printed in New England, I have great thoughts and purpofes for Old. My age, lamenefs, and many other weaknefles, and the dreadful hand of God at fea, calls for deep confideration. What God may pleafe to bring forth in the ipring, his holy wifdom knows. If he pleafe to bring to an abfolute purpofe, I will fend you word, and my dear friend, Oba- diah Holmes, who fent me a meffage to the fame purpofe. At prefent, I pray falute refpedively, Mr. John Clarke and his brothers, Mr. Torrey,^ Mr. Edes, Edward Smith,3 Wil- liam Hifcox,+ Stephen Mumford, and other friends, whofe prefervation, of the ifland, and this country, I humbly beg of the Father of Mercies, in whom I am yours unworthy, Roger Williams. ' The difcuffion with the Quakers at 'Edward Smith, admitted a freeman of Newport : fee the two previous letters. Newport, in 1653, from which town he ^Jofeph Torrey, admitted a freeman was feveral times chofen an Afliftant and of Newport, in 1653, was for many Deputy. years a prominent man in the colony. 4Winiam Hifcox, admitted a freeman He filled the offices of Deputy and Ai- of Newport, in 1671 : oneof the Coun- fiftant in the General Aflembly, General oil of Advice in the Indian war, 1676. — Recorder, Solicitor General, etc. R. I. Col. Records, vol. ii. p. 557, Letters of Roger Williams. 363 To my honored kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of his Majejifs Colony of ConneBicut, prefent. From Mr. Richard Smiths, June 13, 1675.^ Sir, — Mr. Smith^ being at Newport, I am occalioned to prefent my old and conftant love and refpefts, as alfo Mrs. Smith's great thanks and fervice to you. Sir, Mr. Smith delivered me two letters, the one from Mr. Fitch, the other from Mr. John Mafon, praying me (according to the contents of the letters) to enquire of Mawfup, (now called Canonicus),3 whether Uncas had ftirred him up againft the Wunnafliowatuckowogs, to kill them, &c. Sir, a fortnight fince I went to Canonicus his houfe, but he was gone twelve miles off: I fought him again yefterday, and found him hve miles from his houfe : I Ihewed him the letters : I ufed alfo your honored name, and the names of your honored Affiftants, both concerning the killing of the Englifti cattle in thefe parts ; as alfo concerning their carriage towards the Wunnafhowattuckoogs who are re- fpedled by yourfelves. Sir, Canonicus and other Sachems and his Council pro- fefs they will be careful of the Engliili and their cattle among them : alfo that they will (how refpedt to thofe Showatuks for your fake, and in particular (which an- Iwers Mr. Fitch and Mr. Mafon's letters) Canonicus utter- ly denies that Uncas ever folicited him to kill or moled thofe Showatuks. Withall he added two reafons. Firft, that it is not credible that fince Uncas killed his brother Miantunnomu, he (Canonicus) fhould be folicited by Un- '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 297. where he ellabliflied himfelf in 1639 : * Smith's residence was at Wickford, fee note to letter on page 177. 'Better known by the name of Pejfacus. 364 Letters of Roger Williams. cas in fuch a bufinefs, or that he iLould gratify Uncas de- lires, &c. 2. Both himfelf, and Nananawtunu' (Miantun- nomu's youngeft, very hopeful fpark) defired earneftly that Tatuphofuwut, Uncas his fon, who hath killed a Wiyow (or Sachem) one of their coufins, may fuffer impartially, as now the Englifh have dealt with the three Indians which killed John Soffiman. Alfo they prayed me to add, that yourfelf are not ignorant of Uncas his many foul prac- tices, and how he treacheroufly fent an head (or heads) of the Connedlicut Indians to the Mawquawogs, and would fend your heads alfo as prefents if he would come at them. Sir, Nananawtinu added this argument for impartiality to- ward Tatuphofuit : I am (faid he) my father Miantunno- mu's fon, as Tatuphofuit is to Uncas : if there fhould par- tiality be fhowed to him, and that money fhould buy out men's lives, or that one of his men ihould die for him, then all we young Sachems fliall have a temptation laid before us to kill and murder, &c., in the hope of the like impunity. Sir, it is true that Philip fearing (apprehenfion) flood upon his guard with his armed barbarians.^ Taunton, Swanfey, Rehoboth, and Providence ftood upon ours, but praifed be God, the ftorm is over, Philip is ftrongly fuf- pedted, but the honored Court at Plymouth (as we hear) not having evidence lufficient, let matters fleep, and the country be in quiet, &c. "Alias Canonchet, at this time the ac- He refufed to go there unlefs Mr. Wil- knowledged Sachem of the Narragan- liams was a mediator. Williams's agen- fetts. cy in the matter was fuccefsful ; the Gov- ^ Rumors of intended war on the part ernor and the Sachem met; the latter of Philip, or Metacom, fon of Maffa- denied any hoftile defign and promifed foit, had been prevalent for feveral years, future fidelity. The war was thus de- and the. Governor of Plymouth, had in- layed four years. — Knowles, p. 341. vited Philip to meet him at Taunton. Letters of Roger Williams. 365 Sir, I conftantly think of you, and fend up one remem- brance to heaven for you, and a groan from myfelf for m^felf, when I pafs Elizabeth's Spring.' Here is the fprrng fay I (with a figh) but where is Elizabeth ?^ My charity anfwers, fhe is gone to the Eternal Spring and Fountain of Living Waters : Oh, Sir, I befeech the Fa- ther of Mercies and Spirits to preferve your precious foul in life (long and long [a portion of the letter and fgnature dejlroyed^ Sir, about a fortnight fince your old acquaintance, Mr. Blackfl:one,3 departed this life in the fourfcore year of his age; four days before his death he had a great pain in his breaft, and back, and bowels : afterward he faid he was well, had no pains, and fliould live, but he grew fainter, and yielded up his breath without a groan. The Lord make us wait (with Job) for that great change. ' The fpring fo called from Cover- lowing year he fold this ellate and re- nor Winthrop's lady, named Elizabeth, moved to the banks of a beautiful river drinking at it as Ihe paffed to Bofton. — which now bears his name. The place Note probably hyJohnlVinthrop,Y. R. S. is known as Study Hill, in Cumberland, ^ Mrs. Elizabeth Winthrop, the wife about fix miles from Providence. It has of John Winthrop, Jr., died November been faid that Blackftone was driven from 24, 1672. Bofton, " ai opinion " fays Savage (note 3 William Blackftone, an Epifcopal to Winthrop's Journal, \. 53,) "not to minifter, and the firft inhabitant of Bof- be entertained for a moment." His name ton, fettled there in 1625 or 1626, where is fometimes fpelled Blaxton. Williams he refided when Gov. Winthrop arrived fpells it Blackftone, which is undoubtedly in 1630. At a Court held in April, correft. He died at his houfe on the 1633, fifty acres of land, near his houfe 26th of May, 1675. in Bofton, were granted him. The fol- 366 Letters of Roger JVilliams. To my much honored kind friend Mr. fohn IVinthrop, Gover- nor of ConneSlicut, prefent. From Mr. Smith's at Nahigonsik, June 25, 1675.^ Sir, — This incloled of a former date comes to my hand again at Mr. Smith's. Mr. Smith is now abfent at Long Illand. Mrs. Smith, though too much favoring the Fox- ians (called Quakers) yet fhe is a notable fpirit for courtefy toward flrrangers, and prays me to prefent her great thanks toi your conftant remembrance of her, and of late by Capt. Atherton. Sir, this morning are departed from this houfe Capt. Hutchinfon^ and two more of Bofton Com mifTioners from the Governor and Council of Bofton to the Narraganfett and Cowefit Indians. They came (three days fince) to my houfe at Providence, with a letter to myfelf from the Gov- ernor and Council at Bofton, praying my advice to their Commiffioners and my affiftance, &c., in their negotia- tions with the Narraganfett Indians. I, within an half hour's warning) departed with them toward the Narragan- ' 4 Mafs. Htfl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 299. terms impofed upon them." — Hutchin- » " The Maflkchufetts government fent son, Hijl. of Maffachufetts Bay, vol. i. Capt. Hutchinfon as their commiffioner p. 288. to treat with the Narraganfetts. It was This agreement which is given at thought convenient to do it fword in length by Hutchinfon, (pp. 289-291,) hand, therefore ail the forces marched bears the fignatures of fix Sachems of into the Narraganfett country. Con- the Narraganfetts. By it they were bound nefticut afterwards fent two gentlemen to feize and deliver to the Englifli "any [Maj. Wait Winthrop and Richard of Philip's fubjefts, living or dead ; ufe Smith] and on the ijch of July they all afts of hoftility againft Philip and came to an agreement with the Narra- his fubjefts ; to fearch out and deliver ganiett Indians, who favored Philip in all goods ftolen or taken from the Eng- their hearts, and waited only a conveni- lilh, at any time ; to ceafe from all ent opportunity to declare openly for manner of thefts and to be ufed as a him, but whilft the army was in their guard about the Narraganfett country country were obliged to fubmit to the for the fecurity of the Englilh." Letters of Roger Williams. 367 fett. We had one meeting that night with Quaunoncku, Miantunnomu's youngeft fon, and upon the opening of the Governor's letters, he readily and gladly aflented to all the' Governor's defires, and fent poft to Maufup, (now^ called Canonicus), to the Old Queen,' Ninicraft andQuaw- nipund, to give us a meeting at Mr. Smith's. They being uncivil and barbarous, and the Old Queen (efpecially timo- rous, w^e condefcended to meet them all near the great pond, at leaftten miles from Mr. Smith's houfe. We laid open the Governor's letter : and accordingly they profeffed to hold no agreement with Philip, in this his rifing againft the Englifh. They profefled (though Uncas had fent twenty to Philip, yet) they had not fent one nor would : that they had prohibited all their people from going on that fide, that thole of their people who had made mar- riages with them, fhould return or perifh there : that if Philip or his men fled to them, yet they would not receive them, but deliver them up unto the Englifh. They queftioned us why Plymouth purfued Philip. We anfwered : he broke all laws, and was in arms of re- bellion againft that Colony, his ancient friends and pro- tedlors, though it is believed that he was the author of murdering John Sofliman,^' for revealing his plots to the Governor of Plymouth, and for which three adtors were • ^iapen, afterwards called the Sunke given notice to the Englilh of a plot Squaw, or Old Queen of the Narragan- which he had difcoveredamongft Philip's fetts. She was Ninigret's filler and had Indians againft the Englilh, was foon after been the wife of Meika the fon of Ca- murdered." "Three Indians, one a coun- nonicus. She was taken prifoner by the fellor of Philip's, were convifted of the Connefticut troops in July, 1676, and murder, at the Plymouth Court and exe- put to death. — Potter's Hijl. of Narra- cuted." — Holmes' Annals, vol. i. p. 369 ; ganjett, p. 172. Hubbard, Indian Wars, p. 14. ^ '•'Sanfaman, a friendly Indian, having 368 Letters of Roger Williams. two weeks fince executed at Plymouth, (though one broke the rope, and is kept in prifon until their Court in Odto- ber.) 2. They demanded of us why the Maffachufetts and Rhode Ifland rofe, and joined with Plymouth againft Philip, and left not Philip and Plymouth to fight it out. We anfwered that all the Colonies were fubjedt to one King Charles, and it was his pleafure, and our duty and engage- ment, for one Englifli man to ftand to the death by each other, in all parts of the world. Sir, two particulars the Moft Holy and Only Wife made ufe of to engage (I hope and fo do the Commiflioners) in earneft to enter into thofe aforefaid engagements. Firft, the fenfe of their own danger if they feparate not from Plymouth Indians, and Philip their defperate head. This argument we fet home upon them, and the Bay's refolution to purfue Philip (if need be) and his partakers with thoufands of horfe and foot, befide the other Colo- nies, &c. 3. Their great and vehement defire of juftice upon Ta- tuphofuit, for the late killing of a Narraganfett young man \Jic\ of account with them, which point while we were difcourfing of, and their inftance with me to write to the Governor and Council of Maffachufetts about it (which I have this morning done by their Commiflioners) in comes (as from Heaven) your dear fon Major Winthrop' to our afliflance, who affirmed that hefaw Tatuphofuit fent bound to Hartford jail, and his father Uncas, taking boat with him. The Sachems faid they knew it, and had written about it (by my letter inclofed) to yourfelf : but they were in- ' Major Wait Winthrop, a commiffioner from Connefticut. Letters of Roger Williams. 369 formed that he was fet free, and was keeping his Nicommo, or dance in triumph, &c. Your fon replied that either it was not fo, or if it were, it was according to your law of leav- ing Indians to Indian juftice, which if negledied you would then adt, &c. In line, their earneft requeft was that either Tatuphofuit might have impartial juftice, (for many rea- fons, or elfe they might be permitted to right themfelves, which the Commiflioners thought might be great prudence (in this juncture of affairs) that thefe two nations, the Narraganfetts and Mohegans might be taken off from aflifting Philip (which paffionately he endeavors), and the Englifh may more fecurely and effeftually profecute the quenching of this Philippian fire in the beginning of it.' The laft night they have (as is this morning faid) flain five Englifh of Swanfey, and brought their heads to Philip, and mortally wounded two more, with the death of one Indian. By letters from the Governor of Plymouth to Mr. Coddington, Governor of Rhode Ifland, we hear that the Plymouth forces (about two hundred) with Swanfey and Rehoboth men, were this day to give battle to Philip. Sir, my old bones and eyes are weary with travel and wri- ting to the Governors of MafTachufetts and Rhode Ifland, and now to yourfelves. I end with humble cries to the Father of Mercies to extend his ancient and wonted mer- cies to New England, and am. Sir, Your moft unworthy Servant, Roger Williams. • Thefe were the firft open hoftilities \y attacked the people of Swanzey, of in the war. " The Indians having fent which they flew nine. This took place their wives and children to the Narra- on the 24th June. The alarm was now ganfetts for fecurity, began to alarm the given and troops haftened forward from Englifh at Swanzey, by killing their cat- Boflon and Plymouth, joining forces at tie and rifling their houfes." An Eng- Swanzey on the 28th. — Hvbbakd, I/idian lifhman fired at them when they inflant- Wars,- Holmes' Jma/s, vol i. p. 368. 