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THE 
 
 LETTERS OF ROGER WILLIAMS 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 John Russell Bartlett. 
 
V 
 
 LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 ROGER WILLIAMS. 
 
 W- 
 
 1632 - l682. 
 
 NOW FIRST COLLECTED 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 JOHN RUSSELL BARTLETT 
 
 PROVIDENCE: 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE NARRAGANSETT CLUB. 
 I874. 
 
\ > \^p 
 
 3 I 
 
 is 
 
 S3 
 
 Se-f J 
 
EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 In publifhing for the firft time, all 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 controversial 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 Collections of the 
 Maffachu Setts Hiftorical Society, and a large number in Profeffor Knowles' Life of 
 Williams, publilhed at Bofton in 1834, few of which had before appeared in print. 
 But the moft considerable 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 Connecticut, and had remained in the 
 poffeflion of the Winthrop family until prefented to the Maflachufetts Hiftorical 
 Society. They were published by the Society at different times, as they came into 
 its poffeffion ; hence, are net found in one volume, but in many ; the larger num- 
 ber being in volume VI., of the fourth feries of its " Collections." 
 
 Williams doubtlefs had other correspondents, 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 Search in various Hiftorical Collections and in other 
 books, and he has alfo confulted gentlemen familiar with the writings of Williams; 
 but only in a fingle inftance 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 
 precilely as they were written, by preferving the language and the original orthog. 
 raphy ; a plan which was found to be impracticable. Had all been printed as thofe 
 are in the later volumes of the Maflachufetts Hiftorical Society, where the language 
 
x. Editor s Preface. 
 
 and orthography remain as originally written, this plan might ^ave 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 impracticable to attempt a piefenta- 
 tion of all the letters as originally written. Under thefe circumltances, 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 Collections which had been modernized, precifely as they appear ; no al- 
 teration being necefTary. Thofe among the " Winthrop Papers" printed in the later 
 volumes of the Collections of the Maflachufetts HHtorical 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, Nanibiggonfick, Narrogonjett, Nariganfet, and Nanbiggonfet. 
 
 For Connecticut, we have £)uinnibticut, ^unnticut. 
 
 For Nyantic, we have Nayantakick, Nayantaquit, Nayantuqiut. 
 
 For Mohawks, Mauquahogs, Mawquatvogs, Mobowazuogs, Mowbauogs, and Maw- 
 bauogs. 
 
 For Uncas, we have Okace, Qwokace, Wocafe, Qnkace, Onkas, and Oncas. 
 
 For Mohegan, Monabiganenchs, Monabig, Monbiggin, Monabiggen. 
 
 The fpelling of thefe and other Indian names have been changed into the orthog- 
 raphy of the prefent day. 
 
 Many of the letters of Williams ar'e without dates ; fome only bear the day of 
 the week, while a majority of them are dated in the manner following: (Nar. 16. 
 12. 49. fo call'd) meaning Narraganfett, the 16th 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 fubjedl 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 almoil 
 every inftance have been adopted ; but ftill fome remain, the contents of which are 
 of fuch a general character, 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 aflumed 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 neceflarily 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- 
 clude 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 eilimate of fome men famous in hiftory has been leffened by the 
 reading of their letters; but no one can read thefe from the founder of Rhode Ifland 
 in this volume without having his refpect and admiration for him increafed. Mr. 
 Knowles was the fir il of Williams's biographers to introduce his letters. Even 
 thefe tended to elevate his character ; but their were periods, relating to which no 
 letters from his pen were known to be in exiilence 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 rei- 
 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 fhow himfelf a llrong or very wife man, but a thoroughly gentle and good 
 one. His affection 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, October, 1874. 
 
LETTERS OF ROGER WILLIAMS 
 
 PUBLISHED IN THIS VOLUME. 
 
 WITH THE PLACES FROM WHERE WRITTEN AND THE DATES. 
 
 To John 
 
 W 
 
 inthrop, 
 
 Gov. ofMafs. ; Plymouth, 
 
 1672, 
 
 Page. 
 
 I 
 
 The Church at Salem to the Elders of the Church of 
 
 
 Chrift 
 To JohnW 
 To do. 
 
 at Boilon, after July, 
 inthrop, Dep. Gov. of Mais. ; 
 do. Gov. ; Providence, Oct. 24 
 
 l6 35> 
 1636, 
 
 ., do. 
 
 7 1 
 3 
 
 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, 
 
 
 To John 
 
 W 
 
 inthrop, 
 
 May 3, 
 New Providence, June 2, 
 
 1637, 
 do. 
 
 2 3 
 
 27 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. do. do. 21, 
 
 do. 
 
 3 2 
 
 To do. 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 do. do. July, 
 do. do. do. 10, 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 35 
 37 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. do. do. 10, 
 
 do. 
 
 40 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do 
 
 
 do. 
 
 45 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 New Providence, do 15, 
 
 do. 
 
 46 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. do. do. 2i, 
 
 do. 
 
 49 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. do. Aug. 20, 
 
 do. 
 
 55 
 
 To do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 . . . . Ocl. or Nov. 
 
 do. 
 
 60 
 
XIV. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 To John Winthrop, New Providence, July 31, 1637, 
 
 To do. do. .... September 12, do. 
 
 To do. do No date, 
 
 To do. do October, 
 
 To do. do. .... do. 28, 
 
 To do. do. .... November 10, 
 
 To do. do. .... do. 20, 
 
 To do. do. Providence, January 10, 1638, 
 
 To do. do. do. February 28, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. April 16, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. May 22, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 27, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. June, do. 
 
 To do. -do. .... do. do. 
 
 To do. do. Providence, do. do. 
 
 To do. do. do. July 23, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. Auguft, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 14, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. Sept. 10, do. 
 
 To do. do. .... Sept. or Oct. do. 
 
 To do. do. .... September, do. 
 
 To do. do. Providence, December 30, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. (no date) 
 
 To do. do. do. May 3, 1639, 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 9, do. 
 
 To do. do. .... Auguft, do. 
 
 To do. do. Providence, July 21, 1640, 
 
 To do do. do. Auguft 7, do. 
 
 To do. do. do. March 8, 1641, 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., Narraganfett, June 22, 1645, 
 
 To do. do. Providence, do. 25, do. 
 
 To do. do. Cawcawmfquffick, May 28, 1647, 
 
 Paqb. 
 
 5 2 
 
 59 
 
 65 
 66 
 
 7° 
 78 
 82 
 84 
 86 
 89 
 
 94 
 96 
 
 99 
 
 101 
 
 106 
 108 
 1 10 
 
 JI 5 
 
 117 
 
 120 
 125 
 127 
 129 
 
 I3 1 
 
 x 33 
 *35 
 
 l 37 
 140 
 
 141 
 
 H3 
 
 144 
 
 146 
 
Contents. xv. 
 
 Page. 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., Cawcaumfquffick, Aug. 20, 1647, 147 
 
 To Town of Providence; Providence, Aug. 31, 1648, 149 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., Cawcawmfquffick, Sept. 11, 1648, 152 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 23, do. 153 
 
 To do. do. do. Oct. ic, do. 155 
 
 To do. do. do. Nov. 7, do. 158 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, do. 159 
 
 To do. do December, do. 161 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, Feb. 1649, 163 
 
 To do. do. Cawcawmfquffick, Jan. do. 166 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 29, do. i 63 
 
 To do. do. do. March, do. 170 
 
 To do. do do. do. 171 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, April 15, do. 173 
 
 To do. do April or May, do. 174 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, April, do. 177 
 
 To do. do. do. May 9, do. 178 
 
 To do. do do. 13, do. 179 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, do. 26, do. 180 
 
 To do. do. Cawcawmfquffick, June 13, do. 181 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, Aug. 26, do. 185 
 
 To do. do. do. OcT:. 25, do. 1 86 
 
 To do. do. do. Dec. 10, do. 187 
 
 To do. do. do. Feb. 16,1650, 190 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 24, do. 192 
 
 To do. do. [no place or date,] do. 193 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, March 20, do. 194 
 
 To do, do. [no place or date,] May, do. 195 
 
 To do. do. no place or date,] June, do. 197 
 
 To do. do. Narraganfett, Oct. 9, do. 200 
 
 To du. do. do. do. 17, do. 203 
 
 To do. do. [no place or date,] do. do. 205 
 
xvi. Contents. 
 
 Page. 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., Narraganfett, Feb. 22, 1 65 1 , 206 
 To do. do. I no place or date,] Aug. do. 210 
 To do. do. [no place or date,] do. do. 213 
 To Gov. Endicott, Narraganfett, do. do. 214 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., do. Odt. 6, do. 228 
 To the General Court of Mafs., Ocl. or Nov. do. 231 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., Whitehall, April 20, 1652, 234 
 To Gregory Dexter, do. Sept. 8, do. 235 
 To Mrs. Sadlier, London, 1652-53, 237 
 Mrs. Sadlier to Roger Williams, in reply, [no date, | 241 
 Mrs. Sadlier, London, 1652-53, 242 
 Mrs. Sadlier to Roger Williams, in reply, [no date,] 244 
 To Mrs. Sadlier, London, 1652-53, 245 
 Mrs. Sadlier to Roger Williams, in reply, 249 
 To the Towns of Provi'e and Warwick, April 1, 1653, 235 
 Sir Henry Vane to the Colony of R. I., Feb. 8, 1654, 257 
 To J. Winthrop, Jr., Providence, July I2 » do. 258 
 To the Town of Providence, Auguft, do. 262 
 Town of Providence to Sir H. Vane, do. 27, do. 266 
 To the General Court of Malfachufetts Bay, Provi- 
 dence, October 5, 1654, 269 
 To John Winthrop, J., do. do. 277 
 To the Town of Providence, January, J655, 278 
 To John Winthrop, Jr., February 15, 1654-55, 280 
 To do. do. do. March 23, 1655, 2^7 
 To do. do. do. do. 1, do. 289 
 To do. do. do. Providence, April 26, do. 291 
 To the General Court of Malfachufetts Bay, Provi- 
 
 idence, November 15, 1655, 293 
 To John Winthrop, Jr., Providence, Feb. 21, 1656, 297 
 To the General Court of MaiTachufetts Bay, Provi- 
 dence, May, 12, 1656, 299 
 
Contents. xvii. 
 
 Page. 
 
 To the General Court of Maflachufetts Bay, 
 
 Bofton, May 17, 1656, 304 
 Teftimony of Roger Williams relative to deed of 
 
 Rhode Ifland, Auguft 25, 1658, 305 
 
 John Winthrop, Gov. of Conn., Prov., Feb. 6, 1660, 306 
 
 do. do. do. do. do. Sept. 8, do. 310 
 
 do, do. do. do. Oct, 27, do. 314 
 
 Teftimony relative to the purchafe of lands in See- 
 
 konk and Providence ; Providence, Dec. 13, 1661, 316 
 
 To the Town of Providence, 1662, 318 
 
 J. Winthrop, Jr., Providence, May 28, 1664, 319 
 
 To the Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Carr, do. March 1, 1665, 321 
 
 To the Inhabitants of Provid'ce, do. Feb. 10, 1668, 324 
 To the General Court of Maflachufetts Bay, 
 
 Providence, May 7, 1668, 326 
 
 To John Whipple, Jr., Providence, July 8, 1669, 327 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Gov. of Conn., do. Aug. 19, 1669, 331 
 
 To Major Mafon, do. June 22, 1670, 333 
 
 To John Cotton, do. Mar. 25, :6ji, 351 
 
 To George Fox, do. July 15, 1672, 357 
 
 To Samuel Hubbard, do. 361 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Gov. of Conn., Mr. Smith's at 
 
 Wakefield, J une 13, l (>75> 363 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Narraganfett, do. 25, do. 366 
 
 To do. do. do. do. 27, do. 370 
 
 To Gov. Leverett at Bofton ; Provid'e, Ocl. 11, do. 373 
 
 To J. Winthrop, Gov. of Conn., do. Dec. 18, do. 377 
 
 To Gov. Leverett, do. Jan. 14, 1675-6, 379 
 
 To Gov. Leverett and Gov. Winilow, 
 
 Providence, 06t. 16, 1676, 3^5 
 To the Court of Commiffioners of the United Colo- 
 nies, Providence, Oct. 18, 1677, 387 
 
xviii. Contents. 
 
 Page. 
 
 To Thomas Hinckley, Commiffioner, United Colo- 
 nies, Providence, Oc~l. 4, 1678, 395 
 
 To Thomas Hinckley, Commiffioner, United Colo- 
 nies, Providence, July 4, 1679, 396 
 
 Teftimony of Roger Williams relative to the firft 
 fettlement of the Narraganfett country by 
 Richard Smith, Narraganfett, July 21, 1679, 399 
 
 Daniel Abbott, Town Clerk of Providence ; 
 
 Providence, Jan. 15, 1680-81, 400 
 
 To Gov. Bradftreet, Providence, May 6, 1682, 403 
 
 TefHmony of Roger Williams relative to his firft 
 coming into the Narraganfett country ; Nar- 
 raganfett, June 18, 1682, 406 
 
LETTERS. 
 
LETTERS OF ROGER WILLIAMS. 
 
 For the right PVorJhipful John Winthrop, Efq., Governor of the 
 Englijli in the Maffachufetts. 1 
 
 Plymouth. 2 [1632.] 
 
 Much honored and beloved in Christ Jesu, — Your 
 Chriitian acceptation of our cup of cold water is a blelTed 
 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 
 
 1 John Winthrop, the friend and cor- 
 reipondent of Roger Williams, came from 
 England to Salem in 1630 ; but foon 
 after removed to Charlellon, and felecled 
 the fite where the city of Bolton Hands. 
 He was annually elected Governor of 
 MafTachufetts Bay until 1634; a g am m 
 1637-40, 1642-44, and from 1646 to 
 his death, March 26, I649. In 1636, 
 when Sir Henry Vane was elected 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 Connecticut were forming a gov- 
 ernment, he wrote them a letter, in 
 
 which he laid that "the belt, 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 character was moll amiable. 
 His eldeft fon John was the founder of 
 the Saybrook colony, and governor of 
 Connecticut. His valuable "Journal" 
 of the public occurrences in the MafTa- 
 chufetts Colony from March 29, 1630 
 to January 1 1, 1649, was firft printed in 
 1790, and again with notes by James 
 Savage, in 1826 and 1853. 
 
 z 4 Ma/s. HijL Coll. vol. vi. p. 184. 
 
 Moil 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 Englim churches, or 
 (which I believe not) old Engliffi, — 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 anv church, no more nor fo much as vour 
 worthy felf, nor ever fhall 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 mould 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 iince Rationals fo 
 much circumround and trouble you, that bejliale quid (and 
 mine efpecially) mould come near you : but lince 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 
 week, and others only the day of the 
 month. In many, the year is omitted ; 
 while fome have neither the month or 
 year. In moil of them the editor has 
 been able to affign dates which have 
 been adopted by hillorians, or by the 
 biographers of Williams. 
 
 This letter was probably written be- 
 tween June and October, 1632. The 
 queltion arofe in the " Congregation at 
 Boilon" whether one perfon might be a 
 civil magirlrate and a ruling elder at the 
 fame time. Nowell affigns his pofition 
 as ruling elder, doubtlefs from that caufe. 
 Gov. Winthrop vifited Plymouth in Oc- 
 tober, 1632. This letter was probably 
 written between thofe dates. — Drake 
 
 Hift, of B oft on, p. 140. Winthrop, Hift. 
 of N. Eng. vol. 1, p. 108-109, 
 
 1 This, with other authorities, has giv- 
 en the vear I 599 as the date of Williams' 
 birth. See Roger Williams' teilimony 
 in favor of Richard Smith's title to his 
 land at Narraganfett, 1679. This date 
 I 599 is now generally conceded as the 
 year of Williams' birth. — Arnold, Hift. 
 R. I. vol. 1, p. 50. Guild, Mem. of 
 Williams, Narr. Club, vol. I, pp. 5 
 and 6. 
 
 The order for Williams's baniihment 
 was palled Sept. 3, 1635. He is fup- 
 pufed to have left Salem about January, 
 1635-6; and to eilablifhed himfelf at 
 Providence in the following June. 
 
Letters of Roger Willi 'ams. 3 
 
 about the cattle, and further entreat if you may (as you 
 give me encouragement) procure the whole of that lec- 
 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 dearefl one, and mine, 
 in their extremities. To you both and all the Saints our 
 due remembrances. 
 
 Yours in all unfeigned and brotherly affections, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 The brethren falute you. 
 
 You lately fent muiic to our ears, when we heard you 
 perfuaded (and that effectually 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 io 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 alio of that excellent fpirit of 
 wifdom and prudence wherewith the Father of Lights 
 
 »4 Majf. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 1 86. litical year ending May 17, 1637. It 
 
 This letter, which is without date, is was evidently written fhortly after the 
 
 addrefled to Winthrop, as Deputy Gov- fettlement at Providence, which it is be- 
 
 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 foonevt convenience, if it may be, by 
 this meiTenger. 
 
 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 Magistracy fuit with our prefent con- 
 dition. Hitherto, the mafters of families have ordinarily 
 met once a fortnight and confulted about our common 
 peace, watch, and planting ; and mutual confent have fin- 
 iihed all matters with fpeed and peace. 
 
 Now of late fome young men, lingle perfons (of whom 
 we had much need) being admitted to freedom of inhabi- 
 tation, and promiling to be fubjed: to the orders made by 
 the confent of the houfeholders, are difcontented with 
 their eftate, and feek the freedom of vote alio, and equali- 
 ty, &c. 
 
 Belide, our dangers (in the midft of thefe dens of lions) 
 now efpecially, call upon us to be compact in a civil way 
 and power. 
 
 I have therefore had thoughts of propounding to my 
 neighbors a double fubfcription, concerning which I mall 
 humbly crave your help. 
 
 The rirlf concerning ourfelves, the mafters of families : 
 thus, 
 
 refers to preparations againfl the Pequots, refers to letters received bv him from 
 
 probably to Endicott's expedition which Williams, July 26th and 30th, and Aug. 
 
 failed trom Bollon the lail of Augult of 26th, but neither allude to the matters 
 
 that year. After dellroying 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 earlieil account 
 
 ton on his return on the 14th of Sep- extant relating to the fettlement at Provi- 
 
 tember. — Winthrop, Hi/}. N. Eng. p. dence and of the manner in which the 
 
 231-233. Drake, Hi/}. Bofion, p. 201. civil affairs of the little community there 
 
 The letter, therefore, was probably writ- were conducted. 
 ten in Augull or September. Winthrop 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 5 
 
 We whofe names are hereunder written, late inhabi- 
 tants of the Maffachufetts, (upon occafion 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 caff 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 fubjecT: ourfelves in active or parlive 
 obedience to fuch orders and agreements, as mall 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 mall 
 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 active or paffive obedience to fuch 
 orders and agreements as mall be made from time to time, 
 by the greater number of the prefent houfeholders of this 
 Town, and fuch whom they thall admit into the fame fel- 
 lowship and privilege. In witnefs whereof, &c. x 
 
 Hitherto we choofe one, (named the officer,) to call the 
 
 1 This agreement was afterwards pear. — R. I. Col. Records, vol. 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 aflbciates 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 deiired by fome 
 of us that the houfeholders by courfe perform that work, 
 as alio gather votes and fee the watch go on, &c. 
 
 I have not yet mentioned thefe things to my neighbors, 
 but (hall 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 millings 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 mould plant there with me : my 
 query is this, — 
 
 Whither I may not lawfully defire this of my neigh- 
 bors, that as I freejy fubjecl: myfelf to common confent, 
 and (hall not bring in any perfon into the town without 
 their confent : fo alfo that againft my confent no perion 
 be violently brought in and received. 
 
 I defire not to ileep in fecurity and dream of a neft 
 which no hand can reach. I cannot but expect 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 amongft them will 
 link the pinnaces, by diving under water and making 
 holes, &c, as alfo that they mail now enrich themfelves 
 with ftore of guns, but I hope their dreams (through the 
 mercy of the Lord) (hall vanim, and the devil and his ly- 
 ing forcerers mall be confounded. 
 
 You may pleafe, Sir, to take notice that it is of main 
 confequence to take fome courfe with the Wunnamowa- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. y 
 
 tuckoogs 1 and Wufquowhananawkits, 2 who are the further- 
 most Neepnet men, for the Pequots driven from the lea 
 coaft with eafe, yet there fecure and Strengthen themfelves, 
 and are then brought down fo much the nearer to you. 
 Thus with my beft refpects 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 bulinefs when your letter arrived, and lince 
 meifengers have not fitted, &c. 
 
 I therefore now thankfully acknowledge your wifdom 
 and gentlenefs in receiving fo lovingly my late rude and 
 foolifh lines : you bear with fools gladly becaufe you are 
 wife. 
 
 1 ftill wait upon your love and faithfulnefs for thofe poor 
 papers, and cannot but believe that your heart, tongue, and 
 pen mould be one, if I were Turk or Jew, &c. 
 
 Your lix queries I welcome, my love forbidding me to 
 furmife that a Pharifee, a Sadducee, an Herodian, &c, 
 
 'Or Sbowatucks. Perfons going by fowl breed abundantly." — Williams' 
 
 land from Maffachusetts Bay Colony to Key, p. 176. This was in the northern 
 
 Connecticut, paffed through the country part of the Nipmuck country, in what 
 
 of this tribe. is now Worceiler County, Mafs. — 
 
 2 W ujkowhanan-auk-it " the pigeon Trumbull's notes to Williams's Key, 
 country." The place "where thefe Narr. Club, 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 lick, &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, delirous to fufped: myfelf above the 
 old ferpent himfelf, and remembering that he that trufteth 
 in his own 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 delirous in 
 the matters of God's Sancluary to ufe (as the double 
 weights of the Sanctuary teach us) double diligence. 
 
 Your firft Querie then is this. 
 
 What have you gained by your new-found practices? &c. 
 
 I confefs my gains caft up in man's exchange are lofs of 
 friends, efteem, maintenance, &c, but what was gain in 
 that refpect I deiire 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 witneiTes, 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 
 fhall be profperous, and the feed fown fhall arife to the 
 greater purity 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, 
 ringing Mofes his fongandthe Lambs, in that weak victory 
 which (through His help) I have gotten over the beait, his 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 9 
 
 picture, his mark, and number of his name, Revel. 15. 2. 3. 
 
 If you afk for numbers, the witneSfes are but two : 
 Revel. 11., and how many millions of Christians in name, 
 and thoufands of Christians in heart, do call the truths 
 (wherein yourfelf and I agree in witneSfing^ 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 wiSb (in the black 
 and Stormy 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 faShion either in commending or 
 condemning of myfelf. You and I Stand at one dreadful, 
 dreadful tribunal : yet what is paSt I defire to forget, and 
 to prefs forward towards the mark for the price of the 
 high calling of God in ChriSt. 
 
 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 
 baniShed, 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 Shall, as 
 
 FirSt, reverently to efteem of, and tenderly to reSpect 
 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. 
 
io Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Thirdly, To rejoice to find out the leaft fwerving in 
 judgment or practice from the help of any, even the leaft 
 of you. 
 
 Laftly, to mourn daily, heavily, unceftantly, 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 mould ever rejoice in her 
 King, &c, yet I muft (and O that I had not caufe) grieve be- 
 came 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 afTuredly 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 IV i I Hams. 1 1 
 
 Pfalms, the Lamentations, Daniel iith, and Revel, iith, 
 i 2th, 13th, and this, Sir, I befeech you do more ferioufly 
 then ever, and abftracl: yourfelf with 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 will 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 refpect fuch as defire 
 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 elect 
 (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 ot this world to Chrift, and our election 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 
 viiible kingdom and ordinances I witnefs, &c, or the fpirit 
 of Antichrist (1 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 lee patiently 
 (the Lord afiifting) in fackcloth, I long for the bright 
 appearance of the Lord Jefus to confume the man of iin : 
 I long for the appearance of the Lamb's wife alfo, New 
 Jeruialem: I wifh 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, mall 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 all 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 practiced 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 cart) which from Luther's times to this 
 day, God's children have confcientioufly practiced. 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 mall be bold to prefent you with. 
 Firft, do you not hope Bifhop Ufher hath a gracious 
 heart? and fecondly, Do you not judge that your own 
 heart was gracious even when (with the poi/oned fhirt on 
 your back) you, &c. ? 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 J 3 
 
 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, &x. My heart's defire is abundant, and exceeds my 
 pen. My head and actions willing to live (as the Apoftle 
 Paul) xa/wc iv Ttaac. Where I err, Chrift be pleafed to re- 
 ftore me, where I ftand, to eftablim. 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. 
 Lad night tidings came that the Mohawks, (the canni- 
 bals,) have (lain fome of our countrymen at Connecticut. 
 I hope it is not true. 1 
 
 To yoh?i Winthrop, Governor, &c. 
 
 1 The editor of the "Winthrop Papers" 
 (4 Ma/s. Hift. Coll. vol. vi.) does not 
 aflign any date for this letter and the one 
 that follows. This one is dated " the 
 24th of the 8th month," (or October 
 24th.) Williams begins by limply allu- 
 ding to the " Pequot bufinefs." We in- 
 fer from this that the Pequot war had 
 not begun. With the exception of this 
 paragraph, the letter relates wholly to 
 religious affairs : with replies to queries 
 put to him by Winthrop, about his " new 
 found practices." May not this refer 
 to his entire freedom in the exercife of 
 his religious opinions in his new abode ? 
 In the letter which follows, Williams 
 begins by fpeaking of reports of a league 
 
 between the Pequots and Mohawks, that 
 the Pequots had " flain both Englifh and 
 natives at Connecticut Plantations." 
 This muft have been before the deftruc- 
 tion of the fort at Myftic, which oc- 
 cured on the 26th of May, 1637, for 
 the Pequots were fo completely annihi- 
 lated in that fight, that there could have 
 been no chance of making a league with 
 the Mohawks ; and it is known that, from 
 fear of the Englilh, the Mohawks des- 
 troyed fuch of the Pequots as fought 
 Ihelter among them. We think, therefore, 
 that the firlt letter was written in Oc- 
 tober, 1636, and the fecond foon after ; 
 or, at any rate, before the attack on the 
 Pequot fort. 
 
14 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To 'John Winthrop. 1 
 
 New Providence, 2ndo 7manje, inftantis. 1 [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 
 bumels 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 ilain many, both Englim and natives, at 
 Connecticut 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 for 
 that end to awaken people I confefs) I fcnt 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 practice 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 Connecticut Plantations. I 
 hope it will pleafe the Moil High to put his hook into 
 their nofe, &c, as alfo to give wifdom in the managing of 
 the war, that if it be poffible a league may rather be firm- 
 ly ftruck with them : they are moft favage, their wea- 
 pons more dangerous and their cruelty dreadful, roafting 
 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 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 239. 2 Secundo feptima. i. e. the 2d day of 
 
 the preient week. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 15 
 
 iron and lleel 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 Have'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, 
 fat is 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 Boflon, 
 concerning whom myfelf and wife have formerly 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- 
 leafed 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 lavifhly 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 moll: holy 
 and blelTed, all mercy and all pity, help you mercifully to 
 fteer (by his holy compafs and alio with his own moll: 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 
 
i6 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 meeting, with beft falutes to Mrs. Winthrop and all yours, 
 and my true refpe&s to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and 
 other loving friends, I reft, 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored Mr. Governor, and Mr. Winthrop, 
 Deputy Governor of the Maffachufetts, thefe. 
 
 New Providence, this 2d of the week. 1 [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 {inorofus ceque ac bar bar ex fenex) was very 
 
 >3 Matf. Hijl. Coll. vol. i. p. 159. 
 
 R. I. Hijl. Coll. vol. iii. p. 137. 
 
 Written probably a few days before 
 the attack on the Pequot fort, May 26, 
 1637. On the 10th of April, the au- 
 thorities at Bofton concluded to fend 
 Captain Underhill with twenty men to 
 aid Connecticut 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- 
 iervations" 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 Narraganlett Bay, May 23,) and 
 
 on the next day taking " Wequafh" for 
 their guide, the Pequot fort at " Mis- 
 tick " was reached. — Drake, Hijl. of 
 Boflon, p. 205-209. Book of the Indians, 
 p. 105-106. Winthrop, Hijl. 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" ab ;ut the expedition againft 
 the Pequot fort, — poflibly 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 amongft 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 dilcerned 
 caufe of beftirring myfelf, and ftaid the longer, and at 
 laft (through the mercy of the Moif High) I not only 
 fweetened his fpirit, but pofTefTed him, that the plague and 
 other fickneffes were alone in the hand of the one God, 
 who made him and us, who being difpleafed with the 
 Englifb 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 vilit me, and fent me word of his coming 
 over again fome eight days hence. 
 
 They pafs not a week without fome fkirmimings, though 
 hitherto little lofs on either fide. They were glad of your 
 preparations, and in much conference with themfelves and 
 others, (fifhing de induftria for inftructions 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 fwamp, which they called 
 Ohomowauke, 1 which fignifies owl's neft, and by another 
 name, Cuppacommock, 2 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 on for the riding 
 and retiring to of veifel or veifels, which place is faithful 
 to the Narraganfetts and at prefent enmity with the Pe- 
 quots. 
 
 4. They alio conceive it eafy for the Englifh, that the 
 proviiions and munitions firft arrive at Aquedneck, called 
 by us Rhode Ifland, at the Narraganfett's mouth, and then 
 a meifenger may be defpatched hither, and fo to the bay, 
 for the foldiers to march up by land to the verTels, who 
 otherwife might fpend long time about the cape and rill 
 more veifels than needs. 
 
 5. That the aifault 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 aifault be given, an ambuih be laid 
 behind them, between them and the fwamp, to prevent 
 their ilight, &c. 
 
 7. That to that purpofe fuch guides as fhall be beft liked 
 of to be taken along to direct, efpecially two Pequots, viz. : 
 WequauV and Wuttackquiackommin, valiant men, efpeci- 
 
 1 Koko'kehom, Oho'mous, An Owle. the fouthermofl. portion of Rhode Ifland, 
 
 Williams' Key, vol. i. p. 174. being feparated from the Pequots by the 
 
 2 Afterwards known as the Pine or Pawcatuck River. Their principal refi- 
 
 Mall Swamp of Groton, Ct. — Caulkins' dence was at Wekapaug near Weilerly, 
 
 Hijl. of New London, note, p. 376. R. I. — Drake, Book of Indians, p. 67. 
 
 J 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 Williatns. 19 
 
 ally the latter, who have lived thefe three or four years 
 with the Narraganfetts, and know every pafs and paifage 
 amongft them, who defire armor to enter their houfes. 
 
 8. That it would be pleating to all natives, that women 
 and children be fpared, &c. 
 
 9. That if there be any more land travel to Connecti- 
 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 Conneclicut. 
 
 O a fort of the Nay antic men, confederate with the Pequots. 
 Mohigadic 
 
 River. I i 
 
 Wein O shauks, where Ohom I | I ' owauke, the swamp, 
 
 Sassaeus the chief Sachem is. three or four miles from 
 
 Mis O tick, where is Mamoho, another chief sachim. 
 
 River. 
 
 Nayantic, O where is Wepiteammoch and our friends. 
 River. 
 
 Thus, with my beft falutes to your worthy felves 
 
 guide did good fervice to the Englifh. Williams was not fo hopeful. Wequafh 
 
 They attempted to convert him to chifti- is the Indian name for Swan. — Wil- 
 
 anity, and according to fome authorities liams' Key, p. 175. Mr. Trumbull's 
 
 were evidently fuccefsful, but Roger notes to Key, pp. 26-27. 
 
20 Letters of Roger Williains. 
 
 and loving friends with you, and daily cries to the Father 
 of mercies for a merciful iifue to all thefe enterprifes, I 
 reft 
 
 Your worship's unfeignedly refpedtive 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To John Winthrop Governor of the Majfachufetts. 1 
 
 New Providence, this laft of the week. 2 [May, 1637.] 
 
 Sir, — I am much defired by Yotaafh (the bearer here- 
 of, Miantunnomue's brother) to interpret his melTage to 
 you, viz. : that Miantunnomu requefts you to beftow a 
 Pequot fquaw upon him. 
 
 I object, he had his (hare 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 Englifhman. 
 
 I object 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 perifhed in the woods ; three are at the Narraganfett, 
 and three within ten miles of this place; which I think 
 
 1 4 Mrf/>. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 241. were written juft before the attack on 
 
 2 This letter and the one that follows the Pequot fort. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 21 
 
 may beft be fetched by two or three Maffachufetts 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, 1 efpecially if their be good af- 
 furance from the Mohawks. So with my beft falutes and 
 earneit. fighs to heaven, I reft 
 
 Your worship's unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored, Mr. Governor of the Maffachufetts > 
 
 thefe. 2 
 
 [May ,1637.] 
 
 Much Honored Sir, — I 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 
 Wequafh : 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 
 
 1 "I mean the bit of awful refpeft, 2 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 242. 
 
 that they fall not into mutinies at home." 1 Eall Greenwich. Cowazvefuck, 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 ftruggling with one of Wequafh his com- 
 pany was fore bitten on the hand, and alio bit the young 
 man's fingers which are well again. So that their hoft 
 kept peace in Canonicus his name, and brought them fafe 
 to me the next day : yet in the fray they loft a coat and 
 other fmall things, which (coming forth before day) they 
 left behind them. 
 
 I fent up a mefienger 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 
 reftored, profeffing the Sachim's ignorance and ibrrow for 
 fuch paifages, and given charge to all natives for their fafe 
 travel. 
 
 Having thofe mefTengers 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 
 
 (hip's pleafure, acquaint you with them : either concern- 
 ing fome fquaws which Wequafh acknowledged he parted 
 with (and juftly) to Canonicus and Miantunnomu, or other 
 brablings which I thought not fit to trouble your worihip 
 with, without commiffion. 
 
 Dear Sir, (notwithstanding our differences concerning 
 the wormip of God and the ordinances miniftred by Anti- 
 chrift'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 moft 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 railing 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 refpecl remembered and cries to 
 Heaven for mercy to you and yours, root and branches, 
 and the whole country by your bleffing, I reft 
 Your worship's moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For bis much honored Mr. Governor [Henry Vane^\ or Mr. 
 Deputy Governor , Vjohn JVinthrop^ thefe with J peed. 
 
 This laftof the prefent week in the morning. 1 [May 13, 1637.] 
 
 Sir, — Miantunnomu with a great train arrived the fame 
 
 1 4 Maff. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 189. vol. vi., gives the date of this letter, as 
 The editors of 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. perhaps May, 1637, and probably be- 
 
2 4 
 
 Letters of Roger Willi a?ns. 
 
 day that Anthony Dike 1 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 Iilands, by name Munnawtawkit 2 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 fifh. Winthrop, under date of May 
 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 — , lays, " Miantunomo lately at 
 my houfe held his barbarous court. — 
 Drake, (Hif. 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 if and." A miftake in its date, 
 as Patrick mult have been at Providence 
 on that day. — See 4 Mafs. Hif. 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 1 5, would poflibly not reach 
 Winthrop until after the 17th, on which 
 
 day the election took place, promoting 
 Winthrop from Deputy Governor to 
 Governor. As this election was very im- 
 portant it probably had been thoroughly 
 canvalfed, and Williams converfant with 
 the fact addrefles Winthrop. 
 
 1 Anthony Dike or Dick, came to Bof- 
 ton in 1623, and was loft on Cape Cod 
 in a very cold ftorm Decembe, 1 5, 1638. 
 Winthrop, Hifl. N. Eng. vol.i. p. 345. 
 "Anthony Dike mailer 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 dehred that I fhould 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 Warres, 3 Mafs. 
 Hifl. 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 
 Connecticut River. — 4 Mafs. Hif. Coll. 
 p. 7-398. 
 
 1 Munawtawkit, Montauk Point, for- 
 merly Montauket, Montacut, and by 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 25 
 
 Manittuwond efpecially) to take fturgeon and other Mill, 
 as alfo to make new fields of corn, in cafe the Engliih 
 mould deftroy their fields at home. 
 
 Miantunnomu delires to go himfelf with one Wequafh 1 
 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 veffel will 
 flow. 
 
 He will put in victuals himfelf for his men. He will 
 direcl the pinnace to the places, and in the night land his 
 men, defpoil them of their canoes, cut off the men he 
 finds, (the greatest 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 Englishman, with whom he will remain on board 
 in Englifh clothes which he defires for himfelf. 
 
 John, a feaman aboard, calls the Illand, Plum Illand, 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 fubmiffion) fay this : — 
 
 It will at prefent wedge them in from any ftarting afide 
 until your forces fhall follow. 
 
 If they fpeed it will weaken the enemy and diffrefs them, 
 being put by their hopes : as alfo much enrage the Pequots 
 for ever againft them, a thing much delirable. 
 
 Roger Williams Munnawtawkit, is of the Iflanders. — Conn. Hi/1. Coll. vol. 
 probably from Manati, auke, and// 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. 
 
 Beiide, the charge or danger of the Englifh will be 
 none, unleis Miantunnomue's coarfe clothes and a large 
 coat for Wequafli, the Pequot guide, a man of great ufe. 
 The Mod: Holy and only Wife be pleafed to lmile 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 MerTenger is come to Miantunnomu 
 from Neepemut, reporting a far greater {laughter then that 
 Anthony brought word of, and fince the former a great 
 number at the Plantations, and fome perfonsare 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 
 verlel, though T judge Anthony himfelf the fitteft. 
 
 Sir, Miantunnomu defired me to give you a hint that 
 the fix fathom of beads which he gave for the Haying of 
 Audfah 1 be repaid him, and fent now if it may be; his 
 war.s keep him bare. 
 
 Your worfhip's unfeignedly refpeclive 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For any gratuities or tokens Canonicus defires fugar; 
 Miantunnomu powder. My humble refpects to all my 
 loving friends. 
 
 Sar, Miantunnomu is clofe in this his project, and there- 
 fore I think the mellenger is fent only for the beads : it is 
 very convenient that Miantunnomue's clothes and Wequafh 
 his coat be fent by him. 
 
 1 " Audfah the chiefe murtherer" of Oldham. — 4 Mafs. Hifl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 
 208, 214, 216. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 27 
 
 To his much honored Governor 'John Winthrop. 1 
 
 New Providence, 
 
 this 6th of the prefent week, towards midnight. [June 2, 1637. J 2 
 
 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 againfr. 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 unquestionably 
 true, as I lent, with little or no variation, of which here- 
 after. 
 
 The news of the cutting off three hundred Narraganfetts 
 and all the pLnglifh held ftill for current and confirmed 
 that they were opprelfed with multitudes, their provilion 
 being fpent and the Englifh wanting powder and mot and 
 the Narraganfetts arrows. •* 
 
 ' 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 191. time and for the fame offences as Williams, 
 
 2 Probably Friday, June 2, 1637, juft and was one of the original thirteen firft 
 one week after the deftru&ion of the Pe- fettlers of Providence. Removed to 
 quot fort, May 26, 1637. — Winthrop, Monmouth, N. J., and died before 1687. 
 Hift. of N. Eng. vol. i. p. 268. Savage, Genealog. Die. vol. iv. p. 294. 
 
 3 Probably Mr. Williams fent by John R. I. Col. Rec. 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 Englifh, and 
 dred Narraganfetts and all the Englifh." two hundred of the Indians were cut off 
 This letter is to correct the laft " fad in their retreat, for want of powder and 
 news." John Throckmorton came to victuals. Three days after, this was con- 
 America with Roger Williams in 1630, firmed by a poll from Plymouth, with 
 was excommunicated at Salem at the fame fuch probable circumilances, 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 Connecticut for provifion, 
 or upon fome iecond aifault 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 
 mould be frem fupplies of the Englifh who would never 
 meathe their swords, &c. 
 
 This fifth day paft toward night I have received tidings 
 (bleifed 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 (lain at the Fort with two 
 of their own. 
 
 As alfo that indeed they fought thrice that day of their 
 firft victory with no lofs of their fide, and with the lofs of 
 two Pequots more. 
 
 That themfelves and the Englifh prepared next day after 
 for their other Forts, found all lied, made themfelves lords 
 of one, in which both Englifh and Narraganfetts now keep. 
 
 That Maumanadtuck 1 one of their biggeft, with great 
 troops, (as before he gave out he could) is gone to Wun- 
 nailiowatuckqut (the further Neepmucks.) 
 
 erally believed. But three days after, 
 Mr. Williams having gone to the Narra- 
 ganfetts to difcover the truth, found them 
 mourning as being confident of it ; but 
 that night fome came from the army, 
 and aflured them all was well, and that 
 all the Pequots were fled and had for- 
 faken their forts." — Winthrop, Hift. 
 N. Ettg. vol. i. p. 269. 
 
 1 In a letter from Capt. Stoughton to 
 Gov. Winthrop, he writes : " We fhall 
 
 the next week join in feeing what we can 
 do againfl SafTacus, and another great Saga- 
 more, Momorrattuck." — Drake, Hiji. of 
 Bojlorz, p. 215. This is probably the 
 fame, Indian names being varioufly writ- 
 ten by different perfons. Capt. Daniel 
 Patrick, writes July 6, 1637 to Increafe 
 Nowell, " Mamenatucke is at Quenepi- 
 age, or lately gone to the Mohawks." — 4 
 Majs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vii. p. 326. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 29 
 
 That Safacus 1 faid he would go to Long Illand, 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, considering the work is effected (through the 
 mercy of the Moil: High) in thefe parts, and that the Con- 
 necticut Englifh, together with Capt. Patrick 2 and his, are 
 fufficient to maintain what they have gotten, and purfue 
 Safacus in all his motions thereabouts : I conceived (with 
 fubmiifion) 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 underfland the Narraganfetts next fall. 
 
 If you fee caufe and grounds to make a ftop 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 
 
 1 " Saflacufe chief fachem of the Pe- 
 quots." •* This Saflacufe, (the Pequots 
 chief fachem) having fled to the Mo- 
 hawks, they cutt off his head, with fome 
 other of ye chiefs of them, whether to 
 fatisfy the Englifh, or rather the Narra- 
 ganfetts (who as I have fince heard, hired 
 them to do it,) or for their own advant- 
 age I now know not ; but it was thus this 
 war took end." — Bradford, Hid. of Ply- 
 wouth Plantations, p. 361. 
 
 2 Capt. Daniel Patrick came to Ameri- 
 
 ca in 1630, and fettled in Water town, 
 and was there admitted a freeman. His 
 manner of life was very unpuritanic, and 
 he therefore removed to " within twenty 
 miles of the Dutch and put himfelf un- 
 der their protection." His death in 
 1643 was occafioned by being (hot by a 
 Dutchman; who had charged him with 
 treacherous dealings between the Dutch 
 and Indians. — Wi;^throp, vol. ii. p. 1 82, 
 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vii. p. 412. 
 
3° 
 
 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 meilenger the 
 fecond in the morning. 
 
 Sir, your late merTage to the Nipmucks (through the 
 Loid's mercy) have wrought this effect, 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 figns or marks. 
 You may pleafe therefore to provide fome yellow or red 
 for their heads: The Connecticut Englifh had yellow but 
 not enough. 1 
 
 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 worship's faithful and affectionate 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 refpects to Mrs. Winthrop and all your and our 
 loving friends. 
 
 1 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 mark to diltinguifh them from caufes which led to the war between the 
 the Pequods as fome of them had. — Win- Englifh and the Pequots, it is fufficient 
 throp, Hijf. N. England, vol. i. p. 268. to ltate, that, in coniequence of the many 
 
 murders of the colonills, committed by 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 3 1 
 
 this tribe, the Governor and Council of 
 Maffachufetts declared war againtt the In- 
 dians on Manifles, (Block Ifland). and 
 late in September, 1636, lent Capt. John 
 Endecott there with a force to subdue 
 them. The Pequots now commenced 
 more ferious depredations, fo that the 
 Connecticut 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 Connecticut. The latter en- 
 countered the Pequots near Saybrook 
 lort and defeated them. They were 
 now joined by Capt. John Underbill with 
 nineteen men, when the two Captains 
 at once refolved to make an attack upon 
 one of the forts of SafTachus, the Pequot 
 chief, fituate in or neat the prefent town 
 of Myllic. The Englifh, with their In- 
 dian allies, about five hundred in number, 
 arrived in the vicinity of the fort on the 
 25th of May, where they were joined 
 bv a party of Narraganfetts. Before day- 
 light the following morning they had 
 completely inverted the fort. Both the 
 Mohegans and Narraganfetts manifested 
 great alarm in attacking this Itronghold 
 of the Pequots and their fuperior force ; 
 and the Englifh had reaibn to fear that 
 they would be abandoned by their In- 
 dian allies. 
 
 The Englifh 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 Owanux (Englifh- 
 men.) Their wigwams were now fet 
 on fire, while the poor creatures with 
 
 their fimple weapons, could make lit- 
 tle defenfe, and in vain, attempted to 
 efcape. They were purfued from wig- 
 wam to wigwam, 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 pallilade 
 were fhot down by the lbldiers potted 
 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 
 conferred. There were only feven taken 
 captive and about feven efcaped." — Hiji. 
 of the Pequot War, p. 10. 
 
 Of the Englifh, two were killed and 
 about twenty wounded. "All our In- 
 dians" fays Mafon, " except Uncas, de- 
 ferted us." SafTachus was in another 
 fort, and hearing of the fuccefs of the 
 Englifh, deftroyed h : s fort, and, with 
 about eighty of his followers, efcaped to 
 the Mohawks, who beheaded him and 
 fent his fcalp to the Englifh. 
 
 The Pequot war was a memorable 
 event in the early hiitory of New Eng- 
 land, refulting in the annihilation of this 
 powerful tribe. Befides what is laid by 
 Winthrop aud other hiltorians, there are 
 four feparate works in relation to it as 
 follows : 
 
 1. John Underhill's News from 
 America ; or a New and Experimentall 
 Difcoverie of New England, containing a 
 True relation of their warlike prooee dings 
 thefe two yeares lajl paft, with a figure of 
 the Indian Fort or Paiazado. London, 
 1638. 
 
 2. P. Vincent. A True Relation 
 of the late Battell fought in New Eng- 
 land, betzveen the Englijh and the Pequot 
 Salvages . In which wereflaine and taken 
 pr if oners ah out 700 of the Salvages, ana 
 
3 2 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored Mr. Governor thefe. Mr. Stoughton or 
 Capt. Trajke, on their way, may pleafe to read this. 
 
 New Providence, this 4th of the week. [June 21, 1637.] 1 
 
 Sir, — John Gallop (bleifed be the Lord) is lately arrived 
 at our doors, and hath brought from the Lord and you a 
 merciful refrefhing to us. He be gracioully 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 Jlate of 
 things there. London, 1638. 
 
 3. Major John Mason. A Brief 
 Hiflory of the Pequot War; efpecially of the 
 memorable Taking of their Fort at Miflick, 
 m Connetlicutin 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 were 
 prominent actors in the war. Of Vin- 
 cent nothing is known. 
 
 1 4 Majf. HiJl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 194. 
 
 This letter mull be of later date than 
 June 19, 1637, as Capt. Daniel Patrick 
 writing to Winthrop from Providence 
 on that day, lays " 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 21st, as Drake, (p. 
 214) concludes that Stoughton mull 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 
 Miflick, there arrived in Pequot River 
 
 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 
 againll the Pequots. — HiJl. 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 Bolton, this letter 
 was probably fent by water conveyance 
 to Winthrop. 
 
 John Gallop was of Dorchelter, in 
 16 }o, and afterwards removed to Boflon. 
 He was a fifherman 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 matters, Quick, 1 Jigles and Robinfon,) 
 
 and the two Shallops, as alfo that the other, whereof 
 
 Jackfon 2 of Salem, is matter, 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 purluit 
 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 Ion John 
 rendered valuable fervices during the Pe- 
 quot wars, and after the death of the 
 father in 1650, the fon received "with 
 refpedl unto fuch fervices," grants of 
 land amounting to four hundred and fifty 
 acres. Gallop's Ifland and Gallop's 
 Point in MafTachufetts Bay were probably 
 named for thole men. — Caulkins' Hiji. 
 of New London. Savagl, Genealog. Die. 
 
 1 William Quick, mariner, was of 
 Charleilown in 1636, and afterwards 
 removed to Newport, where he was ad- 
 mitted a freeman, Dec. 27, 1638. — Sav- 
 age, Genealog. Die. vol. iii. p. 499. 
 
 2 John Jackfon, of Salem, who came to 
 New England in 1635, from London. 
 His houfe was destroyed by fire October, 
 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, New Eng. vol. 1. 
 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; disabled from 
 holding office for three yesrs for pub- 
 lifhing a pamphlet denying to the Gover- 
 nor and Affillants fome of the powers 
 they claimed, but was reftored in I636. 
 He returned to England and there died 
 164.5. — Drake's Die. Am. Biog. 
 
 4 William Trafk 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 11 
 
34 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 federates the Wunnafhowatuckoogs and Monamackotoogs, 
 &c, who live nearer to you on the weftward, &c. Some 
 two hundred of thefe (iince 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 
 mift 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 potfible for the clearing of land paifage 
 to Connecticut. 
 
 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 Irilh themfelves : but of this more as I mall under- 
 ftand ; thus in hafte with belt falutations to Mrs. Win- 
 throp and all yours, with my poor defires to the Lord for 
 yours, I reft 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My beft refpecls to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, 
 theirs, and other loving friends. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 35 
 
 For his much honored Mr. Governor, [John W'inthrop?\ 
 
 New Providence, this 6th inilantis. [July, 1637.] ' 
 
 Much honored Sir, — It having again pleafed the 
 Mod 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 will 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 lhall humbly piopound whether it be not considerable, 
 that better now then hereafter the purfuit be continued. 
 
 1st, 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 Connecticut river, after the fort cut off. 2 
 
 Capt. Patrick alfo informs me of a great itch upon the 
 soldiers to fall foul upon our neighbors. Little iparks 
 
 ■4 Mafs. Hi/?. Coll. vol. vi. p. 195, eight women and children. There were 
 
 Drake fays, it appears by a letter from eighty taken as before is expreffed. They 
 
 Capt. Stoughton received in Bofton, Ju- were difpofed of to particular perfons in 
 
 ly 6, that Mr. Haynes and Mr. Ludlow the country." — Winthrop, HiJl.~N.Eng. 
 
 were at Pequot River with the colonial vol. i. p. 278. 
 
 forces. The letter was probably carried 2 "Saffachus, flying towards Conetticot 
 
 by Jiglies, (previoufly mentioned) whole plantations, quartered by the river fide ; 
 
 pinnace arrived at Bolton, on the fixth of there he met with a fhallop fent down to 
 
 July, with forty-eight Indian priibners. Seabrooke fort, which had in it three 
 
 Poflibly Williams may have received his men ; they let fly upon them, fhot many 
 
 letter from Capt. Patrick by this pin- arrows into them. Courageous were the 
 
 nace and then feletted the "little one Englifli, and died in their hands, but with 
 
 with the red about his neck." — HiJ?. of a great deal of valor." — Underhill, 
 
 Bo/ion, p. 214. News from America. London: 1638. 
 "There were fent to Bofton, forty- 
 
36 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 prove great fires. The God of Peace who is only wise be 
 pleafed to guide us. Capt. Patrick confefieth that they 
 were the chief actors 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- 
 fection towards us. 
 
 I much rejoice that (as he fayeth) fome of the chiefs at 
 Connecticut (Mr. Heynes 1 and Mr. Ludlow, 2 ) 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 worfhip's unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My beft refpecls 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 his 
 life was always in prominent official po- 
 fitions. Affiftant in 1634 an ^ 1636, he 
 was in 1635 Governor of Mafs. In 
 1637 he removed to Connecticut, was 
 elected Governor in 1639, an< ^ was re ~ 
 elected every alternate year until his 
 death in 1654. 
 
 2 Roger Ludlow, Deputy Governor of 
 Maffachufetts and Connecticut, 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 elected Governor in 1634, 
 he complained of the election as having 
 been a fraud. He removed to Windfor, 
 Connecticut, in 1635, where he was, for 
 nineteen years one of the moil ufeful 
 
 and diftinguifhed men. He was every 
 year elected 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 
 Maffachufetts 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 punifhed his officers for attempting 
 to create an infurrection. 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 
 Connecticut, which was printed in 1672. 
 Ludlow was brother-in-law of John En- 
 decott. — Blake, Biog. Die. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 37 
 
 For his much honored 'John Wifithrop, Governor of the 
 
 MaJJachufetts. 
 
 New Providence, this 2d 7 nas. [July 10, 1637.] ' 
 
 Sir, — Concerning your prifoners taken at Block liland, 
 I have informed the Sachems of your care not to injure 
 them and deiire to have them cleared; accordingly Cut- 
 mamaquene 2 v now come from purfuing Saffacous who is 
 fled Southerly, far out of reach,) I fay he hath received 
 teftimony from the Sachems Princes that they are Nayan- 
 taquit men, (Wepiteammocks^ men) and fo all are Narra- 
 ganfett men, and fo indeed Sir, I had thought to fend you 
 word at this prefent, had I not received your letter, for it 
 was continually affirmed to me for truth by all the Narra- 
 ganfett men occalionally being here. 
 
 Sir, the laft meflenger that carried letters from you to 
 Pequot, related to the Sachems at Narraganfett, that you 
 were difpleafed that the captives brought to the Bay lately, 
 were taken by the Englim from the Narraganfetts, as alfo the 
 
 1 4 Ma/s. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 197. people of Dorchefter, Uncatquiflet, be- 
 ad 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 fome 
 
 2 "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. 1. p. 277. Warres,! Ma/s. Hift. Coll. vol. iii. p. 140. 
 
 3 "Kuchamakin, Cutfhamoquin, who This man was often employed as an in- 
 was the fir ft fachem, and his people to terpreter, he being "acquainted with 
 whom Mr. Elliot preached." — 1 Ma/s. the Englifh language," and alfo as a guide 
 Hift. Coll. vol. i. p. 166. in the various expeditions of the colo- 
 
 " In 1636, Kutfhamakin fold to the nifts. 
 
33 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 fpoil upon them, which was given to the Englim foldiers. 1 
 I have anfwered that I think it was not fo, but I mail un- 
 derftand the truth mortly ; and therefore, Sir, be pleafed in 
 your next to intimate a word, that I may fatisfy 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 Wunnamowatuckoogs, 
 &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, Hew his countryman Saflawwaw, a Pequot, alfo 
 Miantunnomue's fpecial darling, 2 and a kind of General 
 
 Wepiteamock, was Miantunnomu's 
 brother in-law The " Eaitern Nian- 
 tics" were located about Weilerly, R. 
 I., and were tributary to the Narragan- 
 fetts. The " Weilern Niantics " were 
 located between the Connecticut and Ni- 
 antic Rivers, and were allies or tributa- 
 ries of the Pequots. Early in the feven- 
 teenth century before the Englifh 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 Englifh at 
 the time. 
 
 2 Saffawwaw, otherwife known as So- 
 foa or Socho. He did not die at this 
 time but was living in 1662. In 1660, 
 he fold a tracl: of land called Mifquami- 
 coke, what is now known as Welterly, 
 
 R. I., to fome Newport parties, which 
 land having been claimed bv Ninigret, a 
 number of depofitions were taken to 
 prove Sofoa the rightful owner. All 
 thefe teltimonies proved that before the 
 Englifh " had any warr with the Pequots, 
 the Pequots, croffing the Pawcatuck, 
 feated themfelves on the neck called Mil- 
 quamicook, which were the Narragan- 
 fett lands and territories : whereupon 
 the Narraganfett Sachims, Canonicus 
 and Miantonumy, employed a captain of 
 thofe parts, their fubjecl:, to deltroy 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 Hill 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 juftice, &c. 
 
 By the way, although Wequafh it may be have treach- 
 eroully almoft ilain him, yet I fee the righteous hand of 
 the moft High Judge, thus : Saifawwaw turned to the 
 Narraganfetts and again pretends a return to the Pequots, 
 gets them forth the kft year againft the Narraganfetts and 
 fpying advantage, Hew 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, 1 his matter 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 mould be glad 
 to receive any help for him in that great lofs. So with 
 my refpe&ive falutations to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, 
 yours and theirs, and other loving friends and my poor 
 lighs 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. Pofli- 
 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 Septimanae. [July 10, 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 meifenger, (Affote- 
 muit) 2 with variety and plenty, and ftrangenefs of news 
 and tidings, I hope true, and for ought I can difcern, true, 
 bleiTed 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 ihould 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, AiTbtemuit, is a noted meifenger from 
 
 1 4 Mafu Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 198. ?In a depofition made in 1682, Mr.Wil- 
 Probably written on the fame day as liams faid, "that being inquifitive of what 
 the preceding letter. root the title or denomination Nabigan- 
 2 I find no other notice of this man, Jet mould 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 Muiquomacuk, on the fea 
 mue of Acquedneck lands to William and frefh water fide." For further re- 
 Coddingtonand 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. Clus Pub. vol. i. p. 22. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 4 1 
 
 the Sachems, and one whom Miantunnomu hath com- 
 mended to me for an efpecial meiTenger from him. 
 
 This Pequot and the women report that (as I alfo heard 
 before) all the Pequots were affembled fome ten days 
 fince with Safacous in council : fome perfuaded to fight and 
 fall firft upon the Narraganfetts, (this alio I heard before) 
 the greater part diifented and were for removal : Safacous 
 and about four fcore 1 refolved for Mauquowkit, alias 
 Waukheggannick, where the men eaters are ; a hundred 
 more for Long Illand ; another company, the leaft, for 
 Connecticut, 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 fkirmim pan: between 
 them where fome were wounded, but away they got, 
 and each company packed up and departed their intended 
 journeys. 2 
 
 1 " The Pequots having received fo 
 terrible a blow and being much affrighted 
 with the deitru&ion of fo many, the next 
 day fell into confutation. AfTembling 
 their moft ableil men together, pro- 
 pounded thefe three things : Firft, whe- 
 ther they would fet upon a fudden re- 
 venge upon the Narraganfetts, or attempt 
 an enterprife upon the Englifh, or fly. 
 They were in great difpute, one amongfl 
 another. Safachus, their chief com- 
 mander, was all for blood ; the reft for 
 flight, alledging thefe arguments : We 
 are a people bereaved of courage, our 
 hearts are fadded with the death of fo 
 many of our dear friends ; we fee upon 
 what advantage the Englifh lie ; what 
 
 fudden and deadly blows they firike; 
 what advantage they have of their pieces 
 to us, which are not able to reach them 
 with our arrows at diitance. They are 
 fupplied with everything neceffary ; they 
 are flote and heartened in their viftory. 
 To what end fhall we ftand it out with 
 them ? We are not able ; therefore let us 
 rather fave fome than lofe all. This pre- 
 vailed. Suddenly after, thev fpoiled all 
 thofe goods they could not carry with 
 them, broke up their tents and wigwams 
 and betook themfelves to flight." — Un- 
 derbill, News from America, Lond. 1638. 
 2 " The news of the flight of Salfa- 
 chus, their fagamore is confirmed. He 
 went with forty men to the Mohocks, 
 
42 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Miantunnomu lent 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 alfent 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 deiires may be out of thefe three, as 
 alfo fome powder and (hot to it, as indeed was promifed. 1 
 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 fifhed 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, 
 
 Coll. vol. vi. p. 40. "This Saffachus, HiJl. 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 tftem to do it,) or for their 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 43 
 
 any of thofe who were murderers of the Engliih ; if there 
 were they mould die. 
 
 2. That if Mr. Governor were io 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 beiide thefe remain in the woods, 
 and resolve to come in and fubmit if thefe be accepted. 
 
 4. For the difpoiing of them, I propounded what if 
 Mr. Governor did deiire to fend for fome of them into 
 the Bay ; leave fome at the Narraganfett and fo fcatter and 
 difperle them : this he liked well, that they mould live 
 with the Engliih and themfelves as flaves. I then pro- 
 pounded that if they lived amongft the Englim or them- 
 felves, they might hereafter be falfe to the Englim, &c, 
 and what if therefore they were appointed and limited to 
 live upon Nayantacawniek or fome other Iiland : and this 
 he thought alfo well of' if not beit, becaufe they were 
 moil: of them families. 
 
 5. That they deiire you would pleafe to fend fome Eng- 
 lish to take poifeifion of the Pequot country and there to 
 inhabit. 1 
 
 6. That for their own hunting fake, Miantunnomu de- 
 fires that the Englim would inhabit that part neareft Con- 
 necticut, and that Myflic 2 and thereabout might be free 
 
 1 "Captain Stoughton and his Com- referved two Sachems, hoping by them 
 
 pany having puriued the Pequots beyond to get Saflachus, (which they promifed.) 
 
 Connecticut, and mifhng of them, re- All the rell 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 Maflachufetts Indians 
 
 them were newly come back to a place three, and the reil they fent hither." — 
 
 fome twelve miles off. So they marched Winthrop, Hijl. N. Eng. vol. i. p. 277. 
 thither by night and furprifed them all. 2 " 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 Mailachufetts and here, notwithstanding the 
 Englim did generally inhabit : and this fatisfied [him]. 1 
 
 7. That they defire the Pequot's corn might be enjoyed 
 by the Englim and themfelves, as Mr. Governor pleafe. 
 
 8. That the Wunnafhowatuckoogs are alfo afraid and 
 lied, fo that there is hope of a fafe palfage to Connecticut 
 by land. 
 
 9. That there is no hope that the Mohawks or any 
 other people will ever affift Safacous, or any of the Pequots, 
 againft the Englim, becaufe he is now, as it were, turned 
 Have 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 thele 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 worship's unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 This man relates that yefterday, the Lord's day in the 
 morning, a Pinnace arrived, but he knows not yet what 
 me is. 
 
 I pray Sir, forget not to reward this melfenger with a 
 coat, as alfo fome powder for Miantunnomu. 
 
 My loving refpecls to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. 
 Bellingham, and theirs, &c. 
 
 'Thefe proportions met with favor with lors. Pequot town was fubfequently fet- 
 the Englifh, 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 
 
 MaJJachufetts. 1 
 
 This 3rd. jx. [July 1 1, 1637. J z 
 
 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. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 202. 
 
 1 The third day of the week ; proba- 
 bly July 11, 1637. 
 
 3 Alias " Ninigret," Sachem of Nian- 
 tick. A portrait of this chief is in pof- 
 feflion of the Winthrop Family, from a 
 copy of which (made for the late Lieut. 
 Gov. Winthrop) an engraving was made 
 for Drake's Hiltory of Bolton. There 
 is an intereiting tradition that the life of 
 John Winthrop, Jr., was once faved by 
 him. Winthrop records the arrival of 
 "Ayanemo " at Boiton, on the 12th Ju- 
 ly, with feventeen men. This was Wed- 
 nesday. Williams's letter was written 
 on Tuefday, "3rd 7^" (that is, 3d fepti- 
 manae) : probably the day before, or 
 July 11. 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. 
 Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 202. 
 
 Winthrop under date of July 12th, 
 1637, fays "Ayanemo, the fachem of 
 Niantick, came to Bolton with (eventeen 
 men. He made divers propofitions, 
 which we promifed to give anfvver unto 
 the next day ; and then, underltanding 
 he had received many of the Pequots, 
 lubmitting to him fince the former de- 
 feat, we Aril demanded the delivery of 
 
 them, which he flicking at, we refufcd 
 further conference with him ; but the 
 next morning, he came and offered what 
 we defired. So the Governor referred 
 him to treat with our captains at the Pe- 
 quot, and wrote inltruitions to them how 
 to deal with him, and received his pre- 
 fent of ten fathom of wampum. He 
 was lovingly difmifled with ibme fmall 
 things given him." — Hijh 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 
 Welterly, R. I. Having vifited the 
 Weltern Indians and the Dutch Gover- 
 nor, Stuy vefant, he was fufpedted of plot- 
 ting with them for the deltruftion of the 
 Englifh ; and Sept. 1653, the Commif- 
 fioners for the United Colonies declared 
 war with him, but owing to oppofition 
 from Malfachufetts it was not prolecuted. 
 War was afterwards (1654) a g a ' n 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 rind 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 againrt: 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 more to you. 
 
 Thus humbly begging mercies from the God of heaven 
 for you and yours in all affairs, I reft, in hafte, 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 All due refpecls and falutations, &c. 
 
 'To yoh?i Winthrop y Governor of Majfachufetts. 
 
 New Providence, this 15th of the 5th. [July 15, 1637. J 1 
 
 Sir, — For the captives and booty, I never heard any of 
 thefe Natives queftion the A<5ts of the Englifh, only that 
 Native who brought letters to you from Capt. Patrick, 
 and was twice at Bolton, related fo much as I wrote of in 
 my former, at his return to the Narraganfett, viz. : that 
 yourfelf mould 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. 
 
 Wequaih is alive, fo is alfo the other like to recover of 
 his wound : I never heard that Miantunnomu was dif- 
 pleafed with Wequaih, for any fervice to the Englim, but 
 that Wequaih was fufpecled 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 miftake not, I obferve 
 in Miantunnomu fome fparks of true friendship, could it 
 be deeply imprinted into him that the Englifh never in- 
 tended to defpoil him of the country, I probably conjec- 
 ture his friendship would appear in attending of us with 
 500 men (in cafe [he is wanted]) againff any foreign enemy. 
 
 The Neepmucks are returned with three heads of the 
 Wunnafhoatuckoogs, they Hew fix, wounded many, and 
 brought home twenty captives. 
 
 Thofe Inlanders are fled up toward the Mohawks : fo 
 they fay is Safacous : our friends at Connecticut are to calf 
 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 Connecticut. 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 perim in their fin, in the place 
 quoted, &c. The blefted Lamb of God warn 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 worship'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 (hall 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 mould perim by it : yet I fear 
 the Lord's quarrel is not ended for which the war began, 
 viz. : the little {enfe y (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 
 fufpicions of it. ' 
 
 Sir, I thankfully expect 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, 1 from whom alfo (in mine abfence) I 
 have much fuffered. The good Lord fmile upon you and 
 yours in the face oi his anointed. 
 