47 nyo Letters of Roger Williams. Mrs. Smith earneftlv defires your loving advice to hei hufband, to lay by his voyage to England : partly by rea- fon of his inward grief, and alfo that his bufinefs may be tranfadted by delegation. She prays you alfo to confider your own age and weaknefs, and not to lay your precious bones in England. Sir, my humble refpedts to your honored Council. Roger Williams. Roger IVilliams to "John Winthrop, jr. From Mr. Smith's, 27 June, 75, (fo called.)^ Sir, — Since my laft (enclofed) the next day after the departure of Capt. Hutchinfon and the meflengers from Bofton, a party of one hundred Narraganfett Indians, armed, marched to Warwick, which, as it frightened Warwick, fo did it alfo the inhabitants here ; though fince we heai that the party departed from Warwick without blood fhedding : however, it occafioned the Englifh here (and myfelf ) to fufpedl that all the fine words from the Indian Sachems to us were but words of policy, falfehood and treachery : es- pecially fince now the Englifli tefliify, that for divers weeks (if not months) canoes pafi!ed to and again (day and night between Philip and the Narraganfetts)^ and the Nar- raganfett Indians have committed many robberies on the '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi, p. 302. Indians within the bounds of Rhode If- » Hubbard fays " the Narraganfetts land. Hutchinfon fays " at the begin- promifed to rife with 4000 men in the ning of Philip's War, it was generally fpring of the year 1676." — Hiji. of the agreed that the Narraganfett tribe con- Indian Wars, p. 1 26. This large num- filled of zooo fighting men. — Hift. of ber is fuppofed to have included all the Maffachujetts, vol. i. p. 458. Letters of Roger Williams. 371 Englifh houfes. Alfo, it is thought that Philip durft not have proceeded fo far, had he not been aflured to have been feconded and affifted by the Mohegans and Narra- ganfetls. Tw^o days lince, the Governor and Council of Rhode Ifland fent letters and meflengers to Maufup (Canonicus) inviting him to come to them to Newport, and affuring him of fafe condudt to come and depart in fafety. His anfw^er was, that he could not depart from his child which lay lick : but (as he had aflured the Boflion mefl"engers)fo he pro- fefled to thefe from Newport, that his heart affedted and for- rowed for the Englifh, that he could not rule the youth and common people, nor perfuade others, chief amongft them, except his brother Miantunnomu's fon, Nananautunu. He advifed the Englifh at Narraganfett to ftand upon their guard, to keep flridl watch, and, if they could, to fortify one or more houfes flrongly, which if they could not do, then to fly. Yeflerday, Mrs. Smith (after more, yea, mofl of the women and children gone) departed in a great fhower, by land, for Newport, to take boat in a veffel four miles from her houfe. Sir, jufl now comes in Sam. Dier in a catch from Newport, to fetch over Jireh Bull's wife and children, and others of Puttaquomfcutt ' He brings word that laft night Caleb Carr's boat (fent on purpofe to Swanfey for tidings) brought word that Philip had killed twelve Englifh at Swanfey, (the fame Canonicus told us,) and that Philip fent three heads to them, but he advifed a 1 Jireh Bull had a " garrifon houfe " Wars, Bo&on, 1677: p. 50. Jireh Bull at Pettequomfcut, which in December was " Confervator of the Peace for following was attacked by the Indians King's Province." — R. I. Col. Records, and burned. Ten Englifh men and five vol. ii. The garrifon-houfe or fort was women were killed. — Hubbard, Indian on Tower Hill, South Kingftown. 372 Letters of Roger Williams. refufal of them, which fome fay was done, only the old Queen rewarded the bringers for their travel. Caleb Carr faith alfo, that one Englilli fentinel was fhot in the face and flain by an Indian that crept near unto him: that they have burnt about twelve houfes, one new great one (An- thony Loes) : that Philip had left his place, being a neck, and three hundred of Plymouth Englifh, Swanfey and others know not where he is, and therefore Capt. Oliver (being at Mr. Brown's) rode poft to Bofton for fome hundreds of horfe : that fome hurt they did about Providence, and fome fay John Scot, at Pawtucket ferry, is flain. Indeed, Canoni- cus advifed the Englifh to take heed of remaining in lone out places, and of travelling in the common roads. Sir, many wifh that Plymouth had left the Indians alone, at leafl not to put to death the three Indians upon one In- dian's teftmony, a thing which Philip fears ; and that your- felves (at this juncture) could leave the Mohegans and Narraganfetts to themfelves as to Tatuphufoit, if there could be any juft way by your General Court found out for the preventing of their conjunction with Philip, which fo much concerneth the peace of New England. Upon requeft of the Government of Plymouth, Rhode Ifland hath fet out fome floops to attend Philip's motions by wa- ter and his canoes : it is thought he bends for an efcape to the Iflands. Sir, I fear the enclofed and this will be grie- vous to thofe vifible fpirits, which look out at your win- dows : mine, I am fure to complain, &c., yet I prefs them for your and the public fake, for why is our candle, yet burning, but to glorify our dreadful former, and in making our own calling and eledtion fure, and ferving God in ferv- ing the public in our generation. Your unworthy fervant, Roger Williams. Letters of Roger Williams. 373 To Governor Leverett, at Bojlon. Providence, ii, 8,75, fo accounted, [Oftober 11, ^^67 5.]' Sir, — Yours of the 7th Lgladly and thankfully received, and humbly defire to praife that Moft High and Holy Hand, invilible and only wife, who cafts you down, by fo many public and perfonal trials, and lifts you up again with any {lucida intervalla) mitigations and refrelbments. Ab inferno nulla r'edemptio : from the grave and hell no return. Here, like Noah's dove, we have our checker work, blacks and whites come out and go into the ark, out and in again till the laft, whom we never fee back again. The bufinefs of the day in New England is not only to keep ourfelves from murdering, our houfes, barns, &c., from firing, to deftroy and cut off the barbarians, or fub- due and reduce them, but our main and principal opus diei is, to liften to what the Eternal fpeaketh to the whole fhip, (the country, colonies, towns, &c.) and each private cabin, family, perfon, &c. He will fpeak peace to his peo- ple ; therefore, faith David, " I will liften to what Jeho- vah fpeaketh." Oliver, in ftraits and defeats, efpecially at Hifpaniola, defired all to fpeak and declare freely what they thought the mind of God was. H. Vane (then lain by) wrote his difcourfe, entitled "A Healing Queftion," but for touching upon (that noli me tangere) State fins, H. Vane went prifoner to Carifbrook Caftle, in the Ifle of Wight. Oh, Sir, I humbly fubfcribe {ex animo) to your fhort and long prayer, in your letter. The Lord keep us from our own deceivings. I know there have been, and are, many precious and excellent fpirits amongft you, if you take flight before me, I will then fay you are one of them, with- ^Plymouth Records, vol. x. p. 453 ; Knowles, Life of Williams, p. 342, 374 Letters of Roger Williams. out daubing,) but rebus Jic Jiantibus, as the wind blows, the united colonies dare not permit, Candida et bona fide, two dangerous fuppofed) enemies: i. diflenting and non-con- forming worfliippers, and 2. liberty of free (really free) dif putes, debates, writing, printing, &c. ; the Moft High hath begun and given fome tafte of thefe two dainties in fome parts, and will more and more advance them when (as Lu- ther and Erafmus to the Emperor, Charles V., and the Duke of Saxony,) thofe two gods are famifhed, the Pope's crown and the Monks' bellies. The fame Luther was wont to fay, that every man had a pope in his belly, and Calvin expreflly wrote to Melandthon, that Luther made himfelf another Pope ; yet, which of us will not fay, Jere- miah, thou Heft, when he tells us (and from God) we muft not go down to Egypt ? Sir, I ufe a bolder pen to your noble fpirit than to many, becaufe the Father of Lights hath (hown your foul more of the myfteries of iniquity than other excellent heads and hearts dream of, and becaufe, whatever you or I be in other refpedls, yet in this vou will ad: a pope, and grant me your love, pardon and indulgence. Sir, fince the doleful news from Springfield, here it is faid that Philip with a ftrong body of many hundred cut- throats, fleers for Providence and Seekonk, fome fay for Norwich and Stonington, and fome fay your forces have had a lofs by their cutting off fome of your men, in their paffing over a river. Fiat voluntas Dei, there I humbly reft, and let all go but himfelf. Yet, Sir, I am requefted by our Capt. Fenner' to give you notice, that at his farm, 'Arthur Fenner firft appears on the the inhabitants, and for many years re- roll of freemen of Providence, in 1655. prefented the town as a Commiffioner, He was one of the moft prominent of Deputy or Affiftant in the Affembly. He Letters of Roger Williams. ^75 in the woods, he had it from a native, that Philip's great de- (fign is among all other poflible advantages and treacheries) to draw Capt. Mofely' and others, your forces, by train- ing and drilling, and feeming flights, into fuch places as are full of long grafs, flags, fedge, &c., and then environ them round with fire, fmoke and bullets. Some fay no wife foldier will fo be caught ; but as I told the young prince, on his return lately from you, all their war is com- mootin ; they have commootined our houfes, our cattle, our heads, &c., and that not by their artillery, but our wea- pons ; that yet they were fo cowardly, that they have not taken one poor fort from us in all the country, nor won, nor fcarce fought, one battle fince the beginning, I told him and his men, being then in my canoe, with his men with him, that Philip was his cawkakinnamuck, that is, looking glafs. He was deaf to all advice, and now was was a Captain in Philip's war, and was his houfe, for fecurity to women and by the General Aflemtly appointed children. Alfo to give me leave, and fo "Commander of the King's garrifon at many as fliall agree, to put up fome de- Providence, and of all other private gar- fence on the hill, between the mill and rifon or garrifons there, not eclipfing the highway, for the like fafety of the Captain Williams's power in the exer- women and children in that part of the cife of the Traine Band there." His town." Various fums were fubfcribed commiflion is printed at length in Co/o- to defray the coft of this fortification, »//7/ Records, vol. ii. p. 547. the largest of which was £z.6., except Mr. Williams alfo held a commiffion that of Mr. Williams which was £10. as Captain, as appears by the Records, The propofed fort was probably to be (vol. ii. p. 548,1 notwithftanding his age. placed at the head of what is now Con- It certainly difplayed great fpirit and ftitution Hill. patriotifm for a man of feventy-feven " Samuel Mofely, of Dorchefter, a cap- years to engage in a military campaign tain in the war with Philip, ftiowed gal- againfl the Indians. The following ap- lant fpirit and had great fuccefs in de- pears on the records of Providence : "I ftroying the Indians. He was, by fome, pray the town, in the fenfe of the bloody thought to take too gieat delight in that practices of the natives, to give leave to exercife. — Savage, Genealogical Di£iiona fomany as can agree with William Field, ry, vol. iii. p. 179. to beftow fome charge upon fortifying 376 Letters of Roger Williams. overfet, Cooflikowwawy, and catched at every part of the country to fave himfelf, but he fhall never get afhore, &c. He anfwered me in a confenting, confidering kind of way, Philip Cooflikowwawy. I went with my great ca- noe to help him over from Seekonk (for to Providence no Indian comes) to Pawtuxet fide. I told him I would not afk him news, for I knew matters were private; only I told him that if he were falfe to his engagements, we would pur- fue them with a winter's war, when they fliould not, as mufketoes and rattlefnakes in warm weather, bite us, &c. Sir, I carried him and Mr. Smith a glafs of wine, but Mr. Smith not coming, I gave wine and glafs to himfelf, and a bufliel of apples to his men, and being therewith (as beafts are) caught, they gave me leave to fay anything, acknowledged loudly your great kindnefs in Bofton, and mine, and yet Capt. Fenner told me yefterday, that he thinks they will prove our worft enemies at laft. I am between fear and hope, and humbly wait, making fure, as Hafelrig's motto was, fure of my anchor in heaven, Tantum in Coelis, only in heaven. Sir, there I long to meet you. Your moil unworthy, Roger Williams. To Mrs. Leverett, and other honored and beloved friends, humble refpedls, &c. Sir, I hope your men fire all the woods before them, &c. Sir, I pray not a line to me, except on necelfary bufinels; only give me leave (as you do) to ufe my foolifli boldnefs to vifit yourfelf, as I have occafion. I would not add to your troubles. Letters of Roger Williams. 