 Your worfhip's unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To his ??mch bo?iored Governor 'John Winthrop. 
 
 New Providence, 21 of 5th monthe.* [July 21, 1637. 1 
 
 Much honored Sir, — My unfeigned love and refpecl 
 to your foul's eternal comfort, and firm perfuafion of your 
 leveling at the higheit white,3 have emboldened me once 
 more to tell you of fome poor thoughts of mine own, penned 
 and lent to fome friends amongft you ; which happily, (if 
 the good Lord fo pleafe) may fome way conduce to your 
 foul's fatisfadtion in the midft of all your troubles. 
 
 1 George Ludlow is fuppofed to have 
 been a kinfman of Roger Ludlow, as 
 before appears. He applied to be ad- 
 mitted a freeman of Maifachufetts Colo- 
 ny in 1630; but does not appear to have 
 fettled in New England. Roger Wil- 
 liams complains frequently of him as will 
 be feen by feveral fubfequent letters. 
 In 5 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. i. p. 250, is 
 printed a letter from Ludlow to Roger 
 Williams, to which is appended a note 
 by Williams, which is as follows : "Mr. 
 Coxall hath a letter of particulars, but 
 in this Mr. Ludlow acknowledged I st an 
 heifer, which was mine 4 years fince, the 
 7 
 
 increafe of her is mine. 2 Dd,y - Upwards 
 of 4 fcore weight of tobacco, y^- con- 
 federation above 8" for 3 goats due to me 
 when they were almolt 2 yeare fince, 
 about 4 U a goate ; as allfo their increafe. 
 4 ,hly - an houfe watch. ^- Another new 
 gown of my wives, new come forth of 
 England, and coft between 40 and 50 
 {hillings." By Coxall, is doubtlefs meant 
 the name of CoggeJhalL 
 
 *4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 205. 
 
 J" Higheft white." Mark at which an 
 arrow is fhot, which ufed to be painted 
 white. 
 
5° 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 I have been long requeued to write my grounds againft 
 the Englim preaching, &c, and efpecially my anfwers to 
 fome reafons of Mr. RobinfonV for hearing. 
 
 In the midft of a multitude of barbarous diffractions, I 
 have fitted fomething to that purpofe : and being not able 
 at prefent to tranfcribe the whole ; yet having been long 
 folicited by Mr. Buckley 2 (from whom I received fome 
 objections,) and by many others, and of late by my wor- 
 thy friend Mr. Peters,3 who had fight of them, I have 
 
 'Rev. John Robinfon of Leyden, born 
 in England, 1575, was educated at Cam- 
 bridge. Removed to Holland fhortly 
 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 fhortly to follow, but 
 died before the confent of the affociation 
 of Englifh merchants who controlled 
 the enterprife could be obtained. His 
 widow and children came out in 1630. 
 He publifhed a number of his writings, 
 but the one to which this probably re- 
 fers is "A treatife of he 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- 
 lifhed at Boflon, in 185 1 in 3 vols. 
 
 2 Rev. Peter Bulkley, 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 Hillory of 
 New England, and alfo of " The Gof- 
 pel Covenant Opened." London: 1646. 
 
 8 " 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 fucceflbr 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 moil diflinguifhed 
 citizens of that period in America. In 
 1641 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 refloration he 
 was tried for confpiring with Cromwell, 
 and compaffing the King's death. His 
 trial terminated in his condemnation ; 
 and he was executed on December 16, 
 1660, at the age of 61 years. His elo- 
 quence was of a peculiar and ltriking 
 character, 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 ibrry my ftraits are fuch that I cannot tranfcribe 
 the remainder, and efpecially what concerns the matter 
 moil concerning your dear felf, and therein efpecially the 
 affoiling of fome objections, but if the Lord pleafe I live 
 I fhall 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 Connecticut, 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, 1 old Sequin's 2 fon, 
 
 'William Pynchon of Springfield, in z "Sequin (in 1635) gave the Englifh 
 
 1648, fpells this name Sowoquafle. — land there, (Weathersfield,) upon con- 
 Winthrop, vol. ii. Appendix P. tradl that he might fit down by them, 
 
5 2 
 
 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. 1 
 
 For his much honored Mr. Governor ; John Winthrop. 
 
 New Phovidence, this 2nd of preient weeke. 2 [July 31, 1637.] 
 
 Much honored Sir, — I am bold to interpoie (in all 
 humble refpect) a word or two concerning the bearer, 
 Mr. Greene. 3 Being at Salem this laft week to take order 
 
 and be prote&ed, etc. When he came 
 to Weathersfield and had let down his 
 wigwams, they drove him away by 
 force." — Winthrop, vol. i. p. 312. 
 This chief was otherwife known as Sow- 
 heag. 
 
 1 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- 
 fhip He brought a fmall pre- 
 fent with him, which the deputy re- 
 ceived." 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hifl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 212. 
 
 sAuguft I, 1637, "Mr. John Greene, 
 of New Providence, having fpoken 
 againft the magiilrates contemptuoufly, 
 Hands bound in 100 marks to appear at 
 next quarter court to be held the firft 
 Tuefday of the 7th month enfuing-." — 
 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 jurisdiction upon paine of fine or im- 
 prifonment at the pleafure of the court, 
 for ipeaking contemptuoufly of the mag- 
 iilrates. — Mafs. Col. Rec. vol. i. p. 203. 
 
 We differ from the editors of the 
 Williams' letters {^tb Mafs. Hi ft. Coll. 
 vi. 212, note,) as to the date of this let- 
 ter. It cannot be of Sept. 1 8th as there 
 fhted, as the General Court, as appears 
 by the Maffachufetts Records, was held 
 Tuefday, Auguit 1. 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- 
 ifbury, 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 GenU Natb'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 1 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, 2 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 refpect 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 palfages of truth (as I cannot but 
 hope) before hand : I mall grieve much that any molefta- 
 tion or trouble mould 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 
 
 z John Endecott, Governor of Mafia- Governor. In 1636 Mr. Endecott was 
 
 chufetts, who was fent to America by a fent on an expedition againft 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 1644, 
 
 Salem, arrived in September, 1628, and when he was elefted Governor of Maf- 
 
 there laid the foundation of the firil per- fachufetts, and removed to Bofton. He 
 
 manent town in within the limits of MafTa- was alfo Governor from 164910 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 Augufl it was year. — Blake, Bing. Diftionary. 
 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 mould not have heard a word of fuch mat- 
 ters, if I 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 mail 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 Englim, 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. 55 
 
 free: yet fo as without danger of adjoining to the ene- 
 my. Thus earnestly looking up to heaven for you and all 
 yours, I reft 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My beft. refpe&s to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. 
 Bellingham, &c. 
 
 To his much honored Governor, "John Winthrop. 
 
 New Providence, 20th of the 6th. » [Auguft 20, 1637.] 
 
 Much honored Sir, — Yours by Yotaafh 2 (Miantun- 
 nomue's brother) received, I accompanied him to the 
 Narraganfetts, and having got Canonicus and Miantunno- 
 mu with their council together, I acquainted them faith- 
 fully with the contents of your letter, both grievances and 
 threatnings ; and to demonstrate, I produced the copy of 
 he league, (which Mr. Vane fent me,) and with breaking 
 of a ftraw in two or three places, I mowed them what they 
 had done.3 
 
 1 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. i. p. 162. fion of a treaty of peace," — which the 
 
 Knowles. Mem. R. Williams, p. 134. Governor fubfcribed, and they alfo fub- 
 
 1 Other wife Otafh and Yotnefh. This fcribed with their marks, and Outfhama- 
 
 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 
 
 1 October 21, 1636, Winthrop "no- them. — Winthrop, Hift. of 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 faw 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 lent me word, that 
 I fhould fend for them. This I mud: acknowledge, that 
 this meifage 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 
 ftrange kind of folemnity, wherein the Sachems eat 
 nothing but at night, and all the natives round about the 
 country were feafted. In which time, faith he, I wifhed 
 fome to look to them, which notwithstanding, in this 
 time, they efcaped ; and now he would employ men in- 
 stantly to fearch all places for them, and within two or 
 three days to convey them home. Befides, he profeifed 
 that he defired them not, and was forry the Governor 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 57 
 
 fhould think he did. I objected, that he fent to beg one. 
 He anfwered, that Saflamun, 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 Englifli, 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 ftuck to the Englifh 
 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 wetompati nucks ? 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. Miantunnomu (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 Englifli 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- 
 
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 Sefquankit 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 objected, 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. Nor, 
 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 
 protection. 1 
 
 By the next I (ball add fomething more of confequence, 
 and which muft caufe our loving friends at Connecticut to 
 be very watchful, as alfo, if you pleafe, their grievances, 
 which I have labored already to anfwer, to preferve the 
 Englim 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 worship'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. 
 
 1 Under date of July 26, 1637, Win- antunnomoh fent here fome Pequot 
 throp (voi. i. p. 283) writes ".nd Wi- iquaws which had run from us." 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 59 
 
 To bis kind friend, Mr. Richard Collicutt, thefe. 1 
 
 This 1 2th of the 7th mon. (commonly called) 1637. [September 12.] 
 
 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 deiire to give you your defire : otherwife 
 I wifli 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. 2 I have accordingly 
 fent you power to deal in it. In three refpedts I requeft 
 you to be ferious and punctual. 
 
 1 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 (hall 
 have caufe to be thankful to you above others. 
 
 3rdly, If his payment like you, I (hall requeft you firft 
 to fatisfy yourfelf, and mall remain 
 
 Yours moft unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 I fhall gladly fatisfy not only your charge, but alfo your 
 time and pains in dealing with M. Ludlow. 
 
 '4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 21 1. ther he removed before 1656. He died 
 
 1 Richard Collicott or Colcott, fettled in 1686, aged 83. Winthrop, who ap- 
 
 in Dorchefter before 1633, and wasa fer- parently believed in the doftrine 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 praver in 1648. 
 ble Artillery Company" of Bolton, whi- ' See note to Letter of July 15th. 
 
60 Letters of Roger Willi 'ams. 
 
 [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 mv 
 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 hotiored Joh?i IVinthrop, Governor of the 
 
 Majfachufetts} 
 
 [No date; probably October 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 firfr. murderer of the Eng- 
 lim, Wauphanck,) 2 yet I was willing to permit what I 
 could not approve, leaft if I had buried the prefent myfelf, 
 I mould have incurred fuipicion of pride and wronged my 
 betters, in the natives and others eyes : I have always mown 
 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- 
 miifion from my heart (which is not in mine hand but in 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hi/i. Coll. vol. vi. p. 207. of thofe who murdered Capt. Stone," 
 2 "The Narraganfetts fent us the Auguft 31, 1637. — Winthrop, vol. i. 
 hands of three Pequots ; one the chief p. 283. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 61 
 
 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 pleaiing to you : but 
 being called upon by your meifage and your love, (your 
 paper), I am emboldened. 
 
 Concerning the Pequots, the foldiers here 1 related to 
 me that Uncas 2 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 
 Englifli told me were all he could make. 
 
 It is generally confirmed that Thomas Stanton,4 (as him- 
 felf alfo confelfed to me at my houfe) was gioffly cou- 
 
 1 Winthrop under date of Aug. 26, 
 records " The captain and foldiers re- 
 turned all from Pequot," (vol. i. p. 283:) 
 Oft. 1 2, " A day of thankfgiving kept in 
 all the churches for our victories againft 
 the Pequods." — Ibid, vol. 1, p. 290. 
 
 2 Uncus, was originally a Pequot. He 
 revolted from Saflacous in 1634, became 
 friendly to the Englifh, 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 characterized 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 
 149,) gives the following epitaph from 
 a tombllone of one of Uncas' ions: 
 
 Here lies the body of Suttsee/o 
 Own son to Uncas grandson to OneJLo 
 Who were the famous sachems of Mohegan 
 But now they're all dead, I think it is Wer- 
 hcegan, 
 
 ? " 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 betooke themfelves to the Mon- 
 higts under Uncas their fachem, with 
 the approbation of the Englifh at Con- 
 ighteecutt, under whofe protection Un- 
 cafs lived." — Bradford, Hifi. 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- 
 necticut, and was one of the original pro- 
 
62 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 fened and deluded by one Wequafhcuck 1 (a Nayantaquit 
 Sachem) who fheltered four Pequot Sachems and lixty Pe- 
 quots at Long Illand, where now they are, where peace 
 was made with promife from the natives not to permit one 
 Pequot ; yet Wequafhcuck marrying Saifacous 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 moulders : yet 
 to this man Thomas Stanton (as it appears) did too much 
 liften, llighting I fear, too much the Narraganfetts. 
 
 I find our Neighbors very eager to purfue thefe four 
 Sachems and the lixty Pequots there, I prelTed 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 thev had been there. They plead that 
 Mr. Governor may pleafe to accompany, or fend himfelf 
 againft them, but cannot by any article in the league bind 
 them to fuller fo many of their enemies in a knot fo near 
 them. 
 
 I prefs them to humane conlideration of fo much blood 
 fpilt, they anfwer if they have the Sachems heads they 
 will make the reft Narraganfetts, and for the Long Ifland- 
 ers themlelves 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 conflantly employed He was living in 1648, while Wequafh 
 
 during his life as an Indian interpreter. died prior to 1643. 
 1 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 iome 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 itill : he faith, he hath many of his 
 own, and indeed when I came firfb hither I faw near ten 
 or twelve which himfelf or Canonicus had. 
 
 He repaid me with a grievance about a Pequot canoe 
 which he delired 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 
 requeued 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 leaft 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 objecting to him in the particular before divers, that the 
 Englifh complain he was proud, he defired that I would 
 prefcnt to Mr. Governor thefe particulars, that he had 
 caufe to maintain his right, becaufe the Connecticut Eng- 
 lish 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 Englim but laft year, we have been ever 
 friends, &c. 
 
 Uncas and his men had a hand in the death of all the 
 Englim and fought againft the Rivers mouth (at Connec- 
 ticut) we never killed nor confented to the death of an 
 Englim 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- 
 eroully. 
 
 They fell to the Englifh this year in fear or other policy, 
 and we, (faith he) have continued friendship 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, fo your wifdom may 
 make ufe of it unto others who happily take fome more 
 pleafure in wars: The blerled God of Peace be pleafed to 
 give you peace within, at home, and round about you 
 abroad, So prays 
 
 Your worfhip's unfeignedly refpective 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c, 
 all refpective 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 Wlnthrop. 1 
 
 [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 feriouily, 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 refpedts to your kind felf and Mrs. Winthrop, 
 and fighs to heaven for you, I reft 
 
 Your worship's unfeignedly faithful till death, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 '4 Ma/s. Hijl. Call. vol. vi. p. 212. from George Ludlow, and which is 
 1 This letter is of later date than the printed in full in 5 Ma/s. Hijl. 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.) 
 
 9 
 
66 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To bis much honored Governor jfo/in Winthrop} 
 
 [No date; probably Ottober, 1637.] 
 
 Sir, — Some while fince you were pleafed to delire me 
 to fignify to the Sachems, the promife of the Block Iiland- 
 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- 
 hand 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 fubjects. 
 
 Sir, I hear that there is now at Pequot with the Mohe- 
 gans, 2 one William (Baker3 I think his name is) who was 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 214. 
 
 In this letter Roger Williams men- 
 tions the probability of Miantonomo 
 going to Bolton in a day or two. The 
 letter of November 10th, reports the 
 return of this " big indian." Win- 
 throp, (vol. i. p. 291) records under 
 date of November lit, "Miantonomo 
 the Narraganfett Sachem came to Bof- 
 ton." He alfo reports that Miantono- 
 mo acknowledged that " all the Pequot 
 country and Block Jfland were ours." 
 He was alfo given " leave to right him- 
 felf for the wrongs which Janemoh and 
 Wequafh Co )k had done him." The 
 letter is probably of a date not later than 
 October 28, and perhaps not much ear- 
 lier. 
 
 z Monahiganeucks — Mohegans. By 
 the revolt of Uncas, the Pequot territo- 
 ries became divided, and that part called 
 
 Moheag or Mohegan, fell generally un- 
 der his dominion, and extended from near 
 the Connecticut River on the fouth, to a 
 place of disputed country on the north, 
 next the Narraganfetts. 
 
 5 " William Baker, Plymouth, 1643, 
 may I think, have been fir ft of Rhode II- 
 land, as early as 1638, and probably went 
 thither again, being counted among the 
 freemen 1655 at Portfmouth " Savage, 
 vol. i. p. 100. R. I. Col. Rec. vol. i. 
 Williams in fubfequent letters fpeaks of 
 him as of Plymouth, and that he was 
 whipped at Hartford in the fame year. 
 The next year November 12th, 1638, 
 he was admitted an inhabitant of New- 
 port. There was in Plymouth in 1632 
 a William Baker an apprentice to Rich- 
 ard Church, and poffibly this was the 
 man to whom Roger Williams refers. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 67 
 
 purfued, as is faid by the Englifli of Connecticut 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 Connecticut, 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 Englifli 
 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 
 aflurance that there is not one amongft all the Narragansetts. 
 
 Mr. Stoughton hath been long allured that Meikfah, 
 Canonicus' elder! 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 Wequamcuck v who long fhel- 
 tered Audfah and fo groffly 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 (heltereth now at Nayantick. 
 
 Uncas the Mohegan and Wequamcuck were lately at 
 Long Ifland, from whence fome few days fince, Uncas car- 
 ried away forty Pequots to Monahiganick, and Wequam- 
 cuck thirty to Nayantick. 
 
 While I write, Miantunnomu is come to my houfe and 
 affirmeth the fame; profeffing if I would advife him, he 
 would go over to Mr. Governor to acquaint the Governor 
 that Canonicus 1 and himfelf hath no hand in thefe paf- 
 fages. He afks me often if he may fafely go, and I allure 
 him if he have an honeft heart he need not fear any de- 
 ceit or treachery amongft the Engliih ; 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 nrft by my hand you were pleafed to give 
 
 1 "Canonicus, a Narraganfett chief, un- 
 cle of Miantonomoh, was born about 
 1565 ; died June 4, 1647 ; was the firm 
 friend of the Englifh, efpecially of Ro- 
 ger Williams. From him Williams ob- 
 tained, March 24, 1638, the grant of 
 land for his fettlement of the future 
 State of Rhode Ifland. In 1622, two 
 years after the Pilgrims landed at Ply- 
 mouth, Canonicus fent as a challenge a 
 bundle of arrows tied with a fnake-fkin. 
 The (kin was returned filled with powder 
 and ball ; but the peace was unbroken. 
 In 1632-35, there was a war between 
 
 the Pequots and Narraganfetts, about the 
 ownerfhip of lands lying between Paw- 
 catuck River and Wecapang Brook. Ca- 
 nonicus, after lofing his fon, burned his 
 own refidence and all his goods in it. 
 Roger Williams calls him " A wile and 
 peaceful prince." During his life, the 
 Narraganletts, though engaged in war 
 with other Indians, remained at peace 
 with the whites. Many years after his 
 death, however, under the famous King 
 Philip, they made war on the Englifli 
 and were exterminated." — Drake. Die. 
 American Biography. 
 
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 1 tells me that five days fince he lay a night 
 with him and is gone to Block Iiland. He is very hope- 
 fully improved fince I firft faw him: and am bold to wim 
 that he might now take his laft farewell of his friends, to 
 whom you would be rather pleafed to give leave to vifit 
 him at Bofton, 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 bleffing to him and many others. 
 . . . run headlong (without once hearing of it,) into ever- 
 lafting burnings. So prays daily 
 
 Your worfhip's unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To Mrs. Winthrup, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, and 
 theirs, refpecl:ive falutations. 
 
 1 Miantonomo, Sachem of the Narra- with Uncas, Sachem of the Mohegans, 
 
 ganfetts, was the nephew and fuccelfor not to make war upon one another with- 
 
 of Canonicus, and affumed the govern- out firft appealing to the Englilh. Cited 
 
 ment in 1636. He was the friend and in 1642, upon a mere rumor of intended 
 
 benefactor of the fettlers in Rhode Is- hoitilities to appear at Bolton 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 Englilh 
 
7° 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To his much honored Governor fohn Winthrop l 
 
 The lafl of the week, I think the 28th of the 8th. [Oft. 28, 1637.] 
 
 Sir, — This bearer, Miantunnomu, refolving to go on 
 his vifit, I am bold to requeft a word of advice from you 
 concerning a proposition made by Canonicus and himleH 
 to me fome half year iince. Canonicus gave an ifland in 
 this bay to Mr. Oldham, by name Chibachuvvefe, upon 
 condition as it mould feem, that he would dwell there 
 near unto them. The Lord (in whofe hands all hearts 
 are) turning their affections towards myfelf, they delired 
 me to remove thither and dwell nearer to them. I have 
 anfwered once and again, that for prefent I mind not 
 to remove; but if I have it from them, I would give them 
 
 to produce his accufers. None appear- 
 ing, he was di unified with honor. Gov. 
 Winthrop, in his Journal, teftifies to the 
 refpect in which the ability of the great 
 chief was held. The rivalry between 
 the Mohegans and Narraganfetts, which 
 it was the policy of the Englifh 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 Englifh 
 magifirates and elders, was executed. 
 Brave and magnanimous, he was doubt- 
 lefs the moll able of the Indians of New 
 England. Drake. Biog. Dictionary. 
 
 1 3d Ser. Mafs. Hift.Coll. vol. i. p. 165, 
 affigns October 28, 1637, as the proba- 
 ble date of this letter ; in which opinion 
 Arnold, in his Hi/lory of Rhode Ijland 
 agrees. Vol. i. p. 105. Knowles, and 
 R. I. Col. Records copy from the Mafs. 
 Hiji. Coll. 
 
 * The R. I. Col. Records, (vol. 1. 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 Chibachuwefa,/J?rw^r/y_/J)/(/unto 
 Mr. Winthrop the now Governor of the 
 Maflachufetts and Mr. Williams of Provi- 
 dence." 
 
 We cannot reconcile the difference of 
 dates, except that Winthrop's date refers 
 poflibly to the time Gov. Vane lent for 
 Miantonomoh. Miantonomoh alfo was 
 at Bofton on Nov. I, 1637, (Winthrop, 
 vol. i. p. 291.) If the date of the deed 
 above mentioned is correct, 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. - j\ 
 
 fatisfaction for it, and build a little house and put in fome 
 fwine, as understanding the place to have ftore of fifh and 
 good feeding for fwine. Of late I have heard, that 
 Mr. Gibbons, upon occafion, motioned your delire 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 yourielf 
 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 fpeclacle-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 mall obtain the whole. Your loving 
 counfel, how far it may be inorlenfive, becaufe it was once 
 (upon a condition not kept) Mr. Oldham's. So, with re- 
 ipeclive falutes to vour kind felf and Mrs. Winthrop, I reft 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned, in all I may, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 [No date. Probably written fcon after July, 1635.] 
 
 The Church of fefus Cbrijl at Salem, to our dearly beloved 
 and much efeemed in yefus, the Elders of the Church of 
 Chrijl at Bojlon. 
 
 Your letters (dear and well beloved in Chrift) dated the 
 22 of this 5th month, have been read openly before us, 
 wherein we underftand you fee not your way clear before 
 you, for delivering of our humble complaint unto the 
 
n 2 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Church of Chrift with you ; as alfo your reafons why you 
 dare not publim 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 left dishonor 
 mould 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 jealoulies. And 
 we befcech you [in the bowjels 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 filter 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 fupprels 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 aiTume 
 unto themfelves, and therefore it hath been questioned 
 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, [Acts] 
 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 
 diftinct appreheniion 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 pjlea, the people are wea[k .... 
 giddy and ram, and therefore mould not enjoy fuch liber- 
 ties, we con[ceive per]fons truly gathered in his name mall 
 find a wifdom great[er than theirs] in the midft amongft 
 them even Jefus Chrift, who himfelf is made their wif| dom] 
 1 Cor. i. 30. [Yjour reafons of not reading are three; 
 two againft reading aft all, the third,] againft reading oji the 
 Lord's day. The firft, more expreflly concerning . 
 
 our admonition, you fay is a gift which mould 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] 
 1. 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 fh[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 fellowmip 
 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 fo 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 
 Chrift for anfwer. 6th. Since that fome times brethren 
 may be offended at a good and righteous acl, pleafing to 
 Chrift, as fome were, Ads xi. [17, 18 J, by this ground 
 it will follow that the Churches (hall 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. 
 
 Laftly, be you pleafed to remember that hitherto in a 
 church way (the way of Chrill for Church failings) we 
 have not heard of any one brother offended with us, which 
 
 mould 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 acf of the 
 majiftrates gave . . [pub]lic offence, and befide that, 
 a public action offenfive may be but private offence: unto 
 this with all due fubmiffion we conceive the Court of Juf- 
 tice is as public [as the gate of the city.] Amos. v. 1 2 : 
 " They turn afide the poor from their right in the gate." 
 2dly, we acknowledge in fome obfcure and dark paifages, 
 one or two may ipy 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 \_pu?iifli befor\e fie 
 hath been conve\n\ted i to deal with a church out of a church way y 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. j§ 
 
 [ to | ptmiflj two or three hundred of our town Jor 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 (Thrift 
 who cry to the Lord for mercy to ex ... fee a 
 
 failing, yea fome hundreds of the whole town fmarting in 
 their .... and the whole land may, and other 
 lands hearing of it cannot choofe [but be bli]nded, weak- 
 ened, ftumbled ; and therefore we conceive as the fun [can- 
 not] be (hut up in a chamber, public finnings mud 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 [ft]aved; 
 we fignify thus much to your felves and humbly requeft 
 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 fatisfa&ion might they have had 
 leave to fpeak ; and furthermore the delay of a petition in 
 cases of prefent neceffity (as ye well know) may be as 
 grievous by the delay of a few months (fuch flood the 
 prefent ftate of the town) as if it was a whole year; and 
 therefore the Lord provides againff 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 againft the injurious. 
 We doubt not but a petition may be both delayed and re- 
 jected, but we must needs profefs our exceeding grief that 
 a Church of Chrifl fliall undergo a punimment before 
 convented, be punifhed (if there were due caufe) before ex- 
 horted to repentance in a rule of Chriff, and hundreds of 
 
J 6 Letters of Roger lVillia??is. 
 
 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 refpecT: 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 (hall ever be with the foremoft in all 
 humble refpect 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 warn away 
 the difhonor of the moil: high, by true, godly forrow and 
 repentance ; and in this your fervice we conceive in the 
 e[nd] you will find that moll 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 bulinefs, no[r bring a] civil bufinefs in 
 the Church. Firft, pleafe you to remember (our dear and 
 well beloved in Chrift) that for any civil matter we open 
 not our mouth. We fpeak of a fpiritual offence again ft 
 our Lord Jefus, and again ft the holy covenant of brethren, 
 and fo we do]ubt not though unclean .... oppref- 
 fion be offences againft the c[ivil ft]ate which the Church 
 meddles [not] with, yet the Church deals with members 
 lawfully for their breach [of cove]nant, 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 conlider 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. 
 
 77 
 
 is as much honored in the [act of] cenfuring or par- 
 doning of finners from his throne, Zach. vi. 13, in cafe 
 of tranfgreffion againft his crown, as againftthe administra- 
 tion of other his fvveet and bleiTed ordinances. 
 
 Now our bleifed C[hrift Jefjus, who holdeth his ftars in 
 his right hand, and out of whole mouth goes a fh[arp two-] 
 edged fword, and whofe countenance mines as the fun in 
 his Strength, Rev., mine mercifully and clearly upon your 
 fouls in all holy . . . confolations and . . . lva- 
 tions. 
 
 Your inoft unworthy brethren, unfeignedly refpective 
 and affectionate in Chriit Jefus. 
 
 Roger Williams. Samuel Sharpe. 
 
 This letter for which we are indebted to Charles Deane, Esq., of Cambridge, 
 was not received in time to inlert 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 
 
 le&ion in the keeping of the Maffachu- Neck, which they did challenge as be- 
 
 fetts Hiitorical Society. The letter was longing to their town ; but becaufe they 
 
 confiderably imperfett, many of the nad chofen Mr. Williams their teacher, 
 
 words quite obliterated and gone, lb while he ilood under quellion of authori- 
 
 that the meaning is in many places quite ty, and lb offered contempt to the majif- 
 
 oblcure. Enough however is pre- trates, &c, their petition was refufed, till 
 
 ferved to fhew the general thought of &c. Upon this, the Church of Salem 
 
 the writer, and to indicate the occafion wrote to other Churches, to admonifh 
 
 on which it was written. It bears no 
 date, but mull have been written in 
 i63 5,andwasa reply to a letter from 
 the elders of the Church of Bollon, 
 dated " ye 22 of this 5th month" — ie. 
 the 22d July. I apprehend the occafion 
 on which the letter was written was this: 
 We learn from Winthrop, under date 
 
 the majiitrates of this as a heinous fin, 
 and likewife the deputies ; for which at 
 the next General Court, their deputies 
 were not received until they mould give 
 fatisfa&ion about the letter." (Vol. i p. 
 164.) It would appear that the letter 
 lent to the Bollon Church was retained 
 by the elders and not laid before the 
 
7§ 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored Mr. Governor ', "John Winthrop. 
 
 loth of 9th. [November 10, 1637. ]' 
 
 Sir, — I acquainted this Indian Miantunnomu, 2 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 Englifh are unfeigned. 
 
 I have bought and paid for the Illand,^ and becaufe I 
 defired the beft confirmation of the purchafe to yourfelf 
 that I could, I was bold to infert your name in 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 lb 
 doing in their reply to the Salem Church. 
 The letter from the Bolton elders called 
 forth, as I fuppoie, this letter from Wil- 
 liams, figned by himfelf as teacher, and 
 Samuel Sharp, as ruling elder, of Salem 
 Church. Sharpe was foon afterward called 
 to account by the General Court for his 
 hand in this bufinels. In copying this 
 letter of Williams, I have indicated the 
 omiffions by ... I have modern- 
 ized the orthography in this copy. c. d. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hi/I. Coll. vol. vi. p. 217. 
 
 2 See previous letters. This letter was 
 probably written fhortly after Miantun- 
 nomoh's vifit, Nov. 1, to Bolton. — Win- 
 throp, vol. i. p. 291. 
 
 5 The deed of Prudence Ifland, is 
 dated Nov. 10, 1637, the fame day of 
 this letter. (See R. I. Hifi. Coll. vol. iii. 
 p. 29.) The consideration paid Mian- 
 tunnomoh and Canonicus was twenty 
 fathom of wampum and two coats, which 
 Williams paid, and now afks to be reim- 
 burfed one-half. 
 
 4 Reprive, an Indian fervant of Gov. 
 Winthrop. See letter of Ottober. 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 79 
 
 though Reprive law 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, 1 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 Englifh fall upon Nayan- 
 tick. 
 
 I am glad to fee this poor fellow Reprive careful to 
 pleafe you, for he laid you gave him leave for twenty-eight 
 days and though he could ftay but fix days where he de- 
 fired to ftay longeft, yet he will not lie. 
 
 He fays his brother goes along with him to ftay fome 
 while, till the fpring. 
 
 Sir, There are two Pequot fquaws, brought by the Nar- 
 raganfetts, almoft ftarved ; viz. : Mr. Coles his native, and 
 one girl from Winilimmit : there was a third (I think Mr. 
 Blackftone's 2 ) who had efcaped before to Nayantick. I 
 promifed thefe, if they would ftay at my houfe and not 
 run away, I would write that they might be ufed kindly. 
 The biggeft, Mr. Cole his native, complains that Ihe of all 
 
 1 Referring to the tribute as required thence to Cumberland, R. I., near the 
 
 by treaty made by Jaquauntu, the Block river fince called Blacklbone River, in 
 
 Ifland Sachem. reference to his name. He died juft be- 
 
 *His name in fome of the records of fore King Philip's war, when his refi- 
 
 the period is fpelled Blaxtort. William dence and his fine library were con- 
 
 Blackllone 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 
 
80 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 natives in Bofton is the worfe ufed : is beaten with fire- 
 fticks, and efpecially by fome of the fervants. 
 
 The little one makes no complaint of ufage, but fays (lie 
 was enticed by that other fquaw, which I think was Mr. 
 Blackftone's. I afked the biggeft, who burnt her and why, 
 me told me Mr. Penn 1 becaufe a fellow lay with her, but 
 me faid, for her part (lie refufed. 
 
 My humble defire is that all that have thofe poor 
 wretches might be exhorted as to walk wifely and juftly 
 towards them, fo as to make mercy eminent, for in that 
 attribute the Father of mercy mod mines 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 lome in Charleftown, (in 
 fpecial from one Benjamin Hubbard) 2 intimating his and 
 others defire (with my help and furtherance) to be my 
 neighbors in fome place near adjoining : Mr. James^ hath 
 not declared himfelf to be one, but I guefs he is inclining 
 to accompany them. On the Narraganfett fide the natives 
 are populous, on the fide to Malfachufetward Plymouth 
 men challenge, fo that I prefume if they come to the 
 place where firft I was, Plymouth will call them theirs. 4 I 
 
 •James Penn who at this time was one more fully in the confirmatory deed of 
 
 of the over leers or magistrates of the 1666 which bears his name. Bradford, 
 
 town of Bofton. calls him "a phifitian." — Hiji. of Ply- 
 
 z Benjamin Hubbard came to Charlef- muutb, p. 364. 
 town in 1633, was a prominent man, 4 No deed has ever been difcovered, 
 
 poftibly removed, fays Savage, to Bof- we think, of the lands of Seekonk and 
 
 ton, but he is known to have returned Rehoboth ; but a depofition of John Ha- 
 
 to England, and probably never returned fell, taken in 1642, confirms fuch a pur 
 
 to America. chafe. "John Hafell aftirmeth that Af- 
 
 1 Thomas James, probably one of the famequime chofe out ten fathom of beads 
 
 thirteen original proprietors of Provi- at Mr. Williams's and put them in a baf- 
 
 dence, being firft mentioned in the " in- ket, and affirmed that he was fully latif- 
 
 itial deed," fo called in 1638, and then fied therewith for his land at Seacunck ; 
 
Letters of Roger Willia??is. 
 
 81 
 
 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 Englilh Plantation (efpecially of men deli- 
 ring to fear God) might help and ftrengthen. I (hall 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 gracioully the myftical where 
 twelve hundred and three fcore days his faints are hid. 
 Revel. 12. I rest 
 
 Your Worihip's, forry that I am not more yours and 
 neither of us more the Lord's. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To Mrs. Winthrop all refpeclive remembrance. 
 
 I (hall 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 wifhed 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 impreflion can trace no fettlement near Providence 
 
 is that the Charleilown men fir 11 pro- to Charleftown men. 
 
 1 1 
 
82 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To his much honored Governor "John fVinthrop. 
 
 20th of the 9th. [November 20, 1637. J 1 
 
 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 wifh 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 paffages 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 adviling 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 understood 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, Jofhua, 2 but 
 his ill advifenefs of refufing my fervice and fpending of 
 his time upon a houfe and ground hath difabled him. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 220. of land was adjoining Mr. Williams's. 
 
 z Probably Jofhua Verin, whofe grant 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 83 
 
 Upon this occafion of your loving proffer of the half of 
 the debt (8//J to myfelf, I mall 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 
 fatisfaclion but your loving and wonted acceptation, yea, 
 although the bufinefs had been effected. Sir, I had almoft 
 been bold to fay my thoughts what I would do in this cafe, 
 were the runaways 1 mine, but I will not more at prefent. 
 If you fhall pleafe to require account of what my obfer- 
 vation hath taught me, I fhall 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 worship'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 refpective remembrance to Mrs. Win- 
 throp. 
 
 5 Poffibly refers to Reprive and other Indian fervants, before mentioned. 
 
8 4 
 
 Letters of Roger Willia?ns. 
 
 To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. 
 
 Providence, loth of the nth month. [January 10, 1637-8.]' 
 
 Much honored Sir, — It having pleafed the Moft 
 High to befiege us all with his white legions, 2 I rejoice 
 at this occafion from Connecticut (thefe letters fent to me 
 by Mr. Hooker)3 that I may hear of your welfare and 
 health, which I wifh 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 paifages fent me, rinding them flanders : and fince (for 
 many good ends and) for keeping a paifage open between 
 yourfelves and Connecticut by natives, fummer and win- 
 ter, a peace is much to be deiired between the Mohegan 
 and the Narraganfett. I have proffered my pains in pro- 
 curing a meeting of the adverfe Sachems, if it pleafe the 
 Magiflrates of Connecticut 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 Connecticut, as I have 
 writ to them, to look to the two or three hundred Pe- 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Htft. Coll. vol. vi. p. 221. 
 
 2 Snow. Winthrop fays, " This was 
 a very hard winter. The fnow lay from 
 November 4 to March 23 half a yard 
 deep about the MafTachufetts," &c, vol. 
 i. p. 317. 
 
 3 The Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hart- 
 ford, to whom Williams here alludes, 
 was an eminent divine, and one of the 
 founders of the colony of Connecticut. 
 He arrived at Bofton in company with 
 John Cotton, September 3, 1633, and 
 
 the following month became pallor of 
 the church in Newton. In 1636, with 
 his whole congregation, he removed to 
 the banks of the Connecticut river, where 
 they founded Hartford. In this new 
 colony, Hooker was very influential in 
 eflablilhing churches. He died in 1647, 
 aged 61. He was the author of feveral 
 volumes, the moft celebrated of which is 
 A Survey of the Sum of Church Difcipline, 
 printed at London, in 1648. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 85 
 
 quots harbored by Wocafe 1 the Mohegan, as alfo William 
 Baker 2 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- 
 lire, if you light on one that defires to fear the Lord, re- 
 member me. I have a lufty canoe, and fhall have occafion 
 to run down often to your Iilands (near twenty miles from 
 us) both with mine own and (I defire alfo freely) your 
 wormip'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 
 meiTenger, for I caufed four natives who came from Con- 
 necticut to flay 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 belt, falutes to your 
 deareft companion, I reft 
 
 Your worship's to my power faithful 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My due refpects to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, theirs, 
 and other loving friends, &c. 
 
 'Probably Uncas. ceding, relative to William Baker. 
 
 2 See note to letter of October pre- 5 Prudence liland. 
 
86 Letters of Roger Williams . 
 
 To. his much honored Governor 'John Winthrop. 
 
 Providence, 28th of the 12th. [February 28, 1637-8.]' 
 
 Sir, — Some few days iince I received letters from 
 Mr. Hooker, who had fafely received your packet with 
 thanks, &c. 
 
 He intimated that according to Miantunnomue's infor- 
 mation by myfelf, William 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 alfo fignified the delire of the Magistrates at Con- 
 necticut that there the meeting fhould be : as alfo that in 
 the mean feafon they had charged the Mohegans not to 
 moled any natives in their palfage and travel, &c, requir- 
 ing the fame of the Narraganfetts towards the Mohegans. 
 
 Accordingly I have been fince at Narraganfett 2 and find 
 Miantunnomu willing to go to Connecticut by the time 
 limited, the end of the next month ; only firft he delired 
 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 earnestly 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 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hill. Coll. vol. vi. p. 223. fmall portion lying eaft of Pawcatuck 
 
 z The Narraganfett country which oc- river ; and extended a little north of the 
 
 cupied much the fame diftrift as Wafh- prefent line of Kent County. 
 
 ington County now embraces, except a 
 
Letters of Roger Willia?ns. 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, requesting 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 iicknefs.) Secondly, he called for his fword, 
 which faid he, Mr. Governor did fend me by you and 
 others of the Englim, 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 Connecticut 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 divifion made of thefe furviving Pequots (ex- 
 cept the Sachems and murderers) and let their lhare be at 
 your own wifdom. 
 
 I mall 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 mall arife, and divifion be thought fit) to become fub- 
 jects to yourfelves in the Bay and at Connecticut, which 
 they will more eaiily 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 Welfh 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 {even, but I hope the time is not long 
 that fome mall truely blefs the God of Heaven that ever 
 they faw the face of English 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 Moil High 
 to vouchfafe his peace and truth through all your quarters, 
 with my due refpects to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputy, Mr. 
 Bellingham, &c, I reft 
 
 Your worfhip's in all true refpect and affection 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 89 
 
 Sir, I heard no more as yet from Charleftown men 
 coming this way. Mr. Coxall and Mr. Aipinwall 1 have 
 lent to me about fome of thefe parts, and in cafe for mel- 
 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 jfohn Wiyithrop. 
 
 Providence, 16th of this 2d. [April 16, 1638. ] 2 
 
 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,^ &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 
 
 1 William Afpinwall, was one of the it is now ordered, that faid John Greene 
 figners of the compact at Portfmouth in mail not come into this jurifdiftion upon 
 1638, and was chofen Secretary. The paine of imprisonment and further cen- 
 following year he had lands alfigned him fure : and becaufe it appears to this 
 in that town. Savage, fays he moved to Courte that fome other of the fame 
 New Haven and afterwards returned to place are confident in the fame corrupt 
 Bolton. — Genealogical Dicl.vo\.\. p. 71. judgment and practice; it is ordered, 
 It is to be inferred from this letter that that if any other of the inhabitants 01 
 fome of the family were Hill in the colo- the faid plantation of Providence mall 
 ny of Rhode Ifland. come within this jurifdiftion, they ihall 
 
 2 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 226. be apprehended and brought before fome 
 i March 12, 1638. "Whereas a let- of the magiitrates ; and if they will not 
 
 ter was fent to this Court, fubfcribed by difclaime the faid corrupt opinion and 
 John Greene, dated from New Provi- cenfure, they fhall be commanded pre- 
 dence, wherein the Court is charged fently to depart," etc. — Mafs. Col. Rec. 
 with ufurping the power of Chriit over vol. i. p. 224; fee alfo Winthrop, four- 
 ths Churches and men's confciences, nal, vol. i. p. 307 ; fee alfo note to letter 
 notwithstanding he had formerly ac- of July 31, 1637. 
 knowledged his fault in fuch fpeeches ; 
 12 
 
9 o 
 
 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 aflift- 
 ing) my endeavor to pacify and allay, where I meet with 
 rigid and cenforious fpirits, who not only blame your 
 actions but doom your perions : and indeed it was one of 
 the firft grounds of my diflike of John Smith 1 the miller, 
 and efpecially of his wife, viz.: their judging of your per- 
 fons as [devel's| 2 &c. 
 
 I alfo humbly thank you for that fad relation of the 
 monfter,3 &c. The Lord fpeaks once and twice : he be 
 pleafed to open all our ears to his difcipline. 
 
 'John Smith one of the earliefl fet- 
 tlers in Providence. He is on the lift of 
 thofewho 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. — 
 R. I. Lot. Records, vol i. pp. 24 and 42. 
 He was one of the moll prominent men 
 in the colony for many years ; but it 
 feems that he incurred the diflike of 
 Williams. 
 
 1 The word in brackets is expunged in 
 the original manufcript. 
 
 J This " monfler" was the deformed 
 child of the wife of William Dyer, "a 
 very proper and fair woman. The child 
 was buried, (being Mill-born) and viewed 
 of none but Mrs Hutchinl'on and the 
 midwife." A particular account of this 
 " monfler " is given by Winthrop under 
 date of March 27, 1638. — Journal, vol. 
 i. p. 226. 
 
 Winthrop fays that Dyer and his wife 
 
 " were notorioufly infected with Mrs. 
 Hutchinibn's errors, (fhe being much 
 addicted to revelations.)" Mrs. Hutch- 
 inl'on endeavored to conceal the fact of 
 the birth of the child, by advice, as fhe 
 faid of Mr. Cotton. " The Governour, 
 fpeaking with Mr. Cotton about it, told 
 him the reafon why he advifed them to 
 conceal it: 1. Becaufe he faw a provi- 
 dence of God in it," etc., which apology 
 was accepted. — Hiji. of N. Eng. vol. i. 
 
 P- 3*3- 
 
 This ftrange affair feems to have cre- 
 ated a fenlation in the colony, and the 
 midwife fuspected of being a witch, was 
 obliged to leave the jurildiction. 
 
 Gov. Bradford, of Plymouth, in a let- 
 ter to Winthrop, lays " I thank you for 
 your letter touching Mrs. Hutchinfon : 
 I heard fince of a monllrous and pro- 
 digious birth which fhe fhould difown 
 amongil you. — Winthrop Papers, 4 Mafs. 
 Hi/}. Coll. vol. vi. p. 156. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 9 1 
 
 Mrs. Hutchinfon 1 (with whom and others of them I 
 have had much difcourfe) makes her apology for the con- 
 cealment of the monfter, that (lie did nothing in it with- 
 out Mr. Cotton's 2 advice, though I cannot believe that he 
 
 1 Anne Hutchinfon, founder of the 
 Antinomian party in New England. Be- 
 ing intereiled in the preachings of John 
 Cotton, came to Bofton in 1634. " She 
 foon acquired efteem and influence. She 
 inflituted meetings of the women of the 
 Church to difcufs fermons and doctrines, 
 in which (he difplayed great familiarity 
 with fcripture, but made enemies by her 
 nnovating theories. Two years after 
 her arrival, the itrife between her fup- 
 porters and opponents broke out into 
 public aftion. ' The difpute' fays Ban- 
 croft, ' infilled its fpirit into every thing ; 
 it interfered with the levy of troops for 
 the Pequot war ; it influenced the ref- 
 peft fhown to the magistrates, the diflri- 
 bution of town lots, the affeffment of 
 taxes, and at lall the continued exiftence 
 of the two oppofing parties was con- 
 fidered inconfiltent 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, fhe 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 intellect, and bril- 
 liant qualities of both perfon and char- 
 after. Her mind, tinged with a (hade 
 of fanaticifm, was of that impalfioned 
 and fervid caft, 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 thole, who were not entirely quielcent 
 beneath the defpotifm of the prevailing 
 
 theology of the times The quef- 
 
 tions at iflue were, in moil refpcfts, the 
 fame as have perplexed the minds and 
 divided the opinions of Chriltians in 
 every age of the church, and about which 
 uniformity of fentiment is never to be 
 hoped for." — Gammell, Life of Roger 
 Williams, p. 96. 
 
 In 1642, on the death of her hufband, 
 Mrs. Hutchinfon removed to Wellchef- 
 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 extiuftion of her family," writes 
 Profeflbr Gammell, "ferved but to con- 
 firm her enemies in Maflachufetts in 
 their conviftions of her wickednefs, and 
 the juftice of their proceedings againfl. 
 her. They were confidently regarded 
 as a revelation of the judgment of God. 
 
 2 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" and other works, in 
 the third and fourth volumes of the pub- 
 lications of the Narraganfett Club. 
 
02 Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 
 
 fubfcribes to her applications of the parts of it. The Lord 
 mercifully redeem them, and all of us from all our delu- 
 sions, and pity the defolations of Zion and the ftones 
 thereof. 
 
 I find their longings great after Mr. Vane, 1 although 
 they think he can not return this year : the eyes of fome 
 are fo earneftly fixed upon him that Mrs. Hutchinfon 
 profeifeth if he come not to New, me muft to Old 
 England. 
 
 I have endeavored by many arguments to beat off their 
 delires 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 mow of breach of promife in 
 myfelf, thus to object: 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 mould 
 be bold to prefs my former motion, or elfe that with the 
 next convenience they might be sent for other parts, &c. 
 
 1 Sir Henry Vane, Governor of Maf- other MafTachufetts people who were 
 
 fachufetts the previous year, had jull re- perfecuting her. She and her followers, 
 
 turned to England. While in Boiton, therefore, looked to him for protection. 
 
 he had befriended Mrs. Hutchinfon, See an extended note to letter of O£to- 
 
 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 prefs 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 delire to clear your names and the name of the 
 mod High, which will be ill reported of in cafe (accord- 
 ing to io many promifes) an honorable and peaceable 
 iifue of the Pequot war be not eftablifhed. 
 
 Sir, the bearer hereof (not daring either to bring my 
 letter or attend for an anfwer) I mud requeft you to fend 
 your letter to Richard Collicut's, that io a native may con- 
 vey it, or elfe to Nicholas Upfhall's : and I fhould be bold 
 humbly to propound to the country whether in cafe 
 there be a neceihty of keeping league with the natives, 
 and fo confequently many occasions 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-ihore, as I fay,, whither it be not requifite fo far to dif- 
 penfe with the late order of restraint as to permit a mef- 
 fenger 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 mo ft holy God 
 be pleafed to make us willing now to bear the toffings, 
 dangers and calamities of this fea, and to leal 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 refpeft 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, 1633.] 
 
 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. 2 
 
 What is man that thou fhouldeft vilit 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 fuperiluous : yet 
 privately and publicly you have not been forgotten, and I 
 hope mall not while thefe eyes have fight. 
 
 1 4 Mafi. Hi/I. Coll. vol. vi. p. 244. which brought him near death. — Hi/?. 
 
 1 Alluding to the illnefs of Winthrop, of Nezo 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 1 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 feveral whippings. This fellow, 
 notorious in villiany, and ftrongly affected 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, 2 who as 
 he hath refufed to hear the word with us (which we mo- 
 lefted him not for) this twelve month, io 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- 
 ticut. He came from England with 
 Thomas Hooker in 1633. In 1637 he 
 was prominent among the founders of 
 Connecticut, and was choi'en its firft 
 Governor in 1639, an ^ ever y alternate 
 year afterward till his death. He was 
 one of the five who, in 1638, drew up a 
 written conltitution for the colony. Ban- 
 croft fpeaks of him as a man " of large 
 eilate, and larger affections : of heavenly 
 mind, and fpotlefs life ; of rare fagacity, 
 and accurate but unafluming judgment ; 
 
 by nature tolerant and a friend to free- 
 dom." He was one of the bell educated 
 of the early fettlers of this country. — 
 Drake, Biog. Dictionary. 
 
 z Philip Verin's fon, of Salem. Proba- 
 bly one of the family of Jofhua Verin, 
 one of the firft fettlers of Providence, 
 who accompanied Roger Williams when 
 he paddled acrofs Seekonk River in his 
 log canoe, but who foon after removed 
 to Salem. See letter following that of 
 October i oth, for a note on Jofhua Verin. 
 
g6 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 tyrannically and brutifhly : which fhe 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 jufHce (as 
 he clamors) at other Courts : I wifh he might, for a foul 
 and ilanderous and brutifh carriage, which God hath de- 
 livered him up unto; he will [haul] his wife with ropes to 
 Salem, where (lie muft needs be troubled and troubleiome, 
 as differences yet (land. She is willing to flay and live 
 with him or elfewhere, where me may not offend, &c. I 
 mall humbly request that this item be accepted, and he no 
 way countenanced, until (if need be) I further trouble 
 you : So with due refpe£ts to Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Depu- 
 ty, Mr. Bellingham, &c, I reft, 
 
 Your wormip's unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To his much honored Governor John Winthrop} 
 
 Providence, 27th of 3d. [May 27, 1638.] 
 
 Much honored Sir, — I have prefumed to fend this 
 Narraganfett man, to attend your plealure concerning the 
 Pequots, and Canonicus and Miantunnomue's complaint 
 againft them and their protectors. 
 
 The fum of their deiire I lately acquainted you with, 
 viz. : that you would pleafe (even all the Englifh) to fit 
 ftill and let themfelves alone with them according to con- 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hi/}. Coll. vol. vi. p. 246. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 97 
 
 Tent, 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) 
 might 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 fubjection of thefe Pequots to themfelves, and are alfo 
 as ftrangely refolved upon righting and violent courfes, (as I 
 understand 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 iince promifed, and ftill waits 
 to go any whither you mall 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 mould liften to Indian reports, mail bring 
 many who will affirm that Tho : Stanton hath received 
 mighty bribes (whence origo malt ) 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 (hall 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 cort more blood 
 13 
 
98 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 on all fides then yet hath been fpllt ; 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 En^lilh mall find, that Vindicta levis vita in- 
 candior ipfa eji. 
 
 Thirdly, that our friends at Connecticut are marveiloufly 
 deluded by the Mohegans, as to be fo confident or 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 Englifli, and that upon pain of death 
 to any that mould 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 dii- 
 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 wildom 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. 2 
 
 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- 
 preheniions, and but one iudden 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 firft about three fcore and ten 
 years fince : the fecond fome three fcore and four years 
 fince, the third fome fifty-four years fince, thefourth 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 
 
 2 Winthrop, under date of June 1, parts round about. It fhook the fhips, 
 
 thus records this event : " Between three which rode in the harbour, and all the 
 
 and four in the afternoon, being clear, iflands, etc. The noile and the fhakings 
 
 warm weather, the wind wefterly, 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. — Hijh of New England, vol. i. p. 
 
 rattling of coaches in London, but was 319. 
 prefently gone. It was at Connefticut, 
 
ioo Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 his own riddles, and grant if it be pleaiing in his eyes) it 
 may not be for destruction, and but (as the Earthquake be- 
 fore the Jailor's converlion) a means of making and turn- 
 ing of all hearts, (which are his,) Englim or Indian, to him. 
 To further this (if the Lord pleafe) the Earthquake 
 fenfibly took about a thoufand of the natives in a mod 
 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 1 for 
 commodities received from Mr. Mayhew. 2 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 act and his 
 attachment fince, fues as I'hear for damages, which I quef- 
 tion : fince I have not failed againft contract and content 
 of the firft agent, but the holy pleafure of the Lord be 
 done : unto whofe merciful arms (with all due refpedls) I 
 leave you, wifhing heartily that mercy and goodnefs may 
 ever follow you and yours. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, to your dear companion, Mr. Deputy, Mr. Belling- 
 ham, and theirs, all refpective falutes, &c. 
 
 1 Mathew Cradock, Governor of the Thomas Mayhew hath and doth Co much 
 MafTachufetts Company. difquiet my mind, as I thank God never 
 
 2 Thomas Mayhew was a member of any thing did in the lyke manner. The 
 the General Court of MafTachufetts, 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, Wintbrop Papers: 4 Mafs. HijL Coll. 
 in a letter to Winthrop, January 13th, vol. vi. p. 122. 
 
 1636, fays " The greyffe I have been 'Jollies or, JolifFe, an agent of Mr. 
 
 put to by the moil vyle bad dealing of Cradock, fee previous letter. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 101 
 
 To his much honored Governor "John IV bit hr op. 
 
 [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 Englifh and his more than ordinary entertain- 
 ment, &c, now all dallied in a moment in the frowns of 
 fuch in whole friendlhip 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 lhall 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 Ihadows and fables. I commonly 
 guefs fhrewdly at what a native utters, and, to my remem- 
 
 1 3 Ma/5. Hijl. Coll. vol. i. p. 166. Knowles's Mem. of Roger Williams, p. 149. 
 
102 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 brance, never wrote particular, but either I know the bot- 
 tom of it, or elfe I am bold to give a hint of my fufpenfe. 
 
 Sir, therefore in fome things at prefent (begging your 
 wonted gentlenefs toward my folly) give me leave to mow 
 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 actual murderers of the 
 Englim, 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 ier- 
 vant. I favv 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- 
 fhamoquene had four fathom and odd 1 of him, and forty 
 was for Mr. Governor. I afked him, how many Pequots. 
 He told me iix. I afked 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 
 
 1 " 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 palfeth by within a mile of me (though 
 he mould 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, 
 andrind 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- 
 fhamoquene,) who would not receive them, but afked 
 twice for Pequots. At laft, at Newtown, Mr. Governor 
 received them, and was willing that the Pequots mould 
 live, fuch as were at Mohegan, fubjecT: to the Englifh Sach- 
 ems at Connecticut, to whom they mould 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 faid, 
 but two, who were Miantunnomue's captives, and that at 
 Nayantick with Wequafh Cook were about three lcore. 
 I afked, why he faid the Indians at Narraganfett were to 
 be the Governor's fubjeclis. 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 ftaid about Cutmamoquene's. I afked, how 
 many Pequots were amongft them. He faid fix. I defired 
 him to name them, which he did thus : Pametefick, Wee- 
 augonhick, (another of thofe murderers) Makunnete, Kim- 
 kontuckqua, Saufawpona, Quffaumpowan, which names I 
 prefently wrote down, and {pace veftra dixerini) 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 monftrous 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 worfhip ; 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 mould fin 
 againft mine own perfuafions and relolutions. 
 
 Sir, concerning the illands Prudence and (Patmos, if 
 fome had not hindered) Aquednick, 1 be pleafed to under- 
 ftand your great miftake : neither of them were fold pro- 
 perly, for a thouland fathom would not have bought either, 
 by ftrangers. The truth is, not a penny was demanded for 
 either, and what was paid was only gratuity, though I 
 choofe, for better alfurance 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 2 (whom they knew fo many years a Sachem 
 
 1 Aquetneck, AquiJneck, the Ifland of 
 Rhode Ifland. 
 
 z William Coddington was a native of 
 Lincolnfhire, England, and was there ap- 
 pointed an affiltant judge for the colony 
 of Maffachuletts Bay, in 1629. He 
 came over with the Governor and the 
 Charter in 1630, and was feveral times 
 re-elefted to that office. He was alio, 
 for fome time, treafurer oi that colony, 
 as was alfo, fays Callender, " the chief- 
 
 eft in all the public charges and a princi- 
 pal merchant in Bolton, where he built 
 the firlt brick houle." He came to 
 Rhode Ifland with a few friends, and his 
 name ftands firft among thofe who incor- 
 porated themlelves into a body politic in 
 the year 1638. They choofe him to 
 be their judge, or chief ruler, and con- 
 tinued to elect him Governor until the 
 patent was received, and the ifland incor- 
 porated with Providence Plantations. In 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 105 
 
 at Bolton), were far from being rejected 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 reje&ed of our native foil, and more to mind the many 
 ftrong bands, with which we are all tied, than any particu- 
 lar diftafte each againft 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 mall reward thee ; unto whofe mercy and tender 
 companions I daily commend you, defirous to be more 
 and ever. 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned and faithful 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 his depofition he ftates that he was one 
 of thofe who made a peace with Canoni- 
 cus and Miantonomi 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 aflifted in framing the 
 body of laws which has fince been the 
 balls of our conftitution and government. 
 In 165 1 he had a commiffion 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 firft notice from England that 
 he might do fo." 
 
 Many of the colonifts embraced the 
 fentiments of the Society of Friends, 
 amongwhomwas Governor Coddington. 
 Their yearly meeting was held at his 
 houfe until his death. 
 
 Coddington appears to have enjoyed a 
 high reputation, and was ever attive 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 fhown in his afts, and 
 as may be ieen from his writings. Two 
 lav letters from him on religious matters 
 as preferved in Besse's Sufferings of the 
 Quakers, London, 1753: 2 vols, folio; 
 and in a tradl entitled " Demonjlration of 
 True Love unto Tou the rulers of the 
 colony of Majfachufetts " in New England. 
 London, 1674. 
 
io6 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, mine own and wife's refpective falutes to your dear 
 companion and all yours ; as alio to Mr. Deputy, Mr. 
 Bellingham, and other loving friends. 
 
 I am bold to enclofe this paper, although the paffages 
 may not be new, yet they may refrefh your memories in 
 thefe Englim-Scotch diftrattions, 1 &c. 
 
 To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. 
 
 Providence, this 5th of the prefent weeke. [June, 1638. ] 2 
 
 Much honored Sir, — BlefTed be the Father of mer- 
 cies that once again I received your hand the laft night by 
 the melfengers by whom I fent. 
 
 By them I understand 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 diftra&ions." " The trou- 
 bles which arofe in Scotland about the 
 book of Common Prayer, and the 
 canons, which the King would have 
 forced upon the Scotch churches, did fo 
 take up the King and council, that they 
 had neither heart or leifure to look after 
 the affairs of New England." — Win- 
 throp, Hift. of New England, vol. i. p. 
 320. 
 
 2 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 230. 
 
 * Winthrop, under date of June 5, 
 fays " Unkas the Monahegan Sachem in 
 the twift of Pequot River, came to Bof- 
 ton with thirty-feven men. He came 
 from Connecticut with Mr. Haynes, 
 
 and tendered the Governor a prefent of 
 twenty fathom of wampom. This was 
 at the Court, and it was thought fit by 
 the council to refule it, till he had given 
 fatisfadlion about the Pequods, etc. But 
 two days after, having received good 
 fatisfaftion of his innocency, etc., and 
 he promifing to fubmit to the order of 
 the Englifh touching the Pequods he had, 
 and the differences between the Narra- 
 ganfetts and him, we accepted his pre- 
 fents. . . . The Governcr gave him a 
 red coat, and defrayed his and his men's 
 diet, and a letter of protection to all 
 men, etc., and he departed very joyful." 
 Hift. of New England, vol. i. p. 319. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 107 
 
 a boat for clay upon Connecticut 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 delire not the destruction 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 Connecticut 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.) Againfl Wequafhcuck, Canoni- 
 cus or Miantunnomu had long fince proceeded, but our 
 loving friends of Connecticut 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 
 Worfhip's moft unworthy yet unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 All refpective falutes, &c. 
 
108 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To his much honored Governor John Winthrop. 
 
 Providence, 23d, 5th. [July 23, 1638. ]' 
 
 Two days iince I was bold to prefent you with a line, 
 and ftill (fo it pleafeth the mod High,) I am occasioned 
 again to be a conftant trouble, &c. 
 
 Thefe your Wormip's fervants viliting me in their tra- 
 vel, I 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 Worfhip 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 mould leave one man there at 
 your houfe, to perfuade and work their efcape. 
 
 That man was the Pequot Robin, who hath effected his 
 bufinefs, for which (as he hears) Uncas promifed him and 
 hath given him the ten fathom of Wampum. 2 
 
 •4 Mafs. Hili. Coll. vol. vi. p. 231. fhell is broken off . . . The fecond 
 z Wampum. Strings, or firings of is black, inclining to blue, which is made 
 (hells, ufed by the Indians as money, of the fhell of a fifh ; 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 warn- white ; their black, funkabock 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 flock of the periwinkle, when all the occipit for a plume, good flore of warn- 
 
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 Maifachufetts. 
 
 Reprive was promifed Joane by the Old Squaw for the 
 furtherance of the buiinefsand hath her. He advifed their 
 efcape by Neepmuck, becaufe once before, efcaping through 
 the Narraganfett country, himfelf was fent back by the 
 Narraganfett Sachems. 
 
 This man thinks alfo that no Indian means will be able 
 to effect their return, but that the Englifh muft fetch them. 
 It will be your worship'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 Worship'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) lignifies; he tells me he hath a good mind to 
 abide one year with thefe his friends in your worship'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 moft pityful God may be toward him for good. 
 Unto the everflowing ftreams of the moft holy Fountain 
 of living waters, (whofe drops are able to refrem and fave 
 worlds of wandering fouls), I heartily recommend your 
 worfhip, your deareft companion, and all yours, grieving 
 that I dare be no more your worfhip's 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 pum-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 fkins arrayed 
 
 naked fpatterlafhes at his heels for his And girdled with his zvampum-bra\d." 
 guard, thinks he is one with King Whittier, 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 fohn JVinthrop. 1 
 
 [Providence, Auguft, 1638.]' 
 
 Much honored Sir, — The bearer lodging with me, I 
 am bold to write an hafty advertifement concerning late 
 pafiages. For himfelf, it feems he was fearful to go far- 
 ther than forty miles about us, efpecially conlidering 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 expect, &c. 
 
 Sir, Captain Mafon 2 and Thomas Stanton landing at 
 Narraganfett, and at Miantunnomu's announcing war within 
 fix davs againft Juanemo, for they fay that Miantunnomu 
 hath been fair in all the palfages with them, Juanemo fent 
 two melfengers to myfelf, requeuing 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 
 Iiland. Thereabout they confelfed to me, (four being 
 taken of Pequots by force, and reftored again,) as alfo that 
 
 1 3 Mafs. Hi/I. Coll. vol. i. p. 170. ticut forces, which office he held to his 
 
 Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 153. death. He was a magi Urate from 1642 
 
 R. I.HiJl. Coll. vol. iii. p. 14.8, 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. — Major? s Life by 
 
 \6~jz. He was one of the firft fettlers Geo. E. Ellis, is in Sparks' Amer. Biogra- 
 
 of Dorchefter, Mafs., in 1630, but re- pby, vol. iii. new feries. Mason drew 
 
 moved to Windfor, Conn., in 1635. In up a hiflory 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 Wil/iams. 1 1 1 
 
 the iilanders lay fifty-one fathom, which fum he demanded, 
 as alfo that the Nayantick meflengers laid down twenty-lix 
 fathom and a half, which was received in part, with decla- 
 ration that Juanemo mould within ten days bring the reft 
 himlelf, or elfe they were refolved for war, &c. I have 
 therefore fent once and again to Juanemo, to perfuade 
 himlelf to venture, &c. Canonicus fent a principal man 
 laft night to me, in hafte and fecrecy, relating that We- 
 quam had fent word that, if Juanemo went over, he mould 
 be killed, but I allure 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, proffering myfelf, (in cafe 
 that Juanemo through fear or folly fail) to take a journey 
 and negotiate their bufinefs, and fave 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 
 llaughter of natives, by reafon of a murder committed 
 upon a native within twelve miles of us, four days lince, 
 by four defperate Englilh. I prefume particulars have 
 lcarce as yet been prefented to your hand. The laft fifth 
 day, toward evening, a native, palling through us, brought 
 me word, that at Pawtuckqut, a river four miles from us to- 
 ward the bay, four Englilhmen were almoft famimed. I 
 fent inftantly provilions and ftrong water, with invitation, 
 &c. The meflengers brought word, that they were one 
 Arthur Peach of Plymouth, an Irifhman, John Barnes, 
 his man, and two others come from Pafcataquack, travel- 
 ling to Connecticut ; 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 or 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 llain a native, who had carried three 
 beaver fkins 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 Englimmen had flain him. They 
 came to Pawtuckqut, and enquired after the Englifh, 
 which when Arthur and his company heard, they got on 
 hofe and fhoes 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 fhy of us, conceiving a general {laughter, 
 but (through the Lord's mercy) I aiTured 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 drefted him and 
 got him to town next day, where Mr. James and Mr. 
 Greene endeavored, all they could, to lave his life ; but his 
 wound in the belly, and blood loft, and fever following, 
 cut his life's thread. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 1 3 
 
 Before he died, he told me that the four Englifh 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 Englilh, 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 place, 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 milfed him ; that another of 
 them ftruck at hi:r, but milled 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 
 milfed 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-wav, Ar- 
 thur knew the path, having gone it twice ; and belide, Mr. 
 Throckmorton met them about Naponfet River in the 
 path, who, riding roundly upon a fudden by them, was 
 glad he had pair, them, fufpecling them. They denied 
 that they met Mr. Throckmorton. 
 