2,77 For my honored kind friend Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of Connediicut Colony, at Bojion or elfewhere, prefent. Leave this at my loving friends Dan : Smith, at Rehoboth. Providence, i8, io, 75, {etvulgo.) [December i8th, 1675.]' Sir, — If you are ftill in Bofton (which owes you more and your precious name, then it is like to pay you) pleafe you to pafs by, that I have not troubled you with a late falutation. The prefent revolutions of the wonderful and all fighted wheels (Ezek. i.) roufe up my fleepy fpirits to mufe and write, and to prefent yourfelf and others with what I believe to be the mind and voice of the Moft High amongft us. Others think otherwife (and fome clean contrary) ; unto whom I fay at prefent, let them take the pains which God mercifully hath helped me to take, to find out where's the difference : let them fuffer what (and fo long) God hath helped me to bear for their belief and confcience : let them debate freely, calmly, &c., as I hope God hath helped me and will help me to do, (without the Pope's fword, which Chrift commanded Peter to put up in his matters.) Sir, I have heard that you have been in late confultations, femper idem,femperpacificus, and I hope therein beatus. You have always been noted for tendernefs towaf-d men's fouls, efpecially for confcience fake to God. You have been noted for tendernefs toward the bodies and infirmities of poor mortals. You have been tender too, toward the ef- tates of men in your civil fteerage of government, and to- ward the peace of the land, yea, of thefe wild favages. I prefume you are fatisfied in the neceflity of thefe prefent hoftilities, and that it is not poffible at prefent to keep '4 Mafs. Hiji. Col. vol. vi. p. 305. 48 378 Letters of Roger Williams. peace with thefe barbarous men of blood, who are asjuftly to be repelled and fubdued as wolves that affault the fheep. It was ... in . . . ejl . . . rium :^ God hath helped yourfelf and other \torn\ with wonderful felf-denial and patience to keep off this neceflity. But God (againft whom only is no fighting) is pleafed to put this iron yoke upon our necks, and (as he did with the Canaanites) to harden them againft Jofhua to their deftrudtion. I fear the event of the juftefl: war: but if it pleafe God to de- liver them into our hands, I know you will antiqum obti- nere, and ftill endeavor that our fword may make a differ- ence, and par cere fubjeBis, though we de be Hare fuperbos. God killeth, deftroyeth, plagueth, damneth none but thofe that will perifh, and fay (as thefe barbarians now fay) Nip- pittoi ; though I die for it, &c. Sir, I hope the not approach of your dear fon with his, (your forces of Connedicut,) &c., is only through the in- tercepting of the pofts : for we have now no paffing by Elizabeth's Spring without a ftrong foot. God will have it fo. Dear Sir, if we cannot fave our patients, nor rela- tions, nor Indians, nor Englifh, oh let us make fure to fave the bird in our bofom, and to enter in that ftraight door and narrow way, which the Lord Jefus himfelf tells us, few there be that find it. Sir, your unworthy Roger Williams. ' This fentence has been carefully erafed. Letters of Roger Williams. 379 To the much honored Governor Leverett at Bojlon, prefent. Providence, 14 Jan. 1675, C^ called.)' Sir, — This night I was requefted by Capt. Fenner and other officers of our town to take the examination and confeffion of an English man who hath been with the In- dians before and fince the fight : his name is Jofhua Tift^ and he was taken by Capt. Fenner this day at an Indian houfe half a mile from where Capt. Fenner's houfe (now burned) did fland. Capt. Fenner and others of us propofed feveral queftions to him, which he anfwered, and I was requefted to write, which I did, and thought fit having this bearer (Mr, Scott) brought by God's gracious hand of Providence to mine, to prefent you with an extrad: of the pith and fubftance of all he anfwered to us. He was aiked by Capt. Fenner, how long he had been with the Narraganfetts. He anfwered about twenty-feven days, more or lefs. He was demanded how he came amongft them. He faid that he was at his farm a mile and a half from Put- tuckquomfcut, where he hired an Indian to keep his cat- tle, himfelf propofing to go to Rhode Ifland, but that day which he purpofed and prepared to depart, there came to his houfe, Nananawtenu (the young Sachem) his elder brother Paupauquivwut, with their Captain Quaquackis and a party of men, and told them he muft die. He faid that he begged for his life, and promifed that he would be fervant to the Sachem while he lived. He faid the Sachem '4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 307. ral parents, fighting againil them. He * "Jofhua TiiFt, a renegade Engliftiman was wounded in the knee, and taken of Providence, that upon fome difcon- prifoner. After examination he was tent had turned Indian, married a fquaw, condemned to die the death of a trai- renounced his religion, nation and natu- tor." — Hubbard, Narrative, p. 162. 38o Letters of Roger Williams. then carried him along with him, having given him his life as his Have. He faid that he brought him to their fort, where was about eight hundred fighting men and about two hundred houfes. He faid the Indians brought five of his cattle and killed them before his face : fo he was forced to be filent, but prayed the Sachem to fpare the reft : who anfwered him what will cattle now do you good ; and the next day they fent for the reft and killed them all, whereof eight were his own. Being afked whether he was in the Fort in the fight,' ' " The great Narraganfett fight." "On the zd of November, 1675, the Commiflioners of the United Colonies declared the Narraganfetts to be "deeply acceflbry in the prefent bloody outrages" of the Indians that were at open war, and determined that 1000 more foldiers be raifed for the Narraganfett expedition. Thefe troops were accordingly raifed. Thofe of Maflachufetts coniifting of fix companies of foot and a troop of horfe. Connefticut fent 300 foldiers and 1 50 Mohegan and Pequod Indians. Gov. Winflow of Plymouth, was commander- in-chief. Rhode Ifland took no part in the fight. " On the 8th December, the Maffa- chufetts forces marched from Bofton, and were foon joined by thofe of Ply- mouth. The troops from Connefticut joined them on the i8th at Pettaquam- fcot. At break of day the next morn- ing, they commenced their march through a deep fnow, toward the enemy, who were about fifteen miles diftant in a fwamp, at the edge of which they ar- rived at one in the afternoon. The In- dians, apprized of an armanent againft them, had fortified themfelves ftrongly within the fwamp. The Englifli at once marched forward in queft of the enemy's camp. Some Indians appearing, were no fooner fired on by the Englifh, than they returned the fire and fled. The whole army now entered the fwamp and followed the Indians to their fortrefs. It flood on a rifing ground in the midft of the fwamp, and was compofed of palli- fades, encompaffed by a hedge. It had but one prafticable entrance which was over a log, four or five feet from the ground ; and that aperture was guarded by a block-houfe. The Englifh captains entered it at the head of their compa- nies. The two firft, with many of their men were fhot dead at the entrance, and four other captains were alfo killed. When the troops had efFefted an en- trance, they attacked the Indians, who fought defperately, and beat the Englifh out of the fort. After a hard fought battle of three hours, the Englifh be« came mailers of the place, and fet fire to the wigwams. The number of them was 500 or 600, and in the conflagration many Indian women and children per- ifhed. The furvivors fled into a cedar fwamp, at a fhort diflance, and the Eng- Letters of Roger Williams. 381 he (aid yes, and waited on his mafter the Sachem there, until he was wounded, (of which wound he lay nine days and died.) He faid that all the Sachems were in the Fort and ftaid two vollies of (hot, and then they fled with his mafter, and paffed through a plain, and refted by the fide of a fpruce fwamp, but he faid himfelf had no arms at all. He faid that if the Mohegans and Pequods had been true, they might have deftroyed moft of the Narraganfetts : but the Narraganfetts parlied with them in the beginning of the fight, fo that they promifed to fhoot high, which they did, and killed not one Narraganfett man, except againft their wills. He faid that when it was dufkifh, word was brought to the Sachems that the Englifti were retreated. Upon this they fent to the Fort to fee what their lofs was, where they found ninety-feven flain and forty-eight wounded, befide what flaughter was made in the houfes and by the burning of the houfes, all of which he faid were burnt except five or fix or thereabouts. He faid the Indians never came to the Fort more, that he knows of. He faid they found five or fix Engliihi bodies, and from one of them a bag of about one pound and a half of powder was brought to the Sachems ; and he faid that abundance of corn, and pro- vifions, and goods were burnt alfo. He faid fome powder belonging to the young Sachem, which was in a box, was blown up, but how much he cannot tell. He faid the Narraganfett's powder is (generally) gone and fpent, but Philip hath fent them word that he will lifli retired to their quarters. Of the Eng- thoufand are fuppofed to have perifhed." lilh there were killed and wounded about Holmes, Annals, vol. i. p. S75~37^- two hundred and thirty; of which eighty- The fwamp where this battle took five were killed. Of the Indians, one place is three or four miles weft of the village of Kingfton. 382 Letters of Roger Williams. furnifti them enough from the French. He faid they have carried New England money to the French for am- munition, but the money he will not take, but beaver or wampum. He faid that the French have fent Philip a prefent, viz. : a brafs gun and bandoliers fuitable. He faid alfo that the Narraganfetts have fent two bafkets of wam- pum to the Mohawks (Mauquawogs) where the French are, for their favor and affiftance. He fays that the Sachems and people were about ten miles northweft from Mr. Smith's, whether the Cowefets and Pumham and his men brought to the Sachems all the powder they could, but Canonicus faid it was nothing, for they had four hundred guns (beiide bows) and there was but enough for every gun a charge. The young Sachem faid that had he known that they were no better furnifhed, he would have been elfewhere this winter. He faid that while they were in confultation, an Indian fquaw came in with a letter from the General. Some ad- vifed to fend to Philip for one of his counfellors to read it, but at laft they agreed to fend a councellor to the Gene- ral, who brought word that the General faid that there had been a fmall fight between them, and aiked him how many Indians were flain, and how the Sachems liked it. That he delired the Sachems would fhow themfelves men, and come and parley with him : that if they feared they might bring what guard they pleafed, who might keep at a dif- tance from ours who fhould not offer them any affront, while the Sachems were at the houfe with 'the General, from whom they fhould depart in peace, if they came to no agreement. Their councillors faid that the Englifh did this only in policy to entrap the Sachems, as they had done Philip Letters of Roger Williams. 383 many times, who, when he was in their hands, made him yield to what they pleafed. Nananawtenu (the young Sachem) faid he would not go, but thought it beft to ufe policy, and to lend word to the General, that they would come to him three days after ; but Canonicus faid that he was old, and would not lie to the Englifli now, and faid if you will fight, fight; for tis a folly for me to fight any longer. The young prince faid he might go to Mr. Smith's then, but there fliould never an Indian go with him. Their chief Captain alfo faid that he would not yield to the Englifh fo long as an Indian would ftand with him. He faid he had fought with Englifh, and French, and Dutch, and Mohawks, and feared none of them, and faid that if they yielded to the Englifh they fhould be dead men or flaves, and fo work for the Englifli. He faid that this Quaquackis bears chief fway, and is a middling thickfet man, of a very ftout, fierce countenance. Being afked whether he was prefent at this confultation, he faid no ; but that Quaquackis acquainted the people what the fum of the confultation was. He faid that Philip is about Quawpaug, amongfl a great many rocks, by a fwampfide : that the Narraganfetts have been thefe three days on their march and flight to Philip : that he knows not what number Philip hath with him, and that this day the laft and the rear of the company departed : that they heard the General was purfuing after them, and therefore feveral parties, to the number of four hundred, were ordered to lie in ambufcadoes : that feveral parties were left behind, to get and drive cattle after them : that the young prince and chief captain were in a houfe four miles from Providence, where Captain Fenner (with 384 Letters of Roger Williams. fifteen or fixteen of Providence, feeking after cattle) took this Jofhua Tift, who faith that the reft of the party (about forty-one) were not far off, and tovvard Pawtuxet, Being afked what was the Englifti child which was brought into the General : he faid that Pumham's men had taken it at Warwick. Alio he faid that there is an Englifti youth amongft them (his name he forgot:) one that fpeaks good Indian, and was wounded and taken in the fight, whom they fpake of killing with torture, but he was yet with Quawnepund. Sir, you may fuppofe it now to be paft midnight, and I am to write forth the copy of this, to go to-morrow to the General, and therefore I dare not add my foolifh com- ment, but humbly beg to the Father of Mercies for his mercy fake to guide you by his counfel (Pfal. 73.) and afterward receive you unto Glory. Your moft unworthy, Roger Williams. My humble refpedis prefented to fuch honored friends to whom your wifdom may think fit to communicate, &c. Sir, Jolhua Tift added that this company intend to ftay with Philip till the fnow melt, and then to divide into companies. Alfo that many of Ninicraft's men fought the Englifti in the Fort, and four of the Mohegans are now marched away with the Narraganfetts. Sir, fince I am oft occafioned to write upon the public bufinefs, I ftiall be thankful for a little paper upon the pub- lic account, being now near deftitute. Sir, I pray prefent my humble refpedts to the Governor Winthrop, and my thanks for his loving letters, to which I cannot now make any return. Letters of Roger Williams. 385 To the much honored the Governor Leverett, at Bojlon, or the Governor Winjlow, at Bojlon, prefent. Providence, i6, 8, "jS, (at vulgo.) [Oft. 16.]' Sir, — With my humble and loving refpedts to yourfelf and other honored friends, &c, I thought fit to tell you what the Providence of the Moft High hath brought to my hand the evening before yefterday. Two Indian children were brought to me by one Thomas Clements, who had his houfe burnt on the other fide of the river. He was in his orchard, and two Indian children came boldly to him, the boy being about feven or eight, and the girl (his fifter) three or four years old. The boy tells me, that a youth, one Mittonan, brought them to the fight of Thomas Clements, and bid them go to that man, and he would give them bread. He faith his father and mother were taken by the Pequods and Mohegans about ten weeks ago, as they were clamming (with many more Indians) at Cowefet ; that their dwelling was and is at a place called Mittaubfcut ; that it is upon a branch of Pawtuxet river to Cowefet (their neareft fait water) about feven or eight miles ; that there are above twenty houfes. I cannot learn of him that there are above twenty men, befide women and children ; that they live on ground nuts, &c., and deer ; that Aawayfewaukit is their Sachem ; and twelve days ago, he fent his Ion, Wunnawmeneefkat to Uncas, with a pref- ent of a bafket or two of wampum. I know this Sachem is much related to Plymouth, to whom he is faid to be fubjedt, but he faid (as all of them do) he depofited his land. I know what bargains he made with the Brown's ' 3 Ma/s. Hi/. Col vol. i. p. 70. 49 386 Letters of Roger Williams. and Willet's and Rhode Ifland and Providence men, and the controvedies between the Narraganfetts and them, about those lands. I know the talk abroad of the right of the three united colonies (by conqueft)' to this land, and the plea of Rhode-IIland by the charter and commif- fioners. I humbly delire that party may be brought in ; the country improved (if God in mercy fo pleafe;) the Englifli not differ about it and complaints run to the King (to unknown trouble, charge and hazard, &c.,) and there- fore I humbly beg of God that a committee from the four colonies may (by way of prudent and godly wifdom) pre- vent many inconveniences and mifchiefs. I write the fum of this to the Governors of Connedlicut and Rhode Ifland, and humbly beg of the Father of Mercies to guide you in Mercy, for his mercy fake. Sir, your unworthy, Roger Williams. Excufe my want of paper. This boy faith, there is another town to the north-eaft of them, with more houfes than twenty, who, 'tis like, correfpond to the eaftward. ' Rhode Ifland took no part in the ex- our neighbors, we being in no other termination of the Narraganfetts. In a ways concerned," letter to the King, Rhode Ifland fays : After the extermination of this once " The war between King Philip and the powerful tribe, the United Colonies colony of New Plymouth was profecuted claimed the King's Province as a con- by the United Colonies as they term them- quered territory, to which, Rhode Ifland felves. . . . But this your majefty's colo- for this reafon, among others, had no ti- ny, not being concerned in the war only tie. Connefticut magnanimoufly offered as neceflity required for the defence of peace upon a divifion of territory, fay- their lives and what they could of their ing that, " although our jufl rights, both estates, and as countrymen, did, with our by patent and conquefl extend much fur- boats and provifions, aflift and relieve ther, yet our readinefs to amicable and Letters of Roger Williams. 387 To the Court of CommiJJioners of the United Colonies. Providence, i8, 8, [Oft. i8,] 1677.' Honored Gentlemen, — My humble refpeds prefented* with congratulations and prayers to the Moft High, for your merciful prefervations in and through thefe late bloody and burning times, the peaceable travelling and aflemb- ling amongft the ruins and rubbifh of thefe late defolations, which the Moft High hath juftly brought upon us. I crave your gentle leave to tell you, that I humbly conceive I am called of God to prefent your wifdoms with what light I can, to make your difficulties and travails the eafier. I am fore grieved that a felf-feeking contentious foul, who has long aiflidted this town and colony, fhould now, with his unfeafonable and unjuft clamor, afflidt our Royal Sove- reign, his honorable Council, New and Old England, and now your honored felves, with thefe his contentious courfes. For myfelf, it hath pleafed God to vouchfafe me knowledge and experience, of his providence in thefe parts, fo that I fliould be ungratefully and treacheroufly filent at fuch a time. When his Majefty's Cummiffioners, Col. Nichols, &c., were here, I was chofen by this colony, one of the commiffioners to treat with them and with the commiffion- neighborly compliance is fuch, (tliat for The original manufcript of this letter peace fake,) we content ourfelves to take was in the hands of the late John How- with Cowefit (that is from Apponaug land, and was firft printed by Mr. to Connefticut line,) to be the boundary Knowles in his Memoirs of Williams, between your colony and ours, if his In a letter to Mr. Knowles, Mr. How- Majefty pleafe to indulge us therein, and land flates, that all here given was on one yourfelves Ihall fpeedily exprefs to us Iheet, and that there muft have been a your delire and agreement to have it fo." fecond ftieet that is loft. Some portions R. I. Colonial Records, vo\.\\.Yi. S^^S^'i- of what remain have become illegible 'Knowles, Memoir of Roger iVilliams, where the paper is folded. It is wholly p. 407 ; Potter's Narraganfett, p. 164. in the handwriting of Mr. Williams. 388 Letters of Roger Williams. ers from Plymouth, who then were their honored Governor deceafed, and honored prefent Governor, about our bounds. It then pleafed the Father of mercies, in whofe moft high and holy hands the hearts of all men are, to give me fuch favor in their eyes, that afterward, at a great affembly at Warwick, where (that firebrand) Philip, his whole country, was challenged by the Narraganiett Sachems, I was fent for, and declared fuch tranladions between Old Canonicus and Oufamaquin, that the commiffioners were fatisfied, and confirmed unto the ungrateful monfter his country. The Narraganfett Sachems (prompted by fome Englifh) told the commiffioners that Mr. Williams was but one witnefs, but the commiffioners anfwered that they had fuch experience of my knowledge in thefe parts, and fideli- ty, that they valued my teftimony as much as twenty wit- neffes. Among fo many pafl"ages fince W. Harris, (fo long ago) kindled the fires of contention, give me leave to trouble you with one, when if W. Harris had any defire by equal and peaceable converfe with men, this fire had been quenched; our General Court, Mifhauntatuk men, and W. Harris, agreed that arbitration fhould heal this old fore.' Arbi- trators were chofen, and Mr. Thomas Willet^ was chofen '"In Oftober, 1677, the Commif- But the difputes were not fettled, till fioners from the feveral colonies met at more than thirty years afterwards." — Providence, to fettle the long contefted Knowles' Memoir, p. 348. difputes between Mr. Harris and others * Thomas Willet, came to Plymouth about lands. Mr. Harris laid before the in 1632. Was an Affiftant from 1651 Court a long ftatement, in which he pre- to 1654, and when the Englifli conquered ferred heavy charges againft Mr. Wil- New York, he accompanied them and liams, and the latter made counter ftate- was made Mayor. He returned not ments in a fimilar ftyle. The refult of long after and took up his refidenec in the examination was favorable to the Rehoboth and Swanzey.dying at the latter claims of Mr. Harris and his friends, place Auguft 4, 1674 — Savage, Gene- who obtained five verdifts from a jury, ahgical Diilionary, vol. iv. p. 557. Letters of Roger Williams. 389 umpire. He, when they met, told them that the arbitra- tors fhould confider every plea with equity, and allot to every one what the arbitrators' confciences told them was right and equal. Mifliauntatuk men yielded, W. Carpen- ter then one with W. Harris, yielded. W. Harris cried out, no ; he was refolved all or none ; fo the honored foul, Mr. Willet (as he himfelf told me) could not proceed, but was forced to draw up a proteft to acquit himfelf and the arbitrators from this truft, that the obftrudtion might only be laid on W. Harris his fhoulders, concerning whom a volume might be written, of his furious, covetous, and contentious domineering over his poor neighbors. I have prefented a charadter of him to his Majefty, (in defence of myfelf again ft him) in my narrative again ft George Fox, printed at Bofton. I think it not feafonable here to trou- ble your patience with particulars as to the matter.' I humbly refer myfelf to my large teftimony, given in writ- ing, at a Court of Trials on the Ifland, before the honored gentleman, deceafed, Mr. W. Brenton, then Governor. At the fame time Mr. William Arnold, father to our honored prefent Governor, and Stukely Weftcott,^ father to our - Mr. Williams's book here referred France, he arrived in London in 1680, to " George Fox Digged out of his Bur- where he died the third day after. He rozaei" fo abounds with abufe of Wm. was an able, and we may hope, a good Harris, as well as of all others oppofed to man, notwithftanding fome infirmities, him in this controverfy that we cannot His quarrels with Roger Williams were point out any particular paflage which very difcreditable to them both. On refers to his charafter. " Mr. Harris which fide the moil blame lay, we can- foon after went to England, on this bufi- not now decide." — Knowles, Memoir of nefs, but the veflel was captured by an Williams, p. 349, note ; Staples' Gor- Algerine or Tunifian corfair, and he was ton, p. 113, note. fold for a flave. His family in Rhode ^Stukely Westcott, removed to Ifland redeemed him at the coll of about Providence, in April. 1638, and was the $1200, by the fale of a part of his prop- firfl named in Williams's firft deed. He erty. After travelling through Spain and figned the compaft at Providence in 1640. 390 Letters of Roger Williams. Governor's wife, gave in their teftimony with mine, and W. Harris was caft. In that teftimony, I declare not only how unrighteous, but alio how fimple is W. Harris his ground of pleading, viz.: after Miantinomo had fet us our bounds here in his own perfon, becaufe of the envious clamors of fome againft myfelf, one amongftus (not I) re- corded a teftimony or memorandum of a courtefy added (upon requeft) by the Sachem, in thefe words, up Jlream without limits. The courtefy was requefted and granted, that being {hortened in bounds by the Sachem becaufe of the Indians about us, it might be no offence if our few cows fed up the rivers where nobody dwelt, and home again at night. This hafty, unadvifed memorandum W. H. in- terprets of bounds fet to our town by the Sachems ; but he would fet no bounds to our cattle, but up the ftreams fo far as they branched or run, fo far all the meadows, and at laft all the uplands, muft be drawn into this accidental courtefy, and yet, upon no confideration given, nor the Sachem's knowledge or hand, or witnefles, nor date, nor for what term of time this kindnefs (hould continue. Second. In my teftimony, I have declared that Mianto- nomo having fet fuch ftiort bounds (becaufe of the Indians) upon my motion, payments were given by us to Alexan- der and Philip, and the Narraganfett Sachems, near two hundred and fifty pounds, in their pay for inland enlarge- ments, according to leave granted us by the General Court upon our petition. This after purchafe and fatisfadtion to all claimers, W. Harris puts a rotten title upon it, and calls He afterwards removed to Warwick, and Churches of Maflachufetts to be true for many years was Commiffioner from churches ; for which the Church at Sa- that town. Staples fays, " He held to lem pafTed " the great cenfure " on him entire and rigid reparation from the as early as July i, 1639." — Note to Sim- Church of England, and defired the pticity's Defence,^. 117. Letters of Roger Williams. 391 it confirmation, a confirmation of the title and grant of up Jlr earns without limits ; but all the Sachems and Indians, when they heard of fuch an interpretation, they cried com- moobin, lying and ftealing, as fuch a cheat as flunk in their pagan noftrils. Honored Sirs, let me now add to my teftimony, a lift of feveral perfons which the right and diipofing of all or con- fiderable part of thefe Narraganfetts, and Cowefet and Nip- muck lands, &c. Firft. The colony of Connefticut, by the King's grant and charter, by the late wars, wherein they were honora- bly affiftant. Second. The colony of Plymouth, by virtue of Tacom- maicon's furrender of his perfon and lands to their pro- tedlion, and I have feen a letter from the prefent Governor Winflow, to Mr. Richard Smith, about the matter. Third. The colony of Rhode Ifland and Providence Plantations, by grant from his Majefty and confirmation from his Majefty's commiffioners, who called thefe lands the King's Province, and committed the ordering of it to this colony, until his Majefty further order. Fourth. Many eminent gentlemen of the MafTachu- fetts and other colonies, claim by a mortgage and forfeiture of all lands belonging to Narraganfett. Fifth. Our honored Governor, Mr. Arnold, and divers with him, are out of a round fum of money and coft, about a purchafe from Tacummanan. Sixth. The like claim was and is made by Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Thomas Willet, honored gentlemen and their fucceflbrs, * * * from purchafe with Tacum- manan, and I have feen their deeds, and Col. Nichols his, confirmation of them, under hand and feal, in the name of the King's Majefty. 