 The melfenger that I fent to Narraganfett, purfuing after 
 them, returned the next day, declaring that they ffiowed 
 Miantunnomu letters to Aquednick, (which were mine to 
 Connecticut,) 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 illanders (Mr. Coddington being abfent) refolved to 
 
 15 
 
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 It they be fent any way, whether not to Ply- 
 mouth. 1 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 
 palfages to an higher price of the blood of the Son of 
 God, yea of God, by which the chofen are redeemed, with 
 all due refpe&s to your dear felf and dear companion, I 
 ceafe. 
 
 Your worfhip's moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 This native, Will, my fervant, fhall attend your worfhip 
 for anfwer. 
 
 My due refpect to Mr. Deputy, Mr. Bellingham, &c. 
 
 1 Governor Winthrop advifed that the of the natives, and in promoting the 
 
 prifoners be lent to Plymouth ; who 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 queflion chiefs. In every queftion that arofe be- 
 
 was about the death of the Indian. — Hijl. tween them and the Englifh, 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 between the parties." Life 
 
 Gammell, "in vindication of the rights of William i, p. 106. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 1 5 
 
 To his much honored and beloved Mr. Governor of MaJJ'a- 
 
 chufetts. 
 
 Providence, 14th of the 6th. [Auguft 14th, 1633. ]' 
 
 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 Connecti- 
 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 
 friends have taken his promife to inquire and inform, and 
 (o they difmiffed 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 : 2 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,): neverthelefs 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 witneiles of paifages ; as alfo myfelf with Cutfhamo- 
 quene and Mafquanominit. 
 
 I have formerly engaged my promife to Miantunnomu : 
 and refolve to take two or three Engliih from hence, and 
 
 1 4 Ma/s. Hiji. Coll. vol. iv. p. 248. to fettle their perfonal difficulties and to 
 
 x 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 Connecticut (if fo you 
 mall fee good) that defire of three or four Englifh may be 
 denied, and yet granted in effect: by the going of fome 
 freely with myfelf. 
 
 Only fir, be pleafed to give an hint of your pleafure in 
 any matter considerable, which we mall endeavor to effecl:. 
 
 The natives, friends of the flain had confultation to kill 
 an Englishman in revenge: Miantunnomu heard of it, 
 and delired that the Englifh would be careful on the high- 
 ways, and lent himfelf exprefs threatenings to them, &c, 
 and informed them that Mr. Governor would fee juftice 
 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 alhfted. In conclulion : he told me that the 
 principal muft not die, for he was Mr. Window's man : 
 and alio that the man 1 was by birth a Neepmuck man; fo 
 not worthy another man mould 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 Jelus more precious in all our eyes. So prays 
 Your Wormip's moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Deputie and his, all yours, beft 
 refpects, &c. 
 
 1 In reference to the Indian killed by the fame Englifhmen, of which mention 
 is made in the preceding letter. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 117 
 
 For the right JVorJJjipful and his much honored friend Mr. 
 Governor of the Maffachufetts, thefe. 
 
 At Narragansett, the 10th of the 7th, early. [September 10, 1638. ]' 
 
 Much honored Sir, — Thefe Sachems with myfelf con- 
 fulting the laft Lord's day as (bon as I here arrived ; I 
 difpatched a letter to meet our Connecticut 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 Meifenger had 
 charge to deal with Uncas, from us all, Canonicus, Mian- 
 tunnomu, &c, to be wife and faithful to us in what we 
 mould propofe to him. 2 
 
 The meifenger returned the laft night (and being a 
 difcreet man to obferve palfages) he related that coming 
 near the town, viz.: to wit, Mohegan, he heard fix 
 guns, which perfuaded him that Englifh were come, but 
 
 J 4 Mafs. Hi/}. Coll. vol. vi. p. 250. 
 
 This letter chiefly relates to the dif- 
 ficulties between the Narraganfetts and 
 Mohegans, growing out of the difper- 
 fion of the Pequots. 
 
 2 From the vifit to Connecticut here 
 alluded to, refulted " A Covenant and 
 Agreement made between the Englifh 
 and the Indians ;" Miantonomi repre- 
 fenting the Narraganfetts, and Uncas 
 the Mohegans. Thefe articles were 
 figned at Hartford, on the 21ft of Sep- 
 tember, 1638. They provide 
 
 1. That there fhall be peace between 
 the tribes and "all former injuries and 
 wrongs offered each other remitted and 
 buried." 
 
 2. That if further wrongs he com- 
 mitted by either party, they fhall not re- 
 
 venge them, but fhall appeal to the Eng- 
 lifh, who fhall decide between them. If 
 either party refufe to abide by the de- 
 cihon, the Englifh may compel them to 
 do fo. 
 
 3. The tribes mentioned agree to 
 bring in the chief Sachem of* the Pe- 
 quots; and for the murderers known to 
 have killed the Englifh "they fhall as 
 foon as they can poffibly take off their 
 heads." 
 
 4. Provides for the divifion of the 
 Pequot prifoners, who " fhall no more 
 be called Pequots, but Narraganfetts and 
 Mohegans." 
 
 The agreement bears the fignatures 
 of Miantonomi, Uncas, Gov. Haines, 
 Roger Ludlow and Edward Hopkins. — 
 Potter's Hijl. of Narraganfett, p. 177. 
 
1 1 8 Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 
 
 drawing nearer, he found they were the guns which for- 
 merly the Pequots had got from the Englifh ! 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 Englifh 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 anfwer) he faid they found the Eng- 
 lifh fo falfe, that the laft 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- 
 necticut 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 Connecticut men, 
 &c, in the wars : but I am confident you defire their good, 
 
Letters of Roger Williams . 1 1 9 
 
 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 eftablifhed : At Pe- 
 quot Nayantick are upwards of twenty houfes, up the 
 river at Mangunckakuck eight, up ftill at Sauquonckac- 
 kock ten, up ftill at Paupattokmick 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, 1 
 and others of Long Ifland, and Safacous his confede- 
 rates. At Nayantaquit 2 the hither, upwards of twenty 
 houfes, all under Nayantaquit Sachems, except fix or feven 
 men unto whom your worfliip was pleafed to give life, 
 upon Miantunnomue's motion, by my letter, upon their 
 fubmiflion. Thefe are ftill Miantunnomue's fubjects, yet 
 refufing to live with him at Narraganfett, he diiclaims 
 them, in cafe according to promife, they aflift not in this 
 bufinefs. The moft High graciouily fanclify all his holy 
 pleafure to us, profper thefe our prefent enterprifes to his 
 praife, but efpecially againft thofe enemies (1. Pet. 2. 11.) 
 lufts which fight againft our fouls : in him I defire to be 
 
 Your worfhip's more and to eternity, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 1 2>unnepiuck. New Haven. 2 Nayantaquit, Niantic. Wefterly and 
 
 Charleilown. 
 
1 20 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To his much honored Governor fohn Winthrop. 
 
 [September or October, 1638.] 1 
 
 Much honored Sir, — Through the mercy of the Moft 
 High, I am newly returned from a double journey to Con- 
 necticut and Plymouth. I (hall prefume on your wonted 
 love and gentlenefs to prefent you with a fhort relation of 
 what ilTiie it pleafed the Lord to produce out of them, 
 efpecially fince your worship's name was fome way en- 
 gaged in both. 
 
 I went up to Connecticut with Miantunnomu, 2 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 Connecticut ; as alfo 
 fome of the Wunnafhowatuckoogs (fubje£t 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 amongft 
 them ; as alfo that they lay in way and wait to ftop Mian- 
 tunnomue's pafiage to Connecticut, and divers of them 
 threatened to boil him in the kettle. 
 
 These tidings being many ways confirmed, my company, 
 
 1 Knowles' Mem. of Williams, p. 1 57. gans, and was doubtlefs inflrumental in 
 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. i. p 173. Pot- effecting the "Covenant and Agreement" 
 ter's Hijl. of Narraganfett, p. 145. made on the 21 ft of September, before 
 
 2 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 purpoie of effecting a peace Englifhmen for killing the Indian be- 
 between the Narraganfetts and Mohe- fore mentioned. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 121 
 
 Mr. Scott (a Suffolk man) and Mr. Cope, advifed our flop 
 and turn back ; unto which I alfo advifed the whole com- 
 pany, to prevent bloodfhed, 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 mould 
 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 Englifh in company with 
 the Narraganfetts, fo that we came fafe to Connecticut. 
 
 Being arrived, Uncas had fent meffengers 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-witneffes 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 fhake hands, Miantunnomu 
 
 and Uncas ; and Miantunnomu invited (twice earneftly) 
 16 
 
122 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Uncas to fup and dine with him, he and all his company 
 (his men having killed fome veniibn;) 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. 
 
 Kithanm, at Mohegan. 
 
 Attayakitch, at Pequot or Mohegan. 
 
 Thefe, with the murderers, the magistrates 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 fubjected 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 delired 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. 123 
 
 one time. Then he acknowledged, that he had thirty, but 
 the names he could not give. It pleated the magistrates 
 to requeft me to fend to Nayantick, that the names of 
 their Pequots might be fent to Connecticut ; 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 
 conferled, that they received much quickening from your 
 own hand. O that they might alfo in a cafe more weighty, 
 wherein they need much, viz.: the ftanding 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 Englishmen 
 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 (hall be nothing, and where his 
 fhips ere long mail land; and this is much news at prefent 
 amongft natives. I hope to enquire out the men. 
 
 Mr. Vane 1 hath alfo written to Mr. Coddington and 
 
 • Sir Henry Vane left Bofton for Eng- feared troubles in Bolton, and advifed 
 land in 1637. It would appear by this Coddington's early removal. The lat- 
 remark of Williams's that Sir Henry ter purchafed the Ifland of Aquidnerk 
 
124 
 
 Letters of Roger Wilha?ns. 
 
 others on the ifland of late, to remove from Bofton as 
 fpeedily as they might, hecaufe fome evil was ripening, &c. 
 The mod: holy and mighty One blaft all mifchievous buds 
 and blollbms, 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 affedions 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, 1 and another yet with us, William Arnold, have 
 mo ft falfely and flanderouily (as I hope it mall appear) 
 complotted together (even as Gardiner did againft your- 
 felves) many odious accufations 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 mall requeft humbly your 
 
 in 1637, and in March 1638 the firft 
 covenant was entered into by the pur- 
 chafers, and Coddington chofen Judge. 
 
 1 Jofhua 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 retraining 
 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 
 fhould be molefted for his confcience, 
 now men's wives and children, claiming 
 to go to all religious meetings, though 
 never lb 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 fhe was called for, they 
 required to have him ceniured. 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 fhould 
 extend to the breach of any ordinance 
 of God, fuch as the fubje&ion of wives 
 to their hufbands. Then one Greene 
 replied, that if they fhould reftrain their 
 wives, all the women in the country 
 
 would crv 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 fhould be 
 ceniured for his confcience. — Savage's 
 Winthrop, Hid. of New Eng land, vol. i. 
 P- 34°- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 25 
 
 wonted love and gentlenefs (if it come to your worship's 
 hand) to help me with the fight of it, and I am confident 
 yourielf mall be the judge of the notorious wickednefs 
 and malicious falfehoods therein, and that there hath not 
 pari 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 affection. 
 
 The Lord Jefus the Son of righteoufnefs, mine brightly 
 and eternally on you and yours, and all that feek him that 
 was crucified. In him, I defire ever to be 
 
 Yours worship's moft unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 All refpeclive 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 mort narration 2 of the ilTue of my voyage to Connecticut 
 and Plymouth. I defire only to know whether it came to 
 hand. I have been carefully fearching into that rumor of 
 the Plymouth man ilain four years fince. The perfons to 
 whom I was directed by our Plymouth friends for informa- 
 tion are yet abfent on hunting : and Miantunnomu is but 
 new returned from Connecticut, yet with what innruc~tion 
 I have already gotten I am this morning taking a journey 
 to the Sachems about it. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 252. may be feen in 3 Mafs. HiJI. Coll. vol. i. 
 
 1 The communication here referred to p. 173; of date about September, 1638. 
 
1 26 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 I hear of three Cowefet 1 men in hold about Mr. Ha- 
 thorne's 2 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 Englifh, and to 
 caufe their deferting of the place, which they would have 
 done but that Englifh were very deiirous (efpecially Mr. 
 Endicott) that they fhould kill and fell venifon, &c. 
 
 For myfelf, I fhall faithfully enquire and difclofe : al- 
 though divers understanding perfons of Salem have affirmed 
 that the cow dying about three months after, when fo 
 many head of cattle died, it is very queftionable whether 
 the arrow occafioned the death, &c. 
 
 Sir, this is the occaiion 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 limply from you) but for your peace 
 and his. I (hall delire your beft and full fatisfaction 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- 
 
 1 Cowefet. Eaft Greenwich. 2 Mr. Hathorne, of Salem. 
 
 J Saugus. Lynn, Mafl'achfuetts. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. ] 27 
 
 (bribe ex animo to your choice, and with refpeclive faluta- 
 tions and continued fighs to Heaven for you and yours, 
 reft defirous to be 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned though unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, I am loath, but I prefume once more to trouble you 
 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 refpects) to Mrs. 
 Winthrop, requefts her acceptance of an handfull of chef- 
 nuts, intending her (if Mrs. Winthrop love them) a bigger 
 bafket 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 teftify what 
 you remember in the cafe, I may have fome hope at laft 
 to get fomething. 
 
 1 4 Ma/s. Hi/I. Coll. vol ': p. 256. 
 
128 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 You were pleafed, after dealing with him at Bofton, 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 mall 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 bufinefs) loft; fo that all my 
 evidence will be from your hand, of his acknowledgment 
 and promife. Sir, I reft uncelTantly mourning that I am 
 no more Your worship'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 Iiland) 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 jov 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 fliall trouble you with 
 a line from Uncas, if I can fpeak with him about your 
 Pequots. 
 
 Sir, I pray let your fervant direct the native with this 
 letter to Mr. David Yale, 1 Mrs. Eaton's fon. 
 
 1 David Yale of Bofton, fon-in-law of land, vol. i. p. 273. Note. — He was 
 
 Governor Eaton of New Haven, men- the anceftor of Elihu Yale from whom 
 
 tioned in the will of Edward Hopkins. Yale College takes its name. — Savage, 
 
 Savage's Winthrop, HijL of 'New Eng- Genealogical Diil. vol. iv. p. 666. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 29 
 
 For the right Worjhipful a fid his much honored friend Mr. 
 Governor of the Maffdchufetts, thefe. 
 
 Providence. [No date. J 1 
 
 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 preient I mail humbly and faithfully fubmit to conrid- 
 eration : one from them, two from myfelf. 
 
 From them: upon folemn confultation with them about 
 the 100// demanded of themfelves, they fay — 
 
 Firft, that they remember not that either in the rirft 
 Agreement and League (in the beginning of the Pequot 
 wars) or iince, in any expreilion, that ever they undertook 
 to anfwer in their own perfons or purfes what their fub- 
 jec~ts mould fail in. 
 
 Second. Nor do they believe that the Englifh Magif- 
 trates do fo practice, 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 (fubject to them) againft the 
 bodies or goods of the Englim, fatisfaclion fhall 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 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 254. 
 17 
 
13° Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 MafTachufetts : 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 Moil High (Prov. 21. 3.) fo 
 with yourfelves. To do judgment and juitice is more 
 acceptable then facririce. And therefore that it mall not 
 be ungrateful in your eyes, that I humbly requeft leave to 
 fay that I fee the bulinefs is ravelled, and needs a patient 
 and gentle hand to rectify 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 Englifh, that if the bearers of a writing from 
 me mould offend any ways, that they, the Sachems, would 
 upon information from myfelf, caufe the delinquents to 
 make fatisfa6lion out of their goods or bodies; to the end 
 that the Englifh might not imprifon or tranfport away 
 their perfons, (which the natives fufpect,) two of their men 
 having been not long fince carried away in an Englifli 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 understood. 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 fatisfaclion 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) fhall caufe or occafion dilfention, 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 131 
 
 I refolve to be yet poorer, and out of my poverty to en- 
 deavor and further fatisfaction. (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 Worfhip's moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My refpective 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 afhore for me eight hundred 
 pounds weight of tobacco : I fhall 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 fhall defire to be thankful. 
 
 For his ?nuch honored and beloved Mr. Governor 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 patted about the natives yielding up their hunting 
 places, advantages, &c, within prefcribed limits, &c, yet, 
 becauie fatisfactory agreements may have been unknown 
 
 J 4 Mafs. Hift. 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 Malfachufetts with Cutfhamoquene, 1 and hath not 
 been this three years with them.) 
 
 This man Wuttattaaguegin hath promifed to fatisfy in 
 wampam, beaver and venifon 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, Cutmamoquene 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 defired liberty to return to the Bay, to in- 
 quire more perfectly 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 fhould not 
 be faithful or able to fatisfy 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. 
 
 2 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 worfhip's moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My due refpecl: to my honored friends Mr. Deputy and 
 the reft of the Council. 
 
 For his much honored and beloved Mr. John Winthrop, Gov- 
 ernor of MaJJ'achufetts, thefe. 
 
 Providence, this 9th of the 3rd. [May 9th, 1639.]' 
 
 Sir, — I am requefted by Canonicus and Miantunnomu 
 to prefent you with their love and refpecl: (which they alfo 
 defire may be remembered to all the Englifh Sachems) as 
 alfo with this expreffion of the continuance of their love 
 unto you, viz. : thirty fathom of beads, (ten from Canoni- 
 cus, and twenty from Miantunnomu) 2 and the bafket a 
 prefent from Miantunnomu's wife to your dear companion 
 Mrs. Winthrop : three things they requeft me to deiire of 
 you. 
 
 Firft, the continuance of your ancient and conftant friend- 
 fhip toward them, and good opinion of their lincere affec- 
 tion to the Englifh. 
 
 I objected againft this, that I lately heard that two boats 
 of Englifh were cut off by Pequots, and that Miantunno- 
 mu knew of the acl, &c. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 259. annual tribute from the Indians of Block 
 
 2 Winthrop in his Journal of May 2, Ifland. — Hijl. of New Eng. vol. i. p. 355. 
 notices the reception of wampum, the 
 
134 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 Iiland and brought no fuch tidings. 
 
 That they have always (and fhall ftill) fuccor the Eng- 
 lish in any fuch diftreifes : and that if but a iingle Eng- 
 lifhman, woman, or child be found in the woods by any of 
 theirs, they mould punifh feverely that man that mould not 
 fafely conduct 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, &c. 
 
 Thirdly, That fince there are many Pequot Sachems and 
 Captains furviving, many of whom have been actual mur- 
 derers of the Englifh, and (three of them) which have 
 flain fome of their Sachems. 
 
 And that fince the Agreement the laftyear at Connecti- 
 cut with Mr. Haynes and the Magistrates, you have not 
 yet pleafed come to action. 1 
 
 And that the Pequots being many hundreds of them 
 may with thefe their Sachems do more mifchief to us and 
 them. 
 
 They therefore requeft 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) (hail name unto 
 them. 
 
 I objected the report of great numbers of Pequots 
 among themielves, &c. 
 
 5 The " Covenant and Agreement " en- 1 63 8. See note to Letter of the 10th 
 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 refilled 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 mall be named to them wherefoever they find 
 them, although at Mohegan or Nayantick, without touch- 
 ing a Mohegan or Nayantick man further than you (hall 
 pleafe to advife them. 
 
 More they fay, but I mould be tedious, and therefore 
 with all due refpecl: to your loving felf, Mrs. Winthrop, 
 Mr. Deputy, &c, I reft 
 
 Yours worship'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 lift of fuch Pequots 
 as were authors and chief adors in the late murders upon 
 the Englifh. 
 
 Accordingly I have fent up once and again to Mr. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 261. 
 
136 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 Magi ftrates at Connecticut 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 deiired might be fpared, and I 
 applauded the defire in many refpects, only I deiired for 
 many other refpecls 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- 
 ship 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 fhould die, that 
 her two fons fhall ere long be Sachems there, &c. Your 
 wifdom (now by a freffi 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 prelum p- 
 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 exped: 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 worship's unfeigned hitherto 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Mine humble and true refpects to Mrs Winthrop, Mr. 
 Dudley, 1 Mr. Bellingham, &c. 
 
 The melfenger is ignorant of the matter, and is fatif- 
 fied. 2 
 
 To his much honored Governor fohn Winthrop. 
 
 Providence, 21. 5. [July 21, 1640. ]* 
 
 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 juft defires. May you pleafe to reft a 
 
 ' Mr. Dudley ; fee note to the follow- killed, (6), 1639." ('• e> Auguft, the 
 ing letter. 6th mo.) 
 
 2 Endorfed by Governor Winthrop, 1 \ Mafs. HiJI. Coll. vol. vi. p. 263. 
 
 " Mr. Williams about the Pequods to be 
 18 
 
i 3 8 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 little, for Miantunnomu (as he pretends out of love and 
 refpecl: to your perfon) is very diligent about a peaceable 
 return of them, that he may bring them with him, and 
 as many more of the runaways as he can get. Uncas was 
 gone to Connecticut, fo that a little patience is requilite. 
 
 Sir, this you may pleafe to lignify to your much honored 
 brother, Mr. Governor, 1 that this bulinefs only hinders 
 Miantunnomu's coming. He is (not fatisfied but) per- 
 suaded to truft to interpreters whom he fears to trull, 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 
 Connecticut (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 Englilh, or the Mo- 
 hegans and Pequots with them, they will take revenge up- 
 on Mr. Throckmorton at Prudence, or Mr. Coddington, 2 
 &c, or Providence, or eliewhere. 
 
 I have dealt with Canonicus and Miantunuomu to defert 
 the Nayanticks in this bulinefs. They anfwer they would 
 if they had lhed the blood of the Englilh, but as they are 
 their brethren, fo they never hurt the Englifh, but joined 
 with them againfl the Pequots, &c, only they have been 
 greedy upon the prey againft the Englilh mind : and laftly 
 
 1 Dudley, who was brother to Win- antonomo, who is mentioned in this let- 
 
 throp by the marriage of their children, ter. — Eds. Wintbrop Papers. 
 
 was Governor in 1640; and did not hold 2 William Coddington, of Newport, 
 the office again till after the death of Mi- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 39 
 
 they fay the Englifli partiality to all the Pequots at Mohe- 
 gan is lb great, and the confequences fo grievous upon the 
 abufe of the Englim love, that all their arguments return 
 back (which they ufe to the Nayantick Sachems) as arrows 
 from a i\one wall. 
 
 Tho. Stanton informs me of another caufe of war upon 
 the Nayanticks, viz.: Wequafh 1 affirms that one of the 
 petty Sachems of Navantick 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 proferfors 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 Worship's 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 a This is the laft time the name of We- lay very fick : I defired to fee him, and 
 
 quafo 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, duclion. 
 
 "as I palled up Connecticut River, it Wequafocuck 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 bis much honored Governor John Winthrop. 
 
 Providence, 7. 6. (fo called) 40. [Auguft 7, 1640.] 1 
 
 Sir, — About (from PortfmoutrO I received yours. As 
 I lately advertifed to Mr. Governor, [Dudley] 2 the hurries 
 of the natives thoughts and confultations fo continue, about 
 the three Nayanticks, prifoners with our friends at Connec- 
 ticut ; that your runaways are longer fecure in their efcape 
 then otherwife they mould be. 
 
 The Mohegan Sachem, Uncas, refufeth to part with his 
 prey: And whereas Miantunnomu was going up to Mo- 
 hegan himlelf with a fufficient company for the runaways, 
 Uncas lent word that it was your worship's plot to bring 
 him into the fnare at Mohegan, that there the Connecti- 
 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 occasions lead me within thefe four or five days to 
 Connecticut, when (the Lord fo permitting) I purpofe to 
 go up to Mohegan and try the utmoft myfelf. The ifTue 
 of all is in that Everlafting Hand, in which is our breath 
 and our ways, in whom I defire to be ftill 
 
 Your wormip's unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 '4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 265. as Deputy Governor with his fon-in-law 
 
 1 Dudley, Governor of Maflachufetts. Simon Bradltreet, and held that office 
 
 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. 
 
he tiers of Roger IV i I Hams. 
 
 141 
 
 I thank your worship for the Scotch intelligence: 1 The 
 ifTue (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. ] z 
 
 Matter Gorton3 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 viiible and ex- 
 ternal Ordinances in depth of Familifm, againft which I 
 have a little difputed and written, and mail (the moft High 
 
 1 "Scotch intelligence." This doubt- 
 lefs alludes to the rebellion in Scotland, 
 and the defeat of the royal army by the 
 Scots which took place in the fummer of 
 1640. 
 
 2 Winslow, Hypocrafie Unmajked. Lon- 
 don, 1646. pp. 55-56. 
 
 5 In this letter is the firft mention by 
 Williams of Samuel Gorton. It opens 
 a controverfy between the firfl fettlers of 
 Warwick, including Gordon, Williams 
 and many others, both of the colonies of 
 Rhode Ifland and MafTachufetts. It got 
 into the Courts, and agitated both the 
 colonial governments. The hiftoi ians 
 of the time wrote much about it, but to 
 enter fully into a hillory of the quarrel 
 
 would require more fpace than is given 
 to all thefe letters. Winslow, in his 
 Dedicatory epiftle to the Earl of War- 
 wick, prefixed to his book entitled Hy- 
 pocrifte Unmajked: by a true Relation of 
 the Proeee dings of the Governor and Com- 
 pany of the MaJJachufetts againjl Samuel 
 Gorton, and bis Accomplices ; thus writes : 
 
 "And yet Right Honorable, it will 
 and doth appear in the following Trea- 
 tife, that Samuel Gorton was profecuted 
 againil, Firll at Plymouth as a grofs dif- 
 turber of the Civill peace and quiet of 
 that government, in an open, factious and 
 feditious manner. Secondly, he was no 
 lefle troublefome, but much more at 
 
142 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 aflenting,) to death. As Paul faid of Alia, I, of Provi- 
 dence, (almoft) all fuck in his poifon, as at rirft 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 againft 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 perfect 
 with him ; in him I defire unfeignedly to be 
 
 Your worfhip's true and affectionate 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Rhode Ifland, having gotten a ftrong party 
 to adhere unto him, affronting that gov- 
 ernment (as Plymouth) in their publique 
 adminiftration of Juftice fo foully and 
 groftely. as mine eares never heard the 
 like of any. Gorton being there whipt 
 in his perfon, and thence banifhed 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 diffraction 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 Maffachufetts, 
 and divers of them to take protection of 
 that Government, to defend their per- 
 fons and eftates. But when they faw Mr. 
 Williams reiblve rather to lofe the bene- 
 fit of his labours, than to live with fuch 
 ill-affected people, and the neighbour 
 governments become affected 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-beaded Policy. London 
 1646 ; alfo in R. I. Hi/I. Coll. vol. ii. 
 Hutchinson's Hift. Majfacbufetts Bay 
 Arnold, Hift. of Rhode I/land, vol. 1 
 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 Winthrof? at Pequot, 
 
 thefe. 
 
 Nar. 22. 4. 45, (fo called.) [Narracansett, 22 June, 1645.]* 
 
 Sir: — Beft falutations, &c. William Cheefbrough,3 now 
 come in, fhall be readily affifted, for yours and his owne 
 fake. Major Bourne is come in. I have (by Providence,) 
 feen divers papers, (returning now yours thankfully,) which 
 are matched 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 
 
 1 With the exception of the letter of 
 June 25, 1645, which follows this, no 
 others appear in this volume from Gov. 
 Winthrop, Senior, of MafTachufetts, to 
 whom all the previous letters are ad- 
 dreffed. 
 
 John Winthrop, Jr., ion of Gov. Win- 
 throp, of Maflachu lefts, followed his 
 father to America in 163 1 ; and in 1633 
 returned to England. In 1635 he re- 
 turned to Bollon, with authority to make 
 a fettlement in Connecticut, and foon 
 after lent a party to build a fort at Say- 
 brook. In 1646, he founded the city of 
 New London ; was chol'en Governor in 
 1657; again in 1659, and annually from 
 that period until his death which took 
 place at Bofton, in 1676. In 1 661, he 
 went to England and procured a charter, 
 incorporating New Haven and Connec- 
 ticut into one colony. He was an accom- 
 plifhed icholar, was particularly (killed in 
 chemiftry and phyfics, and was one o{ the 
 founders ot the Royal Society, of London. 
 He was the author of a number of pa- 
 
 pers in the " Pbilofopkical Tranfdflions." 
 It appears from one of the letters that 
 Mr. Williams became acquainted with 
 Winthrop in England, and the corres- 
 pondence will fhow that the friendfhip 
 between them was ltrong and mutual. 
 The letters here printed, which are from 
 the " Winthrop Papers" in the Collec- 
 :ion of the MafTachufetts Hiilorical So- 
 ciety, relate to politics, literature, agri- 
 culture and other topics, through which, 
 like thofe to the elder Winthrop, runs a 
 religious vein. 
 
 2 Knowles, Mem. R. Williams, p. 207. 
 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 268. 
 
 8 William Chefbrough occupied cer- 
 tain lands in Southertown, eafl of Paw- 
 catuck River, over which Connecticut 
 claimed jurisdiction, as a portion of the 
 Pequot country, and about which ferious 
 troubles arofe in 1661. Probably he 
 may have been in trouble at the time this 
 letter was written, and that Winthrop 
 had afked 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 deiire to be yours ever, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Loving falutes to your deareft and kind fifter. 
 
 I have been very iick 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 directions, might 
 be fent without trouble, I mould firrt wait upon God in 
 that way: however 'tis bell to wait upon Him. If the 
 ingredients be coftly, I (hall 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, (ib called.) [June 25.]' 
 
 Much honored Sir, — Though I mould fear that all the 
 fparks of former love are now extinct, &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 fatisfaclion, as now I have done in 
 this poor apology, with all due refpects prefented to your 
 honor, and the hands of my worthy friends with you. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol vi. p. 266. Williams from England, in September, 
 
 This is the laft letter of Williams, in 1644, whither he had gone in the f'um- 
 
 the "Winthrop Papers," addreffed to mer of 1643. The fruits of his vifit 
 
 Gov. Winthrop of Maffachufetts, pub- were the Charter of Rhode Ifland, bear - 
 
 lifhed by the Maffachufetts Hiftorical ing date of the 14th March, 1643-4. 
 
 Society, and the only one preferved Eds. Winthrop Papers.. 
 wV.irh 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 
 new hopes of peace. For ourfelves, the flame of war 
 rageth next door unto us. The Narraganfetts and Mohe- 
 gans, with their refpective confederates, have deeply im- 
 plunged themfelves in barbarous Daughters. 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 perifh with 
 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 requeiis are to the God of Peace that no Eng- 
 lish 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 moft defpifed and 
 moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 19 
 
146 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For bis Worflnpful, and his much honored, kind friend, Mr. 
 fohn Winthrop, at Nameaug? thefe. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, 2 28. 3. 47. (fo called) [28 May, 1647. ]' 
 
 Worthy Sir, — Loving refpedts and falutations to your 
 kind felt and your kindeft companion. Some while fince, 
 you defired a word of direction about the hay feed. I de- 
 fired my brother to collect his own and other neighbors' 
 obfervations about it, which (with his refpects prefented) 
 amounts to this. 
 
 Firft. Ufually three bufhels of feed to one acre of land. 
 
 Second. It hath been known to fpread, to mat, 6cc, 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 fland until it feed, 
 and the wind difperle 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. 
 
 1 Nameat/g. New London. The traft 
 was originally called Pequot, and com- 
 prised what is now known as New Lon- 
 don and Groton. In 1658 the Alfembly 
 of Connecticut enacted that "This court, 
 considering that there hath yet no place 
 in any of the colonies, been named in 
 memory of" the city of London, there 
 being a new plantation, in the Pequot 
 country, with an excellent harbour, and 
 the only place which the Englifh in thei'e 
 parts have poflefled by conqueft .... 
 that therefore they might leave to pofteri- 
 ty the memory of that renowned city of 
 London, from whence we had our tranf- 
 
 portation, have thought fit, to call the 
 laid plantation New London. The name 
 of the river was alfo changed, and called 
 the Thames." — Trumbull, ////?. of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 2 Cawcawmfqufficky Locumfcujfuc. The 
 country around and well and northweil 
 of Wickford. Williams about this time 
 purchafed an eflate and built a trading 
 houfe here, which he afterwards fold 
 to Richard Smith in order to obtain 
 money for his fecond vifit to England. — 
 Knowles. 
 
 ' Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 209. 
 3 Mafi. Hifi. Coll. vol. ix. p. 268. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 147 
 
 Sixth. The offs, which can hardly be fevered from the 
 feed, hath the fame productive faculty. 
 
 Seventh. Sow it not in an orchard, near fruit trees, for 
 it will fteal and rob the trees, &c. 
 
 Sir: Concerning Indian affairs, reports are various; lies 
 are frequent. Private interefts, both with Indians and Eng- 
 lifh, are many ; yet thefe things you may and muff, 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 ; bleifed be His holy name, in whom I 
 defire to be 
 
 Your worfhip's, in all unfeigned refpects and love, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To John Winthrop, Jr. For the Governor I have fent thefe 
 
 lines. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, 20. 6. 47. (fo call'd) [Auguil 20, 1647.]' 
 
 S IR) — Due refpects prefented, &c. I am importuned 
 bv Ninigret, in exprefs words, to prefent his refpe&s and 
 love to your honored father, and to the honored Preli- 
 dent of the commiffioners, 2 giving great thanks for the 
 
 •Knowles' Memoir of R. Williams, to the Commiffioners by the Narragan- 
 
 p. 210. 3 Mafi. Hiji. Coll. vol. ix. fetts, in accordance with the treaty. 
 p # 2 6q_ z The Commiffioners of the United 
 
 This letter, probably, has reference to Colonies, 
 the collection of the wampum to be paid 
 
148 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 great favor and kindnefs fhowed him. Withal, he prays 
 you earneftly to prefent his humble fuit, that fince he, by 
 reafon of his travel and illnefs, can, as yet, get no further 
 towards his own home, and rinds he muft have much work 
 with the natives of thefe parts, before he repair home, and 
 time to fpend exceeding faft, it may be accounted no 
 breach of faithfulneis of his promife, if he finifh the con- 
 tribution he is now about, within a few days after the punc- 
 tual time. The other Sachems, upon agitations, have 
 promifed their utmoft concurrence, to finifh all within a 
 month from the day of his promife, which time he ear- 
 neftlv requefts may be alfented to, hoping to make pay- 
 ment before, but not queftioning by the expiration of that 
 time. By this bearer, he humbly prays a word of anfwer, 
 that, with the more cheerful concurrence of the other 
 Sachems, (who join with him in this requeft,) he may be 
 the more cheerful in the work. Sir, I difcern nothing but 
 reality and reafon in his requeft ; otherwife, I mould not 
 dare to moleft you, or thofe honored perfons whom it con- 
 cerns; to whom, with my humble refpects, and to your- 
 felf prefented, befeeching the Mo ft High to be your por- 
 tion, I reft, 
 
 Your worfhip's unworthy 
 
 Roger Willliams. 
 
 Pefickofh defired me to prefent his great thanks for his 
 child. 
 
 Sir: Your man is with me at prefent writing, well, this 
 laft of the week, and will be going inftantly. Humble 
 thanks for the fight of papers from England. The fea 
 will be the fea till it be no more. Revel. 21. 
 
 Refpe&s to your deareft. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 149 
 
 ¥0 the Town of Providence. 
 
 Auguft 31, 1648. 1 
 
 Worthy Friends, that ourielves and all men are apt 
 and prone to differ, it is no new thing. In all former ages, 
 in all parts of the world, in thefe parts, and in our dear 
 native country and mournful ftate of England, that either 
 part or party is moft right in his own eyes, his caufe right, 
 his carriage right, his arguments right, his anfwers right, 
 is as woefully and conftantly true as the former. And ex- 
 perience tells us, that when the God of peace have taken 
 peace from the earth, one fpark of action, word or carriage 
 is too powerful to kindle fuch a fire as burns up towns, 
 cities, armies, navies, nations and kingdoms. And fince, 
 dear friends, it is an honor for men to ceafe from flxife ; 
 fince the life of love is fweet, and union is as ftrong 
 as fweet and fince you have been lately pleafed to call 
 me to fome public fervice and my foul hath been long 
 mufing how I might bring water to quench, and not oil 
 or fluid to the flame, I am now humbly bold to befeech 
 you, by all thofe comforts of earth and heaven which a 
 placable and peaceable fpirit will bring to you, and by all 
 thofe dreadful alarms and warnings, either amongft our- 
 felves, in deaths and ficknefles, or abroad in the raging ca- 
 lamities of the fword, death and peftilence ; I fay, I hum- 
 bly and earneftly befeech you to be willing to be pacifiable, 
 willing to be reconcilable, willing to be fociable, and 
 to liften to the (I hope not unreafonable) motion fol- 
 lowing : To try out matters by difputes and writngs, 
 is fometimes endlefs ; to try out arguments by arms 
 
 1 Knowles, Memoir of Roger Williams, in New England. Boflon, 1777. vol i. 
 p. 214. Backus, Hijl. of the Baptifs p. 204. 
 
150 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 and fwords, is cruel and mercilefs; to trouble the ftate and 
 Lords of England, is moft unreafonable, moll: chargeable ; 
 to trouble our neighbors of other colonies, feems neither 
 fafe nor honorable. Methinks, dear friends, the colony 
 now looks with the torn face of two parties, and that the 
 greater number of Portfmouth, with other loving friends 
 adhering to them, appear as one grieved party ; the other 
 three towns, or greater part of them, appear to be another: 
 Let each party choofe and nominate three ; Portsmouth 
 and friends adhering three, the other party three, one out 
 of each town ; let authority be given to them to examine 
 every public difference, grievance and obftruction of juf- 
 tice, peace and common fafety : let them, by one final 
 fentence of all or the greater part of them, end all, and fet 
 the whole into an unanimous poilure and order, and let 
 them fet a cenfure upon any that mall oppofe their fen- 
 tence. One log, without your gentle help, I cannot ftir ; 
 it is this: How mall the minds of the towns be known? 
 How mail the perfons chofen be called ? Time and place 
 appointed in any expedition ? For myfelf I can thank- 
 fully embrace the help of Mr. Coddington or Mr. Clarke, 1 
 joined or apart, but how many are there who will attend, 
 (as our diftempers are) to neither ? It is, gentlemen, in 
 the power of the body to require the help of any of her 
 members, and both King and Parliament plead, that in 
 extraordinary cafes they have been forced to extraordinary 
 ways for common fafety. Let me be friendly conftrued, 
 if (for expedition) I am bold to be too forward in this fer- 
 vice, and to fay, that if within twenty days of the date 
 hereof, you pleafe to fend to my houfe, at Providence, the 
 
 1 John Clarke of Rhode Ifland. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 l 5 
 
 name of him whom you pleafe to nominate, at your defire 
 I will acquaint all the perfons chofen with place and time, 
 unto which in your name I fhall defire their meeting with- 
 in ten days, or thereabouts, after the receipt of your let- 
 ter. 1 I am your mournful and unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 1 Owing to quarrels of the people of 
 Warwick and Providenee chiefly on ac- 
 count of Samuel Gorton, William Cod- 
 dington and Alexander Partridge pro- 
 pofed to the Commiflioners of the United 
 Colonies that " the Iflanders of Rhode 
 Ifland may be received into a combina- 
 tion with all the United Colonies of New 
 England, into a firm and perpetual league 
 of friendfhip and amity, for offence and 
 defence," etc. 
 
 Thus under a pretence of promoting 
 peace, thefe men would have feparated 
 the ifland from the reft of the colony. 
 The Commiflioners, unwilling to receive 
 them as a diftindt colony, propofed to 
 have the ifland annexed to Plymouth, if 
 the majority of its inhabitants would ac- 
 knowledge its jurifdiftion. In this di- 
 lemma, Williams came forward to endea- 
 vor to heal up the animofities with the 
 propofitions contained in this letter to the 
 town of Providence. His kind offices 
 had the defired effect ; harmony was re- 
 
 ftored and Williams was authorized to 
 act as Prefident until the election fliould 
 take place in May, 1649. 
 
 At the General Aflembly held at New- 
 port, in May, 1650, a frefli order was 
 fent to the towns, to colled and pay 
 what they owed to Mr. Williams for 
 the charter within twenty days. " Wil- 
 liam Arnold and William Carpenter, 
 inflead of fubmitting to the government 
 of their own colony, went again and 
 entered complaints againft fome of their 
 neighbors Jo the Maffachufetts rulers, 
 and they fent a citation to them to come 
 and anfwer the fame in their courts, 
 dated from Bofton, June 20th, 1650, 
 figned by Edward Rawfon, Secretary. 
 Such obflacles of good government were 
 they who have made a great noile in the 
 world about the diforders of Rhode If- 
 land Colony!" — Backus, Hiji. of the 
 Baptijh in N. E. Bofton, 1777: vol. i. 
 p. 207. 
 
152 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored, kind friend, Mr. 'John Winthrop, at 
 his houfe, i?i Nameag, thefe. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, II. 7. 48, (fo called.) [11 Sept. 1648. J 1 
 
 Dear and worthy Sir, — Beft falutations to you both 
 and loving fifter premifed, wiihing you eternal peace in the 
 only Prince of it. I have longed to hear from you and to 
 fend to you fince this ftorm arofe. The report was (as 
 mod commonly all Indian reports are) abfolutely falfe, of 
 my removing my goods, or the leaft rag, &c. A fortnight 
 fince, I heard of the Mohawks coming to Pawcatuck, 
 their rendezvous ; that they were provoked by Uncas 
 wronging and robbing fome Pawcatuck Indians the lafr 
 year, and that he had dared the Mohawks, threatening, if 
 they came to fet his grounds with gobbets of their flefh ; 
 that our neighbors had given them play, (as they do every 
 year ; yet withal I heard they were divided ; fome refolved 
 to proceed, others pleaded their hunting feafon. We have 
 here one Waupinhommin, a proud, defperate abufer of us, 
 and a firebrand to ilir up the natives againfi: us, who makes 
 it all his trade to run between the Mohawks and thefe, and 
 (being a captain alio himfelf ) renders the Mohawks more 
 terrible and powerful than the Englifh. Between him and 
 the chief Sachems hath been great confultations, and to 
 my knowledge, he hath perfuaded them to defert their 
 country and become one rebellious body or rout with the 
 Mohawk, and fo to defy the Englifh, &c. 2 I havefent alfo 
 
 1 3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. i. p. 178. raganfetts to fight with Uncas." A depu- 
 
 2 We find an explanation of this in tation was fent from Plymouth to confer 
 Backus, who fays " The Indians were with the Narraganfetts. Williams fent 
 far from being eafy ; and in Auguit, for the Sachems, who, upon meeting him, 
 1648, about 1000 of them from various denied their hiring the Mohawks to war 
 parts were collected in Connecticut, with againll Uncas. — Hiji. of the Baptijls,\o\. 
 300 guns among them; and it was re- i. p. 194. 
 
 ported that they were hired by the Nar- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 5 3 
 
 what I can inform to the commiffioners. At prefent, 
 (through mercy) we are in peace. 
 
 Sir, I defire to be ever 
 
 Yours in Chrift Jefus, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 The letter I have fent by Warwick, twenty miles nearer 
 than by Seekonk. 
 
 For my much honored, kind friend, Mr. "John Winthrop, at 
 his houfe, at Nameug, thefe. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, 23. 7. 48, (fo called.) [Sept. 23, 1648. ] x 
 
 Kind Sir, — Beft falutations to your dear felves and lov- 
 ing lifter. I am bold and yet glad to trouble you, that by 
 this occafion I may hear of your welfare. Capt. Mafon 
 lately requefted me to forbid the Narraganfetts to hunt at 
 Pequot, and to arTure them of his vifiting of them if they 
 fo did. I have written now an anfwer, which I am bold 
 to requeft you to fend at your next opportunity. Two 
 days iince I was at Providence, and then Mr. Brown was 
 not returned, only he had wrote home fome angry palfage 
 againft the Narraganfetts, who are now in expectation of 
 fome aifault from the Engliih. Sir, whether it pleafe God 
 to vifit us with peace or war, in life and death I deiire to be 
 
 Yours ever in Chrift Jefus, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 ■Knowles, Mem. of Roger Williams, p. 215. 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. ix. p. 270. 
 20 
 
*54 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, our neighbors, Mr. Coddington and Capt. Partridge, 
 ten days iince, returned from Plymouth, with propofitions 
 for Rhode Iiland to fubjecl: to Plymouth; 1 to which him- 
 felf and Portlmouth incline; our other three towns de- 
 cline, and Mr. Holden and Mr. Warner, of Warwick, 2 came 
 from thence alfo, and they fay, gave fatisfaction why they 
 dare not (the other three towns) depart from the charter. 
 Sir, in this divifion of our neighbors, I have kept myfelf 
 unengaged, and prefented motions of pacification, amongft 
 which I was bold to propofe a reference to your worthy 
 felt and fome other friend to be chofen ; our town yields 
 to it, and Mr. Bolton (though oppolite) and poffibly you 
 may have the trouble and honor of a peace-maker. 
 
 Sir, pray feal the enclofed. 
 
 1 See note to previous letter for the 
 propofition to fubjecl: the ifland of Rhode 
 Ifland to Plymouth. Three years be- 
 fore the propoial was made by Codding- 
 t >n and Partridge, Maflachufetts fet up a 
 title to Rhode Ifland, and claimed allegi- 
 ance from its inhabitants. Winthrop, 
 
 under date of May 1645, fays "The 
 
 government of Plymouth lent one of their 
 magiftrates, Mr. Brown,* to Aquetneck 
 ifland, to forbid Mr. Williams and others 
 to exercife any of their pretended au- 
 thority upon the ifland, claiming it to be 
 within their jurifdidlion. Our Court 
 alfo fent to forbid them to exercife any 
 authority within that part of our jurif- 
 diction at Pawtuxet and Shawomet, and 
 although they had boafted to do great 
 matters there, by virtue of their charter, 
 yet they dared not to attempt anything." 
 Savage's Winthrop, vol. ii. p. 270. 
 
 In Auguft, '645, Williams received 
 
 an official notice from Increafe Nowell, 
 Secretary, aflerting that Maflachufetts 
 held " a charter whereby the Narragan- 
 fett Bay, and a certaine tracl of land 
 wherein Providence and the Ifland of 
 Aquidnay are included," and giving him 
 notice to "forbeare any jurifdiction there- 
 in." — See Ma/s. Col. Records, vol. iii. p. 
 49 ; alfo R. I. Col. Records, vol. i. p. 133. 
 
 z Randall Holden and John Warner 
 two of the leading men of Warwick. 
 
 *"John Brown," here referred to, 
 fays Savage, " is honorably mentioned 
 in Morton's Memorial, as having been 
 acquainted with the defert of the pil- 
 grims before they left Leyden. He be- 
 came Aflillant in 1636, and was after- 
 wards a Commiflioner of the United 
 Colonies from 1644 to 1655, and died 
 in 1662. A fon, James, who lived at 
 Swanzea, was an aflillant in 1665." — 
 Note to Winthrop, p. 270. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 155 
 
 For his ?nuch honored and beloved Mr. John Wintbrop, at 
 
 Nameug. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, 10. 8. 48, (fo called.) [10th Oft. 1648.]" 
 
 Sir, — Beft falutations to your dear felves and loving 
 lifter. In my laft I intimated a promife of prefenting you 
 with what here pafTeth. Captain Atherton, 2 Captain Prich- 
 ard, Richard Wood and Strong Tuchell, have been with 
 me (as alfo Wm. Arnold, inftead of his fon Benedict, who 
 withdrew himfelf, though fent unto,) thefe fix or feven 
 days. They were at Niantick two nights. Captain Ather- 
 ton purpofed to vilit you, but they appointing their meet- 
 ing with all the Sachems at my houfe, they came back ; 
 and this morning, (the fourth day of the week,) they are 
 departed with good content toward the Bay. From the 
 commiffioners they brought feveral articles, but the main 
 were three ; concerning the Mohawks, &c. ; 2d, the pay- 
 ment ; 3d, Uncas' future fafety. To the firft, they fent 
 anfwer (and that they confirmed with many affervations, 
 and one of them voluntarily took the Englifhmen's God 
 to witneis) that they gave not a penny to hire the Mo- 
 hawks againft the Mohegans, but that it was wholly 
 wrought by Wuilbonkquaffin, (which they difcovered as a 
 fecret) who being bound by Uncas, and Wuttouwuttau- 
 oum, Uncas his coufin, having attempted to (hoot a Mo- 
 hawk Sachem at that time, refolved with the Mohawks (to 
 
 1 3 Mafs. Hifi. Coll. vol. ix. p. 271. was killed by a fall from his horfe in 
 Knowles' Mem. Roger Williams p. 218. 1 66 1 . Atherton and Pritchard were 
 
 2 Humphrey Atherton, Major-Gene- the agents fent from Plymouth to Narra- 
 ral and a diftinguifhed Maffachufetts fol- ganfett to enquire into the reported league 
 dier. He was Speaker of the General with the Mohawks, mentioned in letter 
 Court in 1653, and was much employed of September 11th. 
 
 in negotiations with the Indians. He 
 
156 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 whom he alfo gave peag) to take revenge upon Uncas ; 
 WufToonkquaffin Tent them word and defired peag of them 
 in the fpring, but they profefs they confented not, nor fent 
 not a penny, afterwards they fent Waupinhommin up to 
 inquire to Pawcatuck and however they have given fome 
 of the Mohegans peag this year, (as they have always done) 
 yet they fay they are clear from giving a penny in hire, 
 &c. They confefs their enmity againft Uncas, and they 
 (to the 2d) will not reft until they have finifhed their pay- 
 ments, that they may prefent their complaints againft Un- 
 cas, who (they fay) and other Indians, within thefe three 
 years, have committed thirteen murders with impunity, 
 being out of their reach in the Englifh protection. This 
 laft year they pleaded they were near ftarved, and, therefore, 
 fent but a fmall quantity. Now they promife, upon return 
 of their men from hunting this winter, to make a contri- 
 bution, the next fpring another, and fo according as they 
 can draw the people to it, will not ceafe to furnifh, and if 
 they die, their children (hall fulfil, and that it is their fore 
 grief, &c, with much to this purpofe. For Uncas they 
 profefs neither directly nor indirectly, to have to do with 
 him, yet hope the Englifh will not deal partially with him. 
 They defired the Englifh receipt of their peag ; I pro- 
 duced the note you fent me, which, becaufe it was not 
 figned with your father's hand or the Treafurer's, &c, the 
 meifengers promifed to fend them one from the Bay, Nini- 
 gret, made great lamentation that you had entertained hard 
 thoughts of him in this bufinefs, and all the Sachems here 
 profeifed their forrow and that you had hearkened to We- 
 quafhcook, who they fay never contributed nor joined in 
 the Pequot wars, and now flatters to draw his neck out of 
 the payments to the Englifh. They hope you will not 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. i $y 
 
 countenance him to rob Ninigret of thofe hunting places 
 which the commirlioners gave him leave to make ufe of, 
 and he with the Englifh had fought for with the expenfe 
 of much treafure and hazard of his life. They defire that 
 he may and Caufafenamon and the reft of the Pequots, be 
 as your little dogs, but not as your confederates, which 
 they fay is unworthy yourfelf, &c. Sir, I perceive the 
 Englifh about the Bay enquire after new places. Captain 
 Atherton prays me fhortly to convey a letter to you. I 
 forgot one pafTage that the Sachems difcovered, that Wuf- 
 foonkquaffin gave peag to the Mohawks to retreat. It 
 feems they are (Switzer like) mercenary, and were hired on 
 and off; thefe Sachems I believe defire cordially to hold 
 friendfhip with both the Englifh and the Mohawks to- 
 gether ; I am confident (whether they lie or not, about 
 WulToonkquaffin) that they never intended hurt againft the 
 Englifh nor yourfelf and yours efpeciallv, to whom they 
 profefs great refpect, and jointly they defire that Wequafh- 
 cook may come back to Connecticut from whence he went, 
 for if he join with Uncas they fufpect he will fecretly be 
 a means of fome of their deaths. Laftly, whereas they 
 heard that the women with you were fomething fearful, 
 Ninigret prays Mrs. Winthrop to be allured, that there 
 never was, nor never fhall be, to his knowledge, the leaft 
 offence given to her or her neighbors, by any of his (though 
 he hath learnt it partly by your juft abhoring of Uncas his 
 outrageous carriage among you, and of which I have not 
 foftly told thefe meffengers and the admired partiality in 
 the cafe.) For a token of his fidelity to Mrs. Winthrop, 
 Ninigret, he prays me to write, tnat all the women of his 
 town fhall prefent Mrs. Winthrop with a prefent of corn 
 at Pawcatuck, if fhe pleafe to fend in any conveyance to 
 Pawcatuck for it. 
 
158 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, to gratify them, I am thus bold with you, and de- 
 firing your eternal peace, I reft 
 
 Your worship's unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, I formerly wrote to you and now ftill crave your 
 help with Wequafhcook, who keeps bafely from me for 
 five or fix coats, and can neither get peag 1 or cloth. 
 
 For his much honored and beloved Mr. 'John Wtnthrop, at 
 
 Nameug. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, 7. 9. 48, (fo called ) [Nov. 7th, 1648.] 2 
 
 Kind Sir, — Beft falutations, &c. lam requefted by let- 
 ter ol Capt. Atherton, to certify what I can adviie about Block 
 Ifland, whether it might be had of the natives, for divers 
 of the Englifh (it feems to my conjecture) upon fome agi- 
 tations at the laft Court, have thoughts this way. Sir, be- 
 caufe God hath pitched your tent thefe ways, and you know 
 much among the natives of thefe parts, I judged it not 
 unfit to pray you help me with a word of your informa- 
 tion, before I write what otherwife I can, from the bar- 
 barians. The counfels of the Moft High are deep con- 
 
 1 Peng. Shells or firings of (hells ufed Englifh went among them excrpt peak, 
 
 by the Indians from New England to the made out of the cong fhell. — Beverly's 
 
 Carolinas, as well as among the early Hi ft. of Virginia, 1705. 
 
 fettlers as money ; alfo called wampum. z Knowles, Mem. R. Williams, p. 221. 
 
 " The Indians of Virginia had nothing 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 274. 
 which they reckoned riches before the 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 159 
 
 cerning us poor grafshoppers, hopping and flopping from 
 branch to twig in this vale of tears. Wm. Peacock hath 
 had a very heavy tafk in carrying Jofeph with cattle from 
 you ; fix or feven days and nights the poor fellow was 
 feeking them (being loft and fcattered from Niantick.) 
 Then he brought fix to my houle, four being finally loft ; I 
 took what pains I could to get them fought again, and 
 three I hear are found, after which Wm. Peacock is now 
 out, and I look for him this night with thofe three : Nini- 
 gret did his part honeftly, but the youths and boys therea- 
 bouts (by fome occafion hallooing) the cattle thence took 
 the woods. Jofeph Wild hath written to me, and I ac- 
 quaint him with the caufe, that one man alone cannot well 
 drive cattle amongft barbarians, efpecially without an In- 
 dian guide. It were exceeding well that three or four 
 poles were enclofed at Niantick, to keep cattle there at 
 night, for if God vouchfafe peace and plantations (profperi- 
 ty) there is needs of it, 
 
 Sir, I delire to be your worfhip's unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For Mr. John Winthrop, at Naumeug. 
 
 Nar : « 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpe&s to yourfelf and deareft, and Mrs. 
 Lake, premifed. Two days fince, Ninigret came to me 
 and requefted me to write two letters ; the one, in anfwer 
 
 1 R. I. Hift. Coll. vol. iii. p. 151; but it was evidently written to Mr. 
 
 Knowles' Mem. of Roger Williams, p. Winthrop, not long after the pre- 
 
 222; 3 Ma/s. Hijl. Coll. vol.ix. p. 275. ceding letter. 
 
 This letter has no date, nor direction; 
 
160 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 to Captain Atherton's motion for fome Englim planting 
 on Block Ifland, and on a neck at Niantick : the other, 
 to yourfelf, in which protefting his innocence as to the 
 death of his fon-in-law, with which Uncas and the Pe- 
 quots charge him. He prays you (as of yourfelf) to lignify 
 (as much as you can) items to the Pequots, that they be 
 quiet and attempt nothing (at leaft, treacheroufly,) againft 
 him, which he fufpedts, from words from Uncas, that it will 
 be pleafing to the Englim. He prays you alfo to be mind- 
 ful of endeavoring to remove Wequaihcook, fo conftant a 
 provocation before him; and, at prefent, he prays you to 
 fend for fome fkins, which lately, as lord of the place, he 
 hath received. I hope the Englim Sachems, as I tell him, 
 in the fpring will hear and gratify him in his juft deiires, 
 the want of which, I guefs, is the caufe that he is not free, 
 as yet, for Block Ifland, &c. ; but exprefleth much, if the 
 Englim do him juftice againft his enemies. Oh, fir, how 
 far from nature if the fpirit of Chrift Jefus, that loves and 
 pities, prays for and doth good to enemies ? Sir, it is like 
 he will requeft a line of anfwer, which, if you pleafe to 
 give, I pray, fir, write when either of thofe mips you 
 write of are for England, and by which you write your- 
 felf; alfo where Mr. Throckmorton is, and whether he 
 defires I mould trouble you with the peag of which I 
 wrote, which I propofe, if God pleafe, (unlefs counter- 
 manded by either of you) to fend immediately upon hear- 
 ing from you. 
 
 Sir, yours, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, fince I wrote this, it pleafed God to fend a Dutch- 
 man for an old debt, and the fame night Mr. Goodyear 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 6 1 
 
 alfo, to whom and his wife (for her former hufband) I am 
 indebted, and fo was neceffitated to make fatisfadtion to Mr. 
 Goodyear alfo. Thefe providences of God fo falling will 
 necellarily caufe me to be preparing fome few days more 
 that peag for Mr. Throckmorton. But moft certainly it, 
 (God pleafe I live,) notwithstanding ways and weather, 
 mall be fent ; this I write, that although Mr. Throckmor- 
 ton mould depart, or come home, yet he may prefume on 
 your faithfulnefs and love to difpofe of it, as he requefteth. 
 
 Sir, your unworthy, 
 
 R. W. 
 
 Captain Underhill, 1 now here in a Dutch veflel, prefents 
 loving refpecls. 
 
 For the Worjhipful Mr. John Wintbrop, at Nameug, thefe. 
 
 [Probably December, 1648. ] 2 
 
 Sir, — Refpeclive falutations to you both, and lifter Lake. 
 At this inftant (the firft of the week, toward noon,) I re- 
 ceived yours, and fhall be glad, (if God will,) you may 
 gain a feafonable paflage by us, before the hardeft: of win- 
 ter, although I cannot advife you (but to pray againft win- 
 ter flights and journeys,) yet if the neceffity of God's provi- 
 dence fo caft it, I (hall be glad that we might have you 
 prifoner in thefe parts, yet once in a few days (though in 
 deep fnow) here is a beaten path, &c. Sir, Ninigret again 
 
 1 Capt. Underhill, one of the promi- 223 ; 3 Mafs. Hi/I. Coll. vol. xi. p. 276. 
 nent officers in the attack of the Pequot This letter has no date, but is endorfed 
 
 fort. by Mr. Winthrop, * rec'd December.' 
 
 1 Knowles' Memoir of R. Williams, p. 
 
 21 
 
1 62 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 importunes me to write to your father and yourfelf, about 
 his hunting at Pequot, and that you would alfo be pleafed 
 to write to your father. I have endeavored to fatisfy him 
 what I can, and (hall, yet I am willing at prefent to write 
 to you, not fo much concerning that you can further grati- 
 fy him at this time, but that I may by this opportunity, 
 falute you with the tidings from the Bay the laft night. 
 Skipper Ifaack and Moline, are come into the Bay with a 
 Dutch fhip, and (as it is faid) have brought letters from 
 the States to call home this prefent Dutch Governor, 1 to 
 anfwer many complaints, both from Dutch and Englim, 
 againft him. In this fhip are come Englim paifengers, and 
 they bring word of the great trials it pleafeth the Moft 
 High and Only Wife, to exercife both our native England 
 and thefe parts alfo. 
 
 The Prince is faid to be ftrong at fea, and among other 
 mifchiefs hath taken Mr. Trevice his fhip which went from 
 hence, and fent it for France, it feems their rendezvous. 
 
 It is faid that after Cromwell had difcomfited the Welch, 
 with fix thoufand, he was forced to encounter nineteen 
 thoufand Scots, of whom he took nine hundred prifoners, 
 &c. Great ftore of Scots and Welfh are fent and fold as 
 flaves into other parts. Cromwell wrote to the Parliament 
 that he hoped to be at Edinburgh in a few days. A com- 
 miffion was fent from the Parliament, to try the King in 
 the Iile of Wight, lately prevented from efcape. 2 
 
 The Prince of Orange and the States are falling, if not 
 
 1 The fhip in wh/ch Governor Peter were drowned. — Hubbard. He was 
 
 Kieft, of New Amfterdam, returned to fucceeded by Peter Stuyvefant. 
 Holland, was wrecked on the coaft of I After a feries of difafters Charles I. 
 
 Wales ; and Kieft with about fixty others threw himfelf into the hands of the Scot- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 163 
 
 already fallen, into wars, which makes fome of the States 
 to tender Manhattoes, 1 as place of retreat. 
 
 Sir, to Him in whofe favor is life, I leave you, defiring 
 in Him to be 
 
 Your worfhip's unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 John prays you to be in earneft with Mr. Hollett about 
 his houfe, hoping to be back in a fortnight. 
 
 [To Mr. John Winthrop, at NaumeugA 
 
 Nar : [Narragansett, probably February, 1 648-9. ] 2 
 
 Sir, — Beft falutations to your worthy felf and yours, pre- 
 mifed. I am glad for your fake, that it hath pleafed God to 
 prevent your winter travel ; though I gladly, alio, this laft 
 week, expected your paifage, and being at Providence, haft- 
 ened purpofely to attend you here. Our candle burns out 
 day and night, we need not haften its end (by fwaling) in 
 unnecelfary miferies, unlefs God call us for him to fuffer, 
 whofe our breath is, and hath promifed to fuch as hate life 
 
 tifh army, which furrendered him to the 
 Parliament's commiffioners appointed to 
 receive him. Attempting to make his 
 efcape to the continent, he was arretted 
 by the Governor of the Ifle of Wight, 
 into whofe hands he had placed himi'elf, 
 and by whom he was lodged in Carif- 
 brook Cattle. In the following month 
 of January, 1648, he had his trial. 
 
 'Manhattan. Manhadoes. New Am- 
 fterdam, now New York. 
 
 2 Knowles, Memoir of Roger Williams, 
 p. 224; 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. ix. p. 280. 
 
 This letter has no date. Mr. Knowles 
 thinks it was written towards the clofe 
 of December, 1648; the editor of the 
 Winthrop Papers Aiggefts February, or 
 early in March of 1648-49. 
 
164 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 for him, an eternal. Sir, this laft week, I read an ordinance 
 of both houfes, (dated third month, May laft,) decreeing 
 death to fome conciences, but imprifonment to far more, 
 ever (upon the point) to all but Prefbyterians. 1 We have 
 a found, that Fairfax and Cromwell are proclaimed traitors, 
 but I rather credit that report, that Cromwell only was fent 
 for by the Parliament, which, it feems, inclines with the 
 King, and the city all againft the army. The Earl of 
 Warwick was gone for Holland with twenty-two fhips 
 purfuing the Prince. Mr. Foot and others went to Hol- 
 land, (whither Mr. Trevice his fhip was carried) and were 
 offered the fhip for two thoufand pounds, but I cannot hear 
 of their agreement. About forty from the Parliament 
 went to the King, to the Iile of Wight, (who was lately 
 and ftrangely prevented of efcape,) to treat, but could not 
 agree upon the firft, viz. : that the King mould acknowl- 
 edge the beginning of the war to be his. Sir, this is the 
 chief of matters told me few days fince, by Mr. Throck- 
 morton, who came ten days fince from the Bay, and came 
 well in a full laden veffel to anchor by Saconet rocks, but 
 it pleafed God his new cable was cut by the rocks, and he 
 drove upon Rhode Ifland fhore, where it is feared the vef- 
 fel is fpoiled, but (through God's mercy) he faved his goods. 
 Sir, Mr. Brewfter, (by letter) requefts me to convey three 
 letters and bags of metal to you. I wifh they may have 
 
 1 The Prefbyterians of England and pointed a court, compofed of perfons 
 
 the Scots, who were always haunted by from the army, the Houfe of Commons 
 
 the idea that there was fomething facred and the city of London, to try the King, 
 
 and inviolable in monarchy thought to ref- The court was opened at Weftminfter 
 
 cue the King from the hands of the In- Hall, on the 20th of January, 1649; on 
 
 dependents, but were defeated, and all the 27th, Charles was condemned to 
 
 the Prefbyterians were forcibly expelled death, and on the 30th of the fame 
 
 from the Englifh Houfe of Commons, month was beheaded in front of the pal- 
 
 which now confifting only of about fixty ace at Whitehall. — Hume, Hiji. ofEng'd. 
 members — the Rump Parliament — ap- 
 
Letters of Roger WMia?tis. 1 65 
 
 worth in them, efpecially to draw us up to dig into the 
 heavens for true treafure. Sir, (though Mr Brewfter 
 wrote me not word of it) yet in private, I am bold to tell 
 you, that I hear it hath pleafed God greatly to afflict him 
 in the thorns of this life. He was intended for Virginia ; 
 his creditors in the Bay came to Portfmouth and unhung 
 his rudder, carried him to the Bay, where he was forced 
 to make over all, houfe, land, cattle, and part with all to 
 his cheft. Oh how fweet is a dry morfel and a handful, 
 with quietness from earth and heaven. Sane nefcio de quo 
 J cr ibis fur ti fuf petto. John Jones is thought here to be 
 falfe or faulty. He faid he was your fervant, that you gave 
 him \os. in peag to bear his charges, which being ftolen 
 out of his pocket, he borrowed fo much of me here 
 in your name, promifing to pay me at his return, being to 
 receive money for you in the Bay; he had, alfo, \os. more, 
 to buy, for me, two or three necelfaries. He took 2js. £>d. 
 of Valentine, Mr. Smith's man, my neighbor at the trad- 
 ing houfe, for a drum, which he faid he left at my house 
 at Providence, which drum con: him 48^. and he promifed 
 to fend it by an Indian, but refufed, and offered to fell it 
 again at Providence ; it is now attached. 
 