392 Letters of Roger Williams. Seventh. William Harris pleads up fir earns without limits, and confirmation from the other Sachems of the up fireams, &c. Eighth. Mifhuntatuk men claim by purchafe from In- dians by pofleffion, buildings, &c. * * * * \worn out and obliterated?^ * * * Ninth. Capt. Hubbard and fome others, of Hingham * * * by purchafe from the Indians. Tenth. John Tours, of Hingham, by three purchases from Indians. Eleventh. William Vaughan,' of Newport, and others, by Indian purchafe [The next following No. is 13 ; there is no 12. J Thirteenth. Randall, of Scituate,^ and White, of Taun- ton, and others, by purchafe from Indians. Fourteenth. Edvt'ard Inman, of Providence, by purchafe from the natives. Fifteenth. The town of Warwick, who challenge twen- ty miles, about part of which, William Harris contending with them, it is faid, was the firft occafion of W. Harris falling in love with this his monftrous Diana up fireams without limits, fo that he might antedate and prevent (as he fpeaks) the blades of Warwick. Sixteenth. The Town of Providence, bv virtue of Ca- nonicus' and Miantonomo's grant renewed to me again and again, viz.: of as large a plantation and accommodation as • William Vaughan's name appears on river in Wefterly, in 1660. — R. I. Colo- the roll of the freemen of Newport, in nial Records, vol. i. p. 450. 1655. He was one of the purchaftrs »The Scituate here mentioned, muft from the Sachem Socho, of Mifquama- be in Maflachufetts, as there was no cock, the neck of land eaft of Pawcatuck town of that name in Rhode Ifland until 1730. Letters of Roger Williams. 393 any town in the country of New England. It is known what favor God pleafed to give me with old Canonicus, (though at a dear-bought rate) fo that I had what I would (fo that I obferved my times of moderation ;) but two or three envious and ungrateful fouls among us cried out, What is R. Williams ? We will have the Sachem come and fet our bounds for us ; which he did, and (becaufe of his Indians round about us) fo fudden and fo fhort, that we were forced to petition to our General Court for enlarge- ment. Honored Sirs, there be other claims, and therefore I prefume your wifdoms will fend forth your proclamations to all the colonies, that all the claims may come in before your next meeting ; and Oh ! that it would pleafe the Moil High to move the colonies hearts to empower you, and move your hearts to be willing, (being honorably rewarded) and the hearts of the claimers to acquiefce and reft in your determination. And Oh, let not the colonies of Connec- ticut and Rhode Ifland to be offended, if I humbly be- feech them, for God's fake, for the King's fake, for the country of New England's fake, and for their own fouls' and felves' and pofterity's fakes to prevent any more com- plaints and clamors to the King's Majefty, and agree to fubmit their differences to the wifdoms of fuch folemn commiflioners chofen out of the whole country. I know there are objections, but alfo know that love to God, love to the country and pofterity, will conquer greater matters, and I believe the King's Majefty, himfelf, will give us thanks for fparing him and his honorable Council from being troubled with us. Honored gentlemen, if his Majefty and honorable Coun- cil knew how againft all law of England, Wm. Harris 50 394 Letters of Roger Williams. thus afFefts New and Old England, viz. : that a vaft coun- try fliould be purchafed, and yet be but a poor courtefy from one Sachem, who underflood no fuch thing, nor they that begged it of him, who had not, nor afked any con- iideration for it, who was not defired to fet his hand to it, nor did; nor are there the hands of witnefles, but the par- ties themfelves, nor no date, nor term of time, for the ufe of feeding cows, up ftreams without limits, and yet thefe words, (up Jireams without limits) by a fudden and unwary hand fo written, muft be the ground of W. Harris this raifing a fire about thefe thirty years unquenchable. If his Majefty and Council knew how many of his good fub- jedts are claimers and competitors to thefe lands and mea- dows up the ftreams of Pawtuxet and Pawtucket, through only one comes thus clamoring to him, to cheat all the reft. If his Majeftv and Council knew this confirmation W. Harris talks of, what a grand cheat it is, ftinking in the noftrils of all Indians, who fubfcribed to and only con- firmed only fuch bounds as were formerly given us, and W. Harris clamors that they confirmed Miantonomo's grant of up ftreams without limits, a thing which they abhor to hear of, and (amongft others) was one great occa- fion of their late great burning and flaughtering of us." ********* Letters of Roger Williams. 395 ^To the much honored Mr. Thomas Hinckley'' and the reft of the much honored Commijfioners from the refpeSiive colonies, ajfembled at Providence, OBober \th, 1678. [ut vulgo.) Much Honored Sirs : — Your wifdoms know that this town is liable to many payments: that moneys will be drawn like blood from many amongft us : for fome of us have appeared legally in town meetings to anfwer the charge and fummons and declaration of the plaintiff againft the town of Providence. Others have not appeared at our town meetings ; or, appearing have dilfented from the major vote, which hath always (in all thefe tranfadtions) carried on matters in juft order and quietnefs. The non- appearers and dilTenters will not pay, as being none of the town in this cafe. We had much heat in our lafl town-meeting, I motioned a fufpenfion of proceedings until the fitting of this high court. Both parties yielded and propofed to fubmit to your decilion, in adtive or paffive obedience. We were hot ; fo no addrefs was orderly prepared, &c. : and therefore I hold it my humble duty, in the town's name, to pray your favorable and moil feafonable help unto us. I prefume not to add a word as to our matters ; no, not to urge to your remembrance the maxim of Queen Experience {fe- cunda cogitationes meliores.) Only I pray you to remember that all lands and all nations are but a drop of a bucket in ' 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. V. p. 21. Governor from 1681, (except during the ^Thomas Hinckley was the laft Gov- interruption of Andros,) till the union ernor of Plymouth. He came to Scitu- with Maflachufetts colony in i68z. He ate, Mafs.,in 1635. He foon became was alfo a Commiffioner of the two colo- prominent in the affairs of the colony nies from 1673 to 1692. and held various public offices and was 396 Letters of Roger Williams. the eyes of that King of kings, and Lord of lords, whom I humbly befeech to adorn your heads with that heavenly crown at your parting from us. Beati pacijict. So prays your moft unworthy fervant, Roger Williams. To the mojl honored 'Thomas Hinckley, CommiJJioner for the Colonies. Providence, July 4, 1679. (ut vulgo.y Sir, — Your heavenly meditations on that heavenly Mr. Walley, I kindly and thankfully received, and pray your leave to fay four words : Firft, you hold forth in your own foul a bright charad:er of a true fon of God, who attri- bute to your deep diftrelTes, &c., to His all-wife and His moft gracious hand eternal. Una eademque, manus, &c. 2. Though a natural fpirit will pretend high to fpirituals, yet I rejoice to fee you (with rejoicing) predicating fuch graces in the deceafed, as hoping that a fpiritual light hath given yourfelf that fpiritual eye as clearly to fee and re- joice in that image of God in another. 3. I praife God for that heavenly ftirring-up of your- felf and others to an humble enquiry after thofe coals of jealoufly which have kindled fuch a fire of jealoufly in the noftrils of the Moft High againft you ; and I pray your patience to fuffer me to fay, that, above thefe forty years in a barbarous wildernefs, driven out on pain of death, I '4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. v. p. 29. Letters of Roger Williams. 397 have, (as I believe) been the Eternal his poor v^^itnefs in fackcloth againft your churches, and miniftries, as being but State politics and a mixture of golden images, unto which (were your carnal fword fo long) you would mufi- cally perfuade, or by fiery torments compel, to bow down as many as (that great type of inventors and perfecutors) Nebuchadnezzar did. I have ftudioufly avoided clamor- oufnefs; and yet (being called) I have divers times, and efpecially in the Bloody Tenent yet more Bloody, humbly offered my reafons, and to Mr. Nathaniel Morton' before this laft winter (upon his charges on me): and I humbly and heartily defire, in the fear of the Moft High, to pon- der (in the double weights of the King Eternal) the fharpeft rebukes or cenfures, and to prefent my thoughts in love, patience and meeknefs. 4. Can you fay, with a true broken heart and contrite fpirit (deeply diftreffed Mr, Thomas Hinckley,) and not confider how, not many weeks or months before, myfelf and fo many other innocent fouls, as to W, Harris, you deeply diftreffed by your adding gall to our (mine own above) forty years vinegar in countenancing that prodigy of pride and fcorning W. Harris, who, being an impudent morris-dancer in Kent, under the cloak of (fcuirilous) jefts againft the biftiop, got into a flight to New England, and, under a cloak of feparation, got in with myfelf, till his felf-ends and reftlefs ftrife, and at laft his atheiftical ' Nathaniel Morton emigrated to by his New England Memorial, firft pub- America in 1623. Was clerk of the liflied in 1669, in 410. Other editions Jadicial Court in Plymouth from 1645 were printed in 1721 ; 1772; 1825; in to his death in 1685. He wrote a brief 1826 with valuable notes by John Davis, Ecclefiaftical Hiftory of Plymouth, which and one by the Congregational Board in has been preferved in Young's Chronicles 1 855. of the Pilgrims ; but he was better known 398 Letters of Roger Williams. denying of heaven and hell, made honeft fouls to fly from him ? Now he courts the Baptifts ; then he kicks them off and flatters the Foxians ; then the drunkards (which he calls all that are not of the former two amongft us) ; then knowing the prejudices of the other Colonies againfl: us, he dares to abufe his Majefl:y and Council, to bring New England upon us ; and when your noble felf dif- cerned and difowned his old and only monfl:rous fong. Hoc ejl Corpus meum (up flreams without limits,) how hath he lun about the world again to force my confcience to give him more up Wanafquatucket than the bounds fo punc- tually fet us by the Sachems in our grand deed. It is not quefliionable, is that, if he be not fatisfied with his poor bone he hath fo long fancied, he will ftamp on yourfelf, and his Majefl:y and Council too, and make Rome, if he can (bloody Rome), his fandtuary ; for he faith he can go to Mafs : yea [fleSlereJi nequeam, &c.), he will go down to devils and witches ; for he faith he can go to the witch of Endor for a piece of bread. I am not fenfible of his long thirfl:ing after my blood. I humbly pray the blefl*ed Lord to return him or rebuke him, and to deliver my foul and yours from all our diflireflTes. So daily prays, Sir, Your mofl; unworthy fervant, Roger Williams. My humble refpedls to your honored Governor, Major Cudworth, &c. Letters of Roger Williams. 399 Tejiimony of Roger Williams relative to the frji fettlement of the Narraganfett Country by Richard Smith. Narragansett, 21 July, 1679.' Roger Williams, of Providence, in the Narraganfett Bay, in New England, being (by God's mercy) the firft beginner of the mother town of Providence, and of the colony of Rhode Ifland and Providence Plantations, being now near to fourfcore years of age, yet (by God's mercy) of found underftanding and memory; do humbly and faithfully declare, that Mr. Richard Smith, fenior, who for his confcience to God left fair poffeffions in GlocefterQiire, and adventured, with his relations and eftate, to New- England, and was a moft acceptable inhabitant, and a prime leading man in Taunton and Plymouth colony ; for his confcience fake, many differences arifing, he left Taunton and came to the Narraganfett country, where, (by God's mercy and the favor of the Narraganfett Sachems) he broke the ice at his great charge and hazard, and put up in the thickets of the barbarians, the firft Englifh houfe amongft them. 2. I humbly teftify, that about forty years from this date, he kept polTeffion, coming and going him- felf, children and fervants, and he had quiet poffeffion of his houfing, lands and meadow; and there, in his own houfe, with much ferenity of foul and comfort, he yielded up his fpirit to God, (the Father of fpirits) in peace. 3. I do humbly and faithfully teftify as abovefaid, that fince his departure, his honored fon, Capt. Richard Smith, hath kept polTeflion, (with much acceptance with Englifh and pagans) of his father's houfing, lands and meadows, with great improvement alfo by his great coft and induftry. 'Backus, Hiji. of the Baptijis in New England, vol. i. p. 421. 40C Letters of Roger Williams. And in the late bloody Pagan war, I knowingly teftify and declare, that it pleale the Moft High to make ufe of him- felf in perfon, his houfing, goods, corn, provifions and cat- tle, for a garrifon and fupply for the whole army of New England, under the command of the ever to be honored General Winflow,' for the fervice of his Majefty's honor and country of New England. 4. I do alfo humbly de- clare, that the faid Captain Richard Smith, junior, ought, by all the rules of equity, juftice and gratitude, (to, his honored father and himfelf ) to be fairly treated with, con- fidered, recruited, honored, and, by his Majefty's authority, confirmed and eftabliftied in a peaceful polTeflion of his father's and his own pofleffions in this pagan wildernefs, and Narraganfett country. The premifes I humbly teftify, as now leaving this country and this world. Roger Williams. To Mr. Daniel Abbott, Town Clerk of Providence.'