 Mr. Brewfter requefted me to pay the Bay carriers, 
 which I have thus ordered, that fix awl blades I pay to a 
 native to carry to Ninigret, and pray you to pay fix more 
 to him that brings them to you. I am forry you had no 
 more corn from Ninigret, yet glad you had fo much, for I 
 am forced to pay 4^. the buihel for all I fpend. Sir, I 
 have not known the like of Indian madnefs. The Father 
 of Lights caufe us to blefs him for and with our reason, 
 remembering Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 Sir, I defire to be yours ever in Chrift Jefus, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
i66 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at his 
 houfe at Nameug, thefe. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, [probably January, 1648-49. J 1 
 
 Sir, — Beit falutations prefented to you both, with hum- 
 ble delires, that, fince it pleafeth God to hinder your pret- 
 ence this way, he may pleafe, for His infinite mercy's lake, 
 in his Son's blood, to further our eternal meeting in the 
 prefence of Him that fits upon the throne, and the Lamb 
 forever ; and that the hope thereof may be living, and 
 bring forth the fruits of love where it is pofiible, and of 
 lamenting for inftruclions. Sir, the affairs of our country 
 (Vaderland, as the Dutch fpeak) would have afforded us 
 much conference. The merciful Lord help us to make 
 up in prayer to his holy majefty, &c. Sir, for this land, 
 our poor colony is in civil dilfeniion. 2 Their laft meetings, 
 at which I have not been, have fallen into factions; Mr. 
 Coddington and Captain Partridge, &c, are the heads of 
 the one, and Captain Clarke, Mr. Eafton, &c, the heads 
 of the other facfion. I receive letters from both, inviting 
 me, &c, but I refolve (if the Lord pleafe) not to engage, 
 
 'Knowles' Memoir of R. Williams, 
 p. 227; 3 Mafi. HiJl.Coll. vol. ix. p. 278. 
 
 This letter is without date ; but from 
 its contents, was probably written fliort- 
 ly before that which follows. 
 
 1 " One of the principal difficulties, 
 which, at this time, difturbed the peace 
 of the colony, arofe from the extraordi- 
 nary proceedings of Mr. Coddington, 
 the leading inhabitant of the Ifland of 
 Rhode Ifland. From the very organiza- 
 tion of the government under the char- 
 ter, he arrayed himlelf in the oppofition 
 and feems to have left no effort untried 
 
 to overturn and deflroy it. Uniting 
 with himfelf a faflion compofed proba- 
 bly of perfons accullomed to take theii 
 opions from him, he fir ft petitioned the 
 colony of Plymouth to take the ifland 
 under its jurifdidlion : and when this ap- 
 plication failed, notwithstanding he had 
 been elected Prefident, in the meantime 
 he went to England, to endeavor to fet 
 afide the charter which Mr. Williams 
 had procured, and deftroy the union of 
 the towns which had been organized by 
 its provifions." — Gammell, Life of Ro- 
 ger Williams, p. 133. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 167 
 
 unlefs with great hopes of peace-making. The peace 
 makers are fons of God. Our neighbors, the Narragan- 
 fetts, are now confulting, and making peag, to carry, with- 
 in a few weeks, another payment. Sir, about a month 
 fince, one William Badger, a feaman, and now a planter at 
 William Field's farm, 1 near Providence, paffed by me, trav- 
 eling to the Seabrook. I have received letters fince from 
 Captain Mafon, to whom I wrote by him, and hear nothing 
 of him. I fear he mifcarried, for he was alone, without a 
 guide. And, fince I mention Captain Mafon, worthy Sir, 
 I humbly beg of the Father of Lights to guide you, in 
 your converfe and neighborhood with him. In his letters 
 to me, he tells me of fome extraordinary lifts againft Un- 
 cas, and that he will favor him, but no more than religion 
 and reafon bid him. He promifeth to vilit me, in his paf- 
 fage, this fummer, eaftward, (I guefs he means towards 
 Plymouth.) I mall then argue, if God will, many things, 
 and how it ftands with religion and reafon, that fuch a 
 monftrous hurry and affrightment mould be offered to an 
 Englifh town, either by Indians or Englifh, unpunifhed. 
 Sir, you have feen many parts of this world's fnowball, and 
 never found aught but vanity and vexation At Nameug 
 mail you find no more, except in the fountain of living 
 waters. Sir, heap coals of fire on Captain Mafon's head ; 
 conquer evil and good, but be not cowardly, and overcome 
 with any evil. 
 
 If you have by you the Trial of Wits, 2 at convenience, 
 
 'The farm adjoining Field's Point, rafter with the fludies of Williams, 
 
 three miles from Providence. With his practice of abbreviating words, 
 
 z "Tria/l of wits." We have fought in Mr. Williams may have meant ' Trial of 
 
 vain, for a book bearing this title, and WitneJfesJ fimilar to a popular book of 
 
 think a work of humor or wit could not Bifhop Shirley's entitled 'Trial of Wit- 
 
 have been meant, fuch not being in cha- nejfes, of the Reffurrettion.'' 
 
1 68 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 fpare it me a few days. However, ftudy, as the Lord com- 
 mands, your quietnefs, for which I mall ever pray and en- 
 deavor. 
 
 Your worship's unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For his honored, kind friend y Mr. fohn Winthrop, at Nameug. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, 29. 11. 48. (fo called) [29th January, 1648-49. ]' 
 
 Sir, — Belt falutations and willies to the Father of mer- 
 cies for your worthy felf, yoke-fellow, filler, &c. It muft 
 be fo in this world's fea. Sicut fluElus fluflum, Jic lu£lus 
 luftum fequitur. And every day hath his fufficiency or 
 fullnefs of evil to all the children of the firft finful man ; 
 no perfons, no places, exempted from the reach of the firft 
 curfe. My humble defire is to the moft righteous and only 
 wife Judge, that the wood of ChrifiYs gallows (as in Mo- 
 fes' ac"t) 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 inexprefiible, in- 
 conceivable, and yet, if ChrirVs 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 melTenger on purpofe. For a place, I know 
 indeed of one in Plymouth claim, and would fpecify, but 
 
 1 Knowles' Mem. R. Williams,^. 228. 3 Mafs. Hi/}. Coll. vol. ix. p. 279. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 169 
 
 that your fpirit being troubled, countermanded it again, 
 in your poftfcript concerning Elderkin, whom I will, if 
 God will, effectually labor with, and write the iffue with 
 fpeed. All our neighbors, the barbarians, run up and down, 
 andconfult; partly fufpecling like dealings ; partly ready 
 to fall upon the Mohegans, at your word, and a world of 
 fooliih agitations, I could trouble you with, but I told the 
 chiefefl yefterday, that it is not our manner to be rail), 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 iilver 1 ore, upon trial. Mr. Coddington went 
 to the Bay, with his daughter, for England, 2 and left Cap- 
 tain Partridge in truft with all, the laft week, at Newport. 
 George Wright alias Captain Wright, ffabbed 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 refpect, &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. 
 
 1 " The colony was thrown into great 
 excitement, by the difcovery of a gold 
 mine on the Ifland. Mr. Williams fent 
 fome bags of the ore to Mr. Winthrop, 
 and writes ' it is certainly affirmed to be 
 both gold and filver ore. upon trial.' 
 The Aflembly pafled an act, taking pof- 
 feflion of the mine in the name of the 
 State of England, and iflued a procla- 
 mation forbidding all perfons to inter- 
 meddle with any of the ore. This was 
 publifhed by William Dyre, appointed 
 
 22 
 
 for that purpofe, for want of a Herald-at- 
 arms, and the arms of England, and of 
 the Lord High Admiral, were let up at 
 the mine. Fortunately a more accurate 
 examination diffipated the golden dreams 
 of the colonifts by proving the report 
 unfounded." — Staples, Annals of Provi- 
 dence, p. 72. 
 
 1 The purpose for which Coddington 
 went to England is flated in a note to the 
 preceding letter. 
 
170 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For the worjhipful, and kind friend, Mr. fohn JVintbrop y at 
 
 Nameug. 
 
 Cawcawmsqussick, i. 48. (fo called.) [March, 1648-9. ]' 
 
 Sir, — Beff. refpects 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 whether that peag be part of the 
 payment ; becaule Wequafhcook and his company refufe 
 to pay. They defire 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, Wequam cook's 
 mother, and it is now qunnantacaun, that is, lamentation. 
 Sir, fince I wrote to you, our tour 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, 2 in 
 the abfence of the Prefident, who, whether they have fixed 
 on yourfelf, or Mr. Coddington's faction 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, bleifed be the God of peace, they have paft, 
 and have appointed a Court of election 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 Connecticut, you can help me to one 
 
 '3 Mafs. Hijl. 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- 
 
 1 This appointment of Williams as ceding. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. iji 
 
 hundred bufhels of Indian corn. To your dear yokefel- 
 low and lifter refpective falutation. The fun of righteouf- 
 nefs gracioufly mine 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 1 will be fold at under rates, as Punhommin, coming 
 two days lince 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 mould pay it by meafure. 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. 
 
 [Probably March or April, 1649. J* 
 
 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, 
 
 1 Peag patted among the early fettlers ganfetts, Niantics and Mohegans, has 
 
 as monev. There was a law of the colo- reference to the debt or tribute, which, 
 
 ny regulating its value. " No one fhall by an agreement entered into at Bofton, 
 
 take any black peage of the Indians, bat they were required to deliver. 
 
 at four a penny ; and if any fhall take z 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 283 ; 
 
 black peage under four a penny, he fhall Knowles' Mem. of Roger Williams, p. 
 
 forfeit (aid peage, one-half to the inform- 231. 
 
 er, the other half to the State." — Laws This letter is without date. It was 
 
 of Rhode ljland, 1648. probably written in March, or early in 
 
 The frequent mention in thefe letters April, 1649. 
 of peag carried to Boflon 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, ib it be when Mr. Stanton is 
 prefent. He would confer about Mr. Eliot's 1 letter and 
 coat, about Wequafhcook'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 commirTioners 2 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 refpe&s to Mrs. Winthrop, Mrs. Lake, whom God 
 graciouily, 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. 
 
 x John Eliot, commonly called the Apof- 
 tle of the Indians ; the tranflator of the 
 Old and New Teftament in the Indian 
 language and of various works relating to 
 the Indians. 
 
 2 Mention has before been made of 
 the "Commimoners of the United Colo- 
 nies," fome notice of which feems necef- 
 fary. The colonies fo united confifted 
 of Plymouth, MafTachufetts Bay, Con- 
 necticut and New Haven, and was the 
 earliefl confederacy among the New Eng- 
 land colonies. " It was " fays Profeflbr 
 Gammell, " a union of great importance 
 
 to the interefts of thofe embraced in it, 
 and may be regarded as in fome fort, the 
 germ of the fubfequent confederations 
 which have marked the hiftory of the 
 American people. The objefts which 
 were propoled in its formation were neu- 
 tral protection againft the depredations 
 of the Indian tribes, who were now be- 
 coming more formidable by the acquisi- 
 tion of fire-arms, and againft the en- 
 croachments oi the Dutch and French, 
 together with the prefervation of the 
 liberty and peace of the gofpel, and the 
 advancement of the Kingdom of Chrift. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 173 
 
 For n;y honored kind friend Mr. fohn Winthrop, at Pequot. 
 
 Nar. 15. z. 49. (fo called.) [Narragansett, Api il 15, 1649.] 1 
 
 Sir, — Beft refpecls and love to you both. By this bear- 
 er (Nath. Waller) I received your book, 2 and had by the 
 fame returned it, but that I defire to read it over once more, 
 rinding it pleafant and profitable, and crave the fight of any 
 other of that fubjecl: 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 prized which Captain Clarke, Bened and 
 others bought, which he defires to be reftored, as being no 
 prize, as taken contrary to the peace with Spain. If not 
 reftored he threatens to take all veflels from hence, to 
 which end it may be it is, that Jacob Curlow (whom 
 the Indians call Yaupuck) have lately bought of fome of 
 the Narraganfett Sachems the little Ifland 4 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 3 The Dutch were, by law, forbidden 
 
 as it had been, principally of the outcail to trade with the Indians within the ju 
 
 and banifhed from the fettlements of rifdidtion of the colony upon pain of 
 
 New England, was not invited to join forfeiture of fhip and goods. Probably 
 
 the confederacy ; and her lubfequent ap- one of their veffels engaged in trade had 
 
 plication for admiflion, like that of the been captured. 
 
 fettlers on Rhode Ifland was fternly re- 4The fmall ifland weft of the iflard of 
 
 fufed. — Life of Roger Williams, p. 114. Conanicut at the entrance to Narraganfett 
 
 x \Mafs. Hif. Coll. vol. vi. p. 267. Bay, now under the jurifdiftion of the 
 
 1 Probably the book called " Triall of government of the United States, and 
 
 Wits" fent for in a preceding letter, upon which a fortification has recently 
 
 page 167, fee note. been eredled. 
 
174 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 as the fparks fly upward. Above the fun is our reft, in the 
 Alpha and Omega of all bleffednefs, unto whofe arms of 
 everlafting mercy I commend you, defirous to be yours 
 even in him. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My loving refpect to your loving fitter. I hope it will 
 pleafe God to fend you a mill. 
 
 For the Worfiipful his very loving friefid Mr. John Win- 
 throp, at Bqjloriy or elfewhere. 
 
 [No date; probably April or May, 1649.] 1 
 
 S IR> — Bert falutes, &c. I long to hear of your refrem- 
 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 buiinefs 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 May 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 flowed a 
 wound on his breajl which bled afrefi, &C. 1 Many circum- 
 ftances paifed. In fine Uncas caufed the man's two fore- 
 fingers to be cut off and 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 moll folemnly to be alto- 
 gether innocent, &c, and they fay it had been childifh, now 
 they are fo near finishing their payment, to have prevented 
 the Engliih juflice 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 finimed) according to the Engliih 
 Sachems promife,) projected this vilainy, &c, to render 
 the Narraganfetts ftill odious to the Englifih, 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 feflion, at Bof- 
 Narraganfett man, here related, was con- ton, in July, 1649." — See Hazard, ii. 
 fidered by the Commiffioners of the p. 130. Note to Wintbrop Papers. 
 
i y6 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 ing himfelf and aBing himfelf a fmall Jiab on his breajl in a 
 fafe place ', &c. Many circumftances look earnejlly toward a 
 plot of Uncas, both at this time, and in the manner J- of the 
 fact 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 veiTel 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 
 lit 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 worship's refpective and 
 affectionate 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, if this meet you at Providence, I pray impart it to 
 my brother and friends to whom I cannot now write. 
 
 1 This paragraph is fomewhat obfcured, by an attempted erafure, by an another 
 hand. See note to Winthrop Papers. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 177 
 
 To Mrs. John lVi?ithrop y Jr. 
 
 Narragansett, [no date, probably April, 1649.] 1 
 
 Mrs. Winthrop, — Loving refpedts to your kind felf and 
 dear lifter. 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 2 pinnace, they pray him to be allured 
 that whatever is done, more or lefs, they are ignorant of 
 it, and will ufe no other means againft him than the Eng- 
 lilh 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 melTenger 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- 
 lish 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 wifh 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 fent back by this bearer, what 
 the matter is. 
 
 '4 Mafs. Hift. Co//.vo]. vi. p. 270. was one of the party with Gov. Win- 
 
 2 " Richard Smith, len'r," fays Wil- throp, of Connecticut, and others to 
 
 liams in his letter of 21ft July, 1679, whom the Narraganfett Sachem Cogina- 
 
 " for his confcience to God left fair pof- quon, granted the " Northern TradT: " in 
 
 feffions in Glocefterlhire, 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 moll acceptable in- Smith and his aflbciates by an order 
 
 habitant, and a prime leading man in from King Charles 2d. — R. I. Col. Rec. 
 
 Taunton and Plymouth colony." He vol. i. pp. 464-466. Richard Smith, in 
 
 23 
 
178 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, expect 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. Benedict was delired by the magiftrates in the 
 Bay to take fpecial care to charge Wequafhcook, concern- 
 ing 2 . He hath requefted this talk 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, blefted be God, and blelfed are fuch 
 whom he correcteth and teacheth in him. Yours he gra- 
 cioully make me, though unworthy. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 the autumn of 1651, purchafed of Roger the barbarians the firfl Englifh houfe 
 
 Williams his eftate at Cawcumquffick, among them." This would carry the 
 
 (now Wickford), from which place lb fettlement back to 1639. 
 
 many of thefe letters were written. In l Knowles' Mem. Roger Williams p. 
 
 his teftimony in favor of Smith's title to 232 ; 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 284. 
 
 the Wickford lands, dated July 21, 1679, 2 "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 thicker! of following the above word is the only one 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 179 
 
 To my much refpedled friend Mr. John Winthrop, 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 Englim, 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 mefTengers 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 Englifh relation was perfected. Tidings from Uncas 
 are, that the Englifh 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. Expeclat nos mors ubique ; cur non nos mor- 
 tem? In life and death the Son of God mine on us. In 
 him, 
 
 Yours I defire to be, ever unfeigned, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 which I was not able fatisfacTtorily to 
 make out or fupply. The fragments of 
 a few letters look more like parts of the 
 word "Nenekunat" (Ninigret) than any 
 other. Between that Sachem and We- 
 quafhcook, as appears from another let- 
 ter of Roger Williams, there was a mif- 
 underflanding. — Note by Prof. Knotoles. 
 
 ] Knowles, Mem. R. Williams, p. 233 ; 
 3 Mafs Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 285. 
 
 " This letter is worthy of notice, as 
 affording a flight intimation of that 
 
 deficiency of paper and other articles, 
 which the exclufion from intercoufe with 
 Bofton occafioned. This letter was writ- 
 ten on the envelope, or blank fide of 
 one addrefled to the writer, as is evident 
 from the direction, which flood originally 
 thus : "To my much refpefled friend, 
 Mr. Roger Williams." Mr. Williams 
 ftruck out his own name, and put in the 
 place of it, "John Winthrop, at Pequot," 
 in a blacker ink. — Note by Prof. Knowles. 
 
i8o 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Wintbrop, at Nameug, 
 
 thefe. 
 
 Nar. 26. 3. 49. (fo called) [May 26th, 1649. ]' 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpetts 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, myfelf, 
 alfo came hither late laft night, and wet, from Warwick, 
 where this colony met and upon difcharge of my service, 
 we chofe Mr. Joieph Smith, 2 of Warwick, (the merchant 
 or (hop-keeper that lived at Bofton) for this year, Preiident. 
 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 paffed, that the natives mould no 
 longer abufe us, but that their blacks mould 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 
 neceffities, &c* 
 
 Sir, tidings are high from England ; many mips from 
 
 1 Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 234 ; 
 3 Mafs. Hi/l. Coll. vol. ix. p. 286. 
 
 1 In May, 1649, the General Aflembly 
 met at Warwick, when Mr. Williams 
 having declined a reele&ion, Mr. Jofeph 
 Smith was chofen President. Among 
 the afliflants chofen was Samuel Gorton. 
 Mr. Williams was chofen " to take a 
 view of the records delivered unto the 
 Court by William Dyre," referring, 
 probably, to his complaints againft Cod- 
 dington. Thefe complaints were again 
 prefented to the General Aflembly, but 
 
 were deferred, probably, in confequence 
 of the abfence of Mr. Coddington. 
 
 J Black, i. e. black peage. 
 
 4 The law regarding the fale of intoxi- 
 cating liquors was as rigid at this period 
 as it is now among the prohibitionifts. 
 At the May feffion of the General Af- 
 fembly, 1650. a refolution was paffed in 
 which it was " granted unto Mr. Roger 
 Williams to have leave to fell a little 
 wine or llrong water to the natives in 
 their ficknefs." — R. I. Col. Records, vol. 
 i. p. 219. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 1 8 1 
 
 many parts fay, and a Briftol {hip, 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 1 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, 2 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 fun, nothing 
 but vanity and vexation. 
 
 The moft glorious Sun of Righteoufnefs mine 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. ] 3 
 
 Sir, — Belt falutations, &c. The laft night one of We- 
 quamcook's Pequots brought me, very privately, letters 
 from Capt. Mafon, (and as he faid, from Uncas and We- 
 
 1 Hugh Peters; fee note to letter of wick. — R. J. Col. Records, vol.i. p. 302. 
 
 July 21, 1637. *3 Mafs. Hifl. Coll. vol. xi. p. 287; 
 
 a Edward Andrews, a freeman of War- Knowles' Memoir of R. Williams, p. 235. 
 
l82 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 quamcook.) 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 mod of all, to 
 Ninigret. The purport of the letters and concurrence of 
 circumftances, feem to me to imply fome prefent conclu- 
 fions (from Connecticut) of hostility, 1 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 {tabbing, and lince 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 willfullnels, joined with def- 
 perate malicious practices, that I think and believe they are 
 fealed to definition." Sir, there are many devices in a man's 
 heart, but the counfel of Jehovah (hall ftand. If he have 
 
 ltl Thehoflile attitude of the Indians, 
 occafioned by the determination of the 
 United Colonies to proteft Uncas at every 
 hazard, from the punifhment due to his 
 crime at the hands of the Narraganfetts, 
 cauied more ferious alarm than ever be- 
 fore. The diilentions prevailing among 
 them thofe of Shawomet and Pawtuxet 
 owing allegiance to MafTachufetts, and 
 viewing as enemies all Englifhmen whom 
 fhe denounced, while the Niantics and 
 Nipmucks remained true to their proper 
 princes, made the fituation of Rhode If- 
 land, furrounded as fhe was by thefe dif- 
 trafled and exafperated tribes extremely 
 perilous. The inhabitants of Warwick 
 fufFered from this caufe. They com- 
 plained that the Indians had killed their 
 
 cattle, abufed their fervants, entered their 
 houfes by force, maltreating the occu- 
 pants, and dealing their goods, and de- 
 fired advice on thefubjed." * * * The 
 Commiflioners wrote a letter to the 
 Sachems, advifing them to abftain from 
 fuch conduit in future, and telling them 
 that, if they received any injury from 
 the Englifh, fatisfaction fhould be given 
 them, as the like would be expected 
 from them. Scarcely had this mifiive 
 been fent, when letters were received 
 from Roger Williams and others, warn- 
 ing the United Colonies of preparations 
 making by the Narraganfetts to renew 
 the war on Uncas." — Arnold, Hij}. of 
 Rhode IJland, vol. i. p. 222-23. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 i8 3 
 
 a holy and righteous purpofe to make us drink of our 
 mother's cup, the holinefs nor power, nor policy of New 
 England, can itop 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 
 mall 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, 1 at Newport, to whom, and all my 
 friends on the illand, I wrote effectually. Thither they 
 went. I have heard nothing lince. If power had been 
 with me, fuch a work of mercy, (although to Grangers) I 
 hope, by the Lord's affiftance, mail not efcape me; and I 
 
 ^ohn Clarke, the founder and pallor 
 of the firil Baptiil Church in Newport, 
 was one of the moll prominent men in 
 the colony. In 1651, he was fen t to 
 England with Roger Williams, to pro- 
 mote the interefls of the colony. He 
 remained there, until he procured the 
 charter of 1663. After his return, he 
 was elefted three years, fucceffively, 
 Deputy Governor. He died April 26, 
 1676, in the 67th year ol his age. 
 Having no children, he gave moll of 
 his property to charitable purpofes. — 
 While in London, he publifhed a book, 
 entitled, "/// News from New England, 
 or a narrative of New England's Perfe- 
 ction ; wherein it is declared, that while 
 
 Old England is becoming New, New Eng- 
 land is becoming Old; &c, &c. London, 
 1652. To no man, except Roger Wil- 
 liams, is Rhode Ifland more indebted 
 than to him. He was the original pro- 
 jector of the fettlement on the Ifland, 
 and one of its ablell legiflators. Dr. El- 
 ton, in fpeaking of Clarke, lays "He 
 was a faithful and ufeful miniiler, cour- 
 teous and amiable in all relations of life, 
 and an ornament to his profefTion and to 
 the feveral offices which he fullained. 
 His memory is deferving of Jailing hon- 
 or for his efforts towards ellablilhing the 
 firil goverment in the world which gave 
 to all equal, civil and religious liberty." 
 Note to Callender's Hijl. Difl.p. 212. 
 
184 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 have promifed my afTiftance 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 lent for them. I have here now with me, my 
 eldeft daughter, of feventeen. Her younger lifter of fif- 
 teen, hath had nature's courfe before her, which me want- 
 ing, a flux of rheum hath much affected her head and right 
 eye ; (he hath taken much phytic, and been let blood, but 
 yet no change. She is advifed by fome to the Bay. I 
 pray advife me to whom you judge fitted: 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 mould 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 8x. 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 fhip was come to the Bay from England. She was not 
 come vet 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 fhine on us, &c. 
 
Letters of Roger IVilliams. 185 
 
 To the Worjlnpful his kind friend Mr. John Winthrop, Ef/., 
 
 at Pequot. 
 
 Nar. 26, 6, 49. (fo called.) [Narragansett, Auguft 26th, 1649.] 1 
 
 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 alfault upon the 
 Pequots by the Mohegans, and one of thofe Mohegans 
 purfued and flain by the Pequots,) the Sachems have lent 
 to me for my thoughts, their men being impatient of mak- 
 ing an alfault 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 ftop 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 delire 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 
 Englim have fet on Uncas, and what their refolution is, 
 then upon receipt of their mind mail 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 worship's unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, I pray feal and fend this to Efq. Mafon. 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hi/?. Coll. vol. vi. p. 271. 
 24 
 
1 86 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. fohn Winthrop, at Pequot. 
 
 Nar : 25, 8, 49, (fo called,) [Oftober 25, 1649.] 1 
 
 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 pafTing hand calls for 
 this line only of neighborly falutation and information. 
 Our neighbors mefTengers 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 fooliihly 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 deiire 
 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 fractions) 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 deiired the Englifh to ftay from going to war 
 againft. the Dutch Indians, but a Dutchman tells me he 
 heard (at Munnadoes) of five hundred Englifh coming 
 againft 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- 
 
 1 AfMafs. 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 (he is taken againft the 
 Treves. 1 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 (hall 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 pals through fuf- 
 fering to Glory : In Him defirous to be ever yours, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For Mr. John JVinthrop, thefe. 
 
 Nar. 9, 10, 49, (fo called,) [Narragansett, Dec. 10, 1649. ] 2 
 
 Sir, — Praifed be God for your healths and peace, which 
 I humbly defire he may pleafe to continue and fancflify to 
 Himielf. 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 
 
 1 Treve, a " truce," or "armiftice." ry of New Netherland, i. 296, as corn- 
 It may be conje&ured that the writer re- mander of a privateer upon our coafl a 
 fers to the Treaty of Munfter, con- few years before. See alio 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. " Blauvelt," a Dutch- Wintbrop Papers. 
 man, mentioned in O'Callaghan's Hiilo- 2 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 Englim 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 Englim 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 iilent and watchful 
 courfes, the murderer or murderers may be taken in Eng- 
 lifh 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 practice comes nearer the firfl practice of our 
 great Founder Chrift Jefus, then other practices of religion 
 do, and yet I have not fatisfaction neither in the authority 
 by which it is done, nor in the manner ; nor in the pro- 
 phecies concerning the rifing of ChrifVs 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 (hip at Newport, there arretted 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 velfels, 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 fome Irifh 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 diviiion of lands among brethren, 
 and proviiion for the younger brethren. I thankfully ac- 
 knowledge your love concerning my daughter. 1 My wife 
 (here with me) informs me of a courfe of phylic me has 
 entered into with Mr. Clarke 2 of Bofton, where me hath 
 been lately, and is better. We are encompalfed with mo- 
 tions about her; but neither I nor me can entertain 
 thoughts of fo early a marriage. She, as my wife tells me, 
 delires 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 afflicted by occafion of fuch obstructions, and breaks 
 forth to lamentable effects. The condition (although the 
 parents offer payment with thanks,) I queftion not but 
 will prevail with your loving breait, wherein God gra- 
 cioully dwell, as in a palace of his delights. In him I 
 deiire 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 
 
 1 Probably his (laughter 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 Maftachuietts Hiftori- 
 age. — Eds. Wintbrop Papers. cal Society. — Eds. Wintbrop Papers. 
 
 2 Dr. John Clarke, phyfician of New- 
 
190 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Wequafhcook 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, 1 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, 16th February, 1649-50. ] 2 
 
 Sir, — I rejoiced exceedingly from your own loving hand 
 (by Robin Caufafenamont) to receive tidings of your 
 healths after this (harp time. Bleifed be God, who hath 
 provided warm lodging, food, and clothing, and fo feafona- 
 ble and admirable an element of fire for his poor creatures 
 againft fuch times ; the fame blelTed Lord make us learn 
 of his little ants, (Prov. 6.) to provide timely againft eter- 
 nal bitternefs. Hoc momentum vnde pendet czternitas. For 
 expedition I advifed Robin to get over to Rhode Ifland 
 himfelf, which I think he did, but I have not lince heard 
 
 'Jonathan Brewfter, was the eldeft the Mayflower, in 1620. 
 fon of Elder William Brewfter, the dif- 2 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 276. 
 tinguifhed Puritan, who came over in 
 
Letters of Roger JVWia??is. 191 
 
 of him. I am forry for this affliction 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 afhes to 
 tempt the Moft High in fighting with his winter ftorms 
 without neceffity. I grieve that my dear countrymen of 
 Connecticut are fo troubled with that filthy devil of whor- 
 ifh practices, and more that yet they are perfuaded of 
 fuch courfes to call: 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 punimments 
 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 witnels 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 graciouily 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 fohn Winthrop, jfr. 
 
 Nar. 24, 12, 49, (fo called.) [Narragansett, 24th February, 1649-50. j 1 
 
 Kind Sir, — Beft falutations, &c. In my laft, by Con- 
 lider, I forgot a parTage about that letter to the Commif- 
 fioners which you were pleaied 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 fuppreifed. I crave 
 one line about it. Mr. Browne hath often profeifed 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 2 alfo. 
 Sir, if you have Carpenter's Geography,^ 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 Illand man be not gone, afk for 
 a book I lent him. 
 
 *4 Mafs. Hi/}. Coll. vol. vi. p. 277. had before appeared. It was printed in 
 1 Samuel Newman, born in England London in 1643. — Blake, Biog. Ditt. 
 in 1600, and educated at Oxford. Emi- His defendants are ftill found in Re- 
 grated to Maflachufetts in 1638, and af- hoboth and Seekonk. 
 ter ipending feveral years at Dorchefter ' " Carpenter's Geography." Na- 
 and Weymouth, fettled at Rehoboth, thaniel Carpenter born 1 588 died 1635, 
 where he refided till his death in 1663, was an Englim clergyman. He wrote 
 greatly efteemed for his talents and pie- feveral volumes confirting 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. 4to. 2d edition, 
 
 1635. — Watts, Bio. Britannica. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 193 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Pequot. 1 
 
 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, 2 yet hope (till that God will honor him, whom 
 I hope he truly deiires to honor. I grieve to understand 
 from. your former that Moles is not underftood in New 
 England, touching what he did to that one nonel'uch typical 
 and miraculous people of Ifrael ; yet furely, licentioufnefs 
 of all forts needs a fharpe [torn] though too fharp, and 
 more then God requires or ever did in all nations equal to 
 Ifrael, is destructive, &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,^ and pray you if you have occafion, 
 intimate a word to him. 
 
 '4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 279. doings at Drogheda and Wexford, in 
 
 2 This letter has no date; but the wri- September and Oftober of" 1649. — Eds. 
 
 ter, although he had not yet got the Wintbrop Papers. 
 
 " particulars touching Cromwell in Ire- 3 William Pynchon. See note to let- 
 land," poffibly had heard rumors of his ter of Oftober 17, 1650. 
 
 25 
 
194 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For the worjhipful, bis kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at 
 
 Nameug. 
 
 Nar. 20, i, 49. (fo called.) [20th March, 1649.]' 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpeclis and beft wifhes to you both, &c. 
 By Nenekunat I received your laft, relating a found of 
 more bloody mowers about Old, and faid trials at our 
 doors in New. 'Tis mercy that we have not our perfonal 
 mares 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 
 Connecticut, viz. : that he mould 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 affe&ing her (becaufe of her fore 
 eyes) came to his daughter, who falling in love, he, and 
 the mother, and daughter, and himfelf (Nenekunat) delire 
 they might live near together, which they do a fmall dif- 
 tance off. He fays fome bring him word that the Englim 
 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 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hi ft. Coll. vol. vi. p. 277. 
 
Letters' of Roger Williams. 195 
 
 againft the Englifh, but of Tattaopame, whom the Dutch 
 ilew. That his mother alfo is Wequafhcook's wife. That 
 there is no other color of his being hurtful to the Englifh, 
 but by mowing them kindnefs as they travel by his houfe : 
 which to my knowledge he is free to. 
 
 He prays you not to loie your right, but fend for a fkin 
 of a moofe which was killed upon one of your hummocks 
 by Fiiher's Ifland, lately, and carried to Wequafbcook, as 
 the lord. 
 
 Sir, I gladly expect your book, and one of the Parlia- 
 ment's Declarations which I lent the Long Illand English- 
 man who part hereby in winter. 
 
 Sir, I delire to be ever yours unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For the worjhipful kind friend Mr. JVintbrop, at Pequot. 1 
 
 [No date; probably May, 1650.] 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpects, &c. Thefe inclofed Mr. Throck- 
 morton yefterday delivered to Mr. He: and Thomas 
 Doxey, two days fince put forth from Newport, but Mi. 
 Throckmorton being a league the foremoft, met upon 
 Point Judith with a guft. from the fouthweft, which brought 
 
 ! 4 Mafs. Hi/}. 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. — Eds. Wintbrop Papers. you. Your fervant to my power. 
 
 Mr. Williams,— After my love re- J 0HN 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 veffel on one iide, 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 : Benedict 1 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 mips, 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, flumed with blood, and have bought a Frigate 
 of Capt. Clarke,) to go out upon their voyage to the Weft 
 Indies, leaft they practice 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 Englilh are troubled greatly. God mercifully 
 bring good out of thele evils. 
 
 Sir, it hath pleafed God to quicken (by a Dutchman 
 
 • Benedict Arnold, one of the found- At the General Election 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 
 
 guil, 1636. The following year he was annually elecled to 1666; again from 
 
 aflbciated with William Coddington in 1669 to 1672, and from 1677 to 1678. 
 
 the purchafe of the Ifland of Conanicut, He died on the 2.0th of June of the lat- 
 
 and figned the firit. compact: in 1640. He ter year. He filled many offices of trull 
 
 removed to Newport in 1653, and the at various periods, and w as one of the 
 
 following year was chofen an "Affiitant." molt prominent men in the colony. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 197 
 
 fkipper, Lorence, now following fifhing here about us,) 
 Tome Englifh that way, and Bened : l defires to buy my 
 fhallop 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 fi(h 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 Illand (which thereupon keep watch,) but it is 
 founded on a lie, as I (hall inform vou. 
 
 To Mr. Job?i JVinthrop, at Pequot. 
 
 [No date. June, 1650. ] 2 
 
 Sir, — Dear refpects 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 meffenger 
 tells me you have that tidings about Prince Rupert,^ whofe 
 
 'Probably, Benedict Arnold. for three years he acquitted himfelfwith 
 
 ^ \Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 281. honor. In 165 1, the great parliamenta- 
 
 3 Prince Rupert, nephew of Charles rian Admiral Blake, attacked the Prince's 
 
 I. having been unfuccefsful as an officer fquadron and funk or deilroyed 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 mow. 
 The Father of Mercies graciouily 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 
 Englim 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 
 ni^ht from Providence writes that Plvmouth 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- 
 jecture they now acf. 1 God graciouily 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 punifhments. You may pleafe to 
 remember that I have been large (in the Bloodie Ten- 
 ent), 2 in the difference between that land of Ifrael and all 
 others. It is in diicufling 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 held at Bolton, z Williams's well-known book entitled 
 
 June 10th, 1650, the commiffioners on " The Bloody Tenent of Perfecution,for 
 
 the controverfy concerning the title to the caufe of Confcience,diJcujfed,in a con' 
 
 and jurisdiction 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. 
 
 relinquished to Maffachufetts all claims Narraganfett Club, vols. ii. and iii. 
 to the junfdidr.ion 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 anfvvers I 
 mould 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 viii- 
 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, difiblving, &c, and Perez Uzzah, 
 the breaches and divilions wonderful. The Portraiture, 1 
 I guefs is Bifhop Hall's, the ftyle is pious and acute, very 
 like his, and J. H. fubfcribes the Epitaph : probably he 
 prefented thefe pallages to the King in the times of his 
 reftraint, for he was truly the Bifhop's King and breathed 
 from firft to laft abfolute Monarchy and Epifcopacy. 
 Doubtlefs (viis and modis) he was guilty of much blood. 
 All that feems weighty in my eye are the popular tumults 
 
 1 Eikon Baftlike. The Portraiture of 
 his facred Majefy, King Charles I. in 
 his Solitudes and Sufferings. London, 
 1648. This remarkable book caufed a 
 great fenfation at the time it was pub- 
 lifhed, no lefs than fifty editions, accord- 
 ing to Lowndes, having appeared in 
 1648-9 ; and it has been aflerted that if 
 it had appeared a week fooner, it might 
 have faved the life of the King. Bifhop 
 Hall was not the author, as Williams 
 furmifes ; this honor has been awarded 
 alike to Charles I. and to Bifhop Gau- 
 den. Mr. Wordfworth wrote an elabo- 
 
 rate work to prove that the King wrote 
 it; while Sir James Mackintofh makes 
 equal efforts to fhow that Dr. Gauden 
 was its author. Mr. Hallam, in fpeak- 
 ing of the Eikon Bafilike fays, "It" we 
 could trull its panegyritls, few books in 
 our language have done it more credit 
 by dignity of fentiment and beauty of 
 ftyle. It can hardly be neceflary for me 
 to exprefs my unhefitating convidlion 
 that it was folely written by Bifhop Gau- 
 den, who, after the Reftoration claimed 
 it as his own." — Literature of Europe. 
 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 
 (Thrift's and the Apoftle's blood. Sir, pardon my paper in 
 all its defects, 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 the want not herfelt, 
 yet fhe may pleafure a neighbor. 
 
 Roger Williams to John Winthrop, Jr. 
 
 Nar. 9. 8. 50, (fo called.) [Narragansett, 9th O&ober, 1650. J 1 
 
 Sir, — Beft refpects 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 Engliih, 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 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 289. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 201 
 
 and to demand the reft of the pay three hundred and eight 
 fathom : l 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 
 diffracted by that peace broke by the Mohegans in that 
 Hoftility begun upon them at Pequot which they anfwered 
 not becaufe of the Englim ; but expected fatisfaction, 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 defired 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 aifault 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 
 tickliih point of a great (laughter (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 lav 
 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 ftop 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 mow 
 him, and mow 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 Illand comes for my voyage for England : but as 
 yet I reiblve not. God gracioully be pleafed to fet our af- 
 fections on another Country and himfelf above in his dear 
 Son. 
 
 Sir, yours in him I delire to be unfeigned 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 John Wintbrop, Jr., to Roger Williams, in reply to the foregoing. 
 
 Pequot, November 10, 1650. 
 
 Sir, — I received your letter this morning, and mufl write back in hafle, the mef- 
 fengers being haftily to return, thanking you for the intelligence of this matter, 
 which neither from the CommiiTioners or from any of the Government or any 
 other way I have had the leaft 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 underfland 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 fliould be 1650. — Ed. Win- 
 tbrop Papers. 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 203 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Peqnot. 
 
 Nar. 17. 8. 50. (fo called.) [Narragansett, Oftober 17, 1650.] 1 
 
 Kind Sir, — Loving refpects, &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, infixing 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 bufinefs was de- 
 iigned by the Commiffioners, and that (as he perceived) 
 they were refolved to hazard a war upon it, &c. But 
 praifed be the moll: 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 Englifh and the Mauquawogs, 
 or between the Englifh and the Narraganfetts, will, if not 
 difpoifefs many a planter and difplant plantations ; yet haz- 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hi/I. Coll. vol. vi. p. 283. 
 
204 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 ard much blood, and Ilaughter, 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 molt 
 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 ftood away for Martin's 
 Vineyard, and left a letter for his wife here to meet him, who 
 came here this day, fome few hours iince from Providence, 
 but we hear not of Thomas ; fo that the poor woman is 
 much difconfolate, for to get from Providence me 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 mail (through 
 his grace) endeavor to further. 
 
 Sir, I am your unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 205 
 
 For his honored kind friend Mr. JVinthrop, at Pequot, thefe. 
 
 [No date ; Oftober, 1650.] 1 
 
 Sir, — Beft falutation, &c. Yours by Elderkin (who predi- 
 cates your juft praife in many refpe&s, &c.,) common, phi- 
 lofophical modern virtue, laudata crefcit, — how much more 
 mould true, heavenly, and eternal ? I wrote you largely 
 the irTue 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 Englim) 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 was one). He tells me of a book lately 
 come over in Mr. Pynchon's name, 2 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 Benedict content) fhe let Bened: 
 
 x \Mafs. Hift. 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 feflion of 
 
 ten a few days before. the General Court in October following, 
 
 1 William Pynchon fettled at Rox- which body ordered the book to be burnt 
 
 bury, Mafs., in 1630; at Springfield, the next day "after the Letture." A 
 
 about 1637, and returned to England in fecond edition was printed in 1655. 
 1652. He was the author of feveral ?Benedift Arnold. 
 
206 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 write to her uncle : but (lie herfelf writ privately that if 
 anything were fent, it might be in houfehold fluff. I hope 
 (yet fear) thofe trials may take off Thomas from company, 
 Spending, &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, Odo : 
 23:" 
 
 For my well-beloved and much ref peeled, 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.] 1 
 
 Well beloved friends, — Loving refpects to each of 
 you prefented, with hearty defires of your prefent and eter- 
 nal peace. I am forry that I am occasioned 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, o. 402. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 207 
 
 travels, I am forced to prefent you in writing thefe five re- 
 queues. 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 lince it 
 hath pleafed the God of all mercies, to vouchfafe this town 
 and others fuch a mercy, by his means, I beieech 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 obftru£tions, 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, 1 is likely (as fhe 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 direction. 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 afiurance and certifi- 
 cate of his not being engaged to other women, or other- 
 
 ' Daniel Abbott, one of the early 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 alfo of his refolution to forfake his former 
 courfe, left (this enquiry being neglected) the maid and 
 ourfelves 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 confederation of that lamenta- 
 ble object (what mall I fay, of all our cenfure or pity, I am 
 lure) of all our wonder and aftonilhment, Mrs. Wefton. 1 
 My experience of the diftempers of perfons elfewhere, 
 makes me confident, that although not in all things, yet in 
 a great meafure, (lie is a diftracted 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 act of mercy to her 
 necemties, ftand upon record amongft the merciful acts 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 consideration to the grave, amongft the dead, 
 the widows and the fatherlefs. From fome neighbors and 
 the widow Mann 2 herfelf, I underftand, that notwithstand- 
 ing her motherly affection, which will make all burthens 
 lighter for her children's good, yet (he is not without fears, 
 that if the town be not favorable to her in after times, fome 
 
 1 Mrs. Wefton, probably the widow * Widow Man, whofe hufband Wil- 
 
 of Francis or Mathew Wefton, both of liam Man received one of the original 
 
 whom received original town lots as town lots, 
 above. 
 
Letter's of Roger Williams. 209 
 
 hard meafure and prelTures may befall her. My requeft is, 
 therefore, that it would pleafe you to appoint lb me of your- 
 felves to review the will, and to conlider whether the pains 
 of the father, deceafed, or want of time, hath not occa- 
 lioned him to leave fome of his purpofes and defires im- 
 perfect, as alfo to propofe to the town wherein, according 
 to the rules of jultice and mercy, what the deceafed in- 
 tended, may be perfecled, for the greater comfort both of 
 his widow and orphans. 
 
 Fifth. My laft requeft concerns myfelf. I cannot be fo 
 unthankful to you, and to infenfible of mine own and fami- 
 ly's comfort, as not to take notice of your continued and 
 conflant love and care in your many public and folemn or- 
 ders for the 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 for 
 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 reque/t 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, earneitly 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 
 
2IC 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To Mr. yobn Wintbrop, Jr. 
 
 [Auguft, 1651.]' 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpe&s 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, 2 to be 
 whipt or pay twenty pounds, Obadiah Holmes whipt or 
 
 1 3 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. ix. p. 291 ; 
 Knowles' Mem. R. Williams, p. 241. 
 
 z The tranfadtion here referred to, 
 mowing the vigor with which the fa- 
 mous law of 1644, levelled ollenfibly 
 againft Ana-baptilts, was executed, is lb 
 remarkable, that it deferves more than a 
 palling notice. 
 
 It appears that the Rev. John Clarke, 
 one of Rhode Ifland's molt diilinguifhed 
 men, with Obadiah Holmes and John 
 Crandall were deputed by the Biptift 
 Church in Newport, to vilit William 
 Witter, an aged member of that church, 
 living at Lynn, at his requeil The next 
 day being Sunday, it was thought proper 
 to fpend it in religious worlhip at Mr. 
 Witter's houfe, about two miles from the 
 town. In the midft of Mr. Clarke's 
 i'ermon, " two conllables entered, who, 
 by their clamorous tongues " writes Mr. 
 Clarke, " made an interruption in my 
 difcourfe, and more uncivilly dilturbed 
 us than the purfuivants of the old Eng- 
 lilh bilhops were wont to do, telling us 
 they were come with authority from the 
 magiitrate to apprehend us. I dedred 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 followeth :" 
 
 "By virtue hereof you are required 
 to go to the houfe of William Witter, 
 and fo fearch from houfe to houfe, for 
 
 certain erroneous perlons, being llrang- 
 ers, and them to apprehend, and in fafe cul- 
 tody to keep, and to-morrow morning 
 bring them before me." Robert Bridges. 
 
 The conftables carried Mr. Clarke 
 and his companions to the Congrega- 
 ional meeting. At the clofe of the fer- 
 vice Mr Clarke rofe and addreffed the 
 affembly, but was fpeedily filenced, and 
 the next day the three " heretics " were 
 committed to prifon in Bolton. 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] Hepped up and told us 
 we had denied infant baptifm, and being 
 fomewhat tranfported, told me I had de- 
 ferved death, and laid he would not have 
 fuch tralh brought into their jurifdiction." 
 
 From the prifon Mr. Clarke fent to 
 the Court a propofition to meet with any 
 of the minifters, and hold a public dif- 
 culfion. This propofal was at firlt ac- 
 cepted and a day fixed ; but the clergy 
 probably thought that a public debate 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 
 
 21 I 
 
 thirty pounds, on John Crandall, whipt or five pounds. 
 This bearer hears of no payment nor execution, but 
 rather a demur, and Tome 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 
 Peliccom, 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 fo able an an- 
 tagonift would be inexpedient. Mr. 
 Clarke's fine was paid without his knowl- 
 edge or confent, and he was releafed 
 from prilon. Mr. Crandall was alfo 
 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 lefture 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 inflidled upon him. He 
 alfo gives the proportions which Clarke 
 fubmitted to the Court for difcuftion, 
 with the reply of the Governor and 
 
 Council. — Hijlory of the Baptifts, 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 arreft- 
 ed, imprifoned and fined for exprefling 
 fympathy for C;arke and his aflbciates. 
 
 " The recital of thefe tranfadlions " 
 writes Knovvles " is painful, but wemuft 
 compel ourfelves to contemplate fuch 
 fcenes, if we would fuitably feel the con- 
 traft between the policy of MalTachufetts 
 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 Williams, p. 244. 
 
 Much more might be faid of thefe 
 ftrange tranfaclions, did fpace admit. 
 They are fully treated of by Backus 
 in his Hiflory of the Baptijls, and by 
 Knowles in his Memoir of Williams ,• 
 alfo by John Clarke himfelf in his "/// 
 Nezves 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 meiTengers 
 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 fliip of three hundred, come 
 from Barbadoes. Mr. Wall, the mailer, flood upon his 
 guard while he (laid there ; he brought fome parlengers, 
 former inhabitants from London, whofe cafe was fad there, 
 becaufe of the pofture of the illand (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 delign, viz. : from hence to the Eaft Indies. The 
 frigates defigned for Barbadoes were ordered for Scilly, 
 which they allaulted, 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 fhip 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 
 victory over the Scots. Sir, this world pafieth away and 
 the [ayjuia^ fafhion, 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. i 1 3 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. "John Winthrop, at Pequot. 
 
 [No date; probably Auguft 165 I.] 1 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpects, &c. Yours received and the ioj-. 
 from your neighbor Elderkin, and letters, which mall 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 FolTeker, 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 ihip to 
 the eaftward for marts, 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 (hall thankfully fend it; and commend- 
 ing vou and yours to the only great and good Phylician, 3 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 welfare of the In- 
 z Mr. Winthrop had confiderable fkill dians, (hows itfelfonall occafions. 
 
214 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 The copy of a letter of Roger Williams, of Providence ', i?i New 
 England, to Major Endicot, Governor of the MaJJachufetts, 
 upon occajion of the late perfecution againjl Mr. Clarke and 
 Obadiah Holmes, and others, at Bojlon, the chief town of the 
 Maffachufetts in New Efigland. 
 
 Auguft, 1 65 1. * 
 
 Sir, — Having done with our tranfitory earthly affairs 
 (as touching the English and the Indians) which in com- 
 panion 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 refpecled ? Was I alfo fo well be- 
 loved ? Or was all counterfeit, and but gilded o'er with 
 earthly refpecls, 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 ! ob- 
 jections, obftruclions, and a thoufand hindrances (I fear 
 from Satan as Paul faid) hath preffed in, held my hand, &c. 
 
 Sir, it hath pleased the Father of Spirits at this prefent 
 
 1 Roger Williams. Tbe Bloody Tenent yet More Bloody. London, 1652, p. 303. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 215 
 
 to fmite my heart in the very breaking up of your letter : 
 This Death's Head 1 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 mould not therefore fuch our letters, 
 fuch our fpeeches, fuch our actings be, as may become our 
 lafl: 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 
 mould 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 paffage, " Were I as free in my fpirit as formerly I have 
 been to write unto you, you fiould 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 frem 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 ; 
 [God knoweth who are his? God hides from finful man, 
 God will reveal before All ?] Oh how comes it then that 
 
 1 Endicott's feal was a death's head and is given in 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vi. Appen- 
 crofT-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 refpedt, mercy or pity to the like confcientious 
 perfualions of other men? Are all the thoufands of mil- 
 lions of millions of confciences, at home and ahroad, 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 
 famplehis? May not the mod: High be pleafed to hide 
 from his as well as from the eyes of his fellow-fervants, 
 fellow-mankind, fellow-Englifh ? 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 fhut ? 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 
 ftabbers 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 io caufed him as a wild beaft 
 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 croiTing the perfecutors confciences, (it may be but 
 their fuperftitions, &c.,) whether Turkifh, Popifh, Pro- 
 teftant, &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 feclarian 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 (lay the fury of the op- 
 prerTbr, 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 warning of the Bloody Tenent in the 
 Lamb's blood, which it may be is not yet come to your 
 light and hand. 
 
 'Tis true, I have to fay elfewhere about the caules of my 
 banimment : as to the calling of natural men to the exer- 
 cife of thofe holy Ordinances of prayers, oaths, &c. As 
 to the frequenting of Parifh 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 iubjecls by virtue of his be- 
 ing a Chriftian King, &c. 
 
 At prefent, let it not be orTenfive in your eyes, that I 
 lingle out another, a fourth point, a caufe of my banim- 
 ment alio, wherein I greatly fear one or two fad evils, 
 which hath befallen your Soul and Confcience. 1 
 
 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. 
 
 1 Mr. Cotton's Letter examined and ment," the fecond and fourth named 
 
 anfwered, pp. 4, 5. Pub. Narr. C/ub, i : above, " were no caufes 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. C/ub, 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 fellowfbip 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 io much Light, and fo much profeffion to the con- 
 trary (not only to myfelf, and fo often in private, hut) be- 
 fore fo many witneifes ; I fay, I fear you cannot fay and 
 acl: fo much, againft 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 prei- 
 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 delulions, ftrong delulions, 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 impoffible for the (otherwife piercing eye) of 
 your underftanding to fee into thefe things, for it is dif- 
 colored, as in fome difeafes and glaifes. 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 ipend your deareft heart's 
 blood in your way, &c. Yet with God all things are 
 poffible, and they that laughed the Lord Jefus to fcorn 
 when he faid, the Damfel is not dead but lleepeth, 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 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 219 
 
 pillar, that flefli may not Glory, but that his Strength 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- 
 er! 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 Englishmen) 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 eaiily 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 Bern 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- 
 fped: to God, his worfhip, &c. 
 
 This Confcience is found in all mankind, more or lefs 
 
220 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 in Jews, Turks, Papifts, Proteftants, Pagans, &c. And to 
 this purpofe let me freely without offence remember you 
 (as I did Mr. Clarke newly come up from his fufferings 
 amongft you) I fav, remember you of the fame ftory I did 
 him, 'twas that of William Hartley, 1 in Queen Elizabeth 
 her days, who receiving the fentence of hanging, drawing, 
 &c, fpake confidently (as afterward he fuffered) what tell 
 you me of hanging, &c. If I had ten thoufand millions 
 of lives, I would fpend them all for the Faith of Rome, &c. 
 
 Sir, I am far from glancing the leaft countenance on the 
 Confciences of Papifts, yea or on fome Scotch and Eng- 
 lifli Proteftants too, who turn up all roots, and lay all level 
 and in blood, for exaltation of their own way and Con- 
 fcience. All that I obferve is, that boldnefs and confidence, 
 zeal and refolution, as it is commendable in a kind when 
 it ferioufly refpecls a Deity, fo alfo, the greateft confidence 
 hath fometimes need of the greateft fearch and exami- 
 nation. 
 
 I confefs, that for confidence no Romifh Prieft, hath 
 ever exceeded the martyrs or witneffes of Jefus : Witnefs 
 (amongft fo many) that holy Englifh woman, who cried 
 out, that if every hair of her head were a life or man, they 
 fhould burn for the name of the Lord Jefus : But Sir, 
 your principles and confcience, not to refpecl: Romifb or 
 Englifh, faints or finners : William Hartley, and that Wo- 
 man, with all their lives, you are bound by your Con- 
 
 • 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 Oxonienfis, i. p. 474. 
 
 emiffkry, came to England in 1 580, Hart- Note by Dr. Caldwell, Pub. Narr. 
 
 ley engaged in diftributing one of his C/ub, iv. p. 509. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 221 
 
 fcience to puniih (and it may be) to hang or burn, if they 
 tranfgrefs againft your Confcience, and that becaufe (accord- 
 ing to Mr. Cotton's monftrous distinction (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 Magistrate to deal in,) but becaufe they fin againft 
 their Confcience. 
 
 Secondly, It is fo notorioufly known, that the Confciences 
 of the moft holy men, zealous for God and his Chrift to 
 death and admiration, yea, even in our own country, and 
 in Queen Mary's days efpecially, have been fo groffly mif- 
 lead by miftaken Confciences in matters concerning the 
 worfhip 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 llames) 
 zealous for their Bifhopricks, yea, and fome too too zeal- 
 ous for their Popifh ceremonies, againft 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 fhall not fo much wonder when we lift up 
 our trembling eyes to Heaven, and iemember ourfelves 
 (poor duft) 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 profefiions and prac- 
 tices may be, as may ravifh themfelves and the beholders, 
 
222 Letters of Roger Williams 
 
 when with the piercing eyes of the mod: 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. 1 
 
 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 Tfrael in perfecuting the poor Gibeonites to death, but 
 honor me before the people, was the main engine that 
 turned the wheels of all his actions and devotions. What 
 fet Jeroboam's brains to confult and plot the invention of 
 a new Religion, Worfhip, Prieffs, &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 
 
 1 The five apologifts, Thomas Good- publifhed his Queries of Higheft Conjid- 
 win, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpfon, Je- eration, propofed to thefe perfons and to 
 remiah Burroughs and William Bridge, the Scotch Commiffiioners in the Weft- 
 prepared An Apologetical Narration to minfter AfTemhly. — Note by Dr. Cald- 
 Parliament in 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 lay nothing of 
 ftrong drinks and wines, the fat and fweet 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 itrong, 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 expreffly tells us, that there is a mind-be- 
 witching, a bewitching of the very confciences and fpirits 
 of men. That as in witchcraft, a ilronger and fupernatu- 
 ral power lays hold upon the powers of Nature, with a fup- 
 preifing or elevating of those powers beneath or above 
 themfelves : So is it with the very Spirits and Confciences 
 of the moll intelligent and confcientious, when the Father 
 of Spirits is pleafed in his righteous difpleafure and jeal- 
 ouily, 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 mould it be thought 
 inconfiftent with the holy wifdom of God, to permit wife 
 and holy and learned perfons to wander themfelves and 
 miilead 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 
 Englim air? 
 
 Sir, I had thought to have named one or two, who may 
 juftly be fufpecled (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 parTages between the moll 
 High and your inmoft Soul in fecret. 
 
224 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Therefore, fixthly, for a fixed ground of fufpecling 
 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 againft perfecu- 
 tors ! [you will fay, this is your confcience: You will fay, 
 you are perfecuted, and you are perfecuted for your Con- 
 fcience : No you are Conventiclers, Heretics, Blafphe- 
 mers, Seducers : You deferve to be hanged, rather than 
 one mall be wanting to hang him I will hang him myfelf : 
 I am refolved not to leave an heretic in the country ; I had 
 rather fo many whores and whoremongers and thieves came 
 amongftus:] Oh Sir, you cannot forget what language 
 and dialect this is, whether not the fame unfavored, and 
 ungodly, blafphemous and bloody, which the Gardiner's 
 and Bonner's both former and latter ufed to all that bowed 
 not to the State golden Image of what Confcience foever 
 they were. And indeed, Sir, if the moft High be pleafed 
 to awaken you to render unto his holy Majefty his due 
 praifes, in your truly broken-hearted Confeftions and Sup- 
 plications, you will then proclaim to all the world, that 
 what profeffion foever you made of the Lamb, yet thefe 
 expreffions could not proceed from the Dragon's mouth. 
 
 Oh remember, and the moft holy Lord, bring it to your 
 remembrance, that you have now a great price in your 
 hand, to bring great Glory to his holy Name, great rejoic- 
 ing to fo gracious a Redeemer (in whom you profefs is all 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 225 
 
 your healing and Salvation) great rejoicing to the holy 
 Spirit of all true confolation, whom yet fo long you who have 
 grieved and fadded, great rejoicing to thofe blelfed Spirits 
 (attending upon the Lamb, and all his, and terrible to his 
 perfecutors) great rejoicing and inftrudtion to all that love 
 the true Lord Jefus (notwithstanding their wanderings 
 among fo many falfe Chrifts) mourning and lamenting 
 after him in all parts of the world where his name is 
 founded: Your Talents are great, your Fall hath been fo : 
 Your Eminence is great, the Glory of the moil High in 
 mercy or juftice toward you will be great alio. 
 
 Oh remember it is a dangerous combat for the potflieards 
 of the earth to fight with their dreadful Potter : It is a 
 difmal battle for poor naked feet to kick againft the Pricks ; 
 It is a dreadful voice from the King of Kings, and Lord of 
 Lords: Endicot, Endicot, why hunteft thou me ? why im- 
 prifoneft thou me? why fineft, why fo bloodily whipped:, 
 why wouldeft thou (did not I hold thy bloody hands) 
 hang and burn me ? Yea, Sir, I befeech you remember 
 that it a dangerous thing to put this to the may be, to the 
 venture or hazard, to the poffibility. If it poffible (may 
 you well fay) that fince I hunt, I hunt not the life of my 
 Saviour, and the blood of the Lamb of God. I have 
 fought againft many feveral forts of Confciences, is it be- 
 yond all poffibility and hazard, that I have not fought 
 againft God, that I have not perfecuted Jefus in fome of 
 them ? 
 
 Sir, I muft be humbly bold to fay, that 'tis impoffible 
 for any man or men to maintain their Chrift by their 
 fword, and to wormip a true Chrift ! to fight againft all 
 Confciences oppofite to theirs, and not to fight againft God 
 in fome of them, and to hunt after the precious life of the 
 29 
 
226 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 true Lord Jefus Chrift. Oh remember whether your 
 Principles and Confciences mull in time and opportunity 
 force you. 'Tis but worldly policy and compliance with 
 men and times (God's mercy overruling) that holds your 
 hands from murdering of thoulands and ten thoufands 
 were your power and command as great as once the bloody 
 Roman Emperors was. 
 
 The truth is (and yourfelf and others have faid it) by 
 your principles fuch whom you count Heretics, Blafphe- 
 mers, Seducers, to be put to death ; you cannot be faithful 
 to vour principles and Confciences, if you fatisfy them 
 with but imprisonment, fining, whipping and baniming the 
 Heretics, and by faying that baniming is a kind of death, 
 as fome chief with you (in my cafe formerly) have faid it. 
 
 Sir, 'Tis like you knew or have heard of the man that 
 faid he would never conform publicly, although he did fub- 
 fcribe in private for his liberty fake of Preaching : That, 
 although he did conform in fome things, yet in all he never 
 would: That, although he did himfelf yield, yet he would 
 not moleft and enforce others: That although he yielded, 
 that others did moleft them, yet himfelf would never per- 
 fecute, and yet did all. 
 
 But oh poor duft and allies, like ftones once rolling down 
 the Alps, like the Indian canoes or Englim boats loofe and 
 adrift, where flop we until infinite mercy flop us, efpecially 
 when a falfe fire of zeal and Confidence drives us, though 
 againft the moft Holy and eternal himfelf?) 
 
 Oh remember the black Catalogues it hath pleafed the 
 moft jealous and righteous God to make of his fiery Judg- 
 ments and moft dreadful ftrokes on eminent and remarka- 
 ble perfecutors even in this life. It hath been his way and 
 courfe in all countries, in Germany, France and England, 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 227 
 
 (efpecially) whatever their pretences have been againft 
 Heretics, Rebels, Schifmatics, Blafphemers, Seducers, &c. 
 How hath he left them to be their own Accufers, Judges, 
 Executioners, fome by hanging, Tome by {tabbing, fome by 
 drowning and poifoning themfelves, fome by running mad, 
 and fome by drinking in the very fame cup which they had 
 tilled to others ? 
 
 Some may fay, fuch perfecutors hunted God and Chrift, 
 but I, but we, &c. I anfwer, the Lord Jefus Chrift fore- 
 told how wonderfully the wifeft of the world, mould be 
 miftaken in the things of Chrift, and a true vifible Chrift 
 Jefus ! When did we fee thee naked, hungry, thirfty, rick, 
 in prifon, &c. How eafy, how common, how dreadful 
 thefe miftakes? 
 
 Oh remember once again (as I began) and I humbly de- 
 lire to remember with you, that every gray hair now on 
 both our heads, is a Boanerges, a ion of Thunder, and a 
 warning piece to prepare us, for the weighing of our laft 
 anchors, and to be gone from hence, as if we had never 
 been. 
 
 'Twas mercy infinite, that ftopped provoked Juftice from 
 blowing out our Candles in our youths, but now the feed- 
 ing Subftance of the Candles gone, and 'tis impoffible 
 without repentance,) to recall our actions ! nay with re- 
 pentance, to recall our minutes paft us. 
 
 Sir, I know I have much prefumed upon your many 
 weighty affairs and thoughts, I end with an humble cry to 
 the Father of mercies, that you may take David's counfel, 
 and filently commune with your own heart upon your bed, 
 reflect upon your own fpirit, and believe Him that faid it 
 to his over zealous difciples, You know not what fpirit you 
 are of: That, no ileep may feize upon your eyes, nor 
 llumber upon your eyelids, until your ferious thoughts have 
 
228 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 feriouily, calmly, and unchangeably (through help from 
 Chrift Jeius) fixed. 
 
 Firft, On a moderation towards the Spirits and Con- 
 fidences of all mankind, merely differing from or oppofing 
 yours with only Religious and Spiritual opposition. 
 
 Secondly, A deep and cordial refolution (in thefe won- 
 derful fearching, difputing and diifenting times)to fearch, to 
 liften, to pray, to fail, and more fearfully, more trembling- 
 ly to enquire what the holy pleafure, and the holy myfte- 
 ries of the moft Holy are; in whom I humbly deiire to be 
 Your poor fellow-servant, unfeignedly, 
 
 refpeclive and faithful, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For his honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at Peqnot. 
 