^ Providence, 15th January, 1680-81. (fo called.) My good Friend, — Loving remembrance to you. It has pleafed the Moft High and Only Wife, to ftir up your fpirit to be one of the chiefteft ftakes in our poor hedge. I, therefore, not being able to come to you, prefent you with a few thoughts about the great ftumbling-block to them that are willing to ftumble and trouble themfelves, •Jofiah, fon of Edward Winflow, felf to be a brave foldier. — Blake, 5w- Governor of Plymouth Colony, was graphical DWionary. alfo Governor from 1673 to 1680. '■'S.tsovii.es, Memoir of Roger Williams, During Philip's war, being commander p. 350. of the Plymouth forces, he fliowed him- Letters of Roger Williams. 401 our rates. James Matilbn had one copy of me, and Tho- mas Arnold another. This I fend to yourfelf and the town, (for it may be I fliall not be able to be at meeting.) I am grieved that you do fo much fervice for fo bad re- compenfe ; but I am perfuaded you (hall find caufe to fay, the Moft High God of recompenfe, who was Abraham's great reward, hath paid me. Conjiderations prefented touching rates. I. Government and order in families, towns, &c., is the ordinance of the Moft High, Rom. 13, for the peace and and good of mankind. 2. Six things are written in the hearts of all mankind, yea, even in pagans: ist. That there is a Deity ; 2d. That fome adtions are nought ; 3d. That the Deity will punifli ; 4th. That there is another life ; 5th, That marriage is honorable ; 6th. That man- kind cannot keep together without fome government. 3. There is no Engliftiman in his Majefty dominions or elfe- where, who is not forced to fubmit to government. 4. There is not a man in the world, except robbers, pirates and rebels, but doth fubmit to government. 5. Even robbers, pirates and rebels themfelves cannot hold together, but by fome law among themfelves and government. 6. One of thefe two great laws in the world muft prevail, either that of judges and juftices of peace in courts of peace, or the law of arms, the fword and blood. 7. If it comes from the courts of trials of peace, to the trial of the fword and blood, the conquered is forced to feek law and government. 8. Till matters come to a fettled gov- ernment, no man is ordinarily fure of his houfe, goods, lands, cattle, wife, children or life. 9. Hence is that an- cient maxim. It is better to live under a tyrant in peace, than 51 402 Letters of Roger Williams. under the /word, or where every man is a tyrant. lo. His Majefty. fends governors to Barbadoes, Virginia, &c., but to us he fliews greater favor in our charter, to choofe whom we pleafe. ii. No charters are obtained without great fuit, favor or charges. Our firft coft a hundred pounds (though I never received it all ;) our fecond about a thou- fand; Connedticut about fix thoufand, &c. 12. No gov- ernment is maintained without tribute, cuftom, rates, taxes, &c. 13. Our charter excels all in New England, or, in the world, as to the fouls of men. 14. It pleafed God, Rom. 13, to command tribute, cuftom, and confequently rates, not only for fear, but for confcience fake. 15. Our rates are the leaft, by far, of any colony in New England. 16. There is no man that hath a vote in town or colony, but ^^ hath a hand in making the rates by himfelf or his depu- ties. 17. In our colony the General Afi"embly, Governor, magiftrates, deputies, towns, town clerks, raters, conftables, &c., have done their duties, the failing lies upon particu- lar perfons.' 18. It is but folly to refift, (one or more, and if one, why not more ?) God hath ftirred up the fpirit of the Governor, magiftrates and officers, driven to it by neceflity, to be unanimoufly refolved to fee the matter finiftied ; and it is the duty of every man to maintain, encourage,- and ftrengthen the hand of authority. 19. Black clouds (fome years) have hung over Old and New England heads. God hath been wonderfully patient and long fufFering to us ; but who fees not changes and calamities hanging over us .? 20. All men fear, that this 'In 1679, the General Aflembly or- Providence, four; Kingftown, fix ; War- dered a rate to be levied of fixty pounds, wick, four ; Wefterly, four ; New Shore- which was apportioned as follows : New- ham, four ; Eaft Greenwich, fix ; James- port, eighteen ; Portfmouth, eleven ; town, fix. Letters of Roger Williams. 4-03 blazing herald from heaven' denounceth from the Moft High, wars, peftilence, famines ; it is not then our wif- dom to make and keep peace with God and man ? Your old Cinworthy fervant, Roger Williams. To my much honored, kind friend, the Governor Bradjlreet,^ at Bojion, prefent. Providence, 6 May, 1682, {tit vulgo.y Sir, — Your perfon and place are born to trouble as the fparks fly upward ; yet I am grieved to difturb your thoughts or hands with any thing from me, and yet am •Referring to the remarkable comet of 1680, which created a great fenfation throughout the world, Increafe Mather wrote an effay on the fubjeft, Ihowing the remarkable events which followed the appearance of comets ; and Bayle wrote two fmall volumes on the comet of 1680, wherein his views are quite at variance with thofe of the Puritan divine. * Gov. Bradftreet was one of the Com- miffioners of the United Colonies. In 1662, he and Mr. Norton were fent to congratulate King Charles on his reftora- tion. In 1679 he was elefted Governor, which office he held till 1686, when the charter was annulled and Dudley com- menced his adminiftration as Prefident of New England. He was replaced in of- fice in 1689 and held it until 1692. He died in 1697 at the age of 94. 5 2 Mafs. Hijl. Col. vol. iii. p. 196. Mr. Williams when near the clofe of his life, occupied his leifure in preparing the difcourfes he had delivered during his miffionary efforts as will appear from this letter. "It affords" too " additional proof, writes Dr. Elton, of the writer's difinterefted benevolence and felf-deny- ing fpirit. With ample opportunities of enriching himfelf — to ufe the words of his fon — he gave away his lands and other eftate to them that he thought were moft in want, until he gave away all. His property, his time, and his talents, were devoted to the promotion of the tem- poral and fpiritual welfare of mankind, and in condufting to a glorious iffue the ftruggle to unloofe the bonds of the cap- tive daughter of Zion." — Life of Wil- liams, p. 148. 404 Letters of Roger Williams. refreflied with the thought, that fometimes you fubfcribe [your willing fervant :] and that your love and willingnefs will turn to your account alfo. Sir, by John Whipple' of Providence, I wrote lately (though the letter lay long by him) touching the widow Meffinger's daughter, Sarah Weld, of Bofton, whom I be- lieve Jofeph Homan, of Bofton, hath miferably deluded, flandered, oppreffed (her and his child) by barborous in- humanity, fo that I humbly hope your mercy and juftice will glorioufly in public kifs each other. Sir, this enclofed tells you that being old and weak and bruifed (with rupture and colic) and lamenefs on both my feet, I am direcfted by the Father of our fpirits, to defire to attend his infinite Majefty with a poor mite, (which makes but two farthings.) By my fire-fide I have recol- lected the difcourfes which (by many tedious journeys) I have had with the fcattered Englifh at Narraganfett, be- fore the war and fince. I have reduced them unto thofe twenty -two heads, (enclofed) which is near thirty fheets of my writing : I would fend them to the Narraganfetts and others ; there is no controverfy in them, only an endeavor of a particular match of each poor finner to his Maker. For printing, I am forced to write to my friends at Maf- fachusetts, Connedticut, Plymouth, and our colony, that he that hath a fhilling and a heart to countenance and pro- mote fuch a foul work, may truft the great Paymafter (who is beforehand with us already) for an hundreth for one in this life. Sir, I have many friends at Bofton, but pray you to call in my kind friends Capt. Brattle and Mr. 'John Whipple was a Deputy from many times re-elefted. He was an in- Providence to the General Aflembly as habitant of Dorchefter, Mafs., in 1632 ; early as 1666, to which office he was at removed to Providence in 1659. Letters of Roger Williams. 405 Seth Perry, who may, by your wife difcretions, eafe yourfelf of any burthen. I write to my honored acquaintance at Roxbury, Mr. Dudley' and Mr. Eliot, and Mr. Stough- ton,2 at Dorchefter, and to Capt. Gookins, at Cambridge, and pray yourfelf and him to confult about a little help from Charleftown, where death has ftripped me of all my acquaintance. Sir, if you can return that chapter my re- ply to G ton, concerning New England, I am advifed to let it fleep, and forbear public contefts with Proteftants, iince it is the defign of hell and Rome to cut the throats of all the proteftors in the world. Yet I am occafioned, in this book, to fay much for the honor and peace of New England.3 'Jofeph Dudley, Governor of Maflk- chufetts, held many important offices in that colony. He was at the battle with the Narraganfetts in December, 1675, and was one of the Commiffioners who didlated the terms of a treaty with them. By a commiffion from King James he was exalted to the office of Prefident of New England, in which capacity he had much to do with Rhode Ifland. He fell into trouble in the revolution of 1680, being imprifoned in Bofton as one of the friends of Andros. Being fent to Eng- land with Andros, Queen Anne received him with favor, and made him Chief Juftice of New York. When in Eng- land in 1693, he was made Lieut. Gov- ernor of the Ifle of Wight and in 1 701 elefted to Parliament. The following year he returned to MafTachufetts as Gov- ernor, including the colonies of New Hampfhire and Maine, which office he held till 17 1 5 when he retired to his home in Roxbury, where he died in 1720 aged 72 years. — NezoEng. Hiji. and Gen. Regijier, vol. x. p. 337. ^Ifrael Stoughton. See note 10 Let- ter of Tune 22, 1670. '"The foregoing letter," fays Knowles, "furnifhes proof that Mr. Williams, even after Philip's War, and confequent- ly after he had pafTed his 77th year, went to Narraganfett and delivered difcourfes. His zeal for the falvation of men was not extinguifhed by his age, nor was he prevented from efforts to fave them, by his theory refpefting the miniflry. That zeal is difplayed in his defire to print thefe difcourfes, after difeafe confined him to his home. The letter, too, leads us to infer his poverty. He would not, probably, have folicited aid to print fo fmall a' work, if he had polfeffed the means. A letter from his fon to the Town of Providence, dated Aug. 24, 1 7 10, printed in Knowles's Memoir, (p. 1 10) intimates that his father had been dependent on his children to fome ex- tent, during the latter years of his life." Memoir of Roger Williams, p. 148. 4o6 Letters of Roger Williams. Sir, I (hall humbly wait for your advice where it may be beft printed, at Bofton or Cambridge, and for how much, the printer finding paper. We have tidings here of Shafts- bury's and Howard's beheading, and cbntrarily, their re- lease, London manifeftations of joy, and the King's call- ing a Parliament. But all thefe are but fubiuniaries, tem- poraries and trivials. Eternity (O eternity !)is our bufinefs, to which end I am moft unworthy to be Your willing and faithful fervant, Roger Williams. My humble refpects to Mrs. Bradftreet, and other hon- ored friends. Tejiimony of Roger Williams relative to his firji coming into the Narraganfett country, dated t Narragansett, June i8, 1682.' I teftify, as in the prefence of the all-making and all- feeing God, that about fifty years fince, I coming into this Narraganfett country, I found a great conteft between three Sachems, two, (to wit, Canonicus and Miantonomo) were againft Oufamaquin, on Plymouth fide, I was forced to travel between them three, to pacify, to fatisfy all their and their dependents' fpirits of my honeft intentions to live peaceably by them. I teftify, that it was the general and conftant declaration, that Canonicus his father had three fons, whereof Canonicus was the heir, and his ^Knowles, Memoir of Roger Williams, p. 411. Letters of Roger Williams. 407 youngeft brother's fon, Miantonomo, (becaufe of youth,) was his marflial and executioner, and did nothing without his uncle Canonicus' confent ; and therefore I declare to pofterity, that were it not for the favor God gave me with Canonicus, none of thefe parts, no, not Rhode Ifland, had been purchafed or obtained, for I never got any thing out of Canonicus but by gift. I alfo profefs, that very inquifi- tive of what the title or denomination Nan-aganfett (hould come, I heard that Narraganfett was fo named from a lit- tle ifland between Puttiquomfcut and Mufquomacuk on the fea and frefli water fide. I went on pu^pofe to fee it ; and about the place called Sugar Loaf Hill, I faw it, and was within a pole of it, but could not learn why it was called Narraganfett. I had learned, that the Maflachu- fetts was called fo, from the Blue Hills, a little ifland thereabout ;. and Canonicus' father and anceftors, living in thefe fouthern parts, transferred and brought their authority and name into thole northern parts, all along by the fea- fide, as appears by the great defl:ru(5tion of wood all along near the fea-fide and I defire pofterity to fee the gracious hand of the Moft High, (in whofe hands are all hearts) that when the hearts of my countrymen and friends and brethren failed me, his infinite wifdom and merits ftirred up the barbarous heart of Canonicus to love me as his fon to his laft gafp, by which means I had not only Mianto- nomo and all the loweft Sachems my friends, but Oufa- maquin alfo, who becaufe of my great friendfliiip with him at Plymouth, and the authority of Canonicus, confented freely, being alfo well gratified by me, to the Governor Winthrop and my enjoyment of Prudence, yea of Provi- dence itfelf, and all the other lands I procured of Canoni- cus which were upon the point, and in effed: whatfoever I 4o8 Letters of Roger Williams. defired of him ; and I never denied kim or Miantonomo whatever they defired of ine as to goods or gifts or ufe of my boats or pinnace, and the travels of my own perfon, day and night, which', though men know not, nor care to know, yet the all-feeing Eye hath feen it, and his all-pow- erful hand hath helped me. Blefled be his holy name to eternity. Roger Williams. September 28th, 1704. I then, being at the houfe of Mr. Nathaniel Coddington, there being prefented with this written paper, which I atteft, upon oath, to be my father's own hand writing. Joseph Williams, Affijlant. February i ith, 1705. True copy of the original, placed to record, and examined per me. Weston Clarke, Recorder. INDEX. Abbott, Daniel and note on, - 207 Agowaun, - - - - -115 Ahuanfquatuck, - - - 291 Allen, Mr. of Hartford, - 85, 309 Ames, Mr. - . . . 