 Narracansett, 6. 8. 51. (fo called.) [6th Odtober, 1651.] 1 
 
 Si R) — Once more my loving and dear refpe&s prefented 
 to you both, and Mrs. Lake. Being now bound, refolvedly, 
 (if the Lord pleafe) for our native country, I am not certain 
 whether by the way of the Englifh, (you know the reafon)* 
 or by way of the Dutch. My neighbors of Provdence and 
 Warwick, (whom I alfo lately denied) with importunities, 
 have overcome me to endeavor the renewing of their lib- 
 erties, upon the occafion of Mr. Coddington's late grant. 3 
 
 'Knowles, Mem. R. Williams, n. z>. J ; J Mr. Coddington's late grant was the 
 
 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. ix. p. 293. charter which he had fucceeded in ob- 
 
 1 This reafon was t. is banifhment from taining of Rhode Ifland and Canonicut 
 
 Maffachufetts. There was much delicacy Ifland to himfelf. Information of thefe 
 
 in thus (lightly referring to a meafure, defigns were at once lent by William Ar- 
 
 in which Mr Winthrop's father was, nold to the Governor of Maffachufetts, 
 
 from his official relations, concerned. as appears by the following letter : 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 229 
 
 Upon this occafion, I have been advifed to fell, and have 
 fold this houfe to Mr. Smith, my neighbor, who alfo may 
 poffibly be yours, for I hear he like to have Mrs. Chefter. 
 
 "From Pawtuxet, this ill day of the 7th month, 165 1. 
 
 Much honored, — I thought it my duty to give intelligence unto the much hon- 
 ored Court, of that which I underftand is now working here in thefe parts ; fo that 
 if it be the will of God, an evil may be prevented, before it comes to too great a 
 head, viz. : 
 
 Whereas, Mr. Coddington has gotten a charter of Rhode Ifland and Canonicut 
 Ifland to himfelf, he has thereby broken the force of their charter, that went under 
 the name of Providence, becaufe he has gotten away the greater part of that 
 colony. 
 
 Now thefe company of the Gortonifts, that live at Shawomet, and that compa- 
 ny of Providence, a<-e gathering of £200, to fend Mr. Roger Williams unto the 
 Parliament, to get them a charter of thefe parts, they of Shawomet have given £100 
 already, and there be lome men of Providence that hath given £10 and £20 a man, 
 to help it forward with fpeed ; they fay here is a fair inlet, and I hear they have 
 faid, that if the Parliament do take difpleafure againft Maflachufetts, or the reft of 
 the colonies, as they have done againft Barbadoes and other places, then this will 
 ferve for an inroad to let in forces to overrun the whole country. 
 
 It is great pity, and very unfit, that fuch a company as thefe are, they all ftand 
 profefled enemies againft all the united colonies, that they fhould get a charter for 
 fo finall a quantity of land as lieth in and about Providence, Shawomet, Pawtuxet 
 and Cowefet, all which, now Rhode Ifland is taken out from it, is but a ftrip of 
 land lying in between the colonies of Maflachufetts, Plymouth and Connecticut, by 
 which means, if they fhould get them a charter, of it there may come l'ome mif- 
 chief and trouble upon the whole country, if their project be not prevented in time, 
 for under the pretence of liberty of confcience about thefe parts, there comes to 
 live all the fcum, the runaways of the country, which, in time, for want of better 
 order, may bring a heavy burthen upon the land, &c This I humbly commend 
 unto the ferious confideration of the much honored Court, and reft your humble 
 fervant to command, WILLIAM ARNOLD. 
 
 They are making hafte to fend Mr. Williams away. We that live here near 
 them, and do know the place and hear their words, and do take notice of their pro- 
 ceeding, do know more and can fpeak more of what may come to the country by 
 their means, than the Court do yet confider of. We humbly defire God their 
 purpofe may be fruftrated, for the country's peace. 
 
 I humbly defire my name may be concealed, left they, hearing of what I have 
 herein written, they will be enraged againft me, and fo will revenge themfelves upon 
 me. 
 
 Some of them of Shawomet that crieth out much againft them which putteth 
 
2 3 « 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, I humbly thank you for all your loving kindnerTes 
 to me and mine unworthy. The Father of Mercies gra- 
 cioufly reward you, guide you, preferve you, fave, fandtify 
 and glorify you in the blood of his dear Son, in whom I 
 mourn I am no more, and defire to be yours, unfeignedly 
 and eternally, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 This bearer, coming now from England, will acquaint 
 you, &c. 
 
 To all yours, and all my friends, my loving falutations. 
 Mr. Sands, of Bofton, and John Hazel, 1 of Seekonk, are 
 gone before us. 
 
 people to death for witches; for, fay they, there be neither witches upon earth, nor 
 devils, but your own pallors and minifters, and fuch as they are, &c. 
 
 I underiland that there liveth a man amongll them that broke prifon, either at 
 Connecticut or New Haven ; he was apprehended for adultery ; the woman, I 
 hear, was put to death, but the man is kept here in fafety, in the midft of the 
 united colonies. It is time there were fome better order taken for thefe parts, &c. 
 
 I have hired this meffenger on purpofe. I humbly defire to hear if this letter 
 come fafe to your hands." — Hutcbinfon Papers, Boilon, 1769, p. 237. 
 
 [It was thefe proceedings of Codding- 
 ton that aroufed the people of the colo- 
 ny and induced them to fend agents to 
 England, to reprefent their cafe to the 
 government, for even all the inhabitants of 
 the iflands of" which Coddington had been 
 made Governor, did not approve his 
 courfe. Many of the inhabitants of New- 
 port and Portlmouth, therefore joined 
 in requelling John Clarke to proceed to 
 England as their agent. Mr. Williams 
 and Mr. Clarke failed together from Bof- 
 ton, in November. The objedts of their 
 refpeftive commilfions were different. 
 
 Clarke's objecl: was to procure a repeal 
 of Coddington's commiflion : while Wil- 
 liams was the fole agent of Providence 
 and Warwick, to procure a new charter 
 for thefe two towns. It feems to have 
 been admitted that the commiflion of 
 Coddington, vacated the previous char- 
 ter. — Staples. Annals of Providence, p. 
 82.J 
 
 'John Hazell, was the old man who 
 was imprifoned in Boflon, for expreffing 
 fympathy for John Clarke and his aflbci- 
 ates, and who died before he had reached 
 his home. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 231 
 
 To the honored General Court of the Majfachufetts Colony now 
 
 ajfembled at Bojion. 
 
 Odlober, 1651. 1 
 
 The Humble Petition of Roger Williams. 
 
 Although it be true yet it pleafed this honored Govern- 
 ment, now many years fince to pafs a fentence of banifh- 
 ment upon me, which fentence and the confequences (bit- 
 ter afflictions and miferies, lories, forrows and hardships) 
 I have humbly defired (through the help of the moft 
 High) to endure with a quiet and patient mind. 
 
 Yet, may it pleafe you favorably to remember, that at 
 my laft arrival from my native country, I prefented this 
 honored Government with letters from many of your noble 
 and honorable friends, then of the Parliament of England, 
 lamenting differences and perfuading moderation, if not 
 reconcilement and pacification. 
 
 Pleafe you to remember that ever fince the time of my 
 exile I have been (through God's help) a profeifed and 
 known fervant to this colony and all the colonies of the 
 Englifh in peace and war, fo that fcarce a week hath palled 
 but fome way or other I have been ufed as instrumental 
 to the peace and fpreading of the Englifh plantings in this 
 country. 
 
 In the Pequot troubles, receiving letters from this Gov- 
 ernment, I hazarded my life into extreme dangers, by la- 
 boring to prevent the league between the Pequots and the 
 Narraganfetts, and to work a league between the Englifh 
 and the Narraganfetts, which work as an agent from this 
 colony and all the Englifh in the land, I (through help 
 
 J 4 Mafs. Hi ft. Coll. vol. iv. 471. Williams embarked for England, which 
 
 Probably written fhortly before Mr. was in November, 1 651. 
 
232 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 from God) effected. The fruit thereof (as our much hon- 
 ored Mr. Winthrop, deceafed, wrote to me) hath been 
 peace to the Englim ever iince. 
 
 At prefent let me not offend you in faying that I pafs not 
 only as a private palfenger, but as a melfenger and agent to 
 the high Court of the Parliament of England in the name 
 of my neighbors, the Englim, occaiioned by the late grant 
 obtained by Mr. Coddington for Rhode Ifland. 
 
 In all which refpects I humbly pray, yet (notwithstanding 
 the former fentence) I may find yet civility and courtefy 
 from the Englilh of the Maffachufetts colony, yet I (inof- 
 feniively behaving myfelf) may inoffenfively and without 
 moleftation, pafs through your jurifdiction 1 as a ftranger 
 for a night, to the mip, and fo (if God (o pleafe) may land 
 again, from the land of our nativity. 
 
 But fome may fay, you are an oppolite to the way or wor- 
 ship, and belide you go as an adverfary, with complaints 
 againft us for the town of Warwick. 
 
 To the firft, I humbly pray it may be remembered, that 
 not only I, but the many millions of millions of our Father 
 Adam's children, (which are as the fand upon the fea- 
 fhore) are not of your perfuafion, yea and many thoufands 
 of the poor remnant of God's children abroad, are at la- 
 mentable difference with you and themfelves as to the 
 
 "It was not without confiderable harm the orthodoxy or difturb the peace 
 moleitation and embarraffment from the of the colony, yet the authorities were op- 
 authorities and people of Maflachuletts, pofed to the objects of his million, and it 
 that Mr. Williams was allowed to pafs may be, dreaded the reprefentations, 
 through their territory for the purpofe which the envoys from Rhode Ifland had 
 of taking fhip for England. He alludes it in their power to make to the govern- 
 to thefe in his fubfequent letters, though ment of the mother country of the con- 
 he furnifhes us with no means of judging dition of New England." — Gammell, 
 of their nature or operation. Though Life of Roger Williams, p. 143. 
 no longer in any degree able either to 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 233 
 
 worfhip of God in Chrift Jefus. I add, who knows but 
 upon humble and Chriftian debatements and agitations, 
 not only I, but your honored felves, may yet fee caufe to 
 put our mouths in the duft together, as touching the pref- 
 ent controverfies about the Chriftian worfhip. 
 
 To the fecond, I humbly and truly anfwer, yet if it 
 pleafe this honored Court to depute two or three of your- 
 felves to receive and debate mine anfwer to this objection, I 
 hope (through God's afTiftance) to make it apparent, yet I 
 go not as an enemy to the Maifachufetts, but as a profeifed 
 inftrument of a peaceable and honorable end of the fad 
 controverfy, and as an humble fervant, rather than an ene- 
 my, to this honored Government of the Maifachufetts. 
 
 I am unworthy, yet defire to be your humble fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 The Deputies think meet to grant this petition, viz. : 
 liberty to Mr. Williams to pafs through our jurifdidtion to 
 England, provided he carry himfelf inoffenfively according 
 to his promife, with reference to the content of our hon- 
 ored magistrates. 
 
 William Torrey, Clerk. 
 3° 
 
234 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For my honored kind friend Mr. John Winthrop, at his houfe 
 at Pequot, in New England. 
 
 From Sir Henry Vane's at Whitehall, 
 
 20. 2. 52. (io called,) [20th April, 1652. J 1 
 
 Kind Sir, — 'Tis near two in the morning, yet a line of 
 my deareft remembrance to your loving felf and yours, 
 from whom I have received fo many loving lines continu- 
 ally. Our old friend Col. Humphries is gone, and lately 
 alfo Col. Cooke: yet blelTed be God we live, and through 
 the jaws of death are landed fafe, and behold the wonders, 
 the Magnalia and Miracula Dei in England. I have fent 
 a large narration, both concerning Old England affairs and 
 New, to Providence. I hope and delire you may fee it. 
 Mr. Peters is well at Whitehall. I have often been with 
 him, he tells me he hath but that 200// per year which 
 the Parliament gave him, whereof he allows four fcore 
 per annum to his wife. Your brother Stephen is a great 
 man for foul liberty. I have mentioned you to Sir Henry 
 Vane, who wiihes you were in our colony ; touching which 
 you will fee Veftigia Dei in my narration. At prefent I pray 
 your acceptance of my poor papers, and tell you that I 
 more and more delire to be ever 
 
 Yours, in Chrift Jefus, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My kind love to Mr. Stanton and other loving friends. 
 
 1 ^Ma/s. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 286. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 235 
 
 At Mr. Davis's his houfe, at the Checkers, in St. Martin's, or at Sir Henry ) 
 Vane's, at Whitehall. 8th, 7, 52. (fo called.) [September 8, 1652. ] l ) 
 
 To my dear and faithful friend, Mr. Gregory Dexter, at Provi- 
 dence, in New England, thefe. 
 
 My dear and faithful friend, to whom, with the deareft, 
 I humbly wifh more and more of the light and love of 
 Him who is invilible, God bletfed for evermore in the face 
 of Jefus Cbrift. It hath pleafed God fo to engage me in 
 divers fkirmifhes againft the priefls, both of Old and New 
 England, fo that I have occafioned ufing the help of printer 
 men, unknown to me, to long for my old friend. So it 
 hath pleafed God to hold open an open defire of preach- 
 ing and printing wonderfully againft Romiih and Englifri 
 will-worihip. At this prefent, the devil rageth and clam- 
 ors in petitions and remonitrances from the ftationers and 
 others to the Parliament, and all cry, " fhut up the prefs." 
 The ftationers and others have put forth "The Beacon 
 Fired," and "The Second Beacon Fired;" and fome friends 
 of yours have put forth "The Beacon Quenched," not yet 
 extant. 
 
 Sir, many friends have frequently, with much love, in- 
 quired after you. Mr. Warner is not yet come with my 
 letters : they put into Barnftable. She came by wagon by 
 land, but he goes with the fhip to Briftol, and, indeed, in 
 this dangerous war with the Dutch, the only fafe trading is 
 to Briftol, or thoie parts, for up along the channel, in Lon- 
 don way, is the greater!: danger, for although our fleets be 
 abroad, and take many French and Dutch, yet they fome- 
 times catch up fome of ours. 
 
 By my public letters, you will fee how we wreftle, and 
 
 1 Knowles' Mem. Roger Williams, p. 253. 
 
236 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams 
 
 how we are like yet to wreftle in the hopes of an end. 
 Praifed be the Lord, we are preferved, the nation is pre- 
 ferved, the Parliament fits, God's people are fecure, too fe- 
 cure. A great opinion is, that the kingdom of Chrift is 
 rifen, and (Rev. 1 1 :) "the kingdoms of the earth are be- 
 come the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Chrift." Others 
 have fear of the (laughter of the witneifes yet approaching. 
 Divers friends, of all forts, here, long to fee you, and won- 
 der you come not over. For myfelf, I had hopes to have 
 got away by this fhip, but I fee now the mind of the Lord 
 to hold me here one year longer. It is God's mercy, his 
 very great mercy, that we have obtained this interim en- 
 couragement from the Council of State, that you may 
 cheerfully go on in the name of a colony, until the contro- 
 verfy is determined. The determination of it, Sir, I fear, 
 will be a work of time, I fear longer than we have yet been 
 here, for our adverfaries threaten to make a laft appeal to 
 the Parliament, in cafe we get the day before the Council. 1 
 Sir, in this regard, and when my public bufinefs is over, 
 I am refolved to begin my old law-fuit, fo that I have no 
 thought of return until fpring come twelve months My 
 duty and affection hath compelled me to acquaint my poor 
 companion with it. I confider our many children, the 
 danger of the feas, and enemies, and therefore I write not 
 
 1 The General Affembly which met 
 in Providence, in October following, 
 directed a letter to be lent to Mr. 
 Williams, thanking him "for his care 
 and diligence, to watch all opportuni- 
 ties to promote their peace ;" and if it 
 was the pleafure of the government to 
 renew their charter that they would "ap- 
 point and empower yourfelf to come 
 
 over as Governor of this colony, for the 
 fpace of one year." — R. I. Colonial Re- 
 cords, vol. i. p. 248. 
 
 On the 2d of October the Council of 
 State gave an cder and wrote letters to 
 vacate Mr. Coddington's commiffion, and 
 to confirm their former charter, which 
 was lent over by William Dyre. — Back- 
 us, Hift. of the Baptifts, vol. i. p. 277. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 237 
 
 positively for her, only I acquaint her with our affairs. 
 I tell her, joyful I mould be of her being here with me, 
 until our ftate affairs were ended, and I freely leave her to 
 wait upon the Lord for direction, and according as fhe 
 finds her fpirit free and cheerful, to come or ftay. If it 
 pleafe the Lord to give her a free fpirit to caft herfelf upon 
 the Lord, I doubt not of your love and faithful care, in any 
 thing fhe hath occafion to ufe your help, concerning our 
 children and affairs, during our abfence ; but I conclude, 
 whom have I in heaven or earth but thee, and fo humbly 
 and thankfully fay in the Lord's pleafure, as only and in- 
 finitely beft and fweeteft. 
 
 Abundance of love remembered from abundance of 
 friends to your dear felf and your deareft. 
 
 My love to your coufin Clemence, and all deiire love, 
 efpecially our godly friends. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For my much honored kind friend, Mijlrefs Sadleir, at Stondon, 
 
 Puckridge, thefe. 
 
 From my lodgings near St. Martin's, at Mr. Davis his houfe, at the fign of the Swan. 
 
 [No date; London, 1652. I 1 
 
 My much honored Friend, Mrs. Sadleir, 2 — The 
 never-dying honor and refpe£t which I owe to that dear 
 and honorable root and his branches, and, amongft the reft, 
 to your much honored felf, have emboldened me, once 
 
 1 Elton, Life of Roger Williams, p. 96. which follow, to Mrs. Sadleir, the 
 
 2 Amidil his engroffing and important daughter of Sir Edward, were obtained 
 
 occupations, while in England, Mr Wil- by the late Rev. Dr. Elton while in Eng- 
 
 liams did not forget the family of his land, and firft appeared in his Life of Ro- 
 
 former benefa&or, Sir Edward Coke, ger Williams. — Providence, 1853, 1 2mo. 
 The above letter and the two letters 
 
238 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 more, to enquire after your dear hufband's and your life, and 
 health, and welfare. This laft winter I landed, once more, 
 in my native country, being lent over from fome parts of 
 New England with fome addrelles to the Parliament. 
 
 My very great buiinefs, and my very great ftraits of time, 
 and my very great journey homeward to my dear yoke- 
 fellow and many children, I greatly fear will not permit 
 me to prefent my ever-obliged duty and fervice to you, at 
 Stondon, elpecially if it pleafe God that I may defpatch my 
 affairs to depart with the mips within this fortnight. I am, 
 therefore, humbly bold to crave your favorable confidera- 
 tion, and pardon, and acceptance, of thefe my humble ref- 
 pects and remembrances. It hath pleafed the Moft High 
 to carry me on eagles' wings, through mighty labors, 
 mighty hazards, mighty fufferings, and to vouchfate to ufe, 
 fo bafe an inftrument — as I humbly hope — to glorify him- 
 felf, in many of my trials and fufferings, both amongft the 
 Englifh and barbarians. 
 
 I have been formerly, and fince I landed, occafioned to 
 take up the two-edged fword of God's Spirit, the word of 
 God, and to appear in public in fome contefts againft the 
 minifters of Old and New England, as touching the true 
 miniftry of Chrift and the foul freedoms of the people. 
 Since I landed, I have published two or three things, and 
 have a large difcourfe at the prefs, but 'tis controversial, 
 with which I will not trouble your meditations ; only I 
 crave the boldnefs to fend you a plain and peaceable dif- 
 courfe, of my own perfonal experiments, which, in a let- 
 ter to my dear wife — upon the occalion of her great flck- 
 nefs near death — I fent her, being abfent myfelf amongft 
 the Indians. And being greatly obliged to Sir Henry 
 Vane, junior — once Governor of New England — and his 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 239 
 
 lady, I was perfuaded to publiih it in her name, and hum- 
 bly to prefent your honorable hands with one or two of 
 them. I humbly pray you to caft a ferious eye on the holy 
 Scriptures, on which the examinations are grounded. I 
 could have dreffed forth the matter like fome fermons 
 which, formerly, I ufed to pen. But the Father of lights 
 hath long fince mown me the vanity and foul-deceit of 
 fuch points and llourilhes. I defire to know nothing, to 
 profefs nothing, but the Son of God, the King of fouls and 
 confciences ; and I deiire to be more thankful for a reproof 
 for ought I affirm than for applaufe and commendation. I 
 have been oft glad in the wildernefs of America, to have 
 been reproved for going in a wrong path, and to be dire&ed 
 by a naked Indian boy in my travels. How much more 
 mould we rejoice in the wounds of fuch as we hope love 
 us in Chrift Jefus, than in the deceitful kiffes of foul-de- 
 ceiving and foul-killing friends. 
 
 My much honored friend, that man of honor, and wif- 
 dom, and piety, your dear father, was often pleafed to call 
 me his fon; and truly it was as bitter as death to me when 
 Bifhop Laud purfued me out of this land, and my con- 
 fcience was perfuaded againft the national church and cere- 
 monies, and bimops, beyond the confcience of your dear 
 Father. I fay it was as bitter as death to me, when I rode 
 Windfor way, to take (hip at Briftow, and faw Stoke Houfe, 
 where the blefTed man was ; and I then durft not acquaint 
 him with my confcience, and my flight. But how many 
 thoufand times fince have I had honorable and precious re- 
 membrance of his perfon, and the life, the writings, the 
 fpeeches, and the examples of that glorious light. And I may 
 truly lay, that belide my natural inclination to ftudy and 
 activity, his example, instruction, and encouragement, have 
 
240 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 fpurred me on to a more than ordinary, induftrious, and pa- 
 tient courfe in my whole courfe hitherto. 
 
 What I have done and fuffered — and I hope for the 
 truth of God according to my confcience — in Old and New 
 England, I fbould be a fool in relating, for I defire to fay, not 
 to King David — as once Mephibofheth — but to King Jefus, 
 'What is thy fervant, that thou fhouldeft look upon fuch a 
 dead dog?' And I would not tell yourfelf of this, but that 
 you may acknowledge fome beams of his holy wifdom and 
 goodnefs, who hath not fuffered all your own and your 
 dear father's fmiles to have been loft upon fo poor and def- 
 picable an object- I confefs I have many adverfaries, and 
 alfo many friends, and divers eminent. It hath pleafed the 
 general himfelf to fend for me, and to entertain many dif- 
 courfes with me at feveral times; which, as it magnifies 
 his chriftian noblenefs and courtefy, fo much more doth it 
 magnify His infinite mercy and goodnefs, and wifdom, who 
 hath helped me, poor worm, to fow that feed in doing and 
 fuffering — I hope for God — that as your honorable father 
 was wont to fay, he that fhall harrow what I have fown, 
 muft rife early. And yet I am a worm and nothing, and 
 delire only to find my all in the blood of an holy Savior, 
 in whom I defire to be 
 
 Your honored, 
 
 Moft thankful, and faithful fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 1 
 
 My humble refpects prefented to Mr. Sadleir. 
 
 1 " Mr. Williams," writes Prof. Gam- in that company of kindred minds, who 
 
 mell, " fpent a number of weeks at Bel- ufed fo frequently to affemhle to difculs 
 
 leau, the beautiful eftate of Sir Henry with their illultrious leader, the deep 
 
 Vane where he doubtlefs often mingled questions of theology, or to devise plans 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 241 
 
 From Mrs. Sadleir to Roger Williams. 
 
 Mr. Williams, — Since it hath pleafed God to make the 
 prophet David's complaint ours (Ps. lxxix.): "O God, the 
 heathen," &c, and that the Apoftle St. Peter has lb long 
 ago foretold, in his fecond epiftle, the fecond chapter, by 
 whom thefe things mould be occasioned, I have given over 
 reading many books, and, therefore, with thanks, have re- 
 turned yours. Thofe that I now read, betides the Bible, 
 are, fir ft, the late King's book ; Hooker's Eccleiiaftical Poli- 
 ty ; Reverend Bimop Andrew's Sermons, with his other 
 divine meditations ; Dr Jer. Taylor's works ; and Dr. Tho. 
 Jackfon upon the Creed. Some of thefe my dear father 
 was a great admirer of, and would often call them the glo- 
 rious lights of the church of England. Thefe lights mall 
 be my guide ; I wifh they may be yours : for your new 
 lights that are fo much cried up, I believe, in the conclu- 
 fion, they will prove but dark lanterns : therefore I dare 
 not meddle with them. 
 
 Your friend in the old way, 
 
 ANNE SADLEIR. 
 
 for the happinefs nd fecurity of the 
 perilled and dirlracfed commonwealth. 
 He was in habits of intimate affociation 
 with Cromwell, who difcuffed with him 
 the affairs of the State, and drew forth 
 from him his views of the Indians, and 
 his fingular adventures among them, in 
 the wilds of New England ; with Har- 
 
 rifon, the Major-General of the army ; 
 with Laurence, the Lord Prefident of the 
 Council of State ; and with many others 
 in Parliament, and at the helm of public 
 affairs. He alfo formed an intimate ac- 
 quaintance with Milton, who was then 
 Latin Secretary of the Council." — Life 
 of Roger Williams, p. 149. 
 
 31 
 
242 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For his much honored, kind friend, Mrs. Anne Sadleir, at S ton- 
 don, in Hartfordfiire, near Puckridge. 1 
 
 [No date.] 
 
 My much honored, kind Friend, Mrs. Sadleir, — 
 My humble refpects premifed to your much honored felf, 
 and Mr. Sadleir, humbly wifhing you the faving knowl- 
 edge and affurance of that life which is eternal, when this 
 poor minute's dream is over. In my poor fpan of time, 
 I have been oft in the jaws of death, fickening at fea, fhip- 
 wrecked on fhore, in danger of arrows, fwords and bullets : 
 and yet, methinks, the moft high and mod: holy God hath 
 referved me for fome fervice to his moft glorious and eter- 
 nal majefty. 
 
 I think, fometimes, in this common fhipwreck, of man- 
 kind, wherein we all are either floating or finking, defpair- 
 ing or ftruggling for life, why fhould I ever faint in ftriv- 
 ing, as Paul faith, in hopes to fave myfelf, to fave others — 
 to call, and cry, and afk, what hope of faving, what hope 
 of life, and of the eternal more of mercy ? Your laft let- 
 ter, my honored friend, I received as a bitter fweeting — as 
 all, that is under the fun, is — fweet in that I hear from you, 
 and that you continue ftriving for life eternal; bitter, in 
 that we differ about the way, in the midfl of the dangers 
 and diitreifes. 
 
 O blelfed be the hour that ever we faw the light, and 
 came into this vale of tears, if yet, at laft, in any way, we 
 may truly fee our woeful lofs and fhipwreck, and gain the 
 more of life and mercy. You were pleafed to direct me to 
 divers books, for my fatisfaclion. I have carefully endeav- 
 oured to get them, and fome I have gotten; and upon my 
 
 'Elton, Life of Roger Williams, p. 99. 
 
Letters' of Roger Williams. 243 
 
 reading, I purpofe, with God's help, to render you an ingen- 
 uous and candid account of my thoughts, refult, &c. At 
 prefent, I am humbly bold to pray your judicious and lov- 
 ing eye to one of mine. 
 
 'Tis true, I cannot but expect your diftafte of it; and 
 yet my cordial defire of your foul's peace here, and eternal, 
 and of contributing the leaft mite toward it, and my hum- 
 ble refpects to that blefted root of which you fpring, force 
 me to tender my acknowledgments, which if received or 
 rejected, my cries mall never ceafe that one eternal life may 
 give us meeting, fince this prefent minute hath fuch bitter 
 partings. 
 
 For the fcope of this rejoinder, if it pleafe the Moft 
 High to direct your eye to a glance on it, pleafe you to 
 know, that at my laft being in England, I wrote a difcourfe 
 entitled, " The Bloudy Tenent of Perfecution for Canfe of Con - 
 fcience" I bent my charge againft Mr. Cotton efpecially, 
 your ftandard bearer of New Englim minifters. That dif- 
 courfe he fince anfwered, and calls his book, " The Bloody 
 Tenent ?nade white in the Blood of the Lamb" 1 This rejoind- 
 er of mine, as I humbly hope, unwameth his warnings, 
 and proves that in foul matters no weapons but foul wea- 
 pons are reaching and effectual. 
 
 I am your moft unworthy fervant, yet unfeignedly ref- 
 pective, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 'On a former occafion when in Eng- "Hireling Minifry none of ' Cbrijl' 's ,• or, a 
 
 land, Mr. Williams found leifure to pre- Difcourfe touching the propagating the 
 
 pare for the prefs his rejoinder to Mr. Go/pel of Jefus Chrijl" and his "Experi- 
 
 Cotton's anfwer to his "Bloody Tenent of ?nents of Spiritual Life and Health, and 
 
 Perfecution" which he entitled " The their Prefervatives." The former has 
 
 Bioody Tenent yet more Bloody, by Mr. been reprinted by the Narraganfett Club, 
 
 Cotton's Endeavour to wajb it white." vol. iii; the latter by S. S. Rider, Provi- 
 
 About the fame time he also publifhed dence, 1863. 
 
244 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Mrs. Sadleir in reply to Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, — I thank God my blefled parents bred me up in the 
 old and ben: religion, and it is my glory that I am a mem- 
 ber of the Church of England, as it was when all the re- 
 formed churches gave her the right hand. When I caft 
 mine eye upon the frontifpiece of your book, and faw it 
 entitled ''The Bloudy Tenent," I durft not adventure to 
 look into it, for fear it mould bring into my memory the 
 much blood that has of late been fried, and which I would 
 fain forget ; therefore I do, with thanks, return it. I can- 
 not call to mind any blood (lied for confcience : — fome 
 few that went about to make a rent in our once well- 
 governed church were punifhed, but none fuffered death. 
 But this I know, that fince it has been left to every man's 
 confcience to fancy what religion he lift, there has more 
 chriftian blood been (lied than was in the ten perfecutions. 
 And fome of that blood, will, I fear, cry till the day 
 of judgment. But you know what the Scripture fays, 
 that when there was no king in Ifrael, every man did that 
 which was right in his own eyes, — but what became of 
 that, the facred ftory will tell you. 
 
 Thus entreating you to trouble me no more in this kind, 
 and williing you a good journey to your charge in New 
 Providence, I reft 
 
 Your Friend in the Old and Best Way. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 245 
 
 From Roger Williains to Mrs. Sadleir. 
 
 [No date. The winter of 1652-3. ]' 
 
 My honored, kind Friend, Mrs. Sadleir, — I greatly 
 rejoice to hear from you, although now an oppofite to me, 
 even in the higheft points of Heaven and eternity. 
 
 Two things your lines exprefs : — Firft, your confidence 
 in your own old way, &c. 
 
 Second. Civility and gentlenefs in that — not being 
 pleafed to accept mv refpecls and labors prefented — yet 
 you gently, with thanks and your reafon, return them. I 
 (hall not be fo forry you differ from me, if yet the Father of 
 fpirits pleafe to vouchfafe you a fpirit of christian fearching 
 and examination. In hope of which I mall humbly con- 
 fider of the particulars of your letter. 
 
 1. That you think an heap of timber or pile of ftones to 
 be God's fanctuary now. (Ps. Ixxix. i.) In Chrift's efteem, 
 and in gofpel language, that you think thofe to be falfe 
 teachers and prophets (2 Pet. ii. 1.) who are not — after 
 the old way — diftinguimed by the canonical colors of 
 white, red, black, &c. 
 
 That you admire the king's book, and Bp. Andrews his 
 fermons, and Hooker's Polity, &c, and profefs them to be 
 your lights and guides, and defire them mine, and believe 
 the new lights will prove dark lanterns, &c. I am far 
 from wondering at it, for all this have I done myfelf, until 
 the Father of Spirits mercifully perfuaded mine to fwallow 
 down no longer without chewing : to chew no longer 
 without tatting ; to tarte no longer without begging the 
 Holy Spirit of God to enlighten and enliven mine againft 
 
 1 Elton, Life of Roger Williams, p. 102. 
 
246 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 the fear of men, tradition of fathers, or the favor or cuftom 
 of any men or times. 
 
 2. I now find that the church and fan&uary of Chrift 
 Jefus confifts not of dead but of living ftones. (1 Pet. ii. 3, 
 4.) Is not a parifh or a national church forced — to the 
 pretended bed of Chrift's worfhip — by laws and fwords ? 
 (Cant. i. 16.) 
 
 His true lovers are volunteers, born of his Spirit, the 
 now only nation and royal priefthood (1 Pet. ii., Ps. ex.) 
 I find that, in respecl of minifterial function and office, 
 fuch minifters, not only popifh but proteftant, not only 
 epifcopal but prefbyterian, not only prefbyterian but inde- 
 pendent alfo, are all of them, one as well as another, falfe 
 prophets and teachers, fo far as they are hirelings, and make 
 a trade and living of preaching (John x.), as I have lately 
 opened in my "Difcourfe of the Hireling Miniftry none of 
 Chrift's." 
 
 3. I have read thole books you mention, and the king's 
 book, which commends two of them, Bifhop Andrews's 
 and Hooker's — yea, and a third alfo, Bifhop Laud's : and 
 as for the king, I knew his perfon, vicious, a fwearer from 
 his youth, and an opprelfor and perfecutor of good men (to 
 fay nothing of his own father), and the blood of fo many 
 hundred thoufands Englim, Irifh, Scotch, French, lately 
 charged upon him. Againft his and his blafphemous 
 father's cruelties, your own dear father, and many precious 
 men, (hall rife up fhortly and cry for vengeance. 
 
 4. But for the book itfelf — if it be his — and theirs you 
 pleafe to mention, and thoufands more, not only proteftants 
 of feveral feels, but of fome papifts and jefuits alfo — famous 
 for wordly repute, &c. — I have found them lharp and witty, 
 plaufible and delightful, devout and pathetical. And I have 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 247 
 
 been amazed to fee the whole world of our forefathers, wife 
 and gallant, wondering after the glory of the Romifh learn- 
 ing and worfhip. (Rev. xiii.) But amongft them all whom 
 I have io diligently read and heard, how few exprefs the 
 fimplicity, the plainnefs, the meeknefs, and true humility of 
 the learning of the Son of God. 
 
 5. But, at la A, it pleafed the God and Father of mercies 
 to perfuade mine heart of the merely formal, cuftomary, 
 and traditional profeifions of Chrift Jefus, with which the 
 world is filled. I fee that the Jews believe Chrift Jefus was 
 a deceiver, becaufe he came not with external pomps and 
 excellency. 
 
 The Turks — fo many millions of them — prefer their 
 Mahomet before Chrift Jefus, even upon fuch carnal and 
 wordly refpects, and yet avouch themfelves to be the only 
 Mufelmanni or true believers. The catholics account us 
 heretics, diabloes, &c. ; and why ? but becaufe we worfliip 
 not fuch a golden Chrift and his glorious vicar and lieuten- 
 ant. The feveral feels of common proteftants content 
 themfelves with a traditional worfliip, and boaft they are no 
 Jews, no Turks, (Matt. vii. 21, 22.) nor catholics, and yet 
 forget their own formal dead faith, (2 Tim. iii. 9.) dead 
 hope, dead joys, and yet, ?iefcio vos, I know you not, depart 
 from me, which mall be thundered out to many gallant 
 profelfors and coniidents, who have held out a lamp and 
 form of religion, yea, and poffibly of godlinefs too, and 
 yet have denied the power and life of it. 
 
 Therefore, my much-honored friend, while you believe 
 the darknefs of the new lights, and profefs your confidence, 
 and defire of my walking with you in the old way : I mo ft 
 humbly pray fo much Berean civility at your ladyfhip's 
 hands as to fearch and remember — 
 
248 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 1. Firft, the Lord Chrift's famous refolution of that 
 queftion put to him, as touching the number that mail be 
 faved (Luke xiii. 24), "Strive to enter in at the ftrait gate; 
 for many mall feek to enter, and mall not be able." 
 
 2ndly. There is an abfolute neceffity (not (o of a true 
 order of miniftry, baptifm, &c, but) of a true regeneration 
 and new birth, without which it is impoffible to enter into 
 or to fee the kingdom of God. (John iii. &c.) 
 
 3rdly. As to the religion and the worfhip of God, the 
 common religion of the whole world, and the nations of it, 
 it is but cuffomary and traditional, from father to fon, from 
 which (old ways, &c), traditions, Chrift Jefus, delivers his, 
 not with gold and filver, but with his precious blood. (1 
 Pet. i. 18, 19) 
 
 4thly. Without fpiritual and diligent examination of our 
 hearts, it is impoffible that we can attain true folid joy and 
 comfort, either in point of regeneration or worfhip, or 
 whatever we do. (2 Cor. xiii. 5 ; Rom. xiv. 23.) 
 
 5thly. In the examination of both thefe — perfonal re- 
 generation and worfhip — the hearts of all the children of 
 men are moil apt to cheat, and cozen, and deceive them- 
 felves ; yea, and the wifer a man is, the more apt and wil- 
 ling he is to be deceived. (Jer. xvii. ; Gal. vi. ; 1 Cor. iii. 1 8.) 
 
 6thly. It is impoffible there mould be a true fearch, 
 without the Holy Spirit, who fearcheth all things, yea, the 
 deep things of God. (Rom. viii. ; Ps. cxliii. 10.) 
 
 Laftly. God's Spirit perfuadeth the hearts of his true fer- 
 vants: Firft, to be willing to be fearched by him, which 
 they exceedingly beg of him, with holy fear of felf-deceit 
 and hypocrify. 
 
 Second. To be led by him in the way everlafting : (Ps. 
 cxxxix.), whether it feem old in refpecl: of inftitution, or 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 249 
 
 new in refpect of reftoration. This I humbly pray for your 
 precious foul, of the God and Father of mercies, even your 
 eternal joy and falvation. Earneftly delirous to be in the 
 old way, which is the narrow way, which leads to life, 
 which few find. 
 
 Your moft humble, though moft. unworthy fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 " My honored Friend, fince you pleafe not to read mine, 
 let me pray leave to requeft your reading of one book of 
 your own authors. I mean the " Liberty of Prophefying," 
 penned by (fo called) Dr. Jer. Taylor. In the which is ex- 
 cellently afTerted the toleration of different religions, yea, in 
 a refpecl, that of the papifts themfelves, which is a new way 
 of foul freedom, and yet is the old way of Chrift Jefus, as 
 all his holy Teftament declares. 
 
 I alio humbly wifh that you may pleafe to read over im- 
 partially Mr. Milton's 1 anfwer to the king's book. 
 
 Mrs. Sadleir in reply to Roger Williams. 
 
 Mr. Williams, — I thought my firft letter would have 
 given you fo much fatisfadlion, that, in that kind, I mould 
 never have heard of you any more ; but it feems you have 
 a face of brafs, fo that you cannot blufh. But fince you 
 prefs me to it, I muft let you know, as I did before (Ps. 
 lxxix.\ that the Prophet David there complains that the 
 heathen had defiled the holy temple, and made Jerufalem 
 
 1 Eikonoklajles {the Image Breaker,} in Anjwer to Eikon Bafilike. London: 1649. 
 32 
 
250 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 a heap of ftones. And our blelTed Saviour, when he whipped 
 the buyers and fellers out of the temple, told them that 
 they had made his Father's houfe a den of thieves. Thofe 
 were but material temples, and commanded by God to be 
 built, and his name there to be worshipped. The living 
 temples are thofe that the fame prophet, in the pfalm before 
 mentioned (verfe the 2nd and 3rd), "The dead bodies of 
 thy fervants have they given to the fowls of the air, and 
 the rlefh of thy faints to the beads of the land. Their 
 blood have they fhed like water," &c. And thefe were 
 the living temples whole lofs the prophet fo much laments ; 
 and had he lived in thefe times, he would have doubled 
 thefe lamentations, For the foul and falfe afperfions you 
 have caft upon that king, of ever-bleifed memory, Charles, 
 the martyr, I proteft I trembled when I read them, and 
 none but fuch a villain as yourfelf would have wrote them. 
 
 Wife Solomon has taught me another lelfon in his 24th 
 of his Proverbs, at 2 1 ft verfe, to fear God and the King, and 
 not to meddle with them that are given to change. Mark 
 well that. The 8th of Eccl., verfe the 2nd, "I counfel 
 thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard 
 to the oath of God." Verfe the 20th of the 10th chap., 
 "Curie not the king, no, not in thy thought;" and, if I be 
 not miftaken, the fifth commandment is the crown com- 
 mandment. Rom. xiii., the ill and 2nd verfes, "Let eve- 
 ry foul be fubjec! unto the higher powers, for," &c. ; with 
 many more places to the fame purpofe. Thus, you fee, 
 I have the law, with the Old and New Teftament, on my 
 fide. 
 
 But it has been the lot of the beft kings to lie under the 
 lafli of ill tongues. Witnefs blefled David, who was a 
 man after God's own heart, curfed by wicked Shimei, his 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 251 
 
 own fubjecl:, and called a man of blood ; and good Heze- 
 kiah was railed on by a foul-mouthed Rabfhakeh ; but I 
 do not remember that they were commended in any place 
 of fcripture, for fo doing. For the blood you mention, 
 which has been (lied in thefe times, which you would 
 father upon the late king, there is a book called the Hifto- 
 ry of Independency — a book worth your reading — that 
 will tell you by whom all this chrifKan blood has been 
 (Tied. If you cannot get that, there is a fermon in print 
 of one Paul Knells, the text the firft of Amos, verfe the 
 fecond, that will inform you. 
 
 For Milton's book, that you defire I mould read, if I be 
 not miftaken, that is he that has wrote a book of the law- 
 fulnefs of divorce ; and, if report fays true, he had, at that 
 time, two or three wives living. This, perhaps, were good 
 doctrine in New England ; but it is mod abominable in 
 Old England. For his book that he wrote againrt the late 
 king that you would have me read, you mould have taken 
 notice of God's judgment upon him, who ftroke him with 
 blindnefs, and, as I have heard, he was fain to have the help 
 of one Andrew Marvell, 1 or elfe he could not have rmifhed 
 that moft accurfed libel. God has began his judgment 
 upon him here — his punimment will be hereafter in hell. 
 But have you feen the anfwer to it ? If you can get it, I 
 affure you it is worth your reading. 
 
 "It has before been ftated in a note that Poem." — Cooke's Life of Marvell, 1726. 
 
 Milton was the Latin Secretary to Crom- Milton, it is true, repudiated his wife, 
 
 well. Andrew Marvell, the poet, was (Mifs Powell) on the grounds of defer- 
 
 affiftant to Milton. He thereby enjoyed tion, and in juftification of his courfe, 
 
 his intimate friendfhip, and was one of publifhed four tracls, the firft was enti- 
 
 the firft to recognize his genius. "When tied " The Dottrine and Difcipline of 
 
 Paradife Loft was publifhed, it was valued Divorce." The others appertained to 
 
 but by few, as no more than a lifelefs the fame fubjecl:. A reconciliation fub- 
 
 piece, till Mr. Marvell and Dr. Barron fequently took place, 
 publickly efpoufed it, each in a judicious 
 
252 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 I have alfo read Taylor's book of the Liberty of Pro- 
 phefying ; though it pleafe not me, yet I am fure it does 
 you, or elfe I [know]* you [would]* not have wrote to me 
 to have read it. I fay, it and you would make a good fire. 
 But have you feen his Divine Inftitution of the Office Min- 
 ifterial ? I allure that is both worth your reading and prac- 
 tice. Bifhop Laud's book againft Fifher I have read long 
 fince ; which, if you have not done, let me tell you that he 
 has deeply wounded the pope ; and, I believe, howfoever 
 he be (lighted, he will rite a faint, when many feeming 
 ones, fuch as you are, will rife devils. 
 
 I cannot conclude without putting you in mind how 
 dear a lover and great an admirer my father was of the lit- 
 urgy of the church of England, and would often fay, no 
 reform church had the like. He was conftant to it, both 
 in his life and at his death. I mean to walk in his fteps ; 
 and, truly, when I confider who were the compofers of it, 
 and how they fealed the truth of it with their blood, I 
 cannot but wonder why it fhould now of late be thus con- 
 temned. By what I have now writ, you know how I ftand 
 affected. I will walk as directly to heaven as I can, in 
 which place, if you will turn from being a rebel, and fear 
 God and obey the king, there is hope I may meet you 
 there ; howfoever, trouble me no more with your letters, 
 for they are very troublefome to her that wifhes you in the 
 place from whence you came. 1 
 
 ANNE SADLEIR. 
 
 Near the direction, on the outfide, of Williams's firft letter, there is the follow- 
 ing note by Mrs. Sadleir : — 
 
 "This Roger Williams, when he was a youth, would, in 
 
 * Thefe words are not in the MS. ger Williams and Mrs. Sadleir, is copied 
 
 'This correspondence, between Ro- from the original manufcripts in the li- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 2 53 
 
 a fhort hand, take fermons and fpeeches in the Star Cham- 
 ber and prefent them to my dear father. He, feeing fo 
 hopeful a youth, took fuch liking to him that he fent him 
 in to Sutton's Hofpital, and he was the fecond that was 
 placed there; full little did he think that he would have 
 proved fuch a rebel to God, the king, and his country. I 
 leave his letters, that, if ever he has the face to return into 
 his native country, Tyburn may give him welcome." 1 
 
 To the Towns of Providence and Warwick. 
 
 From Sir Henry Vane's, at Balleau in | 
 
 Lincolnfhire, April 1/53. (fo called.) 1 j 
 
 My dear and loving Friends and Neighbors of 
 Providence and Warwick, — Our noble friend, Sir Hen- 
 ry Vane,3 having the navy of England moftly depending 
 
 brary of Trinity College, Cambridge. 
 Like many of Williams's letters they are 
 without date ; but the allufions to his 
 works, and other circumftances, clearly 
 fhow that they were written during his 
 fecond vifit, in 1652-3. The writer 
 has examined the originals of the letters ; 
 and for the knowledge of their exiilence 
 he is indebted to the courtefy of the Hon. 
 George Bancroft, author of the Hiftory 
 of the United States, and late minifter 
 to Great Britain. — Note by Dr. Elton. 
 
 '" Thefe letters," writes Dr. Elton, 
 "prefent a lively picture of the influence 
 of party fpirit upon focial intercourfe, 
 at that remarkable period. The grati- 
 tude and humility of Williams are finely 
 contrailed with the cold repulfivenefs, 
 and, at lafl, rude infolence of his corref- 
 
 pondent, whofe final letter pours forth 
 as much venom as could well flow from 
 a lady's pen. The concentrated effence 
 of it, in her poflfcript, reminds us of the 
 mutation in human affairs. The rebel 
 fhe denounces has acquired a nobler fame 
 than even that of the acute lawyer, her 
 father ; while, if her own name is ref- 
 cued from oblivion, fhe owes it to her 
 accidental connexion with the man fhe 
 configns to Tyburn." — Life of Roger 
 Williams, p. 109. 
 
 2 Backus, Hift. of the Baptifs in New 
 England, vol. i. p. 285 ; Knowles, Me- 
 moirs of Roger Williams, p. 258. 
 
 3 Sir Henry Vane, fon of Sir Henry 
 Vane, Secretary of State under James I., 
 and Charles I. Joining the Puritans, he 
 followed them to Boflon, where he ar- 
 
2 54 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 on his care, and going down to the navy at Portfmouth, I 
 was invited by them both to accompany his lady to Lin- 
 colnfhire, where I (hall yet flay, as I fear, until the fhip is 
 gone. I muft, therefore, pray your pardon, that by the 
 port, I fend this to London. I hope it may have pleafed 
 the Moll: High Lord of fea and land to bring Captain 
 Chriften's fhip and dear Mr. Dyre unto you, and with him 
 the council's letters, which anfwer the petition Sir Henry 
 Vane and myfelf drew up, and the council, by Sir Henry's 
 mediation granted us, for the confirmation of the charter, 
 until the determination of the controverfy. This determi- 
 nation you may please to underftand, is hindered by two 
 main obftructions. The firft is, the mighty war with the 
 Dutch, which makes England and Holland, and the na- 
 tions tremble. This hath made the parliament fet Sir 
 Henry Vane and two or three more as commiffioners to 
 manage the war, which they have done, with much en- 
 gaging the name of God with them, who hath appeared in 
 helping fixty of ours againft almofl: three hundred of their 
 
 rived in 1635 and the following year was 
 chofen Governor. A bitter religious con- 
 troverfy fprang up during his term of 
 office. He had a horror of all forms of 
 bigotry, and had no fympathy with the 
 attacks of the clergy on Mrs. Hutchin- 
 fon. A ftrong oppofition under the lead 
 of Winthrop was organized againft him, 
 and at the next election he was defeated. 
 In 1637, he returned to England and 
 was elected to parliament He was a 
 zealous opponent of the royaliils. In 
 1648 he led the minority in parliament 
 which favored the iejeflion of the terms 
 of fettlement offered by the king. In 
 1649, he became a member of the coun- 
 cil of State, under Cromwell, which 
 
 was entrufted with the executive govern- 
 ment of the nation. The diffolution of 
 the long parliament in 1653, brought 
 Vane and Cromwell into open conflicl:. 
 After the reftoration he was arretted on 
 the charge of high treafon and committed 
 to the Tower. His condemnation foon 
 followed and he was executed on the 1 4th 
 of June, 1662. His services to New 
 England were important, and it was in a 
 great meafure due to him, that the char- 
 ter for Rhode Ifland was procured. 
 Roger Williams, declared that his name 
 ought ever to be held in honored re- 
 membrance by her people. — Life by Up- 
 ham, in Sparks' American Biography, 
 vol. iv. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 255 
 
 men-of-war and, perchance, to the linking and taking, 
 about one hundred of theirs, and but one of ours, which 
 was funk by our own men. 
 
 Our fecond obstruction is the oppofition of our adverfa- 
 ries, Sir Arthur Hafelrig, and Colonel Fenwicke — who 
 hath married his daughter — Mr. Winflow, and Mr. Hop- 
 kins, both in great place ; and all the friends they can make 
 in parliament and council, and all the priefts, both prefby- 
 terian and independent; fo that we ftand as two armies, 
 ready to engage, obferving the motions and poftures each 
 of the other, and yet my each of other. Under God, the 
 meet-anchor of our (hip is Sir Henry, who will do as the 
 eye of God leads him ; and he faithfully promifed me that 
 he would obferve the motion of our New England bufinefs, 
 while I ftaid fome ten weeks with his lady in Lincolnshire. 
 Befides, here are great thoughts and preparation for a new 
 parliament — fome of our friends are apt to think another 
 parliament will more favor us and our caufe than this has 
 done. You may pleafe to put my condition into your foul's 
 cafes ; remember I am a father and a hufband. I have 
 longed earneftly to return with the laft mip, and with 
 thefe ; yet I have not been willing to withdraw my mould- 
 ers from the burthen, left it pinch others, and mav fall 
 heavy upon all ; except you are pleafed to give me a dif- 
 charge. If you conceive it necelfary for me ftill to attend 
 this fervice, pray you to coniider if it be not convenient 
 that my poor wife be encouraged to come over to me, and 
 to wait together, on the good pleafure of God, for the end 
 of this matter. You know my many weights hanging on 
 me, how my own place ftands, and how many reafons I 
 have to caufe me to make hafte, yet I would not lofe their 
 eftates, peace, and liberty, by leaving haftily. I write to 
 
256 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 my dear wife, my great defire of her coming while I fray, 
 yet left it to the freedom of her fpirit, becaufe of the many 
 dangers. Truly, at prefent the feas are dangerous, but not 
 comparably fo much, nor likely to be, because of the late 
 defeat of the Dutch, and their prefent fending to us offers 
 of peace. 
 
 My dear friends, although it pleafed God himfelf, by 
 many favors, to encourage me, yet pleafe you to remember, 
 that no man can fray here as I do, having a prefent employ- 
 ment there, without much felf-denial, which I befeech 
 God for more, and for you alfo, that no private refpe&s, or 
 gains, or quarrels, may caufe you to neglect the public and 
 common fafety, peace and liberties. I befeech the bleifed 
 God to keep frefh in your thoughts what he hath done for 
 Providence Plantations. 
 
 My dear refpedts to yourfelves, wives, and children. I 
 befeech the eternal God to be feen amongft you ; fo prays 
 your moft faithful and affectionate friend and fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 P. S. My love to all my Indian friends. 
 
 [Although the objetts of Mr. Williams's million to England, were not fully ac- 
 complished, he felt that his prefence was needed at home, that he might, if poffible, 
 bring the difcordant towns into harmonious co-operation. He accordingly left the 
 remainder of his bufinefs in the hands of John Clarke, his friend and aflbciate, and 
 early in the following fummer (1654), he returned. He landed at Bofton, being 
 furnifhed with an order from the Lord Protector's Council, requiring the govern- 
 ment of Maflachufetts to allow him in future to embark or land in their territories 
 without moleftation. Williams brought with him a letter from Sir Henry Vane, 
 addrefled to the inhabitants of the colony of Rhode Ifland, which, from the aftion 
 of the town of Providence and the letters of Williams in relation to it is here in- 
 fer ted.] 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 257 
 
 From Sir Henry Vane, to the Inhabitants of the Colony of 
 
 Rhode IJland. 
 
 Belleau, the 8th of February, 1653-4. 1 
 
 Loving and Christian Friends, — I could not refufe 
 this bearer, Mr. Roger Williams, my kind friend and an- 
 cient acquaintance, to be accompanied with thefe few lines 
 from myfelf to you, upon his return to Providence colony ; 
 though, perhaps, my private and retired condition, which 
 the Lord, of his mercy, hath brought me into, might have 
 argued ftrongly enough for my filence; but, indeed, fome- 
 thing I hold myfelf bound to fay to you, out of the Chriftian 
 love I bear you, and for his fake whofe name is called upon 
 by you and engaged in your behalf. How is it that there 
 are fuch divifions amongft you? Such headinefs, tumults, 
 diforders, injuftice? The noife echoes into the ears of all, 
 as well friends as enemies, by every return of (hips from 
 thofe parts. Is not the fear and awe of God amongft you 
 to reftrain ? Is not the love of Chrift in you, to fill you 
 with yearning bowels, one towards another, and conftrain 
 you not to live to yourfelves, but to him that died for you, 
 yea, and is rifen again ? Are there no wife men amongft 
 you? No public felf-denying fpirits, that at leaft, upon 
 the grounds of public fafety, equity and prudence, can find 
 outfome way or means of union and reconciliation for 
 you amongft yourfelves, before you become a prey to com- 
 mon enemies, efpecially fince this ftate, by the laft letter 
 from the Council of State, give you your freedom, as fup- 
 pofing a better ufe would have been made of it than there 
 hath been ? Surely, when kind and fimple remedies are 
 applied and are ineffectual, it fpeaks loud and broadly the 
 
 1 Rhode IJland Colonial Records, vol. i p. 285. 
 33 
 
258 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 high and dangerous diftempers of fuch a body, as if the 
 wounds were incurable. But I hope better things from 
 you, though I thus fpeak, and mould be apt to think, that 
 by commiffioners agreed on and appointed on all parts, and 
 on behalf of all interefts, in a general meeting, fuch a 
 union and common fatisfaclion might arife, as, through 
 God's bleffing, might put a ftop to your growing breaches 
 and diffractions, filence your enemies, encourage your 
 friends, honor the name of God, (which of late hath been 
 much blafphemed, by reafon of you,) and in particular, re- 
 frefh and revive the fad heart of him who mourns over 
 your prefent evils, as being your affectionate friend, to ferve 
 you in the Lord. 
 
 H. Vane. 
 
 For my much honored, kind friend, Mr. John Winthrop, at 
 
 Pequot. 
 
 Providence, July 12, 54. (fo called,) 1 
 
 Sir, — I was humbly bold to falute you from our native 
 country, and now, by the gracious hand of the Lord, once 
 more faluting this wildernefs, I crave your wonted patience 
 to my wonted boldnefs, who ever honored and loved, and 
 ever (hall, the root and branches of your dear name. How 
 joyful, therefore, was I to hear of your abode as a ftake 
 and pillar in thefe parts, and of your healths, your own, 
 Mrs. Winthrop, and your branches, although fome fad 
 mixtures we have had from the fad tidings (if true) of the 
 late lofs and cutting off of one of them. 
 
 1 Knowles' Life of Roger Williams, p. 261. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 259 
 
 Sir, I was lately upon the wing to have waited on you at 
 your houfe. I had difpofed all for my journey, and mv 
 Itaff was in my hand, but it pleafed the Lord to interpofe 
 ibme impediments, fo that I am compelled to a fufpenfion 
 for a feafon, and choofe at prefent thus to viiit you. I had 
 no letters for you, but yours were well. I was at the lodg- 
 ings of Major Winthrop and Mr. Peters, but I miffed 
 them. Your brother rlouriibeth in good efteem, and is 
 eminent for maintaining the freedom of the confcience as 
 to matters of belief, religion and wormip. Your father 
 Peters 1 preacheth the fame doctrine, though not fo zeal- 
 ouily as lome years fince, yet cries out againft New-Englim 
 rigidities and perfecutions, their civil injuries and wrongs 
 to himfelf, and their unchriftian dealing with him, in ex- 
 communicating his diffracted wife. All this he told me in 
 his lodgings, at Whitehall, thofe lodgings which I was told 
 were Canterbury's ; but he himfelf told me, that that libra- 
 ry wherein we were together, was Canterbury's, and given 
 him by the Parliament. His wife lives from him not 
 wholly, but much diffracted. He tells me he had but two 
 hundred a year, and he allowed her fourfcore per annum 
 of it. Surely, Sir, the moft holy Lord is molt wife in all 
 the trials he exercifeth his people with. He told me that 
 his affliction from his wife ftirred him up to action abroad, 
 and when fuccefs tempted him to pride, the bitternefs in 
 his bofom comforts was a cooler and a bridle to him. 
 
 Surely* Sir, your father, and all the people of God in 
 England, formerly called Puritanus, Anglicanus, of late 
 Roundheads, now the Se&arians, (as more or lefs cut off 
 from the parimes) are now in the faddle and at the helm, 
 fo high that non datur defcenfus niji cadendo. Some cheer 
 
 2 Mr. Winthrop had married a daughter of the Rev. Hugh Peters. 
 
260 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 up their fpirits with the impoflibility of another fall or 
 turn, fo doth Major Gen. Harrifon and Mr. Feake, and Mr. 
 John Simfon, now in Windibr Caftle for preaching againft 
 this laft change, and againft the Protector, as an ufurper, 
 Richard III., &c. So did many think of the laft Parlia- 
 ment, who were of the vote of fifty-fix againft priefts and 
 tithes, oppofite to the vote of the fifty-four who were for 
 them, at leaft for a while. Major Gen. Harrifon was the 
 fecond in the nation of late, when the loving General and 
 himfelf joined againft the former Long Parliament and 
 diiTolved them, but now being the head of the fifty-fix par- 
 ty, he was confined by the Protector and Council, within 
 five miles of his father's houfe, in Staffordshire. That fen- 
 tence he not obeying, he told me (the day before my leav- 
 ing London) he was to be lent prifoner into Harfordfhire. 
 Surely, Sir, he is a very gallant, moft deferving, heavenly 
 man, but moft high flown for the kingdom of the faints, 
 and the fifth monarchy now rifen, and their fun never to 
 fet again, &c. Others, as to my knowledge, the Protector, 
 Lord Prefident Lawrence, and others at helm, with Sir 
 Henry Vane, (retired into Licolnfhire, yet daily milled and 
 courted for his afliftance) are not fo full of that faith of 
 miracles, but ftill imagine changes and perfecutions and the 
 very ilaughter of the witnefies, before that glorious morning 
 fo much defired of a worldlv kingdom, if ever fuch a king- 
 dom (as literally it is by so many expounded) be to arife in 
 this prefent world and difpenfation. 
 
 Sir, I know not how far your judgment hath concurred 
 with the defign againft the Dutch. I muft acknowledge 
 my mourning for it, and when I heard of it, at Portsmouth, 
 I confefs I wrote letters to the Protector and Prefident, 
 from thence, as againft a moft uningenuous and unchriftian 
 
Letters of Roger Willia?ns. 261 
 
 defign, at fuch a time, when the world ftood gazing at the 
 fo famous treaty for peace, which was then between the 
 two States, and near finished when we fet fail. Much I 
 can tell you of the anfwer I had from Court, and I think 
 of the anfwers I had from heaven, viz. : that the Lord 
 would gracioufly retard us until the tidings of peace (from 
 England) might quench the fire in the kindling of it. 
 
 Sir, I mourn that any of our parts were fo madly injuri- 
 ous to trouble yours. I pity poor Sabando. I yet have 
 hopes in God that we ihall be more loving and peaceable 
 neighbors. I had word from the Lord Prelident to Portf- 
 mouth, that the Council had parTed three letters as to our 
 bufinefs. Firft, to encourage us ; fecond, to our neighbor 
 colonies not to moleft us ; third, in exposition of that word 
 dominion, in the late frame of the government of England, 
 viz. : that liberty of confcience mould be maintained in 
 all American plantations, &c. 
 
 Sir, a great man in America told me, that he thought 
 New England would not bear it. I hope better, and that 
 not only the neceffity, but the equity, piety and Chriftanity 
 of that freedom will more and more mine forth, not to 
 licentioufnefs, (as all mercies are apt to be abufed) but to 
 the beauty of Chriftianity and the luftre of true faith in 
 God and love to poor mankind, &c. 
 
 Sir, I have deiires of keeping home. I have long had 
 icruples of felling the natives aught but what may bring 
 or tend to civilizing; I therefore neither brought, nor 
 mall fell them, loole coats nor breeches. It pleafed the 
 Lord to call me for fome time, and with fome perfons, to 
 practice the Hebrew, the Greek, Latin, French and Dutch. 1 
 
 1 It appears from this letter that Wil- and Dutch, and that he employed him- 
 liams was ufed to pradlice the French felf in the honorable office of an in- 
 
262 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 The Secretary of the Council, (Mr. Milton) for my Dutch 
 I read him, read me many more languages. Grammar 
 rules begin to be efteemed a tyranny. I taught two young 
 gentlemen, a Parliament man's fons, as we teach our chil- 
 dren Englifli, by words, phrafes and conftant talk, &c. I 
 have begun with mine own three boys, who labor befides ; 
 others are coming to me. 
 
 Sir, I ih all rejoice to receive a word of your healths, of 
 the Indian wars and to be ever yours, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, I pray feal and fend the enclofed. 
 
 To the Town of Providence. 
 
 [Providence, Augufl, 1654.] 1 
 
 Well-beloved friends and neighbors, — I am like a 
 man in a great fog. I know not well how to fteer. I 
 
 itxu&or of youth. This occupation he again, I have found a greater affinity of 
 
 doubtless reforted to for his own fup- their language with the Greek tongue." 
 
 port. That he was prefled for money 'Backus, Hi/I. of the Baptifls of New 
 
 is evident from his letter to the town of England, vol. i. p. 289. R. I. Col. Re- 
 
 Providence, written in Auguft, 1654, in cords, vol. i. p. 351. 
 
 which he fpeaks of the ftraits he was put Upon the return of Mr. Williams 
 
 to for money to pay his expenfes. with the letter of Sir Henry Vane, he 
 
 It is evident too, from the writings of found matters in the colony in a very 
 
 Mr. Williams, that he was acquainted with unlettled Mate, and was received with 
 
 the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, great coldnefs. He therefore wrote 
 
 as quotations from them are frequent in the above letter to the Town of Provi- 
 
 his letters. In the preface to his " Key," dence, in which he alludes in the mofl 
 
 in fpeaking of the Indian languages, he affefting terms to the facrifices he had 
 
 fays, " Firft others, (and myfelf ) have made in behalf of the colony, the peo- 
 
 conceived fome of their words to hold pie of which, he thought, had not ap- 
 
 affinity with the Hebrew." ..." Yet predated his efforts. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 263 
 
 fear to run upon the rocks at home, having had trials 
 abroad. I fear to run quite backward, as men in a mill 
 do, and undo all that I have been a long time undoing 
 myielf to do, viz. : to keep up the name of a people, a 
 free people, not enflaved to the bondages and iron yokes 
 of the great (both foul and body) oppreflions of the Eng- 
 lifh and barbarians about us, nor to the divilions and dif- 
 orders within ourfelves. Since I fet the firfl flep of any 
 Englifh foot into thefe wild parts, and have maintained a 
 chargeable and hazardous correfpondence with the barbari- 
 ans, and fpent almofl five years' time with the (rate of Eng- 
 land, to keep off the rage of the Englifh againfl us, what 
 have I reaped of the root of being the flepping-flone of fo 
 many families and towns about us, but grief, and forrow, 
 and bitternefs ? I have been charged with folly for that 
 freedom and liberty which I have always flood for; I fay 
 liberty and equality, both in land and government. I have 
 been blamed for parting with Moihaifuck, and afterward 
 Pawtuxet, (which were mine own as truly as any man's 
 coat upon his back,) without referving to myfelf a foot of 
 land, or an inch of voice in any matter, more than to my 
 fervants and ltrangers. It hath been told me that I labored 
 for a licentious and contentious people; that I have foolifh- 
 ly parted with town and colony advantages, by which I 
 might have preferved both town and colony in as good 
 order as any in the country about us. This, and ten times 
 more, I have been cenfured for, and at this prefent am 
 called a traitor by one party, againfl the ftate of Eng- 
 land, for not maintaining the charter and the colony ; and 
 it is faid I am as good as banifhed by yourfelves, and that 
 both lides wifhed that I might never have landed, that the 
 fire of contention might have had no flop in burning. In- 
 
264 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 deed, the words have been fo (harp between myfelf and 
 fome lately, that at laft I was forced to fay, they might well 
 filence all complaints if I once began to complain, who 
 was unfortunately fetched and drawn from my employ- 
 ment, and fent to fo vaft diftance from my family, to do 
 your work of a high and coftly nature, for fo many days 
 and weeks and months together, and there left to ftarve, or 
 fteal, or beg or borrow. But bleiled be God, who gave me 
 favor to borrow one while, and to work another, and there- 
 by to pay your debts there, and to come over with your 
 credit and honor, as an agent from you, who had, in your 
 name, grappled with the agents and friends of all your 
 enemies round about you. I am told that your oppofites 
 thought on me, and provided, as I may fay, a fponge to 
 wipe off your fcores and debts in England, but that it was 
 obftru&ed by yourfelves, who rather meditated on means 
 and new agents to be fent over, to crofs what Mr. Clarke 
 and I obtained. But, gentlemen, bleiled be God, who 
 faileth not, and bleifed be his name for his wonderful Provi- 
 dences, by which alone this town and colony, and that 
 grand caufe of Truth and Freedom of Conscience, 
 hath been upheld to this day. And bleffed be his name 
 who hath again quenched fo much of our fires hitherto, 
 and hath brought your names and his own name thus far 
 out of the dirt and fcorn, reproach, &c. I find among 
 yourfelves and your oppofites that of Solomon true, that 
 the contentions of brethren (fome that lately were fo) are 
 the bars of a caftle, and not eafily broken ; and I have 
 heard fome of both fides zealoufly talking of undoing 
 themfelves by a trial in England. Truly, friends, I can- 
 not but fear you loft a fair wind lately, when this town was 
 fent to for its deputies, and you were not pleafed to give an 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 265 
 
 overture unto the reft of the inhabitants about it ; yea, and 
 when yourfelves thought that I invited you to fome con- 
 ference tending to reconciliation, before the town fhould 
 acl: in fo fundamental a buiinefs, you were pleafed to fore- 
 ftall that, fo that being full of grief, fhame and aftonifti- 
 ment, yea, and fear that all that is now done, efpecially in 
 our town of Providence, is but provoking the fpirits of 
 men to fury and defperation, I pray your leave to pray 
 you to remember (that which I lately told your oppofites) 
 only by pride comet h contention. If there be humility on the 
 one iide, yet there is pride on the other, and certainly the 
 eternal God will engage againft the proud. I therefore 
 pray you to examine, as I have done them, your proceed- 
 ings in this firft particular. Secondly, Love covereth a 
 multitude of fins. Surely your charges and complaints 
 each againft other, have not hid nor covered any thing, as 
 we ufe to cover the nakednefs of thofe we love. If you 
 will now profefs not to have disfranchifed humanity and 
 love, but that, as David in another cafe, you will facrifice 
 to the common peace, and common fafety, and common 
 credit, that which may be faid to coft you fomething, I 
 pray your loving leave to tell you, that if I were in your 
 foul's cafe, I would fend unto your oppofites fuch a line 
 as this : " Neighbors, at the conftant requeft, and upon the 
 conftant mediation which our neighbor Roger Williams, 
 fince his arrival, hath ufed to us, both for pacification and 
 accommodation of our fad differences, and alfo upon the 
 late endeavors in all the other towns for an union, we are 
 perfuaded to remove our obftrucTion, viz. : that paper of 
 contention between us, and to deliver it into the hands of 
 our aforefaid neighbor and to obliterate that order, which 
 that paper did occafion. This removed, you may be pleafed 
 34 
 
266 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 to meet with, and debate freely, and vote in all matters 
 with us, as if fuch grievances had not been amongft us. 
 Secondly, if yet aught remain grievous, which we our- 
 felves, by free debate and conference, cannot compofe we 
 offer to be judged and cenfured by four men, which out of 
 any part of the colony you (hall choofe two, and we the 
 other. 1 
 
 Gentlemen, I only add, that I crave your loving pardon 
 to your bold but true friend. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 The Town of Providence to Sir Henry Vane? 
 
 [PREPARED BY ROGER WILLIAMS AT THE REQUEST OF THE TOWN.] 
 
 Providence, Auguft 27th, 1654. 
 
 Sir, — Although we are aggrieved at your late retirement 
 from the helm of public affairs, yet we rejoice to reap the 
 fweet fruits of your reft in your pious and loving lines, 
 moft feafonably fent unto us. Thus the fun, when he re- 
 tires his brightnefs from the world, yet from under the 
 very clouds we perceive his prefence, and enjoy fome light 
 and heat and fweet refrefhings. Sir, your letters were di- 
 rected to all and every particular town of this Providence 
 colony. Surely, Sir, among the many Providences of the 
 
 iThis letter is without date, but it was Sir Henry Vane's letter. This letter, 
 
 doubtlefs written juft before the town which follows, dated Auguft 27th, 1654, 
 
 meeting which took place late in Auguft, is prelerved among the records of the 
 
 1654. It had the defired effeft, and city of Providence. It is in Mr. Wil- 
 
 when the meeting took place, Mr. Wil- liams's hand writing and has all the cha- 
 
 liams had a full hearing of the cafe, when rafteriftics of his ftyle. 
 he was requefted to write an anfwer to Z R. L Colonial Records, vol. i. p. 235. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 267 
 
 Moft High, towards this town of Providence, and this 
 Providence colony, we cannot but fee apparently his gra- 
 cious hand, providing your honorable felf for fo noble and 
 true a friend to an outcaft and defpifed people. From the 
 firft beginning of this Providence colony, occalioned by 
 the banifhment of fome in this place from the Maffachu- 
 fetts, we fay ever fince to this very day, we have reaped the 
 fweet fruits of your conftant loving kindnefs and favor to- 
 wards us. Oh, Sir, whence, then, is it that you have bent 
 your bow and fhot your (harp and bitter arrows now againft 
 us ? Whence is it that you charge us with divifions, difor- 
 ders, &c. ? Sir, we humbly pray your gentle acceptance 
 of our two fold anfwer. 
 
 Firft, we have been greatly difturbed and diftra&ed by 
 the ambition and covetoufnefs of fome amongft us. Sir, 
 we were in complete order, until Mr. Coddington, wanting 
 that public, ielf-denying fpirit which you commend to us 
 in your letter, procured, by moft untrue information, a 
 monopoly of part of the colony, viz. : Rhode Ifland, to 
 himfelf, and fo occasioned our general disturbance and dif- 
 tra&ions. Secondly, Mr. Dyre, with no lefs want of a 
 public fpirit, being ruined by party contentions with Mr. 
 Coddington, and being betrufted to bring from England 
 the letters from the Council of State for our reunitings, he 
 hopes for a recruit to himfelf by other men's goods ; and, 
 contrary to the State's intentions and expreffions, plungeth 
 himfelf and fome others in moft unneceflary and unright- 
 eous plundering, both of Dutch and French, and Engliih 
 alfo, to our great grief, who protefted againft fuch abufe of 
 our power from England; and the end of it is to the 
 fhame and reproach of himfelf, and the very Englifh name, 
 as all thefe parts do witnefs. 
 
 Sir, our fecond anfwer is, (that we may not lay all the 
 
268 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 load upon other men's backs,) that poffibly a fweet cup 
 hath rendered many of us wanton and too active, for we 
 have long drunk of the cup of as great liberties as any 
 people that we can hear of under the whole heaven. We 
 have not only been long free (together with all New Eng- 
 land) from the iron yoke of wolfiih bifbops, and their popifh 
 ceremonies, (againft whofe cruel oppreffions God raifed 
 up your noble fpirit in Parliament,) but we have fitten quiet 
 and dry from the ftreams of blood fpilt by that war in 
 our native country. We have not felt the new chains of 
 the Prefbyterian tyrants, nor in this colony have we been 
 confumed with the over-zealous tire of the (fo called) 
 godly chriftian magiftrates. Sir, we have not known what 
 an excife means ; we have almoft forgotten what tithes are, 
 yea, or taxes either, to church or commonwealth. We 
 could name other fpecial privileges, ingredients of our 
 fweet cup, which your great wifdorn knows to be very pow- 
 erful (except more than ordinary watchfulnefs) to render 
 the heft of men wanton and forgetful. But, bleffed be 
 your love, and your loving heart and hand, awakening any 
 of our fleepy fpirits by your fweet alarm ; and blefTed be 
 your noble family, root and branch, and all your pious and 
 prudent engagements and retirements. We hope you (hall 
 no more complain of the faddening of your loving heart 
 by the men of Providence town or of Providence colony, 
 but that when we are gone and rotten, our pofterity and 
 children after us mall read in our town records your pious 
 and favorable letters and loving kindnefs to us, and this 
 our anfwer, and real endeavor after peace and righteouf- 
 nefs; and to be found, Sir, your moft obliged, and moft 
 humble fervants, the town of Providence, in Providence 
 colony, in New England. 
 
 Gregory Dexter, Town Clerk. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 269 
 
 To the General Court of Majjachufetts Bay. 
 
 Providence, 5, 8, 54. (lb called.) [October 5, 1654.] 1 
 
 Much honored Sirs, — I truly wifh you peace, and pray 
 your gentle acceptance of a word, I hope not unreasona- 
 ble. 
 
 We have in thefe parts a found of your meditations of 
 war againft thefe natives, amongft whom we dwell. I 
 confider that war is one of thofe three great, fore plagues, 
 with which it pleafeth God to affect the fons of men. I 
 confider, alfo, that I refufed, lately, many offers in my na- 
 tive country, out of a fincere deiire to feek the good and 
 peace of this. 
 
 I remember, that upon the exprefs advice of your ever 
 honored Mr. Winthrop, deceafed, I flrft adventured to 
 begin a plantation among the thickeft of thefe barbarians. 
 
 That in the Pequot wars, it pleafed your honored gov- 
 ernment to employ me in the hazardous and weighty ftr- 
 vice of negotiating a league between yourfelves and the 
 Narraganfetts, when the Pequot meffengers, who fought the 
 Narraganfetts' league againft the Englifh, had almoft ended 
 that my work and life together. 
 
 That at the fubfcribing of that folemn league, which, 
 by the mercy of the Lord, I had procured with the Narra- 
 ganfetts, your government was pleafed to fend unto me the 
 copy of it, fubfcribed by all hands there, which yet I keep 
 as a monument and a teftimony of peace and faithfulnefs 
 between you both. 
 
 That, fince that time, it hath pleafed the Lord fo to order 
 it, that I have been more or lefs interefted and ufed in 
 
 1 Plymouth Records, vol. x. p. 438 ; R. I. Colonial Records, vol. i. p. 291. 
 
270 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 all your great tranfaclions of wai or peace, between the 
 Englifh and the natives, and have not fpared purfe, nor 
 pains, nor hazards, (very many times,) that the whole land, 
 Englifh and natives, might fleep in peace fecurely. 
 
 That in my laft negotiations in England, with the Par- 
 liament, Council of State, and his Highnefs, 1 I have been 
 forced to be known fo much, that if I mould be lilent, I 
 mould not only betray mine own peace and yours, but alfo 
 mould be falie to their honorable and princely names, 
 whofe loves and affections, as well as their fupreme authori- 
 ty are not a little concerned in the peace or war of this 
 country. 
 
 At my laft departure for England, I was importuned by 
 the Narraganfett Sachems, and efpecially by Ninigret, to 
 prelent their petition to the high Sachems of England, that 
 they might not be forced from their religion, and, for not 
 changing their religion, be invaded by war; for they faid 
 they were daily vilited with threatenings by Indians that 
 came from about the Maffachufetts, that if they would not 
 pray, they fhould be deftroyed by war. With this their 
 petition I acquainted, in private difcourfes, divers of the 
 chief of our nation, and efpecially his Highnefs, who, in 
 many difcourfes I had with him, never expreffed the leaft 
 tittle of difpleafure, as hath been here reported, but in the 
 midft of difputes, ever expreffed a high fpirit of love and 
 gentlenefs, and was often pleafed to pleafe himfelf with 
 very many queftions, and my anfwers, about the Indian 
 affairs of this country; and, after all hearing of yourfelf 
 and us, it hath pleafed his Highness and his Council to 
 grant, amongft other favors to this colony, fome expreftly 
 
 1 Oliver Cromwell. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 271 
 
 concerning the very Indians, the native inhabitants of this 
 jurifdi&ion. 
 
 I, therefore, humbly offer to your prudent and impartial 
 view, firft thefe two confiderable terms, it pleafed the Lord 
 to ufe to all that profefs his name (Rom. 12: 18,) if it be 
 poffible, and all men. 
 
 I never was againft the righteous ufe of the civil fword 
 of men or nations, but yet fince all men of confcience or 
 prudence ply to windward, to maintain their wars to be 
 defenfive, (as did both King and Scotch, and Englifh and 
 Iriih too, in the late wars,) I humbly pray your confidera- 
 tion, whether it be not only poffible, but very eafy, to live 
 and die in peace with all the natives of this country. 
 
 For, fecondly, are not all the Englifh of this land, gen- 
 erally, a perfecuted people from their native foil ? and hath 
 not the God of peace and Father of mercies made thefe 
 natives more friendly in this, than our native countrymen 
 in our own land to us? Have they not entered leagues of 
 love, and to this day continued peaceable commerce with 
 us? Are not our families grown up in peace amongll: 
 them ? Upon which I humbly afk, how it can fuit with 
 Chriftian ingenuity to take hold of fome feeming occafions 
 for their deftructions, which, though the heads be onlv 
 aimed at, yet, all experience tells us, falls on the body and 
 the innocent. 
 
 Thirdly, I pray it may be remembered how greatly the 
 name of God is concerned in this affair, for it cannot be 
 hid, how all England and other nations ring with the glo- 
 rious converfion of the Indians of New England. You 
 know how many books are difperfed throughout the na- 
 tion, of the fubjec"t, (in fome of them the Narraganfett 
 chief Sachems are publicly branded, for refufing to pray 
 
272 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 and be converted ;) have all the pulpits in England been 
 commanded to found of this glorious work, (I fpeak not 
 ironically, but only mention what all the printed books 
 mention,) and that by the highest command and authority 
 of Parliament, and churchwardens went from houfe to 
 houfe, to gather fupplies for this work. 
 
 Honored Sirs, Whether I have been and am a friend to 
 the natives' turning to civility and Christianity, and whe- 
 ther I have been instrumental, and defire fo to be, accord- 
 ing to my light, I will not trouble you with ; only I 
 befeech you conlider, how the name of the mod holy and 
 jealous God may be preferved between the clafhings of 
 thefe two, viz. : the glorious converfion of the Indians in 
 New England, and the unneceffary wars and cruel deftruc- 
 tions of the Indians in New England. 
 
 Fourthly, I befeech you forget not, that although we 
 are apt to play with this plague of war more than with 
 the other two, famine and peftilence, yet I befeech you 
 conlider how the prefent events of all wars that ever have 
 been in the world, have been wonderful fickle, and the fu- 
 ture calamities and revolutions, wonderful in the latter end. 
 
 Heretofore, not having liberty of taking fhip in your 
 jurifdiclion, I was forced to repair unto the Dutch, where 
 mine eyes did fee that fir ft breaking forth of that Indian 
 war, which the Dutch begun, upon the flaughter of fome 
 Dutch by the Indians; and they queftioned not to finifh 
 it in a few days, infomuch that the name of peace, which 
 fome offered to mediate, was foolifh and odious to them. 
 But before we weighed anchor, their bowries were in 
 flames; Dutch and Englifti were (lain. Mine eyes faw 
 their flames at their towns, and the flights and hurries of 
 men, women and children, the prefent removal of all that 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 273 
 
 could for Holland ; and after vaft expenfes, and mutual 
 (laughters of Dutch, Englifh and Indians, about four 
 years, the Dutch were forced, to fave their plantation from 
 ruin, to make up a mod unworthy and difhonorable peace 
 with the Indians. 
 
 How frequently is that faying in England, that both 
 Scotch and Englifh had better have borne loans, fhip 
 money, &c, than run upon fuch rocks, that even fuccefs 
 and victory have proved, and are yet like to prove. Yea, 
 this late war with Holland, however begun with zeal againft 
 God's enemies, as fome in Parliament faid, yet what fruits 
 brought it forth, but the breach of the Parliament, the en- 
 raging of the nation by taxes, the ruin of thoufands who 
 depended on manufactures and merchandize, the lofs of 
 many thoufand feamen, and others, many of whom many 
 worlds are not worthy ? 
 
 But, laftly, if any be yet zealous of kindling this fire for 
 God, &c, I befeech that gentleman, whoever he be, to lay 
 himfelf in the oppofite fcale, with one of the fairerr. buds 
 that ever the fun of righteoufnefs cherifhed, Joiiah, that 
 mod zealous and melting-hearted reformer, who would to 
 war, and againft warnings, and fell in mod untimely death 
 and lamentations, and now ftands, a pillar of fait to all 
 fucceeding generations. 
 
 Now, with your patience, a word to thefe nations at war, 
 (occalion of yours,) the Narraganfetts and Long Iflanders, 
 I know them both experimentally, and therefore pray you 
 to remember, 
 
 Firfr, that the Narraganfetts and Mohawks are the two 
 great bodies of Indians in this country, and they are con- 
 federates, and long have been, and they both yet are 
 friendly and peaceable to the Englifh. I do humbly con- 
 
 35 
 
274 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 ceive, that if ever God calls us to a juft war with either of 
 them he calls us to make fure of the one to a friend. It 
 is true fome diftafte was lately hereamongft them, but they 
 parted friends, and fome of the Narraganfetts went home 
 with them, and I fear that both thefe and the Long Ifland- 
 ers and Mohegans, and all the natives of the land, may, 
 upon a found of the defeat of the Englifh, be induced 
 eaiily to join each with other againft us. 
 
 2. The Narraganfetts, as they were the firft, fo they 
 have been long confederates with you ; they have been 
 true, in all the Pequot wars, to you. They occafioned the 
 Mohegans to come in, too, and fo occalioned the Pequots' 
 downfall. 
 
 3. I cannot yet learn, that ever it pleafed the Lord, to 
 permit the Narraganfetts to ftain their hands with any 
 Englifh blood, neither in open hoftilities nor fecret mur- 
 ders, as both Pequots and Long Iilanders did, and Mohe- 
 gans alfo, in the Pequot wars. It is true, they are barba- 
 rians, but their greatefr. offences againft the Englilh have 
 been matters of money, or petty revenging of themlelves 
 on fome Indians, upon extreme provocations, but God kept 
 them clear of our blood. 
 
 4. For the people, many hundred Englifh have experi- 
 mented them to be inclined to peace and love with the 
 Englifh nation. 
 
 Their late famous long-lived Canonicus fo lived and 
 died, and in the fame moft honorable manner and folem- 
 nity (in their way) as you laid to lleep your prudent peace- 
 maker, Mr. Winthrop, did they honor this, their prudent 
 and peaceable prince. His fon, Mexham, inherits his 
 fpirit. Yea, through all their towns and countries, how 
 frequently do many, and oft-times one Englishman, travel 
 alone with fafety and loving kindnefs ! 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 275 
 
 The caufe and root of all the prefent mifchief, is the 
 pride of two barbarians, AfcalTaffotic, the Long Ifland 
 Sachem, and Ninigret, of the Narraganfett. The former 
 is proud and foolifh ; the latter is proud and fierce. I 
 have not feen him thefe many years, yet from their fober 
 men I hear he pleads, 
 
 Firft, that AicalfalTotic, a very inferior Sachem, bearing 
 himfelf upon the Englifh, hath llain three or four of his 
 people, and fince that, fent him challenges and darings to 
 right, and mend himfelf. 
 
 2. He, Ninigret, confulted, by folemn melTengers, with 
 the chief of the Englifh Governors, Major Endicott, then 
 Governor of the MaiTachufetts, who fent him an implicit 
 confent to right himfelf, upon which they all plead that 
 the Englifh have juft occaiion of difpleafure. 
 
 3. After he had taken revenge upon the Long Iilanders, 
 and brought away about fourteen captives, divers of their 
 chief women, yet he reftored them all again, upon the 
 mediation and defire of the Englifh. 
 
 4. After this peace made, the Long Iilanders pretending 
 to vifit Ninigret, at Block Ifland, flaughtered of his Nar- 
 raganfetts near thirty perfons, at midnight, two of them of 
 great note, efpecially Wepiteammoc's fon, to whom Nini- 
 gret was uncle. 
 
 5. In the profecution of this war, although he had 
 drawn down the Iflanders to his affiftance, yet, upon pro- 
 teftation of the Englifh againft. his proceedings, he re- 
 treated and diffolved his army. 
 
 Honored Sirs, 
 1. I know it is faid the Long Iflanders are fubjecls ; but 
 I have heard this greatly queftioned, and, indeed, I quef- 
 tion whether any Indians in this country, remaining bar- 
 
276 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 barous and pagan, may with truth or honor be called the 
 Englifh fubjecTis. 
 
 2. But grant them iubjecls, what capacity hath their 
 late ma(facre of the Narraganfetts, with whom they had 
 made peace, without the Englifh content, though ftill un- 
 der the Englifh name, put them into ? 
 
 3. All Indians are extremely treacherous; and if to 
 their own nation, for private ends, revolting to ftrangers, 
 what will they do upon the found of one defeat of the 
 Englifh, or the trade of killing Englifh cattle, and perfons, 
 and plunder, which will, molt certainly be the trade, if 
 any considerable party efcape alive, as mine eyes beheld in 
 the Dutch war. 
 
 But I befeech you, fay your thoughts and the thoughts 
 of your wives and little ones, and the thoughts of all Eng- 
 lifh, and of God's people in England, and the thoughts of 
 his Highnefs and Council, (tender of thefe parts,) if, for 
 the fake of a few inconfiderable pagans, and beafts, wal- 
 lowing in idlenefs, Mealing, lying, whoring, treacherous 
 witchcrafts, blafphemies, and idolatries, all that the gra- 
 cious hand of the Lord hath fo wonderfully planted in the 
 wildernefs, mould be deftroyed. 
 
 How much nobler were it, and glorious to the name of 
 God and your own, that no pagan mould dare to ufe the 
 name of an Englifh fubjecT:, who comes not out in fome 
 degree from barbarifm to civility, in forfaking their filthy 
 nakednefs, in keeping fome kind of cattle, which yet your 
 councils and commands may tend to, and, as pious and pru- 
 dent deceafed Mr. Winthrop faid, that civility may be a 
 leading ftep to Christianity, is the humble defire of your 
 mo ft unfeigned in all fervices of love, 
 
 Roger Williams, 
 of Providence colony, Prefident. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 277 
 
 For his much honored, kind friend, Mr. Winthrop, at Pequot, 
 
 theje. 
 
 Providence, 9, 8, 54. (fo called.) [Oft. 9, 1654.]' 
 
 Sir, — I was lately fadded to hear of fome barbarous 
 dealings to your prejudice on your ifland. I am again fad- 
 ded with the tidings of weaknefs in your family, and I 
 hope you are fadded with me at this Fire which is now 
 kindling, the fire of God's wrath and jealoully, which, if 
 God gracioufly quench not, may burn to the foundations 
 both of Indians and Englifh together. I have (upon the 
 firft found of this fire) prefented confiderations to the 
 General Court of MaiTachufetts ; Major Willard tells me, 
 he faw them not, (the Court not yet fetting,) therefore I 
 have prefented him with a copy of them, which upon op- 
 portunity and deiire, I prefume you may command the 
 fight of. I have therein had occafion to mention your pre- 
 cious peacemaking farther. 
 
 Sir, iome of the foldiers, faid here that 'tis true the 
 Narraganfetts had yet killed no Englifh, but they had 
 killed two hundred of Mr. Winthrop's goats, and that 
 it was read in the Bofton meeting houfe, that Mr. Win- 
 throp was robbed and undone, and was flying from the 
 place unlefs fuccor was fent him. I hope to hear other- 
 wife, and that notwithstanding any private lofs, yet that 
 noble fpirit of your father Hill lives in you, and will 
 ftill work (if poflible) to quench this devouring fire 
 in the kindling. I am not yet without hope but it 
 may pleafe the God of peace and Father of mercies to 
 create peace for us, and by this time to inflame our 
 
 1 3 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. x p. 4. 
 
278 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 hearts more with love to him and felicities in him, which 
 neither fword, nor famine, nor peftilence can take from 
 us, which (however otherwife he may deal with us) will 
 abundantly compenfate all their making below, though 
 (feemingly) great and fundamental to us. 
 
 Sir, with very cordial refpects to you both, I am yours 
 in the fervice of love unfeigned. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 [The letter of Mr. Williams to the Town of Providence, of Auguft preced- 
 ing had a falutary effect, and harmony was once more reftored in the colony. At 
 the General Election, which followed in September, 1654, Mr. Williams was cho- 
 fen Prefident. "Thus far" fays Backus, " things appeared encouraging; but as 
 tyranny and licentioufnefs are equally enemies, both to government and liberty, Mr. 
 Williams often had both to contend with. Soon after this fettlement, a perfon fent a 
 feditious paper to the town of Providence," and alfo circulated it among the citizens. 
 " That it was blood-guiltlefs, and againft the rule of the gofpel to execute judgment 
 upon tranigreffors againft the public or private weal." — Hi/I. of the Baptijh, vol. i. 
 p. 296. While fuch fentiments were propagated, Williams could not remain filent, 
 and accordingly addreffed the following letter to the town, in which he denies that 
 he had ever given the flighteft fanftion to principles fo hoftile to civil peace and the 
 dictates of reafon and fcripture.J 
 
 To the Town of Providence. 
 
 [Providence, January, 1654-5. ] ] 
 
 That ever I mould fpeak or write a tittle, that tends to 
 fuch an infinite liberty of confcience, is a miftake, and 
 which I have ever difclaimed and abhorred. To prevent 
 fuch miflakes, I mall at prefent only propofe this cafe: 
 There goes many a mip to fea, with many hundred fouls 
 in one mip, whofe weal and woe is common, and is a true 
 picture of a commonwealth, or a human combination or 
 
 1 Providence Records ; alfo, Backus, Hiji. of the Baptifs, vol. i. p. 297. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 279 
 
 fociety. It hath fallen out fometimes, that both papifts 
 and proteftants, Jews and Turks, may be embarked in one 
 fhip ; upon which fuppofal I affirm, that all the liberty of 
 confcience, that ever I pleaded for, turns upon thefe two 
 hinges — that none of the papifts, proteftants, Jews, or 
 Turks, be forced to come to the fhip's prayers or worfhip, 
 nor compelled from their own particular prayers or wor- 
 fhip, if they practice any. I further add, that I never de- 
 nied, that notwithstanding this liberty, the commander of 
 this fhip ought to command the fhip's courfe, yea, and alfo 
 command that juftice, peace and fobriety, be kept and 
 practiced, both among the feamen and all the paifengers. 
 If any of the feamen refufe to perform their fervices, or 
 paifengers to pay their freight ; if any refufe to help, in 
 perfon or purfe, towards the common charges or defence ; 
 if any refufe to obey the common laws and orders of the 
 fhip, concerning their common peace or prefervation ; if 
 any fhall mutiny and rife up againft their commanders and 
 officers; if any fhould preach or write that there ought to 
 be no commanders or officers, becaufe all are equal in 
 Chrift, therefore no matters nor officers, no laws nor or- 
 ders, nor corrections nor punifbments; — I fay, I never 
 denied, but in fuch cafes, whatever is pretended, the com- 
 mander or commanders may judge, refift, compel and pun- 
 ifh fuch tranfgreffors, according to their deferts and merits. 
 This if ferioully and honeftlv minded, may, if it fo pleafe 
 the Father of lights, let in fome light to fuch as willingly 
 fhut not their eyes. 
 
 I remain ftudious of your common peace and liberty. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
280 Letters of Roger Williams 
 
 Roger Williams to John Winthrop, Jr. 
 
 15, 12, 54. (fo called.) [15th February, 1654.] 1 
 
 Sir, — It hath not been this (harp and bitter feafon 
 which could have frozen my pen from faluting you both 
 (having received yours fome weeks fince,) but I could not 
 get a meeting with Ninigret, and meifengers effected 
 nothing, which I fent to him. Your great trial, lofs and 
 hindrance I am exceedingly grieved at, and cordially wifh 
 it were in my hand to contribute to your abundant fatis- 
 faction and reparation. I have taken willingly any pains 
 about it, and (hall ; and beg of God himfelf to pleafe to 
 make up thefe gaps and breaches, with the teachings and 
 comfortings of his Eternal Spirit. 
 
 I have had a folemn debate with Ninigret and the reft 
 of the Narraganfett Sachems, in a late great meeting at 
 Warwick, whither they came down with four fcore armed 
 men, to demand fatisfaclion for the robbing of Peficcufh, 
 his lifter's grave, and mangling of her flefh ; againft John 
 Garriard, a Dutchman, whofe crew, and it is feared, him- 
 felf, committed that ghaftly and ftinking villainy againft 
 them. In this meeting the Sachems were unanimous 
 and (as union ftrengthens) they were {o bold as to talk 
 often of men's lives, and of righting with us, and de- 
 manded an Englifh child for hoftage until fatisfaclion, be- 
 caufe John Garriard had lived at Warwick, and had goods 
 and debts there ftill remaining. At laft it pleafed the 
 Lord to pacify all with our attaching of the Dutchman's 
 goods and debts, until he have made iatisfa&ion (in the 
 Dutch jurifdiction or the Englifh) to the Sachems charge 
 againft him. There was in his crew, one Samuel, a hat- 
 
 1 4 Ma/s. Hi/I. Coll. vol. vi. p. 286. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 28 1 
 
 ter, and one Jones, a feaman, and an Irishman, perlnos 
 infamous, fo that we fear John Garriard was drawn in by 
 them, at leaft to confentto (hare with them in fuch a booty. 
 
 Sir, this troublefome occaiion furnifhed me with full 
 agitations about your wrong and demands alfo. And be- 
 iides this I have had both former and later difcourfings 
 and fearchings with divers Indians, and fome that were 
 prefenl, and fome that were difaffected to Ninigret, and all 
 anfwers and agitations, &c, amount to, firft, an abfolute 
 denial that either the Sachems or people know of any cat- 
 tle of yours ilain by themfelves or the Inlanders, excepting 
 three or four goats, which the Pawcomtuck Indians killed 
 in their breaking up in difpleafure, and departure from 
 Ninigret, and in their march towards the Eartern end of 
 your ifland homeward. 1 
 
 2. They affirm that fuch flaughters could not porTibly be 
 made by any of themfelves or the ftrangers, but they 
 mould know of it, being intermingled with them in all 
 their quarters : and whereas I faid they were long there, 
 and had fpent provifions ; they fay they had three canoes 
 continually going from your ifland to Pequot for provilion ; 
 which though fometime the winds hindered fome hours, 
 yet by day or by night they always came and brought a 
 fupply. 
 
 1 Troubles with Ninigret had been on a war againft him. An armed force 
 
 renewed during the paft year. That was fent into the Narraganfett country, 
 
 chief had carried on a war with the In- when Ninigret fled, and about one hun- 
 
 dians of Long Ifland, who had put them- dred Pequots who had been left with the 
 
 felves under the protection of the Eng- Narraganfetts fince the war, put them- 
 
 lifh. The Commiflioners of the Uni- felves under the protection of the Eng- 
 
 ted Colonies ordered Ninigret to appear lifli. The armed force retired with- 
 
 at Hartford; and upon his refufal to out attacking the enemy. — Holmes, An- 
 
 comply with their requefl, determined nals, p. 301. 
 
 36 
 
282 Letters of Roger Wi Hiatus. 
 
 3. They fay that fome Engliih whom you trufted there, 
 not only gave Ninigret one goat, but they have known 
 divers given or fold to Englifh or Dutch pinnaces. I con- 
 fefs, Sir, this laft came not within my thoughts to favor of 
 truth, until conferring with fome Englifh further, I find 
 it undeniable from many Englifh witneifes, that many 
 goats have been fold (and fome at cheap prices,) by fome 
 whom you have trufted, to many veifels. Some of the 
 vefTels belong to our towns, and they name your kinfman 
 Mr. Symons. The particulars are many : one I mail hint, 
 that you may review whether you had account of it or no : 
 Mr. Smith's veffel gave him an ell of holland for one goat, 
 which in our parts would yield about 14-f : lb that I hear 
 fome veifels brought (more then for prefent fpending) 
 fome live goats along with them. 
 
 Sir, this Engliih work I believe is true, although I dare 
 not abfolve the barbarians from your charge, and therefore 
 (hall ftill continue my utmoft care and fearch. 
 
 Sir, the tidings ftirring amongft us is (as is said) from a 
 (hip (about four months fince arrived from England,) re- 
 porting daughters of Scotch and Englifh in divers battles 
 fought in Scotland ; but (as is faid) the Lord was pleafed 
 to turn thefcales to the Engliih. It is faid alfo that the 
 Parliament (which was to begin the 3rd of September,) was 
 broke up in difcontent. It is faid that a fleet was defigned 
 againft Hifpaniola, and that Mr. Winflow goes in chief 
 command, or to be Governor. 1 Sir, I yet believe not this 
 firft found of things, and yet I believe them to be very like 
 to be true, and greater and greater Revolutions approach- 
 
 1 Edward Winflow, was appointed by and died on the paflage, between that if- 
 Cromwell, Commiffioner to attend the land and Jamaica, May 8th, of that year, 
 expedition againft Hifpaniola in 1655; Eds. Winthrop Papers. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 283 
 
 ing. The invifible and eternal Jehovah will make his juf- 
 tice and mercy more and more vifibly glorious, in eternal 
 fucceffive difcoveries of himfelf to his, and to the works 
 and creatures of his mighty hand. 
 
 It hath pleafed God, Sir, to take away (fome few days 
 fince) the wife of our Jofhua Windfor (once a fervant to 
 your dear father). She had made a paffionate wim that 
 God would part them, and take away him or her. It 
 pleafed his Jealoufly to hear her, and to take away a child 
 in her womb alio, of which (he could not be delivered. 
 
 We have had fome gufts amongft us as to our whole 
 Colony and civil order. At my coming over our neigh- 
 bors were run into divifions. By the good hand of the 
 Lord they were perfuaded to choofe twenty-four Commii- 
 fioners (fix out of a town) to reconcile. They united and 
 hailed me out (fore againft my fpirit) to public iervice : 
 yet the fpirits of fome have not been fo reconcileable : 
 Tho. Olney 1 and my brother in our town, (upon private 
 grudges), Mr. Eafton and Mr. Dyer, at Newport, fearing 
 Sabaudies pinnace muft be paid for, which cafe the Court 
 at MarTachufetts lately would not determine, but left it to 
 be tried in our own Colony, which was the late anfwer ot 
 the Court at Ipfwich to Mr. Ames, who fued Mr. Dyer 
 in the Bay. What plots and diggings have been ufed to 
 overturn all Courts, fo that there might be an efcape, and 
 therefore Newport is made to ftand off (except fome few) 
 from the reft of the Colony. 
 
 Sir, we have a found of a Gen : Governor, and that Ba- 
 
 1 Thomas Olney was among the ear- lem church, from which he was expelled 
 
 lieft fettlers of Providence, and one of for uniting in the errors of Williams, 
 
 the committee in 164710 form a gov- His name appears among the Affiftants in 
 
 ernment. He was a member of the Sa- the Charter of 1663. 
 
284 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 ron Rigby his fon is the man : but it is time to excufe this 
 prolixity, and to end with humble delires to the moft Holy 
 and Eternal King to protect, to direct, and comfort your 
 fpirits in all prefent and future trials. So prays, Sir, 
 Yours moft unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, thefe enclofed were fent to me from Mr. White, 
 now wintering at Warwick. It is faid he hath fkill in moft 
 works; many of ours have thoughts of trying his fkill 
 about a new bridge at Providence, and he hath promifed 
 to come over to us to confult, but the weather hath hin- 
 dered. 
 
 Mr. Foote hath once and again moved for Iron Works 
 at Providence. He told me that you had fpeech with him 
 about his getting of iron men to Pequot, but he thought 
 yourfelf would be willing to promote the work as well 
 here as there, and therefore promifed me to write to you. 
 If I had power in my hand I would venture to fuch a pub- 
 lic good, and however would gladly contribute all affift- 
 ance, efpecially if your loving fpirit and experience be 
 pleafed to give encouragement. 
 
 Sir, I have not at prefent by me a copy (fair or foul) of 
 mv Confederations prefented to the Gen. Court at Bofton : 
 fomething there is in them of paffages between the Lord 
 Protector and myfelf; otherways they are but known 
 things (efpecially to yourfelf): however, if poffible I can, 
 I will prefent your defire with the fight of them. 
 
 Post S. — This letter hath long lain by expecting con- 
 veyance. Indeed Ninigret promifed to lend a mefTenger 
 for them, but (whether the winter or other occasions hin- 
 dered, ficknefs, death, &c.,) yet it hath ftuck by me as 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 28c; 
 
 an arrow in my fide, leaft I mould feem to neglect fuch a 
 friend and fuch a cafe. 
 
 For the fleet of which you pleafe a line (in this your 
 welcome tidings of your healths) we hear of fixty or 
 one hundred fail. I know the Protector had ftrong 
 thoughts of Hifpaniola and Cuba. Mr. Cotton's inter- 
 preting of Euphrates to be the Weft Indies: the lupply 
 of gold, to take off taxes), and the provision of a warmer 
 Diuerticuhim and Receptaculum then New England is, will 
 make a footing into thofe parts very precious, and if it 
 mall pleafe God to vouchfafe fuccefs to this fleet, I look to 
 hear of an invitation at leaft to thefe parts for removal, 
 from his Highnefs, who looks on New England only with 
 an eye of pity, as poor, cold and ufelefs. 
 
 And furely this nonefuch winter is like to fet any wheel 
 a going for removals of very many. 
 
 Capt. Gibbons at beginning of this winter (as I prefume 
 you have long fince heard) made this winter his laft, and 
 is departed. 
 
 Mr. Dunfter 1 (as is faid) expected to be oufted about 
 his judgment of children's baptifm, withdrew himfelf, and 
 Mr. Chauncy, 2 who was fhipped for England, is now maf- 
 ter of the College. 
 
 1 Henry Dunfter, firft President of 
 Harvard College, indu&ed into office 
 Auguit 27, 1640. He was highly re- 
 fpefted for his learning, piety and man- 
 ner of government ; but having imbibed 
 the principles of Antipedobaptifm, was 
 induced to refign his office in 1654. He 
 removed to Scituate, Mafs., where he 
 paffed the remainder of his days in peace. 
 He died in 1659. — Blake, Biog. Did. 
 
 1 Rev. Charles Chauncy, fucceeded 
 
 Mr. Dunfter as Prefident of Harvard 
 College. He was vicar of Ware, in 
 England. Being fined and imprifoned 
 for non-conformity, he determined to 
 feek the enjoyment of the rights of con- 
 fcience in New England, where he came 
 in 1638. After living as a fettled min- 
 ifter, chiefly at Scituate, for twelve years, 
 he was invited to return to England. He 
 went to Bofton to embark, but the prefi- 
 dency of the College being then vacant, 
 
286 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 We alio hear that two of Mr. Dells 1 books were lately 
 burnt at the MafTachufetts, (poffibly) containing fome (harp 
 things againft the Prefbyterians and Academians, of which 
 I brought over one called the Trial of Spirits. 
 
 I pray you to read and return this Jew. I have alfo an 
 anfwer to him by a good plain man, expounding all which 
 the Jew takes literally, in a fpiritual way : and I have (in 
 a difcourfe of a Knight (L'Eftrange) 2 proving Americans 
 no Jews) another touch againft him : however, I rejoiced 
 to fee fuch induftrious fpirits breathing in that people to- 
 ward the Meffiah or Chrift of God. 
 
 Mr. Foot is faid (at prefent) to refolve for the Dutch : 
 upon occaflon of my declaring againft his man, Mr. Fow- 
 ler's diforderly marriage in Mr. Foot's houfe, without any 
 publication, and upon that occafion my refufing to pro- 
 mote the Iron Works as yet; he is difpleafed, and fpeaks 
 of departure. I truly love and pity the man, yet furely 
 from him have the Indians been furnifhed with ftore of 
 liquors, from his houfe have the incivilities of our town 
 been much encouraged, and much evil report he hath in- 
 curred about this marriage. He faith he knew not of it 
 'till over night. But (although the pretended marriage 
 was not,) it may be refolved on before over night, yet I 
 am forry to hear fuch talk in the town of what he knew 
 before. Sir, the truth is (as one faid to Queen Elizabeth) 
 
 he was induced to accept office, and was " The Tryall of Spirits, both in Teachers 
 
 inducted into it in 1654. He retained and Hearers " " The Stumbling Stone ," 
 
 the place until his death in 1672, at the together with Sermons and other Theo- 
 
 age of 81. He publifhed feveral vol- logical Treatifes. — "Select Works." Lon- 
 
 umes of fermons and theological works, don, 1773. 
 
 Blake, Biog. Dicl. 2 Hamon L'Eftrange was the author of 
 
 1 William Dell, Reftor of Yelden, a book entitled "Americans no Jews, or 
 
 and Mafter of Gonvil and Caius College ; Improbabilities that the Americans are of 
 
 ejefted 1662. He publifhed in 1663 that race" — London, 1652. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 287 
 
 ProfeBo omnes fumus licentia deteriores. We enjoy liberties 
 of foul and body, but it is licenfe we defire, except the 
 Moft Holy help us : in whom, Sir, I defire to be ever 
 
 Yours, Roger Williams. 
 
 Mine and my wife's true refpects to Mrs. Winthrop, &c. 
 
 For my honored \ kind friend, Mr. Winthrop, at his houfe at 
 Pequot. Leave this with Mr. White, of Warwick. 
 
 Providence, 23, 1. [March 23,] 1655, (Co called.) 1 
 
 Sir, — Cordial refpecls prefented. Mr. White coming 
 to you, cannot come without falutation. I have this laft 
 week many letters from England; but all dated the firft 
 week of the Parliament's fitting. The houfe coniifted 
 moft of Prefbyterian fautors. 2 All that are waived are 
 ranked into Cavaliers and Levellers :3 upon the grand quef- 
 tion of the Supreme Legiflature, the Lord Bradfhaw^ fpake 
 openly that if a Parliament were not fupreme, then was he 
 a murderer of King Charles. Sir Arthur Hazelrig fpake 
 high : but the report is double : fome fay a vote paft that 
 they would not difpute that point, fome fay they did dif- 
 pute, and therefore a breach followed, and the imprifon- 
 
 1 \Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 292. tribunal by which Charles I. was tried. 
 
 z Fauter, a favourer, a fupporter. In the contefl between the king and the 
 
 3 Cavaliers. The name given to the people, Bradfhaw 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 hoflile, deprived him of 
 
 el/ers, who were the adherents of Par- office. He died in 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 Willia?ns. 
 
 ment of Bradfhaw and Hazelrig, &c, and it is faid here 
 (by Dutch news) two beheaded. The Protector 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 Englifh 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 Englim : Gen. Blake 1 with his 
 fleet was bound for the Southward : Gen. Pen 2 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 embaffadorS hath been beheaded 
 for a murder in the Exchange, and Mrs. Mohun and her 
 maid flood in the pillory before the Exchange, for attempt- 
 ing his efcape by women's apparel. Mr. Marfhall, and 
 
 1 Robert Blake a celebrated Englifh 
 Admiral. In the ftruggle between King 
 Charles I. and his people, he efpoufed 
 the caufe of liberty. After diftinguifh- 
 ing himfelf in the army, he was placed 
 in command of the fleet, when he de- 
 ftroyed the Royal fquadron under Prince 
 Rupert, at Malaga. In 1653 he de- 
 feated the Dutch fleet, under VanTromp, 
 and the following year gained a vittory 
 over the Spanifh fleet in the Medite- 
 ranean. He died in 1657 and was bu- 
 ried with great honors in Henry Vllths 
 chapel At the reftoration his body was 
 torn from its refting place and buried in 
 a pit in St. Martin's Church yard. — Bio- 
 grapbia Britannica. 
 
 2 Admiral Wm. Penn, Commander of 
 the Englifh fleet in the deftru&ion of Ja- 
 maica. He was a member of Parlia- 
 ment, and after the Reftoration obtained 
 a high command under the Duke of 
 York. He was knighted by Charles II. 
 for his fervices. Edward Winflow, of 
 Plymouth, probably accompanied Admi- 
 ral Penn, as it is ftated in the previous 
 letter that he had gone to the Weft In- 
 dies. He was one of the three Com- 
 miffioners appointed by Cromwell to fu- 
 perintend the operations there. 
 
 3 Dom Pantaleon, brother of the 
 Portuguefe ambaflador, was executed Ju- 
 ly 10, 1654, f° r th e murder of Mr. 
 Greenway, at the Exchange. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 289 
 
 Viner, and Mr. Tho. Goodwin, 1 minifter to the Parliament. 
 Mr. Goodwin prerTed the inftance of Pharaoh and the let- 
 ting of God's people free to worfhip, leaf! the Lord fend 
 new plagues and breaches. Sir, your melfenger calls : I 
 end. Yours unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 I mall be thankful for the Jefuits Maxims, of which I 
 have heard, but law them not. 
 
 We hear from the Bay that Capt. Leverett 2 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. fohn fVifithrop, at Peqnot, 
 
 thefe. * 
 
 [Providence, i, I, 55. (fo called.) [March 1, 1655.]? 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpecls and beft wifhes, &c. I lately pre- 
 fented you with a line by Mr. White : lince I received 
 more letters from England, confirming the tidings of two 
 great fleets ready to fet fail from Pingland the beginning of 
 
 1 Thomas Goodwin, a Puritan divine, 
 born in 1600. In 1630, to avoid perfe- 
 ction he went to Arnheim, in Holland, 
 where he fettled. During the civil wars 
 he returned to London and was appointed 
 by Cromwell, Prefident of Magdalen 
 College, Oxford. He attended the Pro- 
 testor in his lall illnefs, and was ejefted 
 from Oxford after the Reftoration. He 
 preached to an afTembly of Independents 
 
 37 
 
 in London until his deceafe in 1679. — 
 Blake, Biog. Dictionary, 
 
 2 John Leverett, a Delegate to the 
 General Court ; afterwards Speaker, and 
 from 1673 to 1679 Governor of MafTa- 
 chufetts. 
 
 ? 4 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 294. 
 
 This letter was evidently written after 
 that which next precedes it, and it is 
 probable that the date fhould be 1, 2, 55, 
 i. e. April 1, 1655. 
 
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 mould be conquered. The Parliament 
 fat, and after three days debate about the laft change of 
 government, the Lord Protector fent for the Parliament 
 into the Painted Chamber, and told them that there was a 
 reciprocation, and that the fame power which made him 
 Protestor had called the Parliament, and therefore before 
 they mould lit again, he muff require a tell or recogni- 
 tion by fubfcription to his negative voice, as to the prefent 
 government by a Protestor and a Parliament, as to the not 
 fitting of the Parliament above rive 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 forty fubfcribed 
 prefently and entered : fome diifented, among whom were 
 Bradfhaw and Hazelrig, 1 who, (it is laid) are in the Tow- 
 er. The Portugal Embaffador's brother was beheaded for 
 a murder, and one Coll : whofe name I yet know not. 
 One Mrs. Mohun flood on the pillory, for attempting the 
 Portugal's efcape in woman's apparel. 
 
 The 3rd of September, 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 eaff, both red : then a black army from the north- 
 
 1 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 arreil in 1642 on a charge Thomas, Die. of Biography. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 291 
 
 weft which worfted the red from the eaft, and remained 
 victor. 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 faction, fo that the Hague and Amfterdam were 
 ftrongly guarded. New orders were fent to their Admi- 
 ralty for careful ftriking to the Englifh. 1 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, Wiiithrop, at Peqnot, thefe 
 
 prefent. 
 
 Providence, the 26, 2, 55. [April 26th, 1655. ] 2 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpecls to you both prefented, wifhing 
 you a joyful fpring after all your fad and gloomy, fharp 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 houfeat 
 Pawchauquet. He will not own any offence he gave him, 
 but that he is fubjecl: to Mexham, though pofiibly Kittat- 
 teafh may allege other caufes, yea and true alfo. I doubt 
 not of your loving eye on the matter, as God fliall pleafe 
 
 1 In the treaty between Great Britain war in the Britifh leas, fhould flrike the 
 
 and the States-General, concluded at Hag and lower the topfail. 
 Weftminiler, April 5, 1654, it was 2 Knowles' Mem. of Roger Williams, 
 
 agreed that the fhips of the United p. 281 ; 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. x. p. 10. 
 Provinces, meeting any Englifh fhip-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 Virginia, 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 blackifh coat and hat, and a 
 pair of greenifh 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, 1 and had fent for ten frigates more. 
 
 Sir, the God of peace fill your foul with that ftrange kind 
 of peace which pafTeth all understanding. 
 
 So prays, Sir, your unworthy 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Admiral Blake was at this time in the Mediteranean making great havoc among 
 the Spanifh veflels. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 293 
 
 To the General Court of Magi/lrates and Deputies AJfembled 
 
 at Bojlon. 
 
 Providence, 15, 9 mo. 55. (fo called.) [15th Nov. 1655. J 1 
 
 Much honored Sirs, — It is my humble and earneft 
 petition unto God and you, that you may fo 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 
 (Englifh and Chriftian) which I humbly hope may appear 
 in thefe reprefentations following. 
 
 Firit, may it pleafe you to remember, that concerning 
 the town of Warwick, (in this colony,) there lies a fuit of 
 £2000 damages againft you before his Highnefs and the 
 Lords of his Council ; I doubt not, if you fo pleafe, but 
 that (as Mr. Winllow 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 barbaroully, 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 Englim 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, Boflon, 1769, p. 275. 
 
294 
 
 Letters of Roger IV ii Hams. 
 
 have long (under your name) maintained with us, to a 
 conftant obftrudting 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. 1 
 
 1 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 
 MafTachufetts. 
 
 By a letter received by Mr. Williams 
 from Cromwell, the Protector, it appears 
 jhat 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 
 difhonored and endangered, but alio 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 
 factions or divifions among us, he fhall 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 aftion of the General Aflembly 
 
 had its effect, 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 Secretary 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. Baulflon, Mr. Gorton, Mr. John 
 Smith, of Warwick, Mr. John Greene, 
 jun., of Warwick, and Mr. John Eafton ; 
 and in witnefs whereof, we iublcribe our 
 hands, and defire this to be recorded, 
 this prefent 14th of March, 1655-1656. 
 William Coddington, 
 William Dyre. 
 In prefence of 
 
 Roger Williams, Prefident, 
 
 John Roome, 
 
 Benedict 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 iubjecl: to your gov- 
 ernment, it might be a rich mercy ; but as things yet are, 
 and fince it pleafed firft the Parliament, and then the Lord 
 Admiral and Committee for Foreign Plantations, and lince 
 the Council of State, and laftly the Lord Protector and his 
 Council, to continue us as a diftincT: colony, yea, and iince 
 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 inftrucT:ors 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 v 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- 
 ftrucftive and deftrudtive to an equal proceeding of civil 
 order amongft us ; for one of thefe four families, Stephen 
 Arnold, defires to be uniform with us ; a fecond, Zacha- 
 rie Rhodes, 1 being in the way of dipping is (potentially) 
 banifhed 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. 
 
 1 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. 
 anceflor of the late Chriltopher 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 Willia?ns. 
 
 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 maffacred 
 or maftered by them. I pray your equal and favorable re- 
 flection upon that your law, which prohibits us to buy of 
 you all means of our necelfary defence of our lives and 
 families, (yea in this moft bloody and malfacreing 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 fubjection, 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 activity and 
 infolence is grown fo high that they daily confult, and 
 hope, and threaten to render us Haves, 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 relirtance. I 
 grieve that fo much blood fhould cry againft yourfelves, 
 yea, and I grieve that (at this inrtant by thefe fhips) this 
 cry and the premifes fhould 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, bv him 
 who defires to be 
 
 Your unfeigned and faithful fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams, 
 Of Providence Plantations, Prefident. 
 
 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 (hip or landing at your 
 ports, unto which it pleafed Mr. Bellingham to fend me 
 his aiTent in writing ; I humbly crave the recording of it 
 by yourfelves, left forgetfulnefs hereafter, again put me 
 upon fuch diftreffes 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 prejents. 
 
 Providence, 21, 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. Hijl. Coll. vol. x. p. 18. 
 38 
 
2 9 8 
 
 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 
 Proteclor 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 fpoiled their corn 
 over moft parts of the land. Sir Henry Vane being retired 
 to his own private, in Lincolnshire, hath now publifhed his 
 obfervations as to religion ; x 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 fhould 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 fucceifor to unfuccefsful Vena- 
 bles, caft into the tower. Your brother Stephen fucceeds 
 Major General Harrifon. 2 The Pope endeavors the uni- 
 
 1 Sir H. Vane was the author of " The 
 Retired Man's Meditations," London, 
 1655. Two Treatifes : I. On the Myf- 
 tical Body of Chrifl on Earth. II. The 
 Face of the Times. London: 1662; and 
 others. " Sir Henry Vane was one of 
 the moft profound minds that ever ex- 
 ifted, — not inferior perhaps to Bacon. 
 Milton has a fine fonnet addrefled to 
 him, — 
 
 •' Vane, young in years, in sage experience old." 
 His works difplay aftonifhing powers. 
 They are remarkable as containing the 
 firft direft aflertion of the liberty of 
 
 confcience. He was put to death in the 
 moft perfidious manner." — Sir J. Mack- 
 intosh : Converfations with A. H. Ever- 
 ett. North American Review, xxxv. p. 
 448, n. 
 
 2 John Harrifon, a republican general 
 ferved in the parliamentary army, and 
 was one of the judges of the court which 
 tried Charles I. He became a member 
 of the council of State in 1653. Crom- 
 well endeavored to gain his fupport by 
 the offer of an exalted pofition, but he 
 refufed to co-operate with the "ufurper" 
 as he called him. In 1657 he was de- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 299 
 
 ting of all his (laves for his guard, fearing the heretics. The 
 Lord knows whether Archer 1 (upon the reign of Chrift) 
 faid true, ' that yet the Pope before his downfall, mult re- 
 cover England; and the proteftant countries revolted from 
 him." Sir, we are fure all flefh is grais, and only the word 
 of the Lord endures forever. Sir, you once kindly in- 
 tended to quench a rire between Mr. Coddington and 
 others, but now it is come to public trial. We hear the 
 Dutch rire 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 Majjachufetts. 
 
 Providence, 12, 3, 56. (Co called.) [May 12th, 1656. I 1 
 
 May it pleafe this much honored AlTembly 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 AlTembly. 
 
 prived of his command and imprifoned. The letter of November 15th, to the 
 
 Three years after he was executed for General Court of Maffachufetts, did not 
 
 his fhare in the death of the king. — produce any favorable change in her 
 
 Thomas, Did. of Biography. meafures. Mr. Williams afterwards 
 
 1 John Archer, wrote a book on the wrote to Governor Endicott, who invited 
 Perfonal Reign of Lbrijl. Lond : 1643. him to vifit Bollon. In the preient let- 
 
 2 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 firil requeft (in fhort) was and is, for 
 your favorable coniideration of the long and lamentable 
 condition of the town of Warwick, which hath been thus : 
 they are ib dangeroully and fo vexatiouily intermingled 
 with the barbarians, that I have long admired the wonder- 
 ful power of God in retraining and preventing very great 
 fires of mutual ilaughters, breaking forth between them. 
 
 Your wifdoms know the inhuman infultations of thefe 
 wild creatures, and you may be pleafed, alio, to imagine, 
 that they have not been fparing of your name as the patron 
 of all their wickednefs againft our Engliih 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 mall come to an agreement with the town or 
 colony, and that fome covenient way and time be fet for 
 their removal. 1 
 
 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, notwithstanding 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- 
 
 1 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 protection, the court made them 
 
 was thus brought into confiderable diffi- promife to keep the fabbath, and to ob- 
 
 culty with the Engliih as early as 16:5, ferve other religious rules. — Backus, 
 
 which continued to this time. The peo- Hiji. of the Baptijls, vol. i. p. 306. 
 pie of Warwick now endeavored to bring 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 301 
 
 jedts mall plant and remove at the pleafure of the higheft 
 and fupreme Sachems, and I humbly conceive that it 
 pleafeth the Moil 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 Englifb towns and 
 plantations in all New England, put together, fuffer not 
 fuch moleftation from the natives, as this one town and 
 people. It is fo great and fo oppreffive, that I have daily 
 feared the tidings of iome public fire and mifchief. 
 
 3. Be pleafed to review this copy from the Lord Ad- 
 miral, and that this EnglifTi town of Warwick mould pro- 
 ceed, alfo that if any of yours were there planted, they 
 mould, bv your authority, be removed. And we humbly 
 conceive, that if the Englim (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 practice 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 practices of the whole country. 
 
 5. Befide fatisfadtion to Pumham and the former inhabi- 
 tants of this neck, there is a competitor who mull alfo be 
 fatisfied ; another Sachem, one Nawwufhawfuck, 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. 1 Hoftility is daily threatened. 
 
 Our fecond requefl: concerns two or three Englifh fami- 
 lies at Pawtuxet, who before our charter fubjecled them- 
 felves unto your jurifdiclion. 2 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 addrelTes and 
 now do, for your prudent removal of this great and long 
 obftruclion 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 
 amongfl 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 obftruction is fo great and conftant, that (with- 
 out your prudent removal of it, it is impoffible that either 
 his Highnefs or yourfelves can expecl: fuch fatisfadtion and 
 obfervance from us as we delire to render. 
 
 Laitly, as before, we promifed fatisfaclion to the natives 
 at Warwick, (and fhall all poffible ways endeavor their 
 content) {o we humbly offer, as to thefe our countrymen, 
 Firff, as to grievances depending, that references may fet- 
 tle them. Secondly, for the future, the way will be open 
 for their enjoyment of votes and privileges of chooling or 
 being cholen, to any office in town or colony. 
 
 x "The Plymouth people had their him, named NawzvaJJ.wzufuck." — Drake, 
 fhare in the Warwick controverfy, hav- Bo >k of the Indians, p. 258. 
 ing caute&Oufamequin to lay claim to the 2 William Arnold and William Car- 
 fame place, or a Sachem, who lived with penter, mentioned in previous letters. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 303 
 
 Our third requeft is, for your favorable leave to us to 
 buy of your merchants, four or more barrels of powder 
 yearly, with fome convenient proportion of artillery, con- 
 sidering our hazardous frontier iituation to thefe barbarians, 
 who, from their abundant fupply of arms from the Dutch, 
 (and perfidious Englifb, all the land over) are full of our 
 artillery, which hath rendered them exceedingly infolent, 
 provoking and threatening, efpecially the inlanders, which 
 have their fupply from the Fort of Aurania. 1 We have 
 been efteemed by fome of you, as your thorny hedge on 
 this fide of you ; If fo, yet a hedge to be maintained ; if 
 as out fentinels, yet not to be difcouraged. And it there 
 be a jealoufly of the ill ufe of fuch a favor, pleafe you to 
 be allured that a credible perfon in each town mail have 
 the difpofal and managing of fuch fupplies, according to 
 the true intent and purpofe. 
 
 For the obtaining of thefe, our juft and neceifary peti- 
 tions, we have no inducement or hope from ourfelves, only 
 we pray you to remember, that the matters prayed, are no 
 way dimonorable to yourfelves, and we humbly conceive, 
 do greatly promote the honor and pleafure of his Highnefs, 
 yea, of the Moft High, alio; and laftly, fuch kindnelfes 
 will be obligations on us to ftudy to declare ourfelves, upon 
 all occafions. 
 
 Your moft humble and faithful fervants, 
 
 Roger Williams, Prefulent. 
 
 In the name, and by the appointment, of Providence 
 Colony. 
 
 1 Newport, on a former occafion, ap- and ammunition at Bofton, which requefl 
 plied to the General Court of Mafia- had been refused. Gov. Winthrop, in 
 chufetts for leave to purchafe powder ipeaking of it fays " it was an error, in 
 
304 Letters of Roger Williatns. 
 
 Honored Gentlemen, — I pray your patience to one 
 word relating to myfelf, only. Whereas, upon an order from 
 the Lords or his Highnefs' Council, for my future fecurity 
 in taking (hips and landing in your ports, it pleafed your 
 honored then Governor, Mr. Bellingham, to obey that or- 
 der under his own hand, I now pray the confirmation of 
 it, from one word of this honored Court alfembled. 1 
 
 To the General Court of the Maf a chufetts Bay. 
 
 Boston, 17, 3, 56, (fo called.) [17th May, 1656. ]* 
 
 May it please this much honored Assembly, — I do 
 humbly hope, that your own breafts and the public, mall 
 reap the fruit of your great gentlenefs and patience in 
 thefe barbarous transactions, and I do cordially promife, 
 for myfelf, (and all I can perfuade with) to ftudy gratitude 
 and faithfulnefs to your fervice. I have debated with Pum- 
 ham (and fome of the natives helping with me) who 
 (hewed him the vexatious life he lives in, your great ref- 
 pect and care toward him, by which he may abundantly 
 mend himfelf and be united in fome convenience unto 
 their neighborhood and your fervice. But I humbly con- 
 flate policy at leaft, not to fupport them, while palling through Bollon, when about 
 for though they were deeply erroneous, to embark for London, notwithstanding 
 and in iuch deilradtions among them- the order from Cromwell's Council for 
 felves as portended their ruin, yet if the his protection; hence he now very pro- 
 Indians fhould prevail againll them, it perly, requires the General Court to 
 would danger the whole country." — confirm this order, before venturing 
 Hi ft. of ' Nezv England, vol. ii. p. 211. again within the jurifdiclion of MafTa- 
 
 1 It appears by a poftcript to letter of chufetts. 
 November 15th, page 297, that Mr. J Hutchinson, Majpi chufetts Papers, 
 
 Williams met with "fome diflrefles " p. 282. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 305 
 
 ceive, in his cafe, that dies et quies fanant hominem, and he 
 muft have fome longer breathing, for he tells me that the 
 appearance of this competitor Nawwufhawfuck, hath 
 {tabbed him. May you, therefore, pleafe to grant him 
 and me fome longer time of conference, either until your 
 next general affembling, or longer, at you pleafure. 1 
 
 My other requefts, I (hall not be importune to prefs on 
 your great affairs, but (hall make my addrefs unto your 
 Secretary, to receive, by him, your pleafure. 
 Honored gentlemen, 
 
 Your humble and thankful fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Tejlimony of Roger Williams relative to the deed of Rhode 
 Ijland, dated Providence, 25, 6. [25M Augujl y \ 1658. 2 
 
 I have acknowledged (and have and (hall endeavor to 
 maintain) the rights and property of every inhabitant of 
 Rhode Ifland in peace; yet, iince there is fo much found 
 and noife of purchafe and purchafers, I judge it not unfea- 
 fonable to declare the rife and bottom of the planting of 
 Rhode Ifland in the fountain of it : It was not price nor 
 money that could have purchafed Rhode Ifland. Rhode 
 Ifland was purchafed by love ; by the love and favor which 
 that honorable gentleman Sir Henry Vane and myfelf had 
 
 1 As this letter was written but five 2 Providence Records in the hand- 
 days after the previous one, doubtlefs writing of Mr. Williams. — Backus, Hijl. 
 the requeit made by Mr. Williams for a of the Baptijis, vol. p. 91. 
 guarrantee of protection was given him. 
 
 39 
 
306 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 with that great Sachem, Miantonomo, about the league 
 which I procured between the MafTachufetts Englifh, &c, 
 and the Narraganfetts in the Pequod war. It is true I ad- 
 vifed a gratuity to be prefented to the Sachem and the na- 
 tives, and becaufe Mr. Coddington and the reft of my 
 loving countrymen were to inhabit the place, and to be at 
 the charge of the gratuities, I drew up a writing in Mr. 
 Coddington's name, and in the names of fuch of my loving 
 countrymen as came up with him, and put it into as fure a 
 form as I could at that time (amongft the Indians) for the 
 benefit and aiTurance of the preient and future inhabitants 
 of the ifland. This I mention, that as that truly noble 
 Sir Henry Vane hath been fo great an inftrument in the 
 hand of God for procuring of this ifland from the barba- 
 rians, as alfo for procuring and confirming of the charter, 
 fo it may by all due thankful acknowledgment be remem- 
 bered and recorded of us and ours which reap and enjoy 
 the fweet fruits of fo great bufinefs, and fuch unheard of 
 liberties amongft us. 
 
 To my honored, kind friend, Mr. fohn Winthrop, Governor, 
 at Hartford, on Connecticut. 
 