283 Amie, Mr. - - - - 196 Anabaptills, perfecution of, at Lynn, (w.) 210 Andrews, Edward, of Warwick, 181 Angell, Thomas,' - - (».) 335 Anquontis, - - - - 172 Antinomians, - - - - 91 Apponaug, - . - 387 Aquawoce, - - - - 179 Aquidneck, Aquetneck, Aquidnay, 70, 104, 113, 121, 154 Aquedenefeck, Dutch Ifland, - 173 Archer, John, (and note,) - - 299 Arnold; Hift. ofR. I., references to, 70,321, 326, 324 Arnold, Benedift, 155, 196, 197, 294, (,"■) 313. (note on,) 196 Arnold, William, caufes trouble in Providence, 124 " " Winthrop's notice of, 124 " " makes overtures to MafTachufetts, (».) 1 5 1 " " letter to the Gov- ernor of Maflachu- fetts, relativd to Williams's vilit to England, - - 229 52 Arnold, William, references to, 155, 295, 302, 389 Arnold, Mr. - - - - 187 Arnold, Stephen, ... 295 Arnold, Samuel G., Hift. of R. I., quoted, (».) 182 Arnold, Thomas. ... ^oi Afcaflkflbtic, .... 275 Alhton, James, - . . -310 Afpinwall, William, (».) - - 89 Aflbtemuit, - . . . ^o Atherton, Humphrey, note on, 1 5 5, , 1 60 200, 348, 318, (».) 366 Attayakitch, - - . - 122 Auguontis, . - - - 211 Auhaudin, . - - .123 Audfah, murderer of Oldham, 66, 26 Aurania, (Newport,) fort at - 303 Awayfewaukit, - . - - 385 Awetipimo, . . . .102 Ayanemo, or Ninegret, note on, - 45 Backus' Hift. of the Baptifts, quoted, 149, 151, 152, 211, 253, 278, 262, 278, 300, 305, 312, 316, 399 Badger, William, ... 167 Baker, William, 66, (».) 85, 86, 95, 98 Barnes, John, . - - - 171 Batter, Edmund, - . - S3 " " came out with J. Greene, (».) 53 Baulfton, William, ... 294 Bellingham, Mr. 16, 34, 55, 48, 297 410 Indt ex. Beffe's Sufferings of the Quakers, quoted, (».) 105 Beverley's Hift. of Virginia, quoted, 158 Bill, James, - . . . 292 Blackftone, Blaxton, William, 79 and note, 80 Blackftone, William, death of, and note on, 365 Blake, Admiral, 197 (».) zg8 and note, 292 Blake's Biographical Diftionary, ref- erences to, 53, 19Z, 285, 289, 351,400. Blindman, Mr. - - - 212 Block Ifland, Indian fettlement on, dellroyed, (».) 4 " " prifoners taken at, - 37 " " Governor Endecott's expedition. to, - (».) 53 " " references to, 123, 158, 186,3 " " Maflachufetts appoints Commiffioners, relative to, - - - - 320 Bloody Tenent, reference to, - 91 Bluefield, or Blauvelt, 186, 187 (».) 188, 196 Boflon Neck, - - (».) 313 Bourne, Major, - - - - 143 Bradford, W., Hift. of Plymouth, quoted, 42, 80, 337, 338 " Governor, 90 («.), 817, 336 (».), 338 («.) " his opinion of Roger Wil- liams, 336 (n.) Bradlliaw, John, note on, - - 286 Bradftreet, Simon, 140 (».), 403 (».) " " letter of Roger Williams to, - 403 Brenton, William, - - 313, 389 Brenton, Mrs. - - - - 189 Brewfter, Jonathan, - 190 («.) Brewfter, William, - - 190 (».) Brewfter, Mr. - - - 164, 165 Bridge, William, - - 222 (».) Bridges, Robert, - - 210 {n.) Brown, Chad, paftor of Baptift Ch. 329. 330 i'!-) Brown, Mofes, - - - 335 i"-) Brown, Mr. - - - IS3» '9^ Brown, John, - - 154 (».), 391 Brown, John Carter, Extrafts from his manufcripts, - 321, 322 Bulkley, Rev. Peter, - - 5°' 5« Bull, Jireh, - - - - 37^ Burny eat, John, - - - 359 Burroughs, Jeremiah, - - 222 («.) Caldwel), Rev. S. L., notes by, 220, 222 Callender, J., quoted, - 104, 105, 183 Calvin, John, - - 347 Canonicus, 16, 22, 38 (».), 39, 40, 42, 55,58,86,96,101,107,133, 138, 407. " fketch of, - - 68 ■' gives Prudence Ifland to Mr. Oldham, - - 70 Carr, Sir Robert, letters to, 321, 371 Carpenter, Nathaniel, - 192 (».) Carpenter's Geography, - - 192 Carpenter, Wm., makes overtures to Maifachufetts, 151 (».) " " other references to, 295. 302 (».) Carwithy, Mr., - - 212, 213 Cavaliers and Levellers, - - 287 Cavour, John, - - 336 (».) Caucal'enamont, - - 174, 190 CawcawmfqufEck, - 146 («.) Cawdrey, Daniel, - 354 Cawkin, Mr., - - - 205 Charles I., arreft and trial of, 161 (n) " " condemnation and execu- tion, - - 162 (».) " " references to, 287, 298 (».) Chawbutick, - - 211,212 Chaubutick Indians, - - 212 Chauncey, Charles, Preft. Harvard College, note on, 285 Chefter, Mrs. - - - . 229 Index. 411 Chefbrough, William, and note, - 143 Chibachuwefe Ifland fold to Mr. Winthrop, - 70 Churcli, Richard, - - 66 (».) Clarke, Captain, - - 173,180 Clarke, John, of Newport, bio- graphical (ketch of, 183 (a.) Clarke, John, his " 111 News from New England," 183 (w.) " " ordered to be whipped or fined at Lynn, - 210 " " difcuifion with Gov. Endecott', - 210 (».) " " letter to Gov. Ende- cott, relative to his perfecution of Mr. Clark, O. Holmes and others, - - - 214 " " fent to England to pro- cure a repeal of Cod- dington's commiffion, 230 (».),2S6 (a.) " " other references to, 150, 183, 188, 189, 213, 220, 294 (».), 341, 362. Clarke, Dr. John, of Newbery, 189 (».) Clements, Thomas, - 385 Coddington, Nathaniel, 408 Coddington Wm. 40 («.), 55 (».), 70, 91, 138,150,151, 166, 170,212,228 (».), 267, 299, 306. " " notice of, - 104 (».) " " his Demonftration of True Love, - 105 » " advifed by Vane to leave Bofton, - 123 " " proceedings at New- port, - - 166 " " fails for England, 166 " " propofes to the Com'rs of the Uni- ted Colonies to re- ceive Rhode Is- land, - 151 (».), 354 Coddington, Wm., charter obtained by, - 228 («.), 229 " " and John Clarke fent to England in reference to char- ter, - - 230 («.) " " fettles differences with Wm. Dyre, 294 (».) Cole, Mr. - - - - 79 Collicutt, Richard, 59 and note, 60, 65 Comet of 1680, - , - - 403 Commiffioners of the United Colo- nies, note on, - - 172 Conanicut, - - - - 130 Cooke's Life of Marvel referred to, 251 Cooftikowwany, - 376 Cope, Mr. - - - - 121 Cotton, John, - -90,91,198,285 " " his reply to Williams, 198 («.) Cotton, John, fon of the above, let- ter to Williams, 351 " " note on, - - 351 Cowawefuck, a pine tree, - 21 (».) Cowefet, Eaft Greenwich, 21, 22, 126, 348 Cowefet Indians, ... 366 Coxall, (Coggefliall) Mr. 15, 49 (».), 89 Cradock, Mathew, - 100 and note, Crandall, John, to be whipped or fined at Lynn, - 211 Cranfton, Governor, - - - 358 Cromwell, Oliver, references to, 162, 164, 193, 206, 270, 287, 293, 294, 307, 311)373- Cromwell, Richard, - - 312 Cudworth, Major, . - - 398 Cuppunaugunnit, - - - 42 Curlow, Jacob, - - - - 173 Cutlhamaquin, 37, 57, 102, 103, 115, 132 Cuttaquene, - - - 174, 176 412 Index. Davenport, Richard - - 33 (».) Davenport, M. - - - 320 Dead hands, . - . - 60 Deane, Charles, note by - - 77 " " his ed. of Bradford's Hift. of Plymouth, 336 (».) Del], Wm, his books burnt, - z86 " " note on - - - 286 Denifon, Major - - - 320 Dexter, Gregory, town clerk, - z68 Dexter, Gregory 328, 328 (».) 322 Dike, Anthony - - - 24 " " note on - - 24 Diman, Prof, his ed. of "Geo. Fox digg'd out of his burrowes," 357 (»•). 358 (».) Don Pantaleon beheaded, - - 288 Doxey, Thomas 195, ig6, 204, 205 Drake's Biog. Diftionary, reference to - 50,61,68,70,91,339 " Book of the Indians, quoted, 302 Dudley, Gov. of Maflachufetts, - 138, 140 (».), 405 (».) Dunfter, Henry, Preft. Harvard College, note on - - 285 Dutch Governor, - - '45 Dutch Ifland, - - 173 Dutch Prizes, - - - - 173 Dyer, (Dyre) William - 90, 130 Dyer, Wm. fettles differences with Coddington, 294 (».) Dyre, Mr. - 254, 267, 283 Dyre, (Dier,) Samuel - - 371 Earthquake in New England, 99 '' Winthrop's notice of 99 (»,) Eallon, Mr. . - - 166, 283 " John - - - 294 (».) Eaton, Governor - - i z8 (».) Edes, Mr. - - - - 362 Edgar the Peaceable, - - - 88 Edmundfon, Wm., controverfy with Williams - - 358 Eikon Bafilike, note on the author of 199 Eikonoklaftes, in anfwer to Eikon Bafilike, . - - 249 Elderkin, John, note from - 195, 213 Elizabeth's Spring, . - - 365 Eliot, John - 172 (».), 322 (».), 405 Ellis, Geo. E,, Life of Mafon re- ferred to, - - 1 10 Elton's Life of Williams, quoted, 240, 242, 245, 403 " his note on the Sadlier let- ters, - - - 252 (».) Elton, Rev. Dr., note on John Clarke, - - - - 183 Endecott, Gov. John 36, 174, 275, 299 (».) " " note on - - S3 " Captain - . - 63 " his controverfy with John Clarke at Lynn, - zio (».) " letter of R. Williams to, relative to his perfecution of Clarke and others, 214, 228 " his feal, a death's head and crofs-bones, - 215 (».) Fairfax, - - - - 164 Fairfax, Thomas, Lord - 311 (».) Familifm, reference to - - 141 Feake, Mr. . - 260 Fenner, Arthur - 374> 379, 383 Fenwick, Colonel - 255 Field, William, referred to - - 3Z9 Field, William, his farm - - 167 Field, Mr. - - - - 314 Fiftier's Ifland, . - - . ipj Fitch, Mr. .... 363 Foote, Mr. ... 184, 286 Foffiker, Jofeph ... zi3 Fowler, Mr. - - - . 286 Fox, George, letter of Williams to, inviting a difcuflion at New- port, - - - - 3S7 Fox, 'George Fox digg'd out of his burrowes,' note on 357, 358 Index. 4^3 Gallop, John " " note on - Gallop's Ifland, - Gammell, Wm.,Life of quoted - 91, 1 14, Gardner, - 32 - 32 ". . " 33 Williams 166, 172, 232 16 (n.) Gardiner, Lieft. Lyon, his '^Relation to the Pequot wars" - 32 Gardiner, Mr. - - - - 212 Garriard, John - - . 280, 281 Gauden, Dr., the aifthor of-' Eikon Bafilike," - - . 199 (») Gibbons, M. - - - 71, 203 Gibbons, Capt. .... 285 Gold, Mr. - - - .181 Gold and Silver ore difcovered, . 169 Goodwin, Thomas - . 222, 289 Goodyear, Mr. - - . - 160 Gookins, Capt. Daniel - 354, 405 Gorton, Sam'l, his controverfy with Williams, 141 and note. " " Winflow's reference to - . - 141 " " his "Simplicities De. fence," . - 142 " " propofal to United Colonies, - 151 (».) " " other references to, 180, 294 (».), 323, 341,405 Gortonifts at Shawomet, - - 229 Gould, Thomas - , - - 320 Greene, Geo. W. his Life of Gen. Nath'l Greene, refer'd to 52 (».) Greene, John - 52,53,54,320 " " to appear before Quar- ter Court of Mafs. 52(7?.) " •' fined and committed 52 (».) " " note on origin of 52 (w.) " " letter to the General Court of Mafs. - 89 Greene, John, Jr. - - 294 (n.) Guftavus Ad olphus, of Sweden, - 311 Hall, Bifhop, and the " Eikon Bafil- ike," - - - - 199 53 Hallam, H. on the authorihip of " Eikon Bafilike," - 199 (».) Harding, Mr. .... 3^ Hafell, John - . . 80 (».) Harris, Thomas, letter of R. W. to 206 Harris, William, 39 (».), 322,335, 388, , , 389, 393, 394 " " taken by an Alge- rine corfair, 389 (».) " " other references to r, . '75, 185 Harnfon, Maj. Gen. 260, 298 («.) Hartford, propofed meeting at - 115 " covenant and agreement made at, between the Eng- liih and Indians, 117 (».), 134 Harvard College claims lands in Wefterly, Hartley, William Hathorne's cow, Hawkins, James, - " Thomas Haynes, Gov. John - 334 . 220 - iz6 - 15, 81, 85, 127 - 15,81,85 36, 95, 106, no, 117,118,121,134, 135, 136. " " " notes on 36, 96 Hayfeed, method of faving - - 146 Hazard's State papers referred to, 175 Hazel, John, of Rehoboth, - zn, 230 Hazelrig, Sir Arthur 255, 287, 288, Herenden, Hicks, John Higheft white, - Hinckley, Thomas, Gov. month, letters to Hifcox, William 290 (n.) - 330 - 320 49 ('^O of Ply- - 395, 396 362 Holden, Randall, of Warwick, - 154 Hollett, Mr. - - - - 163 Holmes, Sergeant . .86 Holmes, Obadiah, ordered to be whipped and fined, 210 " " references to -330 Holmes's Annals quoted, 281, 367, 369, 380 mi 414 Index. Holfey, Sergeant ... zgz Holy way, Thomas - - - 21 Homan, Jofeph, of Bofton, - - 404 Hooker, Rev. Thos. 36 (w.), 95, 98, 84 (».), 86, 345 " " « " Ecclefiallical Poli- ty," references to 241,245,246 Hopkins, Edward - 117, 128 (».) Hopkins, Mr. . - - . 255 Howe, Lieutenant - - - 97 Howell, Judge, note by - - 318 Howland, John 324 (».), 235 (».), 387 Hubbard, Benjamin - 80 and note. Hubbard, Sam'l, letter of Williams to 361 " " note on . - 361 Hubbard's Indian Wars, quoted, - 367, 369, 370, 379 Hubbard, Captain ... 392 Hume, Hill, of England, refer'd to, 164 Hutchinfon, Mrs. notice of - 91 (w.) " " references to 90,91, 254 " Capt. - - 321, 366 Hutchinfon Papers quoted, 230, 293, 299, 3°4. 337 Hutchinfon's Maflachufetts, quoted, 366 Indian murdered by four white men near Paw tucket, iii to 114 " murdered, note from Win- throp, relative to - - 114 " murderers tried at Plymouth and found guilty, - - 116 " murderers, Williams attends trial of - - - - 120 Inman, Edward .... 392 Iron Works at Providence, - 284, 286 ackfon, John, note on - 33 _ acquontu, ... - . 78 ames, Mr. - 23, 112 ames, Thomas . 80 and note. [iglies, 33. 35 (»•) Jolly, Jollies, Mr. - . 69,100 Jones, John . . - .165 Juanemo, alias Ninigret, 45, 46, 48, 78, no. III, 115 Juanemo, note on . - - 44 Kaufafenamon, - - - -194 Kieft, Gov. Peter, of New Amfter- dam ... i6z (».) Kifhkontuckqua, ... - 103 Kithanfli, - - - - - 122 Kittateafh, Uncas' fon - - - 291 Knowles' Mem. of R. Williams, Letters from 101, no, 120, 153, 15s, 158, 159, 161, 163, 166, 168, 170, 171, 178, 179, 180, 181, 206, 210, 228, 235, 253, 261, 287, 291, 297, 309, 310. 314, 318, 324, 326, 333, 336. 387, 405, 406 Kokrkehom, an owl, - - - 18 Kutfliamoquin, - - ■ 37 Lake, Mrs. - - 159, 172 Laud, Archb'p writings, reference to - - - - 246, 252 Lawrence, Lord Prefident - - 260 Leghorn, Duke of • -• - 292 Lenthall, Mr. - - 290 L'Eftrange, Hamon, note on - - 286 Lettice, Walter - - - - 169 Leverett, Captain ... 289 Leverett, Gov. John, note on 289, 373, 385. 379 Loes, Anthony - - . - 37z Lord, Mr. ..... 309 Lucar, Mr. - - . .188 Ludlow, George 49 («.), 59, 60, 65, 127, 131 Ludlow, Roger, Dep. Gov. of Mafs. T ., ,„ 36(».).49 {"•), 117 Ludlow, Mr. . - 85, 126 Lynn, perfecution of John Clarke and others at - 210 (»,) Index. 4^5 Mackintofh, Sir J. on the Eikon Bafilike, - - - igp («.) Mackintofti, Sir J. his note on H. Vane, ... - 298 Makunnete, - - - - 103 Man, William - - . 208 (».) Mangunckacuck, - - - 119 Manton, Shadrach - - 324, 328 Martin, Sir Wm., enquiry relative to Williams ... - 337 Martha's Vineyard, - - 204 (».) Marvell, Andrew, affiftant to Milton 251 Maihapaug, - - - 329 Maffachufetts lays claim to Rhode Ifl'and, - - - 154 (».) Mafon, Capt,John, 16 (».">, 31, no, 117, 153, 167, 175, 181, 190, 194. 