 Providence, 6, 12, 59-60. [6th February, 1660. ] L 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpedts to yourfelf and Mrs. Winthrop, 
 Sec. Your loving lines in this cold, dead feafon, were as a 
 cup of your Connecticut cider, which we are glad to hear 
 abounds with you, or of that weftern metheglin, which 
 
 ' 3 Mafs. Hift. Co/., vo/1. x. p. 26 ; Knowles, p. 309. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 307 
 
 you and I have drunk at Briftol together, &c. Indeed, it 
 is the wonderful power and goodnefs of God, that we are 
 preferved in our diiperfions among thefe wild, barbarous 
 wretches. I hear not of their excurlions this winter, and 
 fhould rejoice if, as you hint, Uncas and his brother were 
 removed to Long Ifland, or any where, or elfe, as I have 
 fometimes motioned, a truce for fome good term of years 
 might be obtained amongft them. But how fhould we 
 expect that the ftreams of blood fhould flop among the 
 dregs of mankind when the bloody iflues flow fo frefh and 
 fearfully among the fineft and mod refined fons of men and 
 fons of God. We have not only heard of the four north- 
 ern nations, Dania, Swedia, Anglia, and Belgium, all Pro- 
 tectants, (heretics and dogs, with the Pope, &c.,) laft year 
 tearing and devouring one another, in the narrow ftraits 
 and eminent high palfages and turns of the fea and world; 
 but we alfo have a found of the Prefbyterians' rage new 
 burft out into flames of war from Scotland, and the in- 
 dependent and feclarian army provoked again to new ap- 
 peals to God, and engagements againft them. Thus, 
 while this laft Pope hath plied with fails and oars, and 
 brought all his popifh fons to peace, except Portugal, and 
 brought in his grand engineers, the Jefuits, again to Ven- 
 ice, after their long juft banifhment, we Proteftants are 
 woefully difpofed to row backward, and bring our fails 
 aback-ftays, and provoke the holy, jealous Lord, who is a 
 confuming fire, to kindle again thofe fires from Rome and 
 hell, which formerly confumed (in Proteftant countries) 
 fo many precious fervants of God. The late renowned 
 Oliver, con fe fled to me, in clofe difcourfe about the Pro- 
 teftants' affairs, &c, that he yet feared great perfecutions 
 to the Proteftants from the Romanifts, before the downfall 
 
308 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 of the Papacy. The hiftories of our fathers before us, tell 
 us what huge bowls of the blood of the faints that great 
 whore hath been drunk with, in (now) Proteftant domin- 
 ions. Sure her judgment will ring through the world, and 
 it is hoped it is not far from the door. Sir, you were, not 
 long fince, the fon of two noble fathers, Mr. John Win- 
 throp and Mr. H. Peters. It is laid they are both extin- 
 guifhed. Surely, I did ever, from my foul, honor and love 
 them even when their judgments led them to afflict me. 
 Yet the Father of Spirits fpares us breath, and I rejoice, Sir, 
 that your name (amongft the New England magiftrates 
 printed, to the Parliament and army, by H. Nort. Rous, 
 &c.,) is not blurred, but rather honored, foi your prudent 
 and moderate hand in the late Quakers' trials amongft us. 
 And it is faid, that in the late Parliament, yourfelf were 
 one of the three in nomination for General Governor over 
 New England, which however that delign ripened not, yet 
 your name keeps up a high efteem, &c. I have feen your 
 hand to a letter to this colony, as to your late purchafe of 
 fome land at Narraganfett. The fight of your hand hath 
 quieted fome jealoufies amongft us, that the Bay, by this 
 purchafe, defigned fome prejudice to the liberty of con- 
 fcience amongft us. We are in confultations how to an- 
 fwer that letter, and my endeavor fhall be, with God's help, 
 to welcome, with both our hands and arms, your intereft 
 in thefe parts, though we have no hope to enjoy your per- 
 fonal refidence amongft us. I rejoice to hear that you 
 gain, by new plantations, upon this wildernefs. I fear that 
 many precious fouls will be glad to hide their heads, fhort- 
 ly, in thefe parts. Your candle and mine draws towards 
 its end. The Lord gracioully help us to mine in light and 
 love univerfally, to all that fear his name, without that mo- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 309 
 
 nopoly of the affection to fuch of our own perfuafion only ; 
 for the common enemy, the Romim wolf, is very high in 
 refolution, and hope, and advantage to make a prey on all, 
 of all forts that defire to fear God. Divers of our neigh- 
 bors thankfully re-falute you We have buried, this winter, 
 Mr. Olney's ion, whom, formerly, you heard to be afflicted 
 with a lethargy. He lay two or three days wholly fenfe- 
 lefs, until his laft groans. My youngeft fon, Jofeph, was 
 troubled with a fpice of an epilepfy. We ufed fome reme- 
 dies, but it hath pleafed God, by his taking of tobacco, 
 perfectly, as we hope, to cure him. Good Mr. Parker, of 
 Bolton, palling from Prudence Iiland, at his coming on 
 more, on Seekonk land, trod awry upon a ftone or "flick, 
 and fell down, and broke the fmall bone of his leg. He 
 hath lain by of it all this winter, and the laff. week was 
 carried to Bolton in a horfe litter. Some fears there was 
 of a gangrene. But, Sir, I ufe too much boldneis and pro- 
 lixity. I mall now only fubfcribe myfelf 
 
 Your unworthy friend, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Sir, my loving refpe&s to Mr. Stone, Mr. Lord, Mr. Al- 
 len, Mr. Webfter, and other loving friends. 
 
310 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To my honored, kind friend, Mr. Winthrop, Governor of Con- 
 necticut , tbefe prefents. 
 
 Providence, 8, 7, 1660. [September 8th, 1660. ] l 
 
 Sir, — A fudden warning gives me but time of this ab- 
 rupt falutation to your kind felf and Mrs. Winthrop, wish- 
 ing you peace. I promifed to a neighbor, a former 
 fervant of your father's, (Jofhua Windfor,) to write a line, 
 on his behalf, and at his defire, unto you. His prayer to 
 you is, that when you travel toward Bofton, you would 
 pleafe to come by Providence, and fpare one hour to heal 
 an old fore, — a controverfy between him and moft of his 
 neighbors, in which, I am apt to think, he hath fuffered 
 fome wrong. He hath promifed to fubmit to your fen- 
 tence. His oppofite, one James Amton, being defired by 
 me to nominate alfo, he refolves alfo to fubmit to your fen- 
 tence, which will concern more will and ftomach than 
 damage; for the matter only concerns a few poles of 
 ground, wherein Jofhua have cried out of wrong thefe 
 many years I hope, Sir, the bleffed Lord will make you 
 a bleffed inftrument of chiding the winds and feas ; and I 
 (hall rejoice in your prefence amongft us. There are 
 greater ulcers in my thoughts at prefent, which, I fear, are 
 incurable, and that it hath pleafed the Moft Wife and Moft 
 High to pafs an irrevocable fentence of amputations and 
 cauterizations upon the poor Proteftant party. The clouds 
 gather mighty fa ft and thick upon our heads from all the 
 Popifh quarters. It hath pleafed the Lord to glad the Ro- 
 milh conclave with the departure of thofe two mighty 
 
 1 Knowles, Memoirs of Roger Williams, p. 312 ; 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll. vol. x. p. 39. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 3 1 1 
 
 bulwarks of the Proteftants, Oliver and Guftavus ; ! to unite, 
 (I think by this time) all the Catholic kings and princes, 
 for Portugal was like, very like, of late, to return to the 
 yoke of Spain, whofe treafure from the Indies it hath 
 pleafed God to fend home, fo wonderfully great and rich 
 this year, that I cannot but fear the Lord hath fome 
 mighty work to effect with it. We know the Catholic 
 King was in debt, but he now overflows with millions, 
 which God is moft like to expend againft the Proteftants 
 or the Turks, the two great enemies, (the fword-fiiri and 
 the thramer) againft the Popifh leviathan. The Prefby- 
 terian party in England and Scotland is yet very likely to 
 make fome ftruggle againft the Popifh invafions ; and yet 
 in the end I fear (as long I have feared, and long fince told 
 Oliver, to which he much inclined,) the bloody whore is 
 not yet drunk enough with the blood of the faints and 
 witneffes of Jefus. One cordial is, (amongft fo many the 
 merciful Lord hath provided) that that whore will fhortly 
 appear fo extremely loathfome, in her drunkennefs, beftiali- 
 ties, &c, that her bewitched paramours will tear her flefh, 
 and burn her with fire unquenchable. Here is a found 
 that Fairfax, 2 and about two hundred of the Houfe with 
 him, differ with the King. The merciful Lord fit us to 
 hear and feel more. It is a verv thick and dreadful mift 
 
 'Oliver Cromwell, who died in 1658; the latter. He fometimes differed from 
 and Guftavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, Cromwell and Parliament, yet adhered 
 the great champion of proteftanifm, who to their party and thus continued in em- 
 died many years before. ployment, though more than fufpefted of 
 
 2 Thomas, Lord Fairfax, was a dif- difaffeftion, till being ordered to march 
 
 tinguifhed commander and leading cha- againft the revolted Scotch Prefbyterians, 
 
 rafter in the civil wars of England, he pofitively declined the command and 
 
 When the difputes between Charles I. retired awhile from public life. — Biogra- 
 
 and the Parliament terminated in open pbia Britannica. 
 rupture, Fairfax efpoufed the caufe of 
 
3 1 2 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 and fwamp, with which the Lord hath a great while fuf- 
 fered us to labor in, as hoping to wade out, break through, 
 and efcape fhipwreck. In Richard Protector's Parliament, 
 they fell into three factions prefently : royalifts, proteclo- 
 rians, (which were raoft Prefbyterian, and earned it,) and 
 commonwealth's men. The Prefbyterians, when General 
 Monk 1 brought in the fecluded members, carried it again, 
 of late, clearly, and fo vigoroufly againft the Papifts, that 
 ftricter laws than ever. There muft furely, then, be great 
 flames, before the King can accomplish his engagements 
 to the Popifh party. 
 
 You know well, Sir, at fea, the firft entertainment of a 
 florin is with, down with top-fails. The Lord mercifully 
 help us to lower, and make us truly more and more low, 
 humble, contented, thankful for the leaft crumbs of mercy. 
 But the ftorm increafeth, and trying with our mainfails and 
 mizzens will not do. We muft, therefore, humbly beg 
 patience from the Father of Lights and God of all mer- 
 cies, to lay at Hull, in hope. It was a motto in one of the 
 late Parliaments : cornets under a mower of blood 'Tranf- 
 ibit.' 
 
 Sir, my neighbor, Mrs. Scott, 2 is come from England ; 
 and, what the whip at Bofton could not do, converfe with 
 friends in England, and their arguments, have, in a great 
 
 1 Gen. George Monk, Duke of Alhe- wife of Richard Scott, one of the ear- 
 mark, was diftinguifhed 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 Baptilts way about three 
 he was intimately connected with the or four months, in which time he broke 
 Prefbyterians. — Gorton, Biographical up the Society, and declared at large the 
 Diclionary. reafons for it." — Backus, Hijl. of the 
 
 1 Mrs. Scott. This was doubtlefs the Baptijis, vol. i. p. 108. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 3 T 3 
 
 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. 1 Our times will call upon us 
 for thorough difcuflions. 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- 
 lish. The Lord mercifully guide the councils of the com- 
 miffioners. Mr. Arnold, Mr. Brenton, and others, ftrug- 
 gle againft your intereft at Narraganfett ; 2 but I hope your 
 prefence might do much good amongft us in a few days. 
 Sir, I am, unworthy, yours, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 1 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 punifhment. Origen is called 
 the father of Biblical criticifm, and was 
 a voluminous writer. 
 
 2 Major Humphrey Atherton with 
 others of Maflachufetts, and John Win- 
 throp, of Conne&icut, had purchafed 
 lands in Narraganfett. At the May fef- 
 fion of the General Aflembly, 1660, it 
 was voted " that William Brenton, Bene- 
 dict Arnold, and others, are chofen a 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 October 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 affbciates to defire them to ap- 
 point Commiffioners to treat with the 
 aforelaid 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 " Bofton 
 Neck," in the Narraganfett country, are 
 fully defcribed in Potter's Narragan- 
 fett, p. 269. 
 
314 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 For bis much honored kind friend Mr. "John Wititbrop, at his 
 boufe, in Nameag, thefe. 
 
 27, 8, 60. (fo called.) [27th O&ober, 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 with thefe few lines. Two words I pray you 
 to confider. Firit, 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 understanding as to the 
 bounds of Providence and Pawtuxet ; and, although di- 
 vers have lands and meadows in porTeffion beyond thefe 
 bounds, yet I hope that none of you think me fo fenfelefs 
 as to put on any barbarian to moleft an Englishman, 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 afhftant to fatisfy 
 and pacify the natives round about us, fo I hope I thall 
 ftill while I live be helpful to any of you that may have 
 occafion to ufe me. 
 
 Now, as to fome 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 deiire that we be patient, and torment 
 not ourfelves and the natives, (Sachems and people,) put- 
 
 *R. I. Colonial Records, vol. i. p. 39 ; K;:owles, Memoirs Roger Williams, p. 404. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 315 
 
 ting them upon mifchievous remedies, with the great noife 
 of twenty miles new or old purchafe. 
 
 Let us confider, if Nifwofakit and Wayunckeke, and the 
 land thereabout, may not afford a new and comfortable 
 plantation, which we may go through with an effectual 
 endeavor for true public good. To this end, I pray you 
 confider, that the inhabitants of thefe parts, with moll of 
 the Cowefet and Nipmucks, have long fince forfaken the 
 Narraganfett Sachems and fubjecled themfelves to the 
 MalTachufetts. And yet they are free to fell their lands to 
 any whom the MalTachufetts mall not proteft againft. To 
 this end (obferving their often flights, and to ftop their 
 running to the MalTachufetts) I have parlied with them, 
 and find that about thirty pounds will caufe them to leave 
 thofe parts, and yield peaceable poffeffion. 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 millings 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 mall afterward be received into the pur- 
 chafe lay down thirty (hillings, 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 effecting of 
 this. I offer, gratis, my time and pains, in hope that fuch 
 as want may have a comfortable fupply amongfl 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 firfr. coming into theie 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 juriididtion, as alio 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 
 
 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 fubjecl:, and had 
 folemnly himfelf, in perfon, with ten men, fubjec~ted 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 Englim at Plymouth.3 
 
 1 Backus, Hiji. of the Baptifls, vol. i. people, the fpring after their firfl com- 
 
 p. 73. Backus fays " copied from the ing, and of the Narraganfett's threaten- 
 
 original in his own handwriting." ings on that account. — Prince's Cbro- 
 
 1 This fhows a great difference between nology, pp. 102-116. 
 the temper of Plymouth and Maffachu- This flatement, it will be perceived, 
 
 fetts rulers, and of which we fhall Tee was made twenty-five years after Wil« 
 
 more. — Backus, vol. i. p. 73. liams croffed the Seekonk river, and ef- 
 
 3This perfectly agrees with the ac- tablifhed 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 
 Oufamaquin, who, without any ftick, acknowledged it to 
 be true that he had fo fubje&ed 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 
 againft the Narraganfetts, but God, he laid, fubdued me by 
 a plague, which fwept away my people, and forced me to 
 yield. 
 
 4. This conviction and confeiTion of his, together with 
 gratuities to himfelf and brethren and followers, made him 
 often profefs, that he was pleafed that I mould 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- 
 ship 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 jurildiction, by virtue of 
 Oufamaquin's claims, I add unto the testimony abovefaid, 
 that the Governor, Mr. Bradford, and other of their mag- 
 istrates, 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 fubftance of many paiTages be- 
 tween our countrymen of Plymouth and Oufamaquin 
 and me. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
3 1 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 lit 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 earnestly pray the 
 town to lay to heart, as ever they look for a bleffing 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 diftrerTed fouls that may come after you. 
 What though your divifion or allotment be never fo fmall, 
 yet ourfelves know that fome men's diftreifes are fuch, that 
 a piece of a dry cruft and a dilh of cold water, is fweet, 
 which, if this town will give fincerely unto God, (fetting 
 afide fome little portions for other diftrefled fouls to get 
 bread on) you know who hath engaged His heavenly word 
 for your reward and recompenfe. 
 
 Yours, Roger Williams. 
 
 1 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 Hill 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 banifhed 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. (Co called.) [May 28, 1664.J 1 
 
 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 bov) fend him back for this hafty falutation to 
 your kind felf and your dear companion. 
 
 Sir, I waited for a gale to return you many cordial thanks 
 for your many cordial expreffions of ancient kindnefs to 
 my felf, and the public peace and wellfare : I have lince 
 been occasioned and drawn (being nominated in the Char- 
 ter to appear again upon the deck,) from my beloved pri- 
 vacy ; my humble defires 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 ac~t, I fear, far 
 unlike the firft Winthrops and their Models of Love : 2 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 mod public genius. 
 
 *4 Ma/s. Hijl. Coll. vol. vi. p. 295. a fermon written on board the "Arbel- 
 
 *This may be a reference to Gov. la." See 3 Mafs. Hijl. Coll., vol. vii., 
 Winthrop's Model of Chrillian Charity, p. 33. Eds. Winthrop Papers. 
 
320 Letters of Roger Willia??is. 
 
 Sir, thofe words in our Charter concerning the Narra- 
 ganfett (notwithstanding a late grant to the colony of Con- 
 necticut,) &c, are fo taking with my neighbors, that Refo- 
 lutions were up (this laft Court) of fetching uld Mr. 
 Smith prefently, becaufe of his new engagement to Con- 
 necticut : it pleafed God to help me to ftop 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, 1 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 reipect, and faithfulnefs. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Raptim. 
 
 On the outfide in Williams' handwriting. 
 
 Juft now I rind this bearer to be Miantonomo's fon. 
 
 Indorfed by Gov. Winthrop, of Connecticut, "Mr. Rog : Williams rec : Satur- 
 day Jun : 25, 1664." 
 
 'Maflachuietts 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, 
 rev were commiffioned to meet them at upon the charge of feeking to bring in a 
 Rehoboth, on the lail day of the month, foreign jurifdi&ion within the limits of 
 Roger Williams was one of the commit- the colony. Thefe bonds were after- 
 tee to prepare the inrtruftions for the wards releafed. A warrant for the fame 
 commiffioners. Richard Smith, jr., and offence was iflued 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 Majejlys 
 Honorable Commifioners for New Engla?id, 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 
 Maffachufetts 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 2 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 fir ft breaking of the ice in 
 amongft them) expecl 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 action of the General 
 
 and received again under protection as a Affembly of Rhode Ifland on the fub- 
 
 freeman of the colony. Richard Smith, jefl, fee the R. I. Co/. Records, vol. ii., 
 
 fen'r., was written to, to appear before pp. 44-49. 
 
 the court on a fimilar charge. He made l J. Carter Brown's Manufcripts,vo\. 
 
 no reply to the letter, but enclofed it to 1, No. 72. 
 
 Capt. Hutchinfon.defiring him to inform z Warwick Neck. Gorton and others 
 
 Connecticut of the affair, which he did. of the early fettlers called it " The 
 
 Arnold, HiJI. of Rhode IJland, vol. i., Neck." 
 
 p. 307. For the letters written on the 
 
 4 1 
 
3 22 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 me to do many times (with my great hazard and charge), 
 when all the colonies and the MalTachufetts, 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. 
 
 i. Firft then (although I know another claim laid to 
 this land yet,) Pumham being the ancient poiTefTor of this 
 Lordihip, I humbly query whether it will be jufh to difpof- 
 fefs him (not only without confent, which fear may extort, 
 but without fome fatisfying consideration.) 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. 1 
 
 2. Your Honor will never effecT: by force a fate and laft- 
 ing conclulion 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 Commiffioners of the United 
 Colonies vifited Pettaquamfcut and War- 
 wick for the purpofe of fettling the long 
 exiiting controverfies between the inhabi- 
 tants and the Indians. Pumham, the 
 fubjett of Maflachufetts, who Mill re- 
 fufed to leave Warwick Neck, although 
 the land had been fairly purchafed of 
 his fuperior Sachem many years before, 
 was ordered by the Commiffioners to 
 remove within a year to fome place to 
 be provided for him either in Maflachu- 
 fetts or by Pefficus. Warwick was to 
 pay him £'20. but when he had received 
 it, he refufed to fulfil his contradl or to 
 
 obev of the order of the Commiffioners, 
 relying ftill upon the protection of Maf- 
 lachufetts. 
 
 John Eliot, the Apoflle of the Indians, 
 wrote to Sir Robert Carr in behalf of 
 Pumham, who, he fays, had " fuffered 
 much hard and ill dealings from fome 
 Englilli," and begs him to " deal honor- 
 ably by them." The correipondence, 
 with other papers on this fubjeft, are 
 contained in the Rhode Ifland manu- 
 fcripts, copied from the originals in the 
 Britifh State Paper Office, in the collec- 
 tion of John Carter Brown, Efq., vol. i., 
 Nos. 64 to 73. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 323 
 
 3. The bufinefs as circumftantiated will not be effected 
 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 Englifh) opprefled 
 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 Maffachufetts, 
 and moft of the other colonies, that Mr. Gorton and his 
 friends had been long ere this destroyed. 
 
 7. They know that Ninigret and Pefficus are barbarians, 
 and if it come to blood, and that at the fir ft, the worft be 
 to the Englifh (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 fatisfaction." 
 
 Sir, I humbly crave your Honor's gracious pardon to 
 this great boldnefs. 
 
 Your moft obedient and bounden fervants, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To my much refpecled the Inhabitants of the Town of 
 
 Providence. 
 
 Providence, 10th 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 ftrangers of all forts, which hath 
 been mentioned ; will maintain it fo long that it pleafeth 
 God that I live in this town. 2 
 
 'Knowles, Memoirs of Roger Wil- houfe, which order was not accomplifhed. 
 
 Hams, p. 330. To this contemplated bridge, the letter 
 
 2 The Town of Providence, in June, doubtlefs refers. The late John How- 
 
 1662, had ordered a bridge to be built on land was of opinion that this bridge was 
 
 MofhafTuck river, by Thomas Olney's intended to be built fomewhere between 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 3 2 5 
 
 2. The town (hall be free from all toll, only I defire 
 one day's work of one man in a year from every family, 
 but from thofe that have teams, and have much ufe of the 
 bridge, one day's work or a man and team, and of thofe 
 that have lefs ufe, half a day. 
 
 3. I lhall join with any of the town, more or few, who 
 will venture their labor with me for the gaining of meadow. 
 
 4 I promife, if it pleafe God, that I gain meadow in 
 equal value to the town's yearly help, I fhall then releafe 
 that. 
 
 5. I defire if it pleafe God to be with me, to go through 
 fuch a charge and trouble as will be to bring this to a fet- 
 tled way, and then fuddenly to take me from hence, I de- 
 lire that before another, my wife and children, if they 
 defire it, may engage in my ftead to thefe conditions. 
 
 6. If the town pleafe to confent, I defire that one of 
 yourfelves be nominated, to join with the clerk to draw up 
 
 the writing. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 the prefent Great Bridge and Smith's 
 Bridge, for the purpole of getting accefs 
 to the natural meadows at the head of the 
 Cove. Mr. Howland, in a note to Mr. 
 Knowles, fays, " I have frequently been 
 told by Nathan Waterman, that teams 
 and men on horfeback ufed to crofs the 
 river (before his day) acrofs the clam- 
 
 bed, opnofite Angell's land, at low tide, 
 and land on the weftern fhore." The 
 Thomas Olney lot was where the old 
 Providence Hotel in North Main Street 
 lately ilood, and extended down to the 
 Cove. In front of this was a fhoal place, 
 called the clam-bed. — Knowles, Mem. 
 of Roger Williams, note p. 331. 
 
326 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To the General Court of the MaJJhchufetts Bay. 
 
 Providence, 7th of May, 1668. 1 
 
 I humbly offer to confederation my long and conftant 
 experience, lince it pleaied God to bring me unto thefe 
 parts, as to the Narraganfett and Nipmuck people. 
 
 Firft, that all the Nipmucks were, unqueftionably, fub- 
 ject to the Narraganfett Sachems, and, in a fpecial man- 
 ner to Mexham, the ion of Canonicus, and late hufband 
 to this old fquavv Sachem, now only furviving. I have 
 abundant and daily proof of it, as plain and clear as that 
 the inhabitants of Newbury or Ipfwich, &c, are fubjecl: 
 to the government of the Maifachufetts colony. 2 
 
 2. I was called by his Majefty's Commiffioners to teftify 
 in a like cafe between Philip and the Plymouth Indians, 
 on the one party, and the Narraganfetts on the other, and 
 it pleafed the committee to declare, that the King had not 
 given them any commiffion to alter the Indians' laws and 
 cuftoms, which they obferved amongft themfelves : mod: 
 of which, although they are, like themfelves barbarous, 
 yet in the cafe of their mournings, they are more humane, 
 and it feems to be more inhumane in thofe that profelfed 
 
 1 Potter's Hiji. of Narraganfett, p. 
 I 59 ; Knowles, Memoirs of Roger Wil- 
 liams, p; 331. 
 
 This letter is without any addrefs, but 
 in the opinion of Mr. Knowles, was 
 doubtlefs written to the government of 
 Maflachufetts. 
 
 2 " Maflachufetts, although her claims 
 had been fuperfeded by thofe of Con- 
 necticut, and her right to interfere, even 
 with the Indians had been denied by the 
 royal commiffioners, embraced an op- 
 portunity prel'ented by the Nipmucks, 
 
 who acknowledged her fupremacy, to im- 
 pofe terms on the Narraganfetts. The 
 Nipmucks petitioned for redrefs for 
 fpoliations committed by the Narragan- 
 fetts. The General Court took up the 
 matter, as of right, and fettled the dif- 
 ficulty. It was a meafure of peace and 
 therefore commendable, but it does not 
 admit of rigid fcrutiny into the claim of 
 jurifdiftion over the Nipmuck country 
 upon which the interview was bafed." — 
 Arnold, Hiji. of Rhode lfand, vol i., 
 P- 333- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 327 
 
 fubjeclion to this the very la ft year, underfome kind of 
 feigned protection of the Englifh, to be finging and danc- 
 ing, drinking, &c, while the reft were lamenting their 
 Sachems' deaths. 1 
 
 I abhor moft of their cuftoms ; I know they are bar- 
 barous. I refpect not one party more than the other, but 
 I delire to witnefs truth ; and as I defire to witnefs againft 
 oppreffion, fo, alfo, againft the flighting of civil, yea, of 
 barbarous order and government, as refpecling every fha- 
 dow of God's gracious appointments. 
 
 This I humbly offer as in the holy prefence of God. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 For John Whipple, jun. s tbefe. 
 
 Providence, 8th July, 1669. (fo called.) 1 
 
 Neighbor Whipple, — I kindly thank you, that you fo 
 far have regarded my lines as to return me your thoughts, 
 whether fweet or four I defire not to mind. I humbly 
 hope, that as you mall never find me felf-conceited nor 
 felf-feeking, fo, as to others, not pragmatical and a bufy- 
 body as you infinuate. My ftudy is to be fwift to hear, 
 and flow to fpeak, and I could tell you of five or fix 
 grounds (it may be more) why I give this my tefti- 
 mony againft this unrighteous and monftrous proceed- 
 ing of Chriftian brethren helping to haul one another 
 before the world, whofe fong was lately and loudly fung 
 in my ears, v'z. : the world would be quiet enough, were 
 
 1 Rhode IJland Literary Repojitcry, vol. i., pp. 638-640 ; Knowles, Memoirs of 
 Roger Williams, p. 332. 
 
328 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 it not for thofe holy brethren, their divifions and content- 
 ions. The laft night, Shadrach Manton told me that I 
 had fpoken bad words of Gregory Dexter, 1 (though Shad- 
 rach deals more ingenuoufly than yourfelf faying the fame 
 thing, for he tells me wherein,) viz. : that I faid he makes 
 a fool of his confcience. I told him I faid fo, and I think 
 to our neighbor Dexter himfelf; for I believe he might 
 as well be moderator or general deputy or general afliftant, 
 as go io far as he goes, in many particulars ; but what if I 
 or my confcience be a fool, yet it is commendable and ad- 
 mirable in him, that being a man of education, and of a 
 noble calling, and verfed in militaries, that his confcience 
 forced him to be fuch a child in his own houfe, when W. 
 Har. (trained for the rate (which I approve of) with fuch 
 imperious infulting over his confcience, which all con- 
 fcientious men will abhor to hear of. However, I com- 
 mend that man, whether Jew, or Turk, or Papift, or who- 
 ' ever, that fleers no otherwife than his confcience dares, till 
 his confcience tells him that God gives him a greater lati- 
 tude. For, neighbor, you mall find it rare to meet with 
 men of confcience, men that for fear and love of God dare 
 
 1 Gregory Dexter was one of the ear- 
 lieft fettlers of Providence. He received 
 one of the home lots in 1637, and figned 
 the firit compact in 1 640. Was fubfe- 
 quently one of the committee from 
 Providence to form a government. For 
 many years he was a commiflioner for that 
 town, and a deputy in the Affembly. 
 The reference, to Mr. Dexter's refuial 
 to pay his taxes, from confcientious fcru- 
 ples fhows that Mr. Williams accurately 
 difcriminated between the rights of con- 
 fcience, and aperverlion of thofe rights. 
 It is worthv of notice, too, that Mr. 
 
 Williams condemned the conduct of Mr. 
 Dexter, though an intimate friend ; and 
 approved, in part, at leait, that of Mr. 
 Harris, though a bitter holtility exifted 
 between them. 
 
 Mr. Dexter had been a printer and 
 flationer in London, and was the pub- 
 lisher of (Vidians' 1 Key into the \_Indian~\ 
 Language of America. London: 1643. 
 As he was in Providence feveral years 
 before, his printing bufinefs may have 
 been carried on after he left. Savage, 
 fays he died in 1700, at the age of nine- 
 ty. — Genealogical Dttl. vol. ii. 
 
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 difpleafe God by omitting either 
 fervice or fuffering, though of reproach, imprifonment, 
 banimment and death, becauie of the fear and love of God. 
 
 If W. Wickenden 1 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 accommodations as any Eng- 
 lish in New England had. This the Sachems always 
 promifed me, and they had caufe, for I was as a right hand 
 unto them, to my great coft and travail. Hence I was 
 fure of the Tocekeunquinit meadows, and what could with 
 any mow of reafon have been deiired ; 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 ftone 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 io ihort (as to Mafhapaug and Pawtucket, and at that 
 
 1 William Wickenden, removed to the Baptift Church. — He died February, 
 
 Providence from Salem, previous to Au- 23, 1670. — Staples' note to Gortod's 
 
 guft 20, 1637, and was a colleague with Si?nplicity , s Defence, p. 109. 
 Chad Brown in the paltoral charge of 
 
 42 
 
33° 
 
 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. 1 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 fatisfaclion to any native who mould 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, fa&ions and divilions, 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 an aflbciate of Ro- 
 ger Williams, and one of the founders of 
 Providence, having come from Maffa- 
 chufetts in 1636. His name is among 
 thofe who received a "home lot," and 
 one of the four chofen in 1640 to pre- 
 pare a form of government. — Cot. Re- 
 ords, vol. i. pp 14 and 27. 
 
 He was pallor of the Baptiil Church 
 in 1642. He had children, John, who 
 married a Holmes, daughter of the Rev. 
 
 Obadiah Holmes; Daniel, who married 
 a Herenden ; James, Jeremiah, and Ju- 
 dah. The lall two removed to Rhode 
 Ifland. — Staples' note to Gorton's Sim- 
 plicity's Defence, p. 108. 
 
 The defendants of Chad Brown have 
 ever been among the moll enterprifing 
 and public lpirited men of the State. 
 They are equally dillinguifhed for their 
 liberal benefactions to the literary and 
 charitable inilitutions 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 bafins. David had one, Pilate another. 
 David warned 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 moil 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 mail be the con- 
 tinual clamor or cry of 
 
 Your unworthy friend and neighbor, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To my honored friend, Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of Con- 
 necticut, &c, thefe, at Bojlon or elfewbere. Leave this at 
 Major Leverett's. 
 
 Providence, Auguft 19th, 1669. (fo called.) 1 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpecls 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 iaveth man and bean 1 .) 
 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- 
 ftone, and to falute you with this enclofed. He is an in- 
 telligent man, a matter 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 
 honeit and cheap confederations ; 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 1 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 twenty-eight horfe (and more men) to 
 
 'Richard Smith's name iirfl appears deeded the "Northern tradV' 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 Wickford. Both 
 
 vious to 1639. — R' !• C°I' 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 Connecticut were ter, that they dealt largely in fpirituous 
 
 among thole to whom Coganiquant, liquors. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 333 
 
 fetch in the Sachem. The Indians with a fhout 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, iince 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, contempt a vitior 
 alga. R. W. 
 
 Providence, June 22, 1670, {ut vu/go.) 1 
 
 Major Mason, — My honored, dear and ancient friend, 
 my due refpects and earneft defires to God, for your eter- 
 nal peace, &c. 
 
 I crave your leave and patience to prefent you with fome 
 few considerations, occasioned by the late tranfactions be- 
 tween your colony and ours. The lair, 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 arretted 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- 
 
 l Nezv England's Memorial; or a Brief 2 Mafs. Hift. Coll., vol. i. p. 275; 
 Relation of the moft Memorable and Re- Knowles, Memoirs of Roger Williams, 
 markahle pafages in the Providence of God p. 393. 
 manifeded 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. 1 
 
 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 bufinefs, both to you and us. 
 The Lord is righteous in all our afflictions, that is a max- 
 im ; the Lord is gracious to all oppreifed, that is another ; 
 he is moft gracious to the foul that cries and waits on him ; 
 that is tilver, 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 funk 
 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 fteady and a Chriftian hand, to hold 
 the balance and to weigh thefe few confiderations, in much 
 love and due refpect prefented : 
 
 1 The queflion of jurifdicYion in the 
 fouthweftern part of the colony led to 
 the appointment of a committee by 
 Connecticut, in May of this year, to 
 confer with the authorities of Rhode If- 
 land, and if the latter refufed to treat, 
 they were authorized to reduce the peo- 
 ple of Weilerly and Narraganfett to 
 fubmiffion. A fpecial feffion of the Af- 
 fembly of Rhode Ifland was called, and 
 a committee appointed to confider the 
 iubject. The two committees met at 
 New London, but failed to agree upon 
 terms of lettlement. The Connecticut 
 men, the following day, formally pro- 
 claimed the authority of their govern- 
 ment over Weilerly, and fent officers 
 warning the inhabitants ealt of Pawca- 
 tuck river to appear at Stonington. The 
 
 officers were arretted and fent to New- 
 port jail. To add to the troubles, Har- 
 vard College fet up a claim to land in 
 Weilerly. Arrelts were made on both 
 fides, and another fpecial feffion of the 
 Alfembly took place in June, when agents 
 were appointed to proceed to England, 
 there to defend the charter againll the 
 invafions of Connecticut. It was at this 
 juncture that Mr. Williams wrote this 
 letter to Major Mafon, who enclofed it 
 to the Connecticut Commiffioners. Mr. 
 Arnold in his Hijiory of Rhode I/land, 
 gives a lucid account of the controverfy 
 in queftion ; vol. i. pp. 341-348 ; while 
 the documentary hiilory of it may be 
 found at length in the R. I. Colonial Re- 
 cords, vol. ii. pp. 309-328. 
 
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 pair,) 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 fteered 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. Winilow, then Governor of Plymouth, 
 profefling his own and others love and refpect 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 mould be loving neighbors toge- 
 ther. Thefe were the joint underftandings of thefe two 
 eminently wife and Chriftian 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 refpect, and 
 many other Providences of the Moft Holy and Only Wife, 
 I called Providence. 1 
 
 1 Finding himfelf upon lands claimed John Smith, miller ; Jofhua Verin, Tho- 
 
 by Maflachufetts and Plymouth, Wil- mas Angell and Francis Wickes. (Mo/es 
 
 liams embarked from Seekonk in a canoe, Brown in R. 1. Regifter for 1828.) 
 
 with five others, viz.: William Harris; They are believed to have crofted See- 
 
33 6 
 
 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, 1 and others of his godly council, anfwered, that 
 if, after due examination, it mould 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 Maifachufetts, and I had 
 quietly and patiently departed from them, at their motion 
 to the place where now I was, I mould not be molefted 
 and tolfed 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 tolled, for one fourteen 
 weeks, in a bitter winter feafon, 2 not knowing what bread 
 or bed did mean, befide the yearly lofs of no fmall matter 
 in my trading with Englim and natives, being debarred 
 from Bofton, the chief mart and port of New England. 
 
 Iconic river near where Central Bridge 
 now croffes. As they approached the 
 oppofite fhore, they were accoiled by 
 the Indians, with the friendly interroga- 
 tion of " Whatcheer " a common Eng- 
 lifh phrafe, which they had learned from 
 the colonifls, equivalent to " How do 
 you do." (Knowi.es, p. 102.) Others 
 lay this word meant " iVelcome" They 
 probably landed on the rock which here 
 juts out into the river, and remained for 
 a fhort time. They then paffed round 
 India Point and Fox Point, and pro- 
 ceeded up the river to a fpot near the 
 entrance of the Mofhafluck river, where 
 the party landed. Tradition, fays, the 
 landing place was near the fpring in the 
 rear of the refidence of the late Gov. 
 Philip Allen. 
 
 1 William Bradford was the fecond 
 Governor of Plymouth, John Carver, 
 being the firil. He was one of the "May- 
 flower" Pilgrims. Was defied Gover- 
 nor in 1621, and annually re-elefted un- 
 til his death in 1657, excepting five 
 years, when he declined the offer. He 
 wrote a hiftory of Plymouth Colony 
 from 1620 to 1647, which, after remain- 
 ing in manufcript for more than two hun- 
 dred years, was printed by the Maffa- 
 chufetts Hillorical Society, with notes 
 by Charles Deane, in 1856. 
 
 2 "Mr. Roger Williams," fays Gov. 
 Bradford, "(a man godly and zealous, 
 having many precious parts, but very un- 
 fettled in judgment) came over firft to 
 the Maffachul'etts, but upon fome difcon- 
 tent left that place, and came hither, 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 m 
 
 God knows that many thoufand pounds cannot repay the 
 very temporary lories I have fuftained. It lies upon the 
 Marlachufetts 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 bl els God 
 . . . He this year began to fall into ftrange 
 opinions, and from opinions to pradtife, 
 which caufed fome controverfy between 
 the church and him, and in the end to 
 fome dii'content on his part, by occafion 
 whereof he left them fomething abrupt- 
 ly. Yet afterwards fued for his dilfnif- 
 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 
 (hall not need to name particulars, they 
 are too well known to all. . . . But he is 
 to be pitied, and prayed for, and fo I 
 fhall leave the matter, and defire the 
 Lord to fhew him his errors, and reduce 
 him in the wav 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 fhow him mercy." — 
 Hijl. of Plymouth Plantation, p. 310. 
 
 In connexion with this lubjeft, and 
 the remarks of Gov. Bradford, we quote 
 an extradl from a letter of Sir William 
 Martin to Gov. Winthrop, of Maifachu- 
 fetts, enquiring about the ftate of the 
 colony : 
 
 43 
 
 ..." I am forry to hear of Mr. Wil- 
 liams's feparation 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 effectually 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 fhow 
 him what lawful favor you can, which 
 may ftand with the common good. He 
 is paffionate and precipitate, which mav 
 traniport 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 affliction." — Hutcbinfon 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 1 6th of the 4th month, i. e. 
 June [1636.3 
 
338 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 banifhment, the 
 Lord drew the bow of the Pequod war againft the coun- 
 try, in which, Sir, the Lord made yourfelf, with others, a 
 blerled inftrument of peace to all New England, I had my 
 mare of fervice to the whole land in that Pequod bufinefs, 
 inferior to very few that acted, for, 1 
 
 1. Upon letters received from the Governor and Coun- 
 cil at Bofton, requeuing 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 Englith, (excufing the not fending of company and 
 fupplies, by the hafte uf 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 ambaifadors, whofe hands 
 and arms, methought, wreaked with the blood of my 
 countrymen, murdered and malfacred 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 wondroully preferved me, and helped me 
 to break to pieces the Pequods' negotiation and defign, and 
 to make, and promote and finim, by many travels and 
 charges, the Englim league with the Narraganfetts and Mo- 
 
 1 Gov. Bradford acknowledges the in pacifying the Pequots at this time. — 
 great fervice rendered by Mr. Williams Hijlory of Plymouth, p. 364. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 339 
 
 hegans againft the Pequods, and that the Englifh forces 
 marched up to the Narraganfett country againft the Pe- 
 quods, I gladly entertained, at my houfe in Providence, the 
 General Stoughton 1 and his officers and ufed my utmoft 
 care that all his officers and ibldiers fhould 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 mould keep at Providence, as an 
 agent between the Bay and the army, I returned, and was 
 interpreter and intelligencer, constantly 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 (hall 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 banifhment, but 
 alio 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 mow that I am not a ftranger to the Pe- 
 
 ■ Ifrad Stoughton, of Dorchefter, Mafs., the government of New Hampfhire. 
 
 commanded the Maflachufetts 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. Diftionary. 
 
340 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 quod wars and lands, and pofTibly not far from the merit 
 of a foot of land in either country, which I have not. 
 
 5. Considering (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 tranfa&ions) did honeftly and confcien- 
 tiouily, as in the holy prefence of God, draw up from 
 Pawcatuck river, which I then believed, and ftill do, is 
 free from all Englim 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 iides, yet, upon the 
 breaking out of the war, they relinquimed their land to 
 the polfeffion of their enemies, the Narraganfetts and Ni- 
 antics, and their land never came into the condition of the 
 lands on the other iide, which the Englim, by conqueft, 
 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, inorfenfive- 
 ly, draw our poor and inconfiderable line. 
 
 It is true, when at Portfmouth, on Rhode Ifland, fome 
 of ours, in a General Atiemblv, motioned their planting on 
 this fide Pawcatuck. I, hearing that fome of the Maifa- 
 
Letters of Rog?*- Williams. 341 
 
 chufetts reckoned this land theirs, by conqueft, ditTuaded 
 from the motion, until the matter mould be amicably de- 
 bated and compofed ; for though I queftioned not our 
 right, &c, yet I feared it would be inexpedient and offen- 
 five, and procreative of thefe heats and fires, to the dif- 
 honoring of the King's Majefty, and the dishonoring and 
 blafpheming of God and of religion in the eyes of the 
 Englim and barbarians about us. 
 
 6. Some time after the Pequod war and our charter 
 from the Parliament, the goverment of MaiTachufetts 
 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 requeuing 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 firft mover of my coming into thefe parts, and to that 
 anfvver of mine I never received the leaft reply; only it 
 is certain, that, at Mr. Gorton's complaint againft the 
 MaiTachufetts, the Lord High Admiral, Prefident, faid, 
 openly, in a full meeting of the commiffioners, that he 
 knew no other charter for thefe parts than what Mr. Wil- 
 liams had obtained, and he was fure that charter, which 
 the MaiTachufetts Englishmen pretended, had never paiTed 
 the table. 
 
 7. Upon our humble addrefs, by our agent, Mr. Clarke, 
 to his Majeffy, and his gracious promife of renewing our 
 former charter, Mr. Winthrop, upon fome miftake, 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 commitlioners 
 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 commirlioners at Rhode liland, 
 (where, as a commiffioner for this colony, I trantadted 
 with them, as did alfo commirlioners 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 fight of God, you will find the bulinefs at 
 bottom to be, 
 
 Firft, a depraved appetite after the great vanities, dreams 
 and madows of this vanifhing life, great portions of land, 
 land in this wildernefs, as if men were in as great necemty 
 and danger for want of great portions of land, as poor, 
 hungry, thirfty feamen have, after a rick and ftormy, a 
 long and ftarving paffage. This is one of the gods of New 
 England, which the living and molt 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 iimilitude, but I fee need of anodynes, (as 
 phyficians fpeak,) and not of irritations. Only this I miift 
 crave leave to fay, that it looks like a prodigy or monfter, 
 that countrymen among lavages in a wildernefs ; that pro- 
 feflbrs of God and one Mediator, of an eternal life, and 
 that this is like a dream, Ihould not be content with 
 thofe vafl and large tracts 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 fhadows, 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 dimes 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 flapping, 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. 
 
 11. 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 iling away 
 right eyes, hands and feet, rather than to be call: 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 moll: 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 ot God 
 and the fon of God his fake. This is humanity, yea, this 
 is Chriftianity. The reft is but formality and picture, 
 courteous idolatry and Jewifh and Popifh blafphemy 
 againft the Chriftian religion, the Father of fpirits and 
 his Son, the Lord Jefus. Beiides, 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 diftrelfed fouls, fcattered, are Hying hither 
 from Old and New England, the Moil: High and Only Wife 
 hath, in his infinite wiidom, provided this country and 
 this corner as a (helter for the poor and perfecuted, accord- 
 ing to their feveral perfuaiions. And thus that heavenly 
 man, Mr. Llaynes, Governor of Connecticut, 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 am 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." 1 
 
 Thus, Sir, the King's Majefty, though his father's and 
 his own confcience favored Lord BiiTiops, 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 actings, how the Father of fpirits 
 hath mightily imprelTed 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 (hall 
 be molefted or queftioned for the matters of his confcience 
 to God, fo he be loyal and keep the civil peace. 2 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- 
 
 1 The Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hart- 
 ford, refpe&ing whom fee note on p. 84. 
 
 2 The paifage alluded to in the char- 
 ter reads as follows : " That no perfon 
 within the faid colony, fhall be anywife 
 molefted, punifhed or difquieted, or 
 called in queftion, for any differences in 
 opinion in matters of religion, who do 
 not a&ually 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 
 themielves 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 fubjects 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 abanimed 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- 
 bifhop 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 
 fuperftition 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, 1 
 &c, and vanished ; and that the day of worfhip was alter- 
 able at the churches' pleafure. Thus alfo all the Roman- 
 ics 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 worfhip, but 
 that it is at the churches' pleafure. 
 
 4. You know, that generally, all this whole colony ob- 
 ferve the fir ft 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. I 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 permiffion 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 difcuflion, if you think fit, one whole day 
 each month in fummer, at each place, by courfe, I am 
 
 1 " Let no man judge you in meat, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath 
 in drink, or in refpect of an holyday, or days" — Coloffians, ii. 16. 
 
348 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 ready, if the Lord permit, and, as I humbly hope, affift 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 Mifhquomacuck 
 and Narraganfett lands quietly yielded, you would flop at 
 Cowefet, &C 1 Oh, Sir, what do thefe thoughts preach, 
 but that private cabins rule all, whatever become of the 
 (hip 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 truff. 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 Casfar 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 adts of Parlia- 
 ment, nor matters of propriety and meum and tuum between 
 
 1 With Connecticut's claim to Cowe- Ifland, to maintain a feparate exillence. 
 
 fet, i. e. to Eail Greenwich Bay, and Maflachufetts alfo claimed a ftrip ot 
 
 Maflachufetts and Plymouth clamoring territory eaft of Pavvcatuck 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 Pequot territory. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 349 
 
 the King and his fubjeds, 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 diftincT: 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. 1 
 
 17. If any pleafe to fay, is there no medicine for this 
 malady ? Mull: the nakednefs of New England, like fome 
 notorious ftrumpet, be proftituted to the blafpheming eyes 
 of all nations ? Muft we be put to plead before his Ma- 
 jefty, 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 pofleflion and en- 
 joyment of their lands, which you all have fo dearly 
 
 1 This allufion is doubtlefs to the 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. 
 
3 50 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 bought and purchafed in this barbarous country, and fo 
 long poffefied amongft 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 Majefty, whofe gentle and ferene 
 foul muft needs be afflicted 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 humility, 
 or Chriftian prudence, or Chriftian love, or Chriftian felf- 
 denial, or Chriftian contention or patience. For I deiign 
 a civil, a humane and political medicine, which, if the 
 God of Heaven pleafe to blefs, you will find it effectual 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 fhould not like it, I can but 
 humbly mourn, and fay with the prophet, that which muft 
 perifh muft perifh. And as to myfelf, in endeavoring after 
 your temporal and fpiritual peace, I humbly delire to fay, 
 if I perifh, I perifh. It is but a fliadow vanifbed, a bub- 
 ble broke, a dream finished. 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, 1 Governor of Plymouth Colony, thefe prefent. 
 And by his honored hand this copy, fent to Connecticut, 
 whom it moft concerneth, I humbly prefent to the Gen- 
 eral Court of Plymouth, when next arTembled. 
 
 Roger Williams to 'John Cotton, of Fly month. 
 
 Providence, 25 March, 1671. (fo called.)? 
 
 Sir, — Loving refpects premifed. About three weeks 
 iince, I received yours, dated in December, and wonder 
 not that prejudice, intereft, and pafTion have lift up your 
 feet thus to trample on me as on fome Mahometan, Jew, or 
 Papifl: ; fome common thief or fwearer, drunkard or 
 adulterer; imputing to me the odious crimes of blafphe- 
 mies, reproaches, ilanders, idolatries; to be in the Devil's 
 kingdom ; a gracelefs man, Sec. ; and all this without any 
 Scripture, reafon, 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 mould 
 falfely fay or cruelly do againft me; and I have had long 
 
 1 Thomas Prince came to America in Rev. John Cotton with whom Roger 
 1 62 1 ; was eletted Governor of Ply- Williams had had a controverfy. He 
 mouth in 1644; was again eledled in was minifter at Plymouth, and was con- 
 different years until 1657, and was then netted with the printing of Eliot's In- 
 chofen without intermiffion until 1672. dian Bible, at Cambridge, in 1685, 
 He died in 1673, aged 73 y ears - — Blake, which he revifed and corrected. 
 
 Biog. Dicl. 3 Mafs. Hijh Soc. Proceedings, 1858, 
 
 2 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 falie 
 charges and cruelties againft 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 mowed 
 (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 magistrates, ministers, and members whom 
 I knew in Old England, and knew their holy affections, 
 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 flill 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 tit to be in the porTeffion 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 Romifti 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 prelTeth holinefs of 
 heart, holinefs of life, holinefs of worfhip, and pity to 
 poor iinners, 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) 1 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 diifentingconfciences to live amongft 
 them ; infomuch that that excellent fervant of God, Mr. 
 John Owen 2 (called Dr. Owen), told me before the Gene- 
 ral ^who fent for me about that very buiinefs), 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 Diffenters, his Majefty's royal father aifented to; 
 and how often hath the fon, our fovereign, declared him- 
 felf indulgent toward Diifenters, notwithstanding the cla- 
 mors and plottings of his felf-feeking bilhops ! And, Sir, 
 
 1 " The Bloody Tenent yet more Bloody ,■" 8vo. " His devotional and practical, and 
 by Mr. Cotton's endeavour towajbtt white expository 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- 
 
 2 Dr. Owen was the author of more tion of do&rine, acutenefs and informa- 
 than eighty publications, all theological, tion." Bickerstith, Chr. Student, 1844, 
 A collected edition of thefe was pub- p. 268. 
 
 lifhed 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 againft God or your 
 father in that book, you mall 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, — iinful, and failing in many things, as we 
 all do, faith the Holy Scripture. I prefume you know the 
 fcheme of Mr. Cotton's Contradictions (about Church-dif- 
 cipline), prefented to the world by Mr. Daniel Caw- 
 drey, 1 a man of name and note. Alfo, Sir, take heed you 
 prefer not the earthen pot (though your excellent father) 
 before his moft high eternal Maker and Potter. Bleifed 
 that you were born and proceeded from him, if you honor 
 him more for his humility and holinefs than for outward 
 refpecl, which fome (and none mall 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, 2 
 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 
 
 1 Daniel Cawdry, a non-Conformift 
 divine, ejected from his living in North- 
 amptonshire. He was the author of feve- 
 ral theological treatifes. — Allibone, Dic- 
 tionary. 
 
 2 Daniel Gookins came to MaiTachu- 
 fetts in 1 62 1, of which colony he be- 
 came Major-General. He was Super- 
 
 intendent of the MafTachufetts Indians, 
 and flood forth as their friend and pro- 
 tector in all the wars and difficulties be- 
 tween them and the whites. He was 
 the author of the Hijlorical Colletlions of 
 the Indians of New England. He died 
 in 1687, aged 75. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 355 
 
 force no men's confcience. But, Sir, you have your liberty 
 to prove them abominable, falfe, and wicked, and to dif- 
 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 liner lieve, and painted with 
 liner colors. 
 
 You are pleafed to count me excommunicate ; and 
 therein you deal more cruelly with me than with all the 
 profane, and Protectants and Papifts too, with whom you 
 hold communion in the parilhes, to which (as you know) 
 all are forced by the bifhops. And yet you count me a 
 Have 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 you, but), I firft with- 
 drew communion from yourfelves for halting between 
 Chrift and Antichrift, — the parifli 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 Popith 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 diffracted 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 function 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. Moles for- 
 ty years, and the Lord Jefus thirty years, were not idle, 
 though little known what they did as to any miniftry ; and 
 
35 6 
 
 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- 
 tiouily and mournfully weighed and digged into the dif- 
 ferences of the Proteftants themfelves about the miniftry. 
 He knows what gains and preferments I have refufed in 
 universities, city, country, and court, in Old England, and 
 fomething in New England, &c, to keep my foul unde- 
 nted in this point, and not to act with a doubting con- 
 fcience, &c. God was pleafed to (how me much of this in 
 Old England ; and in New, being unanimouily chofen 
 teacher at Bofton (before your dear father came, divers 
 years), I confcientioufly refufed, and withdrew to Ply- 
 mouth, becaufe I durft 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 
 mo ft godly to communion without a covenant), and yet 
 communicating with the parimes in Old by their members 
 repairing on frequent occalions thither. 1 
 
 Sir, I heartily thank you for your conclulion, — 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- 
 ter fays, " It is hard to fuppofe that, 
 when Williams made this ftatement, (for- 
 ty years after this tranfadlion, and when 
 he was fixty-five years old,) his memory 
 was milled by his imagination. But on 
 the oppofie fuppofuion, it is very extra- 
 ordinary that the fadt is not mentioned 
 
 in any record of the time. The records 
 .of the Bollon church cannot be appealed 
 to in the cafe. The only entry they 
 contain previous to October, 1632, is 
 that of the covenant of church-mem- 
 bers." — Hijl. of New England, vol. i. p. 
 406, note. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 357 
 
 covenant, holy education, holy worfhip, holy church or 
 temple; of being adorned with deep understanding, mi- 
 raculous faith, angelical parts and utterance; the titles of 
 pallors or apoftles; yea, of being facrifices in the fire to 
 God. 
 
 Sir, I am unworthy (though defirous to be), 
 
 Your friend and fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Providence, y e 15th of the 5, [15 July,] 1672. 1 
 
 To George Fox or any other of my Countrymen at Newport, 
 who fay they are the Apojlles and MeJJengers of Chrijl 
 J ejus:— 
 
 In humble confidence of the help of the Moil High, I 
 offer to maintain in public, againft all comers, thefe four- 
 teen Propofitions following, to wit : the firfl feven 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. 
 
 1 Hift. Mag. New York, 1858, p. 56 ; 
 George Fox digged out of his Burrowes, 
 1676, p. 2. 
 
 The date of this letter is not given, 
 where it appears in Williams's book, 
 but is found in the original manufcript 
 preferved among the archives of Con- 
 necticut, from which it was printed in 
 the Hijhrical Magazine. 
 
 As the fubjeft matter of this letter and 
 the difcuffion that grew out of it forms 
 the principal fubjecl: of the celebrated 
 book of Williams' called ''George Fox 
 Digg'd out of bis Burrowes, 1 '' which was 
 reprinted by the Narraganl'ett Club, 
 (vol. v.) accompanied by an Introduc- 
 tion and Notes by Profeffor Diman, it 
 feems hardly neceffary to enlarge upon 
 
353 
 
 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 Propositions be not fin- 
 ished 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 Profeflor has fo well faid in 
 his introduction. 
 
 It appears that the letter, which was 
 enclofed to Deputy Governor Cranilon, 
 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- 
 ratteriilic of Fox " he adds " was more 
 marked than felf-confidence. At no time 
 did he ever fhrink 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 feft. No reafon can 
 be conceived why he fhould be unwilling 
 to meafure his llrength with Roger Wil- 
 liams, a man palled three fcore and ten, 
 and wielding at this time but little influ- 
 ence." — Introduction, p. xvi. 
 
 The departure of Fox did not inter- 
 fere with the propofed difcuflion. 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 Auguft, " and 
 God," he fays, " gracioufly afhited 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 diftinclive charadter- 
 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 f'pirit, and very able 
 fpeaker." But Edmundlbn feems to have 
 aroufed his fpecial diflike. While Stubbs 
 and Burnyeat were "■civil and ingenious," 
 Edmundfon " was nothing but a bundle 
 of Ignorance and Boifieroufnefs," etc. — 
 Prof. Diman, Introduction, p. xxx. 
 
 The debate which confumed three 
 days on the fir il 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 interefied in it who will not 
 undertake to wade through the live hun- 
 dred pages of Williams's book "George 
 Fox Digged out of bis Burrozves" will find 
 a clear and condenfed account of it in 
 Prof. Diman's Introduction to that work 
 in the fifth volume of the publications of 
 the Narraganl'ett Club. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 359 
 
 4. That either of us difputing, fliall have free uninter- 
 rupted liberty to fpeak (in Anfwers and Replies) as much 
 and as long as we pleafe, and thus give the oppolite the 
 fame liberty. 
 
 That the whole 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 Propositions 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 acted, is not the 
 Spirit of God. 
 
 4. That they do not own the Holy Scriptures. 
 
 5. Their principles and profeffions, are full of contra- 
 dictions and hypocrifies 
 
 6. That their religion is not only an herefy in the mat- 
 ters of worfhip, but alfo in the doctrines of Repentance, 
 Faith, &c. 
 
 7. Their Religion is but a confufed mixture of Popery, 
 Armineanifme, Socineanifme, Judaifme, &c. 
 
 8. The people called Quakers (in effect) hold no God, 
 no Chrift, no Spirit, no Angel, no Devil, no Refurrection, 
 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 
 exprelfed, 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 Williams. 
 
 11. The Quakers' Religion is more obftru&ive and de- 
 ftructive to the converfion and falvation of the fouls of 
 people, then moft 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 boafling and vapor. 
 
 14. That the fpirit of their Religion tends mainly, 
 
 1. To reduce perfons from civility to barbarilm. 
 
 2. To an arbitrary goverment, and the dictates and de- 
 crees of that fudden Spirit that acts them. 
 
 3. To a fudden cutting off of people, yea of Kings and 
 Princes oppoling them. 
 
 4. To as fiery perfecutions for matters of Religion and 
 Confcience, as hath been or can be pra6tifed 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, Jewiih and Quakers Politions, which 
 cannot here be mentioned, in the Difpute (if God pleafe) 
 they muff 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. 1 
 
 My Dear Friend, Samuel Hubbard, — To yourfelf 
 and aged companion, my loving refpects 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 kirling of his holy rod, and acknowledging 
 his juft and righteous, together with 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 own fouls and the fouls of the youth of the place, 
 and all of us. You are not unwilling, 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 weighed 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 were figures, types and 
 fhadows, 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, Hi/}, of the Baptifts, vol. i. to the Baptifl communion at Newport, 
 
 p. 51°- in 1648, where he lived to a great age. 
 
 Samuel Hubbard came to Salem in His only fon, Samuel, died late in 1671. 
 
 1633 ; removed to Springfield, and was Savage, Gen. Dicl. vol. ii. p. 485. As 
 
 one of the five founders of the Baptift it is to the 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 lays 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 Acts 20, 1 Cor. 16, Rev. i,in con- 
 fidence 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 mowed me to write a large narrative 
 of all thofe four days' agitation between the Quakers 1 
 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 weaknelfes, 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 lent me a meflage to the fame purpofe. 
 At prefent, I pray falute refpeclively, Mr. John Clarke and 
 his brothers, Mr. Torrey, 2 Mr. Edes, Edward Smith,* Wil- 
 liam Hifcox,* Stephen Mumford, and other friends, whofe 
 prefervation, of the iiland, and this country, I humbly beg 
 of the Father of Mercies, in whom I am yours unworthy, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 1 The difcuffion with the Quakers at 
 Newport : fee the two previous letters. 
 
 z Jofeph Torrey, admitted a freeman 
 of Newport, in 1653, was for many 
 years a prominent man in the colony. 
 He filled the offices of Deputy and Ai- 
 fiftant in the General Ailembly, General 
 Recorder, Solicitor General, etc. 
 
 ^Edward Smith, admitted a freeman of 
 Newport, in 1653, from which town he 
 was leveral times chofen an Affiilant and 
 Deputy. 
 
 ^William Hifcox, admitted a freeman 
 of New/port, in 1 67 1 : one of the Coun- 
 cil of Advice in the Indian war, 1676. — 
 R. I. CoL Records, vol. ii. p. 557. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 363 
 
 To my honored kind friend, Mr. fohn Winthrop, Governor of 
 his Majejly s Colony of Connecticut, prefent. 
 
 From Mr. Richard Smiths, June 13, 1675. 1 
 
 Sir, — Mr. Smith 2 being at Newport, I am occasioned to 
 prefent my old and conftant love and refpecls, 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 Wunnafhowatuckowogs, 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 rive miles from his houfe : I ihewed him 
 the letters : I ufed alfo your honored name, and the names 
 of your honored Affirmants, both concerning the killing of 
 the Englith cattle in thefe parts ; as alfo concerning their 
 carriage towards the Wunnafhowattuckoogs who are re- 
 fpecled by yourfelves. 
 
 Sir, Canonicus and other Sachems and his Council pro- 
 fefs they will be careful of the Englifh and their cattle 
 among them : alfo that they will (how refpecl to thofe 
 Showatuks for your fake, and in particular (which an- 
 fwers Mr. Fitch and Mr. Mafon's letters) Canonicus utter- 
 ly denies that Uncas ever folieited him to kill or molefl 
 thofe Showatuks. Withall he added two reafons. Firft, 
 that it is not credible that fince Uncas killed his brother 
 Miantunnomu, he (Canonicus) mould be folieited by Un- 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hiji. Coll. vol. vi. p. 297. where he eftablifhed himfelf in 1639 : 
 
 1 Smith's residence was at Wickford, fee note to letter on page 177. 
 
 ^Better known by the name of Pcjffacus. 
 
364 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 cas in fuch a buiinefs, or that he mould gratify Uncas de- 
 fires, &c. 2. Both himfelf, and Nananawtunu 1 (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 SoiTiman. 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 Connecticut 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 (laid he) my father Miantunno- 
 mu's fon, as Tatuphofuit is to Uncas : if there fhould par- 
 tiality be mowed to him, and that money fhould buy out 
 men's lives, or that one of his men fhould die for him, 
 then all we young Sachems fhall 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. 2 Taunton, 
 Swanfey, Rehoboth, and Providence flood upon ours, but 
 praifed be God, the ftorm is over, Philip is ftrongly fuf- 
 pe&ed, but the honored Court at Plymouth (as we hear) 
 not having evidence fufficient, let matters fleep, and the 
 country be in quiet, 6cc. 
 
 'Alias Canonchet, at this time the ac- He refufed to go there unlefs Mr. Wil- 
 
 knowledged Sachem of the Narragan- Hams 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 Mafia- denied any hofiile defign and promifed 
 
 ibit, 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 
 myfelf, when I pafs Elizabeth's Spring. 1 Here is the 
 fpring fay I (with a figh) but where is Elizabeth ? 2 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 Jignature 
 dejiroyed.] 
 
 Sir, about a fortnight fince your old acquaintance, Mr. 
 Blackftone,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 mould live, but he grew fainter, 
 and yielded up his breath without a groan. The Lord 
 make us wait (with Job) for that great change. 
 
 1 The fpring fo called from Gover- lowing year he fold this eilate and re- 
 nor Winthrop's lady, named Elizabeth, movtd to the banks of a beautiful river 
 drinking at it as fhe paffed to Bofton. — which now bears his name. The place 
 Note probably by John Winthrop, F. R. S. is known as Study Hill, in Cumberland, 
 
 2 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, " a 1 opinion " fays Savage (note 
 
 1 William Blackftone, an Epifcopal to Winthrop's Journal, i. 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 BlackJIone, which is undoubtedly 
 
 in 1630. At a Court held in April, correct. 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- 
 
3 66 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 To my much honored kind friend Mr. jfohn PVinthrop, Gover- 
 nor of Connecticut, prefent. 
 
 From Mr. Smith's at N^ahigonsik, June 25, 1675. 1 
 
 Sir, — This incloied of a former date comes to my hand 
 again at Mr. Smith's. Mr. Smith is now abfent at Long 
 Iiland. Mrs. Smith, though too much favoring the Fox- 
 ians (called Quakers) yet (lie is a notable fpirit for courtefy 
 toward Grangers, and prays me to prefent her great thanks 
 foi your conftant remembrance of her, and of late by 
 Capt. Atherton. 
 
 Sir, this morning are departed from this houfe Capt. 
 Hutchinfon 2 and two more of Bofton Com miffioners from 
 the Governor and Council of Bofton to the Narraganfett 
 and Coweiit 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 aftiftance, &c, in their negotia- 
 tions with the Narraganfett Indians. I, within an half 
 hour's warning) departed with them toward the Narragan- 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hill. Coll vol. vi. p. 299. 
 
 2 " The Mafiachufetts government fent 
 Capt. Hutchinfon as their commiffioner 
 to treat with the Narraganfetts. It was 
 thought convenient to do it fword in 
 hand, therefore all the forces marched 
 into the Narraganfett country. Con- 
 necticut afterwards fent two gentlemen 
 [Maj. Wait Winthrop and Richard 
 Smith] and on the 15th of July they 
 came to an agreement with the Narra- 
 ganfett Indians, who favcred Philip in 
 their hearts, and waited only a conveni- 
 ent opportunity to declare openly for 
 him, but whilR the army was in their 
 country were obliged to fubmit to the 
 
 terms impofed upon them." — Hutchin- 
 son, Hift. of Majjacbufetts Bay, vol. i. 
 p. 288. 
 
 This agreement which is given at 
 length by Hutchinfon, (pp. 289-291,) 
 bears the fignatures of fix Sachems of 
 the Narraganfetts. By it they were bound 
 to feize and deliver to the Englifh "any 
 of Philip's fubjecls, living or dead ; ufe 
 all afts of hoftility againfl Philip and 
 his fubjedts ; to fearch out and deliver 
 all goods ltolen or taken from the Eng- 
 lifh, at any time ; to ceafe from all 
 manner of thefts and to be ufed as a 
 guard about the Narraganfett country 
 for the fecurity of the Englifh." 
 