363 Mafon, Capt. John, his "Hillory of the Pequot War," - - 32 Mafon, Capt. John, Iketch of - no Mafon, Major, Roger Williams's let- ter to - . - - 333 Mafquanominit, - - -115 Mattifon, James - - 401 Maflafoit, - - - - - 316 Mather, Increafe, quoted, - - no " " on the Comet of 1680, ... - 403 Mather, Richard - -50 (».) Mauquowkit, - - - -41 Maumfaumpous, - - - - IZ2 Maufup, - - - - 371 Mauanadtuck, - . - - 28 Maunamoh, - - - 58 Mayhew, Thomas 69, 100, and 100 (».) Meika, 367 Meikfa, ----- 67 Meikfamp, ----- 68 Mexham, fon of Canonicus, 274, 291, 326 Miantonomu, references to, zo, 22, 23 (».), 26, 37, 39, 55. 42, 48) 58, 62, 68, 70, 86, 96, 97, loi, no, n5, n6, 121, 133, 138, 140, 306, 316, 329,363, 390 Miantonomu, account of - 69 note. " figns covenant at Hart. ford, - - - 117 Milton, John, Latin Secretary to Cromwell, 241 (».), 251 (».) Milton, John, his "Eikonoklafles" in anfwer to "Eikon Bafilike," 249 Milhaimtuck men, - - 388, 392 Mifquamicoke, Wefterly, - - 38 Mittonan, - - - - - 385 Mittaubfcut, - - - - 385 Mohawks, 13, 14, 35, 44, 47, 48. 152, 155, 157, 186, 203,273,382 '• flay the Englilh, - -14 Mohegans, 86, 98, 107, no, 117, n8, i35jI4S. 185, 201,274, 385 Mohegan, - - " i37. 139 Monahiganeucks, Mohegans, 22, 84, 67 Mohun, Mrs. - . - 288, 290 Monafliackotoogs, - 34 Monk, Geo. Duke of Albemarle - 352 Montawk, - - - - 24 (w.) Morton, Nathaniel - - - 357 Morton's Memorial refer'd to, 154, 333 Mofliaffuck river bridge, 263, 324 (».) Mofely, Capt. Samuel - - - 375 Mumford, Stephen - - . 362 Munhadoes, - - 186, 204 Munnataukit, - - - 24 Myftic, to be free hunting ground. 43 (».) Nameug, New London, - 146 (».) NananawtuBu, - - - 364, 379 Nanafquiouwut, - - - - 1 22 Neponfet river, - - - -113 Narraganfett Indians, 24, 27, 30, 34, 37, n7, 120,145,269, 271,273, 276, 280 Narraganfett, origin of - 40 (».) Narraganfett country, - - - 86 " " quellion on the jurifdiftion of - - 334 («•) Narraganfett fight in 1675, account of - - - - 380 (».) Naufipouck, - - - - I2Z Nawwuftiawfuck, - 301, 305 41 6 Index. Nayantakoogs, - - - - 46 Nayantacawnick, - - - - 43 Nayantequit men, - - 45, 135 Nayantequit, Niantic, i. e. Wefterly and Charleftown, - - 119 Necawnimeyat, - - - - 109 Ninekunat, - - - 189, 194 Newman, Rev. Samuel - 81, 192 (».) New Haven, - - - - 8z Newport, - - - 127, 303 (».) " difcuffion between Roger Williams and Quakers at 357 Newton's cafe, - - - -199 Niantequit, Pine Mail Swamp 18 (n.) Niantiquits, Miantonomu's refidence, 1 8 Niantics, - - - 13, 1 15 " location of - - 18 (».) Nichols, Col. - - . 387, 391 Ninicraft, . - - - 367, 384 Ninigret, fachem of the Niantics, 45 (».), 147, 156, 161, 165, 172, 179, 270, 275, 280, 281, 323 " coufin to Miantonomu, 45 (».) " at war with Indians of Long Ifland, - 281 (».) Nipmucks, - 29, 30, 38, 47, 182, 326 Nifwofakit, - - - - 315 Northern traft, grant of - - I77 Notaquonatnot, - - - - 314 Nowell, - - - - - 182 Nye, Philip - - - - 222 O'Callaghan's New Netherlands, iij{n.') Ohomowauke, 19 Oldham, Mr. - 26, 66, 70, 139 Oldway, - - - 109 Oliver, Capt. - 292, 37J Olney, Mr. his fon . - . ^09 Olney, Thomas - - - . 324 Olney, Thomas - - - 283 Oneko, - - - - 61 (».) Orange, Prince of - - - 162 Origen, note on - - - 3'3 Oufamequin, - 116, 316, 336, 407 Owen, Dr. Thomas, anfwers Cot- ton's book, - 353 and note. Owocafe, Uncas, - - - 84 Paine, Mr. of Seekonk - - 212 Palfrey, Rev. Dr. note relative to Williams - - - - 356 Pametefick, - - 102, 103, 106 Pananawokfliin, - - - Z2 Parker, Mr. - . - . ^09 Partridge, Alexander - - iji, 154 Patrick, Capt. Daniel 16 (».), 24 (;!?.), 29 (».), 32 (».), 35, 46, 109, 166 Paupattokfliick, - - - - 119 Paupauquiwut, . - . 379 Pawcatuck. - - - 152, 170 Pauchauquet, ... 291 Pawtucket, Powtuckqut, an Indian murdered near - 1 11, 113 " reference to - - 3^9 Pawtuxet, - - - 293, 302 Peach, Arthur - - - 1 1 1 Peacock, William - - 159 Peag, note on - - - 158 " law fixing value of - 179 (».) Penn, James ... go {n.) " Admiral Vfm. note on - 288, 290 Pequots, 6, 7, 13,17, 28, 46, 48, 52, 54, 56, 66, 85, 98, 102, 117, 120, 135, 238, 185, 201, 338, 38s Pequot Fort, plan of, how fituated 19 Pequot War, note on - - - 30 Pequots, note from Underhill relat- ing to . 41 (b.) " purfued by Stoughton 43 {n.) " land of, divided - 4^). (».) " name extinguilhed, 117, 146 (».) Pequot town, now New London, 44 {n.) PeiTicus, - - . 323, 363 Pefficofli, - . 201, 2 n Peters, Hugh, 50, note on 50, 181, 259, 3°8, 35S Pettaquomfett, 40 {n.), 322 («.), 380 Index. 417 Philip, King 323, 326, 364, 366, 367, 369 " rumors of war with 364 (».) " war begins at Swanfey, 369 (».) " notices of war with 370, 374, 375. 385. 382 " War, Rhode Ifland took no part in - - - - 386 Pine maft fwamp, Groton, - 18 (».) Pifcataquack, - - - - 1 1 1 Pitammock, - - - - 211 Pitney, James - - - - 292 Plymouth, - - 80, 112, 167, 188 Plymouth records, - 81,198,269 Plymouth claims jurifdiftion of R. Ifland, - - 154 (»•) Plum Ifland, - - - - 25 Portfmouth unites with Newport in fending John Clarke to Eng- land, ... 230 (».) Powcomtuck Indians, - - - 281 Potter's, E. R., Hift. Narraganfett, quoted, 38, 117, 120, 313, 326, 387 Prichard, Capt. - - - - 155 Prince, Thomas, of Plymouth - 351 Prince's Chronology, quoted, - 316 Providence, firll compaft figned at 5 " R. Williams' letter to town of - - - 149 " letter to Sir H. Vane, 266 " Records, quoted, 278, 305 Prudence Ifland, (Chibachuwefe) given to Oldham, - -70 " fold to Mr. Winthrop, 70 (w.) " date of deed of - - 78 " other references to 82, 104, 138 Pumham, note on - - 300, 321 " troubles with - 300,301,382 Pummakommins, - - zii Punhommin, - - - - 17' Puppompogs, - - - 122, 136 Puttaqutpunck, . . - 57 Puttaquappuonckquame, - 63, 122 Pynchon, Wm. 51 («.)> ^9h ^°S {"■) Pynchon, Wm. his work on '' Man's Redemption," - - 205 Quapang, - . - - 383 Quaquackis, - - 379 Quaunoncku, - - - 367 Quame, - - 57 Quawnipund, - - 367, 384 Quiapen, - - - 367 Quick, William - - - 33 («•) Quinnipiuck, (New Haven - 119 Quflaumpowan, - - - 103 Rawfon, Edward - - - 151 Rehoboth, - - - - 80, 364 Reprive, an Indian fervant of Gov. Winthrop, - 69, 78, 82 Rhodes, Zacharie - 295 and note. " Chriftopher - - 295 (».) " William- - - 295 (».) <' James T. - - 295 (».) Rhode Ifland Lit. Repofitory, let- ter from - - - -327 Rider, S. S. publiflier, Williams' Experiments of Spiritual Life, 243 (»■) Roberts, Thomas - - "39 Robinfon, - - - - - 33 Robinfon, Rev. John - - 50 (».) Roome, John .... 294 Rupert, Prince - - 197 (».), 288 Sabin, J., publiflies Mafon's Pequot War, - - - - no Saconet rocks, . - - - 164 Sadlier, Mrs. letters to Roger Wil- liams, 241, 24;, 249 '• her opinion of " The Bloody Tenent," . . - - 244 " Dr. Elton's note on the cor- refpondence with - 252 (».) Salem, Williams' letter from church at, to church at Bofton, - 71 " Williams' letter, note by Charles Deane on the letter, 77 Sands, Mrrof Bofton - - - 230 54 4i8 Index. Saufatnan, - - - ' S7^ 3^7 Saflacus, 29, 31, 33, 35, 41, 44, 47, 5 '1 87, '36 " flight of - - 41 (».) Saffawau, - - - - 38, 39 Safepunnuit, - - - - '74 Safquankit, ... 54, 58 Saugus, • - - - - 127 Saufawpona, . - - .103 Savage, Genealog. Die. referred to 66, 89, 128, 154,328, 361, 375 Scott, Mr. - - . - - 121 Scott, John .... ^72 Scotch intelligence, - .141 (».) Scott, Mrs. Richard - . - 312 Seabrooke Fort, - - - 33 (»•) Sedgwick, Major . . 292, 298 Seekonk, ... 80, 153, 188 Sellick, Mr. of Bofton, - - ZI2 Sequin, . - . - - SI Sharpe, Samuel, letter from church at Salem, to church at Bof- ton, . - 71, 78 (».) Showatuck, - - - 7) 363 Shawomet, (Warwick) - 198, 229 Shirley, Bifliop, trial of witnefles 167 (^n.) Simpfon, Sidrach . . 222 (».) Simfon, John .... 260 Smith, Dan. Rehoboth - - 377 Smith, Edward, of Newport, - 362 Smith, John, references to, 207, 294 (».) Smith, John, notice of - 90 (».), 335 Smith, Jofeph, ot Warwick, 180 (».) Smith, Richard, Sr., 177 (».), 191, 320, 322 (».), 363, 366, 391, 399 Smith, Richard, Sr., buys R. Wil- liams' eftate at Cawcum- quffick. Smith, Richard, Jr. - 178 (».), 229 - 320, 322 Sofoa, or Socho, 38, 392 Soffiman, John Souwonckquawiir, Sowoquaffe, Spur, John - - 367 - 51 - - S« {«■) - ZII Stanton, Thomas, 61 and note, 84. 86, 97, no, 136, 138, 139, 172, 193, 203 Staples' Annals of Providence, quo- ted, - - - 169, 230 Staples' Gorton, quoted, - 329, 330 Stone, Captain - - - 60 (».) Stoughton, Capt. Ifrael 28, 32 (».), 33 (»•). 35 (»•)» 39i 47, 63, 67, 339 (»)» 405 Stoughton, Capt. purfues the Pe- quots, - - - 43 (».) Stoughton, William - - 339 (».) Stratton, Mr. - - - - 13I Stubbs, John - - - - 3S8 Stuyvefant, Gov. of New, Amfter- dam, - - - 162 (».) Sunke Squaw, . - - - 367 Sunfeeto, fon of Uncas, epitaph on, 61 Sugar-loaf Hill, - - - - 407 Swanzea, - - - 154> 3^4) 3^9 Symonds, Mr. . . - - 282 Tacommaicon, - 391 Tacummanan, - 391 Tattoapaine, - 87, 19s Tatuphofuit, - 364.372 Taufaquonawhut, . 194 Thomas' Dift. of Biography, quo- ted, ... 290, 299 Throckmorton, John 1 5, 27, 40, 45, 78, 8z, 113, 138, 160, 161, 164, 184, 191, 195, 198 Throckmorton, John - note on 27 Tift, Jofliua - - - 379, 384 Torrey, Jofeph, of Newport, 320, 362 Tours, John ... - 392 Trade, Captain - - 32, 33 (s.) Treves, or Truce, - - 187,188 Trevice, Mr. ... 162, 164 Trial of witnesses, 197 (».), 173 (».) Trumbull, J. H. his notes on WiU liams' Key, quoted, . 38, 40 Ucatquiuffet, 37 Index. trncas, 31,-61 («.),64, 68, 82, 84, 87, 95, 97, 102, io6, 119, 121, 128, 138, 152, 157, 167, 17s, T, . , '79. 181, 307, 363, 385 Uncas, epitaph on - . - 61 Uncas figns covenant at Hartford, -117 Underhill, John 16 (».), 31, 35, 161 " his News from America, 3 1 " note on the Pequots, 4.1 (n,\ Uiher, Bifliop - - - - 12 Valentine, Mr. - - - - 165 Van Tromp, Admiral - . . 288 Vane, Governor - - - - 70 Vane, Sir Henry, i, 55, 92,93, 123 (».), 187, 256 (».), 262 (».), 298 and note, 373 " requefts Coddington to re- move from Bofton, - -123 " fails for England, - 123 (».) " notice of, by Dr. Upham 253 (n.) " letter to the people of R. I. 257 " prifoner at Carifbrook Caf- tle, 373 Vane, Lady - - - - 187 Vaughan William - - - 392 Verin, Jofhua 82, 95 (».), 124 (w.), 335 (»■) Verin, Jofliua, complaints againft Williams, - - - - 124 Verin, Jolhua, Winthrop's notice of 1 24 Verin, Philip, of Salem, - - 95 Vincent, P., relation of the Pequot war, - - 31,41 (».) Wagonckwhut, - - . - 58 Wall, Mr. 212 Waller, Nath. - - - - 173 Wampum, notes on - 108,158 Warwick, fuit againft, for damages, - 293 " references to 153, 280, 300, 302 Warwick Neck, - - - 321, 322 Warner, Mr., of Warwick, - - 154 Wanafquatucket, - - . - 398 Waterman, Nathaniel - - - 324 Waterman, Nathan Waqunckeke, Weathersfield, Webtter, Mr. Weeokamen, Weeaugonhick, - Weekes, Mrs. Wekapaug, or Wefterly, Weld, Sarah 4/19 - 32s - 315 SI, 52 (»■) - 309 - 23 - 103 - 189 - 45 (».) - 404 Wequalh, a renegade Pequot, 18, 22, 26, w n, r „39.47, 61, 86, 139 Wequalh, name for Swan, - 19 (».) Wequalhcuck, Wequalh Cook, 62 and note, 68, 103, 107, 139 (».), W7 nr , '58, 160,170, 178, 181, 186 Weft India Expedition, - - 298 Weftcott, Stukely - - - sSq Wefton. Mrs. - - .208 " Francis or Mathew - 208 (».) Wefterly, Mifqiiamicoke, - 38,119 Weymouth, - . . - 112 Whipple, John, jr., R. Williams's letter'to - - - - 327 " reference to - - - 404 Whittier, John G., reference to wam- pum, - - - 109 (ff.) White, Mr. - - - 284, 289 Wickenden, Wm. - . . 329 Wickes, Francis - - - 335 (».) Wild, Jofeph - - . - 159 Willard, Major - . . . 277 Willet, Thomas - - - 388, 391 Willett's men, - - - - 386 William's, Jofeph - - - 408 Willams, Mary, daug. of Roger, 1 89 (».) Williams, Roger, accompanies Mian- tonomu to Hartford, - - 120 " complains of J. Verin and Wm. Arnold, - - - 124 " his voyage to Connefticut and Plymouth, - - - 125 " his troubles with Gorton, 141 and note. " his letter to Gov. Winthrop relative to Gorton, - - 141 420 Index. Williams, Roger, letter to the town of Providence, - - - 149 " effort to raife money for 151 (».) " elefted Deputy Prefident of the Colony, - - 170 " authorized to fell a little wine to the natives, - - - 180 " "Bloody Tenent," reference to 198, 2 14, 217, 243 " fails for England with J. Clarke to procure a new charter, - . . 230 («.) " note on his vifit, - - 256 " petitions to the Gen'l Court of Mafs., to pafs through Bollon, without moleftation, 223, 232 " his knowledge of foreign lan- guages, - - - 261 (».) " reads Dutch with Milton, - 262 " writes letter from town of Providence to Sir H. Vane, 266 " chofen Prefident of Provi- dence Colonv, - - 278 (n.) " teftimony relative to the deed of R. I., of 1658, - - 305 " note relative to his leaving Salem, - - - - 337 " his reference to matters of confcience and note, - - 345 " his croffing the Seekonk river, 3i6(».), 33S (»•)) 336 " his purchafe of lands in See- konk, - - - 316 " his Key to the Indian lan- guage, printed by Gregory Dexter, - - - 328 (».) *' Gov. Bradford's &etch of 336 («.) " Sir Wm. Martin's note on - 337 " is commiffioned captain in Philip's war, - - 337 (».) •• discourfes delivered by 403 (».), 40s {v.) Williams, Robert, letter of R. Wil- liams to - - - - 206 Winifimet, - - - - * 79 Winflow, Mr., 116, 255, 274, 277, 292, 33S Winflow, Edward, Commiflioner of expedition againft Hifpaniola, 282 (».), 288, 290 " " Hypocracie Unmalked," 141 {n.) Winflow, Jofiah - - - . 400 Winfor, Jofliua - - - . 310 Winfor, Jofliua's wife - - 283 Winthrop, John, Gov. of Mafs., note on - - - - 143 " letter to R. Williams - - 202 '• Maj. Wait - 259, 366, 368 " " " marries a daugh- ter of Hugh Peters, - 259 (».) " Elizabeth, death of - - 365 Winthrop's model of Chriftian Chari- ity, - - - - 319 " Hill, of N. Eng'd, quoted, - 304 Witter, Wm. of Lynn, - 210 (w) Wocafe, Uncas, - - - - 85 Wood, John .... 320 Wood's New England, ... 109 Wood, Richard - - - - 155 Wordsworth, Mr. on the " Eikon Bafilike," - - 199 (».) Wright, George - - - - 169 Wunhowatuckoogs, - - - '9 Wunnaftiowatuckoogs, 6, 28, 34, 38, 44, 61, 120, 363 Wunnawmeneefeat, ... jgj Wufquowhananawkits, or Neepmet men, .... 7 Wuflbonkquaffin, • . - - '55 Wuttackquiackommen, - • - 18 Wuttattaquegin, ... 129, 132 Wuttouwuttauoum, - . - 155 Yale, David, of Bollon - 128 Yale, Elihu - 128 (^.) Yaupuck, - 173 Yotoalh, 20, 22, 5J