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 arTented to all 
 the Governor's defires, and fent poft to Maufup, (now 
 called Canonicus), to the Old Queen, 1 Ninicraft and Quaw- 
 nipund, to give us a meeting at Mr. Smith's. They being 
 uncivil and barbarous, and the Old Queen (efpecially timo- 
 rous, we condefcended to meet them all near the great 
 pond, at lean 1 ten miles from Mr. Smith's houfe. We laid 
 open the Governor's letter : and accordingly they profeifed 
 to hold no agreement with Philip, in this his rifing againft 
 the Englifh. They profeffed ^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 thofe of their people who had made mar- 
 riages with them, mould 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- 
 tectors, though it is believed that he was the author of 
 murdering John Softiman, 2 for revealing his plots to the 
 Governor of Plymouth, and for which three a&ors were 
 
 1 i^uiapen, afterwards called the Sunke given notice to the Englifb of a plot 
 
 Squaw, or Old Queen of the Narragan- which he had difcovered amongft Philip's 
 
 fetts. She was Ninigret's filter and had Indians againft the Englifh, was foon after 
 
 been the wife of Meika the Ion of Ca- murdered." "Three Indians, one a coun- 
 
 nonicus. She was taken prifoner by the fellor of Philip's, were convicted of the 
 
 Connecticut troops in July, 1676, and murder, at the Plymouth Court and exe- 
 
 put to death. — Potter's H'tji. of Narra- cuted." — Holmes' Annals, vol. i. p. 369 ; 
 
 ganfett, p. 172. Hubbard, Indian Wars, p. 14. 
 
 Z k« 
 
 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 Octo- 
 ber.) 
 
 2. They demanded of us why the Maflachufetts 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 fubjecl: to one King 
 Charles, and it was his pleafure, and our duty and engage- 
 ment, for one Englifh man to ftand to the death by each 
 other, in all parts of the world. 
 
 Sir, two particulars the Molt Holy and Only Wife made 
 ufe of to engage (I hope and fo do the Commiffioners) 
 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 
 \fc\ of account with them, which point while we were 
 difcourling of, and their inftance with me to write to the 
 Governor and Council of MafTachufetts about it (which I 
 have this morning done by their Commiffioners) in comes 
 (as from Heaven) your dear fon Major Winthrop 1 to our 
 affiftance, 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- 
 
 1 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 thai either it 
 was not {o f or if it were, it was according to your law of leav- 
 ing Indians to Indian juftice, which if neglected you would 
 then act, &c. In line, their earnert requeft was that either 
 Tatuphofuit might have impartial juftice, (for many rea- 
 fons, or elfe they might be permitted to right themfelves, 
 which the CommilTioners thought might be great prudence 
 (in this juncture of affairs) that thefe two nations, the 
 Narraganfetts and Mohegans might be taken off from 
 aififting Philip (which paffionately he endeavors), and the 
 Englifh may more fecurely and effectually profecute the 
 quenching of this Philippian fire in the beginning of it. 1 
 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 Maffachufetts and Rhode Iiland, 
 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 moll unworthy Servant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 1 Thefe were the firfl open hoftilities ly 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 haflened forward from 
 
 Englifh at Swanzey, by killing their cat- Bollon and Plymouth, joining forces at 
 
 tie and rifling their houfes." An Eng- Swanzey on the 28th. — Hubbard, Indian 
 
 liftiman fired at them when they inllant- Wars ; Holmes' Annals, vol. i. p. 368. 
 
 47 
 
3 70 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 Mrs. Smith earneftly 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 
 tranfacted 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 refpecls to your honored Council. 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 Roger IVillia?ns to John Winthrop, jr. 
 
 From Mr. Smith's, 27 June, 75, (fo called.) 1 
 
 Sir, — Since my laft (enclofed) the next day after the 
 departure of Capt. Hutchinfon and the meffengers 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 iince we heai that 
 the party departed from Warwick without blood fhedding : 
 however, it occasioned the Engliih here (and myfelf) to 
 fufpecl: that all the fine words from the Indian Sachems to 
 us were but words of policy, falfehood and treachery : es- 
 pecially fince now the Englifh teftify, that for divers 
 weeks (if not months) canoes palled to and again (day and 
 night between Philip and the Narraganfetts) 2 and the Nar- 
 raganfett Indians have committed many robberies on the 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hift. Coll. vol. vi. p. 302. Indians within the bounds of Rhode If- 
 
 2 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." — Hift. of the agreed that the Narraganfett tribe con- 
 Indian Wars, p. 1 26. This large num- filled of 2000 fighting men. — Hift. of 
 ber is fuppofed to have included all the Majfachujetts, vol. i. p. 458. 
 
"Letters of Roger Williams. 371 
 
 Englilh houfes. Alfo, it is thought that Philip durft not 
 have proceeded fo far, had he not been allured to have 
 been feconded and affifted by the Mohegans and Narra- 
 ganfetts. 
 
 Two days lince, the Governor and Council of Rhode 
 Iiland fent letters and melTengers to Maufup (Canonicus) 
 inviting him to come to them to Newport, and alluring 
 him of fafe conduct to come and depart in fafety. His 
 anfwer was, that he could not depart from his child which lay 
 lick: but (as he had allured the Bolton mellengers)fo he pro- 
 felfed to thefe from Newport, that his heart affected and for- 
 rowed for the Englilh, 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 Englilh at Narraganfett to ftand upon their 
 guard, to keep ftricl: watch, and, if they could, to fortify 
 one or more houfes ftrongly, which if they could not do, 
 then to fly. Yefterday, Mrs. Smith (after more, yea, molt 
 of the women and children gone) departed in a great 
 fhower, by land, for Newport, to take boat in a velTel four 
 miles from her houfe. Sir, juft now comes in Sam. Dier 
 in a catch from Newport, to fetch over Jireh Bull's wife 
 and children, and others of Puttaquomfcutt l He brings 
 word that lalt night Caleb Carr's boat (fent on purpofe to 
 Swanfey for tidings) brought word that Philip had killed 
 twelve Englilh at Swanfey, (the fame Canonicus told us,) 
 and that Philip fent three heads to them, but he advifed a 
 
 1 Jireh Bull had a " gar ri fon houfe " Wars, Bolton, 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 Englilh men and five vol. ii. The garrifon-houfe or fort was 
 
 women were killed. — Hubbard, Indian on Tower Hill, South Kingftown. 
 
37 2 Letters of Roger Williams, 
 
 refufal of them, which Tome lay was done, only the old 
 Queen rewarded the bringers for their travel. Caleb Carr 
 faith alfo, that one Englifh fentinel was mot 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 poll: 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 leaft not to put to death the three Indians upon one In- 
 dian's teftmony, a thing which Philip fears ; and thatyour- 
 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 
 requefh 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 Iilands. 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 election fure, and ferving God in ferv- 
 ing the public in our generation. 
 
 Your unworthy fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 373 
 
 To Governor Lever ett, at Bojlon. 
 
 Providence, ii, 8, 75, fo accounted. [October 11, 1675.]' 
 
 Sir, — Yours of the 7th I gladly and thankfully received, 
 and humbly defire to praife that Moft High and Holy 
 Hand, invilible and only wife, who carts you down, by fo 
 many public and perfonal trials, and lifts you up again with 
 any (lucida iniervalla) mitigations and refrefhments. Ab 
 inferno nulla redemptio : 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 buiinefs 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, deiired 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 iins, H. Vane 
 went prifoner to Carifbrook Caftle, in the Ille of Wight. 
 Oh, Sir, I humbly fubfcribe {ex ammo) to your mort 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- 
 
 l Plymoutb Records, vol. x. p. 453 ; Knowles, Life of Williams, p. 342. 
 
374 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 out daubing,) but rebus Jic ft antibus, as the wind blows, the 
 united colonies dare not permit, Candida et bonaftde y two 
 dangerous (fuppofed) enemies: i. diifenting and non-con- 
 forming worfhippers, and 2. liberty of free (really free) dil 
 putes, debates, writing, printing, &c. ; the Mod High hatl. 
 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 expreffly wrote to Melandthon, that Luther made 
 himfelf another Pope ; yet, which of us will not fay, Jere- 
 miah, thou lieft, 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 mown 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 
 refpecls, yet in this vou will acl: a pope, and grant me your 
 love, pardon and indulgence. 
 
 Sir, iince 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 1 to give you notice, that at his farm, 
 
 1 Arthur Fenner firft appears on the the inhabitants, and for many vears re- 
 roll of freemen of Providence, in 1655. prefented the town as a Commiflioner, 
 He was one of the moli prominent of Deputy or Affiilant in the AiTembly. He 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 375 
 
 in the woods, he had it from a native, that Philip's great de- 
 fign is among all other poffible advantages and treacheries) 
 to draw Capt. Mofely 1 and others, your forces, by train- 
 ing and drilling, and Teeming 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 wariscom- 
 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 
 by the General Aflembly appointed 
 "Commander of the King's garrifon at 
 Providence, and of all other private gar- 
 rifon or garrifons there, not eclipfing 
 Captain Williams's power in the exer- 
 cife of the Traine Band there." His 
 commiflion is printed at length in Colo- 
 nial Records, vol. ii. p. 547. 
 
 Mr. Williams alfo held a commiflion 
 as Captain, as appears by the Records, 
 (vol. ii. p. 548,1 notwithstanding his age. 
 It certainly difplayed great fpirit and 
 patriotifm for a man of feventy-feven 
 years to engage in a military campaign 
 againft the Indians. The following ap- 
 pears on the records of Providence : "I 
 pray the town, in the fenf'e of the bloody 
 practices of the natives, to give leave to 
 fo many as can agree with William Field, 
 to beilow fomc charge upon fortifying 
 
 his houfe, for fecurity to women and 
 children. Alfo to give me leave, and fo 
 many as fhall agree, to put up fome de- 
 fence on the hill, between the mill and 
 the highway, for the like fafety of the 
 women and children in that part of the 
 town." Various fums were fubfcribed 
 to defray the coll of this fortification, 
 the largest of which was £2.6., except 
 that of Mr. Williams which was £10. 
 The propofed fort was probably to be 
 placed at the head of what is now Con- 
 ilitution Hill. 
 
 1 Samuel Mofely, of Dorchefter, a cap- 
 tain in the war with Philip, fhowed gal- 
 lant lpirit and had great luccefs in de- 
 ftroying the Indians. He was, by fome, 
 thought to take too great delight in that 
 exercife. — Savage, Genealogical Dictiona- 
 ry vol. iii. p. 179. 
 
376 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 overfet, Cooflikowwawy, and catched at every part of the 
 country to Cave himfelf, but he mail never get aihore, &c. 
 He anfwered me in a confenting, considering kind of 
 way, Philip Coomkowwawy. I went with my great ca- 
 noe to help him over from Seekonk (for to Providence no 
 Indian comes) to Pawtuxet iide. 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 fhould 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 bufhel of apples to his men, and being therewith 
 (as hearts 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 worfr. 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 molt unworthy, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To Mrs. Leverett, and other honored and beloved 
 friends, humble refpecls, &c. 
 
 Sir, I hope your men fire all the woods before them, &c. 
 
 Sir, I pray not a line to me, except on necelfary bufineis; 
 only give me leave (as you do) to ufe my foolifh boldnefs 
 to vifit yourfelf, as I have occaiion. I would not add to 
 your troubles. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 377 
 
 For my honored kind friend Mr. "John Winthrop, Governor 
 of Connecticut Colony \ at Bojlon or elfewhere, prefent. 
 Leave this at my loving friends Dan : Smith, at Re ho both. 
 
 Providence, 18, io, 75, (et vulgo.) [December 1 8th, 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 Mod 
 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, 
 fetnper idem, fetnper pacificus, and I hope therein beatus. You 
 have always been noted for tendernefs toward 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 pofiible at prefent to keep 
 
 1 4 Mafs. Hijl. Col. vol. vi. p. 305. 
 48 
 
378 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 peace with thefe barbarous men of blood, who are as juftly 
 to be repelled and fubdued as wolves that affault the fheep. 
 It was ... in . . . eft . . . rium : l God hath helped 
 yourfelf and other \tor?i\ with wonderful felf-denial and 
 patience to keep off this neceffity. 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 deftruction. I fear 
 the event of the jufteft 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 Jubjeclis, though we debellare 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 Connecticut,) &c, is only through the in- 
 tercepting of the ports : for we have now no pafiing 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. 
 
 1 This fentence has been carefully erafed. 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 379 
 
 To the much honored Governor Leverett at Bojion, prefent. 
 
 Providence, 14 Jan. 1675, (f° called.) 1 
 
 Sir, — This night I was requeued by Capt. Fenner and 
 other officers of our town to take the examination and 
 confeffion of an Engliih man who hath been with the In- 
 dians before and fince the fight : his name is Jolhua Tift 2 
 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 ftand. 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 extract of the 
 pith and fubftance of all he anfwered to us. 
 
 He was afked 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 againlt them. He 
 
 2 "Jofhua Tifft, a renegade Englifhman was wounded in the knee, and taken 
 
 of Providence, that upon fome diicon- 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. 
 
3 8o 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 then carried him along with him, having given him his 
 life as his flave. 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, 1 
 
 1 " The great Narraganfett fight." 
 "On the 2d of November, 1675, tne 
 Commiffioners of the United Colonies 
 declared the Narraganfetts to be "deeply 
 acceflbry in the preient 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 railed. 
 Thofe of Maffachufetts coniilling of fix 
 companies of foot and a troop of horfe. 
 Connecticut fent 300 foldiers and 150 
 Mohegan and Pequod Indians. Gov. 
 Winilow of Plymouth, was commander- 
 in-chief. Rhode Ifland took no part in 
 the fight. 
 
 " On the 8th December, the Maffa- 
 chufetts forces marched from Bolton, 
 and were foon joined by thoi'e of Ply- 
 mouth. The troops from Connecticut 
 joined them on the 1 8th 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 ltrongly 
 
 within the fwamp. The Englifh 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 midfl of 
 the fwamp, and was compofed of palli- 
 fades, encompafled by a hedge. It had 
 but one practicable 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 alio killed. 
 When the troops had effected 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 matters 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 diftance, and the Eng- 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 381 
 
 he faid yes, and waited on his matter 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 
 mailer, and palfed 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 molt of the Narraganfetts : but 
 the Narraganfetts parlied with them in the beginning of 
 the fight, fo that they promifed to (hoot high, which they 
 did, and killed not one Narraganfett man, except againft 
 their wills. 
 
 He faid that when it was dufkilh, word was brought to 
 the Sachems that the Englifh 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 Englilh 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- 
 visions, and goods were burnt alio. 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 
 
 lifh retired to their quarters. Of the Eng- thoufand are fuppofed to have perifhed." 
 lifh there were killed and wounded about Holmes, Annals, vol. i. p. 575-376. 
 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. 
 
 furnifh 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 furnimed, 
 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 afked him how many 
 Indians were llain, and how the Sachems liked it. That 
 he deiired the Sachems would mow 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 mould not offer them anv affront, 
 while the Sachems were at the houfe with the General, 
 from whom they mould 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 bed: to ufe policy, and to fend word to 
 the General, that they would come to him three days 
 after; but Canonicus laid that he was old, and would not 
 lie to the Englifh 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 mould 
 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 Englifh. 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, amongft a great 
 manv rocks, by a fwampiide : 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 toward Pawtuxet. 
 
 Being afked what was the Englifh 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 
 Englifh 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 myfoolim 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 refpe&s prefented to fuch honored friends 
 to whom your wifdom may think fit to communicate, &c. 
 
 Sir, Jofhua 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 Englifh 
 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 fhall be thankful for a little paper upon the pub- 
 lic account, being now near deftitute. 
 
 Sir, I pray prefent my humble refpe&s 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 niuch honored the Governor Lever ett, at Bojlon, or the 
 Governor Winjlow, at Bofton, prefent. 
 
 Providence, i6, 8, 76, (/// vulgo.) [Oft. 16.] 1 
 
 Sir, — With my humble and loving refpe&s 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 filter; 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 fon, 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 
 fubjecl:, but he faid (as all of them do) he depoiited his 
 land. I know what bargains he made with the Brown's 
 
 3 Mafs. Hijl. Co/, vol. i. p. 70. 
 49 
 
3 86 
 
 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 and Willet's and Rhode Ifland and Providence men, and the 
 controverlies between the Narraganfetts and them, about 
 those lands. I know the talk abroad of the right of the 
 three united colonies (by conqueft) 1 to this land, and 
 the plea of Rhode-Illand by the charter and commif- 
 fioners. I humbly deiire that party may be brought in ; 
 the country improved (if God in mercy fo pleafe;) the 
 Englifh 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 Connecticut 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-eafl 
 of them, with more houfes than twenty, who, 'tis like, 
 correfpond to the eaftward. 
 
 1 Rhode Ifland took no part in the ex- 
 termination of the Narraganfetts. In a 
 letter to the King, Rhode Ifland fays : 
 " The war between King Philip and the 
 colony of New Plymouth was profecuted 
 by the United Colonies as they term them- 
 felves. . . . But this your majefly's colo- 
 ny, not being concerned in the war only 
 as neceflity required for the defence of 
 their lives and what they could of their 
 estates, and as countrymen, did, with our 
 boats and provifions, aflift and relieve 
 
 our neighbors, we being in no other 
 ways concerned." 
 
 After the extermination of this once 
 powerful tribe, the United Colonies 
 claimed the King's Province as a con- 
 quered territory, to which, Rhode Ifland 
 for this reafon, among others, had no ti- 
 tle. Connecticut magnanimoufly offered 
 peace upon a divifion of territory, lay- 
 ing that, " although our juit rights, both 
 by patent and conqueft extend much fur- 
 ther, yet our readinefs to amicable and 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 387 
 
 To the Court of Co?nmiJ]ioners of the United Colonies. 
 
 Providence, iS, 8, [Oft. 18,] 1677. ' 
 
 Honored Gentlemen, — My humble refpecls 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 aifemb- 
 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 afflicted this town and colony, mould now, with 
 his unfeafonable and unjuft clamor, afflict 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 
 mould be ungratefully and treacherouily filent at iuch 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, (that 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 Connecticut 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 Hates, that all here given was on one 
 
 yourfelves fhall fpeedily exprefs to us meet, and that there muft have been a 
 
 your defire and agreement to have it fo." fecond fheet that is loft. Some portions 
 
 R.I. Colonial Records, vol. ii. p. 584-585. of what remain have become illegible 
 
 j Knowles, Memoir of Roger Williams, where the paper is folded. It is wholly 
 
 p. 407 ; Potter's Narraganfett, p. 164. in the handwriting of Mr. Williams. 
 
3 88 
 
 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 whole moll high 
 and holy hands the hearts of all men are, to give me fuch 
 favor in their eyes, that afterward, at a great alfembly at 
 Warwick, where (that firebrand) Philip, his whole country, 
 was challenged by the Narraganlett Sachems, I was fent 
 for, and declared fuch tranlaclions between Old Canonicus 
 and Oufamaquin, that the commiffioners were fatisfied, 
 and confirmed unto the ungrateful monfter his country. 
 The Narraganfett Sachems (prompted by fome Englim) 
 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- 
 neiTes. 
 
 Among fo many palfages 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, Milhauntatuk men, and W. Harris, 
 agreed that arbitration fhould heal this old fore. 1 Arbi- 
 trators were chofen, and Mr. Thomas Willet 2 was chofen 
 
 '"In Ottober, 1677, the Commif- 
 fioners from the feveral colonies met at 
 Providence, to fettle the long conteiled 
 difputes between Mr. Harris and others 
 about lands. Mr. Harris laid before the 
 Court a long ftatement, in which he pre- 
 ferred heavy charges againll Mr. Wil- 
 liams, and the latter made counter ftate- 
 ments in a fimilar ityle. The refult of 
 the examination was favorable to the 
 claims of Mr. Harris and his friends, 
 who obtained five verdifts from a jury. 
 
 But the difputes were not fettled, till 
 more than thirty years afterwards." — 
 Knowles' Memoir, p. 348. 
 
 2 Thomas Willet, came to Plymouth 
 in 1632. Was an Afiiilant from 165 1 
 to 1654, and when the Englifh conquered 
 New York, he accompanied them and 
 was made Mayor. He returned not 
 long after and took up his refidenec in 
 Rehoboth and Swanzey, dying at the latter 
 place Auguft 4, 1674 — Savage, Gene- 
 alogical Dictionary, vol. iv. p. 557. 
 
Letter? of Roger Williams. 
 
 389 
 
 umpire. He, when they met, told them that the arbitra- 
 tors mould confider every plea with equity, and allot to 
 every one what the arbitrators' confciences told them was 
 right and equal. Mimauntatuk 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 obftruclion might 
 only be laid on W. Harris his moulders, concerning whom 
 a volume might be written, of his furious, covetous, and 
 contentious domineering over his poor neighbors. I have 
 prefented a character of him to his Majefty, (in defence of 
 myfelf againft 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. 1 I 
 humbly refer myfelf to my large teftimony, given in writ- 
 ing, at a Court of Trials on the Illand, 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, 2 father to our 
 
 1 Mr. Williams's book here referred 
 to " George Fox Digged out of bis Bur- 
 rozves" io abounds with abufe of Wm. 
 Harris, as well as of all o thers oppof ed to 
 him in this controverfy that we cannot 
 point out any particular paffage which 
 refers to his character. " Mr. Harris 
 foon after went to England, on this bufi- 
 nefs, but the velTel was captured by an 
 Algerine or Tunifian corfair, and he was 
 fold for a flave. His family in Rhode 
 Ifland redeemed him at the coil of about 
 Si 200, by the fale of a part of his prop- 
 erty. After travelling through Spain and 
 
 France, he arrived in London in 1680, 
 where he died the third day after. He 
 was an able, and we may hope, a good 
 man, notwithlbanding ibme infirmities. 
 His quarrels with Roger Williams were 
 very difcreditable to them both. On 
 which fide the moll blame lay, we can- 
 not now decide." — Knowles, Memoir of 
 Williams, p. 349, note ; Staples' Gor- 
 ton, p. 113, note. 
 
 2 Stukely Westcott, removed to 
 Providence, in April, 1638, and was the 
 firfl. named in Williams's firit deed. He 
 figned the compact 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 iimple 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 fhortened 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 
 la ft all the uplands, muft be drawn into this accidental 
 courtefy, and yet, upon no confederation given, nor the 
 Sachem's knowledge or hand, or witneffes, nor date, nor 
 for what term of time this kindnefs mould continue. 
 
 Second. In my teftimony, I have declared that Mianto- 
 nomo having fet fuch fhort 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 fatisfaclion 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 Commiifioner from churches ; for which the Church at Sa- 
 that town. Staples fays, " He held to lem pafled " 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 plicitfs Defence,^. 117. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 391 
 
 it confirmation, a confirmation of the title and grant of up 
 Jlr earns without I writs ; 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 Connecticut, by the King's grant 
 and charter, by the late wars, wherein they were honora- 
 bly aififtant. 
 
 Second. The colony of Plymouth, by virtue of Tacom- 
 maicon's furrender of his perfon and lands to their pro- 
 tection, and I have feen a letter from the prefent Governor 
 Winllow, to Mr. Richard Smith, about the matter. 
 
 Third. The colony of Rhode Ifiand 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 fucceffors, * * * 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 Jlreams without limits, 
 and confirmation from the other Sachems of the up 
 Jlreams, &c. 
 
 Eighth. Mifliuntatuk men claim hy purchafe from In- 
 dians by pofTelTion, 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, 1 of Newport, and others, 
 by Indian purchafe 
 
 [The next following No. is 13 ; there is no 12.] 
 
 Thirteenth. Randall, of Scituate, 2 and White, of Taun- 
 ton, and others, by purchafe from Indians. 
 
 Fourteenth. Edward 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 Jlreams 
 without limits, fo that he might antedate and prevent (as he 
 fpeaks) the blades of Warwick. 
 
 Sixteenth. The Town of Providence, by virtue of Ca- 
 nonicus' and Miantonomo's grant renewed to me again and 
 again, viz.: of as large a plantation and accommodation as 
 
 1 William Vaughan's name appears on river in Wclterly, 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 purchafers 2 The Scituate here mentioned, muft 
 
 from the Sachem Socho, of Mifquama- be in Maflachufetts, as there was no 
 cock, the neck of land eait of Pawcatuck town of that name in Rhode Ifland until 
 
 »73°- 
 
Letters of Roger Willia?ns. 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 Moll; 
 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 acquiefceand 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 
 commiffioners 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 
 
 5° 
 
394 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 thus affects New and Old England, viz. : that a vaft coun- 
 try Should be purchafed, and yet be but a poor courtefy 
 from one Sachem, who understood no fuch thing, nor they 
 that begged it of him, who had not, nor afked any con- 
 sideration for it, who was not defired to fet his hand to it, 
 nor did; nor are there the hands of witneSfes, but the par- 
 ties themfelves, nor no date, nor term of time, for the ufe 
 of feeding cows, up Streams without limits, and yet thefe 
 words, {up Jlr earns without limits) by a fudden and unwary 
 hand fo written, muft be the ground of W. Harris this 
 raifing a tire about thefe thirty years unquenchable. If his 
 MajeSty and Council knew how many of his good fub- 
 jecl:s are claimers and competitors to thefe lands and mea- 
 dows up the Streams of Pawtuxet and Pawtucket, through 
 only one comes thus clamoring to him, to cheat all the 
 reSt. If his MajeStv and Council knew this confirmation 
 W. Harris talks of, what a grand cheat it is, Stinking in the 
 noStrils of all Indians, who fubfcribed to and only con- 
 firmed only Such bounds as were formerly given us, and 
 W. Harris clamors that they confirmed Miantonomo's 
 grant of up Streams without limits, a thing which they 
 abhor to hear of, and (amongft others) was one great occa- 
 lion of their late great burning and Slaughtering of us." 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 395 
 
 lC To the much honored Mr. Thomas Hinckley 2 and the reft of 
 the much honored Commiffioners from the refpecfive colonies, 
 affembled at Providence \ OBober ^.tli, 1678. (ut vulgo.) 
 
 Much Honored Sirs : — Your vvifdoms know that this 
 town is liable to many payments: that moneys will be 
 drawn like blood from many amongft us: for Tome of us 
 have appeared legally in town meetings to anfwer the 
 charge and fummons and declaration of the plaintiff againfi: 
 the town of Providence. Others have not appeared at our 
 town meetings ; or, appearing have diifented from the 
 major vote, which hath always (in all thefe tranfaclions) 
 carried on matters in jufl order and quietnefs. The non- 
 appearers and diffenters will not pay, as being none of the 
 town in this cafe. 
 
 We had much heat in our laft town-meeting, I motioned 
 a lufpenfion of proceedings until the fitting of this high 
 court. Both parties yielded and propofed to fubmit to your 
 decilion, in active 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 mod 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. Hiji. Coll. vol. v. p. 21. Governor from 1681, (except during the 
 
 z Thomas Hinckley was the laft Gov- interruption of Andros,) till the union 
 
 ernor of Plymouth. He came to Scitu- with Maifachufetts colony in 1682. 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 pacifici 
 
 So prays your moft unworthy fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To the mojl honored Thomas Hinckley, CommiJJioner for the 
 
 Colonies. 
 
 Providence, July 4, 1679. (ut vu/go.) 1 
 
 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 character of a true fon of God, who attri- 
 bute to your deep diftrefTes, &c, to His all-wife and His 
 moft gracious hand eternal. Una eademque, martus, &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 
 
 J 4 Mats. hi/?. Coll. vol. v. p. 29. 
 
Letters of Roger IV i I Hams. 397 
 
 have, (as I believe) been the Eternal his poor witnefs 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 musi- 
 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 1 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 biuhop, got into a rlight 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 
 
 1 Nathaniel Morton emigrated to by his New England Memorial, firft pub- 
 America in 1623. Was derk of the lifhed in 1669, in 4to. Other editions 
 Judicial 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, 
 Ecclefiailical Hiftory of Plymouth, which and one by the Congregational Board in 
 has been preferved in Young's Chronicles 1855. 
 of the Pilgrims ; but he was better known 
 
398 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 denying of heaven and hell, made honefr. 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 amongfr. us); 
 then knowing the prejudices of the other Colonies againil 
 us, he dares to abufe his Majefty and Council, to bring 
 New England upon us ; and when your noble felf dif- 
 cerned and difowned his old and only monftrous fong, Hoc 
 ejl Corpus meum (up ftreams 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 
 questionable, is that, if he be not fatisfied with his poor 
 bone he hath fo long fancied, he will (lamp on yourfelf, 
 and his Majefty and Council too, and make Rome, if he 
 can (bloody Rome), his fancluary ; for he faith he can go 
 to Mafs : yea (flecJereJi 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 
 thirfting after my blood. I humbly pray the bleiTed Lord 
 to return him or rebuke him, and to deliver my foul and 
 yours from all our diftrelTes. So daily prays, Sir, 
 Your moft unworthy fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 My humble refpecls to your honored Governor, Major 
 Cudworth, &c. 
 
Letter? of Roger Williams. 399 
 
 Tejlimony of Roger Williams relative to the firji 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 Illand 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 poiTeffions in Glocefterihire, 
 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 rirft Englifh houfe 
 amongfr, them. 2. I humbly terrify, that about forty years 
 from this date, he kept porTeffion, coming and going him- 
 felf, children and fervants, and he had quiet porTeffion of his 
 houling, 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 porTeffion, (with much acceptance with Englifh and 
 pagans) of his father's houiing, lands and meadows, with 
 great improvement alfo by his great coft and induftry. 
 
 'Backus, Hijl. of the Baptijls in New England, vol. i. p. 421. 
 
4<dc Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 And in the late bloody Pagan war, I knowingly teftify and 
 declare, that it pleaie 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 Winilow, 1 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 eftablimed in a peaceful poileftion of his 
 father's and his own poifeffions 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, Bio- 
 Governor of Plymouth Colony, was graphical Dictionary. 
 
 alfo Governor from 1673 to 1680. 2 Knowles, Memoir of Roger Williams, 
 
 During Philip's war, being commander p. 350. 
 of the Plymouth forces, he mowed 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 mail 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 mall find caufe to fay, 
 the Moft High God of recompenfe, who was Abraham's 
 great reward, hath paid me. 
 
 Conjiderations prefented touching rates. 
 1. 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: 1st. That 
 there is a Deity ; 2d. That fome actions are nought ; 3d. 
 That the Deity will punifh ; 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 Englifhrnan 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 lure 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 fword y or where every man is a tyrant. 10. His 
 Majefty fends governors to Barbadoes, Virginia, &c, but to 
 us he mews greater favor in our charter, to choofe whom 
 we pleale. 11. 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; Connecticut 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 he hath a hand in making the rates by himfelf or his depu- 
 ties. 17. In our colony the General Aifembly, Governor, 
 magistrates, deputies, towns, town clerks, raters, conftables, 
 &c, have done their duties, the failing lies upon particu- 
 lar perfons. 1 18. It is but folly to reiift, (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 neceffity, to be unanimoully refolved to fee the 
 matter finifhed ; 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. 
 
 403 
 
 blazing herald from heaven 1 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 unworthy fervant, 
 
 Roger Williams. 
 
 To my much honored, kind friend \ the Governor Bradjlreet, 2 at 
 
 Bojlon, prefent. 
 
 Providence, 6 May, 1682, (#/ 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, mowing 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. 
 
 1 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 elected 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. 
 
 J 2 Mafs. Hitf. 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 
 ellate 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 conducting 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. 
 
 refreshed 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 1 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 dire&ed by the Father of our fpirits, to deiire 
 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, Connecticut, Plymouth, and our colony, that he 
 that hath a milling 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. 
 
 1 John Whipple was a Deputy from many times re-ele&ed. He was an in- 
 Providence to the General AfTembly as habitant of Dorcheller, 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 anv burthen. I write to my honored acquaintance at 
 Roxbury, Mr. Dudley 1 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 (tripped 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 Protectants, 
 fince 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 Maffa- 
 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 
 dictated 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 o Andros. Being fent to Eng- 
 land with Andros, Queen Anne received 
 him with favor, and made him Chief 
 Juflice 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 Maffachufettsas 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. — NewEng. Hijl. and 
 Gen. Regijler, vol. x. p. 337. 
 
 z 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 palled 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 refpedling the miniilry. That 
 zeal is displayed 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 poflefled 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. 
 
406 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 contrarily, their re- 
 leafe, London manifeftations of joy, and the King's call- 
 ing a Parliament. But all thefe are but fubluniaries, 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. 
 
 Tejlimony of Roger Williams relative to his firjl coming into 
 the Narraganfett country, dated 
 
 Narragansett, June 18, 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 
 
 2 Knowles, Memoir of Roger Williams, p. 411. 
 
Letters of Roger Williams. 407 
 
 youngeft brother's Ton, Miantonomo, (becaufe of youth,) 
 was his marfhal 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 Narraganfett mould 
 come, I heard that Narraganfett was fo named from a lit- 
 tle ifland between Puttiquomfcut and Mufquomacuk on 
 the fea and frefh water iide. I went on purpofe 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 Maifachu- 
 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- 
 iide, as appears by the great deftruction of wood all along 
 near the lea-fide and I defire posterity 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 (on. 
 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 friendship 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 effect whatfoever I 
 
40 8 Letters of Roger Williams. 
 
 defired of him ; and I never denied him or Miantonomo 
 whatever they defired of me 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. Blelfed 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, Affiftant. 
 
 February 1 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 
 
 Anabaptifts, perfecution of, at Lynn, 
 
 (/;.) 210 
 Andrews, Edward, of Warwick, 181 
 Angell, Thomas, - - (/?.) 335 
 
 Anquontis, .... 172 
 
 Antinomians, - - - - 91 
 
 Apponaug, .... 387 
 
 Aquawoce, - - - 179 
 
 Aquidneck, Aquetneck, Aquidnay, 70, 
 
 I04, 113, 121, I54 
 
 Aquedenefeck, Dutch Ifland, - 173 
 
 Archer, John, (and note,) - - 299 
 Arnold; Hift. ofR. I., references 
 
 to, 70,321, 326, 324 
 Arnold, Benedict, 155, 196, 197, 294, 
 {"-) 3 ! 3» (note on,) 196 
 Arnold, William, caufes trouble in 
 
 Providence, 124 
 " " Winthrop's notice 
 
 of, 1 24 
 " " makes overtures to 
 
 MafTachufetts, (n. ) 151 
 " " letter to the Gov- 
 
 ernor of MafTachu- 
 fetts, relative to 
 Williams's vifit to 
 England, - - 229 
 
 52 
 
 Arnold, William, references to, 155, 295, 
 
 302,389 
 
 Arnold, Mr. 
 Arnold, Stephen, 
 Arnold, Samuel G. 
 
 Hift. of R. I., 
 quoted, (#.) 
 
 187 
 295 
 
 18 
 401 
 
 275 
 310 
 
 Arnold, Thomas. 
 AfcafTafTotic, ... 
 Afhton, James, - 
 Afpinwall, William, (n.) 
 
 Aflbtemuit, 40 
 
 Atherton, Humphrey, note on, 155, ,160 
 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, 3°° 5 3°5> 312, 316, 399 
 
 Badger, William, ... 167 
 
 Baker, William, 66, (n.) 85, 86, 95, 98 
 
 Barnes, John, - - - - 171 
 
 Batter, Edmund, - - - 53 
 
 '« " came out with J. 
 
 Greene, (».) 53 
 Baulfton, William, ... 294 
 Bellingham, Mr. 16, 34, 55,48, 297 
 
4io 
 
 Index. 
 
 Beffe's Sufferings of the Quakers, 
 
 quoted, (/7.) 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 (n.) 298 and 
 
 note, 292 
 Blake's Biographical Dictionary, ref- 
 erences to, 53, 192, 285, 289, 
 351,400. 
 Blindman, Mr. - 212 
 
 Block Ifland, Indian fettlement on, 
 
 deftroyed, (#.) 4 
 " " prifoners taken at, - 37 
 
 " Governor Endecott's 
 
 expedition to, - (#.) 53 
 " '* references to, 123, 158, 
 
 186,3 
 
 " " Maffachufetts appoints 
 
 Commiffioners, relative 
 
 to, - - - - 320 
 
 Bloody Tenent, reference to, - 91 
 
 Bluefield, or Blauvelt, 186, 187 (».) 188, 
 
 196 
 Bofton 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 (».) 
 Bradfhaw, John, note on, - - 286 
 
 Bradftreet, Simon, 140 («.), 403 (n.) 
 " " 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 (w.) 
 
 Bridges, Robert, - 210 (#.) 
 
 Brown, Chad, paftor of Baptift Ch. 
 
 329> 33° (*•) 
 Brown, Mofes, - 335 (n.) 
 
 Brown, Mr. - 153, 192 
 
 Brown, John, - - 154 (#.), 391 
 
 Brown, John Carter, Extracts from 
 
 his manufcripts, - 321, 322 
 Bulkley, Rev. Peter, - - 50, 51 
 
 Bull, Jireh, - 371 
 
 Burnyeat, John, - 359 
 
 Burroughs, Jeremiah, - - 222 (;?.) 
 
 Caldwell, 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. 
 
 « (ketch of, - - - 68 
 
 " gives Prudence Ifland to 
 
 Mr. Oldham, - - 70 
 
 Carr, Sir Robert, letters to, 321, 371 
 Carpenter, Nathaniel, - - 192 (#.) 
 
 Carpenter's Geography, - - 192 
 Carpenter, Win,, makes overtures to 
 
 Maffachufetts, 151 (n.) 
 " " other references to, 
 
 295, 302 (».) 
 Carwithy, Mr., - - 212, 213 
 
 Cavaliers and Levellers, - - 287 
 Cavour, John, - 336 (#.) 
 
 Caucafenamont, - 174, 190 
 
 Cawcawmfquffick, - - 146 (#.) 
 
 Cawdrey, Daniel, - 354 
 
 Cawkin, Mr., - 205 
 
 Charles I., arreft and trial of, 161 (#) 
 " " condemnation and execu- 
 tion, - - 162 (#.) 
 " " references to, 287, 298 (z?.) 
 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 
 
 Church, Richard, - - 66 (n.) 
 
 Clarke, Captain, - - 173, 180 
 
 Clarke, John, of Newport, bio- 
 graphical flcetch of, 183 (#.) 
 Clarke, John, his " 111 News from 
 
 New England," 183 (//.) 
 " " ordered to be whipped 
 
 or fined at Lynn, - 210 
 " " difcuffion with Gov. 
 
 Endecott, - 210 (#.) 
 " " letter to Gov. Ende- 
 
 cott, relative to his 
 perfecution of Mr. 
 Clark, O. Holmes and 
 others, - - - 214 
 
 " " fen t to England to pro- 
 
 cure a repeal of Cod- 
 dington's commiffion, 
 
 230 (».), 256 (;/.) 
 
 " " other references to, 150, 
 
 183, 188, 189, 213, 220, 
 
 z 94 (»•)* 34^ 362. 
 Clarke, Dr. John, of Newbery, 189 (n.) 
 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 Demonllration 
 
 of True Love, - 105 
 " " adviied by Vane to 
 
 leave Boilon, - 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, - - - 13° 
 Cooke's Life of Marvel referred to, 251 
 Coofhkowwany, - 37^ 
 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, - - 35 1 
 
 Cowawefuck, a pine tree, - 21 (».) 
 Cowefet, Eaft Greenwich, 21, 22, 126, 
 
 348 
 Cowefet Indians, - 366 
 
 Coxall, (Coggefhall) Mr . 1 5, 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, 
 
 3i', 373- 
 
 Cromwell, Richard, - - - 312 
 
 Cudworth, Major, ... 398 
 
 Cuppunaugunnit, - - - 42 
 
 Cur low, Jacob, - - - 1 73 
 
 Cutfhamaquin, 37, 57, 102, 103, 115, 
 
 132 
 Cuttaquene, - - - 1 74, « 76 
 
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 (».) 
 Dell, Wm. his books burnt, - 286 
 
 " " note on - - - 286 
 Denifon, Major - - - 320 
 
 Dexter, Gregory, town clerk, - 268 
 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, 196, 204, 205 
 Drake's Biog. Dictionary, reference 
 
 to - 50, 61, 68, 70, 91, 339 
 
 " Book of the Indians, quoted, 302 
 
 Dudley, Gov of Maflachufetts, - 138, 
 
 140 (;z.),4C>5 (z?.) 
 
 Duniler, Henry, Preft. Harvard 
 
 College, note on - - 285 
 Dutch Governor, ... 14.5 
 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 (#.) 
 
 Ealton, Mr 
 " John 
 Eaton, Governor 
 Edes, Mr. 
 
 Edgar the Peaceable, - 
 Edmundfon, Wm., controverfy with 
 
 Williams - - 358 
 
 Eikon Bafilike, note on the author of 199 
 
 166, 283 
 
 294 (;/.) 
 
 128 (//.) 
 
 - 3 62 
 
 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, - - - 
 
 Endecott, Gov. John 36, 
 
 183 
 
 I74> 2 75> 
 
 299 (»•) 
 
 - 53 
 
 63 
 
 " note on - 
 Captain - 
 
 his controverfy with John 
 Clarke at Lynn, - 210 (».) 
 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, - 
 
 Fairfax, Thomas, Lord - 311 
 
 Familifm, reference to 
 
 Feake, Mr. .... 
 
 Fenner, Arthur - - 374, 379, 
 
 Fenwick, Colonel - 
 
 Field, William, referred to - 
 
 Field, William, his farm 
 
 Field, Mr. .... 
 
 Fifher's Ifland, - - - - 
 
 Fitch, Mr. .... 
 
 Foote, Mr. ... 284, 
 
 Foffiker, Jofeph - 
 
 Fowler, Mr. - 
 
 Fox, George, letter of Williams to, 
 inviting a dif'cuflion at New- 
 port, - _ - 
 
 Fox, 'George Fox digg'd out of his 
 burrowes,' note on 357, 
 
 164 
 
 (»•) 
 
 141 
 260 
 383 
 255 
 329 
 167 
 
 3H 
 
 l 9S 
 
 363 
 286 
 
 2l3 
 
 286 
 
 357 
 358 
 
Index. 
 
 4'3 
 
 Gallop, John - - - 32 
 
 " " note on - - 32 
 
 Gallop's Ifland, 33 
 
 Gammell, Wm.,Life of Williams 
 
 quoted - gi, 114, 166, 172, 232 
 Gardner, - 16 (».) 
 
 Gardiner, Lieft. Lyon, his "Relation 
 
 to the Pequot wars" - 32 
 
 Gardiner, Mr. - - - - 212 
 
 Garriard, John - 280, 281 
 
 Gauden, Dr., the author of*' Eikon 
 
 Bafilike," - - - 199 (n) 
 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. 
 " " Window's reference 
 
 to 141 
 
 " " his "Simplicities De- 
 
 fence," - - 142 
 
 " " propofal to United 
 
 Colonies, - 151 (».) 
 
 u " 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 (w.) 
 Greene, John - 52, 53, 54, 320 
 
 " " to appear before Quar- 
 
 ter Court of Mafs. 52 (#.) 
 " •' fined and committed 52 (w.) 
 
 •' " note on origin of 52 (#.) 
 
 • • " letter to the General 
 
 Court of Mafs. - 89 
 Greene, John, Jr. - - 294 (n.) 
 
 Guitavus Adolphus, of Sweden, - 311 
 
 Hall, Bifhop, and the " Eikon Bafil- 
 ike," .... 199 
 
 Hallam, H. on the authorfhip of 
 
 •• Eikon Bafilike," - 199 (».) 
 Harding, Mr. 39 
 
 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 
 
 175, 185 
 Harrifon, Maj. Gen. 260, 298 (».) 
 
 Hartford, propofed meeting at - 115 
 " covenant and agreement 
 made at, between the Eng- 
 lifh and Indians, 117 (#.), 134 
 Harvard College claims lands in 
 
 Wellerly, - - - 334 
 
 Hartley, William ... 220 
 
 Hathorne's cow, - - -126 
 
 Hawkins, James, - - 15, 81, 85, 127 
 " Thomas - - 15, 81, 85 
 Haynes, Gov. John 36, 95, 106, 110, 
 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, - 211, 230 
 Hazelrig, Sir Arthur 255, 287, 288, 
 
 290 (».) 
 Herenden, ... - 330 
 
 Hicks, John .... 320 
 Higheft white, 49 (».) 
 
 Hinckley, Thomas, Gov. of Ply- 
 month, letters to - 395, 396 
 Hii'cox, William - - - 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 
 
 53 
 
4H 
 
 Index. 
 
 Holfey, Sergeant ... 292 
 
 Holy way, Thomas - - - 21 
 Homan, Jofeph, of Bofton, - - 404 
 
 Hooker, Rev. Thos. 36 (#.), 95, 98, 
 84 (».), 86, 345 
 " " " " Ecclefiaftical 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, 37°, 379 
 
 Hubbard, Captain - 392 
 
 Hume, Hill, of England, refer'd to, 164 
 
 Hutchinfon, Mrs. notice of - 91 (/?.) 
 
 " " references to 90,91, 
 
 2 54 
 
 *• Capt. - - 321, 366 
 
 Hutchinfon Papers quoted, 230, 293, 299, 
 
 3°4> 337 
 Hutchinion's Maffachufetts, quoted, 366 
 
 Indian murdered by four white men 
 
 near Pawtucket, - 11 1 to 114 
 " murdered, note from Win- 
 
 throp, relative to - - 114 
 
 " murderers tried at Plymouth 
 
 and found guilty, - - 116 
 
 " murderers, Williams attends 
 
 trial of - - - - 1 20 
 
 Inman, Edward - 392 
 
 Iron Works at Providence, - 284, 286 
 
 Jackfon, John, note on 
 Jacquontu, - 
 James, Mr. 
 James, Thomas - 
 Jiglies, 
 
 - 33 
 
 - - 78 
 
 - 23, 112 
 80 and note. 
 
 33> 35 (*•) 
 
 Jolly, Jollies, Mr. - - 69,100 
 
 Jones, John - 16c 
 
 Juanemo, alias Ninigret, 45, 46, 48, 78, 
 110, in, 115 
 Juanemo, note on - - - 44 
 
 Kaufafenamon, - - - - 194 
 
 Kieft, Gov. Peter, of New Amfler- 
 
 dam - - - 162 (/?.) 
 
 Kifhkontuckqua, - 103 
 
 Kithanfh, - - - - - 122 
 
 Kittateafh, Uncas' fon - - - 291 
 
 Knowles' Mem. of R. Williams, 
 
 Letters from 101, 1 10, 1 20, 1 53, 
 
 155, 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 
 
 Kokfkehom, an owl, - - - 18 
 
 Kutfhamoquin, - - 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'Eurange, Hamon, note on - - 286 
 
 Lettice, Walter - - - - 169 
 
 Leverett, Captain - 289 
 
 Leverett, Gov. John, note on 289, 373, 
 
 3 8 5> 379 
 Loes, Anthony - 372 
 
 Lord, Mr. ----- 309 
 
 Lucar, Mr. - - - - 188 
 
 Ludlow, George 49 (//.), 59, 60, 65, 
 
 127, 131 
 Ludlow, Roger, Dep. Gov. of Mafs. 
 
 36 (».),49 (».), 117 
 Ludlow, Mr. - 85, 126 
 
 Lynn, perfecution of John Clarke 
 
 and others at - 210 (/?,) 
 
Index. 
 
 415 
 
 Mackintosh, Sir J. on the Eikon 
 
 Bafilike, - 199 (//.) 
 
 Mackintofh, Sir J. his note on H. 
 
 Vane, - 298 
 
 Makunnete, - - - - 103 
 
 Man, William ... 208 (n.) 
 Mangunckacuck, - - - - 119 
 
 Manton, Shadrach - - 324, 328 
 Martin, Sir Wm., enquiry relative to 
 
 Williams - 337 
 
 Martha's Vineyard, - - 204 (n.) 
 
 Marvell, Andrew, affiftant to Milton 25 1 
 Mafhapaug, - - - - 329 
 
 Maffachufetts lays claim to Rhode 
 
 Ifland, - - - 154 (w.) 
 
 Mafon, Capt, John, 16 (//.), 31, no, 
 
 117, 153, 167, 175, 181, 190, 
 
 J 94.. 3 6 3 
 Mafon, Capt. John, his "Hiilory ut 
 
 the Pequot War," - 32 
 
 Mafon, Capt. John, fketch of - no 
 Mafon, Major, Roger Williams's let- 
 ter to - - - - 333 
 Mafquanominit, - - - - 115 
 Mattifon, James - - - - 401 
 
 Maffafoit, 316 
 
 Mather, Inereafe, quoted, - - no 
 
 *' " on the Comet of 
 
 1680, - 403 
 
 Mather, Richard - 50 (».) 
 
 Mauquovvkit, - - - 41 
 
 Maumfaumpous, - - - - 122 
 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, 20, 22, 
 
 23 (».), 26, 37, 39, 55, 42, 48, 
 
 58, 62, 68, 70, 86, 96, 97, 101, 
 
 no, 115, 116, 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 
 Mifhaimtuck 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 Englifh, - 14 
 
 Mohegans, 86,98, 107, no, 117, 118, 
 135, 145, 185,201,274,385 
 Mohegan, - 137, 139 
 
 Monahiganeucks, Mohegans, 22, 84, 67 
 Mohun, Mrs. - - - 288, 290 
 
 Monafhackotoogs, - - 34 
 
 Monk, Geo. Duke of Albemarle - 352 
 Montawk, - - - - 24 (#.) 
 Morton, Nathaniel ... 397 
 Morton's Memorial refer'd to, 154, 333 
 MofhafTuck 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 (#.) 
 
 Nananawtunu, - 364, 379 
 
 Nanafquiouwut, - - - - 122 
 
 Neponfet river, - - - - 113 
 
 Narraganfett Indians, 24, 27, 30, 34, 37, 
 
 117, 120,145, 269, 
 
 271, 273, 276, 280 
 
 Narraganfett, origin of - 40 (;?.) 
 
 Narraganfett country, - - - 86 
 
 " " quellion on the 
 
 jurifdidtion of - - 334 (».) 
 
 Narraganfett fight in 1675, account 
 
 of - ' - - - 380 (»•) 
 
 Naufipouck, - - - - 122 
 
 Nawwufhawfuck, - - 301, 305 
 
416 
 
 Index. 
 
 Nayantakoogs, - - - -46 
 Nayantacawnick, - - - 43 
 
 Nayantequit men, - - 45, 135 
 Nayantequit, Niantic, i. e. Wefterly 
 
 and Charleilown, - - 119 
 Necawnimeyat, - - - - 109 
 
 Ninekunat, ... - 189, 194 
 Newman, Rev. Samuel - 81, 192 (w.) 
 New Haven, - - - 82 
 
 Newport, - - 127, 303 (/z.) 
 
 " difcuflion between Roger 
 
 Williams and Quakers at 357 
 Newton's cafe, - - - - '99 
 Niantequit, Pine Mall Swamp 18 (n.) 
 Niantiquits, Miantonomu's refidence, 18 
 Niantics, - - - - 13,115 
 
 " location of - - 18 (#.) 
 
 Nichols, Col. ... 387, 39 1 
 Ninicraft, - 367, 384 
 
 Ninigret, iachem of the Niantics, 
 
 45 (71.), 147, 156, 161, 165, 
 172, 179, 270, 275, 280, 281, 
 
 323 
 " coufin to Miantonomu, 45 (/z.) 
 
 " at war with Indians of Long 
 
 Ifland, - - - 281 (*.) 
 Nipmucks, - 29,30,38,47,182,326 
 Nifwofakit, - - - 315 
 
 Northern tra£t, grant of - - 177 
 
 Notaquonatnot, - - - - 314 
 
 Nowell, 182 
 
 Nye, Philip ... - 222 
 
 O'Callaghan's New Netherlands, \%7(n.) 
 Ohomowauke, - - - 19 
 
 Oldham, Mr. - - 26, 66, 70, 139 
 
 Oldway, - - - - - 109 
 
 Oliver, Capt. ... 292, 372 
 Olney, Mr. his ion ... 309 
 Olney, Thomas - 324 
 
 Olney, Thomas - 283 
 
 Oneko, - - - - 61 (n.) 
 
 Orange, Prince of - - - 162 
 
 Origen, note on - - - - 3 13 
 
 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 - - - - 3 56 
 Pametefick, - - 102, 103, 106 
 
 Pananawokfhin, - - - - 22 
 
 Parker, Mr. - 309 
 
 Partridge, Alexander - - 151, 154 
 Patrick, Capt. Daniel 16 (;?.), z^.{n.), 
 29 0?.), 32 (/?.), 35, 46, 109, 
 
 166 
 Paupattokfhick, - - - - 119 
 
 Paupauquiwut, ... 379 
 
 Pawcatuck. - - - 152, 170 
 
 Pauchauquet, - - - - 291 
 
 Pawtucket, Powtuckqut, an Indian 
 
 murdered near - 11 1, 113 
 " reference to - - 329 
 
 Pawtuxet, - 293, 302 
 
 Peach, Arthur - - - -ill 
 
 Peacock, William - - 1 59 
 
 Peag, note on - - - - 158 
 " law fixing value of - 179 (#.) 
 Penn, James ... 80 (w.) 
 
 " Admiral Wm. 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, 385 
 Pequot Fort, plan of, how fituated 19 
 Pequot War, note on - - 30 
 
 Pequots, note from Underhill relat- 
 ing to - - - 41 (».) 
 " purfued by Stoughton 43 (n.) 
 " land of, divided - 4^ (».) 
 " name extinguifhed, 1 17, 146 (#.) 
 Pequot town, now New London, 44 (/?.) 
 Peflicus, --.. 323, 363 
 Pefficofh, - 201, 21 1 
 Peters, Hugh, 50, note on 50, 181, 259, 
 
 3o8, 355 
 Pettaquomfett, 40 (//.), 322 (».), 380 
 
Index. 
 
 4*7 
 
 Philip, King 323, 326, 364, 366, 367, 
 
 369 
 " rumors of war with 364 (/?.) 
 '« war begins at Swanfey, 369(77.) 
 " notices of war with 370, 374, 
 375, 385, 382 
 " War, Rhode Ifland took no 
 
 part in - - - - 386 
 
 Pine mall fwamp, Groton, - 18 (#.) 
 Pifcataquack, - - - - 1 1 1 
 
 Pitammock, - - - - 211 
 
 Pitney, James ... - 292 
 Plymouth, - - 80, 112, 167, 188 
 Plymouth records, - 81, 198, 269 
 
 Plymouth claims jurifdiclion of R. 
 
 Ifland, - - 154 (w.) 
 
 Plum Ifland, - - - 25 
 
 Portfmouth unites with Newport in 
 fending John Clarke to Eng- 
 land, - 23O (?7.) 
 Powcomtuck Indians, - - - 281 
 Potter's, E. R., Hill:. Narraganfett, 
 
 quoted, 38, 117, 120, 313, 326, 
 
 387 
 Prichard, Capt. - - - - 155 
 
 Prince, Thomas, of Plymouth - 351 
 Prince's Chronology, quoted, - 316 
 
 Providence, fir il 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 (n.) 
 
 " date of deed of - 78 
 
 " _ other references to 82, 104, 138 
 
 Pumham, note on 300, 321 
 
 '« troubles with - 300, 301, 382 
 
 Pummakommins, - - - 211 
 
 Punhommin, - - - 171 
 
 Puppompogs, ... 122, 136 
 
 Puttaqutpunck, - 57 
 
 Puttaquappuonckquame, - 63, 122 
 
 Pynchon, Wm. 51 («.), 193, 205 (».) 
 
 54 
 
 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. publifher, Williams' 
 Experiments of Spiritual Life, 
 
 2 43 (».) 
 
 Roberts, Thomas - "39 
 
 Robinfon, ----- 33 
 Robinfon, Rev. John 50 (/?.) 
 
 Roome, John - 294 
 
 Rupert, Prince - - 197 (».), 288 
 
 Sabin, J., publifhes Mafon's Pequot 
 
 War, - no 
 
 Saconet rocks, - 164 
 
 Sadlier, Mrs. letters to Roger Wil- 
 liams, 241, 245, 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, - 7 1 
 " Williams' letter, note by 
 
 Charles Deane on the letter, 77 
 Sands, Mr. of Bofton - 230 
 
4i8 
 
 Index. 
 
 Saufaman, - 57, 367 
 
 Saflkcus, 29, 31, 33, 35, 41, 44, 47, 51, 
 
 87, 136 
 
 " flight of - 41 (».) 
 
 Saffawau, - 38, 39 
 
 Safepunnuit, - - - - 174 
 
 Safquankit, - 54, 58 
 
 Saugus, 127 
 
 Saufawpona, - - - - 103 
 
 Savage, Genealog. Die. referred to 
 
 66, 89, 128, 154,328, 361, 375 
 
 Scott, Mr. 121 
 
 Scott, John - 372 
 
 Scotch intelligence, - - 141 (#.) 
 Scott, Mrs. Richard - - - 312 
 Seabrooke Fort, 33 (77.) 
 Sedgwick, Major - - 292, 298 
 Seekonk, - - - 80, 153, 188 
 Sellick, Mr. of Bolton, - - 212 
 Sequin, - - - - - 51 
 Sharpe, Samuel, letter from church 
 at Salem, to church at Bof- 
 ton, - - 71,78(77.) 
 Showatuck, 7, 363 
 Shawomet, (Warwick) - 198, 229 
 Shirley, Bifhop, trial of witneffes 167 (/?.) 
 Simpfon, Sidrach - - 222 (77.) 
 Simfon, John - 260 
 
 Smith, Dan. Rehoboth - - 377 
 Smith, Edward, of Newport, - 362 
 Smith, John, references to, 207, 294 (#.) 
 Smith, John, notice of - go (».), 335 
 Smith, Jofeph, of Warwick, 180 (77.) 
 Smith, Richard, Sr., 177 (77.), 191, 320, 
 32200,363,366,391,399 
 Smith, Richard, Sr., buys R. Wil- 
 liams' eflate at Cawcum- 
 quffick, - - 178 (».), 229 
 Smith, Richard, Jr. - - 320, 322 
 Sofoa, or Socho, - - 38, 392 
 Soffiman, John - 367 
 
 Souwonckquawfir, - - 51 
 
 Sowoquafle, - - -51 ( n \ 
 Spur, John 211 
 
 Stanton, Thomas, 61 and note, 84, 86, 
 97, no, 136, 138, 139, 172, 
 
 *93» 2 °3 
 
 Staples' Annals of Providenee, quo- 
 ted, ... 169, 230 
 Staples' Gorton, quoted, - 329, 330 
 Stone, Captain 60 (77.) 
 Stoughton, Capt. Ifrael 28, 32 (».), 
 33 (»•)» 35 (»•)> 39> 47 1 6 3, 67, 
 339 (»)» 4°5 
 Stoughton, Capt. purfues the Pe- 
 
 quots, - - - 43 (»•) 
 
 Stoughton, William - - 339 (77.) 
 
 Stratton, Mr. - - - - 131 
 Stubbs, John .... 358 
 
 Stuyvefant, Gov. of New Amfter- 
 
 dam, ... 162 (77.) 
 
 Sunke Squaw, .... 367 
 Sunfeeto, fon of Uncas, epitaph on, 61 
 Sugar-loaf Hill, - - - - 407 
 Swanzea, ... 154, 364, 369 
 Symonds, Mr. .... 282 
 
 Tacommaicon, 
 
 - 
 
 - 39 1 
 
 Tacummanan, 
 
 - 
 
 - 39i 
 
 Tattoapaine, 
 Tatuphofuit, 
 Taufaquonawhut, 
 
 - 
 
 - 87, 195 
 
 - 364, 372 
 . 194 
 
 Thomas' Di£l. of Biography, quo- 
 ted, ... 290, 299 
 Throckmorton, John ] 5, 27, 40, 45, 78, 
 82, 113, 138, 160, 161, 164, 184, 
 191, 195, 198 
 Throckmorton, John - note on 27 
 Tift, Jofhua ... 379, 384 
 Torrey, Jofeph, of Newport, 320, 362 
 Tours, John .... 392 
 Trade, Captain - - 32, 33 (77.) 
 Treves, or Truce, - - 187, 188 
 Trevice, Mr. ... 162, 164 
 Trial of witnesses, 197 (#.)» 173 (#•) 
 Trumbull, J. H. his notes on Wil- 
 liams' Key, quoted, - 38, 40 
 
 UcatquiufTet, 
 
 37 
 
Index. 
 
 419 
 
 Uncas, 31, 61 (77.), 64, 68, 82, 84, 87, 
 
 95, 97, 102, 106, 119, 121, 
 
 128, 138, 152, 157, 167, 175. 
 
 179, 181, 307, 363, 385 
 
 Uncas, epitaph on - - - 61 
 
 Uncas figns covenant at Hartford, - 117 
 
 Underhill, John 16 (77.), 31, 35, 161 
 
 " his News from America, 3 1 
 
 " note on the Pequots, 41 (77,) 
 
 Uflier, Bifhop - - - - 12 
 
 Valentine, Mr. - 165 
 
 Van Tromp, Admiral - 288 
 
 Vane, Governor - - - 70 
 
 Vane, Sir Henry, 1 , 55, 92, 93, 1 23 (».), 
 187, 256 (».), 262 (77.), 298 and 
 note, 373 
 " requefts Coddington to re- 
 move from Bofton, - - 123 
 *« fails for England, - 123 (77.) 
 
 *« notice of, by Dr. Upham 253 («.) 
 " 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 (77.), 
 
 335 (»•) 
 
 Verin, Jofhua, complaints againft 
 
 Williams, - - - - 1 24 
 
 Verin, Joihua, Winthrop's notice of 1 24 
 Verin, Philip, of Salem, - - 95 
 
 Vincent, P., relation of the Pequot 
 
 war, - - 31, 41 (77.) 
 
 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, 
 Webiler, Mr. 
 Weeokamen, 
 Weeaugonhick, 
 Weekes, Mrs. 
 Wekapaug, or Weflerly, 
 Weld, Sarah 
 
 - 325 
 
 - 315 
 51, 52 (».) 
 
 - 3°9 
 
 - 23 
 ■ io 3 
 
 - 189 
 
 - 45 (»•) 
 " 4°4 
 
 Wequafh, a renegade Pequot, 18, 22, 26, 
 
 39,47, 61, 86, 139 
 
 Wequafh, name for Swan, - 19 (77.) 
 
 Wequafhcuck, Wequafh Cook, 62 and 
 
 note, 68, 103, 107, 139 (77.), 
 
 158, 160, 170, 178, 181, 186 
 
 Weft India Expedition, - - 298 
 
 Weftcott, Stukely - 389 
 
 Wefton, Mrs. - - - - 208 
 
 " Francis or Mathew - 208 (77.) 
 
 Wefterly, Mifquamicoke, - 38, 119 
 
 Weymouth, - - - - 112 
 
 Whipple, John, jr., R. Williams's 
 
 letter to - - - - 327 
 " reference to 404 
 
 Whittier, John G., reference to wam- 
 pum, ... 109 (77.) 
 White, Mr. - - - 284, 289 
 Wickenden, Wm. ... 329 
 Wickes, Francis - 335 (77.) 
 Wild, Jofeph - - - - 1 59 
 Willard, Major - 277 
 Willet, Thomas - - - 388, 391 
 Willett's men, - - ' - - 386 
 William's, Jofeph ... 408 
 Willams, Mary, daug. of Roger, 189(77.) 
 Williams, Roger, accompanies Mian- 
 
 tonomu to Hartford, - - 120 
 
 " complains of J. Verin and 
 
 Wm. Arnold, - - - 124 
 " his voyage to Connecticut 
 
 and Plymouth, - - - 125 
 
 rt 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 (/?.) 
 
 " elected Deputy Prefident of 
 
 the Colony, - - 170 
 
 u authorized to fell a little wine 
 
 to the natives, - - - 180 
 
 " "Bloody Tenent," reference 
 
 to - 198, 214, 217, 243 
 
 " fails for England with J. 
 Clarke to procure a new 
 charter, ... 230 (n.) 
 
 " note on his vifit, - - 256 
 
 " petitions to the Gen'l Court 
 of Mafs., to pafs through 
 Boflon, without moleflation, 
 
 223, 232 
 
 " his knowledge of foreign lan- 
 guages, - - - 261 (ff.) 
 
 " reads Dutch with Milton, - 262 
 
 " writes letter from town of 
 
 Providence to Sir H. Vane, 266 
 
 " chofen Prefident of Provi- 
 dence Colonv, - - 278 (#.) 
 
 " teilimony 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 eroding the Seelconk river, 
 
 3'6 (».), 335 (*•), 336 
 
 " his purchafe ot lands in See- 
 
 konk, - - - - 316 
 " his Key to the Indian lan- 
 guage, printed by Gregory 
 Dexter, - 328 (w.) 
 
 '* Gov. Bradford's fketch of 336 (».) 
 " Sir Wm. Martin's note on - 337 
 " is commiffioned captain in 
 
 Philip's war, - - 337 (n.\ 
 
 " discourfes delivered by 403 (#.), 
 
 405 (».) 
 Williams, Robert, letter of R. Wil- 
 liams to - - - - 206 
 
 Winifimet, - - - - 79 
 
 Winflow, Mr., 116, 255, 274, 277, 292, 
 
 _. _ , 335 
 
 Winflow, Edward, Commiffioner of 
 
 expedition againfl Hifpaniola, 
 
 282 (#.), 288, 290 
 " " Hypocracie Unmafked," 
 
 141 (».) 
 Winflow, Jofiah - 400 
 
 Winfor, Jofhua - 310 
 
 Winfor, Jofhua'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 ofChriflianChari- 
 
 ity, - - - - 319 
 
 " Hifl. of N. Eng'd, quoted, - 304 
 Witter, Wm. of Lynn, - 210 (z?) 
 
 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, - - 19 
 
 Wunnafhowatuckoogs, 6, 28, 34, 38, 44, 
 
 61, 120, 363 
 Wunnawmeneefkat, - - - 385 
 Wufquowhananawkits, or Neepmet 
 
 men, 7 
 
 Wuffoonkquaflin, « - - - 1 55 
 
 Wuttackquiackommen, - - 18 
 
 Wuttattaquegin, - 129, 132 
 
 Wuttouwuttauoum, - - - 155 
 
 Yale, David, of Bollon 
 
 - 128 
 
 Yale, Elihu 
 
 - 128 (;?.) 
 
 Yaupuck, - 
 
 - 173 
 
 Yotoafh, ... 
 
 20, 22, 55 
 
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